cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust control of flexible manipulators

A robust control scheme is presented for a single link flexible manipulator under parameter uncertainties. State feedback is determined from the knowledge of the range in which the open-loop system parameters lie. The state feedback so obtained provides a minimal desired damping under parameter uncertainties. To account for residual modes, a low-pass filter is used in the forward path. The filter parameters can be determined from the knowledge of open-loop and desired closed-loop characteristics. >
Hip arthroscopy in the treatment of osteoarthritis

Abstract The increasing use of the arthroscope had allowed the delineation of new procedures to avoid major procedures.One area where minimal intervention may be useful is in the amelioration of hip symptoms in young and active patients with symptomatic arthritic changes. This article delineates some of the key algorithms in deciding on arthroscopic debridement for the improvement of symptoms associated with early degeneration.
An Evolutionary Advantage of Haploidy in Large Yeast Populations

Although seed plants and multicellular animals are predominantly diploid, the prominence of diploidy varies greatly among eukaryote life cycles, and no general evolutionary advantage of diploidy has been demonstrated. By doubling the copy number of each gene, diploidy may increase the rate at which adaptive mutations are produced. However, models suggest that this does not necessarily accelerate adaptation by diploid populations. We tested model predictions regarding rates of adaptation using asexual yeast populations. Adaptive mutations were on average partially recessive. As predicted, diploidy slowed adaptation by large populations but not by small populations.
Neural correlates of auditory scene analysis and perception

The auditory system is designed to transform acoustic information from low-level sensory representations into perceptual representations. These perceptual representations are the computational result of the auditory system's ability to group and segregate spectral, spatial and temporal regularities in the acoustic environment into stable perceptual units (i.e., sounds or auditory objects). Current evidence suggests that the cortex-specifically, the ventral auditory pathway-is responsible for the computations most closely related to perceptual representations. Here, we discuss how the transformations along the ventral auditory pathway relate to auditory percepts, with special attention paid to the processing of vocalizations and categorization, and explore recent models of how these areas may carry out these computations.
Ammonia-tailoring of GAC to enhance perchlorate removal. II: Perchlorate adsorption

Abstract Thermal tailoring of a bituminous granular activated carbon (GAC) by ammonia gas at 500–800 °C for 60 min achieved as much as 4-fold improvement in perchlorate adsorption as determined by rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs). When treating natural groundwater that contained 70–78 ppb perchlorate, the bed volumes to 4 ppb perchlorate breakthrough increased from 1100 bed volumes for commercial bituminous carbon up to 4400 bed volumes for carbon that was tailored in ammonia at 700 °C. Increased perchlorate adsorption corresponded to increased positive surface charges with R2 0.956. The increase in positive surface charge was closely related to the increase in nitrogen content after ammonia tailoring. The ammonia-tailored activated carbons also exhibited a moderate increase in TOC removal and higher selectivity for erchlorate. The work herein interfaces with a companion paper by the same authors in which the ammonia-tailored carbon surfaces are characterized relative to physical–chemical features [1] .
How Does Spatial Study Design Influence Density Estimates from Spatial Capture-Recapture Models?

When estimating population density from data collected on non-invasive detector arrays, recently developed spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models present an advance over non-spatial models by accounting for individual movement. While these models should be more robust to changes in trapping designs, they have not been well tested. Here we investigate how the spatial arrangement and size of the trapping array influence parameter estimates for SCR models. We analysed black bear data collected with 123 hair snares with an SCR model accounting for differences in detection and movement between sexes and across the trapping occasions. To see how the size of the trap array and trap dispersion influence parameter estimates, we repeated analysis for data from subsets of traps: 50% chosen at random, 50% in the centre of the array and 20% in the South of the array. Additionally, we simulated and analysed data under a suite of trap designs and home range sizes. In the black bear study, we found that results were similar across trap arrays, except when only 20% of the array was used. Black bear density was approximately 10 individuals per 100 km2. Our simulation study showed that SCR models performed well as long as the extent of the trap array was similar to or larger than the extent of individual movement during the study period, and movement was at least half the distance between traps. SCR models performed well across a range of spatial trap setups and animal movements. Contrary to non-spatial capture-recapture models, they do not require the trapping grid to cover an area several times the average home range of the studied species. This renders SCR models more appropriate for the study of wide-ranging mammals and more flexible to design studies targeting multiple species.
Carpal kinematics and instability: A clinical and anatomic primer

The complex anatomy of the wrist can be difficult to comprehend, and concepts of normal and abnormal motion may be difficult to convey to students. A conceptual framework may aid understanding in this difficult area. The key concept is that of the proximal carpal row as an intercalated segment stabilized by ligaments. On this foundation are added concepts of normal, synchronous, proximal row movement and analysis of abnormal movements. Abnormal movements are characterized by their direction and severity. The final step in analysis is localization of ligament abnormality, determining first the general class of ligament injured (extra-articular/intra-articular), then the specific location (proximal/distal, medial/lateral, anterior/posterior), and finally the specific ligament name.
Normal neuroanatomical variation in the human brain: an MRI-volumetric study.

