cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of reducing the extracellular potassium concentration in red blood cells by washing and by reduction of additive solution.

BACKGROUND Extracellular potassium concentration (K(+)) increases in the supernatant of whole and packed red blood cell units (pRBCs) with duration of refrigerated storage in citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA-1) and additive solution (AS). Studies have shown that to avoid hyperkalemia, washed pRBCs are preferred if relatively fresh pRBCs are not available. To determine whether a simpler procedure, AS reduction, results in lowering of K(+) in pRBCs comparable to that achieved by washing, the K(+) levels by both methods were compared. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Pre- and post-K(+) levels were measured in 6 washed and 11 AS-reduced pRBC units. Each unit was weighed, hematocrit was determined, K(+) was measured, and total K(+) was calculated. Washed units were 3 to 21 and AS-reduced units were 4 to 30 days old. Statistical analysis was performed with a t test. RESULTS There was no significant difference (p > 0.35) in the initial K(+) between the two groups (mean +/- SD, 36.95 +/- 13.16 mEq/L before washing and 39.78 +/- 19.94 mEq/L before AS reduction). Washing and AS reduction both led to a significant decrease in K(+) levels (2.15 +/- 0.10 mEq/L after washing and 4.41 +/- 3.04 mEq/L after AS reduction, each p < 0.0005). Washing, however, was significantly better than AS reduction in reducing K(+) in stored pRBCs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Washing pRBCs results in very low levels of K(+). AS reduction also significantly reduces K(+) levels. Selection of the method of K(+) reduction will depend on the stringency of K(+) reduction needed, the time constraints, and the availability of facilities and staff for washing.
Damage control laparotomy: a vital tool once overused.

Background: Trauma surgery is in constant evolution as is the use of damage control laparotomy (DCL). The purpose of this study was to report the change in usage of DCL over time and its effect on outcome. Methods: Trauma patients requiring laparotomies during a 3-year (2006-2008) period were reviewed. DCL was defined as laparotomy when fascia was not closed at the first operation. Results: There were 14,534 trauma patients evaluated, and 843 laparotomies were performed on 532 patients during the study period. The number of patients requiring open laparotomies slightly increased while the demographics and Injury Severity Score were similar during the study period. The number of patient requiring DCL significantly decreased from 36.3% (53 of 146) in 2006 to 8.8% (15 of 170) in 2008 (p < 0.001). During this same time period, the mortality rate for patients requiring open laparotomy significantly decreased from 21.9% in 2006 to 12.9% in 2008 (p = 0.05). The decreased use of DCL resulted in a 33.3% reduction in the number of laparotomies performed. The decrease in average costs and charges is projected to result in savings of $2.2 million and $5.8 million, respectively. Conclusions: The use of DCL was significantly decreased by 78% during the study with significantly improved outcome. The improved outcome and decreased resource utilization can reduce health care costs and charges. Although DCL may be a vital aspect of trauma surgery, it can be used more selectively with improved outcome.
Critical mass variation of 239Pu with water dilution

The critical mass of an unreflected solid sphere of 239 Pu is ∼10 kg. The increase in critical mass observed for small water dilutions of unreflected 239 Pu spheres is paradoxical. Introducing small amounts of water uniformly throughout the sphere increases the spherical volume containing the same amount of 239 Pu as the critical solid sphere. The increase in radius decreases the surface-to-volume ratio of the sphere, which has the effect to first order of decreasing the neutron leakage, which is proportional to the surface, relative to the fissions, which are proportional to the volume. The reduction in neutron leakage is expected to reduce the critical mass, but instead, the critical mass is observed to increase. It is discussed how changes in the fast neutron spectrum with corresponding changes in the nuclear parameters result in an increase in critical mass for small water dilutions.
Transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus by Hyalomma impeltatum (Acari:Ixodidae) after experimental infection

We examined the potential for Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze & Schlottke ticks to transmit Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus. After feeding on 1-d-old mice that had been inoculated with CCHF virus, larval H. impeltatum became infected with and subsequently transmitted CCHF virus transstadially to nymphs. These nymphs transmitted virus horizontally to guinea pigs and transstadially to adults. A minimum of 13% of the adult H. impeltatum, exposed to virus as larvae, transmitted virus by bite to guinea pigs. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detected CCHF viral antigen in 63% of the adult ticks derived from those exposed to this virus as larvae. This tick species should be considered as a potential vector of CCHF virus.
The institutionalization of sociological paradigms: Three examples from early French sociology†

Utilizing a model of sociological paradigms which encompasses the cogency of sociological theories, their congruence with their cultural milieu and their reinforcement through institutionalization, this paper examines three interpretations of sociology which competed for recognition in France at the end of the nineteenth century. Rene Worms created institutions for the new field of new field of sociology, but did not possess a viable sociological theory with which to make these institutions effective in advancing the discipline. Gabriel Tarde possessed a sociological theory and opportunities to institutionalize it, but failed to do so because of a pre-modern attitude toward science. Only Emile Durkheim was able to successfully institutionalize his conception of sociology through his teaching career and his journal, L'Annee sociologique.
A review of Perlinella Banks (Plecoptera: Perlidae)

