cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromatin at X-linked repeats that guide dosage compensation in Drosophila melanogaster is modulated by the siRNA pathway

Many heterogametic organisms adjust sex chromosome expression to accommodate differences in gene dosage. This requires selective recruitment of regulatory factors to the modulated chromosome. How these factors are localized to a chromosome with requisite accuracy is poorly understood. Drosophila melanogaster males increase expression from their single X chromosome. Identification of this chromosome involves cooperation between different classes of X-identity elements. The Chromatin Entry Sites (CES) recruit a chromatin-modifying complex that spreads into nearby genes and increases expression. In addition, a family of satellite repeats that is enriched on the X chromosome, the 1.688X repeats, promotes recruitment of the complex to nearby genes. The 1.688X repeats and CES are dissimilar, and appear to operate through different mechanisms. Interestingly, the siRNA pathway and siRNA from a 1.688X repeat also promote X recognition. We postulate that siRNA-dependent modification of 1.688X chromatin contributes to recognition of nearby genes. In accord with this, we found enrichment of the siRNA effector Argonaute2 (Ago2) at some 1.688X repeats. Mutations in several proteins that physically interact with Ago2, including the histone methyltransferase Su(var)3-9, enhance the lethality of males with defective X recognition. Su(var)3-9 deposits H3K9me2 on some 1.688X repeats, and this mark is disrupted upon ectopic expression of 1.688X siRNA. Furthermore, integration of 1.688X DNA on an autosome induces local H3K9me2 deposition, but enhances expression of nearby genes in a siRNA-dependent manner. Our findings are consistent with a model in which siRNA-directed modification of 1.688X chromatin contributes to recognition of the fly X chromosome by the MSL complex.
Long-term course of anorexia nervosa: response, relapse, remission, and recovery

There is no predictable or normative long-term course associated with anorexia nervosa. Some Individuals achieve complete recovery; others are ravaged by a chronic disorder; and some die from it. Predicting course and outcome of anorexia nervosa is complicated by the intrinsic complexity of the disorder; a lack of shared terminology in studying the disorder; and a paucity of controlled clinical treatment studies. This manuscript provides a review of the current state of knowledge based on the long-term studies and discusses ways in which methodological issues limit our ability to generalize more confidently regarding the course and outcome of anorexia nervosa. In order to advance the field, we need to bridge the gap between treatment outcome studies and naturalistic follow-up studies. Further we need to devine more carefully and consistently the milestones of initial treatment response, relapse, remission, and recovery. Building on previous works, criteria for each of these terms are proposed. Based on existing studies, a discussion of treatment outcome and prognostic factors is provided. Finally, clinical recommendations are provided for the clinician who is responsible for the long-term care of an individual with anorexia nervosa.
Cutaneous Anatomy in Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Performing Mohs micrographic surgery requires an exquisite understanding of surface anatomy of the head and neck, which includes recognition both of the surface landmarks and essential subcutaneous structures. In skin surgery, an understanding of cutaneous anatomy of the head and neck is important to predicting acceptable cosmetic outcomes as well as to providing appropriate anesthesia and reducing postoperative bleeding complications. This chapter will describe the essential anatomic structures of the head and neck regions.
Endoscopic Colon Surveillance

Unlike screening, which is defined as the identification of unrecognized or asymptomatic disease in an average-risk population, endoscopic surveillance for colorectal cancer (CRC) is based on the premise that repeated evaluation of a high-risk population will identify patients either with cancer at an earlier, treatable stage, or those who are likely to develop cancer. The purpose of this chapter is to present the recommendations for endoscopic surveillance after colonoscopic polypectomy, CRC resection, and in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease, and to discuss the evidence on which these recommendations are based. Surveillance of these conditions in the setting of an inherited or familial CRC syndrome are not discussed here, but are reviewed in Chapter 18.
4.14 Smooth Muscle and Myosin Regulation

This chapter provides an overview of how the mechanism of phosphorylation-dependent regulation of smooth muscle was deduced. It describes how electron microscopic studies of the inhibited state provided a structural context to interpret over a decade of mutational studies on various regions of the smooth muscle myosin molecule (motor domain, light chains, coiled-coil rod). Unique features of the smooth muscle myosin molecule and of smooth muscle are highlighted, as well as the role that isoforms play in the plasticity of smooth muscles. Diseases caused by mutations in smooth muscle myosin are discussed.
Ice - Structure Interaction During Indentation Tests

To study dynamic ice-structure interaction during crushing failure of ice, indentation tests were conducted by pushing a vertical, flat indentor into the edges of floating ice sheets. The indentor was supported on three load cells to measure interaction forces at the interface. The displacements of the carriage and the indentor were measured separately. The indentor displacement relative to the carriage and the indentor acceleration were also measured. These measurements provided comprehensive data on the dynamic ice-structure interaction during crushing failure of an ice sheet. Three basic modes of ice behavior were observed: creep deformation at low velocities, intermittent crushing at intermediate velocities, and continuous crushing at high velocities. Based on these measurements, a theoretical model is proposed which produces results similar to those of the experiments.
Financing Rooftop Solar for Single-Family Rental Properties

