cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Video images of smoke dispersion in the near wake of a model duilding. Part I. Temporal and spatial scales of vortex shedding

Abstract In a wind-tunnel study, recorded video images of smoke dispersion in the wake of a rectangular-shaped building were analyzed. A continuous source of smoke was emitted at floor level, midway along the leeward side of the building. Smoke was observed to build up within a region adjacent to the building. Then the smoke was periodically swept away by vortices shed from the leeward building sides and roof. The recorded signal of the video luminance intensity corresponds to a measurement of smoke-scattered light. The applicability of analyzing time series of video image luminance intensity for selected quantized video picture elements was favorably demonstrated. Temporal and spatial scales of vortex shedding of smoke puffs near the center of the wake were estimated through calculations of spectral densities and autocorrelations. The dominant frequencies (Hz) near the center of the wake flow were found to be 0.1–0.3 times the ratio of the velocity to the building height. Estimated integral length scales near the center of the wake flow were found to be 1–2 times the building height.
Photoinduced β-Hydrogen Elimination and Radical Formation with CpW(CO)3(CH2CH3): Ultrafast IR and DFT Studies

The initial steps of β-hydrogen elimination from the complex CpW(CO)3(CH2CH3) were studied using ultrafast infrared and step-scan FTIR spectroscopy combined with density functional theory calculations. The reaction was initiated by a pulse of UV light at 266 nm and followed with infrared light on the femto- to microsecond timescale, allowing for the identification and kinetic characterization of transients. In the process of β-H elimination, the primary photoproduct was found to be an α-H stabilized complex and the dynamics of the elusive species cis-CpW(CO)3(H)(CH2CH2) were resolved, allowing for a full kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of the reaction. In a side reaction, CpW(CO)3• is formed via ethyl ligand dissociation; the measured formation rate indicates that the complex forms from a vibrationally excited parent complex. Density functional theory calculations of all relevant transient intermediates and transition states involved in β-H elimination of CpW(CO)3(CH2CH3) are presented. These calculati...
Oil, Rape and State Crime in Nigeria

This case study seeks first to explore the culpability of the state of Nigeria in regards to recent allegations of rape and sexual torture by security forces and, secondly, to question why these rapes continue to occur despite Nigeria’s responsibility to address them. Though exact rates of violence are impossible to ascertain, reports by the media and various non-governmental organizations describe the widespread abuse of women, specifically at the hands of military officials. Evidence suggests that, by failing to respond appropriately to these acts of violence, the state of Nigeria is in direct violation of international law. Moreover, the decentralized nature of the Nigerian legal system creates an environment in which those Nigerian laws that do address rape and/or torture are rendered ineffective. This paper argues that what is happening in Nigeria does in fact constitute a state crime and, thus far, has not received appropriate attention from the International Criminal Court, to which Nigeria is a party, or the international community at large. As no action has yet been taken, we consider the factors that create an environment in which international and national punitive measures, as they are currently practiced, are ineffective.
An interface specification method for e-business applications

Identifying higher-level interface elements with which the user interacts on an e-business application should not be an arbitrary task. Unlike conventional applications, Web-based ones provide information and/or functions with the user via clickable links. These unique characteristics of Web-based applications call for a more methodical approach to identifying higher-level e-business application interface elements, their organisation, and its presentation to the user to make information consumption more efficient and effective. In this paper, we propose an interface specification method founded on the concepts of meta-information structure and information structure, as well as taking account of various page, link, and component types.
Analysis of the vibrations of inflatable dams under overflow conditions

A two-dimensional analysis is applied to the vibrations of inflatable dams under overflow conditions. The cylindrical membrane dam is inextensible, air-inflated and anchored along two generators. The base width, curved perimeter and internal air pressure are given. The flow is incompressible, inviscid and irrotational, and the total head is specified. In the steady-state analysis, the equations of equilibrium of the dam from membrane theory are solved by a multiple shooting method, and the boundary element method is used to solve Laplace's equation defined on the overflow domain. An iterative scheme is adopted to obtain the shapes of the dam and the free surface of the fluid. Then the dynamic analysis is established by a finite difference form of the membrane's equations of motion, and the velocity potential problem is formulated by the boundary element method. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors obtained are employed to describe the small vibrations of the dam. The effects of the dam's density and damping coefficient on the stability and response of the dam are investigated.
Methylmercury Effects On Cell Cycle Kinetics

