cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disentangling sources of incomplete acquisition: An explanation for competence divergence across heritage grammars

This article brings to light an important variable involved in explaining a type of competence divergence in an instance of bilingual acquisition: heritage speaker (HS) bilingualism. We present results of experiments with European Portuguese (EP) heritage speakers (HSs), showing that they have full morpho-syntactic and semantic competence of inflected infinitives, similar to EP monolinguals. We show this constitutes clear evidence of competence mismatches between heritage speakers of European and Brazilian Portuguese, comparing our results to Rothman’s (2007) experimental evidence that Brazilian Portuguese (BP) heritage speakers lack knowledge of inflected infinitives. These comparative results are especially relevant because inflected infinitives were argued (Pires, 2002, 2006) to have been lost in colloquial BP dialects, although educated monolinguals demonstrate target competence. Neither incomplete acquisition nor attrition hinders the acquisition of inflected infinitives by European Portuguese HSs, raising questions regarding
Response to Growth Hormone in Short Children with Noonan Syndrome: Correlation to Genotype

Short stature is a major characteristic of Noonan syndrome (NS), the biological basis of which is not yet clear. In around half of all individuals with NS, the cytoplasmic tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 encoded by PTPN11 is mutated and predicted to be overactive. While SHP2 enhances Ras-MAPK signaling, it downregulates Jak2/STAT5b signaling of the growth hormone (GH) receptor, according to in vitro data. Decreased IGF-I levels have been measured in those children with NS who carried PTPN11 mutations suggesting a mode of mild GH insensitivity. The short-term responsiveness to GH therapy in NS with respect to PTPN11 mutations has been addressed in 3 studies in the past. The number of treated children was small and gene analysis was restricted to PTPN11, excluding the recent discovered candidate genes KRAS, RAF1 and SOS1. All 3 studies showed that GH responsiveness was mildly reduced in the presence of PTPN11 mutations; relevant long-term data, however, are missing. In a small subgroup of patients with NS, tumor risk is increased and related to specific mutations of Ras-MAPK pathway genes, including PTPN11. Therefore, when long-term GH therapy is intended to promote growth in children with NS, it has to be considered in relation to the genotype, the effective promotion of growth and the potentially increased tumor risk. Progress in the understanding of cell regulation by Ras-MAPK signaling will hopefully provide more evidence on which therapy might be helpful in the care of children with NS.
Intraoperative Measurement of Fractional Flow Reserve in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass: A Pilot Study.

Backgrounds Fractional flow reserve of myocardium (FFRmyo) is a functional study of significant coronary artery stenosis, defined as the ratio of the pressure distal to the stenosis (poststenosis) divided by the pressure of aortic root (prestenosis). Instead of cath laboratory, we could measure it in operating room for off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery and here shared our methods in the pilot study. Methods and Results We used needles, catheters, and pressure tracing but without guidewires or fluoroscopy to measure FFRmyo during OPCAB. In February 2010, we conducted the pilot study and collected 32 anastomosis data from 10 patients. Without revising the anastomosis plans based on coronary angiographies, 24 FFRmyo of the 32 anastomoses (75%) were less than 0.75, which represented significant functional stenosis. The FFRmyo measurements did not lead to any adverse events. Conclusion The measurement of fractional flow reserve in OPCAB is safe and feasible. It can serve as a functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis in adjuvant to conventional coronary angiography.
Pennsylvania local government in the seventies: Conditions and prospects for change

Abstract This paper was presented at the Pennsylvania Library Association's Annual Conference in 1975. It describes the structure of municipal government in Pennsylvania, major problems facing municipal governments, information sources which libraries might tap to aid citizens and local officials in dealing with local problems, and opportunities for libraries to engage in community education efforts. Among the municipal government problems addressed are resource allocation (tax structures and budgeting), public employee bargaining, and land use (zoning and planning). The paper proposes that libraries might play an expanded role both in collecting and making available to citizens and officials municipal problem-relevant information and in involvement in community education efforts. The final part of the paper focuses on issues associated with the structure of Pennsylvania municipal governments and with local government change efforts.
Optical Word Recognition By Coherent Optical Correlation

