cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust ℋ ∞ filtering of discrete-time networked nonlinear systems approximated by Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy technique

In this paper, we investigate the ℋ ∞ filtering problem of discrete-time Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems in a network environment. Different from the well used assumption that the normalized fuzzy weighting function for each subsystem is available at the filter node, we consider a practical case in which not only the measurement but also the normalized fuzzy weighting functions are transmitted via the network medium to the filter node. For the network characteristics, we consider the multiple packet dropouts which are described by using a Markov chain.We aim to design mode-dependent and fuzzy-basis-dependent T-S fuzzy filter by using the transmitted packet subject to the described network issue. With the augmentation technique, we obtain a stochastic filtering error system in which the filter parameters and the Markovian jumping variable are all involved. A sufficient condition which guarantees the stochastic stability and the ℋ ∞ performance is derived with the Lyapunov method. Based on the sufficient condition, we propose the filter design method and the filter parameters can be determined by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A tunnel-diode circuit in a network environment is presented to show the effectiveness and the advantage of the proposed design approach.
The Social Roles Questionnaire: A New Approach to Measuring Attitudes Toward Gender

Innovative research is constrained by instruments that assume gender to be captured by dichotomous categories. This article presents the results of two studies that document the psychometric properties of the Social Roles Questionnaire (SRQ), a new measure of gender role attitudes. A social constructivist perspective guided the development of the instrument that was designed not only to capture the diversity in people’s thinking about social roles for men and women, but also to identify attitudes that transcend binary categories. The article details the process of assessing reliability and validity based on data from 414 undergraduates. Findings revealed the SRQ is reliable and valid and that women were more likely than men to endorse egalitarian and gender transcendent beliefs. Additional possible uses of the SRQ are discussed.
The need for optical study of space debris parentage

Abstract Signature data from optical tracking of certain Cosmos satellite payloads has been found to produce useful data on their behavior. Satellites can be grouped not only by orbital element parameters, but by visible light signatures. We find that intentional explosions have occurred on a continual basis since 1974 following mission completion of many Cosmos 699-type payloads. Other applications for optically derived data are discussed.
Quantifying contributions of the cricopharyngeus to upper esophageal sphincter pressure changes by means of intramuscular electromyography and high-resolution manometry.

Objectives:We sought to determine whether the association between cricopharyngeus muscle activity and upper esophageal sphincter pressure may change in a task-dependent fashion. We hypothesized tha...
The role of destination image in tourism: A review and discussion

The goal of a behavior analysis approach to travel studies is to understand the psychological forces that motivate an individual traveler, that influence the various travel‐related decisions the individual makes, and that impact the level of satisfaction with a destination region (Chon, 1989). A number of tourism and recreation researchers have investigated the reasons why people travel; studied the traveler's travel purchase behavior; and emphasized the image of a tourist destination and the tourist's perception of an attitude toward a tourist destination.
The Sensitivity of Barley Aleurone Tissue to Gibberellin Is Heterogeneous and May Be Spatially Determined

In cereals, gibberellin (GA) enhances the synthesis and secretion of hydrolytic enzymes from aleurone cells. These enzymes then mobilize the endosperm storage reserves that fuel germination. The dose-response curve of aleurone protoplasts to GA extends over a range of concentrations from 10 −11 to more than 10 −6 m. One hypothesis is that subpopulations of cells have different sensitivities to GA, with each cell having a threshold concentration of GA above which it is switched on. The dose-response curve therefore reflects a gradual recruitment of cells to the pool exhibiting a full GA response. Alternatively, all cells may gradually increase their responses as the GA level is increased. In the present study we found that at increasing GA concentrations, increasing numbers of barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) cells showed the enhanced amylase secretion and vacuolation characteristic of the GA response. We also observed that the region of aleurone tissue closest to the embryo contains the highest proportion of cells activated at the GA concentrations thought to occur naturally in germinating grain. These data indicate that an aleurone layer contains cells of varying sensitivities to GA and that recruitment of these differentially responding pools of cells may explain the broad dose response to GA.
Development of binary image masks for TPF-C and ground-based AO coronagraphs

