cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Latin hypercube sampling and the sensitivity analysis of a Monte Carlo epidemic model

Abstract Discrete, algorithmic simulation and Monte Carlo methodologies are currently used in population biology, connectionist cognitive modeling, and physics. However, little is typically known about the sensitivity of such models to changes in the values of the model features. Traditional methods of sensitivity analysis for systems of differential equations do not apply. Sometimes, one or two parameters are modified at a time in an ad hoc fashion in an attempt to assess sensitivity. To include more model features and their interactions in a sensitivity study, while limiting computer utilization, various sampling methods have been suggested. In this article, a sensitivity study based on a Latin hypercube (LH) sampling design is compared with a similar study using a full factorial (FF), fixed-point smaple. A discrete, Monte Carlo model of epidemics of influenzavirus infections in a human community is used for illustrative purposes. Although the FF scheme used over 14 times as many samples as the LH sampling one, both provided comparable predictive ability and comparable information about simulation sensitivity to model features.
Airlifting horses by helicopter: sedation requirements.

Horses airlifted by helicopter must be cooperative, able to support their own weight plus the weight of the rescue sling, nonreactive to helicopter approach, hovering, lift-off, and transport; and able to support their own weight without significant ataxia during delivery to safe ground. The flooding that occurs in Louisiana has given us the opportunity to be involved in airlift rescue of eight horses stranded by high water. In our experience, the effective titration of sedatives is best accomplished through an IV catheter placed in one of the jugular veins rather than by repeated IV injections. Prior to the catheter placement, we sedate the horses with either xylazine (0.4–0.5 mg kg−1 IV) or detomidine (8–10 µg kg−1 IV). The process of airlifting can be divided into four phases: (1) attachment of lift sling; (2) helicopter approach and hover during attachment of the sling to the aircraft; (3) lift and transport; and (4) delivery to safe zone. The IV administration of an additional 0.4–0.5 mg kg−1 of xylazine immediately prior to placing the horse in the lift sling produces an appropriate level of sedation without excessive ataxia. With the sling in place and the horse blindfolded, the helicopter is called. As the helicopter approaches, another 0.4–0.5 mg kg−1 xylazine administered. The IV is generally sufficient to prevent reaction to the noise and wind associated with the hovering of the helicopter. After the lift sling is connected to the helicopter, a final dose of xylazine (0.25 mg kg−1 IV) has proven effective in reducing reaction to lift and transport. This sedation protocol has proven effective for airlifts of approximately 5–10-minutes duration. Thus sedated, horses are able to support their weight without excessive ataxia when delivered to their destination. Xylazine appears to be more effective than detomidine because of its shorter latency of onset and duration of action.
Synaptic ribbons in the pineal organ of the goldfish: Circadian rhythmicity and the effects of constant light and constant darkness

Synaptic ribbons in photoreceptor cells of the goldfish pineal organ undergo significant daily changes in their length, distance from the plasma membrane, and number per unit area of pineal end-vesicle. The rhythms persist in fish exposed to constant darkness. Constant light abolishes the rhythms in length and distance of synaptic ribbons from the plasmalemma, but has little effect on numerical changes over a 24-h cycle. These findings suggest that synaptic ribbons in the pineal organ of lower vertebrates might be useful as indicators of metabolic activity.
Versatile multidimensional chromatographic system for drug discovery as exemplified by the analysis of a nonpeptidic inhibitor of human leukocyte elastase

A direct injection method for the determination of nonpeptidic inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase in plasma, using column switching techniques, has been developed. In the technique, a heart-cut fraction is collected from a size exclusion column to separate the drug and metabolites from the plasma protein. Peak compression, concentration and additional purification are performed by a collection column. The components are flushed forward onto an analytical column for the separation of the drug component from the metabolites. The parallel processing of the technique gives it a number of advantages over conventional extraction procedures and many column switching procedures in terms of speed and effort required in the analysis of samples. The technique's advantages and the precision and accuracy of the assay are discussed.
Isolation and Evaluation of the Saccharide Components of Starch Hydrolysates. II. Evaluation

SUMMARY Oligosaccharides of DP 3–10 were evaluated for their properties of density, refraetive index, viscosity, optical rotation, reducing power, and infrared absorption characteristics. Tables of data were developed giving the expected values of each property for each oligosaccharide. As expected, density, refractive index, viscosity, optical rotation, and reducing power were related to the molecular weight of the sugars. The degree of the effect of molecular weight on each of these properties was established.
High resolution computed tomography: Part 4, evaluation of odontogenic lesions

High resolution computed tomography (CT) has been a mainstay in the preoperative evaluation of odontogenic lesions. Unsurpassed bony detail is complemented by exquisite delineation of the soft tissue mass itself. Our experience with these lesions is presented. Selected illustrations are supplemented by pathologic review.
Problems of Communist Rule in Czechoslovakia

