cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ESP: roadmaps as constructed interpretations and guides to expressive performance

The Expression Synthesis Project (ESP) literalizes the driving metaphor to allow users to create expressive performances through a driving interface. In musical performance, controlled variations in tempo, dynamics, and articulation, lead to musical gestures that clarify structural ambiguities and create musical affect. Guided by the road in ESP, the user changes the tempo by depressing the gas or brake pedals; dynamics are coupled with acceleration, and articulation is controlled independently. Straight road segments suggest opportunities to accelerate, while varying degrees of road bends prompt slowdowns of different levels. The road serves as a representation of, and guide to, a particular interpretation of a piece. This paper focuses on the concepts underlying the design of the road in ESP, providing case studies on mapping diverse interpretations to roadmaps. We describe the design of two roadmaps each for Brahms' Hungarian Dances Nos. 2 and 3. We show that the road has a distinct influence on the way a driver traverses a path, presenting empirical results of driving/performance outcomes using the roads designed, and analyzing the tempo time series. General trends of slowdowns near curvature extremities and accelerations are observed. Statistics show that a particular roadmap has the effect of constraining the performances to a certain style, with specifically placed gestures, while allowing the driver latitude in expressive control. Performances from the same paths are shown to be more similar to each other than those from different paths, having average correlation coefficients of 0.39 vs. 0.16 for Dance No.2, and 0.61 vs. 0.38 for Dance No.3. Overall, the interpretation maps resulted in expressively pleasing performances made available for further examination.
Sampling distributions of surface and mass statistics of a log-normal distribution when estimated by the method of weighted frequencies☆

Abstract Theoretical sampling distributions have been derived for surface and mass statistics when they are estimated from a random sample of a log-normal particle size distribution by weighting the frequencies observed at a given size with the corresponding diameter raised to the appropriate power. The theoretical results, which predict a systematic bias of statistics calculated in this way, are compared with computer-generated “experimental” distributions. A method is given for deriving theoretical correction factors with which to adjust the observed median diameters and the adjusted distributions are shown to be very similar to those observed for median diameters calculated from the Hatch-Choate equation. The significance of the results with respect to other distributions is discussed.
Effects on Cotton Fiber of Treating Seed Cotton with Mercerizing-Strength Sodium Hydroxide

Seed cotton samples from two replications of 22 entries of a yield trial were treated with mercerizing-strength sodium hydroxide. The Micronaire reading was increased substantially, length was reduced somewhat, 1/8-gauge fiber tenacity was increased slightly, and fiber-bundle elongation was doubled. Skein tenacity of yarns spun from the mercerized fibers was lower than the skein tenacity of yarns spun from untreated specimens. Single-strand breaking force was also lower for the yarns spun from mercerized fibers, but the yarn elongation was 34 percent greater. Factors that contributed to the changes in yarn tenacity and elongation are uneven drafting of the mercerized fibers, the change in shape of fibers resulting in less specific surface and less fiber-to-fiber contact, and an increase in linear density resulting in fewer fibers per cross section of yarn.
Crisis planning and crisis communication in the public schools: Assessing post columbine responses

This study examined the State of Michigan's legislative response to school violence. In late 1999, the State enacted requirements that each school develop a crisis response plan. Data from 140 schools regarding the number of internal and external constituencies involved in the planning, the scope of the plan, and the number of crisis mitigation strategies included were used as crisis plan comprehensiveness (CPC) measures. CPC measures were correlated to level of risk, previous crisis, and district size. Results suggest that planning effectively for crisis is a complex process interacting with factors such as school size.
Analysis of Comparative Studies Using Different Contrast Agents for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

: Pancreatitis induced by ERCP ha been associated with numerous pathogenic factors such as a previous history of pancreatitis, acinarization, mechanical and thermal injury, medications, and lastly the type of contrast agent used. Conventional contrast agents are characterized by both ionicity and high osmolality. These traditional agents have demonstrated deleterious effects upon multiple organ systems. Newer contrast agents have been developed with properties of low osmolality and non-ionicity in efforts to their decrease potential toxic effects, This review analyzes the current literature regarding the role of different contrast agents in the incidence of ERCP related pancreatitis. Nine randomized, double-blind, prospective studies have been published comparing low and high osmolality contrast agents for ERCP. Although five studies have shown lower degrees of amylase/lipase elevation after ERCP for the low osmolality agents, only three studies demonstrated a statistically significant advantage for the reduction of clinical pancreatitis among the low osmolality agent groups. In addition, these studies also varied in terms of specific contrast agents used, inclusion and exclusion criteria, rates of acinarization, and definition of clinical pancreatitis. However, after combining all of the data from these studies, there was a statistically significant advantage in reducing ERCP induced pancreatitis for non-ionic, low osmolality agents (1.44%) compared with the ionic, high osmolality agents (7.39%) [p = 0.007] and the ionic, low osmolality agents (9.67%) [p = 0.0001]. There was no statistical difference between the ionic, high osmolality agents and the ionic, low osmolaltiy agents [p = 0.5481. This data seem to suggest that ionicity rather than osmolality may play a more significant role in the incidence of ERCP induced pancreatitis. The major disadvantage of the use of low osmolality, non-ionic agents is their relatively high cost. Overall, controversy remains about whether these newer agents should be utilized in all patients or be selectively used in only high risk patients. Presently, we utilize these agents routinely.
Extrusion of a macerated fetus and placenta through the wound of a recent appendectomy.

