cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineered Microenvironments: A Materials Approach to the Regulation of Cell Function

In vivo, local tissue structure defines the cellular environment, constraining how cells interact with surrounding extracellular matrix substrates, neighboring cells, soluble growth factors, and physical forces. These “microenvironmental” cues in turn regulate the behavior of individual cells, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and suicide. Using engineered microenvironments, we have begun to expose the complex interplay that occurs between adhesion, force, form, and function in cells. For example, cell adhesion to materials (natural or synthetic) is a central regulator of cellular signaling and function, and is characterized by control loops that affect receptor binding to the substrate, cell spreading and flattening against the material, and the active generation of traction forces as cell contract against these adhesions. We show that these control loops are central to cell proliferation, multicellular patterning, and stem cell lineage commitment. I will use our studies to attempt to illustrate 1) the multiple means by which cell-material interactions can control cell signaling and function; 2) the importance of novel engineering and materials approaches to understanding cellular decision making; and 3) opportunities and challenges for how to connect these insights to the ultimate translational objectives set by regenerative medicine.
Characterization of a supported liquid membrane for macrocycle-mediated selective cation transport

Macrocycle-mediated cation transport has been studied using aqueous phases separated by a liquid membrane supported on a microporous polypropylene film. A macrocycle-containing organic phase was incorporated into the pores of the film. In this system, phenylhexane was found to be superior to chloroform, toluene and 1,2-dichlorobenzene as a membrane solvent in maintaining membrane integrity due to its lower water solubility and higher boiling point. Transport experiments using a bis (1-hydroxyheptyl) derivative of dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DC18C6) as carrier gave the selectivity sequecnes K+ > Rb+ > Cs+ >Na+ > Li+ and Sr2+ > Ba2+ > Ca2+. Furthermore, the addition of t-butyl or hydroxyheptyl side-chains to DC18C6 improved cation transport over that observed with DC18C6 due to the decreased distribution of the ligand from the membrane to the adjacent water phases. Cation flux was found to be independent of the rate of stirring of the water phases and to be a direct function of carrier concentration in the membrane.
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

Surgical treatment of OA is appropriate when conservative therapy fails or is inadequate. The veterinary orthopedist's goals in treatment should be to alleviate pain, maintain function, and prevent or remove the potential for further degeneration of the joint. Currently, in veterinary surgery, THR and femoral head and neck excision are the primary treatments for OA of the coxofemoral joint. Other joints are treated primarily by arthrodesis or excision arthroplasty. Arthroscopy is proving to be a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of OA, and total stifle and elbow replacement and cartilage resurfacing through chondrocyte grafting are on the horizon as potential treatment options.
Alpha1 adrenergic receptors in mesenteric arteries of rats with chronic renal failure

Alpha 1 adrenergic receptors in mesenteric arteries of rats with chronic renal failure. In previous studies we have shown that patients or rats with chronic renal failure display reduced blood pressure response to norepinephrine (NE). This abnormality is related to the high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) which stimulates vasodilator prostaglandin production. To determine whether chronic renal failure (CRF) also affects pressor response to NE through changes in the properties of alpha 1 adrenoceptors, we have measured plasma NE and the number of binding sited (B max ) and the K D of these receptors in isolated mesenteric arteries of normal CRF rats and of CRF rats previously parathyroidectomized (PTX). Plasma NE was greater (P max of alpha 1 adrenoceptors was lower (P D was not significantly different among the three groups of rats studied. The data show that the number of alpha 1 adrenoceptors is reduced in CRF and this is not related to excess PTH. This abnormality may contribute to the reduced pressor response to NE in CRF. The effect of PTH, on the vascular response to NE is not related to changes in plasma levels of NE or in binding sites for NE.
Mechanisms initiating lung injury in the preterm

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)/chronic lung disease occurs primarily in very low birth weight infants (VLBW) often without antecedent severe respiratory distress syndrome. The BPD in these VLBW infants results in less fibrosis than the traditional BPD but the normal process of alveolarization seems to be disrupted. This review develops the thesis that BPD in VLBW infants results from inflammatory mediators interfering with the signaling required for normal late gestational lung development. Proinflammatory mediators may be elevated because of fetal exposure, postnatal infection or by release from preterm lungs ventilated at either low or high lung volumes. The preterm lung is highly susceptible to injury during resuscitation or more chronic mechanical ventilation because the gas volumes/kg body weight of the lungs are small. An understanding of what causes cytokine release and how cytokines influence lung development is necessary to develop targeted therapies to minimize BPD. However, care strategies that minimize inflammation and ventilator-induced lung injury should help decrease BPD.
Role of photoperiod cues in regulating the modulatory action of octopamine on pheromone-response thresholds in the cabbage looper moth

