cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of process models: A fuzzy logic approach

Process modelling tools, such as the Integrated DEFinition (IDEF) methodology, allow for a systematic and a well-defined representation of processes, e.g. manufacturing, product development, and business. The most frequently recognised shortcoming of process modelling is the lack of analysis tools. Owing to the qualitative and static nature of models, mathematical techniques are difficult to apply. To make the process modelling methodologies more attractive, formal techniques for analysis of process models are required. In this paper, an analysis approach for process models, based on fuzzy logic and approximate rule-based reasoning, is presented. Possibility distributions are used to represent uncertain and incomplete information of process variables. An approximate rule based reasoning approach is developed for quantitative analysis of process models. The effectiveness of the approach is illustrated with an industrial example. The architecture of an expert system for the quantitative analysis of process models is also outlined.
Low cost tube thoracostomy model for training in resource poor settings

sites and includes an HMS faculty member as a Rwanda-based research advisor and technical support. Research capacity building activities have been prioritized. District-based research trainings develop skills to both produce research and integrate research findings into practice. To develop research leadership, students are supported to complete MPhil/PhD degrees at UR-SPH. To bridge the mentorship gap due to a large student body and small faculty at UR-SPH, these students are co-supervised by UR-SPH and HMS faculty. Outcomes & Evaluation: The following outcomes have been observed. 1) Increased interest in research: 103 PIH/Rwanda, RMoH and UR-SPH colleagues have completed training programs since 2012 and demand for training far exceeds capacity (only 2550% of applicants accepted into trainings). 2) Increased research productivity: The number of publications highlighting PIH/ Rwanda-supported programs has increased from 1-5 peer-reviewed publications per year from 2006-2012 to 10 publications in 2013 and 15 publications published/accepted/submitted as of September 2014 (published/accepted/submitted as of September 2014). 3) Increased Rwandan leadership in research: The first Rwandan-led manuscript describing a PIH/Rwanda-supported program was published in 2013, and, in 2014, 67% (of 15) were first-authored by a Rwandan. 4) Increased link of research to policy: Current research is led or advised by RMoH and PIH/Rwanda program leads, better linking results to program implementation/policy. Going Forward: This work will continue to leverage the institutional strengths of PIH/R and HMS and partnerships with RMoH and UR-SPH. Fostering inclusive research, with clear guidelines, technical support and trainings, remains a priority. However, flexible funding for in-country infrastructure, mentorship and fieldbased training programs is essential for continued growth. Funding: This work is funded by HMS DGHSM, PIH and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Abstract #: 02ETC035
Application of Adaptive Resonance Theory neural networks to monitor solar hot water systems and detect existing or developing faults

Abstract Reliability is the Achilles’ heel of domestic solar hot water (SHW) systems, which otherwise offer a cost-effective way of reducing energy consumption and related emissions. Using a solar hot water system reliability testbed developed for this purpose, novel neural-network-based monitoring and fault detection methods were developed. It is argued that these methods could easily be incorporated in control or supervisory software, thereby allowing rapid detection and correction of faults. This would in turn prevent further damage, and ensure continued energy savings. In particular, the Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) class of neural networks was used to detect and classify anomalies. Compared with other network types, ART networks are fast, efficient learners and retain memory while learning new patterns. Various ART networks were trained using simulation, and tested in the field using the testbed. The results show that simulation-based training is representative of real-life operating conditions, and that faults are correctly detected in the field. Using this technology, it will be possible to improve the reliability of SHW systems with little or no additional sensing equipment compared to typical installations.
High-Frequency Sound Absorption in Superconductors

Theoretical and numerical results for the attenuation of high-frequency sound waves in superconductors are presented. Explicit calculations are given for the attenuation of longitudinal sound waves with wavelengths both large and small compared with the electron mean free path in pure superconductors and in superconductors containing magnetic impurities. Extensions to more general situations are discussed. The contribution due to the disruption of Cooper pairs by phonons is examined as a function of impurity concentration.
NKP-15: A monoclonal antibody reactive against purified human natural killer cells and granulocytes

A monoclonal antibody of the isotype IgG1,k, NKP-15, was produced by immunizing Balb/c mice with highly purified suspensions of human natural killer (NK) cells. By indirect immunofluorescence, NKP-15 reacted with 15 +/- 5.0% of the peripheral blood lymphocytes, 90 +/- 3.0% of the granulocytes and was non-reactive with T-cells, B-cells, monocytes, platelets and erythrocytes. NKP-15 reacted with 90 +/- 6.0% of purified large granular lymphocytes (LGL), which displayed highly enriched NK cell activity. NKP-15, however, showed no reactivity with a panel of human tumor cell lines. Analysis of NK cell-K562 tumor cell conjugates and depletion by panning of NKP-15+ cells indicated that all functionally tumorlytic NK cells expressed the NKP-15 antigen. It was also determined by competitive blocking experiments that NKP-15 recognizes a new NK cell surface antigen not delineated by the NK-specific monoclonal antibody, Leu-7, and that the epitope for NKP-15 appears to be associated with the Fc-receptor of NK cells and granulocytes.
Hydrocracking vacuum resid with NiW bifunctional slurry catalysts

