cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and pilot testing for virtual manufacturing tools with intelligent attributes

Abstract The use of synthetic and surrogate tools in training robots and planning events within virtual environments has tremendous potential in making the programming of complex machines simple and easy. For example, by designating tasks off-line with the virtual tools, attributes such as process planning and collision avoidance can be automatically and efficiently incorporated. In our research we have experimented with the use of attribute laden virtual tools in various tasks such as robotic-based grinding and welding processes. Such attribute laden virtual tools aid human operators in path planning as well as in making decisions about the process itself. In this paper we have tested our concepts of virtual tools and the use of attributes such as physical, reflex and command actions. Four sets of experiments were conducted with human subjects. Two kinds of virtual tools were used in these experiments, one with guide plane attributes and the other without them. One set of experiments using the head mount...
2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami data available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Geophysical Data Center

On 11 March 2011, at 05:46:24 UTC, a magnitude 9.0 Mw earthquake occurred near the east coast of Honshu, Japan. The earthquake generated a tsunami with wave heights up to 38.9 m. The earthquake and tsunami caused almost 20,000 deaths and missing in Japan. The tsunami was observed all over the Pacific Ocean and caused additional deaths in Indonesia and California, USA. The earthquake and tsunami also caused the worst nuclear emergency since Chernobyl. The damage costs resulting from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan will be between 16 and 25 trillion yen. The National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) and co-located World Data Center for Geophysics maintain a global historical eventdatabase of tsunamis, significant earthquakes, and significant volcanic eruptions (http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazards/). As of 3 October 2011, NGDC has collected 288 tide gauge observations, 34 Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami (DART®) and bottom pressure recorder (BPR) station observations, and over 5,000 eyewitness r...
IBIS (Inferred Biomolecular Interaction Server) reports, predicts and integrates multiple types of conserved interactions for proteins

We have recently developed the Inferred Biomolecular Interaction Server (IBIS) and database, which reports, predicts and integrates different types of interaction partners and locations of binding sites in proteins based on the analysis of homologous structural complexes. Here, we highlight several new IBIS features and options. The server's webpage is now redesigned to allow users easier access to data for different interaction types. An entry page is added to give a quick summary of available results and to now accept protein sequence accessions. To elucidate the formation of protein complexes, not just binary interactions, IBIS currently presents an expandable interaction network. Previously, IBIS provided annotations for four different types of binding partners: proteins, small molecules, nucleic acids and peptides; in the current version a new protein-ion interaction type has been added. Several options provide easy downloads of IBIS data for all Protein Data Bank (PDB) protein chains and the results for each query. In this study, we show that about one-third of all RefSeq sequences can be annotated with IBIS interaction partners and binding sites. The IBIS server is available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Structure/ibis/ibis.cgi and updated biweekly.
Benefits of Preoperative Education for Adult Elective Surgery Patients

Patient education is a major concern for perioperative nurses in an ambulatory surgery setting. It has proven difficult to develop formal preoperative teaching programs in this environment, but research has shown that preoperative education can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction with the surgical experience. Typical patient education consists of pamphlets that are given to the patient before surgery and verbal instructions from the physicians and nurses on the day of surgery. Ideally, preoperative patient education should begin in the surgeon's office, continue through preadmission testing, and be completed at admission. Having a well-designed preoperative education program enables perioperative nurses in ambulatory surgery centers to provide a thoughtful approach to perioperative teaching in a limited time. AORN J 90 (September 2009) 381-387. (c) AORN, Inc, 2009.
The genetics of ADHD: a literature review of 2005.

Investigations into the genetic basis of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continue to yield compelling results as candidate gene studies reveal more information about this elusive disorder. Family, twin, and adoption studies further the notion that ADHD is a highly heritable disorder with direct genetic and environmental influence. The year 2005 saw many ADHD candidate gene studies, with most focused on the catecholaminergic candidates. Although many genes were studied in 2005, a large portion of findings has been supportive of the roles of dopaminergic genes’ relationship to clinical phenotypes and drug response. These studies often require replication. Clinical implications continue to be speculative, as larger sample sizes are needed to validate findings to the general population. Further understanding of endophenotypes and the impact of comorbidities also is necessary for proper clinical intervention. Forthwith, we provide a summary of ADHD genetic studies published in 2005.
Occlusion-Aware View Interpolation

View interpolation is an essential step in content preparation for multiview 3D displays, free-viewpoint video, and multiview image/video compression. It is performed by establishing a correspondence among views, followed by interpolation using the corresponding intensities. However, occlusions pose a significant challenge, especially if few input images are available. In this paper, we identify challenges related to disparity estimation and view interpolation in presence of occlusions. We then propose an occlusion-aware intermediate view interpolation algorithm that uses four input images to handle the disappearing areas. The algorithm consists of three steps. First, all pixels in view to be computed are classified in terms of their visibility in the input images. Then, disparity for each pixel is estimated from different image pairs depending on the computed visibility map. Finally, luminance/color of each pixel is adaptively interpolated from an image pair selected by its visibility label. Extensive experimental results show striking improvements in interpolated image quality over occlusion-unaware interpolation from two images and very significant gains over occlusion-aware spline-based reconstruction from four images, both on synthetic and real images. Although improvements are obvious only in the vicinity of object boundaries, this should be useful in high-quality 3D applications, such as digital 3D cinema and ultra-high resolution multiview autostereoscopic displays, where distortions at depth discontinuities are highly objectionable, especially if they vary with viewpoint change.
Quantifying the area and spatial distribution of double-and triple-cropping croplands in India with multi-temporal MODIS imagery in 2005

