cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Method for Teaching Feedback Control Using the Enhanced Mass-Spring-Damper System

This paper presents a method that the author has developed to teach students about the need for feedback control and to facilitate the understanding of controller implementation. The initial discussion focuses on the limitations of open-loop control to improve performance of the traditional mass-spring-damper system. The key contribution is the introduction of an enhanced mass-spring-damper system with a position sensor and force generator, resulting in voltages as system input and output. This enhanced system provides a foundation for discussion of basic feedback control strategies such as PID-Control in addition to advanced controls concepts. The analysis is provided in time-domain to facilitate the understanding of these important controls concepts.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Processes of change across five stages of smoking cessation.

Abstract A cross-sectional design with 190 smokers and exsmokers selected by random digit dialing was used to determine differences in processes individuals use to modify behavior across five stages of smoking cessation. Five stages of cessation are: precontemplation, contemplation, recent quitting, long-term quitting, and relapse. Ten processes of change (POC) or ways individuals modify behavior were assessed. Examples of POCs are: consciousness raising, self-liberation, reinforcement management, and stimulus control. Biochemical validation of smoking abstinence was performed on a random subset of exsmoker subjects. Individuals in five stages of smoking cessation used processes of change differently as reflected by a significant MANOVA, F(40,590) = 5.02, p = .0001. It is important to assess an individual's stage of smoking cessation when planning interventions related to POCs.
Solution and membrane structure of enkephalins as studied by infrared spectroscopy

The backbone conformation of the two opioid pentapeptides Leu5-enkephalin and Met5-enkephalin was studied by the technique of resolution-enhanced infrared spectroscopy. In aqueous solution, the conformation-sensitive amide I bands of the two peptides are identical. The positions of these bands are consistent with the view that in aqueous solution both enkephalins exist as an ensemble of largely unfolded conformers. Interaction of Leu5- and Met5-enkephalins with bilayer membranes of ditetradecylphosphatidylcholine results in a substantial refolding of the peptide backbones. The conformation stabilized by the membrane environment is a hydrogen-bonded turn structure. Conformational transitions in enkephalins induced by a lipid environment may play a role in the specific interactions between these hormones and their receptor sites.
Dispersed particle hardening of aluminum-copper alloy single crystals☆

Abstract Single crystals were grown in aluminum-copper alloys containing from 3 to 5 per cent copper. These crystals were strained in tension after receiving heat treatments designed to develop CuAl 2 particles of varying sizes and distributions. Values of the critical resolved shear stress were found to be inversely proportional to the mean spacing between particles, in accordance with Orowan's theory. Fisher, Hart and Pry's theory that dislocation rings formed around the particles during deformation make a large contribution to work hardening, has received confirmation from the experimental results on these crystals. While a crystallographically defined critical resolved shear stress was observed, deformation took place mostly by multiple slip, the external characteristics of the deformation being similar to those of polycrystalline material.
Quantifying the effects of deuterium substitution on phospholipid mixing in bilayer membranes. A nearest-neighbor recognition investigation.

Nearest-neighbor recognition measurements have established that the effects of deuterium substitution on phospholipid mixing are exceedingly small. Thus, the mixing behavior of an exchangeable phospholipid bearing two stearoyl chains with a homologue containing two myristoyl chains in gel-fluid bilayers, fluid bilayers, cholesterol-rich fluid bilayers, and gel-fluid bilayers that have been enriched with cholesterol correspond to a difference in the free energy of mixing that is less than 2.2 cal/mol of hydrogen in all cases. These findings provide the strongest evidence to date in support of the use of deuterated phospholipids as “nonperturbing” probes for structural and dynamic studies of bilayer membranes.
Psychopharmacologic Treatment for Pediatric Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is an innate emotion that all humans experience, especially during early childhood in periods of significant growth and development. Treatment strategies exist for anxiety disorders that cause significant dysfunction and impairment in youth. This article provides a current overview of the literature on psychopharmacologic management of pediatric anxiety disorders. Potential side effects and complications of psychotropic medications are reviewed. The treatment of anxiety disorders in patients with comorbid conditions is explored, addressing the impact on treatment course and pharmacologic recommendations. A clinical vignette describing a 10-year-old boy with increasing anxiety is presented describing in-hospital and outpatient treatment and therapies.
Orbital Apex Syndrome Secondary to Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

Two women, one with Hodgkin's disease and the other with no malignancy, developed herpes zoster with optic neuropathy and total ophthalmoplegia. Both patients developed an associated mild meningoencephalitis with a predominantly lymphocytic spinal fluid reaction that cleared spontaneously. The patient with Hodgkin's disease suffered a protracted course of the disease and developed a secondary bacterial endophthalmitis that necessitated an envisceration of the left eye. The patient without evidence of immunologic deficit recovered quickly with administration of corticosteroids.
Complex dielectric response of metal-particle clusters

