cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aquaporins in Clinical Medicine

The aquaporins are a family of membrane water channels, some of which also transport glycerol. They are involved in a wide range of physiological functions (including water/salt homeostasis, exocrine fluid secretion, and epidermal hydration) and human diseases (including glaucoma, cancer, epilepsy, and obesity). At the cellular level, aquaporin-mediated osmotic water transport across cell plasma membranes facilitates transepithelial fluid transport, cell migration, and neuroexcitation; aquaporin-mediated glycerol transport regulates cell proliferation, adipocyte metabolism, and epidermal water retention. Genetic diseases caused by loss-of-function mutations in aquaporins include nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and congenital cataracts. The neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease neuromyelitis optica is marked by pathogenic autoantibodies against astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4. There remain broad opportunities for the development of aquaporin-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Disease-relevant aquaporin polymorphisms are beginning to be explored. There is great promise in the development of small-molecule aquaporin modulators for therapy of some types of refractory edema, brain swelling, neuroinflammation, glaucoma, epilepsy, cancer, pain, and obesity.
Measurement Properties of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories at Ages One and Two Years

In a prospective study of child development in relation to early-life otitis media, we administered the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories (CDI) to a large (N = 2,156), sociodemographically diverse sample of 1- and 2-year-old children. As a prerequisite for interpreting the CDI scores, we studied selected measurement properties of the inventories. Scores on the CDI/Words and Gestures (CDI-WG), designed for children 8 to 16 months old, and on the CDI/Words and Sentences (CDI-WS), designed for children 16 to 30 months old, increased significantly with months of age. On several scales of both CDI-WG and CDI-WS, standard deviations approximated or exceeded mean values, reflecting wide variability in results. Statistically significant differences in mean scores were found according to race, maternal education, and health insurance status as an indirect measure of income, but the directionality of differences was not consistent across inventories or across scales of the CDI-WS. Correlations between CDI-WG and CDI-WS ranged from .18 to .39. Our findings suggest that the CDI reflects the progress of language development within the age range 10 to 27 months. However, researchers and clinicians should exercise caution in using results of the CDI to identify individual children at risk for language deficits, to compare groups of children with different sociodemographic profiles, or to evaluate the effects of interventions.
DNA REPAIR AND COLORECTAL CANCER

The mismatch repair system plays a major role in the processing of recombination intermediates and in the repair of errors made during DNA replication or resulting from chemical damage to DNA. Human homologues of the bacterial and yeast mismatch repair genes have been recently identified, and mutations in these genes have been found to show risk for tumor development in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC). Colorectal tumors bearing homozygous mutations in these mismatch repair genes show a hypermutable phenotype, mainly at microsatellite regions of DNA. The temporal relationship between the loss of mismatch repair activity and the cascades of mutations in critical genes involved in the carcinogenesis of HNPCC tumors is unknown.
Mutations in DNA polymerase gamma cause error prone DNA synthesis in human mitochondrial disorders.

This paper summarizes recent advances in understanding the links between the cell's ability to maintain integrity of its mitochondrial genome and mitochondrial genetic diseases. Human mitochondrial DNA is replicated by the two-subunit DNA polymerase gamma (polgamma). We investigated the fidelity of DNA replication by polgamma with and without exonucleolytic proofreading and its p55 accessory subunit. Polgamma has high base substitution fidelity due to efficient base selection and exonucleolytic proofreading, but low frameshift fidelity when copying homopolymeric sequences longer than four nucleotides. Progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO) is a rare disease characterized by the accumulation of large deletions in mitochondrial DNA. Recently, several mutations in the polymerase and exonuclease domains of the human polgamma have been shown to be associated with PEO. We are analyzing the effect of these mutations on the human polgamma enzyme. In particular, three autosomal dominant mutations alter amino acids located within polymerase motif B of polgamma. These residues are highly conserved among family A DNA polymerases, which include T7 DNA polymerase and E.coli pol I. These PEO mutations have been generated in polgamma to analyze their effects on overall polymerase function as well as the effects on the fidelity of DNA synthesis. One mutation in particular, Y955C, was found in several families throughout Europe, including one Belgian family and five unrelated Italian families. The Y955C mutant polgamma retains a wild-type catalytic rate but suffers a 45-fold decrease in apparent binding affinity for the incoming dNTP. The Y955C derivative is also much less accurate than is wild-type polgamma, with error rates for certain mismatches elevated by 10- to 100-fold. The error prone DNA synthesis observed for the Y955C polgamma is consistent with the accumulation of mtDNA mutations in patients with PEO. The effects of other polgamma mutations associated with PEO are discussed.
Understanding and influencing the policy process

