cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency response evaluation of radial artery catheter-manometer systems: sinusoidal frequency analysis versus flush method.

It is well recognized that catheter-manometer systems significantly distort direct radial artery pressure measurements. Sinusoidal frequency analysis and the flush method of assessing the degree of distortion caused by the monitoring system were compared to determine whether these two methods agree in the estimation of natural frequency and damping coefficient. The frequency response of 30 radial artery catheter-manometer systems used for intensive-care unit patients was measured by the flush method and sinusoidal frequency analysis. The monitoring system consisted of a 20-gauge cannula, 150-cm pressure tubing, two plastic stopcocks, a continuous infusion device with fast flush valve, an American Edwards dome, a Hewlett-Packard quartz transducer, and a Hewlett-Packard blood pressure amplifier. Sinusoidal frequency analysis demonstrated second-order underdamped response for all 30 catheter-manometer systems. No secondary resonance peaks were observed up to a frequency of 200 Hz. The measured frequency response demonstrated that the average catheter-manometer system in use in our intensive care unit would cause significant distortion of the radial artery pressure, with the mean natural frequency (fn) of 14.7 ± 3.7 Hz and the mean damping coefficient (ζ) of 0.24 ± 0.07. Although the 30 monitoring systems had identical configurations and visible bubbles were carefully removed, a wide range of frequency responses was found (fn=10.2 to 25.3; ζ=0.15 to 0.44). Linear regression analysis demonstrated excellent correlation (r=0.96) for the natural frequency measured by the flush method and sinusoidal frequency analysis. Linear regression for the damping coefficient, on the other hand, demonstrated poor correlation (r=−0.24) for the two measurement methods. Four of the 30 catheter-manometer systems exhibited overdamped behavior by the flush method; sinusoidal frequency analysis demonstrated an underdamped response. The difference in damping coefficient measurements between the two techniques occurs because sinusoidal frequency analysis does not include the effect of the cannula within the radial artery. Because of the position of the tip, this effect can significantly influence the damping coefficient. Since there is a wide variation in responses for debubbled identical systems, it is necessary to test each individual monitoring system used to determine its frequency response. The flush method is more reliable than sinusoidal frequency analysis since it includes the effect of the intraarterial cannula.
An Overview of Synthetic-Aperture Image Reconstruction Algorithms for GPR Imaging with Pulse-Echo and Step-Frequency FMCW Systems

The ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems currently deployed in field applications can be classified into two major types, pulse-echo and step-frequency frequency modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) devices, corresponding to the distinct features of the illumination waveforms. With the addition of synthetic-aperture scans, both versions can be directly applied to high-resolution tomographic imaging. This paper presents the tomographic image reconstruction algorithms for these two operating modalities based on one single framework of backward propagation image formation. In addition to the theoretical analysis and mathematical modeling, this paper presents the algorithm structures for both types of systems as well as results from full-scale field experiments.
Invariants and orthogonal q-polynomials associated with Cq(osp(1,2))

Abstract The spaces of invariants and the zonal spherical functions associated with quantum super 2-spheres defined by C q ( osp ( 1 , 2 ) ) are discussed. Connection between the zonal spherical functions and orthogonal q-polynomials from the Askey–Wilson scheme is investigated.
When is a Markov chain regenerative

Abstract A sequence of random variables { X n } n ≥ 0 is called regenerative if it can be broken up into iid components. The problem addressed in this paper is that of determining under what conditions a Markov chain is regenerative. It is shown that an irreducible Markov chain with a countable state space is regenerative for any initial distribution if and only if it is recurrent (null or positive). An extension of this to the general state space case is also discussed.
Intertemporal substitution in imported durables

Abstract This paper analyzes the hitherto unexplored relation between expected exchange rates and import prices of durable goods. The distinguishing feature of durable goods is their asset-like quality, implying that their current and future sales are substitutable: durability induces intertemporal substitution. Hence, expected exchange rates affect the current price of imported durables. Although the sign of the effect cannot be determined by theory only, the evidence shows that an expected appreciation raises the current import price of durables.
Chemokine Receptor CCR2 Expression and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1–Mediated Chemotaxis in Human Monocytes A Regulatory Role for Plasma LDL

