cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First Penicillin-Binding Protein Occupancy Patterns of β-Lactams and β-Lactamase Inhibitors in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are the high-affinity target sites of all β-lactam antibiotics in bacteria. It is well known that each β-lactam covalently binds to and thereby inactivates different PBPs with various affinities. Despite β-lactams serving as the cornerstone of our therapeutic armamentarium against Klebsiella pneumoniae, PBP binding data are missing for this pathogen. We aimed to generate the first PBP binding data on 13 chemically diverse and clinically relevant β-lactams and β-lactamase inhibitors in K. pneumoniae. PBP binding was determined using isolated membrane fractions from K. pneumoniae strains ATCC 43816 and ATCC 13883. Binding reactions were conducted using β-lactam concentrations from 0.0075 to 256 mg/liter (or 128 mg/liter). After β-lactam exposure, unbound PBPs were labeled by Bocillin FL. Binding affinities (50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50]) were reported as the β-lactam concentrations that half-maximally inhibited Bocillin FL binding. PBP occupancy patterns by β-lactams were consistent across both strains. Carbapenems bound to all PBPs, with PBP2 and PBP4 as the highest-affinity targets (IC50, <0.0075 mg/liter). Preferential PBP2 binding was observed by mecillinam (amdinocillin; IC50, <0.0075 mg/liter) and avibactam (IC50, 2 mg/liter). Aztreonam showed high affinity for PBP3 (IC50, 0.06 to 0.12 mg/liter). Ceftazidime bound PBP3 at low concentrations (IC50, 0.06 to 0.25 mg/liter) and PBP1a/b at higher concentrations (4 mg/liter), whereas cefepime bound PBPs 1 to 4 at more even concentrations (IC50, 0.015 to 2 mg/liter). These PBP binding data on a comprehensive set of 13 clinically relevant β-lactams and β-lactamase inhibitors in K. pneumoniae enable, for the first time, the rational design and optimization of double β-lactam and β-lactam–β-lactamase inhibitor combinations.
Working-Class Detroit

The analysis of material culture and faunal remains with an eye towards pattern recognition in historical archaeology has been accused of being only a “form of structural functionalism” (Schuyler 1980:200), due in part to its lack of explanatory underpinnings (Honerkamp et al. 1982:2). The search for pattern as espoused by South (1977) and others is a direct product of the nature of sites in the regions where such theoretical orientations were first developed. Nineteenth-century urban archaeology, on the other hand, is often blessed with documentary evidence that obviates concerns of pattern recognition for defining site function, allowing detailed analysis of faunal and material culture in relation to their producers.
Geodetic measurement of deformation in Owens Valley, California

Repeated (1934, 1956, and 1974) geodetic surveys across Owens Valley near the site of the 1872 earthquake indicate right-lateral deformation at the rate of 4 +- 1 mm/yr and possible extension across the valley at the rate of 1 +- 1 mm/yr. Repeated level surveys across the valley indicate a down-to-the-east tilt of about 0.22 +- 0.04 ..mu..radians/yr for the western block with a hinge line near the rupture trace of the 1872 earthquake. This tilt is equivalent to an uplift of the west edge of the valley of 2.2 +- 0.4 mm/yr (i.e., base of the Sierra Nevada scarp) relative to the center of the valley. Although the measured deformations are scarcely above survey noise, they all indicate an accumulation of strain which would be consistent with a repeat of the 1872 earthquake (normal, right-lateral oblique slip).
Low risk posed by engineered and incidental nanoparticles in drinking water

Natural nanoparticles (NNPs) in rivers, lakes, oceans and ground water predate humans, but engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are emerging as potential pollutants due to increasing regulatory and public perception concerns. This Review contrasts the sources, composition and potential occurrence of NNPs (for example, two-dimensional clays, multifunctional viruses and metal oxides) and ENPs in surface water, after centralized drinking water treatment, and in tap water. While analytical detection challenges exist, ENPs are currently orders of magnitude less common than NNPs in waters that flow into drinking water treatment plants. Because such plants are designed to remove small-sized NNPs, they are also very good at removing ENPs. Consequently, ENP concentrations in tap water are extremely low and pose low risk during ingestion. However, after leaving drinking water treatment plants, corrosion by-products released from distribution pipes or in-home premise plumbing can release incidental nanoparticles into tap water. The occurrence and toxicity of incidental nanoparticles, rather than ENPs, should therefore be the focus of future research.
uavEE: A Modular, Power-Aware Emulation Environment for Rapid Prototyping and Testing of UAVs