We report progress on the development of precision binary notch-filter focal plane coronagraphic masks for directly imaging Earth-like planets at visible wavelengths with the Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph (TPF-C), and substellar companions at near infrared wavelengths from the ground with coronagraphs coupled to high-order adaptive optics (AO) systems. Our recent theoretical studies show that 8th-order image masks (Kuchner, Crepp & Ge 2005, KCG05) are capable of achieving unlimited dynamic range in an ideal optical system, while simultaneously remaining relatively insensitive to low-spatial-frequency optical aberrations, such as tip/tilt errors, defocus, coma, astigmatism, etc. These features offer a suite of advantages for the TPF-C by relaxing many control and stability requirements, and can also provide resistance to common practical problems associated with ground-based observations; for example, telescope flexure and low-order errors left uncorrected by the AO system due to wavefront sensor-deformable mirror lag time can leak light at significant levels. Our recent lab experiments show that prototype image masks can generate contrast levels on the order of 2x10-6 at 3 λ/D and 6x10-7 at 10 λ/D without deformable mirror correction using monochromatic light (Crepp et al. 2006), and that this contrast is limited primarily by light scattered by imperfections in the optics and extra diffraction created by mask construction errors. These experiments also indicate that the tilt and defocus sensitivities of high-order masks follow the theoretical predictions of Shaklan and Green 2005. In this paper, we discuss these topics as well as review our progress on developing techniques for fabricating a new series of image masks that are "free-standing", as such construction designs may alleviate some of the (mostly chromatic) problems associated with masks that rely on glass substrates for mechanical support. Finally, results obtained from our AO coronagraph simulations are provided in the last section. In particular, we find that: (i) apodized masks provide deeper contrast than hard-edge masks when the image quality exceeds 80% Strehl ratio (SR), (ii) above 90% SR, 4th-order band-limited masks provide higher off-axis throughput than Gaussian masks when generating comparable contrast levels, and (iii) below ~90% SR, hard-edge masks may be better suited for high contrast imaging, since they are less susceptible to tip/tilt alignment errors.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A maritime inventory routing problem: Practical approach

Despite of the practicality of the motivation of the inventory routing problem (IRP), there are few successful implementation stories of IRP based decision support systems which utilize optimization algorithms. Besides the fact that the IRP is an extremely challenging optimization problem, simplifications and assumptions made in the definition of typical IRP in the literature make it even more difficult to take advantage of the developed technologies for IRP in practice. This paper introduces a flexible modeling framework for IRP, which can accommodate various practical features. A simple algorithmic framework of an optimization based heuristic method is also proposed. A case study on a practical maritime inventory routing problem (MIRP) shows that the proposed modeling and algorithmic framework is flexible and effective enough to be a choice of model and solution method for practical inventory routing problems.
Skeletal muscle dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Summary Skeletal muscle dysfunction is considered to be one of the key systemic co-morbidities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) influencing exercise capacity and quality of life. The loss of skeletal muscle bulk and skeletal muscle strength are now recognised as important predictors of mortality in this patient group. The mechanisms involved in the development of muscle weakness are likely to be multifactorial, and systemic factors including inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to interact with local factors such as muscle inactivity. A greater understanding of the molecular pathways involved in muscle weakness may provide target areas for future treatments as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation, which remains the mainstay of current therapy. Further research is required to increase and sustain the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation and to develop novel interventions for this chronic, debilitating condition.
Temperature Programming for High-Speed GC.

Fast temperature programming (20-50 °C/min) is used with relatively short separation columns to achieve high-speed separations of mixtures covering a wide boiling point range. A cryofocusing inlet is used to obtain narrow injection plugs. High-speed temperature-programmed chromatograms are evaluated by considering local peak capacity as a function of carbon number and boiling point for the normal alkanes in the range C(8)-C(19). The peak capacity generation rate (peaks per second) as a function of carbon number and the total cumulative peak capacity as a function of time are also considered for various column lengths and carrier gas flow rates. Column lengths in the range 3.6-25.4 m and average carrier gas velocity values in the range 50-200 cm/s are considered. For a 6.8-m-long, 0.25-mm-i.d. column operated at an average carrier gas velocity of about 100 cm/s and using a nominal programming rate of 50 °C/min, C(19) elutes in 178 s with a total peak capacity of 168 peaks. If the programming rate is reduced to 20 °C/min, the C(19) elution time more than doubles but the total peak capacity increases by only 20%. For a 25.4-m-long column using a nominal 50 °C/min programming rate, the C(19) retention time is 262 s with a peak capacity of 279 peaks. The use of average carrier gas flow rates greater than about 100 cm/s, which is common in isothermal high-speed GC, results in a considerable loss in total peak capacity with remarkably little reduction in analysis time.
High-power density miniscale power generation and energy harvesting systems

This paper reports design, analysis, evaluations and characterization of miniscale self-sustained power generation systems. Our ultimate objective is to guarantee highly-efficient mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion, ensure premier wind- or hydro-energy harvesting capabilities, enable electric machinery and power electronics solutions, stabilize output voltage, etc. By performing the advanced scalable power generation system design, we enable miniscale energy sources and energy harvesting technologies. The proposed systems integrate: (1) turbine which rotates a radial- or axial-topology permanent-magnet synchronous generator at variable angular velocity depending on flow rate, speed and load, and, (2) power electronic module with controllable rectifier, soft-switching converter and energy storage stages. These scalable energy systems can be utilized as miniscale auxiliary and self-sustained power units in various applications, such as, aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, biomedical, and marine. The proposed systems uniquely suit various submersible and harsh environment applications. Due to operation in dynamic rapidly-changing envelopes (variable speed, load changes, etc.), sound solutions are researched, proposed and verified. We focus on enabling system organizations utilizing advanced developments for various components, such as generators, converters, and energy storage. Basic, applied and experimental findings are reported. The prototypes of integrated power generation systems were tested, characterized and evaluated. It is documented that high-power density, high efficiency, robustness and other enabling capabilities are achieved. The results and solutions are scalable from micro (∼100 μW) to medium (∼100 kW) and heavy-duty (sub-megawatt) auxiliary and power systems.
Comparison of stiffness and failure load of two cervical spine fixation techniques in an in vitro human model.

