cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The fine structure of mesenchymatous cells in the regenerating forelimb of the adult newt Triturus.

Abstract The mesenchymatous cells in the regenerating forelimb of the adult newt were examined with the electron microscope. Most of the cells have an obvious and voluminous rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum occurring as numerous elongated strands, as small and large vesicles, or as irregularly shaped dilations; in a small number of cells the reticulum is sparse. In general, the cells have large ovoid nuclei, occasional prominent nucleoli, and distinct double nuclear envelopes with pores. The outer membrane of the envelope makes frequent incursions into the cytoplasm to merge with elements of the endoplasmic reticulum. There are numerous lipid droplets of various sizes within the cytoplasm. The fine structure of the cells of the adult regenerate is compared with that of the larva, and the possible significance of the differences in terms of the developmental capacities of the cells is discussed.
Analysis of a new swarm search algorithm based on trophallaxis

We investigate a new swarm search algorithm based on the trophallactic behavior of social insects, specifically honey bees. The new algorithm does not require any agentagent communication and does not require the agents to know position information. The agents, or bots, cluster together near peaks in the search space based on the fitness value at the locations where the agents collide. In this paper we describe the algorithm and analyze its effectiveness using a birth and death Markov chain. The analysis shows that the agents will congregate at or near the peaks, so the algorithm shows promise for using very simple robots in swarm search applications.
Modeling space–time inhomogeneities with the kinematic wave theory

In this paper, the authors are concerned with modeling space–time inhomogeneities with the kinematic wave (Lighthill-Whitham-Richards(LWR)) model. The notion of space–time inhomogeneity refers to the fact that governing laws of traffic, essentially dictated by fundamental diagrams (FD), differ from each other in distinct space–time regions. Such a scenario is common when exogenous inputs, e.g. a group of slowly moving vehicles, emerge in the modeling process. The authors will prove the well-posedness of this class of problems. More importantly, the authors show that if the boundary delineating two neighboring regions is continuous and has bounded speed, this problem can be greatly simplified by introducing a piecewise linear approximation to the boundary. In particular, the authors utilize the variational formulation of the kinematic wave model and prove that this approximation results in uniformly bounded errors in cumulative flow N which are proportional to the L8 deviation of the approximation. The numerical solution of this simplified problem is well understood, and this result means that a kinematic wave model with space–time inhomogeneity can be solved accurately with any existing Godunov type scheme. Finally, using the inhomogeneous LWR model, the authors explain the capacity drop as a natural result of space–time inhomogeneity.
An advisory expert system for designing fire prescriptions

Abstract Prescribed fire is used to manipulate forest ecosystems to accomplish a variety of resource management objectives. To develop prescriptions that successfully achieve these objectives, managers use information from a variety of sources. These include results of scientific research and of their own experience. Much of the knowledge of expert practitioners has never been collected and made available to others. An expert system is being developed using rule-based inference and frame-based inheritance to integrate technical and heuristic information, and interpret it for application. Site data and the manager's objectives for treating the site with prescribed fire are inputs to the expert system. The system develops a fire prescription: ranges of acceptable fire effects, a description of the desired fire treatment, and a range of conditions under which to burn to achieve the desired treatments and effects. The system documents its results.
Binding of Drugs to Eye Melanin Is Not Predictive of Ocular Toxicity

Ocular melanin is found in the uveal tract and in the pigmented epithelial layer of the retina. Many structurally and pharmacologically unrelated drugs from different therapeutic classes bind to melanin. Examples include numerous drugs acting on the central nervous system, beta-blockers, beta-agonists, antimalarial drugs, sympathomimetic amines, and antibiotics. The critical factors are the acid/base status and the lipophilicity of the molecule. In all cases, there are no direct consequences of drug-melanin binding. Drug-related toxic effects on the retina described in humans and animals are unrelated to melanin binding: melanin binding and retinal toxicity are two separate entities, the latter being related to the intrinsic toxicity of the compound rather than its ability to bind. Chloroquine and phenothiazines are often used as examples of drugs with retinal toxicity linked to melanin binding. In both cases however, experimental data show that the toxic mechanism is unrelated to binding. Melanin binding has also been found to be protective against the ocular toxicity of some drugs. In conclusion, we believe that potential ocular toxicity of future drugs can be assessed adequately by conducting well-designed toxicology studies, and using nonpigmented rodents in addition to pigmented nonrodent species remains fully justified. Binding of drugs to eye melanin is not predictive of ocular toxicity.
Acidosis in newborns with nuchal cords and normal Apgar scores.

