cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synergist ablation induces rapid tendon growth through the synthesis of a neotendon matrix

Mechanical loading can increase tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), but the mechanisms by which this occurs are largely unknown. To gain a greater understanding of the cellular mechanisms of adult tendon growth in response to mechanical loading, we used a synergist ablation model whereby a tenectomy of the Achilles tendon was performed to induce growth of the synergist plantaris tendon. We hypothesized that after synergist ablation progenitor cells in the epitenon would proliferate and increase the size of the existing tendon matrix. Adult male mice were subjected to a bilateral Achilles tenectomy, and plantaris tendons were isolated from mice at 0, 2, 7, 14, and 28 days after surgery. Tendons were sectioned stained with either fast green and hematoxylin, prepared for fluorescent microscopy, or prepared for gene expression of scleraxis and type I collagen. After overload, there was a dramatic increase in total CSA of tendons, whereas the size of the original tendon matrix was not changed. Growth primarily occurred through the formation of a neotendon matrix between the original tendon and the epitenon, and contained cells that were proliferative and scleraxis positive. Additionally, an initial expansion of fibroblast cells occurred before the synthesis of new extracellular matrix. Fibroblasts in the original tendon did not re-enter the cell cycle. The results from this study provide new insight into the mechanisms of tendon growth, indicate tendon consists mostly of postmitotic cells, and that growth of tendon primarily occurs from the most superficial layers outward.
The 7/8 Crown: A Lost Art

Historically, the longevity of teeth restored with gold inlays, onlays, crowns, and partial veneer restorations is excellent. However, in-office computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing restorations, laboratory-constructed all-ceramic bonded restorations, and conventional ceramo-metal restorations are more common. The high price of gold, the difficulty of the preparation, and the fact that most dental schools are de-emphasizing the teaching of partial veneer restorations has created a situation whereby the 7/8 crown is rarely viewed as the treatment of choice. Time and experience will determine if the new ceramic materials, along with the all-important bonding agents, can achieve the success of a well-done, all-gold restoration.
Factors Influencing Health and Safety Performance in New Zealand

Multiple environmental pressures, both internal and external to the organization, are examined as factors influencing the administration of health and safety programmes and subsequent accident perf...
A novel method for the thermal analysis of GaN/AlGaN back-illuminated high power UV LEDs

We report a novel method for the thermal analysis of high-power multi-quantum well GaN/AlGaN UV LEDs of λ ~ 330 nm. 3D modeling and simulations of chip-on-plate (COP) have been investigated for the packaging of UV LEDs. Steady state thermal analysis of COP packaged devices were carried out using finite element method (FEM). Different heat sinks' designs such as plate-fins, and pin-fins were modeled to determine device junction temperatures (T j). We also employed thermal resistance circuit (TRC) model to determine the T j considering both conductive and convective methods of heat transfer. Results were in good agreement both for the FEM and TRC models. For the fine plate-fin dense and the less-dense large-fins heat sinks, calculated T j values were ~37 °C, and ~46 °C for a corresponding operating power of ~1.5 W, respectively. On other hand, similar power level junction temperatures of 33 °C and 41 °C were determined respectively for high- and low-density pin-fins heat sinks. Furthermore, thermal flux analysis of these heat sinks was also performed. A comparative study of on–substrate un-packaged and two different (COP) packaged devices was also performed. It was found that our COP based packaged devices are thermally more stable with improved photoluminescence (PL) intensity. As much as around 30% enhancement in the PL intensity of the packaged devices along with a noticeable decrease in the red-shift (about 7 nm) of the spectrum was determined.
Single-mode projection filters for identification and state estimation of flexible structures

Single-mode projection filters are developed for eigensystem parameter identification and state estimation from both analytical results and test data. Explicit formulations of these projection filters are derived using the pseudoinverse matrices of the controllabilty and observability matrices in the general sense. A global minimum optimization algorithm is developed to update the filter parameters by using the interval analysis method. Modal parameters can be identified and updated in the global sense within a specified region of parameters by passing the experimental data through the projection filters. For illustration of this new approach, a numerical example is shown by using a one-dimensional global optimization algorithm to estimate modal frequencies and damping.
Enjoyment and Productivity as a Function of Classroom Seating Location

43 students in an introductory psychology class were periodically moved from one seating location to another in an attempt to discover the effects of location on classroom test performance and on f...
Impulse response matching for z-Domain identification with application to model order reduction

This paper presents a deterministic time-domain approach to z-domain model identification. Coefficients for a discrete transfer function model of specified order are determined by matching the model's impulse response to that of an observed system. Interestingly, the specialized identification equations that result coincide with those from the conventional least-squares theory using regression models and thus provide a link between the deterministic and stochastic theories. The technique is applied to the model reduction problem for discrete linear systems.
Carrier-Phase Differential Global Positioning System Navigation Filter for High-Altitude Spacecraft

