cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Risk of Cross Infection in the Emergency Department: A Simulation Study

OBJECTIVESThe risk of cross infection in a busy emergency department (ED) is a serious public health concern, especially in times of pandemic threats. We simulated cross infections due to respiratory diseases spread by large droplets using empirical data on contacts (ie, close-proximity interactions of ≤1m) in an ED to quantify risks due to contact and to examine factors with differential risks associated with them.DESIGNProspective study.PARTICIPANTSHealth workers (HCWs) and patients.SETTINGA busy ED.METHODSData on contacts between participants were collected over 6 months by observing two 12-hour shifts per week using a radiofrequency identification proximity detection system. We simulated cross infection due to a novel agent across these contacts to determine risks associated with HCW role, chief complaint category, arrival mode, and ED disposition status.RESULTSCross-infection risk between HCWs was substantially greater than between patients or between patients and HCWs. Providers had the least risk, followed by nurses, and nonpatient care staff had the most risk. There were no differences by patient chief complaint category. We detected differential risk patterns by arrival mode and by HCW role. Although no differential risk was associated with ED disposition status, 0.1 infections were expected per shift among patients admitted to hospital.CONCLUSIONThese simulations demonstrate that, on average, 11 patients who were infected in the ED will be admitted to the hospital over the course of an 8-week local influenza outbreak. These patients are a source of further cross-infection risk once in the hospital.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:688-693.
Decentralized Detection of Distributed Attacks

Research efforts on scalable distributed intrusion detection have been focused on hierarchical IDSs, which organize IDSs into hierarchies and require low-level IDSs send designated information to high-level IDSs. The hierarchies of IDSs are usually developed according to administrative concerns. For example, IDSs for individual hosts are organized under IDSs for departments, while IDSs for departments are organized under an IDS for the entire enterprise. However, there are often mismatches between such organizations of IDSs and detection of distributed attacks. In this chapter, we present an alternative approach to organizing autonomous but cooperative component systems to detect distributed attacks. Our approach is based on the dependency among the distributed events in a signature. Unlike the hierarchical approach, our approach organizes the cooperative IDSs according to the intrinsic relationships between the distributed events involved in attacks, and, as a result, an IDS needs to send a piece of information to another IDS only when the information is essential for detecting the attacks.
Changes in Affect

Sleep and affect share an important relationship, in which sleep loss has adverse consequences on affect. Experimental and clinical research, using a variety of techniques over the past few decades, has benefited one's understanding of this relationship. The specific impacts of sleep deprivation on affect are a function of several factors, including type and amount of sleep loss, circadian and homeostatic components, demographics, predisposing psychiatric conditions, and nature of emotional events.
Visual Experiences: A Concise Guide to Digital Interface Design

Visual Experiences: A Concise Guide to Digital Interface Design provides step-by-step examples to enable readers to create an interface, guiding them from sketching an idea to creating an interactive prototype. This creation of a visual experience is achieved in three steps: thought, design, and interaction. This book focuses on the visual experience of digital interface design from the initial idea to end-user prototype. Key Features Shows how to design visual digital interface experiences: a concise guide to creating successful prototypes without programming. Teaches the whole process of how to sketch, design, and create interactions. Unlike other books, this book does not just give a list of terminologies, but workable examples and methods. Includes a wide range of basic to advanced exercises geared towards professionals and students alike. Includes many illustrations throughout the book, guiding the reader through the process.
Substance Use Disorders

Workforce substance use is a broad concept that encompasses substance use by employed individuals both inside and outside of the workplace. Workplace substance use involves the consumption of substances during the workday and can also include using substances outside of the workplace in a manner that adversely affects one’s ability to perform one’s work duties. Workplace substance use is often associated with decreased work attendance and lower job performance, costing the US economy billions of dollars each year. To offset these costs, companies have looked toward ways in which to promote healthy lifestyle choices and to provide options for early substance use interventions for their employees. In response, employee assistance and workplace wellness programs have been growing in popularity. However, more research is needed to understand their impact on substance-related outcomes. The workplace can also become a setting for substance use related interventions and referral to specialized treatment services. This chapter explores substance use in the workplace, including the adverse consequences of workplace substance use and how company policy and health programs have the potential to reduce its negative impact.
Energy on demand: A brief history of the development of the battery

Portable, readily available electrical energy provided by batteries is ubiquitous in modern society and can easily be taken for granted. From the early Voltaic piles to modern lithium ion cells, batteries have been powering scientific and technological advancement for over two centuries. A survey of select notable developments leading to modern batteries commercially available today are presented, with emphasis on early technologies and also including some of the advancements made within the last few decades. A brief discussion of the chemistry utilized by battery technology is also included.
Comparison of surface sampling methods for an extended duration outdoor biological contamination study