Apgar scores and cord blood gases (BG) and pH were compared between a group of babies with nuchal cords and a group without nuchal cords and uncomplicated deliveries. We collected umbilical arterial (UA) and umbilical venous (UV) blood samples from the placentas of term infants from both normal deliveries (NORM, n=29) and nuchal cords (NUCH, n=33). BG/pH and hematocrit were measured; base deficits and oxygen contents were calculated; and a member of the study assigned Apgar scores and demographic data were collected from the babies’ charts. Median Apgar scores in the NUCH babies at 1 and 5 minutes were 9 and 9 respectively, which did not differ from the NORM infants. The pH, PCO2, and oxygen content obtained from UV of the NUCH infants was not statistically different from the NORM. The pH and oxygen content of the NUCH UA was significantly lower than that of the NORM. The UA PCO2 in the NUCH was greater than the NORM. Veno-arterial (VA) differences (ΔVA) in pH and PCO2 of the NUCH infants were greater than that of the NORM. The Apgar score is not a sensitive indicator of acid-base changes in nuchal cord patients; UV samples alone may be misleading. UA must be sampled to detect the hypercapnia and diminished oxygen content that is a result of the nuchal cord.
Viral Shedding Duration of Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 Virus during an Elementary School Outbreak—Pennsylvania, May–June 2009

We report shedding duration of 2009 pandemic influenza A (pH1N1) virus from a school-associated outbreak in Pennsylvania during May through June 2009. Outbreak-associated students or household contacts with influenza-like illness (ILI) onset within 7 days of interview were recruited. Nasopharyngeal specimens, collected every 48 hours until 2 consecutive nonpositive tests, underwent real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and culture for pH1N1 virus. Culture-positive specimens underwent virus titrations. Twenty-six (median age, 8 years) rRT-PCR-positive persons, for pH1N1 virus, were included in analysis. Median shedding duration from fever onset by rRT-PCR was 6 days (range, 1-13) and 5 days (range, 1-7) by culture. Following fever resolution virus was isolated for a median of 2 days (range, 0-5). Highest and lowest virus titers detected, 2 and 5 days following fever onset, were 3.2 and 1.2 log(10) TCID(50)/mL respectively. Overall, shedding duration in children and adults were similar to seasonal influenza viruses.
Design of a planar near-field plate

This paper presents a planar near-field plate fabricated from a printed circuit board. It consists of concentric annular slots over a grounded dielectric substrate, loaded with lumped element impedances. A design procedure is outlined and full-wave simulation results are reported which confirm the subwavelength focusing capability of the plate. Such a device may find application in high resolution near-field imaging and probing, medical targeting devices, and wireless power transfer devices.
The influence of Kantor's interbehavioral psychology on behavior analysis.

influence of J. R. Kantor's interbehavioral psychology on behavior analysis, literature review
Children and drug education: The P.I.E.D. pipers

Substance use and abuse are a part of daily life for many children in the 1990s. An innovative project, The P.I.E.D. Pipers, focused on drug education for children as a positive strategy. Changes occurred in children through the educational process at a primary level of intervention. Changes in life-styles to promote drug-free health and the development of coping mechanisms to deal with the drug culture on a daily basis were identified by the children as positive outcomes of the project. Nursing has a responsibility to protect and promote health in a changing society. Positive health habits learned and established in early childhood and continued into adolescence can protect and promote healthful and productive living in adulthood. Research utilization was the basis for the project, with the application of research-based knowledge available from multiple sources. Research utilization for the P.I.E.D. Pipers project provided the impetus and opportunity for children and many professionals to address a societal problem. Nurses as leaders united with trainees, drug counselors, and administrators to form a family that developed a sense of togetherness by promoting a capacity for change, mutual and independent activities, and a feeling of cohesiveness to face the challenge of substance abuse and its consequences.
Unpredictability of serious bacterial illness in febrile infants from birth to 1 month of age.

Background A prior study (N Engl J Med. 1993; 329: 1437-1441) produced an effective screen to identify 1-to 2-month-old febrile infants (FIs) who are at low risk of having a serious bacterial illness (SBI). Because of anticipated differences in the epidemiological features of febrile illnesses, that Philadelphia protocol was not applied to FIs younger than 1 month. Objectives To describe the epidemiological features of febrile illness in neonates from birth to 1 month of age and to determine the applicability to this population of the Philadelphia screen for identifying FIs at low risk for SBI. Design A 36-month consecutive cohort study. Setting An urban pediatric emergency department. Participants Infants aged from 3 to 28 days old with temperatures of 38 degrees C or higher. Interventions Following full evaluation for SBI, all FIs, pending results of bacterial cultures, were admitted to the hospital and empirically administered antibiotics. After their illnesses resolved, the medical records of all FIs were reviewed. At that time, the Philadelphia protocol (originally developed for 1- to 2-month-old FIs) was applied and retrospectively judged for safety and efficacy. Results Of the 254 FIs enrolled, 32 (12.6%) had an SBI. The spectrum of bacterial and nonbacterial diseases closely approximated that described in 1- to 2-month-old FIs. When the Philadelphia protocol was applied to all 254 FIs, 109 (42.9%) would have been identified as at low risk for bacterial disease. Included in that group are 2 FIs with bacterial urinary tract infection, 2 FIs with bacteremia, and 1 FI with bacterial gastroenteritis. Conclusions The cause of febrile illnesses in neonates (infants younger than 1 month) approximates that of FIs 1 to 2 months of age. Unlike that for older 1- to 2-month-old FIs, however, the Philadelphia protocol lacks the sensitivity and negative predictive value to identify neonates at low risk for SBI.
Seasonal stable-carbon isotope variability in tree rings: possible paleoenvironmental signals

