cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smart Messages: A Distributed Computing Platform for Networks of Embedded Systems

In this paper, we present the design and implementation of Smart Messages, a distributed computing platform for networks of embedded systems based on execution migration. A Smart Message (SM) is a user-defined distributed program which executes on nodes of interest, named by their properties, and uses an explicit lightweight migration to reach these nodes. During migrations, an SM carries its code and execution state, and it self-routes at each intermediate node between two nodes of interest. The nodes in the network cooperate to support the SM execution by providing a virtual machine and a sharedmemory region addressable by names (tag space). To illustrate the flexibility of SMs to program real world applications, we describe EZCab, an application for booking cabs in densely populated urban areas.We also present experimental results to quantify the performance achieved by the SM prototype.
Effects of proton irradiation on the magnetic properties of GaGdN and GaCrN

GaGdN and GaCrN films grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy were irradiated with high energy (10 and 40?MeV) protons at a fluence of 5 ? 109?cm?2 to examine the effect on magnetization. This dose is equivalent to the exposure expected in 10 years in low-earth orbit space missions. Both photoluminescence intensity and magnetization of the films showed significant decreases with irradiation. The largest response was observed with GaGdN, which experienced a 50?60% loss in band edge luminescence and 11?83% loss in magnetic saturation. After annealing the irradiated samples at 500?? C under a nitrogen plasma ambient, both types of films experienced a complete recovery in magnetic properties. The fact that the introduction of point defects did not increase the magnetization is evidence against unpaired bonds from defects in the film being responsible for the magnetic properties in the films.
Effects of juglone concentration on growth in vitro ofFrankia ArI3 andRhizobium japonicum strain 71.

Nitrogen-fixing nurse crops and cocrops of plant species nodulated byFrankia andRhizobium have been used to promote the growth of black walnut trees. Although walnut is known to inhibit the growth of certain associated plants due to its allelopathic derivative juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-napthoquinone), juglone inhibition of symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing soil microorganisms had not been investigated. This research revealed that a concentration of 10−3 M juglone absolutely inhibited the growth in vitro of aFrankia isolate from root nodules of red alder and ofRhizobium japonicum strain 71. Lesser concentrations of juglone inhibited the growth of these bacteria relative to the controls. The more-rapidly growingRhizobium strain exhibited slight growth at 10−4 M juglone concentration, whereasFrankia growth was completely inhibited. Considering both the susceptibility of the host plant and nitrogen-fixing endophyte to the allelochemical juglone, caution should be exercised in selecting nitrogen-fixing plants as nurse crops for black walnut.
Construction and modification of 3D geometry using a sketch-based interface

We present an interactive pen-based computer program for designing 3D objects through direct sketching. The proposed techniques are tailored toward the creation of free-form curves and surfaces, and are therefore particulary useful for styling design purposes. In our approach, the design process consists of two main steps. In the first step, the user designs a wireframe model by sketching its constituent curves in 3D. Using purely sketch-based operations, the initial curves can then be modified as desired. In the second step, the user constructs interpolating surfaces on the wireframe to obtain a solid model. Again, through sketch-based operations, the user can modify the initial surfaces, and specify the boundary conditions if necessary. In addition to the main modeling operations, a gesture-based command interface allows many of the frequently used commands to be input through pen strokes. The utility of our system is demonstrated with various examples.
Cellular deformation reversibly depresses RT-PCR detectable levels of bone-related mRNA

Osteoblastic cells respond to mechanical stimuli with alterations in proliferation and/or phenotypic expression. In some cases, these responses occur within only a few applications of stimuli (i.e. 'cycle-dependent trigger response') rather than in a dose-dependent manner. To explore potential mechanisms of the cycle dependent trigger response, we raised the following questions: (1) Does strain of bone cells alter gene expression; if so, how quickly does it occur and how long does it last? (2) Are alterations in message level strain magnitude dependent? (3) Are alterations in steady-state message levels cycle dependent? Cultures were evaluated for osteocalcin mRNA one week following a daily stretch application at four stretch magnitudes and four cycle numbers and compared to nonstretched controls. Steady state mRNA message was ascertained prior to and at 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min following initiation of stretch. Following mRNA isolation, first strand cDNA synthesis was performed and fluorometrically quantitated. A reverse transcriptase based PCR (RT-PCR) approach allowed assessment of osteocalcin mRNA levels from microcultures (50,000 cells per 10 microliters culture or 5000 cells mm2) of rat calvarial osteoblasts. Optimized PCR was performed using primers to the bone specific protein, osteocalcin (OC) and two 'housekeeping' genes, beta-actin and GAP-DH. PCR products were separated on 4% agarose gels and band intensities digitized with relative quantitation based on internal standards in each gel. The lowest magnitude of stretch (- 1 KPa) at 1800 cycles per day reproducibly depressed message for osteocalcin, but not beta-actin when assayed immediately following the cessation of strain application. By three hours following the initiation of stretch, message levels returned to control values. At the time of stretch cessation, the 1800 cycle stretch regimen diminished (p < 0.0001) steady-state osteocalcin message independently of the four stretch magnitudes. Stretch for 300 cycles failed to depress (p = 0.05) osteocalcin message cultures at any time, but 600 cycles depressed message by 30 min. By one and two hours, cultures stretch 600, 900, and 1800 cycles showed similar levels of message depression. Four hours following the initiation of stretch, message levels returning to nonstrained levels in all groups. We conclude that alterations in cell response to strain are in part mediated by gene expression, that alterations last 3-4 h in this system, and that the message mechanism itself exhibits a trigger-response dependency to cycle number.
Sensory aspects of consumer choices for meat and meat products

