cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel bicistronic vector for overexpressing Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteins in Escherichia coli

A putative DNA glycosylase encoded by the Rv3297 gene (MtuNei2) has been identified in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Our efforts to express this gene in Escherichia coli either by supplementing tRNAs for rare codons or optimizing the gene with preferred codons for E. coli resulted in little or no expression. On the other hand, high-level expression was observed using a bicistronic expression vector in which the target gene was translationally coupled to an upstream leader sequence. Further comparison of the predicted mRNA secondary structures supported the hypothesis that mRNA secondary structure(s) surrounding the translation initiation region (TIR), rather than codon usage, played the dominant role in influencing translation efficiency, although manipulation of codon usage or tRNA supplementation did further enhance expression in the bicistronic vector. Addition of a cleavable N-terminal tag also facilitated gene expression in E. coli, possibly through a similar mechanism. However, since cleavage of N-terminal tags is determined by the amino acid at the P1′ position downstream of the protease recognition sequence and results in the addition of an extra amino acid in front of the N-terminus of the protein, this strategy is not particularly amenable to Fpg/Nei family DNA glycosylases which carry the catalytic proline residue at the P1′ position and require a free N-terminus. On the other hand, the bicistronic vector constructed here is potentially valuable particularly when expressing proteins from G/C rich organisms and when the proteins carry proline residues at the N-terminus in their native form. Thus the bicistronic expression system can be used to improve translation efficiency of mRNAs and achieve high-level expression of mycobacterial genes in E. coli.
Altered endothelin receptor expression in prehepatic portal hypertension predisposes the liver to microcirculatory dysfunction in rats.

Abstract Background/Aims : Endothelin (ET) is one of the most active vascular regulators in the liver. It is unknown how partial portal vein ligation (PPVL) induced prehepatic portal hypertension influences the response of the liver to ET and its agonists. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the expression of ET receptors and its functional significance after PPVL. Methods : Competitive receptor binding study and semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed using liver homogenates after 2 weeks of PPVL or sham operation in rats. Hepatic microcirculation was evaluated in vivo using intravital microscopy. Results : Although there was no significant difference in dissociation constant ( K d ) and total amount of receptors ( B max ) between sham and PPVL, the proportion of ET B receptor was significantly increased in PPVL. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the up-regulation of ET B receptors demonstrated by the competitive receptor binding assay. In the functional study, infusion of ET B agonist (IRL 1620) in a low dosage did not change the hepatic microcirculation in sham but strongly constricted the sinusoids leading to a reduction of sinusoidal perfusion in PPVL. Conclusions : These results suggest that prehepatic portal hypertension may predispose the hepatic microcirculation to dysregulation in stress conditions where ET is upregulated.
Astronomy: Unifying active galactic nuclei

Properties of companion galaxies strengthen the idea that the probability of the inner regions of an active galaxy being hidden from our view by dust depends on environmental and evolutionary factors.
Effect of Ezetimibe on Major Atherosclerotic Disease Events and All-Cause Mortality

Despite ezetimibe's ability to reduce serum cholesterol levels, there are concerns over its vascular effects and whether it prevents or ameliorates atherosclerotic disease (AD). The aims of this study were to estimate the effect of ezetimibe use on major AD events and all-cause mortality and to compare these associations to those observed for hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) use. A total of 367 new ezetimibe users were identified from November 1, 2002, to December 31, 2009. These subjects were aged ≥18 years and had no previous statin use. One to 4 statin user matches were identified for each ezetimibe user, resulting in a total of 1,238 closely matched statin users. Pharmacy data and drug dosage information were used to estimate a moving window of ezetimibe and statin exposure for each day of study follow-up. The primary outcome was a composite of major AD events (coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease events) and all-cause death. Ezetimibe use (odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.86) and statin use (odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.36 to 1.04) were associated with reductions in the likelihood of the composite outcome. These protective associations were most significant for cerebrovascular disease events and all-cause death. Subgroup analyses by gender, race or ethnicity, history of AD, diabetes status, and estimated renal function showed consistent estimates across strata, with no significant differences between ezetimibe and statin use. In conclusion, ezetimibe appeared to have a protective effect on major AD events and all-cause death that was not significantly different from that observed for statin use.
Comments, with reply, on "Axiomatizing software test data adequacy" by E.J. Weyuker

