cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-Reconfiguring Modular Robot Learning for Lower-Cost Space Applications

The applications for self-reconfiguring modular robots are far reaching. Their advantage comes from their ability to form into many different shapes which allows them to perform a multitude of tasks. This is especially advantageous for space applications, due to the associated high cost of launching equipment into space. Self-reconfiguring robots are not a panacea, however. A trade-off between flexibility and capability exists. A modular robot that configures itselfto do a specific task may be unable to perform as well as a robot that was designed specifically for that task. This disadvantage can be mitigated by having the units form into optimal configurations for the associated tasks. This is difficult to pre-define for tasks that are not known a-priori. To this end, the robots are designed to learn and choose the most efficient ways of reorganizing into the desired configuration. In this paper, the use of machine learning for commanding a self-reconfiguring modular robot system is investigated. A method is proposed under which the robot system would be able to learn through a trial and error process to form itself into different configurations, more optimally.
Innovation instruction in the academic library: A new focus

Innovation spaces are quickly being implemented into academic libraries. But while these spaces generate outward excitement from those who wish to use them, they, and the projects introduced within...
Vortices in SO(3)xZ(2) simulations

We study the configuration space of the Tomboulis SO(3)xZ(2) formulation with periodic boundary conditions. The dynamical variables are constrained by the required coincidence of Z(2) and SO(3) monopoles. Furthermore, there is an additional constraint coming from the boundary conditions. We propose an update algorithm that satisfies the constraints and is straightforward to implement. We further prove that it reaches all configurations. We show that configurations that are topologically stable due to boundary conditions cannot be reached from the identity configuration; they have zero weight. We measure gauge invariant vortex counters for ''thin,'' ''thick,'' and ''hybrid'' vortex sheets. We also measure projection vortex counters defined in the maximal center gauge for comparison. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Avian MRP126 Restricts Microbial Growth through Ca(II)-Dependent Zn(II) Sequestration.

The calgranulins form a class of S100 proteins in higher vertebrates that innate-immune cells release in abundance at infection sites. These proteins function by binding transition metal ions to pr...
TEMPORARY MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT USE IN TERTIARY CARDIAC INTENSIVE CARE UNITS BEFORE AND AFTER THE UNOS HEART TRANSPLANTATION ALLOCATION SYSTEM UPDATE: INSIGHTS FROM THE CRITICAL CARE CARDIOLOGY TRIALS NETWORK (CCCTN) REGISTRY

The updated UNOS heart transplantation allocation system, implemented in 10/2018, gives priority to pts treated with non-dischargeable mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices while awaiting heart transplant. Whether there has been a change in temporary MCS use in cardiac intensive care units (
Liquid-Fed Pulsed Plasma Thruster with Low-Energy Surface Flashover Igniter for Propelling Nanosatellites

This paper presents the initial development and characterization of a novel micropropulsion system for nanosatellite applications: a liquid-fed pulsed plasma thruster (LF-PPT) comprising a Lorentz-...
Global climatic controls on interannual variability of ecosystem productivity: Similarities and differences inferred from solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence and enhanced vegetation index

Abstract Assessing how climate factors regulate the interannual variability (IAV) of ecosystem productivity globally is crucial for understanding the ecosystem-climate interactions and carbon-climate feedbacks under a changing climate. However, our understanding of global climatic controls on the IAV of ecosystem productivity has been limited by the lack of direct measurements of ecosystem productivity at the global scale. We used a long-term, fine-resolution solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) product (GOSIF) derived from SIF soundings measured by the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) to investigate how climatic factors drive the IAV of global ecosystem productivity. We also examined how the results derived from SIF differed from those based on a satellite-derived measure of vegetation greenness and productivity - the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Both productivity measures showed the dominant role of soil moisture in driving the IAV of global ecosystem productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. SIF was more sensitive to climate variability than was EVI. SIF was positively correlated with solar radiation in the humid regions, while no significant correlations were found between EVI and solar radiation. The stronger correlation of SIF with climate factors was also observed at the ecosystem level based on a number of eddy covariance flux sites, indicating that SIF had a higher ability in capturing the variations of gross primary productivity (GPP) than did EVI. The comparison between SIF and EVI also highlighted the biome-specific (depending on the tree cover) responses of ecosystem productivity to solar radiation under water stress. Our findings explicitly reveal the global climatic controls on the IAV of ecosystem productivity, and provide insight into the mechanistic differences between SIF and vegetation indices in characterizing ecosystem productivity.
General slowing of information-processing by persons with mental retardation.

