cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-spacecraft testing of time-dependent interplanetary MHD models for operational forecasting of geomagnetic storms

An MHD 2-1/2D, time-dependent model is used, together with observations of six solar flares during 3–7 February 1986, to demonstrate global, large-scale, compound disturbances in the solar wind over a wide range of heliolongitudes. This scenario is one that is likely to occur many times during the cruise, possibly even encounter, phases of the Multi-Comet Mission. It is suggested that a model such as this one should be tested with multi-spacecraft data (such as the MCM and Earth-based probes) with several goals in view: (1) utility of the model for operational real-time forecasting of geomagnetic storms, and (2) scientific interpretation of certain forms of cometary activities and their possible association with solar-generated activity.
A Study of Viterbi's Ratio-Threshold AJ Technique

In this paper we study the performance of several AJ systems based on Viterbi's ratio-threshold technique for FH/SS communications. Innovative features of our work include the use of channel capacity as the figure of merit, and the use of randomly varying thresholds.
WATER AND ETHANOL SORPTION PHENOMENA ON STARCH

The sorption behavior of water and ethanol on starch material has been investigated in relation to the adsorptive separation of water from ethanol. The adsorption isotherms of water-starch, ethanol-starch and water-ethanol-starch were measured using a Cahn electrobalance. Careful examination of the many sorption isotherm models resulted in selection of Sircar's model and the potential theory to best represent the isotherm data of water-starch and ethanol-starch adsorption. Experimental results showed that ethanol as well as water can adsorb on starch. The adsorption rate of ethanol, however, is much slower than that of water. This suggests that the selective removal of water from ethanol vapor in a packed-bed adsorber is likely a rate-dependent, not an equilibrium-dependent, process.
Conditions that promote primary human skeletal myoblast culture and muscle differentiation in vitro

Conditions under which skeletal myoblasts are cultured in vitro are critical to growth and differentiation of these cells into mature skeletal myofibers. We examined several culture conditions that promoted human skeletal myoblast (HSkM) culture and examined the effect of microRNAs and mechanical stimulation on differentiation. Culture conditions for HSkM are different from those that enable rapid C2C12 myoblast differentiation. Culture on a growth factor-reduced Matrigel (GFR-MG)-coated surface in 2% equine serum-supplemented differentiation medium to promote HSkM differentiation under static conditions was compared with culture conditions used for C2C12 cell differentiation. Such conditions led to a >20-fold increase in myogenic miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-206 expression, a >2-fold increase in myogenic transcription factor Mef-2C expression, and an increase in sarcomeric α-actinin protein. Imposing ±10% cyclic stretch at 0.5 Hz for 1 h followed by 5 h of rest over 2 wk produced a >20% increase in miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-206 expression in 8% equine serum and a >35% decrease in 2% equine serum relative to static conditions. HSkM differentiation was accelerated in vitro by inhibition of proliferation-promoting miR-133a: immunofluorescence for sarcomeric α-actinin exhibited accelerated development of striations compared with the corresponding negative control, and Western blotting showed 30% more α-actinin at day 6 postdifferentiation. This study showed that 100 μg/ml GFR-MG coating and 2% equine serum-supplemented differentiation medium enhanced HSkM differentiation and myogenic miR expression and that addition of antisense miR-133a alone can accelerate primary human skeletal muscle differentiation in vitro.
Reconstruction of solid models from oriented point sets

In this paper we present a novel approach to the surface reconstruction problem that takes as its input an oriented point set and returns a solid, water-tight model. The idea of our approach is to use Stokes' Theorem to compute the characteristic function of the solid model (the function that is equal to one inside the model and zero outside of it). Specifically, we provide an efficient method for computing the Fourier coefficients of the characteristic function using only the surface samples and normals, we compute the inverse Fourier transform to get back the characteristic function, and we use iso-surfacing techniques to extract the boundary of the solid model.The advantage of our approach is that it provides an automatic, simple, and efficient method for computing the solid model represented by a point set without requiring the establishment of adjacency relations between samples or iteratively solving large systems of linear equations. Furthermore, our approach can be directly applied to models with holes and cracks, providing a method for hole-filling and zippering of disconnected polygonal models.
Dual fast projected gradient method for quadratic programming

The application of the fast gradient method to the dual quadratic programming (QP) problem leads to the dual fast projected gradient (DFPG) method. The DFPG converges with O(k−2) rate, where k > 0 is the number of steps. At each step, it requires O(nm) operations. Therefore for a given \({\varepsilon > 0}\) an \({\varepsilon}\) -approximation to the optimal dual function value one achieves in \({O(nm\varepsilon^{-\frac{1}{2}})}\) operations. We present numerical results which strongly corroborate the theory. In particular, we demonstrate high efficiency of the DFPG for large scale QP.
Wood factors affecting the variation in specific gravity of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) associated with soil origin