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent for anthrax, is a dangerous pathogen to humans and has a history as a bioterrorism agent. While sampling methods have been developed and evaluated for characterizing and clearing contaminated indoor sites, the performance of these sampling methods is unknown for use in outdoor environments. This paper presents surface sampling data for Bacillus atrophaeus spores, a surrogate for B. anthracis, from a 210-day outdoor study that evaluated the detection and recovery of spores using five different sampling methods as follows: sponge sticks, 37-mm vacuum filter cassettes, residential wet vacuums, robotic floor cleaners, and grab samples of soil, leaves, and grass. The spores were applied by spraying a liquid suspension onto the surfaces. Both asphalt and concrete surfaces were sampled by all the surface sampling methods, excluding grab sampling. Stainless steel coupons placed outdoors were additionally sampled using sponge sticks. Sampling methods differed in their ability to collect detectable spores over the duration of the study. The 37-mm vacuums and sponge sticks consistently detected spores on asphalt through day 37 and robots through day 99. The wet vacuums detected spores on asphalt for days 1 and 4, but not again until day 210. On concrete, all samplers detected spores until day 210 except for sponge stick samplers that detected spores only up until the day 99 time point. For all sampling methods, spore recoveries were higher from concrete than from asphalt surfaces. There was no statistically significant difference in recoveries of sponge sticks and 37-mm vacuums from either asphalt or concrete surfaces. Processing of grab samples was challenging due to non-target background microorganisms resulting in high detection limits for the samples.
Assessment of currently available ocean wave energy conversion systems using technology readiness levels

Ocean waves are a huge, untapped source with a higher energy density than solar and wind energy. Over the years, numerous designs for ocean wave energy converter systems (OWECS) have been proposed. This paper provides a comprehensive review and assessment of currently available OWECS using technology readiness levels (TRLs) scale developed by the US Department of Energy. TRLs are used by numerous industries to assess technical maturity and functional readiness of new technologies. The study finds that there are 20 OWECS which are at various stages of technological development. Out of these, 14, five and two OWECS are intended for deployment at near-shore, off-shore and on-shore locations, respectively. The study shows that OWECS technology is diverse and relatively immature compared to solar and wind energy technology. Finally, the study reveals a lack of convergence towards a single OWECS that is capable of energy extraction from on-shore, near-shore and off-shore locations.
How academia should respond to racism.

Structural racism in academia and academic medicine is destructive to science and society. To deny its existence is to fertilize the soil in which it thrives. Uprooting it demands, at the very least, a fundamental transformation in institutional education, policies, practices and resource allocation with sustained anti-racist actions.
Collaborative Agency in Civic and Community Engagement: Narratives of College Students Working toward Generative Partnerships.

The development of democratic citizenship and youth leadership requires an ability to collaborate with others in ways that are jointly empowering. In this study, we sought to understand how student...
Activity of Phosvitin in Hydroxyapatite Acid-Damage Immersion and Antimicrobial Assays.

Phosvitin, the most highly phosphorylated metal-binding protein found in nature, binds more than 100 calcium ions, and has been identified as an agent that could be used to generate biomineralization scaffolds. Because of published reports describing phosvitin’s affinity for calcium and potential antibiotic activity, this study was undertaken in order to evaluate phosvitin for both antibiotic activity against common microorganisms and the ability to protect hydroxyapatite surfaces from acid damage. To more clearly define its antibiotic action, the effects of phosvitin on Micrococcus luteus, P. mirabilis, B. cereus, E. coli, and S. epidermidis were evaluated. In both Kirby–Bauer tests and liquid culture growth inhibition assays, phosvitin inhibited M. luteus, a microorganism that thrives in the human mouth, but not the other bacteria tested. The MIC of phosvitin was determined to be 31.3 μg/mL when delivered in 1 mM CaCl2 but was 0.5 mg/mL in the absence of added calcium. Expanding on the potential impacts of phosvitin on the mouth, its action was evaluated in a model of tooth decay represented by acid-damaged hydroxyapatite discs. SEM, AFM, and FAAS analyses revealed that pretreatment of discs with phosvitin modulated the damage-induced morphology and topography changes associated with acid-damaged discs.
Interventions for quality of life and related outcomes among unpaid caregivers of older adults with visual impairments: A scoping review:

Unpaid family caregivers play a critical role in the care of older adults with visual impairments. Caring for older adults with visual impairments requires much time and energy, often resulting in ...
Long-term safety evaluation of placental mesenchymal stromal cells for in utero repair of myelomeningocele in a novel ovine model.