AbstractDavid Casasent and Frank Caimi Carnegie -Mellon UniversityDepartment of Electrical EngineeringPittsburgh, PA 15213 Results are presented of an initial program to determine the feasibility of the use of a coherent opti-cal matched spatial filter correlator for location of all pages in a microfilm database on which a given key word occurs. A modified frequency plane correlator system is used to quantify the correlation degradationeffects of various differences (font, point size, etc.) expected between text inputs. The use of weightedmatched spatial filter synthesis to decrease these correlation degradation effects is also analyzed. Quanti- tative experimental data are also included.IntroductionOne of the primary roles of the Central Intelligence Agency is the collection and organization of infor- mation. The storage of this information and the timely retrieval of data on a specific topic and its organi-zation into a file as an aid to the decision making of the President and others represents a major dataprocessing and handling problem. Much of the raw data consists of newspaper clippings, letters, reports,memos, teletype messages, etc. stored on microfilm.The specific aspect of this problem that we propose to automate by coherent optical data processingtechniques is the search of this large microfilm data base for all pages on which a given key word or phrase(the name of a world leader, the name of a country, a phrase describing a world affairs term, etc.) occurs.Hard copies of all these pages are then made and a file on the indicated subject can then be produced.Optical data processing was chosen as a viable candidate processing technique for this problem because of itsreal -time and parallel processing features together with its low cost, size, and weight. The results of thisprogram are clearly of use in many other pattern recognition applications. Although considerable prior workon character recognition exists [1 -11], the present program is distinct because it hases recognition on wordsrather than letters and it utilizes optical pattern recognition techniques. By performing optical wordrecognition (OWR) rather than character recognition, we expect and have found far lower cross -correlations inthe resultant outputs. The use of optical pattern recognition techniques results in a high -speed system thatoperates on one page of text in parallel in the same time that a single word or line of text can be processed.Prior optical text correlation research [6 -11] has generally been based on character, not word, recognitionand has often emphasized the use of multiple matched spatial filters rather than other techniques to achieveimproved correlation system performance.
Lessons from the Implementation of CCRC Regulation

Oversight staff in 23 of the 30 states with legislation regulating continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) completed a questionnaire surveying features of implementation experience such as problems encountered with the scope of regulation, the appropriateness of oversight placement, the adequacy of staff and financial resources, the use of discretionary agency authority, and attitudes toward various changes in applicable state law. These findings have relevance for consumers, legislators, lobbyists, and professionals working to make CCRCs a responsible long-term care alternative.
Parental communication and psychological distress in children of Holocaust survivors: a comparison between the U.S. and Israel.

To determine how the children of Holocaust survivors in Israel and the U.S. differ on measures of parental communication and psychological distress, we performed a comparative study on 140 subjects in the U.S. and 54 in Israel using a written questionnaire. Respondents in Israel reported more communication by their parents, but also a higher level of demoralization; this may be due to more demoralization among the general population. In both populations, parents' general communication correlated negatively with anxiety, depression and demoralization and positively with guilt. Parents' Holocaust communication resulted in similar findings; however, in Israel only a negative correlation with demoralization reached significance. Parental communication about the Holocaust thus seems to be of less importance in Israel in determining the children's psychological outcome. This may be due to a greater role by Israeli society in forming children's perception of the Holocaust.
Factors Affecting Individual Information Security Practices

Data and information within organizations have become important assets that can create a significant competitive advantage and therefore need to be given careful attention. Research from industry has reported that the majority of security-related problems are indirectly caused by employees who disobey the information security policies of their organizations. This study proposes a model to evaluate the factors that influence the individual's information security practices (IISP) at work. Drawing on social cognitive and control theories, the proposed model includes cognitive, environmental, and control factors as antecedents of ISSP. The findings of this study could be used to develop effective security policies and training. They could also be used to develop effective security audits and further recommendations for organizations that are looking to make significant improvements in their information security profiles
Maximizing yield in Near-Threshold Computing under the presence of process variation

Near-Threshold Computing (NTC) shows potential to provide significant energy efficiency improvements as it alleviates the impact of leakage in modern deep sub-micron CMOS technology. As the gap between supply and threshold voltage shrink, however, the energy efficiency gains come at the cost of device performance variability. Thus, adopting near-threshold in modern CAD flows requires careful consideration when addressing commonly targeted objectives. We propose a process variation-aware near-threshold voltage (PV-Nvt) gate sizing framework for minimizing power subject to performance yield constraints. We evaluate our approach using an industrial-flow on a set of modern benchmarks. Our results show our method achieves significant improvement in leakage power, while meeting performance yield targets, over a state-of-the-art method that does not consider near-threshold computing.
Comparison of non-Foster circuit augmentations of a near-field resonant parasitic antenna

The impedance bandwidth of a metamaterial-inspired, electrically small Egyptian Axe Dipole (EAD) antenna is enhanced by augmenting it internally with a non-Foster circuit. Several different non-Foster implementations have been studied, including a variety of symmetric and asymmetric 2-BJT and 4-BJT based Linvill designs and operational amplifier-based design. The circuit and antenna performance characteristics have been obtained through ANSYS HFSS and Agilent ADS co-simulations. The design goal is a 15% or greater impedance bandwidth from an electrically small, stable, component tolerant, 300 MHz center frequency design.
Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis caused by Propionibacteria species.