The Nearctic stonefly genus Perlinella Banks is reviewed; three valid species are recognized. Perlinella drymo (Newman) and Perlinella ephyre (Newman) are widespread east of the Rocky Mountains, whereas Perlinella zwicki, n. sp. ( P. fumipennis of Zwick 1971), is restricted to the southeastern Coastal Plain. Perlinella fumipennis (Walsh) is replaced as a synonym of Perlinella ephyre. Keys for adults and nymphs are provided, and the nymph of P. zwicki is described for the first time. Male drumming calls of Perlindella drymo and Perlinella ephyre are described.
The contributions of secondary proton bridges to the catalytic power of the serine proteases

The curvature of proton-inventory functions (rate constants in mixtures of protium and deuterium oxides) for hydrolysis of substrates of varying structure by trypsins from four different sources has been used as a signal of transition-state stabilization by a short, strong hydrogen bonds (low-barrier hydrogen bonds) at the histidine-aspartate site of the catalytic triad. Previous estimates suggested contributions as large as 85 kJ mol -1 but the current findings are consistent with contributions of no more than a few kJ mol -1 .
Multivariate analysis of ATR-IR spectroscopic data : Applications to the solid-liquid catalytic interface

It is demonstrated that attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR−IR) spectroscopy coupled with multivariate data analysis can be effectively used for in situ investigation of supported catalyst−liquid interfaces. Both formaldehyde adsorption/dissociation in water and acetonitrile adsorption in hexane on thin (ca 10 μm) films of 5 wt % Pt/γ-Al2O3 deposited on a germanium waveguide have been investigated. The multivariate analysis applies classical least squares (CLS) and partial least squares (PLS) methods to the ATR−IR data in order to correlate spectral changes with known sources of experimental variation (i.e., time, concentration of solution species, etc.). The formaldehyde adsorption experiments revealed no spectroscopic evidence for adsorbed molecular formaldehyde under the conditions examined. However, the dissociation product carbon monoxide was observed to form in atop configuration on Pt, likely on edges and terrace sites. Isotope labeling experiments suggest that a pair of peaks observed at 199...
Hysteroid-obsessoid personality and romantic love.

The hysteroid personality, with its excessive display of emotions, very frequent mood changes, and tendency to precipitate action, seems related to having a romantic attitude coward love. T o explore this, the hysteroid-obsessoid questionnaire (Caine, 1970), the romantic attitude toward love scale (Knox & Sporakowski, 1968), and a measure of general irrationality (Lee, Hallberg, & Haase, 1979) were given to 28 male and 37 female college students (M,,, = 20.3, SD = 0.9 yr.) aged 19 to 22 yr. Hysteroid scores were not related to having a romantic actitude toward love (rG3 = -0.09), nor to irrationality in thought ( r = -0.18). However, those with a romantic attitude toward love were more irrational in their thinking ( Y G ~ = 0.32, one-tailed p < 0.05). These values give no evidence that the personality dimension of hysteroidobsessoid was related to having a romantic actitude toward love.
A comparative analysis of directing styles in hill street blues

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the styles of two directors of Hill Street Blues. Both directors relied upon many of the same visual and aural techniques that are the series’ trademark. Significant differences were found, however, for a number of specific production variables, including editing, staging within the frame, and camera movement. This study, which analyzed six episodes of the series, provides additional support to the position that directors of television series are more actively involved in the production process than is traditionally acknowledged.
Asymptotical Construction of an Efficient High-Fidelity Model for Multilayer Functionally Graded Plates

An efficient high-fidelity plate model is developed for heterogeneous multilayer laminates made of functionally graded material. Taking advantage of the smallness of the ratio of the thickness to the characteristic wavelength of the deformation of the reference surface, we apply the variational-asymptotic method to rigorously decouple the three-dimensional, anisotropic elasticity problem into a one-dimensional through-the-thickness analysis and a twodimensional plate analysis. The through-the-thickness analysis provides constitutive relations for the plate analysis as well as the recovery information for the three-dimensional fields, reducing the complex three-dimensional elasticity model to a simple two-dimensional plate model with an excellent tradeoff between efficiency and accuracy. The present model is valid for large displacements and global rotations and can capture all the geometric nonlinearity of a plate when the strains are small. A few examples are used to validate this model.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Transient Torque Viscosity Measurement Method