State of the art design and testing of avionics for unmanned aircraft is an iterative process that involves many test flights, interleaved with multiple revisions of the flight management software and hardware. To significantly reduce flight test time and software development costs, we have developed a real-time UAV Emulation Environment (uavEE) using ROS that interfaces with high fidelity simulators to simulate the flight behavior of the aircraft. Our uavEE emulates the avionics hardware by interfacing directly with the embedded hardware used in real flight. The modularity of uavEE allows the integration of countless test scenarios and applications. Furthermore, we present an accurate data driven approach for modeling of propulsion power of fixed-wing UAVs, which is integrated into uavEE. Finally, uavEE and the proposed UAV Power Model have been experimentally validated using a fixed-wing UAV testbed.
Chapter 16 – C3

This chapter provides an overview of the state of knowledge on complement protein C3, a central protein in the complement system. Details on its physicochemical properties, structure and functional roles and sites of expression are discussed. In addition the genomic organisation and polymorphisms are described.
VISIR-I.b: waves and ocean currents for energy efficient navigation

Abstract. VISIR-I.b, the latest development of the ship routing model published in Mannarini et al. (2016a), is here presented. The new model version targets large ocean-going vessels by accounting for both waves and ocean currents. In order to effectively use currents in a graph-search method, new equations are derived and validated versus analytical benchmarks. A case study is computed in the Atlantic Ocean, on a route from the Chesapeake Bay to the Mediterranean Sea and vice versa. Ocean analysis fields from data-assimilative models (for both ocean state and hydrodynamics) are employed. The impact of waves and ocean currents on transatlantic crossings is assessed through mapping of the spatial variability of the routes, analysis of their kinematics, distribution of the optimal voyage duration vs. its length, and impact on the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator of the International Maritime Organization. It is distinguished between sailing with or against the main ocean current. The seasonal dependence of the savings is evaluated, indicating, for the featured case study, larger savings during the summer crossings and larger intra-monthly variability in winter. The monthly-mean savings sum up to values between 3 and 12 %, while the contribution of ocean currents is between 1 and 4 %. Also, several other ocean routes are considered, providing a pan-Atlantic scenario assessment of the potential gains in energy efficiency from optimal tracks and linking them to regional meteo-oceanographic features.
Current applications and future directions of deep learning in musculoskeletal radiology

Deep learning with convolutional neural networks (CNN) is a rapidly advancing subset of artificial intelligence that is ideally suited to solving image-based problems. There are an increasing number of musculoskeletal applications of deep learning, which can be conceptually divided into the categories of lesion detection, classification, segmentation, and non-interpretive tasks. Numerous examples of deep learning achieving expert-level performance in specific tasks in all four categories have been demonstrated in the past few years, although comprehensive interpretation of imaging examinations has not yet been achieved. It is important for the practicing musculoskeletal radiologist to understand the current scope of deep learning as it relates to musculoskeletal radiology. Interest in deep learning from researchers, radiology leadership, and industry continues to increase, and it is likely that these developments will impact the daily practice of musculoskeletal radiology in the near future.
Donor mesenchymal stem cell kinetics after transamniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) in a rodent model of gastroschisis.

Abstract Purpose We sought to comprehensively scrutinize donor mesenchymal stem cell kinetics following transamniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) in experimental gastroschisis. Methods A gastroschisis was surgically created in 102 rat fetuses at gestation day 18 (term = 22 days), immediately followed by volume-matched amniotic injections of either amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (afMSCs) labeled with a luciferase reporter gene (n = 58), or luciferase protein alone (n = 44). Samples from multiple anatomical sites from survivors were screened for luciferase activity via microplate luminometry at term. Statistical analysis included Mann–Whitney U-test, Wald test, and kappa coefficient (p Results Overall survival was 42% (43/102), with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.82). When controlled by acellular luciferase, donor afMSCs were identified selectively in the placenta (p Conclusions Amniotic mesenchymal stem cells home to specific sites after TRASCET in the setting of gastroschisis. Placental homing and intestinal homing are central yet seemingly independent constituents of cell trafficking, suggesting that both direct amniotic seeding and hematogenous routing take place. Level of evidence N/A (animal and laboratory study).
A Phonological History of Chinese

