cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone or interleukin-10 blocks interleukin-1β-induced uterine contractions in pregnant rhesus monkeys

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether treatment with the immune modulators dexamethasone or interleukin-10 prevents interleukin-1β-induced uterine contractions in a nonhuman primate model. Study Design: Thirteen chronically instrumented rhesus monkeys at 135 ± 1 days of gestation (term, 167 days) received one of three interventions: (1) intra-amniotic interleukin-1β (10 μg) infusion with maternal dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) intravenously every 6 hours for 1 day before interleukin-1β and for 2 days thereafter (n = 4), (2) intra-amniotic interleukin-1β infusion with maternal interleukin-10 (25 μg/kg) given intravenously and 100 μg interleukin-10 given intra-amniotically before the interleukin-1β and continued every 8 hours for 3 days (n = 5), and (3) intra-amniotic interleukin-1β administered alone (n = 5). Uterine activity was monitored continuously and quantified as the hourly contraction area (millimeters of mercury times seconds per hour) in all groups until delivery. Amniotic fluid was sampled for leukocyte counts and assayed for prostaglandins E 2 and F 2 α, cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist by specific assays. Maternal and fetal blood were assayed for cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and estradiol. Results: Interleukin-1β infusion in the absence of immune modulators resulted in an increase in uterine activity and amniotic fluid proinflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, and leukocytes. Dexamethasone and interleukin-10 treatment significantly reduced interleukin-1β-induced uterine contractility ( P P P P r = −0.74, P Conclusion: Dexamethasone and interleukin-10 exert similar inhibitory effects on interleukin-1β-induced uterine activity, which appears to be mediated by a decrease in prostaglandin production. Reduced estrogen biosynthesis or suppression of tumor necrosis factor-α and leukocyte migration may contribute to the tocolytic actions of dexamethasone and interleukin-10, respectively. Dexamethasone and interleukin-10 are likely to be useful adjuncts in the treatment of preterm labor that is associated with inflammation or infection.Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:252-63.
Seven components of judgmental forecasting skill: Implications for research and the improvement of forecasts

A decomposition of the Brier skill score shows that the performance of judgmental forecasts depends on seven components: environmental predictability, fidelity of the information system, match between environment and forecaster, reliability of information acquisition, reliability of information processing, conditional bias, and unconditional bias. These components provide a framework for research on the forecasting process. Selected literature addressing each component is reviewed, and implications for improving judgmental forecasting are discussed.
PHENCYCLIDINE INHIBITS EPINEPHRINE-STIMULATED PLATELET AGGREGATION INDEPENDENTLY OF HIGH AFFINITY N-METHYL-D-ASPARTATE (NMDA)-TYPE GLUTAMATERECEPTORS

Abstract The psychotomimetic analgesic phencyclidine (PCP), which binds to a high affinity site on the neuronal N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive glutamate receptor, has previously been found to bind to platelets with high affinity and to specifically delay the onset of epinephrine-stimulated platelet aggregation (Jamieson et al. (1992) Biochem. J. 285, 35–39). We have now shown that the rank of binding affinities of 14 synthetic PCP analogs at the high affinity binding site on platelets does not parallel the rank order of their affinities in binding to rat brain membranes, indicating that the high affinity PCP binding site in platelets is distinct from the neuronal NMDA receptor. The order of potency of six of these analogs in delaying the onset of epinephrine-stimulated platelet aggregation also did not parallel the rank order of their binding affinities for platelet or brain binding sites. These data indicate that the ability of PCP analogs to inhibit epinephrine-stimulated aggregation is not related to their ability to bind to the high affinity platelet PCP binding site. Furthermore, (+)MK-801, which binds to the same high affinity binding site in neurons as does PCP, failed to inhibit epinephrine-stimulated platelet aggregation, further suggesting that the site at which PCP acts in platelets is not related to the NMDA-type glutamate receptor. Further studies showed that 5-HT2 receptors and effects on platelet secretion are not involved in PCP-mediated inhibition of epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation.
The effect of the potential fuel additive isobutanol on benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and p-xylene degradation in aerobic soil microcosms

Isobutanol is being considered as a fuel additive; however, the effect of this chemical on gasoline degradation (following a spill) has yet to be fully explored. To address this, the current study investigated the effect of isobutanol on benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and p-xylene (BTEX) degradation in 14 sets of experiments in saturated soils. This involved four hydrocarbons for three soils (12 experiments) and two extra experiments with a lower level of isobutanol (for toluene only). Each soil and hydrocarbon combination involved four abiotic control microcosms and 12 sample microcosms (six with and six without isobutanol). The time for complete degradation of each hydrocarbon varied between treatments. Both toluene and ethylbenzene were rapidly degraded (5–13 days for toluene and 3–13 days for ethylbenzene). In contrast, the time for complete degradation for benzene ranged from 5 to 47 days. The hydrocarbon p-xylene was the most recalcitrant chemical (time for removal ranged from 14 to 86 days) and, in...
Plasma melatonin rhythm in normal puberty: interactions of age and pubertal stages.

