cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid systems: from verification to falsification by combining motion planning and discrete search

We propose HyDICE, Hybrid Discrete Continuous Exploration, a multi-layered approach for hybrid-system falsification that combines motion planning with discrete search and discovers safety violations by computing witness trajectories to unsafe states. The discrete search uses discrete transitions and a state-space decomposition to guide the motion planner during the search for witness trajectories. Experiments on a nonlinear hybrid robotic system with over one million modes and experiments with an aircraft conflict-resolution protocol with high-dimensional continuous state spaces demonstrate the effectiveness of HyDICE. Comparisons to related work show computational speedups of up to two orders of magnitude.
Benzo[a]pyrene-induced toxicity : paradoxical protection in Cyp1a1 (-/-) knockout mice having increased hepatic BaP-DNA adduct levels

Previous studies have shown that cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), CYP1B1, and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS2) are inducible by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, dioxin), and all three metabolize BaP to reactive DNA-binding intermediates and excreted products. Because these three enzymes show differing patterns of basal levels, inducibility, and tissue-specific expression, animal studies are necessary to delineate the role of CYP1A1 in BaP-mediated toxicity. In mice receiving large daily doses of BaP (500 mg/kg i.p.), Cyp1a1(-/-) knockout mice are protected by surviving longer than Cyp1a1(+/-) heterozygotes. We found that a single 500 mg/kg dose of BaP induces hepatic CYP1A1 mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity in Cyp1a1(+/-) but not in Cyp1a1(-/-) mice; TCDD pretreatment increases further the CYP1A1 in Cyp1a1(+/-) but not Cyp1a1(-/-) mice. Although a single 500 mg/kg dose of BaP was toxic to Cyp1a1(+/-) mice (serum liver enzyme elevated about 2-fold above control levels at 48 h), Cyp1a1(-/-) mice displayed no hepatotoxicity. Unexpectedly, we found 4-fold higher BaP-DNA adduct levels in Cyp1a1(-/-) than in Cyp1a1(+/-) mice; TCDD pretreatment lowered the levels of BaP-DNA adducts in both genotypes, suggesting the involvement of other TCDD-inducible detoxification enzymes. BaP was cleared from the blood much faster in Cyp1a1(+/-) than Cyp1a1(-/-) mice. Our results suggest that absence of the CYP1A1 enzyme protects the intact animal from BaP-mediated liver toxicity and death, by decreasing the formation of large amounts of toxic metabolites, whereas much slower metabolic clearance of BaP in Cyp1a1(-/-) mice leads to greater formation of BaP-DNA adducts.
Effect of cycle time on NH3 generation on low Pt dispersion Pt/BaO/Al2O3 catalysts: Experiments and crystallite-scale modeling

A crystallite-scale model that explicitly accounts for the diffusion of stored NOx in the storage phase is used to explain the effects of cycle time, Pt dispersion and loading on NOx conversion and NH3 selectivity on low Pt dispersion NOx storage/reduction (NSR) catalysts. The low Pt dispersion or aged NSR catalysts are known to give high selectivity to NH3 which is essential for the combined NSR/SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system. It is shown through both experiments and modeling that for a fixed ratio of the moles of NO:H2 fed per cycle, a longer diluted rich feed for fixed lean time and a shorter overall cycle is beneficial in terms of NOx conversion for both 3% and 8% dispersion catalysts. Model predicts that more stored NOx is allowed to diffuse back to the Pt sites during a longer diluted regeneration while excessive NOx slip is prevented in a shorter overall cycle due to frequent regeneration, both of which leads to higher NOx conversion. The NH3 selectivity which depends on local NO:H2 ratio decreased with increase (decrease) in rich time (total cycle time) for 8% catalyst. Similar NH3 selectivity trend as a function of overall cycle time was also observed for 3% catalyst. The findings are helpful in assessing the viability of these catalysts (3% and 8%) to be used in conjunction with the SCR catalyst. Finally, the model is also used to gain additional insights on the impact of Pt loading and dispersion to provide important guidelines for NSR catalyst design for combined NSR/SCR application.
Spatial analysis of time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometric images by ordinary kriging and inverse distance weighted interpolation techniques.

Ordinary kriging and inverse distance weighted (IDW) are two interpolation methods for spatial analysis of data and are commonly used to analyze macroscopic spatial data in the fields of remote sensing, geography, and geology. In this study, these two interpolation techniques were compared and used to analyze microscopic chemical images created from time of flight−secondary ion mass spectrometry images from a patterned polymer sample of fluorocarbon (CxFy) and poly(aminopropyl siloxane) (APS, a.k.a. siloxane). Data was eliminated from the original high-resolution data set by successive random removal, and the image file was interpolated and reconstructed with a random subset of points using both methods. The statistical validity of the reconstructed image was determined by both standard geographic information system (GIS) validation statistics and evaluating the resolution across an image boundary using ASTM depth and image resolution methodology. The results show that both ordinary kriging and IDW techni...
Investing in children's learning through the curriculum

Parents and teachers must become partners in order to increase the chances that there will be a match between their children's learning styles and the “theory of action” used in instruction. Comprehensive, family‐centered programs have been successful in demonstrating the effectiveness of these programs regardless of the children's background. Such quality programs are needed early in the development of children, so as to maximize the critical learning periods within the first three years of life. Also required are adults who have competence with a variety of instructional techniques as well as the training and personal qualities to meet the needs of children assigned to them. There is much justification available for these partnerships and efforts.
Massive enlargement of the nasolacrimal canal causing epiphora and chronic maxillary sinusitis.