Summary A case is reported in which a seven month old, dead fetus was extruded through the surgical wound of an appendectomy performed one month previously. The patient made a complete recovery.
30 years of experience with York-Mason repair of recto-urinary fistulas.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Recto-urinary fistula formation is a rare occurrence, usually following surgery or another intervention for prostatic disease. Spontaneous closure is rarely successful and reconstructive procedures are usually performed. We report our experience in the last 30 years with modified York-Mason repair. To our knowledge our series of 24 patients is the largest reported using this approach.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent acquired rectourethral or rectovesical fistula repair at our institution. A total of 24 patients underwent York-Mason recto-urinary fistula repair, 18 fistulas occurred secondary to prostatic surgery and 11 patients underwent 1-stage repair without preoperative urinary or fecal diversion.Results: Overall 22 of the 24 fistulas were repaired successfully using the York-Mason approach. One patient required a repeat York-Mason procedure and another required a perineal incision to correct recurrence. All except 1 f...
Characteristics and impact of obesity on the outpatient echocardiography laboratory

The impact of the growing obesity epidemic on the outpatient echocardiography laboratory and the characteristics of these patients were retrospectively investigated. Over a 6-month period, 916 patients were referred for study, 49.7% of whom were obese (body mass index >29.9 kg/m 2 ), whereas only 22.3% were normal weight (body mass index 18.5 to 25 kg/m 2 ). The obese patients were more likely to be female, black, older, and referred because of dyspnea or suspected heart failure (58.1% vs 36.8%, p
Use Of Transformations With The Higher Order Method Of Multiple Scales To Determine The Steady State Periodic Response Of Harmonically Excited Non-linear Oscillators, Part I: Transformation Of Derivative

Abstract Use of the higher order method of multiple scales with reconstitution to determine the periodic steady state response of harmonically excited non-linear oscillators is considered. In this method, frequency detuning can be introduced in several different ways. The main objective of this work is to compare the second order results determined by introducing detuning in the square of the excitation frequency against the second order results determined by introducing detuning in the excitation frequency itself. A modified reconstitution procedure is used to uncover the relative approximations used in these second order solutions. The well known primary resonance in the Duffing oscillator is used as a prototype example; and it is shown that the combined effects of using transformed time and introducing a detuning parameter in the square of the excitation frequency can lead to a non-uniform expansion within the excitation frequency band in which large amplitude primary response is excited.
Parallel load-flow algorithm using a decomposition method for space-based power systems

This work presents a method for load-flow analysis of a power system using a decomposition approach. The power system for the US Space Shuttle is used as a model for the load-flow analysis. The decomposition algorithm is well suited for parallel processing implementation and provides an increase in the execution speed. >
The ototoxicity of 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile : functional and morphological evidence of cochlear damage

Abstract Previous reports have suggested that IDPN may be ototoxic (Wolff et al., 1977; Crofton and Knight, 1991). The purpose of this research was to investigate the ototoxicity of IDPN using behavioral, physiological and morphological approaches. Three groups of adult rats were exposed to IDPN (0–400 mg/kg/day) for three consecutive days. In the first group, at 9–10 weeks post-exposure, thresholds for hearing of 5.3- and 38-kHz filtered clicks were measured electrophysiologically and brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAERs) were also recorded to a suprathreshold broadband click stimulus. A second set of animals was tested at 9 weeks for behavioral hearing thresholds (0.5- to 40-kHz tones) and at 11–12 weeks post-exposure for BAER thresholds (5- to 80-kHz filtered clicks). A third group of animals was exposed (as above), and killed at 12–14 weeks post-exposure for histological assessment. Kanamycin sulfate was used as a positive control for high-frequency selective hearing loss. Surface preparations of the organ of Corti were prepared in order to assess hair cells, and mid-modiolar sections of the cochlea were used to examine Rosenthal's canal and the stria vascularis. Functional data demonstrate a broad-spectrum hearing loss ranging from 0.5 kHz (30 dB deficit) to 80 kHz (40 dB deficit), as compared to a hearing deficit in kanamycin-exposed animals that was only apparent at frequencies greater than 5 kHz. Surface preparations revealed IDPN-induced hair cell loss in all turns of the organ of Corti, with a basal-to-apical gradient (more damage in the basal turns) at the lower dosages. At higher dosages there was complete destruction of the organ of Corti. There was also a dosage-related loss of spiral ganglion cells in all turns of the cochlea, again with a basal-to-apical gradient at the lower dosages. These data demonstrate that IDPN exposure in the rat results in extensive hearing loss and loss of neural structures in the cochlea.
In vivo protein interaction network identified with a novel real-time cross-linked peptide identification strategy.