In February 1948 few people in Czechoslovakia could size up the full implications of the Communist coup. The bulk of non-Communist public opinion was, to say the least, bewildered by the rapidity of events and confused about the real issues involved. Its attitude reflected this state of mind. The political parties to which it traditionally owed allegiance collapsed overnight. Their duly elected leaders were immediately muzzled. President Benes, on whom in the final analysis the total burden of stopping the Communist onslaught rested, and from whom the nation would normally expect its cue, gave none, unless his passive acceptance of the fait accompli with which he was presented were to be construed as a sign for the people to do likewise.
A Survey of Pediatricians on the Reintroduction of a Rotavirus Vaccine

Objective. Rhesus-based rotavirus tetravalent vaccine (RRV-TV; RotaShield) was withdrawn voluntarily from the market in October 1999, and recommendations for use were suspended. Rotavirus infection continues to be a significant health problem affecting children worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate whether pediatricians would either reconsider using RRV-TV or consider other, newer, and presumably safer rotavirus vaccines if they were recommended routinely and to determine factors that influence their opinion. Methods. A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 250 members of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and to 437 randomly selected members of the Georgia Chapter of the AAP. Nonresponders received reminder questionnaires. Results. Of the 687 pediatricians surveyed, 384 (56%) responded. Responses from 319 eligible immunization providers were included in the final analysis. Although only 15% of respondents reported that they would give RRV-TV if it were available today, 94% reported that they would use a new rotavirus vaccine if proved to be safer than RRV-TV and if recommended by the AAP and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for routine use among infants. Barriers to reintroducing a rotavirus vaccine were fear of adverse reactions among 95% of pediatricians, followed by potential high vaccine cost (63%) and amount of time required to educate parents (57%). Conclusions. Pediatricians reported that they would use a rotavirus vaccine if it was safer than RRV-TV and routinely recommended by the AAP and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Mechanism of fiber–matrix separation in ribbed compression molded parts†

This paper presents a model that predicts fiber–matrix separation in ribbed sections of compression molded parts. The model combines a mechanical analysis of compression molding with some experimentally measured variables. It is shown that with a higher closing speed, the viscosity of the material will increase and fiber–matrix separation can be reduced. Specific applications for this method are compression molding of sheet molding compounds and glass mat-reinforced thermoplastics. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:451–457, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Upper Critical Field of Nb: Calculated Temperature Dependence and Anisotropy

The magnitude, anisotropy, and temperature dependence of the ${H}_{c2}$ for Nb are calculated from the underlying electronic structure. Excellent agreement between theory and experiment results if experimental Fermi velocities are used and if Fermi-velocity-anisotropy, strong-coupling, and impurity effects are included.
Confucian onto-hermeneutics : Morality and ontology

L'A. entreprend une reconstruction du confucianisme a partir du developpement historique et theorique de l'experience chinoise de la realite non-dichotomique de la personne individuelle, definie par l'unite de la raison et des sentiments. Examinant l'ethique, la metaphysique et l'epistemologie propre aux «Analectes», l'A. souligne l'harmonisation creative entre la morale et l'ontologie au sein du cercle onto-hermeneutique.
On the energy tensor of spinning massive matter in classical field theory and general relativity

Abstract We are looking for the energy tensor which gives the correct local distribution of the energy of spinning massive matter fields (“localization of energy”). This is particularly important for the formulation of a consistent gravitational theory. We start with a Lagrangian formalism in flat spacetime. In (20, 21) we derive the set of all possible energy-momentum and spin tensors compatible with the conservation laws. They depend on two unknown fields, Uijk and Zijk, which have to be specified for the solution of the localization problem. In particular, the most general symmetric energy-momentum tensor is made explicit in (26), the symmetrization procedure of the Belinfante–Rosenfeld type being a special case of our simpler and more general prescription. For energy and spin localization, which are related by angular momentum conservation, our special relativistic formalism naturally suggests one of the two alternatives: U = canonical spin and Z = 0, or U = 0 and Z = 0. Applied to gravitational theory, the first alternative leads to Einstein's general relativity, but to some unsatisfactory features for spinning massive fields. The second alternative includes spin on a dynamical basis and leads to U4 theory (general relativity plus torsion), i.e. to a space-time described by a Riemann–Cartan geometry. Spin fits more naturally into the U4 scheme and the unpleasant features of Einstein's theory disappear. We eventually recognize the canonical energy-momentum tensor as the “true” one for spinning massive fields.
Liver and spleen MRI findings in virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia

Virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome is characterized by the phagocytosis of erthythrocytes and other blood elements in multiple organ systems, especially the liver and spleen. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can suggest this diagnosis in the proper clinical setting by demonstrating multiple, rounded signal voids in the spleen corresponding to hemosiderin deposition. We report a patient with virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome during the course of acute lymphocytic leukemia and MRI findings that suggested the preoperative diagnosis.
The Interaction between Helicase and Primase Sets the Replication Fork Clock