We discuss the complex dielectric response of metal-particle clusters. A self-consistent theory is introduced, which leads to a cubic equation for the cluster dielectric constant. The model is one in which the particles form fractal clusters. Both the electric and magnetic dipole absorptions are found to be enhanced by this fractal clustering. In the low-frequency and long-wavelength limits, analytic expressions for the enhancement factors are obtained. The model is applied to small particle composites, for which a red shift in the Mie resonance is obtained. For superconducting particles, the absorption in the superconducting state ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}$ is found to be greater than that of the normal state at frequencies slightly higher than the gap, provided the fractal dimension is so low that the electric dipole absorption predominates. At very low frequencies, fractal clustering also leads to an enhancement in the diamagnetic susceptibility of superconducting small-particle composites.
Genetics and type 1 diabetes: online resources for diabetes educators.

PURPOSE Genetic education Internet sites and peer-reviewed medical literature were reviewed and critiqued to develop tables summarizing online resources for diabetes health professionals. METHODS Using Internet search engines, each Web site identified for this project met the following criteria: (1) accurate and valid site content based on widely accepted genetic texts, (2) credibility of the organization that maintained the Web site, (3) ease of navigation, and (4) provision of continuing education credits. PubMed was used to find journal articles using similar criteria. RESULTS There were 33 Web sites on genetic education for diabetes health professionals that met the inclusion criteria. The literature search identified 36 articles regarding the importance of genetic education for nurses and other health professionals, as well as information regarding genetics and diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Valid and credible information on genetics and type 1 diabetes is available for diabetes health professionals on the Internet and in the medical literature.
High-yield microfabrication process for biomimetic artificial haircell sensors

We have developed artificial haircell sensors based on an improved plastic deformation magnetic assembly (PDMA) method. The PDMA method is uniquely capable of realizing 3D microstructures in an efficient, IC-compatible manner. We have improved the design of the PDMA structure to significantly increase the yield by eliminating stress concentration. The robustness of the fabricated devices is enhanced using conformal Parylene deposition. The PDMA process uses magnetic force to bend surface micromachiend cantilever beams. If the bending is significant, the beams would enter plastic deformation regime and maintains permanently bent position even after the magnetic field is removed. Previously, the PDMA process is associated with appreciable yield loss during het magnetic assembly. The failure mechanisms is believed to be stress concentration at sharp corners defined by edges of sacrificial layers. In the new design, a structure enhancement feature is added to the surface micromachiend assembly and hence eliminating any sharp features. Haircells sensors are modular sensory units widely found in the biological world. Haircells are responsible for hearing, flow sensing, and for balancing/equilibrium. We are developing artificial haircell sensors using advanced micromachining technology. The artificial haircell sensors have similar physical scale compared with biological ones.
REPRODUCTIVE SEASONALITY IN AN OPPORTUNISTIC BREEDER, THE RED CROSSBILL, LOXIA CURVIROSTRA

Crossbills (genus Loxia) are thought to breed opportunistically whenever food is abundant. If strictly true, this would distinguish them from most temperate zone birds that use photoperiod and supplementary cues (e.g., temperature, food supply) to time changes in reproductive physiology and behavior. I describe patterns of changing repro- ductive physiology in free-living Red Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) as functions of season and conifer phonology. Nonbreeding spring migrants had elevated plasma luteinizing hor- mone (LH) and began gonadal development prior to finding a summer breeding site. The birds began breeding in July while feeding on maturing seeds of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Circulating LH declined in August, and gonads regressed completely as molt accelerated in September, although seed availability was at an annual high. Slight gonadal growth occurred after molt in late autumn and early winter, but reproductive maturation and nesting did not occur during winter in this study, possibly because western hemlock cones had shed most of their seeds. Winter/spring breeding (reproductive opportunism) at other locations was inferred from the presence of independent juveniles in early summer. Thus, activation of the reproductive system in summer and termination of breeding during molt in autumn appear to be regular seasonal phenomena in Red Crossbills, as in other temperate zone birds. Their opportunistic capabilities are superimposed on this underlying pattern.
Earthworms (Clitellata, Acanthodrilidae) of the mountains of Eastern Jamaica

Abstract Fourteen species new to science are described from material collected at several sites in the Blue Mountains and the John Crow Mountains of eastern Jamaica, doubling the known endemic Jamaican earthworm fauna. New data on Dichogaster montecyanensis (Sims) are provided. All species are placed in the genus Dichogaster Beddard, which is here treated sensu lato, i.e. including Eutrigaster Cognetti. Eight of the new species have lost the posterior pair of prostates and the seminal grooves of the male field. These are D. bromeliocola , D. crossleyi , D. davidi , D. garciai , D. harperi , D. haruvi , D. hendrixi , and D. johnsoni. D. sydneyi n. sp. has independently lost the posterior prostates but not the seminal grooves. The new species D. altissima and D. manleyi have the conventional dichogastrine prostatic battery and male field characteristics. Three species described here, D. farri , D. garrawayi , and D. marleyi , all have a third pair of prostates in the 20th segment, no seminal grooves, dorsal paired intestinal caeca in segment lxv, and lack penial setae.
Non-ideal effects in organic-inorganic materials for gas separation membranes