Objective Recently, an unpaired threaded cage has been introduced as a fusion device for the cervical spine. No biomechanical comparison of a stand-alone single interbody threaded cage to a standard plated Smith-Robinson construct has been reported. Accordingly, an in vitro biomechanical comparison of a single threaded cylindrical interbody fusion cage versus a plated Smith-Robinson cervical discectomy and fusion construct was conducted to establish whether a single cylindrical interbody cage in the cervical spine would perform mechanically as well as a plated structural interbody graft. Methods Six fresh-frozen human cadaveric cervical spines were used for biomechanical testing. Flexion-extension and load-to-failure testing were performed on two single-level discectomy and interbody fusion constructs from each specimen. Results Initial range of motion (ROM) was significantly greater for the specimens implanted with a cage than specimens implanted with a structural graft and plate (9.1 degrees +/- 3.7 degrees vs 5.8 degrees +/- 2.4 degrees ; P = 0.040). Initial stiffness in flexion in caged specimens was significantly less than in plated specimens (0.7 +/- 0.3 vs 0.9 +/- 0.3 Nm/ degrees ; P = 0.028). Cage specimens also failed at a significantly lower load than plated specimens (9.8 +/- 3.5 vs 15.8 +/- 4.1 Nm; P = 0.0104). Conclusions This study demonstrates that a plated Smith-Robinson cervical discectomy and fusion construct provides greater stiffness and failure load and reduced ROM across operated levels than a single interbody cage construct. Although clinical success may not directly correlate with biomechanical data, these results raise concern regarding the use of a single threaded interbody cage as a stand-alone device for cervical interbody fusion.
Batak foraging camps today: a window to the history of a hunting-gathering economy

Incorporation into wider social and economic systems has brought a variety of changes to the hunting-gathering lifestyle of the Batak of the Philippines. Compared to 100 years ago, Batak hunting-gathering camps today are more limited in duration and smaller in size, hunting-gathering itself is more seasonal in importance, and there are significant differences in technology, resource utilization, the organization of labor, and length of workday. These changes are related to the growing importance of other economic activities and to the nature of Batak market articulation with lowland Filipino society.
Can clinical features of bipolar-I disorder be assessed reliably on the telephone?

Abstract Background: The reliability of telephone interviews for rating 25 selected individual items of the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS) was assessed among persons with remitted bipolar disorder I (BPD I, n=20). Methods: The Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS) was administered directly (with two raters present) and by telephone in random order to 20 adults with bipolar disorder I. Results: Telephone interviews achieved reliability comparable to direct interviews for 16 items (64%), but were considered unsatisfactory for seven others (28%). Two other items, which evaluated the overlap between substance abuse and mood disorder, were considered unreliable for both methods of interview. Limitations: The presence of two interviewers for the in-person interview may have led to over-estimation of in-person reliability. Investigator bias in favor of phone interviews and a relatively small sample may have confounded the results. Conclusions: Telephone interviews may be used to evaluate individuals with BPD I in remission, provided the limitations of this method are recognized. They have limited reliability for dissecting overlap between mood abnormalities and psychotic phenomena or substance abuse.
The Arabidopsis Resistance-Like Gene SNC1 Is Activated by Mutations in SRFR1 and Contributes to Resistance to the Bacterial Effector AvrRps4

