cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resolving the redundancy of a seven DOF wearable robotic system based on kinematic and dynamic constraint

According to the seven degrees of freedom (DOFs) human arm model composed of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints, positioning of the wrist in space and orientating the palm is a task requiring only six DOFs. Due to this redundancy, a given task can be completed by multiple arm configurations, and there is no unique mathematical solution to the inverse kinematics. The redundancy of a wearable robotic system (exoskeleton) that interacts with the human is expected to be resolved in the same way as that of the human arm. A unique solution to the system's redundancy was introduced by combining both kinematic and dynamic criteria. The redundancy of the arm is expressed mathematically by defining the swivel angle: the rotation angle of the plane including the upper and lower arm around a virtual axis connecting the shoulder and wrist joints which are fixed in space. Two different swivel angles were generated based on kinematic and dynamic constraints. The kinematic criterion is to maximize the projection of the longest principle axis of the manipulability ellipsoid for the human arm on the vector connecting the wrist and the virtual target on the head region. The dynamic criterion is to minimize the mechanical work done in the joint space for each two consecutive points along the task space trajectory. These two criteria were then combined linearly with different weight factors for estimating the swivel angle. Post processing of experimental data collected with a motion capturing system indicated that by using the proposed synthesis of redundancy resolution criteria, the error between the predicted swivel angle and the actual swivel angle adopted by the motor control system was less then five degrees. This result outperformed the prediction based on a single criteria.
A cellular automata model of land cover change to integrate urban growth with open space conservation

Abstract The preservation of riparian zones and other environmentally sensitive areas has long been recognized as one of the most cost-effective methods of managing stormwater and providing a broad range of ecosystem services. In this research, a cellular automata (CA)—Markov chain model of land cover change was developed to integrate protection of environmentally sensitive areas into urban growth projections at a regional scale. The baseline scenario is a continuation of the current trends and involves only limited constraints on development. The green infrastructure (GI) conservation scenario incorporates an open space conservation network based on the functional boundaries of environmentally sensitive areas. It includes variable buffer widths for impaired streams (as identified on the USEPA 303d list for stream impairment), 100-year floodplain, wetlands, urban open space and steep slopes. Comparative analysis of each scenario with landscape metrics indicated that under the GI conservation scenario, the number of urban patches decreased while the extent of interspersion of urban land with green infrastructure patches increased leading to improved connectivity among open space features. The analysis provides a quantitative illustration of how our process contributes towards achieving urban planning objectives while incorporating green infrastructure.
Development of a drilling burr control chart for low alloy steel, AISI 4118

Abstract A control chart for drilling burr formation for low alloy steel, AISI 4118, was developed. A drilling burr control chart, based on experimental data, is a tool for the prediction and control of drilling burrs. High-speed steel split-point twist drills with different diameters were used for the tests. Burr classification was carried out based on the geometric characteristics, burr formation mechanisms, and sizes of the burrs. Four different burr types such as uniform burr (Types I and II), transient burr, and crown burr were found. New parameters consisting of process parameters and drill diameter were developed, and used to show a unique distribution of the burr types. Burr types and the resultant burr size showed great dependence on the new parameters regardless of the drill diameter. Through the chart, burr type can be predicted as a function of given cutting conditions. Also, cutting conditions that are believed to create preferred burr types can be selected.
Structure of the factor VIII C2 domain in a ternary complex with 2 inhibitor antibodies reveals classical and nonclassical epitopes

The factor VIII C2 domain is a highly immunogenic domain, whereby inhibitory antibodies develop following factor VIII replacement therapy for congenital hemophilia A patients. Inhibitory antibodies also arise spontaneously in cases of acquired hemophilia A. The structural basis for molecular recognition by 2 classes of anti-C2 inhibitory antibodies that bind to factor VIII simultaneously was investigated by x-ray crystallography. The C2 domain/3E6 FAB/G99 FAB ternary complex illustrates that each antibody recognizes epitopes on opposing faces of the factor VIII C2 domain. The 3E6 epitope forms direct contacts to the C2 domain at 2 loops consisting of Glu2181-Ala2188 and Thr2202-Arg2215, whereas the G99 epitope centers on Lys2227 and also makes direct contacts with loops Gln2222-Trp2229, Leu2261-Ser2263, His2269-Val2282, and Arg2307-Gln2311. Each binding interface is highly electrostatic, with positive charge present on both C2 epitopes and complementary negative charge on each antibody. A new model of membrane association is also presented, where the 3E6 epitope faces the negatively charged membrane surface and Arg2320 is poised at the center of the binding interface. These results illustrate the potential complexities of the polyclonal anti-factor VIII immune response and further define the “classical” and “nonclassical” types of antibody inhibitors against the factor VIII C2 domain.
B Lifetimes at the Tevatron

We review recent measurements of B meson and baryon lifetimes at D0 and CDF with emphasis on results for the Λ b .
Convergence and divergence in the delivery of cognitive therapy in two randomized clinical trials.

