cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heritable urea cycle enzyme deficiency-liver disease in 16 patients**

The liver mitochondrial enzymes ornithine transcarbamylase and carbamyl phosphate synthetase I catalyze the first two steps in the Krebs-Henseleit pathway from ammonia to of either of these enzymes has been associated with severe and sometimes fatal hyperammonemia in infancy and childhood, but liver histology has usually been described as normal. The Reye syndrome also causes severe hyperammonemia and produces characteristic light microscopic changes in the liver. In addition, OTC and CPS activities have been shown to be depressed and it has been suggested that some cases of the Reye syndrome may reflect an inborn defect in OTC which predisposes the patient to the Reye syndrome. Review of the histopathology of 15 liver specimens from 13 patients with OTC deficiency and three liver specimens from three patients with CPS deficiency has disclosed the following: (1) hemizygous male infants with X-linked OTC deficiency had essentially normal liver histology, although fatally affected with extreme hyperammonemia; (2) in contrast, almost all heterozygous female children and adults had some histologic abnormalities, including nine with minor degrees of steatosis and eight with focal cell necrosis and inflammation, two of whom had piecemeal necrosis and stellate portal scarring; (3) livers from heterozygotes had discrete clusters of larger, pale-staining hepatocytes; (4) female heterozygotes had abnormal liver function, even after the hyperammonemia was controlled; (5) CPS deficient patients had essentially normal liver histology; and (6) neither OTC nor CPS deficiency was associated with a histologic picture which resembled that seen in the Reye syndrome.
A linked data approach to care coordination

The success of a society is often judged by its ability to support the most vulnerable. Supporting the most vulnerable individuals is extremely challenging from an information needs perspective, since it requires data from numerous domains and systems, including Social Care, Healthcare, Public Safety and Juridical systems. Information sharing on this scale gives rise to scientific and technical challenges with regard to data representation, access, integration and retrieval granularity. This is a practice-oriented paper presenting a Linked Data-based approach that is uniquely positioned to access and surface information across domains and data sources using a combination of vulnerability indexes and contextual exploration. We apply this approach on a set of enterprise systems from IBM to develop an information sharing architecture and prototype for Care Coordination with a focus on Social Care and Healthcare. We report on expert feedback and user studies that indicate that our approach indeed reduces the time required to gain some business insight while maintaining the flexibility of a Linked Data-based integration approach.
A dynamic model of manufacturing quality's effect on optimal advertising and pricing policies

Abstract This paper deals with the determination of optimal advertising and pricing policies when the influence of manufacturing quality on sales ra considered. Research to date has focused on the effect of advertising and pricing independently on the sales rate of a product under a variety of product and market conditions. These studies have not considered the effect of product quality, an important component of competitive strategy. We develop a dynamic model to maximize discounted profits over a planning horizon, in which sales rate is dependent on price, advertising and product quality. Using standard methods of optimal control theory we characterize qualitatively the nature of optimal advertising, quality, and pricing policies under a variety of conditions.
Improving IMRT dose accuracy via deliverable Monte Carlo optimization for the treatment of head and neck cancer patients.

The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of dose-calculation accuracy on head and neck (H&N) intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) plans by determining the systematic dose-prediction and optimization-convergence errors (DPEs and OCEs), using a superposition/convolution (SC) algorithm. Ten patients with locally advanced H&N squamous cell carcinoma who were treated with simultaneous integrated boost IMRT were selected for this study. The targets consisted of gross target volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV), and nodal target volumes (CTV nodes). The critical structures included spinal cord, parotid glands, and brainstem. For all patients, three IMRT plans were created: A: an SC optimized plan ( SC opt ) , B: an SC opt plan recalculated with Monte Carlo [ MC ( SC opt ) ] , and C: an MC optimized plan ( MC opt ) . For each structure, DPEs and OCEs were estimated as DPE SC = D B − D A and OCE SC = D C − D B where A, B, and C stand for the three different optimized plans as defined above. Deliverable optimization was used for all plans, that is, a leaf-sequencing step was incorporated into the optimization loop at each iteration. The range of DPE SC in the GTV D 98 varied from − 1.9 % to − 4.9 % , while the OCE SC ranged from 0.9% to 7.0%. The DPE SC in the contralateral parotid D 50 reached 8.2%, while the OCE SC in the contralateral parotid D 50 varied from 0.91% to 6.99%. The DPE SC in cord D 2 reached − 3.0 % , while the OCE SC reached to − 7.0 % . The magnitude of the DPE SC and OCE SC differences demonstrate the importance of using the most accurate available algorithm in the deliverable IMRToptimization process, especially for the estimation of normal structure doses.
Stationary axisymmetric space-times: a new approach.

