cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitation of rabbit cytokine mRNA by real-time RT-PCR.

Fundamental understanding of rabbit immunology and the use of the rabbit as a disease model have long been hindered by the lack of immunological assays specific to this species. In the present study, we sought to develop a method to quantitate cytokine expression in rabbit cells and tissues. We report the development of a quantitative real-time RT-PCR method for measuring the relative levels of rabbit IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and TNF-α mRNA. Quantitation was accomplished by comparison to a standard curve generated using plasmid DNA containing partial sequences of the relevant cytokines. Experimental studies demonstrate applicability of this assay to quantitate cytokine mRNA levels from rabbit spleen cells following mitogen stimulation. We have further utilized this assay to also examine cytokine expression in rabbit tissues during experimental syphilis infection.
CERBERUS: The development of an intelligent autonomous face recognizing robot

Research on Human-Robot Interaction is dedicated to understanding, designing, evaluating and improving the communication between humans and robots. Our present study reports the development of an intelligent autonomous robot (CERBERUS). Cerberus is an autonomous robot that performs face and skeleton recognition. Evaluation of the face and skeleton recognition capabilities are reported. The results were used to improve the system's performance to increase situation awareness and enhance human-robot interaction.
Formal approach to include a human material handler in a computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) system

Formal modelling techniques that employ principles of finite state automata have been increasingly used for shop-floor control. These approaches have focused primarily on unmanned systems where the self-contained logic for control of the systems is embedded within the model(s). To date, human operators are seldom configured within the modelling detail required for these systems. The result has been that the interface of humans within automatic systems has been limited. In general, humans performing physical activities in an automatic system must mimic the detailed responses normally transmitted via control computers and equipment, making the human interaction painful and prone to error. This paper discusses (1) the formal modelling specifics required for the control of such an automated shop floor system; and (2) the role and interactions of the human primarily in automatic systems. The human in the automatic manufacturing system addressed here serves primarily as a material handler and material transport...
A remark on the theory of fermions with higher order derivatives

The problem of negative norms arising in a multifermion theory derived from a single Lagrangian containing derivatives of order higher than the first may be removed by the adoption of a suitable indefinite metric. InteractionS-matrix elements, calculated with the metric operator, are shown to be equivalent to those of the conventional theory.
The Stalinist conception of Communist Party history

construct containing assertions about the nature of the Party in general and assumptions about and evaluations of human nature. In significant measure the conception is a methodological prescription and as such largely devoid of factual assertions and concrete imagery; rather, it constitutes a foundation upon which historians could expound interpretive narratives and even a mythology. On one level it is a receptacle of the conventions of Party history, expressing values and seeking to orient action. On another level it seeks to explain. In this Studies in Soviet Thought 37:259?274,1989. ? 1989 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.255 on Tue, 24 May 2016 05:59:17 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Thermopower and thermal conductivity of arsenic from 8K down to 0.3K

The thermoelectric power and thermal conductivity of arsenic have been measured along the binary direction in the temperature range 0.3-8K. The thermoelectric voltage was measured with a SQUID detector. Below 2K the thermopower is due to carrier diffusion and can be described by the equation S11=1.22*10-7 T V K-1. A small number of the gamma holes may have a large effect on the diffusion thermopower. At higher temperatures phonon drag is important. The thermal conductivity is dominated by the charge carriers, but a small lattice contribution can be distinguished. This is proportional to T2 up to 5K and then rises faster. The thermal resistance associated with carrier-phonon scattering varies as T2 and at around 7K approaches in magnitude the thermal resistance due to carrier-impurity scattering. The inelastic scattering of charge carriers is reflected in the reduced Lorenz number.
NIH: Developing And Funding Research In Emergency Care And Training The Next Generation Of Emergency Care Researchers

For the best health care to be provided in emergency settings, it must be based on the best available science. There are about 136 million visits to emergency departments (EDs) in the United States annually. Many of the nation’s most critically ill patients are first stabilized and treated in EDs—the point of origin for nearly half of all medical intensive care unit admissions and a fourth of all surgical intensive care unit admissions. This article explores the role of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in developing and funding research in emergency care and in training the next generation of emergency care researchers. Recognizing that effective emergency care research spans multiple organ systems and disciplines, the NIH established the Office of Emergency Care Research in December 2011 to facilitate and coordinate funding opportunities relevant to research and research training in emergency settings. Because the NIH funds education, basic research, and large clinical trials, it plays a key role ...
Reliability and Validity of the Propositional Logic Test

This is a study of the reliability and validity of a measure of the ability to reason about logical propositions. The Propositional Logic Test is short, easy to administer, and highly reliable. Val...
Identification of n-nonaldehyde in Photobacterium fisheri.