Experiments were conducted to determine the relationship between photoperiod cues and the modulatory action of octopamine (OA) on male sensitivity to sex pheromone in the cabbage looper moth. Results showed that levels of random locomotor activity and response to pheromone, as well as the effectiveness of OA in enhancing male sensitivity, were dependent on the light intensity during the scotophase period. The importance of scotophase onset was further demonstrated by the fact that a 1 h period of dark (instead of the normal 8) was sufficient to elicit male response to pheromone, and the modulatory action of the amine, several hours later in photophase conditions during the “expected” mid-scotophase period when peak response normally occurs. Furthermore, expression of the response rhythms and the effect of octopamine were maximal when injection of the amine and scotophase onset occurred during a narrow temporal window around the expected time of scotophase onset. Delays or advances in scotophase onset or injection of octopamine resulted in decreased levels of behavior and loss of effectiveness of the amine. Studies involving a reversal in the photoperiod also support the idea that scotophase onset is a critical time in the regulation of the general locomotor and pheromone-response rhythms exhibited by males. The combined results support a hypothesis that the modulatory action of octopamine is associated with physiological changes occurring at the onset of scotophase, and that the periodicity of this action is influenced by an endogenous oscillator. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Definitive Evidence for a Pairwise Addition of Hydrogen to a Platinum Bis(phosphine) Complex Using Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization

Through the use of parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP), conclusive evidence has been obtained that H2 addition to Pt(Ph2PCH2CH(Me)OPPh2) proceeds in a concerted, pairwise manner. PHIP has also...
Intracranial aneurysm stenting: Follow-up with MR angiography†

Intracranial stenting is increasingly being used to treat intracranial aneurysms and stenoses. We wanted to assess the utility of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the follow-up of patients treated with various types of intracranial stents and to assess the utility of performing gadolinium-enhanced MRA. A total of 19 patients having undergone intracranial stenting for aneurysms were imaged by MRI at 1.5T. A total of 20 stents were placed in 19 patients. In addition to conventional T2- and diffusion-weighted MRI, 3D time-of-flight MRA was performed before and after contrast administration. In the case of metallic INX stents (N 7), there was a signal drop at the level of the vessel. which did not allow to evaluating the parent vessel, whereas this was visible in Nitinol stents (N 8). Additionally a stent with a wire had a small artifact (N 3). Contrast administration also improved vessel lumen visualization. In the case of Nitinol stents, MRA can be used to reliably demonstrate the vessel lumen after intracranial stenting. The use of postcontrast 3D time-of-flight imaging helps improve the intraluminal definition.
EXAMINATION OF SEX DIFFERENCES IN EXPECTATIONS OF PAY AND PERCEPTIONS OF EQUITY IN PAY

Summy.-A sample of 72 undergraduate business students was tested to examine the effects of sex on expectations of pay and perceptions of equiry in pay. The respondents completed a questionnaire which assessed their expeaations for the range of starting salar~es for 1988 graduates in their own major, and the salary levels which would mde them feel overrewarded and underrewarded. Multivariate analyses of varlance performed upon six dependent variables related to perception of pay gave significant over-all main effects for sex. Specifically, men, relative to women, had lower tolerance for underpayment and expected higher starting salaries at the lowest and next lowat points on a salary range which they expected to apply to 1788 graduates in their major fields. No differences were found in tolerance for overpayment or for the cwo high end-points of the salary range.
Mitogenic and morphogenic effects of a bovine salivary gland extract on astrocytes and fibroblasts.

Abstract The presence of mitogenic and morphogenic activity in ectracts of bovine salivary (parotid) glands is reported. The crude and partially purified extracts stimulated cultured rat cerebellar cells (astrocytes) and skin fibroblasts to undergo morphogenesis. The incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine was also stimulated in astrocytes, skin fibroblasts, and established fibroblastic cell lines. Growth-promoting activity was also demonstrated. The expression of maximum mitogenic activity in skin fibroblast cultures, but not kidney fibroblast cultures, required the presence of serum. The biological activity had an apparent native molecular weight greater than 230 000, was heat-sensitive, trypsin-resistant, and slightly sensitive to the action of papain.
High-Efficiency Microarray of 3-D Carbon MEMS Electrodes for Pathogen Detection Systems

