cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of metal coating on machinability of high purity germanium using wire electrical discharge machining

Abstract This paper reports on the research of wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) as a cutting process for n-type high purity germanium (HP Ge). WEDM requires sufficient electrical conductivity of the work piece for discharges to occur. Owing to the very high material resistivity of HP Ge (32.8 Ω cm), the electrical conduction is too low for WEDM to be efficient. To temporarily enhance the conduction, metals (aluminum and nickel) were deposited on the HP Ge on 1 or 2 sides with various thicknesses (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 μm) using sputter deposition. This shortens the path of conduction between the HP Ge and the WEDM ground and also serves to trigger the discharges. Machining experiments were performed to determine the correlation between the slicing rate and locally enhanced HP Ge through various discharge energies (potential voltage: 150, 200, 250 and 300 V and capacitance: 1, 3.3, 5.5, 9.9 and 21.4 nF). From the results, the obtained maximum slicing rate is 7.7 mm 2 /min for Al coating (2 sides, 1.0 μm thickness) at high energy (300 V, 21.4 nF), which is improved as much as 27 times over uncoated HP Ge. The fastest cutting without creating subsurface microcracks was measured as 1.12 mm 2 /min performed at 150 V and 9.9 nF. Additional slicing experiments at reverse polarity (positive wire and negative work piece, uncommon polarity for WEDM) were performed at 150 V and various capacitances. The experiment proved that there were rectifying contacts at the metal coating surface. It was found that under identical EDM settings, a faster slicing rate also showed a reduction in kerf size due to less lateral discharge energy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to investigate microcracks and to analyze surface impurities.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Thermal Conductivity of Bismuth Telluride Using Two-Body Interatomic Potentials

Two-body interatomic potentials in the Morse potential form have been developed for bismuth telluride, and the potentials are used in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to predict the thermal conductivity. The density functional theory with local density approximations is first used to calculate the total energies for many artificially distorted Bi2 Te3 configurations to produce the energy surface. Then by fitting to this energy surface and other experimental data, the Morse potential form is parameterized. The fitted empirical interatomic potentials are shown to reproduce the elastic and phonon data well. Molecular dynamics simulations are then performed to predict the thermal conductivity of bulk Bi2 Te3 at different temperatures, and the results agree with experimental data well.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The bonding of sulfur to a Pt(111) surface: photoemission and molecular orbital studies

Abstract The electronic properties of S/Pt(111) surfaces have been investigated using high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation, and ab initio self-consistent-field calculations. The formation of S-Pt(111) bonds leads to a large decrease in the density of 5d states that the metal atoms exhibit around the Fermi level of the surface. This reduces the chemical reactivity of Pt. On NO Pt(111), S is bonded to two dissimilar adsorption sites (hollow and probably bridge) that show well separated S 2p binding energies and different bonding interactions. These states desorb from the surface following distinct reaction pathways.
On the response of titanium sulfocarbide to stress studied by in situ neutron diffraction and the elastoplastic self-consistent approach

In this paper we report in situ neutron diffraction results of fine-grained (8 μm) polycrystalline titanium sulfocarbide samples loaded to 700 MPa. The overall strains, and those on individual planes, are modeled via the elastoplastic self-consistent approach using elastic constants derived from ab initio calculations. Based on the results, we conclude that the response at stresses below 1 GPa, is, for the most part linear elastic and that when the theoretical elastic constants are combined with the elastoplastic self-consistent method, accurate predictions can be obtained of both the overall stress–strain curves and, more importantly, the 0 0 01, 1 0 1 ¯ , and 1 0 1 ¯ 0 reflections.
Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) induced morphological differentiation of an immortalized monoclonal hybrid dopaminergic cell line of mesencephalic neuronal origin

Monoclonal hybrid cell lines derived from either mesencephalic or striatal neuronal parents were screened for the effects of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on morphological differentiation. The mesencephalic dopaminergic MN9D cell line responded to GDNF with a 3- to 4-fold increase in the number of differentiated solitary cells and provides an unlimited source of monoclonal cells for studies on the mechanism of action of GDNF and the nature of its receptor.
Effects of radially nonuniform distributions of catalytic activity on performance of spherical catalyst pellets