Abstract The bioluminescent bacterium Photobacterium fisheri has been shown to contain free fatty aldehydes as naturally occurring lipids. These aldehydes were present in an amount equal to 0.43 μmole/100 mg lipid. The principal fatty aldehyde was shown to be n -nonaldehyde (9:0) with trace amounts of 16:0 and 16:1 also present. The free fatty acids have also been qualitatively examined and no correlation was found between the chain lengths of the aldehydes and fatty acids.
Young's modulus of cold- and hot-rolled (Al2O3)p-Al composite

The Young's modulus of hot-rolled Al alloy reinforced with Al2O3 particulates, (Al2O3)p-Al composite, is measured using the dynamic sonic resonance test method. The variation in the moduli of cold- and hot-rolled composites, as a function of the reduction ratio, is compared. Although both cold and hot rolling result in more uniform distribution of the particulates, hot rolling causes less damage to the reinforcements, resulting in more isotropic composites possessing a higher Young's modulus. These observed variations in the Young's modulus with respect to reduction ratio are analysed on the basis of the microstructural changes due to the rolling and T6 heat-treating operations.
Experimentally increased egg production constrains future reproduction of female house wrens

Theory predicts that investment in current offspring should negatively influence a parent’s ability to invest in future offspring. Despite extensive interest in documenting reproductive costs in birds, evidence for fitness-related costs of egg production to breeding females is scarce. In this study, we used an egg-removal experiment on the house wren, Troglodytes aedon , to test the hypothesis that producing eggs is reproductively costly. By removing eggs from the nest as they were laid, we induced females to produce more eggs than normal, although experimental and control females incubated clutches of similar size. Females producing extra eggs paid steep fitness costs for their increased effort; relative to controls, females with increased egg-laying demands were less likely to reproduce again within the same breeding season, and those that did took longer to do so, had a smaller clutch size and produced fewer fledglings from their subsequent broods. Although females in each treatment group were equally likely to return to breed the following summer, experimental females produced fewer eggs than control females in their next breeding season. This is the first demonstration that increased effort in egg production reduces the future reproductive output of passerine birds.
Bouvardia hintoniorum (Rubiaceae), a new species from Guerrero, Mexico

A new species,Bouvardia hintoniorum, is described and illustrated. Its relationships seemingly lie with the ternate-leaved species, especiallyBouvardia leiantha.
Depo-provera in adolescents: Effects of early second injection or prior oral contraception

Purpose: To examine the effects of an early second injection or prior use of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) on side effects of Depo-Provera during the early months of use in adolescents. Methods: Thirty-six girls, gynecologic age 4.2 ± 0.3 years, and body mass index (BMI) 23.2 ± 0.8, received the currently recommended injection of 150 mg every three months. Twenty-seven girls (gynecologic age 3.9 ± 0.5 years, BMI 24.0 ± 0.8) received the second injection six weeks after the first injection. Fifteen girls (gynecologic age 5.0 ± 0.5, BMI 25.4 ± 1.3) switched directly from an OCP to Depo-Provera. The patients were periodically assessed by their care providers. Results: Early administration of the second injection of Depo-Provera did not alter the bleeding episodes, onset of bleeding, or total days of bleeding (14.3 ± 3.7 vs. 17.1 ± 4.0, p=0.62) during the three months interval following injection, compared with the standard second injection interval. Moreover, an excessive BMI gain (BMI increase 0.99 ± 0.22 vs. 0.40 ± 0.14, p=0.03) was observed in these girls. Girls who switched directly from OCP showed no difference in the rate of BMI gain when compared to those not previously on OCP (BMI increase 0.38 ± 0.3). Bleeding duration of these girls, however, was markedly reduced; the total number of days of bleeding was 5.7 ± 1.9 (p = 0.0003) during the first three month interval, and 5.7 ± 2.3 (p = 0.019) during the three month period following the second injection. This reduction did not persist beyond the first six months. Conclusions: Early second Depo-Provera injection does not alter the experience of menstrual abnormalities, and predisposes to greater weight gain; OCP use prior to Depo-Provera results in a decrease in the duration of bleeding with no change in the weight gain rate.
Ionic and elemental analyses of olfactory sensillar lymph in the spiny lobster, panulirus argus

Abstract 1. 1. The elemental composition of the olfactory sensillar lymph of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus , was determined by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Sodium activity was also measured using a Na-selective microelectrode. 2. 2. Sensillar lymph has an elemental composition of Na, K, Ca, Mg and S similar to that of both seawater and hemolymph. Cl may be present at a reduced level in sensillar lymph. 3. 3. Marine and terrestrial arthropods exhibit major differences between both the absolute and proportional concentrations of Na and K in the milieu bathing their olfactory receptors. 4. 4. Significant levels of bromine occur in the sensillar cuticle and antennular integument of three crustaceans.
Phosphorylation of Rat Liver Mitochondrial Glycerol-3-phosphate Acyltransferase by Casein Kinase 2

