cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interface of an uncoupled boundary layer algorithm with an inviscid core flow algorithm for unsteady supersonic engine inlets

An uncoupled boundary layer algorithm was combined with an inviscid core flow algorithm to model flows within supersonic engine inlets. The inviscid flow algorithm that was used was the LArge Perturbation INlet Code (LAPIN). The boundary layer and inviscid core flow algorithms were formulated in different manners. The boundary layer algorithm was two dimensional and solved in nonconservation form, while the core flow algorithm was one dimensional and solved in conservation form. In order to interface the two codes, the following modifications were important. The coordinate system was set up to maintain the parabolic nature of the boundary layer algorithm while approaching the one dimensional core flow solution far from a wall. The pressure gradient used in the boundary layer equation was calculated using the core flow values and the boundary layer equations, so the boundary layer solution smoothly approached the core flow values far from the wall. Flaring was used for the advection terms perpendicular to the core flow to maintain the stability of the algorithm. With these modifications, the combined viscous/inviscid algorithm matched well with experimental observations of pressure distributions with a supersonic inlet.
Theoretical estimates of the trineutron and tetraneutron binding energies

Abstract The trineutron and tetraneutron binding energies are calculated using an interaction which reproduces 3H, 3He, 4H, 4He, and 4Li ground-state properties. A 4ħω model space and completely symmetrized translationally invariant harmonic oscillator eigenstates are used in the analysis. The calculation yields a 3n eigenvalue within the range suggested in an experiment by Ohlsen et al. The 4n eigenvalue is consistent with the location of the first T = 2 level in the 4He system.
Late Holocene climate change in the North Atlantic and equatorial Africa: Millennial-scale ITCZ migration

[1] Climate proxy data and numerical models suggest that latitudinal displacements of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) occur during millennial-scale cold events in the North Atlantic region, but the potential effects of these ITCZ movements on the climate of equatorial regions are unclear. Here we present a 5400-year geochemical record of rainfall and drought from Lake Edward in equatorial Africa. We observe a non-linear correlation in which drought in equatorial Africa occurs during both cold and warm extremes in the North Atlantic's 1500-year quasi-cycle. We propose that this relationship occurs due to northward/southward displacement of the ITCZ from its equatorial mean position during warm/cold events. Our results show that millennial-scale high-latitude climate events are linked to changes in equatorial terrestrial climate even during the late Holocene and suggest important constraints on the mechanisms linking tropical and extratropical climate variability.
Affirmative Action in an Institutional Context: The Antecedents of Policy Preferences and Political Support

This study broadens the framework within which the psychology of support for affirmative action policies is examined to include the institutional framework within which such policies are developed and implemented. This broader framework includes concern with electoral support for those who implement affirmative action policies, as well as considering the impact of implementing such policies on the overall legitimacy of government. It also includes evaluations of the fairness of the two key social institutions shaping such policies—government authorities and markets. The results of a survey of Americans suggest that this institutional framework had an important influence on reactions to affirmative action policies that was distinct from direct reactions to policies themselves. In particular, people were more supportive of policies intervening in markets when they believed that markets represented unfair social allocation procedures. Those politicians who supported such policies received greater electoral support when people viewed market procedures as being unfair and when they felt that government decision-making procedures were fair. Evidence suggests that outcomes did not directly shape electoral support or judgments about the legitimacy of government.
Detection of candidates for cancer cell motility inhibitory protein in the Dunning adenocarcinoma model

The more differentiated components of a primary tumor may produce substances that reduce the growth rate and metastatic potential of more aggressive components. In the Dunning R-3327 prostatic adenocarcinoma model, cancer cell motility is required for metastatic potential. Medium conditioned by the non-motile, non-metastatic G subline contains proteins of molecular weight 50–100 kDa that inhibited the motility of the highly motile, highly metastatic MAT-LyLu subline. G subline-conditioned medium was separated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography using a linear gradient of 0–0.5 spm NaCl in 100 mspm Tris at pH 8.3. The motility inhibitory activity of G-conditioned medium was localized to column fractions 51–70 that contained 18% of the applied protein and only 6.5% of the proteins secreted by the G cells. Analysis of pooled fractions 51–00 and 61–70 by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis identified five protein families, with a total of 12 charged proteins of molecular weights approximating 66, 54, 50, 41 and 34 kDa, that were not present or present in reduced quantities in column fractions that did not inhibit motility. Isolation and identification of motility inhibitory protein may prove it the first substance discovered that is produced by a more differentiated component of a neoplasm that directly inhibits a metastasis-associated property.
Functional clustering by Bayesian wavelet methods