The performance of spherical catalyst pellets with radially nonuniform distributions of activity is simulated under parallel reaction networks closely resembling hydrocarbon oxidation reactions. Both reaction paths are assumed to be exothermic with the desired path exhibiting lower activation energy requirements than the undesired one. It is shown that nonuniform activity distributions enhance effectiveness and selectivity over a large range of values of the Thiele modulus. Multiple steady states in effectiveness and selectivity are observed for certain values of the heat of reaction parameter.
Type 2 diabetes and bone fractures.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss current literature and hypotheses pertaining to the pathophysiology of increased bone fragility and fracture in men and women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite high bone mineral density, studies have shown that men and women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at increased risk for fracture. Complications of T2DM including retinopathy and autonomic dysfunction may contribute to bone fracture by increasing fall risk. Nephropathy may lead to renal osteodystrophy. Lean mass and potentially fat mass, may additionally contribute to skeletal health in diabetes. There is increasing acknowledgement that the marrow microenvironment is critical to efficient bone remodeling. Medications including thiazolidinediones and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may also impair bone remodeling by acting on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and osteoblastogenesis. T2DM is associated with significant alterations in systemic inflammation, advanced glycation end-product accumulation and reactive oxygen species generation. These systemic changes may also directly and adversely impact the remodeling cycle and lead to bone fragility in T2DM, though more research is needed. SUMMARY: Fracture is a devastating event with dismal health consequences. Identifying the extrinsic and intrinsic biochemical causes of bone fracture in T2DM will speed the discovery of effective strategies for fracture prevention and treatment in this at-risk population. Language: en
The minimum spanning tree histogram as a verification tool for multidimensional ensemble forecasts

The minimum spanning tree (MST) histogram is a multivariate extension of the ideas behind the conventional scalar rank histogram. It tabulates the frequencies, over n forecast occasions, of the rank of the MST length for each ensemble, within the group of such lengths that is obtained by substituting an observation for each of its ensemble members in turn. In raw form it is unable to distinguish ensemble bias from ensemble underdispersion, or to discern the contributions of forecast variables with small variance. The use of scaled and debiased MST histograms to diagnose attributes of ensemble forecasts is illustrated, both for synthetic Gaussian ensembles and for a small sample of actual ensemble forecasts. Also presented are adjustments to x 2 critical values for evaluating rank uniformity, for both MST histograms and scalar rank histograms, given serial correlation in the forecasts.
Using Literature to Create Cultural Competence

Purpose: To describe how literature can be used to promote cultural competence. Cultural competence is essential for nurses who practice in diverse societies like the United States. Organizing Framework: Cultural competence is viewed as a dynamic process of framing assumptions, knowledge, and meanings from a culture other than one's own. Selected excerpts from “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker are used to illustrate the method. Isler' s readers' response theory serves as a guide for imaginative engagement and reflective discussion of the concept of health. Conclusions: Literature helps to dispel the false notion of a monolithic culture. Reflecting on reputable literature helps us hear the stories of those we hope to help and heal.
New X-linked syndrome of mental retardation, gynecomastia, and obesity is linked to DXS255.

We describe 14 males from 3 successive generations in a family who have X-linked mental retardation (XLMR), obesity, gynecomastia, speech difficulties, emotional lability, tapering fingers, and small feet. Linkage analysis using markers spread along the X chromosome demonstrated a gene localisation close to the centromere. Maximum lod scores for markers near the centromere, all at θ= 0.00, were 1.36 for DXS7, 4.82 for DXS255, 2.79 for DXS14, 2.09 for DXS72, and 1.46 for DXYS1. The closest flanking markers which showed recombination were DXS84, and DXS94, defining the physical localisation within Xp21.1-q22. DXS255 was fully informative with lod-1 confidence interval for θ of 0.00–0.12. Clinical findings and linkage data in this family distinguish it from the Borjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome and other previously described XLMR syndromes.
Nitrosomethylurea Induces Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Chlorophyll Mutations in Nicotiana glauca Grahm

Abstract Pigment markers, critical for developmental analysis, were not previously available in Nicotiana glauca Grahm. Imbibed seed soaked in 1 m M solution of the mutagen nitrosomethylurea (NMU) yielded variegated variants whereas water-soaked seed gave rise to no variants. Two of the variants were characterized via progeny analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Both M1variants were male sterile but female fertile. Variant 97–105 was a yellow-green seedling possessing somewhat normal plastids and displaying characteristics of a codominant nuclear mutation. When variant 97–105 females were crossed with wild-type males, restored male fertility was evident in some seedlings. Variant 97–411 was variegated with green, light green and white leaf regions. Whiter regions displayed highly aberrant plastids. Eventually, plastid sorting-out in 97–411 resulted in a periclinal chloroplast chimera. Progeny of heteroplastidic shoots of 97–411 segregated to variegated, green, or white seedlings when 97–411 was used as the maternal parent. NMU was effective in obtaining both nuclear and cytoplasmic pigment mutants in a species where none have been previously reported.
Wetland features and landscape context predict the risk of wetland habitat loss