Abstract Northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) specific gravity was shown to be significantly greater in wood produced on soils derived from limestone parent material than on soils derived from acid sandstone parent material. A number of wood factors were measured in order to determine the cause for the observed specific gravity differences. The factors were examined and their significance determined by both correlation and regression analyses where specific gravity was the dependent variable. The principal factors correlated with specific gravity on limestone lithologies were ring width, fiber wall thickness, and iron and magnesium in the wood ash. The major factors correlated with specific gravity on sandstone lithologies were percent vessels, percent total extractives, and magnesium in the wood ash. Significant to both lithologies, were ring width, percent total extractive content and percent vessels. It was evident that wood specific gravity is influenced by a system of complex interacting variables and variation in specific gravity associated with soil origin cannot be explained by examination of simple site factors alone.
Probing Collective Migration of a Complex Multi-Cellular Embryonic Tissue Through Novel 3D Bioetching

Embryonic development consists of a complex series of cell signaling, cell migration and cell differentiation processes that are coordinated during morphogenesis. Collective cell sheet migration is an important process that sculpts the shape of an organism and its internal tissues during early development. Embryonic development and tissue self-assembly requires the integration of cell movements within multiple cell layers composed of different cell types. Considering the important role cell mechanics plays in tissue self-assembly it is surprising that little is known about the mechanical response of the multi-layer tissues to chemical cues. One of the reasons of this knowledge gap is the lack of the technologies to analyze the individual responses of epithelial and mesenchymal cell sheets in a multi cell layer tissue to mechanical cues. To investigate the processes that guide collective movements of multiple cell layers our group has focused on developing a novel microfluidic technique capable of producing complex patterns of laminar multicellular structures. We call this technique “3D tissue-etching” by analogy with the silicon micromachining techniques used to fabricate 3D structures in the MEMS field. We use tissue etching to shape a complex multi-layered embryonic tissue and explore the dynamic collective responses of epithelial and mesenchymal cells in a single tissue. We use a custom-designed microfluidic control system to deliver a range of tissue etching reagents over Animal Cap tissues of Xenopus laevis. Using etching, we produce free-edges of epithelial cells over mesenchymal cells and free-edges of mesenchymal cells. This allows us to study acute mechanical and behavioral response of intact epithelial and mesenchymal cell sheets to removal of neighboring or overlying tissues. The ability to control the multicellular tissues will have high impact in tissue engineering and regeneration applications in bioengineering and medicine.
Developmental expression of a synaptic vesicle-specific protein in the rat retina.

Abstract In order to examine the appearance of synaptic vesicles and to correlate it with the formation of the synaptic layers, we have determined the staining pattern of a murine monoclonal antibody (SV 48) to a synaptic vesicle-associated protein in developing rat retina. The antigen was detected by the indirect immunofluorescence technique using cryostat sections of paraformaldehyde-fixed retinas. In the adult retina, the antibody stained both the outer plexiform (OPL) and the inner plexiform layers (IPL). The nuclear layers and the nerve fiber layer (NFL) were devoid of any staining. In prenatal and early postnatal (P) retinas, the antibody stained two bands which corresponded to the respective locations of the NFL and IPL. Staining in the NFL increased until P-4 and began to decline subsequently, and by P-8 little staining was left in this layer. In contrast, in the IPL, the intensity of staining increased gradually and leveled off by P-10. In the outer retina, a band of fluorescence corresponding to the OPL was first observed at P-5 and increased in intensity up to P-10. Immunoblotting studies showed that the major immunoreactive material from adult and embryonic retinas had a M r ∼ 65,000–67,000. As expected from its developmental pattern, all bands appeared initially in the central retina and subsequently in the peripheral retina. Our results show that the synaptic vesicle-protein is present in the nerve fiber layer before synaptogenesis in the central nervous system. Subsequently, the protein is lost from the NFL, possibly as a consequence of synapse formation.
Wheat germ translation initiation factor eIF4B affects eIF4A and eIFiso4F helicase activity by increasing the ATP binding affinity of eIF4A.

It has been proposed that, during translational initiation, structures in the 5‘ untranslated region of mRNA are unwound. eIF4A, a member of the DEAD box family of proteins (those that contain a DEAD amino acid sequence), separately or in conjunction with other eukaryotic initiation factors, utilizes the energy from ATP hydrolysis to unwind these structures. As a step in defining the mechanism of helicase activity in the wheat germ protein synthesis system, we have utilized direct fluorescence measurements, ATPase assays, and helicase assays. The RNA duplex unwinding activity of wheat germ eIF4A is similar to other mammalian systems; however, eIF4F or eIFiso4F is required, probably because of the low binding affinity of wheat germ eIF4A for mRNA. Direct ATP binding measurements showed that eIF4A had a higher binding affinity for ADP than ATP, resulting in a limited hydrolysis and procession along the RNA in the helicase assay. The addition of eIF4B resulted in a change in binding affinity for ATP, increas...
Pseudobulbar affect: prevalence and management