Abstract There are an increasing number of reports about unusual causes of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The Propionibacteria species is a microorgasnism that is a normal skin flora. Under the presence of certain risk factors, it may produce serious infections. Patients at risk of having Propionibacteria sp infections have malignancy, diabetes mellitus, foreign bodies, or immunodeficiency. We describe a PD-associated peritonitis in a 51-year-old woman that was caused by Propionibacteria sp. This patient's risk factors for developing Propionibacteria sp peritonitis include a history of CREST syndrome, malignancy of the breast, and recent catheter surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a PD-associated peritonitis caused by Propionibacteria sp reported in the literature.
Geochemistry of Proterozoic granitic plutons from New Mexico, U.S.A.

Abstract Thirty-eight Proterozoic granitic plutons from New Mexico have been analyzed for major and trace elements. The results indicate a four-fold classification into high-Ca, high-Si, high-K, and trondhjemite groups. The high-Si and high-K groups are further divided into low-REE and high-REE subgroups. Trondhjemites have been found only in the extreme north-central part of the state while members of the high-Ca group dominate in the northern part of the state. The high-Si and high-K groups characterize the central and southern parts of the state. Normative data suggest that the last two groups are initial melts or highly fractionated melts emplaced at low water pressures. Geochemical model studies favor an origin for the high-Ca group by about 50% partial melting of siliceous granulite in the lower crust. The results of the high-Si and high-K groups are most consistent with models for their origin involving 65–75% shallow fractional crystallization of high-Ca group magmas. Removal of variable but small amounts of REE-rich accessory minerals are required for the production of some of these magmas. The origin of the trondhjemites appears to necessitate at least a two-stage model. Extensive regional heating and partial melting of the lower crust in New Mexico giving rise directly (or indirectly) to the granitic magmas may have been caused by rising mantle plumes between 1.8 and 1.4 b.y. ago.
Finite automata and S−R models

Abstract Suppes (1969 , Journal of Mathematical Psychology , 6 ) apparently proved that any finite automaton could be mimicked by the asymptotic behavior of a stimulussampling S − R model, broadly implying that cognitive theory could be reduced to S − R theory. Here it is shown that the finite automata used by Suppes are more restricted and less powerful than finite automata in general. Furthermore, the S − R models proposed by Suppes are limited to producing the behavior of only these restricted automata, and cannot mimic all finite automata. Hence, the formal claim that S − R models are adequate to produce all behaviors obtainable from finite automata, and the informal claim that cognitive theory reduces to S − R theory, do not follow from Suppes's (1969) result. Some alternative S − R models and their problems are also briefly discussed.
An optical differential reflectance study of adsorption and desorption of xenon and deuterium on Ni(111)

We studied adsorption and desorption of Xe and deuterium on Ni(111) using an optical differential reflectance technique. The main findings are: (i) the differential reflectance varies almost linearly with the surface densities of deuterium and Xe adatoms, and the signals can be described well with a three-layer model and the known dielectric responses of the surface layers: (ii) the adsorption of deuterium atT = 120 K follows the Langmuir kinetics, while the adsorption of Xe atT = 38 K follows the zeroth-order kinetics; (iii) nearT = 70 K, the rate of Xe desorption is almost coverage-independent with an activation energy ofEdes = 4.4 ± 0.2 kcal/mol. Our analysis suggests that the Xe desorption is likely to be dominated by the escape rate from the corners of two-dimensional Xe islands.
Validation of a Computational Platform for the Analysis of the Physiologic Mechanisms of a Human Experimental Model of Hemorrhage

Computational models of integrative physiology may serve as a framework for understanding the complex adaptive responses essential for homeostasis in critical illness and resuscitation and may provide insights for design of diagnostics and therapeutics. In this study a computer model of human physiology was compared to results obtained from experiments using Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) analog model of human hemorrhage. LBNP has been demonstrated to produce physiologic changes in humans consistent with hemorrhage. The computer model contains over 4000 parameters that describe the detailed integration of physiology based upon basic physical principles and established biologic interactions. The LBNP protocol consisted of a 5 min rest period (0 mmHg) followed by 5 min of chamber decompression of the lower body to −15, −30, −45, and −60 mmHg and additional increments of −10 mmHg every 5 min until the onset of hemodynamic decompensation (n = 20). Physiologic parameters recorded include mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), and venous oxygen saturation (SVO2; from peripheral venous blood), during the last 30 s at each LBNP level. The computer model analytic procedure recreates the investigational protocol for a virtual individual in an In Silico environment. After baseline normalization, the model predicted measurements for MAP, CO, and SVO2 were compared to those observed through the entire range of LBNP. Differences were evaluated using standard statistical performance error measurements (median performance error (PE) <5%). The simulation results closely tracked the average changes observed during LBNP. The predicted MAP fell outside the standard error measurement for the experimental data at only LBNP −30 mmHg while CO was more variable. The predicted SVO2 fell outside the standard error measurement for the experimental data only during the post-LBNP recovery point. However, the statistical median PE measurement was found to be within the 5% objective error measure (1.3% for MAP, −3.5% for CO, and 3.95% for SVO2). The computer model was found to accurately predict the experimental results observed using LBNP. The model should be explored as a platform for studying concepts and physiologic mechanisms of hemorrhage including its diagnosis and treatment.
Determinants of Breast Cancer Progression