Abstract An Arabian Heavy vacuum resid (262 ppm Ni + V, 5.3% S and 24% CCR) was hydrocracked over the following bifunctional catalysts: NiW on alumina, silica-alumina, US-Y, montmorillonite, sepiolite, and activated carbon at 427°C and 13.4 MPa hydrogen in a batch reactor. The activity of the sulfided and unsulfided bifunctional catalysts was compared with that of oil soluble mixtures of Ni and W homogeneous organometallics. Sulfided NiW/alumina gave about 70% 538°C + conversion, 1.1% coke make, 50% desulfurization, 42% CCR removal and a metals reduction in the liquid product from 262 to 59 ppm Ni+V. In contrast, the other bifunctional catalysts at the same conversion generated at least three times more coke while the homogeneous catalyst gave less upgrading at 0.3% coke make. Coke yield is highly dependent on the ability of the metal function to hydrogenate cracked products before they react to form coke. These results indicate that the addition of sulfided NiW/alumina to a slurry type hydrocracking process might improve hydrogenation activity and produce more 538°C + conversion at a particular severity while generating the low coke make necessary for a continuous upgrading process.
Structure-activity relationships in sex attractants for north American noctuid moths

Sex attractants known for 145 species of noctuid moths have many common features both as to chemical constituents and to their relationships in blends. The great majority of constituents are straight-chain (Z)-alkenols, -alkenals, or -alkenyl acetates of even carbon number (10 through 16). The unsaturation is nonterminal in odd-numbered positions (5 through 11). In effective lures, these components are blended in specific ratios and the components in a sex pheromone or sex attractant blend are structurally related by “one-change” steps. This means that any blend component differs from one or more other components by a single structural alteration, such as a change in double bond position, or a change in carbon chain length, or a change in the oxygen function. For the few multicomponent systems known in detail, the central place in the “one-change” framework is occupied by the predominant blend component. Different patterns of occurrence of lure components occur in the subfamilies Acronictinae, Noctuinae, Hadeninae, Cuculliinae, Amphipyrinae, Heliothidinae, Plusiinae, Acontiinae, and Pantheinae, and some subfamilies are as yet without known lures. Some guiding principles for elucidation of blend compositions for unstudied species are presented; these guidelines can also be used in improvement of some synthetic blends of unsatisfactory quality.
PRELP, collagen, and a theory of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria.

Proline/arginine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein (PRELP) a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP), binds type I collagen to basement membranes and type II collagen to cartilage. Evidence for lack of binding of collagen in basement membranes and cartilage of Hutchinson–Gilford progeria (HGP) cases suggests PRELP involvement in that disease. PRELP deficiency is able to account for many symptoms of HGP. Moreover, PRELP also accounts for the fact that unlike many other collagen-related diseases, HGP symptoms are not congenital. The appearance of PRELP sometime after the third month of the birth, coincides with the appearance of HGP symptoms. Hutchinson–Gilford progeria has been diagnosed in twins with a chromosomal inversion at, or very near, the site of the PRELP gene.
The perturbed-soft-chain theory: an equation of state based on the Lennard Jones potential

Abstract Perturbed-Soft-Chain theory is a perturbation theory for chain-like molecules which uses a soft-core (Lennard-Jones) intermolecular potential energy function. Three pure-component parameters are required for the PSCT equation of state. These parameters are reported for 13 normal alkanes and 25 other compounds. The PSCT equation of state does very well in predicting the thermodynamic properties of molecules over a wide range of fluid densities and molecular complexities. The PSCT equation of state is tested against the PHCT and Peng-Robinson equation of state by determining the errors in calculated liquid-densities and vapor pressures for normal alkanes. The PSCT equation of state predicts these properties slightly better than the PHCT equation of state and much better than the Peng-Robinson equation of state.
The effect of Pd precursor and pretreatment on the adsorption and absorption behavior of supported Pd catalysts

Abstract The behavior of carbon- and silica-supported Pd catalysts made from Pd acetylacetonate was compared to each other and also to carbon-supported Pd prepared from PdCl 2 . Suppressed chemisorption and hydride formation was observed after standard hydrogen reduction pretreatments at 573 K which was attributed to carbon contamination of the Pd bulk and surface. Different treatments with oxygen in addition to pretreatment sequences with and without hydrogen reduction followed by hydrogen, oxygen and carbon monoxide chemisorption or hydrogen and oxygen titration measurements were used to clarify the source of the carbon contaminant. Initial contamination due to the Pd(AcAc) 2 precursor was observed but it could be removed by calcination at 573 K in 4% oxygen; however, subsequent recontamination during reduction in hydrogen indicated that carbon atoms from the support could also be involved. Protecting the Pd surface with chemisorbed oxygen by cooling in oxygen prevented this carbon contamination.
Quasi-equilibrium modeling of the toughness transition during semibrittle cleavage