Leavitt, SW. and Long, A., 1991. Seasonal stable-carbon isotope variability in tree rings: possible paleoenvironmental signals. Chem. Geol. (Isot. Geosci. Sect.), 87: 59-70. Plant stable-carbon isotope fractionation models indicate that 613C of atmospheric C02, CO1 concentration, light and moisture stress, among other factors, may potentially affect the 613C of fixed carbon. Seasonal 613C variations in tree rings may therefore represent a new tool for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. The seasonal 613C patterns in growth rings exist in trees (conifer and hardwood) from tropical and temperate localities, and isotopic variation is even seen in trees which are lacking or have poorly-defined rings. The patterns in different rings from a single tree are usually similar, although differences in amplitude and timing of maxima and/or minima are common. Some of the differences may be attributable to radial variation of the 613C patterns which was found to be substantial in a severely water-stressed tree. Correlations of 613C patterns and corresponding seasonal environmental variation for one well-monitored tree showed greater response of the S13C change to measured soil moisture and precipitation than to temperature, calculated soil moisture, solar radiation, or net photosynthesis (as estimated from CO1 release).
Nonparametric inference of prior probabilities from Bayes-optimal behavior

We discuss a method for obtaining a subject's a priori beliefs from his/her behavior in a psychophysics context, under the assumption that the behavior is (nearly) optimal from a Bayesian perspective. The method is nonparametric in the sense that we do not assume that the prior belongs to any fixed class of distributions (e.g., Gaussian). Despite this increased generality, the method is relatively simple to implement, being based in the simplest case on a linear programming algorithm, and more generally on a straightforward maximum likelihood or maximum a posteriori formulation, which turns out to be a convex optimization problem (with no non-global local maxima) in many important cases. In addition, we develop methods for analyzing the uncertainty of these estimates. We demonstrate the accuracy of the method in a simple simulated coin-flipping setting; in particular, the method is able to precisely track the evolution of the subject's posterior distribution as more and more data are observed. We close by briefly discussing an interesting connection to recent models of neural population coding.
The Effects of Time Pressure and Task Differences on Influence Modes and Accuracy in Decision-Making Groups

This study explores the effects of time pressure and task differences on group decision accuracy and on the emergence and effectiveness of normative and informational influence. Three person groups completed one of two ranking tasks under high or low-time-pressure conditions. Although both were intellective, one task was perceived by subjects as judgmental, and one was perceived as intellective. Group discussions were coded for statements reflecting normative influence, informational influence, or other processes. In general, normative influence emerged and was more effective for groups working under time pressure. Informational influence emerged and was more effective for groups working on an intellective task and for groups working under low time pressure. Accuracy of the solution was related to amount of information influence used and was greater for groups working on the intellective task. Results were consistent with Kaplan's model of group influence processes and Karau and Kelly's attentional focus ...
Criticality, self-organized

The causes and possible relations between the abundance of fractal structures (see Fractal dimensions) and 1/f signals found in nature have puzzled scientists for years. Based on observations of computer simulations of the cellular automata sandpile model, the term self-organized criticality (SOC) was invented by theoretical physicists and was used to explain a universal dynamic organizing process governing various fractal growths in space and time. SOC describes that systems organize themselves so their internal dynamics produce critical behavior over a very wide range of length scales. The term consists of two parts. Self-organization has been used to describe the ability of certain nonequilibrium systems to develop structures and patterns often without explicit pressure or involvement from outside the systems. Criticality is a technical word used in connection with phase transitions, and has a very precise meaning, in which the system becomes critical when all members of the system influence each other and events of all sizes occur.
Surgical management of peri-implantitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment outcomes.