E.J. Weyuker (ibid., vol.SE-12, p.1128-38, Dec. 1986) recently proposed a set of properties which should be satisfied by any reasonable criterion used to claim that a computer program has been adequately tested. The author called these properties 'axioms'. She also evaluated several well-known testing strategies with respect to these properties, and concluded that some of the commonly used strategies failed to satisfy several of the properties. The commenters question both the fundamental nature of the properties and the precision with which they are presented, and illustrate how a number of ideas in E.J. Weyuker's paper can be simplified and clarified through greater precision and a more consistent set of definitions. They also reanalyze the testing strategies after accounting for these inconsistencies. The strategies tend to work better as a result of this reanalysis. The author rebuts the commenter's arguments. >
Abstract 5569: The association between statin use and risk of biochemical recurrence in men treated with radical prostatectomy in a cohort of men with inherited forms of prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Background: Evidence exists that statin medications are associated with decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer. The risk factors for prostate cancer are increasing age, African-American race and family history of the disease. To date, studies of the association between statin medication and risk of prostate cancer have not considered men with familial or hereditary prostate cancer. Methods: Men enrolled in the University of Michigan Prostate Cancer Genetics Project (PCGP) who had been previously diagnosed with prostate cancer and treated with radical prostatectomy were surveyed as to their past and current statin medication use status, type of statin medication, duration of statin medication use and their incidence of biochemical recurrence. PCGP is a large, family-based study of inherited forms of prostate cancer. The PCGP enrollment criteria included families with two or more living-affected family members in a first-degree or second-degree relationship. The risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) was modeled using logistic regression models and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Of 595 unrelated men with past radical prostatectomy surveyed, 91 men experienced BCR. At time of survey, 40% of men were current statin users. Median follow-up time was 67 months for statin users was 75 months for non-statin users. Current statin-use at time of recurrence was associated with a decreased risk of BCR (OR = 0.685; 95% C.I.:0.438 – 1.072; p=0.09); while ever statin-use was not associated with risk of BCR in multivariate models adjusted for age and BMI. Discussion: This represents the only study to date to assess statin medication use and the risk of biochemical recurrence in men with familial and hereditary prostate cancer. Given the importance of family history as a risk factor for prostate cancer, these findings should be confirmed in other studies and may implicate subgroups of men at risk for prostate cancer who may benefit from statin medication use. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5569. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5569
French and Raven's Power Bases: A Focus for Educational Researchers and Practitioners:

The paper argues that the effective use of power, a little-investigated concept, is crucial to providing leadership in educational settings. It then presents French and Raven's social bases of powe...
Distribution of cerium in the digestive tract of the calf according to time after dosing.

Abstract Radiocerium was used as a marker to follow movement of undigested residues in 120kg calves fed hay and grain. A different calf was dosed orally at each of the 4-hour intervals from 4 to 72 hours before slaughter with either 141 Ce or 144 Ce. All calves received the opposite radiocerium isotope orally 24 hours before slaughter. The 24-hour dose distribution was a standard for adjusting individual distributions at the various time intervals to a common basis. Cerium in the rumen decreased progressively from 80% of the total recovered from the entire digestive tract plus feces at 4 hours to 6% at 72 hours after dosing. Changes in cerium in the omasum were not related to time after dosing. Abomasal cerium decreased from 2% at 4 hours to 0.2% at 72 hours. Cerium in the small intestine peaked above 6% between 8 and 12 hours, plateaued above 4% until 28 hours, then decreased to 0.7% by 72 hours. Cecal cerium contents were similar except the peak occurred 4 hours later. Measurable cerium did not reach the large intestine until 8 hours, peaked at 20% by 20 hours, and decreased to 2% by 72 hours. Cerium recovered in feces increased from 0 at 4 hours to 90% by 72 hours.
Phycomyces: a new gene for a flavoprotein with covalently linked cofactor

We have identified a new locus in Phycomyces blakesleeanus that codes for a flavoprotein designated previously as FP2. According to results from a sexual cross, this locus, flp, maps near the gene madC, a marker for abnormal phototropic sensitivity. The recombination frequency between flp and madC is about 10%. Further, the flp marker is unlinked with the carotene locus carA. Because the flavoprotein FP2 is absent in certain photoreceptor mutants (Pollock et al. 1985 a), it had been proposed as a candidate for the blue-light photoreceptor. We have found, however, that some strains lacking this protein retain normal phototropism. Therefore, the flavoprotein FP2 is probably not involved in photoreception.
A finite-element and Newton-Raphson method for inverse computing multilayer moduli

The research goal is to develop a numerical method and computer code to inverse compute the multilayer moduli of a flexible pavement structure. A finite element model with infinite-elements on the infinite-half spaces of boundaries is developed to model pavement responses. A Newton-Raphson iteration procedure is proposed to inverse compute the multilayer moduli. Compared to most conventional analytical approaches it could account for temperature profile and associated modulus variation. A computer code is developed for the entire numerical computation. An average error of 1.77, 10.83, 8.99 and 1.08% is achieved for the inversed moduli of asphalt layer, base, subbase, and soil, respectively, based on 5000 dataset for validation. The method could also inverse compute the modulus variation of the top asphalt layer due to temperature profile, with an average error of 4.45% attained for three examples in cold, regular and hot weather conditions.
Improving hydrogen storage/release properties of magnesium with nano-sized metal catalysts as measured by tapered element oscillating microbalance

