cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Populations of Pecos pupfish (Cyprinodon pecosensis) differ in their susceptibility to hybridization with sheepshead minnow (C. variegatus)

The importance of sexual selection in hybridization between species that evolved in allopatry is poorly understood. Even less is known about differences between populations in their resistance or susceptibility to genetic introgression with a congener. Here we examine behavioral differences between populations of the native Pecos pupfish (Cyprinodon pecosensis) and their potential effects in facilitating or retarding hybridization with an introduced congener, the sheepshead minnow (C. variegatus). We quantified competitive interactions, establishment of territories, and mating success of several naturally occurring C. pecosensis populations and an artificially created laboratory population (control) against C. variegatus. Experiments were conducted in large outdoor tanks during the summer months when high temperatures favor breeding activity in pupfish. C. pecosensis populations differed in agonistic behavior, territoriality, and in mating success when competing against C. variegatus. Differences in the competitive ability of males from different C. pecosensis populations suggest that the rate of introgression with C. variegatus may vary, depending on the population of C. pecosensis it comes in contact with. Our results suggest that large, stable C. pecosensis populations may be relatively resistant to hybridization with C. variegatus. Interpopulation variation in male behavior, shaped by sexual selection, may be important in determining the incidence and rate of hybridization between the two congeners. Experimental studies are a powerful tool in elucidating behavioral processes, such as the action of intrasexual selection, that facilitate or retard the coalescence of lineages through initial hybridization and subsequent genetic introgression after secondary contact between allopatric species.
Discontinuous non-equilibrium phase transition in a threshold Schloegl model for autocatalysis: Generic two-phase coexistence and metastability

Threshold versions of Schloegl’s model on a lattice, which involve autocatalytic creation and spontaneous annihilation of particles, can provide a simple prototype for discontinuous non-equilibrium phase transitions. These models are equivalent to so-called threshold contact processes. A discontinuous transition between populated and vacuum states can occur selecting a threshold of N ≥ 2 for the minimum number, N, of neighboring particles enabling autocatalytic creation at an empty site. Fundamental open questions remain given the lack of a thermodynamic framework for analysis. For a square lattice with N = 2, we show that phase coexistence occurs not at a unique value but for a finite range of particle annihilation rate (the natural control parameter). This generic two-phase coexistence also persists when perturbing the model to allow spontaneous particle creation. Such behavior contrasts both the Gibbs phase rule for thermodynamic systems and also previous analysis for this model. We find metastability near the transition corresponding to a non-zero effective line tension, also contrasting previously suggested critical behavior. Mean-field type analysis, extended to treat spatially heterogeneous states, further elucidates model behavior.
A failure modes and mechanisms naming taxonomy

This research addresses the need to improve the accuracy of reliability analyses during the early stages of design. A failure modes and mechanisms taxonomy, similar to the hierarchical Functional Basis used in conceptual design, has been developed. In addition, a methodology is provided to classify failures. Current failure taxonomies lack a hierarchical structure, which results in a poor classification of failure where large and often inaccurate assumptions are required. The correct classification of failure is a critical piece to many analyses in reliability engineering. Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA), Function-Failure Design Method (FFDM) [1], and many other analyses will directly benefit from a hierarchical failure mode and mechanism taxonomy and the ability to correctly classify failures. Results show that a failure is more precisely and accurately defined using the proposed failure statement. This is shown using examples and discussion. The frequent and important question concerning taxonomy completeness is discussed, and is further addressed by providing a simple process to update the taxonomy.
Why Do Students Have Difficulties Completing Homework? The Need for Homework Management

Homework is a common and widespread educational activity. Yet, as homework often takes place amidst the pull of more attractive and competing after-school activities, doing homework presents multiple challenges for many students, even for those students who find their assignments meaningful and interesting. In this article, I first examine five major homework challenges, including arranging a conducive homework environment, budgeting time and pacing themselves to meet homework deadlines, handling homework distractions, keeping themselves motivated during homework sessions, and coping with negative affect or mood swings encountered while doing homework. I then discuss a range of strategies that students may use to deal with these challenges as well as implications for teachers and families seeking to help students manage their homework more responsibly.
The Impact of Structural Integration into the Profession on Work Commitment, Potential for Disengagement, and Leisure Preferences among Social Workers

The Scripps Foundation for Research in Population Problems has been interested in recent years in work and retirement patterns among various occupational categories. Several studies have already been reported (Atchley, 1969, 1971a, 1971b; Cottrell and Atchley, 1969). Comparisons between and within occupational and professional categories are valuable additions to the body of available knowledge in this area. At the same time, each study can stand on its own, con tributing not only to the comparative literature but also furthering knowledge about specific professions. The present study focuses on social workers.
Simulation of high frequency voice band radio channels

