cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mesoscopic scale analysis of the reaction-bonded SiC process

Abstract A theoretical model is presented to simulate the reaction-bonded SiC process at a mesoscopic scale. This model is based on a diffusion-controlled reaction mechanism between carbon and silicon. Three different configurations are investigated: spherical and planar reactant layers with no flow, and allowance for flow of silicon between carbon layers. The predicted growth rate of SiC agrees reasonably well with the available experimental data. The production of SiC is relatively fast at the early stage and enhanced by motion of Si phase within the parameter range investigated.
Mediating the Anthrax Attacks: Media Accuracy and Agenda Setting During a Time of Moral Panic

Abstract This study examines factors affecting individuals' attitudes toward the media and susceptibility to agenda setting at times of moral panic. Sixty-three percent of respondents in a survey conducted a few weeks after the 9/11 attacks perceived the media anthrax coverage as accurate. Results suggest geographic location and gender, in addition to attitudes toward media accuracy, are strong predictors of agenda setting effects in a time of potential crisis and terrorist threats.
Experimental and theoretical investigations of Cr(001) surface electronic structure

The surface electronic structure of Cr(001) is characterized by angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. The spectral properties of surface-related photoemission features are found to be consistent with results from a comprehensive spin-polarized calculation of the Cr(001) surface electronic structure. The theory predicts the existence of a ferromagnetic Cr(001) surface phase characterized by a very large (3.00 electrons) surface spin polarization. The overall agreement between theory and experiment provides additional evidence that the Cr(001) surface is, in fact, ferromagnetic.
Experimental and modeling of carbonate formation in the effluent of oxygen delignification

A quantitative model of carbonate formation in the effluent of one-stage oxygen delignification for a softwood kraft pulp was developed and experimentally validated. This model quantitatively described carbonate formation in the effluent of oxygen delignified SW kraft pulps and its kinetic characteristics. It could be used as an approach to predict pulp kappa numbers in the solid phase (fiber) from carbonate content in the liquid phase (filtrate). From the kinetic behavior of carbonate formation and its relationship to pulp kappa number, a control strategy was suggested. Constant kappa number curves used for parameter selection were developed to achieve target pulp kappa number while retaining pulp viscosity and total fiber charge properties. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007.
Design of persuasive technologies for healthy sleep behavior

Getting the sufficient amount of quality sleep is a key aspect of good health along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Despite its importance, sleep has been considerably underexplored in the area of human-computer interaction. In this proposal, I describe my research in understanding the need to help improve people's sleep habits and creating a persuasive sleep application to help them achieve their sleep-related goals. The persuasive sleep application involves self-monitoring and feedback features to help people be aware of their sleep habits. My dissertation research investigates a design of a self-monitoring system focusing on how information is presented as a persuasive means accounting for user emotions in the context of receiving concerning health news.
Exchange of oxygen between carbon dioxide and alumina

Abstract Oxygen exchange between C18O2 and an η-alumina has been studied over a wide range of temperature between 27 and 700 °C mainly by mass spectrometry. The amount of exchangeable oxygen increased with increasing temperature, and finally exceeded 1015 atoms/cm2. However, the temperature dependence had an inflection point at about 300 °C, and it became much steeper at higher temperatures. It was concluded that two different sorts of processes take place: unstable (reactive) oxygen atoms on alumina are exchanged readily at relatively low temperatures, while at higher temperatures all oxygen atoms on the surface and also those in the deeper layers are involved in exchange. Strongly chemisorbed carbon dioxide which neither exchanged nor communicated with the gaseous molecules was detected by infrared spectroscopy, and the amounts of this irreversible adsorption were measured under the reaction conditions by using 13CO2 as a tracer. The maximum surface density of the reactive oxygen atoms exchangeable at lower temperatures was also obtained as 1.32 × 1014 and 1.03 × 1014 atoms/cm2 for the catalyst dehydrated at 650 and 750 °C, respectively. A likely intermediate of the exchange reaction is bicarbonate ion which, in turn, blocks two to three adjacent oxygen atoms for the exchange when adsorbed irreversibly. Below 300 °C, the increase in the exchangeable oxygen with temperature seems to result from the decreasing amount of the irreversible adsorption.
Some chemical effects of focused ultrasound on glutathione and other compounds.

