cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective oxidation of methane over MoOx/SiO2: isolation of the kinetics of reactions occurring in the gas phase and on the surfaces of SiO2 and MoOx

Abstract The selective oxidation of methane to formaldehyde over MoO x /SiO 2 was investigated to identify the contributions of methane and formaldehyde reactions occurring in the gas phase and on the surfaces of SiO 2 and dispersed MoO x to the overall observed reaction rate. Experiments were conducted with 4.5 wt% MoO 3 /SiO 2 at a nominal surface concentration of 0.44 Mo nm −2 . Data were acquired for CH 4 /O 2 ratios from 2 to 34 and temperatures from 848 to 923 K. Homogeneous oxidation of methane was negligible, and the homogeneous oxidation of formaldehyde contributed only to a small degree. The formation of formaldehyde was found to occur largely over MoO x and only to a limited degree over SiO 2 . By contrast, the rates of formaldehyde consumption over MoO x and SiO 2 were comparable. For SiO 2 the only process occurring was CH 2 O decomposition, which was independent of the CH 4 /O 2 ratio, whereas in the case of MoO x , CH 2 O decomposition was accompanied by combustion of the H 2 formed and by direct CH 2 O combustion principally to CO. A comprehensive model of the overall reaction kinetics was assembled from the kinetics determined for the reactions of methane and formaldehyde in the gas phase and on the surfaces of SiO 2 and MoO x . This model describes the observed rates of methane conversion and the formaldehyde selectivity measured experimentally as functions of temperature and CH 4 /O 2 ratio. This model is then used to determine the maximum single-pass yield of CH 2 O for a given temperature and CH 4 /O 2 ratio. It is predicted that the maximum single-pass yield increases with reaction temperature and decreasing CH 4 /O 2 ratio.
Experiments on wrist deviation in manual materials handling

One potential hazard in manual materials-handling (MMH) jobs is the wrist deviation required when a container is moved. Container handles may help control this deviation, but if container handles are to be designed to fit the operator, an evaluation of the effect of wrist deviation on MMH tasks is required. After a pilot experiment, a one-handed holding task was used to impose five wrist deviations on the subject, ranging in equal steps from 20° ulnar to 20° radial. Two weights of container (9 and 13 kg) were tested. Measurements of heart rate, psychophysical variables and angles of the hand and arm were taken on 15 male and 15 female subjects. No significant gender effects were found but changes in imposed deviation were equivalent to a 16% change in box weight. Radial deviation proved worse than ulnar deviation. The hand and arm accommodated to the imposed deviation by deviating the wrist but mainly by allowing the box handle to slip within the hand.
Distinct nuclear and cytoplasmic functions of the S. pombe Cdc14-like phosphatase Clp1p/Flp1p and a role for nuclear shuttling in its regulation.

Summary Cdc14-like phosphatases regulate a variety of cell cycle events by dephosphorylating CDK sites. Their cell cycle-dependent changes in localization may be important to carry out distinct functions. Work in budding and fission yeast suggested that Cdc14-like phosphatases are inhibited by nucleolar sequestration [1–3]. In S. cerevisiae , Cdc14p is released from the nucleolus by the FEAR network and Cdk1 [1, 4], whereas the S. pombe CDC14-like phosphatase Clp1p (also known as Flp1p) is released at mitotic entry by an unknown mechanism. The mitotic exit network (MEN) in S. cerevisiae and its homologous network, the septation initiation network (SIN), in S. pombe act through an unknown mechanism to keep the phosphatase out of the nucleolus in late mitosis [1]. SIN-dependent cytoplasmic maintenance of Clp1p is thought to be essential for the cytokinesis checkpoint, which blocks further rounds of nuclear division until cytokinesis is completed. By targeting Clp1p to the nucleus or the cytoplasm, we demonstrate distinct functions for these pools of Clp1p in chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, respectively. Our results further suggest that the SIN does not keep Clp1p out of the nucleolus by regulating nucleolar affinity, as proposed for S. cerevisiae Cdc14p, but instead, Clp1p may be regulated by nuclear import/export.
SU‐FF‐I‐04: A Fast Variable‐Intensity Ring Suppression Algorithm