Abstract Organic–inorganic hybrids, so-called ‘mixed matrix’, materials comprising highly selective rigid phases, such as zeolites, dispersed in a continuous polymeric matrix are leading candidates for challenging membrane applications. In addition to ideal additive effects modeled in terms of the intrinsic properties of the continuous and dispersed phases, the dispersed phase may affect the surrounding polymer matrix at the interface between the two phases. For instance, the dispersed phase may cause an undesirable void at the interface or create varying degrees of rigidification in the surrounding polymer. The observed performance as a gas separation material depends strongly upon the specific preparation conditions. The properties of the interface may, therefore, be understood better by considering gas permeation and sorption experiments, coupled with appropriate modeling. For a given polymer and dispersed phase, the stress at the interface during membrane preparation is believed to determine whether a void or a rigidified region of polymer forms at the interface and to what extent. This stress depends primarily on the amount of solvent left to be removed when the nascent polymer matrix vitrifies. The response to preparation-generated stresses can also be affected by chemical ‘priming’, for example using silane or other coupling agents. Here, we discuss how solvent evaporation, thermal effects, and the resulting stresses at the polymer-dispersed phase interface cause a complex, but at least partially understood array of effects ranging from void formation to stress-dilated regions or even zones of compression in the polymer layers nearest the polymer-dispersed phase interface. Other non-ideal effects can be due to partial or apparent clogging of the dispersed phase. In fact, depending on particle size, shape and preparation protocols, two or more of these effects may superimpose to create a rich array of properties beyond those described by simple models based on only pure material properties. Using this framework, preparation conditions to tailor the interfacial morphology and therefore, membrane transport properties are discussed.
Memory mapped ECC: low-cost error protection for last level caches

This paper presents a novel technique, Memory Mapped ECC, which reduces the cost of providing error correction for SRAM caches. It is important to limit such overheads as processor resources become constrained and error propensity increases. The continuing decrease in SRAM cell size and the growing capacity of caches increases the likelihood of errors in SRAM arrays. To address this, redundant information can be used to correct a value after an error occurs. Information redundancy is typically provided through error-correcting codes (ECC), which append bits to every SRAM row and increase the array's area and energy consumption. We make three observations regarding error protection and utilize them in our architecture: (1) much of the data in a cache is replicated throughout the hierarchy and is inherently redundant; (2) error-detection is necessary for every cache access and is cheaper than error correction, which is very infrequent; (3) redundant information for correction need not be stored in high-cost SRAM. Our unique architecture only dedicates SRAM for error detection while the ECC bits are stored within the memory hierarchy as data. We associate a physical memory address with each cache line for ECC storage and rely on locality to minimize the impact. The cache is dynamically and transparently partitioned between data and ECC with the fraction of ECC growing with the number of dirty cache lines. We show that this has little impact on both performance (1.3% average and
Positive and negative recency effects in free recall learning

This study examined the relationship between the magnitude of the positive recency effect in immediate free recall (IFR) and the magnitude of the negative recency effect in final free recall (FFR). Subjects learned 10 lists, followed by a FFR test. Across Lists 1–8 (each 21 words in length) there was an increase in positive recency in IFR and a concomitant increase in negative recency in FFR. There was no negative recency in FFR for List 9 which was a short list (12 words), and List 10 (21 words). These results, plus order of recall data, provide support for the hypothesis that negative recency is the product of a strategy wherein subjects learn to superficially encode end items in IFR because this is sufficient to guarantee their immediate recall.
Determining size and dispersion of minimum viable populations for land management planning and species conservation

The concept of minimum populations of wildlife and plants has only recently been discussed in the literature. Population genetics has emerged as a basic underlying criterion for determining minimum population size. This paper presents a genetic framework and procedure for determining minimum viable population size and dispersion strategies in the context of multiple-use land management planning. A procedure is presented for determining minimum population size based on maintenance of genetic heterozygosity and reduction of inbreeding. A minimum effective population size (N e ) of 50 breeding animals is taken from the literature as the minimum shortterm size to keep inbreeding below 1% per generation. Steps in the procedure adjustN e to account for variance in progeny number, unequal sex ratios, overlapping generations, population fluctuations, and period of habitat/population constraint. The result is an approximate census number that falls within a range of effective population size of 50–500 individuals. This population range defines the time range of short- to long-term population fitness and evolutionary potential. The length of the term is a relative function of the species generation time. Two population dispersion strategies are proposed: core population and dispersed population.
DOES PRIOR DANTROLENE AFFECT THE IN VITRO DIAGNOSIS OF MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA SUSCEPTIBILITY