This essay translates some of the underlying logic of existing research of policy processes into a set of strategies for shaping policy agendas and influencing policy development and change. The argument builds from a synthesized model of the individual and a simplified depiction of the political system. Three overarching strategies are introduced that operate at the policy subsystem level: developing deep knowledge; building networks; and participating for extended periods of time. The essay then considers how a democratic ethic can inform these strategies. Ultimately, the success or failure of influencing the policy process is a matter of odds, but these odds could be changed favorably if individuals employ the three strategies consistently over time. The conclusion contextualizes the arguments and interprets the strategies offered as a meta-theoretical argument of political influence.
Brain Injury special edition on Sports concussion

In 1982, the Wall Street Journal coined the term ‘silent epidemic’ in a front page article based upon research findings on minor head injury or what is now refered to as mild traumatic brain injury...
Reconciling environment and development in the clean development mechanism

Abstract Providing a mechanism for financial transfers from the North to the South, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) aims to fund afforestation projects resulting in both reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide and sustainable development. One attractive feature of the CDM is that unlike other emerging carbon trading schemes it offers a means to promote sustainable development, which in a poor country must include providing poor people with income-earning opportunities. In practice however, the CDM projects may fail to address four issues key to this possibility: ownership, price, transaction costs, and use rights. The failure to address these issues ultimately could lead the CDM to benefit elite landowners at the expense of the poor. However, recognition of this oversight provides opportunities to work with poor communities worldwide to facilitate the collective action required to make the CDM work for them. Such a focus holds the key to ensuring that the CDM achieves the twin objectives of environmental...
Chocolate craving and liking.

Liking and craving for chocolate and related substances were surveyed in a sample of University of Pennsylvania undergraduates (n = 249) and their parents (n = 319). Chocolate was highly liked in all groups, with a stronger liking by females. Chocolate is the most craved food among females, and is craved by almost half of the female sample (in both age groups). Although this craving is related to a sweet craving, it cannot be accounted for as a craving for sweets. About half of the female cravers show a very well defined craving peak for chocolate in the perimenstrual period, beginning from a few days before the onset of menses and extending into the first few days of menses. There is not a significant relation in chocolate craving or liking between parents and their children. The current motivation for chocolate preference seems to be primarily, if not entirely, sensory. Liking for chocolate correlates significantly with liking for sweets and white chocolate. The liking for the sensory properties could originate in innate or acquired liking based on the sweetness, texture and aroma of chocolate, or it could be based in part on interactions between the postingestional effects of chocolate and a person's state (e.g., mood, hormone levels). Based on correlational data, we find little evidence for a relation between addiction to chocolate or the pharmacological (e.g., xanthine-based) effects of chocolate and the liking for chocolate.
Tissue anastomosis using a KTP laser: An experimental study

SummarySutured visceral anastomoses are time-consuming and complex when performed endoscopically. Theoretically, laser-welded visceral anastomoses are possible and are potentially easier and quicker to perform endoscopically than the sutured anastomoses. In this living canine study, we compared the operating time and intraluminal bursting pressure of laser-welded vs sutured anastomoses of (1) common bile duct (CBD), (2) small intestine, (3) colon and (4) ureter. Each organ was joined to itself using both anastomotic techniques. Welded anastomoses were much quicker in each organ system. Watertight anastomoses were achieved in each organ tested with both anastomotic techniques. Intraluminal hydrostatic bursting pressures occurred at lower pressures (approximately 70% of sutured anastomosis bursting pressure) in all organs. Though not qualified, tensile disruption pressure appeared to be significantly lower in the welded anastomoses as compared to the sutured anastomoses. Laser-welded visceral anastomoses ar...
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Unusual Magnetic Properties of InMnO3

Abstract Polycrystalline samples of InMnO 3 , prepared by decomposition of nitrates, were found to be isostructural with LuMuO 3 rather than YAIO 3 as was the case for flux-grown InMnO 3 single crystals. The structure was refined in P 6 3 cm from powder neutron data with a = 5.8758(4) A and c = 11.4715(8) A at 293 K. Single crystals of ScMnO 3 were grown from a PbF 2 flux. The structure was refined from single crystal X-ray data also in P 6 3 cm with a = 5.8286(6) A and c = 11.1738(9) A. Magnetic susceptibility data for InMnO 3 show subtle anomalies near 120 and 40 K and a weak maximum at 15 K for applied fields h 0 n /2) and ( h 1 n /2) appear which exhibit an unusual temperature dependence featuring intensity maxima near 60-70 K and which are significantly broader than the resolution limit at all temperatures. These are assigned to correlations between spin-coupled Mn layers, also of short range. The absence of long-range order in InMnO 3 is contrasted with the well-established order in isostructural ScMnO 3 and LnMnO 3 . It is argued that the differences can be rationalized in terms of an anomalously long c -axis for InMnO 3 which leads to a weakening of key interlayer superexchange pathways necessary for the realization of long-range order. This situation is also discussed in terms of recent mean-field theory for layered antiferromagnets.
Cytomegalovirus gB Genotype Distribution Differs in Human Immunodeficiency Virus—Infected Patients and Immunocompromised Allograft Recipients