The phonological history of Chinese can be traced back to two main traditions: one starting with the Qieyun of 601, and the other starting with the Zhongyuan Yinyun of 1324. The former marks the beginning of Middle Chinese, and the latter marks the beginning of Old Mandarin. Both of these systems, as well as reconstructed Old Chinese, should be understood as ideal phonological standards and composite in nature. Until modern times, phonological standards were never based strictly on the phonology of a single dialect. This book provides the first study written in English, of the phonological history of Chinese. It provides information about the standard phonological systems for each of the language's major historical periods, drawing on a range of historical materials such as dictionaries, rhyming tables and poetry, and is the reference book for understanding the key developments in the Chinese sound system.
Interprofessional training in developmental and behavioral health within a pediatric residency program: An organizational systems case study

A systemic issue in traditional health service delivery models to children and adolescents is the difficulty in accessing quality developmental/behavioral health (D/BH) care. Contributors to this problem include the lack of available specialty D/BH specialists (e.g., child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychologists, developmental-behavioral pediatricians), as well as issues with insurance coverage and reimbursement when these services are paneled through behavioral health “carve-outs.” Given the difficulty in accessing these services, primary care physicians such as pediatricians and pediatric residents often become the de facto D/BH providers. However, a major barrier that these providers express in managing D/BH concerns is the lack of training they receive in medical school and residency. This chapter presents an organizational systems-level case study detailing how concerned stakeholders in a healthcare delivery system and training program have responded to problems pertaining to the need for improved care and resident training in D/BH. The case study intends to inform those who design, revise, and operate service delivery and training systems on a daily basis. To facilitate a more nuanced examination of implementation experiences, a simulated question and answer discussion is included at the end of this chapter.
Physical activity for patients with CKD

Abstract This chapter examines the issues associated with the implementation of two prominent health-promoting behaviors, physical activity and exercise, as promising therapies in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Definitions for physical activity, exercise, and related terms and discussion of physical activity and fitness levels in persons with CKD are provided. The literature on the association of physical activity and exercise and CKD-related outcomes, along with current recommendations for physical activity and guidelines for persons with chronic conditions such as CKD, is discussed. Unique psychosocial and interpersonal barriers to physical activity that may be faced in this population, along with emerging issues regarding physical activity and exercise interventions for persons with CKD, are considered. Considerations of contraindications and safety for physical activity in CKD patients are also presented. Finally, proposed directions for future research to facilitate health-promoting behaviors in this growing population are presented.
Pediatric Neuromuscular Emergencies and Urgencies

Most of the pediatric neuromuscular diseases often manifest by slowly progressive or fluctuating motor weakness. However, there are some neuromuscular conditions that present with acute weakness which could terrify parents as well as children and are often a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. A timely and methodical approach to diagnosis and subsequent treatment is paramount. This chapter discusses the common neuromuscular diseases that could present in the emergency department with a focus on characteristic symptoms, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis.
Immunotherapy in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: current status and future directions

Patients harboring high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) experience high rates of both recurrence and progression. Currently, few treatment options besides cystectomy exist for this at-risk population, especially those with BCG-unresponsive disease. The purpose of this review is to present the current status and describe future directions of immunotherapy in NMIBC. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles pertaining to immunotherapy in NMIBC. Relevant planned and ongoing clinical trials were identified using www.ClinicalTrials.gov . Published randomized control trials, reviews, other retrospective and prospective studies deemed relevant were used in this review paper. Novel immunotherapies used in the treatment of high-grade NMIBC and BCG-unresponsive disease allow patients more options and have the potential to reduce the need for radical cystectomy. Currently, several options target the programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis as this mechanism of immunotherapy has been shown to be effective in several cancers, including bladder, melanoma, and lung cancers. In addition, other immunotherapy options for the treatment of NMIBC include viral gene therapies, interleukin-15 superagonists, small molecule inhibitors of indoleamine (2,3)-dioxygenase 1, and vaccines. The current landscape of immunotherapy in bladder cancer is rapidly evolving, with much literature pertaining to muscle-invasive and metastatic disease. However, the implementation of these treatment options in high-grade NMIBC may allow patients to avoid life-altering surgery. Reliable biomarkers for response are needed to further select patients who may benefit from such therapies.
Firms with Inconsistently Signed Earnings Surprises: Do Potential Investors Use a Counting Heuristic?†