A therapeutic and prophylactic dose of dantrolene administered to malignant hyperthermia-susceptible pigs had no effect on the abnormalin vitro contracture response of subsequent muscle biopsies. Thein vitro contracture response of MHS pig muscle to halothane and to caffeine was not altered by prior dantrolene treatment. It is concluded that prior dantrolene administration has no effect on the discrimination of porcine MHS byin vitro pharmacological testing.
Transitional Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Model

The Transitional Alternative Fuels Vehicle model simulates the use and cost of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles over the period 1996 to 2010. It is designed to examine the transitional period of alternative fuel and vehicle use. It accounts for dynamic linkages between investments and vehicle and fuel production capacity, tracks vehicle stock evolution, and represents the effects of increasing scale and expanding retail fuel availability on the effective costs to consumers. Fuel and vehicle prices and choices are endogenous. Preliminary results that illustrate the role of potentially important transitional phenomena are discussed. This model extends previous, long-run comparative static analyses of policies that assumed mature vehicle and fuel industries. As a dynamic transitional model, it can help to assess what may be necessary to reach mature, large-scale, alternative fuel and vehicle markets, and what it would cost.
Doping of high-quality epitaxial silicon grown by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition near 700 °C

We demonstrate that epitaxial layers with a wide range of controllable dopant densities (7 x 10 15 ―3 x 10 18 /cm 3 and 10 17 ―10 18 /cm 3 for n-type and p-type, respectively) can be grown on wafer substrates at 700 ± 25 °C by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition. Phosphorus from PH 3 is incorporated into the film more efficiently than silicon from SiH 4 , leading to efficient doping. Comparison of Hall carrier concentrations to secondary ion mass spectrometry atomic dopant concentration shows that all incorporated dopants are electrically active. The Hall measurements also reveal that the electron mobility in the P-doped films is close to the impurity-scattering limit for crystal Si wafers at room temperature, indicating that our deposited epitaxial materials are high quality.
Index sets and Scott sentences

For a computable structure $${\mathcal{A}}$$ A , there may not be a computable infinitary Scott sentence. When there is a computable infinitary Scott sentence $${\varphi}$$ � , then the complexity of the index set $${I(\mathcal{A})}$$ I ( A ) is bounded by that of $${\varphi}$$ � . There are results (Ash and Knight in Computable structures and the hyperarithmetical hierarchy. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2000; Calvert et al. in Algeb Log 45:306---315, 2006; Carson et al. in Trans Am Math Soc 364:5715---5728, 2012; McCoy and Wallbaum in Trans Am Math Soc 364:5729---5734, 2012; Knight and Saraph in Scott sentences for certain groups, pre-print) giving "optimal" Scott sentences for structures of various familiar kinds. These results have been driven by the thesis that the complexity of the index set should match that of an optimal Scott sentence (Ash and Knight in Computable structures and the hyperarithmetical hierarchy. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2000; Calvert et al. in Algeb Log 45:306---315, 2006; Carson et al. in Trans Am Math Soc 364:5715---5728, 2012; McCoy and Wallbaum in Trans Am Math Soc 364:5729---5734, 2012). In this note, it is shown that the thesis does not always hold. For a certain subgroup of $${\mathbb{Q}}$$ Q , there is no computable d- $${\Sigma_2}$$ Σ 2 Scott sentence, even though (as shown in Ash and Knight in Scott sentences for certain groups, pre-print) the index set is d- $${\Sigma^0_2}$$ Σ 2 0 .
Interatrial septal aneurysm, systolic click and atrial tachyarrhythmia--a new syndrome?

Abstract We are describing a case of atrial septal aneurysm (diagnosed by echocardiography), systolic click and atrial tachyarrhythmia. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Permeable Environmental Leaching Capsules (PELCAPs) for in situ evaluation of contaminant immobilization in soil

We encapsulated radioisotope-spiked soil within a water-permeable polyacrylamide matrix cast in a small cylindrical geometry (approximately to 5 cm3) to measure the persistence of immobilized soil contaminants. As a proof-of-principle, soils contained within these permeable environmental leaching capsules (PELCAPs) were labeled with either 85Sr or 134Cs and were leached in both laboratory tests and continuously in situ with ground and streamwaters at two field sites on the Oak Ridge reservation. Groups of PELCAPs were retrieved, assayed nondestructively for radioisotopes via gamma spectroscopy, and then replaced in ground and surface water repeatedly over a 6-month period. PELCAPs that contained no soil readily and quantitatively leached either 85Sr or 134Cs into laboratory extractants or ground or surface water with effective diffusion coefficients (D(eff)) of (1.14 +/- 0.06) and (4.8 +/- 0.2) x 10(-6) cm2/s, respectively. PELCAPs containing untreated soil readily leached > 90% of 85Sr but < 1% of 134Cs during field leaching at both sites, whereas thermally treated soils quantitatively retained both isotopes under all conditions. Permeable polymer encapsulation methods, such as PELCAPs, offer the potential capability to conveniently test large numbers of soils and soil treatments for contaminant release and uptake under actual field environmental conditions.
Critical stresses and strains at the spall edge of a case hardened bearing due to ball impact