Purpose: Gain drifts and nonlinearities in amorphous silicon flat‐panel x‐ray detectors can produce ring artifacts in reconstructed cone‐beam computed tomography(CBCT)images. We have found that the magnitude of these artifacts can exceed 50 HU in clinical situations, and that the intensity of a given ring may not be uniform throughout an image. In some cases (e.g. half‐fan pelvic scans), discrete arcs may be produced. The goal of this study was to develop a post‐processing algorithm to efficiently suppress such variable‐intensity rings in axial slices. Method and Materials: Our approach builds upon the work of Sijbers and Postnov who showed that constant‐intensity rings can be estimated via radial median filtering of the input image after its transformation to polar coordinates. To characterize variable‐intensity rings and arcs, we developed a 2‐D estimation technique that uses a combination of row‐based (radial) and column‐based (angular) filters operating in the polar domain. The 2‐D estimates were transformed back to Cartesian space for subtraction from the original image. The new algorithm was implemented in C++ and tested on clinical and phantom CBCTimages acquired using a Varian 4030CB detector.Results: Correction times (3.2GHz Intel Pentium4 processor), including coordinate transformations, averaged 55 msec/slice for 512×512 matrix sizes. Rings and arcs were reduced in intensity by more than an order of magnitude to levels well below the background noise intensity. By subtracting ring estimates in Cartesian space, the polar matrix size could be reduced without sacrificing spatial resolution in the final image. This permitted for a 4× reduction in execution time compared to the original Sijbers‐Postnov approach where subtraction occurs in polar space. Conclusion: The Sijbers‐Postnov algorithm ring suppression algorithm was modified to provide improved image quality and fast execution times suitable for clinical implementation. Conflict of Interest: Funding provided by Varian Medical Systems.
The impact of outside control in microfinance

Purpose – Microfinance practitioners have emphasized that appropriate control mechanisms are critical for the success of a microfinance institution (MFI). The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of external governance mechanisms on MFIs' performance, whereby external governance is defined as the control exercised by stakeholders and markets, and accountability mechanisms that operate to enforce internal governance.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a database of 108 MFIs operating in over 30 countries and analyzes their performance by adopting an empirical approach usually employed in cross‐country banking research on the impact of market forces and regulation on performance. MFI performance is measured by sustainability and outreach indicators and is modeled as a function of external audit, microfinance rating, and regulatory status and controls for MFI and country‐specific characteristics.Findings – Results indicate that regulatory involvement and financial statement transparency do...
Uses of Toxicology Data for Medical Devices: The FDA Perspective:

The Tripartite Biocompatibility Guidance for Medical Devices is reviewed, and the toxicity data needed by the Food and Drug Administration to evaluate medical devices is discussed. Some of the type...
Crystal structure of Nitrosomonas europaea cytochrome c peroxidase and the structural basis for ligand switching in bacterial di-heme peroxidases.

The crystal structure of the fully oxidized di-heme peroxidase from Nitrosomonas europaea has been solved to a resolution of 1.80 A and compared to the closely related enzyme from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both enzymes catalyze the peroxide-dependent oxidation of a protein electron donor such as cytochrome c. Electrons enter the enzyme through the high-potential heme followed by electron transfer to the low-potential heme, the site of peroxide activation. Both enzymes form homodimers, each of which folds into two distinct heme domains. Each heme is held in place by thioether bonds between the heme vinyl groups and Cys residues. The high-potential heme in both enzymes has Met and His as axial heme ligands. In the Pseudomonas enzyme, the low-potential heme has two His residues as axial heme ligands [Fulop et al. (1995) Structure 3, 1225−1233]. Since the site of reaction with peroxide is the low-potential heme, then one His ligand must first dissociate. In sharp contrast, the low-potential heme in the Nitrosom...
B cell antigen presentation promotes Th2 responses and immunopathology during chronic allergic lung disease.

Background The role of B cells in allergic asthma remains undefined. One mechanism by which B cells clearly contribute to allergic disease is via the production of specific immunoglobulin, and especially IgE. Cognate interactions with specific T cells result in T cell help for B cells, resulting in differentiation and immunoglobulin secretion. Proximal to (and required for) T cell-dependent immunoglobulin production, however, is antigen presentation by B cells. While interaction with T cells clearly has implications for B cell function and differentiation, this study investigated the role that B cells have in shaping the T cell response during chronic allergic lung disease. Methodology/Principal Findings In these studies, we used a clinically relevant mouse model of chronic allergic lung disease to study the role of B cells and B cell antigen presentation in this disease. In these studies we present several novel findings: 1) Lung B cells from chronically allergen challenged mice up-regulated MHC II and costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80 and CD86. 2) Using in vitro studies, B cells from the lungs of allergen challenged mice could present antigen to T cells, as assessed by T cell proliferation and the preferential production of Th2 cytokines. 3) Following chronic allergen challenge, the levels of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 in the lungs and airways were significantly attenuated in B cell −/− mice, relative to controls. 4) B cell driven Th2 responses and mucus hyper secretion in the lungs were dependent upon MHC II expression by B cells. Conclusions/Significance Collectively, these results provide evidence for antigen presentation as a novel mechanism by which B cells contribute to chronic allergic disease. These findings give new insight into the mechanisms by which B cells promote asthma and other chronic diseases.
The development of visually evoked electrocortical responses in the rat

The development of electrocortical responses evoked by brief, focused monocular light stimulation was studied in 35 lightly anesthetized albino rat pups (Sprague-Dawley strain) between birth and 35 days of age. A definite sequence of waveform changes occurred during maturation. The initial response at 10 to 11 days of age consisted of a long latency, negative wave. Subsequently, at approximately 12 days of age, a shorter latency, positive-negative complex appeared. The initial, long latency, negative wave decreased rapidly in latency over the next few days until it coalesced with the negative component of the shorter latency, positive-negative complex at about 15 days of age, resulting in a biphasic positive-negative wave similar to that recordable in the adult rat. These results are compared and contrasted with a similar sequence observed in the developing kitten, and are discussed in terms of structural, electrophsiological, and behavioral maturation.
CYP19A1 promoter methylation in saliva associated with milestones of pubertal timing in urban girls.