The fundamental purpose of channel simulators is to provide repeatable performance comparisons between particular equipment and associated configurations. An additional important role is to assist in the design of HF equipment. As the state of development of radio equipment improves, the accuracy of simulators used for this purpose becomes increasingly crucial. The authors commence with a critical review of HF simulation models and highlights their deficiencies. An alternative approach to employing a stochastic model to simulate the HF channel is to construct a replay simulator which can make recordings of the time-varying impulse response of test channels for later reproduction of on-air conditions in the laboratory. Some of the advantages of replay simulators are their high degree of accuracy and that results obtained have an absolute physical reference. The design of a replay simulator, nearing completion, is discussed. It is proposed that a standard recorded-channel data base be prepared which would facilitate the exchange of quantitative performance results and give modem designers a sound basis on which to optimize their designs. >
Identification of AP-2 as an interactive target of Rb and a regulator of the G1/S control element of the hamster histone H3.2 promoter

Previous studies have established that a 32 bp cis -regulatory region, referred to as the H3core spanning -241 to -210 of the hamster histone H3.2 promoter, is critical for its G1/S-phase induction of transcription. Here we report that the transcription factor AP-2 is a major component of the protein complex which interacts with the H3core from hamster nuclear extracts. In search of the control mechanism(s) whereby AP-2 can mediate cell cycle regulation of the histone H3.2 promoter, we found that AP-2 can physically interact with the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor protein in vitro , and when over-expressed, can also associate with Rb in vivo . Importantly, in contrast to the majority of Rb binding proteins, the C-terminal domain of Rb alone is sufficient for its interaction with AP-2. Using a reporter gene system linking tandem copies of the H3core to a heterologous minimal promoter, we demonstrated that over-expression of AP-2 proteins results in transactivation of the reporter gene through the H3core in a sequence-specific but orientation-independent manner. Additionally, this stimulative effect was suppressed by co-expression of Rb. Thus, AP-2, through its physical and functional interaction with Rb, may contribute to the cell cycle regulation of its target genes.
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry for Mg Tracer Diffusion: Issues and Solutions

A Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) method has been developed to measure stable Mg isotope tracer diffusion. This SIMS method was then used to calculate Mg self- diffusivities and the data was verified against historical data measured using radio tracers. The SIMS method has been validated as a reliable alternative to the radio-tracer technique for the measurement of Mg self-diffusion coefficients and can be used as a routine method for determining diffusion coefficients.
A control engineering approach to understanding the TGF-β paradox in cancer

TGF-b, a key cytokine that regulates diverse cellular processes, including proliferation and apoptosis, appears to function paradoxically as a tumour suppressor in normal cells, and as a tumour promoter in cancer cells, but the mechanisms underlying such contradictory roles remain unknown. In particular, given that this cytokine is primarily a tumour suppressor, the conundrum of the unusually high level of TGF-b observed in the primary cancer tissue and blood samples of cancer patients with the worst prognosis, remains unresolved. To provide a quantitative explanation of these paradoxical observations, we present, from a control theory perspective, a mechanistic model of TGF-b-driven regulation of cell homeostasis. Analysis of the overall system model yields quantitative insight into how cell population is regulated, enabling us to propose a plausible explanation for the paradox: with the tumour suppressor role of TGF-b unchanged from normal to cancer cells, we demonstrate that the observed increased level of TGF-b is an effect of cancer cell phenotypic progression (specifically, acquired TGF-b resistance), not the cause. We are thus able to explain precisely why the clinically observed correlation between elevated TGF-b levels and poor prognosis is in fact consistent with TGF-b’s original (and unchanged) role as a tumour suppressor.
Surface properties dictate uptake, distribution, excretion, and toxicity of nanoparticles in fish.

There are currently more than 1000 consumer products based on nanomaterials.[1] As a consequence, nanomaterials will inevitably be released into the environment during the manufacture, use, and disposal of these products. Consequently, multiple concerns related to unforeseen health and environmental hazards of nanomaterials have been raised.[2] Many studies on the environmental fate, behavior, bioavailability and toxicity of manufactured nanomaterials have been carried out to address what these hazards might be, but the results are far from conclusive.[3] Currently, carbon-based materials (e.g. fullerenes[4] and carbon nanotubes[4c, 5]), metal and metal oxides (e.g. silver[6] and TiO2[7]) and semiconductor materials (e.g. quantum dots[8]) are the most studied nanomaterials. Investigations show that nanomaterial size,[6, 9] shape,[9] surface chemistry,[4b, 10] and surface area[11] all play a role in determining the toxicity of nanomaterials in model biological and environmental systems.[3a] For example, Chan et al.[9] has demonstrated the size dependence of cellular uptake, and our group[10b] has shown the role of surface charge on uptake.
Improving performance of multiple sequence alignment analysis in multi-client environments