Methylmercury (MeHg) effects on cell cycle kinetics were investigated to help identify its mechanisms of action. Flow cytometric analysis of normal human fibroblasts grown in vitro in the presence of BrdU allowed quantitation of the proportion of cells in G1, S, G2 and the next G1 phase. This technique provides a rapid and easily performed method of characterizing phase lengths and transition rates for the complete cell cycle. After first exposure to MeHg the cell cycle time was lengthened due to a prolonged G1. At 3 microM MeHg the G1 phase length was 25% longer than the control. The G1/S transition rate was also decreased in a dose-related manner. Confluent cells exposed to MeHg and replated with MeHg respond in the same way as cells which have not been exposed to MeHg before replating. Cells exposed for long times to MeHg lost a detectable G1 effect, and instead showed an increase in the G2 percentage, which was directly related to MeHg concentration and length of exposure. After 8 days at 5 microM MeHg, 45% of the population was in G2. The G2 accumulation was reversible up to 3 days, but at 6 days the cells remained in G2 when the MeHg was removed. Cell counts and viability indicated that there was not a selective loss of cells from the MeHg. MeHg has multiple effects on the cell cycle which include a lengthened G1 and decreased transition probability after short term exposure of cycling cells, and a G2 accumulation after a longer term exposure. There were no detectable S phase effects. It appears that mitosis (the G2 accumulation) and probably synthesis of some macromolecules in G1 (the lengthened G1 and lowered transition probability) are particularly susceptible to MeHg.
The Use Of Headspace GC/FT-IR For The Monitoring Of Volatiles In Commercial Brand Coffees

Recently, the area of food analysis and product safety has become of major concern to consumers. Therefore, companies involved in the quality assurance of theirproducts have been encouraged to perform extensive analyses to guarantee safety and satisfaction. One of the largest consumer products in the beverage marketplace is coffee. Much emphasis has been placed upon the safety of the decaffeination processes used by various manufacturers; these involve extraction of the caffeine by a solvent system that may be aqueous or organic, and is sometimes,super-critical. Additionally, aroma (fragrance) of brewing coffee has been found to be of major concern to the individual by the marketing departments of the coffee companies. The heads ace analysis of coffees can be used to discover the species retained after the decaffeination of coffee, as well as to distinguish the volatile species released upon treatment of the coffee at boiling water temperatures.
Coherent population trapping of an electron spin in a single negatively charged quantum dot

We report the demonstration of coherent population trapping of an electron spin by means of coherent optical spectroscopy of a single negatively charged quantum dot.
Rapid Determination of Glint Spectral Parameters for Symmetrical Two-Complex-Source Targets

Formulas for glint spectra due to Varshavchik, and based on FM noise theory, are applied to a symmetrical two-complex-source target, such as a twin-jet aircraft. Simple formulas are presented for the glint spectral density at zero frequency and for ?3-dB frequency.
Resistin and obesity-associated insulin resistance

Obesity is a major risk factor for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Adipocytes secrete numerous substances that might contribute to peripheral insulin sensitivity. These include leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, Acrp30/adiponectin/adipoQ and interleukin 6, the potential roles of which are briefly reviewed here. Thiazolidinedione (TZD) antidiabetic drugs regulate gene transcription by binding to peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, a nuclear hormone receptor found at its highest levels in adipocytes. A search for genes that are downregulated by TZDs in mouse adipocytes led to the discovery of an adipose-specific secreted protein called resistin. Resistin circulates in the mouse, with increased levels in obesity, and has effects on glucose homeostasis that oppose those of insulin. Thus, resistin is a potential link between TZDs, obesity and insulin resistance in the mouse. Future studies must address the mechanism of action and biological role of resistin and related family members in mice and humans.
NUMERICAL COMPUTATION OF CANARDS

Singularly perturbed systems of ordinary differential equations arise in many biological, physical and chemical systems. We present an example of a singularly perturbed system of ordinary differential equations that arises as a model of the electrical potential across the cell membrane of a neuron. We describe two periodic solutions of this example that were numerically computed using continuation of solutions of boundary value problems. One of these periodic orbits contains canards, trajectory segments that follow unstable portions of a slow manifold. We identify several mechanisms that lead to the formation of these and other canards in this example.
Concept of Fatigue Effective Stress and Constitutive Equation of Damaged Material

Effective stress is one of the most important parameter in damage mechanics. An application of the concept of effective stress forms the basis for describing the mechanical behavior of damaged material by constitutive equations of an undamaged material. The present paper discusses the definition of effective stress in damage mechanics and its physical meaning. Through an analysis of the physical pattern of damage and its evolution it is shown, that such a definition is unsuitable for fatigue damage problems. The authors think that the effective stress should be based on equivalent life for fatigue problems, thereby define the concept of effective stress in fatigue damage according to the concept of remainder life.
Medium weight neurofilament mRNA in goldfish Mauthner axoplasm