Wetlands generally provide significant ecosystem services and function as important harbors of biodiversity. To ensure that these habitats are conserved, an efficient means of identifying wetlands at risk of conversion is needed, especially in the southern United States where the rate of wetland loss has been highest in recent decades. We used multivariate adaptive regression splines to develop a model to predict the risk of wetland habitat loss as a function of wetland features and landscape context. Fates of wetland habitats from 1992 to 1997 were obtained from the National Resources Inventory for the U.S. Forest Service's Southern Region, and land-cover data were obtained from the National Land Cover Data. We randomly selected 70% of our 40 617 observations to build the model (n = 28 432), and randomly divided the remaining 30% of the data into five Test data sets (n = 2437 each). The wetland and landscape variables that were important in the model, and their relative contributions to the model's predictive ability (100 = largest, 0 = smallest), were land-cover/ land-use of the surrounding landscape (100.0), size and proximity of development patches within 570 m (39.5), land ownership (39.1), road density within 570 m (37.5), percent woody and herbaceous wetland cover within 570 m (27.8), size and proximity of development patches within 5130 m (25.7), percent grasslands/herbaceous plants and pasture/hay cover within 5130 m (21.7), wetland type (21.2), and percent woody and herbaceous wetland cover within 1710 m (16.6). For the five Test data sets, Kappa statistics (0.40, 0.50, 0.52, 0.55, 0.56; P < 0.0001), area-under-the-receiver-operating-curve (AUC) statistics (0.78, 0.82, 0.83, 0.83, 0.84; P < 0.0001), and percent correct prediction of wetland habitat loss (69.1, 80.4, 81.7, 82.3, 83.1) indicated the model generally had substantial predictive ability across the South. Policy analysts and land-use planners can use the model and associated maps to prioritize at-risk wetlands for protection, evaluate wetland habitat connectivity, predict future conversion of wetland habitat based on projected land-use trends, and assess the effectiveness of wetland conservation programs.
The national crime survey and rape: The case of the missing question

Existing data on rape from the National Crime Survey (NCS) are of questionable value. These data are problematic because the survey never asks respondents directly whether they have been raped. As a result, it is difficult to ascertain exactly what the NCS is measuring. Nonetheless, there is some evidence that the NCS underestimates rape, thereby reinforcing the perception that rape is a rare occurrence. This paper also examines the redesign of the NCS and discusses the efficacy of the proposed changes in terms of their impact on the study of rape.
Preventing childhood obesity through state policy. Predictors of bill enactment

Methods: A legislative scan of bills introduced during 2003–2005 in all 50 states identified 717 bills related to childhood obesity prevention. Multilevel logistic regression modeling was performed in 2006 to identify bill-level (procedure, composition, and content) and state-level (sociodemographic, political, economic, and industrial) factors associated with bill enactment. Results: Seventeen percent of bills were enacted. Bill-level factors associated with increased likelihood of enactment included having more than one sponsor; bipartisan sponsorship;
Influence of Sampling on Geologic Interpretation Based on Piston Coring in Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

Examination of samples taken on the northwest slope of the Gulf of Mexico with a newly developed flexible liner coring device indicates a possible source End_Page 1830------------------------------ of error in the interpretation of recent basin deposition. Visual and radiographical comparisons of samples from a piston corer with samples from a gravity corer used at the same stations confirms the existence of highly incompetent layers previously only suspected. The detection of these layers in a more consolidated sedimentary column, as well as undetected shortening of samples obtained by piston and gravity corers, is important if the sedimentary history and the engineering properties are to be examined. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1831------------
Microstructure and Stabiulty of TiB2 and Cu Multilayers

The Interfacial stability of a high strength TiB2/Cu multilayer structure was examined by subjecting the layers to ion irradiation by 400 keV Ne++ ions up to a maximum dose of 12x1015 ions/cm2. Even at the highest dose, with a maximum dpa value of 4.92, the TiB2/Cu Interface did not show any mixing. This stability of the multilayers has been explained by examining the maximum thermodynamic driving force for Interfacial reactions in this system.
Tire Deformation During Dynamic Hydroplaning

Abstract Past analyses indicate that tire carcass deformation is necessary for the dynamic hydroplaning of pneumatic tires. This study presents analytical and experimental confirmation of this theory. The ways in which the results can be used to assist in studying the effects of the tire carcass and tread pattern on wet traction are discussed.
The structure of human ubiquitin in 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol: a new conformational switch.

A new crystal structure of human ubiquitin is reported at 1.8 A resolution. Compared with the other known crystal structure or the solution NMR structure of monomeric human ubiquitin, this new structure is similar in its overall fold but differs with respect to the conformation of the backbone in a surface-exposed region. The conformation reported here resembles conformations previously seen in complex with deubiquinating enzymes, wherein the Asp52/Gly53 main chain and Glu24 side chain move. This movement exposes the backbone carbonyl of Asp52 to the exterior of the molecule, making it possible to engage in hydrogen-bond contacts with neighboring molecules, rather than in an internal hydrogen bond with the backbone of Glu24. This particular crystal form of ubiquitin has been used in a large number of solid state NMR studies. The structure described here elucidates the origin of many of the chemical shift differences comparing solution and solid state studies.
Biodegradation of Tetrachloroethene by Chitin Fermentation Products in a Continuous Flow Column System

