cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A formal specification language for modeling agent systems

Formal methods in software specification enable the development of reliable software with a reduction in magnitude of unidentified errors that might occur while developing software systems. The state of the practice with regards to formal methods in software specification, as well as in other phases of the software life cycle, is not clear and well defined since the field is still immature. This paper defines the need for applying formal methods while specifying and developing software systems. The Descartes specification language, a formal executable specification language, was taken into study to specify software systems. A description of agent oriented systems along with the extended constructs of the Descartes specification language for specifying agent systems was defined in this research. A concrete agent architecture with a generalized notation for formally specifying agent oriented systems was defined in this paper. The integration of formally specifying complex systems using agent oriented technology with the extended Descartes language constructs will impact the current ways of specifying software systems. Also, the paper can help bridge the gap between the specification, design, and the implementation phases of software development.
Sinus Pericranii with a Hair Collar Sign

Sinus pericranii is a rare vascular malformation in which the extracranial veins are connected to the intracranial venous circulation. It typically appears as a soft mass with a blue hue on the scalp. We describe a patient with sinus pericranii and associated hair collar sign.
A Fast and Portable Realizer for Text Generation Systems

Systems that generate natural language output as part of their interaction with a user have become a major area of research and development. Typically, natural language generation is divided into several phases, namely text planning (determining output content and structure), sentence planning (determining abstract target language resources to express content, such as lexical items and syntactic constructions), and realization (producing the nal text string) (Reiter, 1994). While text and sentence planning may sometimes be combined, a realizer is almost always included as a distinct module. It is in the realizer that knowledge about the target language resides (syntax, morphology, idiosyncratic properties of lexical items). Realization is fairly well understood both from a linguistic and from a computational point of view, and therefore most projects that use text generation do not include the realizer in the scope of their research. Instead, such projects use an o -the-shelf realizer, among which PENMAN (Bateman, 1996) and SURGE/FUF (Elhadad and Robin, 1996) are probably the most popular. In this technical note and demo we present a new o -theshelf realizer, RealPro. RealPro is derived from previous systems (Iordanskaja et al., 1988; Iordanskaja et al., 1992; Rambow and Korelsky, 1992), but represents a new design and a completely new implementation. RealPro has the following characteristics, which we believe are unique in this combination: RealPro is implemented in C++. It is therefore both fast and portable cross-platform. RealPro can be run as a standalone server, and has C++ and Java APIs. The input to RealPro is based on syntactic dependency (roughly, predicate-argument and predicate-modi er structure). Syntactic and lexical knowledge about the target language is expressed in ASCII les which are interpreted at run-time. It can easily be updated. We reserve a more detailed comparison with PENMAN and FUF, as well as with AlethGen/GL (Coch, 1996) (which is perhaps the system most similar to RealPro, since they are based on the same linguistic theory and are both implemented with speed in mind), for a more extensive paper. This technical note presents RealPro, concentrating on its structure, its coverage, its interfaces, and its performance.
Lmx and Job Tension: Linear and Non-Linear Effects and Affectivity

We examined whether linear or non-linear LMX-job tension relationships existed, and if these effects were consistent across levels of negative (NA) and positive (PA) affect. Results indicated that NA and PA moderated the non-linear LMX-job tension relationship. Specifically, the LMX-job tension association was best depicted by an inverted-U form for high NAs. Tension was highest when LMX was moderate and lowest when LMX was either low or high. Tension increased minimally for low NAs across levels of LMX. For high PAs, the relationship was linear and inverse. Conversely, a U-shaped form best represented the LMX-job tension relationship for low PAs. Implications, strengths and limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
The Role of Wilderness Protection and Societal Engagement as Indicators of Well-Being: An Examination of Change at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

A societal decision to protect over 9 million acres of land and water for its wilderness character in the early 1960s reflected US wealth in natural resources, pride in the nation’s cultural history and our commitment to the well-being of future generations to both experience wild nature and enjoy benefits flowing from these natural ecosystems. There is no question that our relationship with wilderness has changed. Individually it is probably quite easy to examine differences in the role wilderness plays in the quality of our lives today compared to some previous time. But how the role of wilderness protection has changed for society is more difficult to describe. In only a few places do we have data across multiple decades that would allow us to even examine how users or their use may have changed over time. At the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota we are fortunate to have multiple studies that can give us some 40 years of insight into how some aspects of use have changed there. For example, an analysis of results of visitor studies at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in 1969, 1991 and 2007 reveal some big differences in who is out there today, most notably the presence of a much older, more experienced and better educated user population, almost exclusively white and predominantly male. It is time to decide whether the best thing for wilderness and or society is to try to restore historic patterns of use (to include younger people, the less wealthy and lower educated) in greater numbers, to try to identify new markets within growing underrepresented populations, or adapt our perception of wilderness stewardship to better include planning for emerging social values of a new generation with other indicators of well-being. A growing population with greater dependence on ecosystem services provided by protected nature could lead to wilderness protection becoming an important quantitative and qualitative element of quality of life indices in the very near future.
LOW-SPEED TWO-DIMENSIONAL FREE-SURFACE FLOW PAST A BODY