Normative data on the in vivo size of the human brain and its major anatomically defined subdivisions are not readily available. In this study, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure regional brain volumes in 46 normal, right-handed adults (23 men, 23 women) between the ages of 22-49 years. Parcellation of the brain was based on neuroanatomical landmarks. The following brain regions were measured: the cerebral hemispheres, frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, cingulate gyrus, insula, cerebellum, corpus callosum, and lateral ventricles. Males tend to be significantly larger than females, for the whole brain and for nearly all of its major subdivisions, including the corpus callosum. However, the proportional sizes of regions relative to total volume of the hemisphere are remarkably similar in males and females. Variation in size of region is always greater than variation in proportional representation. Asymmetries in brain regions are not profound, with the exception of the cingulate gyrus, which is larger in the left hemisphere. Brain regions are highly correlated in size, with the exception of the lateral ventricles. After controlling for hemisphere size, the volumes of the frontal and parietal lobes are significantly negatively correlated. The occipital lobe tends to be less sexually dimorphic than other major lobes, and less correlated with other brain regions for volume. These results have implications for understanding whether or not certain sectors of the brain have shown relative expansion over the course of hominid and hominoid evolution.
A quantitative analysis of the simplification genetic operator

The simplification function was introduced to PushGP as a tool to reduce the sizes of evolved programs in final reports. While previous work suggests that simplification could reduce the sizes significantly, nothing has been done to study its impacts on the evolution of Push programs. In this paper, we show the impact of simplification as a genetic operator. By conducting test runs on the U.S. change problem, we show that using simplification operator with PushGP, lexicase selection and ULTRA could increase the possibility to find solutions in the short term while it might remove some useful genetic materials for the long term.
A forward-swept wing configuration designed for high maneuverability by use of three-dimensional transonic theory

Supercritical technology has been applied to the design of a forward-swept-wing fighter configuration, and an assessment has been made of the relative performance of forward versus aft sweep. The wing and canard for this forward-swept wing configuration were designed for transonic maneuver by the use of a transonic computational analysis method and a transonic design procedure. The computational method calculates the transonic flow over a canard-wing-fuselage combination so that the strong transonic induced-flow effects of the canard on the wing are taken into account. A model of this configuration was constructed and was tested in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. The transonic theory gave a reasonably good estimate of the wing pressure distributions at transonic maneuver conditions. Comparison of this configuration with an equivalent aft-swept wing configuration showed that, at a Mach number of 0.9 and a lift coefficient of 0.9, the two configurations have essentially the same drag. This forward-swept wing configuration was also found to have very good maneuver performance relative to the Rockwell International HiMAT highly-maneuverable aircraft configuration.
DYNAMICS OF REENTRY AROUND A CIRCULAR OBSTACLE IN CARDIAC TISSUE

We studied the dynamics of a wave propagating around a circular obstacle in a two-dimensional cardiac tissue model. By starting with a large obstacle and decreasing its radius, a continuous transition was created between the two major types of reentrant cardiac arrhythmias: anatomical reentry (essentially one-dimensional) and functional reentry. As the radius of the obstacle decreases, a sequence of transitions occurs, from periodic motion to a modulated period-2 rhythm, and then to spiral wave breakup. These results may provide a useful basis for refining cardiac ablation techniques currently in use.
Author Country: Longfellow, the Brontës, and Anglophone Homes and Haunts

This essay explores the nineteenth-century development of pilgrimage to authors’ houses and locales in light of British and American regionalism and literary reception. It focuses on the trope of “author country” in the celebrated careers and commemoration of Longfellow and the Brontes, and examines American “homes and haunts” books that represent ritual visits to these different authors. Various representations and sites, including portraits, statues, waterfalls, and houses, mark the indigenous qualities of national literature and international attractions.
Hyperbranched Conjugated Polymers: Postfunctionalization

In this contribution, the synthesis of two different hyperbranched poly(phenylene vinylene-phenylene ethynylene) (HB-PPV-PPE, 3a−b) scaffolds are reported. The necessary AB2 monomer 2 is obtained by an asymmetric Horner reaction and contains two iodine substituents and one ethynyl group. This AB2 monomer provides, after Sonogashira polymerization, a hyperbranched conjugated polymer decorated with iodine groups, suitable to be further functionalized with terminal alkynes 4a−t by a Pd-catalyzed coupling. Elemental analysis of the postfunctionalized polymers 5a−t and 6a−q reveals nearly complete substitution of the iodine groups. As a consequence of the replacement, substantial increases in fluorescence quantum yields as well as variation in the optical response of the new polymers are observed. The spectroscopic properties of the postfunctionalized polymers were investigated in solution and in the solid state. The emission of the formed hyperbranched polymers shows a strong dependence on the functional grou...
Neoplastic transformation by the gep oncogene, Gα12, involves signaling by STAT3

