cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An adjustable autonomy paradigm for adapting to expert-novice differences

Multi-robot manipulation tasks are challenging for robots to complete in an entirely autonomous way due to the perceptual and cognitive requirements of grasp planning, necessitating the development of specialized user interfaces. Yet even for humans, the task is sufficiently complex that a high level of performance variability exists between a novice and an expert's ability to teleoperate the robots in a sufficiently tightly coupled fashion to manipulate objects without dropping them. The ultimate success of the task relies on the skill level of the human operator to manage and coordinate the robot team. Although most systems focus their effort on forging a unified connection between the robots and the operator, less attention has been spent on the problem of identifying and adapting to the human operator's skill level. In this paper, we present a method for modeling the human operator and adjusting the autonomy levels of the robots based on the operator's skill level. This added functionality serves as a crucial mechanism toward making human operators of any skill level a vital asset to the team even when their teleoperation performance is uneven.
A behavioral smoking treatment based on perceived risks of quitting: A preliminary feasibility and acceptability study with female smokers.

AbstractIntroduction: Even treatments showing proven efficacy leave the majority of female smokers unable to quit. In response, there has been a special call for novel behavioural treatments, particularly those which target barriers to quitting faced by women. Significant barriers for women who smoke include perceived “risks” associated with cessation (e.g. managing stress and cravings). The purpose of this treatment development study is to test a novel, individualised smoking intervention for female smokers targeting risk perceptions. Methods: Twenty treatment-seeking female daily cigarette smokers were randomly assigned to receive either standard counseling based on the Mayo Clinic’s “Smoke Free and Living It” manual or a new manualised treatment based on individual perceived risks of quitting. Primary outcomes were point prevalence smoking abstinence at the end of treatment and at a 1 month follow-up, and changes in smoking from baseline to 1 month follow-up. Results: The manualised perceived risk trea...
A semi-automated vascular access system for preclinical models

Murine models are used extensively in biological and translational research. For many of these studies it is necessary to access the vasculature for the injection of biologically active agents. Among the possible methods for accessing the mouse vasculature, tail vein injections are a routine but critical step for many experimental protocols. To perform successful tail vein injections, a high skill set and experience is required, leaving most scientists ill-suited to perform this task. This can lead to a high variability between injections, which can impact experimental results. To allow more scientists to perform tail vein injections and to decrease the variability between injections, a vascular access system (VAS) that semi-automatically inserts a needle into the tail vein of a mouse was developed. The VAS uses near infrared light, image processing techniques, computer controlled motors, and a pressure feedback system to insert the needle and to validate its proper placement within the vein. The VAS was tested by injecting a commonly used radiolabeled probe (FDG) into the tail veins of five mice. These mice were then imaged using micro-positron emission tomography to measure the percentage of the injected probe remaining in the tail. These studies showed that, on average, the VAS leaves 3.4% of the injected probe in the tail. With these preliminary results, the VAS system demonstrates the potential for improving the accuracy of tail vein injections in mice.
Biocatalyzed hydrogen production in a continuous flow microbial fuel cell with a gas phase cathode

Abstract A single liquid chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a gas-collection compartment was continuously operated under electrically assisted conditions for hydrogen production. Graphite felt was used for anode construction, while the cathode was made of Pd/Pt coated Toray carbon fiber paper with a catalyst loading of 0.5 mg cm −2 . To achieve hydrogen production, the MFC was connected to a power supply and operated at voltages in a range of 0.5–1.3 V. Either acetate or glucose was used as a source of carbon. At an acetate load of 1.67 g (L A d) −1 , the volumetric rate of hydrogen production reached 0.98 L STP (L A d) −1 when a voltage of 1.16 V was applied. This corresponded to a hydrogen yield of 2 mol (mol-acetate) −1 with a 50% conversion efficiency. Throughout the experiment, MFC efficiency was adversely affected by the metabolic activity of methanogenic microorganisms, which competed with exoelectrogenic microorganisms for the carbon source and consumed part of the hydrogen produced at the cathode.
History and prospects: symposium on organisms with slow aging

We discuss the background concepts which lead to this issue of Experimental Gerontology. On one hand, genetic and molecular studies of short-lived worms, flies, and mice are yielding remarkable discoveries on gene systems that regulate the life span. On the other hand, little is known about the nature of aging in other vertebrates, with life spans extending into the human range or beyond the record 122y human life span, which may have aging processes that are so slow as to be 'negligible'. We point out that organisms with these vastly different life spans have essentially identical cells within an evolutionary group and that the cellular tool kit that existed by 600 million years ago allowed the evolution of life spans ranging up to one million-fold difference in length. The possibility of negligible senescence has not been widely discussed, and may be in conflict with mathematical deductions from population genetics theory. We propose minimal criteria for the lack of senescence: (1) no observable increase in age-specific mortality rate or decrease in reproduction rate after sexual maturity; and (2) no observable age-related decline in physiological capacity or disease resistance. We also introduce some of the species discussed in subsequent chapters which are unfamiliar models to most biomedical researchers.
Genetic Sensitivity To 6-N-Propylthiouracil and The Acceptance of Bitter-Tasting Foods By Women