New therapeutic opportunities may arise as a result of discovering the determinants of breast cancer progression.
Adrenomedullin gene delivery attenuates hypertension, cardiac remodeling, and renal injury in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats.

Abstract —Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent vasodilator and natriuretic peptide that plays an important role in cardiorenal function. In this study, we explored the potential protective role of AM in volume-dependent hypertension by somatic gene delivery. Adenovirus containing the human AM cDNA under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter/enhancer was administered into deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats via tail vein injection. A single injection of the human AM gene resulted in a prolonged reduction of blood pressure with a maximal reduction of 41 mm Hg 9 days after gene delivery. Human AM gene delivery enhanced renal function, as indicated by a 3-fold increase in renal blood flow and a 2-fold increase in glomerular filtration rate (n=5, P <0.05). Histological examination of the kidney revealed a significant reduction in glomerular sclerosis, tubular injury, luminol protein cast accumulation, and interstitial fibrosis as well as urinary protein. Human AM gene delivery caused significant decreases in left ventricular weight and cardiomyocyte diameter, which were accompanied by reduced interstitial fibrosis and extracellular matrix formation within the heart. Expression of human AM mRNA was detected in the kidney, adrenal gland, heart, aorta, lung, and liver; immunoreactive human AM levels were measured in urine and plasma. Significant increases in urinary and cardiac cAMP levels were observed in DOCA-salt rats receiving the human AM gene, indicating activation of the AM receptor. These findings showed that AM gene delivery attenuates hypertension, protects against cardiac remodeling and renal damage in volume-overload hypertension, and may have significance in therapeutic applications in cardiovascular and renal diseases.
Identification of a killer cell-specific regulatory element of the mouse perforin gene: an Ets-binding site-homologous motif that interacts with Ets-related proteins.

The gene encoding the cytolytic protein perforin is selectively expressed by activated killer lymphocytes. To understand the mechanisms underlying the cell-type-specific expression of this gene, we have characterized the regulatory functions and the DNA-protein interactions of the 5'-flanking region of the mouse perforin gene (Pfp). A region extending from residues +62 through -141, which possesses the essential promoter activity, and regions further upstream, which are able to either enhance or suppress gene expression, were identified. The region between residues -411 and -566 was chosen for further characterization, since it contains an enhancer-like activity. We have identified a 32-mer sequence (residues -491 to -522) which appeared to be capable of enhancing gene expression in a killer cell-specific manner. Within this segment, a 9-mer motif (5'-ACAGGAAGT-3', residues -505 to -497; designated NF-P motif), which is highly homologous to the Ets proto-oncoprotein-binding site, was found to interact with two proteins, NF-P1 and NF-P2. NF-P2 appears to be induced by reagents known to up-regulate the perforin message level and is present exclusively in killer cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and UV cross-linking experiments revealed that NF-P1 and NF-P2 may possess common DNA-binding subunits. However, the larger native molecular mass of NF-P1 suggests that NF-P1 contains an additional non-DNA-binding subunit(s). In view of the homology between the NF-P motif and other Ets proto-oncoprotein-binding sites, it is postulated that NF-P1 and NF-P2 belong to the Ets protein family. Results obtained from the binding competition assay, nevertheless, suggest that NF-P1 and NF-P2 are related to but distinct from Ets proteins, e.g., Ets-1, Ets-2, and NF-AT/Elf-1, known to be expressed in T cells.
Lipoma of the tuber cinereum.