Abstract Purpose Augmentation of in utero myelomeningocele repair with human placental mesenchymal stromal cells seeded onto extracellular matrix (PMSC-ECM) improves motor outcomes in an ovine myelomeningocele model. This study evaluated the safety of PMSC-ECM application directly onto the fetal spinal cord in preparation for a clinical trial. Methods Laminectomy of L5-L6 with PMSC-ECM placement directly onto the spinal cord was performed in five fetal lambs at gestational age (GA) 100–106 days. Lambs and ewes were monitored for three months following delivery. Lambs underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine at birth and at three months. All organs from lambs and uteri from ewes underwent histologic evaluation. Lamb spinal cords and brains and ewe placentas were evaluated for persistence of PMSCs by polymerase chain reaction for presence of human DNA. Results MRIs demonstrated no evidence of abnormal tissue growth or spinal cord tethering. Histological analysis demonstrated no evidence of abnormal tissue growth or treatment related adverse effects. No human DNA was identified in evaluated tissues. Conclusion There was no evidence of abnormal tissue growth or PMSC persistence at three months following in utero application of PMSC-ECM to the spinal cord. This supports proceeding with clinical trials of PMSC-ECM for in utero myelomeningocele repair. Level of evidence N/A Type of study Basic science
Making Lemonade: A New Approach to Evaluating Evolution Disclaimers Under the Establishment Clause

The debate over evolution instruction in public schools has become one of the most important and contentious debates in America. At the heart of that debate is the controversy over the use of evolution disclaimers, statements that challenge the veracity of evolution as an explanation of human origins. In evaluating the constitutionality of these disclaimers under the Establishment Clause, courts have applied a variety of different standards, including the three-part test articulated by the Supreme Court in Lemon v. Kurtzman. These standards, however, all fail to adequately reflect the proper scope of the Establishment Clause by being either overbroad, under-inclusive, or both. This problem is magnified by the recent development of disclaimers that are facially neutral with regard to religion. The emergence of facially neutral disclaimers necessitates a new standard that is free of the shortcomings of preexisting doctrine while offering a consistent and reliable method of evaluating future generations of disclaimers under the Establishment Clause. This Article proposes such a standard, modeled on the disparate impact test used to evaluate facially neutral discriminatory statutes under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. It concludes that the disparate impact model constitutes a stable, objective approach that not only alleviates the weaknesses of existing Establishment Clause doctrine, but brings needed structure to an active and important area of law.
Cell Spreading Analysis with Directed Edge Profile-Guided Level Set Active Contours

Cell adhesion and spreading within the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in cell motility, cell growth and tissue organization. Measuring cell spreading dynamics enables the investigation of cell mechanosensitivity to external mechanical stimuli, such as substrate rigidity. A common approach to measure cell spreading dynamics is to take time lapse images and quantify cell size and perimeter as a function of time. In our experiments, differences in cell characteristics between different treatments are subtle and require accurate measurements of cell parameters across a large population of cells to ensure an adequate sample size for statistical hypothesis testing. This paper presents a new approach to estimate accurate cell boundaries with complex shapes by applying a modified geodesic active contour level set method that directly utilizes the halo effect typically seen in phase contrast microscopy. Contour evolution is guided by edge profiles in a perpendicular direction to ensure convergence to the correct cell boundary. The proposed approach is tested on bovine aortic endothelial cell images under different treatments, and demonstrates accurate segmentation for a wide range of cell sizes and shapes compared to manual ground truth.
Evidence for a bimodal distribution of Escherichia coli doubling times below a threshold initial cell concentration

In the process of developing a microplate-based growth assay, we discovered that our test organism, a native E. coli isolate, displayed very uniform doubling times (τ) only up to a certain threshold cell density. Below this cell concentration (≤ 100 -1,000 CFU mL-1 ; ≤ 27-270 CFU well-1) we observed an obvious increase in the τ scatter. Working with a food-borne E. coli isolate we found that τ values derived from two different microtiter platereader-based techniques (i.e., optical density with growth time {=OD[t]} fit to the sigmoidal Boltzmann equation or time to calculated 1/2-maximal OD {=tm} as a function of initial cell density {=tm[CI]}) were in excellent agreement with the same parameter acquired from total aerobic plate counting. Thus, using either Luria-Bertani (LB) or defined (MM) media at 37°C, τ ranged between 17-18 (LB) or 51-54 (MM) min. Making use of such OD[t] data we collected many observations of τ as a function of manifold initial or starting cell concentrations (CI). We noticed that τ appeared to be distributed in two populations (bimodal) at low CI. When CI ≤100 CFU mL-1 (stationary phase cells in LB), we found that about 48% of the observed τ values were normally distributed around a mean (μτ1) of 18 ± 0.68 min (± στ1) and 52% with μτ2 = 20 ± 2.5 min (n = 479). However, at higher starting cell densities (CI>100 CFU mL-1), the τ values were distributed unimodally (μτ = 18 ± 0.71 min; n = 174). Inclusion of a small amount of ethyl acetate to the LB caused a collapse of the bimodal to a unimodal form. Comparable bimodal τ distribution results were also observed using E. coli cells diluted from mid-log phase cultures. Similar results were also obtained when using either an E. coli O157:H7 or a Citrobacter strain. When sterile-filtered LB supernatants, which formerly contained relatively low concentrations of bacteria(1,000-10,000 CFU mL-1), were employed as a diluent, there was an evident shift of the two populations towards each other but the bimodal effect was still apparent using either stationary or log phase cells. These data argue that there is a dependence of growth rate on starting cell density.
Auroral oval configuration during the quiet condition.

