cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lessons on Non-Progression of HIV Disease from Monkeys

Rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) represent the most widely used model for studies related to understanding infection, pathology, immunology, and intervention strategies for HIV infection and AIDS in humans. This model recapitulates the significant impact of host immunogenetics and inter-individual variations on the natural disease course of HIV-AIDS in humans. In addition to the parallel kinetics for fast- and slow-progressing disease course observed in majority of animals, a small subset of animals exhibit long-term non-progression (LTNP) or elite control (EC) status defined as low to undetectable viral loads in the absence of any interventions for prolonged periods. Therefore, the rhesus macaque model has been and continues to be the most extensively adopted experimental system for studies to not only confirm observations from HIV-ADIS in humans but also to validate several mechanistic features of the infection and disease course, which otherwise would be impractical and immoral to be performed in humans.
Object Manipulation Using Compliant Fingerpads: Modeling and Control

Current industrial robots are often required to perform tasks requiring mechanical interactions with their environment. For tasks that require grasping and manipulation of unknown objects, it is crucial for the robot end-effector to be compliant to increase grasp stability and manipulatibility. The dynamic interactions that occur between such compliant end-effectors and deformable objects that are being manipulated can be described by a class of nonlinear systems
On efficient clustering of wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks are poised to increase the efficiency of many applications, such as target detection and disaster management. Typically sensors collect data about their surrounding and forward it to a command center, either directly or through a base-station (gateway). Due to inhospitable conditions, sensors may not always be uniformly deployed in the area of interest. Some sensors can be unreachable to the gateway due to their distance or the existence of obstacles in their communication path. Additionally, in many applications a large set of sensors is usually deployed and network scalability becomes a major concern. This paper investigates two different methodologies for clustering sensor networks with the goal of increasing the sensor coverage and availability allowing for dependable and efficient operation for large network setups. The first approach deploys multiple gateways and partitions sensors among these gateways. In the second approach some sensors are designated as agents for a single gateway in order to reach out-of range nodes. The performance of both approaches is compared in a simulated environment.
The acquisition of mental verbs: A systematic investigation of the first reference to mental state

l’t is generally recognized that the ability to contemplate and communicate about the knowledge, beliefs, and goals of oneself and others is a benchmark of human cognition. Yet, little is known about the beginnings of this ability, in large measure because methods for accurately assessing very young children’s ubility have been unavailable. Here we present the results of using a method of convergent analyses of naturally occurring speech to assess the young child’s ability to contemplate and communicate about mental state. The first study describes the frequency and function of verbs of mental reference such as think and know in the speech of one child from 2;4 to 4;O. The second examines shorter samples of speech collected from 30 two-year-olds ol*er a 6 m.onth period. Results from both studies suggest that the earliest uses of mental verbs are for conversational functions rather than for mental refe,rence. First attempts at mental reference begin to appear in some children’s speech in the second half of the third year. Since most of the children studied exhibited the linguistic knowledge necessary to make reference to mental states, we conclude that the absence of such reference earlier suggests that still younger children lack awareness of such states, or at the very least, an understandl’ng of their appropriateness as topics of conversation .
Deprea nubicola (Solanaceae), a new species from northern Colombia

Abstract A new species, Deprea nubicola, is described. Although the corolla is similar in some aspects to that of D. bitteriana, D. nubicola is distinguished by its diminutive leaves, a low density of hairs in the corolla annulus, glabrous filaments, and a distinctive long-pedicellate, subulate-lobed fruiting calyx. Deprea nubicola shares with D. ecuatoriana a fruiting calyx that tightly invests the berry. The distribution of D. nubicola is limited to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta of northern Colombia. A key to the species of Deprea is provided.
Fe(CH4)n+ and Ni(CH4)n+ clusters: experimental and theoretical bond energies for n = 1–6

Abstract Measurements are reported for sequential clustering of CH 4 to Fe + and Ni + ions under equilibrium conditions. Detailed density functional theory calculations were performed to provide structural and electronic configuration information and to help analyse and interpret the experimental data. The calculations indicate that the first two CH 4 ligands add on opposite sides of the Fe + core ion in an η 3 configuration, in an η 2 configuration for Ni + , and induce significant s/d hybridization on both of the metal centers. This hybridization both reduces Pauli repulsion and fosters sigma donation from the ligands into the 4 s orbital on M + . Another major covalent interaction is the donation from CH 4 into the singly occupied d orbital(s) on M + for both η 2 and η 3 configurations. For Fe + , the change of spin state, from 6 D (3 d 6 4 s 1 ) to 4 F (3 d 7 ), takes place during the clustering of the first methane ligand. The clustering of the third CH 4 to Fe + and Ni + , unlike Co + (CH 4 ) 3 , is not impeded by the s/d hybridization present for n = 1 and 2. The interactions of all three CH 4 ligands with the Fe + and Ni + core are essentially the same. The m/z 120 peak [nominally Fe + (CH 4 ) 4 ] and the m/z 122 peak [nominally Ni + (CH 4 ) 4 ] were formed irreversible in the temperature range from 270 to 170 K, probably due to the persistent impurity we reported earlier for the Co + system. The n = 5 and 6 ligands are very weakly bound and begin a second solvation shell. Calculations suggest the n = 6 cluster forms a pseudo octahedral complex.
Pilot Study to Assess the Readiness of the Tourism Industry in Wales to Change to Sustainable Tourism Business Practices