While a new type of oscillating-cup viscometer which uses a rotating magnetic field has been developed and tested, the uncertainty of such measurements has been considered to only a cursory level. This paper reports work in which the sensitivities of this new method's output are studied for the measurement of mercury with a particular device. It is concluded from the analysis that while the new method requires dramatically shorter measurement times than previous methods, the resultant uncertainty seems to be nearly the same as the classical oscillating cup method. As such, since the results are just as precise as other oscillating-cup methods, the new method should be employed for its speed advantage, allowing the viscosity of materials as functions of temperature or pressure to be economically determined.
Shear‐induced detachment of biofilms from hollow fiber silicone membranes

ABSTRACT: A suite of techniques was utilized to evaluatethe correlation between bioﬁlm physiology, ﬂuid-inducedshear stress, and detachment in hollow ﬁber membraneaerated bioreactors. Two monoculture species bioﬁlmswere grown on silicone ﬁbers in a hollow ﬁber membraneaerated bioreactors (HfMBR) to assess detachment underlaminar ﬂuid ﬂow conditions. Both physiology (bioﬁlmthickness and roughness) and nutrient mass transportdata indicated the presence of a steady state mature bioﬁlmafter 3 weeks of development. Surface shear stress proved tobe an important parameter for predicting passive detach-ment for the two bioﬁlms. The average shear stress at thesurface of Nitrosomonas europaea bioﬁlms (54.5 3.2mPa)was approximately 20% higher than for Pseudomonas aer-uginosa bioﬁlms (45.8 7.7mPa), resulting in higher bio-mass detachment. No signiﬁcant difference in shear stresswasmeasuredbetweenimmatureandmaturebioﬁlmsofthesame species. There was a signiﬁcant difference in detachedbiomass for immature vs. mature bioﬁlms in both species.However, there was no difference in detachment ratebetween the two species.Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 525–534. 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.KEYWORDS: detachment; momentum transport; bioﬁlm;boundary layer; shear stress
The New Depositor Preference Act: Time Inconsistency in Action

This paper presents issues arising from the enactment of legislation that changes the priority ordering of claims by uninsured depositors and the FDIC in the resolution of costly failed insured banks and thrifts. Under the legislation, uninsured domestic depositors and the FDIC receive preference in the payment of their claims in the resolutions of failed insured institutions over both foreign depositors and general creditors. As a result of the legislation, one can expect changes in the behavior of nonpreferred claimants.
The bias of an estimate of coupled slack in stochastic PERT networks

Abstract An earlier paper presented a method for using response times to construct a PERT network representing the mental activities in a task. A key role in this method is played by parameters called coupled slacks. The magnitudes of the coupled slacks are used to test the validity of a PERT model and to deduce aspects of the structure of the network. In a stochastic PERT network, the usual estimate of coupled slack based on the mean completion times can be biased. Distribution-free upper and lower bounds are derived for the bias, and it is shown that the bias approaches zero as the probability of relatively long prolongations increases. It is also shown that the expected value of the estimate of coupled slack between two activities is negative only if the two activities are in a Wheatstone bridge. Finally, an estimate of the increase in completion time due to prolonging an activity, given that the prolongation did in fact increase the completion time, is derived.
Two-Dimensional Sum-Frequency Generation Reveals Structure and Dynamics of a Surface-Bound Peptide

Surface-bound polypeptides and proteins are increasingly used to functionalize inorganic interfaces such as electrodes, but their structural characterization is exceedingly difficult with standard technologies. In this paper, we report the first two-dimensional sum-frequency generation (2D SFG) spectra of a peptide monolayer, which are collected by adding a mid-IR pulse shaper to a standard femtosecond SFG spectrometer. On a gold surface, standard FTIR spectroscopy is inconclusive about the peptide structure because of solvation-induced frequency shifts, but the 2D line shapes, anharmonic shifts, and lifetimes obtained from 2D SFG reveal that the peptide is largely α-helical and upright. Random coil residues are also observed, which do not themselves appear in SFG spectra due to their isotropic structural distribution, but which still absorb infrared light and so can be detected by cross-peaks in 2D SFG spectra. We discuss these results in the context of peptide design. Because of the similar way in which...
Biogenetic implications of the antipodal sesquiterpenes of vetiver oil.

Oil of vetiver samples of Haiti, Reunion, and North Indian origin have been examined by GLC. The North Indian variety (Khus Oil) is distinctly different and represents a chemically distinct race of Vetiveria zizanioides (Gramineae) or perhaps a distinct species. The biogenetic implications of the antipodal sesquiterpenes isolated from vetiver oil varieties are reevaluated in light of these results.
Hubert H. Humphrey: The teacher ‐ preacher

This article examines and evaluates Humphrey's primary speaking purposes during his political career.
Correction to the Exponential Dependence of Neutron Transmissions

If the energy spread of the neutron source used in a transmission type of measurement of total neutron cross sections is large compared with the mean spacing of the resonance levels of the sample, these levels may effect a deviation from the simple exponential dependence on sample thickness. The correction to this dependence is derived in the case where capture, inelastic scattering, and Doppler broadening may be neglected. The derivation does not depend upon any special assumption regarding the distributions of the widths and spacings of the levels other than that they have suitable averages, and the correction is found to be proportional to the ratio of these averages, as one would expect. It is noted that by measurement of this ratio for certain elements, it may be possible to distinguish between the predictions of the strong-coupling and complex square-well representations of the neutron-nucleus interaction.
Crossed molecular beam studies of the reactions of allyl radicals, C3H5(X2A2), with methylacetylene (CH3CCH(X1A1)), allene (H2CCCH2(X1A1)), and their isotopomers.