This paper is concerned with the efficient execution of multiple sequence alignment methods in a multiple client environment. Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is a computationally expensive method, which is commonly used in computational and molecular biology. Large databases of protein and gene sequences are available to the scientific community. Oftentimes, these databases are accessed by multiple users to execute MSA queries. The data server has to handle multiple concurrent queries in such situations. We look at the effect of data caching on the performance of the data server. We describe an approach for caching intermediate results for reuse in subsequent or concurrent queries. We focus on progressive alignment-based strategies, in particular the CLUSTAL W algorithm. Our results for 350 sets of sequences show an average speedup of up to 2.5 is obtained by caching intermediate results. Our results also show that the cache-enabled CLUSTAL W program scales well on a SMP machine.
Improved Real-Coded GA for Groundwater Bioremediation

Cost-effective ways of remediating contaminated ground water by in situ bioremediation or other methods can be identified by coupling optimization and simulation methods. However, application of these methods to field-scale problems is limited by computational efficiency and by ease of use. In this paper, a more efficient genetic algorithm is developed and applied to in situ bioremediation of ground water. The algorithm involves a real-coded genetic algorithm (GA) coupled with two newly developed operators: directive recombi- nation and screened replacement. This paper is the first application of a real-coded genetic algorithm (RGA) to ground-water remediation. The numerical results obtained for two bioremediation examples indicate that the directive recombination and screened replacement significantly improve the performance of RGA and that RGA performs much better than the standard binary-coded GA for the ground-water remediation problem. Because of the incorporation of interactions between the degrading microbes, oxygen, and contaminant concentrations, the equations for bioremediation are highly nonlinear. The RGA developed would also be expected to be more efficient for other highly nonlinear water resources problems.
Serum Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 are early biomarkers of acute kidney injury and predict prolonged mechanical ventilation in children undergoing cardiac surgery: a case-control study

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high mortality rates. New biomarkers that can identify subjects with early AKI (before the increase in serum creatinine) are needed to facilitate appropriate treatment. The purpose of this study was to test the role of serum cytokines as biomarkers for AKI and prolonged mechanical ventilation. This was a case-control study of children undergoing cardiac surgery. AKI was defined as a 50% increase in serum creatinine from baseline within 3 days. Levels of serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were measured using a bead-based multiplex cytokine kit in conjunction with flow-based protein detection and the Luminex LabMAP multiplex system in 18 cases and 21 controls. Levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were confirmed with single-analyte ELISA; IL-18 was also measured with single-analyte ELISA. IL-6 levels at 2 and 12 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and IL-8 levels at 2, 12 and 24 hours were associated with the development of AKI using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and after adjustment for age, gender, race, and prior cardiac surgery in multivariate logistic regression analysis. In patients with AKI, IL-6 levels at 2 hours had excellent predictive value for prolonged mechanical ventilation (defined as mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours postoperatively) by receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.95. IL-8 levels at 2 hours had excellent predictive value for prolonged mechanical ventilation in all patients. Serum IL-18 levels were not different between those with and without AKI. Serum IL-6 and IL-8 values identify AKI early in patients undergoing CPB surgery. Furthermore, among patients with AKI, high IL-6 levels are associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, suggesting that circulating cytokines in patients with AKI may have deleterious effects on other organs, including the lungs.
SIMULATION-BASED LEARNING IN EDUCATION AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Educating future managers is more than knowledge transfer. The knowledge has to be aligned with a practical context allowing students to experience the impacts of their decisions on business and stakeholders’ interests. Particularly, educating Generation Y calls for appropriate didactic methods (infotainment). Simulation-based learning serves these purposes. It offers the possibility to point out the trade-offs in a realistic way, and forces students to solve dilemmas between economical and ethical impacts. Moreover, integrating practical simulations into the curriculum offers new opportunities for course-organization and more effective and attractive self-study-programs. For this purpose, the “Center of Strategy and Operations” at the School of Management and Law at ZHAW developed a practical simulation tool in project management together with STS, a private company. The tool confronts the students with trade-offs and dilemmas during the realization of a project. The simulated situations were designed according to real projects, transferred to didactically appropriate software. The tool has been translated into 18 languages and is distributed under the name SimulTrain in more than 50 countries by STS (www.sts.ch). At the School of Management and Law, SimulTrain is deployed in bachelor and further education courses. Other simulation tools are applied with good results in several modules such as Strategic Management, Process Management, Supply Chain Management, etc. Simulation-based learning is researched and discussed internationally. Steadman et al. (2006) point out that it is superior to problem-based learning for the acquisition of management skills and Bos et al. (2006) propose simulations to teach corporate social responsibility. Therefore it is expected that the importance of simulation-based learning in business education will increase.
Assessing Graduate Student Progress in Engineering Ethics