The synthesis of an Okazaki fragment occurs once every 1-2 s at the Escherichia coli replication fork and requires precise coordination of the enzymatic activities required. We have shown previously that the primase is recruited anew from solution for each cycle of Okazaki fragment synthesis and that association of primase with the replication fork is via a protein-protein interaction with the helicase, DnaB. We describe here mutant primases that have an altered interaction with DnaB and that direct the synthesis of Okazaki fragments of altered length compared to the wild-type. The mutant primases were deficient only in their ability to participate in replication reactions where their entry to the DNA was provided by the initial protein-protein interaction with DnaB. The primer synthesis capacity of these proteins remained unaffected, as was their ability to interact with the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme. Neither replication fork rate nor the efficiency of primer utilization was affected at replication forks programmed by the mutant enzymes. Thus, the interaction between DnaG and DnaB at the replication fork is the primary regulator of the cycle of Okazaki fragment synthesis.
The gonadotropin-releasing hormone system does not develop in small-eye (Sey) mouse phenotype

This study examined the development of the gonadotropin releasing-hormone (GnRH) system in a spontaneous mouse mutation, Small-Eye (Sey). This phenotype is due to a point mutation in the developmental control gene Pax-6 and results in failed development of the eye and olfactory placodes in homozygous (Sey/Sey) embryos and a variety of eye abnormalities in heterozygotes (Sey/+). Therefore, Sey/Sey embryos provided a naturally occurring olfactory placode ablation to ask whether all of the GnRH neurons found in the adult mouse forebrain arise from the olfactory epithelium. In Sey/Sey embryos, GnRH-immunoreactive neurons were not present in either the presumptive nasal regions or in any area of the brain at any embryonic age. In contrast, in Sey/+ embryos, there was no apparent effect on either GnRH cell proliferation or migration. These data support and extend the hypothesis that GnRH neurons in mice originate in the olfactory placodes and also demonstrate that two normal alleles of Pax-6 are not required for GnRH system development.
Linking nutrition and sexual selection across life stages in a model butterfly system

Summary Early nutrition plays an important role in determining adult fitness. Theory proposes that in organisms with complex life cycles, the fitness effects of larval nutritional constraints are mainly captured by two developmental traits: time and size at metamorphosis. However, recent evidence suggests that latent effects, which are independent of these developmental traits, must be included to fully understand how larval nutrition impacts fitness. In this study, I used the cabbage butterfly (Pieris rapae) as a model system to investigate how larval nutrition influences male fitness through development time, adult size and latent effects. Specifically, I examined how variation in dietary nitrogen impacts male fitness by measuring a comprehensive suite of pre- and postcopulatory traits. Results indicate a complex role for larval nutrition in determining adult fitness. Larval nutritional constraints influence adult fitness through three different pathways: development time, adult size and latent effects. Longer development times were associated with shorter adult life span and reduced male mating success. Body size was positively correlated with traits related to postcopulatory fitness, such as spermatophore size and protein content. Larval nitrogen availability, independent of the developmental traits, also affected traits associated with male mating success such as wing coloration and latency to first mating. These results provide new insights into how larval nitrogen availability alters adult fitness by revealing novel links between larval dietary nitrogen and various adult fitness components.
Intravital Fluorescence Microscopy: Impact of Light-induced Phototoxicity on Adhesion of Fluorescently Labeled Leukocytes

SUMMARY Alterations in leukocyte/endothelium interaction due to phototoxic effects of the fluorescent dyes acridine orange (AO) and rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) were studied by intravital microscopy using the dorsal skinfold model in awake Syrian golden hamsters. AO (0.5 mg/kg/min; constant IV infusion) and Rh6G (0.1 m mol/kg; bolus IV) were administered via an indwelling venous catheter. Five to seven arterioles (35‐55 m m) and postcapillary venules (30‐65 m m) were investigated in each animal. Vessels were exposed four times for 30 sec to continuous light of the appropriate excitation wavelength with a 10‐15-min time interval between exposures. Animals were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (five distinct light energy levels). AO and Rh6G induced leukocyte rolling/sticking in postcapillary venules and arterioles when exposed to high light energy levels. AO, but not Rh6G, induced arteriolar vasospasm when exposed to high light energies. The potential phototoxic effect of AO and Rh6G is demonstrated, as assessed by the stimulation of leukocyte‐endothelium interaction and arteriolar vasospasm in vivo. This study underscores the necessity to optimize microscopic set-ups for intravital microscopy, to reduce the excitation light energy level significantly, and to perform stringent control experiments, ruling out an artificial phototoxicity-induced stimulation of leukocyte adhesion. (J Histochem Cytochem 45:505‐513, 1997)
The feeding system of terrestrial tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum melanostictum baird).