Abstract This study examined the potential link between genetic taste sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and the acceptance of bitter-tasting foods. Sixty-three young women participated in the study. Subjects were divided into PROP tasters (n=25) and nontasters (n=25) based on bitterness intensity ratings for 7 PROP solutions. Thirteen subjects could not be accurately classified and were excluded. Subjects sampled eight foods: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, coffee, plain and sweetened soy milk, pumpernickel bread, spinach, and tofu. Sensory evaluation included bitterness, sweetness, saltiness, texture, odor, and overall preference ratings. A food preference checklist and a food frequency questionnaire were also completed. PROP tasters rated the foods, and particularly cruciferous vegetables, as more bitter than did nontasters (p
The Degree of Roentgenographic Parenchymal Opacities Attributable to Smoking among Asbestos-exposed Subjects

Considerable controversy surrounds the question of whether cigarette smoking has the potential to increase the prevalence of small opacities on chest roentgenographs among asbestos-exposed workers. To compare the relative contribution of smoking with other predictors of the presence of roentgenographic small opacities, we examined 661 men enrolled in a double-blind, randomized trial designed to assess the efficacy of vitamin A and beta-carotene in the prevention of lung cancer among workers with heavy occupational asbestos exposure. Subjects in the study population had a mean latency of 35 yr from first asbestos exposure and a mean of 28 yr in their trade. The prevalence of roentgenographic abnormalities consistent with asbestos exposure was 26% for pleural abnormalities alone, 10% for parenchymal abnormalities alone, and 20% for pleural and parenchymal abnormalities together. We investigated occupation, age, latency from first asbestos exposure, and smoking status as predictors of roentgenographic small opacities. Smoking history, independent of latency, contributed to the prevalence and extent of small opacities, but its effect was less than that of latency. We conclude, that in the setting of heavy occupational exposure to asbestos, cigarette smoking confers added risk for the development of roentgenographic small opacities.
Influencing factors on the electrical transport properties of split-melt processed Bi2Sr2CaCU2Ox round wires

Here we study the effects of varying split-melt processing (SMP) heat treatment temperatures on multifilamentary Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (Bi2212) wires to understand the factors that influence the electrical transport properties. Sharp threshold behaviors result in an order-of-magnitude difference in critical current density and distinct difference in magnetization behavior. Quantitative image analysis of SEM micrographs shows a strong correlation between the content of 2?4??m interfilamentary bridges and electrical performance. Avrami analysis of re-solidification indicates that Bi2212 grain nucleation is heterogeneous and site-saturation limited, with a transition in the reaction mechanism corresponding to the depletion of liquid. During the first SMP heat treatment, oxygen is fully recovered, accelerating Bi2201 and/or Bi2212 phase nucleation. Large, flat Bi2201 grains form from the Bi2201 liquid at the start of the second heat treatment and subsequently act as Bi2212 grain nucleation sites. During cooling from high temperature, Bi2212 grains form via a solid/liquid reaction that is enhanced by the liquid, that facilitates second phase dissolution and cation diffusion. At lower processing temperatures, and when the liquid is depleted, Bi2212 grain growth is from a slow solid-state reaction.
Reply to comment by P. Duval and M. Montagnat on “Superplastic deformation of ice: Experimental observations”

[1] In a recent paper, we reported the results of a detailed experimental investigation of the rheological properties of ice [Goldsby and Kohlstedt, 2001]. One of the innovative aspects of our investigation was the use of fine-grained samples that enabled us to explore deformation not only by grain-size insensitive mechanisms involving grain matrix dislocation processes but also by grain-size sensitive flow mechanisms involving grain boundary sliding (GBS). An exciting discovery in our research was an extensive creep regime in which GBS contributes substantially to the flow of ice. Most importantly, this deformation regime in which basal slip is accommodated by GBS, referred to in our paper as the ‘‘superplastic flow’’ regime, governs the flow of ice over a wide range of temperature, grain size and stress conditions found in glaciers, ice sheets and icy planetary interiors. [2] In their comment on our paper, Duval and Montagnat [2002] repeat the objection that they had raised previously [Montagnat and Duval, 2000] concerning our conclusion that superplastic deformation controls the flow of glaciers and ice sheets. They assert ‘‘that GBS as a significant creep mechanism is not compatible with observations on the development of fabrics and microstructures in ice sheets. Special emphasis is placed [instead] on the role of grain boundary migration as a recovery process in glacier ice.’’ They then continue by arguing that basal slip accommodated by grain boundary migration (GBM) rather than by GBS is the dominant deformation mechanism in ice. [3] In this reply, we extend the results presented in detail by Goldsby and Kohlstedt [1997] and Goldsby and Kohlstedt [2001] to further demonstrate that GBS is a very important deformation process in natural ice bodies. Our reasoning is based on three points: (1) The microstructures reported for samples from large natural ice bodies are remarkably similar to those observed in samples deformed in the laboratory in the superplastic flow regime. (2) Our constitutive equation for ice is in excellent agreement with the flow behavior determined from field measurements on glaciers and ice sheets. (3) Contrary to the assertion of Montagnat and Duval [2000] and Duval and Montagnat [2001], fabric development is fully compatible with deformation in the superplastic regime described in our paper. In addition, we note that, while GBM associated with dynamic recrystallization is an important recovery mechanism in ice, it is not a deformation mechanism and hence cannot accommodate basal slip.
Racial differences in blood pressure control: potential explanatory factors

Objective The objective of the study was to identify potential explanatory factors for racial differences in blood pressure (BP) control.
Building leadership teams.