A discretized dislocation model is used to assess the quasi-state equilibrium, crack tip emission and shielding of near-tip dislocations for Mo single crystals. As in a previous study for Fe-3 wt% Si, based partly on the Rice-Thomson criterion [12], this model leads to a failure prediction for Mo both consistent with the absence of an expected dislocation free zone and the observed toughness transition over the test temperature range. While cleavage is the failure mode in the semibrittle regimes of these two b.c.c. crystals, KIc values vary from 5 up to 60 MPa-m1/2 with an increase in test temperature. The equilibrium solution for both metals from the discrete dislocation model is reconnected with ordinary continuum theory through the CTOD and plastic zone size, as well as Weertman's hypothesis [19] of the nonredundant/redundant dislocation decomposition for near-tip microplasticity. The similarities in zeroth order successive approximation solutions derived for these two metals, with very disparate elastic anisotropies, suggests that such approaches may also be applicable to semibrittle ordered intermetallics.
Palmitoyl Ascorbate-Loaded Polymeric Micelles: Cancer Cell Targeting and Cytotoxicity

To evaluate the potential of palmitoyl ascorbate (PA)-loaded micelles for ascorbate-mediated cancer cell targeting and cytotoxicity. PA was incorporated in polyethylene glycol-phosphatidyl ethanolamine micelles at varying concentrations. The formulations were evaluated for PA content by RP-HPLC. A stable formulation was selected based on size and zeta potential measurements. A co-culture of cancer cells and GFP-expressing non-cancer cells was used to determine the specificity of PA micelle binding. In vitro cytotoxicity of the micellar formulations towards various cancer cell lines was investigated using a cell viability assay. To elucidate the mechanism of action of cell death in vitro, the effect of various H2O2 scavengers and metal chelators on PA-mediated cytotoxicity was studied. The in vivo anti-cancer activity of PA micelles was studied in female Balb/c mice bearing a murine mammary carcinoma (4T1 cells). PA micelles associated preferentially with various cancer cells compared to non-cancer cells in co-culture. PA micelles exhibited anti-cancer activity in cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of cell death was due primarily to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The anti-cancer activity of PA micelles associated with its enhanced cancer cell binding and subsequent generation of ROS.
Photooxidation kinetics in crosslinked polymer coatings

Abstract Quantitative relationships have been developed between photooxidation rates and hydroperoxide concentrations in acrylic urethane and acrylic melamine coatings. The rate of photooxidation in both urethane and melamine crosslinked coatings is found to be linear in hydroperoxide concentration. In urethane coatings, the photooxidation rate goes to zero as the hydroperoxide concentration goes to zero, while in melamine coatings there is a residual photooxidation rate at zero hydroperoxide concentration. This residual photooxidation appears to be related to melamine photochemistry. The simple relationships derived suggest that hydroperoxide measurements can be used to screen coatings for photostability using outdoor-like exposure conditions.
Neighborhood Structural Qualities, Adolescents' Perceptions of Neighborhoods, and Latino Youth Development.

The purposes of this research brief were to examine (a) whether youth reports of neighborhood qualities were significantly related to census data at the block group, measuring the same structural qualities and (b) whether the structural qualities were related to youth development either directly or indirectly through youth perceptions. Data were collected from three sources: self-report surveys, school records, and the 2000 U.S. census. A nonrandom sample of 534 Latino students from one high school in Los Angeles was used. Correlations and structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated that youth reports of neighborhoods were significantly related to the structural qualities. SEM demonstrated that the structural qualities were indirectly related to all four adolescent outcomes (i.e., self-esteem, self-efficacy, academic aspirations, grades) via adolescents' perceptions. Language: en
An empirical examination of stability, predictability and volatility of Middle Eastern and African emerging stock markets

This paper examines the stability, predictability, volatility, time varying risk premiums and persistence of shocks to volatility in the ten Middle Eastern and African (MEA and the volatility movement affects the stock market returns. In summary, eigh...
A television technique for quantifying conditioned and unconditioned responses of planarians

A technique tor quantifying responses of the planarian, using television recording, is described. The planarian swims in a watch crystal filled with spring water, with a TV camera directly under the crystal aimed upward. Shock is administered via four electrodes placed 90 deg apart around the perimeter of the crystal. Magnitude of response to shock is expressed in terms of percent reduction in body length. Latency of response onset is also available by counting synchronizing pulses equalling 1/60 sec. Data from two worms which received 20 shocks/day for 5 days indicated that the magnitude and latency measures were similar for the two animals and were reasonably reliable. The average latency of the UR to shock was about 100 msec, similar to that of the human eyeblink. Extension of the technique for studying CRs was also described, indicating that greater sophistication in quantifying URs and CRs in planarians is now available.
Genetics of meprin in the rat