An effective catalyst doping method was developed for directly depositing nano-particles of various metal catalysts (palladium, platinum and ruthenium) on the outer surface of magnesium powders through a wet chemistry process. The catalyst-doped magnesium was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Catalysts of nano-meter size were uniformly deposited on the outer surface of the magnesium particles. The hydrogen storage and hydrogen release properties of magnesium and catalysts-doped magnesium were measured in situ by the tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM), and also by the volumetric method. Both the hydrogen absorption and hydrogen release kinetics of magnesium were significantly improved by doping the nano-particle catalysts. Among the three metals-doped and examined, palladium showed the best catalytic effect. Upon doping 0.5 mol% nano-particle palladium, the hydrogen absorption and hydrogen release rates of magnesium increased 1 and 14 times, respectively, as revealed by the dynamic measurement of storage/release by TEOM, which indicated a strong catalytic effect.
Plantar responses after epileptic seizures

We evaluated plantar responses after 75 epileptic seizures and 21 psychogenic seizures in 53 patients undergoing video-EEG monitoring. Extensor plantar responses (EPRs) were found after 27% of epileptic seizures in 42% of patients with epilepsy. EPRs were not found after psychogenic seizures but were seen after 52% of tonic-clonic seizures. Unilateral EPRs were usually contralateral to the side of seizure onset.
Pion-nucleon vertex function and the Chew-Low model

We provide an interpretation of the cutoff function used in the Chew-Low theory of pion-nucleon scattering. It is shown that this function may be related to the pion-pion interaction which is not explicitly considered in the Chew-Low approach. Using a previously developed model for the pion-nucleon vertex function, we then perform a ''parameter-free'' Chew-Low calculation which predicts the P/sub 33/ resonance quite well.
GEOGRAPHIC DEREGULATION OF THE U.S. BANKING INDUSTRY AND SPATIAL TRANSFERS OF CORPORATE CONTROL

High interest rates, technology, and the emergence of global capital markets have produced significant changes in the competitive market for financial services. Commercial banks, faced with increased competition from other financial service institutions, began to push for product and geographic deregulation in the early 1980s. Geographic deregulation has made it possible for bank holding companies to acquire banks in other states. The proportion of U.S. commercial banking assets held interstate increased from less than 2% in 1980 to over 15% at the beginning of 1990. Gains in asset control have been concentrated among fewer states than have the losses. Regional interstate banking pacts between states have caused the acquisition fields of banks to exhibit a strong regional character. Interstate banking acquisitions have led to differential growth rates among MSAs in headquartered banking assets, and a diminished share of headquartered assets accounted for by the nation's five largest banking centers.
Binocular interaction neural network model using parallel channel architecture

Stereo vision is the sensation of visual depth that results from the neural response to dissimilarities in the images seen by the two retinas. Psychophysical studies have strongly suggested that stereo disparity exists in the human visual system, and forms the basis for three-dimensional depth perception in the brain. In the past, this subject has been studied by many scientists using various approaches. Recently, several vision biologists have proposed a human binocular neural interaction model. We derive the mathematical equations for the model based on their discovery, and simulate this multilayer neural network model with real binocular images on a digital computer. This model proves to be a novel approach that provides binocular depth performance close to the biological data.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Erratum to: "A study on fatigue crack growth behavior subjected to a single tensile overload: Part II. Transfer of stress concentration and its role in overload-induced transient crack growth" [Acta Mater. 59 (2011) 495-502]

Erratum to: “A study on fatigue crack growth behavior subjected to a single tensile overload: Part II. Transfer of stress concentration and its role in overload-induced transient crack growth” [Acta Mater. 59 (2011) 495–502] S.Y. Lee , H. Choo , P.K. Liaw a,⇑, K. An , C.R. Hubbard c Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Neutron Scattering Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
Developing an evidence-based, multimedia group counseling curriculum toolkit

Training community-based addiction counselors in empirically supported treatments (ESTs) far exceeds the ever-decreasing resources of publicly funded treatment agencies. This feasibility study describes the development and pilot testing of a group counseling toolkit (an approach adapted from the education field) focused on relapse prevention (RP). When counselors (N = 17) used the RP toolkit after 3 hours of training, their content adherence scores on "coping with craving" and "drug refusal skills" showed significant improvement, as indicated by very large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 1.49 and 1.34, respectively). Counselor skillfulness, in the "adequate-to-average" range at baseline, did not change. Although this feasibility study indicates some benefit to counselor EST acquisition, it is important to note that the impact of the curriculum on client outcomes is unknown. Because a majority of addiction treatment is delivered in group format, a multimedia curriculum approach may assist counselors in applying ESTs in the context of actual service delivery.
The International Competition Network: Its Past, Current and Future Role