On measures of speeded performance, persons with mental retardation typically respond more slowly than do those without mental retardation. A review of 45 published studies yielded 518 pairs of response times (RTs) in which each pair consisted of a mean RT for a group of persons with mental retardation for an experimental condition and the corresponding mean RT for a group of persons without mental retardation. The primary result was that RTs of individuals with mental retardation increased linearly as a function of RTs for persons without mental retardation in corresponding conditions. These results are consistent with the view that differences in processing speed between persons with and without mental retardation reflect some general (i.e., nontask specific) component of cognitive processing. Possible candidates for the general component were discussed.
Meta-Continual Learning Via Dynamic Programming

Meta continual learning algorithms seek to train a model when faced with similar tasks observed in a sequential manner. Despite promising methodological advancements, there is a lack of theoretical frameworks that enable analysis of learning challenges such as generalization and catastrophic forgetting. To that end, we develop a new theoretical approach for meta continual learning~(MCL) where we mathematically model the learning dynamics using dynamic programming, and we establish conditions of optimality for the MCL problem. Moreover, using the theoretical framework, we derive a new dynamic-programming-based MCL method that adopts stochastic-gradient-driven alternating optimization to balance generalization and catastrophic forgetting. We show that, on MCL benchmark data sets, our theoretically grounded method achieves accuracy better than or comparable to that of existing state-of-the-art methods.
Regulation of T cell-associated tissues and T cell activation by RANKL-RANK-OPG

The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-RANK-osteoprotegerin (OPG) system is critical to bone homeostasis, but genetically deficient mouse models have revealed important roles in the immune system as well. RANKL-RANK-OPG is particularly important to T cell biology because of its organogenic control of thymic development and secondary lymphoid tissues influence central T cell tolerance and peripheral T cell function. RANKL-RANK-OPG cytokine-receptor interactions are often controlled by regulation of expression of RANKL on developing T cells, which interacts with RANK expressed on some lymphoid tissue cells to stimulate key downstream signaling pathways that affect critical tuning functions of the T cell compartment, like cell survival and antigen presentation. Activation of peripheral T cells is regulated by RANKL-enhanced dendritic cell survival, and dysregulation of the RANKL-RANK-OPG system in this context is associated with loss of T cell tolerance and autoimmune disease. Given its broader implications for immune homeostasis and osteoimmunology, it is critical to further understand how the RANKL-RANK-OPG system operates in T cell biology.
Technology Shocks or Colored Noise?: Why Real-Business-Cycle Models Cannot Explain Actual Business Cycles

Typically real-business-cycle models are assessed by their ability to mimic the covariances and variances of actual business cycle data. Recently, however, advocates of RBC models have used them to fit the historical path of real GDP using the Solow residual as a driving process. We demonstrate that the success of RBC models at matching historical GDP data does not confirm the validity of RBC models. Through simulations we demonstrate that the Solow residual does not carry useful information about technology shocks and that the RBC model does not add incremental information about GDP. RBC models fit historical GDP data entirely because the Solow residual is itself just a noisy measure of GDP.
Implementation and sustainment strategies for open visitation in the intensive care unit: A multicentre qualitative study.

Abstract Objective Open visitation in adult intensive care units has been associated with improved family and patient outcomes. However, worldwide adoption of this practice has been slow and reasons for this are unclear. This study documents barriers and strategies for implementing and sustaining open visitation in adult intensive care units in the United States experienced by nursing leadership. Research design Qualitative approach using grounded theory. Participants Nurse leaders in adult intensive care units with open visitation. Setting Magnet® or Pathway to Excellence® designated hospitals in the United States. Methods Semi structured interviews were conducted with 19 nurse leaders from 15 geographically dispersed hospitals. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and imported into Atlas.ti qualitative software for analysis. Grounded theory constant comparison analysis was used for coding and category development. Findings The analysis revealed three barriers; nursing attitudes and clinical and nonclinical barriers. Strategies to overcome these barriers were empathy, evidence-based practice, models of care, shared governance, nurse discretion, security and family spaces. Conclusion Intensive care nursing leadership experienced distinct barriers and strategies during pre-implementation, implementation and sustainment of open visitation. Other nursing leaders interested in open visitation can use these findings as they plan this transition in their intensive care units.
A broken lead to an open heart: implantable cardioverter defibrillator vegetations with lead fracture.

Abstract Implantable cardiac devices are widely used devices that serve several purposes. Complications from devices are not uncommon and include localized or systemic infections, device-related endocarditis, and device malfunction leading to serious outcomes, including death. Another possible complication that has been reported in the literature is thrombus formation on the device leads. We present a rare case of large thrombi forming on the leads of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator leading to lead fracture and device malfunction. After the device alerted for malfunction, the patient underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram which demonstrated masses on the right atrium and ventricle. He subsequently had a right atrial exploration and lead extraction which revealed large thrombi on the leads which histologically were identified as sterile vegetations.
Functions of Müller cell-derived vascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic retinopathy.