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) may occur in association with a variety of neurological diseases, and so may be encountered in the setting of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, extrapyramidal and cerebellar disorders, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and brain tumors. The psychological consequences and the impact on social interactions may be substantial. Although it is most commonly misidentified as a mood disorder, particularly depression or a bipolar disorder, there are characteristic features that can be recognized clinically or assessed by validated scales, resulting in accurate identification of PBA, and thus permitting proper management and treatment. Mechanistically, PBA is a disinhibition syndrome in which pathways involving serotonin and glutamate are disrupted. This knowledge has permitted effective treatment for many years with antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. A recent therapeutic breakthrough occurred with the approval by the Food and Drug Administration of a dextromethorphan/quinidine combination as being safe and effective for treatment of PBA. Side effect profiles and contraindications differ for the various treatment options, and the clinician must be familiar with these when choosing the best therapy for an individual, particularly elderly patients and those with multiple comorbidities and concomitant medications.
1148 PLASMA FROM RABBITS WITH EXPERIMENTAL GROUP STREPTOCOCCAL (GBS) SHOCK PROMOTES POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTE (PMN) AGGREGATION (AGG) IN VITRO

The accumulation of PMNs in lung tissue in response to intra-dermal injection of heat-killed GBS has been previously demonstrated (Ped Res 17(4)338A(1810). Non-specific accumulation of PMNs in the uninfected lung suggests that PMNs may be altered to enhance pulmonary trapping of PMNs. To study the possible contribution of PMN AGG to the evolution of pulmonary PMN trapping, we examined the aggregatory response of human PMNs to plasma from rabbits before (TIME I) and after (TIME II) a 50% fall in mean arterial pressure was induced by infusion of heat-killed GBS (1012 organisms/kg). AGG was quantitated using a Payton aggregometer and Omniscribe recorder. Human PMNs were isolated from heparinized venous blood and resuspended in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (104 cells/ul) for AGG studies. The mean value of PMN AGG at TIME I was 5.8 units ± 1.7 (SEM), a value representing background AGG response in the system, which was not significantly different from saline controls. PMN AGG at TIME II (plasma from rabbits with GBS-induced shock) had a mean value of 17.3 units ± 3.8 (SEM) and was significantly greater than that at TIME I (P<.05). Our data 1)show that plasma from animals in septic shock promotes PMN AGG and 2)suggest that PMN AGG may contribute to non-specific pulmonary trapping of PMNs.
Low Plasma GABA Is a Trait-Like Marker for Bipolar Illness

Plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (pGABA) is an index of brain GABA activity and a peripheral marker of mood disorder. Previous research has indicated that pGABA is abnormally low in approximately 40% of patients symptomatic with primary unipolar depression. We have now measured pGABA in a series of patients with bipolar disorder. Blood samples for GABA determinations were collected soon after admission to hospital or clinic while patients were symptomatic. In both manic and depressed phase bipolar patients, mean levels of pGABA were significantly lower than in healthy control subjects. The distribution of pGABA in bipolar patients, whether manic or depressed, was similar to that in symptomatic unipolar depression, with 30% to 40% having pGABA levels lower than the control range. These data indicate that low pGABA is not specific to the depressed state, as it is also found in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Low pGABA may represent a shared biologic correlate between bipolar and unipolar illness.
Dispersion of x (3) in fused aromatic ladder polymers and their precursors probed by third-harmonic generation

Third harmonic generation (THG) experiments have been performed on a variety of conjugated organic materials over the energy range 0.5 - 1.5 eV. The measured dispersion of (chi) (3)(-3(omega) ;(omega) ,(omega) ,(omega) ) is presented and comparisons between structurally related materials are made to elucidate structure-property relationships. In the benzimidazobenzophenanthroline material series consisting of the fully fused ladder polymer BBL, the semiladder polymer BBB, and the model molecule cis-BB, the effects of polymerization and ring fusion are observed. The cis-BB displays an interference in the THG spectrum, while this feature is absent in the BBB and BBL. The difference in the nonlinearity of the BBB and BBL is attributed to the difference in the number density of the two materials. The effect of the ladder structure on the nonlinearity is demonstrated by comparing the nonlinearity of BBL with PPI, a polyazomethine possessing a similar backbone. The ladder structure increases the nonlinearity by a minimum factor of 5 throughout the energy range examined. The effect of donors on the polyazomethine backbone is examined using the hydroxy and methoxy donors. The methoxy donor increases the nonlinearity, while the hydroxy donor reduces the nonlinearity. The physical implications of these observations are discussed.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optimal transplant education for recipients to increase pursuit of living donation.