Galpha(12), the alpha-subunit of G12, which has been referred to as the gep oncogene, stimulates mitogenic pathways in different cell types and readily induces neoplastic transformation of fibroblast cell lines. Recently, we have shown that the oncogenic pathway activated by Galpha(12) involves the receptor tyrosine kinase platelet derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRalpha) and JAK3. In the present study, we demonstrate that the GTPase-deficient activated mutant of Galpha(12) activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) via PDGFRalpha as well as JAK3. Here we show that Galpha(12) stimulates the phosphorylation of STAT3 at both Tyrosine-705 and Serine-727 residues. Studies to delineate the mechanism by which Galpha(12) stimulates STAT3 have indicated that the Tyrosine-705-phosphorylation of STAT3 involves the tyrosine kinases, Janus Kinase-3 as well as Src kinase, whereas the Serine-727 phosphorylation of STAT3 occurs via the receptor tyrosine kinase, PDGFRalpha and phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase pathway. Our results also indicate that the coexpression of the dominant negative, DNA binding mutant of STAT3 (STAT3DB) inhibits the foci formation as well as anchorage-independent growth of Galpha(12)QL-transfectants, thereby establishing the critical role of STAT3 in Galpha(12)QL-mediated neoplastic cell growth. The results presented here demonstrate, for the first time, the ability of Galpha(12) to recruit multiple receptor-, nonreceptor-, and Ser/Thr kinases to stimulate STAT3-signaling to promote neoplastic transformation.
Nuclear Magnetic Relaxation in NaCl at High Temperatures

Measurements of ${T}_{1}$ and ${T}_{2}$, the spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times, are reported for ${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}$ and ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{35}$ nuclei in NaCl from room temperature to the melting point. For single-crystal samples below 700\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, ${T}_{1}$ is due to quadrupolar interactions of the nuclei with lattice vibrations and diffusing vacancies, and ${T}_{2}$ arises from the dipolar interaction between nuclei. A jump frequency for positive ion vacancy motion of 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{7}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at 510\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is obtained, in good agreement with conductivity measurements. At higher temperatures a number of anomalous features appear and possible explanations are discussed.
TGF-β Is Required for Vascular Barrier Function, Endothelial Survival and Homeostasis of the Adult Microvasculature

Pericyte-endothelial cell (EC) interactions are critical to both vascular development and vessel stability. We have previously shown that TGF-β signaling between EC and mural cells participates in vessel stabilization in vitro. We therefore investigated the role of TGF-β signaling in maintaining microvessel structure and function in the adult mouse retinal microvasculature. TGF-β signaling was inhibited by systemic expression of soluble endoglin (sEng) and inhibition was demonstrated by reduced phospho-smad2 in the adult retina. Blockade of TGF-β signaling led to increased vascular and neural cell apoptosis in the retina, which was associated with decreased retinal function, as measured by electroretinogram (ERG). Perfusion of the inner retinal vasculature was impaired and was accompanied by defective autoregulation and loss of capillary integrity. Fundus angiography and Evans blue permeability assay revealed a breakdown of the blood-retinal-barrier that was characterized by decreased association between the tight junction proteins zo-1 and occludin. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling in cocultures of EC and 10T1/2 cells corroborated the in vivo findings, with impaired EC barrier function, dissociation of EC from 10T1/2 cells, and endothelial cell death, supporting the role of EC-mesenchymal interactions in TGF-β signaling. These results implicate constitutive TGF-β signaling in maintaining the integrity and function of the adult microvasculature and shed light on the potential role of TGF-β signaling in vasoproliferative and vascular degenerative retinal diseases.
Observation of light below Cerenkov threshold in a 1.5 meter long integrating Cerenkov counter

We have observed Cerenkov light, well below threshold, in an integrating Cerenkov counter used to determine particle composition of the secondary hadron beam, which is the source of Fermilab narrow-band neutrinos. The phenomenon can be understood in terms of diffraction effects in a finite length counter caused by radiation emitted by particles traversing the counter even when it is evacuated. At zero pressure, the light can be considered as transition radiation produced when particles enter and leave the counter. A standard Cerenkov diffraction formula describes both the normal Cerenkov radiation and the light emitted below Cerenkov threshold.
Measuring the scattering parameters of tissues from quantitative phase imaging of thin slices