The subendothelial accumulation of macrophage-derived foam cells is one of the hallmarks of atherosclerosis. The recruitment of monocytes to the intima requires the interaction of locally produced chemokines with specific cell surface receptors, including the receptor (CCR2) for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). We have previously reported that monocyte CCR2 gene expression and function are effectively downregulated by proinflammatory cytokines. In this study we identified low density lipoprotein (LDL) as a positive regulator of CCR2 expression. Monocyte CCR2 expression was dramatically increased in hypercholesterolemic patients compared with normocholesterolemic controls. Similarly, incubation of human THP-1 monocytes with LDL induced a rapid increase in CCR2 mRNA and protein. By 24 hours the number of cell surface receptors was doubled, causing a 3-fold increase in the chemotactic response to MCP-1. The increase in CCR2 expression and chemotaxis was promoted by native LDL but not by oxidized LDL. Oxidized LDL rapidly downregulated CCR2 expression, whereas reductively methylated LDL, which does not bind to the LDL receptor, had only modest effects on CCR2 expression. A neutralizing anti-LDL receptor antibody prevented the effect of LDL, suggesting that binding and internalization of LDL were essential for CCR2 upregulation. The induction of CCR2 expression appeared to be mediated by LDL-derived cholesterol, because cells treated with free cholesterol also showed increased CCR2 expression. These data suggest that elevated plasma LDL levels in conditions such as hypercholesterolemia enhance monocyte CCR2 expression and chemotactic response and potentially contribute to increased monocyte recruitment to the vessel wall in chronic inflammation and atherogenesis.
Co-current axisymmetric flow in complex geometries - numerical-simulation

Abstract We describe a finite element algorithm for computing steady-state stratified flow of two immiscible viscoelastic fluids in complex goemetries. The method is applied to the analysis of co-current axisymmetric flow of both Newtonian and Oldroyd-B fluids through an abrupt expansion or contraction. Good agreement is found between the numerical predictions and experimental data reported by Van de Griend and Denn in the companion paper preceding this one. Predictions at high elasticity levels beyond the range of the experimental data reveal important kinematical differences relative to the Newtonian case
Decreased survival in necrotizing enterocolitis is significantly associated with neonatal and maternal blood group: the AB isoagglutinin hypothesis

Decreased survival in necrotizing enterocolitis is significantly associated with neonatal and maternal blood group: the AB isoagglutinin hypothesis
Prostaglandin-induced gastric mucosal protection against stress injury: absence of a relationship to tissue glutathione levels

The effects of 16,16 dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (dmPGE2) on the gastric mucosa of rats subjected to 1, 2, and 24 hours of water immersion stress were examined histologically. Results indicated a time-related increase in the total percentage length of glandular mucosa injured in normal saline (NS) pretreated rats that was significantly attenuated by subcutaneous dmPGE2 pretreatment (5 micrograms/kg) after 1 hour (46.0 +/- 12.9 vs. 16.8 +/- 2.3; p less than 0.005), 2 hours (45.4 +/- 1.0 vs. 13.8 +/- 2.2; p less than 0.001), and 24 hours (93.1 +/- 2.6 vs. 65.1 +/- 7.0; p less than 0.005) of water immersion stress. Moreover, dmPGE2 essentially prevented the occurrence of deep, glandular injury that, in NS controls, involved approximately 13% and 26% of the mucosal surface after 2 and 24 hours of immersion stress, respectively. Additionally, tissue levels of glutathione (mumole/g weight of wet tissue) were measured to determine its role under such conditions. After 1 hour of stress, there were no differences in glutathione levels between NS or dmPGE2 pretreated animals and fasted controls. After 2 and 24 hours of stress, there were likewise no differences in glutathione levels between NS and dmPGE2 pretreated groups, although levels in both groups were significantly decreased from fasted controls by approximately 30% at 2 hours and 37-47% after 24 hours. These histologic and biochemical data indicate that dmPGE2 attenuates both the extent and depth of glandular mucosal injury and does so in a manner unrelated to alterations in glutathione levels in gastric epithelium.
Identification of protozoa in dairy lagoon wastewater that consume Escherichia coli O157:H7 preferentially.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EcO157), an agent of life threatening hemolytic-uremic syndrome, resides in ruminants and is released in feces at numbers as high as 10 million cells/gram. EcO157 could survive in manure for as long as 21 months, but we observed a 90% decrease in cells of an outbreak strain of EcO157 within half a day in wastewater from dairy lagoons. Although chemical, environmental and biological factors may be responsible for this decrease, we observed an 11-fold increase in native protozoa when wastewater was re-inoculated with 2×107 cells of EcO157/mL. These protozoa engulfed the green fluorescent protein labeled EcO157 within 2 hours after inoculation, but expelled vacuoles filled with live EcO157 cells within 3 days into surrounding wastewater, whereas other protozoa retained the EcO157-filled vacuoles for 7 days. EcO157 was not detected by confocal microscopy either inside or outside protozoa after 7 days. Mixed cultures of protozoa enriched from wastewater consumed EcO157 preferentially as compared to native aerobic bacteria, but failed to eliminate them when EcO157 cells declined to 104/mL. We isolated three protozoa from mixed cultures and typed them by 18S sequencing as Vorticella microstoma, Platyophyra sp. and Colpoda aspera. While all three protozoa internalized EcO157, only Platyophyra and Colpoda acted as predators. Similar to mixed cultures, these protozoa failed to eliminate EcO157 from PBS containing no other supplemental nutrients or prey. However, spiking PBS with cereal grass medium as nutrients induced predation of EcO157 by Platyophyra sp. after 3 days or enhanced predation by Colpoda after 5 days. Therefore, attempts to enrich protozoa to decrease EcO157 from dairy lagoons, may correspond to an increase in protozoa similar to Vorticella and possibly facilitate transport of bacterial pathogens to food crops grown in proximity.
Mitochondrial autonomy: incorporation of monosaccharides into endogenous glycolipid acceptors in isolated rat liver mitochondria.