Although axons are generally considered to lack the ability to synthesize proteins, the Mauthner axon (M-axon) of the goldfish has been reported to contain some of the basic components of the translational machinery, such as transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and ribosomes. To determine if the M-axon also contains mRNA, we isolated samples of M-axoplasm free of glial contamination as demonstrated by the absence of glial-specific mRNA and protein. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of M-axoplasmic cDNA in the presence of primers for the goldfish medium-weight neurofilament (NF-M) gene produced a single product of the expected length for RT-PCR amplification of goldfish NF-M mRNA. This mRNA might direct protein synthesis of NF-M within the M-axoplasm.
Notch-responsive cells initiate the secondary transition in larval zebrafish pancreas

Zebrafish provide a highly versatile model in which to study vertebrate development. Many recent studies have elucidated early events in the organogenesis of the zebrafish pancreas; however, several aspects of early endocrine pancreas formation in the zebrafish are not homologous to the mammalian system. To better identify mechanisms of islet formation in the zebrafish, with true homology to those observed in mammals, we have temporally and spatially characterized zebrafish secondary islet formation. As is the case in the mouse, we show that Notch inhibition leads to precocious differentiation of endocrine tissues. Furthermore, we have used transgenic fish expressing fluorescent markers under the control of a Notch-responsive element to observe the precursors of these induced endocrine cells. These pancreatic Notch-responsive cells represent a novel population of putative progenitors that are associated with larval pancreatic ductal epithelium, suggesting functional homology between secondary islet formation in zebrafish and the secondary transition in mammals. We also show that Notch-responsive cells persist in the adult pancreas and possess the classical characteristics of centroacinar cells, a cell type believed to be a multipotent progenitor cell in adult mammalian pancreas.
The Bencubbin chondrite breccia and its relationship to CR chondrites and the ALH85085 chondrite

— Bencubbin is an unclassified meteorite breccia which consists mainly of host silicate (∼40 vol.%) and host metal (∼60%) components. Rare (< 1%) ordinary chondrite clasts and a dark xenolith (formerly called a carbonaceous chondrite clast) are also found. A petrologic study of the host silicates shows that they have textures, modes, mineralogy and bulk compositions that are essentially the same as that of barred olivine (BO) chondrules, and they are considered to be BO chondritic material. Bulk compositions of individual host silicate clasts are identical and differ only in their textures which are a continuum from coarsely barred, to finely barred, to feathery microcrystalline; these result from differing cooling rates. The host silicates differ from average BO chondrules only in being angular clasts rather than fluid droplet-shaped objects, and in being larger in size (up to 1 cm) than most chondrules; but large angular to droplet-shaped chondrules occur in many chondrites. Bencubbin host metallic FeNi clasts have a positive Ni-Co trend, which coincides with that of a calculated equilibrium nebular condensation path. This appears to indicate a chondritic, rather than impact, origin for this component as well. The rare ordinary chondrite clast and dark xenolith also contain FeNi metal with compositions similar to that of the host metal. Two scenarios are offered for the origin of the Bencubbin breccia. One is that the Bencubbin components are chondritic and were produced in the solar nebula. Later brecciation, reaggregation and minor melting of the chondritic material resulted in it becoming a monomict chondritic breccia. The alternative scenario is that the Bencubbin components formed as a result of major impact melting on a chondritic parent body; the silicate fragments were formed from an impact-induced lava flow and are analogous to the spinifex-textured rocks characteristic of terrestrial komatiites. Both scenarios have difficulties, but the petrologic, chemical and isotopic data are more consistent with Bencubbin being a brecciated chondrite. Bencubbin has a number of important chemical and isotopic characteristics in common with the major components in the CR (Renazzo-type) chondrites and the unique ALH85085 chondrite, which suggests that their major components may be related. These include: (1) Mafic silicates that are similarly Mg-rich and formed in similar reducing environments. (2) Similarly low volatiles; TiO2, Al2O3 and Cr2O3 contents are also similar. (3) Similar metallic FeNi compositions that sharply differ from those in other chondrites. (4) Remarkable enrichments in 15N. (5) Similar oxygen isotopic compositions that lie on the same mixing line. Thus, the major components of the Bencubbin breccia are highly similar to those of the ALH85085 and CR chondrites and they may have all formed in the same isotopic reservoir, under similar conditions, in the CR region of the solar nebula.
Use of a software monitor in the validation of an analytic computer system model

The use of a software monitor in validating a cyclic server multiprogramming model of OS/360 is presented. Following a brief development of the analytic model, a sampling software monitor designed to track CPU and channel I/O activity in OS/360 is described. A procedure for fitting the model to the system based on measurements obtained by the monitor is developed and comparative results of the adjusted model and the actual system are presented for validation of the model principles.
Isolation and characterization of an inhibitor of neovascularization from scapular chondrocytes