In its first decade, the International Competition Network has prospered, contributed to the development of widely accepted international policy norms, and come to exemplify the form of voluntary multinational collaboration that commentators have identified as a promising way to facilitate international ordering amid the global decentralization and diversification of economic regulations. This article takes stock of ICN’s achievements, considers why it has succeeded in many of its aims, and asks a number of questions regarding what comes next. It seeks to inform the ICN’s future by offering a way to think of its institutional characteristics to assess its relative advantages.The ICN’s paramount goal is to facilitate convergence - the broad acceptance of standards concerning the substantive doctrine and analytical methods of competition law, the procedures for applying substantive commands, and the methods for administering a competition agency - on superior approaches concerning the substance, procedure, and administration of competition law with the expectation that if competition systems around the world opt in to superior techniques, they will achieve greater progress toward dismantling competitive restraints. The article begins by examining the convergence methods, specifically the four elements of ICN’s convergence strategy. It then discusses the context of the ICN within the major international competition networks that have played important roles in the development of international competition policy standards - OECD, UNCTAD, and the WTO. Finally, it looks at the ICC’s interaction with other multinational networks and considers how much the ICN’s convergence-related initiatives will reduce conflicts among jurisdictions with respect to the treatment of specific matters and whether ICN inspired convergence will suffice to eliminate transnational conflicts.The authors see three major focal points for the ICN in the coming decade. The first is to build on its past successes and continue to pursue the identification and adoption of best practices with respect to substantive standards, procedures and the administration of competitive agencies. The second is for future ICN efforts to identify and make use of complementarities with the OECD and UNCTAD to provide a basis for the networks to identify areas in which collaboration will improve their collective effectiveness. The third is to examine and refine the ICN’s operational framework and determine whether its structure and operational forms are adequate to supports its current and future programs. Finally, the authors see major and administrative challenges ahead with problems of resources, financing, and management that must be resolved for the ICC to have a successful second decade.
Strategy Maps: A Spatial Representation of Intra-Industry Competitive Strategy

We introduce an integrative tool, called a strategy map, for describing the nature of a given competitive environment. The approach can also suggest specific courses of actions for competing businesses in those environments. The strength of the method is its ability to capture and communicate visually through a map the complex relations among competitive strategy variables and performance simultaneously. This article focuses on theory from the strategy field to develop a basic model that ties together the key elements in the development of any competitive strategy map. This theoretical development is followed with an examination of some of the important methodological developments in the field. The article then goes into the statistical development of the methodology. Then the maps are developed through a methodology which captures the simultaneous, multidimensional, and interrelated nature of business strategy and performance for a group of businesses within an industry. Specifically, we a present a multidimensional scaling methodology for describing the competitive nature of a given industry, b examine the necessary tradeoffs that a competitor must make in targeting its performance goals, and c explore the relative importance the different strategy variables have for achieving these performance goals in the given competitive environment. An empirical application using PIMS data is presented-strategy maps are derived for a mature, industrial supplier to illustrate how the method can be employed as a descriptive tool in competitive strategy. The findings are then validated for a randomly selected business.
Colonoscopic polypectomy in chronic colitis: conservative management after endoscopic resection of dysplastic polyps.

Abstract Background & Aims: Adenomatous polyps are by definition dysplastic and pathologically indistinguishable from the dysplasia-associated lesion or mass (DALM) described in 1981. Yet, adenomatous polyps in noncolitic colons are usually removed definitively endoscopically, whereas DALMs are regarded as harbingers of colon cancer, mandating colectomy. Methods: Since 1988, all of our patients with chronic ulcerative or Crohn's colitis and dysplastic polyps and no coexistent dysplasia in flat mucosa underwent colonoscopic polypectomy. Biopsy specimens were obtained also adjacent to polypectomy sites, from strictures, and throughout the colon at 10-cm intervals. Follow-up colonoscopies and biopsies were performed within 6 months after polypectomy and yearly thereafter. Results: Colonoscopy in 48 patients with chronic colitis (mean duration, 25.4 years) resected 70 polyps (60 in colitic and 10 in noncolitic mucosa). Polyps were detected on screening colonoscopies (29%) and on surveillance (71%). Pathology was tubular adenoma in all polyps from noncolitic mucosa and low-grade dysplasia (57), high-grade dysplasia (2), or carcinoma (1) in polyps from colitic mucosa. Subsequent colonoscopies (mean follow-up, 4.1 years) revealed additional polyps in 48% but no carcinomas. Surgical resection (6 patients) for recurrent polyps confirmed colonoscopic findings. No dysplasia or cancers in flat mucosa were found at surgery or on follow-up colonoscopies. Conclusions: In patients with chronic colitis who have no dysplasia in flat mucosa, colonoscopic resection of dysplastic polyps can be performed effectively, just as in noncolitic colons. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1999;117:1295-1300
Increased efficiency of homologous recombination in Toxoplasma gondii dense granule protein 3 demonstrates that GRA3 is not necessary in cell culture but does contribute to virulence.