This department highlights nursing leaders who have demonstrated the ability to inspire and lead change. This competency is seen in the ability to create, structure, and implement organizational change through strategic vision, risk taking, and effective communication. Each article show- cases a project of a nurse leader who demonstrates change in a variety of environments ranging from acute-care hospitals to home care and alternative practice settings. Included are several "lessons learned" applicable to multiple settings that provide insight for other nurses in executive practice.
Motor- and Tail-Dependent Targeting of Dynein to Microtubule Plus Ends and the Cell Cortex

Summary Background Cytoplasmic dynein mediates spindle positioning in budding yeast by powering sliding of microtubules along the cell cortex. Although previous studies have demonstrated cortical and plus-end targeting of dynein heavy chain (Dyn1/HC), the regulation of its recruitment to these sites remains elusive. Results Here we show that separate domains of Dyn1/HC confer differential localization to the dynein complex. The N-terminal tail domain targets Dyn1/HC to cortical Num1 receptor sites, whereas the C-terminal motor domain targets Dyn1/HC to microtubule plus ends in a Bik1/CLIP-170- and Pac1/LIS1-dependent manner. Surprisingly, the isolated motor domain blocks plus-end targeting of Dyn1/HC, leading to a dominant-negative effect on dynein function. Overexpression of Pac1/LIS1, but not Bik1/CLIP-170, rescues the dominant negativity by restoring Dyn1/HC to plus ends. In contrast, the isolated tail domain has no inhibitory effect on Dyn1/HC targeting and function. However, cortical targeting of the tail construct is more robust than full-length Dyn1/HC and occurs independently of Bik1/CLIP-170 or Pac1/LIS1. Conclusions Our results suggest that the cortical association domain is normally masked in the full-length dynein molecule. We propose that targeting of dynein to plus ends unmasks the tail, priming the motor for off-loading to cortical Num1 sites.
Maskless lithography using drop-on-demand inkjet printing method

Writing process patterns directly on a substrate with small liquid droplets generated by Drop-On-Demand (DOD) inkjet devices offers a low cost, non-contact, low temperature, flexible, and data driven patterning approach. Existing inkjet printheads have a limited number of inkjet devices, which generate droplets on the scale of tens of microns. In our research, we have developed a monolithic inkjet printhead for maskless lithography based on silicon micro-machining technology. This printhead is composed of a large array of thermal bubble inkjet devices fabricated on a single silicon wafer. A high-resolution video imaging system has recorded stable generation of water droplets down to 3.5 micron. Au patterns as small as 8 micron have been formed on silicon substrates by printing with suspensions of Au nano-particles. Smaller droplet dimensions extending to the nano-scale is supported by theoretical analysis. This printhead technology can form the basis of a maskless lithography system with moderate throughput for building micro and nano-scale electronic circuits and MEMS devices.
Assembly of Protein and Nucleoprotein Particles from Extracted Tobacco Rattle Virus Protein and RNA

Protein extracted from tobacco rattle virus by treatment with formic or acetic acid reassociated in vitro to form rings and tubular structures of indeterminiate lengths in 0.25 molar glycine at pH 7.5 to 9.5. When tobacco rattle virus RNA that had been extracted with phenol was incubated with the protein at 9 degrees C, particles with more regular lengths formed; these particles correspond in size and sedimentation properties to the short particles that normally accompany infection by tobacco rattle virus. The biological activity of the reconstitutted short particles was identical to that of native short particles.
OPTIMUM ECONOMIC PIPE DIAMETER FOR PUMPING HERSCHEL‐BULKLEY FLUIDS IN LAMINAR FLOW

A method for determining optimum pipe diameter, for which total pumping system cost is minimum, has been derived for the transport of Herschel-Bulkley (H-B) fluids (power-law fluids with a yield stress) in laminar flow. the method accounts for pipe system cost as a function of diameter, and pump station and operating costs as a function of power requirements. the optimum diameter can be estimated given rheological properties, fluid density, mass flow rate and economic parameters. Optimum diameter does not depend on system elevation or pressure energy difference when a linear relationship is used for pump station cost. Friction loss in fittings and valves can be ignored when the pipe length is much greater than the pipe diameter. Pump station cost has less influence than operating cost in determining the optimum diameter.
Escape from the antiproliferative effect of transforming growth factor-β1 in LLC-PK1 renal epithelial cells