The SUPPRESSOR OF rps4-RLD1 (SRFR1) gene was identified based on enhanced AvrRps4-triggered resistance in the naturally susceptible Arabidopsis accession RLD. No other phenotypic effects were recorded, and the extent of SRFR1 involvement in regulating effector-triggered immunity was unknown. Here we show that mutations in SRFR1 in the accession Columbia-0 (Col-0) lead to severe stunting and constitutive expression of the defense gene PR1. These phenotypes were temperature-dependent. A cross between srfr1-1 (RLD background) and srfr1-4 (Col-0) showed that stunting was caused by a recessive locus in Col-0. Mapping and targeted crosses identified the Col-0-specific resistance gene SNC1 as the locus that causes stunting. SRFR1 was proposed to function as a transcriptional repressor, and SNC1 is indeed overexpressed in srfr1-4. Interestingly, co-regulated genes in the SNC1 cluster are also upregulated in the srfr1-4 snc1-11 double mutant, indicating that the overexpression of SNC1 is not a secondary effect of constitutive defense activation. In addition, a Col-0 RPS4 mutant showed full susceptibility to bacteria expressing avrRps4 at 24°C but not at 22°C, while RLD susceptibility was not temperature-dependent. The rps4-2 snc1-11 double mutant showed increased, but not full, susceptibility at 22°C, indicating that additional cross-talk between resistance pathways may exist. Intriguingly, when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, SRFR1, RPS4 and SNC1 are in a common protein complex in a cytoplasmic microsomal compartment. Our results highlight SRFR1 as a convergence point in at least a subset of TIR-NBS-LRR protein-mediated immunity in Arabidopsis. Based on the cross-talk evident from our results, they also suggest that reports of constitutive resistance phenotypes in Col-0 need to consider the possible involvement of SNC1.
Analysis of sensor resources deployment in an escape/evasion scenario

Sensor resources deployment in a two-dimensional geographic grid is analyzed under the assumption that the intruder has perfect knowledge of the detection capabilities of the deployed sensors and associated systems. This situation represents a ''worst-case'' scenario for the sensor system. Dynamic programming techniques are used to calculate the optimal escape/evasion routes, which are then displayed as two dimensional path plots. The average instantaneous probabilities of detection and the cumulative probabilities of detection along possible paths are represented by computer-generated bar charts. Additional statistics concerning path characteristics are also available. For the purpose of comparing the optimal escape/evasion paths with other sub-optimal paths, the analyses of coherent linear paths, random linear paths and constrained random paths are also available. Other uses for the model are also discussed.
A Differential X/Ku-Band Low Noise Amplifier in 0.13- $\mu$ m CMOS Technology

A 7 to 15 GHz low noise amplifier (LNA) in 0.13-mum CMOS is reported. The two-stage fully differential LNA delivers a peak gain of 13 dB and a minimum noise figure of 3.1 dB while consuming 32 mW from a 1.5 V supply. The implemented LNA shows a quadratic improvement of 1-dB compression point with frequency as predicted analytically. The effect of the input matching inductor (on-chip spiral versus wirebond) and also the electrostatic discharge protection circuitry on the LNA performance have been verified experimentally.
Tailoring the performance of graphene-based supercapacitors using topological defects: A theoretical assessment

Abstract Graphene-based materials have been proposed as promising electrodes for electric double layer capacitors. Recently, it has been found that one of the limitations of graphene electrodes is the finite quantum capacitance at low applied voltage. In this work, we investigate the impact of having point-like topological defects in graphene on the electronic structure and quantum capacitance. Our results clearly show that the presence of defects, such as Stone Wales, di-vacancies, and di-interstitials, can substantially enhance the quantum capacitance when compared to pristine graphene, which is found to be due to defect-induced quasi-localized states near the Fermi level. In addition, the charging behavior tends to be asymmetric around the neutrality point. We also discuss the possibility of tuning the electronic structure and capacitance through mixtures of these defects. Our findings suggest that graphene-based electrodes with topological defects may demonstrate noteworthy capacitance but should be carefully selected for use as either the positive or negative electrode.
Cerebral embolization in two young patients with fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and atrial dysrhythmias.

Patients with muscular dystrophy may experience arrhythmias as a consequence of cardiac involvement by the disease process. Sinus node dysfunction, atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and atrioventricular conduction disturbances have been well documented in these patients, but the potential for stroke due to arrhythmia-related cerebral embolization has not been sufficiently emphasized
Special Section: Theoretical Unification as a Practical Project: Kant and the Tree of Knowledge System

In his Critique of Pure Reason, Kant (1787/1998) suggested that scientific and humanistic interpretations of human existence can and should be woven into `a single philosophical system' (p. 695). Yet, Kant was well aware of the profound tension between theoretical analyses of the natural order and practical accounts of our experience as moral agents. In this essay, I argue that the Tree of Knowledge System proposed by Henriques (2003, 2004, 2008) has the scope and conceptual power necessary to account for the emergence of the Kantian tension between theoretical and practical reason. Following Kant, however, I maintain that this tension cannot be adequately resolved on a theoretical plane. Rather, a holistic account of the cultural-person-as-a-whole requires the subordination of theoretical to practical reason. Concretely, this implies that the quest for theoretical unification cannot proceed without concomitant evaluations of the various justification systems that guide the work of scholars in the natural...
The connections between adolescents’ perceptions of parents, parental psychological symptoms, and adolescent functioning