Background Childhood obesity and early puberty are intermediate risk factors for later metabolic and reproductive disorders including diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and breast cancer. Atypical methylation patterns in genes related to hormone and adipose metabolism, such as CYP19A1 (aromatase) and PPARG (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma), are associated with alterations in gene expression which may contribute to pathogenesis of these diseases. If present in early life, it is conceivable similar methylation aberrations may result in hormone perturbations that alter pubertal timing.
A low power 65nm CMOS electronic neuron and synapse design for a biomimetic micro-robot

This paper presents an electronic neuron and synapse design, that can mimic the natural behavior of animal neuron and synapse and generate swimming patterns for a biomimetic micro-robot. The electronic neurons are based on the Hindmarsh-Rose neuron model, and the electronic synapse is constructed based on a first order chemical model. The proposed design is based on 65nm Predictive Technology Model (PTM) at a 0.8V supply, with which the power consumption and chip area will be reduced compared with the latest design which was implemented using a 0.25µm CMOS process powered at 2V supply. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed 65nm CMOS design performs all of the expected functions at the extremely low supply of 0.8V.
Pressure-induced changes in the bonding and orientation of hydrogen in FeOOH-goethite

Abstract Infrared spectra of FeOOH-goethite are reported to pressures of 24 GPa at 300 K. The hydroxyl bending vibrations in this phase converge in frequency at pressures above 13 GPa, implying that the location of the hydrogen ion within this structure shifts markedly under pressure. At zero pressure, the hydroxyl bond in FeOOH is canted by 12° from a linear hydrogen bond; the pressure-induced degeneracy of the hydroxyl bending vibrations indicate that this angle increases to ∼28° at 13 GPa and above. This shift in hydrogen position is primarily produced by iron-hydrogen repulsion, and demonstrates that hydrogen can readily shift its position in oxides under compression. Thus, the bonding of hydrogen in this phase depends critically on not only oxygen-oxygen separation, but also on the local cation configuration. Our results on the pressure dependence of the hydroxyl stretching vibrations are in accord with this shift in H-position, with the strength of hydrogen bonding in this phase initially decreasing to 10 GPa, and then increasing, as the hydrogen approaches a position equidistant from three neighboring iron cations. These results emphasize that shifts in hydrogen location can play a crucial role in the bonding of hydroxyl units in oxides under compression.
Pairwise decomposition of residue interaction energies using semiempirical quantum mechanical methods in studies of protein-ligand interaction

Pairwise decomposition of the interaction energy between molecules is shown to be a powerful tool that can increase our understanding of macromolecular recognition processes. Herein we calculate th...
Fundamentals of piezoceramic actuation for micrometer and submicrometer motions for the NanoWalker robot

The NanoWalker project aims at developing a new type of miniature wireless autonomous robot capable of performing tasks at the molecular and atomic scales. To do so, the robot must be capable to position itself within the maximum range of the embedded instrument by using a new type of relatively fast locomotion system capable of sub-micrometer step sizes. To prevent excessive traveling delays due to the critical requirement of small step sizes, relatively fast motions have been achieved through several thousand steps executed per second and operation at resonance frequency. Furthermore, step sizes larger than the maximum bending amplitude of the piezo-legs have been achieved with jumps initiated by extremely fast onboard computer controlled angular accelerations of the legs form known parameters such as mass, moment of inertia, and coefficient of friction, just to name a few. This locomotion system is based on three piezo-actuated legs formed as a pyramid with the apex pointing upward. Although this structure is relatively simple, its kinematic behavior becomes extremely sensitive to many variables that must be well understood. Such understanding is critical for the embedded computer system responsible for controlling the three legs. In this paper, an introduction with the fundamental principles behind this new actuation system is presented.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cofactors, redox state, and directional preferences of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases.