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii possesses unique secretory organelles, which synchronously release proteins during and after invasion. One of these organelles, the dense granules, secrete proteins after invasion which are thought to be important in development of the parasite throughout all stages of its life cycle. Dense granule protein 3 (GRA3) is a 30 kDa protein localized to the intravacuolar network and parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM). Like many dense granule proteins, GRA3 has no homology to proteins with described functions. However, it has been hypothesized to be involved in nutrient acquisition for the parasite due to its localization on the PVM. To begin to investigate the importance of GRA3, the locus was disrupted by homologous replacement with a chloramphenicol resistance gene in a type II strain. Two ΔGRA3 strains were obtained after two independent electroporations with efficiency greater than 80%. No differences between wild-type and ΔGRA3 were detected in cell culture growth rate or bradyzoite formation. Location of other parasite dense granule proteins and association with host cell organelles were also not affected in ΔGRA3. Interestingly, at an infectious dose approximately four-fold above the lethal dose 50% for wild-type parasites, all mice infected with ΔGRA3-2 infected mice survived acute infection. Complementation of GRA3 expression in the ΔGRA3-2 strain restored virulence to wild-type levels, and increased the virulence of the ΔGRA3-1, confirming that the GRA3 protein plays a role during acute infection in a type II strain.
Diagnostic Yield of Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Idiopathic Vocal Fold Paresis

ObjectiveTo determine the diagnostic yield of computed tomography (CT) in establishing an etiology in patients with idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paresis (IUVFP). To determine the proportion of ...
Transgenic mice expressing human copper–zinc superoxide dismutase exhibit attenuated apparent diffusion coefficient reduction during reperfusion following focal cerebral ischemia

Since ADC reduction reflects intracellular edema which is an early indicator of ischemic cellular metabolic stress, we hypothesized that a decrease in ADC as determined by diffusion weighted MR imaging could be attenuated by SOD expression in transgenic mice during reperfusion following focal cerebral ischemia. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) was performed to evaluate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) reduction by constructing ADC maps with a color scale to localize ADC change in transgenic (Tg) mice expressing human CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD) and wild type (Wt) mice during 1 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and 1 h reperfusion. Heat shock protein (hsp) 70-kDa mRNA analysis was evaluated as a marker of sublethal cell stress by in situ hybridization after 4 h reperfusion for comparison with Nissl staining of adjacent sections to assess infarction. Sequential ADC maps were prepared in Tg mice with sufficient temporal and spatial resolution to permit comparison with Wt mice. Tg mice showed substantial recovery of the ADC lesion after reperfusion, while Wt mice showed no recovery. There was no difference between Tg and Wt mice in the size or distribution of the ADC lesion during ischemia. The area with strong expression of hsp70 mRNA in the ischemic hemisphere was substantially larger in the Tg mice. Nissl staining showed less damage of brain tissue in Tg mice than Wt mice especially in the cortex after 4 h reperfusion following 1 h MCAO. Results demonstrate that antioxidant effects of human CuZn-SOD reduce cellular edema due to oxidative stress during reperfusion but not during ischemia after 1 h MCAO. Hsp70 could be one of the proteins that mediates protection by SOD against oxidative stress.
Guest Editors' Introduction: Resource Virtualization Renaissance

Virtualization technologies encompass a variety of mechanisms and techniques used to address computer system problems such as security, performance, and reliability by decoupling the architecture and user-perceived behavior of hardware and software resources from their physical implementation.
SALSA: a new approach to scheduling with timing constraints

An approach to scheduling in high-level synthesis that meets timing constraints while attempting to minimize hardware resource costs is described. The approach is based on a modified control/data-flow graph (CDFG) representation called SALSA. SALSA provides a simple move set that allows alternative schedules to be quickly explored while maintaining timing constraints. It is shown that this move set is complete in that any legal schedule can be reached using some sequence of move applications. In addition, SALSA provides support for scheduling with conditionals, loops, and subroutines. Scheduling with SALSA is performed in two steps. First, an initial schedule that meets timing constraints is generated using a constraint solution algorithm adapted from layout compaction. Second, the schedule is improved using the SALSA move set under control of a simulated annealing algorithm. Results show the scheduler's ability to find good schedules which meet timing constraints in reasonable execution times. >
Ripple effects of an embedded social agent: a field study of a social robot in the workplace