Molecular diagnostic applications for pathogen detections require the ability to separate pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, etc., from a biological sample of blood or saliva. Over the past several years, conventional two-dimensional active microarrays have been used with success for the manipulation of biomolecules including DNA. However, they have a major drawback of inability to process relatively 'largevolume' samples useful in infectious disease diagnostics applications. This paper presents an active microarray of three-dimensional carbon electrodes that exploits electrokinetic forces for transport, accumulation, and hybridization of charged bio-molecules with an added advantage of large volume capability. Tall 3-dimensional carbon microelectrode posts are fabricated using C-MEMS (Carbon MEMS) technology that is emerging as a very exciting research area since carbon has fascinating physical, chemical, mechanical and electrical properties in addition to its low cost. The chip fabricated using CMEMS technology is packaged and its efficiency of separation and accumulation of charged particle established by manipulating negatively charged polycarboxylate 2 μm beads in 50 mM histidine buffer.
A neuromuscular monitoring system based on a personal computer.

We have developed a computerized neuromuscular monitoring system (NMMS) using commercially available subsystems, i.e., computer equipment, clinical nerve stimulator, force transducer, and strip-chart recorder. This NMMS was developed for acquisition and analysis of data for research and teaching purposes. Computer analysis of the muscle response to stimulation allows graphic and numeric presentation of the twitch response and calculated ratios. Since the system can store and recall data, research data can be accessed for analysis and graphic presentation. An IBM PC/AT computer is used as the central controller and data processor. The computer controls timing of the nerve stimulator output, initiates data acquisition, and adjusts the paper speed of the strip chart recorder. The data processing functions include establishing control response values (when no neuromuscular blockade is present), displaying force versus time and calculated data graphically and numerically, and storing these data for further analysis. The general purpose nature of the computer and strip chart recording equipment allow modification of the system primarily by changes in software. For example, new patterns of nerve stimulation, such as the posttetanic count, can be programmed into the computer system along with appropriate data display and analysis routines. The NMMS has functioned well in the operating room environment. We have had no episodes of electrocautery interference with the computer functions. The automated features have enhanced the utility of the NMMS. The prime advantages of this system are (1) the ability to customize its features by altering its controlling programs, (2) the ready availability of the hardware and software, (3) the general purpose nature of the system, so that it is not limited to this one application, and (4) the adaptable nature of the system.
An instrument for assessing the effectiveness of the circuits curriculum in an electrical engineering program

This paper discusses an instrument developed and used at Kettering University (USA) to assess learning and retention of circuit topics in an undergraduate electrical engineering program. The instrument is composed of two separate skills assessment tests. The first test covers material that should be learned in prerequisite courses. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and is administered during the first week of the first circuits course (Circuits I) to provide a benchmark for students beginning their electrical engineering course work. The second test comprises topics taught in Circuits I. It consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and is administered both at the end of Circuits I and at later points in the students' careers at Kettering University. In addition to describing the development and administration of the tests, data for three analyses is presented here. First, students' performance on the Pre-Circuits Skills Assessment Test is compared with class performance in Circuits I (as measured by class grade and score on the Circuits Skills Assessment Test). Second, the effect of the 12-week time lag between the end of Circuits I and the beginning of the second circuits course is investigated. Finally, the effectiveness of the circuits curriculum in facilitating mastery and long-term retention of circuits skills is assessed by examining the test scores over time. Statistical methods including correlation and hypothesis testing are used to support these analyzes.
Experiences with a requirements-based programming approach to the development of a NASA autonomous ground control system

Requirements-to-design-to-code (R2D2C) is an approach to the engineering of computer-based systems that embodies the idea of requirements-based programming in system development. It goes further, however, in that the approach offers not only an underlying formalism, but full formal development from requirements capture through to the automatic generation of provably-correct code. As such, the approach has direct application to the development of systems requiring autonomic properties. We describe a prototype tool to support the method, and illustrate its applicability to the development of LOGOS, a NASA autonomous ground control system, which exhibits autonomic behavior. Finally, we briefly discuss other areas where the approach and prototype tool are being considered for application.
Designing a Group Therapy Program for Coping with Childhood Weight Bias

Research indicates that the negative psychosocial consequences of childhood obesity may reflect the degree of weight bias and mistreatment affecting the child. Even though comprehensive practice models evolve over time, the intense distress of these children calls for more timely intervention. Using a modification of social research and development methodology, a short-term group therapy approach using cognitive and behavioral methods was designed. Questionnaires were developed to assess both the child's and the parents' perceptions of the frequency, circumstances, and responses to being teased. At the end of the program, all of the children and parents showed proficiency in describing and demonstrating the coping strategies in the curriculum. A two-year follow-up found that most of the children reported fewer episodes of teasing. This article demonstrates the use of intervention research methodology to rapidly design and implement a preliminary approach to help children with severe obesity cope with weight-related teasing. Although this program needs further empirical testing and refinement before it can be more widely deployed, it represents an important initiative in responding to the distress of children who are victimized because of obesity.
New Late Cretaceous gastropods from the Pacific slope of North America