Abstract The hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs) interconvert pairs of weak and potent steroids, thus serving as key enzymes in the regulation of intracellular hormone potency. These enzymes may appear to drive unidirectional steroid flux in intact cells but actually catalyze bi-directional metabolism that achieve pseudo-equilibria with strong directional preferences. Even small shifts in the magnitude of these pseudo-equilibria can profoundly change steroid potency and thus contribute to disease. Consequently, we are studying the structural and biochemical principles that govern these directional preferences and the resilience of these pseudo-equilibria in intact cells. HSD directional preferences in intact cells are governed largely by relative affinities for nicotinamide cofactors [NAD(P)(H)] and existing cofactor gradients. We can attenuate the directional preferences for human 17βHSD type 1 and rat AKR1C9 in intact cells by either diminishing the NADPH/NADP+ gradient or by mutating the arginine residues that form salt bridges with the 2′-phosphate of NADP(H) (R38 and R276, respectively).
Hair Color Stereotyping and CEO Selection in the United Kingdom

Hair color stereotyping is well documented in jokes and the psychological literature. Blondes are stereotyped as incompetent, but likeable, while redheads are seen as competent but cold, or often with a fiery temper. Do these stereotypes affect job progression, mobility, and the rise to the corporate suite? To test this question, the hair color of CEOs of the top 500 members of the London Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTE) was analyzed. The chi-square analysis supports the preconceived hair color stereotypes. Do the stereotypes and results point to discrimination in lower organizational ranks? The article discusses the possible implications of these findings as well as areas for further research.
Soft tissue sarcoma of the vulva: A clinical study

The purpose of this study is to report clinical aspects and treatment results of patients seen at Johns Hopkins. A search of the tumor registry of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center found 453 patients with malignancies of the vulva registered between 1977 and 1997. Patient and tumor characteristics, treatment methods, and follow-up were obtained from charts. Seven patients were identified with sarcoma of the vulva. Of these, one was removed from analysis due to histology. Three patients had leiomyosarcoma, two had fibrosarcoma, and one had epithelioid sarcoma. The mean age was 41. Mean time to diagnosis was 6 months. All but one of the tumors was located on the labia majora. Median tumor size was 3.5 cm. Surgery varied from wide local excision to radical vulvectomy with inguinal lymph node dissection. Surgical margins were microscopically negative in five of the six cases. Two patients had received adjuvant external beam radiation. One of them had a tumor greater than 5 cm and close surgical margins and the other had high-grade tumor, which recurred after previous surgery. Mean follow-up was 127.8 months. There have been no recurrences to date.
National survey of surgical morbidity and mortality conferences

Abstract Background Morbidity and mortality conferences historically have been a paramount meeting for education and quality assurance within surgical departments of teaching institutions. The purpose of this survey was to assess the present educational value and the quality assurance aspect of surgical mortality conferences. Methods Surveys were sent to every academic surgical training program director within the United States and Canada (n = 127) and queried the general format and an individual’s experience and attitude toward their institutions conference. Results A total of 546 individuals from 34 institutions returned completed surveys. The survey findings showed that 74% of these surgical departments discussed all deaths and 50% discussed all complications. There was general agreement that surgical morbidity and mortality conferences are of good educational value and effective in reducing future error. The majority of respondents expressed that evidence-based literature should be the primary basis of discussion, with comprehensive presentations that focus on analysis of error. Conclusions This survey showed that morbidity and mortality conferences are both educational and perceived by the respondents as effective in reducing future error.
Adjuvant bisphosphonates in breast cancer: has the time come?

SUMMARY Bone metabolism is highly affected by changes in ovarian function, which is a common consequence of the treatment of breast cancer patients. Osteopenia and osteoporosis increase the risk of fractures, which are associated with profound loss in quality of life. Bisphosphonates are used with the objective of preventing bone loss in patients with osteoporosis, but data suggest that agents such as zoledronic acid might play a role in the prevention of metastatic disease and therefore have been evaluated in numerous randomized trials in the adjuvant setting. This review article will discuss and analyze the available data regarding the use of bisphosphonates in the adjuvant setting for breast cancer patients. It will focus on the use of bisphosphonates as anticancer agents, but will also discuss the use of these agents for the prevention of bone loss.
Partitioning nuclear and chloroplast variation at multiple spatial scales in the neotropical epiphytic orchid, Laelia rubescens.

Insights into processes that lead to the distribution of genetic variation within plant species require recognition of the importance of both pollen and seed movement. Here we investigate the contributions of pollen and seed movement to overall gene flow in the Central American epiphytic orchid, Laelia rubescens . Genetic diversity and structure were examined at multiple spatial scales in the tropical dry forest of Costa Rica using nuclear (allozymes) and chloroplast restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers, which were found to be diverse (allozymes, P = 73.3%; H E = 0.174; cpDNA, H E = 0.741). Nuclear genetic structure ( F STn ) was low at every spatial scale (0.005–0.091). Chloroplast markers displayed more structure (0.073–0.254) but relatively similar patterns. Neither genome displayed significant isolation-by-distance. Pollen and seed dispersal rates did not differ significantly from one another ( m p / m s = 1.40) at the broadest geographical scale, among sites throughout Costa Rica. However, relative contributions of pollen and seeds to gene flow were scale-dependent, with different mechanisms determining the dominant mode of gene flow at different spatial scales. Much seed dispersal is highly localized within the maternal population, while some seeds enter the air column and are dispersed over considerable distances. At the intermediate scale (10s to 100s of metres) pollinators are responsible for substantial pollen flow. This species appears capable of distributing its genes across the anthropogenically altered landscape that now characterizes its Costa Rican dry forest habitat.
Pathophysiology of deoxycorticosterone-secreting adrenal tumors.