Abstract We have previously shown rat liver mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (mtGAT), which catalyzes the first step in de novo glycerolipid biosynthesis, is stimulated by casein kinase 2 (CK2) and that a phosphorylated protein of ∼85 kDa is present in CK2-treated mitochondria. In this paper, we have identified the 32P-labeled 85-kDa protein as mtGAT. We have also investigated whether the phosphorylation of mtGAT is because of CK2. Mitochondria were treated with CK2 and [γ-32P]GTP as the phosphate donor. Autoradiography, Western blot, and immunoprecipitation results showed mtGAT was phosphorylated by CK2. Next, we incubated mitochondria with CK2 and either ATP or GTP, in the presence of heparin, a known inhibitor of CK2. Heparin inhibited CK2-induced stimulation of mtGAT activity; this inhibition resulted in decreased 32P-labeling of mtGAT. Additionally, mitochondria were treated with CK2 and [γ-32P]ATP in the presence of staurosporine (a serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitor), genistein (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), and 5,6-dichloro-1-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB, a CK2 inhibitor). Only DRB, the CK2 inhibitor, greatly reduced the amount of 32P-incorporation into mtGAT by CK2. Finally, isolated mitochondrial outer membrane was incubated with cytosol in the presence of [γ-32P]GTP; 32P-labeled mtGAT was detected. Collectively, these data suggest that CK2 phosphorylates mtGAT. The impact of our results in the regulation of mtGAT and other anabolic processes is discussed.
The hemoglobin-haptoglobin reaction as a probe of hemoglobin conformation

Abstract The dissociation of hemoglobin to dimers is a prerequisite for the binding of hemoglobin to haptoglobin. This reaction, then can be used as a conformational probe of the state of the α1β2 area of contact. With this approach, we find that mixed liganded hybrids ( α 2 β 2 ∗ and α 2 ∗ β 2 , where ∗ identifies the ferric pair of hemes) can exist in a conformation that resembles deoxyhemoglobin when deoxygenated. Also stripped deoxy Hb A can exist in a form able to dimerize more readily than deoxy Hb A bound to phosphates. Finally, the data shows that deoxy Hb Hiroshima and deoxy Hb Chesapeake exist in a conformation different from that of Hb A, expressed in a shift in the equilibrium between dissociating and nondissociating forms. This equilibrium is strongly affected by phosphates, with deoxy Hiroshima reverting to an almost normal behavior while deoxy Chesapeake still reacting rapidly with haptoglobin.
Intensity correlation measurements in stimulated Raman generation with a multimode laser

An experimental and theoretical study of the temporal correlations between the intensities of a broadband pump laser and Stokes light in stimulated Raman generation has been carried out. Direct measurements have been made of the pump laser and Stokes light intensity autocorrelation functions and of the intensity cross-correlation function between the two. Strong cross correlations are found. Nevertheless, the correlations are not perfect; that is, the Stokes intensity does not follow exactly the intensity variations of the laser. Transient effects and quantum fluctuations are shown, by theoretical modeling, to be responsible for the absence of perfect correlations.
A POSSIBLE ROLE OF IL-1RA 3′-UNTRANSLATED REGION IN MODULATION OF PROTEIN PRODUCTION

Human interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (hIL-1ra), an anti-inflammatory cytokine and naturally occurring antagonist of IL-1, may be regulated at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate post-transcriptional regulation of hIL-1ra with specific focus on the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of hIL-1ra mRNA using the luciferase reporter gene system. Constructs were created containing the luciferase reporter gene followed by the hIL-1ra 3'-UTR or its modified variants. In monocyte/macrophage cell lines RAW264.7 and U937, the presence of the hIL-1ra 3'-UTR resulted in a 5.7-fold (n=6, P<0.001) and a 3.9-fold (n=7, P<0.001) decrease in transient reporter gene expression, respectively, with only a less than 2-fold mean difference in steady-state mRNA levels in the former case. In a cell-free translation system, the presence of the middle segment of the 3'-UTR caused a 5.2-fold (n=5, P<0.001) decrease in the amount of luciferase synthesized. In contrast to synthetic 3'-UTR and that derived from bovine growth hormone RNA, the presence of hIL-1ra 3'-UTR resulted in accumulation of unprocessed transcripts in transfected cells. We conclude that hIL-1ra synthesis may be regulated at the post-transcriptional level through mechanisms involving the 3'-UTR of IL-1ra transcripts.
On the Scattering of Radio Waves by Turbulent Fluctuations of the Atmosphere

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the mechanism that enables transmission of vhf-signals over distances of the order of 103 km. It is found that turbulent mixing, operating at the lower edge of the E-layer (h=80-90 km) produces fluctuations in electron density of sufficient intensity to account for the observed signals. The basic assumptions are the existence of a sufficiently strong gradient of electron density (dN/dh > 103 cm-3/km) and a reasonable level of turbulent activity.
Trends in the US hardwood lumber distribution industry: changing products, customers, and services