10-year-old boy was discovered hanging by a pair of pajama pants from the railing of an upper bunk bed. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and an autopsy was performed. Postmortem examination revealed a ligature furrow around the anterior and lateral aspects of the neck; examination of the brain revealed a 1.0-cm, well
Comparisons of antifeedancy and spatial repellency of three natural product repellents against horn flies, Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae)

BACKGROUND: Horn flies are among the most important biting fly pests of cattle in the United States. Horn fly management is largely dependent upon pesticides, which ultimately leads to the rapid development of insecticide resistance. Alternative control strategies, including repellents, have shown promising results in reducing fly biting. In the present study, we examined the efficacy and longevity of recently identified natural product repellents against horn flies. RESULTS: Catnip oil, geraniol and C8910 acids reduced horn fly feeding in a laboratory bioassay and also exhibited spatial repellency in the olfactometer. Residual activity was observed for up to 3 days in laboratory assays; however, 24 h of residual effectiveness was observed from the two repellents when applied on cattle in the field. The limited residual effectiveness was correlated with the high volatility of the major active repellent compounds. CONCLUSION: All three natural product repellents effectively repel biting horn flies, exhibiting both feeding deterrence and spatial repellency. They may be used for developing an effective push-pull strategy with a slow release matrix that can prolong their effectiveness for horn fly management. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Transcriptional Regulation of the Transforming Growth Factor-β-inducible Mouse Germ Line Ig α Constant Region Gene by Functional Cooperation of Smad, CREB, and AML Family Members

Smads regulate transcription of defined genes in response to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor activation. This process involves functional cross-talk of Smads with transcription factors at responsive DNA elements to achieve maximal transcription activation and specificity. TGF-β has been shown to induce transcription of the germ line (GL) Ig α constant region gene and to direct class switching to IgA antibodies. It has been shown that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transcription factors cooperate with Smad3 to stimulate transcription from the GL Ig α constant region gene promoter. We report here that the TGF-β-induced transcription from this promoter requires DNA binding of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) to the nearby ATF/cAMP-response element site and of Smads to a nearby Smad binding sequence. At these sites, Smad3/4 cooperates with CREB to activate transcription in response to TGF-β, and disruption of either binding sequence abolished TGF-β-induced transcription. In addition, AML1 or AML2 also binds to the promoter and cooperates with Smad3/4, and in this way further enhances the TGF-β-induced transcriptional activation of the GL Ig α promoter. Thus, whereas Smad3/4, CREB, and AML family members bind independently to the respective DNA sequences in the GL Ig α promoter, functional synergy of Smads with CREB and AML proteins results in maximal TGF-β-induced transcription.
Magnetic regulator modeling

A method of providing regulation in a resonant power supply uses a device called a magnetic regulator which resembles an ordinary AC transformer. Through the use of additional control windings, the conversion ratio of the magnetic regulator can be electronically varied, thus achieving control. A circuit model for the magnetic regulator is derived and is shown to contain a current-controlled leakage inductance. Measurements made on an experimental device verify the model. Two additional structures are described. >
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor dosages in elderly patients with heart failure.

Abstract Background We sought to describe the dosages of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor prescribed to elderly patients with heart failure at hospital discharge, the factors associated with dosing level, and the association of these dosages with 1-year outcomes. Methods Demographic, procedural, and medication data were collected retrospectively from medical records at 18 Connecticut hospitals. Information on mortality and readmission was obtained from the Health Care Financing Administration administrative databases. Dosages of ACE inhibitor were grouped into 3 categories: dosages recommended in practice guidelines or higher (target dose), dosages used in clinical trials but lower than guideline recommendations (subtarget dose), and dosages lower than those used in clinical trials (low dose). Results A total of 554 patients, 65 years old or less with confirmed heart failure and systolic dysfunction, were prescribed an ACE inhibitor at discharge. Target, subtarget, and low doses were given in 19%, 63%, and 18% of the patients, respectively. Few demographic or clinical factors were related to lower dosages. Both subtarget and target doses of ACE inhibitors were associated with a significantly lower adjusted 1-year mortality (relative risk 0.67, P =.04; relative risk 0.51, P =.02, respectively) compared with low doses of ACE inhibitors. Conclusions In a representative elderly cohort of patients with heart failure with systolic dysfunction, the majority (82%) were discharged on doses of ACE inhibitors consistent with those used in clinical trials. We observed a dose-response relationship between higher doses and lower mortality. Future studies will need to determine whether this association is causal. (Am Heart J 2001;141:410-7.)
Chytrid fungus in frogs from an equatorial African montane forest in Western Uganda.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the causative agent of chytridiomycosis, was found in 24 of 109 (22%) frogs from Kibale National Park, western Uganda, in January and June 2006, representing the first account of the fungus in six species and in Uganda. The presence of B. dendrobatidis in an equatorial African montane forest raises conservation concerns, considering the high amphibian diversity and endemism characteristic of such areas and their ecological similarity to other regions of the world experiencing anuran declines linked to chytridiomycosis.
The role of social context in the prevention of conduct disorder

Two major transitions – initial school entry and transition to middle school – are emphasized as the points in development most amenable to preventing conduct disorder. As a complement to Reid's analysis of the child and family foci for prevention efforts, this paper discusses the importance of considering social context factors in prevention. In the early school years, peers inadvertently reinforce aggressive and coercive behavior and, thus, contribute to the coercive cycle Patterson describes in families. Middle schools in inner-city contexts have peer social network characteristics that also support delinquent and violent behavior more directly, in contrast to the general suppositions of social control theories of delinquency. The impact of neighborhoods and the larger societal tolerance of violence reflected in the media are also discussed. Prevention strategies for addressing these contextual factors at both developmental periods are outlined in the paper.
Direct comparison of nanoindentation and macroscopic measurements of bone viscoelasticity.