Abstract Isolated, sterile rat liver mitochondria homogenized in Triton X-100 incorporated glucose-14C and mannose-14C into endogenous lipid acceptors forming glycolipids. In addition, choline-14C was incorporated into phosphatidyl choline in the system. The glycolipid incorporations were highly specific and showed an absolute requirement for Mg++. One of the products formed with each monosaccharide was identified as a diglyceride glycolipid. Fractionation of the mitochondria into inner and outer membrane fractions indicated that the choline, glucose and mannose systems were associated with the outer membranes of the mitochondria.
Parallel implementation of a unified approach to image focus and defocus analysis on the Parallel Virtual Machine

A unified approach to image focus and defocus analysis (UFDA) was proposed recently for three-dimensional shape and focused image recovery of objects. One version of this approach which yields very accurate results is highly computationally intensive. In this paper we present a parallel implementation of this version of UFDA on the Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM). One of the most computationally intensive parts of the UFDA approach is the estimation of image data that would be recorded by a camera for a given solution for 3D shape and focused image. This computational step has to be repeated once during each iteration of the optimization algorithm. Therefore this step has been sped up by using the Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM). PVM is a software package that allows a heterogeneous network of parallel and serial computers to appear as a single concurrent computational resource. In our experimental environment PVM is installed on four UNIX workstations communicating over Ethernet to exploit parallel processing capability. Experimental results show that the communication over-head in this case is relatively low. An average of 1.92 speedup is attained by the parallel UFDA algorithm running on 2 PVM connected computers compared to the execution time of sequential processing. By applying the UFDA algorithm on 4 PVM connected machines an average of 3.44 speedup is reached. This demonstrates a practical application of PVM to 3D machine vision.
Time Flies When You're Having Fun: AMJ, 2005–2007

The author offers opinions on her tenure as editor of the publication from 2005-2007. The editorial board's goals of making the publication of more professional interest, of increasing the transpar...
Human simulation in emergency medicine training: A model curriculum

The authors propose a three-year curriculum for emergency medicine residents using human simulation both to teach and to assess the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies. Human simulation refers to a variety of technologies that allow residents to work through realistic patient problems so as to allow them to make mistakes, learn, and be evaluated without exposing a real patient to risk. This curriculum incorporates 15 simulated patient encounters with gradually increasing difficulty, complexity, and realism into a three-year emergency medicine residency. The core competencies are incorporated into each case, focusing on the areas of patient care, interpersonal skills and communication, professionalism, and practice based learning and improvement. Because of the limitations of current assessment tools, the demonstration of resident competence is used only for formative evaluations. Limitations of this proposal and difficulties in implementation are discussed, along with a description of the organization and initiation of the simulation program.
Overexpressing the NH2-terminal fragment of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) aggravates the periodontal defects in Dspp knockout mice

Objective Previous studies have shown that dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is not only essential to the formation and mineralization of dentin but also plays an important role in forming and maintaining a healthy periodontium. Under physiological conditions, DSPP is proteolytically processed into the NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal fragments, and these fragments are believed to perform different functions in the mineralized tissues. Previous studies in our group have demonstrated that the NH2-terminal fragment of DSPP inhibits the formation and mineralization of dentin, while the role of this fragment in periodontium is unclear.
Genomic Subtyping of Edwardsiella ictaluri Isolated from Diseased Channel Catfish by Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) combined with an enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR primer (ERIC II) was used to genomically subtype 20 isolates of Edwardsiella ictaluri. Nineteen isolates were derived from channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (18 from the southeastern United States and an American Type Culture Collection reference strain), and 1 isolate was derived from a walking catfish Clarias batrachus from Thailand. From these isolates, four major subgroupings of E. ictaluri were observed. These subgroups were distributed with the following prevalences: subgroup 1, 55%; subgroup 4, 20%; subgroup 2, 15%; and subgroup 3, 10%. Biochemical analysis showed homogeneity among isolates and was not useful for discriminating between isolates.
Oscar: A multiprogrammed small computer system for experimental nuclear physics

Abstract The central component of the data acquisition and analysis system at the Ohio State University Van de Graaff Laboratory is an IBM 1800 computer, operating under a powerful multiprogramming monitor. The system has been designed to allow efficient usage of the computer resources by several experimentalists at once. Under typical conditions, the processor is shared concurrently by data acquisition and display routines, an “on-line” data reduction or experimental control program, and an “off-line” analysis or system updating job. Operations are enhanced by two interactive display units. The system has been found to be flexible, easy to program, and straightforward to interface.
Imaging for dismantlement verification: Information management and analysis algorithms