Although prior research reports that firms that consistently beat their earnings expectations are rewarded with a marketâ€ valuation premium, most firms are inconsistent in the sign of their benchmark performance, sometimes missing and sometimes beating. In this paper, we report the results of multiple experiments to test the idea that potential investors, evaluating firms that have inconsistent benchmark performance, use a counting heuristic to discriminate among them. Our results provide strong support for the hypothesis that these investors distinguish among firms by counting the number of beats and misses they experience over an observed time interval. The judgmental effect of this beatâ€ frequency is incremental to the effect of the magnitude of the beats and misses of the benchmark. Our study has implications for firm managers who have inconsistent benchmark performance, suggesting that market participants do make systematic discriminations among such inconsistent firms. It also has implications for researchers by introducing a new theoretical construct to the literatureâ€”namely, the counting heuristic.S'il est vrai, comme l'indiquent les A©tudes antA©rieures, que les sociA©tA©s qui dA©passent rA©guliA¨rement leurs attentes de rA©sultat bA©nA©ficient d'une surcote sur le marchA©, la performance de la plupart des sociA©tA©s est erratique, c'estâ€ A â€ dire tantA´t infA©rieure, tantA´t supA©rieure aux indicateurs de rA©fA©rence. Les auteures rendent compte des rA©sultats de plusieurs expA©riences destinA©es A vA©rifier l'idA©e suivant laquelle les investisseurs potentiels, dans l'A©valuation des sociA©tA©s qui prA©sentent une performance erratique par rapport A l'indicateur de rA©fA©rence, utilisent une mA©thode heuristique de dA©compte. Les rA©sultats qu'elles obtiennent confirment de faA§on convaincante l'hypothA¨se selon laquelle ces investisseurs discriminent les sociA©tA©s en procA©dant au dA©compte de leurs rA©sultats supA©rieurs et infA©rieurs aux indicateurs de rA©fA©rence, au cours d'un intervalle de temps donnA©. L'effet subjectif de cette frA©quence des rA©sultats supA©rieurs aux indicateurs de rA©fA©rence s'ajoute A celui de l'ampleur des A©carts positifs et nA©gatifs par rapport A ces indicateurs. L'A©tude a des consA©quences pour les gestionnaires de sociA©tA©s dont la performance est erratique par rapport aux indicateurs de rA©fA©rence et donne A penser que les participants au marchA© discriminent bel et bien ces sociA©tA©s de faA§on systA©matique. L'A©tude a A©galement des rA©percussions pour les chercheurs en faisant intervenir un nouveau concept thA©oriqueÂ : l'heuristique de dA©compte.
Metaliterate Learning for the Post-Truth World: edited by Thomas P. Mackey and Trudi E. Jacobson, Chicago, IL, ALA Neal-Schuman, 2019, 230 pp., $64.99 (paperback), ISBN: 978-0-8389-1776-3

Each of the nine chapters of this book address specific themes related to metaliterate learning in the post-truth world. The first half of the book presents theoretical perspectives, while the seco...
Intranodal lymphangiography and interstitial lymphatic embolization to treat chyluria caused by a lymphatic malformation in a pediatric patient

Chyluria is characterized by chyle in the urinary tract and often presents as milky-white urine. We present a case of chyluria from a lymphatic malformation in a 13-year-old boy diagnosed using dynamic intranodal contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography. This report demonstrates the utility of intranodal lymphangiography and interstitial lymphatic embolization to treat a pediatric patient presenting with persistent chyluria. Glue migration into the urinary collecting system is a potential complication of this procedure that can be mitigated by adjusting the n-butyl cyanoacrylate dilution with Lipiodol.
Experimental investigation of the annular flow caused by convective boiling in a heated annular channel