Muller cells are macroglia and play many essential roles as supporting cells in the retina. To respond to pathological changes in diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major complication in the eye of diabetic patients, retinal Muller glia produce a high level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF or VEGF-A). As VEGF is expressed by multiple retinal cell-types and Muller glia comprise only a small portion of cells in the retina, it has been a great challenge to reveal the function of VEGF or other globally expressed proteins produced by Muller cells. With the development of conditional gene targeting tools, it is now possible to dissect the function of Muller cell-derived VEGF in vivo. By using conditional gene targeting approach, we demonstrate that Muller glia are a major source of retinal VEGF in diabetic mice and Muller cell-derived VEGF plays a significant role in the alteration of protein expression and peroxynitration, which leads to retinal inflammation, neovascularization, vascular leakage, and vascular lesion, key pathological changes in DR. Therefore, Muller glia are a potential cellular target for the treatment of DR, a leading cause of blindness.
Coming Out to Families: Guidelines for Intervention with Gay and Lesbian Clients

ABSTRACT Coming out to families is a major milestone event for many lesbian and gay people. Social work intervention can be an important support for gay and lesbian people who are preparing to come out to their families. This article reviews the literature related to coming out to families, and proposes the following ten guidelines for social work intervention with clients who are considering coming out to family members: evaluate the client's social context; assess the client's level of gay/lesbian identity development; develop a client knowledge base related to gay and lesbian issues; develop a social support system; engage practice experiences before coming out to families; determine the availability of supportive family allies; choose language and terminology appropriate for the receiver of the news; select the method of information delivery; structure the timing of coming out; and, prepare the client for upheaval.
Approximation algorithms that take advice

Many recently designed approximation algorithms use a simple but apparently powerful idea. The algorithm is allowed to ask a trusted oracle for a small number (say O(log n)) bits of "advice." For instance, it could ask for O(log n) bits of the optimum answer. Of course, strictly speaking, a polynomial-time algorithm has no need for log n bits of advice: it could just try all possibilities for this advice and retain the one that works the best. Nevertheless, this is a useful way of thinking about some approximation algorithms. In the talk I will present a few examples. My title is a play on the title of a classic paper on nonuniform computation "Turing Machines that take advice" (Karp and Lipton 1982).
Abstract 3278: Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Tea (Tisane) Lowers Blood Pressure in Prehypertensive and Mildly Hypertensive Adults

In vitro studies have shown Hibiscus sabdariffa L., an ingredient of many herbal tea blends and other beverages, has antioxidant properties. In animal models, extracts of hibiscus calyces possess h...
Sonographic evaluation for intra-abdominal hemorrhage after cesarean delivery

Purpose To evaluate whether intra-abdominal hemorrhage is visible on a modified focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examination in stable obstetrics patients after a nonemergent cesarean delivery. Methods This was a prospective observational study of patients who underwent nonemergent cesarean delivery at a single institution. Patients provided written informed consent to participate in the study preoperatively and underwent a modified FAST examination in the recovery room within 2 hours of completion of surgery. A sonographic examination was considered positive for hemorrhage if an anechoic pocket consistent with free fluid was present. Results One hundred patients underwent suprapubic and bilateral upper-quadrant sonographic evaluations. The mean (±SD) time of the evaluation was 74.2 ± 36 minutes after the end of surgery. Among the 100 sonographic examinations of each upper quadrant, 194 (97.0%) were negative, 5 (2.5%) were indeterminate, and 1 (0.5%) was positive for fluid. All suprapubic sonographic examinations were considered inadequate. Conclusions Sonographic evaluation immediately after cesarean delivery is feasible in most patients and was overwhelmingly negative for intra-abdominal hemorrhage in a group of patients who did not require reoperation or unexpected blood transfusion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2015
Iatrogenic Graft to Vein Fistula (GVF) Formation Associated with Synthetic Arteriovenous Grafts

The prevalence of fistulous connection between arteriovenous graft (AVG) and an adjacent vein resulting in graft-vein fistula (GVF) formation is not established. AVG venous outflow stenosis along with repeated and traumatic cannulation is likely major contributing factor of this complication. Detection and resolution of venous outflow stenosis may be the only needed intervention. We report a series of eight cases with GVF formation between AVG and adjacent veins. Awareness of this complication and intervention to relieve stenotic lesions may result in improved AVG survival.
Redefining Interdisciplinary Curriculum: A Journey of Collaboration and Change in Secondary Teacher Education

