cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biophysical characterization and immunization studies of dominant negative inhibitor (DNI), a candidate anthrax toxin subunit vaccine.

Dominant negative inhibitor (DNI) is a translocation-deficient homolog of recombinant protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis that is a candidate for a next generation anthrax vaccine. This study demonstrates that the biophysical characteristics of the DNI protein stored in lyophilized form at 4 °C for 8 y were similar to recombinant protective antigen (rPA). To provide information on the accelerated stability of DNI, samples in the lyophilized form were subjected to thermal stress (40 and 70 °C for up to 4 weeks) and thoroughly evaluated using various biophysical and chemical characterization techniques. Results demonstrate preserved structural stability of the DNI protein under extreme conditions, suggesting long-term stability can be achieved for a vaccine that employs DNI, as desired for a biodefense countermeasure. Furthermore, the biological activity of the stressed DNI bound to the adjuvant Alhydrogel® was evaluated in mice and it was found that the immunogenicity DNI was not affected by thermal stress.
Design of an energy-absorbing structure using topology optimization with a multimaterial model

To accommodate the dual objectives of many engineering applications, one objective to minimize the mean compliance for the stiffest structure under normal service conditions and the other objective to maximize the strain energy for energy absorption during excessive loadings, topology optimization with a multimaterial model is applied to the design of an energy-absorbing structure in this paper. The effective properties of the three-phase material are derived using a spherical microinclusion model. The dual objectives are combined in a ratio formation. Numerical examples from the proposed method are presented and discussed.
Designs and applications of corrugated QWIPs

Abstract In this paper, we will describe the performance of two long wavelength 1024 × 1024 corrugated quantum well infrared photodetector focal plane arrays (C-QWIP FPAs) with cutoff wavelengths at 8.6 and 9.0 μm, respectively. The FPAs are background limited (BLIP) at around 76 K in an f/1.8 optical system. In addition to the high performance of these C-QWIPs, the corresponding FPAs are also easily producible, making them ideal for large production. We will discuss the optimization of the detectors for different applications. Since corrugated coupling is wavelength insensitive, it is capable of broadband and multi-color detection. We will present a GaAs/AlGaAs broadband detector based on a binary superlattice design. Incorporating the broadband characteristic in a high gain InGaAs/InP material, C-QWIPs with large background photocurrent can be obtained for high speed applications. For multi-color detection, we have investigated two different approaches. One is based on a voltage-tunable, two-color QWIP material, which can be switched between two detection wavelengths simply by changing the detector bias. Stacking two of these similar QWIPs together and separating them with a middle contact layer, a voltage tunable, four-color detector array can be fabricated. A second approach is to combine a broadband QWIP material with a wavelength-selective light coupling method. Using a light coupling geometry to control the detection wavelength of individual pixels, a large number of wavelengths can be detected based on a single broadband detector material.
Computer application in undergraduate geophysics: Fault-plane solutions, body-wave radiation patterns and amplitude ratios

Abstract FPSLN is a FORTRAN V program to plot earthquake P-wave first motion data on a lower hemisphere equal-area projection. The program RADPTN calculates the theoretical radiation pattern for P -waves. Finally, the program SPRATIO calculates the theoretical amplitude ratio of P - and SV -waves. These three programs provide the geophysics student with the fundamental concepts to evaluate the earthquake source mechanism derived from observational data.
Software for senior citizens: An experiential learning course in gerontology, software usability and digital literacy

Two trends in the developed world - the marked growth in the percentage of the population identified as “elderly”, and an increased reliance on computing technology - make it imperative that the high technology designers of tomorrow understand the challenges, capabilities and context of elderly users. Our graduate course on “software for senior citizens” provides a broad background of material from human-computer interaction, gerontology, literacy studies and cognitive and learning sciences. Students also gain first-hand experience through weekly tutoring sessions with local elderly residents. These sessions yield observations and generate contacts from which students generate research projects. This paper discusses our goals and motivations for the course, our experiences to date, and our plans for future iterations and opportunities for expansion.
Unstable-resonator-mode derivation using virtual-source theory

An intuitive technique has been developed in which the lowest- and the higher-order modes for unstable resonators having rectangular or circular mirrors are derived. Instead of two mirrors, it considers the resonator to consist of a train of diffractive edges that are virtual images of the edge of the feedback mirror. Circular-mirror unstable resonators are shown not to exhibit the exact geometrical mode even at high Fresnel numbers.
Surface effects on damage production during ion bombardment: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract Molecular dynamics investigations of self-ion bombardment of Au, Cu, Ge, and Pt were performed with ion energies in the range of 5–20 keV. These simulations revealed that the mechanisms of damage production near surfaces can be far different than those in the bulk. Local melting was observed to be a fundamental element in all of the simulations. In the metals, where the volume of melting is positive, pressure was created within the molten cascade core, and this led to the flow of atoms onto the surface. Upon solidification, relatively few atoms were able to return to lattice sites below the surface, leading to the formation of islands on the surface and dislocation loops of vacancy character, below. Similar effects of melting were obtained for Ge, but since the volume of melting is negative, a somewhat different damage mechanism arises. The simulations also provide new insight about the nature of nonlinear sputtering in metals with high atomic numbers.
Single-channel current through nicotinic receptor produced by closure of binding site C-loop