Summary. We propose a nonparametric Bayes wavelet model for clustering of functional data. The wavelet-based methodology is aimed at the resolution of generic global and local features during clustering and is suitable for clustering high dimensional data. Based on the Dirichlet process, the nonparametric Bayes model extends the scope of traditional Bayes wavelet methods to functional clustering and allows the elicitation of prior belief about the regularity of the functions and the number of clusters by suitably mixing the Dirichlet processes. Posterior inference is carried out by Gibbs sampling with conjugate priors, which makes the computation straightforward. We use simulated as well as real data sets to illustrate the suitability of the approach over other alternatives.
Diffusion in biofilms

Much of what makes life in a microbial biofilm different from life in a free aqueous suspension can be explained by invoking the phenomenon of diffusion. This article discusses the profound influence of the physics of the diffusion process on the chemistry and biology of the biofilm mode of growth.
Distinct phase relationships between suprachiasmatic molecular rhythms, cerebral cortex molecular rhythms, and behavioral rhythms in early runner (CAST/EiJ) and nocturnal (C57BL/6J) mice.

Study objective We have previously established that CAST/EiJ (CAST) mice differ from normal mice, such as C57BL/6J (B6), in the timing of wheel-running onset relative to light/dark cycles. These mice provide an animal model for studies of the genetic and neurobiological basis for circadian phase misalignment in humans. Neither differences in endogenous circadian period nor the shape of the photic phase response curve explain the difference in the timing of activity onset between CAST and B6 mice, suggesting a mechanism downstream of the circadian clock. Here, we further test the hypothesis that the two strains differ with respect to circadian oscillations at the molecular level. Design Sleep/wake cycles were examined and rhythms of Period1 (Per1) and Period2 (Per2) expression were measured in the cerebral cortex, suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and other hypothalamic regions. Setting Basic sleep and molecular research laboratory. Patients or participants Male mice of the B6 and CAST inbred strains. Interventions None. Measurements and results Sleep/wake cycles were advanced by approximately 4 h in CAST mice relative to B6 mice. This was paralleled by phase-advanced rhythms of Per1 and Per2 expression, as measured byin situ hybridization, in the cerebral cortex of CAST relative to B6. By contrast, the timing of circadian oscillations and the photic induction ofPer1 and Per2 expression in the SCN were unaffected by strain. Conclusion The advanced phase of wheel running and sleep/wake cycles in CAST mice relative to B6 mice is apparently not associated with differences in molecular oscillations in the SCN clock itself, but most likely in mechanisms downstream of the SCN clock. CAST mice may therefore provide a model system to investigate circadian downstream mechanisms underlying unusual patterns of entrainment to the ambient photoperiod. Citation Jiang P; Franklin KM; Duncan MJ; O'Hara BF; Wisor JP. Distinct phase relationships between suprachiasmatic molecular rhythms, cerebral cortex molecular rhythms, and behavioral rhythms in early runner (CAST/EiJ) and nocturnal (C57BL/6J) mice. SLEEP 2012;35(10):1385-1394.
HLA class I polymorphism: structure and function and still questions

The HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C molecules have turned out to be highly polymorphic and functionally complex. They not only serve as peptide receptors, but also interact with beta 2-microglobulin, an alpha beta T cell receptor, CD8 and NK inhibitory molecules, all at different sites. The fact that more than 300 class I alleles have now been defined prompted us to ask the question of where polymorphism really occurs in a class I molecule. We have used a database of 275 HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C alleles to illustrate how extensive the polymorphism is. The data is presented here for comparison of alleles and allele families and to facilitate studies of class I structure and function.
Optical constants of sputtered U and a-Si at 30.4 and 58.4 nm

This paper is a report on our effort to use reflectance measurements of a set of amorphous silicon (a-Si) and uranium (U) multilayer mirrors with an uranium oxide overcoat to obtain the optical constants of a-Si and uranium. The optical constants of U, its oxides, and Si, whether crystalline or amorphous, at 30.4 and 58.4 nm in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) are a source of uncertainty in the design of multilayer optics. Measured reflectances of multilayer mirror coatings do not agree with calculated reflectances using existing optical constants at all wavelengths. We have calculated the magnitude and the direction of the shift in the optical constants of U and a-Si from reflectivity measurements of DC magnetron sputtered a-Si/U multilayers at 30.4 and 58.4 nm. The reflectivity of the multilayers were measured using a UV hollow cathode plasma light source, a 1 meter VUV monochromator, a back-thinned CCD camera, and a channeltron detector. These reflectance measurements were verified by measurements made at LBNL. The reflectances of the multilayer coatings were measured at 14.5 degrees from normal to the mirror surface. The optical constants were calculated using IMD which uses CURVEFIT to fit the optical constants to reflectivity measurements of a range of multilayer mirrors that varied over a span of 150 - 25.0 nm bilayer thickness. The effects of surface oxide and roughness, interdiffusion, and interfacial roughness were numerically subtracted in fitting the optical constants. The (delta) , (beta) determined at 30.4 nm does not well match the values of c-Si published in the literature (HBOC1), but do approach those of a-Si as reported in literature (HBOC). The difference in the optical constants of c-Si and a-Si are larger than can be attributed to differences in density. Why the optical constants of these two materials vary at 30.4 remains an open question.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Developing Emergency Department–based Education About Emergency Contraception: Adolescent Preferences