The ability of chitin fermentation products to promote tetrachloroethene PCE reduction was evaluated in a continuous-flow column system to identify how different electron donors affect reductive dechlorination. Natural chitin fermentation products were initially used to support PCE reduction. Acetate 3.5 mM was the dominant fermentation product, followed by propionate 0.1 mM, butyrate 0.1 mM, and hydrogen 100 nM. After chlorinated ethene concentration profiles reached pseudo steady state, the ability of individual fermentation products acetate, acetate+propionate, propionate, or formate to support PCE reduction was evaluated. None of the fermentation products tested stimulated dechlorination as well as the suite generated from chitin kPCE=6.9 day 1 ; however, acetate- stimulated PCE dechlorination the best kPCE=5.3 day 1 , followed by formate kPCE=2.4 day 1 , acetatepropionate kPCE=1.8 day 1 , and propionate kPCE=1.2 day 1 . Similar trends were observed for the PCE daughter products trichloroethene and dichloroethene. Free energies of individual fatty acid reactions were calculated and shown to be useful predictors of dechlorination performance, except for the case of acetatepropionate. Hence, acetate is the dominant fatty acid controlling dechlorination in the chitin-enhanced system, propionate appears to have an inhibitory effect when present with acetate alone, and other unidentified nutrients produced during chitin fermentation likely contribute to dechlorination activity as well.
Humanism and antihumanism in lasch and sandel

Abstract Christopher Lasch's True and Only Heaven and Michael Sandel's Democracy's Discontent are similarly motivated criticisms of consumer society. However, Lasch identifies the ideals animating American consumer society as stemming from a broader humanist impulse, the roots of which he explores and criticizes. This strategy allows Lasch to place his critique of consumerism alongside criticisms of a full range of humanist ideals. Sandel, who articulates a more narrowly focused criticism of consumer society, never links its underlying imperatives to a broader humanism, thus failing to recognize how his alternative, civic republicanism, might share some of the same problems.
Differential Expression and Estrogen Response of Lactoferrin Gene in the Female Reproductive Tract of Mouse, Rat, and Hamster

Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, kills bacteria and modulates inflammatory and immune responses. Presence of lactoferrin in the female reproductive tract suggests that the protein may be part of the mucosal immune system and act as the first line of defense against pathogenic organisms. We have discovered that lactoferrin is a major estrogen-inducible protein in the uterus of immature mice and is up-regulated by physiological levels of estrogen during proestrous in mature mice. In the present study, we examined lactoferrin gene expression and its response to estrogen stimulation in the female reproductive tract of several strains of immature mouse, rat, and hamster. The lactoferrin expression in the cycling adult female rat was also evaluated. Lactoferrin gene polymorphism exists among the different mouse strains. In the three inbred mouse strains studied, lactoferrin gene expression is stimulated by estrogen in the immature uterus, although it is less robust than in the outbred CD-1 mouse. We found that the lactoferrin gene is constitutively expressed in the epithelium of the vagina and the isthmus oviduct; however, it is estrogen inducible in the uterus of immature mice and rats. Furthermore, lactoferrin is elevated in the uterine epithelium of the mature rat during the proestrous and estrous stages of the estrous cycle. Estrogen stimulation of lactoferrin gene expression in the reproductive tract of an immature hamster is limited to the vaginal epithelium. The present study demonstrates differential expression and estrogen responsiveness of the lactoferrin gene in different regions of the female rodent reproductive tract and variation among the rodent species studied.
Increased rate of complications on a neurological surgery service after implementation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education work-hour restriction.

Object The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education instituted mandatory 80-hour work-week limitations in July 2003. The work-hour restriction was met with skepticism among the academic neurosurgery community and is thought to represent a barrier to teaching, ultimately compromising patient care. The authors hypothesize that the introduction of the mandatory resident work-hour restriction corresponds with an overall increase in morbidity rate. Methods This study compares the morbidity and mortality rates on an academic neurological surgery service before and after institution of the work-hour restriction. Complications are individually assessed at a monthly divisional conference by neurosurgical faculty and residents. A prospective database was commenced in July 2000 recording all complications, complications that were deemed to be potentially avoidable (“possibly preventable”), and complications that were deemed unavoidable. The incidence of morbidity and mortality from July 2000 to June 2003...
Spectral hole burning in erbium-doped fiber amplifiers

A new theoretical/numerical model of the spectral hole burning (SHB) effect in erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) is suggested. A new measurement technique for SHB measurement is developed. Experiments are conducted to identify the particular mechanism of SHB. A computer simulation program is developed using this approach. The shape and depth of the spectral hole are in accordance with the suggested theory.
HACK: A Health-Based Access Control Mechanism for Dynamic Enterprise Environments

Current access control schemes focus on the user and their rights and privileges relating to the access to bothinitiating functionality and accessing information. This approach, while appropriate with respect to access control for the user, misses a very important aspect - the software itself. In this paper, we propose HACK, a health-based, adaptive access control scheme, that provides for both the machine and its software to act on behalf of the users during access. Paramount is that the software itself is included as part of the access control determination.The health of software can be determined when the userattempts to create a new process executing that software. HACK checks its own information about the software to determine its health and can also ask neighboring machines on the network running the same software to provide a health status. Lastly, HACK adapts the access control based on the behavior of the software in response to certain events.
An unknown English Benedictine gradual of the eleventh century