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide is produced in water exposed to focused ultrasound. Ultrasonic energy will oxidize potassium iodide and sodium bisulfite, alter certain colorants and indicators, and deaminate glycine. The oxidation of reduced glutathione is shown by the nitroprusside test, titration of residual sulfhydryl groups, and paper partition chromatography. Nearly one‐half of the tripeptide is destroyed after exposure for forty‐one minutes.
Aluminum Foil Coils for Human Scale Wind Turbines

A novel coil design for an axial flux permanent magnet generator to be used in small wind turbines has been realized. While traditional designs comprise enamel copper wire, the novel coil uses aluminum foil for it being low cost and readily available. Commercial home video tape is employed to provide insulation between turns, promoting the recycling of video cassettes and enhancing the magnetic properties of the generator. Three study cases were analyzed and tested; their manufacturing process and performance were recorded. The test results are presented in terms of comparison with the original copper design, indicating that aluminum foil coils have the potential to enhance the performance of the generator. The design and manufacturing approaches are unveiled so that a fabricator may redesign and build similar coils based on the materials available.
Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein expression in mouse intestine

Immunohistochemical and biochemical approaches were utilized to compare the expression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and cellular retinol binding protein II (CRBPII) with the expression of apolipoprotein (apo)B and apoA-I along the entire length of the small intestine in mice. MTP is expressed in villus-associated enterocytes along the length of the small intestine. Maximal expression occurs within the first 20% of the intestine and decreases to less than 3% of maximum in the distal third of the intestine. The expression of CRBPII is nearly identical with that of MTP. Peak expression of apoB and apoA-I occurs in the first 25% of the intestine; however, expression in the most distal segments of the intestine is 10%-15% of maximum expression. In mice fed a Western diet for 3 weeks the expression of MTP and CRBPII was elevated in the distal regions of the intestine, whereas the expression patterns for apoB and apoA-I were similar to those found in mice on control diets. We conclude that the patterns of expression, as well as the regulation of MTP and CRBPII, are similar. However, the expression and regulation of these two proteins differ from those of apoB and apoA-I. In particular, the expression of MTP is not coordinated with the expression of apoB, even though the two proteins are essential for the assembly and secretion of chylomicrons.
Isolation and characterization of a suppressor mutation that restores Myxococcus xanthus exopolysaccharide production

Myxococcus xanthus, a Gram-negative soil bacterium, undergoes multicellular development when nutrients become limiting. Aggregation, which is part of the developmental process, requires the surface motility of this organism. One component of M. xanthus motility, the social (S) gliding motility, enables the movement of cells in close physical proximity. Previous studies demonstrated that the cell surface-associated exopolysaccharide (EPS) is essential for S motility and that the Dif proteins form a chemotaxis-like pathway that regulates EPS production in M. xanthus. DifA, a homologue of methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs) in the Dif system, is required for EPS production, S motility and development. In this study, a spontaneous extragenic suppressor of a difA deletion was isolated in order to identify additional regulators of EPS production. The suppressor mutation was found to be a single base pair insertion in cheW7 at the che7 chemotaxis gene cluster. Further examination indicated that mutations in cheW7 may lead to the interaction of Mcp7 with DifC (CheW-like) and DifE (CheA-like) to reconstruct a functional pathway to regulate EPS production in the absence of DifA. In addition, the cheW7 mutation was found to partially suppress a pilA mutation in EPS production in a difA+ background. Further deletion of difA from the pilA cheW7 double mutant resulted in a triple mutant that produced wild-type levels of EPS, implying that DifA (MCP-like) and Mcp7 compete for interactions with DifC and DifE in the modulation of EPS production.
Physiological modeling of butadiene disposition in mice and rats

Abstract The earliest physiological models of 1,3-butadiene disposition reproduced uptake of the gas from closed chambers but over-predicted steady-state circulating concentrations of the mutagenic intermediates 1,2-epoxybut-3-ene and 1,2:3,4-diepoxybutane. A preliminary model based on the observation of a transient complex between cytochrome P450 and microsomal epoxide hydrolase on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane reproduced the blood epoxide concentrations as well as the chamber uptake data. This model was enhanced by the addition of equations for the production and detoxication of 3,4-epoxybutane-1,2-diol in the liver, lungs, and kidneys. The model includes flow-restricted delivery of butadiene and its metabolites to compartments for lungs, liver, fat, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, other rapidly perfused tissues, and other slowly perfused tissues. Blood was distributed among compartments for arterial, venous, and tissue capillary spaces. Channeling of the three bound epoxides to epoxide hydrolase and their release from the endoplasmic reticulum are competing processes in this model. Parameters were estimated to fit data for chamber uptake of butadiene and epoxybutene, steady-state blood concentrations of epoxybutene and diepoxybutane, and the fractions of the inhaled dose of butadiene that appears as various excreted metabolites. The optimal values of the apparent K m s of membrane-bound epoxides for epoxide hydrolase were only 5% of the values for the cytosolic substrate, consistent with the observation of a transient complex between epoxide hydrolase and the cytochrome P450 that produces the epoxide. This proximity effect corresponds to the notion that epoxides produced in situ have privileged access to epoxide hydrolase. The model also predicts considerable accumulation of epoxybutanediol, in agreement with the observation that most of the DNA adducts in animals exposed to butadiene arise from this metabolite.
Evaluation of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Estimated from the NCI 7-Item Screener