Two patients with hypermineralocorticoidism due to deoxycorticosterone (DOC) excess are described. The plasma 17-deoxysteroids of the zona fasciculata (ZF), namely DOC, corticosterone, 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone, and 18-hydroxycorticosterone, were elevated. Plasma androgen concentrations were normal, and plasma aldosterone and renin levels were low. One patient, who had benign adrenocortical adenoma, had normal plasma cortisol levels. The other patient, who had metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma, had low plasma cortisol, presumably due to elevated plasma corticosterone levels. While tumors producing only 17-deoxysteroids are rare, they have provided new insights into the regulation of 17-deoxysteroid secretion by the ZF. Presumptive suppression of a non-ACTH factor by adenoma-produced DOC transiently impaired the early postoperative responses to ACTH of the ZF 17-deoxysteroids of the contralateral adrenal. The dissociation of 17-deoxysteroids from cortisol in normal subjects given either dexamethasone...
Design and Evaluation of Recirculating Water Systems for Maintenance and Propagation of Freshwater Mussels

Abstract A complete system for culturing, rearing, and holding juvenile and adult freshwater mussels (Unionidae) was designed and evaluated for use at hatcheries and research facilities. The system includes air delivery, water conditioning and delivery, algal culturing and automated algal feed delivery, and air-driven water-recirculating units. These systems are appropriate for holding and conditioning adult mussels for spawning, as well as for the grow-out phase of juvenile rearing. In a 41-d trial without water changes in 350-L water-recirculating units, we used 200 adult eastern elliptios Elliptio complanata (average biomass = 1.36 g dry weight/L); mean values (mg/L) during the trial were 0.02 for NH3, 0.01 for NO2, and 2.7 for NO3. An 8-L minirecirculating water unit (MRU) also was designed and evaluated for initial culturing of newly metamorphosed juvenile mussels. Survival of juvenile wavy-rayed lampmussels Lampsilis fasciola cultured in the MRU was 27.2% at 2 weeks, but this survival was negatively...
Password recovery using MPI and CUDA

Using passwords to verify a user's identity is the most widely deployed method for electronic authentication. When system administrators need to recover lost passwords or test accounts for easily guessable passwords, it can require millions of hash function and string comparison operations. These operations can be computationally expensive but are easily parallelizable because each password can be tested independently. Therefore, using high performance computing (HPC) can greatly reduce the time required to perform password recovery. Due to the high level of fine-grained parallelism of this type of problem, GPU computing using Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) can be used to further improve performance. The scale of HPC can be further increased through the use of multiple GPUs, but this requires communication between the GPU devices and can reduce the overall performance due to increased communications latency. In this work a well established HPC framework, Message Passing Interface (MPI), was used to minimize the amount of latency and handle the communication between the devices. This allowed for a course-grained division of the problem using MPI where each device applies a fine-grained division of the problem using CUDA to perform the actual calculations. This paper describes three dictionary-based password recovery algorithms that use both MPI and CUDA. In this approach the hashed values of known words are computed and compared with hash values of unknown user passwords. The algorithms differed in GPU memory utilization and how the data was divided and distributed among the MPI nodes and GPU devices. A divided dictionary algorithm split the dictionary of potential passwords over the G PUs and copied the password database to each GPU. A divided password database algorithm split the password database and copied the potential passwords. A minimal memory algorithm split the password database and sequentially processed individual passwords on the GPUs. The divided dictionary and the divided password database algorithms performed well, resulting in a speedup of 57x and 40x over a single processor using 8 GPUs across 4 compute nodes, respectively. Illustrating the cost of communication latency between MPI nodes and GPUs, the minimal memory algorithm performed significantly slower than a single CPU. The algorithms are shown to scale well to multiple GPUs, so this password recovery system could be used for much larger systems for larger databases. In addition to recovering lost passwords, this work could be used to help improve the security of computer systems by identifying accounts with weak or common passwords. The framework described may also be useful for other research that needs to process large amounts of data with similar characteristics using MPI and CUDA.
Two-Dimensional Boron Monolayers Mediated by Metal Substrates

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and boron nitride, have specific lattice structures independent of external conditions. In contrast, the structure of 2D boron sensitively depends on metal substrate, as we show herein using the cluster expansion method and a newly developed surface structure-search method, both based on first-principles calculations. The preferred 2D boron on weaker interacting Au is nonplanar with significant buckling and numerous polymorphs as in vacuum, whereas on more reactive Ag, Cu, and Ni, the polymorphic energy degeneracy is lifted and a particular planar structure is found to be most stable. We also show that a layer composed of icosahedral B12 is unfavorable on Cu and Ni but unexpectedly becomes a possible minimum on Au and Ag. The substrate-dependent 2D boron choices originate from a competition between the strain energy of buckling and chemical energy of electronic hybridization between boron and metal.
OpenSound Control: state of the art 2003