Under a grant from the National Science Foundation, the authors (and others) undertook to integrate ethics into graduate engineering classes at three universities—and to assess success in a way allowing comparison across classes (and institutions). This paper describes the attempt to carry out that assessment. Standard methods of assessment turned out to demand too much class time. Under pressure from instructors, the authors developed an alternative method that is both specific in content to individual classes and allows comparison across classes. Results are statistically significant for ethical sensitivity and knowledge. They show measurable improvement in a single semester.
Student Online Plagiarism: How Do We Respond?.

Abstract The perception that Internet plagiarism by university students is on the rise has alarmed college teachers, leading to the adoption of electronic plagiarism checkers, among other responses. Although some recent studies suggest that estimates of online plagiarism may be exaggerated, cause for concern remains. This article reviews quantitative studies of student plagiarism over the past forty years, as well as academe's generally weak response. It also offers strategies for addressing cyber-plagiarism and argues that faculty should act as educators, rather than as detectives.
The Role of Anaerobic Bacteria in Intraabdominal Infections

The exact role the anaerobic enteric flora plays in the pathogenesis and persistence of intraabdominal infections due to perforation of a hollow viscus is still unclear. Four lines of evidence have been evaluated. (1) Careful cultures of intraabdominal infections almost always yield anaerobic bacteria, but only relatively few species are predictably found, compared with the hundreds of species populating the colon. (2) Experimental models have demonstrated that the pathogenetic roles of aerobes and anaerobes differ from one another during the establishment of mixed intraabdominal sepsis. Facultative organisms induce more systemic toxicity, and anaerobes predispose to abscess formation. Evidence is inconclusive whether true synergy between aerobes and anaerobes exists in such models. (3) Studies of oral prophylactic antibiotics strongly support the important role of the anaerobic component of colonic contents in the pathogenesis of postoperative infections. (4) Studies using therapeutic antibiotics generally favor coverage for both aerobic and anaerobic components of the contaminating enteric contents. Properly performed clinical studies directed at this latter point, however, are disappointingly few. After perforation of a hollow viscus, complex interactions occur both between endogenous microbes themselves and between the host defenses and the contaminating flora. These processes are only gradually being elucidated. Although it is generally accepted that some anaerobic bacterial species can be pathogenic in intraabdominal sepsis, optimal antimicrobial selection is still subject to debate. This review is intended to examine critically what evidence exists for the role of anaerobic bacteria in intraabdominal sepsis in order to provide a rationale for the various treat
Spatially robust estimates of biological nitrogen (N) fixation imply substantial human alteration of the tropical N cycle

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the largest natural source of exogenous nitrogen (N) to unmanaged ecosystems and also the primary baseline against which anthropogenic changes to the N cycle are measured. Rates of BNF in tropical rainforest are thought to be among the highest on Earth, but they are notoriously difficult to quantify and are based on little empirical data. We adapted a sampling strategy from community ecology to generate spatial estimates of symbiotic and free-living BNF in secondary and primary forest sites that span a typical range of tropical forest legume abundance. Although total BNF was higher in secondary than primary forest, overall rates were roughly five times lower than previous estimates for the tropical forest biome. We found strong correlations between symbiotic BNF and legume abundance, but we also show that spatially free-living BNF often exceeds symbiotic inputs. Our results suggest that BNF in tropical forest has been overestimated, and our data are consistent with a recent top-down estimate of global BNF that implied but did not measure low tropical BNF rates. Finally, comparing tropical BNF within the historical area of tropical rainforest with current anthropogenic N inputs indicates that humans have already at least doubled reactive N inputs to the tropical forest biome, a far greater change than previously thought. Because N inputs are increasing faster in the tropics than anywhere on Earth, both the proportion and the effects of human N enrichment are likely to grow in the future.
Risk Prediction Tools in Oncology.

