cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching International Business as an Opportunity to Develop Cultural Sensitivity.

Business program graduates are expected to perform with cultural sensitivity in international and intercultural professional environments. In order to support student development of the necessary m...
Answer to April 2016 Photo Quiz

Answer: Fatal Pulmonary Blastomyces dermatitidis Infection. Blastomyces dermatitidis is a dimorphic fungus, endemic in the United States in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys (1). Blastomyces most commonly causes asymptomatic pulmonary infection. However, infection may progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Systemic infection may also occur, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Career Concerns and the Nature of Skills

I examine how career concerns are shaped by the nature of productive actions taken by workers. A worker's skills follow a Gaussian process with an endogenous component reflecting human-capital accumulation. Effort and skills are substitutes both in the output process (as in Holmstrom 1999) and in the skills technology. The focus is on deterministic equilibria by virtue of Gaussian learning. When effort and skills are direct inputs to production and skills are exogenous, effort can be inefficiently high in the beginning of a career. In contrast, when skills are the only input to production but accumulate through past effort choices, the worker always underinvests in skill acquisition. At the center of the discrepancy are two types of ex post errors that arise at interpreting output due to an identification problem faced by the market. Finally, the robustness of the underinvestment result is explored via variations in the skill-accumulation technology and in the information structure, and policy implications are discussed.
Learning in safety: Intersectional awareness and the expiration of ignorance through its embrace

In this brief paper, the terms “safe space” and “trigger warning” are considered through an engagement with two related concepts: “intersectionality” and “ignorance.” It is proposed that two of the necessary states that make for safe, non-triggering learning environments are “intersectional awareness” and the “expiration of ignorance.” Moreover, while much of the rich literature on the intergenerational transmission of psychological states has focused on the sequelae of trauma, here the intergenerational transmission of psychological strengths is considered too, not only as healthy adaptation but also as a facet of personality that can trigger another person, despite intentions to the contrary.
Epidemiology of Injuries by Needles and Other Sharp Instruments: Minimizing Sharp Injuries in Gynecologic and Obstetric Operations

Epidemiologic data provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of sharp injuries during surgical and obstetric procedures.These data make it possible to develop strategies, instruments,and equipment to reduce this injury rate. This article discusses the existing database and its application to current surgical technology in the reduction of the number of injuries that occur during obstetric and gynecologic procedures.
Fermat’s Theorem, I: Abelian Groups

A famous and important theorem of number theory due to Fermat (c. 1640) gives, among other uses, a different way to find the inverse of a nonzero element of ℤ p , p prime. We have already seen how to find the inverse of [a] p by solving ax +py = 1, using Euclid’s algorithm and Bezout’s identity.
Moments of the Riemann zeta function on short intervals of the critical line

We show that as $T\to \infty$, for all $t\in [T,2T]$ outside of a set of measure $\mathrm{o}(T)$, $$ \int_{-(\log T)^{\theta}}^{(\log T)^{\theta}} |\zeta(\tfrac 12 + \mathrm{i} t + \mathrm{i} h)|^{\beta} \mathrm{d} h = (\log T)^{f_{\theta}(\beta) + \mathrm{o}(1)}, $$ for some explicit exponent $f_{\theta}(\beta)$, where $\theta > -1$ and $\beta > 0$. This proves an extended version of a conjecture of Fyodorov and Keating (2014). In particular, it shows that, for all $\theta > -1$, the moments exhibit a phase transition at a critical exponent $\beta_c(\theta)$, below which $f_\theta(\beta)$ is quadratic and above which $f_\theta(\beta)$ is linear. The form of the exponent $f_\theta$ also differs between mesoscopic intervals ($-1 0$), a phenomenon that stems from an approximate tree structure for the correlations of zeta. We also prove that, for all $t\in [T,2T]$ outside a set of measure $\mathrm{o}(T)$, $$ \max_{|h| \leq (\log T)^{\theta}} |\zeta(\tfrac{1}{2} + \mathrm{i} t + \mathrm{i} h)| = (\log T)^{m(\theta) + \mathrm{o}(1)}, $$ for some explicit $m(\theta)$. This generalizes earlier results of Najnudel (2018) and Arguin et al. (2019) for $\theta = 0$. The proofs are unconditional, except for the upper bounds when $\theta > 3$, where the Riemann hypothesis is assumed.
Microcavity Lasers on Silicon by Template-Assisted Selective Epitaxy of Microsubstrates

The vision of microchips that benefits from the high data rates of optical links has recently lead to novel concepts for the monolithic integration of active gain materials on silicon. In this letter, we use template-assisted selective epitaxy (TASE) for the monolithic integration of GaAs microsubstrates on silicon, which allows the subsequent integration of lattice-matched III–V laser cavities. We demonstrate the room-temperature operation of optically pumped microdisk-lasers with hexagonal top-facets and diameters as low as $1.2~\mu \text{m}$ . The devices exhibit uniform emission spectra, low lasing thresholds of $P_{\mathrm{ th}}={13.6} \pm {0.7}$ pJ/pulse, and a high-temperature stability ( ${T}_{{0}} ={370}$ K). Scanning electron microscope and photoluminescence analysis of larger devices with a flat top-facet reveal a rotation of the crystal orientation and further reduce lasing thresholds. Our results show that the monolithic integration of III–V microsubstrates on silicon offers a versatile platform for on-chip light sources with excellent optical properties.
Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen? The Division of Financing in World Bank Projects and Project Performance