Objectives: Enlargement of the nasolacrimal canal (NLC) is a rare anatomic variant. We present the first report of a massively dilated NLC causing epiphora and chronic sinusitis. Methods: The authors conducted a literature review and case report. Results: A 65-year-old man with refractory sinonasal symptoms and a remote history of a dacryocystorhinostomy was found to have a massively dilated, air-filled NLC. Using a combined endoscopic transnasal and endoscope-assisted Caldwell-Luc approach, the posterolateral wall of the NLC was removed. The patient's symptoms were improved 10 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Symptoms suggestive of nasolacrimal dysfunction should prompt a search for potential sinonasal pathology.
LANGUAGES AND SPEAKERS: AN INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN AMERICAN ENGLISH AND NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGES

The many connections between Native Americans and African Americans throughout US history provide a reason for discussing these peoples and their languages together. The similarities in their experiences in North America are primarily the product of US white supremacist racism, which, to take one example, has created black ghettoes and Native American reservations. One language, with many regional and social varieties, unites African Americans, while Native American languages number in the hundreds, divided into dozens of language families. As they struggle for social justice, Native Americans face urgent issues of language endangerment and revitalization. As African Americans continue the struggle for full equality, they will probably continue to speak the very robust African American Vernacular English, which in its current form has significantly been shaped by residential segregation but also by ethnic pride. There is every indication that the African American Vernacular will have to play an important role in the teaching of African American schoolchildren if the cycle of low educational achievement, as measured by test scores, is to be ended.
Decomposition branch-and-bound based algorithm for linear programs with additional multiplicative constraints

This article presents an algorithm for globally solving a linear program (P) that contains several additional multiterm multiplicative constraints. To our knowledge, this is the first algorithm proposed to date for globally solving Problem (P). The algorithm decomposes the problem to obtain a master problem of low rank. To solve the master problem, the algorithm uses a branch-and-bound scheme where Lagrange duality theory is used to obtain the lower bounds. As a result, the lower-bounding subproblems in the algorithm are ordinary linear programs. Convergence of the algorithm is shown and a solved sample problem is given.
The influence of host population space in experimental epizootics caused by Hydramoeba hydroxena

Abstract The laboratory hydra-hydramoeba system provides a versatile experimental analog for studies of factors controlling epizootics. In a previous investigation involving small host numbers the relationship between instantaneous infection rate and host density was not clear; hence, the experiments in this study were designed to elucidate the significance of an increased host population space and host numbers on this relationship. Two levels of population space (one 2.8 times the other) and four host densities (1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 hosts/cm2) were employed. Using a generation law growth model a maximum infection rate independent of space and density was calculated. Instantaneous rates computed from an logistic epidemic (epizootic) model were determined from the series of experimental epizootics and compared with the maximum value. In the small space, and with densities identical to the large space, the response of the host-pathogen system was sluggish and the infection rate reached an asymptote of only 45% of the maximum by the second density. In the large space the infection rate increased in proportion to the increase in density and attained the maximum value only at the highest density. The increase in space also enhanced the actual numbers infected as density was increased over that expected under the assumption of a direct proportional increase with space and density. It was concluded that the space effect may correspond to or be a parameter of a threshold property of the hydra-hydramoeba epizootic system. (The host species used in this study was Chlorohydra viridissima and the pathogen was Hydramoeba hydroxena.)
Intercommunity differences in aggression among Zapotec children.

Patterns of play aggression and serious aggression were compared in 2 neighboring Zapotec Indian communities that have different levels of adult violence. Social learning theory provided the basis for predicting that levels of agonistic behavior among children would parallel levels of violence among adults. Ethological methods were employed to observe 3-8-year-old children (N = 48). An examination of physical aggression and nonphysical threatening showed that agonism generally was more severe among the children of the more aggressive community. That is, children from the more aggressive community engaged in more actual fighting (p = .005) and play fighting (p = .0001) than their counterparts from the other community. On the other hand, children from the less aggressive community used more noncontact threatening than the children from the more aggressive community (p = .0001). These findings suggest that community differences in levels of violence are perpetuated as Zapotec children learn community-appropriate patterns for expressing aggression and continue to express these patterns as adults. Possible functions of play fighting are also discussed.
Automated abdominal fat quantification and food residue removal in CT