The chemical dynamics of the reaction of allyl radicals, C3H5(X2A2), with two C3H4 isomers, methylacetylene (CH3CCH(X1A1)) and allene (H2CCCH2(X1A1)) together with their (partially) deuterated counterparts, were unraveled under single-collision conditions at collision energies of about 125 kJ mol-1 utilizing a crossed molecular beam setup. The experiments indicate that the reactions are indirect via complex formation and proceed via an addition of the allyl radical with its terminal carbon atom to the terminal carbon atom of the allene and of methylacetylene (α-carbon atom) to form the intermediates H2CCHCH2CH2CCH2 and H2CCHCH2CHCCH3, respectively. The lifetimes of these intermediates are similar to their rotational periods but too short for a complete energy randomization to occur. Experiments with D4-allene and D4-methylacetylene verify explicitly that the allyl group stays intact: no hydrogen emission was observed but only the release of deuterium atoms from the perdeuterated reactants. Further isotop...
Studies of the Vitality of the Beet Leafhopper During the Fall and Winter in California as Related to the Fat Content of the Insects

In the San Joaquin Valley of California several broods of the beet leafhopper (Eutettix tenellus (Baker) are produced during the spring and summer months. The last of these broods, the females of which survive the winter and lay the eggs for the first spring generation of the following year, matures during October, when the summer host plants are rapidly drying. As the plants become too dry to maintain the leafhoppers, the insects drift away into the desert plains and foothills west and south of the valley bottom. At this time very little green vegetation is available except various perennial shrubs, chief among which are desert sage (A triplex polycarpa (Torr.) Wats.), snakeweed (Gutierrezia californica (D. C.) T. and G.), and Lepidospartuni squamaturn Gray. The leafhoppers must live on these "hold-over" hosts for a month or longer, and by the first of December most of the males have died. Unpublished experiments and field surveys have shown that there may also be considerable mortality among the females during this period. It therefore seemed desirable to determine what effect prolonged subsistence on hold-over hosts might have on the survivors. After the rains have caused the winter annuals to germinate, and the females have safely reached them, a period of one to two months of cold, often cloudy or foggy weather follows during which feed-
Violence in Lesbian Relationships A Preliminary Analysis of Causal Factors

Despite the increase in research on domestic violence during the last two decades, little attention has been given to the problem of partner abuse among homosexual couples. The present research takes a step toward developing an understanding of homosexual partner abuse by examining the incidence, forms, and correlates of violence in lesbian relationships. Based on questionnaire data from 100 lesbian victims, the study addresses, in particular, the relationships between lesbian battering and (1) abusers' dependence on their partners, and (2) perceived power imbalances between partners in abusive lesbian relationships. In addition, the study explores the extent to which responses from the lesbian community and others to victims of abuse may serve to prevent or exacerbate lesbian battering. The article concludes by raising questions to guide future research.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Lobster Gαs Protein Expressed in Neurons of Olfactory Organ and Brain

We have isolated from an American lobster (Homarus americanus) olfactory organ cDNA library a clone, lobG alphaS, with >70% identity to mammalian and arthropod G alphaS sequences. In genomic Southern blots, a fragment of lobG alphaS detected only one band, suggesting the lobsters have a single G alphaS gene. In brain and olfactory organ, lobG alphaS mRNA was expressed predominantly in neurons, including many of the neuronal cell body clusters of the brain. G alphaS protein was also expressed broadly, appearing on western blots as a band of 51.8 kDa in brain, eyestalk, pereiopod, dactyl, tail muscle, olfactory organ, and aesthetasc hairs. These results suggest that lobG alphaS plays a role in a wide variety of signal transduction events. Its presence in the olfactory aesthetasc hairs, which are almost pure preparations of the outer dendrites of the olfactory receptor neurons, and the expression of lobG alphaS mRNA in the olfactory receptor neurons of the olfactory organ indicate that lobG alphaS may mediate olfactory transduction. That virtually all ORNs express lobG alphaS mRNA equally predicts that hyperpolarizing odor responses mediated by cyclic AMP are a property of all lobster olfactory receptor neurons.
Creating Potential for Common Ground and Communication Between Early Childhood Program Staff and Parents About Young Children’s Eating