Abstract A total of 150 biological mother–father–adolescent triads were interviewed to investigate adolescents' perceptions of parents with and without high levels of psychological symptoms in relation to adolescents' emotional/behavioral functioning. There was a more consistent pattern for sons to show greater externalizing emotional/behavioral problems in relation to levels of adolescents' perceptions of maternal behaviors (i.e., lower acceptance and higher negative affect toward mother). Daughters, however, appeared to show greater internalizing emotional/behavioral problems in relation to higher levels of paternal depression and anxiety and lower levels of maternal control. Furthermore, both sons and daughters showed evidence of higher emotional/behavioral problems (especially internalizing problems) in relation to triangulation and interparental conflict. The complex patterns of the findings relating to the mother–father–adolescent triads emphasize the importance of including both mothers and fathers in future research of adolescents' perceptions of parents.
The electric company: how the supply chain is being reinvented through the rapid application of e‐procurement processes in the business‐to‐business arena

In this paper, the author examines the growth of B2B e‐commerce, examining results from the ISM/Forrester Reports on e‐Business conducted to date. Through this analysis, the researcher demonstrates that contrary to the generally‐held perception that B2B has experienced a sharp downturn in the wake of the recession, e‐procurement has taken hold and is rapidly expanding across the American landscape. Specifically, the Reports on e‐Business are studied to look for trends in the overall use of e‐procurement methods: to reduce paperwork and cycle times; to procure direct and indirect goods and services; to collaborate with suppliers; and to reduce the total cost of procurement. The author concludes that overall, the analysis shows that the push towards e‐procurement is being led by the largest firms. This and other key trends are discussed in the conclusion of this report, along with suggestions for future research.
A Model for Nonlinear Viscoelastic Mechanical Responses of Collagenous Soft Tissues

Experimental observations of the time-dependent mechanical responses of collagenous tissues have demonstrated behavior that deviates from standard treatments of linear or quasi-linear viscoelasticity. In particular, time-dependent deformation can be strongly coupled to strain level, and strain-rate independence can be observed under monotonic loading, even for a tissue with dramatic stress relaxation. It was postulated that this nonlinearity is fundamentally associated with gradual recruitment of individual collagen fibrils during applied mechanical loading. Based on previously observed experimental results for the time-dependent response of collagenous soft tissues, a model is developed to describe the mechanical behavior of these tissues under uniaxial loading. Tissue stresses, under applied strain-controlled loading, are assumed to be a sum of elastic and viscoelastic stress contributions. The relative contributions of elastic and viscoelastic stresses is assumed to vary with strain level, leading to strain- and time-dependent mechanical behavior. The model formulation is examined under conditions of monotonic loading at varying constant strain rates and stress-relaxation at different applied strain levels. The model is compared with experimental data for a membranous biological soft tissue, the amniotic sac, and is found to agree well with experimental results. The limiting behavior of the novel model, at large strains relative to the collagen recruitment, is consistent with the quasi-linear viscoelastic approach.
'Quantized' hidden Markov models for efficient recognition of cerebral palsy speech

A procedure for evaluating the likelihood of a hidden Markov model using only O(N/K) floating-point operations per observation is developed where N is the number of states in the model and K is a large integer. Experimental tests show that effective recognition of cerebral palsy speech requires highly connected models so that O(3N) to O(N/sup 2/) operations are necessary using conventional algorithms. The reduction in computational complexity is required for near-real-time recognition algorithms to be feasible on ordinary personal computers. >
Spatial detection of anomalous cellular network events

Identifying anomalous cellular network events is important for network management. Timely identification can aid mitigation and help improve customer satisfaction. The data considered in this work is a space-time point process where the points are reports sent in by customers in response to unsuccessful cellular activity such as dropped calls. Our focus is on identifying, for each time period, clusters of such reports that represent unusually high volume relative to similar data in past time periods. This spatial anomaly detection is done using modifications of the K-scan method developed by Loh. The K-scan method uses a Ki statistic to identify candidate points for anomalous clusters. These Ki values are related to the inhomogeneous K function of the point pattern. We implemented a p-value approximation based on an extreme value distribution to replace bootstrap to assess significance. This improves the speed of the algorithm. We also use an FDR approach to account for multiplicity in time. This FDR approach was also used to implement a multi-scale version of K-scan, where multiple distance values are used in the Ki statistic. Finally, we investigated using an ellipse instead of a circle to define the Ki statistic used in K-scan, comparing the two methods with a simulation study. Results from applying K-scan to the data are also presented.
Zinc deficiency enhanced inflammatory response by increasing immune cell activation and inducing IL6 promoter demethylation.