Studies on the relation between the pineal and human puberty have yielded conflicting results, partly due to methodologic issues, such as failure to consider the characteristic secretory rhythm of melatonin, or exclusion of normal subjects. Melatonin nocturnal rhythm was assessed in 62 normal subjects (ages 5–17 years), in whom hourly blood samples were collected by constant withdrawal from 18.00 to 08.00 h. Melatonin peak and mean integrated nocturnal concentrations were highly correlated (r = 0.90, p
Hyperglycemia-induced latent scurvy and atherosclerosis: The scorbutic-metaplasia hypothesis

Latent scurvy is characterized by a reversible atherosclerosis that closely resembles the clinical form of this disease. Acute scurvy is characterized by microvascular complications such as widespread capillary hemorrhaging. Vitamin C (ascorbate) is required for the synthesis of collagen, the protein most critical in the maintenance of vascular integrity. We suggest that in latent scurvy, large blood vessels use modified LDL--in particular lipoprotein(a)--in addition to collagen to maintain macrovascular integrity. By this mechanism, collagen is spared for the maintenance of capillaries, the sites of gas and nutrient exchange. The foam-cell phenotype of atherosclerosis is identified as a mesenchymal genetic program, regulated by the availability of ascorbate. When vitamin C is limited, foam cells develop and induce oxidative modification of LDL, thereby stabilizing large blood vessels via the deposition of LDL. The structural similarity between vitamin C and glucose suggests that hyperglycemia will inhibit cellular uptake of ascorbate, inducing local vitamin C deficiency.
Effect of phentolamine on perfusate flow characteristics during renal preservation.

Abstract Studies of the intrarenal distribution of perfusate during pulsatile hypothermic renal preservation have shown that donor agonal anoxia produces decreased perfusion flow to the cortex and an increase in medullary flow which is reversed by intraarterial infusion of phentolamine. Kidneys subjected to donor anoxia plus 40–50 min of warm ischemia also show similar cortical-medullary perfusion changes which are refractory to intraarterial phentolamine. The potential clinical consequences of changes in intrarenal perfusion and its treatment are discussed.
Fiber type- and position-dependent expression of a myosin light chain- CAT transgene detected with a novel histochemical stain for CAT

We recently generated and characterized transgenic mice in which regulatory sequences from a myosin light chain gene (MLC1f/3f) are linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene. Transgene expression in these mice is specific to skeletal muscle and graded along the rostrocaudal axis: adult muscles derived from successively more caudal somites express successively higher levels of CAT. To investigate the cellular basis of these patterns of expression, we developed and used a histochemical stain that allows detection of CAT in individual cells. Our main results are as follows: (a) Within muscles, CAT is detected only in muscle fibers and not in associated connective tissue, blood vessels, or nerves. Thus, the tissue specificity of transgene expression observed by biochemical assay reflects a cell-type specificity demonstrable histochemically. (b) Within individual muscles, CAT levels vary with fiber type. Like the endogenous MLC1f/3f gene, the transgene is expressed at higher levels in fast-twitch (type II) than in slow-twitch (type I) muscle fibers. In addition, CAT levels vary among type II fiber subtypes, in the order IIB greater than IIX greater than IIA. (c) Among muscles that are similar in fiber type composition, the average level of CAT per fiber varies with rostrocaudal position. This position-dependent variation in CAT level is apparent even when fibers of a single type are compared. From these results, we conclude that fiber type and position affect CAT expression independently. We therefore infer the existence of separate fiber type-specific and positionally graded transcriptional regulators that act together to determine levels of transgene expression.
Clinical observations regarding the treatment of traumatically avulsed mature teeth

Two documented cases involving avulsions of an incisor and a cuspid are reported. Long-term observations following replantations indicated factors in addition to those reported in Part 1 of this study. Endodontic metallic implants may retard the intrusive process. A fixed-bridge splint also appears to have retarded the ankylosis phenomenon. The three case reports in the two parts of this study indicated that splint time may not be a critical factor in the prognosis of replanted teeth. Calcium hydroxide failed to prevent early root resorption and eventual ankylosis in an early replantation case; the other two cases, with longer replant time, fared better without calcium hydroxide. Endodontic treatment of avulsed teeth soon after replantation is suggested; a time period of several weeks does not appear critical to the prognosis. Removal of the apical root segment prior to replantation does not appear to affect the replacement root resorption process. The reporting of long-term documented cases should be encouraged in order that replantation techniques may be evaluated.
Stochastic model for BOD and DO in streams when the velocity is random and distance‐dependent

The stochastic model studied in this paper is a random differential equation of the form X(t) = A(t) X(t) = Y(t), t ≥ 0, with initial conditions X0 = X(0). X(t) is a vector with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) at a distance t downstream from the pollution source for components. The velocity of the stream is incorporated into the vector A(t) and is random and distance dependent. The inhomogeneous term Y(t) and the initial conditions are random vectors. Therefore, this model contains random initial conditions, random coefficients and random inhomogeneous terms. Simulated trajectories of the BOD and DO are computed.
A Bioeconomic Assessment of Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Management Policies