The topics discussed in this paper are the changing demand for meat and the factors that influence this demand. These factors include increased health concerns, change in demographics, the need for convenience, changes in the distribution of meat, and price. Finally, the paper covers the meat industry's need for understanding the consumer and the measurement methods used to assess consumer preferences.
The Ethnic Responses of Whites: What Causes Their Instability, Simplification, and Inconsistency?

This article analyzes some inconsistent or puzzling observations in the data derivedfrom the new approach to measuring ethnicity first used in the 1980 census. These puzzles include the simplification of children's origins by parents who each have a different single ethnic origin, inconsistencies in the ethnic origins that parents ascribe to their children, and changes in the pattern of ancestry responses across the life span of individuals. Through careful analysis of the pattern of reporting of ethnic ancestry, we explore whether these puzzles are due to technical inadequacies of census design or to true substantive changes in the conceptualization of ethnic origin among whites in the U.S. For those changes we determine to be primarily substantive, we explore the social forces shaping the observed changes and some of the consequences of these changes for the size and composition of ethnic ancestry groups in the U.S. We also outline the implications of some of these changes for future empirical research and theorzing on
X-Band high power dry load for NLCTA

The specifications for the RF load to be used for absorbing the traveling wave at the end of an NLCTA accelerator section are that it be well matched over a broad band of frequencies (10% minimum), centered at 11.424 GHz, and capable of handling up to 63 MW peak and 3 kW average power. We present a ceramic (Aluminum Nitride+7% glassy carbon) load design which satisfies these requirements. It consists of a thin strip of dielectric material with a tapered surface placed inside each narrow wall of the waveguide. The complex dielectric constant of the ceramic at X-Band frequencies was first determined by measurement. Based on the measured values, a MAFIA model is used to evaluate the matching and the power dissipation. Results of the simulations indicate an optimal thickness of 0.045 in and overall length of 10 in.
DockingShop: a tool for interactive protein docking

The molecular docking problem is to determine how molecules interact with other molecules and plays a key role in understanding how cells function. DockingShop is an integrated environment far interactively steering molecular docking by navigating a ligand or protein to the receptor's estimated binding site. This tool provides a graphical interface for molecular modeling featuring real-time visual guides, interactive manipulation, navigation, optimization, and dynamic visualization enabling users to apply their biological knowledge to steer the docking process.
An exact algorithm for providing multi-perspective event coverage in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks

Deployment of cameras in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSNs) is crucial in achieving good coverage, accuracy and fault tolerance. With the decreased costs of wireless cameras, WMSNs provide opportunities for redundant camera deployment in order to get multiple disparate views of events. Referred to as multi-perspective coverage (MPC), this paper proposes an optimal solution for camera deployment that can achieve full MPC for a given region. The solution is based on a Bi-Level mixed integer program (MIP) which works by solving two sub-problems named master and sub-problems. The master problem identifies a solution based on an initial set of points and then calls the sub-problem to cover the uncovered points iteratively. Experiments show that our solution can provide full MPC with less number of cameras compared to traditional solutions.
Using Business Simulations as Authentic Assessment Tools.