This paper defines the linearised problem of free-surface flow past a shallow two-dimensional body in terms of complex variables and provides an asymptotic solution for the Froude number tending to zero. The simple case of flow past a rectangular box with triangular extension in front is worked out as an example. The low-Froude-number solution for 'double-body' flow in a fully infinite fluid past the same box with its reflection in the upper half-plane is also calculated. The upstream free-surface height for the linear solution is compared to the equivalent free-surface height for the double-body flow. Experimental results for this body are also presented and compared.
Detection of Anti-Arboviral Immunoglobulin G by Using a Monoclonal Antibody-Based Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Monoclonal antibody (MAb)-based capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of anti-arboviral immunoglobulin G (IgG ELISAs) were developed for a comprehensive array of medically important arboviruses from the Alphavirus, Flavivirus, and Bunyavirus genera. Tests were optimized and standardized so that maximum homology could be maintained among working parameters for the different viral agents, enabling a wide range of viruses to be easily tested for at one time. MAbs were screened for suitability as capture vehicles for antigens from the three genera. The final test configuration utilized group-reactive MAbs eastern equine encephalitis virus 1A4B-6, dengue 2 virus 4G2, and La Crosse encephalitis virus 10G5.4 to capture the specific inactivated viral antigens. Serum IgG was detected by using alkaline phosphatase-conjugated anti-human IgG (Fc portion). A dilution of 1:400 was chosen as the universal screening serum dilution, with endpoint titrations of serum samples testing positive eliminating occasional false-positive results. IgG ELISA results correlated with those of the standard plaque-reduction neutralization assays. As expected, some test cross-reactivity was encountered within the individual genera, and tests were interpreted within the context of these reactions. The tests were standardized for laboratory diagnosis of arboviral infections, with the intent that they be used in tandem with the corresponding IgM antibody-capture ELISAs.
Changes in Concentrations of Follicular Fluid Factors During Follicle Selection in Mares

The temporal relationships in the changes in concentrations of follicular fluid factors during follicle selection were characterized in mares. All follicles $5 mm were ablated 10 days after ovulation, followed by follicular fluid collection from the three largest follicles (F1, F2, and F3) when F1 of the new wave reached a diameter of 8.0‐11.9, 12.0‐15.9, 16.0‐19.9, 20.0‐ 23.9, 24.0‐27.9, or 28.0‐31.9 mm (n 5 4‐8 mares/range). Diameter deviation between F1 and F2 began during the 20.0- to 23.9-mm range, as indicated by a greater difference in diameter between the two follicles at the 24.0- to 27.9-mm range than at the 20.0- to 23.9-mm range. Androstenedione concentrations increased in F1, F2, and F3 between the 16.0- to 19.9- and 20.0to 23.9-mm ranges. In contrast, estradiol, free insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, activin-A, and inhibin-A concentrations increased only in F1 beginning at the 16.0- to 19.9-mm range. As a result, the concentrations of all four factors were higher in F1 than in F2 and F3 at all the later ranges, including the 20.0to 23.9-mm range (beginning of diameter deviation). Concentrations of progesterone differentially increased in F1, concentrations of androstenedione and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-2 increased only in F2 and F3, and concentrations of inhibin-B differentially decreased in F2 and F3 simultaneous with the beginning of deviation. Concentrations of FSH, LH, pro-aC inhibin, and total inhibin did not change differentially among follicles. Results indicated that, on a temporal basis, estradiol, free IGF-1, activin-A, and inhibin-A may have played a role in the initiation of follicle deviation. In addition, these four factors as well as progesterone, androstenedione, IGFBP-2, and inhibin-B may have been involved in the subsequent differential development of the follicles. activin, estradiol, follicle, follicular development, growth factors, inhibin, progesterone, testosterone
Variance Estimation for the Instrumental Variables Approach to Measurement Error in Generalized Linear Models

T his paper derives and gives explicit formulas for a derived sandwich variance estimate. This variance estimate is appropriate for generalized linear additive measurement error models tted using instrumental variables. We also generalize the known results for linear regression. As such, this article explains the theoretical justication for the sandwich estimate of variance utilized in the software for measurement error developed under the Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) by StataCorp. The results admit estimation of variance matrices for measurement error models where there is an instrument for the un- known covariate.
Effect of 2-butanol and 2-butanone on rat hepatic ultrastructure and drug metabolizing enzyme activity.