Cancer prediction tools are widely available to clinicians, and the data retrieved from these tools can assist with patient counseling sessions on risk, prognosis, treatment, and recurrence. Current tools are able to synthesize data in a concise, unbiased, and evidence-based method, allowing patients to make better-informed decisions about their treatment options. As useful as these tools can be, clinicians must understand their limitations and evaluate the tools for quality and applicability. .
Some New Results in the Statistical Analysis of Queues

In this paper some new results are presented for the statistical analysis of queues. Special emphasis is placed on the estimation of input and service parameters and/or distributions in various queueing contexts. A fair amount of background material is quoted from the literature in order to provide an appropriate setting for the discussion of the new results.
Clinical Experiences with the S.A.C.H. Foot Prosthesis

The solid ankle cushion heel, or S.A.C.H., foot has proved to be a valuable component for lower-extremity prostheses; it can be used with all prostheses that require a full artificial foot. There is significantly less irritation of the amputation stump with use of the S.A.C.H. foot, especially in below-the-knee amputees, because of the diminished torsion upon the stump and less jarring from heel impact. The degree of comfort for the amputee using an artificial lower limb with a S.A.C.H. foot is increased as a result of the cushioned heel and smooth rocker action. The continued use of an improperly aligned prosthesis often occurs with a conventional wooden foot which has become loose at the articulated ankle joint. Tightening and repairs to the wooden foot and ankle joint are often postponed or deferred by the amputee until stump irritation finally forces him to seek repairs; the skin ulceration or abrasion may then result in unnecessary deprivation of the use of the prosthesis until the stump has healed. Such problems are definitely diminished with the use of a S.A.C.H. foot. The S.A.C.H. foot represents a significant advance in prosthetic research. It is now being prescribed extensively for all lower-extremity amputees, and appears likely to replace the wooden foot and articulated ankle joint as the conventional component for all lower-extremity prostheses.
Single-Particle Spectroscopy Reveals Heterogeneity in Electrochemical Tuning of the Localized Surface Plasmon

A hyperspectral imaging method was developed that allowed the identification of heterogeneous plasmon response from 50 nm diameter gold colloidal particles on a conducting substrate in a transparent three-electrode spectroelectrochemical cell under non-Faradaic conditions. At cathodic potentials, we identified three distinct behaviors from different nanoparticles within the same sample: irreversible chemical reactions, reversible chemical reactions, and reversible charge density tuning. The irreversible reactions in particular would be difficult to discern in alternate methodologies. Additional heterogeneity was observed when single nanoparticles demonstrating reversible charge density tuning in the cathodic regime were measured dynamically in anodic potential ranges. Some nanoparticles that showed charge density tuning in the cathodic range also showed signs of an additional chemical tuning mechanism in the anodic range. The expected changes in nanoparticle free-electron density were modeled using a char...
Power Extraction Efficiency in High-Order Mode Fiber Lasers

Numerical simulations are used to study the effect of mode intensity nulls on power extraction efficiency in Yb and Er HOM fiber lasers. The efficiency approaches the quantum defect limit at kW power levels.
Retinal microaneurysm counts in diabetic retinopathy: Colour photography versus fluorescein angiography

Microaneurysms were counted separately in a masked manner on stereo colour fundus photographs and on stereo fluorescein angiograms of 100 patients with unselected forms of diabetic retinopathy. Serial studies obtained 6 months apart were available for most patients, and a total of 315 separate photographic studies were evaluated. In addition, 118 photographic studies of 38 young patients with type I diabetes mellitus were evaluated. About twice as many microaneurysms were detected on the fluorescein angiograms as on the colour photographs for both groups of patients (p less than 0.05). Fluorescein angiography showed microaneurysms in 57% of the eyes in the second group photographed for the first time that had no detectable microaneurysms on colour photography. The use of fluorescein angiography is recommended in diabetic patients when detection of subtle microvascular abnormalities is deemed essential.
Laparoscopic adhesiolysis and prevention of abdominal adhesions by using mechanical barriers

Adhesions commonly result from abdominal and pelvic surgical procedures and may result in intestinal obstruction, infertility, chronic pain, or complicate subsequent operations. Laparoscopy produces less peritoneal trauma than does conventional laparotomy and may result in decreased adhesion formation. We present a review of the available data on laparoscopy and adhesion formation, as well as laparoscopic adhesiolysis. We also review current adjuvant techniques that may be used by practicing laparoscopists to prevent adhesion formation.
The Gelfand-Graev Representation of GSp(4, &#x1d53d;q)

In this article, we demonstrate a technique for calculating the irreducible representations of the endomorphism algebra of the Gelfand-Graev representations of the general symplectic group GSp(4, &#x1d53d;...
The sensitivity and negative predictive value of a pediatric cervical spine clearance algorithm that minimizes computerized tomography.