A new navigation Kalman filter has been developed which uses carrier-phase differential Global Positioning System techniques in a framework that includes integer ambiguities to estimate the relative states of high-altitude, formation-flying spacecraft. This model-based approach to relative navigation allows spacecraft formations to use carrier-phase techniques above the Global Positioning System constellation. The filter uses dynamics models for the spacecraft orbits, receiver clocks, ionospheric total electron content, and Global Positioning System satellite residual position and clock errors. The process noise driving the orbital dynamics is separated into a common-mode part and lower intensity differential-mode part to better model how disturbances influence formations. The ionospheric total electron content model contains information that allows the filter to decide when to use the dual-frequency measurements to correct for the ionosphere and when to use them to aid in integer ambiguity resolution. The filter tracks undifferenced carrier-phase ambiguities, but still resolves the double-differenced integer ambiguities for use in the relative navigation solution. Monte Carlo simulations are used to evaluate the filter's performance. In geostationary scenarios, the filter's mean relative position error magnitude is 1.2 cm, and its maximum error magnitude is 6 cm. In high-Earth-orbit scenarios at an apogee distance of 18 Earth radii, the filter's mean error magnitude is 11 cm, and its maximum error magnitude is 54 cm. The correct integer ambiguities are resolved in one or two 30 s measurement steps in most cases.
Role of Haloperidol in Palliative Medicine An Update

Haloperidol is a butyrophenone neuroleptic agent characterized as a high-affinity dopamine antagonist, originally used for the treatment of schizophrenia. Awareness of the role dopamine plays in many symptoms in palliative care, such as nausea, vomiting, and delirium, has led to the use of dopamine antagonists such as haloperidol for the treatment of these symptoms in the palliative care setting. Listed as 1 of the 25 important drugs in palliative care, haloperidol can be administered by multiple routes and can be given without dose alteration in the setting of both renal and hepatic insufficiency. Haloperidol is extensively metabolized in the liver, with CYP3A4 the chief cytochrome oxidase responsible for metabolism. This article will review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and current uses of haloperidol in palliative medicine. There will be an examination of the evidence base for the use of haloperidol in palliative medicine.
Cropping systems alter weed seed banks in Pacific Northwest semi-arid wheat region

Abstract Arable land weed seed banks are dynamic and reflect cropping history, current management, and environment. Changes in crop rotation and tillage system can alter weed seed density and species composition. In the semi-arid region of the Pacific Northwest, USA, no-till spring cropping is being studied as an alternative to the traditional winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)/dust-mulch fallow (WWF) rotation. Weed seed bank density and species composition were assessed during the first 6 years of an ongoing cropping system study comparing WWF with three no-till rotations; spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)/chemical fallow (SWF), continuous spring wheat (CSW), and spring wheat/spring barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) (SWSB). Soil cores were collected at depths of 0–8, 8–15, and 15–23 cm in all plots during August each year following crop harvest. Weed seeds were washed from the soil, dried, and germinated in a glasshouse. Weed species most associated with the 0–8 cm depth was Bromus tectorum L., the major winter annual grass weed in WWF. Species most associated with 8–15 cm depth was Chenopodium leptophyllum (Moq.) Nut. ex S. Wats, a native warm season broadleaf weed that may have long seed bank persistence. An initial high density of B. tectorum was reduced with no-till spring crops and in WWF with intensive management strategies. In comparison an initial low weed seed density of B. tectorum remained low with no-till but increased in WWF with less management. Broadleaf weed species did not become management problems in no-till; however, seed bank weed shifts occurred where winter annual broadleaf species remained following reduction of high densities of B. tectorum . Summer annual broadleaf weed seeds such as C. leptophyllum and Salsola tragus L. were present but not at high densities. Summer annual grass weed seeds were not present and are not typical in this region. In this research, no-till spring cereal based systems did not result in an increase in total seed density at the soil surface. Results from this research show that no-till spring crop rotations are effective at controlling winter annual grass weeds as well as broadleaf weeds normally associated with WWF.
Kinetics of Triple Helix Formation in Semidilute Gelatin Solutions

Using optical rotation to study the triple helix reversion of gelatin in aqueous solutions demonstrates that the reversion is a combination of first-order and second-order kinetic processes. On the basis of this observation, we propose a new two-step mechanism of triple helix formation in polypeptides, that leads to an expression distinct from the one obtained by Flory and Weaver. The rate-limiting step is formation of a two-stranded nucleus, which can be intramolecular (first order) or intermolecular (second order). The triple helix is formed by subsequent wrapping of a third strand onto this nucleus. We estimate the minimum stable helix length and the size of the loop at the end of an intramolecular helix from our kinetics analysis. The new two-step mechanism of triple helix formation is consistent with all existing literature data and allows prediction of concentration and temperature dependencies of helix formation rate.
Performance Comparison Of Wigner-Ville Based Techniques To Standard Fm-Discriminators For Estimating Instantaneous Frequency Of A Rapidly Slewing Fm Sinusoid In The Presence Of Noise