Cytomegalovirus isolates can be grouped into 4 gB and 2 gH genotypes. gB genotypes were studied in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and in allograft transplantation recipients. In allograft recipients, the distribution of gB 1, -2, -3, and -4 in leukocytes and urine, respectively, was 36%, 21%, 43%, and 0% and 39%, 30%, 17%, and 13%. However, in leukocytes of HIV-infected patients with <100/microL CD4 cells, gB1 was found significantly less often than in allograft recipients (11% vs. 36%) but gB2 was more frequent (56% vs. 21%; P < .05). The decreased incidence of gBl and increased incidence of gB2 compared with allograft recipients was also seen in urine of HIV-infected patients and reflected the distribution seen in leukocytes. gB4 was found significantly more often (P < .05) in semen than in leukocytes of HIV-infected patients with < 100/microL CD4 cells. gB1-4 genotypes were similar in patients with < 100/microL CD4 cells with or without retinitis.
Predictive Assessment of Fish Health and Fish Kills in the Neuse River Estuary Using Elicited Expert Judgment

ABSTRACT Declining fish health and the occurrence of large fish kills are some of the more publicly meaningful indicators of water quality in the impaired Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina. It is generally believed that such problems are caused by the widespread depletion of dissolved oxygen—an indirect result of anthropogenic nutrient pollution. However, the development of scientific simulation models to predict how improvements in oxygen conditions will improve the health of fish and reduce the frequency of fish kills has proven elusive. As a pragmatic solution to this problem, the expert opinion of estuarine fisheries scientists in possession of relevant data and experience was elicited. The relations between joint and conditional probabilities were exploited to translate quantities that are normally hard to assess into quantities that can be drawn more directly from the experiential knowledge of the experts. A combined model of expert opinion was constructed as an influence diagram, and Monte Carlo ...
Latest results on the H-mode threshold using the international H-mode threshold database

This is an analysis of the H-mode threshold physics by the International H-mode Threshold Database Working Group. The data from 10 different tokamaks world-wide are combined in an attempt to determine the physics of the H-mode transition as well as the scaling of the plasma parameters relevant to the H-mode transition to future magnetic fusion devices. The input power required to achieve H-mode is fitted with log-linear regressions of global plasma parameters such as density, toroidal magnetic field and plasma size. An attempt to cross-validate this analysis method is made by removing each tokamak in turn and recalculating the fit. Based on these global scalings, the hysteresis in the threshold power can be defined in terms of how far away from the threshold scaling plasma parameters can be obtained and remain in H-mode. Local edge temperatures and densities are also analysed at the H-mode threshold in an attempt to find a scaling with plasma parameters. Changes in divertor geometry also have strong effects on the H-mode threshold, so scalings are compared for open and closed divertors.
Studies on mediator production by highly purified human T and B lymphocytes.

Highly purified populations of T and B lymphocytes obtained by affinity column separation were stimulated by antigen and their ability to produce two mediators, migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and lymphocyte mitogenic factor (LMF) was assessed. Both T- and B-cell populations made MIF; the production of MIF was antigen-specific using purified protein derivative of tuberculin, streptokinase-streptodornase, and Candida antigens. The MIF activity from both populations could not be attributed to antigen-antibody complexes as the inhibitory activity eluted from Sephadex G-100 columns in the same region corresponding to mol wt 23,000 daltons. Further studies indicate that the T cells producing MIF are proliferating cells whereas the B cells producing this mediator are not. In contrast, LMF was made only by T cells and not B cells when these populations were stimulated by antigen. The LMF induced the [3H]thymidine incorporation into both T and B cells obtained from donors lacking sensitivity to the antigens used to elicit the factor. Chromatographic studies indicate that LMF eluted from Sephadex G-100 in a fraction of mol wt 23,000 daltons where MIF is also found; however, since B cells produce MIF but not LMF, these two factors appear to be distinct from one another. Some of the implications of these findings are discussed. The explanation for the production or lack of production of MIF by lymphocytes obtained from patients with immunodeficiency disorders requires reinterpretation.
Bacteremia and Sepsis in Older Adults

Bacteremia and sepsis are common complications of infection in older patients. Comorbidities, institutionalization, instrumentation, and immunosenescence place older persons at high risk for bacteremia and sepsis, and clinicians must have a heightened suspicion for these infectious disorders in older patients because nonspecific clinical manifestations of infection are common in this vulnerable population. Although increasing age is associated with a high risk of death due to bacteremia and sepsis, recent evidence suggests that many older patients respond well to treatments of proven efficacy. This article discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognosis of bacteremia and sepsis in older patients and provides evidence-based recommendations regarding the treatment of these infectious disorders in older persons.
Uranium series disequilibrium in a young surficial uranium deposit, northeastern Washington, U.S.A.