Background: This systematic review was requested by the Task Force of the American Academy of Periodontology as a follow-up study of the 2013 report, with an aim to investigate the efficacy of different surgical approaches to treat peri-implantitis.Methods: A search of four electronic databases from January 1990 to May 2013 was performed. Studies included were human clinical trials published in English that applied surgeries for treating peri-implantitis. Parameters evaluated included probing depth (PD) reduction, clinical attachment level gain, bleeding on probing (BOP) reduction, radiographic bone fill (RBF), and mucosal recession. The weighted mean (WM) and the 95% confidence interval of the studied parameters were estimated with the random-effect model.Results: A total of 1,306 studies were initially identified, after reviewing titles, abstracts, and full texts, and 21 articles, 12 of which were case series, were finally included. Four treatment groups were identified: 1) access flap and debridement; ...
Natural Convection Heat Transfer From Cylinders of Arbitrary Cross Section

Analytical, numerical, and experimental studies of free convection heat transfer from the external surface of isothermal two-dimensional bodies, especially circular cylinders and vertical flat plates, have been conducted by many investigators. A review of the existing literature shows that most workers have focused mainly on experimental data of circular cylinders and vertical plates with air (Pr[approximately]0.71) as working fluid. The results of these studies have been empirical correlations restricted either to some simple geometries or to a narrow range of Rayleigh numbers. Only a few scientists have carried out numerical techniques, which unfortunately, are also restricted to simple geometries such as circular cylinders. There are a few analytical solutions for cylinders of fairly arbitrary cross section, but, unfortunately, those solutions are restricted to a very narrow range of Rayleigh were the boundary layer is thin compared to the local radius of curvature of the cylinder. The approximate method suggested by Raithby and Hollands, however, is capable of predicting heat transfer from cylinders of various cross sections and for wide ranges of Prandtl and Rayleigh numbers. Unfortunately, following the steps of their approximate method is complex, and engineers might be discouraged from using it. Therefore it is the goal of thismore » study to simplify this approximate method and introduce an expression for predicting natural convection heat transfer from isothermal two-dimensional bodies of arbitrary cross section over a wide range of Rayleigh and Prandtl numbers. In this paper, following a similar procedure to that outlined by Hassani and Hollands, an expression for predicting the convection heat transfer from two-dimensional bodies (cylinders of different convex cross sections) is derived.« less
Multilayer Al 2 O 3 &#8212;SiO 2 combination (MASC) films as a partial H 2 diffusion barrier for use on Ge surfaces

Multilayer Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 combination (MASC) films are shown to be superior to SiO 2 films for Ge surface passivation during a forming-gas annealing cycle. The Al 2 O 3 is apparently much less permeable to H 2 than is SiO 2 . Hydrogen easily permeates SiO 2 , producing a high density of surface acceptor states on the Ge. Even in the absence of hydrogen exposure, the surface-state and fixed-charge densities under MASC films are reduced by a factor of 2 or more as compared to pyrolytic SiO 2 films.
Mouse exposure and wheeze in the first year of life

Background Studies have found that exposure to mice is highly prevalent among children with asthma living in urban areas. Objective To examine the relationship between exposure to mice and wheeze in the first year of life. Methods We conducted an ongoing prospective birth cohort study of 498 children with a history of allergy or asthma in at least 1 parent living in metropolitan Boston (the Home Allergens and Asthma Study). Results In a multivariate analysis, infants whose parents reported exposure to mice in the household had nearly twice the odds of developing any wheeze in the first year of life as children without exposure (odds ratio [OR], 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-2.95; P = .01). Other variables associated with wheeze in the first year of life included low birth weight (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.06-2.95; P = .03), having at least 1 lower respiratory tract illness (OR, 5.59; 95% CI, 3.46-9.04; P P = .01), and exposure to cockroach allergen of 0.05 U/g of dust or more at age 2 to 3 months (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.09-3.08; P = .02). Conclusion Among children with a parental history of asthma or allergies, exposure to mice is associated with wheeze in the first year of life, independent of other factors.
Modeling and simulation of integrated voice/data cellular communication with generally distributed delay for end voice calls

Cellular networks are gradually shifting from voice only to voice and data due to increased demand for WWW, FTP and multi-media messaging. This has substantially increased the volume of cellular data traffic. Schemes have been proposed for co-existence and fair sharing of the available bandwidth between circuit switched voice and packetized data traffic. One popular scheme is based on delaying the last incoming acceptable voice call for a random amount of time and utilizing this time to service the accumulated data traffic to prevent excessive queuing delay in delivering the data traffic. However, this delay time has been usually modeled as being exponentially distributed. In this paper, this delay is modeled as a uniformly distributed random variable instead. This scheme is extended by delaying more than one call. Performance measures like voice and data blocking probability is plotted as function of last call delay.
Social Movement Contention in Colombia, 1958–2014