The most famous manuscripts with music of the early Middle Ages in England are the Winchester ‘Tropers’ at Oxford and Cambridge. More has been written about them than about all the lesser known sources put together, and it is right that this should have been so, for the troper at Cambridge preserves one of the oldest repertories of polyphonic music while the other, the so-called ‘AEthelred troper’, has provided generations of scholars with the task of establishing its relationship to the other manuscript. This activity has resulted in a high degree of clarification, but the Winchester ‘Tropers’ are not the whole of early English medieval music – even though a study of their combined trope repertories would be a welcome contribution – and we must begin to turn our attention to other sources of the period.
TLR2 signaling improves immunoregulation to prevent type 1 diabetes.

Signaling through TLR2 promotes inflammation and modulates CD4(+) CD25(+) Tregs. We assessed mechanistically how this molecule would alter immunoregulation in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We also asked whether TLR2 may be involved in our recent discovery that viral infection can protect from autoimmune diabetes by expanding and invigorating Tregs. Treatment of prediabetic mice with a synthetic TLR2 agonist diminished T1D and increased the number and function of CD4(+) CD25(+) Tregs, also conferring DCs with tolerogenic properties. TLR2 ligation also promoted the expansion of Tregs upon culture with DCs and ameliorated their capacity to prevent the disease. Protection from T1D by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection depended on TLR2. LCMV increased the frequency of CD4(+) CD25(+) Tregs and their production of TGF-β more significantly in WT than TLR2-deficient mice. Furthermore, LCMV infection in vivo or LCMV-infected DCs in vitro rendered, via TLR2, CD4(+) CD25(+) Tregs capable of diminishing T1D. We identify novel mechanisms by which TLR2 promotes immunoregulation and controls autoimmune diabetes in naive or infected hosts. This work should help understand T1D etiology and develop novel immune-based therapeutic interventions.
Arrhythmia in Heart and Brain: KCNQ1 Mutations Link Epilepsy and Sudden Unexplained Death

Sudden unexplained death is a catastrophic complication of human idiopathic epilepsy, causing up to 18% of patient deaths. A molecular mechanism and an identified therapy have remained elusive. Here, we find that epilepsy occurs in mouse lines bearing dominant human LQT1 mutations for the most common form of cardiac long QT syndrome, which causes syncopy and sudden death. KCNQ1 encodes the cardiac KvLQT1 delayed rectifier channel, which has not been previously found in the brain. We have shown that, in these mice, this channel is found in forebrain neuronal networks and brainstem nuclei, regions in which a defect in the ability of neurons to repolarize after an action potential, as would be caused by this mutation, can produce seizures and dysregulate autonomic control of the heart. That long QT syndrome mutations in KCNQ1 cause epilepsy reveals the dual arrhythmogenic potential of an ion channelopathy coexpressed in heart and brain and motivates a search for genetic diagnostic strategies to improve risk prediction and prevention of early mortality in persons with seizure disorders of unknown origin.
Fumonisin Toxicosis in Swine: Clinical and Pathologic Findings

From a series of experimental studies with pigs (12-16 kg), either pulmonary edema or liver failure emerged as a distinct pathogenetic expression of fumonisin B1 (FB1) toxicosis. The primary determinant as to which pathogenetic consequence developed was the quantity (dose) of the mycotoxin fed or intubated per kilogram of body weight per day. Pigs intubated with a minimum of 16 mg FB1/kg/day developed severe interlobular edema with or without hydrothorax and variably severe pulmonary edema. Pigs intubated with < 16 mg FB1/kg/day or pigs fed diets containing 200 mg FB1/kg of feed developed marked icterus and hepa- tocellular necrosis. The spectrum of degrees of severity of pulmonary edema observed in the experimental pigs allowed rational speculation regarding evolution of the pathologic changes. In 1988, the chemical structures of the fumonisins, a group of related mycotoxins elaborated by certain strains of Fusarium moniliforme, were published. 1 For structural elucidation, the fumonisins were isolated and purified from culture material produced by F. monili- forme MRC 816. This South African isolate is highly toxic to ducklings, horses, pigs, primates, rats, and sheep 10,11 and is hepatocarcinogenic to rats. 5,13 Two structural analogues, fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2) have been purified (92-98%), and FB1 has been the focus of several animal toxicity stud- ies 7,9,12,21 For almost 100 years, equine leukoencepha- lomalacia has been causally associated with moldy corn and F. moniliforme. 2,20
Consequences of Combining Cystic Fibrosis— and Non-Cystic Fibrosis-Derived Pseudomonas aeruginosa Antibiotic Susceptibility Results in Hospital Antibiograms