Cropping intensity, defined as the numbers of crops (single, double and triple cropping) per year in a unit cropland area, is one of the major factors in crop production and agriculture intensification. Changes in cropping intensity are driven by a number of socio-economic and climate factors. Agricultural census statistics of India contain much information on the distribution of crop types and total cropland area but contain no detailed spatially explicit information on the spatial distribution of double and triple cropping fields. In this study, we used multi-temporal images from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in 2005 to identify and map double-and triple-cropping land in India. The phenology algorithm we developed is based on the temporal profile analysis of three vegetation indices: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Land Surface Water Index (LSWI). The MODIS-based phenology algorithm estimates that India has a total area of 57.8 million ha of multiple-(including both double and triple-) cropping fields in 2005, which is about 6.4% higher than the estimate (54.3 million ha) from the agriculture census data in 2004/2005. The resultant MODIS-derived map of multiple-cropping croplands at 500-m spatial resolution in 2005 was compared with the state and district levels using the agricultural census data. We also evaluated the MODIS-derived map using in situ observation data collected in India. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of the phenology algorithm in delineating double-and triple-cropping practice in India. The resultant geospatial dataset of multiple-cropping croplands in India is useful for the study of irrigation, food security and climate.
Phenotypic Plasticity and the Ecotypic Differentiation of Aggressive Behavior in Threespine Stickleback

The threespine stickleback fish, Gasterosteus aculeatus, has undergone a remarkable postglacial adaptive radiation in which an ancient oceanic ancestor has given rise to uncountable freshwater populations. The radiation is characterized by repeated, independent evolution of similar derived phenotypes under similar environmental conditions. A common pattern of divergence is caused by differences in habitat that favor morphological and behavioral features that enhance efficiency of feeding on plankton (limnetic ecotypes) vs. those that enhance efficiency of feeding on benthic invertebrates (benthic ecotypes). These two ecotypes exhibit consistently different patterns of courtship and of foraging and cannibalistic behavior (divergent behavioral syndromes). Here, we demonstrate that there also exist differences in aggression toward conspecifics that are likely to be characteristic of the ecotypes. We report differences in patterns of aggression toward rivals between the ecotypes and offer evidence of differences in the patterns of phenotypic plasticity (norms of reaction) for these traits across population types, and of differences in the incorporation of aggressive elements of behavior in courtship. These data support an earlier suggestion that differences in aggressive tendencies could have facilitated assortative mating between the four benthic–limnetic species pairs found in British Columbia lakes, and they demonstrate the need to evaluate divergent behavioral phenotypes in this radiation as phenotypic norms of reaction rather than as fixed traits. Ethology
Sensitive subjects: research choices and presentational challenges in studying immigrant children and families.

We write from our own experience as researchers on the integration of immigrants and their children, describing several ethical and research considerations that we addressed. In one study we examined the use of public benefits among immigrant families. This study posed issues regarding the selection of which “benefits” should be considered as “welfare”; how to construct comparison groups of immigrants versus natives; and the political sensitivities in reporting widely high use rates of certain benefits, particularly Medicaid. A second study examined the effects of parental detention and deportation on children. It raised issues regarding identifying samples of immigrants to interview, creating trust with interviewees and protecting their confidentiality, and examining the views not just of advocates and families but others involved in the process (such as law enforcement officials) to ensure their perspectives were reflected in resulting reports. A third project examined the young children of Black immigrants—a group that varies widely in their modes of entry, recency of arrival, and levels of human capital. To avoid simplistic misinterpretations, we disaggregated data by national origin where possible and ensured that the results highlight both the risks and protective factors identified. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impedance images of the chest

This paper reports the results of electrical impedance imaging of the thorax of normal human subjects. The data collection and reconstruction algorithms used permit an assessment of the absolute value of the resistivities reported as well as changes in those resistivities.
Complexes derived from 4-(diphenylphosphino)benzoic acid and related ligands that contain mixed-metal assemblies of palladium(II) or gold(I) in combination with the multiply bonded dirhenium(II) unit