The auroral oval configuration during the quiet condition is examined in this paper. The quiet condition can be defined as the very low Kp or AE index (i.e. Kp ≤ 1 and AE ≤ 100 nT) or the northward interplanetary magnetic field. The previous investigations are also reviewed here. On the basis of the auroral electron precipitations, the quiet time auroral oval is characterized by the spatially extended continuous electron precipitations poleward to above 80° geomagnetic latitude from the normal equatorial boundary of the oval. This extended oval configuration is evident both statistically and on the case study basis. The instantaneous quiet time auroral oval was imaged and the optical auroral oval is consistent with the particle precipitation configuration. Without any doubt that the polar cap size diminishes and the auroral oval widens during the quiet condition, it is believed that the so-called “sun-aligned polar cap arcs” are the manifestation of the auroral oval arcs in the latitudinally expanded dawn or dusk part of the oval. The optical emission intensity and the energy flux of the oval are much weaker during the quiet time.
Atrial cardiopathy: a broadened concept of left atrial thromboembolism beyond atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has long been associated with a heightened risk of ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism, but recent data require a re-evaluation of our understanding of the nature of this relationship. New findings about the temporal connection between AF and stroke, alongside evidence linking markers of left atrial abnormalities with stroke in the absence of apparent AF, suggest that left atrial thromboembolism may occur even without AF. These observations undermine the hypothesis that the dysrhythmia that defines AF is necessary and sufficient to cause thromboembolism. In this commentary, we instead suggest that the substrate for thromboembolism may often be the anatomic and physiological atrial derangements associated with AF. Therefore, our understanding of cardioembolic stroke may be more complete if we shift our representation of its origin from AF to the concept of atrial cardiopathy.
Cyclopentanone Annulation via Cyclopropanone Derivatives: (3aβ,9bβ)‐1,2,3a,4,5,9b‐Hexahydro‐9b‐Hydroxy‐3a‐Methyl‐3H‐Benz[e]Inden‐3‐One

Cyclopentanone annulation via cyclopropanone derivatives: (3aβ,9bβ)-1,2,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-9b-hydroxy-3a-methyl-3H-benz[e]inden-3-one intermediate: 2-(1-hydroxycyclopropyl)-2-methyl-1-tetralone product: (3aβ,9bβ)-1,2,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-9b-hydroxy-3a-methyl-3H-benz[e]inden-3-one Keywords: alkylation, C-alkylation; annulation, carbocyclic-[5]; rearrangements; diisopropylamine; tetrahydrofuran
Relative index of ankle muscle activations on agonistic phase between subjects with and without flat foot

Background: Although co-activation of ankle muscles has been reported, relative ankle muscle activation in subjects with flat foot has not been carefully investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the relative activation index (RAI) on the tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (GTN) muscles during active ankle range of motion (ROM) between subjects with and without flat foot. Methods : There were 17 subjects with flat foot and 17 age- and gender-matched control subjects who participated in this study. The RAI based on electromyography (EMG) was measured during the agonist phase at a controlled velocity of ankle motion (10°/second). The subject was seated upright with the tested foot held firmly onto a footplate that was attached to a torque sensor. The ankle being measured was strapped to the leg support of the Intel stretch device at 60° of knee flexion. The RAI was analyzed by the summation of EMG activity from the agonistic time window divided by the total EMG activity during full active ankle ROM. Results: The RAI was significantly different on the TA muscle ( t = 3.08, P = 0.004), but no difference was found on the GTN muscle ( t = -1.24, P = 0.23) in subjects with flat foot. There was an interaction between group and RAI (F =7.89, P = 0.007); however, the RAI demonstrated no interaction with age (F = 2.59, P = 0.14), height (F = 3.73, P = 0.06), or weight (F = 2.96, P = 0.09). Conclusions: The RAI indicated a lack of TA muscle activation in the flat foot group. Such dissociated activation in the flat foot group might be relevant to the inefficiency of synergistic motions. The relative activation of the agonistic phase needs to be further investigated to compare co-activation of synergistic muscle activation with various functional tasks.
Identification and characterization of a 14-kilodalton Brucella abortus protein reactive with antibodies from naturally and experimentally infected hosts and T lymphocytes from experimentally infected BALB/c mice

A low-molecular-weight recombinant Brucella abortus protein reactive with antibodies from a variety of naturally and experimentally infected hosts and T lymphocytes from experimentally infected mice was identified and given the designation BA14K. The gene encoding BA14K was cloned and characterized, and the predicted amino acid sequence of this immunoreactive protein showed no significant homology with previously described proteins. Sequences homologous to the cloned fragment encoding BA14K were identified by Southern blot analysis of genomic DNAs from representatives of all of the currently recognized Brucella species. Studies employing BA14K should contribute to our efforts to better understand the antigenic specificity of protective immunity to brucellosis.
Mutations affecting neural survival in the zebrafish Danio rerio