High speed cinematography was used to record the feeding activities of terrestrial Ambystoma tigrinum melanostictum. A description of these activities based on films of more than 50 feeding sequences is presented, and the mechanical units involved are defined, described, and functionally analyzed. Evolutionary implications of the feeding system are discussed. In a typical feeding sequence, A. t. melanostictum stations and maintains its lower jaw 3-5 mm from the prey. The mouth is then opened to form a gape of ∼60° by raising the anterior end of the flexed skull and by elevating and advancing the trunk while the mental symphysis of the lower jaw remains stationary. As the mouth opens the bulging tongue is recontoured so that the posterior glandular region becomes the tip of the fully protruded tongue, which may extend 3 to 7 mm beyond the symphysis. Dorsally the protruded tongue has a deep central depression and pronounced anterolateral rims. The anterior rim collapses on contact, thereby engulfing the prey in a sticky trough that retains it during tongue withdrawal. The cervical region is then flexed and the skull snaps downward. If the prey resists the tongue and is captured by marginal teeth, A. t. melanostictum relies on repeated tongue protraction and retraction, in some cases accompanied by inertial feeding. Swallowing involves gular expansion and contraction, and is accompanied by eye depression. When the mouth is opened during ingestive activities, the lower jaw remains in place. Apparently, A. t. melanostictum uses the dorsal trunk, the cucullaris major and the robust heads of the depressor mandibulae muscles to open the mouth. During skull elevation the lower jaw is partially immobilized by the geniohyoideus, and rectus cervicis superficialis muscles. The subarcualis rectus I muscles are prime movers in tongue projection. Hebosteoypsiloideus muscles assist in tongue protrusion by slackening the rectus cervicis profundus muscles that would otherwise restrict anterior displacement of the otoglossal cartilage and copula. Tongue contouring is performed by the complex genioglossus musculature. Sublingual and anterolingual sinuses facilitate protrusion and contouring by providing space and lubrication. Rectus cervicis muscles (profundus and superficialis) are responsible for tongue withdrawal. Closure of the mouth is accomplished by the four levator mandibulae muscles, and again the lower jaw is immobilized, mostly by ventral longitudinal muscles. Skull-trunk elevation during prey capture and ingestion was also observed and filmed in several other species of Ambystoma, in Dicamptodon ensatus, and in two salamandrid species. Apparently raising and straightening the craniovertebral axis, while the mental symphysis retains contact with the substratum, is a common feature of urodele feeding systems, and does not require peculiar morphological adaptations.
Surveying the E-Services technical landscape

Hewlett Packard has presented an E-Service vision for electronic commerce in which a rich array of nimble modular electronic services (e-Services) are accessible by virtually anyone and any device. We survey current efforts to meet the technical challenges presented by E-Services. We discuss what differentiates E-Services from today's applications, and what new requirements these differences present. We summarize the efforts of major vendors who seem to be reaching for the E-Service vision, and then compare and contrast the functionality, characteristics, and limitations of those vendors' products.
Discharge rate modulation of trapezius motor units differs for voluntary contractions and instructed muscle rest.

This study examined discharge rate modulation at respiratory (0–0.5 Hz) and beta (16–32 Hz) frequencies in trapezius motor units active during voluntary contractions and during periods of instructed rest under conditions of low and high psychosocial stress. In separate sessions, single motor unit activity was recorded from the trapezius muscle of healthy women during low-intensity voluntary contractions and during periods of instructed muscle rest that followed voluntary contractions. The level of psychosocial stress during periods of instructed muscle rest was manipulated using a verbal math task combined with social evaluative threat which increased perceived anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure (P ≤ 0.002). Discharge rate modulation was quantified by the mean power of motor unit discharge rate profiles within frequency bands of interest. Under low stress conditions, motor units active during instructed rest had greater power at 0–0.5 Hz (P = 0.002) and less power at 16–32 Hz (P = 0.009) compared to those active during voluntary contraction. Exposure to the stressor increased the amount of motor unit activity during instructed rest (P = 0.021) but did not alter the power of discharge rate modulation at 0–0.5 Hz (P = 0.391) or 16–32 Hz (P = 0.089). These results indicate that sustained motor unit activity during periods of instructed muscle rest has a lesser contribution from inputs at beta frequencies and a greater contribution from inputs at respiratory frequencies than present during low-intensity voluntary contractions. Furthermore, increases in motor unit activity when exposed to stressors during periods of instructed rest are not caused by changes in inputs at respiratory or beta frequencies.
VoB predictors: Voting on bagging classifications

Bagging predictors relies on bootstrap sampling to maintain a set of diverse base classifiers constituting the classifier ensemble, where the diversity among base classifiers is ensured through a random sampling (with replacement) process on the original data. In this paper, we propose a random missing value corruption based bootstrap sampling process, where the objective is to enhance the diversity of the learning sets through random missing value injection, such that base classifiers can form an accurate classifier ensemble. Our VoB (voting on bagging classifications) predictors first generate multiple incomplete datasets from a base complete dataset by randomly injecting missing values with a small missing ratio, then apply a bagging predictor trained on each of the incomplete dataset to give classifications. The final prediction of a class is the result of voting on the classifications. Our empirical results show that VoB predictors significantly improve the classification performance on complete data, and perform better than bagging predictors.
Comparative effects of test-enhanced learning and self-explanation on long-term retention.