Scope Zinc deficiency results in immune dysfunction and promotes systemic inflammation. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of zinc deficiency on cellular immune activation and epigenetic mechanisms that promote inflammation. This work is potentially relevant to the aging population given that age-related immune defects, including chronic inflammation, coincide with declining zinc status.
Simplification of the two-body unitarity relation

A reduction is obtained in the number of integrations needed to compute the scattering amplitude from a potential by dispersion-theoretical methods.
Gene therapy using IL-27 ameliorates Sjögren's syndrome-like autoimmune exocrinopathy

Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by decreased salivary and lacrimal gland secretions, resulting in severe dry mouth and dry eyes. Recent studies have suggested that TH17 cells and its signature cytokine IL-17 are involved in the underlying pathogenic mechanisms leading to destructive inflammation and autoimmunity. In the present study, we examined whether IL-27, a natural inhibitor of TH17 activity, could down-regulate or reverse SjS in C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mice, a model of primary-SjS. Recombinant serotype 2 adeno-associated viral (AAV2) vectors expressing either IL-27 (rAAV2-IL27) or LacZ (rAAV2-LacZ) were injected into 6 or 14 week-old C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mice. Changes in IL-27, IL-17, and IL-10 cytokine levels in peripheral blood were determined by ELISAs, while flow cytometry analyses were used to quantify cytokine-positive splenocytes. Histological assessment of salivary glands, anti-nuclear autoantibody (ANA) staining, and stimulated saliva flow rates were used to profile SjS disease severity. Mice systemically treated with intravenous rAAV2-IL27 injections at either 6 or 14 weeks of age exhibited long-term elevated levels of serum IL-27 with concomitantly reduced levels of IL-17 compared with sera from mice injected with rAAV2-LacZ or saline out to 20 weeks post-inoculation. Most importantly, disease profiles revealed that rAAV2-IL27 treatment had little effect on lymphocytic focus (LF) scores, but resulted in structural changes in LF, lower titers of ANAs with changes in staining patterns, and a less severe clinical disease as determined by saliva flow rates. These data support the concept that IL-27, when provided exogenously, can induce a suppressive effect on SjS development and thus may be an effective therapeutic agent for regulating TH17 pro-inflammatory activity in autoimmune diseases where the TH17 system has been shown to play an important role in their pathogenesis.
Benchmark of Elastic Plastic Seismic Response Analysis and Fatigue Evaluation for Piping

This paper shows a benchmark result regarding elastic-plastic seismic response analysis and fatigue evaluation for of piping model excitation test. National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) has a lot of experimental results of shaking table test of piping. To propose advance seismic evaluation method for piping under severe seismic event, a task in JSME Code committee performs benchmark activity for elastic plastic seismic response analysis and evaluation for piping by using NIED’s experimental results [1].Authors are taking part in the task and have been performed a benchmark of seismic response analysis and seismic evaluation by comparing with the experimental results. For fatigue evaluation, the strain ranges and the cycles of each range obtained from strain time history were evaluated. The response acceleration and displacement was evaluated for plastic collapse.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Concepts in Quantum Shannon Theory

In these first few chapters, our aim is to establish a firm grounding so that we can address some fundamental questions regarding information transmission over quantum channels. This area of study has become known as “quantum Shannon theory” in the broader quantum information community, in order to distinguish this topic from other areas of study in quantum information science. In this text, we will use the terms “quantum Shannon theory” and “quantum information theory” somewhat interchangeably. We will begin by briefly overviewing several fundamental aspects of the quantum theory. Our study of the quantum theory, in this chapter and future ones, will be at an abstract level, without giving preference to any particular physical system such as a spin- 1/2 particle or a photon. This approach will be more beneficial for the purposes of our study, but, here and there, we will make some reference to actual physical systems to ground us in reality. You may be wondering, what is quantum Shannon theory and why do we name this area of study as such? In short, quantum Shannon theory is the study of the ultimate capability of noisy physical systems, governed by the laws of quantum mechanics, to preserve information and correlations. Quantum information theorists have chosen the name quantum Shannon theory to honor Claude Shannon, who single-handedly founded the field of classical information theory with a groundbreaking paper (Shannon, 1948). In particular, the name refers to the asymptotic theory of quantum information, which is the main topic of study in this book. Information theorists since Shannon have dubbed him the “Einstein of the information age.”1 The name quantum Shannon theory is fit to capture this area of study because we often use quantum versions of Shannon's ideas to prove some of the main theorems in quantum Shannon theory. We prefer the name “quantum Shannon theory” over such names as “quantum information science” or just “quantum information.” These other names are too broad, encompassing subjects as diverse as quantum computation, quantum algorithms, quantum complexity theory, quantum communication complexity, entanglement theory, quantum key distribution, quantum error correction, and even the experimental implementation of quantum protocols.
Genetic Technology and Food Security: A View from the United States

Genetic technology has produced new varieties of crops, primarily corn, soy, and cotton, that resist insects and tolerate herbicides. Many producers in the United States have cultivated genetically modified crops, and in 2014, GM crops were grown on millions of hectares in 28 countries. Legal requirements for authorization in the United States, implemented by the US Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and Food and Drug Administration, are designed to ensure that genetically modified crops are safe to grow, safe for the environment, and safe to eat. GM crops have raised significant issues: labeling, not currently required in the US; liability for possible damage caused by cultivation and sale; and regulatory barriers and asynchronous approvals. In light of current food insecurity, the growing world population, and the uncertainties of climate change, GM crops may help to satisfy global food demands.
Study of horizontally curved bridge girders with tubular top flanges