We compare the performance of the Discrete Wigner-Ville distribution (DWV) technique to a number of standard techniques for estimating the spectral content of one or more slowly varying sinusoids in the presence of additive white noise. These alternate techniques include the sliding, windowed Discrete Fourier transform or short-time Fourier transform (STFT), a standard phase derivative discriminator, and an adaptive Least Mean Square line canceller. To make the comparison interesting we have chosen to examine a range of signal to noise ratios which bracket the threshold performance regions of the standard spectral estimators.
Connectedness in transfinite graphs and the existence and uniqueness of node voltages

Abstract Unlike connectedness in ordinary graphs, transfinite connectedness need not be transitive. As a result, sections of a transfinite graph that are maximal with respect to transfinite connectedness may overlap while being different, as is shown by an example. A sufficient condition is established under which transitivity holds, in which case the said sections partition the transfinite graph. A related phenomenon is that it may not be possible to assign a unique voltage to a node of a transfinite electrical network because the sum of the branch voltages along a path between that node and a chosen ground node may depend upon the choice of the path. This too is shown by example. Sufficient conditions are established that insure that all nodes have unique node voltages, being independent of the choices of the paths to ground. The proofs are based on a characterization of the totally ordered set of nodes along any transfinite path, the characterization being a certain hierarchical structure of nested sequences.
On ring embedding in hypercubes with faulty nodes and links

Abstract In this paper, we show that in an n -dimensional hypercube Q n with f n faulty nodes and f e faulty edges, such that f n + f e ⩽ n − 1, a ring of length 2 n − 2 f n can be embedded avoiding the faulty elements when f n > 0 or f n n − 1. When f n = 0 and f e = n − 1, if all the faulty edges are not incident on the same node, a Hamiltonian cycle can be embedded avoiding the faulty elements when n ⩾ 4. For a Q 3 , however, if f n = 0 and f e = 2, a Hamiltonian cycle might not exist even when all faulty edges are not incident on the same node. We show that a ring of size 6 can be embedded in that case. When f n = 0 and f e = n − 1, if all the faulty edges are incident on the same node, clearly a Hamiltonian cycle cannot exist and we show that a ring of size 2 n − 2 can be embedded. This generalizes a recent result of Tseng (1996) where the number of edge faults were assumed not to exceed n − 4.
‘I'm Not Much of an Expert, Myself’: Situated Learning in an Informal Online Community of Practice

This article represents an attempt to more fully understand the interactions of individuals in a specific community of practice on the World Wide Web. It attempts to answer questions about whether norms of participation and learning developed over time have been established in this virtual community of practice. It also explores how the perceived identities of individual members relate to degrees of expertise and status within the community. Over the last 20 years, there has been much written about the concepts of communities of practice and legitimate peripheral participation. The results of the study have proven very interesting. Through an understanding of the established norms of participation and learning, it has brought to light many different facets of the functioning of this particular community. In this case, members join and quickly become familiar with the community's unspoken standards of modesty and humility. They work to develop a standing as an expert, while attempting to not be seen as pos...
Local perceptions of glacial retreat and livelihood impacts in the At-Bashy Range of Kyrgyzstan

Glaciers are critical water reservoirs in Central Asia, and their retreat has been the subject of scientific inquiry and regional water policy discourse in recent years. In the case of Kyrgyzstan, the total glaciated area has decreased approximately 25–35 % over the past 100 years—a statistic that has raised serious national security and economic development concerns. Scant research has addressed the topic of deglaciation from the perspective of local populations living in close proximity to glaciers. This paper reports on an effort to document local perceptions of, and relationships to, glaciers in the unique physical and socio-cultural context of the At-Bashy Range of Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan Mountains. The analysis draws upon data collected over an 11 month period through interviews with Kyrgyz herders, focus group interviews with diverse community members, and extensive field observations and interactions in high-elevation pastures and sub-basins. The analysis suggests that interview participants are unanimous in recognizing the economic, cultural, and symbolic roles of glaciers and mountain environments in sustaining semi-nomadic, livestock-based livelihood systems. Nevertheless, wide ranging and often contradictory opinions emerged about glacial retreat-related vulnerabilities and impacts. Further, extant and pressing political, economic and institutional challenges influence and mediate the extent to which glacial retreat is perceived and assessed as a local priority.
Synthesis of Amino Acid-Derived Cyclic Acyl Amidines for Use in β-Strand Peptidomimetics