Prior research has investigated the effect of interactive social agents presented on computer screens or embodied in robots. Much of this research has been pursued in labs and brief field studies. Comparatively little is known about social agents embedded in the workplace, where employees have repeated interactions with the agent, alone and with others. We designed a social robot snack delivery service for a workplace, and evaluated the service over four months allowing each employee to use it for two months. We report on how employees responded to the robot and the service over repeated encounters. Employees attached different social roles to the robot beyond a delivery person as they incorporated the robot's visit into their workplace routines. Beyond one-on-one interaction, the robot created a ripple effect in the workplace, triggering new behaviors among employees, including politeness, protection of the robot, mimicry, social comparison, and even jealousy. We discuss the implications of these ripple effects for designing services incorporating social agents.
An Interview with Anita Woolfolk: The Educational Psychology of Teacher Efficacy

AnitaWoolfolkHoyreceivedherBAinPsychologyin1969andherPhDin Educational Psychology both from the University of Texas at Austin. Sheworked brieﬂy as a school psychologist in Texas, and then joined the facultyinDepartmentofEducationalPsychologyoftheGraduateSchoolofEduca-tion at Rutgers University in 1979. She remained there until 1993 and servedas Chair of the department from 1990 to 1993. Presently, she is a Professorin the College of Education at The Ohio State University. Her professionalofﬁces include Vice-President for Division K (Teaching and Teacher Edu-cation) of the American Educational Research Association and Presidentof Division 15 (Educational Psychology) of the American Psychological As-sociation. She has published research in the areas of student perceptions ofteachers, teachers’ beliefs, student motivation, and the application of educa-tional psychology to teaching. Her text,
Effectiveness of intensive medical therapy in type B aortic dissection: a single-center experience.

Objective Although the mainstay of managing acute descending thoracic aortic dissection (ADTAD) remains medical, certain patients will require emergency surgery for complications of rupture or ischemia. This study evaluates factors that affect outcome and determines which patients previously treated surgically would have been eligible for endovascular repair. Methods A single-institution retrospective study was conducted of patients who presented with clinical signs of ADTAD that was confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or computed tomography (CT). All patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and medically managed to maintain systolic blood pressure P Results Between 1991 and 2005, 83 patients (55 men) were treated for ADTAD. The mean age was 67 years (range, 38 to 85). Sixty-eight patients (82%) had hypertension, three (3.6%) had Marfan syndrome, and 51 (62%) were smokers. Twenty-five (32%) of the patients were receiving β-blocker therapy before the onset of their symptoms. Back pain was the most common initial symptom (72.2%). Emergency surgery was required in 19 patients (23%): 12 for rupture or impending rupture, four for mesenteric ischemia, and three for lower extremity ischemia. The need for emergency surgery was significantly higher in smokers ( P = .03), in patients >70 years old ( P = .035), and in patients who were not receiving β-blocker therapy before the onset of symptoms ( P = .023). The combined overall morbidity rate was 33%, and the mortality rate was 9.6%. Morbidity in group 2 was 64% and significantly higher than the 23% in group 1 ( P = .00227). The mortality rate was also higher in group 2 at 31.5% compared with group 1 at 1.6% ( P = .0004). Factors affecting the overall mortality included age >70 years ( P = .057), previous abdominal aortic aneurysm repair ( P = .018), tobacco use ( P = .039), and the presence of leg pain at initial presentation ( P = .013). As determined from the review of radiologic data, 11 of 13 patients with scans available for review in group 2 could have been treated with currently available endovascular grafts. Conclusions Intensive medical therapies are effective in preventing early mortality associated with ADTAD. Predictably, the need for emergency surgery carries a high morbidity and mortality rate. Most patients in this series requiring emergency surgery could have been candidates for endovascular therapy had it been available.
Aristocratic Power and the “Natural” Landscape: The Garden Park at Hesdin, ca. 1291–1302

In 1292, at the age of forty-two, Count Robert II of Artois returned to his county in northern France after spending much of his adult life advancing the interests of members of his family—the French royal family—in North Africa, northern Spain, and southern Italy. After he relocated to France, Robert's employees and household familiars included nine men from southern Italy and Sicily, three from northern Italy and five from northern Iberia. With the assistance of these immigrant employees Robert revolutionized his comital and household administration, began breeding war horses at his stud farm in Normandy, and constructed the most famous northern European garden park of the later Middle Ages—the park of Hesdin. The role of these immigrants in reshaping Artois provides compelling evidence that the colonizing and crusading experiences of northern Europeans led to important transformations at home.
Can we control El Niño