A recently discovered ore-grade accumulation of U in organic-rich sediments of late Quaternary age provides an opportunity for studying the early association of U, U-daughters, and organic matter in a natural setting. The U occurs in valley-fill sediments of peat, peaty clay, silt, and sand along the north fork of Flodelle Creek, Stevens County, Washington. Radiometric techniques (delayed neutron, high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry, thin-source alpha spectrometry) were employed to determine the abundance and distribution of U-series nuclides, the extent of secular equilibrium within the U decay series, and the apparent U-series ages of U incorporation. Sixteen lithologically distinct intervals were sampled from a 292 cm core. Uranium contents range from 140 to 2790 ppm and are positively correlated with organic contents. Measured alpha activity ratios of 234U/238U (1.31–1.38) are very similar to those reported in coexisting waters, suggesting a rather constant isotopic composition of introduced U. Much lower Th contents of <10–40 ppm are controlled by the type and abundance of silicate detritus. The youth of the host sediments (<15 000 a) and the paucity of associated radioactivity suggested large excesses of U relative to radioactive daughters and such excesses were observed, particularly in the shallowest intervals. Apparent ages of U emplacement determined by the (alpha) activity ratio of 230Th daughter to 234U parent show a general increase with depth and fair agreement with estimated depositional ages. This observation suggests dominantly syndepositional or early post depositional emplacement of U followed by decay-generated buildup of 230Th daughter with time. However, interval by interval comparisons of the relative abundances of other daughters, particularly 226Ra and 210Pb, indicate variability caused by processes other than closed-system growth and decay, probably because chemically diverse daughters that are decay-generated in situ have differing mobilities and because upwelling ground water continuously adds more U and minor amounts of daughters. If 230Th is considered the least susceptible to these modifications, the data suggest some addition of 234U in the deepest intervals and some loss of 226Ra and/or gain of 222Rn throughout the studied core.
A unified approach to the theory of space-charge-limited currents in an insulator with traps

Abstract A direct mathematical procedure is presented for obtaining the volt-ampere characteristic in an insulating cyrstal having spatially homogeneous trapping centers under the condition of space-charge-limited emission into the crystal. The procedure is demonstrated in three cases. (1) The entire voltage range for a crystal with a discrete level is considered. (2) The characteristic is obtained for a crystal with traps distributed exponentially in energy. (3) The behavior with traps distributed uniformly in energy is derived as a special case of the exponentially varying distribution.
Differentiation of a Catecholaminergic CNS Cell Line Modifies Tyrosine Hydroxylase Transcriptional Regulation

Recently, a tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing CNS-derived cell line, CAD, was obtained that is capable of undergoing reversible morphological differentiation. The isolation of the CAD line allowed us to ask whether different DNA regulatory elements direct TH transcription when cells are growing and undifferentiated versus postmitotic and differentiated. To this end, we compared expression of a transiently transfected bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene under the transcriptional control of TH 5' flanking DNA in CAD cells grown in the presence and absence of serum. Mutational analysis indicates that CAD cells differently regulate TH transcription depending on their state of differentiation. In both states, the cyclic AMP response element and AP1 site each activate transcription. However, in undifferentiated cells, the dyad/E-box element represses expression by approximately 2.7-fold, whereas it modestly activates transcription in differentiated cells. The role of the dyad/ E-box as a repressor correlates well with the two- to threefold lower amount of endogenous TH protein present in the undifferentiated CAD cells. This study demonstrates the differential use of TH DNA regulatory elements in proliferating, undifferentiated and nonproliferating, differentiated immortalized neuronal cells.
Interpersonal biocybernetics: connecting through social psychophysiology

One embodiment of biocybernetic adaptation is a human-computer interaction system designed such that physiological signals modulate the effect that control of a task by other means, usually manual control, has on performance of the task. Such a modulation system enables a variety of human-human interactions based upon physiological self-regulation performance. These interpersonal interactions may be mixes of competition and cooperation for simulation training and/or videogame entertainment.
Relationships between the decision support system subspecialities and reference disciplines: An empirical investigation

This is a comprehensive study, that, by means of an empirical assessment of the DSS literature, systematically identifies the DSS reference disciplines and traces how concepts and findings by researchers in the contributing disciplines have been picked up by DSS researchers to be applied, extended, and refined in the development of DSS research subspecialties. Cluster analysis was employed to an author cocitation frequency matrix derived from a comprehensive database of the DSS literature over the period of 1970 through 1993. Twelve clusters were uncovered consisting of six major areas of DSS research (group DSS, foundations, model management, user interfaces, implementation, and multiple criteria DSS) and six contributing disciplines (multiple criteria decision making, cognitive science, organization science, artificial intelligence, group decision making, and systems science).
Frequency and Perceptions of Herbal Medicine use Among Hmong Americans: a Cross Sectional Survey