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: A Field ScD, Harvard Med Sch, Boston MA.To evaluate bias and correlation of fruit and vegetable intakes estimated from the NCI 7-item screener compared with multiple 24-hr recalls. We compared estimates of fruit and vegetable consumption based on a 7-item frequency questionnaire used to assess baseline and post-intervention intake in NCI-funded trials with average intake across 3 24-hr recalls collected in a single season using the Nutrient Data System (NDS). Total servings of fruit and vegetables on the screener were summed across 6 items, excluding the question on fried potatoes according to NCI 5-A-Day for Better Health guidelines. Among 140 control-site employees in a worksite study selected from 3 ethnic strata (black, Hispanic, white), distribution of fruit and vegetable intakes was positively skewed and ranged from less than half to about 15 servings per day on both instruments. Median intake on the 24-hr recalls was 2.2 servings greater than estimated by the screener (p=0.0001). Median and mean daily intakes were 4.8 and 5.2 (± 2.4) servings, respectively, on the 24 hour recalls; and 2.6 and 3.3 (±2.5) servings, respectively, on the screener. This bias was variable, however, with an inter-quartile range from less than half a serving to more than 3.5 servings per day. The correlation of responses to the two instruments was 0.28 (95% confidence interval 0.12-0.43). To control for skewness in the measures, we also evaluated the bias and correlation in the logarithmic scale. The geometric mean servings were 4.5 for the 24-hour recall and 2.5 for the screener (r=0.24). Daily intakes estimated by the NCI screener were about 2 servings less than our comparison measure, but similar to usual intakes estimated by the 6-item BRFSS brief frequency questionnaire evaluated by others. The higher 24-hr recall estimate is consistent with the NDS algorithm that includes intake from mixed dishes in total fruit and vegetables. Correlations were low relative to those reported by others suggesting limited ability of the screener to rank individuals.
BETA, SIZE, RISK, AND RETURN

We relate the cross-section of stock returns to firm size, beta, and total risk. We find that as extreme monthly security returns are censored from the data, the significance level decreases rapidly for the size variable and increases for beta and total risk. An analysis of up and down markets reaffirms our findings. Consequently, average returns relate positively with beta, negatively with total risk, and not at all with firm size. We infer that investors willingly accept a lower average return on high-total-risk investments as the trade-off for buying a chance at an extreme positive return. JEL classification: G1.
Corrigendum to ‘Species comparison of adenosine and β-adrenoceptors in mammalian atrial and ventricular myocardium’. [Eur. J. Pharmacol. Mol. Pharmacol. Sect. 246 (1993) 105–111]

Abstract The antagonist radioligand 1,3-[3H]dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine ([3H]DPCPX) was used to characterize adenosine A1 receptors in membrane preparations from atrial and ventricular myocardium of rat, rabbit and guinea pig. Kd values in crude membranes from guinea pig atria and ventricles (3.3 and 3.0 nM) were higher than those in the other species (ranges, 1.5–1.8) and 1.5–1.9 nM). Bmax values were greater in atria than in ventricles in all four species, and in atria and ventricles of guinea pig (76 and 34 fmol/mg), than in the other species (ranges, 15–17 and undetectable to 12 fmol/mg). In contrast, guinea pig Kd and Bmax values for β-adrenoceptors, which were labelled with (−)-3-[125I]iodocyanopindolol, fell within the range of values for the other three mammalian species. In semipurified membrane preparations from pig, [3H]DPCPX and the agonist radioligand [125I]N6-4-aminobenzyladenosine appeared to label a similar population of receptors and gave comparable Kd values in atria (0.73 and 0.66 nM) and in ventricles (0.57 and 0.70 nM). In semipurified preparations from pig, the agonist R-(−)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R-PIA) displaced [3H]DPCPX in a manner consistent with the presence of both high- and low-affinity adenosine A1 receptors. The data from this study indicate that the density of adenosine A1 receptors in atria is greater than in ventricles, but similar Kd values suggest that the A1 receptor population is the same in the two cardiac tissues. Also, the data demonstrate that the [3H]DPCPX antagonist binding characteristics of guinea pig myocardium differ from those in rat, rabbit and pig.
Active Combustion Control by Fuel Forcing at Non-Coherent Frequencies

One impediment to substantially further the reductions in NOx emissions for aviation gas turbine engines is thermal-acoustic instabilities, also referred to as combustion dynamics. Dynamics arise due to the coupling of heat and pressure fluctuations in such systems. Numerous passive and semi-active control schemes, including performance de-rating and fuel staging, have been developed for land-based gas turbine engines. However, many of these schemes are not well suited to aviation engines, as a result of their weight and bulk. Observations of several combustors operating on either gaseous or liquid fuels show that the dominant dynamic frequencies have a special relation to specific non-coherent lower frequencies. Experiments show that combinations of two of these non-coherent frequencies form the dominant tones of the combustor. As part of NASA’s intelligent engines program, active combustion control is used to mitigate dynamics, as the combustor’s bulk fuel-air ratio (FAR) is made leaner in an effort to reduce NOx emissions by about 85% below the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) 6 limit. In the feedback control scheme suggested in this paper, a small percentage of the overall fuel flow is pulsed at a given non-coherent frequency and with varying amplitude. The effectiveness of the dynamics reduction approach has been demonstrated via preliminary open loop control tests on a liquid-fuelled partially premixed high-pressure combustion test rig at GE Aviation in Evendale, Ohio.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Modeling environmental disturbances with the chemical master equation