New modalities for assessing student learning exist as a result of advances in computer technology. Conventional measurement practices have been transformed into computer based testing. Although current testing replicates assessment processes used in college classrooms, a greater opportunity exists to use computer technology to create authentic assessments. Assessments that mirror real world scenarios and often teach and enhance skill building while measuring student achievement. This case study examines the evaluation of business simulations as authentic assessment instruments using the five dimensions of authenticity developed by Gulikers, Bastiaens and Kirschner (2004). The paper will conclude with a review of business simulations available in the marketplace.
Effect of Convective Entrainment/Detrainment on the Simulation of the Tropical Precipitation Diurnal Cycle*

Abstract A regional atmospheric model (RegCM) developed at the International Pacific Research Center (IPRC) is used to investigate the effect of assumed fractional convective entrainment/detrainment rates in the Tiedtke mass flux convective parameterization scheme on the simulated diurnal cycle of precipitation over the Maritime Continent region. Results are compared with observations based on 7 yr of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite measurements. In a control experiment with the default fractional convective entrainment/detrainment rates, the model produces results typical of most other current regional and global atmospheric models, namely a diurnal cycle with precipitation rates over land that peak too early in the day and with an unrealistically large diurnal range. Two sensitivity experiments were conducted in which the fractional entrainment/detrainment rates were increased in the deep and shallow convection parameterizations, respectively. Both of these modifications slightl...
Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts Based on Reforecast Analogs: Theory and Application

A general theory is proposed for the statistical correction of weather forecasts based on observed analogs. An estimate is sought for the probability density function (pdf) of the observed state, given today’s numerical forecast. Assume that an infinite set of reforecasts (hindcasts) and associated observations are available and that the climate is stable. Assume that it is possible to find a set of past model forecast states that are nearly identical to the current forecast state. With the dates of these past forecasts, the asymptotically correct probabilistic forecast can be formed from the distribution of observed states on those dates. Unfortunately, this general theory of analogs is not useful for estimating the global pdf with a limited set of reforecasts, for the chance of finding even one effectively identical forecast analog in that limited set is vanishingly small, and the climate is not stable. Nonetheless, approximations can be made to this theory to make it useful for statistically correcting weather forecasts. For instance, when estimating the state in a local region, choose the dates of analogs based on a pattern match of the local weather forecast; with a few decades of reforecasts, there are usually many close analogs. Several approximate analog techniques are then tested for their ability to skillfully calibrate probabilistic forecasts of 24-h precipitation amount. A 25-yr set of reforecasts from a reduced-resolution global forecast model is used. The analog techniques find past ensemble-mean forecasts in a local region that are similar to today’s ensemble-mean forecasts in that region. Probabilistic forecasts are formed from the analyzed weather on the dates of the past analogs. All of the analog techniques provide dramatic improvements in the Brier skill score relative to basing probabilities on the raw ensemble counts or the counts corrected for bias. However, the analog techniques did not produce guidance that was much more skillful than that produced by a logistic regression technique. Among the analog techniques tested, it was determined that small improvements to the baseline analog technique that matches ensemble-mean precipitation forecasts are possible. Forecast skill can be improved slightly by matching the ranks of the mean forecasts rather than the raw mean forecasts by using highly localized search regions for shorter-term forecasts and larger search regions for longer forecasts, by matching precipitable water in addition to precipitation amount, and by spatially smoothing the probabilities.
Numerical computation of bridge probabilities

This paper contains an analysis of the problem of computing the joint probability density of the honor card point count in each of four hands in the game of bridge. Efficient representation of the data is considered. Computational algorithms are given for dealing with a compressed form of the density. From the joint density, the densities of the point count in the best and worst hands are obtained. Also obtained is the conditional distribution that a partnership has m points given that one of the partners has n1 points.
Response Time Analysis for the Abort-and-Restart Event Handlers of the Priority-Based Functional Reactive Programming (P-FRP) Paradigm

Programming microcontrollers is a different paradigm from microprocessor programming. The traditional way to program microcontrollers is to write the program in C or an assembly language, but modern embedded systems are more complex. The Priority-based Functional Reactive Programming (P-FRP) paradigm could make microcontroller programming better. P-FRP makes it possible to treat programs as functions (stateless) and amenable to proofs and type-safety. In this paper, we focus on the abort-and-restart event handler semantics of P-FRP, which is neither a concurrency control policy nor a true scheduling policy. Instead, it is a policy in which the most important task is scheduled first. This paper refines the response time analysis for the abort-and-restart model on single-core systems.
Bilateral renal artery thrombosis secondary to acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Renal artery thrombosis is a rare, but serious and often under-diagnosed condition. We report a case of bilateral renal artery thrombosis secondary to acute necrotizing pancreatitis. A 66-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and acute kidney injury (AKI). A renal biopsy showed organized intraluminal thrombi and a computer tomography scan of the abdomen showed bilateral renal artery thrombosis. Emergent laprotomy showed necrosed pancreas. Doppler studies showed deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities and internal jugular vein thrombosis. Workup for hypercoagulability was unremarkable. The final diagnosis was AKI secondary to bilateral renal artery thrombosis probably due to hypercoagulability of acute necrotizing pancreatitis.
The Aztec Aristocracy in Colonial Mexico