This chapter provides a solution to the split incentive between tenants and landlords currently preventing rooftop solar adoption in the Single-Family Rental (SFR) home market. The Renter’s Power Purchase Agreement (RPPA), which incorporates PPAs into rental agreements and enables property owners to sell electricity to their tenants. After providing a background on the growth of the solar industry and the institutionalization of the SFR market, the strengths of the RPPA compared to the traditional third-party leasing model—it removes the need for expensive tax equity, reduces borrowing costs, and eliminates most sales costs—are presented. The chapter closes with a discussion of the conditions under which the RPPA might be most lucrative at present: neighborhoods in sunny states with strong Net Energy Metering (NEM) policies, above average electricity prices, and concentrated institutional SFR ownership.
Design of Robust and Efficient Topology Using Enhanced Gene Regulatory Networks

Biological networks are characterized by their inherent robustness against component failures. Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) are biological networks with graph properties contributing to their innate functional robustness. In this paper, we first propose a three tier topological characterization to study the graph properties of GRN, namely scale free out-degree distribution, low graph density, and abundance of subgraphs, called motifs . We then present a novel edge rewiring mechanism, consisting of edge addition and deletion algorithms, to remedy its vulnerability against failure of well-connected nodes while preserving its graph properties. We discuss the preferential attachment growth-based edge addition and greedy edge deletion. We then highlight the drawbacks of greedy edge deletion and propose an improved dynamic edge deletion algorithm, employing nonlinear least squares optimization to preserve in-degree distribution of original GRN. We prove that dynamically rewired GRNs preserve the optimal number of a three-node motif called feed forward loops, which render topological robustness to GRN. Our graph experiments reveal that dynamically rewired GRN subgraphs possess higher robustness when compared against greedily rewired GRN, original GRN and Erdős–Renyi random graphs of similar graph density. Finally, we perform wireless sensor network (WSN) simulations using OMNET++, to demonstrate that rewired GRN-based WSNs yield significantly higher packet delivery at comparable latency.
Social network analysis for better understanding of influenza.

Abstract Introduction The objective of this study is to improve the understanding of spatial spreading of complicated cases of influenza that required hospitalizations, by creating heatmaps and social networks. They will allow to identify critical hubs and routes of spreading of Influenza, in specific geographic locations, in order to contain infections and prevent complications, that require hospitalizations. Material and methods Data were downloaded from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) – SID, New York State database. Patients hospitalized with flu complications, between 2003 and 2012 were included in the research (30,380 cases). A novel approach was designed, by constructing heatmaps for specific geographic regions in New York state and power law networks, in order to analyze distribution of hospitalized flu cases. Results Heatmaps revealed that distributions of patients follow urban areas and big roads, indicating that flu spreads along routes, that people use to travel. A scale-free network, created from correlations among zip codes, discovered that, the highest populated zip codes didn’t have the largest number of patients with flu complications. Among the top five most affected zip codes, four were in Bronx. Demographics of top affected zip codes were presented in results. Normalized numbers of cases per population revealed that, none of zip codes from Bronx were in the top 20. All zip codes with the highest node degrees were in New York City area. Discussion Heatmaps identified geographic distribution of hospitalized flu patients and network analysis identified hubs of the infection. Our results will enable better estimation of resources for prevention and treatment of hospitalized patients with complications of Influenza. Conclusion Analyses of geographic distribution of hospitalized patients with Influenza and demographic characteristics of populations, help us to make better planning and management of resources for Influenza patients, that require hospitalization. Obtained results could potentially help to save many lives and improve the health of the population.
In Vivo Multiphoton Microscopy of the Beating Mouse Heart in Health and Disease

In vivo multiphoton microscopy of the beating mouse heart generates cell-resolved, volumetric images parameterized by cardiorespiratory phase-space. We compare displacement and deformation profiles throughout the cardiac cycle before and after injury.
Raising a Peaceful Generation: The Perspective of an Asian American

From the perspective of an Asian American early career professional, the field of psychology influences the impact of the social and cultural development in individual’s upbringing, especially for immigrant families. In understanding the community context of culture and peace, the underlying question being asked in this chapter is to address the immigrant conversations of cultural psychology in relation to community and family relationships. With this interest of my immigrant culture, the chapter serves to be a theoretical literature review of past and present publications as well as my reflections toward the gap of research directing to future directions. Stemming from both scholar and practitioner standpoints, the outlook for future research and relevant program services aim to address the elements of challenges. The challenges are to note the importance of the peace, community, and cultural psychology and its influence on societal development.
Evidence for incipient alarm signalling in fish