We employed the scattering-phase theorem recently derived in our laboratory to extract tissue scattering properties from quantitative phase images. Using tissue path-length maps that contain nanoscale information about the tissue, the scattering mean free path ls and anisotropy factor g were measured in a spatially resolved manner.
Parent–Child Communication Processes: Preventing Children's Health‐Risk Behavior

PURPOSE. Review individual, family, and environmental factors that predict health-risk behavior among children and to propose parent–child communication processes as a mechanism to mediate them. CONCLUSIONS. Improving parent–child communication processes may: reduce individual risk factors, such as poor academic achievement or self-esteem; modify parenting practices such as providing regulation and structure and acting as models of health behavior; and facilitate discussion about factors that lead to involvement in health-risk behaviors. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Assessment strategies to identify youth at risk for health-risk behavior are recommended and community-based strategies to improve communication among parents and children need development.
Temperature dependence of exciton and charge carrier dynamics in organic thin films

We report on physical mechanisms behind the temperature-dependent optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and photoconductivity in spin-coated films of a functionalized anthradithiophene (ADT) derivative, ADT-triethylsilylethynyl (TES)-F, and its composites with C${}_{60}$ and another ADT derivative, ADT-TIPS-CN. Measurements of absorption and PL spectra, PL lifetimes, and transient photocurrent were performed at temperatures between 98 and 300 K as a function of applied electric field. In pristine ADT-TES-F films, absorptive and emissive species were identified to be disordered H aggregates whose properties are affected by static and dynamic disorder. The exciton bandwidths were \ensuremath{\le}0.06 and \ensuremath{\sim}0.115 eV for absorptive and emissive aggregates, respectively, indicative of higher disorder in the emissive species. The exciton in the latter was found to be delocalized over approximately four to five molecules. The PL properties were significantly modified upon adding a guest molecule to the ADT-TES-F host. In ADT-TES-F/C${}_{60}$ composites, the PL was considerably quenched due to photoinduced electron transfer from ADT-TES-F to C${}_{60}$, while in ADT-TES-F/ADT-TIPS-CN blends, the PL was dominated by emission from an exciplex formed between ADT-TES-F and ADT-TIPS-CN molecules. In all materials, the PL quantum yield dramatically decreased as the temperature increased due to thermally activated nonradiative recombination. Considerable electric-field-induced PL quenching was observed at low temperatures at electric fields above \ensuremath{\sim}10${}^{5}$ V/cm due to tunneling into dark states. No significant contribution of ADT-TES-F emissive exciton dissociation to transient photocurrent was observed. In all materials, charge carriers were photogenerated at sub-500-ps time scales, limited by the laser pulse width, with temperature- and electric-field-independent photogeneration efficiency. In ADT-TES-F/C${}_{60}$ (2$%$) composites, the photogeneration efficiency was a factor of 2--3 higher than that in pristine ADT-TES-F films. In ADT-TES-F/ADT-TIPS-CN (2$%$) blends, an additional charge carrier photogeneration component was observed at room temperature at time scales of \ensuremath{\sim}20 ns due to exciplex dissociation. At \ensuremath{\sim}0.5--5 ns after photoexcitation, the carriers propagated via thermally and electric-field-activated hopping with an activation energy of \ensuremath{\sim}0.025 eV. At time scales longer than \ensuremath{\sim}5 ns, charge transport of carriers that are not frozen in traps proceeded through tunneling via isoenergetic sites.
The Effect of Dornase Alfa (rhDNase) on Recurrent Gram Negative Infections in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Lung Transplant Recipients

The Effect of Dornase Alfa (rhDNase) on Recurrent Gram Negative Infections in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Lung Transplant Recipients L.J. Stuckey ,1 A.M. Clark,1 S. Chang,2 K.M. Chan,3 C.E. Bartos,4 T.C. Ojo.3 1Pharmacy Services, University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI; 2College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; 3Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI; 4Transplant Center, University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI.
Basis for a characteristic temperature in nuclear fragmentation.

The apparent characteristic temperature observed in the fragmentation of highly excited nuclei is studied by calculations using a simple model consisting of an expanding and emitting source. A characteristic temperature for emission, nearly independent of the initial temperature, is found in the calculations, and the underlying physics is interpreted. This temperature is consistent with the values found in experiments which seem independent of bombarding energy.
Quantitative analysis of metabolic processes. II. A model-system for the synthesis of the dissociable enzyme and mathematical formulation of the process