We investigated the initial coupling of agonist binding to channel gating of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor using targeted molecular-dynamics (TMD) simulation. After TMD simulation to accelerate closure of the C-loops at the agonist binding sites, the region of the pore that passes through the cell membrane expands. To determine whether the structural changes in the pore result in ion conduction, we used a coarse-grained ion conduction simulator, Biology Boltzmann transport Monte Carlo, and applied it to two structural frames taken before and after TMD simulation. The structural model before TMD simulation represents the channel in the proposed "resting" state, whereas the model after TMD simulation represents the channel in the proposed "active" state. Under external voltage biases, the channel in the "active" state was permeable to cations. Our simulated ion conductance approaches that obtained experimentally and recapitulates several functional properties characteristic of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Thus, closure of the C-loop triggers a structural change in the channel sufficient to account for the open channel current. This approach of applying Biology Boltzmann transport Monte Carlo simulation can be used to further investigate the binding to gating transduction mechanism and the structural bases for ion selection and translocation.
Folding kinetics and thermodynamics of Pseudomonas syringae effector protein AvrPto provide insight into translocation via the type III secretion system.

In order to infect their hosts, many Gram-negative bacteria translocate agents of infection, called effector proteins, through the type III secretion system (TTSS) into the host cytoplasm. This process is thought to require at least partial unfolding of these agents, raising the question of how an effector protein might unfold to enable its translocation and then refold once it reaches the host cytoplasm. AvrPto is a well-studied effector protein of Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato. The presence of a readily observed unfolded population of AvrPto in aqueous solution and the lack of a known secretion chaperone make it ideal for studying the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics that facilitate translocation. Application of Nzz exchange spectroscopy revealed a global, two-state folding equilibrium with 16% unfolded population, a folding rate of 1.8 s−1, and an unfolding rate of 0.33 s−1 at pH 6.1. TrAvrPto stability increases with increasing pH, with only 2% unfolded population observed at pH 7.0. The R1 relaxation of TrAvrPto, which is sensitive to both the global anisotropy of folded TrAvrPto and slow exchange between folded and unfolded conformations, provided independent verification of the global kinetic rate constants. Given the acidic apoplast in which the pathogen resides and the more basic host cytoplasm, these results offer an intriguing mechanism by which the pH dependence of stability and slow folding kinetics of AvrPto would allow efficient translocation of the unfolded form through the TTSS and refolding into its functional folded form once inside the host.
Intermediates of the first round of λ DNA replication are preferentially found in a rapidly sedimenting complex

Summary Parental DNA of bacteriophage λ can be divided into two components after fractionation of gently lysed λcI90 infected host cells, in a sucrose gradient: a fast sedimenting component, presumably attached to some cell membrane material, and a slow sedimenting one. Electron microscopic studies on these components showed that intermediates of the first round of λ DNA replication are preferentially present in the fast sedimenting component. These results support the notion that this stage of λ DNA replication might occur at the cell membrane.
Self-referenced High Resolution Adaptive Wavefront Estimation And Compensation

A relatively simple 'all-optical' system, called a self-referenced interference phase loop (IPL), is presented for measuring spatial and temporal phase fluctuations over an optical wavefront, and also adaptively correcting that wavefront and/or generating a conjugate wave. It is shown that this system can unambiguously (with no phase quadrant ambiguity) estimate and compensate phase in real time over multiple Tr radians of dynamic range/ and is essentially unaffected by simultaneous wave amplitude variations. Furthermore, this system requires no external reference wavefront and can operate on partially coherent and multispectral (i. e, "white light") wavefronts, in which case it estimates and compensates optical-path-distance errors. In addition, the IPL readily lends itself to high resolution "all-optical" implementations containing thousands to millions of spatial resolution elements. The IPL can also be operated as a bistable array in optical information processing and computing applications.
Residual petroleum in sediments reduces the bioavailability and rate of reductive dechlorination of Aroclor 1242