Abstract The stocks of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus in the Gulf of Mexico have experienced a serious decline owing to (1) the overharvesting of adults by the commercial and recreational fisheries and (2) the incidental harvesting and discarding of juveniles by the shrimp fishery. In an effort to rebuild these stocks, since 1984 a series of policies has been implemented by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. To date, however, the results of these policies have not been completely addressed. This study comprehensively assesses their biological and economic consequences using integrated biological and economic models of the red snapper and shrimp fisheries. The analysis indicates that a combined-policy approach (implementing a joint policy for the red snapper and shrimp fisheries) is preferable to an individual-policy approach.
The D 2 -triangulation for simplicial homotopy algorithms for computing solutions of nonlinear equations

A triangulation of arbitrary refinement of grid sizes of (0, 1] × źn is proposed for simplicial homotopy algorithms for computing solutions of nonlinear equations. On each level the new triangulation, called theD2-triangulation, subdivides źn into simplices according to theD1-triangulation. We prove that theD2-triangulation is superior to theK2-triangulation andJ2-triangulation in the number of simplices. Numerical tests show that the simplicial homotopy algorithm based on theD2-triangulation indeed is much more efficient.
An Escherichia coli protein with homology to the H-protein of the glycine cleavage enzyme complex from pea and chicken liver

The nucleotide sequence of an Escherichia coli gene which presumably encodes the H-protein of the glycine cleavage (GCV) enzyme complex is presented. The gene, designated gcvH, encodes a polypeptide of 128 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 13,665 daltons. The translation start site was determined by N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of a gcvH-lacZ encoded fusion protein. The E. coli H-protein shows extensive homology with the H-proteins from the pea (Pisum sativum) and the chicken liver GCV enzyme complexes. 85 of 128 amino acid residues are identical or chemically similar between the E. coli and the pea H-proteins, and 74 of 128 amino acid residues are identical or chemically similar between the E. coli and the chicken liver H-proteins. All three proteins have identical amino acid sequences from residues 61-65. This sequence contains the lysyl residue involved in lipoic acid attachment in the chicken liver H-protein.
Texture of Cu and dilute binary Cu-alloy films: impact of annealing and solute content

Abstract The impact of 11 alloying elements, namely Mg, Ti, In, Sn, Al, Ag, Co, Nb and B, at two nominal concentration of 1 and 3 at%, and Ir and W, at only a nominal concentration of 3 at%, on the evolution of texture of Cu was investigated. The behavior of the alloy films was compared with that for a pure Cu film. The films were electron beam evaporated onto oxidized Si wafers and had thicknesses in the range of 420–560 nm. Annealing was carried out at 3°C/s to 400°C, 650°C and 950°C. For the lowest annealing temperature, the samples were held isothermally for 5 h, while for the higher annealing temperatures, the samples were cooled immediately after reaching temperature. In all cases, annealing resulted in the strengthening of film texture. For most of the films, the 〈1 1 1〉 component either remained or became the strongest fiber component with the increase in annealing temperature. The interesting exceptions were the two Mg-containing films for which the 〈1 1 0〉 component was the strongest. Whereas in the as-deposited state all alloy films, except the nominally 3 at% Nb film, had weaker textures than pure Cu, certain combinations of alloy concentration and annealing conditions resulted in more strongly textured films when compared with pure Cu. For example, the most strongly textured film after the 400°C and 950°C anneals were, respectively, Cu(Ti) and Cu(Nb), both nominally 3 at%. Film texture was also related to grain growth for the 400°C-annealed films. The behavior of the alloy films is discussed in terms of the various driving and pinning forces for grain growth and texture evolution in thin films. No simple correlations of alloy film behavior with atom size, electronegativity or the binary alloy phase diagram were found.
Potentiometric measurement of glucose concentration using a gel-immobilized glucose dehydrogenase electrode

Abstract Glucose dehydrogenase, a coenzyme-dependent oxidoreductase, was immobilized by a polyacrylamide gel matrix over the surface of a platinum screen to measure the glucose concentration in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 at 25 and 37°C. The oxidation of β-D(+)-glucose in this enzyme reaction produced a zero-current potentiometric response over a limited range of glucose concentrations. The presence or absence of an electron mediator, ferricyanide, appears to have no observable effect of the electrode response. Concurrent spectrophotometric detection of NADH confirms that the zero-current potential produced was the result of the enzymatic coupled reactions. The temperature effects and the reusability of this immobilized GDH electrode in the mode of potentiometric measurement were investigated and described.
Coherence of polynomial rings and bounds in polynomial ideals

Abstract The main result is that the ring of polynomials in any number of variables over a commutative absolutely flat ring is coherent. The proof uses the most elementary part of G. Hermann's classical paper, “Die Frage der endlich vielen Schritte in der Theorie der Polynomideale.”
Classroom Aptitude-by-Treatment Interactions: An Alternative Analysis Strategy

A data analysis strategy is proposed to test for aptitude‐by‐treatment interactions (ATIs) when treatments are administered to aggregates (e.g., classrooms or other groups) rather than individuals. The strategy satisfies both the statistician's concern for between‐unit independence and the ATI researcher's concern for focussing on individual, rather than group, characteristics. In addition, the strategy is shown to be logically and computationally straightforward, while at the same time being capable of detecting ATIs in actual research applications.
Novel double layer salts of copper(I) bromide with N-substituted ethylenediammonium cations.