In Focus: Bairos-Novak, K.R., Ferrari, M.C.O., & Chivers, D.P. (2019). A novel alarm signal in aquatic prey: Familiar minnows coordinate group defences against predators through chemical disturbance cues. Journal of Animal Ecology, 88, 1281-1290, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12986. Chemicals released during predation have long been studied as cues to nearby prey that predators are active in the vicinity. Until now, these chemicals have been labelled as cues because there was no compelling evidence for the necessary components of a communication system, namely (a) voluntary control of release of information, (b) capacity for graded responses and (c) the presence of specialized structures for the production and release of the signal. New findings by Bairos-Novak, Ferrari, and Chivers (2019) show that fathead minnows alter the potency of disturbance "cues" when in the presence of other fathead minnows compared to when they are alone and produce either more or different disturbance "cues" when in the presence of familiar conspecifics compared to when they are in the presence of unfamiliar conspecifics. The behavioural response to these cues is shoaling, which would confer fitness benefits to the sender, thereby qualifying as a signal rather than a cue. This is a significant advancement in the field of chemical ecology of aquatic organisms because disturbance "cues" by fathead minnows bear two of the three hallmarks of an incipient disturbance "signal".
Personal reminiscences of a career in acoustical oceanography

Over recent years, ambient noise in the ocean has come to be recognized as a signal in its own right, containing a wealth of information about the ocean and ocean processes. Ambient noise has thus become a central pillar of acoustical oceanography. Since the attributes of ambient noise are based on straightforward physical principles, the noise field may be inverted to recover, for example, the sound speed in the seabed. Some selective examples of ambient noise oceanography will be reviewed, based on personal experiences gained during a career that includes research in the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the deep ocean trenches, and the shallow, continental shelf waters of the English Channel and the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. Much of this work was accomplished with the talented assistance of many students and colleagues; and it was made possible through the consistent support of our sponsors. It is a pleasure to acknowledge that, throughout, the Acoustical Society has provided a cordial environment where acoustical oceanographers could meet and are always made welcome. [Research supported by ONR.]
Characterization of TMC-1 in C. elegans sodium chemotaxis and sodium conditioned aversion

While sodium is attractive at low and aversive at high concentrations in most studied species, including Caenorhabditis elegans, the molecular mechanisms behind transduction remain poorly understood. Additionally, past studies with C. elegans provide evidence that the nematode’s innate behavior can be altered by previous experiences. Here we investigated the molecular aspects of both innate and conditioned responses to salts. Transmembrane channel-like 1 (tmc-1) has been suggested to encode a sodium-sensitive channel required for sodium chemosensation in C. elegans, but its specific role remains unclear. We report that TMC-1 is necessary for sodium attraction, but not aversion in the nematode. We show that TMC-1 contributes to the nematode’s lithium induced attraction behavior, but not potassium or magnesium attraction thus clarifying the specificity of the response. In addition, we show that sodium conditioned aversion is dependent on TMC-1 and disrupts not only sodium induced attraction, but also lithium. These findings represent the first time a role for TMC-1 has been described in sodium and lithium attraction in vivo, as well as in sodium conditioned aversion. Together this clarifies TMC-1’s importance in sodium hedonics and offer molecular insight into salt chemotaxis learning.
Bench Evaluation of Airway Clearance Therapy In-Line With NIV for Pediatric Patients

Background: Metaneb intrapulmonary percussive ventilation device is utilized in pediatric patients as an airway clearance therapy used to clear secretions and promote lung expansion. Often, patients who need Metaneb therapy are also on non-invasive support. We aimed to evaluate if the Metaneb device could be used in line with NIV or NIV mask in an effort to maintain patient comfort, reduce circuit disconnections, and, reduce the number of mask readjustment in our pediatric population. Methods: A Philips Respironics V60 Ventilator was connected via Philips XXS Performax facemask with disposable exhalation port (DEP) to the Michigan Instruments infant head and test lung equipped with Pneuview 3 software. The V60 was set up in S/T mode 10/5, RR10, Ti0.6s, Rise 1, 21% for a simulated 10 kg patient. Initial control values were obtained and verified. The Hill-Rom Metaneb (Frequency high, black occlusion ring) was then interfaced with a spring-T at the dry side of the heater, between the mask and DEP, and directly to the Performax mask (3rd blue occlusion ring, no NIV). Volume, pressures and leak were obtained from the Pneuview3 software and V60 over three minutes and averaged. Placement and efficiency of the Metaneb were evaluated. Results: When evaluating the three bench models based on pressure delivered the Metaneb direct to NIV mask created the highest pressure with an average measured PIP of 13.4 cm H2O. The Metaneb between the mask and circuit created the most PEEP with an average of 2.3 cm H2O. Placing the Metaneb at the dry side of the heater showed the largest volumes delivered to the patient with an average of 24.23mL. Subjectively observed chest oscillations was appreciated best when connecting the Metaneb device directly to the NIV mask, then in the dry side of the heater, followed by the tee directly before the mask. See Table 1 and image 1 for detailed results. Conclusions: Metaneb therapy can be administered in conjunction with NIV effectively without removing and replacing the patient interface. In our bench model, when attempting to reduce NIV interface disconnections Bench Model B (Metaneb in-between NIV mask and NIV Circuit) is the most appropriate way to interface these two therapies. Further studies must be done to appreciate the treatment efficacy with each of these models.
Two cases of rare subglottic MALT lymphoma of the larynx.