Schemes are presented for induced synthesis of the dissociable enzyme in which repeated use of the template is made. The role of the inducer is to release the repression. A mathematical analysis is carried out and expressions are obtained to describe the kinetics of enzyme formation. A practical case (penicillinase synthesis) is compared with theoretically derived equations by using an analogue computer to simulate an enzyme forming system. A good correlation between theoretical and experimental data is obtained.
A Proposed Comprehensive Grading System to Predict Outcome for Surgical Management of Intracranial Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE By conducting a review of clinical outcomes for patients with aneurysms treated using current microneurosurgical techniques and intensive care unit management, we determined that grading systems based only on the clinical condition of the patient failed to produce a significant stratification of outcome between individual grades of patients. We hypothesized that outcome prediction for patients surgically treated for intracranial aneurysms could be improved by including factors other than clinical condition that were also strongly associated with outcome. METHODS To identify potential factors for inclusion in a risk prediction tool, we conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis of patient- and lesion-specific factors suspected to be associated with outcome in a series of 434 aneurysm operations. Factors that were strongly associated with outcome were used to develop a comprehensive grading system. In the system, 1 point is assigned for Hunt and Hess Grade IV or V, Fisher Scale score of 3 or 4, aneurysm size greater than 10 mm, patient age older than 50 years, and if the lesion is a giant (> or =25 mm) posterior circulation lesion. By adding the total points, a 5-point grading system (Grades 0-5) is obtained. RESULTS Age of patient, size of aneurysm, severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage (Fisher Scale evaluation of density of blood present as revealed by computed tomography), and clinical condition (Hunt and Hess grade) were each independently and strongly (relative risk, >4) associated with long-term outcome. In addition, there was a trend for increased risk with larger (>25 mm) posterior circulation lesions. When applied to the study population, individual grades on the new grading scale correlated well with actual outcome. In a prospective assessment of the system as applied to an additional 72 operations with at least 1 year of follow-up, the correlation of individual grades and outcome was strong and validated the retrospective findings. CONCLUSION This new grading system is easy to apply, separates patients into groups with markedly different outcomes, and is comprehensive, allowing for more accurate prediction of surgical outcome for both unruptured and ruptured cerebral aneurysms.
Implications of diverse fault orientations imaged in relocated aftershocks of the Mount Lewis, ML 5.7, California, earthquake

[1] We use seismic waveform cross correlation to determine the relative positions of 2747 microearthquakes near Mount Lewis, California, that have waveforms recorded from 1984 to 1999. These earthquakes include the aftershock sequence of the 1986 ML5.7 Mount Lewis earthquake. Approximately 90% of these aftershocks are located beyond the tips of the approximately north striking main shock, defining an hourglass with the long axis aligned approximately with the main shock. Surprisingly, our relocation demonstrates that many of these aftershocks illuminate a series of near-vertical east-west faults that are ∼0.5–1 km long and separated by as little as ∼200 m. We propose that these structures result from the growth of a relatively young fault in which displacement across a right-lateral approximately north striking fault zone is accommodated by slip on secondary left-lateral approximately east striking faults. We derive the main shock-induced static Coulomb failure function (Δσf) on the dominant fault orientation in our study area using a three-dimensional (3-D) boundary element program. To bound viable friction coefficients, we measure the correlation between the rank ordering of relative amplitudes of Δσf and seismicity rate change. We find that likely friction coefficients are 0.2–0.6 and that the assumed main shock geometry introduces the largest uncertainties in the favored friction values. We obtain similar results from a visual correlation of calculated Δσf contours with the distribution of aftershocks. Viable rate-and-state constitutive parameters bound the observed relationship between magnitude of Δσf and seismicity rate change, and for our favored main shock model a maximum correlation is achieved when Δσf is computed with friction coefficients of 0.3–0.6. These values are below those previously cited for young faults.
Malyngic acid, a new fatty acid from Lyngbya majuscula

Abstract Malyngic acid, a major fatty acid in several varieties of the marine blue-green alga Lyngbya majuscula , has been determined to be 9( S ),12( R ),13( S )-trihydroxyoctadeca-10( E ),15( Z )-dienoic acid from chemical and spectral data and by its conversion to 9( S ),12( R ),13( S )-trihydroxystearic acid and degradation to 2-deoxy- D -ribitol.
A Method of Evaluation of Antioxidants Based on Vitamin A Protection

Abstract MATTERSON and co-workers (1955 (1956) have clearly shown that antioxidants can reduce dietary requirements for vitamin A or its provitamins. This reduction may be the result of action at a number of sites: antioxidants may prevent or decrease destruction of vitamin A and carotene in the diet (Siedler et al., 1956), in the digestive tract (Lease et al., 1938; Quackenbush et al., 1942), and in tissues (Sherman, 1941; Hickman et al., 1944). While the increase in liver or plasma vitamin A and carotene has often been taken as an index of effectiveness of antioxidants, such a determination is not entirely representative of the total action of a biologically active agent, as it does not take into account possible protective effects in tissues. The validity of the method is also impinged by the fact that, particularly under conditions of stress, blood levels of vitamin A and carotene may be so low …
Molecular Resolution of the B Cell Landscape