The locus encoding for meprin activity in kidney was found polymorphic in the rat. The BDIV and COP strains that carried theMep-1a allele had high meprin concentration in the kidney, while the ACI, BN, LE and LEW strains that carried theMep-1b allele had low meprin levels. TheMep-1a allele that controlled the high activity enzyme was expressed in a dominant fashion in the (BN × COP) F1 progeny. The backcross studies showed that the segregation of alleles at theMep-1 and theGlo-1 loci was normal and that the genes were linked (x2 = 4.06,P < 0.05). The map distance between theMep-1 andGlo-1 genes was 41 ± 4 centimorgans.
Brugia malayi: the diagnostic potential of recombinant excretory/secretory antigens

The diagnostic potential of recombinant E/S antigens of the lymphatic filaria Brugia malayi was investigated by Western blot. A cDNA expression library was constructed using B. malayi male adult worm mRNA, and E/S recombinants were identified with a rabbit antiserum raised against E/S products collected in vitro from B. malayi male and female adult worms. Two of these recombinants, Bm12 and Bm14L, were studied after subcloning the cDNA inserts in an Escherichia coli plasmid expression and purification vector, obtaining the inserts' nucleotide sequence, and purifying the expressed proteins. By homology of their deduced amino acid sequence with that of previously identified proteins, Bm12 was identified as the B. malayi gp 15/400 antigen, and Bm14 as a member of the hsp90 family of heat shock proteins. The antigenic cross-reactivity of the purified recombinant proteins was assessed with 28 serum samples from patients infected with Ascaris, Trichuris, or hookworm, and also with a few samples from patients with onchocerciasis and loiasis. For Bm12, the specificity for all of the intestinal helminthiasis together was 75%. Bm14L, on the other hand, cross-reacted with all of the ascariasis serum samples with which it was tested. Presence of antibodies cross-reactive with B. malayi was confirmed in all of these serum samples by examining their antibody reactivity with Western blots of extracts of whole B. malayi adult worms. A semiquantitative (+ or -) assessment of the sensitivity of Bm12 for antibody detection was performed using 6 serum samples from patients with chronic filariasis and 24 samples from patients with microfilaremia. All of these serum samples contained anti-Bm12 antibody (sensitivity of 100%). Finally, the ability of Bm12 to detect antibody before the onset of patency was established with a longitudinal collection of serum samples obtained from 2 African green vervets (Cercopithecus aethiops) and 3 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), all of which were infected with B. malayi. Anti-Bm12 antibodies were detectable in all animals between 4 and 11 weeks before patency.
Adaptive Optics Without Wavefront Sensors

Two sharpness functions are considered for the problem of dynamic phase estimation and correction of aberrated images. One is based on the integral of the square of the image irradiance distribution. The other uses integration of the irradiance distribution over an area smaller than the diffraction-limited resolution area. Examples of phase retrieval using these sharpness functions are given, and laboratory experiments on their verification are described. Applications of this technique to high-energy laser systems, thermal blooming, imaging through atmospheric turbulence, and large optical systems are discussed.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Going Beyond Research on Goal Setting: A Proposed Role for Organizational Psychological Capital of Family Firms

Kotlar and De Massis found that membership assortment and the number of organizational members, as well as the imminence of succession, influence goal diversity in family firms. They also showed that goal diversity can be managed and family-centered goals can be stabilized through professional and familial social interactions, driving the formation of collective commitment to family-centered goals (CCFG). Using this research as a point of departure, we propose that CCFG may impact family firm economic and noneconomic performance. Furthermore, we introduce to the family firm literature the organizational psychological capital (OPC), consisting of hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. We also suggest that OPC may be more prevalent in family firms than in nonfamily firms. Moreover, OPC of family firms may play an important role in the link between CCFG and economic as well as noneconomic performance.
Finite-element model of the human head: scalp potentials due to dipole sources

Three-dimensional finite-element models provide a method to study the relationship between human scalp potentials and neural current sources inside the brain. A new formulation of dipole-like current sources is developed here. Finite-element analyses based on this formulation are carried out for both a three-concentric-spheres model and a human-head model. Differences in calculated scalp potentials between these two models are studied in the context of the forward and inverse problems in EEG. The effects of the eye orbit structure on surface potential distribution are also studied.
Atropisomerism in linear tetrapyrroles

Abstract Novel bilirubin and biliverdin congeners with propionic acids replaced by o -carboxyphenyl exhibit diastereomerism due to axial chirality about the carbon–carbon single bond linking the o -carboxyphenyl group to a pyrrole ring. Evidence for atropisomerism was found even in the monopyrrole precursor, ethyl 3,5-dimethyl-4-( o -carboxyphenyl)pyrrole-2-carboxylate. Like bilirubin, o -carboxyphenyl rubin 1a adopts an intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded ridge-tile conformation in nonpolar solvents. In solutions containing optically active amines or human serum albumin 1a exhibits intense bisignate exciton coupling-type induced circular dichroism for its long wavelength absorption near 400 nm.
Response to ‘Not all new recombinant human erythropoietins are biosimilars’