Background:In preparing hospital antibiograms for individual organisms and antibiotics, laboratories often combine susceptibility data for isolates from a variety of sources and patient types. If results from patients with known resistance patterns that vary from normal are included, the overall susceptibility value for the institution could be misleadingly skewed.Objective:To assess the degree of bias introduced into a hospital antibiogram by combining cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to produce one hospital-wide percent susceptible figure for each tested antibiotic.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of an academic, tertiary care medical center's microbiology database. We examined quarterly and annual susceptibility data from 2004, comparing non-CF data with combined susceptibility data for 10 antibiotics within each quarter, as well as those reported in the annual antibiogram. Differences were assessed for statistical significance using x2 testing with Bonfe...
Detecting anomalous sensor events in smart home data for enhancing the living experience

The need to have a secure lifestyle at home is in demand more than ever. Today's home is more than just four walls and a roof. Technology at home is on the rise and the place for smart home solutions is growing. One of the major concerns for smart home systems is the capability of adapting to the user. Personalizing the behavior of the home may provide improved comfort, control, and safety. One of the challenges of this goal is tackling anomalous events or actions. This work proposes using machine learning techniques to address this issue of detecting anomalous events or actions in smart environment datasets. The approaches are validated using real-world sensor data captured from a smart home testbed.
Flexoelectricity in two-dimensional crystalline and biological membranes

The ability of a material to convert electrical stimuli into mechanical deformation, i.e. piezoelectricity, is a remarkable property of a rather small subset of insulating materials. The phenomenon of flexoelectricity, on the other hand, is universal. All dielectrics exhibit the flexoelectric effect whereby non-uniform strain (or strain gradients) can polarize the material and conversely non-uniform electric fields may cause mechanical deformation. The flexoelectric effect is strongly enhanced at the nanoscale and accordingly, all two-dimensional membranes of atomistic scale thickness exhibit a strong two-way coupling between the curvature and electric field. In this review, we highlight the recent advances made in our understanding of flexoelectricity in two-dimensional (2D) membranes-whether the crystalline ones such as dielectric graphene nanoribbons or the soft lipid bilayer membranes that are ubiquitous in biology. Aside from the fundamental mechanisms, phenomenology, and recent findings, we focus on rapidly emerging directions in this field and discuss applications such as energy harvesting, understanding of the mammalian hearing mechanism and ion transport among others.
Height Distribution of Birds Recorded by Collisions with Civil Aircraft

Abstract The National Wildlife Strike Database for Civil Aviation in the United States contained 38,961 reports of aircraft collisions with birds (bird strikes) from 1990–2004 in which the report indicated the height above ground level (AGL). I analyzed these strike reports to determine the distribution of all strikes and those strikes causing substantial damage to aircraft by height. For the 26% of strikes above 500 feet (152 m) AGL (n = 10,143), a simple negative exponential model, with height as the independent variable, explained 99% of the variation in number of bird strikes per 1,000-foot (305-m) interval. Strikes declined consistently by 32% every 1,000 feet from 501–20,500 feet (153–6,248 m). For strikes at ≤500 feet, passerines, gulls and terns, pigeons and doves, and raptors were the identified species groups most frequently struck. For strikes at >500 feet, waterfowl, gulls and terns, passerines, and vultures were the species groups most frequently struck. For strikes that resulted in substanti...
Responsibility for Historic Carbon Emissions: Lessons from Tort and Statutory Compensation Schemes

Existing legal regimes dealing with analogous issues provide useful guideposts in considering the degree to which emitters bear responsibility for past carbon emissions. With regard to liability for environmental damage, the European Union but not the United States recognizes an exemption from liability if the harm was not understood at the time of the conduct. States have also been reluctant to accept strict liability for environmental damage under international law. Similarly, in European law, a defendant is usually not responsible if the state of scientific knowledge at the time did not enable the discovery of a product defect at the time the product was made. In the United States, many state governments recognize a similar limitation on products liability, although some do not. The problem of climate change is unique in some ways, and the legal system is not always the best gauge of ethical judgments. Nevertheless, understanding how societies have handled other cases of historical responsibility can illuminate the problem of climate justice. These analogous legal regimes suggest strongly that the right answer is somewhere between full responsibility for all historic carbon emissions and complete exoneration for those emitters.
Questions Regarding Investment Activity in a Global Economy versus World Economy: A Changing Environment

An analysis of the modern features of investment activity was conducted where the main phases of investments in the global economy and features of the modern world economy were considered. Current conditions of global investment characteristics are discussed. The investment process features are shown as a passive character of cooperation and individual investments’ features.
Molecular pathology of cyclooxygenase-2 in neoplasia