When beginning to teach a secondary education course focusing on interdisciplinary curriculum together, four women teacher educators determined changes we hoped to make for the following semester. For example, we took up the notions of difference, arts integration, and collaboration all under the umbrella of interdisciplinary curriculum. We were in search of a model of interdisciplinarity that could incorporate our understanding of education and our teaching interests. We designed this model in order to guide our students into identifying themselves as educators rather than purely content-area specialists. Similarly, we saw this course as an opportunity to encourage collaborative practices. We could model team-teaching as our students planned interdisciplinary units together. Likewise, we could demonstrate to our students that transcending their own disciplines allows for more powerful teaching and learning. We saw redefining interdisciplinary curriculum as a route to encourage preservice teachers to teach for social justice and to show teaching's potential as a collaborative profession. This article narrates how we experienced the changes of crossing disciplines, co-teaching sections of the course, exploring arts integration, and providing practical experiences in four different voices. We use our varied voices as we hope the reader may then come to better understand our individual experiences as well as our collaborative journey. While we encountered several roadblocks on our travels, we also found that we offered opportunities for creating new knowledge among ourselves and our students.
On the symmetries and structure of trellis codes

We describe techniques from symbolic dynamics to determine the symmetry system of a trellis code. The construction starts with the partition permutation group, G, and enumerates short sequences over G under which the code is invariant. These sequences are then used to generate a graph. The process terminates when either the image of the symmetry graph is the entire code C (in which case C is known to be geometrically uniform), or the length of the generators exceeds a bound derived from the memory of C. As an example of using these techniques we analyze the V.34 codes. >
Evaluating Clinical Simulation

CummingsProblem This article reviews the findings of a year-long process of evaluation by faculty involved in clinical simulation. The process involved only one faculty reviewer, and the findings demonstrated various deficiencies present in students’ performance of selected clinical scenarios. Methods A simulation rubric and set clinical scenarios were developed in order to evaluate students’ performance. The student's performance was graded and was made part of the senior student's final clinical course grade. The students were required to conduct a clinical simulation activity, as if they were the nurse caring for the patient. They performed a complete assessment, basic interventions, and interdisciplinary communication, along with computerized documentation. Findings The findings showed deficits in the areas of medication administration, patient assessment, and communication. Conclusion As a result, the faculty has looked at ways to improve these areas and to more fully incorporate simulation activities into the nursing curriculum. Cummings
Transposable Elements and Genome Organization: A Comprehensive Survey of Retrotransposons Revealed by the Complete Saccharomyces cerevisiae Genome Sequence

We conducted a genome-wide survey of Saccharomyces cerevisiae retrotransposons and identified a total of 331 insertions, including 217 Ty1, 34 Ty2, 41 Ty3, 32 Ty4, and 7 Ty5 elements. Eighty-five percent of insertions were solo long terminal repeats (LTRs) or LTR fragments. Overall, retrotransposon sequences constitute >377 kb or 3.1% of the genome. Independent evolution of retrotransposon sequences was evidenced by the identification of a single-base pair insertion/deletion that distinguishes the highly similar Ty1 and Ty2 LTRs and the identification of a distinct Ty1 subfamily (Ty18). Whereas Ty1, Ty2, and Ty5 LTRs displayed a broad range of sequence diversity (typically ranging from 70%‐99% identity), Ty3 and Ty4 LTRs were highly similar within each element family (most sharing >96% nucleotide identity). Therefore, Ty3 and Ty4 may be more recent additions to the S. cerevisiae genome and perhaps entered through horizontal transfer or past polyploidization events. Distribution of Ty elements is distinctly nonrandom: 90% of Ty1, 82% of Ty2, 95% of Ty3, and 88% of Ty4 insertions were found within 750 bases of tRNA genes or other genes transcribed by RNA polymerase III. tRNA genes are the principle determinant of retrotransposon distribution, and there is, on average, 1.2 insertions per tRNA gene. Evidence for recombination was found near many Ty elements, particularly those not associated with tRNA gene targets. For these insertions, 58- and 38-flanking sequences were often duplicated and rearranged among multiple chromosomes, indicating that recombination between retrotransposons can influence genome organization. S. cerevisiae offers the first opportunity to view organizational and evolutionary trends among retrotransposons at the genome level, and we hope our compiled data will serve as a starting point for further investigation and for comparison to other, more complex genomes.
Introductory computing course content: educator and student perspectives

Selecting the appropriate content for introductory computing courses is an important part of attracting and retaining students in computer related education programs. This paper reports the results of an educator survey including SIGCSE and SIGITE members designed to evaluate topics that member institutions currently include and would prefer to include in their introductory computing courses notably for non-majors. In addition, we contrast information obtained from the educator surveys to a student preference survey and student outcome evaluations from our introductory computing course. In this paper we show how the perspectives of computer science and information technology educators differ with regard to content of their courses and the differences between the currently offered content and what would be preferred. We also examine survey respondent perspectives regarding the teaching of the office suite, broadening participation, and interdisciplinary topics.
Sociobiology: the Phoenix effect.