Efficient and effective supply chains are the backbone of any industry, including the forest products industry. As the US secondary hardwood industry has undergone a profound transformation and large parts of the industry have moved offshore, the supply chain is adapting to these new realities. Remaining and new customers of US hardwood lumber distributors tend to be smaller and likely have a wide variety of unique needs and expectations. A survey conducted in the fall of 2008 of distributors of hardwood lumber assessed the sourcing needs and perceptions of the industry and describes the status of the industry as of 2007. The findings suggest that the US hardwood lumber industry is adapting to the new realities brought forth by the globalization of markets and slowing housing markets. Almost half of the respondents indicated that their average customer in 2007 was smaller than the average customer in 2003, and 75 percent of respondents indicated that the average order was smaller in 2007 versus 2003. To accommodate their customers, distributors added a plethora of new services, with provision of certified products being the fastest growing. Overall, the study depicts an ongoing transformation of the US hardwood lumber supply chain, where distributors are well positioned to meet the exacting specifications of numerous small and customized manufacturers.
Perspectives on the Relationship Between Job Performance and Ratings of Job Performance

The comments and suggestions prompted by K. R. Murphy’s (2008) description of alternate models of the relationship between job performance and ratings of job performance reflect 3 broad themes: (a) the relationship between performance appraisal and performance measurement, (b) the best psychometric models for understanding performance ratings, and (c) the appropriateness of static measures for dynamic phenomena. This paper comments on these 3 themes and suggests directions for future research and practice in performance appraisal that focuses on rater goals, organizational interventions to improve the accuracy and value of ratings, and assessments of the value of performance ratings as criteria.
Technical Writing and the Development of the English Paragraph 1473–1700:

What is currently known about the history of the paragraph has relied on the work of the first English and American compositionists, humanists, and philologists of the late nineteenth century. Alexander Bain and his followers defined the requirements for the English paragraph and believed it had not existed prior to the eighteenth century. Their sole focus, on humanist and historical writing, yielded a distorted, if not an incorrect history of the paragraph. This article begins to correct that view, prevalent since 1866, by examining paragraphs of practical works, such as printed how-to books of the early English Renaissance until 1700. The variety and quantity of how-to documents increased with the growth of knowledge, advent of printing, and emergence and expansion of middle-class English readers eager for books written in an accessible, non-Latinate style. When we examine paragraphs from technical books printed as early as 1490, we find paragraphs that exemplify the qualities stipulated by Bain nearly ...
Protein Phosphorylation Affects Binding of the Escherichia coli Transcription Activator UhpA to the uhpT Promoter

Expression of the Escherichia coli sugar phosphate transporter UhpT is induced by extracellular glucose 6-phosphate through a transmembrane signaling process dependent on the sensor kinase UhpB and the UhpT homolog, UhpC. These proteins are thought to regulate the phosphorylation of the transcription activator, UhpA. To examine the effect of protein phosphorylation on the binding of UhpA to target sequences in the uhpT promoter region, the UhpA protein was overexpressed and purified. Purified UhpA was phosphorylated by acetyl phosphate in a reaction that was dependent on Mg2+ and on the presence of aspartate 54, the site of phosphorylation in homologous response regulators. Gel electrophoretic mobility shift and DNase I and hydroxyl radical protection assays showed that UhpA bound specifically to the region of the uhpT promoter extending from -80 to -50 bp, relative to the transcription start site. At higher concentrations of UhpA, binding was extended to the -32 region. Binding to the -64 element exhibited positive cooperativity and was stimulated severalfold by phosphorylation of UhpA, whereas extension to the downstream region was more strongly affected by phosphorylation. The consensus sequences for the high affinity UhpA-binding sites in the -64 element and for the downstream, low affinity sites are proposed. The pattern of in vitro binding by UhpA agreed with the in vivo observations that phosphorylation-independent assembly of the transcription initiation complex can occur at elevated concentrations of UhpA.
Toughness of Glassy−Semicrystalline Multiblock Copolymers

We report a study on the mechanical properties of lamellae-forming glassy−semicrystalline block copolymers composed of poly(cyclohexylethylene) (C) and polyethylene (E). Tensile properties of polydomain CEC, ECEC, CECEC, and ECECE block copolymers, and blends of these materials, reveal a critical dependence on the connectivity of the semicrystalline E blocks. A molecular parameter directly related to the fraction of bridging E blocks is identified, which captures the fracture behavior of C/E block copolymers over a range of chain architectures. Tensile testing and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments on aligned block copolymers reveal the role of bridging in the glassy C block and further elucidate the mechanisms that govern the deformation of microphase-separated lamellar domains and macroscopic fracture in glassy−semicrystalline block copolymers.
Duplex Ultrasonography of Vertebral and Subclavian Arteries

Duplex ultrasonography of the vertebral artery is an integral part of extracranial cerebrovascular screening and provides noninvasive diagnostic clues for subclavian or vertebral artery stenosis. This review describes technique for the ultrasound examination of the vertebral and subclavian arteries. Duplex images from various patients are used to illustrate a spectrum of hemodynamic changes that occur in the vertebral artery Doppler signal caused by subclavian artery stenosis and subclavian–vertebral steal.
Land, ecology, and democracy. A twenty-first century view.