A system of I-shaped steel plate girders [i.e., conventional I-girders (IGs)] with cross frames between girders is widely used in curved bridges in the USA. A conventional IG has low torsional stiffness and strength, so before it is braced by cross frames, it develops large deformations and stresses under its own weight if unsupported within the span; temporary shoring is usually required during erection of a curved conventional IG bridge. An I-shaped girder with a hollow tube as the top flange (i.e., a TFG1) has larger torsional stiffness and strength than a conventional IG, resulting in improved behaviour and simpler curved bridge erection. In this paper, curved TFG1 bridge systems are analysed and compared with corresponding conventional IG systems. The advantages of curved TFG1 systems are (1) individual curved TFG1s have smaller deformations and stresses than corresponding conventional IGs during erection, and can carry their weight across the span without temporary shoring or bracing within the span...
Feasibility of Pegylated Interferon in Children and Young Adults With Resected High-Risk Melanoma

Background Pegylated interferon α-2b (IFN α-2b) improves disease-free survival in adults with resected stage III melanoma. We conducted a study to determine the feasibility and safety of incorporating pegylated IFN α-2b as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of children and adolescents with high-risk melanoma. Pharmacokinetic studies of IFN α-2b and neuropsychological and quality of life (OL) assessments were performed. Patient and Methods Eligible patients with resected American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage IIC, IIIA, and IIIB cutaneous melanoma received nonpegylated IFN α-2b 20 million units/m2/day intravenously 5 days per week for 4 weeks (induction) followed by pegylated IFN α-2b 1 μg/kg/dose weekly subcutaneously (SQ) for 48 weeks (maintenance). Results Twenty-three patients (15 females, median age 10 years) were enrolled. All patients completed induction therapy; five patients did not complete maintenance therapy either because of recurrent disease (n = 2) or toxicity (n = 3). The most common grade 3 and 4 toxicities of pegylated IFN α-2b were neutropenia (35%) and elevated liver transaminases (17%). The median nonpegylated IFN α-2b AUC0-∞ (5,026 pcg⋅hr/ml) was similar to adults. The median pegylated IFN α-2b exposure (48,480 pcg⋅hr/ml) was greater than the cumulative weekly exposure for nonpegylated IFN α-2b administered SQ three times per week (TIW). Validated measures demonstrated an improvement in QOL scores and no decline in psychological functioning over the course of therapy. Conclusions Pegylated IFN α-2b 1 μg/kg/dose SQ weekly as maintenance therapy in children and adolescents with high-risk melanoma is feasible with tolerable toxicity and appears to yield higher exposures than nonpegylated IFN α-2b administered SQ TIW.
Transurethral MR-HIFU for the treatment of localized prostate cancer

Transurethral MR-HIFU involves the delivery of high-intensity ultrasound energy for targeted coagulation of prostate tissue under real-time MRI temperature control.
Death-Related Costs in the Public Inpatient and Outpatient Sector in Austria

Rationale: There is international evidence that the bulk of people's lifetime health expenditure concentrates in the last years or months before death, independent of the deceased person's age. In the present paper we calculate these so called death-related costs for the Austrian public sector. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to identify and to compare death-related costs by sex and age in the publicly funded health care sector. In contrast to most other international studies we can identify death-related costs in the outpatient sector as well as the inpatient sector. Methodology: Basis for our calculation in the inpatient sector are DRG-points of patients dying in hospitals. We cannot identify hospital costs of persons dying outside of hospital. To adjust for this we calculate two scenarios: In scenario 1 we assume that people dying outside hospitals cause no additional costs, in scenario 2 we assume that death outside of hospital causes the same average costs as death in hospital. For the outpatient sector we have costs as borne by sickness funds for two federal states covering about one third of the Austrian population. We can distinguish several kinds of expenditure in the outpatient sector, e.g. for physician services (including dentists), pharmaceuticals, medical appliances or patients transport. We can calculate costs covering two years back from time of death for both sectors, inpatient and outpatient. Results: In 2004, about 13 (scenario 1) to 24 percent (scenario 2) of total inpatient care expenditure and about seven percent of total outpatient expenditure can be assigned to persons in their last two years of life. Outpatient death-related costs amount to about a fifth of total inpatient death-related costs (relating to the average scenario of scenario 1 and scenario 2). The costs per death in the inpatient sector are in general higher in young ages than for the elderly and there is a significant gender-gap for patients dying in their twenties, with higher expenditure for women. The costs per death in the outpatient sector are highest in the middle age groups between 40-70 years, for both sexes but with higher costs for females as in the inpatient sector. Due to the respective number of deceased persons, total death costs per age group increase with age. 80 percent of death-related inpatient costs and 58 percent of death-related outpatient costs incurred in the last 12 months before death. Main component of outpatient death-related costs is the expenditure for pharmaceuticals, for both sexes. Conclusions: For the first time it was possible to calculate death-related costs for Austria covering both sectors, inpatient as well as outpatient care, and the last two years (rather than one year) back from death. Even though death related costs in the outpatient sector are by far lower than respective hospital costs, they amount to a significant fraction of total death-related cost.
Nonepithelial tumors of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity: role of CT and MR imaging