Objective Research indicates that cognitive therapy (CT) can be differentiated from other treatment modalities based on in-session therapist behavior. However, to our knowledge, consistency in the implementation of individual CT across clinical trials has not been tested. We compared therapist adherence to CT, as well as the therapeutic alliance, in two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of depression treatment.
Uptake of Genetic Testing by Relatives of Lynch Syndrome Probands: A Systematic Review

Background & Aims Screening of persons with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer for Lynch syndrome can yield substantial benefits at acceptable costs, presuming sufficient uptake of genetic testing by first-degree relatives of Lynch syndrome probands. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the frequency of and factors associated with genetic testing of first-degree relatives of Lynch syndrome probands. Methods We searched 4 databases (CINAHL, PsycInfo, PUBMED, and SCOPUS) for articles published through May 2011 reporting uptake of genetic testing by relatives of Lynch syndrome probands. Two investigators independently screened articles to determine whether they met inclusion criteria; data were collected on study population, genetic counseling, and genetic testing. A narrative, qualitative systematic review was performed. Results We identified 1258 potentially relevant articles; 533 underwent full-text review, and 8 were included in the final analysis. Of first-degree relatives of Lynch syndrome probands, 52% or less received genetic testing. For each proband, 3.6 or fewer relatives underwent genetic testing. Demographic factors (age Conclusions Genetic testing appears to be underutilized by first-degree relatives of patients with Lynch syndrome. The clinical benefit and economic feasibility of screening persons with colorectal cancer for Lynch syndrome depend on optimizing family-wide uptake of genetic testing. Future research and clinical efforts should focus on ways to overcome barriers to genetic testing.
Auditory desensitization of a dog phobia in a blind patient

Abstract Systematic desensitization was applied to a dog phobia in a blind patient, using the tape recorded stimulus of a barking dog. Following relaxation training, the barking dog stimulus was presented at seven volume levels ranging from just audible (below ambulatory noise level) to 82 dB. Each volume level was presented at increasing durations (2, 4, 8 and 16 sec) with three presentations of each duration. Follow-up reports obtained at the 2nd, 3rd, 23rd and 24th weeks after the completion of desensitization indicated that the degree of anxiety aroused by dogs had been reduced to an acceptable level.
“A Bad Kind of Magic”: The Niebuhr Brothers on “Utilitarian Christianity” and the Defense of Democracy

In August 1947, a few months after President Harry S. Truman pledged the United States to fight communism around the globe, Time magazine delivered a stern warning to its wide readership from Reinhold Niebuhr, the nation's best-known theologian: “The new idolatry in the U.S. may be a blind, uncritical worship of democracy.” The Time article excerpted a Christianity and Crisis piece on “Democracy as a Religion” in which Niebuhr stressed the hidden dangers of the increasingly ubiquitous paeans to democracy in postwar America. That spring's commencement addresses, he noted, would give any sensible observer the distinct impression that “Americans have only one religion: devotion to democracy. They extol its virtues, are apprehensive about the perils to which it is exposed, pour maledictions upon its foes, rededicate themselves periodically to its purposes and claim unconditional validity for its ideals.”
Developing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Handbook for Parents of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients

This article details the development of a parent handbook for pediatric hematology and oncology patients. The planning and content development are discussed. Adult learning principles were incorporated throughout the handbook. Use of the handbook in a pediatric cancer center is described. Both subjective and objective methods were used to evaluate the handbook. Results from the evaluation verify the value of the handbook to parents and give direction for future revisions of the handbook.
Market based operation and planning-simulation and analysis

The author describes how, in the deregulated electricity market, much power will be traded in regional commodity exchanges. He argues that: electricity traders will need good bidding strategies to survive in competitive trading; and fuzzy logic provides a means of building adaptive bidding strategies. Current research has shown that genetic algorithms provide a convenient way of fine tuning and testing various bidding strategies and that GAs can also be used to perform intelligent data mining and can infer other's bidding rules.
African American women's beliefs about mental illness, stigma, and preferred coping behaviors†