The adoption of sustainable tourism practices requires tourism organisations to change existing practices. Despite the expected benefits of such new practices, implementing change in organisations is challenging (Caldwell, 2003; Dent & Goldberg, 1999; Kotter & Schelsinger, 2008). An important factor in the implementation of these change programs is the ‘readiness to change’ of the individuals involved in the process (Diclemente & Prochaska, 1998; Tabor & Lopez, 2004; Zimmerman, Olsen, & Bosworth, 2000). As the value of sustainability principles in the tourism industry has gained prominence, Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) have been charged with implementing sustainable tourism practices within their destinations. Often lacking formal authority to mandate change, these DMOs rely on internal marketing and education to stimulate the adoption of sustainable tourism within organisations in their destinations. The current study examines the readiness of managers within the Welsh tourism industry to change behaviour and adopt sustainable tourism practices. One hundred and twenty-nine responses were received from managers within the Welsh tourism industry. The current study utilises ‘readiness to change’ scales based on the five stages of change to show readiness of the managers in the industry to adopt sustainable tourism practices. A cluster analysis was also undertaken that indicates members of a tourism destination system can be segmented by ‘readiness to change’ enabling targeted marketing communication to destination members. The present study also provides practical applications for DMOs to implement change based on the ‘readiness to change’ model.
The Human Cytomegalovirus UL26 Protein Antagonizes NF-κB Activation

Viral infection frequently triggers activation of host innate immune pathways that attempt to limit viral spread. The NF-κB pathway is a critical component that governs this response. We have found that the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL26 protein antagonizes NF-κB activation. Upon infection, an HCMV strain lacking the UL26 gene (ΔUL26) induced the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB RelB subunit and activated expression and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an NF-κB target gene. The ΔUL26 mutant was also more sensitive to challenge with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a canonical NF-κB inducer. Further, expression of UL26 in the absence of other viral proteins blocked NF-κB activation induced by either TNF-α treatment or infection with Sendai virus (SeV). Our results indicate that UL26 expression is sufficient to block TNF-α-induced NF-κB nuclear translocation and IκB degradation. Last, UL26 blocks TNF-α-induced IκB-kinase (IKK) phosphorylation, a key step in NF-κB activation. Combined, our results indicate that UL26 is part of a viral program to antagonize innate immunity through modulation of NF-κB signaling. IMPORTANCE The NF-κB signaling pathway regulates innate immunity, an integral host process that limits viral pathogenesis. Viruses have evolved mechanisms to modulate NF-κB signaling to ensure their replication. HCMV is a major cause of birth defects and disease in immunosuppressed populations. HCMV is known to actively target the NF-κB pathway, which is important for HCMV infection. Our results indicate that the HCMV UL26 gene is a key modulator of NF-κB pathway activity. We find the UL26 gene is both necessary and sufficient to block NF-κB activation upon challenge with antiviral cytokines. Further, UL26 attenuates the phosphorylation and activation of a key NF-κB activating kinase complex, IKK. Our study provides new insight into how HCMV targets the NF-κB pathway. Given its importance to viral infection, the mechanisms through which viruses target the NF-κB pathway highlight areas of vulnerability that could be therapeutically targeted to attenuate viral replication.
Truck driving distractions impact on performance and physiological response

Distracted driving is becoming more prevalent as automobile use is commonplace and technology use grows in pervasiveness. The present study investigated the impact of cell phone, touch MP3, and external environmental distractions on commercial truck driving performance. Commercial truck drivers' performance and physiological responses were monitored while they drove a simulated cab through various control and distraction scenarios. The results support previous findings that distractions, particularly the phone and touch MP3, reduce driving performance and increase cognitive resource allocation in truck drivers. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
Dynamic function of the human fibula