In this paper we consider the problem of representing a biological system and its environment using a stochastic modeling framework. We first introduce a decomposition of the global chemical reaction system into two systems: a system of interest and its environment. We then present and derive a decomposition of the chemical master equation to achieve a representation describing the dynamics of the system of interest, perturbed by an environmental disturbance. We use this decomposition to model examples of two types of environmental disturbances: the disturbance a system experiences through loading effects from limited resources and the disturbance a system experiences when perturbed by an antibiotic that modifies transcription or translation rates.
Reversible disassembly of somatic nucleoli by the germ cell proteins FRGY2a and FRGY2b

Egg cytoplasm has the capability to reprogramme differentiated somatic nuclei, as shown by nuclear transplantation in animal cloning 1 , 2 . The nucleoli of donor nuclei are rapidly disassembled on injection into interphase eggs and are correctly reassembled when donor transcription initiates in the early embryos of frogs and mammals, recapitulating the physiological nucleolar dynamics of early embryogenesis 3 - 6 . This is one of the most remarkable structural reorganizations of somatic nuclei in nuclear cloning. Despite the long history of nuclear cloning, almost nothing is known about the molecular mechanism of nucleolar disassembly in egg cytoplasm. Here we show that the Xenopus germ cell proteins FRGY2a and FRGY2b 7 - 9 reversibly disassemble somatic nucleoli in egg cytoplasm, independently of continuing ribosomal RNA transcription. The carboxy-terminal domain of FRGY2a, which localizes to the nucleoli, is sufficient for nucleolar disassembly in transfected cells. Our results show that a single protein fragment can trigger reversible disassembly of the complex nucleolar structure.
Solubilization of myocardial adenyl cyclase.

Abstract The detergent, Lubrol-PX, solubilized approximately 90–100% of the particulate adenyl cyclase in cat left ventricular homogenates. The activity in the 12,000 × g supernatant was not sedimented at centrifugal speeds as great as 105,000 and 250,000 × g for 2 hours. Electronmicroscopy revealed a virtual absence of particulate material in the ultracentrifuge supernatants. Adenyl cyclase activity was not filterable by a 0.22 μ millipore filter. Sephadex chromatography indicated a molecular weight of approximately 100,000 to 200,000. The solubilzed enzyme was activated by sodium fluoride but not by the hormones which activate the particulate adenyl cyclase, norepinephrine, glucagon or thyroxine.
Benchmark analytic solution of the dynamic response of a spherical shell composed of a transverse isotropic elastic material

Abstract Developing benchmark analytic solutions for problems in solid and fluid mechanics is very important for the purpose of testing and verifying computational physics codes. In order to test the numerical results of physics codes, we consider the geometrically linear dynamic sphere problem. We present an exact solution for the dynamic response of a spherical shell composed of a linearly elastic material exhibiting transverse isotropic symmetry. The solution takes the form of an infinite series of eigenfunctions. We demonstrate, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the convergence of the computed benchmark solution under spatial, temporal, and eigenmode refinement.
OCLC’s Office of Research: the value of research to an organization and to a profession

Presents a survey of the OCLC Office of Research (OR) with emphasis on two projects (Web Characterization Project and Economics of Digital Preservation), and their impact on the library and information science community. The OR is characterized as a model of an informatics organization that recognizes the needs of its library constituents and delivers new technological products as a result of ongoing research projects.
Phylogenetic relationships of Sarcocystis neurona of horses and opossums to other cyst-forming coccidia deduced from SSU rRNA gene sequences

Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the nuclear-encoded small subunit rRNA (ssurRNA) gene were performed to examine the origin, phylogeny, and biogeographic relationships of Sarcocystis neurona isolates from opossums and horses from the State of Michigan, USA, in relation to other cyst-forming coccidia. A total of 31 taxa representing all recognized subfamilies and genera of Sarcocystidae were included in the analyses with clonal isolates of two opossum and two horse S. neurona. Phylogenies obtained by the four tree-building methods were consistent with the classical taxonomy based on morphological criteria. The “isosporid” coccidia Neospora, Toxoplasma, Besnoitia, Isospora lacking stieda bodies, and Hyaloklossia formed a sister group to the Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocystis species were divided into three main lineages; S. neurona isolates were located in the second lineage and clustered with S. mucosa, S. dispersa, S. lacertae, S. rodentifelis, S. muris, and Frenkelia spp. Alignment of S. neurona SSU rRNA gene sequences of Michigan opossum isolates (MIOP5, MIOP20) and a S. neurona Michigan horse isolate (MIH8) showed 100% identity. These Michigan isolates differed in 2/1085 bp (0.2%) from a Kentucky S. neurona horse isolate (SN5). Additionally, S. neurona isolates from horses and opossums were identical based on the ultrastructural features and PCR-RFLP analyses thus forming a phylogenetically indistinct group in these regions. These findings revealed the concordance between the morphological and molecular data and confirmed that S. neurona from opossums and horses originated from the same phylogenetic origin.
The finite element method enriched by interpolation covers