We examined African American women's representations/beliefs about mental illness, preferred coping behaviors if faced with mental illness, whether perceived stigma was associated with treatment-seeking, and if so, whether it was related to beliefs and coping preference, and whether these variables differed by age group. Participants were 185 community-dwelling African American women 25 to 85 years of age. Results indicated the women believed that mental illness is caused by several factors, including family-related stress and social stress due to racism, is cyclical, and has serious consequences but can be controlled by treatment. Participants endorsed low perceptions of stigma. Major preferred coping strategies included praying and seeking medical and mental health care. Age differences were found in all variables except stigma.
Follicular lymphoma in situ: clinical implications and comparisons with partial involvement by follicular lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma in situ (FLIS) was first described nearly a decade ago, but its clinical significance remains uncertain. We reevaluated our original series and more recently diagnosed cases to develop criteria for the distinction of FLIS from partial involvement by follicular lymphoma (PFL). A total of 34 cases of FLIS were identified, most often as an incidental finding in a reactive lymph node. Six of 34 patients had prior or concurrent FL, and 5 of 34 had FLIS composite with another lymphoma. Of patients with negative staging at diagnosis and available follow-up (21 patients), only one (5%) developed FL (follow-up: median, 41 months; range, 10-118 months). Follow-up was not available in 2 cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for BCL2 gene rearrangement was positive in all 17 cases tested. PFL patients were more likely to develop FL, diagnosed in 9 of 17 (53%) who were untreated. Six patients with PFL were treated with local radiation therapy (4) or rituximab (2) and remained with no evidence of disease. FLIS can be reliably distinguished from PFL and has a very low rate of progression to clinically significant FL. FLIS may represent the tissue counterpart of circulating t(14;18)-positive B cells.
Influence of irradiation damage on slip transfer across grain boundaries

Abstract The interaction of lattice dislocations with grain boundaries in proton- and ion-irradiated austenitic stainless steels is investigated. At the macroscale, interactions of dislocation channels with grain boundaries result in slip blockage, slip transmission and slip along the grain boundary with an associated in-plane displacement. At the dislocation level, slip transmission prediction is governed by the strain energy density minimization. However, the importance of the local resolved shear stress increases, in the sense that it must be of sufficient magnitude to propagate the dislocations through the damaged matrix. If this condition is not satisfied, the grain boundary will activate an alternative mechanism to relieve the strain accumulated from accommodation of lattice dislocations and the stress concentration associated with the formation of a dislocation pile-up. One observed relief mechanism involves the nucleation and propagation of a crack along the grain boundary, which is accompanied by an out-of-plane displacement of the boundary.
Successful aging: an elaboration of social and psychological factors.

The purpose of the present research is to assess and elaborate the empirical relationships between a life satisfaction index (LSI) developed and validated by the author and a selected number (23) of social/demographic/psychological factors, using a multistage probability sample of noninstitutionalized adults sixty years of age and older living in the continental U.S. in 1973. The data analysis indicated that marital status, occupational prestige, years of formal education, race, annual income, and a variety of specific satisfaction with life measures (p < .01) were related to successful aging. These associations were elaborated by systematically introducing test factors, i.e., control variables. This statistical-methodological technique produced instances of replication, suppression, explanation, interpretation, and specification, all of which are reported in the body of the text.
Design of components for schedulability

Abstract Products and parts have traditionally been designed without considering the operations aspect of their manufacture. With the advances in concurrent engineering, schedulability of products and parts has become an important design issue. In this paper, five design rules aimed at improving schedulability of products and parts are formulated. The impact of each design rule on the quality of the schedules is measured with the makespan and average machine utilization. The design rules are substantiated with numerical results.
Enhancement of natural ventilation in buildings using a thermal chimney

A new module was developed for and implemented in the EnergyPlus program for the simulation and determination of the energy impact of thermal chimneys. This paper describes the basic concepts, assumptions, and algorithms implemented into the EnergyPlus program to predict the performance of a thermal chimney. Using the new module, the effects of the chimney height, solar absorptance of the absorber wall, solar transmittance of the glass cover and the air gap width are investigated under various conditions. Chimney height, solar absorptance and solar transmittance turned out to have more influence on the ventilation enhancement than the air gap width. The potential energy impacts of a thermal chimney under three different climate conditions are also investigated. It turned out that significant building cooling energy saving can be achieved by properly employing thermal chimneys and that they have more potential for cooling than for heating. In addition, the performance of a thermal chimney was heavily dependent on the climate of the location.
Incident Learning and Failure-Mode-and-Effects-Analysis Guided Safety Initiatives in Radiation Medicine

By combining incident learning and process failure-mode-and-effects-analysis in a structure-process-outcome framework we have created a risk profile for our radiation medicine practice and implemented evidence-based risk mitigation initiatives focused on patient safety. Based on reactive reviews of incidents reported in our departmental incident-reporting system and proactive failure-mode-and-effects-analysis, high safety-risk procedures in our paperless radiation medicine process and latent risk factors were identified. Six initiatives aimed at the mitigation of associated severity, likelihood of occurrence and detectability risks were implemented. These were the standardization of care pathways and toxicity grading, pre-treatment-planning peer review, a policy to thwart delay-rushed processes, an electronic whiteboard to enhance coordination and the use of six-sigma metrics to monitor operational efficiencies. The effectiveness of these initiatives over a three year period was assessed using process and outcome specific metrics within the framework of the department structure. There has been a 47% increase in incident reporting, with no increase in adverse events. Care pathways have been used with greater than 97% clinical compliance rate. The implementation of peer review prior to treatment planning and use of the whiteboard have provided opportunities for proactive detection and correction of errors. There has been a twofold drop in the occurrence of high-risk procedural delays. Patient treatment start delays are routinely enforced on cases that would have historically been rushed. Z-scores for high risk procedures have steadily improved from 1.78 to 2.35. The initiatives resulted in sustained reductions of failure-mode risks as measured by a set of evidence-based metrics over a three year period. These augment or incorporate many of the published recommendations for patient safety in radiation medicine by translating them to clinical practice.
Membrane potential, surface potential and ionic permeability