The acyl amidine represented by the 4,5-dihydro-2(3H)-pyrazinone ring system 2 is isosteric to the vinylogous amide of the 1,2-dihydro-3(6H)-pyridinone 1, but its assembly from separate amine and amide components enables ready incorporation of an amino acid side chain with correct regio- and stereochemistry. β-Strand peptidomimetics incorporating amino acid analogues based on 2 have recently been shown to be potent, protease-resistant ligands to a PDZ protein-interaction domain. Two routes to the protected dipeptide analogue 3 are described.
Muscarinic receptors: 4-substituted-3-trimethyl-ammoniumtetrahydrofuran halides

Preparation of the cis-and trans-4-hydroxy-3-trimethyl-ammoniumtetrahydrofuran and 4-acetoxy-3-trimethylammonium-tetrahydrofuran halides and 3-trimethylammoniumtetrahydrofuran iodide is described. Weak muscarinic activity was noted for the unsubstituted 3-trimethylammoniumtetrahydrofuran salt, being about 1000-fold less potent than acetylcholine. The trans-hydroxy and trans-acetoxy compounds showed even less activity, and the cis-compounds were inactive.
Experimental Validation of Macro-Models for Simulating Capillary Driven Multiphase Flows Used for Micro-Chamber Filling

Macro-models (also called “reduced-order-models”, “lumped parameter models”, etc.) are convenient and efficient design tools that afford reasonable simulation accuracy by replacing the governing physical equations with behavioral models. Such models are easy to implement, usually do not require grid formulations, employ simple numerical schemes (systems of ordinary differential equations or algebraic equations), and have robust numerical convergence. In this study macro-models were developed for predicting the filling of micro-chambers for capillary driven flows as a function of geometric parameters and fluid properties (viscosity, surface tension and contact angle). It was found that bubble formation in filling of micro-chambers is a strong function of wall contact angles. A region of wall influence parameter was identified which was found to be relatively insensitive to flow parameters (flow rate, viscosity, etc.) and depends strongly on the wettability of the side walls of the micro-chambers.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Downstream signals initiated in mast cells by FcεRI and other receptors

The significant contributions this past year to our understanding of IgE receptor (FceRI) signaling in mast cells include studies with truncated Syk in a vaccinia expression system and Syk-negative variants of rat basophilic (RBL-2H3) cells. These studies demonstrate an essential role for Syk in initiating signals for secretion and release of arachidonic acid via phospholipase A2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase. A newly recognized addition to the repertoire of FceRI-mediated signaling systems is the activation of sphingosine kinase, which contributes to calcium mobilization in mast cells. Advances have been made in our understanding of other receptors that regulate proliferation and differentiation of mast cells, and in our understanding of the ability of mast cells to mount acquired and acute responses to antigenic and bacterial challenge.
Challenges in the integration of PACS and RIS databases

The discrepancies we encountered clearly demanded manual procedures that must be aggressively performed in order to maintain correct exam informationand assure image accessibility for physicians. The accuracy of exam information is vital for diagnostic radiology and necessary to maintain database integrity. The automatic verification system allows exam information to be authenticated only once, therefore RIS and RIS interface providers must develop a method for broadcasting updates to the PACS database after the exam has been transmitted to the PACS gateway.
Transient decay of longitudinal magnetization in heterogeneous spin systems under selective saturation

The transient behavior of the longitudinal magnetization of the mobile protons in aqueous heterogeneous materials is investigated both theoretically and experimentally when selective saturation is applied by off-resonance, RF irradiation to the homogeneously broadened, immobile protons which are coupled to the mobile protons through cross relaxation. Analytical solution of this problem is obtained by a generalization of H. C. Torrey’s solution to the Bloch equations. Progressive (but indirect) saturation of the magnetization of the mobile protons under this RF irradiation is dynamically monitored using very-small-tipangle sampling pulses. The apparent relaxation rate of heat-denatured egg albumin was measured as a function of frequency offset of the saturating RF with different amplitudes using a new dispersion method modified from a broadband technique recently invented for the rapid
An Education in Awareness: Self, Motivation, and Self-Regulated Learning in Contemplative Perspective

Consistent with the aims of this special issue, we present a systems perspective on self/identity, predicated on William James's classic distinction between I and Me, and use this perspective to explore conceptual relations between self/identity, motivation to learn, and self-regulated learning. We define the I self functionally in terms of the capacity for the conscious shifting and sustaining of awareness. The I is conceived of as that aspect of the self-system that affords the potential for the conscious and willful, rather than the non-conscious and automatic, motivation and regulation of behavior. We introduce contemplative education as a set of pedagogical practices designed to cultivate conscious awareness in an ethical-relational context in which the values of personal growth, learning, moral living, and caring for others are nurtured. We discuss the implications of contemplative education for the cultivation of conscious and willful forms of learning and living among students and educators alike.
Exploring the Effect of Supplier Management on Performance in the Korean Automotive Supply Chain