An inhibitor of neovascularization from the conditioned media of scapular chondrocytes established and maintained in serum-free culture has been isolated and characterized. To determine whether this chondrocyte-derived inhibitor (ChDI) was capable of inhibiting neovascularization in vivo, this protein was assayed in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. ChDI was a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis in vivo (4 micrograms = 87% avascular zones). This inhibitor is also an inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor-stimulated capillary endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and migration, as well as being an inhibitor of mammalian collagenase. ChDI significantly suppressed capillary EC proliferation in a dose-dependent, reversible manner with an IC50 (the inhibitory concentration at which 50% inhibition is achieved) of 2.025 micrograms/ml. Inhibition by ChDI of growth factor-stimulated capillary EC migration was also observed using a modified Boyden chamber assay (IC50 = 255 ng/ml). SDS-PAGE analysis followed by silver staining of ChDI purified to apparent homogeneity revealed a single band having an M(r) of 35,550. Gel elution experiments demonstrated that only protein eluting at this molecular weight was anti-angiogenic. These studies are the first demonstration that chondrocytes in culture can produce a highly enriched, potent inhibitor of neovascularization which also inhibits collagenase.
Positive Differential Operators in Krein Space L2(ℝ)

Consider the weighted eigenvalue problem $$ Lu = {\rm \lambda }\left( {{\rm sgn}\;{\rm x}} \right)u, $$ (1)
Distinct Contributions of Interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and IL-1β to Innate Immune Recognition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Lung

The bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes acute infections associated with significant morbidity and mortality. P. aeruginosa elicits strong innate immune responses in immunocompetent hosts, and the resulting recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection is necessary for bacterial clearance. P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide and flagellin are recognized by extracellular Toll-like receptors, but the most rapid responses to infection occur when cytosolic receptors sense flagellin or type 3 secretion system (T3SS) structural proteins. The subsequent activation of the NLRC4 inflammasome and caspase-1 generates an interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signal that is required for the rapid neutrophilic response. A T3SS effector, exotoxin U (ExoU), can inhibit activation of the NLRC4 inflammasome and caspase-1. Thus, our observation that IL-1 receptor (IL-1R)-mediated signals were still required to initiate a response to ExoU-producing bacteria was unexpected. As both IL-1α and IL-1β signal via the IL-1R, we examined immune responses in mice lacking either of these cytokines. IL-1β-deficient mice responded to ExoU-producing P. aeruginosa bacteria similarly to wild-type animals; however, IL-1α-deficient mice had an attenuated immune response. The situation was reversed following infections by ExoU-negative bacteria: here, IL-1α was dispensable for neutrophil recruitment, while IL-1β was required. IL-1α secretion by macrophages infected with ExoU-producing P. aeruginosa isolates was independent of both caspase-1 and caspase-11. This study documents distinct roles for IL-1α and IL-1β in the response to P. aeruginosa infection as a function of the T3SS effectors produced by the infecting strain. The redundancy of these two cytokines nonetheless allows the infected host to mount a response to ExoU-positive and -negative bacterial isolates.
Endocrine and cardiovascular consequences of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition.

One of several novel peptidic inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme (CEI) has been studied intravenously both in normal male volunteers and severely hypertensive patients without any clinically significant adversity or intolerance. Hypertensive patients experienced a significant yet gradual reduction in resting arterial pressure without hypotension. The addition of a diuretic agent was observed to potentiate this antihypertensive effect. Normal, sodium replete volunteers received this nonapeptide intravenously in doses up to l-Omgjkg without any significant cardiovascular effect. Both patients and normal subjects exhibited reversible dose related increases in angiotensin I and renin levels after receiving the peptide. The plasma renin response to tilting was also potentiated by CEI. These findings suggest that intravenous CEI may be of value in the treatment of severely elevated hypertension and as a tool to evaluate vasoconstrictor and volume factors in hypertension.
Food Safety and Inspection Service Policy for Control of Poultry Contaminated by Digestive Tract Contents: A Review

Abstract This paper discusses policy changes from 1957 to present that the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has made regarding handling of poultry carcasses that were accidentally contaminated by feces or ingesta during slaughter and processing. Since 1957, FSIS has reevaluated its position in light of new scientific evidence on methods for handling contaminated poultry. The FSIS will continue to make scientifically supported changes that are consistent with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. Prior to 1978, contamination was removed solely by knife trimming. In 1978, FSIS changed the regulations to allow reprocessing at special stations away from the main processing line. Several scientific studies demonstrated that the microbial quality of reprocessed product was comparable to carcasses remaining on the main processing line. Since 1996, FSIS has been actively reforming regulations to make them consistent with the Agency's HACCP system regulatory approach to meat, poultry, and egg processing. Control of poultry contamination by digestive tract contents is one of several regulatory standards that have used a visible product standard. The visual absence of feces or ingesta serves as an indirect measure of microbial safety for at least the risk from pathogens likely to be present in visible digestive tract contents. The FSIS strives to base regulatory reform on the best science available. Changes in processing methods, such as reprocessing poultry on the main processing line to remove feces and ingesta, have been allowed because they were shown to improve the microbiological safety of poultry products. Such changes are tested prior to implementation to ensure that they are consistent with the goal of protecting public health.
Programmable phase and amplitude femtosecond pulse shaping.