Residual petroleum hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are frequently found together at contamination sites. Intrinsic reductive dechlorination of PCBs at these sites is highly variable. Sediments of Silver Lake (MA), which contain ∼6.2% petroleum hydrocarbons, did not support PCB dechlorination in laboratory assays. Removal of petroleum components from Silver Lake sediments by solvent extraction did not alter their inability to support dechlorination. When other sediments known to support PCB dechlorination were inoculated with PCB-dechlorinating organisms and amended with incremental increases of pure petroleum hydrocarbons (0−4 wt %/wt) or 6.2% petroleum hydrocarbons extracted from Silver Lake sediments, a reduction in both the rate and extent of PCB dechlorination occurred. The maximal rate of dechlorination observed in these assays appears to depend singularly on the aqueous-phase PCB concentrations. A single-regression equation relating maximal PCB dechlorination rates to the PCB conce...
1. The principles on which the IPA should be based

As part of the preparation for the meeting on the revision of the International Phonetic Alphabet, I have been asked to write a short summary of my correspondence with a number of members of the Association on the principles on which the alphabet should be based. To this end, I have sought the views of the 34 respondents who gave first or second rank to this topic on the preregistration form for the 1989 Convention.
Meno's Motivation: The Foundations of Learning

(1987). Meno's Motivation: The Foundations of Learning. The Educational Forum: Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 151-165.
A viability assay for Candida albicans based on the electron transfer mediator 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen with comparably high respiratory activity. Thus, we established a viability test based on 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP), a membrane-permeable electron transfer agent. NADH dehydrogenases catalyze the reduction of DCIP by NADH, and the enzymatic activity can be determined either electrochemically via oxidation reactions of DCIP or photometrically. Among the specific respiratory chain inhibitors, only the complex I inhibitor rotenone decreased the DCIP signal from C. albicans, leaving residual activity of approximately 30%. Thus, the DCIP-reducing activity of C. albicans was largely dependent on complex I activity. C. albicans is closely related to the complex I-negative yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which had previously been used in DCIP viability assays. Via comparative studies, in which we included the pathogenic complex I-negative yeast Candida glabrata, we could define assay conditions that allow a distinction of complex I-negative and -positive organisms. Basal levels of DCIP turnover by S.cerevisiae and C. glabrata were only 30% of those obtained from C. albicans but could be increased to the C. albicans level by adding glucose. No significant increases were observed with galactose. DCIP reduction rates from C. albicans were not further increased by any carbon source.
Toward Understanding Ambulatory Activity Decline in Parkinson Disease

Background Declining ambulatory activity represents an important facet of disablement in Parkinson disease (PD). Objective The primary study aim was to compare the 2-year trajectory of ambulatory activity decline with concurrently evolving facets of disability in a small cohort of people with PD. The secondary aim was to identify baseline variables associated with ambulatory activity at 1- and 2-year follow-up assessments. Design This was a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Methods Seventeen people with PD (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1–3) were recruited from 2 outpatient settings. Ambulatory activity data were collected at baseline and at 1- and 2-year annual assessments. Motor, mood, balance, gait, upper extremity function, quality of life, self-efficacy, and levodopa equivalent daily dose data and data on activities of daily living also were collected. Results Participants displayed significant 1- and 2-year declines in the amount and intensity of ambulatory activity concurrently with increasing levodopa equivalent daily dose. Worsening motor symptoms and slowing of gait were apparent only after 2 years. Concurrent changes in the remaining clinical variables were not observed. Baseline ambulatory activity and physical performance variables had the strongest relationships with 1- and 2-year mean daily steps. Limitations The sample was small and homogeneous. Conclusions Future research that combines ambulatory activity monitoring with a broader and more balanced array of measures would further illuminate the dynamic interactions among evolving facets of disablement and help determine the extent to which sustained patterns of recommended daily physical activity might slow the rate of disablement in PD.
An integrated approach to PWM through 3-dimensional visualization

This paper presents an approach to pulse-width modulation based on a 3D representation to facilitate analysis and design. The modulation process can be studied from a unified perspective. A mathematical and geometric framework is established to show that the behavior of a system follows a trajectory inscribed inside a cube. The cube corners represent available switch states. The basic equations governing the pulse width modulation (PWM) process are derived in the proposed three dimensional space. The 3D curve representing a PWM process is used to yield some of its general characteristics. It is shown how basic harmonic behavior can be approximated from this 3D trajectory. A few modulation schemes are compared using this new approach with emphasis on space vector modulation. Finally, this approach is used to design a modulation scheme for the overmodulation range with reduced harmonic distortion.
The Impact of Social Resources on Depressive Symptoms in Racially and Ethnically Diverse Older Adults Variations by Groups With Differing Health Risks

The objectives of this study were (1) to develop an empirical typology of physical health risks in racially and ethnically diverse older adults and (2) to examine whether the impact of social resources on depressive symptoms differs across the identified health risk groups (low, moderate, and high risks). The data source was the Survey of Older Floridians, a statewide survey of older adults aged 65 and older (n = 1,432). Latent profile analysis with multiple indicators of physical health (chronic conditions, functional disability, and self-rated health) was used to identify three health risk groups (low, moderate, and high risks). The direct and interactive effects of the health risk group membership and social resources (social support and religious service attendance) on depressive symptoms were found. Of particular interest was that the positive impact of social support was most pronounced in the moderate health risk group.
Elements of pathological love relationships.