Context—Inadequate transplant education may stop kidney patients from beginning or completing evaluation or limit recipients from considering living donation.Objective—To learn about recipients' decision making about living donation and preferred transplant education resources.Design—Retrospective, cross-sectional survey.Patients—304 kidney recipients.Main Outcome Measures—Living donation comfort, concerns, education preferences.Results—Recipients spent 10 median hours learning about transplant, primarily by speaking to medical staff (2-3 hours) and reading transplant brochures (0-1 hour). Twelve percent had not received any education before coming to the transplant center. At least 75% wanted education discussing the evaluation, surgery, and medical tests required of recipients and donors, as well as common transplant-related fears. Recipients who received living donor transplants were more interested in information about donors' evaluation (P< .001), surgery (P< .001), medical tests (P< .001), and donat...
Lung phospholipid metabolism in transgenic mice overexpressing peroxiredoxin 6

Abstract Previous studies with peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) null mice demonstrated that the phospholipase A2 activity of this enzyme plays a major role in lung phospholipid metabolism. This study evaluated lung phospholipid metabolism in transgenic mice that over-express Prdx6. Lung lysosomal type PLA2 activity in transgenic mice was 222% of wild type in lung homogenate and 280% in isolated lamellar bodies. Total phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and disaturated PC were decreased approximately 20–35% in bronchoalveolar lung fluid, lung homogenate, and lung lamellar bodies in transgenic mice although lung compliance and type 2 cell ultrastructure were unaltered. To study metabolism, unilamellar liposomes (3H-DPPC: PC: cholesterol: PG, 10: 5: 3: 2 mol fraction) were instilled endotracheally in anesthetized mice and lungs were removed for perfusion. Compared to wild type, transgenic mice showed similar net uptake of liposomes in 2 h, but significantly increased 3H-DPPC degradation (38.9 ± 1.1 vs. 29.0 ± 1.3% of recovered dpm). The PLA2 competitive inhibitor MJ33 decreased degradation to 15% of recovered dpm in both transgenic and wild type lungs. Incorporation of [14C] palmitate into DSPC at 24 h after its intravenous injection was markedly increased in both the lung surfactant (+100%) and lamellar bodies (+188%) while incorporation of [3H] choline was increased by only 10–20%. These results indicate increased DPPC degradation and synthesis by the reacylation pathway with Prdx6 overexpression and provide additional evidence that the PLA2 activity of Prdx6 has an important role in lung surfactant turnover.
Coated pits, coated vesicles, and receptor-mediated endocytosis

Proteins and peptides can enter cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis, a coupled process by which selected extracellular proteins or peptides are first bound to specific cell surface receptors and then rapidly internalised by the cell. Internalisation follows clustering of the receptors in specialised regions of the cell surface called coated pits that invaginate to form intracellular coated vesicles. It is now recognised that receptor-mediated endocytosis has a fundamental role in the growth, nutrition and differentiation of animal cells.
THE FUNCTION OF PHOSPHATE IN CELLULAR ASSIMILATIONS

Summary Two different types of carbonyl oxidation exist: (I) Carbonyl + HaO + pyridine-enzyme carboxylate + reduced pyridine-enzyme. This type of oxidation is practically irreversible and consequently liberates a large amount of free energy. The normal redoxpotential of this system is extraordinarily low, i.e. carbonyl is a very strong reducing agent. (2) Carbonyl + phosphate + pyridine-enzyme carboxylphosphate + reduced pyridine-enzyme. This type of oxidation is reversible and the change in free energy accordingly very small, which means that the normal redoxpotential of the system: carbonyl + phosphate carboxylphosphate + 2+ 2H+ is very close to that of the system: pyridine-enzyme reduced pyridine-enzyme + 2+ H+. Thus replacement of water by phosphate in the carbonyl oxidation eliminates a great fall in free energy by transforming the labile carbonyl into an equally labile acid anhydride, carboxylphosphate. The degradation of the polyalcohol structure of the sugar acid (glyceric acid) to the α-keto acid structure of pyruvic acid releases a considerable amount of energy. Moreover, in this case the energy is directed and preserved by means of a phosphorylation. I am indebted to Dr D. M. Needham (Cambridge) for her generous help in preparing the manuscript for publication and to Prof. C. F. Cori, Dr G. T. Cori and Mr S. P. Colowick for their valuable and helpful suggestions.
The measurement of intra-abdominal pressure as a criterion for abdominal re-exploration

Acute elevation of intra-abdominal pressure above 30 mmHg caused oliguria in 11 postoperative patients. Operative re-exploration and decompression in seven patients resulted in immediate diuresis. Four patients who were not re-explored developed renal failure and died. If intra-abdominal pressure rises above 25 mmHg in the early postoperative period and is associated with oliguria and normal blood pressure and cardiac index, the patient should undergo re-exploration and decompression of the abdomen.
Tech Services on the Web: jQuery Mobile jquerymobile.com

jQuery Mobile is an open source web development framework that uses a unified HTML5-based user interface appropriate for all mobile device platforms. It provides an easy and professional way to cre...
The allocation of searching time by Trichogramma pretiosum in host-containing patches.

