cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Luminal-Applied Flagellin Is Internalized by Polarized Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Elicits Immune Responses via the TLR5 Dependent Mechanism

Bacteria release flagellin that elicits innate responses via Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). Here, we investigated the fate of apically administrated full length flagellin from virulent and avirulent bacteria, along with truncated recombinant flagellin proteins in intestinal epithelial cells and cellular responses. Flagellin was internalized by intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) monolayers of IEC-18. Additionally, apically applied flagellin was internalized by polarized human Caco-2BBe and T-84 cells in a TLR5 dependent mechanism. More, flagellin exposure did not affect the integrity of intestinal monolayers. With immunofluorescent staining, internalized flagellin was detected in both early endosomes as well as lysosomes. We found that apical exposure of polarized Caco-2BBe and T-84 to flagellin from purified Salmonella, Escherichia coli O83:H1 (isolate from Crohn’s lesion) or avirulent E. coli K12 induced comparable levels of basolateral IL-8 secretion. A recombinant protein representing the conserved amino (N) and carboxyl (C) domains (D) of the flagellin protein (ND1/2ECHCD2/1) induced IL-8 secretion from IEC similar to levels elicited by full-length flagellins. However, a recombinant flagellin protein containing only the D3 hypervariable region elicited no IL-8 secretion in both cell lines compared to un-stimulated controls. Silencing or blocking TLR5 in Caco-2BBe cells resulted in a lack of flagellin internalization and decreased IL-8 secretion. Furthermore, apical exposure to flagellin stimulated transepithelial migration of neutrophils and dendritic cells. The novel findings in this study show that luminal-applied flagellin is internalized by normal IEC via TLR5 and co-localizes to endosomal and lysosomal compartments where it is likely degraded as flagellin was not detected on the basolateral side of IEC cultures.
Analysis of magnesiumlike spectra from Mo XXXI to Cs XLIV

Transitions in the magnesium like ions of the elements Mo, Rh, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, I and Cs have been identified in the extreme ultraviolet spectra from laser-produced plasmas. The configurations considered are 3s2, 3s3p, 3p2, 3s3d, 3p3d, and 3d2. Based on the observations, fitted energy values of 34 levels are presented for all of the elements from Nb to Nd (Z = 41-60). The interaction of the J = 2 levels of the 3p2 and 3s3d configurations in the range Z = 45-55 is considered in detail.
The economic benefit of organizational restructuring of the cardiothoracic intensive care unit.

Abstract Objectives: Compare cost/benefits of organizational restructuring of the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). Design: Prospective, with a retrospective control period. Setting: Academic medical center. Participants: Sixty-six CICU patients (prospective) and 57 patients who received care before restructuring (retrospective) were compared. Entrance criteria were constant for both study periods. Interventions: The CICU was restructured from a level III ICU to a level I ICU with the initiation of a consultant CICU service. The CICU service provided an attending physician dedicated to ICU care daily. All cardiac patients admitted into the CICU received consultation by the CICU service. Measurements and main results: The average postoperative intubation time decreased during the intervention period (61% extubated within 6 hours v 12%, p = 0.004). Pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, and ICU costs decreased $279 (p = 0.004), $196 (p = 0.003), $190 (p = 0.15), and $470 (p = 0.12), respectively. The ICU length of stay (0.28 days shorter) as well as the overall postsurgery stay (0.54 days shorter) were reduced in the intervention period (p = 0.11 and 0.10, respectively). Conclusions: The CICU service significantly reduced both total ICU-related costs ($1,173/patient) and overall costs ($2,285/patient) during the intervention period. Professional fees only reduced overall savings by 8%. These results indicate that organizational restructuring of the CICU to newer models can reduce costs associated with cardiac surgery.
Calcium-proton antiports in photosynthetic purple bacteria

Abstract A purple sulfur bacterium, Chromatium vinosum , and a purple nonsulfur bacterium, Rhodospirillum rubrum , have been shown to contain Ca 2+ /H + antiports. Whole cells of these bacteria show light-dependent calcium efflux that arises from the exchange of internal calcium for protons ejected during light-driven cyclic electron flow. Chromatophores prepared from these bacteria show light-dependent proton efflux coupled to calcium uptake via this antiport. The C. vinosum antiport does not respond to Mg 2+ , Zn 2+ or monovalent cations but Sr 2+ , Mn 2+ and, to a lesser extent, Ba 2+ can substitute for Ca 2+ .
Robust scareware image detection

In this paper, we propose an image-based detection method to identify web-based scareware attacks that is robust to evasion techniques. We evaluate the method on a large-scale data set that resulted in an equal error rate of 0.018%. Conceptually, false positives may occur when a visual element, such as a red shield, is embedded in a benign page. We suggest including additional orthogonal features or employing graders to mitigate this risk. A novel visualization technique is presented demonstrating the acquired classifier knowledge on a classified screenshot.
Retrospective self-report of alcohol consumption: test-retest reliability by telephone

The Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB) is an interview technique for obtaining detailed retrospective self-reports of alcohol consumption with excellent reliability for various composite variables when both administrations are in person. Because the telephone offers practical advantages over face-to-face interviewing for follow-up assessments in longitudinal studies of problem drinkers, this study was undertaken to compare the test-retest reliability of a 12-week TLFB interview when the second administration was by telephone to that when the second interview was in person. In addition, because the reliability of the TLFB has been previously assessed using composite variables, we examined the reliability of the TLFB at the item level. Research participants were 30 adult medical patients who drank frequently, and 75 college students who were problem drinkers. Test-retest reliability as measured by intraclass correlation was generally high, 0.79 or greater for the number of days of drinking > 6 standard drinks, 0.90 or greater for the number of abstinent days, and 0.80 or greater for the greatest number of drinks consumed on any 1 day, in both the most recent 4-week interval and in the entire 12-week interval. Test-retest correlation coefficients for composite variables derived from the interview data were not systematically affected by whether the second interview was in person or by telephone. Furthermore, item-level correlations were also substantial. Findings support the use of the telephone for follow-up interviews, potentially reducing costs of longitudinal studies and facilitating multisite studies with centralized data collection, and lend further general support to the reliability of the TLFB.
Radiosurgery in the treatment of spinal metastases: tumor control, survival, and quality of life after helical tomotherapy

Objective The effectiveness and limitations of spinal radiosurgery using a helical TomoTherapy system for the treatment of spinal metastases are reviewed in this article. Methods This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent stereotactic radiosurgery for spinal metastases between July 2004 and December 2007. Radiographic follow-up consisted of magnetic resonance imaging to assess tumor growth control as well as pre- and posttreatment x-rays, which were used to measure changes in segmental angulation and deformity. Clinical performance was assessed using the Karnofsky Performance Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and visual analog scale. Results Forty patients were treated for 110 metastatic tumors (range, 1-6 tumors per patient). The mean age at the time of radiosurgical treatment was 67 years (age range, 35-81 years). Twenty-three patients (57.5%) had undergone previous surgical resection. Pain was the most common presenting symptom, seen in 32 patients (80%). The mean Oswestry Disability Index score at presentation was 43 (range, 20-90), and the mean visual analog scale score was 6.2 (range, 0-10). The mean radiosurgical dose to the tumor was 17.3 Gy (range, 10-24 Gy). At a mean follow-up duration of 12.7 months (range, 4-32 months), decreased or stable tumor volume was seen in 90 (82%) of the tumors treated. There was improvement in pain in 34 patients (85%). The mean postradiosurgical Oswestry Disability Index score was 25 (range, 10-90), whereas the postradiosurgical visual analog scale score was 3.2 (range, 0-9). Progression of kyphosis was the most common radiographic sequela, experienced by 73% of patients alive at 12 months, with a mean change in angulation of 7.3 +/- 4.5 degrees. Conclusion Radiosurgery is effective as either primary or adjunctive treatment of metastatic tumors of the spine.
An Escherichia coli mutant deficient in pyruvate oxidase activity due to altered phospholipid activation of the enzyme

Abstract The pyruvate oxidase (pyruvate:ferricytochrome b1 oxidoreductase, EC 1.2.2.2) of Escherichia coli is markedly activated by phospholipids in vitro. To test the physiological relevance of this activation, we isolated an E. coli mutant producing an oxidase that is deficient in activation by (and binding to) phospholipids. The mutant oxidase could be fully activated by a specific proteolytic cleavage, indicating that the catalytic site is normal. The mutant enzyme functions poorly in vivo, indicating that activation of the oxidase by phospholipids plays an important physiological role.
Multicast Virtual Topologies for Collective Communication in MPCs and ATM Clusters

This paper defines and describes the properties of a multicast virtual topology, the M-array and a resource-efficient variation, the REM-array. It is shown how several collective operations can be implemented efficiently using these virtual topologies, while maintaining low complexity. Because the methods are applicable to any parallel computing environment that supports multicast communication in hardware, they provide a framework for collective communication libraries that are portable and yet take advantage of such low-level hardware functionality. In particular, the paper describes the practical issues of using these methods in wormhole-routed massively parallel computers (MPCs) and in workstation clusters connected by Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks. Performance results are given for both environments.
Solving large quadratic assignment problems on computational grids

The quadratic assignment problem (QAP) is among the hardest combinatorial optimization problems. Some instances of size n = 30 have remained unsolved for decades. The solution of these problems requires both improvements in mathematical programming algorithms and the utilization of powerful computational platforms. In this article we describe a novel approach to solve QAPs using a state-of-the-art branch-and-bound algorithm running on a federation of geographically distributed resources known as a computational grid. Solution of QAPs of unprecedented complexity, including the nug30, kra30b, and tho30 instances, is reported.
SU-FF-T-546: A Novel Template Technique for the Analysis of Alignment Accuracy of a Linac Based SRS System