OpenSound Control ("OSC") is a protocol for communication among computers, sound synthesizers, and other multimedia devices that is optimized for modern networking technology. OSC has achieved wide use in the field of computer-based new interfaces for musical expression for wide-area and local-area networked distributed music systems, inter-process communication, and even within a single application.
Estimating static tip resistance of driven piles with bottom pile instrumentation

A technique is presented to estimate static tip resistance of a pile during driving from embedded strain and accelerometer data located one diameter (D) from the bottom of the pile. The approach us...
Contribution of environmental mycobacteria to false-positive serum ELISA results for paratuberculosis

Objective—To evaluate the effect of exposure to environmental mycobacteria on results of 2 commercial ELISAs for paratuberculosis in cattle. Design—Experimental trial. Animals—19 weaned crossbred beef calves. Procedures—Calves were inoculated SC with 1 of 5 mycobacterial isolates (3 calves/isolate) derived from herds with high proportions of false-positive serologic reactions for paratuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP; positive control inoculum; 2 calves), or mineral oil (negative control inoculum; 2 calves). Sera were assessed at intervals by use of 2 ELISAs (A and B) for paratuberculosis in cattle, and all calves underwent tuberculosis testing at the end of the study. Results—Neither mineral oil–inoculated calf had positive results with either ELISA during the study. Both MAP-inoculated calves were identified as seropositive via ELISA-A, and 1 calf was identified as seropositive via ELISA-B. By use of ELISA-A, ≥ 1 false-positive reaction over time was detected in 2, 3, 3, and ...
Set-membership identification based adaptive robust control of systems with unknown parameter bounds

In this paper, a hybrid control architecture is proposed for the adaptive robust control of a class of nonlinear systems with uncertain parameter variation ranges. Specifically, the standard set-membership description of uncertainty is adopted - the bounds of the structural approximation errors associated with the parametrized models are assumed to be known but the variation ranges of model parameters are not available or poorly known. To effectively control this class of systems, set-membership identification (SMI) is performed in discrete-time domain and a simple bound-shrinking algorithm is developed to obtain non-conservative real-time estimation of the regions where model parameters could actually be. The estimated parameter variation bounds are subsequently used to construct a continuous-time domain projection type parameter adaptation law with varying boundaries to achieve a controlled learning process. An adaptive robust control (ARC) algorithm is then synthesized to handle the effect of both parametric uncertainties and the model approximation error effectively. It is theoretically shown that in general the proposed approach achieves a guaranteed transient and steady-state output tracking performance. In addition, asymptotic output tracking can also be achieved when certain conditions hold.
A ROLE FOR TISSUE FACTOR IN CELL ADHESION AND MIGRATION MEDIATED BY INTERACTION WITH ACTIN-BINDING PROTEIN 280

Tissue factor (TF), the protease receptor initiating the coagulation system, functions in vascular development, angiogenesis, and tumor cell metastasis by poorly defined molecular mechanisms. We demonstrate that immobilized ligands for TF specifically support cell adhesion, migration, spreading, and intracellular signaling, which are not inhibited by RGD peptides. Two-hybrid screening identified actin-binding protein 280 (ABP-280) as ligand for the TF cytoplasmic domain. Extracellular ligation of TF is necessary for ABP-280 binding. ABP-280 recruitment to TF adhesion contacts is associated with reorganization of actin filaments, but cytoskeletal adaptor molecules typically found in integrin-mediated focal contacts are not associated with TF. Chimeric molecules of the TF cytoplasmic domain and an unrelated extracellular domain support cell spreading and migration, demonstrating that the extracellular domain of TF is not involved in the recruitment of accessory molecules that influence adhesive functions. Replacement of TF's cytoplasmic Ser residues with Asp to mimic phosphorylation enhances the interaction with ABP-280, whereas Ala mutations abolish coprecipitation of ABP-280 with immobilized TF cytoplasmic domain, and severely reduce cell spreading. The specific interaction of the TF cytoplasmic domain with ABP-280 provides a molecular pathway by which TF supports tumor cell metastasis and vascular remodeling.
Alterations in Central Blood Volume and Cardiac Output Induced by Positive Pressure Breathing and Counteracted by Metaraminol (Aramine)

High levels of positive pressure breathing in the dog resulted in substantial depression of central blood volume as well as cardiac output and arterial pressure. The administration of metaraminol elevated these lowered values while positive pressure breathing was maintained. The beneficial effects observed are thought to be attributable to this drug's influence on venous and arteriolar tone and myocardial contractility. The mechanism of the circulatory depression produced by positive pressure breathing is discussed.
Geothermal energy from the earth : Its potential impact as an environmentally sustainable resource