Trichogramma pretiosum*** Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), a generalist parasitoid of lepidopteran eggs, intensifies search in patches contaminated by a kairomone associated with Heliothis zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) oviposition sites. In the laboratory the parasitoid will search any kairomone-treated patch, abandoning standardized (10 cm diam) patches if no hosts are located within 60–180 sec. Total time and searching time on patches in which hosts are discovered are more highly correlated with the number of hosts attacked (Nha) per patch than with actual host density. The parasitoid's perception of host density per patch is often “incorrect” in this sense. Handling time (Th) and time “wasted” in re-handling hosts parasitized earlier in the patch visit consume a large proportion of total patch time. Several hypotheses which have been suggested to explain patch time allocation by other parasitoids and predators appear inapplicable to T. pretiosum. The ratio of re-encounters with parasitized hosts to the number of hosts attacked appears to affect the allocation of patch time by this species. The results of previous field experiments are compared to laboratory observations of searching behavior.
Organic matter in anoxic marine pore water: oxidation effects

Abstract A series of cores were obtained from the Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire during 1980 and 1981 in order to investigate the effects on the dissolved organic matter of exposure of anoxic marine pore water to atmospheric oxygen during laboratory handling. Sediment sections from these cores were homogenized and split into two equal parts, one of which was handled in a glove bag under a nitrogen atmosphere, and the other exposed to atmospheric oxygen during laboratory processing. Analysis of the pore water for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) indicated two effects: (1) in the top 15 cm, DOC was lost from the pore water of the oxidized subsections, probably as a consequence of co-precipitation with iron (III) oxi-hydroxides, whereas (2) deeper in the cores, the pore water from the oxidized subsections showed a net increase in DOC, possibly due to oxidation of sedimentary organic matter. In addition, structural changes in the dissolved organic matter in anoxic pore water following oxidation was indicated by high pressure liquid chromatography and ultrafiltration analysis.
The Politics–Administration Dichotomy: An Empirical Search for Correspondence between Theory and Practice

The politics–administration dichotomy has been one of the most disputed theories of public administration. Despite serious critiques, neither the theoretical utility nor the normative power of the dichotomy has totally disappeared over the past decades. The dichotomy has been advocated on the grounds that the dichotomous division of labor and authority between elected and administrative officials increases the democratic accountability and planning ability of public administrators. This article first builds a theoretical model of the politics–administration dichotomy and then evaluates the model using empirical data collected from a nationwide sample of city managers serving in council-manager local governments. Results of structural equation modeling illustrate that the politics–administration dichotomy fails to obtain its predicted tendencies in actuality. The authors interpret the findings in light of the contemporary public administration literature. The article aims to make a theoretical-empirical contribution to one of the most challenging questions in public administration.
Quantal phase-space analysis of the driven surface-state electron

The quantum-mechanical phase space of the surface-state electron is studied in the presence of a time-dependent field, for which the classical dynamics has been shown to be chaotic. A coherent-state representation of the Wigner function for the surface-state electron Hamiltonian is constructed. This is then used to compare and contrast phase-space characteristics for quantum states initially in regular and irregular regions of the classical phase space. In particular, the effects of the driving frequency on the dynamics are examined in detail. We confirm that at larger frequencies, for a fixed field strength, the quantum phase-space evolution is restricted or localized. This localization is in contrast with the diffusive behavior still present in the classical evolution. The quantal evolution, at higher frequencies, appears better characterized by tunneling rather than by diffusion.
Epigenomics of centromere assembly and function

The centromere is a complex chromosomal locus where the kinetochore is formed and microtubules attach during cell division. Centromere identity involves both genomic and sequence-independent (epigenetic) mechanisms. Current models for how centromeres are formed and, conversely, turned off have emerged from studies of unusual or engineered chromosomes, such as neocentromeres, artificial chromosomes, and dicentric chromosomes. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of unique chromatin marked by the histone H3 variant CENP-A, classical chromatin (heterochromatin and euchromatin), and transcription during centromere activation and inactivation. These advances have deepened our view of what defines a centromere and how it behaves in various genomic and chromatin contexts.
Numerical study of laminar heat transfer with temperature dependent fluid viscosity in a 2:1 rectangular duct

Abstract The present study investigates the influence of variable viscosity of temperature-dependent fluids on the laminar heat transfer and friction factor in a 2:1 rectangular duct. The H 1 thermal boundary condition corresponding to axially constant heat flux and peripherally constant temperature was adopted for a top-wall-heated configuration. The governing conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy were solved using a finite volume method, and the range of the Prandtl number was from 7 to 15000. The present numerical results of local Nusselt numbers for oil showed 70—80% enhancement over those of a constant property fluid and 40—50% enhancement over water, and gave excellent agreement with recent experimental results [Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 35, 641—648 (1992)]. The heat transfer enhancement from the heated top wall was due to an increased velocity gradient near the wall. The study proposes a new correlation for local Nusselt numbers in the 2:1 rectangular duct, which covers both thermally developing and thermally fully developed regions. Consequently, a temperature-dependent viscous fluid with a non-circular duct is proposed for use in the design of a liquid cooling module for the computer industry and in compact heat exchangers in general.
Retained Surgical Items: A Problem Yet to Be Solved