Attaf and Torres suggest that we inappropriately use the term 'biosimilar' to describe Wepox in our paper on pure red cell aplasia. They suggest that using the term 'biosimilar' to describe Wepox might be confusing in the European Union.1 Further, Attaf and Torres suggest that clinical efficacy and safety studies and postmarketing surveillance should be used to differentiate a biosimilar from a follow-on biologic. Attaf and Torres argue that as Wepox has not undergone the aforenamed studies it cannot be described as a biosimilar to epoetin-. We humbly disagree. To our knowledge, the terms 'biosimilar' and 'follow-on biologics' are used interchangeably. Consequently, we believe this is simply an issue of semantics.2, 3 Indeed, the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) has taken the position that biosimilar medicines are follow-on versions of original biological medicines.3 At this point, it is not possible for us to critically comment on the postmarketing surveillance infrastructure adopted by Wokhardt India (the manufacturers of Wepox) and whether it adheres to EMEA guidelines. Although we agree that the EMEA has been more enlightened than the US Food and Drug Administration in addressing the issues related to biosimilars,4 especially with respect to epoetin biosimilars, undergoing EMEA regulatory approval should not be a prerequisite for an noninnovator epoetin molecule to be considered a biosimilar. We believe that 'the process is product' concept for biologics remains a matter of controversy. The key message is that agents considered as either biosimilars or follow-on biologics should be regarded as essentially different from the innovator biologic by virtue of subtle differences in the manufacturing and/or purification process. These agents must undergo formal regulatory approval and they should be marketed in the context of a strong pharmacovigilance infrastructure. In this regard, the EMEA has provided a well-thought-out process for regulatory approval, and the European Union, like the United States, has robust pharmacovigilance in place.
Leisure and occupational physical activity and risk of colorectal adenomatous polyps

Multiple studies have shown a protective effect for physical activity on the incidence of colorectal cancer, but few have addressed its association with incident adenomas and none have investigated its association with metachronous adenomas. We interviewed 2,001 patients undergoing colonoscopy in 3 New York City practices between 1986-1988. Of these, 298 had a first diagnosis of adenomas, 506 had normal colonoscopies, 197 had metachronous adenomas and 345 had normal colonoscopies with a past history of adenomas. Subjects were queried regarding use of moderate amounts of recreational exercise (swimming, jogging, biking, racket sports and other sports) on a regular basis, and were also asked to estimate their level of physical activity. Occupational physical activity was assessed through a blinded coding of occupational titles. After adjusting for age, years of education, body mass index, total caloric intake, dietary fiber intake, dietary fat intake and years of cigarette smoking, protective effects of borderline significance were observed among males for leisure physical activity for metachronous and incident cases. Occupational physical activity was found to be significantly protective in male incident cases. Men with increased levels of either occupational or leisure activity showed a reduction for incident and metachronous cases. No effects were observed for females. Thus, in this study, both leisure and occupational physical activity were associated with a reduced risk of incident and metachronous adenomas among men but not women.
Preferential induction of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and inhibition of IL-10 secretion by human peripheral blood monocytes by synthetic aza-alkyl lysophospholipids.

Several newly synthesized aza-alkyl lysophospholipids (AALP) have been shown to exert a potent antitumor cytotoxicity in vitro. Their potential use in vivo prompted us to study their effects on the immune system. The present study investigated the effect of AALP on the secretion of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10) by normal and activated human peripheral blood-derived monocytes (PBM). Five AALP compounds (BN52205, BN52207, BN52211, BN52218, and BN52227) were tested. Human peripheral blood monocytes were cultured for 18 h at 37 degrees C in the presence of AALP and/or LPS (1 microg/ml) or IFN-gamma (1000 U/ml) and the supernatants tested for the presence of cytokines by ELISA. All five AALP compounds stimulated TNF-alpha and IL-1beta secretion but not IL-6 secretion from nonstimulated PBM. There were no significant differences among the five AALP compounds tested and BN52207 was selected for further studies. Secretion of TNF-alpha was significantly potentiated by BN52207 when the PBM were activated by either IFN-gamma or LPS. There was also an upregulation of TNF-alpha mRNA transcription as detected by RT-PCR. The induction of TNF-alpha secretion by BN52207 was dependent on de novo protein synthesis as the specific TNF-alpha inhibitor, pentoxifylline, and the protein synthesis inhibitors, cyclohexamide and emetine, abolished TNF-alpha secretion. BN52207 also stimulated IL-1beta secretion by resting and activated PBM in a concentration-dependent manner. Unlike TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, however, BN52207 had no effect on IL-6 secretion. Noteworthy, unlike the induction of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta secretion, BN52207 inhibited completely the secretion of IL-10 by resting and LPS-activated PBM. Further, BN52207 enhanced the macrophage killing activity of tumor target cells. Overall, this study demonstrates that AALP are endowed with a selective regulation of cytokine synthesis and secretion by resting and activated PBM. This regulation is manifested by upregulating TNF-alpha and IL-1beta secretion and abolishing IL-10 secretion. The selective regulation of cytokine synthesis and secretion by AALP suggest that AALP may have potential therapeutic uses in vivo in clinical disease manifestations that are regulated by cytokines.
Accelerated domain decomposition FEM-BEM solver for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) via discrete empirical interpolation method