Abstract Background Primary MALT lymphoma of the larynx is a rare condition first described in 1990. There have been only 43 reported cases as of 2015. The disease appears to be indolent in nature and responds well to radiation therapy. Symptoms are non-specific and may be limited to a combination of hoarseness, sore throat, shortness of breath, or cough. Methods We describe two cases of subglottic laryngeal MALT lymphoma identified from one academic medical center within five years of each other. Though identical in pathology, the presentation of the two cases were distinct in both patient demographic and tumor appearance. One patient required dilation of a subglottic stenosis caused by tumor, and the other required surgical debulking of a ball-valve-like mass. Neither patient presented with B-symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss) that often characterize other lymphomas. Results In both cases, histopathological exam revealed extensive infiltration of mucosa with atypical monomorphous lymphocytes, consistent with MALT lymphoma. Conclusion MALT lymphoma of the larynx may present with non-specific symptoms such as cough and/or hoarseness. Thorough evaluation including flexible laryngoscopy should be performed should these symptoms persist without a known cause. Surgical biopsy and histopathological exam are crucial to determine the etiology of unknown subglottic masses.
SHASTA: Synergic HW-SW Architecture for Spatio-temporal Approximation

A key requirement for efficient general purpose approximate computing is an amalgamation of flexible hardware design and intelligent application tuning, which together can leverage the appropriate amount of approximation that the applications engender and reap the best efficiency gains from them. To achieve this, we have identified three important features to build better general-purpose cross-layer approximation systems: ① individual per-operation (“spatio-temporally fine-grained”) approximation, ② hardware-cognizant application tuning for approximation, ③ systemwide approximation-synergy. We build an efficient general purpose approximation system called SHASTA: Synergic HW-SW Architecture for Spatio-Temporal Approximation, to achieve these goals.1 First, in terms of hardware, SHASTA approximates both compute and memory—SHASTA proposes (a) a form of timing approximation called Slack-control Approximation, which controls the computation timing of each approximation operation and (b) a Dynamic Pre-L1 Load Approximation mechanism to approximate loads prior to cache access. These hardware mechanisms are designed to achieve fine-grained spatio-temporally diverse approximation. Next, SHASTA proposes a Hardware-cognizant Approximation Tuning mechanism to tune an application’s approximation to achieve the optimum execution efficiency under the prescribed error tolerance. The tuning mechanism is implemented atop a gradient descent algorithm and, thus, the application’s approximation is tuned along the steepest error vs. execution efficiency gradient. Finally, SHASTA is designed with a full-system perspective, which achieves Synergic benefits across its optimizations, building a closer-to-ideal general purpose approximation system. SHASTA is implemented on top of an OOO core and achieves mean speedups/energy savings of 20%–40% over a non-approximate baseline for greater than 90% accuracy—these benefits are substantial for applications executing on a traditional general purpose processing system. SHASTA can be tuned to specific accuracy constraints and execution metrics and is quantitatively shown to achieve 2–15× higher benefits, in terms of performance and energy, compared to prior work.
Reducing Violence in the United States: A New Agenda

A new policy agenda to reduce violence in the U.S. is suggested to improve the quality of life and to re-imagine the front door of criminal justice system. Hyperlinked text and references to sources of information and reality examples are provided so that this paper can be used as a teaching and policy tool as well as a guide for future research. To decrease violence in the U.S. requires a drastic reconfiguration of policies that involve the underlying frameworks in which criminal activity takes place. The focus here is on ten strategies.
Organic photodetector with built-in amplification for the detection of visible light with low optical power

Abstract We report on an organic-based photodetector that integrates a dual-gate organic thin-film transistor (DG-OTFT) with an organic photodiode (OPD) to produce a device with a high effective responsivity at low optical power and video-rate compatible response. In this device, the OPD operates in photovoltaic mode, instead of the commonly used photoconductive mode, to modulate one of the gate voltages of the DG-OTFT. Effective responsivity values of 10 A W−1 are measured at optical power values lower than 10 nW at 635 nm. Modeling of the operation of this new photodetector suggests that effective responsivity values up to 105 A W−1 can be achieved at optical powers of 1 nW using current printing technology and state-of-the-art organic semiconductors.
Calibrating validation samples when accounting for measurement error in intervention studies