The student of Aztec “aristocracy” in its colonial period (1519–1810) confronts an historical situation of which the abstract conditions are familiar from other (and often much better known) instances of conquest and long-term adaptation. Romans and Barbarians, Moslems and Christians, Whites and Negroes, and additional examples will immediately suggest themselves. The situation is one wherein a given society, previously independent, suffers subjugation under an external society to the extent that its whole hierarchy of class stratification is subordinated to a new and foreign upper class. The society is demoted as a whole, and whereas for lower classes this entails only a further degradation, for ruling classes the change is absolute, from a dominant to a subordinate rank. Theoretically, at least, one could expect stimulus and response in greatest degree and greatest incidence in the group whose position is most seriously affected.
Thermal characterization of acrylic-based latex blend films by modulated and pulsed differential scanning calorimetry

Abstract A complete thermal characterization of acrylic-based latex blend films is presented here using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) and pulsed differential scanning calorimetry (pulsed-DSC). These blend films are prepared from aqueous-based latices of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-ethyl acrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate). The copolymer compositions are controlled to yield glass transition temperatures, Tg, of 45°C and −5°C, respectively. The presence of two distinct glass transition temperatures at all compositions confirm the phase separated nature of these blends. There is partial miscibility at intermediate compositions arising from significant segmental inter-diffusion across the particle interface. Constant temperature pulsed-DSC experiments, as well as those through the Tg, yield a rate-independent specific heat profile for these blends.
Simultaneous stiffness–damping optimization of structures with respect to acceleration, displacement and base shear

In this study the variation of the optimal stiffness and damping placement using a generalized objective function is presented that considers simultaneously displacements, absolute accelerations and base shear. The norm of the displacement, absolute acceleration and base shear transfer function is evaluated at the fundamental natural frequency of the system and its value is updated at every step of iteration. Its amplitude is minimized subject to a constraint of total stiffness and total damping. The optimization algorithm has been verified through numerical examples of a six-story building with soft story behavior, in a tall building with non-uniform stiffness and in a more practical planar frame. For every case study dynamic response analysis is performed using an ensemble of 25 accelerograms and results are shown in terms of mean of the peak maximum response and in the frequency domain.
American racial ideology as collective representation

(1982). American racial ideology as collective representation. Ethnic and Racial Studies: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 99-119.
Tempered Enthusiasm for Digitally Enabled Networks in International Development

night, but they number in the hundreds of millions. Malnutrition contributes to the deaths of more than 3.1 million children annually; more than 350 children die every hour. One fifth of our global population does not have access to electricity, one in ten people on earth live without clean drinking water, and nearly half a billion women cannot read or write. While we have made tremendous progress in the fight against poverty, these numbers are still too high. Moreover, those who work to reduce hunger know that the years ahead will test the mettle of our global food system, with increased climate variability, strained natural resource systems, and expanding populations. In the complex fight against global poverty, we rarely come across a gamechanger, but we have one now. The digital connectedness that has enveloped our planet is proving transformative for those working in international development. New ways of collecting data, sharing knowledge, exchanging money, and connecting people have created the potential for radical change in how we work to improve the lives of the poor. From crowdfunding microfinance, to SMS-enabled crop disease mapping, to citizen journalists broadcasting from conflict zones, digitally enabled networks offer opportunities to address old problems in new ways. The widespread use of mobile phones by the poor has brought greater access to information and services, as well as important efficiencies through improvements in communication. In the past we often have failed, however, to employ information and communication technologies (ICTs) in ways that have sustainable, scalable impacts on the poor. The ICT for Development (ICTD) field has been steered by a combination of technophilic fervor and academic analysis, with insufficient attention to on-theground realities, business models, and an understanding of how people in developing countries value and use technology. Now a growing number of skeptics caution that the enormous potential for ICT-driven change that excites those working in international development may be far from the reality that materializes among
Effects of Estradiol on Deoxyribonucleic Acid Polymerase α Activity in the Ishikawa Human Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Cell Line

The effects of estradiol on DNA polymerase α activity were investigated in an estrogen-responsive human endometrial cancer cell line (Ishikawa) derived from a well differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma. These cells are known to respond to estradiol by increasing progesterone receptor levels, alkaline phosphatase activity, and cell density. Four- to 5-fold increases in DNA polymerase α activity occurred when estradiol was added to cultures of Ishikawa cells in medium containing charcoal-treated fetal bovine serum. Maximal stimulation was achieved at 18 h during incubations with 10−8 M estradiol, but significant effects also were found with 10−9 and 10 −6M. These effects were almost completely counteracted by a 100-fold excess of 4-hydroxytamoxifen. At 10−6 M, the antiestrogen hadno influence on the basal levels of DNA polymerase α. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (10−6 M) was ineffective as either an enhancer of enzymatic activity or an antiestrogen when tested in combination with 10−8 M estradiol, even in...
Intercellular bridges as protoplasmic anastomoses between smooth muscle cells.