A finite element and combined field integral equation domain decomposition approach is presented for electromagnetic scattering from multiple domains. The main computational bottleneck is the construction of the dense coupling impedance matrix blocks capturing the interactions between different domains. In order to accelerate such coupling computation, A. Hochman et al. in [1] proposed the combination of the randomized singular value decomposition (rSVD) and of the discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM). The computation of the incident fields due to equivalent currents on each domain is reduced to just a few observation points that can be located optimally and automatically by the DEIM algorithm. Furthermore, the compressed form of the coupling blocks generated by that approach significantly reduces the memory requirement and computational cost associated with the iterative solution of the global system matrix. In this paper, we focus on developing an implementation of such approach for a domain decomposition solver that combines finite element method (FEM) with boundary element method (BEM). Results on a simplified magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scattering on human body are finally presented to validate our code implementation.
The Measurement of Writing Skills: Some Problems and a Probable Solution:

The assessment of student writing skills is an issue of considerable importance and the topic of much recent debate. After discussing one of the difficulties in this area, it is proposed that the development of a valid and reliable means of assessing expository writing skill may resolve many of these problems. The Standardized Test of Essential Writing Skills (STEWS) has been developed for this purpose. A series of studies concerning the reliability and validity of the STEWS are presented and their implications for the use of the STEWS discussed.
Data Continuation In the Presence of Caustics: A Synthetic Data Example

In data continuation, the information present in the collected data is used to estimate data at new positions. We investigate two examples of data continuation: data healing and dip moveout. By composing a modeling operator with an imaging operator we can construct an operator to perform each of the tasks. We review the theory and present an algorithm for data continuation specifically directed at these two examples. This algorithm is able to continue data in the presence of caustics. To demonstrate the performance of this algorithm, we use a synthetic example in which there are caustics.
Combining Efficiency, Fidelity and Flexibility in Grid Information Services

Grid information service is an inherent component of a grid system which collects resource data and provides search functionality. In addition to efficiency, fidelity in discovering desired resources is also an important metric to evaluate the service quality. Recently, a number of grid information service systems have been proposed based on DHTs. However, these systems either achieve high fidelity at low efficiency, or achieve high efficiency at low fidelity. Moreover, some systems have limited flexibility by only providing exact-matching services or by describing a resource using a pre-defined list of attributes. This paper presents a grid information service, which offers high efficiency and fidelity without restricting resource expressiveness and meanwhile provides similar-matching service. Simulation results show that the proposed service outperforms other services in terms of efficiency, fidelity and flexibility.
Quantized response times are a signature of a neuronal bottleneck in decision

The histograms of response times of optimal YES/NO decisions that are computed from a single sensory Poisson neuron are highly structured. In particular, response times in NO decisions are quantized to a small set of times, while response times in YES decisions have a multimodal structure. Both the times of NO decisions, as well as the modes of the the histogram of YES decisions, are associated to the number of action potentials that were necessary to reach the decision. Their value is a function of the firing rate of the neuron in response to the states of the stimulus.
Association of protein kinase A with AKAP150 facilitates pepsinogen secretion from gastric chief cells

Cross talk between signal transduction pathways augments pepsinogen secretion from gastric chief cells. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) associate with regulatory subunits of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) and localize this protein complex to specific cell compartments. We determined whether an AKAP-signaling protein complex exists in chief cells and whether this modulates secretion. In Western blots, we identified AKAP150, a rodent homologue of human AKAP79 that coimmunoprecipitates with PKA, PKC, and actin. The association of PKA and PP2B was demonstrated by affinity chromatography. Confocal microscopy revealed colocalized staining at the cell periphery for AKAP150 and PKC. Ht31, a peptide that competitively displaces PKA from the AKAP complex, but not Ht31P, a control peptide, inhibited 8-Br-cAMP-induced pepsinogen secretion. Ht31 did not inhibit secretion that was stimulated by agents whose actions are mediated by PKC and/or calcium. However, Ht31, but not Ht31P, inhibited carbachol- and A23187-stimulated augmentation of secretion from cells preincubated with cholera toxin. These data suggest the existence in chief cells of a protein complex that includes AKAP150, PKA, PKC, and PP2B. Disruption of the AKAP-PKA linkage impairs cAMP-mediated pepsinogen secretion and cross talk between signaling pathways.
Risk factors for experiencing psychosis during cocaine use: A preliminary report