In this paper, we focus on an enriched finite element solution procedure for low-order elements based on the use of interpolation cover functions. We consider the 3-node triangular and 4-node tetrahedral displacement-based elements for two- and three-dimensional analyses, respectively. The standard finite element shape functions are used with interpolation cover functions over patches of elements to increase the convergence of the finite element scheme. The cover functions not only capture higher gradients of a field variable but also smooth out inter-element stress jumps. Since the order of the interpolations in the covers can vary, the method provides flexibility to use different covers for different patches and increases the solution accuracy without any local mesh refinement. As pointed out, the procedure can be derived from various general theoretical approaches and the basic theory has been presented earlier. We evaluate the effectiveness of the method, and illustrate the power of the scheme through the solution of various problems. The method also has potential for the development of error measures.
Optimization of Asperities for Laser-Textured Magnetic Disk Surfaces

Increasing areal densities on the order of I Gbit/in2 in magnetic disk drives demands the use of supersmooth disk substrates which can, however, lead to a severe sticlion problem. A practical solution involves the creation of bumps in a dedicated landing zone near the disk inner diameter using a focused laser beam. The tribological performance of the laser-textured disk depends on the size and number of bumps on its surface. A large number of asperities (bumps) can result in high sticlion force. On the other hand, to prevent plastic deformation, the number of asperities must be greater than a certain number. A statistical contact model has been developed to generate design curves for estimating the critical number of asperities as a function of asperity radius which can prevent both plastic deformation and severe sticlion. Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASME/STLE Tribology Conference in San Francisco, California, October 13–17, 1996
Within-session changes in responding during concurrent schedules that employ two different operanda

Five rats responded on several concurrent schedules in which pressing a key produced reinforcers in one component and pressing a lever produced reinforcers in the other component (Experiment 1). Four pigeons responded on several concurrent keypeck treadlepress schedules (Experiment 2). The programmed rates of reinforcement varied from 15 to 240 reinforcers per hour in different conditions. Rates of responding usually changed systematically within experimental sessions, and the changes were similar for the two components of a concurrent schedule. These results imply that within-session changes in responding may not confound the predictions of theories that describe the ratio of the rates of responding during the two components of concurrent schedules. Instead, within-session changes may be controlled by a mechanism that integrates the reinforcers obtained from the two components.
A Nonlinear Parabolic-Sobolev Equation

Abstract Let M and L be (nonlinear) operators in a reflexive Banach space B for which Rg(M + L) = B and ¦(Mx − My) + α(Lx − Ly)¦ ⩾ | mx − My | for all α > 0 and pairs x, y in D(M) ∩ D(L). Then there is a unique solution of the Cauchy problem (Mu(t))′ + Lu(t) = 0, Mu(0) = v0. When M and L are realizations of elliptic partial differential operators in space variables, this gives existence and uniqueness of generalized solutions of boundary value problems for nonlinear partial differential equations of mixed parabolic-Sobolev type.
Neonatal technology, perinatal survival, social consequences, and the perinatal paradox.

Exogenous surfactant therapy for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome has had a significant impact on infant mortality and on some complications of prematurity. Yet the total number of low-birthweight infants has not declined, resulting in a high-risk population who would require surfactant therapy and long-term child care. Surviving low-birthweight infants (despite surfactant therapy) remain at risk for the consequences of premature birth, such as neurosensory impairment, cerebral palsy, and chronic lung disease. In addition, because of the close association between poverty and low birthweight, surviving premature infants are at increased risk for the new morbidities such as violence, homelessness, child abuse and neglect, and addictive drug use. A goal should be to reduce the risk of being born with a low birthweight, rather than having to treat the consequences of premature gestation. Despite the marvelous advances that permit us to treat respiratory distress syndrome, the continuing hi...
Dynamic modeling and optimization for space logistics using time-expanded networks

Abstract This research develops a dynamic logistics network formulation for lifecycle optimization of mission sequences as a system-level integrated method to find an optimal combination of technologies to be used at each stage of the campaign. This formulation can find the optimal transportation architecture considering its technology trades over time. The proposed methodologies are inspired by the ground logistics analysis techniques based on linear programming network optimization. Particularly, the time-expanded network and its extension are developed for dynamic space logistics network optimization trading the quality of the solution with the computational load. In this paper, the methodologies are applied to a human Mars exploration architecture design problem. The results reveal multiple dynamic system-level trades over time and give recommendation of the optimal strategy for the human Mars exploration architecture. The considered trades include those between In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and propulsion technologies as well as the orbit and depot location selections over time. This research serves as a precursor for eventual permanent settlement and colonization of other planets by humans and us becoming a multi-planet species.
Extended grassfire transform on medial axes of 2D shapes