Abstract For highly charged membranes symmetrical with respect to the surface charge densities, concentration potentials are due mainly to the difference between the two surface potentials on both sides of the membrane, regardless of their relative ionic permeabilities in most cases.
WLC32-3: A Distributed Opportunistic Access Scheme for OFDMA Systems

In this paper, we propose a distributed opportunistic access scheme for uplink OFDMA systems. The sub-carriers are grouped into several sub-channels and users access those sub-channels through a distributed access scheme without requiring extensive information exchange with the access point. Our proposed scheme allows several parallel contention subchannels to exploit multiuser diversity. Using knowledge of all the sub-channels, obtained through a periodically-transmitted beacon signal from the access point, all users contend on their strongest sub-channel(s). The proposed scheme applies a novel backoff mechanism utilizing this sub-channel knowledge to yield further throughput improvement in addition to the throughput gain obtained by the collision reduction design. To a user, the better the sub-channel gain is, the smaller the backoff time on that sub-channel, and hence, the higher the access priority of the user on that sub-channel. Compared with the traditional centralized OFDMA systems, our proposed scheme reduces overhead significantly and achieves a better spectral efficiency as corroborated by the simulation results.
Sources of Interannual Baroclinic Waves in the Eastern Subtropical North Pacific

Abstract Subsurface temperature and surface salinity observations along the great circle transect between San Francisco and Honolulu are used to investigate the source of annual baroclinic long waves in the eastern subtropical North Pacific Ocean. Long-term mean, 15-day values (1966-74) of depth of the 9°C isotherm (indicative of thermocline depth) and of surface salinity are each fit by least-squares method with a time varying cosine, yielding phase and amplitude of the mean annual cycle at standard locations every 92.6 km (50 mi) along the transect. Local wind stress curl is expected to influence the observed depth of the 9°C isotherm through the mechanism of Ekman pumping. Therefore, its annual cycle is computed in a manner like that of the depth of the 9°C isotherm, and its effect removed from the latter. The residual annual cycle has phase and amplitude profiles along the transect that closely resemble that of model annual baroclinic long waves emanating, from a line source of large-amplitude wind-st...
Epitaxial growth of CZTS on Si substrates investigated with electron backscatter diffraction

The objective of this work is to develop procedures for growing high-quality epitaxial Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 thin films. We deposited our films by molecular beam epitaxy, with different growth parameters, on [100]- and [111]-oriented Si substrates. To study the growth of the films, we used electron backscatter diffraction. We found that, under the right conditions, we were able to grow epitaxial [111]-oriented CZTS films that had a common characteristic: the existence of two domains, both with the same orientation, but rotated by 60° between each other. In this paper, we investigate the reliability of the EBSD analysis to study different domains in CZTS films, and correlate the film growth with deposition parameters, attempting to gain insight on the characteristics of the boundaries between the two domains.
Scanning electron microscopic visualization of collagen fibers in embryonic chick skin

Abstract The disposition of collagen fibers in embryonic chick skin can be visualized by use of scanning microscopy (SEM). Chick back skin was removed from 8-day embryos, the epithelial and mesenchymal components were separated, and the mesenchyme was subjected to 10% trypsin treatment (Stuart, E. S., and Moscona, A. A. (1967) Science 157, 947–948), after which it was prepared for SEM by critical point drying and coating. Such preparations were largely free of cellular material. Cavities which presumably had contained the cells were present in a network of fibers. Skin of the scaleless mutant was also studied. In this mutant the collagen network was more irregular and collagen fiber diameter was more variable. These findings are discussed in connection with the formation of feather germ pattern.
A Carbon Dioxide Trap for Simuliidae (Diptera)

The need of a uniform method of collecting black flies has long been apparent to students of the Simuliidae. The literatue reveals that at least 3 types of daylight traps have been used to collect them, but each has certain limitations. A trap designed by Monchadski and Radzivilovskaja (1948) required the constant presence of an observer to act as bait, and a trap used by Davies and James (1957) depended upon ground beef and tallow as an attractant. Fredeen (1961) designed and tested 3 silhouette traps for studying the attacking behavior of Simulium articum Malloch. Certain species of Simuliidae were reported by Williams and Davies (1957) to be attracted to light traps. Carbon dioxide has been used to attract mosquitoes to collecting stations according to Reeves (1951, 1953) and Brown (1951). Callahan2 (1965) stated that the total body radiation of the host also may playa significant role in attracting bloodsucking flies.
Interactive streaming of structured data