The effect of a single oral dose of 2‐butanol (2.2 ml/kg) or 2‐butanone (1.87 ml/kg) on hepatic ultrastructure and drug‐metabolizing enzyme activity was studied in the rat. A 135–197% increase in acetanilide hydroxylase activity was found in rats sacrificed 12–40 h after dosing with 2‐butanol or 2‐butanone. A 40‐h pretreatment with 2‐butanone produced a 155% increase in aminopyrine N‐demethylase activity. NADPH‐cytochrome c reductase activity and the concentrations of cytochromes P‐450 and b 5 were largely unaltered 2–40 h after dosing with either agent. Electron microscopic examination of hepatocytes from rats sacrificed 76 h after 2‐butanol or 2‐butanone revealed a marginal increase in the prevalence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. However, by 40 h, there was a marked proliferation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and reduction in rough endoplasmic reticulum in response to both agents. The most marked potentiation of CCI 4 hepatotoxicity occurred when rats were pretreated with 2‐butanol or 2‐butanon...
DESIGN SYNTHESIS IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT

Traditional computer-aided design/engineering (CAD/CAE) is performed in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. Through the CAD system demonstration described in this paper, an alternative to the existing 2D technology for design of products is described. This alternative in which design synthesis is accomplished in a stereoscopic or immersive environment is called the Design Synthesis Virtual Environment or DSVE. Stereoscopic vision permits depth perception and provides perception of "real world" 3D existence. This DSVE technology, as defined in this paper, provides a virtual or immersive environment, computer-generated, but seemingly real. The authors argue that significant advantages are possible when an immersive environment such as the DSVE is used for design synthesis. In the Design Synthesis Virtual Environment a gestural interface is used, and it is further argued that designers can perform design activities intuitively by using a more natural gestural interface within the design environment, allowing more rapid, efficient actions to create and/or modify product geometry. As evidence, this paper reports on a demonstration conducted in a Design Synthesis Virtual Environment. Operation of the DSVE is explained, and two example problems are worked. Conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness of the DSVE and the potential for further development.
Patent citation network in nanotechnology (1976-2004)

The patent citation networks are described using critical node, core network, and network topological analysis. The main objective is understanding of the knowledge transfer processes between technical fields, institutions and countries. This includes identifying key influential players and subfields, the knowledge transfer patterns among them, and the overall knowledge transfer efficiency. The proposed framework is applied to the field of nanoscale science and engineering (NSE), including the citation networks of patent documents, submitting institutions, technology fields, and countries. The NSE patents were identified by keywords “full-text” searching of patents at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The analysis shows that the United States is the most important citation center in NSE research. The institution citation network illustrates a more efficient knowledge transfer between institutions than a random network. The country citation network displays a knowledge transfer capability as efficient as a random network. The technology field citation network and the patent document citation network exhibit a␣less efficient knowledge diffusion capability than a random network. All four citation networks show a tendency to form local citation clusters.
Does Repeated Human Intrusion Alter Use of Wildland Sites by Red Squirrels? Multiyear Experimental Evidence

Intrusion by humans into wildlife habitat during recreational activities has become a worldwide conservation concern. Low levels of intrusion, which occur frequently in many wildlands, could influence use of sites by red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and have important ramifications for conservation. Red squirrels can influence forest composition and regeneration by feeding on conifer buds, seeds, and vascular tissues, and they prey on avian nests. Attraction of red squirrels could increase the risk of these activities, whereas displacement of red squirrels may exacerbate demographic problems for small populations of red squirrels in isolated habitats. We implemented experimental intrusions during 10 consecutive weeks of the red squirrel breeding season, 1 or 2 times/week (1990‐1993) in 1 area and 5 times/week (1991‐1993) in another area in Wyoming. Each intrusion lasted 1 h and involved 1 person. Abundance of red squirrels at intruded sites did not differ significantly from that at control sites during either experiment. However, experiments should be conducted to examine longer-term effects and effects of higher levels of intrusion because alteration of distributions of red squirrels may affect forest conditions and demographics or fitness of birds and red squirrels.
Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain-Like Receptors: Intracellular Pattern Recognition Molecules for Pathogen Detection and Host Defense

The nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family of pattern recognition molecules is involved in a diverse array of processes required for host immune responses against invading pathogens. Unlike TLRs that mediate extracellular recognition of microbes, several NLRs sense pathogens in the cytosol and upon activation induce host defense signaling pathways. Although TLRs and NLRs differ in their mode of pathogen recognition and function, they share similar domains for microbial sensing and cooperate to elicit immune responses against the pathogen. Genetic variation in several NLR genes is associated with the development of inflammatory disorders or increased susceptibility to microbial infection. Further understanding of NLRs should provide critical insight into the mechanisms of host defense and the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
Domain-Specific Knowledge as the "Dark Matter" of Adult Intelligence Gf/Gc, Personality and Interest Correlates