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to identify adolescent preferences for emergency department (ED)-based education about emergency contraception. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional computerized survey using adaptive conjoint analysis (ACA). Patients were eligible if they were females ages 14 through 19 years old and were seeking care in one of two urban EDs. Patients were excluded if they were too ill to participate in the survey or if they were non-English speaking. Participants completed a computerized survey that used ACA a technique that can be used to assess patients relative preferences for services. ACA uses the individuals answers to update and refine questions through trade-off comparisons so that each respondent answers a customized set of questions. The survey assessed preferences for the following attributes of emergency contraception education: who should deliver the education if anyone (e.g. nurse doctor); how the education should be delivered (e.g. by a person or via video); how often the education should be offered if patients were to frequent the ED (e.g. every time or only when asking for it); length (e.g. 5 minutes 10 minutes); and chief complaint that would trigger the education (e.g. headache or stomach pain). RESULTS: A total of 223 patients were enrolled (37.2% at Hospital 1 and 62.8% at Hospital 2). The mean (+/-SD) age of the participants was 16.1 (+/-1.3) years. Just over half (55%) reported a history of sexual activity; 8% reported a history of pregnancy. Overall the participants preferred education that was delivered by a person specifically a doctor or nurse. They preferred a slightly longer education session and preferred education directed at patients seeking care in the ED for complaints potentially related to sexual activity. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents have specific preferences for how education about emergency contraception would best serve their needs. This information can inform clinicians as they work to improve adolescents knowledge about pregnancy prevention and emergency contraception in particular. (c) 2013 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.
Effects of selenium deficiency on the shape and arrangement of rodent sperm mitochondria

Selenium-deficient male mice were obtained by feeding a selenium-deficient diet for three successive generations to Swiss-Webster mice. Examination of epididymal sperm by transmission electron microscopy revealed progressively increasing alterations in the shape and arrangement of mitochondria within the midpiece. Other midpiece anomalies included acute bends, disorientation of the axoneme and dense fibers, and cytoplasmic masses at atypical locations. Some cross sections showed both the principal piece and midpiece within the same plasma membrane. Negatively stained whole mounts of mitochondrial ghosts prepared from epididymal sperm of normal and first-generation selenium-deficient mice and rats indicated that the selenium-deficient ghosts were smaller, less curved, and more fragile than those of normal sperm mitochondria. Thus, selenium appears to be required for the normal development or stabilization of mitochondria1 shape during spermiogenesis in these rodents.
Performance Characteristics of a New Continuous-Flow Electrophoresis Instrument

Abstract An instrument is described for the continuous separation of particles by means of electrophoresis. The effect of field strength, electrolyte flow rate, and sample flow rate on migration distance and particle band width were investigated. The interrelationships between the various operational parameters and particle band resolution are discussed.
The application of unsymmetrical vinylogous iminium salts and related synthons to the preparation of monosubstituted triazolo [1, 5-a]pyrimidines

Abstract The reaction of vinylogous iminium salts and related analogs with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole to yield 7-substituted and 5-substituted triazolo [1,5-a]pyrimidines is described.
Effects of chronic cocaine administration on the serotonergic system in the rat brain

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received injections of cocaine (20 mg/kg/dose, IP) every 12 h for 14 days and were sacrificed on the 15th day. The chronic cocaine treatment caused an increase in the levels of serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the hippocampus. 5-HIAA levels in the frontal cortex were also increased, but 5-HT levels were unaltered by the chronic cocaine treatment. Similarly, striatal levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA were unchanged by repeated administration of cocaine. Chronic cocaine administration did not alter the density of [3H]8-OH(DPAT), [3H]mesulergine, or [3H]ketanserin binding in the hippocampus, choroid plexus, and frontal cortex, respectively. Furthermore, repeated injection of cocaine did not alter serotonergic-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity. Thus, repeated administration of cocaine causes region-specific alterations in 5-HT levels but does not change the properties of the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1C, or 5-HT2 receptors.
Craigslist Scams and Community Composition: Investigating Online Fraud Victimization

Offline, crime and resulting victimization is not individual incidence. It is also hampered or encouraged by the community in which it is situated. Are community characteristics relevant for victimization online? This paper examines the prevalence of Craigslist-based (automobile) scams across 30 American cities. Our methodology analyses historical scam data and its relationship with economic, structural, and cultural characteristics of the communities that are exposed to fraudulent advertising. We find that Craigslist scams are not random, but targeted towards specific communities. The resulting policy insight is for creating public awareness campaigns addressing educated white males, as they are the most vulnerable.
Coal liquefaction catalysis: Metals deposition in the presence or absence of coal ash