The question of whether it is possible to intentionally modify the El Nino/Southern oscillation (ENSO) cycle is explored as a case study in the dynamics of climate intervention beyond simple temperature adjustment. A plausible control strategy is described, including an estimate of the energy it would require to implement. The intent here is not to suggest that we should do so, but rather that the scale of the required intervention is such that we could intentionally influence ENSO. Simulations use the Cane–Zebiak intermediate complexity model, and demonstrate that depending on the parameter regime, a feedback strategy that dynamically deflects less than 1% of the sunlight over the Nino-3 region of the eastern tropical Pacific could be used to reduce the probability of extreme ENSO events (T > 2°C) to near zero, or conversely to enhance the cycle.
Genetic neuroscience of mammalian learning and memory

Our primary research interest is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms on neuronal circuitry underlying the acquisition, consolidation and retrieval of hippocampus-dependent memory in rodents. We study these problems by producing genetically engineered (i.e. spatially targeted and/or temporally restricted) mice and analysing these mice by multifaceted methods including molecular and cellular biology, in vitro and in vivo physiology and behavioural studies. We attempt to identify deficits at each of the multiple levels of complexity in specific brain areas or cell types and deduce those deficits that underlie specific learning or memory. We will review our recent studies on the acquisition, consolidation and recall of memories that have been conducted with mouse strains in which genetic manipulations were targeted to specific types of cells in the hippocampus or forebrain of young adult mice.
Position and course of the mandibular canal in skulls

Objective The aim of this study was to examine and describe the topography of the mandibular canal (MC) in both vertical and occlusal dimensions. Study Design Fifty-two adult skulls deposited in the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine skull collection were evaluated in this study. Cone-beam computerized tomographic scans of each skull were obtained. Results The vertical course of MC was classified into 3 types: straight projection (12.2%), catenary-like configuration (51.1%), and progressive descent from posterior to anterior (36.7%). The evaluation of the buccolingual dimension showed that the mandibular canal was located either in contact with or close to the lingual cortical plate (≤2 mm) in the molar region of the majority of the cases. As it proceeds anteriorly it moves toward the buccal aspect of the mandible, where it finally emerges through the mental foramen. Three emerging patterns of mandibular canal were observed: sharp turn (53.2%), soft curved exit (28.8%), and straight path (17.4%). The examination of the vertical dimension showed that the canal was located almost 1 cm above the inferior border of the mandible and then ascended to reach the mental foramen, which is located ∼16 mm (range 13.4-20.3 mm) above the inferior border of the mandible. We found a strong correlation between height of the mandible and location of the mental foramen ( r = 0.64; P Conclusions The course of mandibular canal described in vertical and axial dimensions and variation in its path have been classified. In addition to variation in location of MC, it has different anatomic configurations which clinicians should be familiar with in any surgical procedures involving the posterior mandible.
On the role of damage energy in the fatigue degradation characterization of a composite laminate

Abstract The results of a series of experiments to characterize the damage behavior of a glass/epoxy laminate are presented in terms of hysteresis energy dissipation, damage energy variation, energy associated with thermal capacity, temperature rise, and a new method that utilizes thermodynamic entropy production. Results are presented for the observed damage stages and their durations. Different life spans for damage stages are observed based on the plots of damage energy and hysteresis energy. A theoretical model based on the energy balance and the second law of thermodynamics is presented that takes into account the role of hysteresis, damage energy and energy associated with thermal capacity as well as the thermodynamic entropy in the fatigue degradation of a composite laminate. The results of thermodynamic entropy indicate that interpretation of degradation within the laminate requires consideration of both the damage energy and hysteresis energy.
Potential vorticity thickness fluxes and wave-mean flow interaction

The use of eddy flux of thickness between density surfaces has become a familiar starting point in oceanographic studies of adiabatic eddy effects on the mean density distribution. In this study, a dynamical analogy with the density thickness flux approach is explored to reexamine the theory of nonzonal wave‐mean flow interaction in two-dimensional horizontal flows. By analogy with the density thickness flux, the flux of thickness between potential vorticity (PV) surfaces is used as a starting point for a residual circulation formulation for nonzonal mean flows. Mean equations for barotropic PV dynamics are derived in which a modified mean velocity with an eddy-induced component advects a modified mean PV that also has an eddy-induced component. For smallamplitude eddies, the results are analogous to recent results of McDougall and McIntosh derived for stratified flow. The dynamical implications of this approach are then examined. The modified mean PV equation provides a decomposition of the eddy forcing of the mean flow into contributions from wave transience, wave dissipation, and wave-induced mass redistribution between PV contours. If the mean flow is along the mean PV contours, the contribution from wave-induced mass redistribution is ‘‘workless’’ in Plumb’s sense that it is equivalent to an eddy-induced stress that is perpendicular to the mean flow. This contribution is also associated with the convergence along the mean streamlines of a modified PV flux that is equal to the difference between the PV flux and the rotational PV flux term identified by Illari and Marshall. The cross-stream component of the modified PV flux is related to wave transience and dissipation.
How to solve compressible multifluid equations: a simple, robust and accurate method