The total funding envelope for World Bank projects is often divided among various state and non-state actors, each of which can have competing ideas about or interests in the project. How does the division of financing relate to overall project effectiveness? I argue that too many funding streams in a project can reduce project effectiveness by creating delays, increasing transaction costs, and blurring lines of accountability. I combine original data on the number and concentration of financial collaborators in World Bank projects with the World Bank’s ratings of project performance, looking at within-country variation across projects to explore whether or not there is evidence of reduced aid effectiveness in projects with more participants. The results suggest that projects with significant cofinancing receive somewhat worse project ratings.
The generalization of newly acquired behaviors by parents and child across three different settings. A study of an autistic child.

The generalization of newly learned behaviors to different settings on the part of an autistic child and his parents was investigated by means of a multiple baseline design. Contingency management techniques were taught to the parents while they interacted with their child in a training apartment equipped with observation facilities. In order to assess whether the parents generalized the use of these techniques, data were gathered at their own home. Data were also gathered in the child's school in order to ascertain whether changes brought about in the child's behavior in the training apartment generalized to the school situation. It was concluded that the child's behavior was responsive to the contingencies of each particular environment. Generalization did not occur until the contingencies and stimulus cues were specifically designed to promote a change in behavior in each setting.
Note-taking as communication design: promoting democratic processes

ABSTRACTWhereas notes are ubiquitous to democratic meeting designs, note-taking practices within public participation processes remain taken-for-granted. We argue that note-taking is a communicatio...
Traditional Q’eqchi’ Maya Reproductive Ethnomedicine

Traditional healing and herbalism practices can be very particular to the individual practitioner, and people’s knowledge is always being enhanced by experience and exposure to others’ knowledge. Traditional Q’eqchi’ Maya medicine is dynamic and continues to advance on the individual level as remedies, preparations, and treatments are refined, or newly discovered. Maya traditional medicine at the medical system level continues to make advancements as well, and research efforts such as this study make a contribution in support of this continued advancement. Plant-based remedies and other traditional treatments are supplying primary healthcare for much of the Maya world, much as they always have. It is only that with each successive generation there are far fewer practitioners and keepers of this important knowledge. Though in-depth knowledge of traditional plant-based treatments still remains in the Belizean Q’eqchi’ community, today this knowledge is mostly held by Q’eqchi’ elders, with very few young Maya apprenticing. The detailed documentation of such knowledge can be utilized in educational efforts to train Q’eqchi’ youth in traditional Maya medicine. The results of this study function as a reference to those practicing traditional medicine, those who wish to learn traditional Q’eqchi’ medicine, and biomedical practitioners who wish to take an integrative approach or provide culturally competent care to their indigenous patients. Efforts to integrate traditional indigenous medicine and biomedicine in Belize and regionally can benefit as well from thorough ethnomedical documentation and associated bioactivity verification.
Opportunities and Challenges of Public Participation in Post-Disaster Recovery Planning: Lessons from Galveston, TX

AbstractWhile public participation can improve recovery planning, post-disaster environments pose unique challenges and opportunities that can enhance or undermine participation depending on the re...
Thirdhand Smoke Contamination and Infant Nicotine Exposure in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study.

Introduction Thirdhand smoke (THS) is ultrafine particulate matter and residue resulting from tobacco combustion, with implications for health-related harm (eg, impaired wound healing), particularly among hospitalized infants. Project aims were to characterize nicotine (THS proxy) transported on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) visitors and deposited on bedside furniture, as well as infant exposure. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from participants in a metropolitan NICU. Participants completed a survey and carbon monoxide breath sample, and 41.9% (n = 88) of participants (n = 210) were randomly selected for finger-nicotine wipes during a study phase when all bedside visitors were screened for nicotine use and finger-nicotine levels. During an overlapping study phase, 80 mother-infant dyads consented to bedside furniture-nicotine wipes and an infant urine sample (for cotinine analyses). Results Most nonstaff visitors' fingers had nicotine above the limit of quantification (>LOQ; 61.9%). Almost all bedside furniture surfaces (93.8%) and infant cotinine measures (93.6%) had values >LOQ, regardless of household nicotine use. Participants who reported using (or lived with others who used) nicotine had greater furniture-nicotine contamination (Mdn = 0.6 [interquartile range, IQR = 0.2-1.6] µg/m2) and higher infant cotinine (Mdn = 0.09 [IQR = 0.04-0.25] ng/mL) compared to participants who reported no household-member nicotine use (Mdn = 0.5 [IQR = 0.2-0.7] µg/m2; Mdn = 0.04 [IQR = 0.03-0.07] ng/mL, respectively). Bayesian univariate regressions supported hypotheses that increased nicotine use/exposure correlated with greater nicotine contamination (on fingers/furniture) and infant THS exposure. Conclusions Potential furniture-contamination pathways and infant-exposure routes (eg, dermal) during NICU hospitalization were identified, despite hospital prohibitions on tobacco/nicotine use. This work highlights the surreptitious spread of nicotine and potential THS-related health risks to vulnerable infants during critical stages of development. Implications THS contamination is underexplored in medical settings. Infants who were cared for in the NICU are vulnerable to health risks from THS exposure. This study demonstrated that 62% of nonstaff NICU visitors transport nicotine on their fingers to the NICU. Over 90% of NICU (bedside) furniture was contaminated with nicotine, regardless of visitors' reported household-member nicotine use or nonuse. Over 90% of infants had detectable levels of urinary cotinine during NICU hospitalizations. Results justify further research to better protect infants from unintended THS exposure while hospitalized.
Effect of infrainguinal bypass tunneling technique on patency and amputation in patients with limb ischemia