SUMMARY This article explores the relationship between supply management practices and performance from a supply chain perspective. A conceptual model of suppliermanagement practices and performance was developed and tested using covariance structural modeling. Survey data were gathered from first-tier suppliers in the Korean automotive industry. The results showed that in a supply chain, the suppliermanagement practices adopted by first-tier suppliers affected second-tier suppliers' performance. Second-tier suppliers' performance consequently influenced both first-tier suppliers' quality and delivery performance. These findings suggest that best practices in supplier management should be transferred upstream in the supply chain to improve overall performance of the entire supply chain.
Reproducibility of mandibular motion and muscle activity levels using a commercial computer recording system

A commercial computer recording system (BioPak) was tested for its accuracy and reproducibility in recording mandibular motion and muscle activity levels (EMG). Accuracy of measurements of mandibular motion was tested using sliding calipers. Accuracy of muscle activity levels was checked with a sine-wave calibration signal of known amplitude and frequency. Reproducibility of motion and of EMG was made using five control subjects each tested on 3 separate days. Computer measurements of motion were found to require correction for nonlinearity at openings beyond 45 mm. Most maximum voluntary excursions were found to be more reproducible than motions during mastication. However, lateral deviation during opening was strongly affected by magnet orientation and varied greatly between trials. Electromyographic recordings were distorted by improper treatment of high-frequency components of the signal and also varied greatly between trials. This study suggests that the BioPak system may indicate changes in some measures of mandibular motion and EMG levels in patients for whom no changes have occurred.
Echocardiographic presentations of endocarditis, and risk factors for rupture of a sinus of Valsalva in childhood.

Background In recent years, the diagnosis of infective endocarditis has been enhanced by the use of echocardiography. We sought, therefore, to review its effect on the management of endocarditis in children. Methods We reviewed all the patients presenting to our institution for evaluation for infective endocarditis from May 1994 to January 2002. The patients were stratified according to whether or not they had congenitally malformed hearts. Results Of the 90 referred patients identified, 46 (51%) had positive ultrasonic findings. Of these, we excluded 26 patients because of the presence of indwelling lines. The remaining 20 patients with features of endocarditis had a median age of 6.5 years, and a range from 0.14 to 8.5 years. There were 4 patients with normal hearts, and 16 with congenital cardiac malformations. We identified rupture of a sinus of Valsalva in four patients, with rupture into the left ventricle in two, and into the right ventricle and right atrium in one each. The mitral valve was involved in six patients, the aortic valve in another six, including all four with rupture of the sinus of Valsalva, both mitral and aortic valves in three, the pulmonary trunk in three patients, and the tricuspid valve and a Blalock-Taussig shunt in one patient each. Organisms isolated included Streptococcus mitis in 4 patients, Streptococcus pneumoniae in 2 patients, Streptococcus sanguis in 1, Staphylococcus aureus in 3, Staphylococcus epidermidis in 1, and Enteroccocus in 2. Cultures proved negative in 7 patients. Surgical intervention was needed in 12 patients, and one died (5%). Only the left-sided chambers were involved in those with normal hearts. Both patients infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae had rupture of a sinus of Valsalva. Conclusion Involvement of the left-sided chambers is more likely in structurally normal hearts, and in cases with rupture of a sinus of Valsalva, in which case infection with Streptococcus pneumonia should be suspected.
Dimensions of State Government Capability

POLITICAL system performance depends to a great extent on institutional capacity. As a result, institutions are the objects of continuous attempts at reform and modernization. These transformational efforts are undertaken to attain the somewhat nebulous goals of "capability improvement" and "capacity building." The frequency, comprehensiveness, and impact of these exercises are likely a function of the larger political context. The last twenty years have found state governments engaged in a congeries of activities aimed at improving institutional performance. Constitutional and statutory reforms of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches have substantially altered the structural and procedural characteristics of state government. The formal powers of the governors have been strengthened and executive authority has been consolidated in the governor's office, while state bureaucracies have become more professional and representative. State legislatures have increased in levels of institutionalization and professionalism, and their processes have been streamlined. Even the state judicial systems have been modernized through reorganizations and improved management practices. The reforms generally have consisted of efforts to improve the capability of state institutions to respond to increasingly rapid technological and socioeconomic changes in their jurisdictions, and to cope more effectively with new program and policy responsibilities resulting from "New Federalism" policies, national government retrenchment, and the growing incapacities of local governments. The scope and variety of these state reforms in "capability building" have recently been documented by the U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (1985). Well over one-hundred structural and procedural changes have been widely adopted by the states in efforts to make them more capable by improving their effectiveness, efficiency, and representation. The avalanche of state capability1 building efforts during the past twenty years has not gone unnoticed by political scientists. Reforms in the executive branch and legislative branch have been described and analyzed thoroughly. Political scientists have also attempted to measure the impacts of various reforms, with conflicting results (Grumm 1971; Car-
Femur fracture in an infant