This essay describes a new approach to the problem of understanding stationary axisymmetric solutions of Einstein's vacuum equations, different from the “Backlund transformation” approach which has recently been extensively developed. It translates the problem into one of complex geometry, using the machinery of twistor theory. This, in turn, leads to a procedure which, in principle, generates all solutions. Some explicit examples are presented.
Extracellular matrix expression in metastasizing and nonmetastasizing adenocarcinomas of the lung

Abstract Alterations in extracellular matrix, cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, and oncogenes are thought to be important in tumor progression and metastasis. Adenocarcinomas of the lung from 31 patients were studied for immunohistochemical expression of basement membrane molecule type IV collagen, type IV collagenase, and integrins α 2,3,v adhesion molecules to assess their diagnostic and prognostic importance in pathological stage T2 tumors. The results indicate that with decreasing tumor differentiation, there is a progressive loss of type IV basement membrane collagen ( P = .06) and decreased integrin α 2 expression ( P = .03). Type IV collagenase expression was significantly associated with the presence of lymph node metastases, with moderate to strong expression present in 53% T2N1 tumors compared with none (0%) of the T2N0 tumors ( P = .008). Integrin α v was increased in tumors with nodal metastases compared with those without ( P = .08). Loss of alpha 2 and alpha 3 integrins was associated with increased alpha v expression ( P = .03). Median survival was 48 months for T2N0 and 20 months for T2N1 ( P = .07). In correlating expression of the immunohistochemical markers and survival, type IV collagenase expression was found to be a predictor of survival at a level of P = .07. Measurable alterations in integrins and extracellular matrix, and in particular, expression of matrix-degrading enzyme type IV collagenase may be of prognostic importance in resectable adenocarcinoma of the lung.
All 0-1 Polytopes are Traveling Salesman Polytopes

We study the facial structure of two important permutation polytopes in $$\mathbb{R}^{n^2 } $$ , theBirkhoff orassignment polytopeB n , defined as the convex hull of alln×n permutation matrices, and theasymmetric traveling salesman polytopeT n , defined as the convex hull of thosen×n permutation matrices corresponding ton-cycles. Using an isomorphism between the face lattice ofB n and the lattice of elementary bipartite graphs, we show, for example, that every pair of vertices ofB n is contained in a cubical face, showing faces ofB n to be fairly special 0–1 polytopes. On the other hand, we show thatevery 0–1d-polytope is affinely equivalent to a face ofT n , ford∼logn, by showing that every 0–1d-polytope is affinely equivalent to the asymmetric traveling salesman polytope of some directed graph withn nodes. The latter class of polytopes is shown to have maximum diameter [n/3].
Western blot band intensity analysis. Application to the diagnosis of lyme arthritis

Objective. To determine the usefulness of quantitative band-intensity analysis of Western blots for the diagnosis of Lyme arthritis. Methods. IgG Western blots for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi were performed on sera from 39 patients with Lyme arthritis, 30 patients with syphilis, 50 patients with connective tissue diseases, and 10 healthy individuals. Band positions and band intensities were calculated using a computerized image analysis system. Results. Lyme arthritis patients had more bands and higher-intensity bands than did non-Lyme patients. The presence of at least 2 bands of moderate to high intensity (>40 optical units) or at least 5 bands of lower intensity (>20 optical units) was over 90% sensitive and 100% specific for the diagnosis of Lyme arthritis. A 60-kd band was present in all Lyme arthritis patients. The presence of an 83-, 39-, 21-, or 18-kd band was highly specific for Lyme arthritis. Conclusion. Band intensity analysis increases the objectivity and accuracy of Western blot interpretation for the diagnosis of Lyme arthritis.
The Vaccinia Virus I7L Gene Product Is The Core Protein Proteinase

Maturation of vaccinia virus (VV) core proteins is required for the production of infectious virions. The VV G1L and I7L gene products are the leading candidates for the viral core protein proteinase (vCPP). Using transient-expression assays, data were obtained to demonstrate that the I7L gene product and its encoded cysteine proteinase activity are responsible for vCPP activity.
Lessons for Health Technology Assessment: It Is Not Only about the Evidence

Lessons from health technology assessment (HTA) organizations around the world are emerging, and only some of them are about evidence. Other lessons pertain to governance, communication, trust, politics, and the persistence of local “practice patterns” for evidence evaluations. This should not come as a surprise. HTA organizations worldwide have different constituencies and organizational structures, and exist amid different cultural traditions, political systems, and fiscal climates.
Circulo: Saving Energy with Just-In-Time Hot Water Recirculation

The average home in the US flushes 1000's of gallons of water down the drain each year while standing at the fixture and waiting for hot water. Some households use a pump for hot water recirculation (HWR) to ensure that hot water is always immediately available, but these systems can incur more than $1000 per year in energy costs. In this paper, we explore the hypothesis that "just-in-time" HWR can reduce the energy footprint of HWR systems, without increasing hardware or installation costs and without increasing water waste or human annoyance. Our basic approach is to learn patterns of hot water usage in the home and to circulate hot water only when future hot water usage is highly likely. We call this approach Circulo. We evaluate Circulo by analyzing hot water usage patterns from 5 different homes over a period of 7--10 days each. Our results indicate that Circulo can reduce the energy needed for HWR by 30% while still providing households with hot water over 90% of the time.
Indiscriminate mothering as a contextual factor in aggressive-oppositional child behavior: "damned if you do and damned if you don't"