Abstract Two new genera and ten new species of shallow-marine, warm-water gastropods are reported from several Upper Cretaceous formations found between British Columbia and southern California. The buccinid Zaglenum new genus is represented by two new species and the turbinellid Fimbrivasum new genus is represented by three new species. The nododelphinulid Trochacanthus pacificus new species is the first record of this genus in the Western Hemisphere, and the procerthiid Nudivagus? califus new species could be the first record of this genus on the Pacific slope of North America. The xenophorid Xenophora (Endoptygma) hermax new species is only the second known Cretaceous species of this genus on the Pacific slope of North America, and this species establishes that Endoptygma Gabb, 1877, is a valid taxon. The neritid Otostoma sharonae new species is only the fourth known Cretaceous species of this genus on the Pacific slope of North America. The ringiculid Ringicula? (Ringiculopsis?) hesperiae new species ...
Förster resonance energy transfer investigations using quantum-dot fluorophores.

Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET), which involves the nonradiative transfer of excitation energy from an excited donor fluorophore to a proximal ground-state acceptor fluorophore, is a well-characterized photophysical tool. It is very sensitive to nanometer-scale changes in donor-acceptor separation distance and their relative dipole orientations. It has found a wide range of applications in analytical chemistry, protein conformation studies, and biological assays. Luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots, QDs) are inorganic fluorophores with unique optical and spectroscopic properties that could enhance FRET as an analytical tool, due to broad excitation spectra and tunable narrow and symmetric photoemission. Recently, there have been several FRET investigations using luminescent QDs that focused on addressing basic fundamental questions, as well as developing targeted applications with potential use in biology, including sensor design and protein conformation studies. Herein, we provide a critical review of those developments. We discuss some of the basic aspects of FRET applied to QDs as both donors and acceptors, and highlight some of the advantages offered (and limitations encountered) by QDs as energy donors and acceptors compared to conventional dyes. We also review the recent developments made in using QD bioreceptor conjugates to design FRET-based assays.
Design Issues in a Cross-Institutional Collaboration on a Distance Education Course

Collaborative learning has been gaining momentum as a promising pedagogy in higher education. Research on student collaboration is increasing. However, one arena is often overlooked—faculty collaboration. In this article, a cross‐institutional faculty collaboration is presented. The context is faculty collaboration on the design of an undergraduate engineering course. Specifically, this paper examines design issues encountered in the faculty collaborations associated with developing, delivering, and redesigning a senior‐level engineering design course that was taught simultaneously at two universities. This course was taught in state‐of‐the‐art distance learning classrooms. Both within class and outside class, participating students and faculty made use of a Web‐based environment that supported a variety of synchronous and asynchronous interactions. The course itself focused on team design projects and provided instruction on the engineering design process, in various specific skills needed for the studen...
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Flow-Induced Intermediate Filament Displacement in Living Endothelial Cells

The distribution of hemodynamic shear stress throughout the arterial tree is transduced by the endothelium into local cellular responses that regulate vasoactivity, vessel wall remodeling, and atherogenesis. Although the exact mechanisms of mechanotransduction remain unknown, the endothelial cytoskeleton has been implicated in transmitting extracellular force to cytoplasmic sites of signal generation via connections to the lumenal, intercellular, and basal surfaces. Direct observation of intermediate filament (IF) displacement in cells expressing green fluorescent protein-vimentin has suggested that cytoskeletal mechanics are rapidly altered by the onset of fluid shear stress. Here, restored images from time-lapse optical sectioning fluorescence microscopy were analyzed as a four-dimensional intensity distribution function that represented IF positions. A displacement index, related to the product moment correlation coefficient as a function of time and subcellular spatial location, demonstrated patterns of IF displacement within endothelial cells in a confluent monolayer. Flow onset induced a significant increase in IF displacement above the nucleus compared with that measured near the coverslip surface, and displacement downstream from the nucleus was larger than in upstream areas. Furthermore, coordinated displacement of IF near the edges of adjacent cells suggested the existence of mechanical continuity between cells. Thus, quantitative analysis of the spatiotemporal patterns of flow-induced IF displacement suggests redistribution of intracellular force in response to alterations in hemodynamic shear stress acting at the lumenal surface.
Structural variations in strained crystalline multilayers