Abstract Objective We investigated the association of tunneling technique on patency and amputation in patients undergoing lower extremity bypass for limb ischemia. Methods The National Vascular Quality Initiative database infrainguinal bypass module from 2008 to 2017 was queried for analysis. We excluded cases with non–great saphenous vein grafts, grafts using multiple segments, aneurysmal disease indications, bypass locations outside the femoral to below the knee popliteal artery or tibial arteries, and missing data on tunneling type and limb ischemia. The main exposure variable was the tunneling type, subcutaneously vs subfascially. Our primary outcomes were primary patency and amputation. The secondary outcomes included primary-assisted patency and secondary patency. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. Results A total of 5497 bypass patients (2835 subcutaneous and 2662 subfascial) were included. Age, race, graft orientation (reversed vs not reversed), bypass donor and recipient vessels, harvest type, end-stage renal disease, smoking, coronary artery bypass graft, congestive heart failure, P2Y12 inhibitor at discharge, surgical site infection at discharge, and indication (rest pain vs tissue loss vs acute ischemia) were analyzed for an association with the tunneling technique (P .05). Conclusions Compared with subfascial tunneling, the superficial tunneling technique was not associated with primary patency or major amputation in limb ischemia patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass with a single-segment great saphenous vein.
Good Concordance between Home Kit A1C, Glucose Management Indicator, and Point-of-Care A1C: Potential Solutions to Glycemic Assessment during the SARS CoV-2 Pandemic

Due to the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, fewer in-person clinic visits have resulted in fewer point-of-care (POC) A1c measurements in youth with T1D. Therefore, there is an increased need to use alternate methods to assess A1c, including continuous glucose monitoring-derived Glucose Management Indicator (GMI) and home kit A1c. The University of Minnesota’s home kit A1c (n=59), GMI (n=56), and POC A1c (n=16) were collected from youth with T1D (age 10.0 [5.3, 13.0] years, 42% female, and baseline A1c 12.4 ± 2.2%). Matched pairs were used for Bland Altman analyses and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (pc) to evaluate the agreement between A1c measures. GMI data (up to 90 days) was captured using Dexcom Clarity. In relation to POC A1c, both home kit A1c (panel A) and GMI (panel B) showed a slight positive bias (mean difference 0.13 and 0.22%, respectively). Home kit A1c and GMI showed strong concordance to POC A1c (pc = 0.987 [0.963, 0.995] and 0.930 [0.835, 0.971], respectively). GMI (panel C) also showed a slight positive bias (mean difference 0.26%) and good concordance (pc = 0.803 [0.703, 0.871]) to home kit A1c. These data demonstrate that home kit A1c and GMI show strong concordance with POC A1c. Overall, home kit A1c and GMI may be potential solutions to glycemic assessment for telehealth visits, including during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. Disclosure D. Zaharieva: None. A. Addala: None. P. Prahalad: None. B. Leverenz: None. V. Ding: None. M. Desai: None. A. B. Karger: Research Support; Self; Siemens Corporation. D. M. Maahs: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Dompe, Eli Lilly and Company, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, Consultant; Self; aditxt. Funding National Institutes of Health (1R18DK122422 01A1); Stanford Diabetes Research Center (P30DK116074); The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (G-2002-04251-1)
Investigation of the role of P130gag-fps in transformation: generation and use of a temperature-sensitive mutant P130gag-fps.