Abstract Background It is crucial to identify cervical spine injuries while minimizing ionizing radiation. This study analyzes the sensitivity and negative predictive value of a pediatric cervical spine clearance algorithm. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all children Results Approximately 125,000 children were evaluated in the Emergency Department and 11,331 were admitted. Of the admitted children, 1023 patients arrived in a cervical collar without advanced cervical spine imaging and were evaluated using the cervical spine clearance algorithm. Algorithm sensitivity was 94.4% and the negative predictive value was 99.9%. There was one missed injury, a spinous process tip fracture in a teenager maintained in a collar. Conclusions Our algorithm was associated with a low missed injury rate and low CT utilization rate, even in children Level of Evidence: IV.
Fine-grained parallelism in probabilistic parsing with Habanero Java

Structured prediction algorithms—used when applying machine learning to tasks like natural language parsing and image understanding—present some opportunities for fine-grained parallelism, but also have problem-specific serial dependencies. Most implementations exploit only simple opportunities such as parallel BLAS, or embarrassing parallelism over input examples. In this work we explore an orthogonal direction: using the fact that these algorithms can be described as specialized forward-chaining theorem provers [1], [2], and implementing fine-grained parallelization of the forward-chaining mechanism. We study context-free parsing as a simple canonical example, but the approach is more general.
Non-time referenced modeling and control of teleoperations via internet

Abstract This paper explores a new method for action synchronization and control of telerobotic systems. The significance of the method is that it can effectively deal with the random time-delay existing in the communication channel such as the Internet. In addition, the result is independent of human operator. First, a novel non-time referenced action control scheme will be introduced. Instead of using time as an action reference, a new sensor-based action reference will be developed. As a result, the communication delay will have little impact on the operations, in particular the stability of the system. Furthermore the stability of the system is not depended on the model of the human operator in the system. All these will lead to the development of the theoretical foundation on the stability of robotic systems involving human operators. The implementations and experimental outcomes presented herein will verify the theoretical results.
An evaluation of current working canine decontamination procedures and methods for improvement

Abstract Working canines are often deployed to contaminated environments with unknown chemical and biological content. Little data exists supporting the effectiveness of current canine decontamination protocols. The objective of this study was to prospectively compare the effectiveness of a standard decontamination protocol utilized in real-world working scenarios by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urban search and rescue teams (Protocol A) vs. a modified protocol (Protocol B) developed from technician feedback. Protocol A (n = 7) utilized stiff bristle brushes, generic pet shampoo, and a double rinse system. Protocol B (n = 7) utilized a soft rubber grooming brush, Johnson & Johnson's ® Head-to-Toe Body Wash, and a grated floor in addition to the existing rinse system to facilitate drainage of gray water. An oil-based pseudo-contaminant (Glo-Germ) was topically applied to four anatomical sites on each canine: the throat latch; between the shoulder blades; the inner aspect of the hind leg; and the hind paw. Reduction in contamination was assessed after each canine underwent decontamination and scored using a previously validated scale. Categorical data were analyzed using a Chi Square test and PROC FREQ of SAS (version 9.4). Overall, Protocol B was associated with greater reduction in contamination compared to Protocol A ( P = 0.01), with the throat latch and inner hind leg more likely to retain contaminant than the hind paw or between the shoulder blades ( P P P
Flourishing: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Mental health is an important measure of public health (WHO, 2004); however, nursing practice and research continues to prioritize mental illness, rather than well-being (Wand, 2011). Flourishing is a recent concept in the field of well-being. The term has been used sparingly in nursing practice and research, and conceptual clarification is needed to promote comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The purpose of this study is to critically analyze flourishing, assess the maturity of the concept, and provide recommendations for future research, education, and practice. Method: The concept of flourishing was analyzed using the evolutionary approach to concept analysis (Rodgers, 2000). A search for articles on flourishing within the context of well-being was conducted through CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. A sample of 32 articles and 1 book was reviewed. Data were reviewed for concept attributes, antecedents, consequences, surrogate terms and related concepts. Findings: Four models of...
Sleep disordered breathing in Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.

Abstract Introduction Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive ciliopathy, and obesity is among its defining characteristics. Consequently, the incidence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in this population is expected to be high. Due to its relative rarity, the nature of SDB in this population is poorly described. The objective of this study was to review a single institutional experience in the assessment and management of SDB in patients with BBS. Methods Retrospective chart review of tertiary care, academic pediatric hospital. Results 20 patients with BBS were evaluated over a 25-year period. Median age at initial consultation was 69 months; half of these patients were referred before the diagnosis of BBS was made. Eighteen of twenty patients had symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing. Median follow-up duration was 17.5 months. A wide range of polysomnographic outcomes was observed, including obstructive apnea-hypopnea indexes of 0–195 events/hour. Patients were managed with adenotonsillectomy and/or non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Conclusions SDB is commonly seen in BBS. These patients should be routinely screened for OSA and if present, a polysomnogram should be obtained. Based on patient characteristics, the failure rate of primary surgical intervention, namely adenotonsillectomy, is expected to be high. Further investigation into the role of ancillary diagnostic testing is still needed.
New hybrid heuristic algorithm for the clustered traveling salesman problem