The progression of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to the B lymphocyte lineage requires that uncommitted progenitors successfully negotiate the transition from multipotency to unipotency, including the loss of self-renewal potential. Previous work identified essential transcription factors that mediate B lineage development. Major advances build on this knowledge and reveal coordinated changes in gene expression occurring within single cells at sequential stages in the B cell differentiation pathway. Recent studies on epigenetic mechanisms also provide a framework within which transcription factor activity, chromatin modifications, and gene expression patterns can be viewed at hierarchical levels to link genotype and phenotype.
Vuelta: creating animated characters and props using real-world objects

When authoring in visual storytelling environments, children are often limited to use characters and props available in libraries or have to create their own using software. We present a novel alternative in the early design and implementation of Vuelta, a tool for creating animated characters and props using real-world objects. Vuelta authors can create animations for real-world characters and props by capturing animation frames using a high-definition camera. Each frame is captured from many directions enabling the characters and props to be positioned in any direction. We use an image difference algorithm to extract the characters and props from the frames. Our setup is designed to support creativity by enabling authors to use objects of their choice that they may create with their own hands and by not putting limits on the types of animations that may be created. Vuelta is also designed to support collaboration by enabling more than one author to participate in the process. The next steps in our development of Vuelta include working with children to design a tool to edit the animations, as well as integrating Vuelta with a storytelling environment we are developing.
Expression of Cytokine Messenger Ribonucleic Acids in the Bovine Corpus Luteum

There is considerable evidence that luteolysis in the cow and other species involves components of the immune system. In this study, we examined the expression of the mRNAs for TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, II-2, and IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using bovine-specific primers. Expression was examined in corpora lutea (CL) of the early (day 5), mid (days 11–12), and late (day 18) luteal phase, and at 1, 4, and 24 hours following a luteolytic dose of prostaglandin (PG) F2α. Tumor necrosis factor-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β mRNAs were detectable by RT-PCR at all stages of the cycle examined. Densitometric intensities of the electrophoresed IFN-γ PCR products revealed a drop in RNA expression during late diesstrus and at one hour of prostaglandin-induced luteolysis (P < 0.05). The mRNA for TNF-α seemed to remain constant during the cycle, and rose slightly during luteolysis. Interleukin-1β mRNA also did not vary during the cycle or during luteolysis. Finally, expression of m...
Modeling 3D porosity and permeability from GPR data in the Ellenburger Dolomite, central Texas

Three-dimensional porosity and permeability were modeled in an Ellenburger carbonate reservoir analog from 2D crosshole and 3D surface survey ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data. Two-dimensional GPR crosshole velocity tomography, 3D migration of the GPR surface data, and porosity and permeability calibration to GPR attributes results in 3D porosity and permeability predictions that provide a consistent model of the paleocave structures and facies distributions. Picking the maximum instantaneous amplitude of the direct arrival wavelet for velocity tomography reduces uncertainties caused by a low signal-to-noise ratio, uncorrelated noise, and the interference between reflections and critical refractions at the earth/air interface. The GPR velocity is anisotropic with an average vertical to horizontal velocity ratio of 0.93, which is attributed to the dominance of the relatively horizontal orientation of the maximum porosity and permeability. Porosity and permeability trends are influenced by regional northe...
Integrating product models with engineering analysis applications: Two case studies

Current methods to develop standard Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) product models focus on the definition of product model semantics without concurrent and formal consideration of the engineering analyses that such models must support, or formal consideration of the requirements for sharing information between applications. We present two case studies that demonstrate a service to extract data from product models and provide inputs to component analysis applications. The service was validated in a proof-of-concept application called the Internet Broker for Engineering Services (IBES) that extracts information for component analysis from product models that are external to the application and accessed across the Internet. IBES was tested for two research cases. The product model for the first case, control valve selection is based on STEP Application Protocol 227. The product model for the second case, control valve diagnosis, specifies additional semantics that support the operations and maintenance (O&M) phase of the facility life cycle. The cases offer evidence that large standard data models can support routine analyses for control valves. However, the amount of shared information between the case applications is small and is largely dependent upon the concurrence of component behaviors that are necessary to model analysis. The IBES reference model and reasoning to support information extraction was consistent for both cases. This consistency suggests that it is possible to define a general set of computational methods that integrate project information models with external component analysis applications across the product life cycle. We argue that enabling a web-based link between product models and applications requires a set of capabilities, including bi-directional communication between separated data and analysis nodes, query generation, data translation, and validation of data extracted from semistandard models. We discuss the tentative implication that minimal shared information calls into question the assumption that large core product models will work effectively in practice.
Accelerated Return to Play Following Osteochondral Autograft Plug Transfer (OATS)