In electron microscopic studies, protoplasmic anastomoses were found to occur between smooth muscle cells in the gastrointestinal tracts of rats. The protoplasmic connections are apparently cylindrical in form and contain cytoplasm having a density similar to that of the cellular regions connected. The membranes enclosing the cytoplasmic connections are continuous with the membranes of the connected cells. These connecting structures have been called intercellular bridges, which is adequately descriptive if emphasis is placed on the interpretation that they represent protoplasmic anastomoses. To emphasize this, the term may be modified; i.e., anastomotic intercellular bridges. In some cellular connections, transverse diffuse lines are seen. These may be interpreted as either disintegrating or reforming plasma membranes which is consistent with the concept that protoplasmic continuity is transitory. Since the animals were dissected under hypothermia, reduction of muscular activity by the chilling may have helped to preserve the structure of existing anastomotic intercellular bridges. The intercellular protoplasmic anastomoses may play a role in the conduction of action potentials from one smooth muscle cell to another.
Gene Ontology annotation quality analysis in model eukaryotes

Functional analysis using the Gene Ontology (GO) is crucial for array analysis, but it is often difficult for researchers to assess the amount and quality of GO annotations associated with different sets of gene products. In many cases the source of the GO annotations and the date the GO annotations were last updated is not apparent, further complicating a researchers’ ability to assess the quality of the GO data provided. Moreover, GO biocurators need to ensure that the GO quality is maintained and optimal for the functional processes that are most relevant for their research community. We report the GO Annotation Quality (GAQ) score, a quantitative measure of GO quality that includes breadth of GO annotation, the level of detail of annotation and the type of evidence used to make the annotation. As a case study, we apply the GAQ scoring method to a set of diverse eukaryotes and demonstrate how the GAQ score can be used to track changes in GO annotations over time and to assess the quality of GO annotations available for specific biological processes. The GAQ score also allows researchers to quantitatively assess the functional data available for their experimental systems (arrays or databases).
Discussion of Firms' Off‐Balance Sheet and Hybrid Debt Financing: Evidence from Their Book‐Tax Reporting Differences

Mills and Newberry examine the extent to which firms use off-balance sheet financing and the factors associated with the use of off-balance sheet financing. The novel aspect of their article is to infer the extent of off-balance sheet financing by comparing interest expense on the financial statements with interest expense on the tax return. The idea is that although firms may have incentives to keep debt off their balance sheet, they also have incentives to include interest expense on their tax returns. Mills and Newberry assert that it is common to structure off-balance sheet financing arrangements so that the firm receives the benefits of the interest deduction for tax purposes while avoiding reporting the obligation and the interest expense on its financial statements. Thus, firms with off-balance sheet financing are likely to have tax interest expense that exceeds financial reporting interest expense. The difference between tax and financial reporting interest expense is used to measure the extent of off-balance sheet financing.
Baroreceptor afferent discharge in the pregnant rat.

Pregnancy is associated with blunted reflex responses to cardiac and arterial baroreceptor stimulation. We tested the hypothesis that arterial baroreceptor afferent discharge is attenuated in response to a pressure stimulus in pregnant rats. Multifiber aortic depressor nerve activity (ADNA), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate were measured in anesthetized (pentobarbital sodium, 35 mg/kg ip) late-pregnant and virgin rats in response to increases ?phenylephrine (PE), 1.5-24 microg. kg(-1). min(-1) and 1-16 microg/kg and decreases ?sodium nitroprusside (SNP), 5-80 microg. kg(-1). min(-1) and 0.05-16 microg/kg in MAP. Resting MAP was lower in pregnant rats, but changes in MAP were similar to those in virgin rats during both PE and SNP administration. ADNA was significantly attenuated in pregnant animals during both PE and SNP infusions (P < 0.05) due to a more rapid adaptation to the pressure stimulus. Bolus drug administration evoked similar changes in MAP and ADNA in both groups; however, the maximum decrease in ADNA was achieved at the lowest dose of SNP in pregnant rats. Thus baroreceptor afferent discharge is attenuated in pregnant rats, and this involves a more rapid adaptation to a pressure stimulus.
Imposture, in the Guantánamo Lawyers: Inside a Prison, Outside the Law

A journey into the world that has sprung up around the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, through the eyes of one of the lawyers for the prisoners held there without charge or process. People and things are rarely as they seem, names are stripped away and contorted, and truth and justice are as foreign as freedom to this prison outside the law
Philosophy of Tort Law: Between the Esoteric and the Banal