Fifty-two mother-child dyads took part in a parent training program to modify coercive, antisocial child behavior. Prior to intervention, scores on 14 measures of mother-child interaction and on an index of maternal community contacts (known as “insularity”) were obtained for each dyad. This index was used to divide the sample into two groups (noninsular n = 21; insular n = 31). The interactional measures were then compared between the groups. Insular mothers were more aversive and indiscriminate than noninsular mothers in their use of aversive behavior toward their children, while their children were more aversive than noninsular children, especially in response to aversive maternal behavior. It was concluded that research and therapeutic work with deviant families should focus not only on immediate family interactions but also on the extra family environment in which these interactions take place.
Solar thermophotovoltaic energy conversion systems with tantalum photonic crystal absorbers and emitters

We investigated the performance of solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) systems with 2D tantalum (Ta) PhCs using thermophotovoltaic experiments and a high-fidelity thermal electrical system-level model. The experimental data obtained with 1D PhCs matched the predicted results within experimental uncertainty. The model predicts that the absorber-to-electrical efficiency of a planar STPV consisting of an optimized 2D Ta PhC absorber/emitter and current state of the art InGaAsSb PV cell with a tandem filter can be as high as ~10% at an irradiation flux of ~130 kW/m2. This work offers a framework and guidelines to improve the performance of both PhCs and overall STPV systems.
Imaging techniques: Picture the world with kaleidoscope dyes

Advances in fluorescence light microscopy have facilitated the production of images from multiply labeled specimens.
A fast sampling device for the mass spectrometric analysis of liquid rocket engine exhaust

The design of a device to obtain compositional data on rocket exhaust by direct sampling of reactive flow exhausts into a mass spectrometer is presented. Sampling at three stages differing in pressure and orifice angle and diameter is possible. Results of calibration with pure gases and gas mixtures are erratic and of unknown accuracy for H2, limiting the usefulness of the apparatus for determining oxidizer/fuel ratios from combustion product analysis. Deposition effects are discussed, and data obtained from rocket exhaust spectra are analyzed to give O/F ratios and mixture ratio distribution. The O/F ratio determined spectrometrically is insufficiently accurate for quantitative comparison with cold flow data. However, a criterion for operating conditions with improved mixing of fuel and oxidizer which is consistent with cold flow results may be obtained by inspection of contour plots. A chemical inefficiency in the combustion process when oxidizer is in excess is observed from reactive flow measurements. Present results were obtained with N2O4/N2H4 propellants.
T hooft anomaly matching for QCD

I present a set of theories which display non-trivial 'tHooft anomaly matching for QCD with F flavors. The matching theories arenon-Abelian gauge theories with "dual" quarks and baryons, rather thanthe purely confining theories of baryons that 't Hooft originallysearched for. The matching gauge groups are required to have an Fpm 6dimensional representation. Such a correspondence is reminiscent ofSeiberg's duality for supersymmetric (SUSY) QCD, and these theories arecandidates for non-SUSY duality. However anomaly matching by itself isnot sufficiently restrictive, and duality for QCD cannot be establishedat present. At the very least, the existence of multiple anomaly matchingsolutions should provide a note of caution regarding conjectured non-SUSYdualities.
Surface components involved in bacterial pathogen-plant host recognition.

During their initial association with plant hosts, pathogenic bacteria interact with plant cell walls. The results of this interaction appear to determine whether bacterial multiplication will take place. With one group of bacterial plant pathogens (e.g. Agrobacterium tumefaciens), attachment to the host surface appears essential for pathogenesis. With another group (e.g. Pseudomonas solanacearum), only those strains that do not attach to the host cell wall are able to multiply in the intercellular spaces. Attachment of many incompatible strains to tobacco mesophyll cell walls leads to a rapid hypersensitive response (HR) and a drastic reduction in bacterial multiplication. Our working hypothesis is that these differences in host response to strains of P. solanacearum are the result of a recognition response in which surface components of both host and pathogen play important roles. Our approach is based on the use of spontaneous or transposon (Tn5)-generated mutants of strains K60 (virulent) and B1 (avirulent) that differ in surface components and in their ability to attach to host cells and to induce the HR. A study of the surface components of bacterial and tobacco cell walls has led to the tentative conclusion that bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and plant hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins mediate initial attachment, apparently as a result of charge-charge interaction. This initial attachment is reversed by high salt concentrations during the first 15 min, but not thereafter. Firm attachment appears to depend on hydrophobic interactions mediated by bacterial pili. At the normal ionic strength of intercellular fluids, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) appears to inhibit only the pili-mediated attachment. Several HR- mutants of strain B1 have been obtained by Tn5 insertion, but they remain avirulent on tobacco. We are examining the EPS, LPS and pili production, and the attachment characteristics of these strains.
The gravo-magneto disc instability with a viscous dead zone