Protein interaction topologies are critical determinants of biological function. Large-scale or proteome-wide measurements of protein interaction topologies in cells currently pose an unmet challenge that could dramatically improve understanding of complex biological systems. A primary impediment includes direct protein topology and interaction measurements from living systems since interactions that lack biological significance may be introduced during cell lysis. Furthermore, many biologically relevant protein interactions will likely not survive the lysis/sample preparation and may only be measured with in vivo methods. As a step toward meeting this challenge, a new mass spectrometry method called Real-time Analysis for Cross-linked peptide Technology (ReACT) has been developed that enables assignment of cross-linked peptides “on-the-fly”. Using ReACT, 708 unique cross-linked (<5% FDR) peptide pairs were identified from cross-linked E. coli cells. These data allow assembly of the first protein interact...
Review: long-term impact of bariatric surgery on body weight, comorbidities, and nutritional status.

Context: The number of patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and gastric banding (GB) surgeries has increased dramatically over the past decade, yet the long-term impact of these surgeries on body weight, comorbidities, and nutritional status remains unclear, as do the mechanisms of weight regain. Evidence Acquisition: The articles were found via PubMed searches. To review the impact of bariatric surgery on weight maintenance and comorbidities, only articles with a postoperative follow-up of 3 yr or longer were included. The articles on nutritional status had a follow-up of 12 months or longer. Conclusions: RYGB and GB surgeries lead to substantial weight loss in individuals with morbid obesity. However, significant weight regain occurs over the long term, and according to the only well-designed prospective controlled study, the improvement in comorbidities associated with weight loss mitigates in the long term on weight regain. There is some evidence from a retrospective study that RYGB su...
The effects of time-periodic shear on a diffusion flame anchored to a propellant

We examine a single diffusion flame anchored to 1/4-spaces of solid fuel and oxidizer, a configuration relevant to the combustion of heterogeneous solid propellants. A time-periodic shear flow is applied, to model the shear that can be generated by the interaction of acoustic waves and the rotational base flow in a rocket chamber. The response of the flame to this shear, the heat flux to the surface, etc., are calculated numerically. Significant enhancement of the maximum temperature and the time-averaged total heat flux to the surface are found. These enhancements are essentially maximized at zero frequency, and at low frequencies the response depends critically on the instantaneous direction of the shear.
A Growth Factor for Haemophilus Species secreted by a Pseudomonad

THE clustering of bacterial colonies of one species around those of another—satellitism—was first described for Haemophilus influenzae by Grassberger in 18971. The interrelationship is probably due to the supply of critical nutrients by one micro-organism to the other. While the special nutritional requirements of Haemophilus species have been studied and some compounds essential for growth identified2, the nature of bacterial substances responsible for the satellite phenomenon have not been investigated. In this communication we report on the isolation of such substances.
New developments in piezoelectric polymer ultrasound transducers and transducer systems

Piezoelectric polymers, such as PVDF and its copolymers, are finding increased use for ultrasound transducers in both medical and nondestructive testing applications. Because of their inherent properties of high compliance, low acoustic impedance, availability in large areas, and broadband acoustic performance, they are particularly useful in medical applications that require miniature transducers for high-frequency/high-resolution and low ultrasonic penetration, such as invasive medical imaging. The technology also provides great utility in nondestructive testing applications which require low-profile ultrasonic inspection of fiber-composite structures, especially for non-planar surfaces. This paper reviews some recent developments in piezoelectric polymer ultrasound transducer technology in both the medical and nondestructive testing (NDT) application areas. The presentation covers recent developments in invasive medical ultrasound transducers and transducer systems that employ the piezoelectric polymer technology for such applications as intraluminal imaging of the coronary arteries. A discussion of piezoelectric polymer ultrasound sensor arrays for NDT of fiber composite structures is also included.
On the asymptotic accuracy of the bootstrap under arbitrary resampling size