The structures of three hybrid organic/inorganic halometalate salts are reported, and the layer structures developed are contrasted. Crystal structures of the isostructural N-methylethylenediammonium (MEDA2+) and N-ethylethylenediammonium (EEDA2+) salts of copper(I) bromide are both triclinic, space group P1, with lattice constants a = 6.284(7), b = 7.842(6), and c = 12.03(1) A, α = 84.84(3), β = 83.08(2), and γ = 88.00(3)°, and V = 586(1) A3 with Z = 2 for (MEDA)Cu2Br4 while (EEDA)Cu2Br4 has lattice constants a = 6.27(2), b = 7.78(2), and c = 13.12(3) A, α = 84.69(4), β = 78.18(3), and γ = 88.17(7)°, and V = 623(3) A3 with Z = 2. The dominant inorganic feature in both salts is anionic (CuBr2)nn- chains of edge-shared CuBr4 tetrahedra. The diammonium cations hydrogen bond these chains together into a unique double layer structure. For comparison purposes, the crystal structure of (CHA)PbBr3 (CHA+ = cyclohexylammonium) is reported (monoclinic, space group P21/n, a = 8.088(2) A, b = 7.912(2) A, and c = 19....
Patterns of innervation of outer hair cells in a chimpanzee: I. Afferent and reciprocal synapses

Three varieties of synaptic specialization, afferent, efferent, and reciprocal, have been demonstrated at the base of outer hair cells of one chimpanzee. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the innervation density of afferent and reciprocal synapses in the three rows and three turns of the organ of Corti. The data presented is based on light and electron microscopy from one aged chimpanzee using serial section electron microscopy. Afferent fibers make contact with outer hair cells as either terminal swellings or en passant contacts. In addition to membrane specialization, presynaptic bodles were present at the majority of afferent synapses. The mean innervation density of afferent endings was highest in the middle turn. Reciprocal endings were found on 74% of all outer hair cells. The average number of reciprocal endings increased from the base to apex and, except in the apical turn, from the first to third row of outer hair cells. On the basis of morphological criteria, endings with a reciprocal synapses were more similar to afferent than to efferent endings.
Surface scanning through a cylindrical tank of coupling fluid for clinical microwave breast imaging exams.

Purpose: Microwave tomographic image quality can be improved significantly with prior knowledge of the breast surface geometry. The authors have developed a novel laser scanning system capable of accurately recovering surface renderings of breast-shaped phantoms immersed within a cylindrical tank of coupling fluid which resides completely external to the tank (and the aqueous environment) and overcomes the challenges associated with the optical distortions caused by refraction from the air, tank wall, and liquid bath interfaces. Methods: The scanner utilizes two laser line generators and a small CCD camera mounted concentrically on a rotating gantry about the microwave imaging tank. Various calibration methods were considered for optimizing the accuracy of the scanner in the presence of the optical distortions including traditional ray tracing and image registration approaches. In this paper, the authors describe the construction and operation of the laser scanner, compare the efficacy of several calibration methods-including analytical ray tracing and piecewise linear, polynomial, locally weighted mean, and thin-plate-spline (TPS) image registrations-and report outcomes from preliminary phantom experiments. Results: The results show that errors in calibrating camera angles and position prevented analytical ray tracing from achieving submillimeter accuracy in the surface renderings obtained from our scanner configuration. Conversely, calibration bymore » image registration reliably attained mean surface errors of less than 0.5 mm depending on the geometric complexity of the object scanned. While each of the image registration approaches outperformed the ray tracing strategy, the authors found global polynomial methods produced the best compromise between average surface error and scanner robustness. Conclusions: The laser scanning system provides a fast and accurate method of three dimensional surface capture in the aqueous environment commonly found in microwave breast imaging. Optical distortions imposed by the imaging tank and coupling bath diminished the effectiveness of the ray tracing approach; however, calibration through image registration techniques reliably produced scans of submillimeter accuracy. Tests of the system with breast-shaped phantoms demonstrated the successful implementation of the scanner for the intended application.« less
A COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR DETECTION OF STATISTICAL OUTLIERS

This paper presents a FORTRAN program which computes the rejection criteria of ten procedures for detecting outlying observations. These ten criteria are defined on comment cards. Appropriate journal sources for the statistical equations are listed in the bibliography. After applying the rejection rules for outliers, the program calculates the mean and standard deviation of the censored sample.
Two distinct protein kinase activities in vesicular stomatitis virions phosphorylate the NS transcription factor.