This article reviews some of the applications of computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the clinical investigation of nonepithelial tumors and tumorlike lesions of the sinonasal tract. Sixty selected patients primarily with various nonepithelial tumors of the sinonasal tract were included in this study. The MR characteristics of many of these lesions are described.
Coalescent and Models of Identity by Descent

The concept of identity by descent, or IBD, traces back about a century to the early days of population and evolutionary genetics. Since that time, IBD has been employed in a number of ways, but always as a measure of close genetic relationship. Compared to other ways of quantifying genetic variation, IBD focuses its power on the recent ancestry of populations and species. Observations of IBD can be used to make inferences about events of interest to evolutionary biologists studying a wide range of taxa, especially now that the sequencing of genomes has become practical.
Approach to the Patient with Cardiovascular Disease

Metabolic disorders are associated with a wide variety of cardiovascular manifestations, including cardiomyopathy, dysrhythmias and conduction disturbances, valvular heart disease, vascular disorders, and pulmonary hypertension. Most metabolic cardiomyopathies result from disorders of energy production, mostly involving other organs, particularly skeletal muscle and liver. Taken as a group, the disorders of fatty acid oxidation and of oxidative phosphorylation are the most common causes of metabolic cardiomyopathies; another important group is disorders of glycogen metabolism, especially Pompe disease. In some metabolic disorders, the cardiac manifestations may be late, subtle, or secondary to metabolic derangements in other organs. Valvular dysfunction and infiltrative cardio-myopathy occur as a late complication in many lysosomal storage disorders. Myocardial dysfunction is common in hemo-chromatosis, a metabolic cardiomyopathy most easily prevented. Symptomatic coronary heart and cerebrovas-cular disease during childhood is restricted to severe defects of low-density lipoprotein metabolism. Peripheral vascular disease is prominent in homocystinuria. Disorders of lipoproteins metabolism possess a significant long-term, but modifiable burden of premature atherosclerosis to a large number of children. Pulmonary arterial hypertension may be a quite rare complication in a few metabolic diseases, especially glycogen storage disease I.
The Personal Question

The philosopher’s task is envisaged by Gabriel Marcel in terms of a personal research in which the ontological status of the person undertaking it is intimately involved. At the same time, the concept of person itself furnishes a focus of integration for a philosophy that is admittedly impatient of systematic presentation. These two features of Marcel’s philosophy are in fact reciprocal. His whole philosophic development can be viewed, rather negatively, as a reaction to the abstract, rationalistic, and impersonal idealism that was the keynote of his early thought.1 More positively it represents a progress towards a concrete, realist, and personal mode of reflection. Instead of disengaging the person from the experience in which, qua experience, he is intimately involved, in order to reflect upon either subject or experience in abstract isolation, this mode of reflection seeks to “recollect” the integral experience by including the subject himself in the act of reflective withdrawal.2 The precise nature of such a mode of reflection — “second reflection” as Marcel terms it — is not easy either to grasp or to explain. The effort to define clearly and simply what it means might well result in a distortion of the concept that misses its meaning. It would not be accurate, for instance, to describe it merely as an effort to synthesize the various conclusions reached by an analytic reflection.
Nonlinear optical response of noble gases via the metastable electronic state approach

The goal of this paper is to elucidate the theoretical underpinnings of the metastable electronic state approach (MESA) and demonstrate its utility for the evaluation of the nonlinear optical response of noble-gas atoms with emphasis on the application of the method to the propagation of multicolor optical fields in large-scale, spatially resolved simulations. More specifically, single-active-electron models of various atoms are employed to calculate their nonlinear properties both within the adiabatic approximation, involving a single metastable state and beyond, capturing inertial effects, and wavelength-dependent ionization. Simulations for excitation pulses at different center wavelengths as well as ionization in two-color pulses are presented and compared with numerical solutions of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation. Illustrative examples of the numerical simulation of high-power pulse propagation incorporating MESA data are also presented and showcase the successful application to optical filamentation in the midinfrared region.
Longer follow-up on cardiac safety and distant disease free survival of dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel and trastuzumab in patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer.

540Background: We previously reported the cardiac safety results and distant disease-free survival (DDFS) on a phase 2 trial of dose-dense (dd) doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by pac...