Quantification of distinct subcutaneous and visceral fat regions in the abdomen is essential in clinical studies of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. Computed Tomography (CT) is a widely adopted imaging technology for abdominal fat quantification because the intensity range of fat in Hounsfield Units (HU) is distinct from other tissues in the pelvis and abdomen. Nevertheless, it has been observed that the quantification of visceral fat based solely on intensity is subject to errors caused by food residues in the intestines that may have intensities similar to fat. Herein we present a method for automated quantification of abdominal fat in CT with emphasis on reducing errors in visceral fat measurements caused by food residues. The fat pixels are first identified in the feature space of HUs and then divided into subcutaneous and visceral component using anatomic location. Food residues within the intestines that are previously inaccurately labeled as visceral fat (false positives) are identified and removed using a machine learning technique. Experimental results include validation against reference data over 144 CT images to test the generalization capability of our scheme.
Identification of peptides capable of inducing the formation of titania but not silica via a subtractive bacteriophage display approach

A “subtractive” bacteriophage display biopanning approach has been used to identify 12-mer peptides that are capable of binding selectively to, and inducing the precipitation of, titania but not silica. Unlike the conventional bacteriophage display procedure, this approach consists of two selection steps: i) removal of phage particles containing silica-binding peptides from the phage library (the subtractive step), and then ii) isolation of phage particles bearing peptides that bind strongly to titania. While prior phage display biopanning with silica and titania targets has led to the isolation of polycationic peptides enriched in basic residues, the subtractive biopanning process yielded several acidic peptides enriched in hydroxyl-bearing residues. These peptides were found to induce the precipitation of titania, but not silica, from aqueous precursor solutions at pH 3–8. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that a subtractive bacteriophage biopanning process may be used to identify specific peptides possessing the ability to induce the formation of one oxide while lacking the ability to form a second, chemically similar oxide.
Decision making: how the brain weighs the evidence

The brain has to weigh incoming sensory evidence against prior beliefs, the relative weight given to each depending on the relative uncertainties. Neuroscience now shows how the human brain accomplishes this.
Medical Pearl: Docetaxel-induced onycholysis.

ends of the 3-way tap are capped to prevent air entry in the syringe. Because of the negative pressure, the skin bulges inside the syringe increasing the contact surface between the skin and the syringe. Therefore, vacuum leak from the contact area between the syringe and the skin usually does not occur. Application of a thin layer of white soft paraffin on the contact surface may further make the syringe leak-proof. On measuring negative pressure after 1 or 2 hours, no or negligible change in the negative pressure was noted. In conclusion, we provide a reference table for the required volume of air to be aspirated from 5-, 10-, and 20-mL syringes to achieve the desired negative pressure. Because the manometer constitutes the main bulk of the syringe suction blister apparatus, using the reference table eliminates its need and further simplifies the suction blister apparatus. REFERENCES 1. Kiistala U, Mustakallio KK. In vivo separation of epidermis by production of suction blisters. Lancet 1964;1:1444-5. 2. Falabella R. Epidermal grafting: an original technique and its application in achromic and granulating areas. Arch Dermatol 1971;104:592-600. 3. Gupta S, Kumar B. Epidermal grafting in vitiligo: influence of age, site of lesions, and type of disease on outcome. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;49:99-104. 4. Koga M. Epidermal grafting using the tops of suction blisters in the treatment of vitiligo. Arch Dermatol 1988;124:1656-8. 5. Kiistala U. Suction blister device for separation of viable epidermis from dermis. J Invest Dermatol 1968;50:129-37. 6. Mukhtar, Singh S, Shukla VK, Pandey SS. Surgical pearl: suction syringe for epidermal grafting. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37: 638-9. 7. Lewis EJ. The mechanism of ‘‘suction.’’ J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:664. 8. Gupta S, Shroff S, Gupta S. Modified technique of suction blistering for epidermal grafting in vitiligo. Int J Dermatol 1999; 38:306-9. 9. Gupta S, Kumar B. Suction blister induction time: 15 minutes or 150 minutes? Dermatol Surg 2000;26:754-7. J AM ACAD DERMATOL FEBRUARY 2005 350 Pearls
Evaporative Cooling of Broilers During Preslaughter Holding

Abstract An evaporative cooling and air distribution system was designed and installed in two trailer bays of a live broiler holding shed at a commercial poultry processing plant. Temperature change, shrinkage (live weight loss), and mortality data were collected on trailerloads of live broilers held in the evaporatively cooled bays and in two conventional, fan-ventilated bays. Statistical analysis indicated significantly lower shrinkage (P
Cloning of a Streptomyces Gene for an O-Methyltransferase Involved in Antibiotic Biosynthesis

The red pigmented antibiotic of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) is chemically very similar to the Serratia marcescens pigment, prodigiosin. We have demonstrated by co-synthesis experiments between non-producing mutants of both species that their biosynthetic pathways are similar, and have discovered identities between specific mutants of each organism. Molecular cloning techniques have been employed in order to isolate Streptomyces chromosomal DNA segments which “complement” a mutant defective in the penultimate step of the red biosynthetic pathway: an O-methyltransferase enzyme. In one case, the lesion appears to be repaired by integrative recombination into the chromosome; another case may represent expression from the autonomously replicating recombinant plasmid.
Asset/Liability Management for Insurers in the New Era: Focus on Value