Land is necessary for human flourishing, and its use remains a compelling concern for every society, even those wherein industrialization has sharply diminished people's awareness of land. Here, we consider land's influence on political thinking, particularly thinking about democratic governance, and ask if this influence might be made more beneficial by the application of lessons drawn from ecological research. We identify five such lessons and apply them in six ways to the institution of private-property rights in nature — the main legal institution that allocates and perpetuates power over land — and to modern assumptions about liberal individualism and rights to health. We conclude that people can live well on land, promoting both human and land health, only in governmental forms engaging more citizens more deliberatively than now typical even in democracies. Implications for political institutions and human welfare are discussed under conditions of globalizing interdependence.
A Metaethnography of Traumatic Childbirth and its Aftermath: Amplifying Causal Looping

Integrating results from multiple analytic approaches used in a research program by the same researcher is a type of metasynthesis that has not often been reported in the literature. In this article the findings of one type of qualitative synthesis approach, a metaethnography, of six qualitative studies on birth trauma and its resulting posttraumatic stress disorder from my program of research are presented. This metaethnography provides a wide-angle lens to view and interpret the far-reaching, stinging tentacles of this often invisible phenomenon that new mothers experience. I used Noblit and Hare's seven-step approach for synthesizing the findings of qualitative studies. The original trigger of traumatic childbirth resulted in six amplifying feedback loops, four of which were reinforcing (positive direction), and two which were balancing (negative direction). Leverage points that identify where pressure in the amplifying causal loop can break the feedback loop where necessary are discussed.
Beyond C U L8R: disengaging from online social worlds:

People who work, learn, or play in online social worlds must sometimes leave those social worlds. Such departures may happen for many reasons. Often they are anticipated departures because the social world was meant from the start to be temporary. Most people do not yet have much practice at leaving an online social world, nor do we have a good model of the process. Activities that people undertake while disengaging from transient online social worlds affect them personally, as well as their future personal and professional relationships with one another. For this research, 30 students near the time of graduating from an online learning master’s degree program participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their activities and emotions related to disengaging. The result is a model of the disengaging process encompassing 12 dimensions.
Why farm salmon outcompete fishery salmon

Abstract Over the past quarter century, the salmon aquaculture industry has grown rapidly. Price declines caused by the resulting worldwide increase in salmon production have severely impacted the salmon fishing industry, particularly in Alaska. In this paper, we examine the reasons behind the success of farm salmon. In addition to its inherent market advantages, farm salmon has benefitted from a legal structure that limits the ability of the fishing industry to adjust to competition. We look at these fisheries laws and at the impacts of various policy options on the future economic, ecological, and political sustainability of the fishing industry.
Severe constipation associated with extended-release bupropion therapy.

Purpose. A case of bupropion-induced constipation is reported. Summary. A 38-year-old man went to a clinic with a chief complaint of depression. He was prescribed extended-release bupropion 150 mg orally daily. Three weeks later, the patient returned to the clinic for a follow-up visit regarding his depression. He reported that his depression symptoms improved, but he complained of constipation and inflamed hemorrhoids from straining with defecation. He used docusate sodium, fiber supplements, and Preparation H(Wyeth) products with some relief. The bupropion was continued for his depression. Recommendations were given to the patient to increase fluids, maintain fiber intake, and add exercise. One week later, the patient complained of rectal pain and minimal bleeding. Prescriptions were given to the patient for hydrocortisone suppositories and 2.5% cream to be used twice daily. Three days later, the patient returned to the clinic complaining of increased pain and no relief from the hydrocortisone suppositories and cream. The rectal examination showed 3- and 5-cm hemorrhoids, one of which was thrombotic. The patient was instructed to continue hydrocortisone products, increase fluids, and continue docusate. Hemorrhoidectomy surgery was eventually performed, as well as a fissurectomy. The patient discontinued bupropion on his own due to the constipation approximately one week before the surgery. The constipation resolved after discontinuation of bupropion. Conclusion. Extended-release bupropion was the probable cause of severe constipation in a man with multiple medical problems.
Mining coverage statistics for websource selection in a mediator