Abstract Two vesicular stomatitis virion proteins, NS and M, are phosphorylated in vivo before packaging and in vitro during the transcription process carried out with disrupted virions. Phosphorylation of NS is thought to be essential for transcription but which of the many acceptor sites is or are involved in this function and which protein kinase(s) is responsible still need to be resolved. We recently reported that the virion-associated kinase which modifies M protein is most likely a different enzyme than that phosphorylating NS (Beckes et al., Virology 169, 161–171 1989). Here we present additional evidence for the presence of distinct enzymes modifying M vs NS substrates and also show that at least two distinct kinase activities modify NS protein. Each of the three activities displayed different optimum reaction conditions, phosphate donor preferences, and sensitivity to inhibition by N -ethylmaleimide.
An Exploratory Study of After-School Sedentary Behaviour in Elementary School-Age Children with Intellectual Disability.

AbstractBackground The purpose of this study was both to investigate if children with intellectual disability (ID) spend more time watching television and on the computer than their peers without disabilities and if total screen time correlates with physical activity in these same children.Methods Participants were 9 children with ID matched with 9 children without ID, aged 7–12 years. Participants were matched by gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). Parents logged after-school television and computer time. Physical activity was recorded with accelerometers.Results Mann-Whitney tests revealed no difference between television or computer time between the groups. Correlations between physical activity and screen time revealed that children without ID had a low relationship between physical activity and screen time (τ = −.11, p = .64). Conversely, children with ID had a moderate relationship between physical activity and screen time (τ = .56, p = .04).Conclusions These results suggest that there might be ...
Shin: Generalized Trust Propagation with Limited Evidence

Shin incorporates a probabilistic method for revising trust estimates in trustees, yielding higher prediction accuracy than traditional approaches that base trust exclusively on a series of referrals culminating with the trustee.
Safety and longterm efficacy of strictureplasty in 314 patients with obstructing small bowel Crohn's disease.

Abstract Background: Since its introduction in the early 1980s, strictureplasty (SXP) has become a viable option in the surgical management of obstructing small bowel Crohn's disease. Questions still remain regarding its safety and longterm durability in comparison to resection. Precise indications and contraindications to the procedure are also not well defined. Study Design: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing SXP for obstructing small bowel Crohn's disease at the Cleveland Clinic between 1984 and 1999 was conducted. A total of 314 patients underwent a laparotomy that included the index SXP. The total number of SXPs performed was 1,124, with a median of two (range 1 to 19) per patient. Sixty-six percent of patients underwent a synchronous bowel resection. Recurrence was defined as the need for reoperation. Followup information was determined by personal interviews, phone interviews, or both. Results: The overall morbidity rate was 18%, with septic complications occurring in 5% of patients. Preoperative weight loss (p = 0.004) and older age (p = 0.008) were found to be significant predictors of morbidity. The surgical recurrence rate was 34%, with a median followup period of 7.5 years (range 1 to 16 years). Age was found to be a significant predictor of recurrence (p = 0.02), with younger patients having a shorter time to reoperation. Conclusions: This large series of patients with longterm followup confirms the safety and efficacy of strictureplasty in patients with obstructing small bowel Crohn's disease. The 18% morbidity and 34% operative recurrence rates compare favorably with reported results of resective surgery. Caution should be used in patients with preoperative weight loss, because they experienced higher complication rates. Although young patients seem to follow an accelerated course, SXP remains indicated as part of an overall strategy to conserve intestinal length.
Progenitor cell expansion: an important source of hepatocyte regeneration in chronic hepatitis

Background/Aims Progenitor cell activation with subsequent maturation to hepatocytes and cells of the biliary lineage has been demonstrated in a variety of chronic liver diseases but the kinetics and magnitude of the progenitor cell response has not been adequately studied in detail in chronic hepatitis. We undertook this study to evaluate factors responsible for the progenitor cell/ductular response and further dissect the role of disease grade and stage as determinants of hepatocellular differentiation of bipotential progenitor cells in chronic hepatitis. Methods Cytokeratin 7 (and 19) stained biopsies from patients with chronic hepatitis C ( n =47), hepatitis B ( n =20), and autoimmune hepatitis ( n =20) were studied. Ploidy analysis and proliferation indices were evaluated in a subset of cases. Results Ductular reactions were present in the majority of cases (97%), appeared early in disease, and correlated with disease activity, while progenitor cell derived hepatocyes appeared later in disease and their extent correlated with disease stage. Proliferation indices of all cell types correlated with disease activity. Conclusions Progenitor cell derived hepatocytes accrue in chronic hepatitis, possibly related to native hepatocellular dysfunction. However, the fate of these hepatocytes is unclear.
The development of AMR sensors for vehicle position estimation