We present a computer simulation study of thin crystalline multilayers constructed from two fcc solids with differing lattice constants and binding energies. Initially the two solids have the same orientation, and the interface is perpendicular to the common [100] direction. We then minimize the energy of the system at zero temperature or equilibrate it at a finite temperature. Both materials are described by Lennard-Jones interatomic potentials. A novel technique for analyzing local atomic ordering, common neighbor analysis, is used to identify structural characteristics in these systems. As we gradually vary the lattice mismatch between the two solids, several structural changes are observed in the layers of smaller atoms after energy minimization. At a mismatch larger than 14%, the layers transform into the hep structure, while at smaller mismatches extended structural defects are generated. At elevated temperatures, the hcp structure is transformed back to fcc, and the structure defects disappear.
Chemistry and properties of a phenylethynyl‐terminated polyimide

As part of an ongoing effort to develop processable, high-performance resins for aerospace applications, a phenylethynyl-terminated imide (PETI) oligomer designated LaRC MT PETI-1 was developed. This reactive oligomer has a number-average molecular weight of 6300 g/mol and a T g of 218°C. Upon curing the reactive oligomer at 350°C for 1 h, a tough material with a T g of 249°C was obtained. The properties of cured PETI-1 in the form of composites, adhesive specimens, thin films, and neat resin moldings are excellent. The synthesis, characterization, and mechanical properties of this polyimide are discussed.
Implications for Human Leukocyte Antigen Antibodies After Lung Transplantation: A 10-Year Experience in 441 Patients

Background Long-term survival after lung transplant is limited by the development of chronic and progressive airflow obstruction, a condition known as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). While prior studies strongly implicate cellular rejection as a strong risk factor for BOS, less is known about the clinical significance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies and donor HLA-specific antibodies in long-term outcomes. Methods A single-center cohort of 441 lung transplant recipients, spanning a 10-year period, was prospectively screened for HLA antibodies after transplant using flow cytometry-based methods. The prevalence of and predictors for HLA antibodies were determined. The impact of HLA antibodies on survival after transplant and the development of BOS were determined using Cox models. Results Of the 441 recipients, 139 (32%) had detectable antibodies to HLA. Of these 139, 54 (39%) developed antibodies specific to donor HLA. The detection of posttransplant HLA antibodies was associated with BOS (HR, 1.54; P = .04) and death (HR, 1.53; P = .02) in multivariable models. The detection of donor-specific HLA antibodies was associated with death (HR, 2.42; P Conclusions Approximately one-third of lung transplant recipients have detectable HLA antibodies, which are associated with a worse prognosis regarding graft function and patient survival.
Two-way coupled particle-laden mixing layer. Part 1: Linear instability

Abstract The two-way coupled particle-laden mixing layer is studied numerically and theoretically in order to understand how the addition of solid particles affects the stability of the gas flow. Numerical simulations are undertaken to obtain results equivalent to solving the Orr–Sommerfeld equation of a dusty gas mixing layer first derived by Saffman. The growth rate of a viscous particle-laden mixing layer depends on the wavenumber, flow Reynolds number, Stokes number, and bulk particulate mass loading. Two asymptotic relations proposed by Saffman have been confirmed for the first time by numerical simulations. In addition to the stabilizing effect of particles on the gas flow at large Stokes number, a destabilizing influence at small Stokes number is also observed at finite flow Reynolds number. The fact that the addition of particles can destabilize the gas flow in the absence of gravity has been shown to follow the original speculation of Saffman. Physically, the increase of effective inertia of the fluid–particle mixture causes a destabilization effect, while the enhanced viscous dissipation around particles gives a stabilization effect. These qualitatively different effects have been shown to be directly related to the direction of interphase energy transfer. Results at arbitrary mass loading, Stokes number, and wavenumber show that for a given mass loading and wavenumber, there is an intermediate Stokes number which corresponds to a maximum flow stability. We have shown that this Stokes number is on the order of one, and depends on the wavenumber. An analytical model for predicting the growth rate in a viscous, particle-laden gas mixing layer is proposed and compared with the simulation results.
The Dynamics of Reorganization in Matching Markets: A Laboratory Experiment Motivated by a Natural Experiment

We create an environment in which congestion forces agents to match inefficiently early. We then introduce one of two centralized clearinghouse mechanisms. One of these has been successfully used to halt this kind of unraveling in a number of labor markets, while the other has failed. When it is costlyfore rms and workers to be mismatched compared with the costs of matching early, the experimental observations reproduce the e eld observations. Furthermore, the experiment permits us to observe the transition between a decentralized and a centralized market, both when the centralized market fails to control unraveling and when it succeeds, at a level of detail unavailable in e eld data.
Using economic instruments to develop effective management of invasive species: insights from a bioeconomic model