A 4 month old baby was brought to the emergency department because he was not moving his left leg. The parents reported that the baby twisted and fell when his father was changing his nappy. The father caught the baby by his leg before he hit the floor. The parents noted something was wrong immediately and brought the baby in for care. The baby had been born at full term after an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery and had normal growth and development. The baby’s parents were married and both employed, and he was their first child. Radiography showed an acute oblique mid-shaft fracture of the left femur. The baby was clearly in pain when he moved, but his leg did not seem to be swollen. The remainder of the examination was normal. ### Short answers
Association with Soil Bacteria Enhances p38-Dependent Infection Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

ABSTRACT The importance of our inner microbial communities for proper immune responses against invading pathogens is now well accepted, but the mechanisms underlying this protection are largely unknown. In this study, we used Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate such mechanisms. Since very little is known about the microbes interacting with C. elegans in its natural environment, we began by taking the first steps to characterize the C. elegans microbiota. We established a natural-like environment in which initially germfree, wild-type larvae were grown on enriched soil. Bacterial members of the adult C. elegans microbiota were isolated by culture and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Using pure cultures of bacterial isolates as food, we identified two, Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas mendocina, that enhanced resistance to a subsequent infection with the Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Whereas protection by B. megaterium was linked to impaired egg laying, corresponding to a known trade-off between fecundity and resistance, the mechanism underlying protection conferred by P. mendocina depended on weak induction of immune genes regulated by the p38 MAPK pathway. Disruption of the p38 ortholog, pmk-1, abolished protection. P. mendocina enhanced resistance to P. aeruginosa but not to the Gram-positive pathogen Enterococcus faecalis. Furthermore, protection from P. aeruginosa was similarly induced by a P. aeruginosagacA mutant with attenuated virulence but not by a different C. elegans-associated Pseudomonas sp. isolate. Our results support a pivotal role for the conserved p38 pathway in microbiota-initiated immune protection and suggest that similarity between microbiota members and pathogens may play a role in such protection.
An adaptive middleware framework for Scientific Computing at extreme scales

Large computing systems including clusters, clouds, and grids, provide high-performance capabilities that can be utilized for scientific applications. As the ubiquity of these systems increases and the scope of analysis performed on them expand, there is a growing need for applications that do not require users to learn the details of high-performance computing, and are flexible and adaptive to accommodate the best time-to-solution. In this paper we introduce a new adaptive capability for the MeDICi middleware and describe the applicability of this design to a scientific workflow application for biology. This adaptive framework provides a programming model for implementing a workflow using high-performance systems and enables the compute capabilities at one site to automatically analyze data being generated at another site. This adaptive design improves overall time-to-solution by moving the data analysis task to the most appropriate resource dynamically, automatically reacting to failures and load fluctuations.
The Association of α-Synuclein with Membranes Affects Bilayer Structure, Stability, and Fibril Formation

The aggregation of α-synuclein is believed to be a critical factor in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. α-Synuclein is an abundant neuronal protein of unknown function, which is enriched in the presynaptic terminals of neurons. Although α-synuclein is found predominantly in the cytosolic fractions, membrane-bound α-synuclein has been suggested to play an important role in fibril formation. The effects of α-synuclein on lipid bilayers of different compositions were determined using fluorescent environment-specific probes located at various depths. α-Synuclein-membrane interactions were found to affect both protein and membrane properties. Our results indicate that in addition to electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions are important in the association of the protein with the bilayer, and lead to disruption of the membrane. The latter was observed by atomic force microscopy and fluorescent dye leakage from vesicles. The kinetics of α-synuclein fibril formation were significantly affected by the protein association and subsequent membrane disruption, and reflected the conformation of α-synuclein. The ability of α-synuclein to disrupt membranes correlated with the binding affinity of α-synuclein for the particular membrane composition, and to the induced helical conformation of α-synuclein. Protofibrillar or fibrillar α-synuclein caused a much more rapid destruction of the membrane than soluble monomeric α-synuclein, indicating that protofibrils (oligomers) or fibrils are likely to be significantly neurotoxic.
Mapping water quality by local scoring

The mean density of bacteria in a water body is commonly monitored using quantal assay. This paper describes the use of local scoring in estimating the spatial distribution of mean density from quantal assay results at a set of point locations. An application to estimating the mean density of fecal coliform bacteria in a coastal pond is presented. Model diagnostics based on a parametric bootstrap are also presented.
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Hospitalized Patients with Cirrhosis: A Nationwide Analysis