We study the order of convergence of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance for the bootstrap of the mean and the bootstrap of quantiles when an arbitrary bootstrap sample size is used. We see that for the bootstrap of the mean, the best order of the bootstrap sample is of the order ofn, wheren is the sample size. In the case of non-lattice distributions and the bootstrap of the sample mean; the bootstrap removes the effect of the skewness of the distribution only when the bootstrap sample equals the sample size. However, for the bootstrap of quantiles, the preferred order of the bootstrap sample isn 2/3. For the bootstrap of quantiles, if the bootstrap sample is of ordern 2 or bigger, the bootstrap is not consistent.
Signal-processing techniques for low signal-to-noise ratio laser Doppler velocimetry signals

A variety of methods have been developed to obtain acurate frequency estimates from laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) signals. Rapid scanning and fiber optic LDV systems require robust methods for extracting accurate frequency estimates with computational efficiency from data with poor signal-to-noise ratios. These methods typically fall into two general categories, time domain parametric techniques and frequency domain techniques. The frequency domain approach is initiated by transforming the Doppler bursts into the frequency domain using the fast Fourier transform (FFT). From this basic transformation a variety of interpolation procedures (parabolic, Gaussian, and centroid fits) have been developed to optimize the frequency estimation accuracy. The time domain approaches are derived from the parametric form of a sinusoid. The estimation of constants in this relationship is performed to satisfy specific constraints, typically a minimization of a variance expression. A comparison of these techniques is presented using simulated signals and additive Gaussian and Poisson white noise. The statistical bias and random errors for each method are presented from 200 signal simulations at each condition. Frequency estimation via the FFT with zero-padding and a Gaussian interpolation scheme was found to produce the lowest bias and random errors.
Complexation equilibria involving salts in non-aqueous solvents: ion pairing and activity considerations.

Complexation of anions, cations and even ion pairs is now an active area of investigation in supramolecular chemistry; unfortunately it is an area fraught with complications when these processes are examined in low polarity organic media. Using a pseudorotaxane complex as an example, apparent K(a2) values (=[complex]/{[salt](o)-[complex]}{[host](o)-[complex]}) for pseudorotaxane formation from dibenzylammonium salts (2-X) and dibenzo-[24]crown-8 (1, DB24C8) in CDCl(3)/CD(3)CN 3:2 vary with concentration. This is attributable to the fact that the salt is ion paired, but the complex is not. We report an equilibrium model that explicitly includes ion pair dissociation and is based upon activities rather than molar concentrations for study of such processes in non-aqueous media. Proper analysis requires both a dissociation constant, K(ipd), for the salt and a binding constant for interaction of the free cation 2(+) with the host, K(a5); K(a5) for pseudorotaxane complexation is independent of the counterion (500 M(-1)), a result of the complex existing in solution as a free cation, but K(ipd) values for the salts vary by nearly two orders of magnitude from trifluoroacetate to tosylate to tetrafluoroborate to hexafluorophosphate anions. The activity coefficients depend on the nature of the predominant ions present, whether the pseudorotaxane or the ions from the salt, and also strongly on the molar concentrations; activity coefficients as low as 0.2 are observed, emphasizing the magnitude of their effect. Based on this type of analysis, a method for precise determination of relative binding constants, K(a5), for multiple hosts with a given guest is described. However, while the incorporation of activity coefficients is clearly necessary, it removes the ability to predict from the equilibrium constants the effects of concentration on the extent of binding, which can only be determined experimentally. This has serious implications for study of all such complexation processes in low polarity media.
Parents of Traditionally Aged Community College Students: Communications and Choice.

Five suburban community colleges in a metropolitan area collaborated on a survey to parents of high school graduates of the class of 2002 who attended the colleges in fall 2002. The study was undertaken to learn more about parents 'roles in their students' selection of community colleges, to give insights and information about this important community college constituency, and to assist community colleges to shape more effective ways to foster positive and supportive opinions among parents of potential students. Parents want the community college to provide students with credits and grade point averages enabling transfer, overestimate their students' academic skills as measured by course placement tests, engaged in a number of college choice activities, and indicate that factors associated with lifestyle and money were major reasons for selecting the community college. Associations between parents' social capital and perceptions of their students' academic abilities were found for a number of dependent variables examined. The study also revealed important differences in how participating institutions record and calculate key measures such as credits earned and grade point averages.
Analog of vertebrate anionic sites in blood-brain interface of larval Drosophila.