Nanoindentation has become a standard method for measuring mechanical properties of bone, especially within microstructural units such as individual osteons or trabeculae. The use of nanoindentation to measure elastic properties has been thoroughly studied and validated. However, it is also possible to assess time dependent properties of bone by nanoindentation. The goal of this study was to compare time dependent mechanical properties of bone measured at the macroscopic level with those measured by nanoindentation. Twelve samples were prepared from the posterior distal femoral cortex of young cows. Initially, dogbone samples were prepared and subjected to torsional stress relaxation in a saline bath at 37 °C. A 5 mm thick disk was subsequently sectioned from the gage length, and subjected to nanoindentation. Nanoindentation was performed on hydrated samples using a standard protocol with 20 indents performed in 20 different osteons in each sample. Creep and stress relaxation data were fit to a Burgers four parameter rheological model, a five parameter generalized Maxwell model, and a three parameter standard linear solid. For Burgers viscoelastic model, the time constants measured by nanoindentation and torsion were weakly negatively correlated, while for the other two models the time constants were uncorrelated. The results support the notion that the viscoelastic behavior of bone at the macroscopic scale is primarily due to microstructural features, interfaces, or fluid flow, rather than viscous behavior of the bone tissue. As viscoelasticity affects the fatigue behavior of materials, the microscale properties may provide a measure of bone quality associated with initial damage formation.
Distance education, individualization, and the demise of the university

Abstract Both critics and advocates question distance education. These questions concern the future survival of the university as a residential institution, the quality of distance learning, the meaning of education, individualization, the control of distance courses, and the potential for expanding student choice. Such questions are related to issues of responsibility and control over technology and to recommendations about how faculty on both sides of the debate should approach this technology. It is concluded that developing undergraduate distance degree programs is at best premature. It is faculty who bear primary responsibility for the impact of distance technology on higher education, and there is currently a wide gulf between faculty attitudes toward this technology.
Determination of the optimal timing for performing digital ventriculography during atrial pacing stress tests in coronary heart disease

To determine the optimal time for recording left ventricular angiograms during atrial pacing stress tests, digital subtraction left ventriculograms were obtained using 12 ml of contrast material in 40 patients at rest and at peak pacing. Nineteen of the 40 patients had a third digital left ventriculogram performed between 5 and 10 seconds and 21 patients had a third digital left ventriculogram performed 30 seconds after pacing was stopped. Coronary angiography showed significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in 29 patients and no evidence of significant CAD in 11 patients. Ejection fraction (EF) increased or did not change at peak pacing in 10 of 11 patients without CAD. In the 29 patients with CAD, mean EF decreased an average of 10 percentage points (p less than 0.001) and fell 2 or more percentage points in 25 patients (86%) at peak pacing. These changes in EF were accompanied by the development of wall motion abnormalities, which occurred in segments of myocardium that were supplied by coronary arteries with angiographic CAD (more than 50% diameter narrowing). In contrast, the mean EF during the postpacing studies decreased only 2.2 percentage points (difference not significant) over rest values. Moreover, 15 of 29 patients (52%) with CAD had a decrease in EF of 2 or more percentage points. Therefore, the sensitivity of the atrial pacing stress test was diminished when the analysis was performed at 10 or 30 seconds after pacing. It is concluded that EF changes and wall motion abnormalities induced by atrial pacing are of short duration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The indirect effect of emotion dysregulation in terms of negative affect and smoking-related cognitive processes.

Abstract Introduction Although negative affect is associated with a number of smoking-related cognitive processes, the mechanisms underlying these associations have yet to be examined. The current study sought to examine the indirect effect of emotion regulation difficulties in terms of the association between negative affect and smoking-related cognitive processes (internal barriers to cessation, negative affect reduction smoking motives, negative affect reduction smoking outcome expectancies). Method Participants were 126 daily cigarette smokers (70.4% male, Mage = 36.5 years, SD = 13.0; 69.8% Caucasian) who smoked an average of 18.5 (SD = 8.7) cigarettes per day and reported moderate nicotine dependence. Results Formal mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS to examine the indirect effect of negative affect on internal barriers to cessation and negative affect reduction smoking motives and outcome expectancies through emotion regulation difficulties. After accounting for the effects of gender, daily smoking rate, and anxiety sensitivity, negative affect was indirectly related to internal barriers to cessation and negative affect reduction smoking motives through emotion regulation difficulties. There was no significant indirect effect for negative affect reduction smoking outcome expectancies. Conclusions These findings suggest that greater negative affect is associated with a desire to smoke to reduce this negative affect and perceptions that quitting smoking will be difficult due to negative emotions because of greater difficulties managing these negative emotions. Thus, emotion regulation difficulties may be an important target for smoking cessation interventions.
Bilinear Control: Geometric Properties of Reachable Sets