Escape from the antiproliferative effect of transforming growth factor-β 1 in LLC-PK 1 renal epithelial cells. Transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ) usually inhibits proliferation of epithelial cells. We find that LLC-PK 1 renal tubular epithelial cells develop rapid in vitro resistance to the inhibitory effects of TGF-β 1 and subsequently proliferate in response to TGF-β 1 . This unique response to TGF-β 1 is not observed in another renal tubular epithelial cell line (MDCK cells). The proliferative response to TGF-β 1 is additive to that produced by other growth factors. The proliferative response to TGF-β 1 occurs despite an effect of TGF-β 1 to suppress epidermal growth factor stimulated c- myc mRNA as determined by Northern analyses. These results suggest that LLC-PK 1 cells develop rapid resistance to TGF-β 1 inhibition of proliferation in vitro and that this resistance occurs despite continued suppression of c- myc mRNA.
Fiber Reorientation in Laminated and Woven Composites for Finite Element Simulations

A simple technique for fiber reorientation in laminated and woven composite material is presented in this paper. This technique is suitable for nonlinear finite element simulations of composite structure failure. The developed technique is implemented in the nonlinear explicit finite element code DYNA3D to demonstrate the effect of the fiber reorientation on the behavior of laminated composite materials in crash simulations. The same technique is added to a woven fabric composite material micromechanical model to account for the change of the model geometry. Using an incremental approach programmed in the MATLAB software, the stiffness change of the woven composite micromechanical model as a function of the yarn tow reorientation is investigated. Significant change in the elastic properties is observed as a result of the scissoring effect and fiber reorientation in woven fabric composites.
DIffusion of Eu and Gd in basalt and obsidian

Tracer diffusion coefficients of 153Gd and 152Eu in olivine tholeiite have been determined at temperatures between 1150 and 1440°C. The results are identical for both tracers within experimental error. Between 1440 and 1320°C the diffusion coefficients are given by D(Eu, Gd) = 0.058 exp(−40,600/ RT). Between 1320 and 1210°C, the diffusion coefficients are constant at D = (1.4 ± 0.4) × 10−7 cm2s−1 and between 1210 and 1150°C, the D values drop irregularly to 4 × 10−9 cm2s−1. The liquidus temperature (1270°C) lies within the region of constant D. Such anomalous behavior has not been encountered in previous studies of Ca, Sr, Ba and Co diffusion in basalt. To explain the constant D value near the liquidus, we speculate that the structure of the melt changes as a function of temperature in such a way that the normal temperature dependence of the diffusivity is compensated. For example, the rare earth ions may be displaced from their (high temperature) octahedral coordination sites to other sites where they are more readily dissociated and therefore become progressively more mobile. The behavior below 1210°C may be the result of relatively stable complexes or molecules in the melt or of the formation of a REE bearing crystalline phase that has so far escaped detection. Preliminary results for Eu diffusion in obsidian are D (Eu, 800°C) = 5 × 10−13 cm2 s−1 and D (Eu, 950°C) = 1.5 × 10−11 cm2 s−1. These data are consistent with an activation energy of 59 Kcal mole−1. These low diffusivities indicate that the partitioning of REE in crystallizing intermediate and acidic melts may be controlled by diffusion in the melt rather than equilibrium between the crystal surface and the bulk melt. The diffusion data are applied to partial melting in the mantle, in an attempt to explain how LREE enriched tholeiites may be derived from a LREE depleted mantle source. In this model LREE diffuse from garnet bearing regions that have small melt fractions into garnet free regions that have relatively large melt fractions. REE diffusion is so slow that this process is quantitatively significant only in small partially molten bodies (diameter ∼1 km or less) or in larger, but strongly flattened bodies. Internal convective motion during diapiric rise would also increase the efficiency of the process.
DISC ELECTROPHORESIS OF HUMAN SALIVA IN POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL

Abstract Disc electrophoresis is an effective method for the separation of the protein and protein-carbohydrate components of human salivary gland secretions. When submaxillary saliva is concentrated twenty times, 25 μl of the concentrate can be separated into fifteen components by electrophoresis for 30–50 minutes. Continuation for periods up to 2 hours further separates the slowly moving protein-carbohydrate complexes so that a total of eighteen components is separated. Reversal of the electrodes in other instances reveals an additional three components migrating to the cathode in pH 8.3 buffer. Since the amount of nondialyzable solids in the submaxillary saliva is around 200 mg%, the twenty-one components are separated from about 1 mg of solid material. Blood group substance A and glycoproteins of various sialic acid/fucose ratios are separated from other salivary proteins by electrophoresis. The method is also useful for the study of human parotid saliva and mixed human salivary secretions.
Comparison of open-source visual analytics toolkits

We present the results of the first stage of a two-stage evaluation of open source visual analytics packages. This stage is a broad feature comparison over a range of open source toolkits. Although we had originally intended to restrict ourselves to comparing visual analytics toolkits, we quickly found that very few were available. So we expanded our study to include information visualization, graph analysis, and statistical packages. We examine three aspects of each toolkit: visualization functions, analysis capabilities, and development environments. With respect to development environments, we look at platforms, language bindings, multi-threading/parallelism, user interface frameworks, ease of installation, documentation, and whether the package is still being actively developed.
Study on the Phase Composition and Particle Size of Boron Mud