Many lifestyle intervention trials depend on collecting self-reported outcomes, such as dietary intake, to assess the intervention’s effectiveness. Self-reported outcomes are subject to measurement...
Influence of thermal stratification and storms on acoustic telemetry detection efficiency: a year-long test in the US Southern Mid-Atlantic Bight

The detection efficiency of ultrasonic transmitters is seasonally variable, requiring long-term studies to evaluate key environmental features that mask, alter speed, bend, or reflect transmissions. The US Southern Mid-Atlantic Bight shelf is characterized by a strong summer thermocline capping remnant winter water, known as the Cold Pool, and a well-mixed water column in other seasons. To investigate the effects of interactions between temperature stratification and storm-induced noise on transmission detectability, we conducted a year-long range test of 69-kHz acoustic transmitters in the bottom waters of the US Southern Mid-Atlantic Bight. We used generalized additive models and cross-validation to develop and evaluate a predictive model of detection efficiency and visualize variability in detection distance throughout the year of deployment. The most-predictive model contained the effects of temperature stratification and ambient noise, predicting that stratification results in a 33% increase in detectability and 56% increase in detection distance. The model had an overall error rate of 17.1% and an 18.7% error at a distance of 800 m, predicting 17% detectability at median ambient noise when the water column was not stratified and > 50% when the difference between surface and bottom temperatures was greater than 4.2 °C. The distance at 50% detectability increased with the formation of the Cold Pool during spring, increasing by nearly 300 m over 3 days. All seasons were associated with storm-induced reductions in overall detectability and distance at 50% detectability. Thermal stratification within the Southern Mid-Atlantic Bight increases bottom water ultrasonic transmitter detection distance and reduces the impact of surface noise. This effect leads to a seasonal increase in detection distance from the late-spring through the summer. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report and quantify an increase in detection range as a result of temperature stratification, likely due to placing transmitters and receivers on the same side of a strong thermocline.
RNA and Sugars, Unique Properties of Bacteriophages Infecting Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter radioresistens Strain LH6

Bacteriophages (phages) are predicted to be the most ubiquitous biological entity on earth, and yet, there are still vast knowledge gaps in our understanding of phage diversity and phage-host interactions. Approximately one hundred Acinetobacter-infecting DNA viruses have been identified, and in this report, we describe eight more. We isolated two typical dsDNA lytic podoviruses (CAP1-2), five unique dsRNA lytic cystoviruses (CAP3-7), and one dsDNA lysogenic siphovirus (SLAP1), all capable of infecting the multidrug resistant isolate Acinetobacter radioresistens LH6. Using transmission electron microscopy, bacterial mutagenesis, phage infectivity assays, carbohydrate staining, mass-spectrometry, genomic sequencing, and comparative studies, we further characterized these phages. Mutation of the LH6 initiating glycosyltransferase homolog, PglC, necessary for both O-linked glycoprotein and capsular polysaccharide (CPS) biosynthesis, prevented infection by the lytic podovirus CAP1, while mutation of the pilin protein, PilA, prevented infection by CAP3, representing the lytic cystoviruses. Genome sequencing of the three dsRNA segments of the isolated cystoviruses revealed low levels of homology, but conserved synteny with the only other reported cystoviruses that infect Pseudomonas species. In Pseudomonas, the cystoviruses are known to be enveloped phages surrounding their capsids with the inner membrane from the infected host. To characterize any membrane-associated glycoconjugates in the CAP3 cystovirus, carbohydrate staining was used to identify a low molecular weight lipid-linked glycoconjugate subsequently identified by mutagenesis and mass-spectrometry as bacterial lipooligosaccharide. Together, this study demonstrates the isolation of new Acinetobacter-infecting phages and the determination of their cell receptors. Further, we describe the genomes of a new genus of Cystoviruses and perform an initial characterization of membrane-associated glycoconjugates.
Novel Model to Predict Critical Strain Energy Release Rate in Semi-Circular Bend Test as Fracture Parameter for Asphalt Mixtures Using an Artificial Neural Network Approach:

Growing use of recycled asphalt materials in asphalt pavement means the current volumetric-based Superpave mixture design may not address durability concerns arising from replacement of a proportio...
Production of mono- and sesquiterpenes in Camelina sativa oilseed