Abstract Changing Glu-1025 to Asp in Fujinami sarcoma virus P130gag-fps made the protein temperature sensitive for transformation and protein-tyrosine kinase activity. Another mutant, Phe-1073 P130gag-fps, lacking the major autophosphorylation site, has an extended latent period for transformation (G. A. Weinmaster, M. J. Zoller, M. Smith, E. Hinze, and T. Pawson, Cell 37:559-568, 1984). By introducing the Asp-1025 lesion into Phe-1073 P130gag-fps, we showed that this mutant protein is required for the maintenance of the transformed phenotype of Phe-1073 P130gag-fps-expressing cells.
Automated virtual treatment planning in orthodontics: modeling and algorithms

Computer-based virtual treatment planning and simulation has become increasingly important in orthodontics due to its potential to lower costs and provide better treatment outcomes. However, its clinical use is currently limited by the need for significant human intervention in segmenting the dental arch (a 3-dimensional surface mesh) into individual tooth objects and then (re)aligning these tooth objects on the arch to satisfy prescribed treatment criteria. The goals of this thesis are to develop modeling techniques, computational algorithms, and associated software to automate key components of the treatment process, including dental arch segmentation, feature identification, and tooth alignment, thereby making the advantages of virtual treatment planning and simulation available to the vast majority of orthodontic patients. Towards this end, this thesis makes the following contributions: First, an algorithm is designed to segment a dental arch into individual tooth objects (sub-meshes) that can be manipulated downstream in the treatment planning and simulation pipeline. The algorithm is largely automated and requires human intervention in very difficult or unusual cases only. The algorithm avoids the limitations of known approaches to dental segmentation by dividing the segmentation task into two key subtasks—separation of the gums from the teeth and separation of the teeth from one another—and also incorporates a new technique to repair defects in the gumline caused by noise in the data. Second, algorithms are developed to automatically identify suitable features on the surfaces of individual tooth objects for use in the alignment stage. These include intrinsic features such as cusps, incisal edges, grooves, marginal ridges, and the occlusal surface boundary, as well as derived features such as the archform and occlusal plane. A key technique underlying some of these algorithms is the identification and clustering of vertices of high curvature on certain planar cross-sections of the tooth objects and stitching these clusters together to extract the features of interest. Third, an algorithm is developed to automatically align the tooth objects on two opposing arches so that the best possible intra-arch and inter-arch occlusion (i.e., contact relationship) of teeth is achieved, while respecting certain natural dental constraints. The alignment process is modeled as a simulation-based optimization of certain configurations of constraints defined with respect to the tooth features identified previously. The simulation is based on a spring-mass model where the teeth gradually move to their final positions under the influence of forces exerted by (hypothetical) springs attached to the features. Finally, all of the algorithms developed in this thesis have been implemented and incorporated into a comprehensive software tool. This tool has been used by dental practitioners to evaluate and validate the algorithms on clinical data. These experimental studies have demonstrated the efficacy of the algorithms for orthodontic treatment planning.
A requirements engineering framework of the evolving US energy landscape

Although there has been a significantly growing focus in managing environmental preservation, rising energy expenditures, and depleting natural resources, the United States (US) still remains as a world leader in energy consumption. This paper elucidates how the problem of energy demand could adversely impact the goal of maintaining global sustainability. The objective of this research is to develop a conceptual modeling framework that utilizes requirements engineering methods in order to describe the current state of renewable energy (RE) management, policies, and deployment practices in the US. Using a KAOS diagram, we developed a goal tree diagram to structure and explain the types of dependencies associated with the US energy needs. Through the realization of the identified goals, we formulated primitive requirement statements for the US energy sector, leveraging quality management standards derived from the ISO 9001 requirements. The resulting requirements-based modeling framework manifests the challenges associated with the development of an optimal energy portfolio and a generalized policy that can enhance US energy production through RE systems. The documented requirements are multi-dimensional and address the urgent need to continuously explore new technologies, formulate cost-effective policies, and reduce the total energy demands to achieve higher levels of sustainability.
Autoinactivation of xanthine oxidase: the role of superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract Xanthine oxidase suffers autoinactivation in the course of catalyzing the oxidation of acetaldehyde. When no special efforts were made to maintain a high pO2 in these reaction mixtures catalase protected the xanthine oxidase, but superoxide dismutase did not. However, when oxygen depletion was slowed or prevented by working at lower concentrations of xanthine oxidase, at lower temperatures or by vigorous agitation under an atmosphere at 100% oxygen, superoxide dismutase or catalase protected markedly when added separately and protected almost completely when added together. This result correlates with the greater production of O2−, relative to H2O2, by xanthine oxidase, at elevated pO2. Since histidine also provided some protection and the high levels of acetaldehyde used would have precluded any significant effect of OH, we conclude that singlet oxygen, or something with similar reactivity, was generated from O2− plus H2O2 and contributed significantely to the observed autoinactivation.
Overexpression of NKG2D ligands MIC evokes NK cell-mediated inhibition in tumor intake and growth in prostate cancer xenografts