Introduction The analysis of Winston‐Lutz (WL) test for SRS QA is time consuming and subjects to human observation uncertainties. In this work, a novel template technique is described to analyze the low contrast portal images of WL test. Methods/MaterialsLinac based Steotactic Radiosurgery requires overall end‐to‐end accuracy of sub‐millimeter ( 1mm) and needed to be realigned according to our protocol. The result is agreed with our visual observation. Conclusions By using modern image processing and analysis technique, we developed a template based algorithm to analyze WL test images for SRS quality assurance.
Framing Disparities Along the Continuum of Care From Chronic Kidney Disease to Transplantation: Barriers and Interventions

Research in renal transplantation continues to document scores of disparities affecting vulnerable populations at various stages along the transplantation process. Given that both biological and environmental determinants contribute significantly to variation, identifying factors underlying an unfairly biased distribution of the disease burden is crucial. Confounded definitions and gaps in understanding causal pathways impede effectiveness of interventions aimed at alleviating disparities. This article offers an operational definition of disparities in the context of a framework aimed at facilitating interventional research. Utilizing an original framework describing the entire continuum of the transplant process from diagnosis of chronic kidney disease through successful transplant, this article explores the case of racial disparities, illustrating key factors predicting and perpetuating disparities. Though gaps in current research leave us unable to identify which stages of the transplant pathway adversely affect most people, by identifying key risk factors across the continuum of care, this article highlights areas suited for targeted interventions and presents recommendations for improvement and future research.
Stylized environments and ABMs: educational tools for examining the causes and consequences of land use/land cover change

A challenge in land change science is to assess the causes and consequences of LULC change and associated pattern–process relations. Increasingly, land change organizations are examining land use at local to global scales for historical, contemporary and future periods through scenarios that assess population–environment interactions. Spatial analytical tools in GIScience are being used to link people and environment and to search for the distal and proximate factors that affect local to global land use patterns. Spatial simulation models that rely upon complexity theory as the framework and agent-based models as the analytical approach offer the capability to inform through experimentation about land issues important to science and society. Using a stylized landscape where a selected set of key social, geographical and ecological elements are spatially organized, we describe how land dynamics can be examined through agent-based models as educational tools that are useful in the classroom, boardroom and p...
The effect of varied hip angles on the generation of internal tibial rotary torque

Previous researchers have determined that 90 degrees of knee flexion is an appropriate angle to condition the internal tibial rotators. Because the majority of internal tibial rotators are two-joint muscles crossing both the knee and the hip, the influence of the hip angle on the generation of rotary torque was examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of four hip angles on the generation of internal tibial rotational torque with the knee positioned at 90 degrees of flexion. Forty subjects, 20 males and 20 females, were tested at four positions of hip flexion (120 degrees, 90 degrees, 45 degrees, 10 degrees) using a modified Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer, and their maximal mean internal rotary torque values were recorded. The subjects were placed in a custom-made orthotic-type boot to minimize the motions of the talo-calcaneal joint. Sixty percent of the males and 65% of the females generated their greatest absolute torque value at 120 degrees of hip flexion. A procedure investigating the rankings of the maximal mean torque values at each of the tested hip positions revealed a significant difference between the hip positions of 120 and 10 degrees for both populations (P less than 0.001), and the male population also demonstrated significance between the angles of 120 and 45 degrees and 90 and 10 degrees (P less than 0.05). The practical significance of this study offers some additional information regarding the appropriate positioning for rehabilitation of the internal tibial rotators. The data suggests that if maximal torque generation is desired, the internal tibial rotators should be tested and exercised with the hip flexed to 120 degrees to take advantage of the length-tension relationship and the biomechanical principles of the rotary muscles.
Complications of bioresorbable fixation systems in pediatric neurosurgery

Bioresorbable devices are an attractive alternative to metal instrumentation for internal fixation of bone, and have been used extensively in orthopedic and craniofacial surgery. In neurosurgery, the reported literature is predominantly confined to pediatric craniofacial procedures, with encouraging results and minimal complications. We have used bioreabsorbable plates and screws in cranial and spinal pediatric neurosurgery procedures. We report four complications related to their usage. Bioabsorbable instrumentation was used in pediatric patients for fixation of bone after cranial or spinal procedures. Four patients developed complications related to the instrumentation: 2 following cranial surgery for epilepsy, 1 after correction of a growing skull fracture, and 1 after laminotomy for an intramedullary tumor. Two patients had fibrous encapsulation with granuloma formation and 2 patients had osteolysis following the fixation. Bioabsorbable fixation devices for the stabilization of bone following craniotomy and laminotomy in pediatric patients may be associated with complications, including granuloma formation and osteolysis.
Exendin-4, a new peptide from Heloderma suspectum venom, potentiates cholecystokinin-induced amylase release from rat pancreatic acini.