We consider the evolution of accretion discs that contain some turbulence within a disc dead zone, a region about the disc midplane of a disc that is not sufficiently ionised for the magneto-rotational instability (MRI) to drive turbulence. In particular, we determine whether additional sources of turbulence within a dead zone are capable of suppressing gravo-magneto (GM) disc outbursts that arise from a rapid transition from gravitationally produced to MRI produced turbulence. With viscous $\alpha$ disc models we consider two mechanisms that may drive turbulence within the dead zone. First, we examine a constant $\alpha$ parameter within the dead zone. This may be applicable to hydrodynamical instability, such as baroclinic instability, where the turbulence level is independent of the MRI active surface layer properties. In this case, we find that the disc will not become stable to the outbursts unless the dead zone turbulent viscosity is comparable to that in the MRI active surface layers. Under such conditions, the accretion rate through the dead zone must be larger than that through the MRI active layers. In a second model, we assume that the accretion flow though the dead zone is a constant fraction (less than unity) of that through the active layers. This may be applicable to turbulence driven by hydrodynamic waves that are excited by the MRI active surface layers. We find that the instability is hardly affected by the viscous dead zone. In both cases however, we find that the triggering of the MRI during the outburst may be due to the heating from the viscosity in the dead zone, rather than self-gravity. Thus, neither mechanism for generating turbulence within the dead zone can significantly stabilise a disc or the resulting outburst behaviour.
Influence of α-alumina supports on oxygen binding to Pd, Ag, Pt, and Au

Abstract The influence of a metal oxide support on the reactivity of adsorbed metals is a key question in surface reactivity and heterogeneous catalysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used here to examine support effects on one diagnostic of reactivity, oxygen binding, for Pd, Pt, Ag, and Au atoms supported on two representations of an α-alumina surface. Supported metal atoms uniformly bind oxygen more strongly than unsupported ones, so that even supported Au exothermically binds O. Further, oxygen adsorption is enhanced on a hydroxylated support by spillover of H from support to M–O bond.
Acute administration of estrogen and progesterone impairs the acquisition of the spatial morris water maze in ovariectomized rats.

Although several markers of synaptic efficacy are enhanced during proestrus, spatial water maze performance is impaired. Because levels of both estrogen and progesterone are elevated in proestrus, the nature of their individual and combined effects on spatial learning was examined. Long-Evans hooded rats were ovariectomized postpubertally and pretrained on a water maze with a visible platform (nonspatial). Following pretraining, rats were administered estrogen (5 μg sc) or oil 48 and 24 h prior to testing and progesterone (500 μg sc) or oil 4 h prior to testing. Rats were tested on a water maze in a different room with a submerged platform (spatial) for 16 trials with random start location in a single testing day. Latency and path length to the target platform were significantly greater in estrogen plus progesterone-treated animals than in controls. Neither estrogen nor progesterone alone significantly impaired performance relative to controls on either measure. Swim speed was not significantly affected by any of the hormone treatments. Performance on a nonspatial cue task was not significantly altered by ovarian steroids. Thus, the combination of estrogen and progesterone produces deficits in the acquisition of the Morris water maze that may be specific to spatial reference memory. These deficits could be due to hormonal influences on extrahippocampal structures or to detrimental effects on behavior resulting from the increased synaptic activity intrinsic to the hippocampus proper.
Investigating Elementary Students' Scientific and Historical Argumentation

This article examines the relationship between epistemic cognition and classroom argumentation practices in elementary science and history. Literature highlights argumentation as a critical epistemic practice for science and history learning (Duschl & J. Osborne, 2002; National Research Council, 2007, 2012). Although there is ample support for argumentation in the teaching of history and science, the specific epistemic issues that students address through this practice are not always empirically documented. We draw on the work of Chinn, Buckland, and Samarapungavan (2011) to examine argumentation practices in science and history in 2 fifth-grade and 2 sixth-grade urban classrooms. Students' and teachers' emergent argumentation practices were coded and analyzed and epistemic reasoning was examined using the 5 components of the Chinn et al. model. Findings highlight that students engaged in complex argumentation practices that were consistent across classrooms. The classroom case examples demonstrate that s...
Estimation of static travel times in a dynamic route guidance system-II

In an earlier paper a method for computing static profiles of link travel times was given. In this paper, the centrality of such profiles for ATIS is examined and the methods given in the earlier paper are applied to actual data. Except for a minor, easily correctable problem, the methods are shown to work very well under real-life conditions.
Electrochemically Induced Cation Disorder and Phase Transformations in Lithium Intercalation Oxides

Electrochemical cycling of lithium intercalation compounds used as energy storage electrodes often results in phase transformations that have a critical impact on charge capacity and cycle life. In...
A fundamental matrix for regular semi-Markov processes

Abstract We extend the concept of the “fundamental matrix” to semi-Markov processes and derive various moment formulae and limit theorems (including a central limit theorem) in terms of this matrix. The practical advantage of this approach is its use of elementary matrix operations which are accessible to many research workers and easily implemented on a computer.
A new species of chigger (Acari: Trombiculidae) from the white-footed dunnart (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in Australia.