Background Retained surgical items (RSI) continue to occur. Large RSI studies are few due to low RSI frequency in single institutions and the medicolegal implications. Consequently, RSI risks are not fully defined, with discrepancies persisting among published studies. The goals of this study were to better define risk factors for RSI, to clarify previously discrepant risk factors, and to evaluate other potential contributors to RSI occurrence, such as trainee presence during an operation. Study Design Multicenter case-match study of RSI risk factors was conducted between January 2003 and December 2009. Cases complicated by RSI were identified at participating centers using clinical quality improvement and adverse event reporting data. Case match controls (non-RSI) were selected from same or similar-type cases performed at each respective institution. Retained surgical item risk factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression. Results Fifty-nine RSIs and 118 matched controls were analyzed (RSI incidence 1 in 6,975 or 59 in 411,526). Retained surgical items occurred despite use of confirmatory x-rays (13 of 27 instances) and/or radiofrequency tagging (2 of 32 instances). Among previously discrepant results, we confirmed that body mass index, unexpected intraoperative events, and procedure duration were associated with increased RSI risk. The occurrence of any safety variance, and specifically an incorrect count at any time during the procedure, was associated with elevated RSI risk. Trainee presence was associated with 70% lower RSI risk compared with trainee absence. Conclusions Longer duration of surgery, safety variances, and incorrect counts during the procedure result in elevated RSI risk. The possible positive influence of trainee presence on RSI risk deserves additional study. Our findings highlight the need for zero tolerance for safety omissions, continued study and development of novel approaches to RSI reduction, and establishing anonymous RSI reporting systems to better track both the incidence and risks associated with this problem, which has yet to be solved.
Concomitant upper extremity soft tissue sarcoma limb-sparing resection and functional reconstruction: assessment of outcomes and costs of surgery

Background The purpose of this study is to investigate functional outcomes and cost impacts of immediate functional reconstruction performed in conjunction with limb-sparing resection of upper extremity soft tissue sarcomas.
Dissecting the Dynamics of Corticothalamic Feedback

The thalamus and neocortex are intimately interconnected via a reciprocal arrangement of feedforward and feedback projections. In this issue of Neuron, Crandall et al. (2015) provide key insight into the functional dynamics of feedback projections and reveal the cellular and circuit mechanisms that underlie a rate-dependent switch in the net influence, suppression versus excitation, that cortex can exert on thalamic relay cells.
Robust stabilizer design for Linear time varying internal model based control

This paper focuses on the design of a low order robust stabilizer for the tracking/disturbance rejection problem based on the internal model principle in the time varying setting. The existing stabilization approaches are either lack of robustness or results in a high order design, which limits the potential for broad application. The method proposed in this paper overcomes this bottleneck by taking advantage of the unique structure of the time varying internal model based control system. Instead of using a dynamic stabilizer with high order, this approach uses a sequence of time varying gains that are injected into the internal model unit. A critical issue addressed is how to avoid the non-convex optimization associated with the time varying gain synthesis and then convert the stabilizer design into a series of convex Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) constraints. The approach is then validated on an experimental system and demonstrated to be robust and computationally efficient.
On the Mechanism of MgATP-dependent Gating of CFTR Cl− Channels

CFTR, the product of the gene mutated in cystic fibrosis, is an ATPase that functions as a Clchan- nel in which bursts of openings separate relatively long interburst closed times ( � ib). Channel gating is controlled by phosphorylation and MgATP, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain controversial. To investigate them, we expressed CFTR channels in Xenopus oocytes and examined, in excised patches, how gating kinetics of phosphorylated channels were affected by changes in (MgATP), by alterations in the chemical structure of the ac- tivating nucleotide, and by mutations expected to impair nucleotide hydrolysis and/or diminish nucleotide bind- ing affinity. The rate of opening to a burst (1/ � ib) was a saturable function of (MgATP), but apparent affinity was reduced by mutations in either of CFTR's nucleotide binding domains (NBDs): K464A in NBD1, and K1250A or D1370N in NBD2. Burst duration of neither wild-type nor mutant channels was much influenced by (MgATP). Poorly hydrolyzable nucleotide analogs, MgAMPPNP, MgAMPPCP, and MgATPS, could open CFTR channels, but only to a maximal rate of opening � 20-fold lower than attained by MgATP acting on the same channels. NBD2 catalytic site mutations K1250A, D1370N, and E1371S were found to prolong open bursts. Corresponding NBD1 mutations did not affect timing of burst termination in normal, hydrolytic conditions. However, when hy- drolysis at NBD2 was impaired, the NBD1 mutation K464A shortened the prolonged open bursts. In light of re- cent biochemical and structural data, the results suggest that: nucleotide binding to both NBDs precedes channel opening; at saturating nucleotide concentrations the rate of opening to a burst is influenced by the structure of the phosphate chain of the activating nucleotide; normal, rapid exit from bursts occurs after hydrolysis of the nu- cleotide at NBD2, without requiring a further nucleotide binding step; if hydrolysis at NBD2 is prevented, exit from bursts occurs through a slower pathway, the rate of which is modulated by the structure of the NBD1 catalytic site and its bound nucleotide. Based on these and other results, we propose a mechanism linking hydrolytic and gating cycles via ATP-driven dimerization of CFTR's NBDs.
Teaching peer review and the process of scientific writing.