Abstract We examined the actions of exendin-4, a new peptide isolated from Heloderma suspectum venom, on dispersed acini from rat pancreas. Exendin-4 caused a 3-fold increase in cAMP but did not alter cellular calcium concentration. Exendin-4-induced increases in cAMP were inhibited by an exendin-receptor antagonist, exendin (9–39)NH2, but not by VIP-receptor antagonists. Whereas up to 1 μM exendin-4 alone did not alter amylase release, potentiation of enzyme release was observed when the peptide (> 30 pM) was combined with cholecystokinin. Potentiation of amylase release was also observed when exendin-4 was combined with carbamylcholine, bombesin or a calcium ionophore, A23187. These results indicate that stimulation of exendin receptors on rat pancreatic acini causes an increase in cellular cAMP. Although this increase in cAMP alone does not result in amylase release, combination of exendin-4 with agents that increase cell calcium results in potentiation of amylase release.
Electronic Monitoring to Assess Adherence With Once-Daily Glaucoma Medications and Risk Factors for Nonadherence: The Automated Dosing Reminder Study

Importance Adherence with topical glaucoma medications is low in some patients. To identify these patients, we need more information on risk factors for nonadherence. Objective To assess adherence with once-daily glaucoma medication. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective cohort study involving patients who were recruited from a university-based glaucoma clinic and treated with once-daily prostaglandin eyedrops. Baseline characteristics were recorded, and each patient was provided a medication bottle to hold his or her eyedrop bottle throughout the study. An electronic cap recorded each time the larger bottle holding the eyedrops was opened. Participants were administered standardized tests of depression and mental status and answered questions about their health and their attitudes toward medication adherence. They used the electronic monitors for 3 months, during which their adherence with medications was assessed. Main Outcomes and Measures Adherence with daily glaucoma medication and factors associated with poor adherence. Results Of the 491 participants enrolled, 407 (82.9%) successfully completed the 3-month adherence assessment. Of this group, 337 (82.8%) took their medication correctly on at least 75% of days and were deemed adherent. Compared with this adherent group, the 70 participants (17.2%) who were nonadherent were slightly younger, were more likely to be of African descent, took medications for a shorter time, had a lower level of educational attainment, and had worse scores on mental status and depression scales ( P P Conclusions and Relevance Electronic monitoring of patient adherence documented that a sizable number of patients with glaucoma do not take their medications as prescribed. Factors were identified that may prove useful in targeting those nonadherent patients for interventions.
A Prolegomenon to Responsible Legislative Reform

When you're young it's easy to streak appeals across the sky like rockets. But as you get older you feel increasingly esponsible for those traveling the road your rocket lights. What if you've led them wrong? You grow wary of making reckless appeals, and a sense of responsibility must be tempered above all with analysis and reflection. Relentless analysis alone, not childish shouting, embodies the true appeals.1
Fast Neutron Transient Detection Hodoscope for Reactor Fuel Meltdown Studies

A hodoscope sensitive to penetrating fast fission neutrons has been designed for the test reactor TREAT. Discrete portions of an imaginary 15 × 23 matrix centered on the fuel plane are scanned by individual fast neutron detector channels. Located outside the reactor core, 13 ft from the test pin, this hodoscope is able to record the movement of fuel with a 0.15-in. horizontal resolution and close to 1-msec time resolution. Instrumentation was optimized with regard to cost. Each neutron signal is translated to a digital positive pulse, several microseconds duration, which gates a 6977 fluorescent vacuum tube into conduction. An array of 334 lamps is photographed by a fast framing camera at 1000 frames/sec, making the readout system, in effect, an inexpensive two-parameter analyzer with a capability approaching 107 cps.
Prediction of crack statistics in a random polycrystal damaged by the pile-ups of extrinsic grain-boundary dislocations

Crack nucleation due to the pile-ups of extrinsic grain-boundary dislocations around triple junctions is analysed. The analysis is based on a micromechanical model of interactions between the pile-ups and a triple-junction crack, and an approximate energy-based crack nucleation criterion. For a random microstructure of aluminium, the results show that the crack orientation, the crack length and the energy decrease due to crack formation have a rectangular, a skewed and a normal probability density distribution respectively. The effects of the remote loading state, the load magnitude and the mean grain size on the mean and standard deviation of the distributions are also quantified.
Drinking frequency and quantity and risk of suicide among men.