Context Educators often encourage students to engage in active learning by generating explanations for the material being learned, a method called self-explanation. Studies have also demonstrated that repeated testing improves retention. However, no studies have directly compared the two learning methods. Methods Forty-seven Year 1 medical students completed the study. All students participated in a teaching session that covered four clinical topics and was followed by four weekly learning sessions. In the learning sessions, students were randomised to perform one of four learning activities for each topic: testing with self-generated explanations (TE); testing without explanations (T); studying a review sheet with self-generated explanations (SE), and studying a review sheet without explanations (S). Students repeated the same activity for each topic in all four sessions. Six months later, they took a free-recall clinical application test on all four topics. Results Repeated testing led to better long-term retention and application than repeatedly studying the material (p SE = 29% [p = 0.001, d = 0.70]; T = 36% > SE = 29% [p = 0.02, d = 0.48]). Studying with self-explanation led to better retention and application than studying without self-explanation (SE = 29% > S = 20%; p = 0.001, d = 0.68). Our analyses showed significant interaction by topic (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.06), indicating some variation in the effectiveness of the interventions among topics. Conclusions Testing and generating self-explanations are both learning activities that can be used to produce superior long-term retention and application of knowledge, but testing is generally more effective than self-explanation alone.
D-Titin: A Giant Protein with Dual Roles in Chromosomes and Muscles

Previously, we reported that chromosomes contain a giant filamentous protein, which we identified as titin, a component of muscle sarcomeres. Here, we report the sequence of the entire titin gene in Drosophila melanogaster, D-Titin, and show that it encodes a two-megadalton protein with significant colinear homology to the NH2-terminal half of vertebrate titin. Mutations in D-Titin cause chromosome undercondensation, chromosome breakage, loss of diploidy, and premature sister chromatid separation. Additionally, D-Titin mutants have defects in myoblast fusion and muscle organization. The phenotypes of the D-Titin mutants suggest parallel roles for titin in both muscle and chromosome structure and elasticity, and provide new insight into chromosome structure.
Power Output Is Increased After Phosphorylation of Myofibrillar Proteins in Rat Skinned Cardiac Myocytes

beta-Adrenergic stimulation increases stroke volume in mammalian hearts as a result of protein kinase A (PKA)-induced phosphorylation of several myocyte proteins. This study investigated whether PKA-induced phosphorylation of myofibrillar proteins directly affects myocyte contractility. To test this possibility, we compared isometric force, loaded shortening velocity, and power output in skinned rat cardiac myocytes before and after treatment with the catalytic subunit of PKA. Consistent with previous studies, PKA increased phosphorylation levels of myosin binding protein C and troponin I, and reduced Ca(2+) sensitivity of force. PKA also significantly increased both maximal force (25.4+/-8.3 versus 31.6+/-11.3 microN [P<0.001, n=12]) and peak absolute power output (2.48+/-1.33 versus 3.38+/-1.52 microW/mg [P<0.05, n=5]) during maximal Ca(2+) activations. Furthermore, PKA elevated power output at nearly all loads even after normalizing for the increase in force. After PKA treatment, peak normalized power output increased approximately 20% during maximal Ca(2+) activations (n=5) and approximately 33% during half-maximal Ca(2+) activations (n=9). These results indicate that PKA-induced phosphorylation of myofibrillar proteins increases the power output-generating capacity of skinned cardiac myocytes, in part, by speeding the step(s) in the crossbridge cycle that limit loaded shortening rates, and these changes likely contribute to greater contractility in hearts after beta-adrenergic stimulation.
miR-146a regulates mechanotransduction and pressure-induced inflammation in small airway epithelium

Mechanical ventilation generates biophysical forces, including high transmural pressures, which exacerbate lung inflammation. This study sought to determine whether microRNAs (miRNAs) respond to this mechanical force and play a role in regulating mechanically induced inflammation. Primary human small airway epithelial cells (HSAEpCs) were exposed to 12 h of oscillatory pressure and/or the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Experiments were also conducted after manipulating miRNA expression and silencing the transcription factor NF-κB or toll-like receptor proteins IRAK1 and TRAF6. NF-κB activation, IL-6/IL-8/IL-1β cytokine secretion, miRNA expression, and IRAK1/TRAF6 protein levels were monitored. A total of 12 h of oscillatory pressure and TNF-α resulted in a 5- to 7-fold increase in IL-6/IL-8 cytokine secretion, and oscillatory pressure also resulted in a time-dependent increase in IL-6/IL-8/IL-1β cytokine secretion. Pressure and TNF-α also resulted in distinct patterns of miRNA expression, with miR-146a being the most deregulated miRNA. Manipulating miR-146a expression altered pressure-induced cytokine secretion. Silencing of IRAK1 or TRAF6, confirmed targets of miR-146a, resulted in a 3-fold decrease in pressure-induced cytokine secretion. Cotransfection experiments demonstrate that miR-146a's regulation of pressure-induced cytokine secretion depends on its targeting of both IRAK1 and TRAF6. MiR-146a is a mechanosensitive miRNA that is rapidly up-regulated by oscillatory pressure and plays an important role in regulating mechanically induced inflammation in lung epithelia.—Huang, Y., Crawford, M., Higuita-Castro, N., Nana-Sinkam, P., Ghadiali, S. N. miR-146a regulates mechanotransduction and pressure-induced inflammation in small airway epithelium.
The test-tube synthesis of a chemical called poliovirus. The simple synthesis of a virus has far-reaching societal implications.