Abstract Short spall propagation times of failing main shaft ball bearings of aircraft engines are a serious safety concern for single engine aircraft. Bearing designers would like to understand the impact of four variables namely (i) ball material density, (ii) subsurface residual stress, (iii) gradient in yield strength with depth (case hardening), and (iv) raceway surface hardness/yield strength that are thought to affect spall propagation. Extensive spall propagation experiments have been conducted at AFRL, Ohio in the past few years to address this issue. However, a detailed mechanistic analysis of these experiments has not been performed. This work presents an elastic–plastic finite element (FE) model that simulates a ball impacting a spall edge to determine the relative contributions of the four material variables on spall propagation. The magnitude and extent of damage of the spall edge material is determined based on critical stresses and plastic strains induced by the ball impact. The results indicate that the influence of ball density is greatest on inducing damage at the impacted spall edge when compared to the other three properties, which also agrees with the hybrid bearing spall propagation tests conducted at AFRL.
A single-sample, subcutaneous gonadotropin-releasing hormone test for central precocious puberty.

Objective. We compared a rapid, subcutaneous (SQ), single-sample gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test with the standard multiple-sample, intravenous (IV) GnRH stimulation test used in the evaluation of central precocious puberty (CPP). Methods. We evaluated 22 patients presenting with evidence of precocious puberty. GnRH (100 µg) was administered subcutaneously in the clinic setting with single serum luteinizing hormone (LH) measured 40 minutes after injection. A standard IV GnRH stimulation test was performed within 2 weeks, with serum LH obtained at 0, 20, 40, and 60 minutes. LH was assayed by immunochemiluminometric assay. Results. The mean peak LH levels after IV and SQ testing were identical. A significant correlation (r = .88) was found between the LH determined by SQ stimulation and the peak LH determined by IV GnRH testing. CPP was diagnosed (LH, ≥8 IU/L) by both SQ and IV testing in 7 of 22 patients and was excluded by both tests in 14 of 22 patients. A diagnostic discrepancy between peak IV and SQ results was seen in 1 patient. Conclusions. We conclude that mean GnRH-stimulated LH levels from rapid SQ and standard IV testing are indistinguishable and that individual LH levels by each method are strongly correlated. A rapid SQ GnRH test is a valid tool for laboratory confirmation of CPP.
Dual Inhibition of Focal Adhesion Kinase and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathways Cooperatively Induces Death Receptor-mediated Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells

The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are protein-tyrosine kinases that are overexpressed and activated in human breast cancer. To determine the role of EGFR and FAK survival signaling in breast cancer, EGFR was stably overexpressed in BT474 breast cancer cells, and each signaling pathway was specifically targeted for inhibition. FAK and EGFR constitutively co-immunoprecipitated in EGFR-overexpressing BT474 cells. In low EGFR-expressing BT474-pcDNA3 vector control cells, inhibition of FAK by the FAK C-terminal domain caused detachment and apoptosis via pathways involving activation of caspase-3 and -8, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and caspase-3-dependent degradation of AKT. This apoptosis could be rescued by the dominant-negative Fas-associated death domain, indicating involvement of the death receptor pathway. EGFR overexpression did not inhibit detachment induced by the FAK C-terminal domain, but did suppress apoptosis, activating AKT and ERK1/2 survival pathways and inhibiting cleavage of FAK, caspase-3 and -8, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Furthermore, this protective effect of EGFR signaling was reversed by EGFR kinase inhibition with AG1478. In addition, inhibition of FAK and EGFR in another breast cancer cell line (BT20) endogenously overexpressing these kinases also induced apoptosis via the same mechanism as in the EGFR-overexpressing BT474 cells. The results of this study indicate that dual inhibition of FAK and EGFR signaling pathways can cooperatively enhance apoptosis in breast cancers.
Following Doctors' Orders: Organizational Change as a Response to Human Capital Bargaining Power

Organizational change is facilitated by both internal and external factors, yet little is known about how they might be linked. Through a case study of one hospital's change from a nonprofit to a nonprofit/for-profit organizational structure, we find that human capital bargaining power is a key mechanism that integrates internal and external drivers of change. However, a paradox surfaces whereby the strength of the bargaining power can force structural changes that may be counterproductive. Our results show that human capital bargaining power is a "double-edged sword," shifting the governance structure to benefit those with power by providing additional rents, but creating challenges for the ongoing management and retention of such valuable human capital. Our findings have implications for the long-term survival of talent-intensive organizations where human capital bargaining power is strong.
Face Recognition Based on Correlation of Wavelet Transform Images