Individuals who die from suicide commonly have consumed alcohol immediately beforehand, often in large quantities. However, prospective cohort data on regular alcohol use as a risk factor for suicide are lacking. As part of the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, 47,654 men free of cancer prospectively reported their drinking habits, including average use, drinking frequency, and typical maximal use on repeated occasions beginning in 1986. Participants were followed for death to 2002. A total of 136 men died from suicide during follow-up. Quantity of alcohol consumed per drinking day tended to be associated with a greater risk of suicide mortality, with an adjusted hazard ratio among men consuming 30.0 or more grams (more than two drinks) per drinking day of 2.42 (95% confidence interval, 0.75–7.80; P-trend 0.05). Average alcohol consumption, drinking frequency, and binge drinking were not independently associated with risk. The apparent relationship of quantity consumed per drinking day with risk was not substantially changed by adjustment for serious illness or other dietary factors and was most notable for suicide associated with firearm use. Among men, risk of death from suicide tends to be associated primarily with quantity of alcohol consumed per drinking day, not with drinking frequency or overall alcohol consumption. This finding supports guidelines that limit consumption among men who choose to drink alcohol to two drinks or less per drinking day.
Nested Large-Eddy Simulations of the Intermittently Turbulent Stable Atmospheric Boundary Layer over Real Terrain

The nighttime stable atmospheric boundary layer over real terrain is modeled with nested high-resolution large-eddy simulations (LESs). The field site is located near Leon, Kansas, where the 1999 Cooperative Atmosphere‐Surface Exchange Study took place. The terrain is mostly flat with an average slope of 0.58. The main topographic feature is a shallow valley oriented in the east‐west direction. The night of 5 October is selected to study intermittent turbulence under prevailing quiescent conditions. Brief turbulent periods triggeredby shear-instability waves are modeled with good magnitude andtemporalprecision with a dynamic reconstruction turbulence closure. In comparison, conventional closures fail to excite turbulent motions and predict a false laminar flow. A plausible new intermittency mechanism, previously unknown owing to limited spatial coverage of field instruments at this site, is unveiled with the LESs. Turbulence can be generated through gravity wave breaking over a stagnant cold-air bubble in the valley upwind of the main tower. The bubble is preceded by the formation of a valley cold-air pool due to down-valley drainage flows during the evening transition. The bubble grows in depth by entraining cold down-valley and downslope flows from belowandiserodedbyshear-inducedwavebreakingonthetop.Thecyclicprocessofformationanderosionis repeated during the night, leading to sporadic turbulent bursting.
A global model of thermospheric dynamics—I. Wind and density fields derived from a phenomenological temperature

Abstract This paper describes the mathematical formulation and implementation of a numerical model of the neutral upper atmosphere based on the equations of conservation of mass, momentum and energy in the altitude range 120–500 km. The model is three-dimensional and includes the effects of viscosity, ion drag, the Coriolis force and the nonlinear terms in the equations of motion. The Galerkin method is used as an efficient alternative to finite-difference approaches for the solution of three-dimensional partial differential equations. In the preliminary computations discussed here, the upper atmosphere is represented by a single fluid with molecular weight and temperature fields taken from the phenomenological model of Jacchia (1971). The horizontal and vertical wind fields and the density of the thermosphere are discussed, with particular attention to the diurnally averaged wind fields. Comparisions with previous theoretical and observational investigations are made.
Adrenal mediation of estrogen-induced ejaculatory behavior in the male rat.

Abstract Testosterone propionate (TP) and estradiol benzoate (EB) were equally effective in maintaining the complete copulatory pattern in castrated male rats. In castrated, adrenalectomized rats, however, TP maintained the copulatory sequence while EB failed to maintain ejaculatory responses. Both steroids maintained mounting behavior and TP was more effective than EB in maintaining intromission responses in the adrenalectomized animals. It is suggested that adrenal androgens may mediate the effects of EB on ejaculatory behavior.
Heritability of Dressing Percentage in Broilers

Abstract Development of strains of broilers to meet the demands of the various segments of the industry is primarily the responsibility of the breeders. The trend toward purchasing broilers on the basis of eviscerated yield (dressing percentage) and grade may be forthcoming, Williams (1956) and Fischer (1957). Thus, information concerning the inheritance of dressing percentage of broilers seems important. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two cases of eggs from the Athens-Canadian randombred population were obtained in 1960 from the U.S.D.A. Southern Regional Poultry Breeding Station at Athens, Georgia. After hatching, the chicks were wingbanded and reared to sexual maturity. Diallel matings of unselected birds were then set up to produce the initial pedigree population. Later generations were also produced from diallel matings; however, the breeders were selected on the basis of the dressing percentage of their full-sibs. An attempt was made to obtain dressing data on a minimum of four progeny from each…
Fast spoken query detection using lower-bound Dynamic Time Warping on Graphical Processing Units

In this paper we present a fast unsupervised spoken term detection system based on lower-bound Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) search on Graphical Processing Units (GPUs). The lower-bound estimate and the K nearest neighbor DTW search are carefully designed to fit the GPU parallel computing architecture. In a spoken term detection task on the TIMIT corpus, a 55x speed-up is achieved compared to our previous implementation on a CPU without affecting detection performance. On large, artificially created corpora, measurements show that the total computation time of the entire spoken term detection system grows linearly with corpus size. On average, searching a keyword on a single desktop computer with modern GPUs requires 2.4 seconds/corpus hour.
Integrating manufacturing test strategy with manufacturing production strategy