The phase composition and particle size of the boron mud is investigated by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and laser particle size analyzer. The mainly phase composition of the boron mud are magnesite (MgCO3) and forsterite (Mg2SiO4). The mainly phase composition of the calcined boron mud are forsterite (Mg2SiO4) and a small amount magnesia (MgO). the sizes of the boron mud are about 2~6μm and a few of them are bigger and less than 10μm and the particle size of less than 10μm is about 60%.
Importance of radiology clerkships in teaching medical students life-threatening abnormalities on conventional chest radiographs.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of medical students who had already completed medicine and surgery clerkships to identify life-threatening abnormalities on conventional chest radiographs. Materials and Methods From May 2000 to August 2001, 72 consecutive 3rd- and 4th-year medical students enrolled in the radiology clerkship at Rhode Island Hospital completed examinations before and after the radiology clerkship. During the examination, they were asked to identify acute abnormalities on five conventional chest radiographs. Only students who had already completed both medicine and surgery clerkships were included in this prospective study. Results Before the radiology clerkship, the frequency of correct diagnoses of pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, congestive heart failure, misplaced endotracheal tube, and misplaced feeding tube were 40%, 61%, 57%, 6%, and 6%, respectively. After the radiology clerkship, these findings were correctly identified more than 94% of the time (P Conclusion Learning to identify life-threatening abnormalities on conventional chest radiographs through medicine and surgery clerkships is insufficient. The radiology clerkship provides a unique educational experience that significantly improves these abilities.
Cu(II) complexes of N-propyl-2-picolinamine N-oxide

Cu(II) complexes have been prepared with N-propyl-2-picolinamine N-oxide(PA) employing the perchlorate, tetrafluoroborate, nitrate, chloride and bromide salts. The following unique solids have been isolated and characterized: Cu(PA)2X2 (X = ClO4−, BF4− and NO3−) and Cu(PA)X2 (X = Cl−, Br−). Characterization has been accomplished primarily by IR, electronic and ESR measurements of the solid state since considerable alteration of the complexes occurs on dissolution. PA bonds as a bidentate ligand via its N-oxide oxygen and amine nitrogen in all of the complexes. Anion coordination occurs in the halogen complexes and the nitrate ions appear to be bound to Cu(II) as monodentate ligands in Cu(PA)2(NO3)2. In addition, there appears to be a rhombic distortion of the CuO2N2 chromophore of the perchlorate and tetrafluoroborate solids which is probably due to the steric requirements of the propyl substituents.
Sulfate‐reducing and methanogenic bacteria from deep aquifers in montana

Thermophilic sulfate‐reducing and methanogenic bacteria were detected in deep (1200 to 1800 m) ground waters from geologic units that make up the Madison Formation, which underlies a large portion of the northern Great Plains. Some sulfate‐reducing bacteria were isolated and tentatively identified as Desulfotomaculum nigrificans. These organisms probably produce the hydrogen sulfide that is in the ground water. Direct microscopic counting methods demonstrated the presence of about 1000 bacteria/ml in the ground waters. Attempts to detect aerobic and other anaerobic bacteria were unsuccessful.
Evaluation of the Radiation Characteristics of a High-Temperature Blackbody

Development of a new spectral irradiance scale realization at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires a careful and complete calibration of a high- temperature blackbody between 1200 K and 2800 K. Filter radiometers have been calibrated to measure the spectral radiance (or radiance temperature) of the blackbody. Using a monochromator, the blackbody spectral radiance will then be used to determine the spectral irradiance distributions of primary and secondary spectral irradiance lamp standards at NIST. In this paper, a calibrated pyrometer and V((lambda) ) filter radiometer will be used to evaluate the high-temperature blackbody for determination of the optimum calibration method for the blackbody. The blackbody apparatus will be described in detail. When the power supply is the sole source of current control, the blackbody current is stable to within 0.056%, resulting in 0.72% for the uncertainty in the blackbody spectral radiance. To achieve our goal of 0.1% in the final blackbody radiance, a blackbody current stability of 0.007% is required. Due to the day-to-day variations in the current, calibrations of the blackbody msut be made frequently. Several feedback control options are recommended as possible solutions for improving both the short term and long term current stability.
Observing the work of the Clinical Nurse Specialist: a pilot study.