Face recognition is a very challenging research topic because variations can be introduced to the pattern of a face by varying pose, lighting, and expression. A new face recognition approach using correlation of wavelet transform images is presented. Using this technique, wavelet transform is applied on images before using images correlation for matching the face representation. The representation used for each face is computed from the mean wavelet transform images and the testing image. The computation time required for recognition is very short. Recognition rate is 98.5% using the ORL database using 5 training images and 5 testing images per person.
Intraspecific Variation in Pear Psylla (Psyllidae: Homoptera) Nymphal Survival and Development on Resistant and Susceptible Pear

Five pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola Foerster, isolates from geographically distinct regions of the United States were examined on 6 pear cultivars to determine the extent of intraspecific variation in certain biological parameters, and if host resistance-breaking isolates existed. Newborn nymphs from isolates originating from Michigan, New York, Oregon, Washington, and West Virginia were transferred onto susceptible 'Bartlett' and resistant 'Krupen Burnusus', NY10352, 'Obican Vedenac', 'Mednik', and 'Zelinka' pear. Adult body weights, nymphal survival, and the age structure of the psylla populations were recorded over a 29-d period on each cultivar. Survival and age structure were significantly influenced by cultivar. Lack of significant differences among psylla isolates, and in the strain-by-cultivar interaction suggested that there were no host-dependent differences in survival or development. All of the resistant cultivars, except Obican Vodenac, exhibited moderate to high levels of antibiosis. Obican Vodenac was previously considered resistant, but it was found to be as susceptible as Bartlett to the psylla isolates. The age structures of the psylla isolates were composed mainly of earlier instars on resistant cultivars, although some individuals developed normally to adult-hood as if they were on a susceptible host. The vigorous and healthy condition of some adults that were reared from resistant cultivars implies that pear psylla may have the potential to adapt significantly to host resistance. A population age structure index was developed to characterize the degree of antibiosis in pear cultivars. The index significantly correlated with nymphal survival, indicating that these parameters are related. The formula for calculating population age structure index is presented in detail.
Electronic package thermal design using boundary elements

The use of the boundary-element method (BEM) for thermal evaluation of electronic packaging systems is discussed. Over the last twenty years, computer-aided engineering analysts have relied heavily on the finite-element method (FEM) for solving a variety of problems. This includes 2-D and 3-D linear or nonlinear heat transfer models on IC packages. However, the BEM, which discretizes only the problem boundary, provides a potentially faster method of modeling a problem. For 3-D models, in particular, parametric variations on a particular design can be evaluated more rapidly. This decreasing turnaround time will become a priority in future analyses of more sophisticated VLSI (very large scale integration) or PGA (pin grid array) packages which require design optimization on size and space arrangement for higher power capacity. BEM thermal models of 2-D and 3-D PGA packages were studied using the computer code BEASY. BEM results were compared to those of FEM models. A 3-D benchmark problem with documented experimental data was modeled to verify the BEM results. >
Infection-Related Declines in Chill Coma Recovery and Negative Geotaxis in Drosophila melanogaster

Studies of infection in Drosophila melanogaster provide insight into both mechanisms of host resistance and tolerance of pathogens. However, research into the pathways involved in these processes has been limited by the relatively few metrics that can be used to measure sickness and health throughout the course of infection. Here we report measurements of infection-related declines in flies' performance on two different behavioral assays. D. melanogaster are slower to recover from a chill-induced coma during infection with either Listeria monocytogenes or Streptococcus pneumoniae. L. monocytogenes infection also impacts flies' performance during a negative geotaxis assay, revealing a decline in their rate of climbing as part of their innate escape response after startle. In addition to providing new measures for assessing health, these assays also suggest pathological consequences of and metabolic shifts that may occur over the course of an infection.
Design concept development of a spherical stepper for robotic applications

The design concept of a spherical stepper motor capable of three-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) motion in a single joint is presented. The ball-joint-like motor has no singularities except at the boundary of the workspace and can perform isotropic manipulation in all three directions. Due to its relatively simple ball-like structure, undesired cross-coupling and centrifugal components of wrist rotor dynamics can be effectively minimized or eliminated. The spherical stepper motor has potential in robotic applications as a three-DOF shoulder or an eyeball, as well as a wrist actuator. In particular, the systematic conceptualization of a spherical stepper is presented, and the feasibility of constructing the spherical stepper is examined. Along with the experimental data, an analytical approach based on the permeance formula was used to predict the driving forces generated by a neodymium-iron permanent magnet. The force-displacement curves provide useful information for rational spherical motor design and control. >
Student perceptions of preceptorship learning outcomes in BSN programs