The foundation of what is known as agile competition is beginning to unfold. Rather than offering the customer a plethora of different options from which to choose, the customer works with the producer to arrive at solutions to the customer's specific problem. Information and services become a significant part of the product sold. Agile competition represents a significant departure from the lean manufacturing environments that exist today. The economics of production will no longer be defined in terms of being the low cost producer. What has emerged is on inescapable evolution to high-mix, low-volume manufacturing. An effective and efficient test strategy is critical to profitably meeting the responsiveness and delivery performance challenges of a dynamic agile, high-mix, low-volume electronics manufacturing environment. Test strategy objectives must align in on integrated way with the overall objectives established at the highest level of a manufacturing organization. In this regard, a manufacturing operations model is a competitive imperative. A manufacturing operations model will greatly assist management in gaining a better understanding of problems and serve as a focal point for systematic discussion of objectives and alternatives. Fundamental to the establishment of a sound manufacturing test strategy is the measurement of and understanding of the relevant dimensions of flexibility and complexity. Reductions in complexity coupled with increased flexibility (e.g., mix, volume) can offer competitive advantages in cost, quality, responsiveness and delivery performance for a high-mix low-volume electronics manufacturer. Various test strategy choices and the relevant issues pertaining to their use will be presented for the different types of manufacturing environments that con be encountered.
Sonic Boom Mitigation Through Aircraft Design and Adjoint Methodology

This paper presents a novel approach to design of the supersonic aircraft outer mold line (OML) by optimizing the A-weighted loudness of sonic boom signature predicted on the ground. The optimization process uses the sensitivity information obtained by coupling the discrete adjoint formulations for the augmented Burgers Equation and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) equations. This coupled formulation links the loudness of the ground boom signature to the aircraft geometry thus allowing efficient shape optimization for the purpose of minimizing the impact of loudness. The accuracy of the adjoint-based sensitivities is verified against sensitivities obtained using an independent complex-variable approach. The adjoint based optimization methodology is applied to a configuration previously optimized using alternative state of the art optimization methods and produces additional loudness reduction. The results of the optimizations are reported and discussed.
Two-terminal monolithic InP/InGaAsP tandem solar cells with tunneling intercell ohmic connections

A monolithic two-terminal InP/InGaAsP tandem solar cell has been successfully fabricated by two-step liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) growth. This tandem solar cell consists of a 1.35-eV p/n InP homojunction top subcell and a 0.95 eV p/n InGaAsP homojunction bottom subcell. A patterned 0.95 eV n/sup +//p/sup +/ InGaAsP tunnel diode was employed as an intercell ohmic connection. The open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current and fill factor exhibited by the best device under one sun, AM1.5 global illumination were 1.363 V, 13.85 mA/cm/sup 2/, and 0.786, respectively; with a total-area power conversion efficiency of 14.8%. The InP/InGaAsP tandem structure demonstrated could be useful for the future development of a monolithic, two-terminal, InP-based three-junction tandem solar cell with projected conversion efficiency exceeding 30%. >
Personality Change Pre- to Post- Loss in Spousal Caregivers of Patients with Terminal Lung Cancer.

Personality is relatively stable in adulthood but could change in response to life transitions, such as caring for a spouse with a terminal illness. Using a case–control design, spousal caregivers (n = 31) of patients with terminal lung cancer completed the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) twice, 1.5 years apart, before and after the patient’s death. A demographically matched sample of community controls (n = 93) completed the NEO-FFI on a similar time frame. Based on research and theory, we hypothesized that bereaved caregivers would experience greater changes than controls in interpersonal facets of extraversion (sociability), agreeableness (prosocial and nonantagonistic), and conscientiousness (dependability). Consistent with hypotheses, bereaved caregivers experienced an increase in interpersonal orientation, becoming more sociable, prosocial, and dependable (Cohen’s d = .48–.67), though there were no changes in nonantagonism. Changes were not observed in controls (ds ≤ .11). These initial findings...
A qualitative path planner for robot navigation using human-provided maps

A method for controlling a mobile robot using qualitative inputs in the context of an approximate map, such as one sketched by a human, is presented. By defining a desired trajectory with respect to observable landmarks, human operators can send semi-autonomous robots into areas for which a true map is not available. Waypoint planning is formulated as a quadratic optimization problem which takes advantage of the probabilistic representation of the observed environment and the uncertain human input, resulting in robot trajectories in the true environment that are qualitatively similar to those provided by the human. This paper formally presents a methodology in which waypoints are extracted from a hand-drawn sketch, and obstacle avoidance is naturally accommodated through the addition of constraints in the optimization problem. A sensitivity analysis is performed to study how map distortions, sensor constraints, and a priori knowledge of the map orientation affect the performance of the planner. Lastly, a set of user studies is presented to demonstrate the robustness of the planner to different users' sketched maps and to illustrate the efficacy of such a method for mobile robot control.
Branches of Stationary Solutions for Parameter-dependent Reaction-Diffusion Systems from Climate Modeling