Solving multifluid equations of compressible multiphase flows has proven to be extremely demanding because of some peculiar mathematical properties, such as nonhyperbolicity, nonconservative form, and stiffness due to disparity in fluid properties and flow scales occurring typically. In this paper, we first consider the mathematical issues concerning nonhyperbolicity and nonconservative form. Their effects on the stability and convergence of numerical solutions are the theme of our presentation; we shall present solutions for a range of problems selected to illuminate these numerical issues. To this end, we present a new numerical method that is simple to implement for a general class of fluids and yet is capable of robustly and accurately calculating phenomena involving material and shock discontinuities and interactions between them. Additionally, the paper is completed with a new information for ensuring hyperbolicity under an interfacial pressure representation.
The spe-10 mutant has longer life and increased stress resistance☆☆

We investigated the life span of spe-10 mutant nematodes. We also tested resistance of spe-10 mutants to ultraviolet (UV) light, heat, and paraquat and examined the relationship between resistance to UV light and the fertility defect of these animals. The spe-10 mutation significantly increased mean life span. Additionally, the mutation significantly increased resistance to both UV light and to heat. Resistance to paraquat was not significantly different from that of wild-type, nor were any dauers formed at 27°C. No significant correlation was found between the UV resistance and the fertility defect, nor was the UV resistance attributable to a hormetic effect. These results reinforce the importance of stress resistance in specifying increased life span and indirectly suggest that this fertility defect is not a direct cause of life span extension.
Multipole expansion of the light vector

Computing the light field due to an area light source remains an interesting problem in computer graphics. The paper presents a series approximation of the light field due to an unoccluded area source, by expanding the light field in spherical harmonics. The source can be nonuniform and need not be a planar polygon. The resulting formulas give expressions whose cost and accuracy can be chosen between the exact and expensive Lambertian solution for a diffuse polygon, and the fast but inexact method of replacing the area source by a point source of equal power. The formulas break the computation of the light vector into two phases: the first phase represents the light source's shape and brightness with numerical coefficients, and the second uses these coefficients to compute the light field at arbitrary locations. The author examines the accuracy of the formulas for spherical and rectangular Lambertian sources, and applies them to obtain light gradients. The author also shows how to use the formulas to estimate light from uniform polygonal sources, sources with polynomially varying radiosity, and luminous textures.
Advanced Vibration Sensing with Radar - ADVISER

A new low-cost stand-off vibration sensor based on the Doppler radar principle is presented. The baseline performance of this sensor was compared with a high-quality accelerometer in a well-controlled laboratory environment. This advanced vibration imaging sensor (ADVISER) was also validated for its prognostic health monitoring ability with a fault emulator. The ADVISER was able to detect machine misbalance and bearing damage at a distance of 4 feet without making any contact. This exceeded the performance of a high-quality screw accelerometer mounted directly on the bearing enclosure. In this paper, we present the sensor’s principle of operation, summarize results of comparing it with standard accelerometers, and conclude with its potential use in industrial and aerospace applications.
Associations between lifetime tobacco exposure with infertility and age at natural menopause: the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study

Background Several studies have investigated the association of tobacco use with infertility and age at natural menopause, yet few have explored secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure with these outcomes. This study offers a comprehensive, quantified secondary data analysis of these issues using the Women9s Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI OS). Purpose This study examines associations between lifetime tobacco exposure—active smoking and SHS—and infertility and natural menopause (before age 50). Methods Information on smoking, lifetime fertility status, and age at natural menopause was collected and available from 93 676 postmenopausal women aged 50–79 enrolled in the WHI OS from 1993 to 1998 at 40 centres in the USA. Multivariate-adjusted regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% CI according to levels of active smoking and SHS exposure, and trends were tested across categories. Results Overall, 15.4% of the 88 732 women included in the analysis on infertility met criteria for the condition. 45% of the 79 690 women included in the analysis on natural menopause (before age 50) met criteria for the condition. Active-ever smokers had overall OR9s of 1.14 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.26) for infertility, and 1.26 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.35) for earlier menopause than never-smoking women. Never-smoking women with the highest levels of lifetime SHS exposure had adjusted OR9s of 1.18 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.35) for infertility, and 1.18 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.31) for earlier menopause. Active-ever smokers reached menopause 21.7 months earlier than the mean of 49.4 years for never-smokers not exposed to SHS, and women exposed to the highest level of SHS reached menopause 13.0 months earlier. Conclusions Active smoking and SHS exposure are associated with increased risk of infertility and natural menopause occurring before the age of 50 years.