An enduring controversy in intelligence theory and assessment, the argument that middle-aged adults are, on average, less intelligent than young adults, is addressed in this study. A sample of 228 educated adults between ages 21 and 62 years was given an array of tests that focused on a broad assessment of intelligence-as-knowledge, traditional estimates of fluid intelligence (Gf) and crystallized intelligence (Gc), personality, and interests. The results indicate that middle-aged adults are more knowledgeable in many domains, compared with younger adults. A coherent pattern of ability, personality, and interest relations is found. The results are consistent with a developmental perspective of intelligence that includes both traditional ability and non-ability determinants of intelligence during adulthood. A reassessment of the nature of intelligence in adulthood is provided, in the context of a lifelong learning and investment model, called PPIK, for intelligence-as-Process, Personality, Interests, and intelligence-as-Knowledge (Ackerman, 1996).
Agrilus auroguttatus (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Seasonal Development Within Quercus agrifolia (Fagales: Fagaceae) in Southern California

We investigated seasonal development of the goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus auroguttatus Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), and physical conditions of the phloem within a preferred host species, coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia Nee. We sampled infested trees on a monthly basis at two sites in southern California throughout 2011. Measurements of an exposed portion of the head capsule, the peristoma, indicated that there were four larval instars. Pupae and teneral or mature adults were found within trees from April through August. Adults were captured in flight between May and mid-October, with peak flight from July through August. Within-tree A. auroguttatus prepupal mortality did not differ between sites and increased significantly from 3 ± 3% in January to 36 ± 9% in March (mean ± SE). Prepupae were present in trees throughout most of the year, which made it difficult to determine generation time; it was likely 1 yr for the majority of individuals, and possibly longer or shorter than 1 yr for others. Seasonal A. auroguttatus development, according to within-tree development and adult trap catch, was apparently 2 mo ahead at one site, which had a greater past and current level of A. auroguttatus infestation compared with the other. There was also evidence at the more severely infested site that within-tree A. auroguttatus population densities were positively related to proportion of dying phloem tissue. This suggested that the level of current infestation affected host tree condition, or that dying tissue was more suitable for larval development.
Population-Based Study of Risk Factors for Severe Maternal Morbidity

Background: Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is a serious health condition potentially resulting in death without immediate medical attention, including organ failure, obstetric shock and eclampsia. SMM affects 20 000 US women every year; however, few population-based studies have examined SMM risk factors. Methods: We conducted a population-based case–control study linking birth certificate and hospital discharge data from Washington State (1987–2008), identifying 9485 women with an antepartum, intrapartum or postpartum SMM with ≥3-day hospitalisation or transfer from another facility and 41 112 random controls. Maternal age, race, smoking during pregnancy, parity, pre-existing medical condition, multiple birth, prior caesarean delivery, and body mass index were assessed as risk factors with logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals [CI], adjusted for education and delivery payer source. Results: Older women (35–39: OR 1.65 [CI 1.52, 1.79]; 40+: OR 2.48 [CI 2.16, 2.81]), non-White women (Black: OR 1.82 [CI 1.64, 2.01]; American Indian: OR 1.52 [CI 1.32, 1.73]; Asian/Pacific Islander: OR 1.30 [CI 1.19, 1.41]; Hispanic: OR 1.17 [CI 1.07, 1.27]) and women at parity extremes (nulliparous: OR 1.83 [CI 1.72, 1.95]; parity 3+: OR 1.34 [CI 1.23, 1.45]) were at greater risk of SMM. Women with a pre-existing medical condition (OR 2.10 [CI 1.88, 2.33]), a multiple birth (OR 2.54 [CI 2.26, 2.82]) and a prior caesarean delivery (OR 2.08 [CI 1.93, 2.23]) were also at increased risk. Conclusion: The risk factors identified are not modifiable at the individual level; therefore, provider and system-level factors may be the most appropriate target for preventing SMM.
Termite mounds alter the spatial distribution of African savanna tree species

Aim Termite mounds form small islands of enhanced water and soil nutrient availability on otherwise dry and nutrient-poor hill crests, which can have important impacts on the plant community. However, the way in which termite mounds alter the spatial distribution of particular tree species across broad savanna landscapes is poorly understood. We aimed to understand the nature and extent of the relationship between termite mounds and key woody savanna species at landscape scales through the use of airborne remote sensing. Location Kruger National Park, South Africa. Methods We mapped 9894 termite mounds and 666,679 savanna trees from 15 species across two landscapes with contrasting rainfall regimes using airborne imaging spectroscopy and LiDAR data. We then examined changes in tree species densities and community composition with respect to distance from termite mounds. Results In both landscapes, termite mounds reduced overall tree densities over distances up to 10 m from mound centres. However, the effect of termite mounds on tree density differed among species, with some species, typically associated with lowland and riparian habitats, showing increased density near termite mounds. Indeed, changes in overall tree community composition revealed that termite mounds harbour tree communities similar to lowland communities, with this similarity decreasing with increased distance from the nearest mound. Termite effects were more pronounced in the savanna landscape receiving higher annual rainfall, whereas a greater percentage of the landscape was affected in the drier landscape due to higher mound densities. Main conclusions Termite mounds mediate the spatial distribution of tree species in savanna landscapes, increasing the abundance of tree species typically associated with lowland habitats. This contributes to the spatial heterogeneity of savanna vegetation within landscapes and the maintenance of savanna biodiversity.
Cost-Effectiveness of Open Partial Fasciectomy, Needle Aponeurotomy, and Collagenase Injection for Dupuytren Contracture