We are concerned with a parameter-dependent reaction-diffusion system on a two-dimensional compact connected oriented Riemannian manifold M without boundary (e.g., the two-sphere): $${c_j}{\partial _t}{u_j} - div\left( {{k_j}\;grad\;{u_j}} \right) = {f_j}\left( {\mu ;x,{u_1},{u_2},{u_3}} \right){\mkern 1mu} \quad \left( {j = 1,2.3} \right).$$ (*)
A new accident model for engineering safer systems

New technology is making fundamental changes in the etiology of accidents and is creating a need for changes in the explanatory mechanisms used. We need better and less subjective understanding of why accidents occur and how to prevent future ones. The most effective models will go beyond assigning blame and instead help engineers to learn as much as possible about all the factors involved, including those related to social and organizational structures. This paper presents a new accident model founded on basic systems theory concepts. The use of such a model provides a theoretical foundation for the introduction of unique new types of accident analysis, hazard analysis, accident prevention strategies including new approaches to designing for safety, risk assessment techniques, and approaches to designing performance monitoring and safety metrics.
System identification: human tracking response

An experiment performed to develop transfer functions for human tracking response is discussed. The experiment tested one-dimensional, sine-wave tracking to determine time delay and the transfer function. Using system identification techniques, best models were selected for each of five different frequencies of the test sine-wave input. Bode plots, magnitude, and phase are given for the system that best models the way humans react. Step responses for these models are also given. This process provides an excellent tutorial in programming, system modelling, and simulation. >
Molecular basis for the specific recognition of the metazoan cyclic GMP-AMP by the innate immune adaptor protein STING.

Cyclic GMP-AMP containing a unique combination of mixed phosphodiester linkages (2′3′-cGAMP) is an endogenous second messenger molecule that activates the type-I IFN pathway upon binding to the homodimer of the adaptor protein STING on the surface of endoplasmic reticulum membrane. However, the preferential binding of the asymmetric ligand 2′3′-cGAMP to the symmetric dimer of STING represents a physicochemical enigma. Here we show that 2′3′-cGAMP, but not its linkage isomers, adopts an organized free-ligand conformation that resembles the STING-bound conformation and pays low entropy and enthalpy costs in converting into the active conformation. Our results demonstrate that analyses of free-ligand conformations can be as important as analyses of protein conformations in understanding protein–ligand interactions.
Permeability of small nonelectrolytes through lipid bilayer membranes

Diffusion of small nonelectrolytes through planar lipid bilayer membranes (egg phosphatidylcholine-decane) was examined by correlating the permeability coefficients of 22 solutes with their partition coefficients between water and four organic solvents. High correlations were observed with hexadecane and olive oil (r=0.95 and 0.93), but not octanol and ether (r=0.75 and 0.74). Permeabilities of the seven smallest molecules (mol wt <50) (water, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, methylamine, formic acid and formamide) were 2- to 15-fold higher than the values predicted by the permeabilities of the larger molecules (50<mol wt<300). The “extra” permeabilities of the seven smallest molecules were not correlated with partition coefficients but were inversely correlated with molecular volumes. The larger solute permeabilities also decreased with increasing molecular volume, but the relationship was neither steep nor significant. The permeability pattern cannot be explained by the molecular volume dependence of partitioning into the bilayer or by the existence of transient aqueous pores. The molecular volume dependence of solute permeability suggests that the membrane barrier behaves more like a polymer than a liquid hydrocarbon. All the data are consistent with the “solubility-diffusion” model, which can explain both the hydrophobicity dependence and the molecular volume dependence of nonelectrolyte permeability.
Diversity in academic medicine no. 3 struggle for survival among leading diversity programs.

Since efforts to increase the diversity of academic medicine began shortly after the Civil War, the efforts have been characterized by a ceaseless struggle of old and new programs to survive. In the 40 years after the Civil War, the number of minority-serving institutions grew from 2 to 9, and then the number fell again to 2 in response to an adverse evaluation by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For 50 years, the programs grew slowly, picking up speed only after the passage of landmark civil rights legislation in the 1960s. From 1987 through 2005, they expanded rapidly, fueled by such new federal programs as the Centers of Excellence and Health Careers Opportunity Programs. Encompassing majority-white institutions as well as minority-serving institutions, the number of Centers of Excellence grew to 34, and the number of Health Careers Opportunity Programs grew to 74. Then, in 2006, the federal government cut its funding abruptly and drastically, reducing the number of Centers of Excellence and Health Careers Opportunity Programs to 4 each. Several advocacy groups, supported by think tanks, have striven to restore federal funding to previous levels, so far to no avail. Meanwhile, the struggle to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in the health professions is carried on by the surviving programs, including the remaining Centers of Excellence and Health Careers Opportunity Programs and new programs that, funded by state, local, and private agencies, have arisen from the ashes. Mt Sinai J Med 75:504–516, © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Effect of choice of recovery patterns on handrim kinetics in manual wheelchair users with paraplegia and tetraplegia.