There is general agreement that motion between the tibia and fibula is an important and necessary part of normal ankle function in man. We studied the function of the tibiofibular unit in healthy college athletes running barefooted. Movies and cine-roentgenograms showed the fibula moving downward and laterally during the strike phase of gait. Fibular motion in this direction rather than upward, as suggested by cadaver studies, deepens the ankle mortice and stabilizes the joint when the ankle is dorsiflexed and load is the greatest. This motion also stretches the interosseous membrane and tibiofibular ligaments, converting compressive force in the ankle to tension in these structures.
A Treatment Algorithm for the Management of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: An Update

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an important public health problem worldwide and in the United States, with approximately 25% of patients infected as neonates dying prematurely from cirrhosis or liver cancer. A treatment algorithm for CHB previously developed and published by a panel of United States hepatologists was revised based on new developments in the understanding of CHB, the availability of more sensitive molecular diagnostic testing, the addition of new treatments, and better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of approved therapies. This updated algorithm is based on available evidence using a systematic review of the scientific literature. Where data are lacking, the panel relied on clinical experience and consensus expert opinion. Serum HBV DNA can be detected at levels as low as 10 IU/mL using molecular assays and should be determined to establish a baseline level before treatment, monitor response to antiviral therapy, and survey for the development of drug resistance. The primary aim of antiviral therapy is durable suppression of serum HBV DNA to the lowest levels possible. The threshold level of HBV DNA for determination of candidacy for therapy is 20,000 IU/mL or more for patients with hepatitis B e antigen–positive CHB. A lower serum HBV DNA threshold of 2000 IU/mL or more is recommended for patients with hepatitis B e antigen–negative CHB, and 200 IU/mL or more for those with decompensated cirrhosis. Interferon alfa-2b, lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir, and peginterferon alfa-2a all are approved as initial therapy for CHB and have certain advantages and disadvantages. Issues for consideration include efficacy, safety, incidence of resistance, method of administration, and cost.
Nonlinear instability of a supersonic boundary layer with two-dimensional roughness

Nonlinear instability in a supersonic boundary layer at Mach 4.8 with two-dimensional roughness is investigated by means of spatial direct numerical simulations (DNS). It was previously found that an important effect of a two-dimensional roughness is to increase significantly the amplitude of two-dimensional waves downstream of the roughness in a certain frequency band through enhanced instability and transient growth, while waves outside this band are damped. Here, we investigate the nonlinear secondary instability induced by a large-amplitude two-dimensional wave, which has received a significant boost in amplitude from this additional roughness-induced amplification. Both subharmonic and fundamental secondary excitation of the oblique secondary waves are considered. We found that even though the growth rate of the secondary perturbations increases compared to their linear amplification, only in some of the cases was a fully resonant state attained by the streamwise end of the domain. A parametric investigation of the amplitude of the primary wave, the phase difference between the primary and the secondary waves, and the spanwise wavenumber has also been performed. The transient growth experienced by the primary wave was found to not influence the secondary instability for most parameter combinations. For unfavourable phase relations between the primary and the secondary waves, the phase speed of the secondary wave decreases significantly, and this hampers its growth. Finally, we also investigated the strongly nonlinear stage, for which both the primary and the subharmonic secondary waves had a comparable, finite amplitude. In this case, the growth of the primary waves was found to vanish downstream of the transient growth region, resulting in a lower amplitude than in the absence of the large-amplitude secondary wave. This feedback also decreases the amplification rate of the secondary wave.
Mathematical modelling of heating uniformity for in-shell walnuts subjected to radio frequency treatments with intermittent stirrings

Non-uniform heating caused by the different orientations and locations of in-shell walnuts may be a major problem in developing a large-scale radio frequency (RF) treatment for postharvest phytosanitary and quarantine regulations in international trade. A mathematical model was developed based on normal distributions of walnut temperatures against frequency to study the influence of the number of RF units and intermittent stirrings on heating uniformity. The model was validated by experiments with a good accuracy. It was determined by experiments that the rise in standard deviation of walnut temperatures at any time during RF heating increased linearly with the rise in mean temperature. The ratio, defined as uniformity index, depends upon the design of a RF unit, and has a significant influence on the number of stirrings needed to achieve the desired insect mortality. For a uniformity index value of 0.165, a minimum of two stirrings was needed to meet the different desired temperature distributions for insect controls, such as the lowest temperature of 48 ◦ C and mean temperature of 67 ◦ C for a 99.9968% mortality or the lowest temperature of 50 ◦ C and mean temperature of 64 ◦ C for a 99.9% mortality.
Global Governance and Global Politics

The world is undergoing a process of structural transformation in multiple dimensions: technological, economic, cultural, and institutional. This creates as many opportunities as it induces perils. Perhaps the most fundamental problem we now face is the crisis of political institutions in charge of managing the transition. We know the problems, we understand the issues, and in many countries there is enough political will to tackle the questions to be addressed. However, the organizational and institutional tools of governance are either insufficient or inadequate. Furthermore, the crisis of governance is related to a crisis of political legitimacy, characterized by increasing distance between citizens and their representatives. Both crises feed into each other, threatening with political paralysis and opening the way both for authoritarian policies and for demagogic revolts.
Formamides mimic aldehydes and inhibit liver alcohol dehydrogenases and ethanol metabolism