Abstract Catalysts, aged in an ebullating bed reactor, have been characterized for carbon and metals deposition. It appears that the amount of carbon on the catalyst is more dependent upon the reactor temperature than on coal type; this carbon deposition attains a maximum value within the first few days of a run. Metals deposition does vary with coal. The presence of coal ash in a hydrotreater feed may significantly alter metals deposition. For iron, calcium and vanadium deposition is less when coal ash is present and the maximum content of these metals is attained at an earlier time on-stream when ash is present. Sodium, on the other hand, may be deposited to a much greater extent when coal ash is present. Titanium deposition appears to be independent of the coal ash concentration.
Regulated degradation of spindle assembly factors by the anaphase-promoting complex

The ubiquitin ligase anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C) is essential for cell division in all eukaryotes. Loss of APC/C activity arrests cells at metaphase and results in severe aberrations of the mitotic spindle, but how the APC/C regulates spindle formation is not understood. Here, we report that the APC/C promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of four proteins required for Ran-dependent spindle assembly: Bard1, Hmmr, HURP, and NuSAP. Among these substrates, HURP and NuSAP can be degraded during spindle formation when the spindle checkpoint is active. Their degradation requires additional layers of regulation, and both SAFs are only degraded after being released from their inhibitor importin beta by Ran(GTP). Our findings reveal a tightly regulated mechanism by which the APC/C and the GTPase Ran control the abundance of active spindle assembly factors to achieve the accurate formation of the mitotic spindle.
Spectrum of P-wave baryonic excitations in a model with field confinement

We investigate the spectrum of $P$-wave excitations of three quarks confined within a baryon by a uniform external pressure (a hadronic bag). We develop a formalism to take into account the dynamical effects of the motion of the boundary of the bag, and we find that this induces a collective coupling of the quarks, which resolves a degeneracy otherwise present among the energy levels. We find that the lowest states of excitation are those that can be grouped into the (70, $L=1$) representation of $\mathrm{SU}(6)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{O}{(3)}_{L}$, and that the states of the (56, $L=1$) representation should be expected at a definitely higher energy.
Analysis of pion photoproduction data

A partial-wave analysis of single-pion photoproduction data has been completed. This study extends from threshold to 2 GeV in the laboratory photon energy, focusing mainly on the influence of new measurements and model-dependence in the choice of parameterization employed above the two-pion threshold. Results are used to evaluate sum rules and estimate resonance photo-decay amplitudes. These are compared to values obtained in the MAID analysis.
The role of the long-wave approximation in describing the propagation of weakly non-linear waves under the influence of both dispersion and dissipation

Abstract Quantitative comparison between an elementary stationary shock wave solution to the Korteweg-de Vries-Burgers equation and a corresponding elementary solution to Whitham's equation where no long-wave approximation is made shows that this approximation introduces negligible error.
A twenty-seven-node three-dimensional solid element for heat conduction based on p-version

Abstract This paper presents a finite element formulation for a three-dimensional 27-node hierarchical solid element for heat conduction where the element temperature approximation can be of arbitrary polynomial orders p ξ , p η , and p ζ in the ξ, η and ζ directions. The element approximation functions and the corresponding nodal variables are derived directly from the one-dimensional Lagrange interpolation functions of order p ξ , p η and p ζ . This is accomplished by first, establishing one-dimensional hierarchical approximation functions and the corresponding nodal variable operators in the ξ, η and ζ directions for the equivalent three-node configurations that correspond to p ξ +1, p η − 1 and p ζ + 1 equally spaced nodes in ξ, η and ζ directions between −1 and +1 and then taking their products. The resulting approximation functions and nodal variables are hierarchical and the element temperature approximation satisfies C 0 condition. The element properties, i.e., the element matrices and the equivalent heat vectors, are derived using the weak formulation (or the quadratic functional) of the three-dimensional Fourier heat conduction equation and the hierarchical temperature approximation. Since the element temperature approximation is hierarchical, the element matrices and the equivalent heat vectors are hierarchical also, i.e., the element properties corresponding to the polynomial orders p ξ , p η and p ζ are a subset of those corresponding to the polynomial orders ( p ξ + 1), ( p η + 1) and ( p ζ + 1). A novel feature of the present formulation is that the element approximation functions and the nodal variables are derived directly from the traditional one-dimensional Lagrange interpolation functions and thus they automatically satisfy completeness requirement. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, modelling convenience, faster rate of convergence and overall superiority of the present formulation. The h -models were also constructed using twenty-node isoparametric solid elements and the results obtained from them are presented for comparison purposes.
“I Don't Mean to Sound Arrogant, but . . .” The Effects of Using Disclaimers on Person Perception:

Limited research has examined the effects of using disclaimers on person perception, and none has examined disclaimer effectiveness. Four studies test whether disclaimers effectively ward off negative judgments regarding the specific disclaimed traits. Study 1 finds that using an arrogance disclaimer (“I don't mean to sound arrogant, but . . .”) increased judgments of the speaker's arrogance but only when followed by an arrogant comment. Studies 2 and 3 yield similar findings using laziness and selfishness disclaimers. Studies 2, 3, and 4 examine five possible underlying mechanisms regarding why disclaimers can backfire. The most support was obtained for the notion that disclaimers increase an audience's expectations that the speaker will say something consistent with the unwanted trait, which then increases perceptions of that trait in the speaker. We discuss some possible moderating variables as well as some implications of these findings for general impression formation models.
Designing intervention methods for young children with visual impairments to promote vision use

Abstract The majority of children with visual impairments have some useful vision, and it is considered imperative to maximize the use of this vision at an early age to promote optimal development across all domains of function. Vision intervention approaches for young children with vision loss now stress the importance of infusing instruction into a range of developmental areas and functional needs. A working model for organizing vision intervention practices is presented. It describes detailed instructional methods that promote vision skills and behaviors to facilitate the development of exploratory, cognitive, motor, language, and social skills that are incorporated into naturally occurring tasks in the school, the home, and community.
The Dimensions of Commercial Cyberspace

AbstractIn this study, the authors identify twelve dimensions of cyberspace on the Web through factor analyses of data generated by coders of web sites. A lengthy list of Web site attributes is summarized in twelve dimensions. As in previous analyses of differences among entities, overall evaluation accounts for the largest share of variance. The cognitive and affective elements of this dimension distinguish Web sites that attract from Web sites that alienate potential users. The remaining dimensions -- Outreach, Expertise Requirements, Completion, Local vs. International, Power Consumption, Accessibility, Contact Options, Text vs. Pictures, Complexity, Foreign vs. Domestic Origin, and Pop-up Windows - summarize objective properties of Web sites themselves. These properties may be desirable or undesirable depending on the background, needs and purposes of the individual Web user, and upon the nature of the usage situation. All twelve factors have managerial and theoretical implications that are discussed ...
Custodial Grandparent Empowerment: Models of Practice

Numbering more than 2.4 million, custodial grandparents in the United States are 60% more likely to be poor than are noncustodial grandparents. Social inequities that accompany marginal income compound child-rearing challenges faced by kinship families. Empowerment is proposed as a framework to inform research, program development, and advocacy on behalf of custodial grandparents to promote collective and self-efficacy in problem solving, mediate negative health effects of stress, and participate in collective action and advocacy. Empowerment components at the individual, organizational, and community levels are outlined. Four empowerment practice models with custodial grandparents are reviewed, including a case study. Implications for professionals in human services are discussed.
The Quest of the Historical Jesus: A Revisionist History through the Lens of Jewish-Christian Relations

This essay challenges the standard paradigm for the intellectual history of ‘Jesus Quests’ popularized by Albert Schweitzer and mimicked by almost every survey since. I argue that historical reconstruction begins at least with Augustine (perhaps sooner) and with an eye to Jewish-Christian relations. By analyzing key moments in the intellectual history of Jesus studies, I argue that a common thread has been Jewish-Christian relations. This thread suggests that an important (perhaps seminal) impetus for study of the historical Jesus before the Enlightenment and through to the modern period has been largely neglected by the standard ‘Jesus Quests’ paradigm.
Material identification over variation of scene conditions and viewing geometry

As the viewing angle and scene conditions change, the spectral appearance of a material also changes. We present a material identification algorithm for hyperspectral images that is invariant to these changes. Only the solar zenith angle, the viewing angle and sensor altitude, and the spectral reflectance function for the material are required by the algorithm. A material subspace model allows the algorithm to compute an error measure for a given pixel that indicates its similarity to the material. Classification results using USGS mineral reflectance functions and MODTRAN atmospheric functions are presented to demonstrate the performance of the algorithm. Recognition experiments using simulated off-nadir HYDICE images are also presented to demonstrate the use of the algorithm.
Unconventional methods of initiating cationic polymerization using onium salts

Onium salts are latent sources of cationic species that can be released on demand to initiate cationic polymerizations by the application of various external physical and chemical stimuli. This paper will report on the use of several different types of stimuli to provide interesting and useful unconventional methods for initiating cationic polymerizations.
Role of autoinducer‐2 on the adhesion ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus

Aims: Lactobacilli adhere to the intestinal epithelium and this intimate association likely promotes retention in the gastrointestinal tract and communication with the immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the quorum-sensing signalling molecule, autoinducer (AI)-2, was produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus and affected adherence to intestinal epithelial cells. Methods: Microarray analysis of concentrated cells of L. acidophilus NCFM revealed several genes involved in a classic stress response and potentially adhesion. Putative genes linked to the synthesis of the interspecies signalling molecule, AI-2, were overexpressed. Examination of the NCFM genome revealed the complete pathway for AI-2 synthesis. AI-2 activity from NCFM was detected using the Vibrio harveyi BB170 assay system. Using site-specific integration, an isogenic mutation was created in luxS and the resulting mutant did not produce AI-2. In addition to some minor metabolic effects, the luxS mutation resulted in 58% decrease in adherence to Caco-2 cells. Conclusion: L. acidophilus NCFM encodes the genes for synthesis of the quorum-sensing signal, AI-2, and produces this molecule during planktonic growth. Significance and Impact of the Study: The ability to produce AI-2 affects the ability of L. acidophilus to attach to intestinal epithelial cells.
Epidemiology of injuries to wildland firefighters

INTRODUCTION: Wildland fires have significant ecologic and economic impact in the United States. Despite the number of firefighters involved in controlling them, little is known about the injuries that they sustain. We hypothesized that the mechanism of injury would predict injury characteristics and severity of fire-related injuries. METHODS: We examined firefighter injuries reported to the US Department of the Interior from the years 2003 to 2007. Associations between the injury mechanism and the injury diagnosis and body part were assessed. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the odds of disabling injury associated with mechanism of injury after controlling for demographic and temporal variables. RESULTS: A total of 1301 nonfatal injuries to wildland firefighters were reported during the 5-year period. Mechanism of injury was significantly associated with the type of injury and injured body part (P ≤ .001). The most common injury mechanism was slips/trips/falls followed by equipment/tools/machinery. Injuries from poisoning or environmental exposure were less likely to lead to severe injury than slips, trips, or falls (odds ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.95). Compared with injuries in the early and peak season, those in the late season had more than twice the odds of being severe (odds ratio, 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-4.10). DISCUSSION: This study contributes important knowledge for implementing evidence-based injury prevention programs, for planning emergency medical responses on fire incidents and for provoking further inquiry into occupational risk factors affecting this high-risk occupational group. Language: en
Sharing the lights: exploration on teaching electronics for sensory augmentation development

In the spring of 2014 a workshop on Sensory Augmentation was held at the National University of Singapore's Connective Ubiquitous Technology and Embodiments (CUTE) Center. During the workshop, three tutorials were presented followed by individual and team based projects. This paper takes a look at the tutorials developed for the workshop and suggests evaluation through enactive cognition theory.
The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (XXII): nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy

The pharmacotherapy of canine atopic dermatitis has relied primarily on the use of glucocorticoids and anti-histamines. During the last decade, other anti-inflammatory drugs have been investigated in clinical trials. This paper will review the studies using misoprostol, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, capsaicin, leukotriene inhibitors and serotonin-reuptake inhibitors for treatment of dogs with atopic dermatitis. For each drug the mechanism of action, the rationale for use in atopic dermatitis, the clinical efficacy, reported adverse effects and strength of recommendation for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis are described. At the time of this writing, there is fair evidence to support the recommendation for using cyclosporine, misoprostol and pentoxifylline for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. This recommendation can be strengthened by the performance of additional blinded randomized controlled trials with larger number of dogs. In contrast, there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against treatment with tacrolimus, leukotriene inhibitors, serotonin-reuptake antagonists and capsaicin.
Differential resurgence and response elimination

Resurgence refers to the transient recovery of previously reinforced, but presently not reinforced, responding when more recently reinforced responding is extinguished. The primary purpose of our research was to determine how differential resurgence results from the procedures used to eliminate that responding. There were three conditions in each of five experiments. In Condition 1, key pecking by pigeons was maintained under a two-component multiple variable-interval (VI) 30-s VI 30-s schedule. In Condition 2, this pecking was eliminated in different ways across components. In Condition 3, extinction was in effect for all responses, and resurgence of key pecking was compared across components. These three conditions were repeated for most pigeons, and the procedures used to eliminate responding in Condition 2 varied across experiments. In Experiment 1, there was greater resurgence, and an earlier onset of it, after a differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior (DRO) schedule than after a VI schedule was correlated with pecking an alternative key. Experiments 2 and 3 showed that the differential resurgence in Experiment 1 probably was not due to conditional stimulus control or the periodicity of food delivery, respectively. In Experiment 4, there was no systematic difference in resurgence after either a DRO schedule or a VI schedule correlated with treadle pressing. In Experiment 5, there was greater resurgence, and/or an earlier onset of it, after a VI schedule correlated with treadle pressing than after a VI schedule correlated with pecking an alternative key. Taken together, the results showed that the reinforcement of an alternative key-peck response was the most effective means of reducing subsequent key-peck resurgence. The relation of these results to an understanding of resurgence is discussed.
Does antiplatelet therapy affect outcomes of patients receiving abdominal laparoscopic surgery? Lessons from more than 1,000 laparoscopic operations in a single tertiary referral hospital.