The string of words, 'Philosophy of tort law' may seem like a random conjunction of academic topic nouns selected from columns in a word game. If the phrase has a comical ring, it is because tort law is among the most practical and least high-falutin' areas of law. Tort law deals with car accidents, medical malpractice, and defective lawn mowers, matters seemingly far from the celestial concerns of the philosopher. And so, like the lobster ice cream sold in a sea-faring tourist town, the existence of philosophy of tort law as a subject may seem to be proof that people will swallow just about anything that can be served up. This essay explains why, notwithstanding its uneasy seat between the esoteric and the banal, the philosophy of tort law is an important and genuine subject. The subject is important at three levels: the level of common law doctrinal and policy debate, the level of jurisprudence and legal theory, and the level at which jurisprudence contributes to moral and political philosophy more broadly. Probing the work of Epstein, Weinrib, Coleman, Fletcher, Perry, Ripstein, Keating, Goldberg and others, this essay sketches key contributions in all of these areas. It begins by arguing that, in connection with several live issues of tort law and policy, courts themselves reached difficult theoretical junctures within the past thirty years. These theoretical dilemmas quite naturally presented the legal academy with genuinely philosophical questions about the relation of fault to responsibility, and more generally about causation, duty, and several other highly contested concepts that virtually shout out for philosophical analysis. Second, it argues that certain fundamental debates within jurisprudence and legal theory have been most seriously developed within the philosophy of tort law: most particularly, the debate between utilitarians and deontologists on the nature of the normative framework embodied by private law, and the debate between instrumentalists and conceptualists on how best to interpret legal concepts. Third, it argues that philosophy of tort law has contributed substantially to two important aspects of moral and political philosophy more broadly: by enriching and exemplifying what it is crudely referred to as the 'contextuality' of moral reasoning, and by developing a notion of justice that is sophisticated, but distinct from distributive justice.
Abstract 15832: Complete Heart Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Both transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) are associated with risk of complete heart block requiring a pacemaker. Pooled meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relative risk of developing complete heart block with the above procedures. Methods: All electronic databases were queried and studies reporting outcomes of heart block in patients undergoing TAVI and SAVR were included. Exclusion criteria applied was: studies lacking SAVR as controls, studies comparing trans-apical versus trans-femoral TAVI procedures and studies not reporting on the outcome of heart block or pacemaker implantation. Meta-analysis was done using Mantel-Haenszel random effects model. Results: A total of 21 studies with a total of 5061 patients were included in the study. TAVI was done in 2692 patients. The risk of AV heart block necessitating pacemaker implantation was very high in the patients undergoing TAVI compared to SAVR (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.4 - 5.1). Majority of the pacemaker implantations were done immediately after the TAVI procedure. Trans-femoral TAVI’s were associated with higher risk (OR 8.6, 95% CI 3.1 - 28.3) of developing permanent heart block compared to transapical route (OR 2.4, 95% CI, 1.3 - 4.3). CoreValve use was associated with a higher risk of developing permanent heart block (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6 - 3.6) than Edward Sapiens Valve (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 - 2.8) compared to SAVR. Conclusion: TAVI increases the risk of permanent heart block by 3.5 times and this risk is higher when CoreValve is used and when performed by the transfemoral route. The predictors of development of heart block with TAVI procedure needs further investigation.
Feasibility and Smokers' Evaluation of Self-Generated Text Messages to Promote Quitting.

Introduction Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable mortality. Mobile technologies, including text messaging, provide opportunities to promote quitting. Many text messaging-based cessation interventions contain content created by experts. However, smokers may be best persuaded by receipt of text messages they created based on their reasons for quitting, assisted or not by a motivational facilitator. This study assessed the feasibility and participants' evaluation of two ways to self-generate smoking cessation messages delivered via cell-phone. Methods We enrolled smokers (N = 24) and randomized them to: (1) behavioral counseling assistance plus self-generated messages, or (2) self-generated messages only. Both groups wrote: (1) their reasons for wanting to quit and then (2) text messages related to their reason(s) for quitting, Messages were delivered as text messages as well as with a link to verbatim self-recorded audio message for 10 days. At follow-up, participants evaluated the intervention. Results Participants composed and recorded messages and evaluated them and the intervention favorably. The counseling+message group wrote an average of 7.66 (SD = 4.86) text messages while the message-only wrote an average of 6.66 (SD = 2.93) messages. Most participants felt that the messages were of appropriate length, including the frequency and timing of message delivery. Conclusion It is feasible for smokers to self-generate motivational text and audio messages concerning reasons for quitting, even among smokers without an immediate desire to quit. Participants evaluated the messages and intervention favorably. Future research should test self-generated messages in larger trials of self- versus expert-generated message. Implications This study assessed the feasibility and participants' evaluation of two ways to self-generate smoking cessation messages delivered via cell-phone. It is feasible for smokers to self-generate motivational text and audio messages concerning reasons for quitting, even among smokers without an immediate desire to quit. Participants evaluated the messages and intervention favorable. Future research should test self-generated messages in larger trials of self- versus expert-generated messages.
Evaluation of Four Stink Bug Species From Three Genera Affecting Soybean Yield and Quality in Louisiana