Purpose We undertook a cost-utility analysis to compare traditional fasciectomy for Dupuytren with 2 new treatments, needle aponeurotomy and collagenase injection. Methods We constructed an expected-value decision analysis model with an arm representing each treatment. A survey was administered to a cohort of 50 consecutive subjects to determine utilities of different interventions. We conducted multiple sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of varying the rate of disease recurrence in each arm of the analysis as well as the cost of the collagenase injection. The threshold for a cost-effective treatment is based on the traditional willingness-to-pay of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained. Results The cost of open partial fasciectomy was $820,114 per QALY gained over no treatment. The cost of needle aponeurotomy was $96,474 per QALY gained versus no treatment. When we performed a sensitivity analysis and set the success rate at 100%, the cost of needle aponeurotomy was $49,631. When needle aponeurotomy was performed without surgical center or anesthesia costs and with reduced hand therapy, the cost was $36,570. When a complete collagenase injection series was priced at $250, the cost was $31,856 per QALY gained. When the injection series was priced at $945, the cost was $49,995 per QALY gained. At the market price of $5,400 per injection, the cost was $166,268 per QALY gained. Conclusions In the current model, open partial fasciectomy is not cost-effective. Needle aponeurotomy is cost-effective if the success rate is high. Collagenase injection is cost-effective when priced under $945. Type of study/level of evidence Economic and Decision Analysis II.
Effects of MeV Si ion bombardments on the Properties of Nano-layers of SiO2/SiO2+Zn4Sb3

We prepared 8 periodic nano-layers of SiO2/SiO2+Zn4Sb3. The deposited multi-layer films have a periodic structure consisting of alternating layers where each layer is between 1-10 nm thick. The purpose of this research is to generate nanolayers of nanostructures of Zn4Sb3 with SiO2 as host and as buffer layer using a combination of co-deposition and MeV ion bombardment taking advantage of the electronics energy deposited in the MeV ion track due to ionization in order to nucleate nanostructures. The electrical and thermal properties of the layered structures were studied before and after bombardment by 5 MeV Si ions at various fluences to form nanostructures in layers of SiO2 containing Zn4Sb3. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) was used to monitor the stoichiometry before and after MeV bombardments.
Model predictive control when a local control Lyapunov function is not available

This paper presents closed-loop stability results for the control of unconstrained nonlinear systems using the model predictive control methodology with semidefinite costs. The results do not require the use of a local control Lyapunov function as the terminal cost. The key assumptions are that the value function is bounded by a K/sub /spl infin// function of some measure of the state and that this measure is detectable through the stage cost. Sufficient conditions to yield semiglobal practical (and global) MPC stability results are given. In each case, a minimum horizon (uniform for global results) is determined for which the MPC method will result in the stabilization of a desired set.
Interstitial cells of cajal as pacemakers in the gastrointestinal tract.

▪ Abstract In the gastrointestinal tract, phasic contractions are caused by electrical activity termed slow waves. Slow waves are generated and actively propagated by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). The initiation of pacemaker activity in the ICC is caused by release of Ca2+ from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor–operated stores, uptake of Ca2+ into mitochondria, and the development of unitary currents. Summation of unitary currents causes depolarization and activation of a dihydropyridine-resistant Ca2+ conductance that entrains pacemaker activity in a network of ICC, resulting in the active propagation of slow waves. Slow wave frequency is regulated by a variety of physiological agonists and conditions, and shifts in pacemaker dominance can occur in response to both neural and nonneural inputs. Loss of ICC in many human motility disorders suggests exciting new hypotheses for the etiology of these disorders.
Nanoparticle inhalation alters systemic arteriolar vasoreactivity through sympathetic and cyclooxygenase-mediated pathways

The widespread increase in the production and use of nanomaterials has increased the potential for nanoparticle exposure; however, the biological effects of nanoparticle inhalation are poorly understood. Rats were exposed to nanosized titanium dioxide aerosols (10 μg lung burden); at 24 h post-exposure, the spinotrapezius muscle was prepared for intravital microscopy. Nanoparticle exposure did not alter perivascular nerve stimulation (PVNS)-induced arteriolar constriction under normal conditions; however, adrenergic receptor inhibition revealed a more robust effect. Nanoparticle inhalation reduced arteriolar dilation in response to active hyperaemia (AH). In both PVNS and AH experiments, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition affected only controls. Whereas cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition only attenuated AH-induced arteriolar dilation in nanoparticle-exposed animals. This group displayed an enhanced U46619 constriction and attenuated iloprost-induced dilation. Collectively, these studies indicate that nanoparticle exposure reduces microvascular NO bioavailability and alters COX-mediated vasoreactivity. Furthermore, the enhanced adrenergic receptor sensitivity suggests an augmented sympathetic responsiveness.
EpiSimS simulation of a multi-component strategy for pandemic influenza