The medial axis is an important shape descriptor first introduced by Blum (1967)?1] via a grassfire burning analogy. However, the medial axes are sensitive to boundary perturbations, which calls for global shape measures to identify meaningful parts of a medial axis. On the other hand, a more compact shape representation than the medial axis, such as a "center point", is needed in various applications ranging from shape alignment to geography. In this paper, we present a uniform approach to define a global shape measure (called extended distance function, or EDF) along the 2D medial axis as well as the center of a 2D shape (called extended medial axis, or EMA). We reveal a number of properties of the EDF and EMA that resemble those of the boundary distance function and the medial axis, and show that EDF and EMA can be generated using a fire propagation process similar to Blum's grassfire analogy, which we call the extended grassfire transform. The EDF and EMA are demonstrated on many 2D examples, and are related to and compared with existing formulations. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of EDF and EMA in pruning medial axes, aligning shapes, and shape description.
Acute and subchronic toxicity of mirex in the rat, dog, and rabbit.

Abstract The acute and subchronic (13 weeks) toxicity of orally administered mirex was studied in mongrel dogs, beagle dogs, and rats. Percutaneous toxicity was evaluated in rabbits. The acute oral LD50 in male mongrel dogs was found to be > 1000 mg/kg. Beagles of both sexes fed 4 and 20 ppm of mirex for 13 weeks exhibited no toxic effects. Two animals receiving 100 ppm died during the test period. Also observed at this dosage level were a reduced rate of weight gain, abnormal blood chemistry values, increased liver/body weight ratios, and decreased spleen/body weight ratios. No histopathologic changes were attributed to mirex. Male and female rats received diets containing 0, 5, 20, 80, 320, and 1280 ppm. No significant adverse effects were observed at levels of 5, 20, and 80 ppm. The following were observed at 320 and 1280 ppm; depressed growth, decreased hemoglobin concentrations, elevated white cell counts, enlarged livers showing histopathological changes, and deaths in the 1280-ppm groups. Rabbits exposed percutaneously to 3.33 or 6.67 g of mirex bait/kg, 6–7 hr each day, 5 days a week, for 9 weeks, exhibited no evidence of mirex intoxication.
Characterization of Ag Wire Brush/Cu Slip Ring Electrical Contacts Rotating in Wet CO 2

Current-carrying silver wire brushes were run on the same track against a rotating copper slip ring in a conventional stainless steel ultra high vacuum system. The experiments were performed after sputter cleaning of the slip ring in a H 2 0-CO 2 ambient held at one atmosphere of pressure. The electrical contact resistance and the frictional coefficient were measured in situ. Subsequently, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and elemental mapping studies were carried out ex situ on the slip ring, brush end, and wear particle surfaces. Both low (50 mA) and high (40 A) currents were used for comparison. Interestingly, it was found that not only was silver transferred to the copper slip ring, but copper was also transferred to the wire brush ends. Moreover, the wear particles were mainly of two types, one being rich in silver and the other rich in copper, the relative concentrations depending on the current flowing through the contacts. These results demonstrate clearly that mechanical mixing of brush and slip ring material and the incorporation of both materials in wear particles play important roles in rotating current-carrying electrical contact phenomena.
Coyote senses in predation: Environmental influences on their relative use.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of vision, audition, and olfaction to coyotes (Canis latrans) hunting under various environmental conditions. The time durations for four coyotes to locate rabbits within a large outdoor enclosure were determined, with the visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli emitted by the rabbits blocked individually, in pairs, and altogether. Visual stimuli were eliminated by conducting the tests only during sub-threshold nocturnal conditions. Auditory stimuli were eliminated by killing the rabbits immediately prior to a test. Olfactory stimuli were eliminated by inducing anosmia in each coyote through irrigation of the nasal mucosa with a 10% zinc sulphate solution. The relative importance of these three senses in decreasing order was concluded to be: vision, olfaction, and audition.
Forward and Back: Motifs of Inhibition in Olfactory Processing

The remarkable performance of the olfactory system in classifying and categorizing the complex olfactory environment is built upon several basic neural circuit motifs. These include forms of inhibition that may play comparable roles in widely divergent species. In this issue of Neuron, a new study by Stokes and Isaacson sheds light on how elementary types of inhibition dynamically interact.
ROAD CAPITAL COST FUNCTIONS: THEORY AND ESTIMATION

IT HAS BEEN WIDELY RECOGNIZED IN THE FIELD OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING THAT PRESENT COST ESTIMATING TECHNIQUES ARE INADEQUATE. THE RESULTS OF RESEARCH INTO THE THEORETICAL BASIS FOR ROAD RIGHT OF WAY AND CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATION AND THE RESULTS OF ATTEMPTS TO DEVELOP AND TEST SUCH COST ESTIMATING RELATIONSHIPS ARE PRESENTED. IN 1966 THE TRANSPORTATION CENTER OF NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY GATHERED DATA ON 82 FREEWAY CONTRUCTION PROJECTS IN 23 METROPOLITAN AREAS IN THE U.S. THIS INFORMATION WAS ANALYZED TO DEMONSTRATE THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING A GENERALIZED COST MODEL FOR FREEWAY-TYPE ROAD FACILITIES, WHICH TAKES INTO ACCOUNT VARIATIONS IN BOTH FACILITY DESIGNS AND GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. /AUTHOR/
Serpin receptor 1: A hepatic receptor that mediates the clearance of antithrombin III-proteinase complexes