In July 2002, newspapers across the globe reported that scientists had created a virus in a test tube. This unexpected news struck a raw nerve among lay people and scientists alike. The work was condemned as dangerous and irresponsible, scorned as a stunt and perceived as a challenge to divine power. It was also hailed as a milestone in biology. What really happened? Guided by the nucleotide sequence, which my colleagues and I determined in 1981 (Kitamura et al , 1981), Jeronimo Cello, Aniko Paul and I described the chemical synthesis of a DNA molecule equivalent to the poliovirus genome (Cello et al , 2002). Using methods that we developed in the 1980s and 1990s (van der Werf et al , 1986; Molla et al , 1991), we then converted the virus‐specific DNA by simple in vitro biochemical manipulations into authentic poliovirus particles (Cello et al , 2002). On paper, the synthesis looked simple and, not surprisingly, it was immediately predicted—correctly—that a similar method could be used to synthesize any virus, including smallpox. Poliovirus, which was discovered nearly a century ago by Karl Landsteiner and Erwin Popper (1909), is a human virus that replicates in the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion. In rare instances, the virus invades the central nervous system where it destroys motor neurons that control muscle movement. This results in a terrifying disease, called poliomyelitis, which leads to irreversible paralysis and even death (Mueller et al , 2005a). Although the virus is relatively benign—the ratio of infection to neurological complication ranges from 1:100 to 1:1,000—the speed with which it spreads caused frightening epidemics among unprotected populations during the first half of the twentieth century. The development of two vaccines, the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) of Jonas Salk in 1954 and the attenuated oral vaccine (OPV) of Albert Sabin in 1957, broke the …
Screening for Acute HIV Infection: Lessons Learned

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) nucleic acid testing is increasingly being used by researchers and public health screening programs to identify highly infectious, HIV antibody-negative individuals with acute HIV infection. We present cases to illustrate unusual instances of acute HIV screening, which include "window period" testing and the discovery of low-level HIV RNA.
The meniscal ossicle: The consequence of a meniscal avulsion

A case is presented in which an ossicle was evaluated acutely. Arthroscopy disclosed a tibial osteochondral fracture avulsed by the posterior attachment of the medial meniscus. Treatment was conservative with a good clinical result.
A More Perfect Commodity: Bottled Water, Global Accumulation, and Local Contestation

Bottled water sits at the intersection of debates regarding the social and environmental effects of the commodification of nature and the ways neoliberal globalization alters the provision of public services. Utilizing Polanyi's concept of fictitious commodities and Harvey's work on accumulation by dispossession, this article traces bottled water's transformation from elite niche item to a product consumed by three fourths of U.S. households. Drawing on ethnographic research with participants in two cases of proposed spring water extraction from rural communities by industry leader Nestle Waters, we make two principal arguments. First, the case of bottled water necessitates a reevaluation of existing theoretical frameworks regarding water privatization and commodification. Municipal tap water networks pose substantial barriers to capital accumulation, leading one influential scholar to frame water as an “uncooperative commodity.” However, bottled water's characteristics enable it to evade many of these constraints, rendering it a “more perfect commodity” for accumulation. Second, expansion of the market good of bottled water alters the prospects for the largely publicly provided good of tap water. We conclude that the growth of this relatively new commodity represents a more serious threat to the project of universal public drinking water provision than that posed by tap water privatization.
A Comparative Analysis of Social Values of Chinese and American Children

A set of 701 stories generated by 80 Chinese and 80 American children was content analyzed, and submitted to a factor analysis that yielded four factors common to both groups, one unique factor for the Chinese sample and two for the American sample. A stepwise discriminant function analysis of the common factors indicated significant differences between Chinese and American children, and significant sex differences in the American sample only. The results support the hypotheses that Chinese stories evidence greater social orientation, greater concern with authority and with moral-ethical rectitude, and greater saliency of the role of natural forces and chance, and contain more affective elements, fewer instances of physical aggression, and less economic orientation. The results are taken to reflect cultural differences, which in turn are the result of myriad aspects, from differential child rearing to differing sociopolitical climates.
The binding interface database (BID): a compilation of amino acid hot spots in protein interfaces.