Recent work in data integration has shown the importance of statistical information about the coverage and overlap of sources for efficient query processing. Despite this recognition there are no effective approaches for learning the needed statistics. The key challenge in learning such statistics is keeping the number of needed statistics low enough to have the storage and learning costs manageable. Naive approaches can become infeasible very quickly. In this paper we present a set of connected techniques that estimate the coverage and overlap statistics while keeping the needed statistics tightly under control. Our approach uses a hierarchical classification of the queries, and threshold based variants of familiar data mining techniques to dynamically decide the level of resolution at which to learn the statistics. We describe the details of our method, and present experimental results demonstrating the efficiency of the learning algorithms and the effectiveness of the learned statistics.
Chromosome-scale scaffolding of de novo genome assemblies based on chromatin interactions

Genomes assembled de novo from short reads are highly fragmented relative to the finished chromosomes of Homo sapiens and key model organisms generated by the Human Genome Project. To address this problem, we need scalable, cost-effective methods to obtain assemblies with chromosome-scale contiguity. Here we show that genome-wide chromatin interaction data sets, such as those generated by Hi-C, are a rich source of long-range information for assigning, ordering and orienting genomic sequences to chromosomes, including across centromeres. To exploit this finding, we developed an algorithm that uses Hi-C data for ultra-long-range scaffolding of de novo genome assemblies. We demonstrate the approach by combining shotgun fragment and short jump mate-pair sequences with Hi-C data to generate chromosome-scale de novo assemblies of the human, mouse and Drosophila genomes, achieving--for the human genome--98% accuracy in assigning scaffolds to chromosome groups and 99% accuracy in ordering and orienting scaffolds within chromosome groups. Hi-C data can also be used to validate chromosomal translocations in cancer genomes.
Conductor vibration from wind and sleet

Conductors on electric power transmission lines have been observed to vibrate with amplitudes as great as 20 ft during sleet storms with the temperature just below freezing, and with a heavy wind blowing transversly across the line. An explanation of this phenomenon is given.
How Age and Disability Affect Long-Term Care Expenditures in the United States

The ageing of the population and increasing longevity result in predictions of sizeable increases in long-term care expenditures. Other analyses have shown significant decreases in disability prevalence among older people in the US. This study provides an empirical quantification of the net result of these two forces (increased expenditures due to ageing versus potential expenditure reductions due to reduced disability) using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. The analyses show that the implications of ageing and increasing longevity for long-term care expenditures are modest relative to the effects of future increases or decreases in functional abilities of older people.
Compliant control of threaded fastener insertion

Controlled compliance and accommodation matrix techniques are considered for robust insertion of threaded fasteners. Errors in translation positioning are shown to be easily corrected. Errors in the angle of tilt between the threaded parts are shown to be much more difficult to correct. They are shown to constrain the region of convergence for simple linear techniques. >
Interactive on-line manufacturing and repair system (io-MARS)

The conceptualization of a new manufacturing and repair system began in 199l. This paper explains how the system of 1991 evolved into the system of 1996. The original system proposed consolidating diverse activities into a single, modern facility, built especially for the repair of electronic modules. Management's role was to coordinate all activities from a central point and repair technicians would be given the tools to communicate with all relevant systems. Only a portion of the similar activities have been consolidated into one building. Management decided that oversight, not control, was a goal that all systems did not need to be fully integrated. The original concept envisioned mainframes for central control. LANs, cable, and fiber optics were the connecting links for workstations and other systems. Technicians would enter data, support systems would supply technical and managerial information and databases would accumulate data and produce information. Support systems would schedule work and deliver items to the work areas, as required, without human intervention. Personnel would be free to devote their time to value added tasks. As the system developed, management realized that people needed stress relief and social contact. People needed to leave their work area for breaks; therefore, they created reasons to leave their work area, such as manually scheduling workload or going to the storage location to query the operator about a specific part and then hand carry that part back to the workbench. Full integration of support systems with io-MARs is coming with Internet and Netscape, a new technology not envisioned in the original plans. End item tracking, automated storage and retrieval recording of repair processes; and some integration to outside systems have been completed. But automated material stocking and ordering, production control, test processing, videogenics, certification of processes and people, and failure analysis are enhancements we are still developing.
Shape and evolution of thermostable protein structure

Organisms evolved at high temperatures must maintain their proteins’ structures in the face of increased thermal disorder. This challenge results in differences in residue utilization and overall structure. Focusing on thermostable/mesostable pairs of homologous structures, we have examined these differences using novel geometric measures: specifically burial depth (distance from the molecular surface to each atom) and travel depth (distance from the convex hull to the molecular surface that avoids the protein interior). These along with common metrics like packing and Wadell Sphericity are used to gain insight into the constraints experienced by thermophiles. Mean travel depth of hyperthermostable proteins is significantly less than that of their mesostable counterparts, indicating smaller, less numerous and less deep pockets. The mean burial depth of hyperthermostable proteins is significantly higher than that of mesostable proteins indicating that they bury more atoms further from the surface. The burial depth can also be tracked on the individual residue level, adding a finer level of detail to the standard exposed surface area analysis. Hyperthermostable proteins for the first time are shown to be more spherical than their mesostable homologues, regardless of when and how they adapted to extreme temperature. Additionally, residue specific burial depth examinations reveal that charged residues stay unburied, most other residues are slightly more buried and Alanine is more significantly buried in hyperthermostable proteins.
Role of Electron Microscopy in the Diagnosis of Ocular Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid

Purpose To evaluate the role of electron microscopy (EM) for the diagnosis of ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) among patients with cicatrizing conjunctivitis. Design Retrospective case series. Participants One hundred twenty-eight patients with cicatrizing conjunctivitis referred for the evaluation of possible ocular MMP between January 1985 and February 2002 who underwent conjunctival biopsy and evaluation with EM and direct immunofluorescent (DIF) techniques. Methods The diagnosis of each patient was based on DIF techniques. The reproducibility of EM readings was measured by assessing intraobserver and interobserver variability. The diagnosis from EM was compared to the DIF diagnosis from the same patient to evaluate the validity of the EM diagnosis. Main Outcome Measures Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EM for diagnosing ocular MMP. Results One hundred twenty-six of 128 conjunctival biopsies were available for evaluation of EM findings. The percent agreement between 2 readings from the same observer was 92%, and the percent agreement between 2 independent observers was 78%. The sensitivity and specificity of EM for the diagnosis of ocular MMP were 51% and 72%, respectively. The positive predictive value of EM for the diagnosis of ocular MMP was 49%. Conclusions The reproducibility of EM findings was good as indicated by high percent agreement for both intraobserver and interobserver measurements. However, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of EM for the diagnosis of ocular MMP was low. It seems that EM has limited usefulness in the diagnosis of ocular MMP.
From invariant curves to strange attractors

We prove that simple mechanical systems, when subjected to external periodic forcing, can exhibit a surprisingly rich array of dynamical behaviors as parameters are varied. In particular, the existence of global strange attractors with fully stochastic properties is proved for a class of second order ODEs.
Chinese Universities Facing Global Competition

In 1998, then-Premier Jiang Zemin announced that China should have a number of world-class universities to promote the economic development of the nation–and implicitly, to compete more effectively in higher education with other nations around the globe. In the subsequent decade, China invested enormous sums of money in its leading universities through targeted programs and competitive grants. The main policy mechanism is the 985 Project which provides substantial funding to about 40 universities most likely to become internationally competitive. In addition, China has developed a National Science Foundation, National Social Science Foundation, and mission-oriented research programs in other government agencies, with much of the funding going to the universities in the 985 Project.
THE TREATMENT OF UNILATERAL CONGENITAL TALIPES EQUINOVARUS WITH THE DENIS BROWNE SPLINT

A suggestion is presented to prevent the concomitant occurrence of a valgus deformity of the normal foot during treatment of unilateral congenital talipes equinovarus with the Thomson modification of the Denis Browne splint.
The Most (and Least) Representative Law Schools for Gender, Race, and Ethnicity

To what extent do U.S. law school demographics concerning gender, race, and ethnicity reflect the same demographics of their applicant populations? This is a preview (highlighting law school rankings) of a forthcoming paper that attempts to answer the question by developing a measurement of demographic representation with a single index. It derives this measure for law school and baseline populations with various demographic dimensions (the boring technical stuff in Appendix A, page 16). It then ranks law schools against various demographic baselines, including the U.S. population as a whole and the state populations in which each school operates (the more exciting “does-my-school-rank-higher-than-your-school” stuff in Appendix B, page 21). The results let individual law schools know how close their student populations are to their overall target populations with respect to gender, race, and ethnicity. The ultimate conclusion of the forthcoming paper is that the baseline a law school uses to establish its degree of representation matters significantly to the results.
Systematic Review of Health Promotion Programs Focused on Behavioral Changes for People With Intellectual Disability

People with intellectual disability (ID) experience high rates of chronic health problems and poor overall health compared to people without disabilities. Recent attention to health risk behaviors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and underuse of health care has led to the development of several programs intended to reduce disparities in this population through health promotion programs. A review of the literature was conducted focusing on programs developed to target behavioral changes in the person with ID. Thirteen studies, evaluating 10 different health promotion programs, were found. Programs varied significantly in design, targeted health change, and demonstrated effectiveness. Components of each program are systematically reviewed and recommendations made for future programs based upon the current evidence.
Clinical Measurement of Range of Motion Review of Goniometry Emphasizing Reliability and Validity