Abstract The reactions of cis-Re2(μ-O2CCH3)2Cl2(μ-dppm)2 (dppm=Ph2PCH2PPh2) with substituted benzoic acids of the type 4-XC6H4CO2H (X=Ph2P, Ph2P(O), Ph2P(S) or Ph2P(O)CH2) and with quinoline–4-carboxylic acid afford the complexes cis-Re2(μ-O2CC6H44-X)2CI2(μ-dppm)2 (X=Ph2P (1), Ph2P(O) (2), Ph2P(S) (3) or Ph2P(O)CH2 (4)) and cis-Re2(μ-O2CC10H6N)2Cl2(μ-dppm)2 (5). Similar reactions of trans-Re2(μ-O2CCH3)2Cl2(μ-dppE)2 (dppE=Ph2PC(CH2)PPh2) with 4-Ph2PC6H4CO2H and quinoline–4-carboxylic acid give trans-Re2(μ-O2CC6H44-PPh2)2Cl2(μ-dppE)2 (6) and trans-Re2(μ-O2CC10H6N)2Cl2(μ-dppE)2 (7), respectively. The ability of the unbound ligand functionality on the μ-carboxylate ligands in complexes 1–7 to be used to form mixed-metal complexes is demonstrated by the reactions of 1 and 6 with AuCl(tht) (tht=tetrahydrothiophene) to give cis-Re2(μ-O2CC6H44-PPh2)2Cl2(μ-dppm)2(AuCl)2 (8) and trans-Re2(μ-O2CC6H44-PPh2)2Cl2(μ-dppE)2(AuCl)2 (9). In addition, the reaction of 1 with PdCl2(COD) affords the Re2Pd2 complex cis-Re2(μ-O2C6H44-PPh2)2Cl2(μ-dppm)2(Pd2Cl4) (10), in which the planar [(P)ClPd(μ-Cl)2PdCl(P)] unit has the unusual cis planar structure. An alternative method for preparing mixed-metal Re2Pd2 assemblies is shown by the reaction of cis-Re2(μ-O2CCH3)2Cl2(μ-dppm)2 with cis-PdCl2[(Ph2PCH2)2N4-C6H4CO2H] to produce the complex cis-Re2Cl2(μ-dppm)2[μ-O2CC6H44-N(CH2PPh2)2(PdCl2)]2 (11) in which the mononuclear cis-PdCl2(P)2 units are retained. The structures of 1, 7 and 10 have been established by X-ray crystallography.
BPS: a database of RNA base-pair structures

The BPS (http://bps.rutgers.edu) is a database of RNA base-pair structures, higher-order base interactions and isosteric pairs (base pairs with similar shape). The main functions of the BPS are to find and annotate the structural and chemical features of the Watson–Crick and non-Watson–Crick (noncanonical) base pairs in high-resolution RNA structures, and to provide a user-friendly interface to browse and search for the base pairs. The current database contains 91 265 bp and 3386 higher-order base interactions from 426 RNA crystal structures and 61 819 bp that fall into one of 17 different isosteric classes. The base-pair data can be accessed by searches of base-pair patterns, structure identifiers (IDs) and structural types. The BPS also includes an Atlas with representative images of the various base pairs, higher-order base interactions and isosteric pairs and links to statistical information about these groups of structures.
Understanding by Design: A Framework for Effecting Curricular Development and Assessment

Successful learning outcomes require the integration of content and meaningful assessment with effective pedagogy. However, development of coherent and cohesive curriculum is seemingly overwhelming even to experienced teachers. Obviously this creates a barrier to successful student learning. Understanding by Design (UbD) overcomes this impasse by providing concise and practical guidance for experienced and inexperienced teachers. In programs sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, teams composed of University of Wyoming graduate students and science teachers from grades 6 to 9 designed motivating, inquiry-based lesson plans intended to get students to think and act like scientists. In this process, teams utilized principles outlined in UbD with great success. UbD describes a practical and useful “backward” design process in which anticipated results are first identified; acceptable evidence for learning outcomes is established and, only then, are specific learning experiences and instruction planned. Additionally, UbD provides procedures to avoid content overload by focusing on “enduring principles.” WHERE, the UbD sieve for activities, was used effectively to develop tasks that are engaging, that are consistent with state educational standards, and that promote self-directed, life-long learning.
The Collapse of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Victims or Villains?

The government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac leads to a question over the role of both government sponsored entities in the financial crisis that began in late 2007. Professor Oesterle chronicles the regulatory history of the two organizations, details the conservatorship, notes the subsequent effects of government management, and finally argues that Fannie and Freddie were in the forefront of the crisis. He concludes with a recommendation that Fannie and Freddie be reduced to a role as a broker-dealer, market maker in the mortgage secondary markets.
Immersion cooling of high heat flux microelectronics with dielectric liquids