This chapter argues that social movements in Colombia respond to the erosion of the rights and benefits gained by citizens, who nevertheless possess enough political and social resources to organize. They confront, but are also shaped by, a state that has developed uneven capabilities to implement policies, offer security, resolve conflict, and protect human rights. Between 1958 and 2010, the period examined here, contention has increased as Colombia’s political system experienced regime change that liberalized political participation, but saw an increment in political violence. Though Colombia’s social movements constitute a visible form of contentious politics, they differ from the widely recognized paramilitary and guerrilla movements. These groups are violent, seek to overthrown the regime, and/or defy constitutional limits. In contrast, social movements represent the open and peaceful struggles for social change carried out by ordinary citizens and their organizations. The chapter draws on various sources, including statistical time-series dating back to 1958, to describe a complex social movement landscape peopled by labor unions, students, peasants, and more recently, women, indigenous groups, and environmentalists, among others. These groups have resorted to direct actions such as labor strikes, road blocks, or land takeover, as well as symbolic actions, to protest a range of social, political, civic, and economic rights. Social movements represent one of the most energetic expressions of Colombia’s democracy and the promise of a pluralist society capable of changing the country’s political culture and institutions.
Birth-Cohort Trends in Lifetime and Past-Year Prescription Opioid-Use Disorder Resulting From Nonmedical Use: Results From Two National Surveys

480 ABSTRACT. Objective: This study aims to test whether recent in- creases in the reported prevalence of opioid-use disorder in the United States occurred across all age groups (period effect), consistently only among younger age groups (age effect), or varied according to year of birth (cohort effects). Method: Joint analysis of data from the 1991-1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES) and the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), focusing on individuals ages 18-57, grouped by 10-year age intervals. Sample sizes for the present analyses were 30,846 for the NLAES and 31,397 for the NESARC. Prevalence of lifetime and past-year prescription opioid-use disorder resulting from nonmedical use (abuse and dependence) was examined. Results: Within birth cohorts, prevalence of lifetime prescription opioid-use disorder increased during the 10 years between surveys, indicating the importance of age effects. In addition, lifetime and past-year prevalence of prescription opioid-use disorder was higher among more recent birth cohorts as compared with earlier birth cohorts, indicating the importance of cohort effects. Consis- tent with a period effect, cross-cohort comparisons showed that risk for prescription opioid-use disorder has increased for all individuals regard- less of their birth cohort membership from the NLAES to the NESARC survey. Conclusions: Findings suggest that more problems (abuse and dependence) may emerge as prescription opioid users get older and that more recent birth cohorts are at higher risk for prescription opioid problems. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs, 71, 480-487, 2010)
Women and Racial Minorities in the Boardroom: How Do Directors Differ?

In this paper, we examine how the attributes of female and racial minority directors differ from those of white males. We track a sample of white male, white female, African-American female and African-American male directors who serve on Fortune 1000 boards and find differences in occupational background, education, and patterns of board affiliation. Female and African-American directors are more likely to come from non-business backgrounds, are more likely to hold advanced degrees, and join multiple boards at a faster rate than white male directors.
Genetically predicted testosterone and electrocardiographic QT interval duration in Chinese: a Mendelian randomization analysis in the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

Background QT interval prolongation, a predictor of cardiac arrhythmias, and elevated heart rate are associated with higher risk of cardiovascular mortality. Observationally testosterone is associated with shorter corrected QT interval and slower heart rate; however, the evidence is open to residual confounding and reverse causality. We examined the association of testosterone with electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters using a separate-sample instrumental variable (SSIV) estimator. Methods To minimize reverse causality, a genetic score predicting testosterone was developed in 289 young Chinese men from Hong Kong, based on a parsimonious set of single nuclear polymorphisms (rs10046, rs1008805 and rs1256031). Linear regression was used to examine the association of genetically predicted testosterone with QT interval, corrected QT interval [using the Framingham formula (QTf) and Bazett formula (QTb)] and heart rate in 4212 older (50þ years) Chinese men from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study. Results Predicted testosterone was not associated with QT interval [� 0.08ms per nmol/l testosterone, 95% confidence interval (CI) � 0.81 to 0.65], QTf interval (0.40ms per nmol/l testosterone, 95% CI � 0.12 to 0.93) or heart rate (0.26 beats per minute per nmol/l testosterone, 95% CI � 0.04 to 0.56), but was associated with longer QTb interval (0.66ms per nmol/l testosterone, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.31). Conclusions Our findings do not corroborate observed protective associations of testosterone with QT interval or heart rate among men, but potentially suggest effects in the other direction. Replication in a larger sample is required.
Restoring Retirement Security: The Market Crisis, the "Great Risk Shift," and the Challenge for Our Nation