Camelina was bioengineered to accumulate (4 S )-limonene and (+)-δ-cadinene in seed. Plastidic localization of the recombinant enzymes resulted in higher yields than cytosolic localization. Overexpressing 1-deoxy- d -xylulose-5-phosphate synthase ( DXS ) further increased terpene accumulation. Many plant-derived compounds of high value for industrial or pharmaceutical applications originate from plant species that are not amenable to cultivation. Biotechnological production in low-input organisms is an attractive alternative. Several microbes are well established as biotechnological production platforms; however, their growth requires fermentation units, energy input, and nutrients. Plant-based production systems potentially allow the generation of high-value compounds on arable land with minimal input. Here we explore whether Camelina sativa (camelina), an emerging low-input non-foodstuff Brassicaceae oilseed crop grown on marginal lands or as a rotation crop on fallow land, can successfully be refactored to produce and store novel compounds in seed. As proof-of-concept, we use the cyclic monoterpene hydrocarbon (4S)-limonene and the bicyclic sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (+)-δ-cadinene, which have potential biofuel and industrial solvent applications. Post-translational translocation of the recombinant enzymes to the plastid with concurrent overexpression of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) resulted in the accumulation of (4S)-limonene and (+)-δ-cadinene up to 7 mg g−1 seed and 5 mg g−1 seed, respectively. This study presents the framework for rapid engineering of camelina oilseed production platforms for terpene-based high-value compounds.
Measles, Rubella, and Varicella Among the Crew of a Cruise Ship Sailing From Florida, United States, 2006

Background Cruise ship outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) such as rubella and varicella have been previously associated with introduction and spread among susceptible crew members originating from countries with endemic transmission of these diseases. Methods During February to April 2006, we investigated a cluster of rash illnesses due to measles, rubella, or varicella on a cruise ship sailing from Florida to the Caribbean. Case-finding measures included review of medical logs, active surveillance for rash illness among crew members, and passive surveillance for rash illness in the ship's infirmary lasting two incubation periods from the last case of measles. Passengers with potential exposure to these VPD were notified by letters. All susceptible crew members with potential exposure were administered the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine after informed consent. Results A total of 16 cases were identified only among crew members: 1 rubella, 3 measles (two-generation spread), 11 varicella (three-generation spread), and 1 unknown diagnosis. Of 1,197 crew members evaluated, 4 had proof of immunity to measles and rubella. Based on passive surveillance, no cases were identified among passengers, the majority of whom resided in the United States. Conclusion The international makeup of the population aboard cruise ships combined with their semi-enclosed environment has the potential to facilitate introduction and spread of VPD such as measles, rubella, and varicella onboard and into communities. Cruise lines should ensure crew members have evidence of immunity to these diseases. Passengers should be up to date with all vaccinations, including those that are travel-specific, prior to embarking on cruise travel.
Metallic Coatings Explosively Clad Metals

Explosion bonding of metals is a mature and reliable manufacturing process for the production of high quality, metallurgically bonded metal combinations that are difficult or impossible to produce by conventional metal bonding techniques. In explosion bonding the actual process of metal bonding occurs over extremely short time periods. Explosives are used, and there is no significant overall heating of the metals being bonded. From a metallurgical standpoint the process may be characterized as a diffusionless, cold-pressure bonding technique involving localized, extremely short-time, plastic deformation of the metals near the bond zone. The process is used by several manufacturers throughout the world to produce clad plate and sheet for corrosion-resistant chemical-process vessels, for heat-exchanger tube sheets, electrical and structural weld-transition joints and several other specialized applications. Process fundamentals and mechanisms are described along with a summary of practical operating parameters. Numerous industrial applications are described. Keywords: Cladding; Jetting; Explosives; Metal preparation; Nondestructive testing; Destructive testing; Backing materials; Process vessels; Conversion billets; Joints; Refractory metals
Sensor coverage robot swarms using local sensing without metric information

We consider the problem of deploying a swarm of mobile robots into an unknown environment for attaining complete sensor coverage of the environment. The robots have limited and noisy sensing capabilities and no metric or global information available to them. Using tools from algebraic topology, we formally describe the sensor coverage as a simplicial complex, deploy robots through the complex using bearing-based local controllers, and attain coverage while identifying and removing sensor redundancies. Despite the highly limited sensing capabilities and complete lack of global localization and metric information, we demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is complete, always terminates in a finite-sized environment, is guaranteed to attain complete coverage and is robust to sensor failures. The algorithm presented in this paper was demonstrated through simulation and proves to effectively cover and explore unknown indoor environments.
The chloroprocaine controversy

Chloroprocaine, a rapidly hydrolyzed local anesthetic, is widely used in anesthesia for labor and delivery because of low maternal and fetal toxicity, fast onset, and brief duration of action. Neurological complications have been reported following massive intrathecal injection of chloroprocaine after attempted epidural block. Whether these are due to the drug, the stabilizer, the low pH, or other factors awaits detailed laboratory study. Careful testing for unexpected subarachnoid placement should precede final injection of any local anesthetic in the epidural space.
Linking Student Interests to Science Curricula

Explicit networking helps undergraduates get the most out of the diverse curriculum available at a large university.
Simplicity, Entropy and Inductive Logic