AbstractBackgroundImpact forces experienced by the upper limb at the beginning of each wheelchair propulsion (WCP) cycle are among the highest forces experienced by wheelchair users.ObjectiveTo determine whether the magnitude of hand/forearm velocity prior to impact and effectiveness of rim impact force are dependent on the type of hand trajectory pattern chosen by the user during WCP. Avoiding patterns that inherently cause higher impact force and have lower effectiveness can be another step towards preserving upper limb function in wheelchair users.MethodsKinematic (50 Hz) and kinetic (2500 Hz) data were collected on 34 wheelchair users (16 with paraplegia and 18 with tetraplegia); all participants had motor complete spinal cord injuries ASIA A or B. The four-hand trajectory patterns were analyzed based on velocity prior to contact, peak impact force and the effectiveness of force at impact.ResultsA high correlation was found between the impact force and the relative velocity of the hand with respect to...
Interpenetrating Lattices—Materials of the Future

The fascination of mankind with art and architecture has extended to the structural topology of molecules and materials and has led to deliberate syntheses of highly symmetric and strained molecules. Materials comprised of interpenetrating lattices (see Figure) have been discovered and there is high expectation that they will be advanced materials of the future with useful optical, electrical, magnetic, catalytic, or separation properties.
DNA-DNA homology among lactose- and sucrose-fermenting transconjugants from Lactococcus lactis strains exhibiting reduced bacteriophage sensitivity.

Abstract DNA-DNA homology between a reduced bacteriophage sensitivity (Rbs+) probe and DNA from both Rbs+ and Rbs- Lactococcus lactis strains was examined. Homology was detected between the probe and five plasmids (pCI750, pCC34, pEB56, pNP2, and pJS88) isolated from lactose-positive Rbs+ transconjugants and between the probe and genomic DNA of a sucrose-positive Rbs+ transconjugant. Additionally, hybridizations conducted between the probe and plasmids reported to encode abortive bacteriophage infection indicated homology with pTR2030 but not with pBF61 and pGBK17. The results suggest that a common genetic determinant(s) may be present in a variety of lactococcal plasmids coding for Rbs+.
Relationships Among Variables

In the previous chapter hypothesis testing was explained. Another area of inferential statistics involves determining whether a relationship between two or more variables exists. For example, nutritionists may want to know whether caffeine intake is related to heart disease, or whether person’s age is related to her blood pressure. A zoologist may want to know whether the birth weight of a certain animal is related to the life span of the animal. These are only a few of the many questions that can be answered by using the technique of correlation and regression analysis. Correlation is a statistical method used to determine whether a relationship between variables exists. Regression is a statistical method used to describe the nature of the relationship between variables — i.e., a positive or negative, linear or nonlinear relationship.
Genetic polymorphisms of hepatic lipase and cholesteryl ester transfer protein, intermediate phenotypes, and coronary risk: do they add up yet?

Hepatic lipase (HL) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) are key enzymes of plasma lipid/lipoprotein metabolism [(1,2)][1]. ### Hepatic lipase The HL gene (or LIPC ), located on chromosome 15 (15q21-23), spans over 60 kb, contains 9 exons and 8 introns [(3)][2], and has substantial
Hydrocarbon-induced diagenetic alteration of the Permian White Rim Sandstone, Elaterite Basin, southeast Utah

The Permian White Rim Sandstone is a partly exhumed, primary reservoir of the Tar Sand Triangle accumulation in southeastern Utah. In the Elaterite Basin (Canyonlands National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area), the White Rim Sandstone is well exposed and varies in color from white to red, orange, and brown. Superimposed on eolian and marine deposits are three diagenetic facies that impart the coloration and are defined by iron oxide cement concentration as (1) bleached white (low iron), (2) diffuse (moderate iron), and (3) concretionary (concentrated iron). A yellow alteration aureole of bleaching extends up to 10 m (32 ft) into the underlying Organ Rock Shale and up to 20 m (65 ft) into the overlying Moenkopi Formation. These formations surround the White Rim reservoir as fine-grained seals. Field, petrographic, and geochemical analyses indicate that the White Rim Sandstone records three major diagenetic stages. (1) The reservoir underwent oxidation, which led to the precipitation of thin iron grain coatings. (2) Hydrocarbon migration through the reservoir removed early grain coatings and reprecipitated disseminated and concentrated pyrite cement. (3) The pyrite was later altered to hematite or goethite by oxidizing fluids. In conventional petroleum exploration, the timing of hydrocarbon migration is often difficult to resolve. This study utilizes the record of mobilized and reprecipitated iron as a tool to constrain interpretations of the timing of hydrocarbon migration relative to seal and trap emplacement. This study has broad application as an exploration tool for deciphering fluid flow in similar clastic reservoirs.
Being the DBA (database administrator): nifty assignment

Sometimes a nifty assignment is the performance of administrative tasks required to support future nifty development assignments. This paper describes a lab assignment in which students became database managers by installing a LAMP server on a Raspberry Pi computer that could then be used to develop web applications implemented with MySQL and PHP.