Programmed cell death is a prominent feature of normal animal development. During neurogenesis, naturally occurring cell death is a mechanism to eliminate neurons that fail to make appropriate connections. To prevent accidental cell death, mechanisms that trigger programmed cell death, as well as the genetic components of the cell death program, are tightly controlled. In a large-scale mutagenesis screen for embryonic lethal mutations in zebrafish Danio rerio we have found 481 mutations with a neural degeneration phenotype. Here, we present 50 mutations that fall into two classes (termed spacehead and fala-like) that are characterized by two main features: first, they appear to affect cell survival primarily within the neuroectodermal lineages during somitogenesis, and second, they show an altered brain morphology at or before 28 hours of development. Evidence for the specificity of cell death within the central nervous system comes from visual inspection of dying cells and analysis of DNA fragmentation, a process associated with apoptotic cell death. In mutants, the level of dying cells is significantly increased in brain and spinal cord. Furthermore, at the end of somitogenesis, the cell count of radial glia and trigeminal neurons is reduced in some mutants of the spacehead class. A variety of neurodegenerative disorders in mouse and humans have been associated with abnormal levels of programmed cell death within the central nervous system. The mutations presented here might provide a genetic framework to aid in the understanding of the etiology of degenerative and physiological disorders within the CNS and the activation of inappropriate programmed cell death.
Effect of Decreased Hepatic Nuclear L-Triiodothyronine Receptors on the Response of Hepatic Enzymes to LTriiodothyronine in Tumor-Bearing Rats

The activity of hepatic α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (α-GPD) and malic enzyme (ME) was measured in rats bearing the Walker 256 carcinoma to assess the relationship between the reduction in the nuclear L-T3 (T3) receptor concentration which occurs in tumor-bearing (T) rats and the biological effects of thyroid hormones. T3 receptor concentration was uniformly decreased when tumors exceeded 9.5% of body weight. No change in basal α-GPD activity was observed, but ME activity was decreased to between 29–61% of control. The decrease in ME activity did not appear to be related to decreased nuclear T;) receptor concentration since ME was also decreased in T rats with tumors that were too small to effect a decrease in the concentration of nuclear T3 receptors or plasma T4 and T3. The response of both ME and α-GPD to T3 administration in T rats was comparable to that of control despite reduced nuclear T3 receptor and plasma hormone concentrations. When non-T rats were subjected to food restriction to simulate ...
Spin transistors: Closer to an all-electric device

The use of asymmetrically biased quantum point contacts in semiconductor heterostructures paves the way for the realization of an all-electric spin field-effect transistor.
Sexual experience and recall of sexual vs nonsexual information

The effects of both sex guilt and sexual experience on the ability to remember sexual and nonsexual information were examined Male and female subjects were asked to read and then recall facts from vignettes that concerned sexual and nonsexual dilemmas As expected, the sexually inexperienced subjects made more mistakes than did the experienced subjects when recalling sexual information There were no differences between the groups in recall of nonsexual information, and there were no differences associated with the sex guilt variable In addition, one subgroup of the sample was singled out as being particularly interesting from an applied perspective Previous research has identified high-guilt, high-experience women as being an at-risk group for unwanted pregnancy In fact, these women did have difficulty in remembering the sexual information Moreover, there was a clear bias in their recall pattern toward remembering information in favor of being sexually active Results are presented in terms of the relationship between sexual experience and sexual schemata, and between sex guilt and emotionality
Of mice and men: genetic skin diseases of keratin.

Elaine Fuchs and Pierre A. Coulombe’ Howard Hughes Medical Institute Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology The University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois 60637 The epidermis provides a protective interface between the body and the chemical and physical traumas of the envi- ronment. Its armor is an extensive cytoskeletal network of 10 nm intermediate filaments (IFS) composed of keratins. Two sequence types of keratins (40-70 kd) coassemble into parallel, coiled-coil heterodimers, which then stably align as antiparallel tetramers. Ten nanometer filaments are composed of four intertwined protofibrils, each with a diameter that can encompass two tetramers and a length that can encompass more than 100 tetramers. While the hierarchy of higher order interactions involved in forming 10 nm filaments remains to be unraveled, the assembly process can take place in vitro in the absence of any auxil- iary factors (reviewed in Conway and Parry, 1966). During epidermal development, embryonic basal cells are the first to express the type I keratin K14 and the type II keratin K5 (Dale et al., 1985, and references therein). Expression of this pair is elevated concomitant with the commitment of an embryonic basal cell to an epidermal cell fate; another pair of keratins, Kl and Kl 0, is expressed in suprabasal cells concomitant with stratification in the developing epidermis. In the adult, as basal epidermal cells differentiate and move outward toward the skin sur- face, they down-regulate K5 and K14 and switch on Kl and KlO expression. In the fully differentiated squame, these keratins constitute -85% of total cellular protein. Thus, keratins are to an epidermal cell what globins are to an erythrocyte. Are there defects in keratin genes giving rise to genetic skin diseases, as there are defects in globin genes that cause sickle cell anemia and thalassemias? One way to address this question was to alter keratin sequences (such as the human K14 and K5 genes) and evaluate the func- tional consequences of these defects with respect to IF network formation in transfected cultured keratinocytes, and 10 nm filament assembly in vitro (e.g., Coulombe et al., 1990). Coupled with similar approaches using other IF proteins (see Lu and Lane, 1990; Hatzfeld and Weber, 1991; Bader et al., 1991, and references therein), and com- puter modeling analyses (Conway and Parry, 1988), the >300 aa a-helical rod domain has been identified as essen- tial for proper coiled-coil formation and IF structure. Within the rod domain, the highly conserved end do- mains are less able to tolerate perturbations than the cen- tral portions of the rod (Coulombe et al., 1990; Hatzfeld and Weber, 1991; Heald and McKeon, 1990; Letai et al.,
Bayesian inferences for several autoregressive processes