Many undergraduate and graduate students understand neither the process of scientific writing nor the significance of peer review. In response, some instructors have created writing assignments tha...
MINA: an algorithm for detecting the presence of extrinsic network nodes using a message induced graph

Connecting geographically dispersed sites by layer two virtual private networks is a widely deployed, cost effective, and reliable technology. The key feature of layer two virtual private networks is confidentiality. However, L2 VPNs are being rapidly replaced by layer three virtual networks as common carriers expand the roles of their shared IP networks. The recent increase of interest in L3 virtual networks has led to renewed interest and new questions concerning their privacy.We designate virtual network nodes that are undesirable as extrinsic. In this paper we propose a novel algorithm, Message Induced Network Appraisal (MINA), for detecting the presence of extrinsic nodes in virtual networks. MINA is inspired by Kleinberg's HITS algorithm for ranking web pages. The generalization of a HITS derived algorithm to detecting the presence of extrinsic nodes in virtual networks is novel.Our MINA algorithm constructs the communication graph induced by message exchange, scores the participating nodes to identify mutual nodes, and detects the presence of extrinsic nodes. Using the MINA algorithm, network users are presented with a useful indicator about the confidentiality of their L3 virtual network. In this paper we describe MINA and demonstrate that our method reliably detects the presence of extrinsic nodes in L3 virtual networks.
A matter of meaning: reflections on forty years of JCL

The entry into language via first words and, the acquisition of word meanings is considered from the perspective of publications in the Journal of Child Language over the past forty years. Problems in achieving word meanings include the disparate and sparse concepts available to the child from past prelanguage experience. Variability in beginning word learning and in its progress along a number of dimensions suggests the problems that children may encounter, as well as the strategies and styles they adopt to make progress. Social context and adult practices are vitally involved in the success of this process. Whereas much headway has been made over the past decades, much remains to be revealed through dynamic systems theory and developmental semiotic analyses, as well as laboratory research aimed at social context conditions.
Correlates of Physical Activity in Middle-Aged Women With and Without Diabetes

This comparative and correlational study examined personal and social-cognitive factors related to physical activity in middle-aged women with (n = 37) and without (n = 67) type 2 diabetes (T2D). Compared with those without the condition, women with T2D attained less accelerometer-measured moderate, t = -3.35(89.40), p = .001, and vigorous physical activity, t = -2.76(59.30), p = .008, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), t = -3.50(91.19), p = .001, and had lower physical activity self-efficacy, t = -2.6(101), p = .01, and perceived benefits of physical activity, t = -2.4(51.0), p = .02. For the total sample, greater MVPA was related to White race, not having diabetes, lower body mass index, fewer comorbidities, less depressive symptom severity, no smoking status, more positive attitudes, higher self-efficacy, and greater perceived benefits. Enhancing attitudes, self-efficacy, and benefits may increase MVPA in middle-aged women with T2D.
The variability introduced by partial sample analysis to numbers of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts reported under the information collection rule

Subsampling of the concentrated sample pellet resulting from the information collection rule (ICR) method for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts is often required to facilitate the terminal microscopy step. Variability in counts of (oo)cysts in subsamples suggests that sampling error may occur as a consequence of subsampling and subsequent partial analysis of this pellet. Variability is modeled here as a Poisson distribution and is incorporated into a model that accounts for other uncertainties in the detection procedure. The result is to greatly expand confidence intervals (CI) around reported concentrations. For example, the 90% CI around the concentration reported based on detection of one (oo)cyst in a pellet subsample is increased nearly threefold when sampling error arising from partial sample analysis is added to other potential sources of variability. Consideration of a distribution in which (oo)cysts are clumped, such as a negative binomial distribution, further increases uncertainty, producing confidence intervals ranging over several orders of magnitude. The relevance of the uncertainty arising from partial sample analysis to risk assessment is demonstrated. For example, to produce water with an acceptable 1 in 10,000 risk of infection, the level of water treatment prescribed may increase from 3- to 4.5- (or greater) log removal of (oo)cysts. Implications of this additional uncertainty in the ICR method on reported (oo)cyst concentrations argue for expanded reporting procedures to include an indication of the uncertainties associated with reported concentrations and/or improvements in the detection method.
"A wild and wondrous ride": CDC field epidemiologists in the east Pakistan smallpox and cholera epidemics of 1958

In mid-April of 1958 the Government of Pakistan summoned the press to announce a grave need for international aid to cope with smallpox and cholera epidemics in East Pakistan. In response, and with the backing of the US State Department, Dr. Alexander D. Langmuir, chief epidemiologist of the CDC, led a team of epidemiologists to assist authorities in Dacca strengthen their immunization programs. Langmuir's superiors hoped for a Cold War advantage, but he saw an opportunity for trainees in the Epidemic Intelligence Service to learn about public health in a developing country. Langmuir later described the episode as a "wild and wondrous ride," but it had been more like a nightmare: the East Pakistan health department had collapsed; a popular movement had taken over vaccination and squandered vaccine supplies; hostile journalists had questioned the Americans' deeper motives; and a professional rivalry opened between the Americans and a British epidemiologist named Aidan Cockburn. By the time the epidemic subsided in July 1958, 30 million Bengalis had been vaccinated for smallpox but another 20,000 had succumbed to the disease. This episode was CDC's first sustained foreign intervention, a precursor to its extensive role in the 1970s helping WHO eradicate smallpox from Bangladesh.
W-band InP DHBT MMIC power amplifiers