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 624 The MHC I chain-related molecule (MIC) is an epithelial transformation induced surface molecule and can be recognized by NK cell stimulatory receptor NKG2D. In vitro studies have demonstrated that MIC-expressing prostate cancer cells are highly susceptible to NK cell immunity. We thus hypothesize that MIC-induced NK cell immunity may play a significant role in prostate tumor immune surveillance. To test this hypothesis, we overexpressed MICB molecule in human prostate cancer cell line M12 (M12 MICBHi cells). We also overexpressed MICB in M12 cells at a lower level (M12 MICBLo cells). Forty 4-6 week-old balb/c nu/nu male mice were randomized into four groups. Group 1 were injected with M12. Group 2 were injected with M12MICBHi. Group 3 were injected with M12MICBLo. Group 4 were injected with M12 cells mixed with M12MICBHi cells at 2:1 ratio. 2X10^6 cells/mouse were s.c. injected. Mice were monitored for tumor growth weekly. At six weeks after injection, all the mice implanted with M12 and M12 mixed with M12MICBHi developed tumors. Tumor growth was monitored continuously for eight additional weeks before sacrificing. Tumor volume (= L2xW/2) was calculated. Tumors in animals injected with M12 grew much faster (at the average rate of 105 mm3/week) than that in animals injected with M12 mixed with M12MICBHi (at the average rate of 51 mm3/week). None of mice injected with the M12MICBHi or M12MICBLo developed tumors throughout the experimental period. In subsequent experiments, we injected 20 more mice i.p. with anti-asialoGM1 (Wako Chemicals) antibody to deplete NK cells 24h prior to injection of M12MICBHi or M12MICBLo and continued the antibody injection twice a week for eight weeks. All the 20 animals developed tumors by seven weeks after tumor cell injection. Our findings demonstrated that MIC-induced NK cell immunity plays a significant role in controlling prostate tumor development and growth. Our data also demonstrated that NK cell anti-tumor activity was less influenced by the levels of tumor cell surface MIC expression (as far as over a positive threshold) than by the numbers (percentage) of tumor cells expressing MIC. These findings may have implications in potential NK cell-based immune therapy for prostate cancer.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin induces cytosol acidification in LFA-1 expressing immune cells

Studies have suggested that Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (LtxA) kills human lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18)-bearing immune cells through a lysosomal-mediated mechanism. Lysosomes are membrane-bound cellular organelles that contain an array of acid hydrolases that are capable of breaking down biomolecules. The lysosomal membrane bilayer confines the pH-sensitive enzymes within an optimal acidic (pH 4.8) environment thereby protecting the slightly basic cytosol (pH 6.8-7.5). In the current study, we have probed the effect of LtxA-induced cytolysis on lysosomal integrity in two different K562 erythroleukemia cell lines. K562-puro/LFA-1 cells were stably transfected with CD11a and CD18 cDNA to express LFA-1 on the cell surface while K562-puro, which does not express LFA-1, served as a control. Following treatment with 100 ng ml(-1) LtxA cells were analyzed by live cell imaging in conjunction with time-lapse confocal microscopy and by flow cytometry. Using a pH-sensitive indicator (pHrodo(®)) we demonstrated that the toxin causes a decrease in the intracellular pH in K562-puro/LFA-1 cells that is noticeable within the first 15 min of treatment. This process correlated with the disappearance of lysosomes in the cytosol as determined by both acridine orange and LysoTracker(®) Red DND-99 staining. These changes were not observed in K562-puro cells or when heat inactivated toxin was added to K562-puro/LFA-1. Our results suggest that LtxA induces lysosomal damage, cytosol acidification, which is followed by cell death in K562-puro/LFA-1 cells.
The Cardioinhibitory Vasodepressor Reflex

Publisher Summary Stimulation of sensory nerve endings in the heart can induce potent reflex hemodynamic effects, primarily vasodilation and bradycardia. The afferent limb of the reflex consists of cardiac sensory nerve endings that originate in the atria and ventricles and travel through the vagus to the central nervous system. Mechanical stimulation of the ventricle, either by acute increases in left ventricular pressures and inotropism or by ventricular distortion, may also elicit the reflex. The cardiac inhibitory reflex should be suspected whenever hypotension is associated with paradoxical bradycardia, such as during the inferoposterior myocardial infarction. Afferents for the reflex are distributed preferentially in the inferoposterior wall of the left ventricle. Thus, in animal studies, occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery results in hypotension and bradycardia, and no reflex skeletal muscle vasoconstriction in response to the hypotension. These reflex responses are less pronounced with occlusion of the left anterior descending artery.
An Evolutionary Algorithm Approach to Simultaneous Multi-Mission Radar Waveform Design

The simulation results although preliminary illustrate an increase in fitness for two experimental simulation scenarios. Each scenario incorporates multiple objectives to be optimized which are dictated by the mission or missions of interest. The relatively small initial population size and the number of generations allowed to evolve were dictated by computing and time constraints. Current investigations are applying the four objective functions presented herein to a single simulated scenario. Additional degrees of freedom of the waveform parameter space are also being investigated and simulated. These incremental advances will be reported in future forums on waveform diversity and design. The presented technique to the design of diverse waveforms shows promise and will continue to become more practical as computing resources increase in power and affordability.
Goal-directed encoding of task knowledge for robotic skill acquisition