The blood-brain barrier ensures brain function in vertebrates and in some invertebrates by maintaining ionic integrity of the extraneuronal bathing fluid. Recent studies have demonstrated that anionic sites on the luminal surface of vascular endothelial cells collaborate with tight junctions to effect this barrier in vertebrates. We characterize these two analogous barrier factors for the first time on Drosophila larva by an electron-dense tracer and cationic gold labeling. Ionic lanthanum entered into but not through the extracellular channels between perineurial cells. Tracer is ultimately excluded from neurons in the ventral ganglion mainly by an extensive series of (pleated sheet) septate junctions between perineurial cells. Continuous junctions, a variant of the septate junction, were not as efficient as the pleated sheet variety in blocking tracer. An anionic domain now is demonstrated in Drosophila central nervous system through the use of cationic colloidal gold in LR White embedment. Anionic domains are specifically stationed in the neural lamella and not noted in the other cell levels of the blood-brain interface. It is proposed that in the central nervous system of the Drosophila larva the array of septate junctions between perineurial cells is the physical barrier, while the anionic domains in neural lamella are a “charge-selective barrier” for cations. All of these results are discussed relative to analogous characteristics of the vertebrate blood-brain barrier.
Microbial Flora on the Hands of Health Care Personnel: Differences in Composition and Antibacterial Resistance

The composition and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacteria recovered from the hands of nurses and physicians in two service units of a major teaching hospital were compared with those found in a control population. Significant differences in the composition of bacteria were found in dermatology and oncology unit personnel. Staphylococcus aureus was recovered from 31% of dermatology nurses and 37% of dermatology physicians compared with 20% of oncology nurses, 15% of oncology physicians, and 17% of controls. Oncology personnel had a significantly higher carriage of gramnegative bacteria, yeasts, and multiple antibiotic-resistant, aerobic coryneforms (group JK bacteria). Both dermatology and oncology nursing personnel were colonized by organisms resistant to multiple antibiotics. Methicillin resistance was found in 26% and 66% of the staphylococci recovered from dermatology and oncology nurses respectively. Flora from physicians on the two units had sensitivity patterns similar to controls.
Therapeutic efficacy of an anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody delivered into the respiratory tract in a murine model of asthma.

Abstract Background: IL-5 is central to the pathogenesis of airway eosinophilic inflammation and hyperresponsiveness associated with both atopic and nonatopic asthma. The therapeutic potential of IL-5 antagonists in asthma is supported by the inhibition of airway eosinophilia and hyperresponsiveness in animal models receiving neutralizing anti-IL-5 mAbs intravenously or intraperitoneally. Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that mAbs against IL-5 delivered by way of the respiratory tract are as effective as those delivered intraperitoneally in diminishing the pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma. Methods: Ovalbumin-sensitized Balb/c mice were given an anti–IL-5 mAb delivered intranasally or an isotype-matched control mAb delivered intranasally before respiratory challenge with ovalbumin. Outcome variables included respiratory system resistance responses to methacholine, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cellularity, and lung histopathology. Results: Anti–IL-5 mAbs administered intranasally to ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged mice significantly decreased eosinophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue and significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness relative to ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged mice that received either no mAb treatment or an isotype-matched control mAb. Similar results were obtained when an anti–IL-5 mAb was given intraperitoneally. Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate that delivery of anti–IL-5 mAbs into the respiratory tract is efficacious in attenuating the asthma phenotype in a murine model. These results provide impetus for the development of inhaled IL-5 antagonists for the treatment of human asthma. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:215-21.)
Cascades used in isotope separation

Although there are eight methods for separating desired isotopes, each demand cannot be met by all eight processes. The engineer must be able not only to determine which methods are applicable, but also to calculate the separation, volume, and time involved in any type process. This is the seventh of a series of articles developed by the AIEE nucleonics committee; the entire series will be published in pamphlet form upon its completion.
The taxonomic status of the hedgehog fungus Trichophyton erinacei

Twenty-seven isolates of Trichophyton erinacei were paired with 2 sets of tester strains of Arthroderma benhamiae and with an a mating type African isolate of A. benhamiae. None of the 27 T. erinacei isolates mated with the A tester strains. Out of 81 crosses between the T. erinacei isolates and the 3 a strains of A. benhamiae, 52 were fertile and 29 were sterile. In the sterile crosses the T. erinacei isolates were strongly stimulated by the a mating strains of A. benhamiae. All of the T. erinacei isolates were of the A mating type.In Christensen's urea broth, 19 of the T. erinacei isolates hydrolyzed urea partially, 7 isolates hydrolyzed urea completely, and 1 isolate did not show any hydrolysis within 7 days. The 5 A. benhamiae cultures hydrolyzed urea completely, changing the broth medium from yellow to purple red. Out of 47 T. erinacei A mating type F1 monoascospore progeny, 15 showed partial hydrolysis, 22 exhibited complete hydrolysis, and 10 did not hydrolyze urea within 7 days. All of the 55 A. b...
Rewriting for Symbolic Execution of State Machine Models