Several first-order autoregressive processes are studied using Bayesian analysis principles. These autoregressive processes are the same, except perhaps for the level of the process. A test is developed to detect possible level differences by using the mean value functions of these first-order autoregressive processes. To illustrate the test results, a numerical study is conducted using two time series groups.
Magnetic behaviors of amorphous Fe–Sm thin films

Abstract Fe–Sm alloys are intensively used in permanent magnet design, due to their high magnetic remanence. Large magnetostriction detected in Fe–Sm thin films recommended these films as substitutes for electrostrictive elements in microactuator-type devices. Amorphous thin solid films with composition Fe 100− x Sm x was obtained using double-cathode dc sputtering and opposite-target dc magnetron. For atomic percent of samarium x =29, 38, and 50 the Fe–Sm thin films exhibit amorphous structure. Magnetic properties, including magnetic anisotropy and torque magnetometer hysteresis loop, were measured using a high sensitivity torque magnetometer. For double-cathode arrangement obtained films, in-plane anisotropy was detected and measured. For films obtained in opposite-target dc magnetron, a tilted anisotropy was found, and influence of strain magnetic field from cathode upon preferential magnetization axes is pointed out. Other magnetic behaviors were found to be in good agreement with that reported by other authors.
Abstract 3177: Hepatitis C virus transcriptionally downregulates miR-181c for promotion of hepatocyte growth towards hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) induced chronic liver disease is one of the leading causes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The molecular events leading to HCC following HCV infection remains poorly defined. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the control of many biological processes and their deregulation associate with different viral infections. In this study, we have identified a mechanism by which HCV suppresses miR-181c in human hepatocytes and target pathways involved in cell proliferation. Our results suggested that HCV infection transcriptionally downregulates miR-181c expression by modulating C/EBP-β. In silico prediction suggests that HOXA1 is a direct target of miR-181c. Homeobox A1 (HOXA1) is a member of homeodomain containing transcription factor family, and possesses pivotal roles in normal growth, development and differentiation of mammalian tissues. We have observed that HOXA1 expression is enhanced in HCV infected hepatocytes, and overexpression of mimic miR-181c inhibits HOXA1. Subsequently, exogenous expression of miR-181c inhibited HOXA1 downstream molecules STAT3 and STAT5, important transcription factors involved in HCV mediated cell survival and proliferation. Taken together, our results suggested that miR-181c is downregulated during HCV infection, which in turn, enhanced HOXA1 signaling pathway and promoted hepatocyte growth towards HCC. Citation Format: Ratna B. Ray, Anupam Mukherjee, Shubham Shrivastava, Ranjit Ray. Hepatitis C virus transcriptionally downregulates miR-181c for promotion of hepatocyte growth towards hepatocellular carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3177. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3177
Counteracting the Effects of Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents during Neurosurgical Emergencies

Objective Emergent neurosurgery may be precipitated or complicated by previous or concomitant administration of anticoagulants, thrombolytic medications, or antiplatelet agents. Recommendations are presented to reverse or counteract the effects of those drugs before or during neurosurgical interventions. Methods Directed literature review. Results Evidence-based data specific to neurosurgery are limited. Conclusion Other clinical experience based on mechanisms of drug action within the coagulation process confirm that single or combined administration of platelet transfusions, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, vitamin K, protamine, desmopressin, and recombinant activated factor VII can treat coagulopathies caused by warfarin, heparin, aspirin, adenosine diphosphate-receptor antagonist, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blocking agents, and thrombolysis. Specific interventions and recommended dosages are reviewed.
Aviation Fueling: A Cleaner, Greener Approach

Projected growth of aviation depends on fueling where specific needs must be met. Safety is paramount, and along with political, social, environmental and legacy transport systems requirements, alternate aviation fueling becomes an opportunity of enormous proportions. Biofuels sourced from halophytes, algae, cyanobacteria, and weeds using wastelands, waste water, and seawater have the capacity to be drop-in fuel replacements for petroleum fuels. Biojet fuels from such sources solves the aviation CO2 emissions issue and do not compete with food or freshwater needs. They are not detrimental to the social or environmental fabric and use the existing fuels infrastructure. Cost and sustainable supply remains the major impediments to alternate fuels. Halophytes are the near-term solution to biomass/biofuels capacity at reasonable costs; they simply involve more farming, at usual farming costs. Biofuels represent a win-win approach, proffering as they do at least the ones we are studying massive capacity, climate neutral-to-some sequestration, and ultimately, reasonable costs.
Considerations in the design of coin aircraft.