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses simplicity that leads to an entropy-like measure and helps in settling problems of the application of inductive logic. It focuses on the explication of the notion of simplicity of state descriptions. The principle of simplicity plays an important role as a guide of inductive behavior: in situations where a choice is to be made among a number of otherwise equally acceptable hypotheses, and it helps compare the hypotheses with respect to their simplicity and choose the hypothesis that is the simplest one. Measures of simplicity, however, came into the picture prior to the establishment of a quantitative system of inductive logic, as a means to handle choice situations and as a guide for the construction of a quantitative system. To give the principle a precise meaning, an exact explication of simplicity is needed. This problem becomes manageable if the simplicity of statements is considered rather than that of propositions. The simplicity of a hypothesis is measured by the simplicity of the statement that in a certain language expresses it.
The Medici Bank Financial and Commercial Operations

According to the articles of association forming the Medici partnerships, the purpose of the banco in Florence and of the branches abroad was “to deal in exchange and in merchandise with the help of God and good fortune.” When we ask just what is meant by dealings in exchange and in merchandise, we are led to examine how the Medici raised the funds with which they operated, to study their role as fiscal agents of the papacy and lessees of the Tolfa alum mines, to consider the technique they used in international banking, and to look into the reasons for their failure. The Medici did not innovate in international banking, they followed existing business practice; but their records are an extremely valuable source of information, if only for the sake of comparison. Let us begin by finding out what is meant by dealings in exchange and then tackle the other problems.
Presidential Address on CAUSAL ATTRIBUTION IN SOCIOCULTURAL CONTEXT

Attribution research is the study of people's perceptions of what causes the events that happen to them. The classical formulations of attribution theory by Heider, Jones, Kelley, and Weiner have been criticized as inadequately social. Recent concern has shifted to the interpersonal functions that attributions serve, particularly the role that attributions play in self-presentation strategies. Psychological social psychologists have developed a statement of impression management theory that is informed by sociological perspectives. This address reviews the development and promise of a self-presentational perspective as a means of linking attributional behavior to social and cultural context variables through the mediating variables of values and expectations. Sociologists can contribute to the development of a self-presentational theory of attribution by articulating the influence of sociocultural context on these mediating variables.
A digital neural network architecture using random pulse trains

A digital neural network architecture generating and processing random pulse trains is described, along with its unique advantages over existing comparable systems. In addition, test results from the VLSI implementation of its multiplication scheme are presented. As can be inferred from the test plots, the circuit is robust and quite accurate over a wide range of clock frequencies. This robustness is believed to be congenial to the exploration of novel training algorithms in such a system. One could, by reducing the time constant of the time averaging circuit and thus averaging the pulse train over a smaller number of clock cycles, get significant variations in output activity for the same input. The use of the statistical properties of these variations among computing units could have novel implications in weight update decisions during training. >
Best-matching with interdependent preferences-implications for capacitated cluster formation and evolution

Generalized best-matching refers to matching the elements of two or more sets, on a many-to-one or many-to-many basis, with respect to their mutual preferences and capacity requirements/limits. Generalized best-matching problem (BMP) has a variety of applications in areas such as team and network design, scheduling, transportation, routing, production planning, facility location, allocation, and logistics. The problem is indeed analogous to the capacitated clustering problem, where a set of individuals are partitioned into disjoint clusters with certain capacities. This work defines, formulates, and analyzes an important behavior associated with the generalized BMP: The mutual influence of the elements of the same set on each other's preferences, if matched to the same element of the other set. Such preferences are referred to as interdependent preferences (IP). A binary program is developed to formulate the problem and provide the basis for analyzing the impact of IP on generalized best-matching decisions from two perspectives: Optimal cluster formation (fixed sets) and evolution (emergent sets). A set of evolutionary algorithms is then developed to handle the complexity of the cluster formation problem, and enable the network of clusters to autonomously adapt to random changes, recover, and evolve. Results from several experiments indicate (a) significant impact of IP on the optimality of cluster formation and evolution decisions, and (b) efficiency of the developed evolutionary algorithms in handling the problem's complexity, and the emergent behavior of matching. The notion of interdependent preferences is introduced to the generalized best matching problem.The problem (BMP-IP) is analogous to the capacitated clustering problem.A novel binary quadratic programming formulation is developed for the BMP-IP.Efficient evolutionary heuristics are developed to handle the formation and evolution of clusters.Results show significant impacts of IP on the static and dynamic BMP.
Effect of opioid and cannabinoid receptor antagonism on orphanin FQ-induced hyperphagia in rats.