An analogue of several results on linear control systems is established for autonomous bilinear systems in n-space: the affine span of each reachable set is independent of time, and of the magnitude of control constraints; in a generic case it is all of state space.
More than a Feeling: The Pain of Affection and the Affect of Responsibility

Focusing on the concept of responsibility, this paper contrasts Arendt's anti-psychological account of responsibility with recent efforts of theorists such as Peg Birmingham, Wendy Brown, Judith Butler, Bonnie Honig, Saba Mahmood, and Linda Zerrilli to reconsider the terms in which we conceive of ourselves - as individuals and as members of distinct groups - as bound to others. The paper shows that Arendt's account is critically challenged by the work of contemporary theorists that undermines the strong distinctions Arendt draws, in particular between the public and the private. However, the paper also shows how Arendt's account critically reflects back on the work of some of these theorists to reveal the transcendental longing that informs their efforts to resurrect virtue and vulnerability as the grounds of obligation. Drawing on the work of Jean-Luc Nancy to elaborate on Arendt's account of responsibility, the paper argues that the other cuts across singular being, never penetrating it but nevertheless "disjoining" it. This shattering encounter exposes singular being to responsibility but does not put it in the familiar dialectical relation of obligation.
Ratio method for 11C-PBR28 detects increase in translocator protein binding in Alzheimer’s disease

250 Objectives Patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have increased expression of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), a marker of microglial activation. Measuring TSPO with second generation PET radioligands requires arterial catheterization and determination of TSPO genotype, as a polymorphism causes differential affinity binding. We sought to determine if a ratio method for 11C-PBR28 detected differences between AD patients and controls without requiring arterial catheterization or TSPO genotyping. Methods Twenty-one AD patients, 15 mild cognitive impairment patients, and 25 older controls underwent 11C-PBR28 imaging. PET images were analyzed by either 1) two-tissue compartment model with metabolite corrected arterial input function to calculate total distribution volume corrected for free fraction of radioligand in plasma (VT/fP), or 2) a standardized uptake ratio (SUVR) method using images 60-90 min post-injection with cerebellum as pseudo-reference region. Results Absolute binding (VT/fP) did not differ in cerebellum among groups. Both VT/fP and SUVR were greater in AD patients than controls in temporo-parietal regions. However, SUVR resulted in lower P values, with more regions reaching statistical significance. Variability (measured as %coefficient of variance) was ~60% lower for SUVR. TSPO genotype correction improved sensitivity to detect group differences for both VT/fP and SUVR. Both VT/fP and SUVR correlated with Clinical Dementia Rating scale score in middle and inferior temporal cortex. Conclusions SUVR method for 11C-PBR28 detects differences between AD patients and controls with even greater sensitivity than VT/fP due to lower variability. SUVR also reduces scan time and removes need for arterial catheterization, which is expected to improve patient tolerability. This ratio method does not completely remove effect of TSPO affinity status and genotyping is still recommended.
Laboratory investigation of interlayer shear fatigue performance between open-graded friction course and underlying layer

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the bonding fatigue performance between open-graded friction course (OGFC) and underlying layer through laboratory testing at different tack coat application rates. Direct shear fatigue test was performed to obtain the shear fatigue properties of the composite specimens composed of OGFC and its underlying layer. Two types of dense graded asphalt mixture (named BM and TLD in Tennessee) were selected as the underlying layer. In addition to the fatigue life determined according to the conventional 50% stiffness reduction method, energy approach was also employed to analyze the fatigue behavior of the composite specimens. Results showed that the OGFC-TLD structure gave a better shear fatigue performance than OGFC-BM. With the increase in tack coat application rate, the plateau value (PV) increased and the total cumulative dissipated energy decreased for both combined structures. The contact area between OGFC and the underlying layer was measured and correlated to the fatigue life. The contact area between OGFC and TLD was larger than that between OGFC and BM, leading to a better fatigue performance of OGFC-TLD.
Toward Beneficial Transformation of Enterprise Workloads to Hybrid Clouds