Clinical measurement of range of motion is a fundamental evaluation procedure with ubiquitous application in physical therapy. Objective measurements of ROM and correct interpretation of the measurement results can have a substantial impact on the development of the scientific basis of therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this article is to review the related literature on the reliability and validity of goniometric measurements of the extremities. Special emphasis is placed on how the reliability of goniometry is influenced by instrumentation and procedures, differences among joint actions and body regions, passive versus active measurements, intratester versus intertester measurements, and different patient types. Our discussion of validity encourages objective interpretation of the meaning of ROM measurements in light of the purposes and the limitations of goniometry. We conclude that clinicians should adopt standardized methods of testing and should interpret and report goniometric results as ROM measurements only, not as measurements of factors that may affect ROM.
Summary of symposium

Biotic diversity is the base upon which modern agriculture is built. It encompasses both the diversity among species and that within species. It is this diversity from around the world that has given us a rich and variable agriculture. For the breeder, genetic variation allows the continuous improvement and development of crops and livestock. A large portion of the dramatic gains in world crop production over the past two decades has been ascribed to germplasm-based technologies.
Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy for superior mesenteric artery syndrome: intermediate follow-up results and a review of the literature.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition caused by partial obstruction of the third portion of the duodenum by the SMA anteriorly and aorta posteriorly. Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy has been described as a safe and feasible surgical intervention with favorable short-term outcomes. However, descriptions of intermediate outcomes are lacking in the literature. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent minimally invasive duodenojejunostomy from March 2005 to August 2015 at our healthcare system with greater than 6-month follow-up. Eighteen patients with mean age of 31.2 were identified. There were 4 men and 14 women. Patients’ diagnosis was made by clinical presentation with radiographic confirmation. Mean weight loss preoperatively was 13.9 kg, representing 24.1 % total body weight loss. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, 2 patients developed prolonged ileus. One underwent exploratory laparotomy and washout for presumed leak, but none was identified. Three patients were readmitted within 30 days; 2 for intolerance to enteral intake with dehydration, and 1 for closed-loop obstruction requiring laparoscopic lysis of adhesions. The average and median length of follow-up were 27.7 and 26.0 months, respectively. Patients gained an average of 2.2 kg with an increase in body mass index of from 19.6 to 20.4 m/kg2. Although 14 of 18 patients reported initial symptom improvement, at latest follow-up, only 6 patients reported symptomatic improvement or resolution. Three were diagnosed with global dysmotility, and 1 underwent intestinal transplant. Two were diagnosed with gastroparesis, and 1 underwent a laparoscopic gastric electric stimulator placement and pyloroplasty. There were no mortalities. Duodenojejunostomy is the most common surgical intervention in management of SMAS. Our intermediate follow-up reveals infrequent improvement and rare resolution of preoperative symptomatology. Patients had a modest average weight gain postoperatively. This may suggest that different preoperative workup and treatment is indicated.
Using 3D Neuroanatomy Educational Resources as a Neurosurgical Teaching Tool in LMICs

Abstract 41One of the Millennium Development Goals is to reduce childhood mortality; over 200,000 children currently develop cancer worldwide each year. 80% of those children live in Lower-Middle Income Countries (LMICs), which account for 90% of deaths (1). Nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most frequent solid tumors in children and adolescents (2). However, the median number of neurosurgeons per 100,000 population across different income groups is extremely variable (range: 0.01 - >1). In East Africa only 27 neurosurgeons are available to treat 270 million people, a 1:10 million ratio of neurosurgeons to inhabitants. Many countries do not even have one neurosurgeon (3). Even in low-resource areas where neurosurgery is an option, the high complexity of care for brain tumors often leads to suboptimal outcomes (4).As outlined by Rodriguez-Galindo et al., one of the first steps to improving outcomes in pediatric oncology is to both improve access to high-quality education as well as educational resources ...
In Vivo Characterization of Several Lesions in the Eye Using Ultrasonic Impediography

All ultrasound systems now in routine clinical service utilize only a portion of the information available in an echo waveform. For example, a conventional A-scan displays the intensity of the echo waveform as a function of acoustic travel time and a conventional B-scan produces an ultrasonic mapping in which the spot intensity is proportional to the echo intensity. Phase information (such as the sign or polarity of the echo waveform) is recorded by the transducer, which is a pressure sensitive device, but is not utilized in present display or measurement schemes.
Performance assessment and compensation for secure networked control systems

Network-control-systems (NCS) have been gaining popularity due to their high potential in widespread applications and becoming realizable due to the rapid advancements in embedded systems, wireless communication technologies. This paper addresses the issue of NCS information security as well its time-sensitive performance and their trade-off. A PI controller implemented on a network to control the speed of the DC motor is used to illustrate the performance assessment for secure networked control systems. Network security algorithms DES, 3DES, and AES are integrated with the application to secure the sensor as well as control data flow on the network. Standard 2k factorial experiment design is used to study and estimate the effect of each security algorithm. A 1-D gain scheduler is then designed to compensate for the adverse effect due to security. Thorough experimental results, system factors including network security and system gain affecting the performance are evaluated, analyzed, and categorized.