Limited stockpiles of antiviral medications and lack of availability of early strain-specific vaccine will require a multi-component strategy of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures to delay or contain a future catastrophic avian influenza pandemic. A strategy composed of the antiviral stockpile distribution, school closures, and social distancing, followed by strain-specific vaccine when available is proposed. The EpiSimS agent-based simulation model with a structured population is used to assess the effectiveness of this strategy and to explore the sensitivity of its elements, in particular the level of school closures and the start time for non-pharmaceutical interventions, with varying amounts of expected fear-based isolation behavior. Results show that the level of school closure has the largest effect on reducing morbidity and mortality, comparable to US seasonal flu when starting early with a high level of school closures. Small variations of fear-based isolation showed little impact on morbidity and mortality, though a large second-order effect is seen on worker absenteeism.
Efficient 3-D viscoelastic modeling with application to near‐surface land seismic data

Three-dimensional viscoelastic modeling is implemented by reparameterizing the viscoelastic wave equation for a standard linear solid. The formulation uses weighting factors corresponding to relaxation frequencies and composite memory variables. This novel 3-D formulation requires less computer memory than the traditional relaxation time formulation because one set of relaxation frequencies can be used for all mechanisms for all parts of a model, and only three sets of composite memory variables are needed rather than the seven used in the standard implementation, giving a net reduction of 40% in the total required memory. Computational time is also reduced approximately 25% because of reduced input/output (I/O). The algorithm is applied to 3-D modeling of the viscoelastic response of the near-surface structure beneath a 3-D reflection survey in the Ouachita frontal thrust zone of southeast Oklahoma. Comparison of the 3-D field data with both viscoelastic and elastic response clearly demonstrates the importance of inclusion of viscoelasticity when accurate amplitude fitting is desired. Observed amplitude and traveltime variations can be explained by shallow velocity and Q distributions obtained independently by 3-D tomography.
Bold goals for health-system pharmacy: Perspectives of an experienced practice leader.

As we reflect on the Mirror to Hospital Pharmacy at the 50th anniversary of its publication, there are several contemporary goals for health-system pharmacy practice that should be highlighted if an updated version of the Mirror were to be written today. These goals are critically important for the
In Vivo Observation of the Lymphatic System in the Rat Stomach

The anatomy of the lymphatic system in the rat stomach was studied by means of fluorescent in vivo microscopy. A fluorescein-albumin conjugate was injected via a micropipette into the mucosa, submucosa, or muscularis externa. The movement of the conjugate was visualized using a closed-circuit television system. When injected into the base of the mucosa, the conjugate was seen to flow from the deposited pool. These fluorescent streams, 21-53 micron in diameter, formed a network in the base of the mucosa and superficial submucosa. They were in close approximation to, but separate from, the arterioles and venules. These fluorescent channels are probably lymphatic microvessels, as they were connected to larger lymphatic vessels running parallel to the large arterioles and venules in the deep submucosa. These larger lymphatic vessels passed through the muscularis externa and drained into extragastric lymphatic vessels on the lesser or greater curvature. There was no network of lymphatic microvessels in the deep submucosa or muscularis externa. The extragastric lymphatic vessels, 50-340 micron in diameter, had valves and displayed spontaneous contractions, moving the conjugate toward the lymph nodes.
Time Dilation and Length Contraction

The relativity of simultaneity and the relativity of length lead naturally to the strangest consequences of relativity theory: time dilation and length contraction. Time dilation means that relative to a clock taken to be at rest, a moving clock runs slow, so that relative to the moving clock the amount of time recorded by the clock at rest expands or dilates. Let us suppose that we have two clocks A and B in motion relative to each other (Figure 3.1).
The Internet of Things and its impact on the library

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the Internet of Things (IOT) and its potential impact on libraries. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a literature review and a commentary on this topic that have been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – In communicating the issues when comprehending the scope of the IOT, libraries need not succumb to the sometimes near-hysteria that surrounds the rhetoric regarding security and privacy. But, librarians must actively engage in the conversation and its subsequent actions to respond to patrons who use library networks and devices with calm, logical and transparent answers to those questions concerning what they are doing to ensure that security and privacy vulnerabilities are regularly addressed. Originality/value – The value in concentrating on this topic is to provide background and suggest several approaches to security and privacy concerns regarding the IOT.
Implanting young bulls with zeranol from birth to four slaughter ages: III. Growth performance and endocrine aspects.