This paper focuses on the development of automotive sensors that can measure the relative position and velocity of another vehicle in close proximity, so as to enable prediction of an imminent collision just before the collision occurs. Anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) and sonar sensors are adopted for development of the proposed sensor system. The challenges in the use of the AMR sensors include their nonlinear behavior, limited range and magnetic signature levels that vary with each type of car. An adaptive filter based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is developed to automatically tune filter parameters for each encountered car and reliably estimate car position. The utilization of an additional sonar sensor during the initial detection of the encountered vehicle is shown to highly speed up the parameter convergence of the filter. Experimental results are presented from a large number of tests with various vehicles to show that the proposed sensor system is viable. The developed sensors represent perhaps the first ever system that can measure relative vehicle position at close proximity right up to the point where a crash occurs.
Fluorescence in ultraviolet active binaries: the case of FF Aquarii

The eclipsing binary FF Aquarii (FF Aqr) consists of a small hot star of uncertain type and a red giant. An Hα feature varies from absorption during eclipse to maximum emission during hot star transit. We have obtained simultaneous differential photometry in BVRI bands and Hα spectroscopy in 1998 that covered an entire orbit with some overlap. A binary star model was used with our light-curve, radial velocity and Hα data to refine stellar and orbital parameters. A new ephemeris indicates that the period has increased or is longer than previously thought. A physically simple algorithm is developed that generates properly blended spectral line profiles of binaries with arbitrary combinations of surface emission and absorption line regions. Although there is no radiative transfer, the algorithm can accommodate modest geometrical intricacy. For now, all line broadening in the model is rotational. The algorithm has now been incorporated within the general Wilson-Devinney binary star model, and we used it to model FF Aqr’s photospheric iron profile. It also is used to generate templates that illustrate problems with FF Aqr’s strongly time-dependent Hα emission profiles, which appear to be blends of features from the photosphere and from above the photosphere. The dominant broadening mechanism should be rotation for individual line components. Absorption profiles were generated by the model and fit to the observations to yield a red star radius ≈6.9 R� , which then requires i ≈ 76 ◦ . Our light-curve models have five spots with temperatures ≈1000 K cooler than the surrounding photosphere. Hα emission was modelled on the red star surface, centred at the substellar point to simulate a fluorescent chromosphere. Additional emission is seen outside our modelled profiles. The origins of this excess emission may be corotating prominences, winds, or coronal mass ejections, all of which could affect the orbit period.
Frequency tracking and variable bandwidth for line noise filtering without a reference

This paper presents a method for filtering line noise using an adaptive noise canceling (ANC) technique. This method effectively eliminates the sinusoidal contamination while achieving a narrower bandwidth than typical notch filters and without relying on the availability of a noise reference signal as ANC methods normally do. A sinusoidal reference is instead digitally generated and the filter efficiently tracks the power line frequency, which drifts around a known value. The filter's learning rate is also automatically adjusted to achieve faster and more accurate convergence and to control the filter's bandwidth. In this paper the focus of the discussion and the data will be electrocorticographic (ECoG) neural signals, but the presented technique is applicable to other recordings.
A 9.2–12GHz, 90nm digital fractional-N synthesizer with stochastic TDC calibration and −35/−41dBc integrated phase noise in the 5/2.5GHz bands

A 90nm CMOS, 9.2–12GHz digital fractional-N synthesizer for WLAN/WiMax is described. Stochastic calibration of time to digital conversion and a VCO phase noise minimization algorithm are used to achieve <−35dBc integrated phase nose (100Hz to 10MHz), in the 5–6GHz band with spurs below −60dBc.
Helicobacter pylori infection in people who are intellectually and developmentally disabled: A review

The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium has been classified by the World Health Organization as a type 1 carcinogen with associations to the development of peptic and gastric ulcers, gastric carcinoma and primary B-cell lymphoma. Individuals who have intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (IDDD) exhibit H. pylori gastric infection at approximately twice the rate of the general population and have recurrences after triple drug treatment at a rate nearly seven times that of the general population. Gastrointestinal malignancy is reported to account for almost 50% of all cancer deaths in this population. Oral-oral and fecal-oral routes are theorized to be the primary modes of transmission for the ingestion of the bacterium. Maladaptive behaviors exhibited by individuals who have IDDD can be considered risk factors for H. pylori infection since H. pylori has been cultivated from vomitus, saliva, and feces. The purpose of this paper is to review information regarding Helicobacter pylori infection in persons with IDDD and highlight the significance of oral infection.
Decoding abstract and concrete concept representations based on single-trial fMRI data.