The present discussion specifies a number of elements which seem to be involved in functional and pathological relationships. Since the stability of such relationships may be attributable to the manner in which “love” is transacted and interchanged, it seems advisable for the clinician to utilize a more precise set of criteria against which both adaptive and maladaptive relationships may be appraised and therapeutically managed. In this context, the judicious expression of the following elements of adaptive love relationships were identified: (a) needing, (b) giving, (c) romance, and (d) companionship. Similarly, the common determinants of maladaptive love relationships, i.e., (a) power, (b) possession, (c) protection, (d) pity, and (e) perversion, were also labeled and discussed together with therapeutic implications. With these specific elements the therapist may be more able to assess counter-productive patterns and promote the conditions under which qualitative changes in the relationship might be acc...
The los alamos national laboratory neutron-neutron scattering program

Abstract A theoretical and experimental program is underway to determine the feasibility of a measurement of the neutron-neutron scattering cross section of 10–12% uncertainty using small-angle, low center-of-mass energy, colliding neutron beams derived from a fusion-fission nuclear source, The neutron-neutron scattering length would be inferred from the measured cross sections. The general concept of the experiments and progress are discussed.
Vision and the achievement gap among urban minority youth.

OBJECTIVES: To outline the prevalence and disparities of vision problems among school-aged urban minority youth, causal pathways through which vision problems adversely affects academic achievement, and proven or promising approaches for schools to address these problems. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: More than 20% of school-aged youth have some kind of vision problem. In a nationally representative sample of more than 48,000 youth under age 18, those from lower income families were less likely to have diagnosed eye conditions than White children and children living in higher income families. When diagnosed with eye care problems, Black youth living in poverty received fewer and less intensive services. Causal pathways through which vision problems adversely affect academic achievement include sensory perceptions, cognition, and school connectedness. Vision screening is widespread in the nation's schools, but the educational (and public health) benefits from these efforts are jeopardized by lack of follow-up and coordination of efforts. CONCLUSIONS: Vision problems are highly and disproportionately prevalent among school-aged urban minority youth, have a negative impact on academic achievement through their effects on sensory perceptions, cognition, and school connectedness, and effective practices are available for schools to address these problems. School-based vision screening programs are a logical approach for the early detection and treatment of vision problems affecting youth and are widely implemented in the nation's schools. To more fully realize the educational (and public health) benefits of current investments in screening, programs will require improved follow-up and coordination between and among agencies conducting screening, school nurses, teachers and parents, and in some cases community resources.
Acculturation in relation to the acquisition of a second language

Learners who begin to acquire a second language (L2) in a naturalistic environment after puberty are thought to be constrained by biological age factors and to have greater difficulty obtaining native-like L2. However, the extant literature suggests that L2 acquisition may be positively affected by post-maturational factors, such as acculturation. This exploratory study examined the relationship between acculturation and L2 acquisition on Chinese–English late learners. Chinese students who arrived in the USA after puberty were examined to see whether the acculturation process towards US society was associated with higher speaking proficiency levels and more native-like pronunciation of English language. The results suggest that acculturation relates to speaking proficiency but not pronunciation.
The CAPTURE registry: Predictors of outcomes in carotid artery stenting with embolic protection for high surgical risk patients in the early post-approval setting

Background: The use of carotid artery stenting with embolic protection has been practiced for over a decade in the United States, and increasingly so since carotid stenting received FDA approval in 2004. While there have been attempts at establishing predictors of outcomes in carotid artery stenting, they have generally been limited to single center experiences and/or multicenter retrospective surveys. This report examines predictors of outcomes in carotid stenting in the earliest and largest prospective multicenter neurologist-adjudicated experience in the United States post device approval. Methods: The Carotid Acculink®/Accunet® Post-Approval Trial to Uncover Unanticipated or Rare Events (CAPTURE) is a prospective, multi-center registry conducted to assess outcomes of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in the noninvestigational setting following device approval for high surgical risk patients (symptomatic with ≥50% stenosis; asymptomatic ≥80% stenosis). A neurologist examined the patients before the procedure, at 24 hr and 30-days post-procedure. The primary endpoint was a composite of death, any stroke, or myocardial infarction within 30-days post-procedure. Strokes and neurological events suspected to be strokes were adjudicated by an independent Clinical Events Adjudication Committee (CEAC) using prespecified definitions. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine clinical, procedural, and anatomic predictors of endpoint outcomes. Results: Three thousand five hundred patients were enrolled at 144 sites by 353 physicians of varying specialty backgrounds and CAS experience. The 30-day primary endpoint event rate of death, stroke and MI was 6.3% [95% CI: 5.5–7.1%], and the rate of major stroke and death 2.9% [95% CI: 2.4–3.5]. Predictors of adverse outcomes included age, symptomatic patients, predilation prior to embolic protection device placement, time from symptoms to CAS procedure, and the use of multiple stents. Conclusions: In general, carotid stenting is performed safely in patients with severe stenosis at high surgical risk, with best outcomes in younger asymptomatic patients. However, there are certain patient and procedural characteristics that are associated with poorer outcomes. In these patients, the risk of stenting should be considered vis-a-vis both the anticipated benefit as well as the alternative surgical and medical options. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Materials Printing Using Electrospray