Abstract Objectives To explore child care staff and parent perspectives and communications about children’s eating in child care. Design Focus groups (FGs) conducted with child care staff and parents. Setting Four Western states in the United States. Participants Thirty-nine child care staff in 7 FGs and 25 parents in 6 FGs. Phenomenon of Interest Thoughts and concerns about children’s eating and opportunities to improve communication between staff and parents. Analysis Content analysis (FG coding inter-rater reliability: staff = 0.74; parents = 0.81) and identification of meta-themes. Results Three meta-themes were identified: (1) recognition of positive influences of the child care setting in children’s development of healthy eating; (2) concerns about children’s eating in child care and at home; and (3) strategies to improve communications and transactions related to children’s eating. Conclusions and Implications Staff reported that their roles included informing parents about food at mealtimes in child care (eg, menus, recipes) but also educating parents about child nutrition and feeding. Parents valued daily information about their child’s eating to adjust home mealtimes and to feel connected to their child. Barriers to effective communication included limited time and concerns regarding parent reactions and defensiveness. Staff requested training about child nutrition and feeding and about sensitive communications with parents.
Formal convergence characteristics of elliptically constrained incremental Newton-Raphson algorithms

Various aspects of the convergence, uniqueness, and existence properties associated with solutions generated via the elliptically constrained incremental Newton-Raphson (ECINR) algorithm are analyzed. Several theorems are developed, and the formal behavior of the elliptically constrained scheme developed by Padovan (1981) is discussed in detail. Consideration is given to global and local rates of convergence, to the determination of the occurrence of safety zones wherein the algorithm yields inherently convergent results, to formal limitations on the class of functions which the scheme can be applied to solve, and to single and multidimensional formalisms on existence uniqueness and convergence. Special attention is given to functions whose Jacobian matrix exhibit positive, negative, semi and indefinite properties. Several significant advantages of ECINR over the classical INR are mentioned.
Simple few-state models reveal hidden complexity in protein folding

Markov state models constructed from molecular dynamics simulations have recently shown success at modeling protein folding kinetics. Here we introduce two methods, flux PCCA+ (FPCCA+) and sliding constraint rate estimation (SCRE), that allow accurate rate models from protein folding simulations. We apply these techniques to fourteen massive simulation datasets generated by Anton and Folding@home. Our protocol quantitatively identifies the suitability of describing each system using two-state kinetics and predicts experimentally detectable deviations from two-state behavior. An analysis of the villin headpiece and FiP35 WW domain detects multiple native substates that are consistent with experimental data. Applying the same protocol to GTT, NTL9, and protein G suggests that some beta containing proteins can form long-lived native-like states with small register shifts. Even the simplest protein systems show folding and functional dynamics involving three or more states.
You catch more flies with honey: But patients shouldn’t have to manipulate nurses to receive good care.

Interviews with patients show that they believe the quality of care they receive depends upon the relationships they establish with nurses, and that they work to make nurses their friends, “be an easy patient,” and “try to get them to listen.” Some patients reported having a sincere desire to establish a genuine relationship with their nurses, a connection that affirms the patient’s unique identity. Others, however, built relationships as a way to get nurses to remember them—in the hope that the nurses would be more responsive to their needs if they “stood out from the crowd.”
OP04.20: The ductus venosus diameter and pulsatility index in fetuses with congenital heart disease

Objective: To present an investigation of range of the pulsatility index (PI) and the smallest diameter in the ductus venosus (DV) in normal fetuses with normal DV Doppler flow patterns (PI) throughout gestation. Methods: This was a cohort study performed by one sonographer between September 2004 and March 2006. The DV was identified by color aliasing of the vessel arising from the intraabdominal umbilical vein; the color scale then increased and the color gain reduced until the echogenic surfaces of the DV could be observed with near transparent color flow. At least 3 measurements were made in each fetus, all performed during fetal quiescence. SPSS software was used to create nomograms for DV size and PI against gestational age (GA) from 1000 cases of normal fetuses with normal outcomes. 1,175 normal fetuses age 12 to 40 weeks with average growth, were evaluated for Doppler flow in the DV after obtaining IRB approval. Results: 1039 cases (88.43%) of DV PI measurement and 1000 cases (85.11%) of DV size measurement were recorded as satisfactory measurements. A nomogram was constructed from the results, using the average of the three measurements for each fetus. The median size of the DV was linear across gestation. The DV PI was highest in first trimester. All of the fetuses were discharged after term delivery in normal condition.
The concept of scale and the human dimensions of global change: a survey