A spore-forming bacterium can escape from social collapse and extinction with a single mutation that has a dramatic effect. Here is evidence that a cooperative system can recover from the very brink of destruction. The soil-dwelling bacterium Myxococcus xanthus forms swarming packs of cells that predate on other microbes by secreting metabolites that kill and degrade them, generating an extracellular nutrient pool. Starvation prompts the cells to aggregate into groups of about 100,000 (seen on the cover) that exchange intercellular signals to construct fruiting bodies and differentiate into stress-resistant spores. This provides an unlikely model in which to gain insight into a long-standing problem in evolutionary biology, the evolution of cooperative versus cheating strategies. Some M. xanthus genotypes defective at fruiting body development ‘cheat’ on proficient genotypes in chimaeric groups. A single spontaneous mutation in a cheater can restore proficient cooperative development and confer fitness superiority over both ancestral genotypes, including immunity from exploitation by the ancestral cheater.
Development of mitochondrial gene replacement therapy.

Many “classic” mitochondrial diseases have been described that arise from single homoplasmic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). These diseases typically affect nonmitotic tissues (brain, retina, muscle), present with variable phenotypes, can appear sporadically, and are untreatable. Evolving evidence implicates mtDNA abnormalities in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type II diabetes, but specific causal mutations for these conditions remain to be defined. Understanding the mtDNA genotype–phenotype relationships and developing specific treatment for mtDNA-based diseases is hampered by inability to manipulate the mitochondrial genome. We present a novel protein transduction technology (“protofection”) that allows insertion and expression of the human mitochondrial genome into mitochondria of living cells. With protofection, the mitochondrial genotype can be altered, or exogenous genes can be introduced to be expressed and either retained in mitochondria or be directed to other organelles. Protofection also delivers mtDNA in vivo, opening the way to rational development of mitochondrial gene replacement therapy of mtDNA-based diseases.
Dynamics of Photosystem Stoichiometry Adjustment by Light Quality in Chloroplasts

Long-term imbalance in light absorption and electron transport by photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) in chloroplasts brings about changes in the composition, structure, and function of thylakoid membranes. The response entails adjustment in the photosystem ratio, which is optimized to help the plant retain a high quantum efficiency of photosynthesis (W.S. Chow, A. Melis, J.M. Anderson [1990] Proc Nat Acad Sci USA 87: 7502–7506). The dynamics of photosystem ratio adjustment were investigated upon the transfer of pea {Pisum sativum} plants from a predominantly PSI-light to a predominantly PSII-light environment and vice versa. The concentration of functional components (primary electron accepting plastoquinone of PSII [QA], P700) and that of constituent proteins were monitored during acclimation by A difference spectrophotometry and immunoblot analysis, respectively. Fully reversible changes in photosystem ratio occurred with a half-time of about 20 h. They involved closely coordinated changes in the concentration of the QA, reaction center protein D1, D2, and the 9-kD apoprotein of the cytochrome b559 for PSII. Similarly, closely coordinated changes in the relative concentration of P700 and reaction center proteins of PSI were observed. The level of chlorophyll b and that of the light-harvesting complex II changed in accordance with the concentration of PSII in the acclimating thylakoids. Overall, adjustments in the photosystem ratio in response to PSI- or PSII-light conditions appeared to be a well-coordinated reaction in the chloroplast. The response was absent in the chlorophyll b-less chlorina f2 mutant of barley (Hordeum vulgare) and in a phycobilisomeless mutant of Agmenellum quadruplicatum, suggesting that photosystem accessory pigments act as the light-quality perception molecules and that PSI and PSII themselves play a role in the signal transduction pathway.
Progressive joint source-channel coding in feedback channels

It is well known that Shannon's separation result does not hold under finite computation or finite delay constraints, thus joint source-channel coding is of great interest for practical reasons. For progressive source-channel coding systems, efficient codes have been proposed for feedforward channels and the important problem of rate allocation between the source and channel codes has been solved. For memoryless channels with feedback, the rate allocation problem was studied by Chande et al. (1998). In this paper, we consider the case of fading channels with feedback. Feedback routes are provided in many existing standard wireless channels, making rate allocation with feedback a problem of considerable practical importance. We address the question of rate allocation between the source and channel codes in the forward channel, in the presence of feedback information and under a distortion cost function. We show that the presence of feedback shifts the optimal rate allocation point, resulting in higher rates for error-correcting codes and smaller overall distortion. Simulations on both memoryless and fading channels show that the presence of feedback allows up to 1 dB improvement in PSNR compared to the similarly optimized feedforward scheme.
Esophageal motility in the assessment of esophageal function.