In an electrospray, large electric potentials are used to generate a spray of highly charged droplets. Colloidal dispersions, consisting of nanoparticles in a volatile solvent, can be atomized using electrospray. Printing occurs by directing the emitted droplets towards a target substrate. The solvent evaporation is rapid and dry nanoparticles are produced before reaching the surface. Electrospray imparts an excess electric charge on to the emitted particles. The mutual coulombic interaction between the particles governs their transport and ultimately the microstructure of the printed deposit. In this study, we investigate the structure of nanoparticle ink deposits printed using electrospray. Electrospray offers enhanced control over the microstructure of printed nanomaterial deposits compared to traditional printing techniques. This has significant implications for the manufacturing of flexible electronic and photonic devices.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Quantification of plant chlorophyll content using Google Glass

Measuring plant chlorophyll concentration is a well-known and commonly used method in agriculture and environmental applications for monitoring plant health, which also correlates with many other plant parameters including, e.g., carotenoids, nitrogen, maximum green fluorescence, etc. Direct chlorophyll measurement using chemical extraction is destructive, complex and time-consuming, which has led to the development of mobile optical readers, providing non-destructive but at the same time relatively expensive tools for evaluation of plant chlorophyll levels. Here we demonstrate accurate measurement of chlorophyll concentration in plant leaves using Google Glass and a custom-developed software application together with a cost-effective leaf holder and multi-spectral illuminator device. Two images, taken using Google Glass, of a leaf placed in our portable illuminator device under red and white (i.e., broadband) light-emitting-diode (LED) illumination are uploaded to our servers for remote digital processing and chlorophyll quantification, with results returned to the user in less than 10 seconds. Intensity measurements extracted from the uploaded images are mapped against gold-standard colorimetric measurements made through a commercially available reader to generate calibration curves for plant leaf chlorophyll concentration. Using five plant species to calibrate our system, we demonstrate that our approach can accurately and rapidly estimate chlorophyll concentration of fifteen different plant species under both indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. This Google Glass based chlorophyll measurement platform can display the results in spatiotemporal and tabular forms and would be highly useful for monitoring of plant health in environmental and agriculture related applications, including e.g., urban plant monitoring, indirect measurements of the effects of climate change, and as an early indicator for water, soil, and air quality degradation.
Scaling of solid state lasers for satellite power beaming applications

ABSTRACT The power requirements for a satellite power beaming laser system depend upon the diameter of the beam director, the performance of the adaptive optics system, and the missiou requirements. For an 8 meter beam director and overall Strehi ratioof 50%, a 30 kW laser at 850 nm can deliver an equivalent solar flux to a satellite at geostationary orbit. Advances in DiodePumped Solid State Lasers (DPSSL) have brought these small, efficient and reliable devices to high average power and they should be considered for satellite power beaming applications. Two solid state systems are described: a diode pumped Alexandrite and diode pumped Thulium doped YAG. Both can deliver high average power at 850 nm in a single aperture. 1. BACKGROUND In a companion paper1, a conceptual design for a laser power beaming system for recharging batteries of geostationary satellites was presented. The key feature of the system is the use of modern, large diameter beam directors with an efficient adaptive optics control system to reduce the power requirements of the laser to a manageable level. With these developments, the powerlevel of the laser needed to deliver an equivalent solar flux to geostationary orbit was reduced to the order of 30 kW from thevalue of 300 kW reported in other studies. At this power level, advanced solid state lasers, which are rapidly being scaled inpower, may be used to great advantage for this application.Solid state lasers have always been a simple, efficient generator of near JR radiation, having few of the difficult technologies
CDK4/6 and IGF1 Receptor Inhibitors Synergize to Suppress the Growth of p16INK4A-Deficient Pancreatic Cancers