Abstract An experimental investigation was performed on the convective boiling heat transfer of the annular flow in concentric and eccentric annuli with a central heating rod in an unheated tube. Advanced measurement techniques including laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and confocal chromatic sensor (CCS) were applied to acquire the dynamics and instabilities of the liquid thin film on the tube. The boundary conditions were as follows: heating rod heat flux from 167 kW/m2 to 201 kW/m2 and mass flow rate from 58 g/s to 155 g/s. The annuli which the flow occurred has a hydraulic diameter of 15.5 mm. As indicated previously by the research on isothermal annular flow in bare tubes, the vapor superficial velocity is the primary factor that influences the liquid film dynamics including the base film thickness and wave amplitude. The liquid film thickness in the eccentric geometry was observed to be constant for liquid superficial velocities from 0.15 m/s to 0.34 m/s and vapor superficial velocities from 6.5 m/s to 13.2 m/s. The heat transfer coefficient ranged from 2.734 kW/m2∙K to 4.279 kW/m2∙K for the concentric geometry and 2.063 kW/m2∙K to 3.096 kW/m2∙K for the eccentric geometry. An increasing trend of the heat transfer coefficient was observed as the liquid superficial velocity increased, whereas the reverse trend was observed for the vapor superficial velocity. When the measured heat transfer coefficient was exceptionally low (
77. Rapid Progression of Puberty on Low Dose Estrogen in Girls with Turner Syndrome: A Case Series

Background Over 95% of girls with Turner syndrome (TS) who lack all or part of the X chromosome will experience premature ovarian insufficiency and will require estrogen replacement therapy to initiate and maintain puberty. However, the optimal protocol that mimics physiologic puberty while preserving growth potential is not yet known. Current recommendations to start with low dose estrogen increased incrementally over two to three years will typically result in thelarche within six months and menarche after an average of two years. Here we present three patients with TS who experienced rapid progression of puberty, with menarche occurring shortly after initiating the lowest dose of transdermal estrogen. Our institutional review board deemed this retrospective case series exempt from the need for IRB approval. Case Three 12-year-old females with mosaic TS (Table 1) presented for pubertal induction. On exam, the patients had tanner stage I breasts and pubic hair. Labs were consistent with ovarian insufficiency with elevated levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and undetectable levels of estradiol. They were each started on estradiol 14 ucg transdermal patch weekly for pubertal induction and experienced menarche within five months. Breast and pubic hair progressed to tanner stage II and III. Cases 1 and 2 subsequently had regular monthly menses with moderate flow. The dose of their transdermal estradiol patch was decreased by half to 7 ucg weekly. Case 3 developed heavy, irregular bleeding, which caused her to stop using the transdermal estrogen patch. Four months later, she reinstated estrogen use with half of her prior dose at 7 ucg weekly. At one year follow up, all three cases continued with the ultra low dose estradiol 7 ucg transdermal patch weekly without further episodes of vaginal bleeding. On imaging bone age was within normal limits. Comments These cases highlight the importance of starting estrogen replacement therapy at the lowest available dose in girls with Turner syndrome. Given the possible advancement of bone age with pubertal levels of estrogen, rapid progression to menarche could further impair the final growth potential in these patients who are already susceptible to short stature. Thus girls with TS should be monitored closely when initiating estrogen therapy and should be re-evaluated if they experience vaginal bleeding with low dose therapy.
Polyelectrolyte solutions in Taylor-Couette flows

Abstract Taylor-Couette (TC) flow is ideal for studying the flow behavior of complex solutions due to the wide variety of available hydrodynamic flow states. For non-Newtonian solutions, the presence of polymers in solution changes the solution rheology, which in turn modifies accessible flow states. While significant prior work exists on the effects of elasticity and shear thinning of polymer solutions on TC flow, the effects of changes in polymer chain conformation on these properties and the resultant changes in the TC flow states have not been extensively studied. Here, we have explored the effects of changing polymer chain conformation of polyelectrolyte solutions on laminar and turbulent TC flow by using a quasi-static ramp protocol to vary the inner cylinder rotation rates. The ionic strength of the cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) solution was varied to modify the equilibrium polymer equilibrium conformation and solution rheological properties. In general, as the increasing solution ionic strength increases polymer chain flexibility and decreases elasticity and degree of shear thinning, there is a shift toward more Newtonian-like flow behavior. Additionally, the effects of co- and counter-rotation of the cylinders on the stability of flow states were observed as a function of solution ionic strength, and phase diagrams of the resulting flow states were mapped as a function of the inner and outer cylinder Reynolds numbers. It was found that co-rotation of the cylinders stabilizes some of the polymer-influenced flow states, while counter-rotation de-stabilizes flow states.
Identification of Seven-coordinate LnIII Ions in a LnIII[15-MCFeIIIN(shi)-5](OAc)2Cl Species Crystallized from Methanol and Pyridine