▪ Abstract Geothermal energy technology is reviewed in terms of its current impact and future potential as an energy source. In general, the geothermal energy resource base is large and well distributed globally. Geothermal systems have a number of positive social characteristics (they are simple, safe, and adaptable systems with modular 1–50 MW [thermal (t) or electric (e)] plants capable of providing continuous baseload, load following, or peaking capacity) and benign environmental attributes (negligible emissions of CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulates, and modest land and water use). Because these features are compatible with sustainable growth of global energy supplies in both developed and developing countries, geothermal energy is an attractive option to replace fossil and fissile fuels. In 1997, about 7,000 MWe of base-load generating capacity and over 15,000 MWt of heating capacity from high-grade geothermal resources are in commercial use worldwide. A key question is whether these levels can grow to ...
A Steerable Needle Technology Using Curved Concentric Tubes

A new approach to steerable needle design is proposed for use in minimally invasive surgery. The technology is based on sets of curved concentric tubes. By rotating and extending the tubes with respect to each other, the position and orientation of the needle tip, as well as the shape of the inserted length, can be controlled. A mechanics model is presented for computing the shape of the needle. Forward and inverse kinematic equations are also derived. In addition, experimental results are presented as validation of the approach.
The role of the 3D environment in hypoxia-induced drug and apoptosis resistance.

Background: 3D tumors express different adhesion receptors from those expressed in monolayers, leading to a distinct microenvironment. The third dimension also brings mass transport into relevance, as inadequate diffusion of oxygen produces hypoxia. This study investigates the effects of distinct 3D environments on hypoxia-associated apoptosis and drug resistance. Materials and Methods: Under hypoxia and normoxia, U251 glioma cells and U87 astrocytoma cells were grown as spheroids on flat substrates, scaffolds seeded with dispersed cells, and spheroid-seeded scaffolds. The samples were subsequently treated with doxorubicin and resveratrol, known inducers of apoptosis. Results: All 3D environments induced increased but distinct resistance to apoptosis, as evident by lower caspase-3 activity, and higher production of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2 and survivin. Hypoxic monolayers also exhibited higher resistance to doxorubicin and higher production of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but lower production of BCL-2 and survivin. Conclusion: These findings suggest that in vitro, 3D models acquire greater apoptosis resistance via
Management of pregnant women with breast cancer.

Pregnancy complicates the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Surgical treatment options of mastectomy or breast-conservation can be used as for non-pregnant patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be safely used with lymphoscintigraphy. Chemotherapy is appropriate in the second and third trimesters, however, radiation therapy should be delayed until after delivery. Multidisciplinary care, including High-Risk Obstetrics, remains the best approach to managing this complex patient population. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:337–340. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Preprocessing and Quality Control Strategies for Illumina DASL Assay-Based Brain Gene Expression Studies with Semi-Degraded Samples

Available statistical preprocessing or quality control analysis tools for gene expression microarray datasets are known to greatly affect downstream data analysis, especially when degraded samples, unique tissue samples or novel expression assays are used. It is therefore important to assess the validity and impact of the assumptions built in to preprocessing schemes for a dataset. We developed and assessed a data preprocessing strategy for use with the Illumina DASL-based gene expression assay with partially degraded postmortem prefrontal cortex samples. The samples were obtained from individuals with autism as part of an investigation of the pathogenic factors contributing to autism. Using statistical analysis methods and metrics such as those associated with multivariate distance matrix regression (MDMR) and mean inter-array correlation, we developed a DASL-based assay gene expression preprocessing pipeline to accommodate and detect problems with microarray-based gene expression values obtained with degraded brain samples. Key steps in the pipeline included outlier exclusion, data transformation and normalization, and batch effect and covariate corrections. Our goal was to produce a clean dataset for subsequent downstream differential expression analysis. We ultimately settled on available transformation and normalization algorithms in the R/Bioconductor package lumi based on an assessment of their use in various combinations. A log2-transformed, quantile-normalized, and batch and seizure-corrected procedure was likely the most appropriate for our data. We empirically tested different components of our proposed preprocessing strategy and believe that our results suggest that a preprocessing strategy that effectively identifies outliers, normalizes the data, and corrects for batch effects, like ours can be applied to all studies, even those pursued with degraded samples.
Evidence–based Neonatology

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe strengths and weaknesses of all new sources of information. 2. Describe sources of biases and confounding in investigations. 3. Explain the potential problems with meta-analyses. From the time physicians enter medical school to the time they retire from medicine, they are guided by the principle, “ Primum Non Nocere ,” first do no harm. Although the origins of that phrase are uncertain, it has been widely attributed to Hippocrates who said, “I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.” Fundamental to this concept of being a good physician is the acquisition of medical knowledge to provide the highest quality care. Unlike the practice of neonatology 20 years ago, clinicians today are bombarded with incredible amounts of advice and information (scientific meetings, lectures, journals, peers, and the Internet) and ultimately must decide when and if to incorporate a change into clinical practice. In the 1990s, the phrase “evidence-based medicine” became the watchword for the most reliable source of new information. Meta-analyses often are considered the gold standard because an investigator has taken the time to review a topic critically and used a statistical test to confirm or refute the hypothesis. Although meta-analyses are important, they are an imperfect tool and represent only one of several sources of information for the practicing neonatologist. This review critically examines the strengths and weaknesses of new information and provides a primer on commonly used statistical methods in evidence-based medicine. Table 1 lists common definitions for terms used in this article. | | ||
An Integrated Genetic Map of the African Human Malaria Vector Mosquito, Anopheles gambiae