Background The effect of antiplatelet therapy (APT) on surgical blood loss and perioperative complications in patients receiving abdominal laparoscopic surgery still remains unclear. Study Design A total of 1,075 consecutive patients undergoing abdominal laparoscopic surgery between 2005 and 2011 were reviewed. Our perioperative management protocol consisted of interruption of APT 1 week before surgery and early postoperative reinstitution in low thromboembolic risk patients (n = 160, iAPT group). Preoperative APT was maintained in patients with high thromboembolic risk or emergent situation (n = 52, cAPT group). Perioperative and outcomes variables of cAPT and iAPT groups, including bleeding and thromboembolic complications, were compared with those of patients without APT (non-APT group, n = 863). Results In this cohort, 715 basic and 360 advanced laparoscopic operations were included. No patient suffering excessive intraoperative bleeding due to continuation of APT was observed. There were 10 postoperative bleeding complications (0.9%) and 3 thromboembolic events (0.3%), but the surgery was free of both complications in the cAPT group. No significant differences were found between the groups in operative blood loss, blood transfusion rate, and the occurrence of bleeding and thromboembolic complications. Multivariable analyses showed that multiple antiplatelet agents (p = 0.015) and intraoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.046) were significant prognostic factors for postoperative bleeding complications. Increased thromboembolic complications were independently associated with high New York Heart Association class (p = 0.019) and history of cerebral infarction (p = 0.048), but not associated with APT use. Conclusions Abdominal laparoscopic operations were successfully performed without any increase in severe complications in patients with APT compared with the non-APT group under our rigorous perioperative assessment and management. Maintenance of single APT should be considered in patients with high thromboembolic risk, even when an abdominal laparoscopic approach is considered.
Myospheres Are Composed of Two Cell Types: One That Is Myogenic and a Second That Is Mesenchymal

Previously, in an attempt to isolate stem cells that would be capable of regenerating injured skeletal muscle, we cultured cells derived from muscle, non-adherently, in serum-free media. As a result of the culture conditions used, these cells formed spheres, and thus were referred to as myospheres. It was found that myosphere-derived cells expressed Sca-1, a marker that is not typically associated with myogenic cells, and as a result has generated some questions as to the origin of these cells. The goal of this study was to clearly determine the origin of myosphere-derived cells, and in particular to answer the question of whether myospheres contain myogenic cells. To determine if myospheres were composed of myogenic cells without altering the structure of myospheres or the culture conditions used to maintain myospheres, I isolated these cells from yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-Myf5, YFP-MyoD, and ZsGreen-Pax7 lineage-tracing mice and monitored their growth over time. I found that myospheres do contain myogenic cells, but that these cells are gradually lost over time (within 2 months). Additionally, the use of the lineage-tracing mice gave an interesting perspective into the composition of myospheres. I found that myospheres were composed of two distinct cell types, one that is myogenic (α7 integrin+) and contains cells expressing Myf5, MyoD, and Pax7, and a second that is non-myogenic (α7 integrin-) expressing platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) and Sca-1, both of which have been associated with fibro/adipocyte mesenchymal cells.
Relation between physical and gravitational geometry.

The appearance of two geometries in a single gravitational theory is familiar. Usually, as in the Brans-Dicke theory or in string theory, these are conformally related Riemannian geometries. Is this the most general relation between the two geometries allowed by physics? We study this question by supposing that the physical geometry on which matter dynamics takes place could be Finslerian rather than just Riemannian. An appeal to the weak equivalence principle and causality then leads us to the conclusion that the Finsler geometry has to reduce to a Riemann geometry whose metric, the physical metric, is related to the gravitational metric by a generalization of the conformal transformation involving a scalar field.
Typical values for preclustered data

Quite often, a given data set seems to have a "typical value" although its expected value fails to represent it. In this case, it is suggested to replace the classical "expected value" (EV) and "standard deviation" (SD) by the "weighted expected value" (WEV) and weighted deviation (WD). The WEV which represents the "most typical value" of the given data, is a solution to an associated nonlinear equation. The WD is derived explicitly from the data and the WEV and measures the latter's "grade of typicality". >
TRANSPORT OF GAS-LIQUID FLOWS THROUGH VERTICAL COLUMNS