Studies were conducted from 1975–77 to evaluate 4 stink bug species from 3 genera affecting yield and quality of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill. Controlled infestations of 3rd–5th instars and adults of Nezara viridula (L.), Acrosternum hilare (Say), Euschistus Servus (Say), and E. tristigmus (Say) confined in 1.2×0.9×1.2-m field cages for 1 wk demonstrated that all 4 species significantly damaged seed and lowered yields ( P <0.05). Adults and 5th instars caused significantly more damage ( P <0.05). Stink bug infestations controlled at levels of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 bugs/0.3 row-m during the pod filling stages of development caused significantly more seed damage and lower yields than control plots ( P <0.05). Seed quality and yield were significantly lower with 2.0 bugs/0.3 row-m than either of the other infestations. The seasonal abundance of N. viridula confined in a large screen cage containing ‘Dare’ and ‘Bragg’ soybean reached a peak population level, in early November, which was 20× higher than the initial release rate of 0.5 bug/0.3 row-m. Peak populations of E. servus and A. hilare were observed in late September and were only 3× above the initial levels. During this study, N. viridula completed 1 generation more than the other 2 species. Yield and quality of both varieties were significantly lowered ( P <0.05) when exposed to stink bug feeding. Two independent stink bug host plant resistance studies revealed that ‘McNair 600’ and ‘Tracy’ were the most susceptible to stink bug attack. ‘Lee 68’, ‘Hood’, and ‘Curtis’ had significantly lower damage ( P <0.05). Plots exposed to stink bug damage had significantly lower yields than their corresponding controls.
Self-Assembled Tat Nanofibers as Effective Drug Carrier and Transporter

Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been extensively explored as molecular vectors through covalent linkage to anticancer drugs to improve the drug’s water solubility and to help overcome multidrug resistance. We report here the use of the Tat CPP as a molecular building unit to construct well-defined supramolecular nanofibers that can be utilized as a nanoscale vector to encapsulate the hydrophobic drug paclitaxel (PTX) (loading efficiency: 89.7 ± 5.0%) with a high loading capacity (6.8 ± 0.4%). Notably, our TEM imaging results reveal that nanofibers containing a higher PTX content tend to be more flexible than those with a lower PTX content. Fluorescence and confocal microscopy imaging show that the Tat nanofibers can effectively transport encapsulated molecules into the cells through an adsorptive-mediated endocytosis pathway. Cytotoxicity experiments and flow cytometry measurements demonstrate that PTX loaded in the nanofibers exerts its cytotoxicity against cancer cells by arresting the cells at th...
Functional correlates of the therapeutic and adverse effects evoked by thalamic stimulation for essential tremor

Deep brain stimulation is an established neurosurgical therapy for movement disorders including essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. While typically highly effective, deep brain stimulation can sometimes yield suboptimal therapeutic benefit and can cause adverse effects. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that intraoperative functional magnetic resonance imaging could be used to detect deep brain stimulation-evoked changes in functional and effective connectivity that would correlate with the therapeutic and adverse effects of stimulation. Ten patients receiving deep brain stimulation of the ventralis intermedius thalamic nucleus for essential tremor underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during stimulation applied at a series of stimulation localizations, followed by evaluation of deep brain stimulation-evoked therapeutic and adverse effects. Correlations between the therapeutic effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (3 months postoperatively) and deep brain stimulation-evoked changes in functional and effective connectivity were assessed using region of interest-based correlation analysis and dynamic causal modelling, respectively. Further, we investigated whether brain regions might exist in which activation resulting from deep brain stimulation might correlate with the presence of paraesthesias, the most common deep brain stimulation-evoked adverse effect. Thalamic deep brain stimulation resulted in activation within established nodes of the tremor circuit: sensorimotor cortex, thalamus, contralateral cerebellar cortex and deep cerebellar nuclei (FDR q < 0.05). Stimulation-evoked activation in all these regions of interest, as well as activation within the supplementary motor area, brainstem, and inferior frontal gyrus, exhibited significant correlations with the long-term therapeutic effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (P < 0.05), with the strongest correlation (P < 0.001) observed within the contralateral cerebellum. Dynamic causal modelling revealed a correlation between therapeutic effectiveness and attenuated within-region inhibitory connectivity in cerebellum. Finally, specific subregions of sensorimotor cortex were identified in which deep brain stimulation-evoked activation correlated with the presence of unwanted paraesthesias. These results suggest that thalamic deep brain stimulation in tremor likely exerts its effects through modulation of both olivocerebellar and thalamocortical circuits. In addition, our findings indicate that deep brain stimulation-evoked functional activation maps obtained intraoperatively may contain predictive information pertaining to the therapeutic and adverse effects induced by deep brain stimulation.media-1vid110.1093/brain/aww145_video_abstractaww145_video_abstract.
‘Efficiency on Foot’? The Well-Run Estate of Nineteenth-Century England