Economic growth is recognized as an important factor associated with species invasions. Consequently, there is increasing need to develop solutions that combine economics and ecology to inform invasive species management. We developed a model combining economic, ecological, and sociological factors to assess the degree to which economic policies can be used to control invasive plants. Because invasive plants often spread across numerous properties, we explored whether property owners should manage invaders cooperatively as a group by incorporating the negative effects of invader spread in management decisions (collective management) or independently, whereby the negative effects of invasive plant spread are ignored (independent management). Our modeling approach used a dynamic optimization framework, and we applied the model to invader spread using Linaria vulgaris. Model simulations allowed us to determine the optimal management strategy based on net benefits for a range of invader densities. We found that optimal management strategies varied as a function of initial plant densities. At low densities, net benefits were high for both collective and independent management to eradicate the invader, suggesting the importance of early detection and eradication. At moderate densities, collective management led to faster and more frequent invader eradication compared to independent management. When we used a financial penalty to ensure that independent properties were managed collectively, we found that the penalty would be most feasible when levied on a property's perimeter boundary to control spread among properties. At the highest densities, the optimal management strategy was "do nothing" because the economic costs of removal were too high relative to the benefits of removal. Spatial variation in L. vulgaris densities resulted in different optimal management strategies for neighboring properties, making a formal economic policy to encourage invasive species removal critical. To accomplish the management and enforcement of these economic policies, we discuss modification of existing agencies and infrastructure. Finally, a sensitivity analysis revealed that lowering the economic cost of invader removal would strongly increase the probability of invader eradication. Taken together, our results provide quantitative insight into management decisions and economic policy instruments that can encourage invasive species removal across a social landscape.
Effects of a Prelay 6/85-Strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum Inoculation Alone or in Conjunction with Subsequent F-Strain M. gallisepticum Inoculations During Lay on the Internal Egg Characteristics of Commercial Egg-Laying Hens

The effects of a prelay 6/85-strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum (6/85 MG) inoculation alone or in conjunction with subsequent F-strain M. gallisepticum (FMG) inoculations during lay on the internal egg characteristics of commercial egg-laying hens were investigated. In the first 2 treatment groups, birds were sham inoculated or were inoculated with 6/85 MG at 10 wk of age. In a third treatment group, birds were inoculated with 6/85 MG at 10 wk in conjunction with a subsequent inoculation of FMG at 22 wk, and in a fourth treatment group, birds were inoculated with 6/85 MG at 10 wk in conjunction with a subsequent inoculation of FMG at 45 wk. Percentage yolk weight, albumen weight, yolk moisture, and yolk lipid were determined at 24, 32, 43, 47, and 58 wk of hen age. The data from wk 24, 32, and 43 were analyzed separately from those at wk 47 and 58. Furthermore, yolk fatty acid profiles were determined at wk 58. The applied treatments affected yolk moisture and fatty acid profiles. Across wk 24, 32, and 43, yolk moisture content was higher in birds inoculated with 6/85 MG at 10 wk and FMG at 22 wk when compared with control birds and those inoculated with 6/85 MG at 10 wk alone. In addition, at wk 58, yolk palmitic, oleic, and linolenic acid concentrations were affected differently by treatment. A 22-wk FMG inoculation in birds previously inoculated with 6/85 MG at 10 wk may increase yolk moisture content, and alterations in yolk palmitic, oleic, and linolenic acid levels with treatment may be manifested by disturbances in fatty acid synthesis.
A Novel Pattern Generation Framework for Inducing Maximum Crosstalk Effects on Delay-Sensitive Paths

The limitations of pattern generation tools are beginning to surface as parasitic coupling capacitance in high speed interconnects only worsens as the industry approaches sub-50 nm technologies. This can create a gap between the delay experienced on critical and long paths during test and the delay of the same paths in the field. In this paper, we propose a novel structural test pattern generation procedure that magnifies parasitic crosstalk effects on delay-sensitive paths by inducing switching on nearby nets which have been identified using the parasitic information of the layout. This will ensure timing closure on the targeted path is still met while also minimizing escape ratio and improving in the field reliability. Results of the proposed layout-aware approach demonstrate the ability of the proposed framework to significantly increase crosstalk around the targeted delay-sensitive paths.
Prefrontal activity associated with working memory and episodic long-term memory