Seventy-two Simmental bull calves were assigned randomly either to a zeranol implanted (I) or nonimplanted (NI) control group. Within 3 d after birth, bulls assigned to the I treatment were implanted with 36 mg zeranol and reimplanted every 84 d until slaughter. Calves were weaned at 7.2 mo, preconditioned for 2 wk, and assigned within treatment to slaughter ages 12.0, 13.8, 15.7 and 17.4 mo. Blood samples were taken bimonthly from 8.3 to 16.6 mo of age. Weight gains, feed:gain ratios and slaughter and carcass weights were similar (P greater than .10) for I and NI bulls for the total feeding period. Weight gains for NI bulls were larger (P less than .05) from 7.7 to 9.5 mo and from 11.3 to 12.2 mo of age, whereas gains for I bulls were greater from 12.2 to 14.1 mo. Serum estradiol-17 beta (E2) and testosterone (T) concentrations were higher (P less than .05) for NI bulls at 8.3, 9.2, 10.2, 11.1, 12.1 and 13.0 mo. However, at 13.9 and 14.8 mo, E2 concentrations were higher (P less than .10) for I bulls. A similar, but nonsignificant (P greater than .10), trend was noted for T concentrations of I bulls at 13.9 and 14.8 mo. Rapid increases in E2 concentrations were observed from 8.3 to 9.2 mo in NI bulls, but from 12.1 to 13.9 mo in I bulls. Similarly, T concentrations increased rapidly from 8.3 to 10.2 mo in NI bulls, but from 12.1 to 14.8 mo in I bulls. Peak concentrations of T and E2 for NI bulls were observed near 11 and 13 mo, respectively, whereas peak T and E2 levels were delayed in I bulls until near 14 mo. Periods of greater weight gains for both NI and I bulls corresponded to rapidly increasing E2 and T concentrations. Serum thyroxine concentrations were lower (P less than .05) for I bulls at 13.9 mo but similar to NI bulls at all other ages. Serum insulin concentrations were higher (P less than .05) for I bulls than for NI bulls at 8.3, 10.2, 11.1 and 12.1 mo. Regardless of treatment, insulin concentrations increased with increasing age. Carcasses from I bulls were fatter (P less than .05) and tended (P = .09) to have smaller ribeye areas/100 kg carcass. Fat thicknesses for both treatments increased (P less than .05) from 13.8 to 15.7 mo. Skeletal maturity scores, 9-10-11th rib bone percentages and femur measurements indicated an increased skeletal maturation in I bulls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Abstract 3318: Phosphoproteomic profiling of glioblastoma stem cells to uncover mechanisms of radiation resistance

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults. GBM tumors universally develop resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy; thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel treatment strategies. In this study, we identify signaling pathways altered specifically in radioresistant glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) following radiation treatment, in order to identify mechanisms of radiation resistance. Protein phosphorylation is a highly regulated and dynamic post-translational modification that is the primary mechanism of signal transduction. We hypothesized that phosphoproteomic profiling of GSCs can be used to identify novel signaling pathways involved in GBM radioresistance. Phosphopeptides were isolated from three GSC lines and one differentiated GBM cell line before and after radiation treatment. Mass spectrometry-based global phosphoproteomic profiling was then utilized to quantify radiation-induced changes in protein phosphorylation. About 6,000 phosphopeptides mapping to about 2,300 phosphoproteins were quantified at two post-radiation timepoints (relative to untreated) across all four cell lines. Three biological replicates of each sample were analyzed by mass spectrometry to obtain statistical significance. Fold changes of phosphoproteins following radiation treatment were then mapped to canonical signaling pathways, and pathways altered specifically in radiation-resistant GSCs were identified. We conclude that different pathways are activated in GSCs compared to differentiated GBM cells following radiation treatment, and some of these pathways may mediate radioresistance. Future efforts will focus on validation of the mass spectrometry results in vivo, and cell-based assays to identify the role of specific phosphoproteins in radioresistance pathways. Results of this study will guide future efforts to develop radiosensitizing agents that, when used in combination with current treatments, may increase the survival of patients with this devastating disease. This study was supported by funds from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (to AC); NIH/NCI 1U10CA180850-01(to AC); NIH/NCI 1RC2CA148190 (to AC); NIH/NCI 2K12CA133250-06 (to AC); NIH/NCI/CTEP 1R01CA169368 (to AC); NIH/NCI 1R01CA11522358 (to AC), RTOG (to AC). Citation Format: Emily Bassett, Kamalakannan Palanichamy, Arnab Chakravarti. Phosphoproteomic profiling of glioblastoma stem cells to uncover mechanisms of radiation resistance. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3318. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3318
Stress Triggers of Long, Short, and Variable Sleep Patterns