The title metallacrown (MC) complexes LnIII[15-MCFeIIIN(shi)-5](OAc)2Cl(C5H5N)6 (Ln1), where OAc– is acetate, shi3− is salicylhydroximate, and Ln = Gd and Dy, were synthesized via a self-assembly reaction in methanol and pyridine. Single crystals were grown using slow evaporation and characterized using X-ray diffraction. Seven-coordinate capped octahedron geometries were observed for the lanthanide ion in both complexes, which is uncommon for trivalent lanthanide species. The 15-MC-5 is a ruffled metallacrown archetype similar to previously reported mixed-valent manganese metallacrowns. The title metallacrown (MC) complexes LnIII[15-MCFeIIIN(shi)-5](OAc)2Cl(C5H5N)6 (Ln1), where OAc– is acetate, shi3− is salicylhydroximate, and Ln = Gd and Dy, contains seven-coordinate capped octahedron geometries for the lanthanide ion in both complexes, which is uncommon for trivalent lanthanide species.
The Duality of Persistence: Academic Enclaves and International Students' Aspirations to Stay in the U.S.

International students have been a growing presence in U.S. higher education institutions for over a decade. Feelings of belonging play a crucial role in the adjustment of these students to campus life in American universities and their co-nationals play a significant role in facilitating this adjustment process. However, the role of belonging and co-national communities in facilitating the persistence of international students towards and beyond degree attainment remains understudied. In our examination of the aspirations of 642 international students across 9 U.S. universities, we establish that stronger feelings of academic and social belonging are associated with a higher likelihood of aspiring to stay in the U.S. after graduation. In particular, we demonstrate the presence of an academic enclave effect wherein larger communities of co-nationals have a stronger influence on the aspirations of international students with low social belonging but does not affect the aspirations of socially well-integrated international students.
Selective-imaging camera

How can we design cameras that image selectively in Full Electro-Magnetic (FEM) spectra? Without selective imaging, we cannot use, for example, ordinary tourist cameras to see through fire, smoke, or other obscurants contributing to creating a Visually Degraded Environment (VDE). This paper addresses a possible new design of selective-imaging cameras at firmware level. The design is consistent with physics of the irreversible thermodynamics of Boltzmann’s molecular entropy. It enables imaging in appropriate FEM spectra for sensing through the VDE, and displaying in color spectra for Human Visual System (HVS). We sense within the spectra the largest entropy value of obscurants such as fire, smoke, etc. Then we apply a smart firmware implementation of Blind Sources Separation (BSS) to separate all entropy sources associated with specific Kelvin temperatures. Finally, we recompose the scene using specific RGB colors constrained by the HVS, by up/down shifting Planck spectra at each pixel and time.
Pacific: a programming language based on the idea of natural naming

Natural naming means that source program elements such as variables, constants, tables, and procedures should be named using whole natural words. In addition, natural names should describe the functionality of the program, and the words of the names should be organized according to the grammatical rules of the natural language. Natural naming thus rejects abbreviations, a rather common programming practice. Natural names can make source programs more readable, understandable, and reusable, and thereby aid the learning and communication processes in software development and maintenance.
An alternative to the D-K iteration?

The D-K iteration is probably the most effective algorithm currently available to solve scaled /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// control problems. However, this algorithm gives only a local solution which may not be global. The objective of this paper is to propose an alternative algorithm, the L-R iteration; to compute local solutions. Simple numerical examples illustrate that there are some cases where the L-R iteration performs better than the D-K iteration, and vice versa.
Feasible Interior Methods Using Slacks for Nonlinear Optimization

A slack-based feasible interior point method is described which can be derived as a modification of infeasible methods. The modification is minor for most line search methods, but trust region methods require special attention. It is shown how the Cauchy point, which is often computed in trust region methods, must be modified so that the feasible method is effective for problems containing both equality and inequality constraints. The relationship between slack-based methods and traditional feasible methods is discussed. Numerical results using the KNITRO package show the relative performance of feasible versus infeasible interior point methods.
On the partial respects in which a real valued arithmetic system can verify its tableaux consistency