To determine the frequency and perceptions of herbal medicine use among Hmong Americans. Cross-sectional telephone survey. Sacramento, California Hmong community. Out of 118 subjects reached, 77 (65.3 %) reported lifetime use of herbal medicines. A majority of respondents agreed that herbal medicines were able to treat the body as a whole. Respondents felt that a leaflet of information indicating uses/side effects would be important to include for herbal medicines. Herbal medicine use was commonly reported among Hmong Americans. Thus, health care providers should be encouraged to discuss these alternative medicines with their Hmong American patients.
A comparative study on the machining performance of textured cutting tools with lubrication

The performance of textured cutting tools with lubrication in machining mild steel is presented. Microholes and microgrooves are made using femtosecond laser on the rake face of uncoated tungsten carbide inserts. Liquid (oil) and solid (tungsten disulfide) lubricants are applied to the textured cutting tools in an attempt to reduce friction and wear. Friction force and friction coefficient are obtained from three measured cutting force components. Tool wear and chip morphology are examined using optical microscope. It is found that textured cutting tools produce coiled chips and reduce friction force by about 20% and chip-tool contact length by about 17%.
Optimal binary split trees

Abstract Split trees are a technique for storing records with fixed frequency distributions. It was previously believed that no polynomial time algorithms to construct optimal representations of split trees were likely (B. A. Sheil, Median split trees: A fast lookup technique for frequently occurring keys, Comm. ACM (1978) , p.949). In this paper we present an O ( n 5 ) algorithm to construct optimal binary split trees. Other efficient algorithms to construct suboptimal split trees are also discussed. The definition of split trees is later generalized to a larger class of trees so that we can compare several important classes of trees.
SPONTANEOUS AND ACQUIRED ACTIVE IMMUNITY TO THE PHENOMENON OF LOCAL SKIN REACTIVITY TO BACTERIAL FILTRATES.

Spontaneous active immunity to the phenomenon of local skin reactivity to bacterial filtrates has been demonstrated. In one experiment, the immunity was non-specific, while in others it appeared limited to one or two bacterial species. Intradermal vaccination of rabbits with bacterial filtrates induced active immunity to the phenomenon. The specificity of this immunity was tested with graded amounts of toxic factors. The combined intradermal and intravenous immunization in these experiments elicited two types of response:- 1. Specific immunity, which was obtained in rabbits highly susceptible to the phenomenon (i.e., showing reactions with 1 reacting unit). 2. Non-specific immunity which was elicited in rabbits with partial spontaneous immunity (i.e. showing no reactions with 1 reacting unit, but susceptible to 15 units 1 week later). Comparative studies on the reacting potency of "agar washings" and disintegrates (Besredka's method, freezing and thawing method) showed that the first washings of bacterial cells are considerably stronger than subsequent washings and disintegrates. These facts demonstrate once again the extracellular nature of the material necessary for the phenomenon. Tentative explanations of the mechanisms involved in the specific and non-specific immunity to the phenomenon are discussed.
Stress-induced-voiding risk factor and stress migration model for Cu interconnect reliability

SM reliability data have been treated qualitatively to define pass or fail criteria in the past. However, realistic quantitative stress-induced-voiding (SIV) risk analysis and lifetime estimates for products were not available due to lack of quantitative data and a suitable SM model. In this paper, we provide quantitative analysis of SIV risk based on geometry factors and further establish a comprehensive SM model for SM lifetime estimation for 32nm technology and beyond. An SIV risk factor is defined to quantify the relative risks of Cu BEOL interconnect structures. Based on the new SM model, an effective geometry factor was found for an accelerated SM test method to perform SM lifetime estimation from measurable SM data.
Reconceptualizing the cultural dynamics of the future

Abstract Many futures approaches are based on ethnocentric factors which do not apply outside their western contexts. This article summarizes critiques of current care theories of social sciences which takes into account some of this ethnocentricity. Finally, the article presents an alternative view of the dynamics of the future based on culture as a variable
Orange and red organic light-emitting devices using aluminum tris(5-hydroxyquinoxaline)

Abstract Energy transfer in dye-doped organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) often occurs by Forster energy transfer processes. In many cases this energy transfer process can be very efficient, leading to fairly large Forster radii. We have recently shown that saturated red emission can be achieved by doping tetraphenylporphine (TPP) into aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinolate) (Alq 3 ) in an ITO/TPD/Alq 3 /Mg-Ag device (TPD = N,N ′-diphenyl- N,N ′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-1,1′biphenyl-4,4′ diamine; ITO = indium-tin oxide). Predominant red emission is observed even at very low doping levels, as expected for the large Forster radius for TPP in Alq 3 (33 A). In order to increase the degree of overlap between the dopant absorption for red fluorescent dyes and the host emission we prepared a strongly red-shifted analog of Alq 3 , i.e. aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinoxalate) (Alx 3 ). The photoluminescent efficiency for Alx 3 is significantly lower than that of Alq 3 , leading to a significant decrease in the electroluminescent quantum yield for Alx 3 -based OLEDs relative to Alq 3 -based devices. We have examined the doping of several dyes into Alx 3 , giving red and orange OLEDs.
Constrained CVT meshes and a comparison of triangular mesh generators