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 levels are elevated in several types of human cancer tissues. Nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit both the COX-1 and COX-2 protein, the two enzymes that convert arachidonic acids to prostaglandins. Regular use of such NSAIDs significantly reduces the risk and spread of some cancers. The objective of this study was to elucidate the molecular pathology of neoplasms that overexpress COX-2. Epidemiological data and clinical studies were analyzed and compared with results of studies of human tumor tissues, animal models, and cultured tumor cells. COX-2, but not COX-1, is highly expressed in human colon carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, and skin cancer. COX-2 is inducible by oncogenes ras and scr, interleukin-1, hypoxia, benzo[a]pyrene, ultraviolet light, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Dexamethasone, antioxidants, and tumor-suppressor protein p53 suppress COX-2 expression. COX-2 synthesizes prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) which stimulates bcl-2 and inhibits apoptosis, and induces interleukin-6 (IL-6) which enhances haptoglobin synthesis. PGE2 is associated with tumor metastases, IL-6 with cancer cell invasion, and haptoglobin with implantation and angiogenesis. Drastic reduction in polyp number results from COX-2 gene knockout as well as from selective COX-2 inhibition in a mouse model of human familial adenomatous polyposis. Nonselective NSAIDs, for instance aspirin, and selective COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (SC-58635) and NS-398 suppress azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Aspirin, indomethacin, and ibuprofen decrease cultured lung cancer cell proliferation. Selective inhibition of COX-2 is preferable to nonselective inhibition. It reduces cancer cell proliferation, induces cancer cell apoptosis, and spares COX-1-induced cytoprotection of the gastrointestinal tract.
ANALYSIS OF SEPARATED FLOW IN A LOW -PRESSURE TURBINE LINEAR CASCADE, USING MULTI -BLOCK STRUCTURED GRID

As the gas turbine engine operates from take - off to high -altitude cruise the flow Reynolds number (Re) in Low -pressure turbines vary over a wide range. At lower Re, the prevailing flow separation zones and transition regions result in degradation of performance. Therefore, it is important to accurately predict flow separation to improve the turbine efficiency. A 12 - block periodic structured grid of multiple topologies generated by the grid generation software, GRIDPRO, is used to solve the flow through a linear turbine cascade. An unsteady Navier -Stokes analys is is being used to analyze the flow through turbine cascade. A MPI based higher -order, parallel version of the FDL3DI code, developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, used as the flow solver is extended for the pre sent turbomachinery application. The objective of the present study is to show the ability of higher -order accurate compact difference scheme to predict the flow separation that occurs inside a low -pressure turbine cascade. In the present paper, the resu lts for Re = 25,000 are presented for the LPT blade geometry. Nomenclature a1, a2, a3 direction cosines cax axial chord length Cp pressure coefficient, ref ref ref s U P P 2 ref ax ref ref c u ∝ �
Ants Recovered from Refuse Pile of the Pyramid Ant Conomyrma insana (Buckley) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The pyramid ant, Conomyrma insana (Buckley) \[= Dorymyrmex pyramicus (Rogers) of North American literature\] (Snelling 1973), is also known as the lion ant because it is very active and predaceous, although it will also feed on honeydew. It has been reported to attack larvae of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and workers of the fire ant, Solenopsis geminata (F.), (Smith 1965). According to Whitcomb et al. (1972), this species is one of the most important predaceous ants in north Florida soybean fields and is very aggressive toward dealate females of Solenopsis invicta Buren before they dig into the ground.
Course Review and View of 30 Years with Monitoring Automation for Dam Safety

The development course of monitoring automation for dam safety in china by 30 years is reviewed brief.It's expounded that the investigated process of automatic monitoring system and remote measuring instruments at the primal period.In the develop phase,the competition of the automation monitoring system by inland and overseas manufacturer in this market,has promoted the developed and enhanced for the automation monitoring system.The acquired success in the enterprise of monitoring automation for dam safety in china during this 10 years is discussed,and extended to other engineering domain and overseas.The technique outline that needed currently continued ascent is indicated,It's expected that the development foreground of hydropower station/reservoir with integrated incorporation and high intelligent in future.
Construction of gene expression vector of yeast SAMDC and tomato transformation mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase(SAMDC) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the polyamines,viz.spermidine and spermine.Two pairs of primers were designed based on the published sequences in the GenBank.The SAMDC gene and E8 promoter were amplified using yeast and tomato genome DNA as templates,respectively.Then two SAMDC gene expression vectors containing CaMV35S and E8 promoters separately were constructed.The SAMDC gene was introduced into tomato genome by Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation.The PCR and X-Gluc histochemical assay results showed that SAMDC had been integrated into the genome of tomato successfully.The results provided a helpful tool for understanding the physiological function of polyamines and the effects of SAMDC gene on resistance to abiotic stress and fruit color in tomato.
Fluorescent Reporter DS6A Mycobacteriophages Reveal Unique Variations in Infectibility and Phage Production in Mycobacteria