Formamides are unreactive analogues of the aldehyde substrates of alcohol dehydrogenases and are useful for structure-function studies and for specific inhibition of alcohol metabolism. They bind to the enzyme-NADH complex and are uncompetitive inhibitors against varied concentrations of alcohol. Fourteen new branched chain and chiral formamides were prepared and tested as inhibitors of purified Class I liver alcohol dehydrogenases: horse (EqADH E), human (HsADH1C*2), and mouse (MmADH1). In general, larger, substituted formamides, such as N-1-ethylheptylformamide, are better inhibitors of HsADH1C*2 and MmADH1 than of EqADH, reflecting a few differences in amino acid residues that change the sizes of the active sites. In contrast, the linear, alkyl (n-propyl and n-butyl) formamides are better inhibitors of EqADH and MmADH1 than of HsADH1C*2, probably because water disrupts van der Waals interactions. These enzymes are also inhibited strongly by sulfoxides and 4-substituted pyrazoles. The structure of EqADH complexed with NADH and (R)-N-1-methylhexylformamide was determined by x-ray crystallography at 1.6 A resolution. The structure resembles the expected Michaelis complex with NADH and aldehyde, and shows for the first time that the reduced nicotinamide ring of NADH is puckered, as predicted for the transition state for hydride transfer. Metabolism of ethanol in mice was inhibited by several formamides. The data were fitted with kinetic simulation to a mechanism that describes the non-linear progress curves and yields estimates of the in vivo inhibition constants and the rate constants for elimination of inhibitors. Some small formamides, such as N-isopropylformamide, may be useful inhibitors in vivo.
Effects of the user participation process and task meaningfulness on key information system outcomes

In this study, 144 professional accounting data entry clerks took part in a fully randomized field experiment using a 4 mode of participation × 2 task meaningfulness design. Participants were full-time, mandatory users of payroll applications. The nature of the experiment engaged these users in hands-on activity Hartwick and Barki [Hartwick, J., H. Barki. 1994. Explaining the role of user participation in information system use. Management Sci.40 440-465.] regarding the development of a payroll input screen. User mode of participation was manipulated by varying the extent of decision input used to execute hands-on activity in accordance with procedural justice theory. Perceptions of decision control, procedural justice, and outcome satisfaction, as well as objective levels of task performance escalated with corresponding increases in decision input. Task meaningfulness was manipulated by creating either high or low expectations of using the payroll input screen in the near future. As the development task became more meaningful, procedural justice, decision control, task commitment, and task performance responses also increased. An underlying theoretical model of treatment effects was tested using path analysis which supported the control-oriented theory of procedural justice. The strong attitudinal and behavioral results observed in this experiment enhance understanding of the user participation and involvement model proposed by Hartwick and Barki Hartwick, J., H. Barki. 1994. Explaining the role of user participation in information system use. Management Sci.40 440-465. by incorporating process considerations from procedural justice theory into their framework. Implications of this research are discussed.
Notes on Jordan fields based on an article by Maharam

Abstract Results of Maharam on Jordan fields associated with a finitely additive measure are extended to take into consideration the natural topology induced by an algebra of sets namely that induced by the Stone space. Based on this the question of when the Jordan field is a σ-algebra and the question of the completeness of associated L 1 spaces are answered.
Clocking Wireline Systems: An Overview of Wireline Design Techniques

Over the last several decades, digital communications technologies combined with integrated circuit scaling trends have enabled the microelectronic industry to dramatically scale the bandwidth of high-loss networks such as DSL and Ethernet. These channel-limited applications depend on sophisticated equalization techniques to push well beyond the uncompensated bandwidth of the system. And in the last two decades, short-distance wireline links used for chip-to-chip communication applications have enjoyed equally impressive data rate scaling??from a few hundred megabits per second per lane to multigigabits per second in products with volumes in the billions of units.
The Development of Professional Education for Librarians and Archivists in the United States: A Comparative Essay

The author compares the historical development of professional education for librarians and for archivists in the United States. While librarians have developed a formal graduate education program for preparing practitioners for entry into the profession, archivists in the United States are only now beginning to develop such a program. The author identifies the funding provided by the Carnegie Corporation and the leadership provided by the American Library Association as the critical elements in the successful development of professional education programs for librarians, and he contrasts this situation with the lack of leadership provided by the Society of American Archivists in developing archival education. The article concludes with a discussion of some possible future directions for archival education.
Prenatal Testosterone Exposure Leads to Gonadal Hormone-Dependent Hyperinsulinemia and Gonadal Hormone-Independent Glucose Intolerance in Adult Male Rat Offspring