Abstract In this study, we present a new hybrid heuristic algorithm for the Clustered Traveling Salesman Problem (CTSP). The CTSP is NP -hard because it includes the well-known Traveling Salesman Problem as a special case. In the CTSP, the vertices are partitioned into clusters and all the vertices of each cluster have to be visited contiguously. The algorithm is based on iterated metaheuristics, including local search, greedy randomized adaptive search procedure, and variable neighborhood random descent. Our new hybrid heuristic algorithm uses several variable neighborhood structures, which are selected in a random order. The new algorithm helps to intensify the search by using local search operators and diversification with a constructive heuristic and a perturbation method. The results of computational tests are reported for different classes of instances based on data with different levels of granularity, i.e., with different numbers of vertices and clusters. The results obtained by our new hybrid heuristic were compared with those produced using four previously reported heuristics and an exact method. The computational results demonstrate that the new hybrid heuristic obtained better results when it was compared with a hybrid heuristic that uses variable neighborhood descent. The new hybrid heuristic also outperformed previously described algorithms and it was competitive within a reasonable amount of computational time.
Mobile Application Development with MELON

Developing distributed applications for mobile ad hoc network continues to be challenging due to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of MANETs. MELON is a general purpose coordination language designed to provide flexible communication patterns for MANET applications while remaining lightweight. Based on a distributed shared message store, MELON abstracts network communication to an asynchronous exchange of persistent messages. MELON simplifies application development by supporting read-only and remove-only messages, bulk message retrieval, and per-host ordering of messages. In this paper, we review the MELON programming model, demonstrate its utility for writing MANET applications, and quantitatively compare it to traditional distributed computing paradigms in a MANET context. For a shared whiteboard application, we find MELON achieves 100% message delivery with 95% less latency than tuple spaces while also maintaining per-host message ordering.
3D biomaterial matrix to support long term, full thickness, immuno-competent human skin equivalents with nervous system components.

Current commercially available human skin equivalents (HSEs) are used for relatively short term studies (∼1 week) due in part to the time-dependent contraction of the collagen gel-based matrix and the limited cell types and skin tissue components utilized. In contrast, here we describe a new matrix consisting of a silk-collagen composite system that provides long term, stable cultivation with reduced contraction and degradation over time. This matrix supports full thickness skin equivalents which include nerves. The unique silk-collagen composite system preserves cell-binding domains of collagen while maintaining the stability and mechanics of the skin system for long-term culture with silk. The utility of this new composite protein-based biomaterial was demonstrated by bioengineering full thickness human skin systems using primary cells, including nerves and immune cells to establish an HSE with a neuro-immuno-cutaneous system. The HSEs with neurons and hypodermis, compared to in vitro skin-only HSEs controls, demonstrated higher secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Proteomics analysis confirmed the presence of several proteins associated with inflammation across all sample groups, but HSEs with neurons had the highest amount of detected protein due to the complexity of the model. This improved, in vitro full thickness HSE model system utilizes cross-linked silk-collagen as the biomaterial and allows reduced reliance on animal models and provides a new in vitro tissue system for the assessment of chronic responses related to skin diseases and drug discovery.
Eddy Current Exam Simulation Using Coupled Finite Element/Volume Integral or Finite Element/Boundary Element Method

The ability to model complex probes and simulate eddy current examinations is critical to our eddy current inspection system design efforts. The increasing demand for specialized probes creates the need to solve more complex problems than in the past. In this paper, we present details of an effort to improve our modeling capabilities by combining several techniques in order to provide greater flexibility in probe design. The result is a fast and efficient eddy current exam simulation capability for designing probes or probe arrays with complex geometry and material.
Chronic Rhinitis in Infants and Children: Etiologic, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Considerations

Children with chronic rhinitis present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to both pediatricians and pediatric allergists. Several new classifications of rhinitis have provided possibilities for a rational approach to diagnosis and therapy. Several new therapeutic agents and the new generation of surface-active corticosteroids are useful in children who do not respond or who cannot tolerate antihistamines or decongestants. Immunotherapy in properly selected patients with hay fever due to grass, tree, or ragweed pollen has been proven valuable in ameliorating the symptoms of this disease.
The female athlete.