Summary: To make information about protein interactive function easily accessible, we are mining the primary scientific literature for detailed data about protein interfaces. The Binding Interface Database (BID) organizes the vast amount of protein interaction information into tables, graphical contact maps and descriptive functional profiles. Currently data on 170 interacting protein pairs are available with over 1300 mutations described. Availability: The BID database is freely available at http: //tsailab.org/BID/. To have your protein of interest entered, contact Tiffany Fischer (tiffbrink@neo.tamu.edu) or Jerry Tsai at the email below
Expanding the use of topical anesthesia in wound management: sequential layered application of topical lidocaine with epinephrine.

Abstract Topical anesthesia eliminates the need for injection of anesthetic. Most studies on the use of topical anesthesia were done on children, using 3 active ingredients (lidocaine, epinephrine, tetracaine, or tetracaine, adrenaline, cocaine) for relatively small wounds of the face and scalp. Objectives To demonstrate that topical anesthesia is effective and safe in adults of all ages and for larger wounds, using a preparation with 2 active ingredients, topical lidocaine and epinephrine (TLE). Methods One hundred patients were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial, with 50 in each group. The study group received TLE using a unique method of “sequential layered application.” The control group received 2% lidocaine infiltration anesthesia. Patients rated the pain from the application of anesthesia and from suturing, using a 0 to 10 visual analog pain scale. Follow-up interviews were conducted to assess for complications and to rate patients' wound repair experience. Results Patients in the study group reported significantly less pain from TLE application, with 66% reporting no pain vs 0% reporting no pain from the infiltration in the control group (P Conclusion Topical lidocaine and epinephrine “sequential layered application” is an effective, safe, and less painful method of anesthesia for a wide variety of lacerations. Patients recall their experience with this technique very favorably.
Know-It-All Librarians

Summary Librarians are depicted as know-it-alls by some and as know-nothings by others. Similarly, they are seen as both utterly powerless and preternaturally powerful. This essay offers examples of these contradictory images, examines their implications, and proposes a more realistic view of librarians and their relation to knowledge and power.
Control and evaluation of series elastic actuators with nonlinear rubber springs

Series elastic actuators primarily use linear springs in their drivetrains, which introduces a design tradeoff: soft springs provide higher torque resolution at the cost of system bandwidth, whereas stiff springs provide a fast response but lower torque resolution. Nonlinear springs (NLSs) potentially incorporate the benefits of both soft and stiff springs, but such springs are often large. An NLS design was recently proposed that combines a variable radius cam with a rubber elastic element, enabling a compact spring design. However, the rubber introduces hysteresis, which can lead to poor torque tracking if not accounted for in the controller. To overcome this limitation, we here propose a state observer that captures hysteretic effects exhibited by the rubber to provide an accurate estimate of actuator torque. We perform torque-control experiments with this observer on an actuator testbed and compare the performance of the NLS to both soft and stiff linear metal springs. Experiments show that the NLS exhibits improved output impedance compared to both linear springs, and comparable bandwidth to the stiff linear spring up to 1.5 Hz. However, the hysteresis in the urethane rubber introduces instability in higher-frequency conditions, suggesting that future NLS designs can be improved by use of a different rubber as the elastic element.
Working memory capacity and recall from long-term memory: Examining the influences of encoding strategies, study time allocation, search efficiency, and monitoring abilities.

The relation between working memory capacity (WMC) and recall from long-term memory (LTM) was examined in the current study. Participants performed multiple measures of delayed free recall varying in presentation duration and self-reported their strategy usage after each task. Participants also perf
Development of an Integrated Greenhouse Whitefly Management Program on Strawberries

California is a world leader in strawberry production. The greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), has recently been emerged as a major pest on strawberries in California. This insect ingests plant phloem fluid to cause yield and quality reduction while producing honeydew and associated sooty mold to decrease the market value of fruits. In addition, this insect transmits plant virus diseases. This chapter focuses on the development of an integrated greenhouse whitefly management program on strawberries largely based on the author’s research for over a decade.
Gaussian Beam Propagation

This chapter contains sections titled: Derivation of Basic Gaussian Beam Propagation Description of Gaussian Beam Propagation Geometrical Optics Limits of Gaussian Beam Propagation Higher Order Gaussian Beam Mode Solutions of the Paraxial Wave Equation The Size of Gaussian Beam Modes Gaussian Beam Measurement Inverse Formulas for Gaussian Beam Propagation The Paraxial Limit and Improved Solutions to the Wave Equation Alternative Derivation of the Gaussian Beam Propagation Formula Bibliographic Notes
The Question of Efficacy

Historians have tended either to avoid asking whether the therapies described in their ancient sources had any curative value, or to assume that they were effective to the extent that modern biomedicine can validate them. But today’s knowledge is not the only reliable criterion. This chapter, on the basis of recent studies in medical anthropology and sociology, observes that the success of therapy in every culture depends on three kinds of response by patients: the autonomous response (the tendency of the body heal itself), the meaning response (“the biological consequences of knowledge, symbol, and meaning”), and the specific response to biological, chemical, or physical intervention. The book’s analyses of therapeutic instances look for the first two responses (the third played only a small role in pre-modern therapy). It also notes that the medical disorders and even the symptoms of ancient China were different from those of biomedicine. Recorded judgments of the efficacy of care in the eleventh century came as regularly from members of patients’ families as from physicians. Examples suggest that in order to use biomedical knowledge productively, it is essential first to understand the sources on their own terms.
Alkylation of Dinitrogen in [(HIPTNCH2CH2)3N]Mo Complexes (HIPT = 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3)