This paper explores the use of direct liquid cooling, by immersion of the components in inert, non-toxic, high dielectric strength perfluorocarbon liquids. Boiling heat transfer with the candidate liquids provides heat transfer coefficients that are as much as two orders of magnitude higher than achievable with forced convection of air. Unfortunately, the highly effective nucleate boiling domain terminates at the so-called Critical Heat Flux, approximately in the range of 20 W/cm/sup 2/ at atmospheric conditions and saturation temperature. Consequently, if immersion cooling is to be used for next generation chips, ways must be found to increase the pool boiling CHF of these dielectric liquids. Use of a pool boiling CHF correlation, developed in this laboratory, points to the possibility of reaching a CHF of nearly 60 W/cm/sup 2/, using elevated pressure and subcooling, along with a dilute mixture of a high boiling point fluorocarbon, and applying a microporous coating to the surface of the chip.
Performance analysis of full-rate, full-diversity space-time code in asynchronous DS/CDMA

Full-rate, full-diversity space-time codes can be applied in the framework of multiple-input multiple-output asynchronous direct-sequence code-division multiple access (MIMO-ACDMA) to increase the system capacity. First, the performance of these codes in this framework is investigated analytically assuming known channel fading coefficients. An upper bound on the pair-wise error probability is derived. It is shown that the determinant of an effective SINR matrix can serve as a metric to select chip waveforms. Next, different expurgated union bounds are derived to approximate the bit error rate (BER) at different SNR levels. Results show that a chip-level oversampling technique can effectively suppress the multiple-access interference (MAI) when used jointly with high-rate space-time codes.
Fast Excitatory Synaptic Transmission Mediated by Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Drosophila Neurons

Difficulty in recording from single neurons in vivo has precluded functional analyses of transmission at central synapses in Drosophila, where the neurotransmitters and receptors mediating fast synaptic transmission have yet to be identified. Here we demonstrate that spontaneously active synaptic connections form between cultured neurons prepared from wild-type embryos and provide the first direct evidence that both acetylcholine and GABA mediate fast interneuronal synaptic transmission in Drosophila. The predominant type of fast excitatory transmission between cultured neurons is mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Detailed analysis of cholinergic transmission reveals that spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) are composed of both evoked and action potential-independent [miniature EPSC (mEPSC)] components. The mEPSCs are characterized by a broad, positively skewed amplitude histogram in which the variance is likely to reflect differences in the currents induced by single quanta. Biophysical characteristics of the cholinergic mEPSCs include a rapid rise time (0.6 msec) and decay (tau = 2 msec). Regulation of mEPSC frequency by external calcium and cobalt suggests that calcium influx through voltage-gated channels influences the probability of ACh release. In addition, brief depolarization of the cultures with KCl can induce a calcium-dependent increase in sEPSC frequency that persists for up to 3 hr after termination of the stimulus, illustrating one form of plasticity at these cholinergic synapses. These data demonstrate that cultured embryonic neurons, amenable to both genetic and biochemical manipulations, present a unique opportunity to define genes/signal transduction cascades involved in functional regulation of fast excitatory transmission at interneuronal cholinergic synapses in Drosophila.
Electron Transport in a Multichannel One-Dimensional Conductor: Molybdenum Selenide Nanowires

We have measured electron transport in small bundles of identical conducting molybdenum selenide nanowires where the number of weakly interacting one-dimensional chains ranges from 1 to 300. The linear conductance and current in these nanowires exhibit a power-law dependence on temperature and bias voltage, respectively. The exponents governing these power laws decrease as the number of conducting channels increase. These exponents can be related to the electron-electron interaction parameter for transport in multichannel 1D systems with a few defects.
Fast, robust message forwarding for inter-vehicle communication netw

In previous papers, the authors presented the link layer for a communications architecture for reliable adaptive vehicular ad hoc networks (CARAVAN). This robust space division multiplexing protocol mitigates the threat of a variety denial of service attacks on the inter-vehicle communication (IVC) network. However, this type of protocol tends to produce larger multi-hop message latencies than carrier sense link layer protocols, such as the one proposed in the dedicated short range communication (DSRC) IVC standards. This paper presents physical layer specification and network layer protocol for CARAVAN, which address this drawback. The physical layer is split into two frequency bands with radio ranges that are selected based on the requirements of the messages carried in each band. The network protocol includes message forwarding rules and a method that leverages the benefits of varying radio ranges to speed delivery of a-periodic messages. The results of simulation studies demonstrate that with these new features, CARAVAN produces message propagation latencies that are analogous to or better than less secure, currently proposed IVC protocols
A Microfluidic-based Hydrodynamic Trap for Single Particles