Annotation:The female athlete remains less well understood and less well studied compared with male athletes, especially in the areas of performance factors, repetitive stress, and acute injuries. Logical reasons for this include: (a) a limited two-generation span of the high-profile elite female; (
Imaging Strain Fields

As we discussed in Chapter 24, bending of the lattice planes causes a change in the diffraction conditions and therefore a change in the contrast of the image. The presence of a lattice defect in the specimen causes the planes to bend close to the defect. The special feature here is that the bending varies not just laterally, but also through the specimen. Since the details of the bending generally depend on the characteristics of the defect, we can learn about the defect by studying the contrast in the TEM image. This simple principle has led to one of the main applications of TEM, namely, the study of defects in crystalline materials. We can claim that our understanding of the whole field of dislocations and interfaces, for example, has advanced because of TEM. We have even discovered new defects using TEM—like the stacking-fault tetrahedron, the faulted dipole, and the multipole.
2005 LITA National Forum: Conference Report

Purpose – To report the highlights of the annual LITA National Forum.Design/methodology/approach – Provides a brief review of the conference.Findings – The forum offered a wide variety of timely presentations that were on new and emerging technologies and the application to the library environment.Originality/value – This paper is a useful summary of a conference of interest to library and information management professionals.
Liver Transplantation Update: 2014.

The first liver transplantation (LT) was performed by Thomas E Starzl five decades ago, and yet it remains the only therapeutic option offering gold standard treatment for end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and acute liver failure (ALF) and certain early-stage liver tumors. Post-liver transplantation survival has also dramatically improved over the last few decades despite increasing donor and recipient age and more frequent use of marginal organs to overcome the organ shortage. Currently, the overall 1 year survival following LT in the United States is reported as 85 to 90%, while the 10 years survival rate is ~50% (http://www.unos.org). The improvements are mainly due to progress in surgical techniques, postoperative intensive care, and the advent of new immunosuppressive agents. There are a number of factors that influence the outcomes prior to transplantation. Since 2002, the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score has been considered a predicting variable. It has been used to prioritize patients on the transplant waiting list and is currently the standard method used to assess severity in all etiologies of cirrhosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common standard MELD exception because the MELD does not necessarily reflect the medical urgency of patients with HCC. The criteria for candidates with HCC for receiving LT have evolved over the past decade. Now, patients with HCC who do not meet the traditional Milan (MC) or UCSF criteria for LT often undergo downstaging therapy I an effort to shrink the tumor size. The shortage of donor organs is a universal problem. In some countries, the development of a deceased organ donation program has been prevented due to socioeconomic, cultural, legal and other factors. Due to the shortage of cadaveric donors, several innovative techniques have been developed to expand the organ donor pool, such as split liver grafts, marginal- or extended-criteria donors, live donor liver transplantation (LDLT), and the use of organs donated after cardiac death. Herein, we briefly summarize recent advances in knowledge related to LT. We also report common causes of death after liver transplant, including the recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its management, and coronary artery disease (CAD), including the role of the cardiac calcium score in identifying occult CAD. How to cite this article Dogan S, Gurakar A. Liver Transplantation Update: 2014. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2015;5(2):98-106.
Left subclavian to descending aorta bypass: A less invasive extra‐anatomical solution for a type A interrupted aortic arch

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is defined as a discontinuity of the aortic lumen from the aortic arch to the descending aorta. The incidence of this congenital malformation is three per million live births. It represents about 1.5% of congenital cardiac abnormalities. The classification system for IAA is divided into three distinct categories-type A: interruption of the lumen distal to the left subclavian artery, occurring in 43% cases; type B: interruption between the left carotid and left subclavian arteries, occurring in 53% cases (the most common); and type C: interruption between the innominate and left carotid, occurring in 4% cases. We describe the case of a 47-year-old woman who had a symptomatic type A IAA. A single-stage extra-anatomic bypass was performed between the left subclavian and the descending thoracic aorta using a 14 mm Dacron graft. The use of this approach is an option to solve this challenging clinical problem.
Biosynthetic Tubules: Multiscale Approaches to Kidney Engineering

There are over 700,000 cases of end-stage renal disease in the USA, resulting in more deaths per year than prostate or breast cancer. Many researchers have proposed the generation of in vitro kidney models or implantable therapeutic replacements using biomedical engineering strategies. Because the functional unit of the kidney—the nephron—is based on tubule structures, the formation of biosynthetic tubules is at the foundation of creating models or devices to recapitulate the kidney. Recent approaches to engineering kidney tubules involve both bioengineering (perfusable microfluidic proximal tubule chips, biomaterials as scaffolds to support engineered kidney tissue units) and biological (cellular aggregates differentiated from stem cells, self-assembled kidney tubule-like structures from epithelial cells) to model kidney cells and tissues. In this review, we detail advances in the two main approaches—bioengineering and biological—for the generation of biosynthetic kidney tubules. Although many steps have been taken towards recapitulation of kidney function, no approach has been able to recreate multiple segments of the nephron in a functional scheme.