Recent studies have shown conflicting results regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cirrhotics despite the often-associated coagulopathy. Our aim was to determine burden and risk factors for VTE in cirrhotics from a national sample. Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2005, we identified cirrhosis-related hospitalizations using appropriate discharge codes. Our outcomes of interest were deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Cirrhotics without VTE formed the controls. Multivariate regression models were used to identify factors independently associated with VTE and the impact of VTE diagnosis on in-hospital outcomes. There were 449,798 hospitalizations for cirrhosis in 2005 of which 8,231 were for VTE (1.8%). This rate was lower than the rate for chronic hepatitis C (2.4%) or all-cause hospitalizations (3.7%). Patients with VTE were older than controls and had greater co-morbidity and were more likely to have malnutrition, parenteral nutrition, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and central venous line (CVL) placement. Complications of cirrhosis including hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, ascites, and coagulopathy were less frequent in those with VTE than controls. On multivariate regression, greater co-morbidity, black race, malnutrition, and CVL placement were independently associated with VTE. Neither DVT nor PE was associated with greater in-hospital mortality. DVT, but not PE, was associated with a 52% increase in LOS and hospitalization charges. Despite the often-associated coagulopathy, VTE contributes to a significant burden in patients with cirrhosis. Efforts directed at VTE prevention in this cohort, especially high-risk patients, should be actively pursued.
Functional characterization of peptide transporters in MDCKII-MDR1 cell line as a model for oral absorption studies.

Abstract MDCKII–MDR1 cell line has been extensively selected as a model to study P-gp-mediated drug efflux. Recently, investigators have employed this cell line for studying influx of peptide prodrug derivatives of parent compounds, which are P-gp substrates. Therefore, the objective of this study is to functionally characterize the peptide mediated uptake and transport of [3H] Glycylsarcosine ([3H] Gly-Sar), a model peptide substrate across MDCKII–MDR1 cells. [3H] Gly-Sar uptake from apical (AP) and basolateral (BL) membranes was found to be time-dependent and saturable. Michaelis–Menten (Km) constants of [3H] Gly-Sar uptake across the AP and BL directions in MDCKII–MDR1 cell line were found to be 457 ± 37 and 464 ± 85 μM, respectively. Vmax values in AP and BL directions for the peptide transporters in MDCKII–MDR1 cell line were calculated to be 0.035 ± 0.001 and 0.35 ± 0.034 pmol/min mg protein, respectively. Uptake of [3H] Gly-Sar was significantly inhibited in the presence of aminocephalosporins and ACE-Inhibitors, known substrates for peptide transporters in both the AP and BL directions. Permeability of [3H] Gly-Sar in the BL direction was maximal at pH 4 as compared to pH 5, 6 and 7.4 whereas such permeability in the AP direction was optimal at pH 7.4. Transepithelial transport of [3H] Gly-Sar in the AP–BL direction was significantly lower than from BL–AP direction at all observed pHs. No statistical difference was observed in the transepithelial permeability of [3H] Gly-Sar across both AP and BL directions over 4–10 days of growth period. The present study indicates that peptide transporters are effectively involved in the bidirectional transport of Gly-Sar across MDCKII–MDR1 cell line; the BL peptide transporter can transport Gly-Sar at a greater rate as compared to the AP peptide transporter. Results from these studies suggest the application of MDCKII–MDR1 cell line as a rapid effective tool to study peptide mediated influx of compounds that may be substrates for both P-gp and peptide transporters.
Cross-cultural pastoral counseling: Method or hermeneutic?

This article explores some of the meta-questions that emerge when talking about “cross-cultural pastoral counseling.” Is it a distinct counseling method or a practical hermeneutic that prompts the counselor to examine his or her therapeutic approach? The author argues that “cross-cultural pastoral counseling” is really a hermeneutic that challenges the pastoral counselor to an ongoing evaluation of how and to what extent his or her approach to pastoral counseling may be guided by dominant social convention versus the gospel mandate of Matthew 25: 31–46 [RSV]. The article reviews relevant literature, discusses three fundamental changes (“conversions”) that are necessary for the pastoral counselor in order to do cross-cultural pastoral counseling, and presents a case illustration involving a multi-cultural pastoral counseling intervention.
Developing Highway Driving Simulations Using Virtual Reality Modeling Language

Implementation of interactive highway driving scenes that have most of the functional capacities provided by sophisticated simulation software packages by using virtual reality modeling language (VRML) is described. VRML is a relatively simple, cross-platform, file-interchange format for publishing three-dimensional web pages that can be interactively experienced in a browser over an intranet or the Internet. The use of Open Worlds VRML script nodes to quickly encapsulate preexisting simulation system software code to drive a VRML model in real time is also presented to demonstrate that existing simulation hardware systems can be readily integrated into VRML simulations. A related software package, HumanOpenWorlds, also enables the integration of anthropometrically correct human figure models into the VRML simulations for dynamic ergonomic analysis. Together these software tools deliver a comprehensive, cross-platform system capable of supporting human factors assessment of advanced driver interfaces over...
Dynamic Out-of-Position Deployment of Thoracic Side Airbags