We report programmable femtosecond pulseshaping using two commercially avaliable liquid crystal spatial light modulators (SLM). This allows generation of waveforms with arbitrary temporal phase and amplitude profiles within a 2.9 picosecond time window with features of less than 100 femtoseconds. Such waveforms suggest exciting prospects for the control of chemical behaviour.
What is a massive concrete structure at early ages? Some dimensional arguments

The risk of early-age concrete cracking depends on the capacity of hardening concrete to support the thermal stresses caused by the exothermic nature of the hydration process. This has been recognized for ''massive'' concrete structures. However, with the increasing use of high performance concretes, it is apparent that this problem also concerns traditionally ''thin'' structural members (columns, beams). The definition of a ''massive'' concrete structure, and how the structural dimension affects intensity and occurrence of chemically- induced strucctural degradation is the main focus of this paper. Based on dimensional analysis of the governing equations, a characteristic length scale, the hydration heat diffusion length, is derived; beyond this length the structure needs to be considered as ''massive,'' and latent hydration heat effects affect the long-term structural integrity. From experimental data of normal strength concrete and high performance concrete, it is shown that this hydration heat diffusion length of high performance concrete is of the order of < h = 0.2 m, and lh = 0.3 m for normal strength concrete. Through a number of case studies, the relevant similarity parameters of the risk of early-age concrete cracking are identified, which allow's the monitoring of the structural performance of early-age concrete structures.
An Inline automated Stokesmeter

A Stokesmeter can be used for image segmentation, differentiation and remote sensing applications. We demonstrate an Inline Stokesmeter that is more efficient than a conventional one, and can be easily integrated with a CCD camera.
SYP-3 restricts synaptonemal complex assembly to bridge paired chromosome axes during meiosis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Synaptonemal complex (SC) formation must be regulated to occur only between aligned pairs of homologous chromosomes, ultimately ensuring proper chromosome segregation in meiosis. Here we identify SYP-3, a coiled-coil protein that is required for assembly of the central region of the SC and for restricting its loading to occur only in an appropriate context, forming structures that bridge the axes of paired meiotic chromosomes in Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that inappropriate loading of central region proteins interferes with homolog pairing, likely by triggering a premature change in chromosome configuration during early prophase that terminates the search for homologs. As a result, syp-3 mutants lack chiasmata and exhibit increased chromosome missegregation. Altogether, our studies lead us to propose that SYP-3 regulates synapsis along chromosomes, contributing to meiotic progression in early prophase.
A response to Scott's concerns about the relevance of environmental education research: applying social–ecological systems thinking and consilience to defining research goals

In William Scott's plenary address at the World Environmental Education Conference, he expressed concerns about the relevance of environmental education research in a world facing global environmental and demographic change. In responding to Scott's concerns, I argue that addressing challenges related to development and the environment requires examining EE goals at multiple levels as well as bridging diverse disciplines. I further suggest that integrating social‐ecological systems and other approaches in environmental education research may provide a means for consilience among potentially divisive environmental education practice and research traditions. In so doing, I hope to spark debate about possibilities for an environmental education research agenda and learning organisation that spurs action relevant to concerns about the environment, individuals, and their communities.
The extent of informed decision-making about starting dialysis: does patients' age matter?

A growing number of elderly patients with end-stage renal disease start dialysis. We examined elderly (≥65 years) patients’ views about their decision-making experience after starting dialysis in comparison with patients aged 50–64 years, and patients ≤49 years. Ninety-nine patients from 15 outpatient dialysis centers in North Carolina, USA completed a semi-structured interview asking them about the context of decision-making and their decision-making experience, and a 10-item investigator-developed Informed Decision-Making (IDM) questionnaire with binary response options (yes/no). While IDM scores were low for all three groups (<5 out of 10), they were significantly lower for the older group compared to the other two younger groups (p = 0.02). A significantly lower percentage of the older group said that the doctor explained underlying conditions that led to kidney failure (p = 0.04), the impact of dialysis on daily life (p = 0.04), and the life-long need for dialysis (p < 0.01), and that the doctor tried to make sure the patient understood the information (p = 0.01). Also a significantly higher percentage of elderly patients felt the decision was made by the doctor rather than on their own or with their family, or collaboratively with the doctor (p = 0.04). Informed decision-making is significantly poorer in patients aged 65 years or older than in younger patients. Clinicians should communicate clearly about the benefits and burdens of dialysis to older adults and provide an opportunity for them to understand the significant trade-offs that dialysis may require.
Second-order cover inequalities