Elevated testosterone levels during prenatal life lead to hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance in adult females. This study evaluated whether prenatal testosterone exposure leads to the development of insulin resistance in adult male rats in order to assess the influence of gonadal hormones on glucose homeostasis in these animals. Male offspring of pregnant rats treated with testosterone propionate or its vehicle (control) were examined. A subset of male offspring was orchiectomized at 7 wk of age and reared to adulthood. At 24 wk of age, fat weights, plasma testosterone, glucose homeostasis, pancreas morphology, and gastrocnemius insulin receptor (IR) beta levels were examined. The pups born to testosterone-treated mothers were smaller at birth and remained smaller through adult life, with levels of fat deposition relatively similar to those in controls. Testosterone exposure during prenatal life induced hyperinsulinemia paralleled by an increased HOMA-IR index in a fasting state and glucose intolerance and exaggerated insulin responses following a glucose tolerance test. Prenatal androgen-exposed males had more circulating testosterone during adult life. Gonadectomy prevented hyperandrogenism, reversed hyperinsulinemia, and attenuated glucose-induced insulin responses but did not alter glucose intolerance in these rats. Prenatal androgen-exposed males had decreased pancreatic islet numbers, size, and beta-cell area along with decreased expression of IR in gastrocnemius muscles. Gonadectomy restored pancreatic islet numbers, size, and beta-cell area but did not normalize IRbeta expression. This study shows that prenatal testosterone exposure leads to a defective pancreas and skeletal muscle function in male offspring. Hyperinsulinemia during adult life is gonad-dependent, but glucose intolerance appears to be independent of postnatal testosterone levels.
Detection of bacterial DNA sequences via oligonucleotidebased biosensors

Nucleic acids are not only carriers of genetic information, but efficient binding agents, i.e. ligands which represent a powerful tool for detection of specific DNA sequences, hence biological agents. Because DNA sequences are unique to specific organisms, oligonucleotide probes could afford a ‘fail-safe’ method of identification. Furthermore, this is the only method capable of detecting pathogenic genes which have been cloned into otherwise non-pathogenic microbes, or for detection of ‘stealth’ pathogens which have been incorporated into inoffensive microbes.
Extended Mass Distributions: Spiral Galaxies

There is much to say about galaxies, but with our current theme we focus on motion and mass. The stars in a galaxy are always moving, but the sheer number of them means the galaxy’s overall mass distribution hardly changes with time. To a good approximation we can take the mass distribution to be static, which makes the gravitational force static and effectively puts us back in the realm of the one-body problem. The difference now is that the mass distribution is spatially extended, which affects the gravitational force and therefore the motion.
Automated quality control with an IBM 1800 computer.

A Fortran IV computer program which prepares quality-control charts based on daily determinations of control pooled serum has been prepared for use with the IBM 1800 computer. Thirty-five charts for clinical chemistry can be prepared in approximately 30 minutes, compared with the several clays of preparation required for hand calculation and drawing. The computer program can result in considerable economy for the clinical laboratory.
Reconcilable Differences: Archivists, Catalogers, and Manuscript Materials

Archivists and catalogers have different perspectives on the description and cataloging of library materials. They often use different tools and standards to gain intellectual control of collection materials. However, they can work together to make unique archival materials more accessible. At the New Mexico State University Library, catalogers and archivists are working together to add bibliographic records for their manuscript collections to OCLC and to the local online catalog. This is an educational and enriching experience for staff in both areas. It also provides greatly increased access to these collections.
Finite Element Analysis of the Stiffness of 3-TPT Parallel Kinematical Machine Based on ANSYS

This paper processes linear static finit e element analysis for the 3-TPT parallel kinematical machine of Northeastern Un iversity by large-scale finite element analysis software, and gets the distribut ing result of stiffness and stress. The result accords to the actual situation; it puts forward the basis for improving part of the machine tool and subsequent optimizing.
Problems and Suggestions on Community Health Service Informatization Construction under the New Health Care Reformation Environment

By random sampling questionnaire,the paper analyzes the problems of community health service informatization construction, including government input insufficiency,weak talent team,shortage of unified planning and data standards," information island" and "information silo",etc.In view of the above problems,it puts forward reference suggestions,including strengthening leadership and talents team construction,promoting regional health information sharing,constructing information data standards and specifications,etc.
General considerations for ultrasound examinations.