Preceptorships are models of training in which a nurse, referred to as a preceptor, is assigned to one nursing student, for the purpose of facilitating learning in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nursing students’ perception of the effectiveness of a newly implemented preceptorship. The mixed-method research design used a sequential explanatory strategy. Data collection methods included course evaluative surveys, interviews, and student academic records. The results of this study showed that students believed that preceptorships enhance learning. This study contributes to positive social change by providing guidance for nursing curriculum development, which could result in graduates being better prepared to serve the community through safe and competent nursing practice.
Do you have an Internet acceptable use policy

Abstract No longer is the question if the Internet will be used in the classroom but when the Internet will be used in the classroom. Superimposing this technology on procedural teaching methods in the highly regulated and structured environment known as public education is akin to managing chaos. The confusion experienced by educators at all levels is not unlike similar sentiments expressed by other professionals having survived rapid organizational changes in the business world over the period of the past five to seven years. With this in mind, an attempt to define educators' proactive responsibilities in preparation for these changes led to an extensive review of literature and a survey by one of the authors. A necessary first step in embracing technological changes in education is the development of an Internet Acceptable Use Policy. A policy shell is provided that can be used to formulate individual school policy.
Independent Mechanisms for Macrophage Binding and Macrophage Phagocytosis of Damaged Erythrocytes: Evidence of Receptor Cooperativity

Abstract The binding and phagocytosis of oxidatively damaged red blood cells (OxRBCs) by mouse peritoneal macrophages can be inhibited by oxidatively modified LDL (OxLDL), implying some commonality at their receptor-binding domains. Studies from many different laboratories support the view that OxRBC binding is due to the disruption of plasma membrane phospholipid asymmetry and the subsequent exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the outer membrane leaflet. Presumably, oxidation of LDL creates a surface structure on it in some way homologous to the PS-rich domain on OxRBCs. Apoptotic cells in some instances are also recognized because of PS exposure on the outer leaflet of the membrane, and apoptotic cells are a common feature of atherosclerotic lesions. In the present studies, the mechanisms of binding and internalization of cells recognized by virtue of their membrane PS were studied using OxRBCs or vanadate-treated erythrocytes (VaRBCs) as models. Disruption of phospholipid asymmetry with vanadate produced cells that were bound by macrophages in the same divalent cation–dependent manner as OxRBCs. However, whereas OxRBCs were rapidly phagocytosed, VaRBCs were not. Stimulation of mouse macrophages with phorbol myristate acetate resulted in a concentration-dependent induction of phagocytosis of bound VaRBCs, an effect that could be prevented by the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine. Because phagocytosis of OxRBCs occurred unassisted, we speculated that there must be additional membrane changes induced by oxidation (over and above the disruption of phospholipid asymmetry) that contribute to phagocytosis of OxRBCs, possibly resulting in the ligation of a distinct receptor that does not necessarily contribute to adherence. This proposal is supported by the finding that ligation of macrophage Fcγ receptors by the anti-FcγRII/RIII antibody 2.4G2 triggers the phagocytosis of bound VaRBCs. Phagocytosis is also triggered by subthreshold opsonization of VaRBC, ie, by antibody concentrations that do not by themselves cause binding and phagocytosis of native RBCs. Finally, treatment with low concentrations of glutaraldehyde, which causes membrane protein cross-linking, promotes the phagocytosis of VaRBCs, but, at the low concentration used, has little or no effect on binding and phagocytosis of native RBCs. We suggest that the internalization of damaged cells, bound because of PS exposure, requires the cooperation of a PS-binding receptor with at least one additional receptor to trigger an intracellular signaling pathway to initiate phagocytosis.
A high-throughput percentage-of-binding strategy to measure binding energies in DNA–protein interactions: application to genome-scale site discovery

Quantifying the binding energy in DNA–protein interactions is of critical importance to understand transcriptional regulation. Based on a simple computational model, this study describes a high-throughput percentage-of-binding strategy to measure the binding energy in DNA–protein interactions between the Shewanella oneidensis ArcA two-component transcription factor protein and a systematic set of mutants in an ArcA-P (phosphorylated ArcA) binding site. The binding energies corresponding to each of the 4 nt at each position in the 15-bp binding site were used to construct a position-specific energy matrix (PEM) that allowed a reliable prediction of ArcA-P binding sites not only in Shewanella but also in related bacterial genomes.
Computational perspectives on the other-race effect

Psychological studies have long shown that human memory is superior for faces of our own-race than for faces of other-races. In this paper, we review computational studies of own- versus other-race face processing. Computational models examine the visual challenges of representing the uniqueness of individual faces that vary both within and across demographic categories. These models isolate the visual components of the other-race effect and provide an objective control for socioaffective responses to other-race faces. This control allows researchers to compare and test the role of experience/contact in the other-race effect, using various operational definitions of this theoretical construct. The models show that to produce an other-race effect computationally, biased experience or learning must intervene during the process of feature selection. This implicates the critical importance of “developmental” learning in the other-race effect.
Measuring Conversational Journalism: An Experimental Test of Wiki, Twittered and "Collaborative" News Models