Previously, multi-voxel pattern analysis has been used to decode words referring to concrete object categories. In this study we investigated if single-trial-based brain activity was sufficient to dis- tinguish abstract (e.g., mercy) versus concrete (e.g., barn) concept representations. Multiple neuroimag- ing studies have identified differences in the processing of abstract versus concrete concepts based on the averaged activity across time by using univariate methods. In this study we used multi-voxel pattern analysis to decode functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data when participants per- form a semantic similarity judgment task on triplets of either abstract or concrete words with similar meanings. Classifiers were trained to identify individual trials as concrete or abstract. Cross-validated accuracies for classifying trials as abstract or concrete were significantly above chance (P < 0.05) for all participants. Discriminating information was distributed in multiple brain regions. Moreover, accuracy of identifying single trial data for any one participant as abstract or concrete was also reliably above chance (P < 0.05) when the classifier was trained solely on data from other participants. These results suggest abstract and concrete concepts differ in representations in terms of neural activity patterns during a short period of time across the whole brain. Hum Brain Mapp 00:000-000,
Elastodynamic Inversion of Multilayered Media via Surface Waves—Part II: Implementation and Numerical Verification

An effective inverse analysis computer program that integrates nonlinear optimization algorithm and forward dynamic analysis of multilayered medium is developed for inferring structural and material properties (e.g., modulus, thickness, and the number of layers) of the medium. Using dynamic deflection information obtained from forward dynamic analysis of the multilayered medium as a hypothetical deflection measured from the field during pavement nondestructive evaluation (NDE) using falling weight deflectometer, the estimated parameters of the medium are compared with the known true parameters of the medium used to perform the static and forward dynamic analyses. Based on two different multilayered media, a number of important observations and conclusions are made regarding the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed numerical algorithms and developed computer program. The inversion methods presented in this paper show improved NDE results over many of the existing algorithms. DOI: 10.1115/1.4003550
The Gender Citation Gap in International Relations

This article investigates the extent to which citation and publication patterns differ between men and women in the international relations (IR) literature. Using data from the Teaching, Research, and International Policy project on peer-reviewed publications between 1980 and 2006, we show that women are systematically cited less than men after controlling for a large number of variables including year of publication, venue of publication, substantive focus, theoretical perspective, methodology, tenure status, and institutional affiliation. These results are robust to a variety of modeling choices. We then turn to network analysis to investigate the extent to which the gender of an article's author affects that article's relative centrality in the network of citations between papers in our sample. Articles authored by women are systematically less central than articles authored by men, all else equal. This is likely because (1) women tend to cite themselves less than men, and (2) men (who make up a disproportionate share of IR scholars) tend to cite men more than women. This is the first study in political science to reveal significant gender differences in citation patterns and is especially meaningful because citation counts are increasingly used as a key measure of research's quality and impact.
C5a receptor modulation on neutrophils and monocytes from chronic hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.

Abstract Chronic renal failure patients have an increased risk for infection which may partially be due to altered chemotactic ability of their white blood cells. This study was designed to evaluate chemotactic factor and Fc receptor expression on neutrophils (PMN) and monocytes from chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis (HD) or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Analysis of these receptors was performed using flow cytometry and fluorescent chemotactic factors (C5a, f-Met-Leu-Phe-Lys [fMLPL] and casein) and heat-aggregated human IgG. Peripheral blood PMN and monocytes obtained from 14 HD patients (in the predialysis period) and 14 CAPD patients were analyzed for their ability to bind each of the fluoresceinated ligands. PMN and monocytes from both patient groups had a significant reduction in their ability to bind C5a. The average percentage (+/- s.e.m.) of PMN that bound C5a was 93.9 +/- 1.1 for the controls, 72.9 +/- 3.8 for HD patients, and 79.3 +/- 4.0 for CAPD patients. Similar results were obtained with monocytes with 69.7 +/- 1.9% for controls, 54.6 +/- 4.5% for HD patients, and 31.0 +/- 4.5% for CAPD patients. These differences in C5a binding were also reflected in the average intensity of fluorescence. There was no significant difference in the percentage or fluorescence intensity of PMN or monocytes that bound casein or aggregated IgG when either group of dialysis patients was compared to the control values. Binding of fMLPL by PMN and monocytes from the HD patients and PMN from the CAPD patients were similar to control values but the binding of fMLPL by monocytes from CAPD patients was significantly suppressed (p less than 0.03).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Optimizing Donor Quality Via Hormonal Therapy: An Important Strategy to Increase Successful Placement of Thoracic Organs in End-Stage Patients

See related article on pages 123–132. Although human organ transplantation continues to be the only definitive treatment of end-stage organ dysfunction, scarcity of donor organs remains an overwhelming limiting factor. According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)/United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data, in the year 2014, 379 patients died while awaiting heart transplantation and 218 patients died waiting for lung transplantation. Nationally, the donor heart usage rate is approximately 30% and lung usage rate is approximately 25%. Optimizing resuscitation of organ donors is an important approach suggested to maximize procurement of thoracic organs. Reports dating back to the 1980s have documented decreased organ viability in brain-dead donors, due to metabolic derangement and hemodynamic instability. To combat the sequelae of brain death, the use of hormonal resuscitation therapy has been suggested. Although increasingly many centers are incorporating thyroid hormone (T3/T4) therapy in the management of hemodynamically unstable donors, its routine use has been controversial owing to conflicting data regarding its efficacy and some evidence that such therapy increases the risk of allograft rejection. In their retrospective study, Novitzky et al use the UNOS database to analyze the effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy in the management of 63,593 brain-dead potential organ donors. Administration of thyroid hormone therapy was noted to significantly increase the number of thoracic organs procured. T3/T4 therapy increased heart procurement by approximately 9% and lung procurement by 6%. Thyroid hormone therapy was found to either increase recipient survival or have no beneficial or detrimental effect on survival at 1 month or 12 months after transplantation. The authors conclude that T3/T4 therapy should be considered in all brain-dead potential donors as it significantly increases the organ procurement rate with improved or comparable posttransplant survival. The study cohort is large and the analysis by the authors is nuanced. The findings must be considered in the light of
Netrin-1 is highly expressed and required in inflammatory infiltrates in wear particle-induced osteolysis.