We present ChunkStream, a system for efficient streaming and interactive editing of online video. Rather than using a specialized protocol and stream format, ChunkStream makes use of a generic mechanism employing chunks. Chunks are fixed-size arrays that contain a mixture of scalar data and references to other chunks. Chunks allow programmers to expose large, but fine-grained, data structures over the network. ChunkStream represents video clips using simple data types like linked lists and search trees, allowing a client to retrieve and work with only the portions of the clips that it needs. ChunkStream supports resource-adaptive playback and “live” streaming of real-time video as well as fast, frame-accurate seeking; bandwidth-efficient high-speed playback; and compilation of editing decisions from a set of clips. Benchmarks indicate that ChunkStream uses less bandwidth than HTTP Live Streaming while providing better support for editing primitives.
Dynamics of the electro-optic response of charge-density-wave conductors

We have measured the frequency, voltage, and position dependence of the electro-optic response of the charge-density-wave (CDW) conductors TaS 3 and blue bronze at T ∼ 80 K. The response, assumed to be proportional to the local strain of the CDW, is characterized in terms of a relaxation time and a surprisingly low resonant frequency (i.e. delay); in some cases, there is also evidence for decay of the response at long times.
Synthesis, structure, magnetic and transport properties of LnFeSb3 (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, and Tb) – tuning of anisotropic long-range magnetic order as a function of Ln

Single crystals of LnFeSb3 (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, and Tb) have been grown from excess Sb flux. The crystal structure consists of ∞2[FeSb2] octahedra separated by layers of Ln atoms and nearly square planar nets of ∞2[Sb2]. These compounds are metallic and display anisotropic magnetic properties. Long-range antiferromagnetic order is observed in the Sm, Gd, and Tb samples when the magnetic field is applied along the crystallographic a-axis. Evidence of magnetic ordering in all the samples is observed for the field applied parallel to the layers. The magnetic properties are well-described by considering only the magnetic interactions between the Ln 4f moments, with no contribution from the Fe sublattice. Herein, we report the crystal growth, structure, magnetization, transport, and chemical stabilities of the title compounds.
Impact of Dry Eye Syndrome on Vision-Related Quality of Life

Purpose To evaluate the impact of dry eye syndrome (DES) on vision-associated quality of life. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods We identified 450 participants in the Women's Health Study (WHS) and 240 participants in the Physicians' Health Study (PHS) and sent a supplementary questionnaire asking how much their everyday activities were limited by symptoms of dry eye and to what degree problems with their eyes limited them in reading, driving, working at the computer, their professional activity, and watching television. By design, one-third of study subjects had clinically diagnosed DES or severe symptoms and two-thirds did not. We used logistic regression to examine relationships of DES with reported problems with everyday activities in each cohort and pooled estimates using meta-analysis methods. Results Of the participants invited, 85% completed the supplementary questionnaire, including 135 WHS and 55 PHS participants with DES, and 250 WHS and 149 PHS participants without DES. Controlling for age, diabetes, hypertension, and other factors, those with DES were more likely to report problems with reading ([odds ratio] OR=3.64, 95% [confidence interval] CI 2.45 to 5.40, P P P = .04); driving during the day (OR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.58 to 4.96, P P Conclusions DES is associated with a measurable adverse impact on several common and important tasks of daily living, further implicating this condition as an important public health problem deserving increased attention and resources.
Survival of Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Larvae on Green Buttonwood Trees in Flooded Marl Soil and Potting Medium

ABSTRACT Survival of Diaprepes root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae was assessed in flooded marl soil and a flooded nursery potting medium with green buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus L., Combretaceae) as a food source for the larvae. Root-zone flooding may be a viable control option for flood-tolerant ornamental plants including buttonwood. Significantly more larvae survived after 38 d in non-flooded than in flooded marl soil. Similarly, more larvae survived in non-flooded than in flooded potting medium; no larvae were recovered from flooded potting medium. Larval survival rates were significantly higher in flooded marl soil than in flooded potting medium, but there was no difference in survival between non-flooded marl soil and non-flooded potting medium. Larvae recovered from flooded marl soil had significantly smaller head capsule widths and probably were at least 1 instar younger than larvae recovered from non-flooded marl soil or non-flooded potting medium. In summa...
Developing understanding of the roles of CD1d-restricted T cell subsets in cancer: Reversing tumor-induced defects

Invariant natural killer T-cells ('iNKT') are the best-known CD1d-restricted T-cells, with recently-defined roles in controlling adaptive immunity. CD1d-restricted T-cells can rapidly produce large amounts of Th1 and/or Th2//Treg/Th17-type cytokines, thereby regulating immunity. iNKT can stimulate potent anti-tumor immune responses via production of Th1 cytokines, direct cytotoxicity, and activation of effectors. However, Th2//Treg-type iNKT can inhibit anti-tumor activity. Furthermore, iNKT are decreased and/or reversibly functionally impaired in many advanced cancers. In some cases, CD1d-restricted T-cell cancer defects can be traced to CD1d(+) tumor interactions, since hematopoietic, prostate, and some other tumors can express CD1d. Ligand and IL-12 can reverse iNKT defects and therapeutic opportunities exist in correcting such defects alone and in combination. Early stage clinical trials have shown potential for reconstitution of iNKT IFN-gamma responses and evidence of activity in a subset of patients, with rational new approaches to capitalize on this progress ongoing, as will be discussed here.
Giardia lamblia: Characterization of proteinase activity in trophozoites