The recent economic downturn has cast in stark relief the uncertainties associated with retirement and health care for older Americans. Yet, before the downturn even began, the economic landscape was already shifting in ways that concentrated more risk and responsibility on Americans planning for retirement and health care in old age. In this article, Professor Hacker addresses the current risks faced by aging Americans, moving from the historical retirement framework of the "three legged stool" -- Social Security, private pensions, and personal savings -- to the current reality where pensions are few and far between. In doing so, he pays particular attention to special issues faced by working- and middle-class Americans. Additionally, drawing upon his knowledge of the health care system, Professor Hacker delves into the increasingly important role health care costs play in retirement planning, and how retirement planning should take into account potential future health care costs. Finally, he suggests a series of changes to restore retirement security by alleviating the problems produced by the disappeareance of private pension plans and increases in health care costs.
Mutation and Recombination in the Upstream Homology Box-Flanked ospE-Related Genes of the Lyme Disease Spirochetes Result in the Development of New Antigenic Variants during Infection

The ospE gene family of the Lyme disease spirochetes encodes a polymorphic group of immunogenic lipoproteins. The ospE genes are one of several gene families that are flanked by a highly conserved upstream sequence called the upstream homology box, or UHB, element. Earlier analyses in our lab demonstrated that ospE-related genes are characterized by defined hypervariable domains (domains 1 and 2) that are predicted to be hydrophilic, surface exposed, and antigenic. The flanking of hypervariable domain 1 by DNA repeats may indicate that recombination contributes to ospE diversity and thus ultimately to antigenic variation. Using an isogeneic clone of Borrelia burgdorferi B31G (designated B31Gc1), we demonstrate that the ospE-related genes undergo mutation and rearrangement during infection in mice. The mutations that develop during infection resulted in the generation of OspE proteins with altered antigenic characteristics. The data support the hypothesized role of OspE-related proteins in immune system evasion.
A network analysis of relationship dynamics in sexual dyads as correlates of HIV risk misperceptions among high-risk MSM

Objectives Relationship dynamics influence the perception of HIV risk in sexual dyads. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of relational dynamics on knowledge or perception of a partner’s HIV status in a sample of most at-risk men who have sex with men (MSM): drug-using male sex workers. The study identified relationship dimensions and examined their association with misperceptions about a particular partner’s HIV status. Methods The analytical sample for the study consisted of 168 sexual partnerships of 116 male sex workers and their associates. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify dimensions of the interpersonal relationships in sexual partnerships that were then regressed on ‘risky misperceptions’ (misperceiving HIV negative when partner’s self-report was positive or unknown). Results Six relationship dimensions of intimate, commitment, socialising, financial, trust and honesty were extracted. Commitment was found to be protective against misperception (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.45), while trust was not (AOR=2.78). Other factors also were found to be associated with misperception. HIV-negative MSM (AOR=7.69) and partners who were both self-identified as gay (AOR=3.57) were associated with misperception, while encounters identified as sex work (AOR=0.29), in which both partners were Caucasian (AOR=0.16), and involved with an older partner (AOR=0.90) were protective. Conclusions Couple-based HIV intervention efforts among MSM should consider that less trust and more commitment are protective factors in sexual partnerships.
Serving as a preceptor to pharmacy students: Tips on maintaining the desire to inspire

As pharmacists, we all have been influenced by people with whom we have worked and by our educational paths. Each of us has also been influenced by practical training experiences. Often our experiences prompt us to serve as preceptors, thereby gaining an opportunity to give back to the profession
In vivo conversion of BM plasmacytoid DC into CD11b+ conventional DC during virus infection

DC are a highly heterogeneous population that plays a critical role in host defense. We previously demonstrated that virus infection induces BM plasmacytoid DC (pDC) differentiation into CD11b+ conventional DC (cDC) upon in vitro culture with Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L). Here we use immunoglobulin D-J rearrangements and pDC adoptive transfer to provide definitive proof supporting BM pDC conversion into CD11b+ cDC during in vivo viral infection. We show that in vivo BM pDC conversion into CD11b+ cDC relates to enhanced ability to prime virus-specific T cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in vivo pDC conversion does not rely on viral infection of BM pDC, but instead is mediated by type I IFN signaling. Finally, by exploiting recently identified pDC-specific Ab, we provide further characterizations of the BM pDC fraction that exhibits this broader developmental plasticity. Collectively, these data indicate that BM pDC actively contribute to the CD11b+ cDC pool during in vivo viral infection and delineates molecular, functional, and phenotypic features of this novel developmental pathway.
Web-based mathematics education: MeML design and implementation

The Web-based mathematics education framework (WME) aims to create a Web for mathematics education. WME empowers mathematics teachers, learning content developers, as well as dynamic mathematics computation and education service providers, to deliver an unprecedented mathematics learning environment to students and educators. Main WME components include the Mathematics Education Markup Language (MeML), the MeML processor (Woodpecker, browser plug-in), and on-Web Mathematics Education Services. MeML provides effective and expressive markup elements to represent and structure mathematics education pages that may also contain XHTML and MathML elements. Woodpecker enables regular Web browsers to process MeML pages and to interact with a wide variety of mathematics computation and education services deployed on the Web.
Sex-based differences in the anthropometric characteristics of the anterior cruciate ligament and its relation to intercondylar notch geometry: a cadaveric study.