Guntheria weedunnarti is described as new from the White-footed Dunnart, Sminthopsis leucopus , in Northern Territories, Australia.
Microscopic wrinkles on supported surfactant monolayers

We discuss mechanical buckling instabilities of a rigid film under compression interacting repulsively with a substrate through a thin fluid layer. The buckling occurs at a characteristic wavelength that increases as the one-fourth power of the bending stiffness, such as the gravitational instability studied previously by Milner et al. However, the potential can affect the characteristic buckling wavelength strongly, as predicted by Huang and Suo. If the potential changes sufficiently sharply with thickness, this instability is continuous, with an amplitude varying as the square root of overpressure. We discuss three forms of interaction important for the case of Langmuir monolayers transferred to a substrate: Casimir\char21{}van der Waals interaction, screened charged double-layer interaction, and the Sharma potential. We verify these predictions numerically in the van der Waals case.
Control of MicroRNA-21 expression in colorectal cancer cells by oncogenic epidermal growth factor/Ras signaling and Ets transcription factors.

MicroRNAs (miRs) are important regulators of gene expression in normal physiology and disease, and are widely misexpressed in cancer. A number of studies have identified miR-21 as an important promoter of oncogenesis. However, as is true of most miRs, the mechanisms behind the aberrant expression of miR-21 in cancer are poorly understood. Herein, we examine the regulation of miR-21 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells by the oncogenic epidermal growth factor (EGF)/Ras pathway and by Ets transcription factors, modulators of epithelial oncogenesis that are frequently misexpressed in CRC. We show that EGF/Ras efficiently induces the miR-21 primary transcript, but this does not rapidly and simply translate into higher mature miR-21 levels. Rather, induction of mature miR-21 by constitutive activation of this pathway is slow, is associated with only minimal activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, and may involve stimulation of post-transcriptional processing by mechanisms other than Dicer stabil...
Level sets of neumann eigenfunctions

In this paper we prove that the level sets of the first non-constant eigenfunction of the Neumann Laplacian on a convex planar domain have only finitely many connected components. This problem is motivated, in part, by the "hot spots" conjecture of J. Rauch.
Adiabatic evolution of trapped particle pitch angle distributions during a storm main phase

Equatorial pitch angle distributions of over 200-keV ions obtained near L = 4 by Explorer 45 during a storm main phase show the development of marked minima at 90 deg pitch angle in direct association with a greater-than-a-factor-of-2 reduction in the equatorial magnetic field magnitude. The evolution of these pitch angle distributions can be quantitatively explained as a result of conservation of the first two adiabatic invariants provided the magnitude of the magnetic field decrease was approximately constant along field lines.
On the scale-to-scale coupling between a full-scale wind turbine and turbulence

The scale-dependent response of an instrumented full-scale wind turbine is studied under neutrally stratified conditions. The analysis is focused on the linkage between the incoming flow, turbine p...
Complexing behavior of starches with certain pharmaceuticals.

A study has been made of the complexing behavior of a number of starches and starch fractions with benzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, sorbic acid, and other selected molecules in aqueous solutions at 30°. By means of the solubility method of analysis it was found that the low molecular weight polymer, amylose, is the main complexing component of starch. The starches showed different affinities for the same drug according to their content of amylose. A correlation of these complexes to those of “starch-alcohols” and “starch-iodine” was made.
Integrating firewire peripheral interface with an ethernet custom network processor

Bandwidth demands on ubiquitous Ethernet have grown immensely, driven by the rapid expansion of real-time applications like audio/video streaming. In a related research, the authors designed a novel high-performance custom network processor chip using field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The main function of this chip (named SPEED) is to bypass the operating system processing of network protocol stack at the host computer by off-loading its networking functions to hardware. This simplification is not only required to fit in a hardware solution, but also it improves network performance. The novel chip utilizes the concept of Ethernet channels, where Ethernet frames are addressed in a multicast addressing scheme. In this article, we integrate the chip with a Firewire peripheral interface (FPI). A crucial function of the FPI design is to convert the IEEE 1394 isochronous traffic to the Ethernet frame format via two independent asynchronous write and read buffers. The FPI also manages the SPEED hardware interrupt signals in a bi-directional communication scheme. The goal of this research is to map isochronous Firewire packets into Ethernet frames by utilizing the SPEED Ethernet channel assignment capability. We used Verilog Hardware Description Language (HDL) to synthesize the FPI design. Since the FPI needs to support bi-directional communication, we also present a generic HDL model for bi-directional data sharing, which can be used in similar bi-directional applications. Initial performance measures show that the FPI consumes less that 0.15W of power. Also we found that the synthesized design utilizes only 28% of the target chip resources. Hence it was possible to incorporate it with the SPEED design in the same FPGA chip. This low power consumption will lead to powering SPEED-FPI based network devices through the network cable and eliminate the process of regular electrical power outlet installations and maintenance. Thus, the SPEED-FPI system reduces the installation complexity, especially for large number of devices (e.g., surveillance cameras).
In situ surface-enhanced Raman scattering studies of the nitrosyl adduct of hemin adsorbed on roughened silver surfaces in aqueous electrolytes