While asset/liability management (A/L M) has been applied widely by insurers for 15 years, it has had mixed results. This article describes how initial efforts were unsuccessful, due to the focus on accounting values rather than economic values. The author asserts that insurers must rectify this misstep before A/L M can become a useful tool for them. Several forces are combining to ensure that this takes place in the near future.
Photodissociation in Molecular Crystals

Abstract The photodissociation of s-tetrazine (ST) and its dimethyl derivative (DMST) is discussed. The presence of an intermediate in the dissociation process is inferred from the dependence of the photodissociation on exciting light intensity of ST and DMST as guests in molecular crystal hosts. The absorption spectrum of the intermediate is also described. These results illustrate the usefulness of studying photochemical reactions at low temperatures using high-resolution spectroscopic techniques.
A unifying hypothesis for the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinsonism, and Alzheimer disease

The causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson disease, and Alzheimer disease are unknown. Furthermore, treatment for two of these conditions is almost totally lacking. The thesis is presented that each of these disorders is due to lack of a disorder-specific neurotrophic hormone. The hormone would be elaborated or stored in the target of the affected neurons. It would be released by the postsynaptic cell and then exert its effects in a retrograde fashion after being taken up by the presynaptic terminal. In the lower motor neuron syndromes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, failure of muscle cells to release the appropriate motor neurotrophic hormone would result in impaired function of anterior horn cells. In Parkinson disease, the neurotrophic failure would be characterized by inability of striatal cells to provide the required dopamine neurotrophic hormone with resulting impairment of substantia nigra cells. In Alzheimer disease, the abnormalities would lie in failure of the hippocampus and cortical cells to supply the relevant cholinergic neurotrophic hormone with resulting impairment of medial septal and nucleus basalis neurons. Central nervous system tissue culture provides a convenient system in which to assay these neurotrophic hormones and should permit a test of the hypothesis.
Further development and evaluation of a breast/ovarian cancer genetics referral screening tool.

Further development and evaluation of a breast/ovarian cancer genetics referral screening tool
Objective cerebrospinal fluid response to intraventricular rituximab in indolent CNS lymphoma

SUMMARY Indolent CNS lymphomas (CNSLs) are rare and no guidelines exist for management. Recent literature highlights the potential for safe and tolerable intrathecal (IT) delivery of rituximab, a large anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, for aggressive CNSL. We report a patient with relapsed indolent CNSL who failed systemic rituximab and could not tolerate IT chemotherapies, but had an objective response of 6 months duration to IT rituximab.
Diffraction analysis of pupil mapping systems for planet finding

Pupil-mapping is a technique whereby a uniformly-illuminated input pupil, such as from starlight, can be mapped into a non-uniformly illuminated exit pupil, such that the image formed from this pupil will have suppressed sidelobes, many orders of magnitude weaker than classical Airy ring intensities. Pupil mapping is therefore a candidate technique for coronagraphic imaging of extrasolar planets around nearby stars. Pupil mapping is lossless and preserves the full angular resolution of the collecting telescope. Prior analyses based on pupil-to-pupil ray-tracing indicate that a planet fainter than 10 -10 times its parent star, and as close as about 2λ/D, could be detectable. In this paper, we describe the results of careful diffraction analysis of pupil mapping systems. These results reveal a serious unresolved issue. Namely, high-contrast pupil mappings distribute light from very near the edge of the first pupil to a broad area of the second pupil thereby dramatically amplifying diffraction-based edge effects resulting in a limiting attainable contrast of about 10 −5 . We provide two hybrid designs that provide partial solutions to this problem but a complete resolution remains open.
The Availability of Personal Transportation, Residential Location, and Life Satisfaction Among the Aged

IN THE CONTEXT OF A COMMUNITY WHICH HAS NEITHER PUBLIC NOR COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES, THE LIFE SATISFACTION OF THE AGED IS RELATED TO DIFFERENTIALS IN THE AVAILABILITY OF MEANS OF PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION. OLDER PERSONS HAVING PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE TO THEM HAVE HIGHER LIFE SATISFACTION SCORES THAN THOSE OLDER PERSONS NOT HAVING TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FOR THEIR USE. HOWEVER, THE CONSEQUENCES OF TRANSPORTATION DIFFERENTIALS FOR THE SATISFACTION ARE SOMEWHAT GREATER FOR THE AGED WHOSE RESIDENCES ARE MORE DISTANT FROM THE CENTRALIZED RESOURCES, FACILITIES, AND SERVICES OF THE COMMUNITY. LOW LEVELS OF LIFE SATISFACTION ARE ESPECIALLY CHARACTERISTIC OF OLDER PERSONS WHO DO NOT HAVE PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE AND WHO LIVE MORE THAN ONE-HALF MILE FROM THE CENTER OF THE CITY. FOR THOSE LIVING CLOSER TO THE CENTER OF THE CITY, LIFE SATISFACTION IS UNRELATED TO TRANSPORTATION DIFFERENTIALS. FINALLY, THE HIGHEST PROPORTIONS OF OLDER PERSONS WITH LOW LIFE SATISFACTION SCORES ARE FOUND AMONG THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE TO THEM, WHO LIVE AT THE GREATER DISTANCES, AND WHO ARE OF LOWER SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OR IN POORER HEALTH. /AUTHOR/
The deep planetary magnetotail revisited