We present a genetic map based on microsatellite polymorphisms for the African human malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae. Polymorphisms in laboratory strains were detected for 89% of the tested microsatellite markers. Genotyping was performed for individual mosquitoes from 13 backcross families that included 679 progeny. Three linkage groups were identified, corresponding to the three chromosomes. We added 22 new markers to the existing X chromosome map, for a total of 46 microsatellite markers spanning a distance of 48.9 cM. The second chromosome has 57 and the third 28 microsatellite markers spanning a distance of 72.4 and 93.7 cM, respectively. The overall average distance between markers is 1.6 cM (or 1.1, 1.2, and 3.2 cM for the X, second, and third chromosomes, respectively). In addition to the 131 microsatellite markers, the current map also includes a biochemical selectable marker, Dieldrin resistance (Dl), on the second chromosome and five visible markers, pink-eye (p) and white (w) on the X, collarless (c) and lunate (lu) on the second, and red-eye (r) on the third. The cytogenetic locations on the nurse cell polytene chromosomes have been determined for 47 markers, making this map an integrated tool for cytogenetic, genetic, and molecular analysis.
Transition from order to chaos in the wake of an airfoil

An experimental effort is presented here that examines the nonlinear interaction of multiple frequencies in the forced wake of an airfoil. Wakes with one or two distinct frequencies behave in an ordered manner – being either locked or quasi-periodic. When a third incommensurate frequency is added to the system, the flow demonstrates chaotic behaviour. Previously, the existence of the three-frequency route to chaos has been reported only for closed system flows. It is important to note that this chaotic state is obtained at a low Reynolds number. However, the chaotic flow shows localized characteristics similar to those of high Reynolds number turbulent flows. The degree of chaotic behaviour is verified by applying ideas from nonlinear dynamics (such as Lyapunov exponents and Poincare sections) to the experimental data, thus relating the basic physics of the system to the concepts of mode interaction and chaos. Significant changes to the vortex configuration in the wake and to the r.m.s. velocity profile occur during the transition from order to chaos.
A PDF-Based Model for Boundary Layer Clouds. Part II: Model Results

A new single-column model for the cloudy boundary layer, described in a companion paper, is tested for a variety of regimes. To represent the subgrid-scale variability, the model uses a joint probability density function (PDF) of vertical velocity, temperature, and moisture content. Results from four different cases are presented and contrasted with large eddy simulations (LES). The cases include a clear convective layer based on the Wangara experiment, a trade wind cumulus layer from the Barbados Oceanographic and Meteorological Experiment (BOMEX), a case of cumulus clouds over land, and a nocturnal marine stratocumulus boundary layer. Results from the Wangara experiment show that the model is capable of realistically predicting the diurnal growth of a dry convective layer. Compared to the LES, the layer produced is slightly less well mixed and entrainment is somewhat slower. The cloud cover in the cloudy cases varied widely, ranging from a few percent cloud cover to nearly overcast. In each of the cloudy cases, the parameterization predicted cloud fractions that agree reasonably well with the LES. Typically, cloud fraction values tended to be somewhat smaller in the parameterization, and cloud bases and tops were slightly underestimated. Liquid water content was generally within 40% of the LES-predicted values for a range of values spanning almost two orders of magnitude. This was accomplished without the use of any case-specific adjustments.
On convergence rate of the augmented Lagrangian algorithm for nonsymmetric saddle point problems

We are interested in solving the system (1)[AL^TL0][c@l]=[FG], by a variant of the augmented Lagrangian algorithm. This type of problem with nonsymmetric A typically arises in certain discretizations of the Navier-Stokes equations. Here A is a (n,n) matrix, c, F @?R^n, L is a (m,n) matrix, and @l,G@?R^m. We assume that A is invertible on the kernel of L. Convergence rates of the augmented Lagrangian algorithm are known in the symmetric case but the proofs in [R. Glowinski, P. LeTallec, Augmented Lagrangian and Operator Splitting Methods in Nonlinear Mechanics, SIAM, 1989] used spectral arguments and cannot be extended to the nonsymmetric case. The purpose of this paper is to give a rate of convergence of a variant of the algorithm in the nonsymmetric case. We illustrate the performance of this algorithm with numerical simulations of the lid-driven cavity flow problem for the 2D Navier-Stokes equations.
A Valuation Model For Covenants Not To Compete

Recent tax legislation has intensified the valuation problem related to covenants not to compete. With this paper the authors examine the issues and proposal a valuation model.