Abstract Issues related to the scale of ecological phenomena are of fundamental importance to their study. The causes and consequences of environmental change can, of course, be measured at different levels and along multiple scales. While the natural sciences have long understood the importance of scale, research regarding scale in the social sciences has been less explicit, less precise, and more variable. The growing need for interdisciplinary work across the natural/social science divide, however, demands that each achieve some common understandings about scaling issues. This survey seeks to facilitate the dialogue between natural and social scientists by reviewing some of the more important aspects of the concept of scale employed in the social sciences, especially as they relate to the human dimensions of global environmental change. The survey presents the fundamentals of scale, examines four general scaling issues typical of social science, and explores how different social science disciplines have used scale in their research.
Resolving a Function for Bacterial Cell Shape: Curvature Enhances Caulobacter Crescentus Surface Colonization

Each bacterial species has evolved a characteristic shape that is stably maintained, indicating that specific shapes provide bacteria with selective advantages in nature. Much is known about the mechanisms by which bacteria acquire different shapes, but the benefits of specific morphologies are largely unknown. To understand the function of cell shape we focused on the curved bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Paradoxically, C. crescentus curvature is robustly preserved in the wild but straight mutants have no known disadvantage in standard laboratory conditions. Here we demonstrate that cell curvature enhances C. crescentus surface colonization in flow, promoting the formation of larger and denser microcolonies. Leveraging microfluidics to mimic its natural environment and single-cell imaging, we also determined the mechanism by which curvature provides this benefit. Hydrodynamic forces cause curved cells to arc, optimally orienting polar pili, reducing their distance to the surface as the cell grows, and thereby enhancing surface attachment. C. crescentus thus repurposes pilus retraction, traditionally used for surface motility, for localized surface attachment. The benefit of curvature is modulated by flow intensity, potentially explaining why freshwater Caulobacter species that typically experience moderate flow are often curved while closely related marine species that experience stronger flows are often straight. Thus, our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of the potential benefit of bacterial curvature and highlight the importance of studying bacteria in conditions that reproduce their natural habitats.
Solving Fixed Charge Location-Allocation Problems with Capacity and Configuration Constraints

Abstract Location-allocation problems involve the selection of locations that will be used as sources to satisfy a demand at various destinations. Associated with each potential source is a capacity limitation on output and a cost function which is broken down into a fixed charge plus an output dependent variable cost. Linear distribution costs comprise the remaining part of the total system cost. Configuration constraints which rule that specific source combinations are infeasible may be included for consideration. A solution procedure is presented that finds the minimal cost solution. The procedure utilizes a new enumerative search scheme in conjunction with adaptive bounds on the fixed costs, and constraints based on the dual variables to reduce the feasible solution set to a manageable size. For each of the small number of enumerated source configurations that pass all fixed cost and duality tests, a transportation problem is optimized to determine the minimum cost allocation. An experimental computer...
A Conformational Rearrangement in the Spliceosome Sets the Stage for Prp22-Dependent mRNA Release

An essential step in pre-mRNA splicing is the release of the mRNA product from the spliceosome. The DEAH box RNA helicase Prp22 catalyzes mRNA release by remodeling contacts within the spliceosome that involve the U5 snRNP. Spliceosome disassembly requires a segment of more than 13 ribonucleotides downstream of the 3' splice site. I show here by site-specific crosslinking and RNase H protection that Prp22 interacts with the mRNA downstream of the exon-exon junction prior to mRNA release. The findings support a model for Prp22-catalyzed mRNA release from the spliceosome wherein a rearrangement that accompanies the second transesterification step deposits Prp22 on the mRNA downstream of the exon-exon junction. Bound to its target RNA, the 3'-->5' helicase acts to disrupt mRNA/U5 snRNP contacts, thereby liberating the mRNA from the spliceosome.
An algorithm for finding a maximum weighted independent set in an arbitrary graph

We propose and implement an exact algorithm for the maximum weighted independent set problem based on an unconstrained quadratic 0–1 formulation and branch and bound techniques. The use of a non-greedy branch and bound method using depth first search is presented and justified along with various heuristics to improve performance. We also present computational results using randomly generated graphs with up to 500 vertices.
MgB2 Films, Fibres and Heterostructures Grown by an Innovative Hybrid Physical-Chemical Vapor Deposition Technique

In order to grown epitaxial magnesium diboride MgB2 films, fibers and heterostructures, an hybrid physical-chemical vapour deposition (HPCVD) technique was developed, which combines physical vapour deposition (PVD) with chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The superconducting and normal-state properties of the MgB2 films are determined by the film thickness. Above 3000A, a Tc of 41.8 K, a ρ0 of 0.28 μΩ·cm, and a residual resistance ratio RRR of over 30 were obtained. A carbon-containing metal-organic precursor was added to the carrier gas to achieve carbon doping. As the amount of carbon in the film increases, the resistivity increases, Tc decreases, and the upper critical field increases dramatically as compared to clean films. The selffield Jc in the carbon doped film is lower than that in the clean film, but Jc remains relatively high to much higher magnetic fields, indicating stronger pinning. The carbon doping approach can be used to produce MgB2 materials for high magnetic-field applications. We report on structural and superconducting properties of round MgB2 coated-conductor fibers on SiC fibers. The coating is polycrystalline and composed of elongated crystallites. The pure MgB2 fiber shows a zero resistance Tc of 39.3K. The carbon-alloyed fibers show a high upper critical field of 55T at 1.5K and a high irreversibility field of 40T at 1.5 K. The result demonstrates great potential of MgB2 coated conductors for superconducting magnets. We also report structural and transport proprieties of MgB2/MgO and MgB2/AlN multilayers. The epitaxial MgB2/MgO/MgB2 trilayers were grown in-situ in the HPCVD system, while MgB2/AlN/MgB2 trilayers were deposited using an ex-situ process. The results are promising for all-MgB2 planar Josephson junctions.
Adenosine A2A receptors assemble into higher‐order oligomers at the plasma membrane