The magnetotail model of Grzedzielski and Macek (1988) is extended to great distances in the antisolar direction. For typical solar wind parameters at 1 AU and the most probable set of parameters of the model as determined for the ISEE-3 region of 200 earth radii, R(E), the open geotail extends to at least 3000 - 4000 R(E) downstream from earth, where it forms a cavity filled with a dense hot plasma and low magnetic field strengths. The cross section of this cavity in the plane perpendicular to the earth-sun line has dimensions of 300 - 400 R(E) parallel to the ecliptic plane, but only 5 R(E) in the direction normal to the ecliptic. It seems likely that the magnetotail would become filamentary at such distances.
Construction and validation of the Outpatient Health Care Usability Profile (OHCUP)

Abstract Background The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires health care facilities to provide equal access to patents with disabilities. Yet, people with disabilities experience many access barriers. Objective/hypothesis To develop a valid, reliable, and user-friendly tool that measures the physical and environmental features of outpatient health care facilities. Instead of addressing full compliance with the ADA, the tool measures the essential features of an outpatient health care facility. Methods The project included an online survey of people with disabilities (reported elsewhere), work groups of people with disabilities prioritizing ADA administrative guidelines (ADAAG), ADA expert review, measure development, pilot testing and re-testing. ADA experts' ratings were summarized as Content Validity Ratios (CVR). Retained ADAAG items were organized into a survey instrument and tested by raters at outpatient health clinics. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient and Gwet's AC1 statistic. Refinement and re-testing of the instrument was conducted. Results The work groups narrowed the ADAG items from over 400 to 154 items. CVR ratings from ADA subject-matter experts reduced the items to 129. Inter-rater reliability for the pilot version was 0.61 (Kappa) and 0.88 (AC1). After refinement, inter-rater reliability was 0.77 (Kappa) and 0.90 (AC1). The items with the lowest reliability scores were re-examined, revised, and re-tested. Inter-rater reliability for the final version of the OHCUP was 0.89 (Kappa) and 0.97 (AC1). Conclusions The OHCUP is a valid and reliable tool for measuring the usability of health care facilities.
Seasonal water balance of an Ozark hillslope

Abstract Analysis of field water balance components provides information necessary to minimize the risk of offsite movement of contaminants from crop production practices or animal manure applications. The objective of this study was to determine the timing and amount of surface runoff and drainage from the root zone for a hillslope in the Ozark Highlands of US. A 0.4 ha watershed with slopes of 8–20% having tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cover was established in northwestern Arkansas (35°56′W, 93°51′N). Continuous measurements of water balance parameters were made from June 1997 to August 1998. Soil water drainage was estimated as the residual of weekly water balance calculations. Runoff occurred in response to three precipitation events in the winter of 1998 and totaled 30.6 mm of water or 2.6% of the 1185 mm of precipitation that fell at the site during the study period. Storms of comparable or greater intensity during other seasons failed to produce runoff, a result that was likely due to dry soil conditions and taller grass canopy. Drainage through the root zone totaled 117 mm and occurred primarily during an 83-day interval in the winter of 1998. The water balance was dominated by evaporation, which accounted for 91% (1080 mm) of the precipitation. Tall fescue was capable of sustaining relatively high evaporation rates between infrequent summer rains thereby dewatering the soil profile, which was not replenished until winter. Delaying spring animal manure applications in the Ozarks until evaporation has increased and the soil profile has begun to dry would decrease the risk of offsite transport of potential contaminants contained in the manure.
Relative Sensitivity of Hepatitis B Virus and Other Hepatotropic Viruses to the Antiviral Effects of Cytokines

We have previously shown that hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication is inhibited noncytopathically in the livers of transgenic mice following injection of HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) or infection with unrelated hepatotropic viruses, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and adenovirus. These effects are mediated by gamma interferon (IFNγ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and IFNα/β. In the present study, we crossed HBV transgenic mice with mice genetically deficient for IFNγ (IFNγKO), the TNFα receptor (TNFαRKO), or the IFNα/β receptor (IFNα/βRKO) in order to determine the relative contribution of each cytokine to the antiviral effects observed in each of these systems. Interestingly, we showed that HBV replicates in unmanipulated IFNγKO and IFNα/βRKO mice at levels higher than those observed in control mice, implying that baseline levels of these cytokines control HBV replication in the absence of inflammation. We also showed that IFNγ mediates most of the antiviral effect of the CTLs while IFNα/β is primarily responsible for the early inhibitory effect of LCMV and adenovirus on HBV replication. In addition, we showed that the hepatic induction of IFNα/β observed after injection of poly(I · C) is sufficient to inhibit HBV replication and that a similar antiviral effect is achieved by systemic administration of very high doses of IFNα. We also compared the relative sensitivity of LCMV and adenovirus to control by IFNγ, TNFα, or IFNα/β in these animals. Importantly, IFNα/βRKO mice, and to a lesser extent IFNγKO mice, showed higher hepatic levels of LCMV RNA and adenovirus DNA and RNA than control mice, underscoring the importance of both interferons in controlling these other viral infections as well.
Structure of a putative sodium channel from the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida.