Sleep and stress patterns in 34 young adult sleepers were measured. Time series analysis of sleep report measured 6- and 3-day patterns of light stress preceding a change in sleep pattern for long (n = 15) and short or variable (n = 7 and 12) sleepers, respectively.
The monitoring reports of HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zhenxiong County from 2004 to 2011

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of Zhenxiong county people who living with HIV/AIDS patients (HIV/AIDS) and analyze the trends, to provide a scientific basis for taking control measures to Zhenxiong County AIDS. Methods Two hundred and sixty cases of HIV/AIDS which reported by Zhenxiong County in 2004-2011 years were statisticsed, summarized, collated and epidemiological analyzed. Results The entire county reported 260 cases of HIV infection in 2004-2011 years, the 193 cases which were reported by other places accounted for 74.23%; The gender composition ratio was 1.55∶1; The age was given priority to 20-49 years old; The lower level of culture; The injection drug users accounted for 23.5%, the history of heterosexual contact accounted for 55.0%, the first detection of HIV positive was in 2004 years among drug users, the routes of infection was mainlied to injecting drug users in 2004 and 2006, after 2007 mainlied to sexually transmitted. Conclusion Zhenxiong County is the AIDS moderate endemic areas, migrant workers and so on heavily infecte with HIV, the AIDS epidemic is a trend of rapid growth in the development, sexual contaction become the main way of HIV transmission in Zhenxiong County.
G523(P) Potential impact of the 2015 NICE consultation guideline for tuberculosis on the number of children assessed and treated for TB infection and disease in the UK

Background NICE Tuberculosis (TB) guideline 2015 recommends all children, regardless of BCG status, with Mantoux ≥ 5mm induration receive treatment for latent TB once active TB has been excluded. The 2011 version defines a positive Mantoux as ≥ 6mm (no prior BCG) and ≥ 15mm (prior BCG). NICE 2011 recommends screening of household contacts of all cases of TB compared with the 2015 guideline which recommends screening of contacts of pulmonary TB only. Objectives To establish the impact of the change in NICE recommendations on the number of children assessed and treated for latent TB infection (LTBI) or TB disease in our department. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of all children Results 445 patients were referred, 75 with symptoms, 138 new entrants, 63 non-pulmonary contacts and 169 pulmonary contacts. Of those with symptoms, 5 had positive Mantoux (NICE 2011) compared with 18 (NICE 2015). In this group 0/75 were treated for LTBI and 7/75 for TB disease. Results of patients referred for contact tracing/new entrant screening are shown in Table 1. Two contacts with LTBI and 1 with TB disease (all IGRA positive) would have been missed by the 2011 guideline but identified in 2015. Following NICE 2015 63 non-pulmonary contacts would not have been seen. None of these had LTBI or TB disease. Of the remaining 307 contacts/new entrants 47(15%) had a positive Mantoux of whom 11(4%) had LTBI and 4(1%) TB disease. Conclusion 37% more children will be investigated and treated for TB infection/disease under the new NICE TB guideline. In a 12 month period in our clinic this represents 33 additional children with 1 extra case of TB disease and 2 cases of LTBI identified.
Dance critique as signature pedagogy

The curriculum of preprofessional university degree programs in dance typically comprise four components: theory and history, dance technique, creative process, and performance. This article focuse...
Mechanism of platelet effects of cardiotoxins from Naja nigricollis crawshawii (spitting cobra) snake venom.

Abstract Four cardiotoxins isolated from Naja nigricollis crawshawii venom show inhibition of platelet aggregation when tested on whole blood aggregation in an electronic aggregometer. A similar inhibitory effect is observed by adding hemolyzed erythrocytes to whole blood before initiation of aggregation with collagen. Qualitatively, ADP-induced aggregation in whole blood appears to be different from collagen-induced aggregation in that the change in impedance is smaller than that induced by collagen. Thus, addition of ADP apparently “inhibits” collagen-induced aggregation as measured by the electronic aggregometer. Inclusion of apyrase in the aggregation cuvet stimulates the rate of aggregation initiated by collagen. The cardiotoxins lyse blood cells and release their cellular contents including ADP, AMP and other inhibitory substances, which reduce the impedance changes associated with collagen-induced aggregation. The cardiotoxins also lyse platelets coated onto the electrodes and reduce the impedance after aggregation is completed. Thus the lytic effects of these polypeptides cause an apparent inhibition of platelet aggregation in whole blood by both release of inhibitory components and removal of platelets from the electrodes. The lytic ability of these cardiotoxins can also explain the apparent “potentiation” and “aggregation” observed by previous workers using turbidometric aggregometers. Under these conditions, the cardiotoxins from N. nigricollis appear to both potentiate ADP-initiated aggregation and initiate aggregation themselves, but lysis is responsible, as shown by the release of cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase. Neurotoxin II from N. naja oxiana venom, although structurally homologcus with cardiotoxins, does not lyse cells, nor did it show any effects on platelets.