Oligomerization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is known to play important roles in regulating receptor pharmacology and function. Whereas many bivalent GPCR interactions have been described, the stoichiometry and localiza- tion of GPCR oligomers are largely unknown. We have used bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to study adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) oligomerization. The data sug- gest specificity of the A2AR/A2AR interaction monitored by BiFC and proper sub-cellular localization of tagged receptors. More- over, using a novel approach combining fluorescence resonance energy transfer and BiFC, we found that at least three A2A receptors assemble into higher-order oligomers at the plasma membrane in Cath.A differentiated neuronal cells. Structured summary: MINT-6797156, MINT-6797142: A2AR (uniprotkb:P29274) physically interacts (MI:0218) with A2AR (uniprotkb:P29274) by bimolecular fluorescence comple- mentation (MI:0809) MINT-6797129: A2AR (uniprotkb:P29274) physically interacts (MI:0218) with A2AR (uniprotkb:P29274) by fluorescent resonance energy transfer (MI:0055)
Blech Effect and Lifetime Projection for Cu/Low-K Interconnects

Electromigration in short Cu interconnects was studied under a number of conditions in Cu/Low-K technologies. Observed failure distributions displayed increasing dispersion of the failure times, characterized by the lognormal ?, as the Blech critical threshold, (jL) c , was approached. Simulations show that the apparent increase in ? can be correlated to variations in current density which arise from variation in the interconnect cross section inherent to any manufacturing process. As a consequence, the median time to failure, t 50 , for a short line at a given current may be immortal, but failures may still occur at lower percentiles. Because of the significant ? variation (or deviation from lognormal distribution), the choice of failure time percentile results in different calculated (jL) c , which in turn will have significant impact on lifetime projections and circuit design applications. In addition, the (jL) c calculated from L/t inc vs jL is essentially independent of temperature, and the slope can be used to derive the activation energy. The derived activation energy for short interconnects agrees well with that calculated from Black's law using 200um long lines with jL ≫≫ (jL) c .
Predictors of Counselor Educators' Cultural Discriminatory Behaviors

Purposes of this study were to (a) examine relationships among counselor educators' attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of institutional support concerning race, gender, sexual orientation, and social class and (b) investigate the effects of attitudes and institutional perceptions on behaviors. A nationwide sample of 154 counseling faculty completed the Survey of Cultural Attitudes and Behaviors (K. L. Miller & S. M. Miller, 1997). Faculty attitudes directly predicted behaviors. Perceptions of institutional support directly and indirectly predicted behaviors. The authors identify strategies for modifying discriminatory behaviors.
Anthrax Lethal and Edema Toxins Produce Different Patterns of Cardiovascular and Renal Dysfunction and Synergistically Decrease Survival in Canines