Modifications in the electrochemical and spectral properties of hemin (Hm) adsorbed on roughened Ag electrodes in an aqueous electrolyte (phosphate buffer, pH 3) induced by brief exposure to mildly...
Robust Pre-Attentive Attention Direction Using Chaos Theory for Video Surveillance

Attention direction for active vision systems has been of substantial interest in the image processing and computer vision communities for video surveillance. Biological vision systems have been shown to possess a hierarchical structure where a pre-attentive processing function directs the visual attention to regions of interest which are then possibly further processed by higher-level vision functions. Biological neural systems are also highly responsive to signals which appear to be chaotic in nature. In this paper we explore applying measures from chaos theory and fractal analysis to provide a robust pre-attentive processing engine for vision. The approach is applied to two standard data sets related to video surveillance for detecting bags left suspiciously in public places. Results compare quite favorably in terms of probability of detection versus false detection rate shown through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves against two traditional methods for low-level change detection, namely Mutual Information, Sum of Absolute Differences, and Gaussian Mixture Models.
Taxonomic notes on Australian species of Sciacharis (Magellanoconnus) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae).

Two species of Australian Cyrtoscydmini were placed in the subgenus Magellanoconnus Franz of Sciacharis Broun: S. carinifrons (Franz) and S. kangarouana (Franz) (both originally described in Neuraphoconnus , a junior synonym of Magellanoconnus Franz). Examination of type specimens revealed that these species names, published in the same paper, are synonymous and S. carinifrons is here selected as a valid name. This species is redescribed and its morphological details are illustrated. Possible relationships of Australian Magellanoconnus with Sciacharis s. str. and Euconnus s. str. are discussed.
Hexachlorophene concentrations in blood associated with the use of products containing hexachlorophene.

Abstract Hexachlorophene (HCP) concentrations in the blood of human adults were measured by gas-liquid chromatography to establish a baseline value and to determine the effects of using products containing from 0·5 to 30% HCP. The mean baseline concentration in 30 control subjects was 0·02 μg HCP/ml of blood. Values ranged from 0·38 μg/ml in an individual using a 3 % HCP cleanser for whole-body washing to less than 0·005 μg/ml (limit of detection) in some individuals using 1 or 3% HCP cleansers for hand-washing only. HCP concentrations resulting from prolonged use of a soap containing 0·75 % HCP ranged from 0·02 to 0·14 μg/ml while those resulting from the use of a mouthwash containing 0·5% HCP for 3 wk ranged from 0·02 to 0·12μg/ml. The mean concentrations in human adipose tissue obtained from the neck and abdomen were 0·01 and 0·04 μg/g of tissue, respectively.
The Infant's Reaction to his Mirror Image

(1947). The Infant's Reaction to his Mirror Image. The Pedagogical Seminary and Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 70, No. 2, pp. 141-154.
Social support and risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer: a qualitative review examining the role of inflammatory processes

Abstract Social support has long been recognised as a protective factor against life stress and poor health. However, the mechanism through which it exerts its effects is unknown. As the role of inflammation in the development of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, has gained significant attention over the last decade, it has been hypothesised that psychosocial factors affect disease progression by influencing the inflammatory process (Sher, 2000). Social support is one such factor that could influence the immune system response, leading to differing disease outcomes. A meditational model is proposed, in which social support affects the level of inflammation an individual experiences, producing differing health outcomes. A critical review of the literature linking social support and inflammation was conducted to help elucidate the relation between these two variables as possible causal factors of disease progression in patients with cardiovascular disease or cancer. Results of the studies...
Ergodic Theorems for Free Group Actions on von Neumann Algebras

Abstract We extend a recent ergodic theorem of A. Nevo and E. Stein to the non-commutative case. Let ρ be a faithful normal state on the von Neumann algebra A . Let { a i } r i =1 generate F r , the free group on r generators, and let { α i } r i =1 be *-automorphisms of A which leave ρ invariant. Define φ to be the group homomorphism from F r to the *-automorphisms of A defined on base elements by φ : a i ↦ α i . Define w n as the set of all reduced words in F r of length n (the identity is a neutral element), and | w n | as the number of elements of w n . Let σ n =(1/| w n |) ∑ a ∈ w n φ ( a ) and S n =(1/ n ) ∑ n −1 k =0 σ k . We then show that if x is in A , then S n ( x ) converges almost uniformly to an element ○ ∈ A . To prove the above theorem, we prove an ergodic theorem involving completely positive maps, of which the free group situation is a special case. Roughly, if p 1 ⩾ p 2 ⩾0, p 1 + p 2 =1, σ n positive maps such that σ 1 ∘ σ n = p 1 σ n +1 + p 2 σ n −1 ( n ⩾1), with σ 0 ( x )= x and σ 1 (1)=1 then, with a few technical assumptions, we show a convergence result for lim n →∞ σ n ( x ) and show that lim n →∞ n −1 ∑ n −1 k =0 σ k ( x ) converges almost uniformly. In the case p 2 =0, σ 1 a *-automorphism, our theorems correspond to the non-commutative pointwise ergodic theorem of E. C. Lance. The results partially generalize a result of Kummerer. Our theorems also include results concerning normal operators on a Hilbert space which generalizes work of Guivarc'h
Computational Analysis of F-15 Forebody Flow at High Alpha