Esophageal manometry assesses lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and its relaxation. In addition, it detects the ability of the esophageal body to initiate a peristaltic contraction and the contraction's amplitude in response to a water bolus. The study is indicated in patients with symptoms suggestive of an esophageal motor disorder and to assist in the diagnosis of some miscellaneous disorders. The most common disorders diagnosed by esophageal manometry are the primary motility disorders, such as achalasia. Manometry is indicated in the subset of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are being considered for antireflux surgery or have symptoms after antireflux surgery.
Microscale Fracture Toughness of Bismuth Doped Copper Bicrystals Using Double Edge Notched Microtensile Tests

The availability of focused ion beam (FIB) milling, nanoindentation, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based test platforms has enabled small-scale mechanical testing to become an increasingly popular approach for measuring material properties. While great emphasis has been placed on measuring plastic properties at the micro- and nanoscale [1, 2], an area that has received significantly less consideration is the measurement of fracture toughness. A technique for performing small-scale, in situ fracture toughness tests using double edge notched tensile (DENT) specimens has been developed and used to measure a nearly 40 % reduction in toughness associated with the addition of Bi to the grain boundary of a Cu bicrystal. That Bi embrittles Cu grain boundaries is well known [3–10], however, as shown herein, the DENT technique offers certain advantages over existing boundary fracture tests, especially when used with ductile materials.
Effect of Oleate, Diphenylhydantoin, and Heparin on the Binding of 125I-Thyroxine to Purified Thyroxine-Binding Globulin

The effect of oleate, diphenylhydantoin, and heparin on the binding of 125I-thyroxine to highly purified human thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) has been studied. Oleate was about twice as effective as diphenylhydantoin in displacing 125I-thyroxine from TBG as ascertained by starch gel electrophoresis at pH 8.6. In vitro addition of heparin was relatively ineffective in inhibiting thyroxine (T4) binding to TBG. The possible physiological significance of the results lies in the observation that oleate inhibited T4- binding to TBG at molar ratios to T4 that were well within the normal range (free fatty acid: T4) existing in plasma.
Optical detection of ion-channel-induced proton transport in supported phospholipid bilayers

The integration of ion-channel transport functions with responses derived from nanostructured and nanoporous silica mesophase materials is demonstrated. Patterned thin-film mesophases consisting of alternating hydrophilic nanoporous regions and hydrophobic nanostructured regions allow for spatially localized proton transport via selective dimerization of gramicidin in lipid bilayers formed on the hydrophilic regions. The adjoining hydrophobic mesostructure doped with a pH sensitive dye reports the transport. The ease of integrating functional membranes and reporters through the use of patterned mesophases should enable high throughput studies of membrane transport.
Perceptions of Nurses' Caring by Mothers Experiencing Postpartum Depression

Objective: To explore the meaning of nurses' caring for mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Design: Phenomenological research design; in‐depth, unstructured interviews were conducted. Setting: The interviews were conducted in the mothers' homes. Participants: A purposive sample of 10 mothers who had experienced postpartum depression. Results: Using Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological method, the transcriptions of these interviews were analyzed. Seven themes emerged that illustrated nurses' caring for mothers experiencing postpartum depression: having sufficient knowledge about postpartum depression; using astute observation and intuition to make quick, correct diagnoses; providing hope that the mothers' living nightmares will come to an end; readily sharing their time; making appropriate referrals for the right path to recovery; providing continuity of care; and understanding what the mothers were experiencing. Conclusions: The exhaustive description of caring that emerged from this phenomenological study will help sensitize nurses to issues to consider in caring for mothers experiencing postpartum depression.
Regulation of Placental Vascular Endothelial Growth/Permeability Factor Expression and Angiogenesis by Estrogen during Early Baboon Pregnancy

We have recently shown that there was a developmental increase in placental trophoblast vascular endothelial growth/permeability factor (VEG/PF) expression and vascularization that closely paralleled maternal serum estrogen levels during advancing baboon gestation. The present study determined whether estrogen regulates these important aspects of primate development. VEG/PF mRNA levels were determined by competitive RT-PCR in isolated villous placental cells, and placental vascularization was assessed by image analysis. Placentas were obtained on d 60 of gestation (length of gestation is 184 d) from baboons in which estrogen levels on d 25-59 were increased by daily administration of aromatizable androstenedione or decreased by aromatase inhibitor CGS 20267. Androstenedione treatment increased maternal serum estradiol levels 3-fold (P < 0.01) and placental villous cytotrophoblast VEG/PF mRNA level to a value (mean +/- se, 26,836 +/- 5,625 attomoles/microg total RNA) 2.5-fold greater (P < 0.05) than that in untreated animals (11,645 +/- 1,746 attomoles/microg RNA). In contrast, administration of CGS 20267 decreased serum estradiol (P < 0.01) and placental cytotrophoblast mRNA (2,912 +/- 693 attomoles/microg RNA; P < 0.05) levels by 75%, effects prevented by concomitant administration of CGS 20267 and estradiol. VEG/PF mRNA levels in inner villous cells were unaltered. Coinciding with the increase in placental VEG/PF expression, the percent vascularized area (3.46 +/- 0.23) and vessel density (493 +/- 34 vessels/mm(2)) of the villous placenta in untreated baboons on d 60 were increased (P < 0.01) in baboons in which estrogen levels were elevated by androstenedione treatment (6.54 +/- 0.56 and 743 +/- 27 vessels/mm(2), respectively). It is concluded that estrogen has an important role in stimulating trophoblast VEG/PF expression and consequently villous placental angiogenesis to promote fetal growth and development in early primate pregnancy.
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide in obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) concentrations may be influenced by obesity, diabetes, and glucagon deficiency and be under feedback inhibition by insulin. To assess these factors, insulin-dependent diabetic, totally pancreatectomized diabetic, and lean and obese noninsulin-dependent diabetic patients were studied twice, once during partial insulin withdrawal and again when euglycemia was achieved before and after mixed meal ingestion, using an artificial endocrine pancreas. The results were compared to those from weight-matched lean and obese nondiabetic subjects. No significant differences in postprandial GIP responses were found between lean and obese nondiabetic subjects. Despite basal and postprandial hyperglycemia, the GIP responses to the mixed meal were not significantly different between insulin-deficient (insulin-dependent and totally pancreatectomized) patients and lean nondiabetic subjects. In addition, there were no significant differences in postprandial GIP responses between insulin-de...
Effects of altered calcium intake on diurnal and calcium-stimulated plasma calcitonin in normal women.