Godel’s Second Incompleteness Theorem states axiom systems of sufficient strength are unable to verify their own consistency. We will show this theorem does not preclude axiomizations for a computer’s floating point arithmetic from recognizing their own consistency, in certain well defined partial respects.
Heart Disease in the Elderly

Aging is associated with multiple changes throughout the cardiovascular system that substantively impact the incidence, prevalence, clinical presentation, response to treatment, and prognosis of all adult cardiovascular disorders. This chapter reviews the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in older adults and the effects of normal aging on the cardiovascular system. This is followed by a discussion of traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors in older adults. The remainder of the chapter reviews current evidence and recommendations for the management of acute and chronic coronary artery disease, valvular disorders, heart failure, and heart rhythm disorders in the elderly. This chapter concludes with a brief discussion of ethical issues and end-of-life care in older patients with cardiovascular disease.
Production of Biodiesel and Biogas from Algae: A Review of Process Train Options

Algae are an attractive biofuel feedstock because of their fast growth rates and improved land use efficiency when compared with terrestrial crops. Process train components needed to produce algal biofuels include (1) cultivation, (2) harvesting, and (3) conversion into usable fuel. This paper compares various process train options and identifies knowledge gaps presently restricting the production of algal biodiesel and algae-derived biogas. This analysis identified energy-intensive processing and the inability to cultivate large quantities of lipid-rich algal biomass as major obstacles inhibiting algal biodiesel production. Anaerobic digestion of algal biomass requires fewer process train components and occurs regardless of lipid content. In either scenario, the use of wastewater effluent as a cultivation medium seems necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maximize water use efficiency. Furthermore, anaerobically digesting algal biomass generated from low-technology wastewater treatment processes represents an appropriate technology approach to algal biofuels that is poorly investigated. Coupling these processes can improve global health by improving sanitation, while providing a cleaner burning biogas alternative to indoor biomass cooking systems typical of less-developed areas.
Collision of student loan debt and joint marital taxation

Students presently graduating from college represent perhaps the most indebted generation of young adults in the history of the United States, which may be attributed to the fact that interest-bearing debt plays a primary role in ensuring that our children pursue higher education. The long-term consequences of student loan borrowing, and its impact on this generation of borrowers, both remain to be seen. To assist borrowers with the burden of loan repayment, the federal government has developed several income based repayment programs. This Article focuses upon one important detail of these programs that has largely escaped the focus of the media and scholars: the ability of a married borrower to file separate tax returns and qualify for income-based repayment on the basis of his or her income alone. A complicated tax decision is presently forced upon married borrowers when embarking upon student loan repayment under income-based repayment programs: file taxes jointly and have monthly payments based on joint adjusted gross income (AGI) and combined student debt balances; or, file taxes separately and have monthly payments based on individual AGI and individual student debt. Student loan policy is shifting, however, and it is likely that some married borrowers will have no choice but to file joint returns as of January 2016. This Article contends that both the present and proposed approaches are broken, and examines the joint filing system through the lens of a simultaneous set of policies and objectives, namely the nation’s program for dealing with educational costs and student debt. In coordinating income-based repayment with a tax filing system that is not marriage neutral, the married female student loan borrower is penalized twofold by her student loans: the gender pay gap means that a woman must work longer to repay her indebtedness, and because of joint tax filing, she is also likely to suffer the consequences of secondary earner bias. This Article illustrates that the joint filing system provided for under the Internal Revenue Code has not kept pace with the economic reality of two-earner families, and suggests that with the crushing weight of student loan debt falling disproportionately on the shoulders of women who must remain in the workplace, the need to revise an outdated system is immediate.
B7-H1 pathway and its role in the evasion of tumor immunity