In a study of counterinsurgency (COIN), the specific functions required of an aircraft in the reconnaissance-strike mission are examined in detail. A set of aircraft design characteristics and requirements was established. A rating scale based upon the required functions was formulated to rate existing, developmental, and conceptual aircraft when performing a group of related COIN missions. An optimization procedure which permits the selection of the optimum aircraft and the formulation of a compatible set of requirements is presented.
Pseudo-Hierarchical Multistage Model for System of Systems Design and Operations

This paper describes a multilevel, multistage approach to system of systems design optimization where a system design is linked with system allocation along the multistage decision making horizon. The approach is composed of two parts: pseudo-hierarchical formulation (i.e., how to model the stages of multiple, separate decision making processes), and multistage coordination (i.e., how efficiently the proposed model would perform). The pseudo-hierarchical formulation integrates multilevel optimization and multistage programming to capture level-by-level and stage-by-stage system design optimization. The multistage coordination is based on the alternating directions method that is incorporated as an efficient means to solve this inherently largescale optimization problem. An example on collaborative system operation and design between an airline and an aircraft manufacturer validates the methodology where an airline plans to introduce multiple new aircraft to capture dynamically changing demand of the customers. The proposed methodology is validated against the all-in-one approach and the sequential approach.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Thermodynamic properties of liquid argon at high pressures, calculated from PVT and sound-velocity data

Abstract Published PVT and sound-velocity data for liquid argon, at temperatures from 90 to 150 K, have been used to calculate the following properties at pressures up to the melting curve ( P max = 3000 atm): isothermal compressibility, adiabatic compressibility, thermal-expansion coefficient, thermal-pressure coefficient, configurational internal energy and specific-heat ratio ( C P / C V ). Reliable values of C P and C V at high pressures could not be derived from these data, because of uncertainties in the temperature derivatives of the PVT equation of state.
Genomic sequence analysis of a nucleopolyhedrovirus isolated from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

The CL3 plaque isolate of Plutella xylostella multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (PlxyMNPV-CL3) exhibits a high degree of genetic similarity with the Autographa californica MNPV (AcMNPV) but is significantly more virulent against the diamondback moth, P. xylostella, than AcMNPV. To identify genetic differences between PlxyMNPV-CL3 and AcMNPV that may account for the difference in virulence against P. xylostella, the genome sequence of the CL3 plaque isolate of PlxyMNPV was determined and compared to the genome sequence of AcMNPV isolate C6. The PlxyMNPV genome is 134,417 bp, 523 bp larger than the AcMNPV-C6 genome, and the nucleotide sequence is almost completely co-linear with that of AcMNPV-C6. Of the 153 open reading frames (ORFs) identified in PlxyMNPV, 151 had homologues in AcMNPV-C6, with a mean amino acid sequence identity of 98.5%. The PlxyMNPV genome possessed two features previously reported for other variants of AcMNPV: (1) an extra baculovirus repeated orf (bro) sequence located between the plxy29/ac30 and sod ORFs, and (2) the deletion of the AcMNPV pnk/pnl polynucleotide kinase/ligase gene. In addition, an 817 bp insert of unknown origin located between the fp25K and lef-9 genes was discovered. This insert contained two small ORFs and was detected in both tissue culture- and larvae-derived PlxyMNPV DNA by PCR. Finally, the PlxyMNPV-CL3 ie-2 gene encodes a product with a low level (37.3%) of amino acid sequence identity with the AcMNPV-C6 ie-2 product. PlxyMNPV-CL3 apparently acquired this variant ie2 gene by recombination with an undescribed nucleopolyhedrovirus.
The effect of free volume on enhanced transport rates of polysulfone hollow fiber membranes spun from lewis acid:base solvent complexes

Abstract Asymmetric hollow fiber membranes can be prepared by phase inversion from Lewis acid:base complex solvents. Formation of a complex from the nonsolvent (Lewis acid) and the solvent (Lewis base) permits higher concentrations of nonsolvent to be included in the spinning dope than can be added with traditional solvent/nonsolvent mixtures. These membranes exhibit gas permeation rates which are a multiple of those obtained with membranes fabricated from traditional solvent/nonsolvent mixtures as well as maintenance of selectivity. This enhancement in permeation performance results primarily from the creation of a skin structure with a much thinner effective separating layer than can be obtained from spinning processes utilizing solvent-nonsolvent mixtures. However, it is also believed that these membranes possess enhanced free volume which is derived from the kinetics of the sol-to-gel transition. The rapid dissociation of the Lewis acid:base complex by contact with water accelerates the coagulation process, which limits conformational rearrangement. The dissociation of the Lewis acid:base complex into smaller moieties facilitates their removal from the nascent hollow fiber membranes. The acceleration of the coagulation process increases the free volume in the resultant membrane, which is reflected by an increase in the glass transition temperature. This increase is readily seen during the first heat in a DSC scan, and it is believed that this increase is not a result of superheating, which yields the “ T g overshoot” commonly observed in glassy polymers annealed below their glass transition temperatures.
The Rationale, Design, and Initial Efficacy of SystemCHANGE™ -HIV: A Systems-Based Intervention to Improve Physical Activity in People Living with HIV.