The ability to confine and manipulate single particles in free solution is a key enabling technology for fundamental and applied science. Methods for particle trapping based on optical, magnetic, electrokinetic, and acoustic techniques have led to major advancements in physics and biology ranging from the molecular to cellular level. In this article, we introduce a new microfluidic-based technique for particle trapping and manipulation based solely on hydrodynamic fluid flow. Using this method, we demonstrate trapping of micro- and nano-scale particles in aqueous solutions for long time scales. The hydrodynamic trap consists of an integrated microfluidic device with a cross-slot channel geometry where two opposing laminar streams converge, thereby generating a planar extensional flow with a fluid stagnation point (zero-velocity point). In this device, particles are confined at the trap center by active control of the flow field to maintain particle position at the fluid stagnation point. In this manner, particles are effectively trapped in free solution using a feedback control algorithm implemented with a custom-built LabVIEW code. The control algorithm consists of image acquisition for a particle in the microfluidic device, followed by particle tracking, determination of particle centroid position, and active adjustment of fluid flow by regulating the pressure applied to an on-chip pneumatic valve using a pressure regulator. In this way, the on-chip dynamic metering valve functions to regulate the relative flow rates in the outlet channels, thereby enabling fine-scale control of stagnation point position and particle trapping. The microfluidic-based hydrodynamic trap exhibits several advantages as a method for particle trapping. Hydrodynamic trapping is possible for any arbitrary particle without specific requirements on the physical or chemical properties of the trapped object. In addition, hydrodynamic trapping enables confinement of a "single" target object in concentrated or crowded particle suspensions, which is difficult using alternative force field-based trapping methods. The hydrodynamic trap is user-friendly, straightforward to implement and may be added to existing microfluidic devices to facilitate trapping and long-time analysis of particles. Overall, the hydrodynamic trap is a new platform for confinement, micromanipulation, and observation of particles without surface immobilization and eliminates the need for potentially perturbative optical, magnetic, and electric fields in the free-solution trapping of small particles.
Intravenous and Inhaled Antimicrobials at Home in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

The primary clinical characteristics of cystic fibrosis (CF) are malnutrition caused by malabsorption secondary to pancreatic insufficiency, chronic pulmonary infections, and male infertility. The major cause of morbidity and mortality are bronchiectasis and obstructive pulmonary disease. Lung disease in CF is manifested by this chronic lung disease progression, with intermittent episodes of acute worsening of symptoms called pulmonary exacerbations. Once the patient has stabilized, and if suitable care can be arranged, these interventions are often transitioned to the home. This review summarizes important points pertinent to the use of intravenous and inhaled antimicrobials that may be encountered by prescribers, nurses, technicians, and case managers in the home health setting. Appropriate dosing, indications, adverse drug reactions, monitoring parameters, and practicality of both intravenous and inhaled antimicrobials are discussed.
Inducible and constitutive heat shock gene expression responds to modification of Hsp70 copy number in Drosophila melanogaster but does not compensate for loss of thermotolerance in Hsp70 null flies.

Background The heat shock protein Hsp70 promotes inducible thermotolerance in nearly every organism examined to date. Hsp70 interacts with a network of other stress-response proteins, and dissecting the relative roles of these interactions in causing thermotolerance remains difficult. Here we examine the effect of Hsp70 gene copy number modification on thermotolerance and the expression of multiple stress-response genes in Drosophila melanogaster, to determine which genes may represent mechanisms of stress tolerance independent of Hsp70.
Immune evasion versus recovery after acute hepatitis C virus infection from a shared source

Acute infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) rarely is identified, and hence, the determinants of spontaneous resolution versus chronicity remain incompletely understood. In particular, because of the retrospective nature and unknown source of infection in most human studies, direct evidence for emergence of escape mutations in immunodominant major histocompatibility complex class I–restricted epitopes leading to immune evasion is extremely limited. In two patients infected accidentally with an identical HCV strain but who developed divergent outcomes, the total lack of HCV-specific CD4+ T cells in conjunction with vigorous CD8+ T cells that targeted a single epitope in one patient was associated with mutational escape and viral persistence. Statistical evidence for positive Darwinian selective pressure against an immunodominant epitope is presented. Wild-type cytotoxic T lymphocytes persisted even after the cognate antigen was no longer present.
Physicians’ beliefs about using EMR and CPOE: In pursuit of a contextualized understanding of health IT use behavior

Purpose: To identify and describe physicians' beliefs about use of electronic medical records (EMR) and computerized provider order entry (CPOE) for inpatient and outpatient care, to build an under ...
Reputations and deterrence: A theoretical and empirical assessment

(1997). Reputations and deterrence: A theoretical and empirical assessment. Security Studies: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 72-99.
Relative Contributions of Ebp Pili and the Collagen Adhesin Ace to Host Extracellular Matrix Protein Adherence and Experimental Urinary Tract Infection by Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF

Previous studies have demonstrated that the ebp operon and the ace gene of Enterococcus faecalis, encoding endocarditis- and biofilm-associated pili and an adhesin to collagen of E. faecalis, respectively, are both important in experimental urinary tract infections (UTI) and endocarditis. We have also shown that growth of E. faecalis in brain heart infusion (BHI) serum enhances Ebp pilus and Ace production and increases adherence to several host extracellular matrix proteins. Here, we report that deletion of ebpABC almost eliminated serum-elicited adherence to fibrinogen (P < 0.0001), resulted in moderate reduction in adherence to collagen (P < 0.05), and had no effect on fibronectin adherence relative to that of wild-type OG1RF. An OG1RFΔaceΔebpABC double mutant showed further reduced collagen adherence versus that of the OG1RFΔace or OG1RFΔebpABC mutants (P < 0.001). These results were corroborated by complementation and/or studies with native pilus-enriched surface extracts and a collagen-secreting 3T6 fibroblast cell line, as well as antibody inhibition. In the UTI model, both the OG1RFΔace and OG1RFΔaceΔebpABC mutants were found to be significantly attenuated compared to the wild type; however, no significant differences were observed between individual ace or ebp mutants and the OG1RFΔaceΔebpABC mutant. In summary, these data implicate the Ebp pili as having some role in collagen adherence, albeit less than that of Ace, and a very major role in fibrinogen adherence, which may explain in part the importance of these pili in experimental endocarditis. The OG1RFΔaceΔebpABC mutant was attenuated in the UTI model, although not significantly more so than the Δace or ΔebpABC mutants, suggesting involvement of other E. faecalis factors in urinary tract colonization or infection.
Monoethylglycinexylidide formation as an independent measure of warm hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury.

An accurate serologic measure of hepatic function would be clinically useful in selecting donors for liver transplantation. An experimental model that incorporates varying lengths of total hepatic warm ischemia with reperfusion injury was utilized to compare serologic parameters and mitochondrial performance of oxidative phosphorylation in predicting hepatocellular injury. Monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) formation following bolus intravenous lidocaine injection was found to be significantly decreased (P < 0.0001) at all periods of ischemia when compared to that in nonischemic controls. A serum MEGX level of <50 μg/liter suggested severe hepatic damage. No correlation was found between MEGX level and liver viability as measured by animal survival. Serum transaminase (AST and ALT) levels demonstrated progressive, nonsignificant elevations with increasing length of ischemia (P = 0.0779 at the maximum ischemic time). Polarographic measurements of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation did not reveal a significant alteration in subcellular metabolism with prolonged ischemic time. These data highlight the comparative sensitivity of MEGX formation as an early quantitative measurement of hepatocellular injury during warm ischemia, although it was not predictive of organ viability.
A problem-solving approach to usability test planning

An approach to usability testing is described that can help ensure user-based designs: it places usability testing in a problem-solving context. Attention is given to areas in the test development process where problems may occur, problems that pull the focus of the test away from the user. Finally, the author suggests some research needed in usability testing if one is to move beyond the constraints imposed by the industry environment and grow a responsible methodology. She describes a typical test plan, some situational constraints that affect it, and alternative plans that might grow out of dealing with constraints. >
Coenzyme Q10 Absorption and Tolerance in Children With Down Syndrome: A Dose-Ranging Trial

Controlled studies of coenzyme Q 10 dosing and tolerance have been reported in adults, but not in pediatric patients. This study compares low- and high-dose coenzyme Q 10 (LiQ-NOL syrup) absorption and tolerance in children with Down syndrome. After a 1-month low-dose (1.0 mg/kg/day) run-in period, all participants received high-dose coenzyme Q 10 (10.0 mg/kg/day) for two additional months (in randomized sequence as one daily dose or split into two daily doses). Chemistry profiles and complete blood counts were determined just before and at the study completion. Plasma coenzyme Q 10 concentrations were determined initially and at each study visit. Parents reported adverse events and study drug evaluations using standardized forms. Most of the 16 children who completed this study tolerated high-dose coenzyme Q 10 well. Uncooperative behavior resulted in premature withdrawal of two participants, and may have been treatment-related. Pre- and posttreatment laboratory test changes were considered to be clinically nonsignificant. Study results indicate that high-dose coenzyme Q 10 (10 mg/kg/day) is well-absorbed and well-tolerated by most children with Down syndrome, and appears to provide plasma concentrations which are comparable to previous adult studies administering much higher coenzyme Q 10 dosages.
Process-Induced Carbon and Sub-Layer in SiC/BN/SiC Composites: Characterization and Consequences

Following our detection of films of elemental carbon in the Hi-Nicalon TM/BN/SiC composite and its deleterious effect on oxidative durability, we have examined other SiC/BN/SiC systems. The problem is pervasive, and significant residues of free carbon are confirmed in Sylramic /BN/SiC materials. Effective techniques for routine detection and characterization of adventitious carbon in SiC/BN/SiC composites are discussed.
The Vile and the Noble: On the Relation between Natural and Social Classifications in the French Wine World

This article examines the concept of terroir—a French word that captures the correspondence between the physical and human features of a place and the character of its agricultural products. Tied to the protection of economic rents threatened by competition and fraud, the practice of classifying certain lands, grapes, and properties both substantively and qualitatively has become the organizing principle of the entire French wine industry. Often derided as snobbish monopolistic practices by New World producers, the notion terroir in France and its rejection in America both exemplify how the “principles of vision and division” of the natural world are always intertwined with the “principles of vision and division” of the social world. The present article discusses these affinities through an analysis of wine classifications in the French regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, and some of the critiques they have given rise to, in the United States especially.
Audience effects on moralistic punishment