Abstract Feeding induced in rats by cerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of orphanin FQ was potently and dose-dependently reversed by peripheral injection of either the opioid antagonist naloxone or the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor antagonist SR 141716{ N -piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophelyl)-4-methyl-3-pyrazole-carboxamine}. The combination of these two agents inhibited food intake in a manner suggestive of additivity or supra-additivity.
A theoretical study of absorption of toxic gases by spraying

Abstract The feasibility of controlling toxic gases by absorption using liquid sprays has been examined previously. In this paper the physical and chemical phenomena taking place in a gas-spray environment are described in more detail, and a mathematical model of the interactions is developed. The model was implemented in the PSI-Cell computer code and numerical solutions were obtained for a number of different configurations and spray patterns (i.e. vertical and horizontal co-current and counter-current flow, upwards and downwards cross-flow). The effects of several spray parameters (e.g. flow rate, location and drop-size distribution) and gas parameters (e.g. solubility, chemical reaction rate) were considered. Several simulations of water spraying of specific gases (HF, NH3, SO2 and H2S) were carried out. The effectiveness of gas removal estimated by the numerical model was found to compare favourably with HF laboratory tests. Favourable agreement was also shown with qualitative field data on NH3 and SO2 spraying. Absorption using water spraying provided an effective means of control for highly water soluble gases with fast ionization reactions in the liquid phase (e.g. HF, NH3), but it did not result in substantial gas removal when the gases were only moderately water soluble (e.g. SO2).
Decision support and analysis tool for planning in a semiconductor manufacturing facility

As part of the recently completed Microelectronics Manufacturing Science and Technology (MMST) project, a decision support and analysis tool for planning in a semiconductor manufacturing facility has been developed. Design of the planning system uses an object- oriented approach, and implementation is performed in the Smalltalk programming environment. The system continually maintains a plan for wafer release into a facility, and predicts processing completion dates. The system has been built to run in a distributed environment, allowing simultaneous users in different parts of the facility. The system also provides several types of what-if analysis, both on the existing production plan and on production data. Production plan analysis is used to assist in making operational decisions related to the facility in its current state, such as determining the least disruptive time to take a piece of equipment down for maintenance. Production data analysis, which can be performed independent of the production plan, determines information such as equipment throughput rates to achieve given product cycle-times. All planning is performed using artificial intelligence search techniques, and is based on a time-phased capacity model of the facility. Uncertainty inherent in production data, such as cycle-times, is modeled using fuzzy arithmetic. This tool was used during the final 1000 wafer demonstration for MMST, and is currently being installed in other semiconductor manufacturing facilities. This paper describes the main goals of the planning system, the overall approach to planning and analysis, and a brief description of the current status.
Toward a Psychology of Being

A LARGER JURISDICTION FOR PSYCHOLOGY. Introduction: Toward a Psychology of Health. What Psychology Can Learn from the Existentialists. GROWTH AND MOTIVATION. Deficiency Motivation and Growth Motivation. Defense and Growth. The Need to Know and the Fear of Knowing. GROWTH AND COGNITION. Cognition of Being in the Peak-Experiences. Peak-Experiences as Acute Identity-Experiences. Some Dangers of Being-Cognition. Resistance to Being Rubricized. CREATIVENESS. Creativity in Self-Actualizing People. VALUES. Psychological Data and Human Values. Values, Growth, and Health. Health as Transcendence of Environment. FUTURE TASKS. Some Basic Propositions of a Growth and Self-Actualization Psychology. Appendices. Bibliography. Additional Bibliography. Index.
An introduction to clinical microeconomic analysis: purposes and analytic methods.

The recent concern with health care economics has fostered the development of a new discipline that is generally called clinical microeconomics. This is a discipline in which microeconomic methods are used to study the economics of specific medical therapies. It is possible to perform stand alone cost analyses, but more profound insight into the medical decision making process may be accomplished by combining cost studies with measures of outcome. This is most often accomplished with cost-effectiveness or cost-utility studies. In costeffectiveness studies there is one measure of outcome, often death. In cost-utility studies there are multiple measures of outcome, which must be grouped together to give an overall picture of outcome or utility. There are theoretical limitations to the determination of utility that must be accepted to perform this type of analysis. A summary statement of outcome is quality adjusted life years (QALYs), which is utility time socially discounted survival. Discounting is used because people value a year of future life less than a year of present life. Costs are made up of in-hospital direct, professional, follow-up direct, and follow-up indirect costs. Direct costs are for medical services. Indirect costs reflect opportunity costs such as lost time at work. Cost estimates are often based on marginal costs, or the cost for one additional procedure of the same type. Finally an overall statistic may be generated as cost per unit increase in effectiveness, such as dollars per QAL Y. All these measures may be varied by sensitivity analysis to determine the robustness of outcome for medical decision and policy making purposes.
Where do Jamaican Adolescents Turn for Psychological Help

Background Stigma about mental health is a significant problem in Jamaica and the wider English-speaking Caribbean. In general, negative attitudes and opinions about mental illness have been found to negatively impact psychological help-seeking among several populations.