We introduce a new class of second-order cover inequalities whose members are generally stronger than the classical knapsack cover inequalities that are commonly used to enhance the performance of branch-and-cut methods for 0–1 integer programming problems. These inequalities result by focusing attention on a single knapsack constraint in addition to an inequality that bounds the sum of all variables, or in general, that bounds a linear form containing only the coefficients 0, 1, and –1. We provide an algorithm that generates all non-dominated second-order cover inequalities, making use of theorems on dominance relationships to bypass the examination of many dominated alternatives. Furthermore, we derive conditions under which these non-dominated second-order cover inequalities would be facets of the convex hull of feasible solutions to the parent constraints, and demonstrate how they can be lifted otherwise. Numerical examples of applying the algorithm disclose its ability to generate valid inequalities that are sometimes significantly stronger than those derived from traditional knapsack covers. Our results can also be extended to incorporate multiple choice inequalities that limit sums over disjoint subsets of variables to be at most one.
Automated detection of sensor detachments for physiological sensing in the wild

Body area sensor networks measure biomedical signals from subjects continuously, as they go about their daily lives. Signals measured in these conditions are affected by anomalies, such as artifacts and noise. Some anomalies can be corrected, if detected in real-time, for example, ECG electrode detachment. We present energy and computationally efficient algorithms for the detection of sensor detachment, developed for the AutoSense system.
A Hierarchical Model for Accuracy and Choice on Standardized Tests

This paper assesses the psychometric value of allowing test-takers choice in standardized testing. New theoretical results examine the conditions where allowing choice improves score precision. A hierarchical framework is presented for jointly modeling the accuracy of cognitive responses and item choices. The statistical methodology is disseminated in the ‘cIRT’ R package. An ‘answer two, choose one’ (A2C1) test administration design is introduced to avoid challenges associated with nonignorable missing data. Experimental results suggest that the A2C1 design and payout structure encouraged subjects to choose items consistent with their cognitive trait levels. Substantively, the experimental data suggest that item choices yielded comparable information and discrimination ability as cognitive items. Given there are no clear guidelines for writing more or less discriminating items, one practical implication is that choice can serve as a mechanism to improve score precision.
Poly[[tris­(μ2-4,4′-bipyridine N,N′-di­oxide)hexa­nitratodieuropium(III)] dichloro­methane disolvate]

The title one-dimensional coordination network, {[Eu2(NO3)6(C10H8N2O2)3]·2CH2Cl2}n, is isostructural with the previously reported Tb and Tl coordination networks and to its Gd analog. The EuIII cation is coordinated in a distorted tricapped trigonal-prismatic fashion by nine O atoms from three bridging 4,4′-bipyridine N,N′-dioxide ligands and three chelating nitrate anions. None of the atoms lie on a special position, but there is an inversion center located between the rings of one of the ligands. The network topology is ladder-like, and each ladder inter­acts with six neighboring ladders through C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The packing motif of the ladders allows for the formation of channels that run parallel to the a axis; these channels are filled with CH2Cl2 solvent mol­ecules that inter­act with the ladders through C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Plasma viscosity regulates capillary perfusion during extreme hemodilution in hamster skinfold model

Effect of increasing blood viscosity during extreme hemodilution on capillary perfusion and tissue oxygenation was investigated in the awake hamster skinfold model. Two isovolemic hemodilution steps were performed with 6% Dextran 70 [molecular weight (MW) = 70,000] until systemic hematocrit (Hct) was reduced by 65%. A third step reduced Hct by 75% and was performed with the same solution [low viscosity (LV)] or a high-molecular-weight 6% Dextran 500 solution [MW = 500, 000, high viscosity (HV)]. Final plasma viscosities were 1.4 and 2.2 cP (baseline of 1.2 cP). Hct was reduced to 11.2 +/- 1.1% from 46.2 +/- 1.5% for LV and to 11.9 +/- 0.7% from 47.3 +/- 2.1% for HV. HV produced a greater mean arterial blood pressure than LV. Functional capillary density (FCD) was substantially higher after HV (85 +/- 12%) vs. LV (38 +/- 30%) vs. baseline (100%). PO2 levels measured with Pd-porphyrin phosphorescence microscopy were not statistically changed from baseline until after the third hemodilution step. Wall shear rate (WSR) decreased in arterioles and venules after LV and only in arterioles after HV. Wall shear stress (WSR x plasma viscosity) was substantially higher after HV vs. LV. Increased mean arterial pressure and shear stress-dependent release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor are possible mechanisms that improved arteriolar and venular blood flow and FCD after HV vs. LV exchange protocols.
Sensitivity of the Dynamic Response of Monopile-Supported Offshore Wind Turbines to Structural and Foundation Damping