Abstract Punishment has been proposed as being central to two distinctively human phenomena: cooperation in groups and morality. Here we investigate moralistic punishment, a behavior designed to inflict costs on another individual in response to a perceived moral violation. There is currently no consensus on which evolutionary model best accounts for this phenomenon in humans. Models that turn on individuals' cultivating reputations as moralistic punishers clearly predict that psychological systems should be designed to increase punishment in response to information that one's decisions to punish will be known by others. We report two experiments in which we induce participants to commit moral violations and then present third parties with the opportunity to pay to punish wrongdoers. Varying conditions of anonymity, we find that the presence of an audience—even if only the experimenter—causes an increase in moralistic punishment.
SIMULATION OF METEOROLOGICAL FIELDS WITHIN AND ABOVE URBAN AND RURAL CANOPIES WITH A MESOSCALE MODEL (MM5)

Accurate simulation of air quality at neighbourhood scales (on order of 1-km horizontal grid spacing) requires detailed meteorological fields inside the roughness sub-layer (RSL). Since the assumptions of the roughness approach, used by most of the mesoscale models, are unsatisfactory at this scale, a detailed urban and rural canopy parameterisation, called DA-SM2-U, is developed inside the Penn State/NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) to simulate the meteorological fields within and above the urban and rural canopies. DA-SM2-U uses the drag-force approach to represent the dynamic and turbulent effects of the buildings and vegetation, and a modified version of the soil model SM2-U, called SM2-U(3D), to represent the thermodynamic effects of the canopy elements. The turbulence length scale is also modified inside the canopies. SM2-U(3D) assesses the sensible and latent heat fluxes from rural and urban surfaces in each of the computational layers inside the canopies by considering the shadowing effect, the radiative trapping by the street canyons, and the storage heat flux by the artificial surfaces. DA-SM2-U is tested during one simulated day above the city of Philadelphia, U.S.A. It is shown that DA-SM2-U is capable of simulating the important features observed in the urban and rural RSL, as seen in the vertical profiles of the shear stress, turbulent kinetic energy budget components, eddy diffusivity, potential air temperature, and specific humidity. Within the canopies, DA-SM2-U simulates the decrease of the wind speed inside the dense canopies, the skirting of the flow around the canopy blocks, warmer air inside the vegetation canopy than above open areas during the night and conversely during the day, and constantly warmer air inside the urban canopy. The comparison with measurements shows that the surface air temperature above rural and urban areas is better simulated by DA-SM2-U than by the `standard version' of MM5.
Analysis: Continuous Glucose Monitoring: The Next Step Toward Closing the Loop

57 TWO DECADES HAVE PASSED since the introduction of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) into diabetes management for people with type 1 diabetes. The daily, periodic sampling of capillary blood glucose has facilitated rational use of algorithms for insulin dose adjustment, more prompt and judicious treatment of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and better integration of diet and exercise variations in treatment regimens. With greater frequency of SMBG, there is greater potential for the adaptation of treatment to the changing needs of the person with diabetes. Most importantly, SMBG has been the cornerstone of intensive therapy that aims at maintaining blood glucose close to the normal range. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) established that intensive therapy can prevent and/or slow the development of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes, but the DCCT also highlighted the risk of attendant hypoglycemia,1,2 despite SMBG four or more times daily. Several factors may lead to the increased risk of both moderate (self-treatable) or severe (requiring assistance) hypoglycemia. First and foremost, current insulin replacement techniques are imperfect, and inappropriate hyperinsulinemia leads to suppression of endogenous glucose output and increase of glucose uptake. Exercise, decreased food intake, missed meals, alcohol ingestion, and other factors exacerbate the metabolic demands imposed by hyperinsulinemia. However, it has become clear that additional factors leading to an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia are defective glucose counterregulation and impaired hypoglycemia awareness.3 Defective counterregulation in type 1 diabetes is due to the combined impairment in secretion of epinephrine and glucagon. Defects in epinephrine secretion with intensive therapy are likely to be due, in part, to frequent iatrogenic hypoglycemia, and efforts at reducing the frequency of hypoglycemia may reverse the defect in epinephrine response.4–9 Thus, in addition to allowing the patient to identify and anticipate hypoglycemia, more frequent measurement of blood glucose may reduce the number of mild or symptomatic hypoglycemia episodes that lead to severe hypoglycemia events. However, blood glucose sampling has several perceived and real disadvantages that have stimulated the search for alternative means of assessing glycemia. Concerns that have been raised about current SMBG techniques include the need for skin lancing and the practical limitations of obtaining samples frequently enough to permit closed-loop insulin replacement. Frequent monitoring of glucose with a sensor in contact with the bloodstream, while conceptually ideal, presents a number of prac-
Fetal cardiovascular and breathing responses to an adenosine A2a receptor agonist in sheep