The level of detail discernible in imaging techniques has generally excluded them from consideration as verification tools in inspection regimes. An image will almost certainly contain highly sensitive information, and storing a comparison image will almost certainly violate a cardinal principle of information barriers: that no sensitive information be stored in the system. To overcome this problem, some features of the image might be reduced to a few parameters suitable for definition as an attribute. However, this process must be performed with care. Computing the perimeter, area, and intensity of an object, for example, might reveal sensitive information relating to shape, size, and material composition. This paper presents three analysis algorithms that reduce full image information to non-sensitive feature information. Ultimately, the algorithms are intended to provide only a yes/no response verifying the presence of features in the image. We evaluate the algorithms on both their technical performance in image analysis, and their application with and without an explicitly constructed information barrier. The underlying images can be highly detailed, since they are dynamically generated behind the information barrier. We consider the use of active (conventional) radiography alone and in tandem with passive (auto) radiography.
Ascospore dimorphism-associated mating types of Sclerotinia trifoliorum equally capable of inducing mycelial infection on chickpea plants

In many heterothallic fungal pathogens, mating types are found to be associated with variation in virulence and some other ecological traits. Sclerotinia trifoliorum is unique from other Sclerotinia species in that it is heterothallic with two mating types. The mating type gene has pleotropic effect on ascospore size; large ascospore isolates are phenotypically homothallic (L-type), and small ascospore isolates are heterothallic (S-type). The possible association of variation in virulence with the two mating types and hence the ascospore size in S. trifoliorum is investigated using isolates collected from naturally infected chickpea plants and isolates generated from controlled crosses. Chi-square tests showed that 57 field isolates collected from crown lesions (infection initiated by mycelium) had a 1:1 distribution of L-type (29 isolates) and S-type (28 isolates), whereas 14 isolates from stem lesions (infection initiated by ascospores) had a distribution of 10 L-type isolates and 4 S-type isolates not significantly different from 1:1. Greenhouse tests using mycelial plugs as inoculum of field and laboratory-derived isolates did not show significant difference between the two mating types in causing stem rot of chickpea. The sample size of ascospore-initiated infection was small, and the controlled pathogenicity assays in the greenhouse only tested mycelial infection. Thus, whether the two types of ascospores have equal capability of infecting chickpea remains to be further investigated. Strong evidence of both field and greenhouse data showed that mycelia of both mating types of S. trifoliorum were equally capable of infecting chickpea.
Data trace cache: an application specific cache architecture

Benefits of advances in processor technology have long been held hostage to the widening processor-memory gap. Off-chip memory access latency is one of the most critical parameters limiting system performance. Caches have been used as a way of alleviating this problem by reducing the average memory access latency. The memory bottleneck assumes greater significance for high performance computer architectures with high data throughput requirements such as network processors.This paper addresses the memory bottleneck with the goal of minimizing off-chip memory demand and average memory access latency by proposing the use of small application specific compiler-visible data trace caches. We focus on tree data structures which are responsible for a significant component of the memory traffic in several applications. We have observed that tree accesses create a simple to characterize trace of memory references and propose a data trace cache design to exploit the locality of reference in these data traces.Our study reveals that data trace caches can reduce the total number of misses from 7% to 53% for accesses to rooted tree data structures as compared to a conventional cache for a variety of applications for small cache sizes (256 - 1024 bytes). Such caches are in keeping with the philosophy of victim caches, stream buffers, and pre-fetch buffers in that relatively small investments in silicon can realize substantive reduction in off-chip memory bandwidth demand.
The PSAP Motif within the ORF3 Protein of an Avian Strain of the Hepatitis E Virus Is Not Critical for Viral Infectivity In Vivo but Plays a Role in Virus Release

The ORF3 protein of hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a multifunctional protein important for virus replication. The ORF3 proteins from human, swine, and avian strains of HEV contain a conserved PXXP amino acid motif, resembling either Src homology 3 (SH3) cell signaling interaction motifs or "late domains" involved in host cell interactions aiding in particle release. Using an avian strain of HEV, we determined the roles of the conserved prolines within the PREPSAPP motif in HEV replication and infectivity in Leghorn male hepatoma (LMH) chicken liver cells and in chickens. Each proline was changed to alanine to produce 8 avian HEV mutants containing single mutations (P64, P67, P70, and P71 to A), double mutations (P64/67A, P64/70A, and P67/70A), and triple mutations (P64/67/70A). The results showed that avian HEV mutants are replication competent in vitro, and none of the prolines in the PXXPXXPP motif are essential for infectivity in vivo; however, the second and third prolines appear to aid in fecal virus shedding, suggesting that the PSAP motif, but not the PREP motif, is involved in virus release. We also showed that the PSAP motif interacts with the host protein tumor suppressor gene 101 (TSG101) and that altering any proline within the PSAP motif disrupts this interaction. However, we showed that the ORF2 protein expressed in LMH cells is efficiently released from the cells in the absence of ORF3 and that coexpression of ORF2 and ORF3 did not act synergistically in this release, suggesting that another factor(s) such as ORF1 or viral genomic RNA may be necessary for proper particle release.
Two court rulings set back sonar‐based research