Mortality among patients with shock during the 2001 US anthrax outbreak was high [1, 2]. Although the mechanisms and optimal management of this shock remain unclear, anthrax risk persists, as demonstrated by recent cases of highly fatal soft-tissue infection among intravenous drug users in the United Kingdom and Europe [3, 4]. Lethal (LeTx) and edema (ETx) toxins are important in the pathogenesis of anthrax [5, 6]. Both are binary-type toxins that, in addition to lethal factor and edema factor, include protective antigen (PA), the component necessary for binding and uptake by host cells. Lethal factor is a zinc endopeptidase that cleaves mitogenactivated protein kinase kinases, and edema factor is a potent calmodulin-dependent adenyl cyclase. Despite the importance of LeTx and ETx during anthrax infection, there has been limited characterization of their cardiovascular effects [6–9]. Most studies are in small animals, in which measurement of cardiac preload, afterload, and output are difficult and monitoring is of limited duration. The effect of cardiovascular changes with toxin on noncardiac organ dysfunction has also not been assessed. Incomplete understanding of the pathophysiologic effects of LeTx and ETx hampers the development of beneficial supportive strategies. Therefore, in the present investigation recombinant LeTx, ETx, or control challenge was infused over 24 h in sedated and instrumented canines receiving mechanical ventilation; canines are an anthrax-susceptible species [10]. Cardiopulmonary, renal, and hepatic measurements were performed up to 72 h after completion of toxin infusions. To define the influence of fluid administration on the hemodynamic effects of the toxins, measurements were repeated daily after volume loading. An initial study (study 1) investigated and compared the individual effects of similarly lethal dose ranges of each toxin, and 50% lethal doses (LD50) were determined. A second study (study 2) investigated the effects of an LD50 of LeTx and an equimolar dose of ETx administered alone and together.
Genetic Modifier Loci Affecting Survival and Cardiac Function in Murine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background— Understanding the role for genetic factors in human heart failure is difficult because environmental factors cannot be standardized and genetic variation is great. One approach to identify genes that modify disease outcome is to use mouse models that show strong genetic variation of the disease phenotype. Methods and Results— In this study, we used transgenic mice that develop severe dilated cardiomyopathy due to the cardiac-specific overexpression of calsequestrin. Transgenic mice showed marked strain-specific variation of cardiac function and survival, independent of transgene expression. A reciprocal backcross strategy was employed using two inbred strains showing distinct differences in survival and cardiac function. To map the genes that modified the heart failure phenotype, progeny from the 2 reciprocal backcrosses were used in a genome-wide scan for linkage. We identified two loci significantly linked to survival with a maximum likelihood ratio statistic of 36.2 (LOD score ≈7.8) on chro...
The effect of low energy electron and UV/VIS radiation aging on the electron emission properties and breakdown of thin-film dielectrics

Studies of secondary and backscattered electron yield curves of thin-film dielectrics have recently been made using pulsed, low current electron beam methods to minimize insulator charging. These capabilities have allowed us to investigate the evolution of surface and internal charge profiles as a function of low energy electron (<1 keV to 20 keV) pulsed-electron fluence to determine how quickly insulators charge, and how this can affect subsequent electron emission properties. We have also studied critical incident electron energies that result in electrical breakdown of insulator materials and the effect of breakdown on subsequent emission, charging and conduction. The qualitative physics of such processes in solid dielectrics has long been known; this work begins to place such studies on a quantitative basis.
A wireless interrogator - passive sensor approach for deeply embedded sensing applications

This work presents the design and preliminary results for a new class of wireless sensors designed for deeply embedded sensing applications. Such applications include structural health monitoring, where sensors may be embedded in concrete or soils, and require long system life and thus extremely passive sensor designs. The design is detailed in three parts. First, a diamagnetically-levitated accelerometer that serves as an inertial sensor is discussed. Second, a harmonic transceiver and a 3-D conformal antenna are demonstrated. Finally, an interrogator design that not only provides energy to activate the sensor but also characterizes its frequency response to extract the environments state is presented.
Theory of the Stochastic Resonance Effect in Signal Detection—Part II: Variable Detectors

In Part I of this paper [ldquoTheory of the Stochastic Resonance Effect in Signal Detection: Part I-Fixed Detectors,rdquo IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing, vol. 55, no. 7, pt. 1, pp. 3172-3184], the mechanism of the stochastic resonance (SR) effect for a fixed detector has been examined. This paper analyzes the stochastic resonance (SR) effect under the condition that the detector structure or its parameters can also be changed. The detector optimization problem with SR noise under both Neyman-Pearson and Bayesian criteria is examined. In the Bayesian approach when the prior probabilities are unknown, the minimax approach is adopted. The form of the optimal noise pdf along with the corresponding detector as well as the maximum achievable performance are determined. The developed theory is then applied to a general class of weak signal detection problems. Under the assumptions that the sample size N is large enough and the test statistics satisfies the conditions of central limit theorem, the optimal SR noise is shown to be a constant vector and independent of the signal strength for both Neyman-Pearson and Bayesian criteria. Illustrative examples are presented where performance comparisons are made between the original detector and the optimal SR noise modified detector for different types of SR noise.
Real-Time Scheduling for WirelessHART Networks

WirelessHART is an open wireless sensor-actuator network standard for industrial process monitoring and control that requires real-time data communication between sensor and actuator devices. Salient features of a WirelessHART network include a centralized network management architecture, multi-channel TDMA transmission, redundant routes, and avoidance of spatial reuse of channels for enhanced reliability and real-time performance. This paper makes several key contributions to real-time transmission scheduling in WirelessHART networks: (1) formulation of the end-to-end real-time transmission scheduling problem based on the characteristics of WirelessHART, (2) proof of NP-hardness of the problem, (3) an optimal branch-and-bound scheduling algorithm based on a necessary condition for schedulability, and (4) an efficient and practical heuristic-based scheduling algorithm called Conflict-aware Least Laxity First (C-LLF). Extensive simulations based on both random topologies and real network topologies of a physical testbed demonstrate that C-LLF is highly effective in meeting end-to-end deadlines in WirelessHART networks, and significantly outperforms common real-time scheduling policies.