An intelligent control technique has been developed that integrates knowledge-based systems and artificial neural networks in order to emulate behavioral aspects of human skill acquisition. With strategies for learning and the capability to learn, the Robotic Skill Acquisition Architecture (RSA/sup 2/) utilizes transitions between declarative and reflexive forms of processing to enable system adaptation and optimization. The robot learns through experience how to perfect tasks initially specified in a high-level task language. Knowledge-based systems encode neural network learning strategies, and skill acquisition is associated with the shift from a predominantly feedback-oriented, rule-based representation of control to a predominantly feedforward, network-based form. How rule-based goal-directed task descriptions are used to obtain initial 'rough-cut' system performance is described. The expressive and flexible nature of RSA/sup 2/ goals is demonstrated. >
Active Contours: Snakes

The shape of a real-world object can be represented by its outline in the image plane. In computer vision, the outline of the object is referred to as the object contour. A fundamental approach to finding automatically the object contour is the “snakes framework,” which was introduced by the seminal work of Kass, et al. in 1987. For the last two decades, snakes have been used successfully in the context of facial animation, visual speech analysis, traffic monitoring, surveillance, medical imaging (tracking and segmentation of organs), and blue screening in Hollywood movies. A snake is an elastic model of a continuous and flexible curve that is fitted on the boundary between the object and the rest of the image by analyzing the visual image content. The process of fitting iteratively an initial snake to the object, such that the snake encloses the object tightly, is called “snake evolution.” During its evolution, the snake imposes continuity and smoothness constraints on the evolved contour, which relax the requirement of a noise-free image. In addition to the continuity and smoothness constraints, snakes have the capability to be attracted to certain shape configurations known a priori. The evolution of a snake from one configuration to another in consecutive frames of a video clip attributes a dynamic behavior to the contour and provides object-tracking capabilities. The snake performing object tracking is considered a dynamic contour moving from frame to frame. Keywords: contour; snake; segmentation; tracking; curve; active contour
Surface waves in multilayered elastic media. I. Rayleigh and Love waves from buried sources in a multilayered elastic half-space

A matrix formulation is used to derive integral expressions for the time transformed displacement fields produced by simple sources at any depth in a multilayered elastic isotropic solid half-space. The integrals are evaluated for their residue contribution to obtain surface wave displacements in the frequency domain. The solutions are then generalized to include the effect of a surface liquid layer. The theory includes the effect of layering and source depth for the following: (1) Rayleigh waves from an explosive source, (2) Rayleigh waves from a vertical point force, (3) Rayleigh and Love waves from a vertical strike slip fault model. The latter source also includes the effect of fault dimensions and rupture velocity. From these results we are able to show certain reciprocity relations for surface waves which had been previously proved for the total displacement field. The theory presented here lays the ground work for later papers in which theoretical seismograms are compared with observations in both the time and frequency domain.
Improving estimates of extreme snowfalls in a spatial context

Mapping extreme snowfalls in mountainous areas is important for directing resources to keep roads clear and manage avalanche risk. But data in mountainous areas are sparse, with instruments often located in valleys far from areas of concern, and historical instrumental records are generally incomplete. Scientists must therefore extrapolate and interpolate from observations to estimate snowfall amounts over a region.
Identifying factors associated with hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations among elderly patients with T2DM in the US: a novel approach using influential variable analysis.

AbstractObjective:Healthcare providers managing older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) face a complex milieu of medical conditions and comorbidities, which increase the risk of unintended treatment consequences. The objective of this study was to understand factors associated with hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations among adults with T2DM with an emphasis on older patients.Research design and methods:A large retrospective cohort study using claims data from the United States was undertaken identifying actively registered patients diagnosed with T2DM and at least one diabetes medication prescription.Main outcome measures:The main outcomes included hypoglycemia-related hospitalization and frequency of comorbidities.Results:Of patients with T2DM and hospitalization records (n = 887,182), 52.3% were male and 30.7% were aged ≥65 years. At baseline, the proportion of patients taking metformin was 52.4%, insulin 7.3%, and sulfonylurea 26.4%. Among those with diabetes-related hospitalizations, the ...
Biochemical abnormalities of the third component of complement in neonates.