The proteinase activity of Giardia lamblia trophozoites, Portland 1 strain, was characterized with respect to substrate specificities and inhibitor sensitivities. Proteinase activity with urea-denatured hemoglobin (UDH), alpha-N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-2-naphthylamide (BANA), and alpha-N-benzoyl-argininamide (BAA) as substrates exhibited pH optima of 5.8, 3.8, and 5.0, respectively. For BANA, the apparent Km was 0.20 mM and the Vmax was 2.56 microM. For BAA, the apparent Km was 4.0 mM and the Vmax was 8.69 microM. Dithiothreitol (DTT, 5 mM) enhanced proteinase activity threefold for UDH, fourfold for BAA, and fivefold for BANA. Iodoacetamide, L-tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), and N-alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), each at 1 mM, inhibited proteinase activity by greater than 90% with BANA and BAA. Iodoacetamide inhibited proteinase activity by 35% with UDH; TPCK and TLCK inhibited activity greater than 70% with UDH. Activity on BAA was inhibited by 91% with Zn2+ and activity on UDH was inhibited by 30% with Cu2+. Virtually complete inhibition of proteinase activity on BANA and BAA was obtained with leupeptin and chymostatin at 1 microgram/ml. Pepstatin A, chelators, and other heavy metals had no apparent effect on proteinase activity. Two polypeptide bands (ca. 105 and 40 kDa) indicative of proteinase activity were visualized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gelatin polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The 105 kDa band was visible over the pH range of 4 to 7, but with greater intensity from pH 5 to 7. The 40 kDa band, while present at pH 5, was most intense at pH 6 and 7.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Study of the Effects of Sucrose Concentration, Lacquer Concentration and Coating Time on the Formulation of Stable and Effective Carbenicillin Indanyl Sodium Microcapsules

AbstractCarbenicillin indanyl sodium, commonly known as Geocillin (GC), is an orally effective derivative of carbenicillin employed in the treatment of gram negative infections of the urinary tract. GC exhibits an extremely bitter taste which affects patient compliance upon oral dosing (1). A novel coating approach allows Geocillin to be prepared as a suspension for oral administration. GC is available only as a tablet.Eudragit E100R [EE] is a tasteless, acid soluble cationic polymer. Encapsulation of GC with [EE] inhibited its release in the mouth, thus overcoming its bitter taste. Dissolution studies were carried out in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid. Three factors, viz. sucrose concentration, lacquer concentration and coating time were evaluated to arrive at an optimally acceptable formulation.The formulation containing GC and sucrose in the ratio of 1:3, suspension coated using a 5% w/w lacquer solution for 40 mins. yielded taste free microcapsules with optimal release characte...
Evidence for central opioid receptors in the immunomodulatory effects of morphine: review of potential mechanism(s) of action.

Abstract This review will discuss studies demonstrating that activation of opioid receptors within the central nervous system alters various immune system parameters. Specifically, natural killer cell cytolytic activity and lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogen appear to be modulated predominantly, if not exclusively, through central opioid receptors. The potential mechanisms by which central opioid receptors appear to modulate these peripheral immune functions will be examined by evaluating the role of both the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system. The studies discussed below indicate that acute administration of morphine or related compounds appears to primarily alter peripheral immune function through the sympathetic nervous system, while more prolonged exposure to opioids alter the immune system predominantly by activation of the HPA axis. Finally, the potential clinical relevance of these observations are discussed in relationship to both the therapeutic use, as well as the abuse of opioid compounds.
Effects of normal and Fe‐treated organic matter on Fe chlorosis and yields of grain sorghum

Abstract A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effects of normal and Fe‐treated plant material on Fe chlorosis and yields of grain sorghum. Pigweed, guar, clover, sunflower and wheat plants grown in the field for six weeks were sprayed with a 20% ferrous sulfate solution. The plants were harvested after 48 hours, air dried, then ground to pass through a 0.5 mm stainless steel seive. Different rates of normal and Fe‐treated plant material (0, 14.8, 22.2 and 29.6 Mg ha‐1) were added to the Pernitas fsl (Typic Agiustoll). Chlorosis increased with increasing rates of normal plant material added to the soil. Conversely, applications of Fetreated plant material reduced Fe deficiency chlorosis in grain sorghum. The order of effectiveness of Fe‐treated plant material was: sunflower > pigweed > guar > clover > wheat. There was no significant growth response to the untreated plant material. Growth responses to the Fe‐treated plant material were: sunflower > pigweed > guar > wheat > clover. Data obtained ...
Toward a Science of Secure Environments