The use of civilian and military high-intensity sonar systems have suffered setbacks in two separate U.S. federal district court rulings in San Francisco. The suits affect the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Navy. On 28 October, Magistrate Judge James Larson issued a temporary restraining order to halt seismic research involving airguns, which had been conducted by scientists onboard the R/V Maurice Ewing, a vessel owned by the U.S. National Science Foundation. (See Eos, 29 October 2002).
Contact resistance evaluation of micro-contacts with upper hemisphere and lower planar or engineered surfaces

This paper presents a comparison of the resistance performance of Au-Au micro-contacts fabricated with planar and engineered lower contacts. Gray-scale lithography was used to construct 3D structures into photoresist. The structures were then etched into a silicon wafer using a Trion reactive ion etch (RIE) system. The engineered lower contact surfaces consisted of 2D pyramids and 3D pyramid patterns paired with a hemispherical upper contact. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) micro-contact support structure, consisting of a fixed-fixed beam, was micro machined as the upper contact. The micro-contact support structure was used as the platform for a hemisphere shaped upper contact. The micro-contacts were actuated using an external, calibrated load. To observe micro-contact performance, the contact resistance and force required to close the contact, were monitored throughout testing. Next the micro-contacts underwent contact resistance testing to evaluate how the engineered lower contacts affected performance. Results show that the 3D pyramid design closely matched the hemisphere/planar contact data with a contact resistance of 0.7Ω after 107 cycles. The 2D pyramid pattern resulted in a higher contact resistance during initial testing and then ended with a contact resistance of 1.083Ω after 107 cycles.
A tale of two Cedis: Making sense of a new currency in Ghana

Abstract Ghana (West Africa) underwent a currency change in July 2007. This paper explores the adaptation to the New Ghana Cedi one year post-redenomination using the theoretical framework of the Money Illusion Effect and the relearning–rescaling hypotheses. Study 1 revealed that the old and new currencies appeared to be valued similarly, based on the ratings of gains and losses in the old and new currencies. This result is consistent with the slogan of the Ghanaian redenomination public education campaign and suggests that people can be inoculated against the Money Illusion Effect through education. In study 2, attributes of the new currency were rated more positively than those of the old currency, suggesting a preference for the New Ghana Cedi.
Squeezing by parametric oscillation and intracavity four-wave mixing

We present a unified quantum analysis of parametric oscillators and intracavity four-wave mixers. The squeezing spectra below and above threshold for the degenerate cases are compared. Similarities between the systems are discussed and the optimum operating regimes identified.
The Isoleucine and Valine Nutrition of Young Laying Pullets as Influenced by Excessive Dietary Leucine

Abstract THE usual approach to assuring both adequate and economic amino acid nutrition for layers has been to combine energy and protein concentrates and supplemental amino acids in such a way as to meet the requirements for essential dietary amino acids on a least-cost basis. In so doing, it has been assumed that the excesses of some amino acids programmed into the diet are deaminated and used as sources of energy to a varying degree depending upon the amino acid in question. Otherwise, the excesses have been assumed to be rather innocuous from a nutritional standpoint. However, the work of Harper et al. (1955) has stimulated investigations into the role of excesses of certain amino acids upon the metabolism and dietary requirements for others. Specifically, their data indicated that excess leucine increased the requirement for isoleucine. In a recent report from this laboratory by Bray (1969) it was theorized that a…
Spatial separation and bidirectional trafficking of proteins using a multi-functional reporter

The ability to specifically label proteins within living cells can provide information about their dynamics and function. To study a membrane protein, we fused a multi-functional reporter protein, HaloTag®, to the extracellular domain of a truncated integrin. Using the HaloTag technology, we could study the localization, trafficking and processing of an integrin-HaloTag fusion, which we showed had cellular dynamics consistent with native integrins. By labeling live cells with different fluorescent impermeable and permeable ligands, we showed spatial separation of plasma membrane and internal pools of the integrin-HaloTag fusion, and followed these protein pools over time to study bi-directional trafficking. In addition to combining the HaloTag reporter protein with different fluorophores, we also employed an affinity tag to achieve cell capture. The HaloTag technology was used successfully to study expression, trafficking, spatial separation and real-time translocation of an integrin-HaloTag fusion, thereby demonstrating that this technology can be a powerful tool to investigate membrane protein biology in live cells.
Polyoxomolybdate-hydrocarbon interactions. Synthesis and structure of [(n-C4H9)4N][Mo2O5(C8H13O5)]· 0.5(C2H5)2O, from the reaction of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone with [(n-C4H9)4N]2[Mo2O7]