Loss-of-function mutations in p16(INK4A) (CDKN2A) occur in approximately 80% of sporadic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), contributing to its early progression. Although this loss activates the cell-cycle-dependent kinases CDK4/6, which have been considered as drug targets for many years, p16(INK4A)-deficient PDAC cells are inherently resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors. This study searched for targeted therapies that might synergize with CDK4/6 inhibition in this setting. We report that the IGF1R/IR inhibitor BMS-754807 cooperated with the CDK4/6 inhibitor PD-0332991 to strongly block proliferation of p16(INK4A)-deficient PDAC cells in vitro and in vivo. Sensitivity to this drug combination correlated with reduced activity of the master cell growth regulator mTORC1. Accordingly, replacing the IGF1R/IR inhibitor with the rapalog inhibitor temsirolimus broadened the sensitivity of PDAC cells to CDK4/6 inhibition. Our results establish targeted therapy combinations with robust cytostatic activity in p16(INK4A)-deficient PDAC cells and possible implications for improving treatment of a broad spectrum of human cancers characterized by p16(INK4A) loss.
TRIPs: an integrated intelligent problem-solving assistant

We discuss what constitutes an integrated system in AI, and why AI researchers should be interested in building and studying them. Taking integrated systems to be ones that integrate a variety of components in order to perform some task from start to finish, we believe that such systems (a) allow us to better ground our theoretical work in actual tasks, and (b) provide an opportunity for much-needed evaluation based on task performance. We describe one particular integrated system we have developed that supports spoken-language dialogue to collaboratively solve planning problems. We discuss how the integrated system provides key advantages for helping both our work in natural language dialogue processing and in interactive planning and problem solving, and consider the opportunities such an approach affords for the future.
Recent developments on direct relative orientation

Abstract This paper presents a novel version of the five-point relative orientation algorithm given in Nister [Nister, D., 2004. An efficient solution to the five-point relative pose problem, IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, 26 (6), 756–770]. The name of the algorithm arises from the fact that it can operate even on the minimal five-point correspondences required for a finite number of solutions to relative orientation. For the minimal five correspondences, the algorithm returns up to 10 real solutions. The algorithm can also operate on many points. Like the previous version of the five-point algorithm, our method can operate correctly even in the face of critical surfaces, including planar and ruled quadric scenes. The paper presents comparisons with other direct methods, including the previously developed five-point method, two different six-point methods, the seven-point method, and the eight-point method. It is shown that the five-point method is superior in most cases among the direct methods. The new version of the algorithm was developed from the perspective of algebraic geometry and is presented in the context of computing a Grobner basis. The constraints are formulated in terms of polynomial equations in the entries of the fundamental matrix. The polynomial equations generate an algebraic ideal for which a Grobner basis is computed. The Grobner basis is used to compute the action matrix for multiplication by a single variable monomial. The eigenvectors of the action matrix give the solutions for all the variables and thereby also relative orientation. Using a Grobner basis makes the solution clear and easy to explain.
Modeling of a manufacturing system using Petri nets

This paper presents the modeling, simulation and the problems of a cookie manufacturing line using Petri nets. The system has two production lines. Each line has a cookie machine, a manual packaging operation of cookies and cookie boxes, and finally the closing labeling and palletization of boxes. Stochastic and timed Petri nets are used to model, simulate and evaluate the production line. For the editing, simulation and verification of generalized and stochastic Petri nets, previously developed software is used. The program can be used to model any discrete dynamic system, in particular oriented to work with manufacturing systems.
Molecular study of malignant gliomas treated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: tissue analysis from North American Brain Tumor Consortium Trials 01-03 and 00-01.

Purpose: We investigated the molecular effect of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib in vivo on all available tumors from patients treated on North American Brain Tumor Consortium trials 01-03 and 00-01 for recurrent or progressive malignant glioma. Experimental Design: EGFR expression and signaling during treatment with erlotinib or gefitinib were analyzed by Western blot and compared with pre–erlotinib/gefitinib–exposed tissue or unexposed controls. Tumors were also analyzed for EGFR mutations and for other genomic abnormalities by array-based comparative genomic hybridization. Clinical data were used to associate molecular features with tumor sensitivity to erlotinib or gefitinib. Results: Erlotinib and gefitinib did not markedly affect EGFR activity in vivo. No lung signature mutations of EGFR exons 18 to 21 were observed. There was no clear association between erlotinib/gefitinib sensitivity and deletion or amplification events on array-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis, although novel genomic changes were identified. Conclusions: As erlotinib and gefitinib were generally ineffective at markedly inhibiting EGFR phosphorylation in these tumors, other assays may be needed to detect molecular effects. Additionally, the mechanism of erlotinib/gefitinib sensitivity likely differs between brain and lung tumors. Finally, novel genomic changes, including deletions of chromosomes 6, 21, and 22, represent new targets for further research.
Experimental Study of a Model Gas Turbine Combustor Swirl Cup, Part I: Two-Phase Characterization