UNLABELLED The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice nurse (APN) with graduate preparation as a clinical expert within a specialty area of nursing practice. There is a need for information about the work of the CNS in order to link CNS activities to outcomes and costs of care. PURPOSE To describe the work of the CNS in the acute care setting using the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) model as an organizing framework. DESIGN Descriptive pilot study of the work of the CNS in acute care. SETTING A 500-bed academic medical center located in the Midwestern United States. SAMPLE Five masters-prepared APNs in a unit-based CNS role. METHODS Direct observation and time study were used to record activities and time for 4 hours with each CNS (n = 5) for a total of 20 hours of observation. FINDINGS CNS activity and time within each practice domain included patient/client (30%), nursing (44%), organization/system (10%), and other activities (16%). Specific activities observed were linked to possible outcomes in the NACNS framework. CONCLUSIONS The NACNS model provided a useful framework for developing a data collection tool that can be used in a larger study that analyzes the work of the acute care CNS. IMPLICATIONS Describing the work of the CNS is an important preliminary step to measuring outcomes and costs of care.
The use of precision-cut rat lung slices for studying PGF2α metabolism

Abstract The suitability of a dynamic lung slice culture system as an in vitro model for studying pulmonary metabolism of PGF 2 α was assessed. [ 3 H]Prostaglandin F 2 α ([ 3 H]PGF 2 α ), a twenty carbon fatty acid that contains a five-carbon ring and is known to be metabolized by lung in vivo, was incubated with precision-cut rat lung slices in 1.7 ml of Waymouth's buffer fortified with 10% fetal calf serum. At 0, 2, 4 and 8 h after addition of [ 3 H]PGF 2 α (1.82 ng/μCi), incubation was stopped and the contents of each vial were analyzed for [ 3 H]PGF 2 α and its metabolites using reversed-phase HPLC with radiochemical detection. PGF 2 α was metabolized to 15-keto PGF 2 α , 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF 2 α , and two unknown minor polar metabolites. These results indicate that PGF 2 α was metabolized in lung slices pathways similar to those seen in vivo. Slice viability was assessed by protein synthesis and light microscopic examination of lung slices through 24 h of incubation. Protein synthesis was maintained and no tissue necrosis was observed over the entire 24 h incubation, indicating that the lung slices were viable for at least 24 h. These results indicate that the dynamic lung slice culture system is an appropriate in vitro model for studying the pulmonary metabolism of PGF 2 α .
Osteomyelitis of the pelvis caused by Rhodococcus equi in a two-year-old horse

A 2-year-old female Quarter Horse was evaluated for hind limb lameness, fever (40 degrees C [104 degrees F]), and lethargy of 2 weeks' duration. Hypoproteinemia characterized by hypoalbuminemia and hyperfibrinogenemia was detected. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed thickening of the right dorsal colon wall. Treatment was instituted for putative right dorsal coliis. Lameness evaluation localized signs of pain to the lumbar vertebrae or pelvis. Radiography performed with the horse standing and nuclear scintigraphy revealed no abnormalities. Ventrodorsal pelvic radiography revealed a focal area of bony lysis and proliferation involving the cranial portion of the pubic symphysis. Aspiration yielded purulent exudate containing Rhodococcus equi, which was susceptible to erythromycin. Treatment included surgical debridement of the abscess and oral administration of erythromycin and rifampin. The horse's hind limb lameness completely resolved within 20 days. Infections of the pubic symphysis should be considered when lameness localized to the pelvis is associated with fever and an inflammatory leukogram.
Time, Process and Structured Transformation in Archaeology

Time, Process and Structured Transformation in Archaeology. Sander E. van der Leeuw and James McGlade. eds. New York: Routledge, 1997.484pp.
Transmission of Influenza B Viruses in the Guinea Pig

Epidemic influenza is typically caused by infection with viruses of the A and B types and can result in substantial morbidity and mortality during a given season. Here we demonstrate that influenza B viruses can replicate in the upper respiratory tract of the guinea pig and that viruses of the two main lineages can be transmitted with 100% efficiency between inoculated and naive animals in both contact and noncontact models. Our results also indicate that, like in the case for influenza A virus, transmission of influenza B viruses is enhanced at colder temperatures, providing an explanation for the seasonality of influenza epidemics in temperate climates. We therefore present, for the first time, a small animal model with which to study the underlying mechanisms of influenza B virus transmission.
Defense information system network satellite service

Services and agencies continue to deploy IP SATCOM systems while awaiting migration to the joint IP modem (JIPM). As the JIPM nears production, challenges such as establishing responsibility for development of a common end user terminal, satellite and hub resource allocation and management, and long term sustainment for the end-to-end SATCOM infrastructure must be addressed. Currently, the DoD gateway hosts numerous IP SATCOM systems including Linkway, iDirect, and DVB-RCS. All of the SATCOM systems are responsible for providing defense information systems network (DISN) connectivity and services to the warfighter. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) aims to establish commonality and interoperability among the current capabilities. To achieve this end state, DISA is evaluating the establishment of a DISN satellite service (DSS) provided as an extension of existing IP SATCOM systems, DISN transport, and RF services embedded at the DOD gateways. As part of the DISN satellite service, DISA is designing a ubiquitous IP SATCOM suite capable of providing DISN connectivity and access to all of the DISN services including VTC, VoIP, NIPR, and SIPR. This paper will further elaborate the proposed DSS end user terminal components and capabilities and the advantages it provides to the deployed warfighter.
The impact of gout on patient’s lives: a study of African-American and Caucasian men and women with gout