The longstanding debate on a fundamental science of security has led to advances in systems, software, and network security. However, existing efforts have done little to inform how an environment should react to emerging and ongoing threats and compromises. The authors explore the goals and structures of a new science of cyber-decision-making in the Cyber-Security Collaborative Research Alliance, which seeks to develop a fundamental theory for reasoning under uncertainty the best possible action in a given cyber environment. They also explore the needs and limitations of detection mechanisms; agile systems; and the users, adversaries, and defenders that use and exploit them, and conclude by considering how environmental security can be cast as a continuous optimization problem.
Mapping wetland change of prairie pothole region in bigstone county from 1938 year to 2011 year

Combining historical white and black aerial photo with more recent LiDAR and high resolution imagery, this research mapped wetland with high accuracy from 1930s to 2010s in object-based image analysis approach (OBIA). This research shows good potential in combining grey level information with OBIA method to map accurate historical wetland. We found that there were more small wetlands in 1938, but more large wetlands in 1978. In 2011, there were similar amount of small wetlands with 1938. Though 2011 had fewer large wetlands than 1978, 2011 year's individual large wetland had much larger area than those in 1978 and thus contributed to much larger total wetland area in 2011 than in 1978. We found significantly increasing precipitation and decreasing temperature over the time series, also drought in 1938, and this may explain wetland change well.
Interfacial colloidal crystallization via tunable hydrogel depletants.

We demonstrate an approach using temperature-dependent hydrogel depletants to thermoreversibly tune colloidal attraction and interfacial colloidal crystallization. Total internal reflection and video microscopy are used to measure temperature-dependent depletion potentials between ∼2 μm silica colloids and surfaces as mediated by ∼0.2 μm poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) hydrogel particles. Measured depletion potentials are modeled using the Asakura−Oosawa theory while treating PNIPAM depletants as swellable hard spheres. Monte Carlo simulations using the measured potentials predict reversible, quasi-2D crystallization and melting at ∼27 °C in quantitative agreement with video microscopy images of measured microstructures (i.e., radial distribution functions) over the temperature range of interest (20−29 °C). Additional measurements of short-time self-diffusivities display excellent agreement with predicted diffusivities by considering multibody hydrodynamic interactions and using a swellable hard spher...
Effect of topical treatments on irritant hand dermatitis in health care workers.

Background: Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) from repetitive hand hygiene is the primary reason for compliance failure among health care workers (HCWs). Chronic ICD has implications for infection control because higher bacterial counts are associated with increased skin compromise. Guidelines recommend lotions/creams to lessen irritation. We evaluated the effects of 5 to 10 daily applications of a test cream (A, glove and chlorhexidine gluconate compatible) and current lotions/creams (B) compared with a control of normal skin care. Methods: Outcomes were visual skin erythema and dryness, excess erythema (quantitative image analysis), and hydration among 80 HCWs in an intensive care unit. Results: Knuckle dryness was lower for both treatments than the no treatment control (P , .02) after 2 weeks. Skin treated with A had lower knuckle erythema (P5.03) than B and control. HCWs using A had lower excess erythema (right) than B and control (P , .04). Excess erythema was lower for A and B versus control (P5.003). Conclusion: Reduction in erythema suggests that frequent use of cream A may mitigate the damaging effects of repetitive hand hygiene and allow the skin to recover. Intensive treatment of HCW ICD may be required to counteract the skin compromise and minimize the negative impact on infection control.
Invited talk: Self-aware wireless communication and signal processing systems: Real-time adaptation for error resilience, low power and performance

The functions required of real-time systems in the future such as the ability to see or hear, understand and react to external stimulus and the environment in much the same way that humans do, will force underlying communication and computing platforms to operate across very large changes in instantaneous workload. Supporting such workload variations on resource-constrained mobile systems will require new design approaches that cut across the traditional boundaries between the processing, mixed-signal, wireless, and sensor/ actuator (physical) domains, as well as the layers of each domain, i.e. circuit, architecture, algorithm, and application. Due to components fabricated in aggressive nanoscale technologies, such cyber-physical systems must deal with the impact of manufacturing process variations and component failures as well as different environmental conditions (temperature, noise environment) while operating in the most reliable manner with respect to mission goals. An integrated approach to designing such systems that utilizes real-time, cross-domain control and adaptation to operate the system at an “optimal” point that minimizes power consumption while meeting error resilience and performance constraints across different workloads and operating environments is proposed. The core strategy relies on the design and use of tunable algorithms, tunable architectures and tunable circuits that have the capability to trade off power vs. performance. Adaptation is performed by sensing the operating environment and workload using hardware and software “sensors” and dynamically tuning the system via an optimal control law. A critical observation is that this control law depends on the health of the system when power minimization is a key objective. The core ideas are demonstrated using a video surveillance system as a test case.
Fiber-coupled in-line heterodyne optical interferometer for minimally invasive sensing