ABSTRACT Mycobacteriophage DS6A is unique among the more than 8,000 isolated mycobacteriophages due to its ability to form plaques exclusively on mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). Speculation surrounding this specificity has led to unsupported assertions in published studies and patents that nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are wholly resistant to DS6A infection. In this study, we identified two independent nonessential regions in the DS6A genome and replaced them with an mVenus-expressing plasmid to generate fluorescent reporter phages Φ2GFP12 and Φ2GFP13. We show that even though DS6A is able to form plaques only on MTBC bacteria, infection of various NTM results in mVenus expression in transduced cells. The efficiency of DS6A in delivering DNA varied between NTM species. Additionally, we saw a striking difference in the efficiency of DNA delivery between the closely related members of the Mycobacterium abscessus complex, M. abscessus and Mycobacterium massiliense. We also demonstrated that TM4 and DS6A, two phages that do not form plaques on M. massiliense, differ in their ability to deliver DNA, suggesting that there is a phage-specific restriction between mycobacterial species. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the DS6A genome has a characteristically mosaic structure but provided few insights into the basis for the specificity for MTBC hosts. This study demonstrates that the inability of the MTBC-specific phage DS6A to form plaques on NTM is more complex than previously thought. Moreover, the DS6A-derived fluorophages provide important new tools for the study of mycobacterial biology. IMPORTANCE The coevolution of bacteria and their infecting phages involves a constant arms race for bacteria to prevent phage infection and phage to overcome these preventions. Although a diverse array of phage defense systems is well characterized in bacteria, very few phage restriction systems are known in mycobacteria. The DS6A mycobacteriophage is unique in the mycobacterial world in that it forms plaques only on members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. However, the novel DS6A reporter phages developed in this work demonstrate that DS6A can infect nontuberculous mycobacteria at various efficiencies. By comparing the abilities of DS6A and another phage, TM4, to infect and form plaques on various mycobacterial species, we can begin to discern new phage restriction systems employed within the genus.
Modeling Nonlinear Adsorption to Carbon with a Single Chemical Parameter: A Lognormal Langmuir Isotherm

Predictive models for linear sorption of solutes onto various media, e.g., soil organic carbon, are well-established; however, methods for predicting parameters for nonlinear isotherm models, e.g., Freundlich and Langmuir models, are not. Predicting nonlinear partition coefficients is complicated by the number of model parameters to fit n isotherms (e.g., Freundlich (2n) or Polanyi-Manes (3n)). The purpose of this paper is to present a nonlinear adsorption model with only one chemically specific parameter. To accomplish this, several simplifications to a log-normal Langmuir (LNL) isotherm model with 3n parameters were explored. A single sorbate-specific binding constant, the median Langmuir binding constant, and two global sorbent parameters; the total site density and the standard deviation of the Langmuir binding constant were employed. This single-solute specific (ss-LNL) model (2 + n parameters) was demonstrated to fit adsorption data as well as the 2n parameter Freundlich model. The LNL isotherm mode...
Approximate General Responses of Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Systems with Parametric Stiffness

In the work presented, the solutions and stability of multi-degree-of-freedom Mathieu-type systems are investigated. An approach combining Floquet theory with harmonic balance is used to find the system response. The assumed Floquet-type solution consists of a product between an exponential part and a periodic part. The periodic part is approximated with a finite number of harmonics, and without making further assumptions, this solution is directly applied the original differential equations of motion. A harmonic balance analysis results in an eigenvalue problem. The characteristic exponents are the eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenvectors provide the Fourier coefficients of the harmonic part of the solution. By examining the solutions of the eigenvalue problem, the initial conditions response, frequency content, and stability characteristics can be determined. The approach is applied to two and three DOF examples. For a few parameter sets, the results obtained from this method are compared to the numerical solutions.
Military Strategic Trends since 9/11

After the end of the Cold War Operation ‘Desert Storm’ succeeded. Although the UN struggled in Bosnia, combined UN/NATO air and artillery strikes helped end that war. The military provisions of the Dayton Agreement were successfully enforced by the deployment of 60,000 NATO troops. A U.S.-led NATO air campaign successfully forced Milosevic to withdraw Serb troops from Kosovo.
Viscoelastic properties of foamed thermoplastic vulcanizates and their dependence on void fraction

Experimental techniques to measure the viscoelastic mechanical properties of foamed elastomers at high frequencies were developed and applied to study foamed thermoplastic vulcanizates. The measurements were performed for foams with a wide range of void fractions such that a transition from a true porous solid to a foam was present. The frequency and time dependence of the dynamic and relaxation moduli, respectively, were measured and were shown to depend on the loss factor of the elastomer. The measured variation of the dynamic and the relaxation moduli with the void fraction did not depend on frequency and time in the frequency and time range of interest. This suggested that the time and frequency dependence of elastic moduli was determined mostly by the void fraction and the corresponding material microstructure. Property measurement results were compared to predictions for porous solids using the Mori-Tanaka method as well as methods for cellular solids.
Introduction: Reclaiming Education

There is no question that our nation is in the throes of an education crisis, however real or imagined.1 Whether it is the call for national standards, a renewed commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math (commonly known as the STEM initiative), or the apparently universal demand for better-trained teachers, critics from both the left and the right seem in agreement that unless the USA rethinks and restarts its education system, our nation will find itself at a profound disadvantage both economically and politically.