Abstract Applicability of a theoretical model, based on the fundamental governing equations of fluid motion is investigated to predict two-phase bubbly air-water flow structure through vertical columns. The model predictions are compared to experimental data for a wide range of flow parameters. The relative importance of various modes of interfacial momentum transfer, under different flow conditions, is also examined. It is found that correct estimation of the interfacial momentum transfer is necessary for agreement between the predictions and experimental data. The present study shows that the flow structure for air-water flows through vertical columns depends on the inlet flow conditions. This model predicts the experimentally observed trends well. In most cases the experimental data of local liquid velocity and gas volume fraction agree well with the calculated values.
Lactobacillus brevis-based bioingredient inhibits Aspergillus niger growth on pan bread

Bread shelf life is generally compromised by fungi mainly belonging to Aspergillus and Penicillium genera, which colonise the surface of the product within few days from the production. The aim of this study was to select a Lactobacillus brevis -based bioingredient (LbBio) able to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus niger ITEM5132 on pan bread in order to prolong its shelf life. Four LbBio formulations, obtained by growing a selected L. brevis strain in a flour-based medium containing different carbon sources or acid precursors (fructose, LbBio1; fructose and maltose, LbBio2; α-chetoglutaric acid, LbBio3; short-chain fructooligosaccharides, LbBio4), were evaluated for their content of organic acids (lactic, acetic, propionic, phenyllactic, 4-hydroxy-phenyllactic, valeric, isovaleric acids). The LbBio formulations were applied in yeast-leavened bread during bread-making trials and the resulting products were inoculated after baking with A. niger spore’s suspension and the fungal growth was monitored during storage (25°C for 6 days). The formulation showing the highest inhibitory activity was separated by ultra-filtration method, and whole and fractions obtained were evaluated for their in vitro activity. The fraction showing the highest activity was further separated by gel-filtration and the resulting products were investigated for their protein content and in vitro inhibition. The results from the bread-making trials performed using different formulations of LbBio showed a delay in fungal growth (1 day) respect to the bread not containing the bioingredient (control) or including calcium propionate (0.3% w/w). The formulation LbBio2, prepared with fructose and maltose 1% (w/vol), contained the highest amount of total organic acids, including phenyllactic and hydroxyl-phenyllactic acids, and reduced the visual spoilage of bread. This formulation was separated by ultra-filtration and fractions containing metabolites with molecular weight higher than 30 kDa showed high inhibitory effect in the in vitro assay. In particular, the microfluidic analysis highlighted the presence of a protein with a molecular weight of 56 kDa only in the active fraction. Further studies have to be done in order to identify the protein involved in the antifungal activity.
Involvement of reactive oxygen species in the electrochemical inhibition of barnacle (Amphibalanus amphitrite) settlement

The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in electrochemical biofouling inhibition was investigated using a series of abiotic tests and settlement experiments with larvae of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite, a cosmopolitan fouler. Larval settlement, a measure of biofouling potential, was reduced from 43% ± 14% to 5% ± 6% upon the application of pulsed electric signals. The application of ROS scavengers such as glutathione and catalase counteracted the inhibitory effects of the electric signals, allowing settlement, and thus indicating that ROS are antifouling agents. Based on the experimental evidence, the proposed mechanism for ROS-based fouling prevention with interdigitated electrodes involved the electrochemical generation of hydrogen peroxide by oxygen reduction, and its likely reduction to hydroxyl radicals. Either hydroxyl radicals or products of hydroxyl radical reactions appeared to be the main deterrents of larval settlement.
A broadband down converter for 4- and 6-GHz radio systems

A description is given of the design of a broadband downconverter to cover both 4-GHz and 6-GHz common carrier bands. The downconverter was tested as a replacement for the downconverter in both the MDR-2204 and MDR-2306 4-GHz and 6-GHz radio systems, respectively. Excellent results have been observed in both radio systems. In threshold bit error rate (BER) tests, the downconverter provided 1.2-dB better performance than both radio systems. In overload BER tests, the downconverter showed a 0.5-dB better performance. The features credited for the good performance are: (1) the noise figure of the low-noise amplifier is less than 1.7 dB over the band; (2) the phase noise of the local oscillator is quite low; (3) the two-tone third-order intercept point of the downconverter is above 26 dBm; and (4) the image rejection is greater than 20 dB over the band. >
Adaptive target detection with a polarization-sensitive optical system

We developed an adaptive polarimetric target detector (APTD) to determine the optimum combination strategy for a multichannel polarization-sensitive optical system. The proposed algorithm is based on scene-derived polarization properties of the target and background, and it seeks to find an optimum multichannel combination of linear polarizing filters that maximizes the signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) in intensity and Stokes parameter images. The algorithm is validated by performing RX anomaly detection and a generalized likelihood ratio test on both synthetic and real imagery. The experimental results are analyzed through calculated SCR and receiver operating characteristic curves. Compared with several conventional operation methods, we find that better target detection performance is achieved with the APTD algorithm.