The behavior of droplets and the continuous phase (i.e., gas in the presence of the droplets) downstream of a 3 x model gas turbine combustor dome swirl cup is characterized via phase Doppler interferometry in the absence of reaction. The goal is to improve the understanding of droplet-gas interaction in a complex flow typical of that produced by engine hardware. Three components of continuous phase and droplet velocities were measured along with droplet size. The measurements reveal that (1) at the exit plane of the swirl cup, more uniform and finer droplets are produced relative to the atomizer alone, (2) both the continuous phase and droplets recirculate, (3) the region downstream of the swirl cup into which droplets join the recirculation is correlated with droplet size, and (4) significant slip velocities exist between the continuous phase and the droplets which are also correlated with droplet size and reflect a strong momentum exchange between the phases. 11 refs.
Treating hepatocellular carcinoma progression following first-line sorafenib: therapeutic options and clinical observations

Despite the established efficacy of sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a significant number of sorafenib-treated patients experience disease progression. Current guidelines recommend either best supportive care or clinical trial enrollment for this population. As such, there remains an unmet need for tolerable, life-prolonging strategies in the second-line setting. New information regarding the molecular pathogenesis of resistance to antiangiogenic therapy and positive post-progression experience with antiangiogenics in other tumor types has led to trials investigating the effect of continued use of sorafenib, alone or combined with other agents. Trials investigating the effect of switching from sorafenib to alternate antiangiogenic agents, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, or cMet inhibitors are also underway. As these data emerge, clinicians may consider a new paradigm for managing advanced HCC. This article briefly reviews the mechanisms of disease resistance to antiangiogenic therapy as a vehicle for discussing clinical strategies to prolong survival in patients with advanced HCC that are currently employed at our institutions or are under investigation. Key ongoing trials investigating the use of molecularly targeted therapies in patients with progressive disease are also highlighted.
Satisfying Patient-Consumer Principles For Health Information Exchange: Evidence From California Case Studies

In June 2010 sixteen organizations representing California patients and consumers adopted nine principles for electronically exchanging health information among and within provider organizations. T...
Hyperammonemia results in reduced muscle function independent of muscle mass

The mechanism of the nearly universal decreased muscle strength in cirrhosis is not known. We evaluated whether hyperammonemia in cirrhosis causes contractile dysfunction independent of reduced skeletal muscle mass. Maximum grip strength and muscle fatigue response were determined in cirrhotic patients and controls. Blood and muscle ammonia concentrations and grip strength normalized to lean body mass were measured in the portacaval anastomosis (PCA) and sham-operated pair-fed control rats (n = 5 each). Ex vivo contractile studies in the soleus muscle from a separate group of Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 7) were performed. Skeletal muscle force of contraction, rate of force development, and rate of relaxation were measured. Muscles were also subjected to a series of pulse trains at a range of stimulation frequencies from 20 to 110 Hz. Cirrhotic patients had lower maximum grip strength and greater muscle fatigue than control subjects. PCA rats had a 52.7 ± 13% lower normalized grip strength compared with control rats, and grip strength correlated with the blood and muscle ammonia concentrations (r(2) = 0.82). In ex vivo muscle preparations following a single pulse, the maximal force, rate of force development, and rate of relaxation were 12.1 ± 3.5 g vs. 6.2 ± 2.1 g; 398.2 ± 100.4 g/s vs. 163.8 ± 97.4 g/s; -101.2 ± 22.2 g/s vs. -33.6 ± 22.3 g/s in ammonia-treated compared with control muscle preparation, respectively (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Tetanic force, rate of force development, and rate of relaxation were depressed across a range of stimulation from 20 to 110 Hz. These data provide the first direct evidence that hyperammonemia impairs skeletal muscle strength and increased muscle fatigue and identifies a potential therapeutic target in cirrhotic patients.
Box window double skin façade. Steady state heat transfer model proposal for energetic audits

Abstract This study presents a simple heat transfer methodology for box double skin facade. There are a number of numerical methods described in different papers, but at local and European level it is a lack of standards or unique methodologies regarding this system. The methodology presented is an extended and corrected version of a heat transfer method through a double-glazed window described by Oosthuizen and Naylor in [1] . The box double skin facade consist of an internal double pane window and a 10 mm secure glass as double skin. The methodology incorporates heat transfer by conduction and convection, considering two extreme climatic conditions for exterior temperature. The main purpose of this study is to identify the difference between single-skin facade and double skin facade from heat transfer point of view. For this purpose were taken into account and calculated face temperatures, total thermal resistances, transmittances and heat fluxes. Analyze of the heat transfer indicators were described by tabular values and by one year chart for Brasov region, in Romania. For a faster calculation some second degree polynomial equations are proposed, for finding thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and kinematic viscosity as a temperature function. For each property it was found one equation for air and one for argon. Argon and air are the most common gases included in window systems. Overall, the study shows an increase in envelope insulation with greatest benefits during the cold season.
Intramuscular migration of calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposits involving the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder: report of 11 patients.