Abstract Reaction of [(n-C4H9)4N]2[Mo2O7] with 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (acetoin) in methanol yields [(n-C4H9)4N][Mo2O5 (C8H13O5)]·0.5(C2H5)2O, a complex with the [Mo2O5]2+ core and a coordinated 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxy- 2,3,4,5-tetramethylfuranose ring, formed by Aldol condensation and oxidation of acetoin groups. Crystal data: triclinic space group P 1 , a = 11.824(2), b = 12.033(2), c = 12.677(3) A, α = 83.65(1), β = 71.30(1), γ = 88.71(1)°, V = 1698.0(6) A3, Z = 2, Dcalc = 1.37 g cm−3; 3826 reflections to give R = 0.0588.
Parent involvement and student academic performance: a multiple mediational analysis

Parent involvement in a child's education is consistently found to be positively associated with a child's academic performance. However, there has been little investigation of the mechanisms that explain this association. The present study examines two potential mechanisms of this association: the child's perception of cognitive competence and the quality of the student–teacher relationship. This study used a sample of 158 seven-year-old participants, their mothers, and their teachers. Results indicated a statistically significant association between parent involvement and a child's academic performance, over and above the impact of the child's intelligence. A multiple mediation model indicated that the child's perception of cognitive competence fully mediated the relation between parent involvement and the child's performance on a standardized achievement test. The quality of the student–teacher relationship fully mediated the relation between parent involvement and teacher ratings of the child's classr...
The yaw, pitch, and roll of the head in a straight ahead orientation

Head mounted displays (HMD) are finding increasing use in a great many applications. These HMDs provide information ranging from a simple alphanumeric to complex graphical renderings of real or synthetic worlds. Some of these HMDs are opaque so that the user's vision is completely confined to what the HMD provides; others are see-through so that elements of the HMD may be superimposed simultaneously with the external world. Some see-through HMD applications incorporate graphical elements intended to be in some calibrated registration with elements of the external world such that the relation between the graphic and the world embodies the relevant information. For such displays to function as intended the head yaw, pitch, and roll are important. The present paper reports measures of head yaw, pitch, and roll when the head is in a straight ahead orientation. Volunteers oriented to either a visual or auditory target stimulus presented under a variety of conditions. For some conditions with the visual target, the visual field was restricted to less than 5 degrees (°); for other conditions vision was unrestricted. The auditory targets were presented in complete darkness. At the start of each trial, an acoustic warning signaled the volunteer to turn the head from an initial off-axis yaw and pitch to a target stimulus that defined the straight ahead yaw and pitch. Note that the stimulus left head roll completely undefined. Within- and between-subject head yaw, pitch, and roll statistics are reported and compared for the various stimuli.
Sparse Gaussian Process Regression via L1 Penalization

To handle massive data, a variety of sparse Gaussian Process (GP) methods have been proposed to reduce the computational cost. Many of them essentially map the large dataset into a small set of basis points. A common approach to learn these basis points is evidence maximization. Nevertheless, evidence maximization may lead to overfitting and cause a high computational cost. In this paper, we propose a novel sparse GP regression approach, GPLasso, that explicitly represents the trade-off between its approximation quality and the model sparsity. GPLasso minimizes a l1-penalized KL divergence between the exact and sparse GP posterior processes. Optimizing this convex cost function leads to sparse GP parameters. Furthermore, we use incomplete Cholesky factorization to obtain low-rank matrix approximations to speed up the optimization procedure. Experimental results on synthetic and real data demonstrate that, compared with several state-of-the-art sparse GP methods and a direct low-rank matrix approximation method, GPLasso achieves a significantly improved trade-off between prediction accuracy and computational cost.
Using NFC-Enabled Mobile Phones for Public Health in Developing Countries

One of the largest IT challenges in the health and medical fields is the ability to track large numbers of patients and materials. As mobile phone availability becomes ubiquitous around the world, the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) with mobile phones is emerging as a promising solution to this challenge. The decreasing price and increasing availability of mobile phones and NFC allows us to to apply these technologies to developing countries in order to overcome patient identification and disease surveillance limitations, and permit improvements in data quality, patient referral, and emergency response. In this paper, we present a system using NFC-enabled mobile phones for facilitating the tracking and care of patients in a low-resource environment. While our system design has been inspired by the needs of an ongoing project in Karachi, Pakistan, we believe that it is easily generalizable and applicable for similar health and medical projects in other places where mobile service is available.
The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in the United States, 1999 through 2002.

Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV in the United States was 1.6% (95% CI, 1.3% to 1.9%), equating to an estimated 4.1 million (CI, 3.4 million to 4.9 million) anti-HCV–positive persons nationwide; 1.3% or 3.2 million (CI, 2.7 million to 3.9 million) persons had chronic HCV infection. Peak prevalence of anti-HCV (4.3%) was observed among persons 40 to 49 years of age. A total of 48.4% of anti-HCV–positive persons between 20 and 59 years of age reported a history of injection drug use, the strongest risk factor for HCV infection. Of all persons reporting such a history, 83.3% had not used injection drugs for at least 1 year before the survey. Other significant risk factors included 20 or more lifetime sex partners and blood transfusion before 1992. Abnormal serum ALT levels were found in 58.7% of HCV RNA–positive persons. Three characteristics (abnormal serum ALT level, any history of injection drug use, and history of blood transfusion before 1992) identified 85.1% of HCV RNA–positive participants between 20 and 59 years of age. Limitations: Incarcerated and homeless persons were not included in the survey. Conclusions: Many Americans are infected with HCV. Most were born between 1945 and 1964 and can be identified with current screening criteria. History of injection drug use is the strongest risk factor for infection.
A Global Snapshot of Avian Tissue Collections: State of the Enterprise

The Auk, Vol. , Number , pages –. ISSN -, electronic ISSN -.  by The American Ornithologists’ Union. All rights reserved. Please direct all requests for permission to photocopy or reproduce article content through the University of California Press’s Rights and Permissions website, http://www.ucpressjournals. com/reprintInfo.asp. DOI: ./auk..a Commentary
Control Scheme for Sensorless Operation and Detection of CCM and DCM Operation Modes in Synchronous Switching Power Converters

Switching power converters with synchronous rectification utilize transitioning between inductor's current continuous and discontinuous conduction operation modes (CCM and DCM) in order to achieve improved power efficiency across wide load and input voltage ranges. The inductor current zero crossing is sensed in order to detect the operation modes transition point between CCM and DCM. The challenges associated with this include inductor current zero crossing point sensing accuracy, noise effect near the zero crossing point, and the sensing circuitry speed and power loss. Moreover, additional hardware such as analog-to-digital converter is required if the controller used is a fully digital controller. In this letter, a control scheme for sensorless operation and detection of CCM and DCM in a switching power converter is presented. The presented controller utilizes dual control loops and does not require sensing the inductor current or any current in the converter, which eliminates or reduces challenges associated with inductor current sensing for the zero point detection. The presented controller is discussed, and proof-of-concept experimental prototype results are presented.
The ups and downs of North America: Evaluating the role of mantle dynamic topography since the Mesozoic

The driving force for transient vertical motions of Earth's surface remains an outstanding question. A main difficulty lies in the uncertain role of the underlying mantle, especially during the geological past. Here I review previous studies on both observational constraints and physical mechanisms of North American topographic evolution since the Mesozoic. I first summarize the North American vertical motion history using proxies from structural geology, geochronology, sedimentary stratigraphy, and geomorphology, based on which I then discuss the published physical models. Overall, there is a progressive consensus on the contribution of mantle dynamic topography due to buoyancy structures associated with the past subduction. At the continental scale, a largely west-to-east migrating deformation pattern suggests an eastward translation of mantle dynamic effects, consistent with models involving an eastward subduction and sinking of former Farallon slabs since the Cretaceous. Among the existing models, the inverse model based on an adjoint algorithm and time-dependent data constraints provides the most extensive explanations for the temporal changes of North American topography since the Mesozoic. At regional scales, debates still exist on the predicted surface subsidence and uplift within both the western and eastern United States, where discrepancies are likely due to differences in model setup (e.g., mantle dynamic properties and boundary conditions) and the amount of time-dependent observational constraints. Toward the development of the next-generation predictive geodynamic models, new research directions may include (1) development of enhanced data assimilation capabilities, (2) exploration of multiscale and multiphysics processes, and (3) cross-disciplinary code coupling.
Enabling 3D Topological Analysis for Building Models with Boundary Representation

D topological analysis for building models can remarkably facilitate construction planning in detecting construction activity interferences and deriving partial building models based on topological and locational constraints to meet the demands from team collaboration and task distribution. A widely used 3D topology framework is the 9-Intersection-Model (9-IM) that describes two spatial objects' topological relationship by identifying intersects between their exterior, boundary, and interior. However, some existing building models using Boundary representation (B-rep) (i.e. CAD) do not naturally carry information about each 3D object's exterior, boundary, and interior and thus, challenge arises in topological analysis for building models. Most collision detection algorithms only detect whether two 3D objects intersect with each other, but do not support the analysis of detailed topological relationships. This study presents a Vertex Examination Method (VEM) that enables a full range of 3D topological analyses for building models with boundary representation, using the Minkowski-sum calculation. Each vertex of a 3D object is examined by conducting Minkowski-sum with the volume of another 3D object to identify their vertex-volume relationship. The topological relationship between two 3D objects can be determined based on the vertex-volume relationship pattern. This method complements the 3D collision detection by enabling 3D topological analysis between any 3D objects with boundary representation. It is expected to benefits many construction planning tasks, such as site layout, workspace management, and scheduling, by facilitating analytical reasoning and operation on building models. At last, the method limitations and the potential to extend to 4D topological analysis are discussed.
Characterization of selected nuclear fuel cycle materials by column extraction chromatography and ICP-AES