Patient preparation and restraint, instrumentation, and methods of retaining records of ultrasound images are discussed.
Review of Robert H. Blank, Cognitive Enhancement: Social and Public Policy Issues

In this succinct book, Robert Blank, an adjunct professor at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, provides an excellent overview of the technical, ethical, social, and policy issues raised ...
Aldo-Keto Reductases

Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) are a gene superfamily whose members catalyze the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (reduced) (NAD(P)(H))-dependent interconversion of aldehydes and ketones with primary and secondary alcohols. AKRs by functionalizing carbonyl groups for subsequent conjugation reactions can be considered Phase I enzymes. There are 13 human AKR isoforms which are pluripotent. Endogenous substrates include sugar aldehydes, lipid aldehydes, prostaglandins, and steroid hormones. Xenobiotic substrates include carbonyl-containing drugs and carcinogen metabolites (polycyclic aromatic trans-dihydrodiols, nicotine-derived nitrosamino ketones, and aflatoxin dialdehyde); and they have been implicated in cancer chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Human isoforms are regulated by primordial signals (osmotic, electrophilic, and oxidative stress) so that a counterresponse to the stressor may ensue. Many contain an antioxidant response element in their gene promoters suggesting that cancer chemopreventive strategies that target this element could also affect endogenous substrate utilization.
A High-Voltage-Gain DC–DC Converter Based on Modified Dickson Charge Pump Voltage Multiplier

A high-voltage-gain dc–dc converter is introduced in this paper. The proposed converter resembles a two-phase interleaved boost converter on its input side while having a Dickson-charge-pump-based voltage multiplier (VM) on its output side. This converter offers continuous input current, which makes it more appealing for the integration of renewable sources like solar panels to a 400-V dc bus. Also, the proposed converter is capable of drawing power from either a single source or two independent sources. Furthermore, the VM used offers low voltage ratings for capacitors that potentially leads to size reduction. The converter design and component selection have been discussed in detail with supporting simulation results. A hardware prototype of the proposed converter with ${V}_{\rm{in}}= \rm{ 20}$ and ${V}_{\rm{out}}= \rm{ 400}$ V has been developed to validate the analytical results.
Precedents for Mughal architecture

In 1526 a descendant of the Iranian house of Timur, Zahir al-Din Muhammad Babur, better known today simply as Babur, defeated the last ruler of the Lodi dynasty in a battle at Panipat, about 90 km north of Delhi. The Lodis were one of many short-lived Islamic houses that had ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent since the Islamic conquest of this area in 1192. Babur and his successors, who continued to rule north India until 1858, were known as the Mughals, a term Babur would not have liked, for originally it had a pejorative connotation. In contemporary eyes Babur's victory over Ibrahim Lodi was no more consequential than the frequent campaigns that brought changes in ruling power. However, well before the year 1600, during the reign of Babur's grandson, Akbar, it was clear that Mughal rule made a substantial impact on the cultural, economic, and political development of the lands it controlled – an area then called Hindustan. In the realm of architecture, the Mughals achieved master-builder status, producing monuments such as the Taj Mahal, which even today is considered one of the world's most magnificent buildings. Unlike the contemporary and powerful Islamic rulers of Iran and Turkey, the Safavids and Ottomans, the Mughals ruled a land dominated by non-Muslims, largely Hindus. Just as indigenous religions and traditions were tolerated and in many cases even respected by the Mughal rulers, so, too, they incorporated in their patronage of the arts, literature and music many indigenous elements. Over their 300-year rule, Mughal attitudes toward the indigenous Indian population – Hindu and Muslim – varied; so did Mughal adaptation of earlier Indian art forms.
Limitations of MIC as sole metric of pharmacodynamic response across the range of antimicrobial susceptibilities within a single bacterial species.

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of an antimicrobial drug for a bacterial pathogen is used as a measure of the bacterial susceptibility to the drug. However, relationships between the antimicrobial concentration, bacterial susceptibility, and the pharmacodynamic (PD) inhibitory effect on the bacterial population are more complex. The relationships can be captured by multi-parameter models such as the Emax model. In this study, time-kill experiments were conducted with a zoonotic pathogen Pasteurella multocida and the fluoroquinolone enrofloxacin. Pasteurella multocida isolates with enrofloxacin MIC of 0.01 μg/mL, 1.5 μg/mL, and 2.0 μg/mL were used. An additive inhibitory Emax model was fitted to the data on bacterial population growth inhibition at different enrofloxacin concentrations. The values of PD parameters such as maximal growth inhibition, concentration achieving a half of the maximal inhibition, and Hill coefficient that captures steepness of the relationships between the concentration and effect, varied between the isolate with low MIC and less susceptible isolates. While enrofloxacin PD against the isolate with low MIC exhibited the expected concentration-dependent characteristics, the PD against the less susceptible isolates demonstrated time-dependent characteristics. The results demonstrate that bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility may need to be described by a combination of parameters rather than a single parameter of the MIC.
Oral Feeding Outcome in Infants with a Tracheostomy.