act second derivatives instead of the quasi-Newton method 9 used here. Anotherissuethatneedstoberesolvedconcernstherobustnessof the solution method. It is in principle impossible to a priori estimate howmany iterations are needed to solve a nonlinear problem.Small changes to a given problem may drastically increase the amount of computing necessary to solve the problem. As a e rst step toward e nding the optimal trajectory in real time, one can attempt to update a precomputed trajectory when initial and e nal conditions are perturbed. This way it may become possible to follow a moving target and also adjust for minor inaccuracies in performance modeling and atmospheric data. In principle this means that the solution of the nonlinear optimization problem approaches a closedloop control method, as opposed to the open-loop approach used today.
Learning to recognize ego defense mechanisms: results of a structured teaching experience for psychiatric residents.

Objective Ego defense mechanism (EDM) recognition can offer a powerful and practical tool in clinical psychiatry. However, recognition skill learning can be difficult to assess and may account for the lack of formal EDM recognition training in residency courses.
Electric vehicles: How much range is required for a day’s driving?

Abstract One full year of high-resolution driving data from 484 instrumented gasoline vehicles in the US is used to analyze daily driving patterns, and from those infer the range requirements of electric vehicles (EVs). We conservatively assume that EV drivers would not change their current gasoline-fueled driving patterns and that they would charge only once daily, typically at home overnight. Next, the market is segmented into those drivers for whom a limited-range vehicle would meet every day’s range need, and those who could meet their daily range need only if they make adaptations on some days. Adaptations, for example, could mean they have to either recharge during the day, borrow a liquid-fueled vehicle, or save some errands for the subsequent day. From this analysis, with the stated assumptions, we infer the potential market share for limited-range vehicles. For example, we find that 9% of the vehicles in the sample never exceeded 100 miles in one day, and 21% never exceeded 150 miles in one day. These drivers presumably could substitute a limited-range vehicle, like electric vehicles now on the market, for their current gasoline vehicle without any adaptation in their driving at all. For drivers who are willing to make adaptations on 2 days a year, the same 100 mile range EV would meet the needs of 17% of drivers, and if they are willing to adapt every other month (six times a year), it would work for 32% of drivers. Thus, it appears that even modest electric vehicles with today’s limited battery range, if marketed correctly to segments with appropriate driving behavior, comprise a large enough market for substantial vehicle sales. An additional analysis examines driving versus parking by time of day. On the average weekday at 5 pm, only 15% of the vehicles in the sample are on the road; at no time during the year are fewer than 75% of vehicles parked. Also, because the return trip home is widely spread in time, even if all cars plug in and begin charging immediately when they arrive home and park, the increased demand on the electric system is less problematic than prior analyses have suggested.
DIRECTIONAL VANE STRENGTHS FOR DIFFERENT CLAY FABRICS AND STRESS CONDITIONS

ABSTRACT The directional strength behavior of a kaolin clay subjected to different stress conditions was evaluated experimentally by use of data from miniature vane shear tests. Clay slurries with flocculated and dispersed intrinsic fabrics were consolidated in large-diameter slurry consolidometers under conditions of no lateral strain to different values of the major principal stress. Upon completion of predetermined stages of consolidation, vertically and horizontally oriented vanes were introduced into the consolidated clay blocks while they were still under their in-situ states of stress, and vane shear strength determinations were made. Similar vane tests were then conducted on unloaded clay blocks to assess the effects of unloading history and back-pressure on the directional strength characteristics. In general, in-situ strength was dependent on fabric and vane orientation, higher strengths being obtained for flocculated clays and horizontal vane orientations. Variations in the unloading history also caused changes in strength, and some of these changes were direction-dependent.
A serum‐free, pyruvate‐free medium that supports neonatal neural/glial cultures

Tissue culture media with serum generally cause excessive astrocyte proliferation in neonatal brain cultures, and often fail to support neonatal neurons. Published serum-free media for brain cultures contain sodium pyruvate, which interferes with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays for cell death. We wanted to use neonatal neural-glial cultures in LDH assays while avoiding astrocyte proliferation, so we developed a serum-free medium without sodium pyruvate. Our initial medium was based on that of Romijn et al. (J Neurosci Methods 23:75-83, 1988), testing selected additives. Cell survival in 8-10-day-old cultures was measured using 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). N-acetylcysteine, citrate, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate, supplemental amino acids, and high levels of transferrin improved survival. The optimized medium supported neonatal brain cells in reaggregates or in monolayers of 400 cells/mm2 for several weeks with large, healthy-appearing neurons and very little astrocyte proliferation. Neurons stained strongly for the neuronal marker class III beta-tubulin and the synapse marker synaptophysin. Electron microscopy of reaggregate cultures demonstrated abundant neurons with synapses in a dense neuropil. This medium will be useful for various in vitro applications, especially those using LDH assays or requiring the use of neonatal cells.
Enhanced VWF biosynthesis and elevated plasma VWF due to a natural variant in the murine Vwf gene