Abstract Cocaine induced psychosis (CIP) is a common, but not universal side effect of cocaine abuse. Factors underlying the development and severity of CIP remain poorly understood. This study tests the hypothesis that earlier age of initiation of regular use may increase the likelihood of developing CIP, or the severity of CIP symptoms. Methods Cocaine use history and severity of CIP (if any) were assessed with the Cocaine Experience Questionnaire in 51 abstinent (3 weeks–1 year) cocaine dependent individuals. Subjects were divided into those with high and low CIP severity, and into those with early age of initiation of regular cocaine use, and later age of initiation. Various cutoffs between early and late age of initiation were used, ranging from 15 to 22 years. Results From ages 17 through 20, controlling for cumulative duration of use, severity scores were significantly higher for the early initiation group than for the later initiation group (p values ranged from 0.031 to 0.036). Cumulative duration of use, but not age of initiation, significantly predicted initial development of CIP (p = 0.044). Conclusions The data suggest that early age of initiation of regular cocaine use occurring during vulnerable periods of brain development, may lead to increased severity of CIP.
S1P/S1P2 Signaling Induces Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Wilms Tumor

Purpose: Cyclooxygenase-2 has been reported to be ubiquitously expressed in Wilms tumor, the most common malignant renal tumor in children. However, to our knowledge the regulation mechanism of cyclooxygenase-2 expression remains unexplored.Materials and Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were performed to detect cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and protein expression in WiT49 cells upon stimulation by S1P (Biomol®), and S1P2 and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression in 10 freshly frozen Wilms tumor tissues and matched normal tissues. Over expression, blockade and down-regulation of S1P2 were determined using adenoviral transduction, the S1P2 antagonist JTE-013 (Tocris Bioscience, Ellisville, Missouri) and small interfering RNA (Dharmacon, Lafayette, Colorado) transfection, respectively. The prostaglandin E2 level in WiT49 cells was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.Results: S1P induced cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and protein expression in WiT49 cells in a concentration ...
Performance analysis of carbon nanotube interconnects for VLSI applications

The work in this paper analyses the applicability of carbon nanotube (CNT) bundles as interconnects for VLSI circuits, while taking into account the practical limitations in this technology. A model is developed to calculate equivalent circuit parameters for a CNT-bundle interconnect based on interconnect geometry. Using this model, the performance of CNT-bundle interconnects (at local, intermediate and global levels) is compared to copper wires of the future. It is shown that CNT bundles can outperform copper for long intermediate and global interconnects, and can be engineered to compete with copper for local level interconnects. The technological requirements necessary to make CNT bundles viable as future interconnects are also laid out.
Exact intervals and tests for mean of symmetrical population when one "sample" value possibly an outlier

The (continuous) data are n observations that are believed to be a random sample from a symmetrical population. Confidence intervals and significance tests for the population mean are desired. There is, however, the possibility that either the smallest observation or the largest observation is an outlier. That is, the population providing this observation differs from the symmetrical population providing the other n - 1 observations. If this occurs, intervals and tests are desired for the mean of the population providing the other n - 1 observations. Some investigation difficulties can be overcome if intervals and tests can be developed that are simultaneously usable for all of these three situations (a confidence coefficient, or significance level, has the same value for all three situations). Two kinds of intervals and tests with this property are developed. These results always involve both the next to smallest observations and should have at least moderately high efficiencies. Also, some extensions are considered, such as allowing each observation to be from a different population.
Daytime Sleepiness, Diabetes, and Psychological Well-Being

Nominal group technique was used with persons with type 2 diabetes to identify and rank the severity of problems associated with being sleepy. Participants were adults who were subjectively sleepy according to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Daytime sleepiness was associated with a general decrease in motivation to engage in activities that are important to the management of diabetes. Because decreased motivation may have a negative influence on psychological well-being, it is important that health care providers assess not only for how well their patients' diabetes is being controlled, but also for sleep disturbances and the patients' general state of psychological well-being.
Motion planning in stereotaxic radiosurgery

Stereotaxic radiosurgery is a procedure that uses a beam of radiation as an ablative surgical instrument to destroy brain tumors (or more generally, brain lesions). The beam is produced by a linear accelerator that is moved by a mechanical gantry. Radiation is concentrated by crossfiring at the tumor from multiple directions, to reduce the amount of energy deposited in healthy tissues. Because access to and exit from the tumor is obstructed along some directions by critical structures (e.g., brain stem, optic nerves), planning the path of the beam is often difficult and time-consuming. This paper describes a computer-based planner developed to interactively assist the surgeon generate a satisfactory treatment, given the spatial distribution of the brain tissues obtained with medical imaging. This planner has been experimented on using 11 cases previously processed at the Stanford Medical Center. A dosimetric comparison with the manually generated plans for these cases was carried but. Although still limited, results indicate that automatic planning can significantly improve energy deposition. It can also shorten the overall treatment, hence reducing the patient's pain and allowing the radiosurgery equipment to be used for more patients. Stereotaxic radiosurgery is an example of so-called "bloodless surgery." Computer-based planning techniques are expected to facilitate further development of this safer, less painful, and more cost effective type of surgery. >
Impact of NoFPGA IP router architecture on link bandwidth