Journalism-as-a-conversation has become a catchphrase for audience participation in the news. Largely missing from the literature, though, are clear conceptual and operational definitions of conversation that allow theory building for purposes of explanation and prediction. This exploratory study sought to help close that gap by theoretically indentifying a way to measure conversation’s features in terms of the audience experience, then testing the model on outcome measures of perceived credibility and expertise in three online contexts: twittered, wiki and “collaborative” news. Conversation’s proposed features: coorientation/homophily (perceived similarity), social presence, friendliness, informality and interactivity. Findings suggest the features of perceived similarity to a journalist and online interactivity are key. Somewhat problematic is the conversational feature of informality with an audience. Results suggest journalists can easily come across as too casual with readers to the detriment of trust.
Genetic markers reveal high PIT tag retention rates in giant salamanders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)

Estimation of population size using mark-recapture (MRR) methods are based on the fundamental assumption that individuals retain their marks throughout the course of study. Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags are useful as a cost effective, reliable marking method in many amphibian and reptile species. Few studies however, use secondary methods to evaluate tag retention rates. Failure to do so can lead to biased population estimates, erroneous conclusions, and thus poor management decisions. Surprisingly, estimates of PIT tag retention are currently lacking for the majority of amphibian species, many of which are experiencing population declines. Herein, we use genetic tagging to assess the retention of PIT tags of the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis). We captured and tagged 78 individuals across 35 sites. Recapture rate was 24% and genetic tagging revealed 100% tag retention across all recaptured individuals.
Does load carrying influence sagittal plane locomotive stability

ARELLANO, C. J., C. S. LAYNE, D. P. O'CONNOR, M. SCOTT-PANDORF, and M. J. KURZ. Does Load Carrying Influence dynamical system analysis to investigate the effect of carrying external loads on the stability of the locomotive system and sagittal plane kinematics. We hypothesized that carrying an additional load at the waist would 1) decrease the dynamic stability of the locomotive system and 2) cause changes in the location of the Poincaremap's equilibrium point for the hip, the knee, and the ankle joint kinematics. Methods: Lower extremity kinematics were recorded for 23 subjects as they walked on a treadmill at their preferred speed while carrying external loads of 10%, 20%, and 30% of their body weight around their waist. Gait stability was evaluated by computing the eigenvalues of the locomotive system at the instance of heel contact and midswing. Changes in the hip, the knee, and the ankle's equilibrium point of the Poincaresections were used to determine whether there were changes in the joint kinematics while carrying external loads. Results: No significant differences in sagittal plane stability were found between the respective load carrying conditions (P 9 0.05). Significant changes (P G 0.05) in the equilibrium points of the hip and the knee were found at heel contact and midswing. Conclusions: The data suggest that humans are capable of maintaining sagittal plane stability while carrying loads up to 30% of their body weight. Key Words: POINCARE ´ , EIGENVALUE, LOAD CARRIAGE, WALKING, GAIT, LOCOMOTION
Increasing engagement in automata theory with JFLAP

We describe the results from a two-year study with fourteen universities on presenting formal languages in a more visual, interactive and applied manner using JFLAP. In our results the majority of students felt that having access to JFLAP made learning course concepts easier, made them feel more engaged in the course and made the course more enjoyable. We also describe changes and additions to JFLAP we have made based on feedback from users. These changes include new algorithms such as a CYK parser and a user-controlled parser, and new resources that include a JFLAP online tutorial, a wiki and a listserv.
Decompressive Craniectomy: An Update

Craniectomy is a valuable technique in the management of evacuatable mass lesions and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). This review will examine the indications for and benefits of craniectomy in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recent data have questioned the utility of surgical decompression in the management of refractory intracranial hypertension; however, decompressive craniectomy (DC) remains a common practice at many trauma centers. Recent data have also questioned the use of invasive ICP monitors. However, despite this study, ICP monitors are standard of care in most major centers. Further research is needed before abandoning decompression for refractory elevated ICP or invasive ICP monitoring. While most patients with TBI are managed non-operatively, many patients do require decompression for refractory elevated ICP or evacuatable mass lesions. Current guidelines help direct patient selection for DC, and specific indications for DC vary by the type of intracranial hemorrhage. DC can be lifesaving in patients with severe or progressive intracranial hemorrhage.
Gate/Source overlapped heterojunction tunnel FET for non-Boolean associative processing with plasticity

This work presents a gate/source-overlapped HTFET (SO-HTFET) with Gaussian IDS-VGS, utilized as a single transistor distance computing cell (DCC) for associative processing (AP). With much simplified DCC, inter-cell coupling, and peripherals, SO-HTFET-based AP shows 250∗ lower power, much higher cell density, and performance than digital CMOS-based Boolean AP.