We sought to determine if any protective effect of dietary calcium (Ca) or Ca supplements on bone could be at least partially mediated by increased calcitonin (CT) secretion. First we studied 10 healthy premenopausal women (median age, 35.5 years) who were randomized to high or low dietary Ca intake (1752 versus 391 mg elemental Ca per day) for 2 weeks and then crossed over. At the end of each dietary period, blood was drawn on 1 day at 0800, 1200, 1700, and 2000 h to assess diurnal variation of plasma CT levels. CT secretory reserve was assessed on the next day by Ca infusion (2 mg Ca per kg body weight over 5 minutes). Next, we studied 10 healthy premenopausal women who took a low-Ca diet (∼ 400 mg Ca per day) for a 2 week control period. The women were then randomized to high- or low-Ca intake [400 mg dietary Ca ± 1500 mg Ca per day (as supplemental CaCO3)] and then crossed over. At the end of each study period, the diurnal variation in CT was tested on day 1; the CT secretory reserve was assessed on day 3 by an oral Ca load (500 mg as CaCO3)] and on day 5 by Ca infusion. Plasma immunoreactive CT was measured in whole plasma (iCT) and after silica extraction (exCT), predominantly monomeric CT. Neither increased dietary Ca nor Ca supplements affected the diurnal levels of iCT or exCT or augmented plasma CT responses to an oral Ca load. Furthermore, there was no change in secretory reserve for iCT or exCT after Ca infusion. We conclude that short-term Ca administration, in the form of dietary Ca or Ca salts, at the extremes of normal dietary intake and in doses normally used to treat osteoporosis, respectively, does not affect CT secretion in healthy premenopausal women. It seems unlikely that any potential beneficial effects of ingested Ca on the skeleton in women are mediated by CT.
The use of personal appearance cues to infer sales rep character

One hundred sixty–five respondents with prior home–buying experience evaluated female and male realtor photos on 20 sales representative attributes. Correspondence maps were generated and realtors were located as points in attribute space. Those attributes that most differentiated were 'enthusiastic', 'creative', 'trustworthy', and 'strong', indicating that the perceptual spaces generated for male and female realtors and female and male home buyers were homogeneous. Preference vectors overlaid the perceptual spaces, indicating that youthful appearance and the fashionable dress of female realtors favourably connote enthusiasm, optimism and creativity; that older appearance and the traditional dress of male realtors favourably connote enthusiasm and trustworthiness to male home buyers; and that a more youthful appearance and traditional dress of male realtors favourably connote enthusiasm to female home buyers. Theoretical and managerial implications are provided, and future research directions are discussed.
Design and Development Concepts for Very Long Range Spacecraft Command System

During the period from May of 1960 to date a series of flight command subsystems have been designed, developed, built and flown for deep space interplanetary probes.* These subsystems, each consisting of approximately three thousand parts, have achieved a measured mean time to failure in excess of fifty thousand hours. It is felt the techniques used in achieving this high level of reliability are of significance to any persons engaged in the field of Aerospace Technology.
Orius insidiosus (Say) as a predator of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura

Abstract The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, a pest of soybeans in Asia, invaded North America recently. The indigenous generalist predator Orius insidiosus (Say) is common in Midwestern US soybean fields throughout the soybean-growing season. From its phenology and abundance, we hypothesize that this predator could act to suppress soybean aphid population growth by attacking aphids during the critical period when aphids are first colonizing soybean fields. Therefore we conducted a series of laboratory assays of O. insidiosus to evaluate the conditions under which it may effectively suppress aphid population growth. We conducted a standard functional response experiment and found that O. insidiosus had a maximum attack rate of 19.25 (±0.06 SE) aphids in 24 h. We examined the ability of O. insidiosus to suppress aphid population growth over a four-day period in microcosms with different numbers of aphids, plant sizes, and plant numbers. We found that predators were able to effectively suppress aphid population growth, but that their efficacy depended upon the number of prey present and characteristics of the plant on which prey were found. Further, we showed that O. insidiosus was able to suppress aphid population growth below starting densities for an extended time period (12 days). These results suggest that under certain conditions, O. insidiosus can effectively suppress aphid population growth and that they may be key factors influencing aphid population dynamics in soybeans.
Using Interpreters in Mental Health Counseling: A Literature Review and Recommendations

Limited understanding of the challenges inherent in counselor-interpreter collaboration may potentially result in inadequate or ineffective mental health services. To provide guidelines for effective mental health assistance of clients who are English language learners, the authors review the literature regarding the partnership between counselors and interpreters. Suggestions for collaborative practices, including pre- and postsession directives, are included. Una comprension limitada de los desafios inherentes a la colaboracion entre consejero e interprete podria dar como resultado un servicio de salud mental inadecuado o ineficaz. Con el proposito de ofrecer pautas para una asistencia eficaz a la salud mental de aquellos clientes que estan aprendiendo ingles, los autores revisan la literatura sobre la asociacion entre consejeros e inter-pretes. Se incluyen sugerencias para practicas de colaboracion, incluyendo directivas para antes y despues de las sesiones.
FREQUENCY DOMAIN ARX MODEL AND MULTI-HARMONIC FRF ESTIMATORS FOR NON-LINEAR DYNAMIC SYSTEMS

Abstract Non-linear dynamic systems respond at frequencies other than the excitation frequency; however, standard frequency response function estimators for linear systems do not accommodate this harmonic distortion. A new multi-harmonic frequency response function estimator that utilizes discrete frequency models for non-linear systems is introduced here. The multi-harmonic estimator relates the frequency response at each frequency to the input and output spectra within a given frequency band in the same way that autoregressive exogenous input models relate inputs and outputs at particular samples in the time domain. Overdetermined, least-mean-squares calculations are used to minimize model error throughout a frequency band rather than at a single frequency as in the corresponding linear estimators. The resulting multi-harmonic frequency response function models are non-parametric (e.g., vary with amplitude) when linear functions are used and parametric when non-linear functions are used. A new sensitive indicator for experimentally characterizing non-linearity is introduced.
Mints, Munc18-interacting Proteins in Synaptic Vesicle Exocytosis

Munc18-1 is a neuronal protein that interacts with syntaxin 1 and is required for synaptic vesicle exocytosis. We have now identified two Munc18-1-interacting proteins called Mint1 and Mint2 that may mediate the function of Munc18-1. Mint proteins are detectable only in brain and are composed of an N-terminal sequence that binds Munc18-1, a middle phosphotyrosine-binding domain, and two C-terminal PDZ domains thought to attach proteins to the plasma membrane. In brain, Mint proteins are part of a multimeric complex containing Munc18-1 and syntaxin that likely functions as an intermediate in synaptic vesicle docking/fusion. The phosphotyrosine-binding domain specifically binds to phosphatidylinositol phosphates known to be produced during vesicle exocytosis (Hay, J. C., Fisette, P. L., Jenkins, G. H., Fukami, K., Takonawa, T., Anderson, R. A., and Martin, T. F. J. (1995) Nature 374, 173–177). Our data suggest a model whereby local production of phosphatidylinositol phosphates may trigger the binding of vesicles to the active zone via the Mint·Munc18-1 complex in conjunction with syntaxin 1.
Invariant inference for static checking: an empirical evaluation

Static checking can verify the absence of errors in a program, but often requires written annotations or specifications. As a result, static checking can be difficult to use effectively: it can be difficult to determine a specification and tedious to annotate programs. Automated tools that aid the annotation process can decrease the cost of static checking and enable it to be more widely used.This paper describes an evaluation of the effectiveness of two techniques, one static and one dynamic, to assist the annotation process. We quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate 41 programmers using ESC/Java in a program verification task over three small programs, using Houdini for static inference and Daikon for dynamic inference. We also investigate the effect of unsoundness in the dynamic analysis.Statistically significant results show that both inference tools improve task completion; Daikon enables users to express more correct invariants; unsoundness of the dynamic analysis is little hindrance to users; and users imperfectly exploit Houdini. Interviews indicate that beginning users found Daikon to be helpful; Houdini to be neutral; static checking to be of potential practical use; and both assistance tools to have unique benefits.Our observations not only provide a critical evaluation of these two techniques, but also highlight important considerations for creating future assistance tools.