Objective Netrin-1 is a chemorepulsant and matrix protein expressed during and required for osteoclast differentiation, which also plays a role in inflammation by preventing macrophage egress. Because wear particle-induced osteolysis requires osteoclast-mediated destruction of bone, we hypothesised that blockade of Netrin-1 or Unc5b, a receptor for Netrin-1, may diminish this pathological condition. Methods C57BL/6 mice, 6-8 weeks old, had 3 mg of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene particles implanted over the calvaria and then received 10 µg of monoclonal antibodies for Netrin-1 or its receptors, Unc5b and deleted in colon cancer (DCC), injected intraperitoneally on a weekly basis. After 2 weeks, micro-computed tomography and histology analysis were performed. Netrin-1 expression was analysed in human tissue obtained following primary prosthesis implantation or after prosthesis revision for peri-implant osteolysis and aseptic implant loosening. Results Weekly injection of anti-Netrin-1 or anti-Unc5b-antibodies significantly reduced particle-induced bone pitting in calvaria exposed to wear particles (46±4% and 49±3% of control bone pitting, respectively, p Conclusions These results demonstrate a unique role for Netrin-1 in osteoclast biology and inflammation and may be a novel target for prevention/treatment of inflammatory osteolysis.
Cryosurgery as an Alternative Treatment for Menorrhagia and Uterine Fibroids

Nearly 80% of all women may suffer from uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) and/or menorrhagia, which is a condition where the uterus walls bleed abnormally. The vast majority of women whose symptoms are strong enough to require treatment obtain a hysterectomy. Other treatment options which are less invasive than hysterectomy include thermal therapies such as thermal ablation or cryosurgical removal of tissue. This project numerically evaluates the efficacy of a liquid-nitrogen-based cryotherapy for the treatment of uterine fibroids. A bioheat transfer model was utilized which included both the effects of blood perfusion and the impacts of liquid-to-solid phase change. An upper limit on the cooling rate was obtained by simulating a direct contact between the probe tip and the inner lining of the uterus. Calculations were carried out for a one-minute treatment duration with 720 calculation nodes which spanned the thickness of the uterine wall. Results obtained from the calculations allowed a determination of the cooling rate at each nodal location within the tissue. Based on data obtained from previous cell-survival studies, it was found that necrosis would occur within the tissue up to a depth of approximately 5.8 mm.© 2010 ASME
The devil is in the details of hand movement: Visualizing transposed-letter effects in bilingual minds

Research with native-speaking monolinguals demonstrates that orthographic coding during lexical access is flexible in terms of letter positioning. Evidence for this comes in part from the observation of priming from transposed-letter (TL) non-words (jugde/judge), which is assumed to arise from spread of activation throughout an orthographically-defined neighborhood. The present study tested the hypothesis that, for bilinguals, orthographic coding of letter position is influenced by cross-language lexical activation. TL non-words were created from English-Spanish cognates that differed in their degree of orthographic overlap as well as from non-cognates. In Experiment 1, these served as primes in a masked lexical decision task. In Experiment 2, they were presented as targets in a mouse-tracking lexical decision task. In both experiments Spanish-­English bilinguals’ lexical decision performance reflected greater TL priming for cognates relative to non-cognates and for cognates with more orthographic overlap relative to cognates with less orthographic overlap.
Generating Sense: Schizophrenia and Phenomenological Praxis

The aim of phenomenology is to provide a critical account of the origins and genesis of the world. This implies that the standpoint of the phenomenological reduction is properly extramundane. But it remains an outstanding task to formulate a credible account of the reduction that would be adequate to this seemingly impossible methodological condition. This paper contributes to rethinking the reduction accordingly. Building on efforts to thematize its intersubjective and corporeal aspects, the reduction is approached as a kind of transcendental practice in the context of generativity. Foregrounding the psychotherapeutic encounter with persons suffering schizophrenic delusion as paradigmatic of the emergence of shared meaning, it is argued that this is where we may best come to terms with the methodological exigencies of phenomenology’s transcendental aim. it follows that phenomenologists across all disciplines may have something important to learn from how phenomenology has been put into practice in the psychotherapeutic domain.