A cDNA encoding a full length putative sodium channel has been cloned from the sea anemoneAiptasia pallida. The deduced protein, named AiNal, has a predicted molecular weight of 205 000 Da. It shows high structural similarity to other sodium channels from both invertebrates and vertebrates, and its structure is consistent with the four domain, six transmembrane segment motif of all known voltage-gated sodium channels. In the region purported to constitute the tetrodotoxin (TTX) receptor of sodium channels, AiNal differs from the TTX-sensitive motif, suggesting that currents carried by this channel would be insensitive to TTX. The presence of a conventional sodium channel protein in anemones indicates, for the first time, that neurons in sea anemones are likely to be capable of producing fast, overshooting action, potentials.
Phase difference power spectra in atmospheric propagation through rain at 10.6 μm

The power spectrum of the phase difference fluctuations between two IR beams propagating side by side is strongly influence by rain along the path. According to our measurements over a 1.37-km path in convective rainfall averaging 18 mm/h, the power spectrum of phase difference fluctuations in rain extends over the 300-Hz to 2-kHz band, and it is as much as 18 dB above the no-rain spectrum at ~600 Hz during periods of heavier rain (>30 mm/h). The shape of the spectrum is different at different stages of the storm probably because of changing drop size distributions. A simple dimensionless parameter derived from the power spectrum of phase difference fluctuations is 0.186 ± 20% for a rain rate of 41 (mm/h) km ± 25%, but this value may depend on the chopped transmitter waveform. The simple optical design and data analysis procedure allow power spectra to be obtained from a single signal channel. We conclude that measurement of phase difference fluctuations in 10.6-μm propagation should allow the path-averaged rainfall rate to be inferred over path lengths of at least 1.5 km if a properly calibrated system is used.
Using Only the DC Current Information to Detect Stator Turn Faults in Automotive Claw-Pole Generators

The stator turn-to-turn short circuit is an important type of fault in automotive claw-pole generators. In a typical vehicle electric power system, the built-in rectifier of the generator makes it difficult to access the ac current or voltage information, rendering conventional sequence-component-based fault-detection methods useless. To detect such fault using only the available sensor information, a dynamic model of the claw-pole generator with stator turn faults is derived in this paper to analyze how the fault would interact with the connected battery and the static full-bridge rectifier and how it would affect the generator's output voltage and current. It is found that, in the rectified generator output current, the harmonic at one-third of the rectifier ripple frequency is a robust signature of the stator turn fault. The performance of the stator turn-fault detector is demonstrated by extensive experimental results. Although the fault detector is originally proposed for claw-pole generators, it is also applicable to most polyphase ac generators with a dc-link rectifier.
Measurement of the dependence of the light yields of linear alkylbenzene-based and EJ-301 scintillators on electron energy

Abstract An experimental test of the electron energy scale linearities of SNO+ and EJ-301 scintillators was carried out using a Compton spectrometer with electrons in the energy range 0.09–3 MeV. The linearity of the apparatus was explicitly demonstrated. It was found that the response of both types of scintillators with respect to electrons becomes non-linear below ∼ 0.4 MeV . An explanation is given in terms of Cherenkov light absorption and re-emission by the scintillators.
Experimental observations on the effect of the rates of hydride formation and decomposition on the plateau pressures of intermetallic compound hydrides

It is observed that the rates of hydride formation or decomposition affect the subsequent plateau pressures of the intermetallic-H systems which have been examined here, LaNi5-H and LaCo5-H and ZrMn2-H. When small aliquots of hydrogen are added or removed in the two-phase coexistence region, the plateau pressures for hydride formation and decomposition are higher and lower, respectively, than when large aliquots are employed. Thus the use of large aliquots of hydrogen reduces hysteresis in these systems. This effect illustrates the metastability of these plateau pressures. It introduces complicating features into some technological applications of metal hydrides, e.g., heat pump applications where constant and predictable plateau pressures are required.
Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata. Two case reports and a review of the medical literature