Many recent neuroimaging studies have highlighted the role of prefrontal regions in the sustained maintenance and manipulation of information over short delays, or working memory (WM). In addition, neuroimaging findings have highlighted the role of prefrontal regions in the formation and retrieval of memories for events, or episodic long-term memory (LTM), but it remains unclear whether these regions are distinct from those that support WM. We used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify patterns of prefrontal activity associated with encoding and recognition during WM and LTM tasks performed by the same subjects. Results showed that the same bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal regions (at or near Brodmann's Areas [BA] 6, 44, 45, and 47) and dorsolateral prefrontal regions (BA 9/46) were engaged during encoding and recognition within the context of WM and LTM tasks. In addition, a region situated in the left anterior middle frontal gyrus (BA 10/46) was engaged during the recognition phases of the WM and LTM tasks. These results support the view that the same prefrontal regions implement reflective processes that support both WM and LTM.
Global stability of generalized additive fuzzy systems

The paper explores the stability of a class of feedback fuzzy systems. The class consists of generalized additive fuzzy systems that compute a system output as a convex sum of linear operators, continuous versions of these systems are globally asymptotically stable if all rule matrices are stable (negative definite). So local rule stability leads to global system stability. This relationship between local and global system stability does not hold for the better known discrete versions of feedback fuzzy systems. A corollary shows that it does hold for the discrete versions in the special but practical case of diagonal rule matrices. The paper first reviews additive fuzzy systems and then extends them to the class of generalized additive fuzzy systems. It also derives the basic ratio structure of additive fuzzy systems and shows how supervised learning can tune their parameters.
Felt Understanding as a Bridge between Close Relationships and Subjective Well-Being: Antecedents and Consequences Across Individuals and Cultures

The literatures on close relationships and subjective well-being have received enormous attention in personality and social psychology over the last two decades. However, despite the well-known link between the quality of social relationships and subjective well-being, these two research traditions have developed relatively independent of one other. Research on felt understanding and misunderstanding attempts to integrate these two related but relatively distinct literatures. To this end, the current review summarizes major recent findings on the antecedents and consequences of felt understanding and misunderstanding and highlights important cultural and individual differences in the processes involving felt understanding and misunderstanding.
Mechanisms of Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

Fluoroquinolone resistance that arose in the test strain during ciprofloxacin therapy of experimental Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis was studied. In two isolates, resistance was due to a decreased sensitivity of the process of DNA synthesis to fluoroquinolones, suggesting the presence of an altered DNA gyrase. Another isolate had an enhanced energy-dependent mechanism, possibly an efflux system, by which cell-associated [3H]norfloxacin was reduced. When a 2.7-kb SphI-KpnI chromosomal fragment from this organism was cloned into pUC19, fluoroquinolone resistance was expressed in an Escherichia coli host, and such organisms acquired an energy-dependent ability to reduce cell-associated [3H]norfloxacin. Lack of homology between this DNA and other cloned gyrA genes indicated that its protein products are distinct from the gyrA protein. S. aureus has the capability of decreasing the quantity of cell-associated fluoroquinolone. An enhancement of this system by an as yet undefined mechanism and an alteration in DNA gyrase are two means by which this organism can develop resistance to fluoroquinolones.
A Learning Algorithm for Multimodal Grammar Inference

The high costs of development and maintenance of multimodal grammars in integrating and understanding input in multimodal interfaces lead to the investigation of novel algorithmic solutions in automating grammar generation and in updating processes. Many algorithms for context-free grammar inference have been developed in the natural language processing literature. An extension of these algorithms toward the inference of multimodal grammars is necessary for multimodal input processing. In this paper, we propose a novel grammar inference mechanism that allows us to learn a multimodal grammar from its positive samples of multimodal sentences. The algorithm first generates the multimodal grammar that is able to parse the positive samples of sentences and, afterward, makes use of two learning operators and the minimum description length metrics in improving the grammar description and in avoiding the over-generalization problem. The experimental results highlight the acceptable performances of the algorithm proposed in this paper since it has a very high probability of parsing valid sentences.
Learning With Leaders

This column focuses on ideas concerning leaders and leadership. The author proposes that leadership is about showing up and participating with others in doing something. "Mandela: His 8 Lessons of Leadership" by Richard Stengel is explored in light of selected philosophical writings, literature on nursing leadership, and nurse theorist Rosemarie Rizzo Parse's humanbecoming leading-following model. Teaching-learning questions are then posed to stimulate further reflection on the lessons of leadership.
Embedded thermoelectric coolers for semiconductor hot spot cooling