Objective The intent of the study is to describe an unusual pattern of intramuscular migration of calcific deposits related to hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD) involving the rotator cuff, to illustrate the characteristic imaging features of this phenomenon, and to discuss the clinical significance of such migration. Materials and methods A series of cases of intramuscular accumulation of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals collected over a 7-year period at multiple hospitals within the same academic institution were retrospectively reviewed. Results The patient group was composed of seven men and four women, ranging in age from 51 to 79 years, with a mean age of 63 years. All subjects presented with acute shoulder pain. The majority of subjects reported the spontaneous onset of the symptoms (64 %), while others reported weight lifting (27%)andafallonthearm(9%)asthemechanismsofinjury. The right shoulder was affected in 73 % of the subjects. The supraspinatus was the most commonly affected muscle (82 %), followed by the infraspinatus muscle (36 %). Conclusions Knowledge of the imaging features of intramuscular migration of hydroxyapatite deposits is important in order to avoid the erroneous diagnosis of other causes of muscle edema and inflammation such as myotendinous injury, myositis, subacute denervation, and neoplasm.
Burden of Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers on Hospital Admissions and Costs

Background Costs related to diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) care are greater than $1 billion annually and rising. We sought to describe the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on foot ulcer admissions in the United States, and to investigate potential explanations for rising hospital costs. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2005–2010) was queried using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes for a primary diagnosis of foot ulceration. Multivariable analyses were used to compare outcomes and per-admission costs among patients with foot ulceration and DM versus non-DM. Results In total, 962,496 foot ulcer patients were admitted over the study period. The overall rate of admissions was relatively stable over time, but the ratio of DM versus non-DM admissions increased significantly (2005: 10.2 vs. 2010: 12.7; P Conclusions Diabetes increases the incidence of foot ulcer admissions by 11-fold, accounting for more than 80% of all amputations and increasing hospital costs more than 10-fold over the 5 years. The majority of these costs are related to the treatment of infected foot ulcers. Education initiatives and early prevention strategies through outpatient multidisciplinary care targeted at high-risk populations are essential to preventing further increases in what is already a substantial economic burden.
Inheritance and fitness consequences of resistance to fenvalerate in Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Inheritance and fitness consequences of resistance to fen valerate in Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), the beet army worm, were evaluated with inbred lines of fenvalerate resistant and susceptible populations. Ancestors of the fen valerate-resistant population were exposed to a selection regime of multiple insecticides in the wild and were subsequently selected intensely with fenvalerate in the laboratory. Tolerance distributions of six generations of known relationship, derived from crosses of the inbred lines and their offspring, were estimated using susceptibility data. Because the tolerance distributions of the parental and F, generations overlapped, discrimination between a polygenic and monogenic model of fen valerate resistance inheritance was difficult. By fitting mean tolerance of these and the F. and two back cross generations to additive-dominance models, variation of mean tolerance among generations was adequately explained by a reduced polygenic model of five parameters that included epistatic effects of additive-by-additive and additive-by-dominance digenic interactions. Therefore, a polygenic model of inheritance seemed most plausible to explain fenvalerate resistance expression. Measurements of fecundity and development time differed among generations. Although an additive fitness cost explained a significant amount of the observed variation, resistance may be acting on these traits in a complex manner. Polygenic inheritance of resistance and fluctuating fitness effects because of changing patterns of fenvalerate use may contribute to the spatial and temporal variation in resistance seen in wild populations.
Electrically Conducting Compatible Blends of Polyaniline / Poly(Vinyl Pyrrolidone)

Blending polyaniline (PAn) with a host polymer has the advantage of reducing the amount of polyaniline necessary for conductivity, increasing the stability of this conduction, and enhancing the overall mechanical integrity, versatility, and processability of PAn. PAn blends have generally been observed to be immiscible, reducing many of the above mentioned advantages. In this work, PAn was solution blended with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) in either NMP or DMAc, both polar solvents with an amide linkage. We have found PAn to be miscible with PVP under certain processing conditions. The extent of this compatibility and resulting mechanical properties were assessed by DMA, DSC, TGA, SAXS, and light microscopy. DSC thermograms exhibit a single Tg for all blends ranging from 3 to 30 % by weight PAn. Light microscopy and SAXS also suggest no phase separation. TGA results show that NMP binds very tightly to both PAn and PVP, with solvent cast blends retaining up to 20 wt% NMP, even after relatively vigorous drying. Electrical conductivity measurements of cast films show conductivity to range from 10−3 to 2 S/cm over the same composition range.