Mesh generation in regions in Euclidean space is a central task in computational science, and especially for commonly used numerical methods for the solution of partial differential equations, e.g., finite element and finite volume methods. We focus on the uniform Delaunay triangulation of planar regions and, in particular, on how one selects the positions of the vertices of the triangulation. We discuss a recently developed method, based on the centroidal Voronoi tessellation (CVT) concept, for effecting such triangulations and present two algorithms, including one new one, for CVT-based grid generation. We also compare several methods, including CVT-based methods, for triangulating planar domains. To this end, we define several quantitative measures of the quality of uniform grids. We then generate triangulations of several planar regions, including some having complexities that are representative of what one may encounter in practice. We subject the resulting grids to visual and quantitative comparisons and conclude that all the methods considered produce high-quality uniform grids and that the CVT-based grids are at least as good as any of the others.
Paratherm-NF aerosol combustion behavior simulation: Ignition delay time, temperature distribution of flame propagation, and heat kernel hypothesis of combustion process analysis

Abstract Aerosol combustion, especially for high-flash point materials, is a very complicated phenomenon inclusive of droplet evaporation, temperature increase, flame formation, flame propagation, and flame quench. A better understanding of a flame development can make this process clear to analyze, with possible mitigation system design according to the explanation of how the aerosol system gets ignited and how long it takes to form a harmful flame, which can propagate, accelerate, and cause fire or explosions. The authors of this paper have conducted a series of simulation regarding physical formula in description of this combustion process, and will conclude with how temperature distribution influenced the appearance of luminous flames, which was the symbol of successful ignition of aerosol. The novelty on this research is on the cutting point of flame appearance by setting of different temperature probes within aerosol system and determining various locations of testing, while more common studies have been done usually by means of existing flame expansion. Aerosol system in this paper was according to an electrospray-generated droplet group from experiments ( Huang, Li, & Mannan, 2013 ) and trying to improve the explanation on the complex behavior for mixture materials with high flash point, which has not been done by other studies yet. We obtained the result that most of the initial heating time (∼10–15 s after appearance of ignition source) is for turbulent heating on the closest, horizontal region of aerosol cloud; the next stage (∼up to 40 s), on the other hand, has the determining force on vertical movement of the “heated kernel” as the new ignition source on fresh aerosols feed. The sustainable flame occurred after the delay time regarding the above mechanism. The mitigation implementing timing and location can also be characterized with further understanding of this combustion process, which is the functionality of our results in this fundamental analysis. The potential application of the ignition delay will be beneficial to the mitigation timing and detector sensor setting of facilities to prevent aerosol cloud fires.
The Hospitality Culture Scale: a measure organizational culture and personal attributes.

Abstract The hospitality industry has a unique and specific culture when compared to other industries. Because of this, not everyone will want to make this industry a career, as evidenced by the high turnover. Yet, the hospitality industry needs to attract and keep motivated and dedicated employees. This study set out to discover attributes that are unique to hospitality organizations as well as the characteristics and values of a person who would be successful in a work environment that exhibited this culture. This includes determining if a person is a match to the culture of the hospitality industry. In order to identify the variables of hospitality culture, an extensive review of the literature and a panel of industry experts were consulted. The items identified from both groups were used to establish the constructs for a scale, which is called the Hospitality Culture Scale. Seven hundred and forty one hospitality professionals rated the attributes. Principal component analysis determined the final factors for the organizational culture and personal attributes. These constructs included: management principles, customer relationships, job variety, job satisfaction, principles, propitiousness, leadership, risk taker, accuracy, and composure.
Virtual production line based WIP control for semiconductor manufacturing systems

Abstract The explosive growth of data acquisition and increasing number of machining processes makes extremely difficult to deliver precise information to the proper users at the right time by relying on a centralized work-in-process (WIP) control system in manufacturing. This article presents a potentially practical solution to a manageable and well-distributed WIP control system by addressing issues such as real time performance, scalability, and reconfigurability. By taking advantage of the advances in distributed computing technologies multiple WIP control instances performing different subsets of control and management responsibilities can be spawned from a server repository, running on geographically dispersed networked computers. These spawned WIP control instances are coordinated and synchronized using the concept of virtual production lines (VPLs). WIP control algorithms for implementing real time “pull” operations, leveraging WIP levels, and resolving resource sharing are proposed. Certain validation has been conducted in an industrial testbed to confirm the applicability of the proposed VPL-based WIP control solution.
B Cell receptor directs the activation of NFAT and NF-κB via distinct molecular mechanisms