A W-band DHBT power amplifier chip set consisting of a cascode power amplifier and a driver amplifier fabricated in InP technology is reported. The cascode power amplifier has a total of 160 um/sub 2/ of emitter area and results in a power gain of 8.5 dB and saturated output power of more than 14.4 dBm at 94.5 GHz. The driver power amplifier provides a peak signal gain of 9.8 dB at 102 GHz and peak saturated output power of 9.5 dBm at 94.7 GHz. To the author's knowledge, this is the highest reported output power and gain above 90 GHz for an HBT amplifier.
A Temporal Switch from Notch to Wnt Signaling in Muscle Stem Cells Is Necessary for Normal Adult Myogenesis

The temporal switch from progenitor cell proliferation to differentiation is essential for effective adult tissue repair. We previously reported the critical role of Notch signaling in the proliferative expansion of myogenic progenitors in mammalian postnatal myogenesis. We now show that the onset of differentiation is due to a transition from Notch signaling to Wnt signaling in myogenic progenitors and is associated with an increased expression of Wnt in the tissue and an increased responsiveness of progenitors to Wnt. Crosstalk between these two pathways occurs via GSK3beta, which is maintained in an active form by Notch but is inhibited by Wnt in the canonical Wnt signaling cascade. These results demonstrate that the temporal balance between Notch and Wnt signaling orchestrates the precise progression of muscle precursor cells along the myogenic lineage pathway, through stages of proliferative expansion and then differentiation, during postnatal myogenesis.
Localized nodular tenosynovitis in the horse.

Subcutaneous nodules, removed from the shoulder of 1 and the stifle of another mature stallion, were identified histologically as localized nodular tenosynovitis. Neither horse exhibited any evidence of pain or impaired movement. One lesion had been present for 2 months, the other for 1 year. These nodules resulted from a proliferation of small round to fusiform cells with differentiation to fibroblasts or active phagocytes, including multinucleated giant cells. The older lesion had undergone considerable collagenization.
Paraprofessionals: A dynamic staffing model

Your campus already has one of the most important resources for creating an optimal environment--its students. Admissions offices expend many resources recruiting top notch students, and retention offices look for ways to keep them. One important way to attract and retain students is by providing opportunities for the students to become engaged in meaningful work. Students as a work force have been important to most campuses for many years, historically working as typists, tilers, gophers, painters, etc. However, given the opportunity, students would choose a setting that would foster more growth through diverse duties and increased responsibility. Winston and Ender (1988) found "statistically signiticant differences among programs using paraprofessionals because (a) they are less costly staff, (b) they are more effective than professionals, (c) the program aids in the paraprofessionars personal development, and (d) the program enables the college to provide more services to more students" (p. 467). These results, reporting the effectiveness of a paraprofessional program, are supported by many authors (Arnold et al., 1993; Fedor-Joseph, 1992; Lewallen, 1993; Holland & Huba, 1989). By developing selection, training and supervisory components within your operations, your office can take advantage of this valuable resource and provide an additional learning environment for your students.
Grain Boundary Chemistry in Al-Cu Metallizations as Determined by Analytical Electron Microscopy

Al with additions of Cu is commonly used as the conductor metallizations for integrate circuits (ICs). As the packing density of ICs increases, interconnect lines are required to carry ever higher current densities. Consequently, reliability due to electromigration failure becomes an increasing concern. Cu has been found to increase the lifetimes of these conductors, but the mechanism by which electromigration is improved is not yet fully understood. In order to evaluate certain theories of electromigration it is necessary to have a detailed description of the Cu distribution in the Al microstructure, with emphasis on the distribution of Cu at the grain boundaries. In this study analytical electron microscopy (AEM) has been used to characterize grain boundary regions in an Al-2 wt % Cu thin film metallization on Si after a variety of thermal treatments. The results of this study indicate that the Cu distribution is dependent on the thermal annealing conditions. At temperatures near the {theta} phase (CuAl{sub 2}) solvus, the Cu distribution may be modelled by the collector-plate mechanism, in which the grain boundary is depleted in Cu relative to the matrix. At lower temperatures, Cu enrichment of the boundaries occurs, perhaps as a precursor to second phase formation.more » Natural cooling from the single phase field produces only grain boundary depletion of Cu consistent with the collector-plate mechanism. The kinetic details of the elemental segregation behavior derived from this study can be used to describe microstructural evolution in actual interconnect alloys. 12 refs., 9 figs.« less