With the promise of providing flexible and elastic computing resources on demand, the cloud computing has been attracting enterprises and individuals to migrate workloads in the legacy environment to the public/private/hybrid clouds. However, the workload migration is often interpreted as an image migration or re-installation/data copying as the exact snapshot of the source machine, and the various cloud platforms and service models are rarely taken into consideration during migration planning. Thus, the cloud migration techniques have not provided enough options that can satisfy the various migration requirements. In this paper, we propose a model to tackle the migration challenges that transforms one resource into the same or another resource in hybrid clouds. We formulate the problem as a constraint satisfaction problem, and iteratively decompose the server components and consolidate the servers. Furthermore, we propose a compute-network mapping algorithm to match computing resources with network resources to guarantee network affinity. The ultimate goal is to recommend the optimal target cloud platform with network affinity and the minimum cost. Through the evaluation of the proposed model using real enterprise datasets (up to 2012 machines), we prove that the proposed model satisfies the goal. We show that when migrating into virtualized cloud environments, thorough resource planning can reduce 16% of current resources, 5%–10% servers can be consolidated, and more than 60% servers are possible candidates for server decomposition.
Laparoscopically Assisted Percutaneous Renal Biopsy

AbstractWe performed laparoscopically assisted percutaneous renal biopsy on 4 patients with azotemia or renal dysfunction who were believed to be unsuitable candidates for percutaneous renal biopsy. Tissue adequate for diagnosis was obtained in all 4 cases. Complications included subcutaneous emphysema in 1 patient and a small splenic capsular tear in 1, which was managed laparoscopically and did not require transfusion. Bleeding from the renal biopsy occurred in 1 patient and was easily managed laparoscopically. We recommend laparoscopically assisted percutaneous renal biopsy as an alternative method of renal biopsy in patients who can tolerate general anesthesia and who are not candidates for percutaneous renal biopsy.
Hospital Planning and Response to Sudden Mass Casualty Incidents

Previously in this manual, I discussed the difference between progressive disasters and sudden events and the importance of a specific plan that addresses both types separately.
Structure-Function of the Cytochrome b 6 f Lipoprotein Complex

The cytochrome b6f complex (f, derived from “leaf” in Latin, “folium,” or French, “feuille”, see D. S. Bendall, this volume) is responsible for the proton-coupled electron transfer reactions that link the two light-trapping photosystem reaction centers in the electron transport chain of oxygenic photosynthesis, and contains the rate-limiting step of the entire electron transport chain. The understanding of the functions of the intra-membrane cytochrome b6f complex in its role as the central electron transport complex in the photosynthetic electron transport chain has greatly increased in recent years because of the solving of the atomic structure of the complex, as well as its extrinsic electron transfer domains solved separately, by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The electron transfer and proton translocation functions of the cytochrome b6f complex are discussed in a context that focuses on function in the context of structure. The structure considerations are based on the recently determined high resolution (2.50 A) crystal structure (PDB, protein data base, accession 4OGQ). The complex consists of a 280 kDa hetero-oligomeric intra-membrane lipo-protein complex containing, per monomer, 13 trans-membrane α-helices and seven prosthetic groups, the latter consisting of five hemes, one chlorophyll a molecule and one β-carotene. In addition, each monomer contains 23 lipid binding sites, the function of which crosses into a completely new area of structure-function, both for the b6f complex and for the entire broader field of membrane proteins. Considering energy-transducing membrane protein complexes, the b6f complex, along with other hetero-oligomeric electron transfer membrane proteins provides a unique perspective in the broad field of membrane protein structure-function that encompasses transport and channel proteins, and extends beyond photosynthesis and bioenergetics to biomedicine. The additional perspective arises from the fact that the function of the cytochrome complexes, along with those of other redox proteins, can be assayed quantitatively through various high resolution spectroscopies.
Persistence characterization and data calibration scheme for the RSS-NIR H2RG detector on SALT

The University of Wisconsin Madison is building a NIR spectrograph (RSS-NIR) for the Southern African Large Telescope. The detector system uses a H2RG HdCdTe 1.7 μm cutoff array. We performed tests to measure and characterize the persistence of the detector to inform strategies to mitigate this effect. These tests use up-the- ramp group samples to get finer time resolution of the release of persistence. We share these test results. We also present preliminary results of the dependence of persistence on detector temperature. We conclude with an outline and assessment of a persistence calibration scheme.
Preoperative therapy for soft tissue sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas continue to represent a therapeutic challenge because of their rarity and the heterogeneity of the many histologic subtypes. The efficacy of preoperative therapy has been difficult to establish. However, there is evidence that induction therapy may result in reduction of tumor size that facilitates less radical surgical resections with improved postoperative function. Clinical evidence supports continued investigation of preoperative treatment approaches for soft tissue sarcomas.