The purpose of this paper was to describe SystemCHANGE ™ -HIV, a novel self-management intervention for people living with HIV (PLWH) and provide evidence of its initial efficacy to improve physical activity. The rationale and design of the SystemCHANGE ™ -HIV intervention were reviewed. Intervention detail, including its historical use, learning exercises and content, were provided. Forty PLWH participated in this pilot study, using a randomized clinical trial design. Intervention participants increased their physical activity by 300 Metabolic Equivalent minutes per week, compared to the control condition. Additionally, 70% of intervention participants increased their physical activity, whereas 65% of control subjects either had no change or experienced a decrease in physical activity. SystemCHANGE ™ -HIV is an innovative intervention for PLWH, representing a new paradigm in health behavior change. Findings support its potential to increase physical activity in PLWH. Future work should refine and rigorously test the effect of this intervention.
The HelCat basic plasma science device

The Helicon-Cathode(HelCat) device is a medium-size linear experiment suitable for a wide range of basic plasma science experiments in areas such as electrostatic turbulence and transport, magnetic relaxation, and high power microwave (HPM)-plasma interactions. The HelCat device is based on dual plasma sources located at opposite ends of the 4 m long vacuum chamber – an RF helicon source at one end and a thermionic cathode at the other. Thirteen coils provide an axial magnetic field B ⩾ 0.220 T that can be configured individually to give various magnetic configurations (e.g. solenoid, mirror, cusp). Additional plasma sources, such as a compact coaxial plasma gun, are also utilized in some experiments, and can be located either along the chamber for perpendicular (to the background magnetic field) plasma injection, or at one of the ends for parallel injection. Using the multiple plasma sources, a wide range of plasma parameters can be obtained. Here, the HelCat device is described in detail and some examples of results from previous and ongoing experiments are given. Additionally, examples of planned experiments and device modifications are also discussed.
On the CNDO determination of the molecular conformation and properties of glycine and its zwitterion

Abstract A CNDO study of glycine and its zwitterion are carried out. The molecular electronic structures, geometries, force constants and barriers to internal rotation are determined and discussed. The two structures are compared, and the non-planarity of the zwitterion in the (glycine)3 · H2SO4 crystal is discussed.
Two exotic strains of Spalangia drosophilae merit consideration in biological control of Hippelates collusor (Díptera: Chloropidae).

Three strains of Spalangia drosophilae Ashmead, ectoparasitic on Hippelates collusor (Townsend) pupae, from California, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, are compared for fecundity, longevity, minimum survival temperatures, and ability to reproduce as host densities increase. The California strain demonstrated greatest cold tolerance and highest capability to increase progeny production at high host densities. The Jamaica strain had the greatest fecundity and longevity. Each of the 3 strains showed a significant increase in the production of females with increased host densities. Strains from Puerto Rico and Jamaica had a higher capacity for female production with a single mating. It is suggested that the exotic strains be colonized in southern California for biological control of H. collusor .
Predictive Test for the Tendency of Cheddar Cheese to Brown After Processing

Abstract A quick and accurate test was developed to predict the tendency of cheese to turn brown with excessive heating during and after processing. The predictive test, which is suitable for use in commercial settings, was designed to permit instrumental or subjective assessment of color intensity. The objective instrumental measurements showed high correlation between color intensity of the predictive test on the unprocessed cheese and color intensity of process cheese made from the same test cheese. The subjective test was a small, simple, and rapid version of the objective method that was quite accurate in determining the propensity of color development of cheese after processing. Color intensities developed in subjective test related, visually, very closely to those in the objective procedure.
Analysis of cell movements and fate mapping during early embryogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract The embryonic fate map of the blastoderm stage of Drosophila melanogaster was determined by withdrawing at the blastoderm stage small numbers of cells from different egg lengths (EL) and observing defects at an early segmentation stage with the scanning electron microscope. Using this approach, the presumptive gnathal cells were found between 60 and 70% EL, the presumptive thoracic cells between 45 and 65% EL, and the abdominal segments between 15 and 50% EL. By performing the cell ablations at successively later stages, cell movements could be followed during early gastrulation. The cephalic furrow forms in the anterior portion of the presumptive head region. As the furrow deepens, almost all of the presumptive gnathal cells move into the furrow for a period of time. Analyses of frequency and location of defects suggest that presumptive cells for different segments are contiguous on the blastoderm. The data provide an experimental verification of the morphological fate map of Poulson (1950) and a means of localizing gynandromorph maps to the blastoderm.