Vehicle side impacts contribute to approximately 30% of crash fatalities annually, causing an estimated 10,000 deaths each year [1]. Additionally, 32% of all serious crash injuries occur in side impacts, with two-thirds in nearside impacts. Of those injured in nearside impacts, 52% were reported as sustaining thoracic injuries, more than any other anatomical region [2].
Alterations in soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Hemodialysis (HD) patients can develop acute reactions during treatment as well as increased long-term susceptibility to infections and malignancies. Abnormalities in leukocyte adhesion may contribute to these processes. Recently, serum levels of soluble adhesion molecules have been detected in circulating blood of normal subjects and in patients with chronic renal failure. We studied the effects of a single dialysis session with new cuprophane membrane on the soluble (s) form of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), two adhesion molecules with a variety of immunologic roles. Significant elevations in both sICAM-1 (523 ± 61 v 304 ± 45 [SEM] ng/mL, P v 1,189 ± 149 ng/mL, P P v 259 ± 53 ng/mL, P v 932 ng/mL, P
Quality attributes and microbial storage stability of caviar from cultivated white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

Caviar was prepared from white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) roe by adjusting the water phase salt (WPS) to 4.0% to 6.3% by adding food grade NaCl. Fish were obtained from 2 different farms from the Inland Northwest (N = 5). Salt was absorbed at a different rate and to a different extent by roe from different fish. The lipid content in the fish roe varied from 10.2% to 14.4% (w/w), with palmitic acid and oleic acid being the most abundant saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids present, respectively. The caviar contained high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (35% to 37%) with docosahexanoic acid being the most abundant omega-3 long chain fatty acid. There were no significant differences in microbial storage stability for caviars from different fish stored at 3 degrees C. However, for caviar stored at 7 degrees C, there was less growth of Listeria monocytogenes (using a cocktail of ATCC 19114, 7644, 19113 strains) in 2 samples (2B46 and 0F05) until day 20. In 2 other samples (453F and 2519), which had lower initial microbial loads, less overall microbial growth was observed, indicating that culture and harvest practices result in compositional differences between fish, which may impact both product composition and storage stability.
Cross-adaptation of sweaty-smelling 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid by a structurally-similar, pleasant-smelling odorant.

Cross-adaptation has been interpreted as a measure of the degree to which odors share common sensory channels. How structural similarity, in the absence of perceptual similarity, influences cross-adaptation is unknown. The present study assessed cross-adaptation by structurally similar, but perceptually different, odorants. Magnitude estimates for a 10:1 mixture of (E)- and (Z)-3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid (3M2H), a principal component of human underarm odor, decreased following adaptation to a mixture of (E)- and (Z)-ethyl esters of 3M2H (EE3M2H), which possess a pleasant, fruity odor. Cross-adaptation was asymmetric; adaptation to 3M2H did not significantly affect the perceived intensity of EE3M2H. By contrast, there was no significant cross-adaptation between 3M2H and the fruity-smelling ethyl esters of its homologues, 3-methyl-2-octenoic acid (EE3M20) and 3-methyl-2-pentenoic acid (EE3M2P). Similarity ratings revealed no differences among the three ethyl esters in their perceptual similarity to 3M2H (i.e. all were rated equally dissimilar to 3M2H). Molecular modeling studies revealed no difference in the charge distribution of these molecules. Rather, differences in the shape and size of the hydrophobic part of the molecule may determine the extent of cross-adaptation. These results demonstrate that structurally-similar, yet perceptually-distinct, odorants may cross-adapt and suggest that the extent of cross-adaptation may be affected by the degree of structural, as well as perceptual, similarity.
Studies with inorganic precipitate membranes. III. Consideration of energetics of electrolyte permeation through membranes

The permeability of various electrolytes through parchment-supported ferrocyanide membranes of manganese, cobalt, silver, and cadmium has been measured at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C. The order of permeability at a given temperature was Cl- > NO3- > CNS- > CH3COO- > SO42- for both monovalent and divalent cations. For any given anion, the cations followed the sequence NH4+ > Li+ > Ba2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Al3+. This sequence has been correlated with the size of the hydrated ion. Further, the data have been considered from the standpoint of the theory of rate processes and the values for the entropy of activation (ΔS′) have been derived assuming an equilibrium distance of 3 A in the membrane. The values of ΔS′ were all negative and decreased with increasing valence of the ions. This was interpreted to mean electrolyte permeation with partial immobilization in the membrane.
Measurement of Time Spent Communicating

The relative amount of time people spend in workday activities was estimated by both an observational and questionnaire method. Results from professional, technical, administrative and clerical people in a communications research and development laboratory show that 50%–80% of the workday is spent in communicating, two-thirds of that in talking. People tend to underestimate time spent talking and overestimate time spent reading and writing. Telephone and equipment use is estimated correctly on the average. People in one-man offices and laboratories spend more time talking than people in multi-man offices, but this result is confounded with supervisory level.