The prediction of ultimate and fatigue demands for the design of offshore wind turbines (OWTs) requires accurate simulation of the dynamic response of OWTs subject to time-varying wind and wave loads. The magnitude of damping in an OWT system significantly influences the dynamic response, however, some sources of damping, such as foundation damping, are not explicitly considered in design guidelines and may increase damping significantly compared to commonly assumed values in design. Experimental and analytical studies have estimated the magnitude of foundation damping to be between 0.17% and 1.5% of critical, and this paper investigates how increased damping within this range affects load maxima and fatigue damage for a hypothetical 5MW OWT subjected to a variety of wind, wave, and operational conditions. The paper shows that increased damping effects the greatest percentage reduction of ultimate moment demands and fatigue damage when the OWT rotor is parked and feathered. In such cases, the aerodynamic ...
Israeli and U.S. Community Mediation

This study investigates the mediations of 100 Israeli (50 Sefaradim and 50 Ashkenasim) and 100 U.S. residents who were neither trained as mediators nor are official mediators, but who had mediated a recent dispute. We refer to these residents as mediators. It was predicted that Sefaradic Israelis would be more assertive mediators than their Ashkensi counterparts, relying more frequently on the techniques of putting the disputants together, calling for concessions, and advising the disputants on how to act in the dispute. As for the Israeli-U.S. differences, it was predicted that the Israeli mediators would be more assertive than the U.S. mediators, and would more often utilize the aforementioned techniques. The data - based on 200 personal interviews - support the hypotheses for international - Israeli-U.S. - differences but not those for the Seferadim and Ashkenasim.
Modeling and control of plasma rotation for NSTX using neoclassical toroidal viscosity and neutral beam injection

A model-based feedback system is presented to control plasma rotation in a magnetically confined toroidal fusion device, to maintain plasma stability for long-pulse operation. This research uses experimental measurements from the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) and is aimed at controlling plasma rotation using two different types of actuation: momentum from injected neutral beams and neoclassical toroidal viscosity generated by three-dimensional applied magnetic fields. Based on the data-driven model obtained, a feedback controller is designed, and predictive simulations using the TRANSP plasma transport code show that the controller is able to attain desired plasma rotation profiles given practical constraints on the actuators and the available measurements of rotation.
Ectopic expression of the Drosophila Bam protein eliminates oogenic germline stem cells

The Drosophila germ-cell lineage has emerged as a remarkable system for identifying genes required for changes in cell fate from stem cells into more specialized cells. Previous work indicates that bam expression is necessary for cystoblast differentiation; bam mutant germ cells fail to differentiate, but instead proliferate like stem cells. This paper reports that ectopic expression of bam is sufficient to extinguish stem cell divisions. Heat-induced bam+ expression specifically eliminated oogenic stem cells while somatic stem cell populations were not affected. Together with previous studies of the timing of bam mRNA and protein expression and the state of arrest in bam mutant cells, these data implicate Bam as a direct regulator of the switch from stem cell to cystoblast. Surprisingly, ectopic bam+ had no deleterious consequences for male germline cells suggesting that Bam may regulate somewhat different steps of germ-cell development in oogenesis and spermatogenesis. We discuss a model for how bam+ could direct differentiation based on our data (McKearin and Ohlstein, 1995) that Bam protein is essential to assemble part of the germ-cell-specific organelle, the fusome. We propose that fusome biogenesis is an obligate step for cystoblast cell fate and that Bam is the limiting factor for fusome maturation in female germ cells.
“No More Trapping Me!”: Communication Scholarship in the Service of Women Experiencing Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse

Domestic violence (DV) and substance abuse (SA) are correlated issues that should be addressed simultaneously. However, many agencies do not address the simultaneous issues and there tends to be little interaction between DV and SA agencies for numerous reasons, including general procedural and philosophical differences. This study examined the efforts of a DV center and a SA center to collaborate. Findings indicate that the competing discourses can function dialectically in ways that survivors find empowering and that inter-agency support groups may be effective for simultaneously addressing DV and SA.
Identification of Managerial Behavior Dimensions in a Federal Health-Care Agency

Understanding the behavior of managers provides an opportunity to assess congruencies between organizational needs and managerial skills. This assessment is critical in federal health-care wherein the environment is rapidly changing. In the current investigation, dimensions of managerial behavior for 267 managers in a federal health-care agency were identified. Recommendations are provided with respect to the relevance of using these dimensions for organizational training and development activities.
Cold facts about gastric freezing.