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of gout on quality of life (QOL) and study differences by gender and race. Ten race- and sex-stratified nominal groups were conducted, oversampling for African-Americans and women with gout. Patients presented, discussed, combined and rank-ordered their concerns. A total of 62 patients with mean age 65.1 years, 60% men, 64% African-American, participated in 10 nominal groups: African-American men (n = 23; 3 groups); African-American women (n = 18; 3 groups); Caucasian men (n = 15; 3 groups); and Caucasian women (n = 6; 1 group). The most frequently cited high-ranked concerns among the ten nominal groups were: (1) effect of gout flare on daily activities (n = 10 groups); (2) work disability (n = 8 groups); (3) severe pain (n = 8 groups); (4) joint swelling and tenderness (n = 6 groups); (5) food restrictions (n = 6 groups); (6) medication related issues (n = 6 groups); (7) dependency on family and others (n = 5 groups); (8) emotional Impact (n = 5 groups); (9) interference with sexual function (n = 4 groups); (10) difficulty with shoes (n = 4 groups); and (11) sleep disruption (n = 4 groups). Compared with men, women ranked the following concerns high more often: problems with shoes (n = 4 versus n = 0 groups); dependency (n = 3 versus n = 2 groups); and joint/limb deformity (n = 2 versus n = 0 group). Compared with Caucasians, African-Americans ranked the following concerns high more often: dietary restrictions (n = 6 versus n = 0 groups); severe pain (n = 6 versus n = 2 groups); gout bringing the day to a “halt” (n = 2 versus n = 0 group); effect on emotional health (n = 4 versus n = 1 groups); and the need for canes/crutches during flares (n = 2 versus n = 0 group). Gout has a significant impact on a patient’s QOL. Important differences in the impact of gout by gender and race were noted.
National trends in hospitalization and mortality rates for patients with HIV, HCV, or HIV/HCV coinfection from 1996-2010 in the United States: a cross-sectional study.

The comparative impact of chronic viral monoinfection versus coinfection on inpatient outcomes and health care utilization is relatively unknown. This study examined trends, inpatient utilization, and hospital outcomes for patients with HIV, HCV, or HIV/HCV coinfection. Data were from the 1996–2010 National Hospital Discharge Surveys. Hospitalizations with primary ICD-9-CM codes for HIV or HCV were included for HIV and HCV monoinfection, respectfully. Coinfection included both HIV and HCV codes. Demographic characteristics, select comorbidities, procedural interventions, average hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge status were compared by infection status (HIV, HCV, HIV/HCV). Annual disease estimates and survey weights were used to generate hospitalization rates. ~6.6 million hospitalizations occurred in patients with HIV (39%), HCV (56%), or HIV/HCV (5%). The hospitalization rate (hospitalizations per 100 persons with infection) decreased in the HIV group (29.8 in 1996; 5.3 in 2010), decreased in the HIV/HCV group (2.0 in 1996; 1.5 in 2010), yet increased in the HCV group (0.2 in 1996; 0.9 in 2010). Median LOS from 1996 to 2010 (days, interquartile range) decreased in all groups: HIV, 6 (3–10) to 4 (3–8); HCV, 5 (3–9) to 4 (2–6); HIV/HCV, 6 (4–11) to 4 (2–7). Age-adjusted mortality rates decreased for all three groups. The rate of decline was least pronounced for those with HCV monoinfection. Hospitalizations have declined more rapidly for patients with HIV infection (including HIV/HCV coinfection) than for patients with HCV infection. This growing disparity between HIV and HCV underscores the need to allocate more resources to HCV care in hopes that similar large-scale improvements can also be accomplished for patients with HCV.
Hepatocyte cytotoxicity is facilitated by asialoglycoprotein receptor

It has been recently identified that hepatocytes can act as cytotoxic effectors and can kill contacted cells by way of CD95 ligand–CD95 and perforin-dependent pathways. However, it remained unknown whether hepatocyte-mediated cell killing is indiscriminant or is directed toward targets with particular cell surface characteristics, as well as whether hepatocytes have the capacity to directly eliminate contacted lymphocytes. In this study, we found that desialylation of surface glycoproteins significantly augments cell susceptibility to hepatocyte-mediated killing. Using asialofetuin as a competitive ligand, and by silencing gene transcription with specific small interfering RNA, we found that the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is involved in hepatocyte recognition of cells predestined for killing, including activated autologous T lymphocytes. Conclusion: Hepatocytes are constitutively equipped in the molecular machinery capable of eliminating cells brought into contact with their surface in a manner that is reliant, at least in part, upon the recognition of terminally desialylated glycoproteins by hepatocyte ASGPR. The study adds a new dimension to the physiological role of hepatic ASGPR and provides further evidence that hepatocytes can actively contribute to intrahepatic immune regulation and moderation of the local inflammatory response. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Observation of microwave comb generation with a Josephson junction array