In todaypsilas world of advanced technology numerous applications are computationally intensive. This created an opportunity for the development of new system-on-chip (SoC) design techniques to allow easy IP cores (intellectual property cores) re-use and integration under time-to-market pressure. A wide range of these newly emerging design platforms is now drifting towards highly integrated system-on-chip designs with many on-chip processing resources like processors, DSPs, and memories. Using this technique, designers can build system-on-chip (SoC) by integrating dozens of IP cores. As the number of IP cores integrated on a chip increases, the on-chip communication and physical interconnections become a bottleneck. New system-on-chip (SoC) design techniques are necessary to address the communication requirements for future SoC. New communication architecture, the NoFPGA (network-on-FPGA), for future SoFPGA (system-on-FPGA) has been presented. The paper details the architecture of a NoFPGA router. The interconnecting issues in SoFGPA design methodology built in a single FPGA device are addressed. Mainly, the performance analysis of the IPRouter of both torus and mesh topologies is addressed.
Anatomical reconstructions of pediatric airways from endoscopic images: a pilot study of the accuracy of quantitative endoscopy.

Objectives/Hypothesis To evaluate the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) airway reconstructions obtained using quantitative endoscopy (QE). We developed this novel technique to reconstruct precise 3D representations of airway geometries from endoscopic video streams. This method, based on machine vision methodologies, uses a post-processing step of the standard videos obtained during routine laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. We hypothesize that this method is precise and will generate assessment of airway size and shape similar to those obtained using computed tomography (CT). Study Design This study was approved by the institutional review board (IRB). We analyzed video sequences from pediatric patients receiving rigid bronchoscopy. Methods We generated 3D scaled airway models of the subglottis, trachea, and carina using QE. These models were compared to 3D airway models generated from CT. We used the CT data as the gold standard measure of airway size, and used a mixed linear model to estimate the average error in cross-sectional area and effective diameter for QE. Results The average error in cross sectional area (area sliced perpendicular to the long axis of the airway) was 7.7 mm2 (variance 33.447 mm4). The average error in effective diameter was 0.38775 mm (variance 2.45 mm2), approximately 9% error. Conclusion Our pilot study suggests that QE can be used to generate precise 3D reconstructions of airways. This technique is atraumatic, does not require ionizing radiation, and integrates easily into standard airway assessment protocols. We conjecture that this technology will be useful for staging airway disease and assessing surgical outcomes. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:2880–2887, 2013
597: Maternal super-obesity and perinatal outcomes

OBJECTIVE—To determine the effect of maternal super-obesity (BMI ≥50 kg/m 2 ) compared to morbid obesity (BMI 40–49.9 kg/m 2 ) or obesity (BMI 30–39.9 kg/m 2 ) on perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN—Retrospective cohort study of birth records linked to hospital discharge data for all live born singleton term infants born to obese Missouri residents from 2000–2006. We excluded major congenital anomalies and women with diabetes or chronic hypertension. RESULTS—There were 64,272 births meeting study criteria, including 1,185 (1.8%) super-obese mothers. Super-obese women were significantly more likely than obese women to have preeclampsia (aRR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4, 2.1), macrosomia (aRR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3, 2.5), and cesarean delivery (aRR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5, 2.1). Almost half (49.1%) of all super-obese women delivered via cesarean, and 33.8% of super-obese nulliparous women underwent scheduled primary cesarean. CONCLUSION—Women with a BMI ≥50 kg/m 2 are at significantly increased risk for perinatal complications compared to obese women of lower BMI.
Performative and enactive features of psychoanalytic witnessing: the transference as the scene of address

This paper will attempt to broaden the conception of witnessing in analytic work with traumatized patients by extending the idea to incorporate the patient’s developing and varied capacity for witnessing, as well as a witnessing that occurs within the analytic relationship itself. Actions occuring as part of traumatic repetition are understood to represent memory phenomena and are distinguised from dissociated self‐state experience. These experiences are not therapeutically intended to be symbolized, but rather lived‐through with the analyst, thus transforming the patient’s own relation to the experience. I suggest that the scene in which this living‐through takes place is the transference–countertransference matrix, and that it is the analytic encounter that allows traumatic repetition to take on the quality of a communication, an address to another, rather than remain meaningless reproduction. A clinical vignette illustrates the turning of trauma’s imperative for witnessing into an address in the analyt...