Both genetic and environmental influences contribute to the wide variation in plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels observed in humans. Inbred mouse strains also have highly variable plasma VWF levels, providing a convenient model in which to study genetic modifiers of VWF. Previously, we identified a major modifier of VWF levels in the mouse (Mvwf1) as a regulatory mutation in murine Galgt2. We now report the identification of an additional murine VWF modifier (Mvwf2). Mvwf2 accounts for approximately 16% of the 8-fold plasma VWF variation (or ∼ 25% of the genetic variation) observed between the A/J and CASA/RkJ strains and maps to the murine Vwf gene itself. Twenty SNPs were identified within the coding regions of the A/J and CASA/RkJ Vwf alleles, and in vitro analysis of recombinant VWF demonstrated that a single SNP (+7970G>A) and the associated nonsynonymous amino acid change (R2657Q) confers a significant increase in VWF biosynthesis from the CASA/RkJ Vwf allele. This change appears to represent a unique gain of function that likely explains the mechanism of Mvwf2 in vivo. The identification of a natural Vwf gene variant among inbred mice affecting biosynthesis suggests that similar genetic variation may contribute to the wide range of VWF levels observed in humans.
Simulated Colonoscopy Objective Performance Evaluation (SCOPE): a non-computer-based tool for assessment of endoscopic skills.

The Simulated Colonoscopy Objective Performance Evaluation (SCOPE) was developed to fill the need for a lower-cost, non-virtual-reality (VR)-based assessment tool. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of SCOPE to assess endoscopic skills objectively. Four tasks were created using the Kyoto Kagaku colonoscopy model (Kyoto Kagaku Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan). The SCOPE tasks included Scope Manipulation (SM) requiring torque and tip deflection to align a shape in the colon with a matching shape on the monitor; Tool Targeting (TT) requiring coordination with biopsy forceps to contact a metal target; Loop Management (LM) requiring prevention, recognition, and reduction of a redundant sigmoid colon with navigation to the cecum; and Mucosal Inspection (MI) requiring identification of simulated polyps during withdrawal and retroflexion. Key performance metrics were identified, and a normalized scoring system was developed. For the study, 35 subjects were stratified into three cohorts based on colonoscopy experience: novice (0–50 colonoscopies; n = 11), intermediate (51–139 colonoscopies; n = 13), and experienced (>140 colonoscopies; n = 11). The subjects performed two trials of all four tasks. Across all four tasks, the experienced endoscopists (E) consistently outperformed the intermediates (I), who in turn outperformed the novices (N). The mean normalized scores with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) are as follows: SM: N (54; range, 26–82), I (92; range, 79–106), E (106; range, 93–118) (p = 0.0006). TT: N (40; range, 24–55), I (77; range, 63–91), E (88; range, 72–105) (p < 0.0001). LM: N (51; range, 24–79), I (80; range, 59–101), E (101; range, 98–105) (p = 0.003). MI: N (73; range, 53–92), I (85; range, 76–95), E (100; range, 91–108) (p = 0.013). Total score: N (218; range, 155–280), I (335; range, 299–371), E (395; range, 371–419) (p < 0.0001). The test–retest reliability (0.6) for the expert total score was respectable. The validity evidence from this study shows that scores on SCOPE tasks can differentiate between groups expected to have different levels of technical skill. This model shows promise as a low-technology tool for objective assessment or training of endoscopic skills.
Micromachining of Metals, Alloys, and Ceramics by Picosecond Laser Ablation

Microhole drilling and microstructure machining with a picosecond (ps) Nd:YVO4 laser (pulse duration of 10 ps) in metals, alloys and ceramics are reported. Blind and through microholes were drilled by percussion drilling as well as trepanning drilling. The diameters of the holes were in the range from 20 μm to 1000 μm. Microfeatures were machined and the flexibility of ps laser machining was demonstrated. The quality of drilled holes, e.g., recast layer, microcrack and conicity, and that of the microstructures, were investigated by optical microscope, surface profilometer, or scanning electron microscope (SEM). Ps laser ablation rate was investigated by experiments as well as a simplified laser ablation model.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Women’s Risk Factors and Their Contributions to Existing Risk/Needs Assessment: The Current Status of a Gender-Responsive Supplement

A growing body of scholarship faults existing risk/needs assessment models for neglecting the risk factors most relevant to women offenders. In response, a series of gender-responsive assessment models were tested for their contributions to widely used gender-neutral risk needs assessments. In six of eight samples studied, subsets of the gender-responsive scales achieved statistically significant contributions to gender-neutral models. Promising results were found for the following: (a) parental stress, family support, self-efficacy, educational assets, housing safety, anger/hostility, and current mental health factors in probation samples; (b) child abuse, anger/hostility, relationship dysfunction, family support, and current mental health factors among prisoners; and (c) adult victimization, anger/hostility, educational assets, and family support among released inmates. The predictive validity of gender-neutral assessments was strong in seven of eight samples studied. However, findings for both gender-n...