CGS-21680 (CGS), a highly selective adenosine A2a receptor agonist, may excite the fetal carotid bodies. This study was designed to determine 1) whether CGS stimulates fetal breathing and 2) whether sinoaortic denervation abolishes CGS-induced tachycardia. In eight intact fetuses (> 0.8 term), intra-arterial CGS infusion (6 micrograms.min-1.kg estimated fetal wt-1) increased mean arterial PCO2 by 3-7 Torr, reduced fetal arterial PO2 by 2-5 Torr, and produced a mild metabolic acidemia. Heart rate increased from 154 +/- 7 (control) to 249 +/- 12 beats/min, but mean arterial pressure was not significantly affected. CGS initially increased the frequency, amplitude, and incidence of fetal breathing, but this hyperpnea was followed by prolonged respiratory depression that was not reversed with blockade of adenosine A1 receptors. Denervation of both carotid bodies together with interruption of the vagi abolished the hyperpnea without altering the respiratory depression or the maximum rise in heart rate. We conclude that CGS induces 1) tachycardia by a mechanism independent of the peripheral arterial chemoreceptors, 2) hyperpnea by stimulating peripheral adenosine A2a receptors, and 3) respiratory depression by activating central A2a receptors.
What's Home Got To Do With It? Kinship, Space, and the Case of Family, Spouse and Civil Partnership in the UK

The analysis that is offered in this Article has two dimensions. The first focuses upon the context in which the battle for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships has taken place. Using two key reported decisions from the U.K.'s final domestic court of appeal, Fitzpatrick v Sterling Housing and Ghaidan v Mendoza, the objective here is to explore the shifting terrain against which legal activism relating to the recognition of same-sex domestic relationships has achieved some success in the U.K. These two cases represent key developments in the judicial recognition of the rights of parties in same-sex domestic relationships. These cases have particular importance. In Fitzpatrick, the House of Lords decided that a same-sex couple's relationship fell within the meaning of "family." In Ghaidan the court decided that the term "spouse" was to be applied to same-sex couples. Some of the key legal effects
Cardiopulmonary and histological characterization of an acute rat lung injury model demonstrating safety of mesenchymal stromal cell infusion

Abstract Background aims In the field of cellular therapy, potential cell entrapment in the lungs following intravenous administration in a compromised or injured pulmonary system is an important concern that requires further investigation. We developed a rat model of inflammatory and fibrotic lung disease to mimic the human clinical condition of obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) and evaluate the safety of intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). This model was used to obtain appropriate safety information and functional characterization to support the translation of an ex vivo –generated cellular product into human clinical trials. To overcome spontaneous recovery and size limitations associated with current animal models, we used a novel multiple dose bleomycin strategy to induce lasting lung injury in rats. Methods Intratracheal instillation of bleomycin was administered to rats on multiple days. MSCs were intravenously infused 7 days apart. Detailed pulmonary function tests including forced expiratory volume, total lung capacity, and invasive hemodynamic measurements were conducted to define the representative disease model and monitor cardiopulmonary hemodynamic consequences of the cell infusion. Post-euthanasia assessments included a thorough evaluation of lung morphology and histopathology. Results The double dose bleomycin instillation regimen resulted in severe and irreversible lung injury and fibrosis. Cardiopulmonary physiological monitoring reveled that no adverse events could be attributed to the cell infusion process. Discussion Although our study did not show the infusion of MSCs to result in an improvement in lung function or rescue of damaged tissue this study does confirm the safety of MSC infusion into damaged lungs.
Two New Genera of Discomycetes from the Olympic National Forest

The spring season of 1939 was spent by the junior author in the Olympic National Forest, Washington, on a mycological expedition. Among the numerous collections of Discomycetes that were made during that time are two that are here described as new. For them two new genera are erected in the family Pezizaceae. These fungi were found growing at an altitude of 5000 feet in the Hudsonian Life Zone in small areas uncovered by recently melted
High pore pressure, or its absence, in the San Andreas Fault

High pore pressure in the San Andreas fault (California) was hypothesized to explain the prevailing weakness of the fault and may have major implications on the mechanics of earthquakes. However, no evidence of high pore pressure was found in the latest drilling into the San Andreas fault (SAFOD: San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth) in central California (Zoback et al., 2010). If widely applicable, this result would impact our understanding of earthquake mechanisms on this and other active faults around the world. Here, however, I show that the available evidence from the latest SAFOD drilling may not be sufficient to reject the high pore-pressure hypothesis, and that definite knowledge of pore pressure in the fault zone may require long-term monitoring at the SAFOD site. The inference may also be useful for interpreting results from drilling projects on other active faults.
Piecewise Linear Modeling

This book treats analysis and design of piecewise linear control systems. In this chapter, we lay the foundation for the analysis by presenting the mathematical model on which the subsequent developments will be based. We derive an explicit matrix representation of the model and discuss solution concepts. We extend modeling techniques for uncertain linear systems to piecewise linear systems and show how norm-bound uncertainties and smooth nonlinearities can be treated rigorously in this framework. Finally, we note that piecewise linear systems enjoy important interconnection properties that allow complex systems to be constructed from the interconnection of simpler subsystems, and discuss memory-efficient model representations.