Objectives:Chondral lesions about the knee are a challenging clinical entity particularly among high performance athletes whose return to play is dependant on the quality and durability of chondral...
The epidemiology of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) has doubled over the past two decades in the US and most other westernized countries. While improved cancer reporting, changes in lymphoma classification, and increases in AIDS-associated lymphomas have contributed to the startling escalation of disease incidence, these factors are estimated to account for only about 50% of the increase in observed incidence. The elucidation of etiologic factors and their mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of this malignancy are critical to advancements in disease prevention and treatment. Current evidence suggests that factors/conditions that precipitate either chronic antigenic stimulation or immunosuppression may provide a preferential milieu for development of NHL. High rates of lymphoma have been observed among individuals with autoimmune disease, organ transplants, and primary or acquired immunodeficiencies. Ultraviolet radiation, previously demonstrated to have an immunosuppressive effect, has also been suggested as a possible risk factor for NHL. Several pathogens have been linked to the risk of lymphoma, including Epstein-Barr virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C, and simian virus 40. Whether these microbes are responsible for specific genetic mutations that initiate tumor growth, antigenic stimulation leading to B-cell proliferation, and increased potential of random cell replication errors, or immunosuppression, which thereby promotes tumor growth, has not been clearly delineated. Other exogenous factors which have been implicated in lymphomagenesis are chemicals and agricultural exposures, hair dyes, and blood transfusions. We must build on our current knowledge regarding the etiology of NHL in order that prevention, treatment, and ultimately, cure of this malignancy becomes a reality.
Physical analogy between continuum thermodynamics and classical mechanics.

Department of Natural Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Fayetteville, 1200 Murchison Road,Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-4298, USA~Received 26 May 2003; published 28 January 2004!The main focus of this paper is the profound physical analogy between a continuum thermodynamicalsystem, which evolves with relaxation under ~possibly! nonisothermal conditions, and a classical mechanicalsystem of a few interacting particles moving with dissipation in ~possibly!, time-dependent nonconservativeﬁelds. This analogy is applied to the problem of phase transitions in a one-dimensional thermodynamic system.The thermomechanical analogy stems from the validity of variational methods in mechanics and thermody-namics and allows for a different interpretation of the dynamical selection principle in the theory of patternformation. This physical analogy is very helpful for understanding different nonlinear thermodynamic phe-nomena and for developing intuition in numerical simulations.DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.69.016111 PACS number~s!: 05.70.Ln, 89.75.Kd, 05.45.2a, 45.20.JjI. INTRODUCTION
The dynamic nature of the bacterial cytoskeleton

Three of the four well-established bacterial cytoskeletal systems—the MreB, MinCDE, and FtsZ systems—undergo a variety of short-range and long-range dynamic behaviors. These include the cellular reorganization of the cytoskeletal elements, in which the proteins redistribute from a predominantly helical pole-to-pole pattern into annular structures near midcell. Despite their apparent similarity, these dramatic redistributional events in the three systems are in large part independent of each other. In addition, some of the cytoskeletal structures undergo oscillatory behavior in which the helical elements move repetitively back-and-forth between the two ends of the cell. The details and mechanisms underlying these dynamic cellular events are just now being revealed by fluorescence microscopy of intact cells, fluorescence photobleaching recovery studies, single molecule tracking techniques, and in vitro studies of the purified proteins.
Toward the Simulation of the Effects of the Great Lakes on Regional Climate

Abstract This paper describes a set of numerical experiments aimed at evaluating the feasibility of applying a version of the National Center for Atmospheric Research-Pennsylvania State University regional model (MM4) to regional climate simulation over the Great Lakes Basin. The objectives of this initial modeling investigation are 1) to examine whether the MM4 can capture the primary forcing exerted by the Great Lakes on the regional climate and 2) to evaluate what model resolution and configuration are needed to simulate such forcing. Simulations over the Great Lakes region are conducted with and without representation of the lakes at four model gridpoint resolutions ranging from 15 to 90 km. One experiment at 60-km resolution is discussed in which a one-dimensional thermal eddy diffusion model is interactively coupled to the MM4 to represent the lakes. Initial and lateral boundary conditions necessary to drive these simulations are provided by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)...
Effects of some inhibitors on the temperature-dependent component of resting potential in lobster axon.

The resting membrane potential of the lobster axon becomes 5–8 mv more negative when the temperature of the perfusion solution is increased 10°C. This potential change is about twice that predicted if the axon membrane potential followed that expected for a potassium ion electrode potential. When the inhibitors, 2, 4-dinitrophenol, sodium cyanide, and sodium azide, were added separately to the perfusion medium the potential change was reduced to about 1.4 times that predicted for a potassium ion electrode potential. Assays of axons exposed to these inhibitors showed that ATP levels were reduced to about one-fourth that obtained for control axons. Ouabain added to the perfusion medium reduced the potential change to that expected for a potassium ion electrode potential. These results suggest that the resting potential changes with temperature as a result of the activity of an electrogenic ion pump.
Life Activities and Life Quality of Heroin Addicts In and Out of Methadone Treatment