Two cases of Leiomyomatosis Peritonealis Disseminata (LPD) are presented and discussed in relation to the 10 cases that to date constitute the medical literature on this condition. LPD presents findings highly suggestive of disseminated malignant neoplasm within the abdomen. Even upon histologic examination, it may be confused with sarcoma, especially low grade leiomyosarcoma. Electron microscopic examination was required for a correct diagnosis in one of the cases reported. Two distinguishing characteristics of LPD are given and a conservative approach to therapy is recommended in view of the fact that spontaneous regression of the nodules has been reported in most cases. Deomgraphic and clinical data for all reported cases of LPD are tabulated.
Hepatocelluar Carcinoma Associated With Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) has rarely been associated with familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP). Between 1950 and 2011, only a few cases of HCC associated with classic FAP have been reported in the medical literature. Here, we report the first case to our knowledge of HCC associated with attenuated FAP (aFAP). The patient possessed a single nucleotide mutation in the noncoding region after exon 4, which is rarely observed in attenuated FAP, and not previously reported in classic FAP–associated HCC. Our patient underwent liver transplantation for a 22-cm-large HCC (in China), however, her HCC recurred 1.5 years after the transplantation. Here we review the medical literature on FAP and HCC, with a particular focus on the role of the Wnt/APC/β-catenin pathway toward a better understanding of HCC pathogenesis.
Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Improvement of Bipolar Symptoms: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this review was to examine the current level of evidence regarding the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in improving bipolar disorder symptoms. Of 99 articles meeting initial search criteria, 5 randomized control trials and 2 quasi-experimental studies were selected for review. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was effective in 4 of 7 studies. Those using an omega-3 combination of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexanoic acid demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in bipolar symptoms, whereas those using a single constituent did not. Dosage variations did not demonstrate statistically significant differences. Due to its benign side effect profile and some evidence supporting its usefulness in bipolar illness, omega-3 may be a helpful adjunct in treatment of selected patients. Future studies are needed to conclusively confirm the efficacy of omega-3s in bipolar disorder, uncovering a new well-tolerated treatment option.
Whey Protein Film Composition Effects on Potassium Sorbate and Natamycin Diffusion

To asses the asses the ability of whey protein films to act as antimicrobial carriers, the effect of film composition on preservat diffusion was investigated. Preservative diffusion coefficients were measured at 24 °C in whey protein isolate (WPI) films with different WPI-glycerol plasticizer ratios (1:1 to 15:1), beeswax (BW) content, 0% to 40% w/w dry solids, and preservative addition of 0.3% (w/w) natamycin or 1.6% (w/w dry solids) potassium sobate. Diffusion coefficients for potassium sorbate and natamycin were in the ranges 1.09 × 10 -8 to 13.0 × 10 -11 m 2 /s and 6.16 x 10 -14 to 37.8 x 10 -14 m 2 /s, respectively, and significantly de as the WPI-glycerol ratio increased. No significant difference in sorbate diffussion was seen with the addition of BW.
Performativity, transsexualism, and benevolent psychopathology some psychoanalytic reflections on postmodernist views of sexuality

Postmodern theory and critiques currently exert a considerable influence on psychoanalytic theory, particularly in regard to the revision of a theory of sexuality and gender. This article reviews some of the critiques and alternative views of sexuality proposed by various postmodern theorists such as Butler, Jameson, Baudrillard, and Foucault. After conducting a critical comparison of these critiques and alternatives with contemporary analytic revisionist theory, I contend that, despite the useful aspects of postmodernism's critical cultural perspective, some postmodern positions run directly counter to certain key psychoanalytic tenets about human agency and the existence of an inner psychic world or selfhood. Furthermore, I believe that, despite the laudable politics of many postmodern writers to promote a greater diversity of nonpathologized sexual experience, the atrophied views of agency and selfhood depicted in the postmodern writings reviewed in this essay cannot support an approach that is concern...
Rapid cold-hardening: Ecological significance and underlying mechanisms

Introduction Insects are constantly subjected to changes in environmental temperature. Most studies of insect acclimation to low temperature concern seasonal changes that occur over weeks or months in preparation for winter, and, accordingly, most chapters in this volume focus on seasonal cold-hardening. In contrast, during the past 10 years considerable attention has been paid to rapid acclimatory responses to both high (i.e. induction of heat shock or stress proteins (Feder et al. , 2002) and low temperature. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of the rapid cold-hardening (RCH) response. When our previous book (Lee and Denlinger, 1991) was being written, the RCH response had only just been described and merited only a few scattered paragraphs. Indeed, at that time it was unclear whether this response was merely a laboratory artifact or a previously unrecognized type of rapid acclimation. Since then, the RCH response has emerged as a highly conserved trait, allowing diverse insect groups to swiftly adjust their physiological state and organismal performance to match even modest changes in environmental temperature. In this chapter, we summarize evidence supporting the ecological relevance and emerging physiological underpinnings of the RCH response. The RCH response protects against a form of non-freezing injury known as cold-shock or direct-chilling injury. Cold-shock injury is well known among microbes, plants and animals, and represents a major obstacle for the successful cryopreservation of many types of cells and tissues (Grout, 1987). Injury is not associated with internal ice formation.
Nurses across borders: global migration of registered nurses to the US