Abstract Purpose: Currently, there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines on the proper protocol for feeding infants with a tracheostomy in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary insight into the outcomes of these infants in one mid-Atlantic pediatric hospital. Design and Methods: Retrospective and descriptive. The study team reviewed 114 patient records, 42 of which met the inclusion criteria. Data were organized based on: 1) general demographics and history; b) feeding-related variables at multiple points; c) speech-related variables, including assessments and swallowing studies; d) respiratory variables at multiple points; and, e) discharge data. Other variables included birth-related information, ventilation settings and feeding modifications. Results: Infants were placed into three groups at discharge based on feeding outcomes. Forty-three percent were discharged on full oral feeds, 38% on combined oral and gavage, and 19% of infants were discharged on full gavage feeds. Informal analysis showed that all three categories of infants gained weight during hospitalization, different PEEP pressures and different lengths of hospitalization were observed among the groups, and infant characteristics (e.g., APGAR, gestational ages) were similar across groups. Conclusions: Overall results provide insight into factors that may be predictive of feeding status at discharge for infants with a tracheostomy in an NICU. Practical Implications: Results of this study can provide important insight into the feeding outcomes of infants in a NICU with a tracheostomy and can hopefully lead to additional research to help determine the most efficacious procedures for feeding this patient population.
Living with Other Organisms

Abstract Most vineyard organisms do not impact grapevine growth and fruit production, but some engage in symbiotic relationships with grapevines or render other services, others compete with the vines for resources, and yet others eat them or invade them as disease-causing pathogens. Weeds use water and soil nutrients, but some plants fix atmospheric nitrogen, and all plants stabilize the soil. Some birds, insects, mites, and nematodes may feed on grape berries, leaves, or roots or serve as transport agents for symbiotic or pathogenic microorganisms. Insects and, especially, microorganisms multiply very rapidly, which enables them to evolve rapidly. Wild grapevines have coevolved with the cohabitants in their environment and have thus produced an arsenal of preformed and induced defense strategies, but vegetatively propagated plants brought to new environments are mostly deprived of this ability. Biotrophic pathogens, such as those causing powdery or downy mildew, can survive only on living host tissues, whereas necrotrophic pathogens, such as bunch-rot fungi, kill their host's tissues and feed on the dead material. Some bacteria spread through the plant xylem and slowly kill grapevines. Viruses do not kill their grapevine hosts, but some spread through the phloem and reduce growth, fruit production, and quality.
Potential of Ultrasonic Generators for Use in Oil Wells and Heavy Crude Oil/Bitumen Transportation Facilities

Crude oils produced in many parts of the world contain asphaltenes. Asphaltenes are known to deposit in the vicinity of production wells during miscible floods, after acid stimulation, during thermodynamic changes, and in the pipe lines during transportation or during pressure changes in a mature field with an asphaltic crude. Asphaltene deposition leads to production loss and involves expensive corrective measures. This study proposes a new technique for cleaning asphaltenes with an ultrasonic device.
New Insights into the Development of Human Tool Use.

If tool use requires higher level cognitive abilities, how is it that many animals show the capacity to use tools? New research on the development of human tool use offers a way to resolve this paradox. The research suggests that there is a developmental synergy between affordance detection and motor learning: As juveniles continually explore affordances entailed by object-surface combinations in real time, they tune the actions that will be incorporated into tool use over developmental time. We illustrate these ideas with research on how object banging in infancy serves as the motor substrate for later developing percussive tool use. Collectively, the new research suggests that basic types of tool use in young humans and animals are rooted not in higher order cognitive abilities but shared principles of sensorimotor learning.
Outcomes Associated With Extraction Versus Capping and Abandoning Pacing and Defibrillator Leads

Background:Lead management is an increasingly important aspect of care in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices; however, relatively little is known about long-term outcomes after ca...
Comparison of indocyanine green clearance with Child's-Pugh score and hepatic histology: a multivariate analysis.