Abstract Current research efforts at the Argonne National Laboratory on nuclear reactor fuel developments require analytical support for the characterization of uranium metal and uranium-bearing alloys and salts. Attempts to determine trace elements at the μg −1 level in these matrices directly by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) proved unsuccessful. Even at moderate uranium concentrations (500 μg ml −1 ), severe spectral interferences for a large number of elements were observed. In particular, the spectral region of 300–400 nm contained numerous uranium lines that interfered with those of important rare earth elements. As a consequence, methods were developed that allowed the quantitative separation of 35 impurities from uranium prior to ICP-AES analysis. Column extraction chromatography was used with neutral organophosphorus compounds as extractants. Columns were prepared from tri(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP) or di-n-hexyl-N,N-diethylcarbamoylmethylenephosphonate (DHDECMP) coated trifluorochloroethylene polymer (Plaskon). Uranium was adsorbed by the organic phase and the impurities were eluted by nitric acid. After evaporation and volume adjustment, the trace metals were determined by ICP-AES. Except for Sc and Zr, recoveries obtained using this technique were 86–107%.
Application of human-machine modeling technique in the flight safety simulation of civil aircraft

The influence of pilot error and aircraft failure on the safety of civil aircraft is investigated in this paper. Based on the human-machine system modeling technique, the modules in the pilot-aircraft system failure mode are built using objective-oriented technique, and the software system of civil aircraft safety evaluation is developed. A practical example of flight accident shows that the simulation result is consonant with the accident investigation result, and it is illustrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the software in evaluating the flight safety.
Enteral naloxone for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in the medical intensive care unit.

Abstract Purpose To determine the safety and efficacy of enteral naloxone for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in the medical intensive care unit (MICU). Materials and Methods This descriptive study included patients aged 18 to 89 years admitted to the MICU between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2012, who received scheduled opioids and at least 1 dose of enteral naloxone. All data were obtained from electronic charting systems. Efficacy was assessed by evaluating time to bowel movement (BM), number of naloxone doses until BM, and ability to tolerate tube feeds after receipt of enteral naloxone. Safety was assessed by comparing opioid requirements, heart rates, and systolic blood pressures before and during naloxone treatment. Results Fifteen of the 16 patients included in the final analysis passed BMs during the study period. The median time to BM was 24.4 hours. The median number of naloxone doses received prior to passing a BM was 3. Seventy-eight percent of patients who were not receiving tube feeds at the time of naloxone administration received continuous tube feeds after naloxone initiation. No adverse effects associated with use of enteral naloxone were noted. Conclusions Enteral naloxone appears safe for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in the MICU. Enteral naloxone may be effective in treating opioid-induced constipation; however, further studies are warranted.
Colloid transport and remobilization in porous media during infiltration and drainage

Summary Colloids are potential vectors of many contaminants in porous media. Understanding colloid transport is critical for assessing the migration of contaminants (e.g., pathogens) in the vadose zone. In this study, a series of column experiments were conducted to investigate the coupled effects of flow velocity, water content, and solution ionic strength on transport and remobilization of a model colloid (montmorillonite clay) in a model porous medium (Accusand) during transient unsaturated flow and steady-state saturated flow. The unsaturated transport experiments included a series of infiltration and drainage pulses (e.g., infiltration with colloids, followed by drainage of colloid suspensions, followed by infiltration with a colloid-free solution and drainage of the solution). Saturated flow experiments included only the infiltration of the colloid and colloid-free solutions. Tests were repeated for a variety of solution ionic strengths. Results showed that colloid transport was more sensitive to changes in solution ionic strength at low infiltration rates, and the effect of infiltration rate was more significant at high ionic strength. As a result, increased flow velocities and water content, resulting from high infiltration rates, enhanced colloid transport and remobilization under ionic strength conditions (e.g., 100 mM) that would otherwise lead to strong colloid retention. This observation conceptually suggests that chemical threshold values for preventing colloid movement in porous media might be larger for transient flow conditions than for uniform flow conditions. In addition, drainage was found to induce remobilization of the retained colloids, suggesting transport of colloids even after termination of injection. Overall, the study experimentally highlights the complicated interdependence of the effects of water content, flow velocity, and solution chemistry on colloid transport and remobilization.