The Agricultural Revolution changed the British country estate, and in particular fostered a greater emphasis on improving the efficiency of farming. Yet notions of efficiency were not simply bound up with speed; Hipperson demonstrates that walking played a part in promoting productivity. She shows how land agents found that their surveillance of land, livestock and labourers required fine-grade observation, and that these duties were often best discharged at walking pace. The chapter also examines a very different sort of nineteenth-century walker—the landless labourer who was often the subject of this surveillance. Hipperson examines how landowners quantified and adjusted for the depletion of their labourers’ energy, through walking often long distances to work, so shedding light on contemporary notions of efficiency in an agricultural context.
Dynamic generation of complex behavior

Simulation can be an effective training method if the simulation environment is as realistic as possible. An ‘important part of the training for Navy pilots involves flying against computer-controlled agents in simulated tactical scenarios. In order for such a situation to be realistic, the computer-controlled agents must be indistinguishable from human-piloted agents within the simulated environment. The primary goal of the SoarIFOR project (Jones et al. 1993; Rosenbloom et al. 1994) is to provide such believable agents for flight training simulations. To achieve this goal, we have constructed the TACAIR-SOAR system.’ Developing this system requires us to address a number of core research issues within artificial intelligence, including reasoning about interacting goals, situation interpretation, communication, explanation, planning, learning, natural language understanding and generation, temporal reasoning, and plan recognition. This report focuses on two particular issues required to function reasonably within the tactical air domain: a system must be able to generate behavior in response to complex goals and situations, and it must be able to do so dynamically, in response to extremely rapid changes in the agent’s situation. On the surface, these two capabilities seem to be at odds to each other. Approaches to real-time or reactive behavior have generally not been used within complex domains, and systems that focus on complex goals do not usually do so in real time. Our solution has been to encode knowledge within the Soar production architecture (Rosenbloom et al. 1991) in order to take advantage of state-
Material and Mechanobiological Considerations for Bone Regeneration

Abstract Bone graft substitute mechanical and architectural properties maintain a critical role in cellular mechanotransduction and are fundamental design features regulating the migration, lineage, and growth of mesenchymal progenitors and neovascular networks. It is essential that novel bone graft substitutes are designed, fabricated and administered with rigorous consideration for the complex relationships between construct material properties and the transmission of local mechanobiological cues to the regenerative niche. Remarkably, a consensus in the field on even an approximate range of suitable bone implant mechanical properties has not been reached. Consequently, there is a continuum of graft substitutes under active investigation with elastic moduli encompassing seven orders of magnitude. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the state of biomaterial platforms for the treatment of bone defects and to motivate dialog to define appropriate mechanobiological criteria for future bone graft substitute research and development. First, a brief summary of the physiological process of bone regeneration is outlined. Second, material approaches for bone graft substitutes including FDA device classifications and testing considerations are reviewed. Finally, we review in vitro and in vivo evidence elucidating how bone regeneration is regulated by the mechanical environment across multiple length scales.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes Quality of Care: the Role of Healthcare Access and Socioeconomic Status.

Introduction Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians are disproportionately affected by diabetes. We assessed the state of racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes quality of care in the USA.
Lévy diffusion and classes of universal parametric correlations

A general formulation of translationally invariant, parametrically correlated random matrix ensembles, is used to classify universality in correlation functions. Surprisingly, the range of possible physical systems is bounded, and can be labeled by a parameter {alpha}{element_of}(0,2), in a manner analogous to L{acute e}vy diffusion. Universality is obtained after scaling by the (anomalous) diffusion constant {ital D}{sub {alpha}} (the usual scaling is divergent for {alpha}{lt}2). For each {alpha}, correlation functions are universal, and distinct. The previous results in the literature correspond to the limiting case of superdiffusion, {alpha}=2. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}