Advanced semiconductors continue to increase performance by increasing functional integration and clock speed. Not only is the total power consumption increasing, the power distribution is highly non-uniform over the die area. Continued reduction in design rules are likely to increase the non-uniformity of the power density as high-speed circuits that dissipate a large amount of power but consume a small amount of die area are surrounded by lower-speed circuits that dissipate little power but consume a larger die area. The high temperature of localized hot spots adversely affects product reliability, performance and yield. A promising approach for site-specific cooling of hot spots is use of an embedded thermoelectric cooler (eTEC). The thickness of superlattice thermoelectric material is typically less than 20 mum, which provides very high heat flux (>300 W/cm2). The eTEC can be unobtrusively integrated in the package between the die and heat spreader. On-demand, site-specific cooling and the high coefficient-of-performance (COP) of the eTEC minimize the active power required for cooling hot spots
Long-range quantitative PCR for determining inactivation of adenovirus 2 by ultraviolet light

Aims An extra-long-range quantitative PCR (LR-qPCR) method was developed for estimating genome damage to adenovirus 2 caused by UV irradiation. The objective was to use LR-qPCR as a rapid method to determine adenovirus UV inactivation. Methods The LR-qPCR consisted of two steps: a long-range PCR (up to 10 kb fragment) and a real-time, quantitative (q) PCR for quantifying the products of the first PCR. We evaluated LR-qPCR with adenovirus irradiated with medium-pressure (MP, polychromatic emission) and low-pressure (LP, 254 nm) mercury vapour lamps and compared results with cell culture infectivity. Results Using LR-qPCR, a fragment of 6 kb estimated DNA damage in a linear relationship to doses between 0 and 20 mJ cm−2, and a 1-kb fragment related linearly to doses between 20 and 100 mJ cm−2. The LR-qPCR results for the 6-kb fragment were similar to infectivity assays results for adenovirus exposed to MP UV. For adenovirus irradiated with LP lamps, LR-qPCR results for the shorter fragment size (1 kb) were similar to reduction in viral infectivity. No difference was observed between 10 and 6 kb LR-qPCR results. Conclusion The LR-qPCR can be used as a tool for estimating DNA damage caused by UV in adenovirus. The LR-qPCR results were related to reduction in viral infectivity. Significance and Impact of the Study The use of LR-qPCR to determine DNA damage and estimate inactivation of adenovirus 2 from UV disinfection allows for same-day results compared with >7 days required for cell culture. This accelerates adenovirus inactivation results for the water industry where adenovirus is used as a representative virus for crediting UV systems. This PCR approach provides a framework that can be used for other viral viability assays using the inhibition of amplification of viral nucleic acid after pretreatments, such as propidium monoazide, and for cellular biology studies of DNA damage.
The First World War at sea

Traditional Anglophone interpretations of the First World War have tended to be dominated by accounts of events on the Western Front with brief asides looking at the war in the East and in other th...
Application to DC Circuits

In this chapter we use the results obtained in Chap. 1 to develop a new measurement based approach to solve synthesis problems in unknown linear direct current (DC) circuits.
KrF for fusion: An overview of laser issues

An overview of KrF laser issues for fusion in the laboratory environment is presented. In this fusion method, lasers are used to compress the deuterium-tritium fuel in the pellet to several thousand times its initial density. Krypton-fluoride lasers offer favorable wavelength, bandwidth, pulse-shaping, efficiency, and high-repetition rate properties for achieving fusion. Large-scale demonstration plants for fusion, however, rely on the improvement or resolution of significant issues: front-end capabilities, amplifiers and amplifier scaling, optical engineering for the ultraviolet, alignment systems, kinetics, beam quality, target coupling, cost, and overall system factors. The authors feel that KrF lasers may be able to meet the required inertial confinement fusion driver characteristics, driver-target coupling particularities, and capsule physics issues necessary to produce net energy release from the fusion reaction.
The effect of non-cariogenic sweeteners on the prevention of dental caries: a review of the evidence

The role of sugar substitutes such as xylitol and sorbitol in the prevention of dental caries has been investigated in several clinical studies. The purpose of this report is to review the current published evidence regarding the relationship between sugar substitutes and dental caries. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE and included studies published from 1966 to 2001. Studies that included human subjects and were published in English were included in this review. A total of fourteen clinical studies were reviewed that evaluated the effect of sorbitol or xylitol or the combination of both sugar substitutes on the incidence of dental caries. Most of the reports were of studies conducted with children outside of the United States. These studies demonstrated a consistent decrease in dental caries, ranging from 30 to 60 percent, among subjects using sugar substitutes as compared to subjects in a control group. These caries rate reductions were observed in subjects using xylitol or sorbitol as the sugar substitute in chewing gum or toothpaste. The highest caries reductions were observed in subjects using xylitol. These findings suggest that the replacement of sucrose with sorbitol and xylitol may significantly decrease the incidence of dental caries.