Background/Aims: Indocyanine green clearance, measured by percentage disappearance rate, detects alterations in liver function and may be used as a non-invasive determinant of hepatic reserve. The aims of this study were to compare liver histology and Child's-Pugh score with percentage disappearance rate and determine which variables correlated with PDR. Methodology: Child's-Pugh score, liver function tests, liver biopsies and indocyanine green testing (0.5mg/kg) were performed in 102 consecutive patients with cirrhosis of diverse etiologies. Indocyanine green concentration was determined using spectrophotometric analysis (806nm) and plotted logarithmically with Michaelis-Menten kinetics to calculate the percentage disappearance rate. Liver biopsies were graded using the modified Knodell score to obtain a histological activity index. Results: In bivariable analysis, percentage disappearance rate significantly correlated with Child's-Pugh score, albumin, bilirubin, prothrombin time and histological activity index. Albumin, prothrombin time and histological activity index were independent predictors of percentage disappearance rate in the final model (albumin p<0.01, prothrombin time p<0.046, histological activity index p=0.033), accounting for 46.2% of variability in percentage disappearance rate measurements. Conclusions: Percentage disappearance rates correlated with Child's-Pugh scores in this series of cirrhotic patients. However, 46.2% of its variability was accounted for by albumin, prothrombin time and histological activity index.
Knowledge Flows and Influence in Online Social Networks: Proposing a Research Agenda

Online social networks, which have been defined as aggregated organizations that emerge from the Internet when people carry on public discussions, are increasingly becoming the vehicle of influence in social, political and economic discourse. Yet, despite its increasing importance, the nature of influence in online social networks is not really understood. Practitioners openly admit that they lack the experience to make sense of the phenomenon, and extant theory of influence in networks, which extrapolates from observations of the real world, is demonstrably inadequate when it comes to explaining influence online. The paper introduces a novel approach to analyzing influence online, which is based on the premise that knowledge flows rather than connectivity or position determine loci and regions of influence. The authors propose an exploratory, longitudinal population study of 100 highly diverse online social networks. The study will 1) benchmark a set of metrics for influence in these networks to determine which metrics are best suited for measuring influence in a plethora of contexts; 2) characterize the nature and properties of knowledge flows within each network; and 3) determine how knowledge flows impact the (virtual) spatial and temporal distribution of influence within that network.
Modeling of Fluid-Structure Interactions with the Space-Time Techniques

We provide an overview of the space-time finite element techniques developed by the Team for Advanced Flow Simulation and Modeling (T AFSM) for modeling of fluid–structure interaction problems. The core method is the DeformingSpatial-Domain/Stabilized Space-Time formulation, complemented with the mesh update methods, including the Solid-Extension Mesh Moving Technique and MoveReconnect-Renode Mesh Update Method. Also complementing the core method are the block-iterative, quasi-direct and direct coupling methods for the solution of the fully-discretized, coupled fluid and structural mechanics equations. Additionally, the Surface-Edge-Node Contact Tracking technique is introduced as a contact algorithm for the purpose of protecting the quality of the fluid mechanics mesh between the structural surfaces coming into contact. We present mesh-moving tests and numerical examples with incompressible flows and membrane and cable structures.
Myocardial infarction remodeling that progresses to heart failure: a signaling misunderstanding

After myocardial infarction, remodeling of the left ventricle involves a wound-healing orchestra involving a variety of cell types. In order for wound healing to be optimal, appropriate communicati...
Using speech stereotypes to assert identity and affinity with a minority group

Perception-based studies on female speech have demonstrated clear stereotypes associating acoustic qualities and sexual orientation (e.g., Camp 2009, Munson et al. 2005, Pierrehumbert et al. 2004). However, production studies on female speech are rare and inconclusive: though male speakers have been shown to vary their use of stereotypically gay speech according to context (Podesva 2011), female speakers have not been studied. Likewise, there has been little consideration of how other personal attributes can intersect with sexual orientation to affect use of stereotypical speech. This study addresses the following for female speakers: (1) how personal attributes interact with sexual orientation in phonetic variation, (2) why straight or bisexual speakers might take on features of stereotypically lesbian speech, and (3) how these personal factors affect speech in different contexts and the resulting inter-speaker and inter-context variation. Speakers were recorded in both reading and interview speech modes. ANOVA of phonetic variation revealed that for straight and bisexual speakers, their “familiarity with Queer culture” was the most influential attribute on both speech modes. However, there was no such effect for lesbian speakers. I argue that speakers used stereotypical lesbian speech patterns to express outgroup affinity.Perception-based studies on female speech have demonstrated clear stereotypes associating acoustic qualities and sexual orientation (e.g., Camp 2009, Munson et al. 2005, Pierrehumbert et al. 2004). However, production studies on female speech are rare and inconclusive: though male speakers have been shown to vary their use of stereotypically gay speech according to context (Podesva 2011), female speakers have not been studied. Likewise, there has been little consideration of how other personal attributes can intersect with sexual orientation to affect use of stereotypical speech. This study addresses the following for female speakers: (1) how personal attributes interact with sexual orientation in phonetic variation, (2) why straight or bisexual speakers might take on features of stereotypically lesbian speech, and (3) how these personal factors affect speech in different contexts and the resulting inter-speaker and inter-context variation. Speakers were recorded in both reading and interview speech modes...