We describe an algorithm for simplifying a class of symbolic expressions that arises in the symbolic execution of formal state machine models. These expressions are compositions of state access and change functions and if-then-else expressions, laced together with local variable bindings (e.g., lambda applications). The algorithm may be used in a stand-alone way, but is designed to be part of a larger system employing a mix of other strategies. The algorithm generalizes to a rewriting algorithm that can be characterized as outside-in or lazy, with respect both to variable instantiation and equality replacement. The algorithm exploits memoization or caching.
Nonmyopic Multiaspect Sensing With Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes

We consider the problem of sensing a concealed or distant target by interrogation from multiple sensors situated on a single platform. The available actions that may be taken are selection of the next relative target-platform orientation and the next sensor to be deployed. The target is modeled in terms of a set of states, each state representing a contiguous set of target-sensor orientations over which the scattering physics is relatively stationary. The sequence of states sampled at multiple target-sensor orientations may be modeled as a Markov process. The sensor only has access to the scattered fields, without knowledge of the particular state being sampled, and, therefore, the problem is modeled as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP). The POMDP yields a policy, in which the belief state at any point is mapped to a corresponding action. The nonmyopic policy is compared to an approximate myopic approach, with example results presented for measured underwater acoustic scattering data
Multidisciplinary team review of best practices for collection and handling of blood cultures to determine effective interventions for increasing the yield of true-positive bacteremias, reducing contamination, and eliminating false-positive central line–associated bloodstream infections

Background A literature search was conducted using keywords for articles published in English from January 1990 to March 2015. Using criteria related to blood culture collection and handling, the search yielded 101 articles. References used also included Microbiology Laboratory standards, guidelines, and textbook information. Results The literature identified diverse and complex issues surrounding blood culture practices, including the impact of false-positive results, laboratory definition of contamination, effect on central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) reporting, indications for collecting blood cultures, drawing from venipuncture sites versus intravascular catheters, selection of antiseptics, use of needleless connectors, inoculation of blood culture bottles, and optimizing program management in emergency departments, education, and implementation of bundled practice initiatives. Conclusion Hospitals should optimize best practice in the collection, handling, and management of blood culture specimens, an often overlooked but essential component in providing optimal care of patients in all settings and populations, reducing financial burdens, and increasing the accuracy of reportable CLABSI. Although universal concepts exist in blood culture practices, some issues require further research to determine benefit. Institutions undertaking a review of their blood culture programs are encouraged to use a checklist that addresses elements that encompass the research contained in this review.
Nonparametric panel estimation of online auction price processes

In this study, we examine the price process of eBay online auctions. We pool sparse and unevenly spaced bidding histories of individual auctions, resulting in an unbalanced panel of bids. Since the price processes of online auctions are monotonically increasing within individual auctions and exhibit a substantial degree of heterogeneity, we propose a monotone series estimator for panel data with auction-specific slopes for a common relative price growth curve. We generalize Ramsay’s (1998, J R Stat Soc B 60(2):365–375) monotone series estimator to fit our panel model of the price process. We apply the proposed model and estimator to eBay auctions of a popular hand-held device (a Palm PDA). The results are shown to capture closely the overall pattern of observed price dynamics. In particular, the early bidding, mid-auction bidding drought, and end-auction bid sniping are well approximated by the estimated price curve.
Proton MR Spectroscopy in Patients with Structural MRI‐Negative Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE With conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 20–30% of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) have negative pathological MRI findings. Further investigations of the role of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the pre-surgical evaluation of patients with MRI-negative TLE are important to avoid intracranial EEG recording and to better understand the mechanism of the epileptogenic process. This study aimed to compare the measurements of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), and choline (Cho) in the hippocampi of MRI-negative TLE patients and normal subjects. METHODS Twenty patients with MRI-negative TLE and 10 age-matched healthy control subjects underwent MRI and MRS. The concentrations of NAA, Cr, and Cho and the ratios of NAA/Cr and NAA/(Cr+Cho) were measured. Seven of these 20 patients also underwent surgical treatment for TLE. Their pathological results and surgical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS In the hippocampi ipsilateral to the seizure side, the NAA/Cr and NAA/(Cr+Cho) ratios were significantly decreased compared with the ratios of the hippocampi contralateral to the seizure side and the normal control hippocampi. There was no significant difference between the hippocampi contralateral to the seizure side and the normal control hippocampi. The pathological results from the patients who underwent temporal lobe resection indicated mild to moderate gliosis and minimal loss of neurons. Five patients were seizure-free during the follow-up period of 9- 47 months (mean 27.7 months). CONCLUSIONS In MRI-negative TLE, significant reductions in the NAA/Cr and NAA/(Cr+Cho) ratios ipsilateral to the seizure side may help lateralize and localize the epileptogenic zone.
Approaches to tuberculosis screening and diagnosis in people with HIV in resource-limited settings.