Like many other global north countries, the US is facing a nursing shortage. In the last few years, such nursing shortages have been identified as part of a broader ‘global crisis’ in nursing. Resorting to importing internationally educated nurses is a popular strategy to address the shortfall. Importing nurses into the US is not new. However, the current shortage is different because of greatly intensified efforts to recruit nurses from overseas, and because of the unprecedented scale of global nurse migration. This article uses an analysis of Census data to track the trends and geographies associated with internationally educated registered nurses (IERNs) in the US since 1980. I show that there are important subnational differences in the distribution of IERNs; most are concentrated in a few states. By paying particular attention to subnational geographies within the US, I draw attention to the variations in and implications of the distribution of IERNs and how this impacts public policy discourses asso...
Methodology for the Systematic Reviews of Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Difficulty Processing and Integrating Sensory Information

Systematic reviews of literature relevant to children and adolescents with difficulty processing and integrating sensory information are important to the practice of occupational therapy in this area. This article explains the five questions that were developed and served as the focus for these reviews: neuronal plasticity, subtyping, sensory integration and non-sensory integration occupational therapy interventions, and occupational performance for this population. Presented are the background for the reviews; the process followed for each question, including search terms and search strategy; the databases searched; and the methods used to summarize and critically appraise the literature. The final number of articles included in each systematic review, a summary of the results of the review, the strengths and limitations of the review, and implications for practice, education, and research are described.
Early use of OKT3 monoclonal antibody in renal transplantation to prevent rejection.

OKT3 monoclonal anti-T cell antibody was used during the first 2 weeks following cadaveric renal transplantation to prevent rejection. When compared with a control group receiving triple immunosuppression with cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone, the OKT3, azathioprine, and prednisone group had significantly fewer acute rejections during the first month (6% v 50%; P v day 8; P
The use of directed routes for assessing escape potential

Of primary concern in structural fires is the ability of occupants to escape once a fire has been detected. This paper describes a technique for calculating the number of directed routes from any room to a location of safety.
Greeting You Online: Selecting Web-Based Conferencing Tools for Instruction in E-Learning Mode

Academic distance learning programs have gained popularity and added to the demand for online library services. Librarians are now conducting instruction for distance learning students beyond their traditional work. Technology advancements have enhanced the delivery mode in distance learning across academic disciplines. Online conference tools originally designed for commercial use are now Web-based conferencing tools allowing librarians to be innovative in their service delivery, disregarding proximity barriers. This article talks about selection criteria and important features to consider when selecting e-learning instruction software. Suggestions of some free Web-based conferencing tools are provided.
LAND TREATMENT OF PRODUCED OILY SAND: FIELD RESULTS

Land treatment techniques successfully treated oily waste generated during the production of crude oil. Over 13 years of safe operations have demonstrated the environmental acceptability of the method. Natural biodegradation processes removed nearly 80% of the applied waste oil. The oily fraction of the waste had an average half-life in the soil of approximately 3 years, with significant variability between years. There was a slight increase in the proportion of heavy hydrocarbons (resins and asphaltenes) in the soil, suggesting the preferential degradation of the lighter constituents. Metals of environmental concern did not accumulate in, or migrate from, the plowzone of the soil.
Ultrafast Phase Transition in Vanadium Dioxide Driven by Hot-Electron Injection

We present a novel all-optical method of triggering the phase transition in vanadium dioxide by means of ballistic electrons injected across the interface between a mesh of Au nanoparticles coveringd VO 2 nanoislands. By performing non-degenerate pump-probe transmission spectroscopy on this hybrid plasmonic/phase-changing nanostructure, structural and electronic dynamics can be retrieved and compared.
Pituitary LH content in rats exposed to continuous illumination.

Adult female rats were exposed to constant light (LL). Initially they ran "normal" estrous cycles; later the vaginal smear pattern became increasingly irregular, and finally a persistent-estrous (PE), anovulatory state developed. Pituitary LH content was measured by the OAAD method on proestrus and estrus of cycles 1-5 in LL, and after 5-30 days of PE. During the early period of LL exposure, while the rats were still cycling, pituitary LH values resembled those obtained in control cyclic rats in an alternating light-dark environment–i.e., high (8.3 μg) on proestrus, and low (4.7 μg) o n estrus when fresh oviductal ova were found–and did not vary significantly from cycles 1-5. LH content of pituitaries from 10-day PE rats was dependent upon the length of time these rats were in LL before PE developed. It was high (11.4 μg) when the PE state evolved during the first 2 months in LL, and low (3.8 μg) when PE occurred following a more prolonged exposure to LL. Pituitary LH in rats showing 5, 15, 20 and 30 days...
Oscillatory Traffic Flow Patterns Induced by Queue Spillback in a Simple Road Network

We study in this paper some consequences of queue spillback in a simple road network with a steady demand and provide exact formulas for traffic flow patterns. This one origin-destination pair, two-route network contains a diverge and a merge, and the interaction of queues formed at the merge produces several interesting traffic flow patterns, of which two types of oscillatory solutions are of particular interest. One of the oscillatory solutions is decaying, and the other is perfectly periodic. The latter resembles the stop-and-go pattern found in real-world traffic. Because a general road network usually contains many components like the simple network studied here, interaction of queues at junctions provides an alternative explanation to the formation of stop-and-go traffic.