In this paper, the first fiber-coupled no-moving-parts scanning heterodyne interferometer design using a single acoustooptic device (AOD) is reported. The design features a high-stability inline reflective architecture with free-space-scanned minimally invasive sensing via a multizone reflective sensor chip. The common path fiber interconnection allows robust remoting of the compact sensing front end. A proof-of-concept sensing experiment measuring voltage-dependent birefringence is successfully conducted using a voltage-controlled nematic liquid crystal (NLC) sensor chip. The system features a 4.69-dB optical loss, a 200-MHz output frequency, and a 1550-nm eye-safe operation wavelength. Applications for the system include any fiber-remoted sensing using the proposed free-space minimally invasive interrogating optical beams.
Slippery slopes, wonder drugs, and cosmetic. Neurology the neuroethics of enhancement

Drug therapies that are already available can help patients improve their muscle mass and endurance, attention and memory, ability to learn, and moods. Future research, Anjan Chatterjee argues in this issue of Neurology , will almost certainly produce relatively safe wonder drugs that will allow us to manipulate our strength, our memory, our ability to concentrate, and our capacity to learn.1 Once these drugs are available, he contends, the pressures of the marketplace and of potential military uses will compel us to embrace them to remain competitive. To some extent, this discussion has an air of unreality: for the foreseeable future, any drug powerful enough to enhance brain functions significantly is likely to have serious side effects, especially with prolonged use. But if we accept the premise that safe neurologic enhancement technologies will eventually become available, then we face two important moral questions: 1) What kind of doctors should neurologists be? 2) What kind of society should we become? The answer to the first obviously depends on the second. So the question of whether neurologists should become, as Chatterjee suggests, “lifestyle consultants” who dispense fixes for the mind the way plastic surgeons offer fixes for the body does not even arise unless the mere availability of these treatments implies that neurologists must prescribe them to whoever seeks them. Putting the …
The Application of Reality Therapy and Choice Theory in Relationship Counseling, An Interview with Robert Wubbolding:

This article provides highlights from an interview with Dr. Robert Wubbolding, a leading expert in the area of reality therapy. Details concerning how Dr. Wubbolding applies and integrates reality therapy and choice theory in counseling with couples and families will be explored. In particular, this interview addressed theoretical constructs, specific techniques, and multicultural and diversity issues related to reality therapy and choice theory, in the context of relationship counseling. Specific implications are directed toward clinical practice, training, supervision, and research.
Observation of Motor Control in Patients with Partial and Complete Callosal Section

The understanding of the execution of purposeful movement has been influenced by studies of brain-damaged patients. In the most striking instance, called an apraxic syndrome, patients have normal general intellectual abilities, motor power, reflexes, and coordination, but are unable to execute motor acts when verbally instructed to do so (Hecaen and Albert, 1978, pp. 90–128). Apraxic patients may also have defective visual—motor abilities. For example, the patient may be unable to manipulate common objects appropriately or to imitate or mime motor acts (DeRenzi et al., 1982; Hecaen and Albert, 1978, pp. 90–128), yet be able to carry out the motor act without difficulty when there is a personally generated need to perform the movement (Hecaen and Albert, pp. 90–128; Jackson, 1932). Clearly, apraxia is not necessarily a unitary disorder, and the severity of an apraxic syndrome appears to depend on the nature of the motor act, the context in which the movement is to be performed, and the characteristics of the instructions that specify the movement (DeRenzi et al., 1980, 1982; Geschwind, 1965; Hecaen and Albert, 1978, pp. 90–128; Volpe et al., 1982).
Power/Area Trade-Offs in Low-Power/Low-Area Unary-R-2R CMOS Digital-to-Analog Converters

Performance trade offs of unary-R-2R and unary-binary digital-to-analog converters are presented. It is shown that for a given resolution and sampling rate, the active area of the unary-binary converter grows as the operating current of the unit cells approaches the weak inversion region. At very low-currents, the unary-R-2R architecture has a large area advantage over the unary-binary architecture for medium resolution, medium-speed applications.
Melting behavior of high performance composite matrix polymers: Poly(phenylene sulfide)

We have been studying crystallization and melting behavior of high performance semicrystalline polymers to increase our understanding of the effects of processing on microstructure. Questions on development of morphology center around whether single or dual populations of crystals exist after melt processing, and how these crystals melt creating the multiple endotherms usually observed. We have used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to examine endothermic response in poly(phenylene sulfide), PPS, after various processing treatments. These include isothermal melt crystallization and crystallization from the rubbery amorphous state. For the first time, we report endothermic response of solution crystallized mats of single crystals. Our results on melt crystallized PPS are explained by a model in which different crystal populations exist in the material at room temperature prior to DSC scanning. Ability of the material to reorganize during the scan depends upon the initial state of perfection of the crystals.