Summary Tuberculosis is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to addressing the dual epidemic of tuberculosis and HIV. Increasing recognition of the importance of integrating tuberculosis services—including screening—into HIV care has led to global policies and the beginnings of implementation of joint activities at the national level. However, debate remains about the best methods of screening for pulmonary tuberculosis among people living with HIV/AIDS in resource-limited settings. Mycobacterial culture, the gold standard for tuberculosis diagnosis, is too slow and complex to be a useful screening test in such settings. More widely available methods, such as symptom screening, sputum smear microscopy, chest radiography, and tuberculin skin testing have important shortcomings, especially in people living with HIV/AIDS. However, until simpler, cheaper, and more sensitive diagnostics for tuberculosis are available in peripheral healthcare settings, a strategy must be developed that uses current evidence to combine available screening tools.
The First Records of Bycrea Villosa Pascoe (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in the United States, Central America and Colombia and Notes on Its Association with Leaf-Cutting Ants

Abstract The first records of Bycrea villosa Pascoe (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae; Opatrinae) outside Mexico are reported, including recent collections from Arizona, USA, and specimens from Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala. The beetle is of interest because of its association with the nests of leaf-cutter ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), specifically Atta mexicana (F. Smith) and probably other Atta species that have above-ground refuse dumps. A diagnosis and images of the beetle adult and larva are included.
Neonatal Tolerance of H-2 Alloantigens. II. I Region Dependence of Tolerance Expressed to K and D Antigens

Third-party skin allografts were employed to test the specificity of transplantation tolerance achieved by neonatal inoculation of cells bearing H-2 alloantigens. Tolerant animals rejected with normal vigour third-party grafts expressing strong Class I alloantigens foreign to the host and to the donor of the tolerance-conferring inoculum. However, these animals rejected with exceptional vigour third-party grafts expressing weak Class II alloantigens plus the tolerated Class I alloantigen; even third-party grafts comprised of the host's own Class II antigens in conjunction with the tolerated Class I alloantigen were acutely rejected. It is proposed, but there is no direct evidence to prove, that rejection of these third-party grafts is mediated by killer T cells directed at the tolerated Class I alloantigens and that these cells are activated by the presentation of the putative tolerogen in an inappropriate I region context. Inconsistency of these data with a clonal deletion mechanism is discussed.
Recursive bisection based mixed block placement

Many current designs contain a large number of standard cells intermixed with larger macro blocks. The range of size in these "mixed block" designs complicates the placement process considerably; traditional methods produce results that are far from satisfactory.In this paper we extend the traditional recursive bisection standard cell placement tool Feng Shui to directly consider mixed block designs. On a set of recent benchmarks, the new version obtains placements with wire lengths substantially lower than other current tools. Compared to Feng Shui 2.4, the placements of a Capo-based approach have 29% higher wire lengths, while the placements of mPG are 26% higher. Run times of our tool are also lower, and the general approach is scalable.
The influence of non-HLA genes on the human T-cell receptor repertoire.

We previously demonstrated a central role for HLA genes in determining the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. However, these studies also suggested that other genetic factors might also play a role in the development of this repertoire. In order to assess the role of non-HLA genes in the development of the TCR repertoire, we have analysed and compared the TCR repertoires of individuals in three families consisting of both monozygotic twins as well as an HLA-identical sib. TCR repertoire analysis was performed with both V-segment-specific MoAb and the polymerase chain reaction using TCRBV segment-specific oligonucleotide primers. We observed that in every case the TCR repertoires of identical twins were more similar to each other than to their HLA-identical sib. Furthermore, in one family we were able to show by genotype analysis that most of the differences in repertoire between the identical twins and their HLA-identical sib were caused by polymorphisms in the TCR genes that influence expression levels. These studies document an important role for non-HLA genes in determining the TCR repertoire in man and raise the possibility that such TCR polymorphisms may play a signiflcant role in determining disease susceptibility.
Wintering ecology of sympatric subspecies of Sandhill Crane: Correlations between body size, site fidelity, and movement patterns

ABSTRACT Body size is known to correlate with many aspects of life history in birds, and this knowledge can be used to manage and conserve bird species. However, few studies have compared the wintering ecology of sympatric subspecies that vary significantly in body size. We used radiotelemetry to examine the relationship between body size and site fidelity, movements, and home range in 2 subspecies of Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) wintering in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta of California, USA. Both subspecies showed high interannual return rates to the Delta study area, but Greater Sandhill Cranes (G. c. tabida) showed stronger within-winter fidelity to landscapes in our study region and to roost complexes within landscapes than did Lesser Sandhill Cranes (G. c. canadensis). Foraging flights from roost sites were shorter for G. c. tabida than for G. c. canadensis (1.9 ± 0.01 km vs. 4.5 ± 0.01 km, respectively) and, consequently, the mean size of 95% fixed-kernel winter home ranges was an order of mag...
Detecting Anomalous Events in Ubiquitous Sensor Environments using Bayesian Networks and Nonparametric Regression