In this paper we explore the ethylation of dinitrogen (employing [Et3O][BArf4]; Arf = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3) in [HIPTN3N]Mo (Mo) complexes ([HIPTN3N]3− = [N(CH2CH2NHIPT)3]3−; HIPT = 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3) with the objective of developing a catalytic cycle for the conversion of dinitrogen into triethylamine. A number of possible intermediates in a hypothetical catalytic cycle have been isolated and characterized: MoN═NEt, [Mo═NNEt2][BArf4], Mo═NNEt2, [Mo═NEt][BArf4], Mo═NEt, MoNEt2, and [Mo(NEt3)][BArf4]. Except for MoNEt2, all compounds were synthesized from other proposed intermediates in a hypothetical catalytic reaction. All alkylated species are significantly more stable than their protonated counterparts, especially the Mo(V) species, Mo═NNEt2 and Mo═NEt. The tendency for both Mo═NNEt2 and Mo═NEt to be readily oxidized by [Et3O][BArf4] (as well as by [H(Et2O)2][BArf4], [Mo═NNH2][BArf4], and [Mo═NH][BArf4]) suggests that their alkylation is unlikely to be part of a catalytic cycle. All efforts to genera...
Centrifugal packing of erythrocytes hardened with acetaldehyde.

Summary and ConclusionsThe centrifugally packed column of human or canine RBC hardened with acetaldehyde consists of only 60% cells, in contrast to the near 100% packing for normal RBC. This incomplete packing of hardened RBC was demonstrated with the isotope dilution method using three different macromolecules (albumin, dextran, and PVP) and by following the hematocrit values during the hardening process, and the results agree with theoretical calculations. The striking difference in the centrifugal packing of hardened vs normal RBC indicates that normal RBC are deformable during centrifugal packing and that the low degree of packing must be considered in any study on hardened RBC.
Posterior-only approach for en bloc sacrectomy: clinical outcomes in 36 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND En bloc resection of primary sacral tumors has a demonstrated survival benefit. Total and high sacral amputations are traditionally performed by using a staged anterior and subsequent posterior approach. However, we have found that en bloc resection and biomechanical reconstruction of the spinal column is possible from a posterior-only approach in many cases. OBJECTIVE To assess our series of posterior-only sacrectomies, emphasizing postoperative complications and overall surgical and oncologic outcome. METHODS Sixty-nine consecutive patients underwent sacral resections for tumor at our institution between 2004 and 2009. Medical records of all patients were reviewed, and patients were excluded if they had an intentional intralesional resection, hemipelvectomy, or a previous operation. The records of the resulting 36 consecutive patients who underwent primary posterior-only en bloc sacral resections were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Of the posterior-only patients, all underwent midline posterior approaches for en bloc sacral resection. Sacral amputation was defined by the by sacral root preservation: total (2 cases), high (8 cases), middle (9 cases), low (12 cases), and distal (5 cases). Chordoma was the most common tumor type (30 cases), and surgical margins were marginal in 34 cases and contaminated in 2. Overall, there were 13 complications, including 9 wound infections/revisions. The extent of sacrectomy, and thus the extent of roots sacrificed, correlated with functional outcome. CONCLUSION It may be possible to perform a posterior-only approach to en bloc sacral resections/reconstructions in patients with tumors that do not extend beyond the lumbosacral junction or invade the bowel requiring bowel resection and diversion.
Fault Line Selection of Distribution Network Based on Spectrum Relative Entropy

The fault line in distribution network mainly has high frequency capacitance current,based on which a new method to identify the fault line by transient zero sequence current spectrum relative entropy is proposed. The transient zero sequence current waveform extracted from feeder line is decomposed by empirical mode decomposition(EMD),and the first intrinsic mode function imf1(t)is transformed by Hilbert transform to calculate the sum of sector frequency spectrum values. By taking the advantage of relative entropy to the probability statistic of global discrete variables,the relative entropy spectrums of each feeder are calculated and normalized. The fault line is selected by using the criterion that the entropy of fault line is greater than or equal to that of non-fault line.The MATLAB simulation results show that the method can effectively eliminate the frequency band of power frequency current,and make full use of high frequency characteristics of current in fault line and overcome the influence of high resistance,arc grounding and small switching angle and so on,which can select accurately and reliably the fault line.
Optical quality high-strength glass laser slabs

The power output potential for high-average-power laser slabs has been increased substantially using three techniques1: (1) improving the composition of the base glass for superior thermomechanical properties; (2) treatment of the surface of the laser slabs to decrease the depth of the flaws originating from optical fabrication; and (3) reducing the liability from the remaining flaws by placing them in a compressive stress.