BackgroundA significantly higher rate of anterior cruciate ligament injuries occurs in women involved in sports activities compared to the corresponding male population. Reasons for this disparity are not well understood; however, sex-based differences in the geometry of the anterior cruciate ligament, its morphologic characteristics, and the intercondylar notch size have been cited as possible factors.Hypotheses(1) The anterior cruciate ligament in women has a shorter length, and smaller cross-sectional area and volume than that in men. (2) The female anterior cruciate ligament has a lower mass density. (3) Ligament size is proportional to notch width in both male and female populations.Study DesignDescriptive laboratory study.MethodsUsing a 3-dimensional imaging system, the authors measured the geometric parameters, including length, area, and volume, of the anterior cruciate ligaments of 10 male and 10 female donors (all Caucasian). A digital image of the frontal plane of the knee flexed at 90° was use...
Overland flow modeling in a vegetative filter considering non-planar topography and spatial variability of soil hydraulic properties and vegetation density☆

Summary Vegetative filters are used to remove contaminants from overland flow. Little is known about the impacts of non-planar topography and spatially variable soil hydraulic properties and vegetation density on filter performance. In this study, we developed a protocol for modeling the effects of these quantities on overland flow features which influence greatly the filter efficiency. Two-dimensional overland flow was modeled using the physically based, distributed hydrologic model MIKE SHE. Soil hydraulic properties were represented using spatially variable saturated hydraulic conductivity and a spatially uniform soil–water retention curve. When field measured data and predictions from the uncalibrated model were compared, good agreement was found. The simulated volumetric outflow was within approximately 5% and 25% of the measured outflow at the two areas monitored within the study filter. Non-planar topography significantly impacted overland flow, but accounting for spatially variable roughness and variable soil hydraulic properties had a lesser impact on the two-dimensional overland flow. The volumetric outflow was affected by 36% and 20% because of non-planar topography, 14% and 18% due to variable roughness, and 15% and 16% because of variable soil hydraulic properties for the two grid areas, respectively.
A keystone predator controls bacterial diversity in the pitcher‐plant (Sarracenia purpurea) microecosystem

Summary The community of organisms inhabiting the waterfilled leaves of the carnivorous pitcher-plant Sarracenia purpurea includes arthropods, protozoa and bacteria, and serves as a model system for studies of food web dynamics. Despite the wealth of data collected by ecologists and zoologists on this food web, very little is known about the bacterial assemblage in this microecosystem. We used terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis to quantify bacterial diversity within the pitchers as a function of pitcher size, pH of the pitcher fluid and the presence of the keystone predator in this food web, larvae of the pitcher-plant mosquito Wyeomyia smithii. Results were analysed at two spatial scales: within a single bog and across three isolated bogs. Pitchers were sterile before they opened and composition of the bacterial assemblage was more variable between different bogs than within bogs. Measures of bacterial richness and diversity were greater in the presence of W. smithii and increased with increasing pitcher size. Our results suggest that fundamental ecological concepts derived from macroscopic food webs can also be used to predict the bacterial assemblages in pitcher plants.
Congenital erosive and vesicular dermatosis with reticulated supple scarring: Unifying clinical features

Background Congenital erosive and vesicular dermatosis (CEVD) healing with reticulated supple scarring, a condition usually observed in premature neonates, presents at birth with vesicles and erosions. Lesions typically heal within a few months, leaving behind scarring with a distinctive supple and reticulated texture. Objectives We sought to merge existing literature with new cases to further define CEVD. Methods We analyzed 19 previous reports of CEVD and added 9 additional patients; we identified unifying characteristics of this cohort. Results In 28 total cases, notable features included: preterm birth (79%), nail abnormalities (46%), hyperthermia/hypohidrosis (46%), a history of maternal chorioamnionitis (43%), alopecia (43%), neurodevelopmental and ophthalmologic abnormalities (36% each), tongue atrophy (29%), or a combination of these. Patients with CEVD may be prone to postnatal herpetic superinfections. Previously unreported findings included: erosive lichen planus, digital tip gangrene, and hydronephrosis. Limitations The small patient sampling makes it difficult to define diagnostic criteria. As certain findings are associated with prematurity, it is unclear to what extent these features result from CEVD, premature birth, or another intrauterine pathology. Conclusions Although rare, CEVD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal vesicles/erosions in the context of a negative infectious workup. This review strengthens the spectrum of CEVD features, thus facilitating its recognition by clinicians.
Public Use Microdata Area Fragmentation: Research and Policy Implications of Polygon Discontiguity