Abstract BCR engagement initiates intracellular calcium ([Ca 2+ ]i) mobilization which is critical for the activation of multiple transcription factors including NF-κB and NFAT. Previously, we showed that Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK)-deficient ( btk −/− ) B cells, which display a modestly reduced calcium response to BCR crosslinking, do not activate NF-κB. Here we show that BTK is also essential for the activation of NFAT following BCR engagement. Pharmacological mobilization of [Ca 2+ ]i in BTK-deficient DT40 B cells (DT40.BTK) does not rescue BCR directed activation of NF-κB and only partially that of NFAT, suggesting existence of additional BTK-signaling pathways in this process. Therefore, we investigated a requirement for BTK in the production of diacylglycerol (DAG). We found that DT40.BTK B cells do not produce DAG in response to BCR engagement. Pharmacological inhibition of PKC isozymes and Ras revealed that the BCR-induced activation of NF-κB requires conventional PKCβ, whereas that of NFAT may involve non-conventional PKCδ and Ras pathways. Consistent with an essential role for BTK in the regulation of NFAT, B cells from btk −/− mice display defective expression of CD5, a gene under the control of NFAT. Together, these results suggest that BCR employs distinct BTK-dependent molecular mechanisms to regulate the activation of NF-κB versus NFAT.
Electronic transport across hydrogen bonds in organic electronics

Hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) are relatively weak and result from non- covalent interactions. Despite their relatively low strength compared to other bonds of biochemical relevance, they play a vital role in determining the structure and function of biological molecules owing to their directionality and cooperativeness. This has led to an intense effort in harnessing the properties of these hydrogen bonds in developing organic electronic devices. Though a large number of theoretical investigations have devoted their attention to the structural andenergeticcharacteristicsofhydrogenbonds,therearerelativelyfewstudieson theelectronictransportcharacteristicsofhydrogenbonds.Inthisworkweevaluate the electrical conductance of a few model systems exhibiting the biologically important hydrogen bonds (N-H O, O-H O and N-H N). We find that the calculated conductance can be correlated to the magnitude of the polarisabilities of the atoms involved in the formation of the hydrogen bonds. The implications of the current work in understanding electron transfer in biological systems is highlighted.Wealsoaddresstheutilityofourworkinthedesignanddevelopment of novel sensors and electronic devices based on the formation of weak hydrogen bonds.
Metabolic detoxication and the kdr mutation in pyrethroid resistant house flies, Musca domestica (L.)

Two house fly strains, ALHF and SeALHF, were collected from Alabama after control failures with pyrethroids. While pyrethroid resistance in ALHF partially conferred by P450 monooxygenase- and hydrolase-mediated metabolism has been reported, no studies have been conducted on resistance of SeALHF. The current study was carried out to investigate mechanisms of pyrethroid resistance in SeALHF and the possible role of target site insensitivity, due to kdr mutation, in pyrethroid resistance of ALHF. Resistance to permethrin in SeALHF was dramatically and partially suppressed by PBO and DEF, respectively, suggesting that P450 monooxygenase-mediated metabolism plays a major role in permethrin resistance in this strain, while hydrolytic metabolism has a minor contribution to resistance. Incomplete suppression of permethrin resistance by PBO and DEF suggests that one or more additional minor mechanisms are involved in overall resistance of SeALHF. Injection did not decrease levels of resistance to permethrin in SeALHF, implying that a decreased rate of cuticular penetration (pen) does not play a role in permethrin resistance in this strain. A 392 bp para-type sodium channel gene fragment, where kdr (L1014F) and super-kdr (M918T) mutations reside, was generated by RT-PCR from ALHF and SeALHF. The M918T mutation was not detected in ALHF or SeALHF, suggesting that the super-kdr mutation is not important in permethrin resistance of these two house fly strains even though ALHF possesses a much higher level of resistance than SeALHF. The L1014F mutation was present in ALHF, but not in SeALHF, suggesting that the kdr mutation is an important factor in pyrethroid resistance in ALHF. A leucine to histidine (L1014H) substitution at the position corresponding to kdr mutation was detected in SeALHF. The importance of this mutation in resistance is discussed.
Should children and adolescents undergo genetic testing

Genetic testing comes in many shapes and sizes. The decision to undergo genetic testing must involve consideration of the medical, psychosocial, and reproductive benefits and risks of testing. The evaluation of risks and benefits varies significantly both between and within families. Pediatricians should keep up with the rapid advances in genetic medicine and the myriad of tests that are being developed and marketed. They also need to be familiar with the psychosocial risks and benefits that these new tests generate for individuals, families and communities. In some situations, genetic testing is merely another diagnostic tool; in other situations, genetic testing offers information about the risks for future diseases. Pediatricians need to be knowledgeable about tests that are indicated clinically and their potential psychosocial implications to best serve children, adolescents, and their families.
Preparation of low density hollow carbon fibers by bi-component gel-spinning method