Antithrombin III (ATIII) clearance from blood occurs by redistribution into the extravascular compartment and by binding to the endothelial surface. When, however, ATIII reacts with a proteinase such as alpha-thrombin, the complex is rapidly cleared from the circulation (half-life is approximately five minutes) by a receptor present on hepatocytes. This receptor binds a number of other serine proteinase inhibitors that are members of the class designated as the "serpins." ATIII, alpha 1 -proteinase inhibitor, heparin cofactor II, and alpha 1 -antichymotrypsin proteinase complexes bind to the same hepatic receptor, now designated as serpin receptor 1. Proteinase complexes with alpha 2 -antiplasmin, another member of the serpin class, do not bind to serpin receptor 1. Recent studies suggest that the specificity of the receptor for serpins may reside in the socalled D helix (nomenclature based on the structure of alpha 1 -proteinase inhibitor). The presence of ATIII on the surface of endothelial cells offers a unique mechanism for regulating proteinases formed during coagulation. Since this ATIII is probably associated with heparin-like substances and exists in a high-affinity state, the inhibitor rapidly binds proteinases such as alpha-thrombin. Once the complex forms, its affinity for heparinoids is decreased compared with ATIII, allowing the complex to dissociate from the endothelial surface for rapid clearance by the liver.
The impact of non-neutral federal regulatory policy on competition

We present a duopoly competition model to illustrate how the simultaneous incorporation of two US federal regulatory programs negatively affected telecommunications competition during the past decade. Our model shows that the simultaneous implementation of the Universal Service Fund policy that grants subsidies to incumbent telecommunications providers serving in high-cost areas, and the carrier of last resort policy that mandates incumbents to provide service in under-served geographic areas, deters competitive entry in low-cost markets and thereby runs counter to the objectives for which the policies were intended. This model provides a theoretical explanation of a failure of federal policy.
Influence of injury characteristics and payer status on burn treatment location in Washington state.

The provision of optimal burn care is a resource-intensive endeavor. The American Burn Association has developed criteria to help guide the decision to refer a patient to a burn center for definitive injury care. The purpose of this study was to compare the patient and injury characteristics of patients admitted to the single verified burn center in Washington State with those treated at other facilities in the state. We performed a retrospective review of all patients admitted to a hospital with a burn injury in Washington State from 1987 to 2005 using the state's discharge database (Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System). Patient and injury factors of patients admitted to the state's single verified burn center or at other hospitals were compared. Multivariate poisson regression was used to calculate the relative risk of injury and patient factors that were significantly associated with admission to the verified burn center. From 1987 to 2005, a total of 16,531 patients were admitted to a Washington State hospital after burn injury. Of these patients, 8624 (52.2%) were treated definitively at the University of Washington Burn Center. Patients treated at this verified center had larger overall burn size (7.4% vs 4.5% TBSA, P < .001), higher percent full-thickness burn (4.3% vs 1.2%, P < .001), and higher rates of inhalation injury (2.3% vs 1.5%, P = .005). Uninsured status (relative risk = 1.46, 95% confidence interval = 1.4-1.5) was also significantly associated with treatment at the verified burn center. Injury severity and payer status were both found to be independent predictors of treatment at the single verified burn center in Washington. Language: en
Vanadium-mediated lipid peroxidation in microsomes from human term placenta.

Vanadium is considered an essential element present in living organisms in trace amounts but it is toxic when introduced in excessive doses to animals and humans. Vanadium compounds are extensively used in modern industry and occupational exposure to high doses of vanadium is quite common. In pregnant mice, vanadium accumulates preferentially in the placenta and to lower extent in fetal skeleton and mammary gland during exposure to radioactive vanadium. Accumulation of vanadium in fetoplacental unit may present threat to the fetus by interacting with enzymes and ion-transporting systems in membranes. It is also possible that accumulation of vanadium with its concomitant reduction to vanadyl may lead to lipid peroxidation, followed by damage to biological membranes, lysosomal enzymes release and destruction of placental tissue. To explore some of these possibilities the authors decided to examine whether vanadate can undergo redox cycling in microsomes from human term placenta (HTP) that can lead to lipid peroxidation.
Integrating cell-level kinetic modeling into the design of engineered protein therapeutics

Functional genomics and proteomics are identifying many potential drug targets for novel therapeutic proteins, and both rational and combinatorial protein engineering methods are available for creating drug candidates. A central challenge is the definition of the most appropriate design criteria, which will benefit critically from computational kinetic models that incorporate integration from the molecular level to the whole systems level. Interpretation of these processes will require mathematical models that are refined in combination with relevant data derived from quantitative assays, to correctly set biophysical objectives for protein design.
Quadrature method of moments for aggregation-breakage processes.