Gastric freezing and a sham freeze were used in a double-blind study of patients with duodenal ulcer. A third group of patients received conventional therapy. Results were far better in this third group than in either of the other two.
Epidemiological analysis of leprosy in Nantong, 2003-2012

Objective To explore how to effectively control the leprosy in a low prevalence state. Methods According to the detection rate of leprosy from 2003 to 2012 in Nantong, we take epidemiological analysis for newly detected cases, and the analysis included gender, the age of diagnosis, the stage of disease, the way of finding, the source of infection and the rate of deformities.Results Original high prevalence areas found more patients. The average detection age was 57.15 years old and the ratio of M type to B type was 70%. The average delay period was 22.75 months, and the unknown transmission pathway of infection accounted for95%. The cases detected by dermatology clinics accounted for 65%. Conclusion Leprosy is at a low prevalence state in Nantong.We must enhance prevention and control efforts for leprosy in the original high leprosy-endemic areas. We need keep continuity of leprosy prevention work for the three level network. We should strength the technical training of leprosy control technology and enhance the leprosy prevention knowledge propaganda. Increasing efforts of the clue investigation, screening of close contacts and checking families' health may be ways to gradually change the way from "passive discovery" to "active discovery". The above measures may promote early detection of patients and reduce the spread of deformities.
A strategic study on capacity building for certificated pharmaceutist in China

Certificated pharmaceutists are the vital technical power to ensure the quality of medical and relative service in the pharmaceutical operation and utilization for people's safety and health.This paper studied the status quo,the main issue and future tendency of capacity building of certificated pharmaceutist.It also put forward capacity building goals,important measures and strategic approaches for certificated pharmaceutists.
Minimization: A new method of assigning patients to treatment and control groups

This paper describes a new method of assigning patients to treatment and control groups to minimize differences between the groups, not only in the number of patients but in patient characteristics. Testing the method by computer simulations, using data on 40 patients with 15 variates each, demonstrates a four- to fivefold reduction of the probability of severe imbalance, relative to randomization. Minimization can maintain tight control of one variate, comparable to the currently acceptable experimental design of blocking, while reduCing the probability of severe imbalance in the other 14 variates by a factor of 3. It also compares favorably with accepted methods regarding susceptibility to experimenter bias. Therefore, it is suggested that minimization should replace randomization in assigning patients in clinical trials.
IL-17A–producing resident memory γδ T cells orchestrate the innate immune response to secondary oral Listeria monocytogenes infection

Abstract Memory γδ T cells are important for the clearance of Listeria monocytogenes infection in the intestinal mucosa. However, the mechanisms by which memory γδ T cells provide protection against secondary oral infection are poorly understood. Here we used a recombinant strain of L. monocytogenes that efficiently invades the intestinal epithelium to show that Vγ4+ memory γδ T cells represent a resident memory (Trm) population in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). The γδ Trm exhibited a remarkably static pattern of migration that radically changed following secondary oral L. monocytogenes infection. The γδ Trms produced IL-17A early after rechallenge and formed organized clusters with myeloid cells surrounding L. monocytogenes replication foci only after a secondary oral infection. Antibody blocking studies showed that in addition to IL-17A, the chemokine receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) is also important to enable the local redistribution of γδ Trm cells and myeloid cells specifically near the sites of L. monocytogenes replication within the MLN to restrict bacterial growth and spread. Our findings support a role for γδ Trms in orchestrating protective immune responses against intestinal pathogens.
Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant Strain of Bacillus pumilus, CB01, Isolated from the Feces of an American Crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos

ABSTRACT Avian species have the potential to serve as important reservoirs for the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Here, we report the genome sequence of a drug-resistant strain of Bacillus pumilus, CB01, isolated from the feces of an American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos.
Using time dynamically in static intervals: Does it close the achievement gap?

A mixed-methods study was undertaken with 118 biology students in two urban high schools. A Student-Centered Adaptable Learning Environment (SCALE) was created to improve engagement from affective and cognitive perspectives using choice, creativity and technological allowances. Results demonstrated that fast and slow learners are generally separated by about 30 min in terms of inputting speeds, but can be as much as 65 min apart from one another. Given that traditional classrooms afford students only 45 min in which to learn, static time could have become a source of inequity in public schools. SCALE optimally allowed for the dynamic use of time in constrained periods, therefore reducing and even eliminating any negative relationships between speed of learning and resultant achievement gains in the block setting. Especially benefitting from their ability to maneuver were the slowest learners, who showed the largest achievement improvements in either time interval amongst ability groupings. As learning speed can be the most critical contributing component of resultant educational outcomes, providing students the ability to use time dynamically should be considered as a feasible solution to helping teachers reestablish equity in mixed-ability classrooms in public schools.
Editor's note on 'Putting fossils in trees' special issue.

This special feature has its origins with a 2014 symposium organized by myself and my co-editors David W. Bapst, Graeme T. Lloyd and Nicholas J. Matzke at the Society for Vertebrate Paleontology meetings in Berlin, Germany. In the years prior to 2014, there had been several interesting and important