ABSTRACT: The third component of complement, C3, is of central importance as an opsonin in the nonimmune host. Although gestational deficiencies in C3 levels are well recognized in neonates, defects in complement-mediated functions have not in every case correlated with low levels of complement proteins. Because opsonic functions of C3 are mediated through a reactive thiolester bond, we hypothesized that a biochemical dysfunction at this active site could explain the newborn's predisposition to infection, even with relatively normal C3 levels. We therefore examined the biochemical integrity of the C3 thiolester in an assay independent of all other complement proteins. As measured by ELISA, mean C3 levels from 44 neonates (24-43 wk) were significantly lower in infants < 30 wk gestational age (0.79 ± 0.13 mg/mL) than in full-term newborns (1.19 ± 0.27 mg/ml, p < 0.05). Furthermore, biochemical reactivity of the thiolester bond, as measured by incorporation of the radiolabeled nucleophile, methylamine, correlated significantly with gestational age (r = 0.45, p < 0.01). Functional C3 was defined as the product of thiolester reactivity and C3 level; 9/11 premature and 2/17 full-term infants had levels of functional C3 which were less than 50% of the adult norm. Structural analysis of neonatal C3 revealed the two-chain structure in all neonates; four neonates had an additional band at 205 kD which may represent an impairment in posttranslational processing of a precursor molecule. We conclude that defects in thiolester reactivity may constitute a newly identified mechanism for the newborn's susceptibility to infection.
Quantification of cysteine oxidation in human estrogen receptor by mass spectrometry.

Redox-dependent modifications of sulfhydryl groups within the two Cys4 zinc fingers of the estrogen receptor DNA-binding domain (ER-DBD) result in structural damage and loss of ER DNA-binding function, which parallels the situation observed in many ER-positive breast cancers. Quantitation of the redox status of cysteinyl thiols within ER-DBD employed cysteine-specific oxidants to induce varying degrees of oxidation in recombinant ER, followed by differential alkylation with the stable isotopic labeling reagents [12C2]-iodoacetic acid and [13C2]-bromoacetic acid. Subsequent proteolysis with LysC/Asp-N generated diagnostic peptides of which the C-terminal peptide of the second zinc finger is most strongly detected by mass spectrometry (MS) and serves as a suitable marker of ER-DBD redox status. Data were collected from two different MALDI-MS instruments: a time-of-flight and a linear ion trap (vMALDI-LIT). An analogous but larger synthetic peptide treated with three isotopic variants of the alkylating reag...
Enhancing effect of lucanthone (miracil D) on the frequency of X-ray-induced chromosome loss in drosophila male germ cells

Abstract The effect of lucanthone (miracil D), an inhibitor of RNA synthesis, plus X-irradiation on Drosophila melanogaster males X c2 yB /Y sc 8 y + and on the subsequent production of chromosome loss via breakage has been investigated. Lucanthone feeding plus 495 R induced a significantly higher frequency of chromosome loss when irradiation was given in three equal fractionated doses at 3-h intervals than the same dose given acutely. On the other hand, the difference in frequency of non-disjunctional females was not significant. The enhancing effects of this chemical were found only in the fractionated series but were absent in acute X-irradiation series. This effect was found primarily in those cells in spermatid and spermatocyte stages at the time of irradiation. A pertinent point of interest presented was that not only protein synthesis but also RNA synthesis may play a significant role in the development of radiation damage and in postradiation repair processes at the chromosomal level, since inhibition of RNA synthesis may eventually inhibit protein synthesis.
The non-native solitary ascidian Ciona intestinalis (L.) depresses species richness

Abstract Non-native ascidians are a dominant feature of many sessile marine communities throughout the world and may have negative effects on species diversity. We tested effects of the non-native Ciona intestinalis on the sessile invertebrate community in San Francisco Bay, where it occurs in dense aggregations. In particular, we compared species richness between PVC panels from which C. intestinalis were experimentally removed to panels with naturally dense C. intestinalis growth, using fouling panels of four sizes (between 49 cm2 and 1177 cm2) to measure the effect of C. intestinalis recruitment on species-area relationships. We initially deployed 120 fouling panels (30 of each size) at a site known to have dense populations of C. intestinalis, assigning these to three different treatments: (1) Experimental removal, whereby new recruits of C. intestinalis were removed on a weekly basis, pulling panels out of the water for a short time period to do so; (2) Manipulated control, whereby panels were removed from the water each week (as in the experimental removal) but without C. intestinalis removal; and (3) Unmanipulated control, which remained in the water throughout the experiment. After 4 months, all of the panels were collected and analyzed to estimate species richness and relative abundance (percent cover) of sessile invertebrates and of C. intestinalis. Across all panels, species richness was negatively correlated with C. intestinalis abundance. The removal of C. intestinalis produced communities with significantly higher species richness than the controls. The overall species composition of treated and control panels was also distinctly different, with many species occurring more often in the absence of C. intestinalis, while others occurred more often on C. intestinalis-dominated panels. These data suggest that C. intestinalis both depress local species diversity and alter community assembly processes to fundamentally change sessile community composition.
Lethal and sublethal body residues for PCB intoxication in the oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus

Abstract The oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus, was used to examine the utility of critical body residues in describing lethal and sublethal chronic endpoints during polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) exposure. L. variegatus was exposed to four 14C-PCB congeners and 2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (DDE) on algal cells. Accumulation and resulting effects were monitored in 10-day acute and 35-day chronic exposures. L. variegatus was resistant to the acute lethal narcotic effects of these contaminants and no mortality was obtained in 10-day exposures. However, mortality that was significantly different from unexposed controls occurred for four compounds in 35-day assays; average body residues for chronic mortality were consistent among contaminants (0.88–1.35 mmol kg−1). Kinetic studies showed that failure to generate mortality in some exposures was due to rapid elimination. Mono-2-chlorobiphenyl, for instance, had a Kd of 0.22 h−1 which was seven to 44 times faster than for the other contaminants. Sublethal reductions in body mass and reproduction occurred at lower body residues than were needed to produce mortality (0.34–0.56 mmol kg−1). The consistency of the sublethal data suggests that they may offer a means of interpreting residue data for PCBs in the environment.
The Use of the single cell gel electrophoresis assay in detecting DNAsingle strand breaks in lung cells in vitro

Abstract DNA single strand breaks (SSB) can be used as a biomarker ofoxidant exposure, and also as an indicator of the carcinogenicity/mutagenicity of a substance. The single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay is more sensitive and requires fewer cells compared to other techniques used for detecting SSB. We examined the utility of using the SCGE assay for human lung cells exposed to endogenous and exogenous oxidants. A human bronchial cell line (BEAS) was used as a model of airway epithelial cells in this study. BEAS cells exposed to 0–50 μ M hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) for 60 min at 4°C exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in SSB as determined by an increased DNA migration area in a gel undergoing electrophoresis. H 2 O 2 -induced increases in DNA SSB were also demonstrated using cultured normal human tracheobronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells and human alveolar macrophages in a concentration response manner. BEAS cells were also exposed to air or ozone (O 3 ) on a Transwell filter without medium present apically. Cells exposed to O 3 at 0.1 or 0.4 ppm at 37°C for up 120 min had a time- and concentration-dependent increase in SSB compared to air-exposed cells. NHBE cells exposed to 0.4 ppm 03 (60 min) also had increased DNA SSB. Cells with H 2 O 2 -induced DNA SSB can be frozen and stored up to 4 weeks without altering the original DNA SSB. These findings indicate that SC GE can be used to detect SSB in cultured lung cells, and has applicability for detecting SSB in lung cells recovered from in vivo and in vitro exposures to oxidants.
Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria in end stage cystic fibrosis: implications for lung transplantation

Background: WC and NS contributed equally. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) frequently colonise patients with end stage cystic fibrosis (CF), but its impact on the course of the disease following lung transplantation is unknown. Methods: Lung transplant recipients with CF who underwent lung transplantation at our institution between January 1990 and May 2003 (n = 146) and CF patients awaiting lung transplantation in May 2003 (n = 31) were studied retrospectively. Results: The prevalence rate of NTM isolated from respiratory cultures in patients with end stage CF referred for lung transplantation was 19.7%, compared with a prevalence rate of 13.7% for NTM isolates in CF lung transplant recipients. The overall prevalence of invasive NTM disease after lung transplantation was low (3.4%) and was predicted most strongly by pre-transplant NTM isolation (p = 0.001, Fisher’s exact test, odds ratio (OR) 6.13, 95% CI 3.2 to 11.4). This association was restricted to Mycobacterium abscessus (p = 0.005, Fisher’s exact test, OR 7.45, 95% CI 2.9 to 16.9). While NTM disease caused significant morbidity in a small number of patients after transplantation, it was successfully treated and did not influence the post-transplant course of the disease. Conclusion: The isolation of NTM before transplantation in CF patients should not be an exclusion criterion for lung transplantation, but it may alert the clinician to patients at risk of recurrence following transplantation.
A mixed-TEHD analysis and experiment of journal bearings under severe operating conditions

Abstract The increasingly high demands for compact design require journal bearings to work under severe operating conditions. A steady-state mixed-TEHD (thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic) model for journal bearings has been developed. The model considers the fluid flow in the gap formed by rough surfaces, asperity contact, surface thermoelastic deformations, and a temperature–pressure–viscosity relationship for the lubricant, as well as an angular misalignment between the journal and the bearing. The model is verified with experimentally measured temperature data. Numerical simulations of the operation of a typical journal bearing are conducted and the importance of several contributing factors in mixed lubrication is discussed. A bearing temperature transition has been experimentally identified and numerically analyzed.
Personal goals as predictors of college student drinking motives, alcohol use and related problems.

Objective: Although there has been extensive research examining drinking motives, relatively little of that research has focused on those factors that might underlie drinking motives. The present study examines whether nonalcohol-related motives (personal goals) can predict drinking motives, self-reported drinking and alcohol-related problems in a college student sample. Method: For an experiment on "attitudes and drinking," 290 volunteer undergraduate students (169 women and 121 men) completed measures of daily goal functioning (Personal Projects Analysis), drinking motives (Drinking Motives Questionnaire), frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed and alcohol-related problems (Drinkers Inventory of Consequences). Results: Using path analysis, it was found that nonalcohol-related goals serve as significant distal predictors of alcohol-related problems, with their effects almost entirely mediated by drinking motives and/or drinking level. Perceptions of life goals involving goal self-efficacy, meaningful...