Investigation of particulate systems often requires the solution of a population balance, which is a continuity statement written in terms of the number density function. In turn, the number density function is defined in terms of an internal coordinate (e.g., particle length, particle volume) and it generates integral and derivative terms. Different methods exist for numerically solving the population balance equation. For many processes of industrial significance, due to the strong coupling between particle interactions and fluid dynamics, the population balance must be solved as part of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Such an approach requires the addition of a large number of scalars and the associated transport equations. This increases the CPU time required for the simulation, and thus it is clear that it is very important to use as few scalars as possible. In this work the quadrature method of moments (QMOM) is used. The QMOM has already been validated for crystal growth and aggregation; here the method is extended to include breakage. QMOM performance is tested for 10 different cases in which the competition between aggregation and breakage leads to asymptotic solutions.
You’re invited: XML’s fifth birthday celebration

This article looks at XML’s first five years of existence. It reviews the original motivation for creating XML, and some of the applications this standard has made possible, specifically Rich Site Summary and Open eBook Publication Structure.
Silicon-methoxide-modified clays and their polystyrene nanocomposites

Silicon-methoxide-containing modified clays were obtained through cationic exchange between the sodium clay and the ammonium cation of [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]octadecyldimethylammonium chloride (Si18). The nanocomposites were prepared through bulk polymerization of styrene in which the Si18 clay was dispersed. The silicon-methoxide offers the possibility of reaction between the methoxide and a clay hydroxyl group to link together the cation and the clay. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Their thermal stability and flame retardancy were measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimetry. Linkage between the silicon and the clay apparently occurs in the clay but is not likely to occur in the nanocomposite, perhaps because of the presence of the polystyrene spreading the distance between the reactive sites, which makes reaction more difficult. The results from TGA and cone calorimetry were similar to those obtained with other nanocomposites.
A Model Reduction Algorithm for Hidden Markov Models

This paper presents a two step model reduction algorithm for discrete-time, finite state, finite alphabet hidden Markov models. The complexity measure used is the cardinality of the state space of the underlying Markov chain. In the first step, hidden Markov models are associated with a certain class of stochastic jump linear systems, namely the ones where the parametric input is a sequence of independent identically distributed random variables. The image of the high dimensional hidden Markov model in this class of stochastic jump linear systems is simplified by means of a balanced truncation algorithm, which was developed by Kotsalis (2006). Subsequently, the reduced order stochastic jump linear system is modified, so that it meets the constraints of an image of a hidden Markov model of the same order. This is achieved by solving a low dimensional non convex optimization problem. Numerical simulation results provide evidence that the proposed algorithm computes accurate reduced order hidden Markov models, while achieving a compression of the state space by orders of magnitude
In vivo Cutaneous and Perceived Comfort Response to Fabric Part II: Mechanical and Surface Related Comfort Property Determinations for Three Experimental Knit Fabrics

Our analyses using Kawabata instruments confirmed significant differences in phys ical and thermal properties of cotton and polyester single jersey knit fabrics. We at tributed observed differences...
Gender Congruence and Work Effort in Manager–Employee Relationships

This article uses data on public school teachers and principals to examine whether teachers who share the gender of their principal work more overtime hours than teachers who do not. Findings show that gender congruence is associated with overtime hours for female teachers but not for male teachers. This result holds between schools and within schools: female teachers with female principals work more overtime hours than female teachers with male principals, and female teachers with female principals work more overtime hours than male teachers who work in the same school, for the same female principal. In light of multiple competing explanations for this finding, the author explores why gender congruence matters for female teachers but not for male teachers. Practitioner Points Female teachers with female principals work more overtime hours than female teachers with male principals. Female teachers with female principals work more overtime hours than male teachers who work in the same schools, for the same female principals. Gender congruence is not associated with overtime hours among male teachers. Female teachers’ overtime hours are associated with female principals’ overtime hours, suggesting that female teachers emulate female principals’ work behavior.
Personalized therapy for non-small cell lung cancer: hype or clinical reality?

OVERVIEW Hyperbole about “personalized” or “individualized” medicine continues to increase exponentially. To leverage this concept, most major academic medical centers in the United States have been unable to resist the temptation to rebrand a portion of their infrastructure as a “Center for Individualized Medicine” or some reasonable facsimile. Cancer care has been at the forefront of this movement. Although the grizzled skeptic might observe this as the latest iteration of undeliverable hype in cancer treatment, recent advances do suggest a changing landscape in how we approach management decisions for the patient with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An expanding and functionally useful toolbox of novel targeted agents and biomarkers to drive therapeutic choices is beginning to impact patient care. Key advances are reviewed, with commentary and perspective as to what this all means for the practicing thoracic surgical oncologist.