The focus of the present study was the daily life activities and self-perceived health and life quality of heroin addicts both in and out of methadone treatment, based on 219 addicts followed for 8 months after treatment entry. The majority of outcome evaluations of methadone treatment have focused on the "hard" outcome criteria of drug use levels, criminal activities, and employment. The present study, in contrast, addressed how heroin addicts live on a daily basis, and whether being chemically supported on methadone was associated with changes in daily life activities and perceived quality of life. A six-dimensional measurement model of daily life activities, perceived health, and life quality was established. Substantial changes on the dimensions in a positive direction were found in the 2 months just following treatment entry. Changes in daily life activities (e.g., spending more time with the family, attending to the home) may be early indicators of the impact of methadone treatment that precede changes on the usual "hard" criteria (e.g., obtaining legal employment).
STEM CELLS IN REGENERATIVE BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE

Embryonic stem cells of the mammalian blastocyst give rise to all the tissue lineages that begin to emerge at gastrulation. They are pluripotent cells and can be propagated in vitro without loss of pluripotency. Many adult tissues harbor cells that do not complete their differentiation program. These cells serve as self-renewing stem cells whose normal fate is to regenerate site-specific tissue, in response to either physiological cell turnover or damage inflicted by injury or disease. Neural, muscle, and bone marrow stem cells possess developmental potency far greater than their normal lineage-restricted fate. The understanding of the biology of stem cells is leading us into an era of regenerative medicine. The growth potential and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells and the developmental plasticity of adult stem cells, particularly those of bone marrow, make them potentially useful for replacing tissues, via transplantation or construction of bioartificial tissues, that either do not regenerate naturally or are damaged beyond their natural capability for regeneration. In addition to these two ways of replacing tissue, a third strategy of regenerative medicine is to stimulate regeneration in vivo from resident stem cells. Before these approaches become clinical reality, however, a number of basic research issues must be resolved, including the revision of our concept of a regeneration-competent cell.
Women and Wasta: The Use of Focus Groups for Understanding Social Capital and Middle Eastern Women

Social capital is the use of informal networking to secure access to resources and opportunities. Often identified as an asset for offsetting deficiencies in societies, research on the phenomena is limited. This paper describes a qualitative study using focus groups with young adult Emeriti women representing three social-economic groups who were interviewed by the author in order to explore the topic of social capital, specifically a form of social capital defined by the Arabic term “wasta”. The women discussed their experiences of how wasta persists regardless of social and religious laws forbidding its practice and how they might use it in their own futures. The focus groups had notable differences in their perceptions of wasta, but as women, they did not see themselves as having access to this form of social capital. The study findings indicate that for these participants wasta is perceived as a cultural paradox that intersects with gender and class as a social construction that reinforces patriarchal and class privilege. Keywords: Women and Social Capital, College Students and Social Class, Focus Groups, Ethnography The term social capital has become known as a commodity or process by which
Should Helicopters Dispatched for EMS Trauma Response Be Grounded

A persistent debate in emergency medicine is the utility of helicopter transport for trauma victims from the scene of an accident to an appropriate receiving hospital. The topic is polarizing, with many advocates intensely for or against emergency medical services (EMS) helicopter dispatch. Much of the controversy centers around the cost of helicopter transport compared with ground transport. With respect to trauma, discussion of helicopter dispatch is made more interesting by the theoretical concept of the “golden hour” and the assumption that trauma victims require the most rapid method of transport. The article by Delgado et al published in this issue of Annals presents a sophisticated cost-effectiveness study of helicopter scene to hospital transports for trauma victims. The economic model used for the study shows that at a minimum, a 15% reduction in mortality must be accomplished for a helicopter to be cost-effective (threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted lifeyears gained) relative to EMS ground transport. The study assumes a base rate for serious trauma mortality of 7.6%, such that a 17% reduction in mortality is equal to a 1.3% reduction in absolute mortality. The trauma mortality rate of 7.6% used for the analysis may be liberal compared with that of another recent publication using data from the US National Trauma Data Bank, which reported a crude US trauma mortality rate of 4.7%. The cost-effectiveness analysis presented by Delgado et al implies that EMS helicopter transport of trauma victims from the scene is costly and futile compared with ground transport. Although there are gaps in trauma center coverage throughout the United States, current trauma care programs represent a mature and sophisticated health delivery model for which attaining a 15% reduction in mortality based solely on transport method is unrealistic. Therefore, the data presented are strong evidence against dispatch of helicopters for transport of trauma victims from the field. But before grounding EMS trauma response helicopters, the limitations of cost-effectiveness research should be considered. There are 2 areas of cost-effectiveness research methodology that deserve discussion with respect to acute trauma management. First is the use of mortality as a primary outcome measure; F