The American Community Survey (ACS) is created by the Unites States Census Bureau and contains the most recent and detailed information on the population. The U.S. Census Bureau releases Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) ACS files to allow public entities the ability to examine detailed individual-level data. In order to protect the confidentiality of survey participants, the Census only allows individual-level observations to be geographically referenced with Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMAs)—polygons that contain at least 100,000 people. Microdata files offer the unique advantage of creating custom tabulations on the population that are not made available elsewhere. The advantages from using PUMS files are limited by the typology of PUMAs. Our project fills a gap by introducing the reader to how PUMA typology is produced and how it affects research. The specific aim of this project is to highlight the fact that PUMAs can be fragmented—made up of physically non-adjacent/multi-part polygons. This is important because the treatment of fragmented/multi-part polygons as contiguous spatial entities erroneously imposes a false structure of contiguity that challenges theoretical and statistical assumptions in geographically aware research. By providing evidence from three metropolitan areas in Texas (USA) and displaying the degree of polygon discontiguity concentration by state, we outline some of the implications of polygon discontiguity for research and policy. We compliment our descriptive investigation by discussing solutions in closing and by identifying and discussing the three general elements in polygon fragmentation: quantity, distance, and size.
Hiding Amongst a Crowd and the Illegality of Deceptive Lighting

International Humanitarian Law draws a distinction between ruses of war (those acts of deception that are simply part of the dirty tricks of fighting war) and perfidy (treacherous acts that abuse the protections of IHL). The latter are variously scorned or banned, both under treaties and by custom. Although there are some historical carve-outs for behavior during war at sea that might otherwise be banned on land, there is also a practice that is embraced by the United States Navy known as deceptive lighting. This practice, of varying the configuration of electric lights abord a warship so that it appears to be something other than it really is, is described the Navy as being a legitimate ruse of war. Considering the language of treaties as well as customary international law and several pragmatic considerations, this paper argues that the practice is, and should be, illegal perfidy under IHL.
Non-Intuitive Dependent Decision Making: Sub-Optimal Design Selection

This paper explores a flaw in traditional design decision making (including optimization) when uncertainty is present. It introduces the concept of the Non-Intuitive Dependent Decision Making (NIDDM) problem, where the assumption that each of the design alternatives is independent can be false due to a common underlying uncertainty. In this situation, the implicit assumption that design alternatives are independent can lead to a sub-optimal selection. This paper provides a simplified example of the NIDDM problem, and uses this to define the conditions where the NIDDM problem arises. An aerospace design toolset is then used to explore the NIDDM problem in realistic conditions, and a discussion is presented about when traditional robust design processes are appropriate or an alternative design methodology is needed.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Aerosol Exposure of Monkeys to Influenza Virus.

Discussion and summaryPrevious studies from this laboratory(1) showed that intratracheal inoculation of rhesus monkeys with the PR8 strain of influenza virus resulted in mild illness in 2 of 4 monkeys; after intranasal inoculation, no clinical signs of illness were observed. Results of studies by others (2–5) have varied with the influenza virus strain and monkey species employed. In all, virus was administered intratracheally or intranasally, and in general, clinical evidence of disease was minimal or absent.The development of quantitative procedures for exposure of experimental animals to aerosols of infective organisms(6) suggested reinvestigation of the response of monkeys following challenge with influenza virus by these methods. The present report describes the clinical, hematologic and serologic response of rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys after aerosol exposure to the PR8 strain of influenza virus.Materials and methods. Challenge of young adult monkeys, Macaca mulatta and M. irus, was conducted in a ...
Dispersion of Carbon Black in Rubber: Revised Calculation Procedure

Abstract Carbon black, the most important reinforcing filler for rubber, must be well dispersed if it is to function effectively. The state of dispersion of the carbon black can be studied effectively by microscopic examination of a thin (2µ) section of the rubber compound, using transmitted light, as described by Tidmus and Parkinson. Under the microscope, agglomerates of undispersed carbon black are visible. These agglomerates, which may range in size up to 100µ or even larger, are sectioned more or less cleanly by the glass knife, and appear as black or dark brown islands in a light brown field. While this method was originally proposed for qualitative estimation of the degree of dispersion, a quantitative calculation was subsequently developed by Leigh-Dugmore, by means of which the percentage of carbon black dispersed below a certain size was calculated. This calculation has been helpful in permitting a quantitative comparison of stocks of widely different visual appearance. As experience has accumul...