We propose a novel anomaly detection method for a heterogeneous sensor environment in a living space where it is hard to analyze the entire mechanism of the environment and we are unlikely to predict irregular events. By using Bayesian networks and nonparametric regression, our method learns the ordinary behaviors of sensor values and examines the degree of anomaly for each observation according to the estimated variance from the results of learning. We applied our method to data collected in an office room equipped with brightness and motion sensors and obtained the plausible sensor relation networks with no or little prior knowledge. We detected some symptoms of anomalous events and determined the causal sensors by using the network structure.
Weathering instability and landscape evolution

Abstract The argument in this paper is that the fundamental control on landscape evolution in erosional landscapes is weathering. The possibility of and evidence for instability in weathering at four scales is examined. The four scales are concerned with weathering processes, allocation of weathered products, the interrelations of weathering and denudation, and the topographic and isostatic responses to weathering-limited denudation (the regolith, hillslope, landscape unit, and landscape scales, respectively). The stability conditions for each model, and the circumstances under which the models themselves are relevant, are used to identify scale-related domains of stability and instability. At the regolith scale, the interactions among weathering rates, resistance, and moisture are unstable, but there are circumstances—over long timescales and where weathering is well advanced—under which the instability is irrelevant. At the hillslope scale, the system is stable when denudation is transport rather than weathering limited and where no renewal of exposure via regolith stripping occurs. At the level of landscape units, the stability model is based entirely on the mutual reinforcements of weathering and erosion. While this should generally lead to instability, the model would be stable where other, external controls of both weathering and erosion rates are stronger than the weathering–erosion feedbacks. At the broadest landscape scale, the inclusion of isostatic responses destabilizes erosion–topography–uplift relationships. Thus, if the spatial or temporal scale is such that isostatic responses are not relevant, the system may be stable. Essentially, instability is prevalent at local spatial scales at all but the longest timescales. Stability at intermediate spatial scales is contingent on whether weathering–erosion feedbacks are strong or weak, with stability being more likely at shorter and less likely at longer timescales. At the broadest spatial scales, instability is likely; although stability may be present at intermediate temporal scales if weathering–erosion feedbacks are weak. The distinction is important because stability is associated with convergent evolution whereby the effects of initial variations or disturbances are reduced over time as the landscape converges toward a stable equilibrium state. Instability, by contrast, indicates divergent evolution, increasing differentiation over time, and the persistence and growth of disturbance effects and initial variations.
Adhesion, lubrication and wear on the atomic scale

This paper reviews three important aspects of tribology (adhesion, lubrication and wear) on the atomic scale with a focus on our work on aluminum surfaces. Adhesion is critical to the success of many applications but there is no simple analytical model available to predict adhesion between different materials, so we discuss the use of electronic structure methods to investigate adhesion between Al and various ceramics to determine the factors that control adhesion. Lubricants used to control friction usually include ‘boundary additives’ to bind the lubricant more strongly to the surface, so that higher stresses can be employed and wear can be reduced. Little is known about how boundary additives bond to Al surfaces, so we used electronic structure methods to investigate that phenomenon. Regarding wear, we review the literature on molecular dynamics simulations to investigate nanoindentation and wear. We discuss our molecular dynamics simulations of nanoindentation and asperity–asperity shear and the effect of temperature, loading rate, interaction strength and geometry. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economic models of evaluation

Economic approaches to evaluation have become very popular as governments try to reduce costs and cut programs. However, one must be careful in conducting such analyses, especially cost-benefit analyses, as they sometimes exclude significant criteria that the evaluator must consider at the risk of being incorrect.
MAGIC, an in vivo genetic method for the rapid construction of recombinant DNA molecules

We describe a highly engineered in vivo cloning method, mating-assisted genetically integrated cloning (MAGIC), that facilitates the rapid construction of recombinant DNA molecules. MAGIC uses bacterial mating, in vivo site-specific endonuclease cleavage and homologous recombination to catalyze the transfer of a DNA fragment between a donor vector in one bacterial strain and a recipient plasmid in a separate bacterial strain. Recombination events are genetically selected and result in placement of the gene of interest under the control of new regulatory elements with high efficiency. MAGIC eliminates the need for restriction enzymes, DNA ligases, preparation of DNA and all in vitro manipulations required for subcloning and allows the rapid construction of multiple constructs with minimal effort. We show that MAGIC can generate constructs for expression in multiple organisms. As this new method requires only the simple mixing of bacterial strains, it represents a substantial advance in high-throughput recombinant DNA production that will save time, effort and expense in functional genomics studies.