The authors report high-harmonic-content sideband generation with a Josephson junction array as center conductor of a 50- Omega coplanar line. The line was fed with a low-level microwave signal and an AC bias current with a DC offset. Over 100 harmonics of the AC signal were observed in the mixing spectrum at RF frequencies up to 20 GHz. The shape of the spectrum changed with magnetic field and DC bias point. >
Identification of frequent cytogenetic aberrations in hepatocellular carcinoma using gene-expression microarray data

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Frequent cytogenetic abnormalities that occur in HCC suggest that tumor-modifying genes (oncogenes or tumor suppressors) may be driving selection for amplification or deletion of these particular genetic regions. In many cases, however, the gene(s) that drive the selection are unknown. Although techniques such as comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) have traditionally been used to identify cytogenetic aberrations, it might also be possible to identify them indirectly from gene-expression studies. A technique we have called comparative genomic microarray analysis (CGMA) predicts regions of cytogenetic change by searching for regional gene-expression biases. CGMA was applied to HCC gene-expression profiles to identify regions of frequent cytogenetic change and to identify genes whose expression is misregulated within these regions.
Recurrent scalp metastasis from glioblastoma following resection

A 62-year-old right-handed male presented with several onths of mild headaches, word-finding difficulties, and 25 pound eight loss. MRI showed an irregularly enhancing intra-axial ass lesion in the left frontal lobe extending to the ependymal urface and measuring approximately 6 cm in maximum diamter. Left frontal craniotomy for subtotal resection of the mass as performed. Pathologic assessment revealed a WHO Grade IV lioblastoma with oligodendroglial component, MGMT promoter ethylated, EGFR amplified, and 1p deleted/19q intact (Fig. 1). he patient subsequently received 60 Gy of radiation therapy and emozolomide (75 mg/m2 21/28 days). Ten months after the subtoal resection of the intracranial mass, follow-up MRI revealed n avidly enhancing, infiltrative nodular lesion with restricted
Advantages of a two band EVI calculated from solar and photosynthetically active radiation fluxes

A two band Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI2) without the blue band reflectance has recently been developed as a proxy for the phenology, quantity, and activity of vegetation. We compared the ability of EVI2 and the more commonly used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to resolve differences in surface greenness and Leaf Area Index (LAI) among three sites located along a burn severity gradient in arctic tundra. We calculated vegetation indices from solar and photosynthetically active radiation fluxes, and validated these calculations against vegetation indices from the Terra MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and ground-based spectroradiometer measurements. EVI2 performed slightly better than NDVI when comparing tower derived vegetation indices to MODIS and spectroradiometer derived vegetation indices. Burn severity decreased albedo and resulted in differences in soil background reflectance among sites. Soil darkening had no effect on EVI2, but artificially increased NDVI, resulting in separate relationships between NDVI and Leaf Area Index for burned and unburned tundra. Our results indicate that EVI2 has several advantages over NDVI including the ability to resolve LAI differences for vegetation with different background soil reflectance.
A cross-layer metric for application-constrained MAC-aware capacity optimization

This paper introduces a new cross-layer design metric called Application-Constrained MAC-Aware Capacity (ACMAC). ACMAC considers outage capacity, MAC layer and application layer Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements to derive the lower and upper bounds of the transmission rate. Theoretical derivation of this metric demonstrates the importance of considering different layers of the network. Further, we show how to use ACMAC as a cross layer optimization criterion to generate frameworks for selecting different parameters such as transmit rate, channel or route selection in wireless networks. Our simulation results show that ACMAC is very accurate in predicting network performance such as throughput while satisfying QoS parameters like Packet Error rate (PER).
Carbon-Starvation Induces Cross-Resistance to Thermal, Acid, and Oxidative Stress in Serratia marcescens

The broad host-range pathogen Serratia marcescens survives in diverse host and non-host environments, often enduring conditions in which the concentration of essential nutrients is growth-limiting. In such environments, carbon and energy source starvation (carbon-starvation) is one of the most common forms of stress encountered by S. marcescens. Related members of the family Enterobacteriaceae are known to undergo substantial changes in gene expression and physiology in response to the specific stress of carbon-starvation, enabling non-spore-forming cells to survive periods of prolonged starvation and exposure to other forms of stress (i.e., starvation-induced cross-resistance). To determine if carbon-starvation also results in elevated levels of cross-resistance in S. marcescens, both log-phase and carbon-starved cultures, depleted of glucose before the onset of high cell-density stationary-phase, were grown in minimal media at either 30 °C or 37 °C and were then challenged for resistance to high temperature (50 °C), low pH (pH 2.8), and oxidative stress (15 mM H2O2). In general, carbon-starved cells exhibited a higher level of resistance to thermal stress, acid stress, and oxidative stress compared to log-phase cells. The extent of carbon-starvation-induced cross-resistance was dependent on incubation temperature and on the particular strain of S. marcescens. In addition, strain- and temperature-dependent variations in long-term starvation survival were also observed. The enhanced stress-resistance of starved S. marcescens cells could be an important factor in their survival and persistence in many non-host environments and within certain host microenvironments where the availability of carbon sources is suboptimal for growth.