Sheath–core polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/poly(methyl methacrylate) fibers were spun through bi-component dry-jet gel-spinning method and were used for fabricating hollow carbon fibers. After optimizing stabilization and carbonization conditions, the resulting PAN-based hollow carbon fibers possessed an average strength and modulus of 3.16 and 275 GPa, respectively. Additionally, 1 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added to PAN portion to form PAN+CNT sheath. The PAN+CNT-based hollow carbon fiber had an average strength of 3.24 GPa and modulus of 254 GPa. These hollow carbon fibers can be used for fabricating low density and high performance structural composite materials.
Bridging the quality gap in diabetic hyperlipidemia: A practice-based intervention

Abstract Purpose Dyslipidemia treatment dramatically decreases coronary heart disease risk in diabetes, yet only a minority of these patients are screened or achieve optimal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Our aim was to increase the percentage of diabetic patients in whom lipid management was achieved through electronic and direct educational detailing. Methods The study cohort comprised 884 diabetic patients at 12 primary care practices. Practice sites were randomized to one of three intervention groups: electronic educational detailing, direct (face-to-face) educational detailing, or control. Direct and electronic detailing were performed over a 12-month period. All sites were notified of our goal to enhance lipid testing among diabetic patients. Chart abstraction was performed 15 months after the start of the intervention. For the entire population (n=884), the proportion of patients with lipid testing was calculated, and changes from pre- to postintervention were compared across groups. We compared pre- and postintervention LDL-cholesterol changes between groups using least square means to account for site variation. Results Favorable provider actions increased significantly with the intervention (+22% compared with +6% in controls, P =.01). By logistic regression, electronic detailing increased the likelihood of lipid testing (odds ratio 3.0, confidence interval 1.6-5.7), as did direct detailing (odds ratio 1.8, confidence interval 0.9-3.7) in patients with no preintervention LDL test (n=432). Lipid testing tended to increase to a greater extent at intervention sites (+23% for the combination of electronic and direct detailing vs +11% for controls, P =.06). Conclusions Brief educational detailing either through direct or electronic communication favorably impacts provider behavior regarding dyslipidemia care for diabetic patients.
After-school physical activity and eating behaviors of middle school students in relation to adult supervision

Abstract Objective Examine after-school activity patterns, eating behaviors, and social environment of overweight and normal weight middle school students. Design Eating and physical activity behaviors of 141 students, ages 10–14, were monitored. Students completed a diary documenting type of activity, location, adult supervision, accompanying participants, and eating habits from 3:00 pm–12:00 am. Setting Three middle schools, grades 6–8. Main Outcome Measures Body mass index, estimated energy expenditure, eating behavior, active time, sedentary time, supervised time. Analysis t tests, ANOVA, chi-square, correlation coefficients. Significance set at P Results Children spent 76% of time sedentary, and 85% of sedentary time was under adult supervision ( r = 0.76). Active time related to time with friends ( r = 0.64) and family ( r = 0.46). Children spent 40% of eating time consuming unhealthful food, and adults supervised 86% of children's eating. Overweight and normal weight children were similarly active (335 ± 156 vs 373 ± 194 counts per minute). Overweight girls spent more eating time (77%) eating healthfully than overweight boys (57%). Conclusions and Implications Children should be given access to healthful food and encouraged to eat healthfully when alone and with friends. Adults should be more physically engaged with children. Children should be encouraged to eat under adult supervision and with their families.
Observation of a negative electron affinity for heteroepitaxial AlN on α(6H)-SiC(0001)

This study demonstrates the presence of a negative electron affinity (NEA) surface on AlN was grown on α(6H)‐SiC. Heteroepitaxial AlN was grown on α(6H)‐SiC(0001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy techniques. The surface electronic states were characterized by ultraviolet photoemission obtained at surface normal. The observation of a sharp spectral feature at the lowest energy of the emitted electrons is an indication of a surface with a negative electron affinity. In addition, the trend of the NEA feature was examined as a function of annealing. The surface Fermi level is found to be near the middle of the AlN gap, and a possible band alignment between the AlN and SiC is presented.
Investigation of interfacial reactions in monocrystalline and polycrystalline thin film couples of gold and silver by Auger depth profiling, transmission electron microscopy and measurement of contact resistance

Abstract Interfacial reactions in monocrystalline and polycrystalline thin film couples of gold and silver were investigated by Auger depth profiling (ADP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and measurement of the contact resistance at temperatures ranging from 25 to 418°C in order to determine the effect of grain boundaries on concomitant kinetic processes. Results from both ADP and measurement of the contact resistance indicate that interfacial reactions are controlled by bulk interdiffusion, characterized by a mean activation energy of 1.45±0.10 eV, in monocrystalline couples and by grain boundary diffusion, characterized by an activation energy of 0.50±0.02 eV, in polycrystalline couples. Results from TEM reveal the formation of an interfacial network of dislocations in monocrystalline couples and the expansion of this network during subsequent interdiffusion. It is concluded that characterization of both chemical composition and microstructure, combined with measurement of concomitant electrical properties, provides a reliable description of degradation processes in thin film couples.