B7-H1 is a recently identified member of the B7 family molecules. Upon ligation to its receptors on T cells it regulates activation and differentiation of T cells. B7-H1 preferentially costimulates IL-10 production in resting T cells and further induces the apoptosis of activated T cells. PD-1 is a receptor of B7-H1 and is shown to mediate the inhibition of activated T cell response, presumably by inhibiting cell cycle progression. The expression of B7-H1 protein is limited to macrophage lineage of cells in normal tissues, although its mRNA transcription is found in a broad range of tissues. In contrast, B7-H1 is abundant in various human cancers. The tumor-associated B7-H1 increases apoptosis of antigen specific T cells, leading to growth of immunogenic tumor growth in vivo. Current data suggest that B7-H1 regulates the organ-specific tolerance in normal tissue and may contribute to immune evasion by cancers. Selective manipulation of B7-H1 pathway thus aids in the design of new regimens in the treatment of human autoimmune disease and the control of malignant cancers.
Sentinel lymph node micrometastases and isolated tumor cells in breast cancer: An evolving field

Controversy still remains regarding appropriate surgical management and prognostic implications of micrometastases and isolated tumor cells (ITCs) in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) of breast cancer patients. There are two issues: First, is the follow-up completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) necessary after a diagnosis of ITCs or micrometastases in sentinel lymph node? Second, does sentinel lymph node micrometastases or ITCs carry any prognostic significance?
A path following algorithm for manipulator inverse kinematics

An algorithm for the continuous iterative solution of the inverse kinematics problem for six-degree-of-freedom manipulators of arbitrary structure is presented. The algorithm is based on path following from a known solution by the predictor-corrector method using: a new second-order predictor, a first-order Newton-method corrector, and the idea of including the end effector's position (along its trajectory) as a variable in the formulation. The importance of the proposed approach is that it follows for the rapid generation of joint trajectories that include regular positions as well as singular positions. The algorithms for both the predictor and the corrector are derived from Taylor series expansion of the matrix equation of closure and require only the solution of linear systems of equations. The approach is illustrated with examples for the Puma manipulator and a general manipulator. >
THE C3-ACTIVATOR SYSTEM: AN ALTERNATE PATHWAY OF COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION

Evidence has accumulated indicating the existence of a second complement activation mechanism which is functionally analogous to C1, C2, and C4. The noncomplement protein C3PA, previously recognized through its ability to form a complex enzyme with a protein from cobra venom, appears to be the precursor of the C4,2 analogue. It is a thermolabile β-globulin with a molecular weight of 80,000. When serum is treated with naturally occurring plant or bacterial polysaccharides, the C3PA is cleaved into at least two fragments, one having the electrophoretic mobility of a γ-globulin and a molecular weight of 60,000, and the other being an acidic peptide with a molecular weight of 20,000. The larger fragment has the ability to cleave C3 into C3a and C3b and is therefore called C3 activator. It arises from the action of an as yet unidentified serum enzyme upon the C3PA, which is tentatively called C3PA convertase. In addition to endotoxins, yeast cell walls, inulin, and agar, aggregates of immunoglobulins were found to be activating substances, including human IgA, guinea pig γ1, and duck antibody. Serum depleted of C3PA had reduced E. coli bactericidal and increased hemolytic activity. The relationship of the C3-activator system to experimental and clinical observations has been discussed.
Improved preprocessing and data clustering for land mine discrimination

In this paper we discuss an improved algorithm for sensor- specific data processing and unsupervised data clustering for landmine discrimination. Pre-processor and data- clustering modules forma central part of modular sensor fusion architecture for landmine detection and discrimination. The dynamic unsupervised clustering algorithm is based on Dignet clustering. The self-organizing capability of Dignet is based on the idea of competitive generation and elimination of attraction wells. The center, width and depth characterize each attraction well. The Dignet architecture assumes prior knowledge of the data characteristics in the form of predefine well width. In this paper some modifications to Dignet architecture are presented in order to make Dignet truly self-organizing and data independent clustering algorithm. Information theoretic per-processing is used to capture underlying statistical properties of the sensor data which in turn is used to define important parameter for Dignet clustering such as similarity metrics, initial cluster width etc. The width of the cluster is also adapted online so that a fixed width is not enforced. A suitable procedure for online merge and clean operations is defined to re-organize the cluster development. A concept of dual width is employed to satisfy the competing requirements of compact clusters and high coverage of the data space. The performance of the improved clustering algorithm is compared with base-line Dignet algorithm using simulated data.
Adenosine and gastrointestinal inflammation

Nucleosides such as adenosine (Ado) influence nearly every aspect of physiology and pathophysiology. Extracellular nucleotides liberated at local sites of inflammation are metabolized through regulated phosphohydrolysis by a series of ecto-nucleotidases including ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (CD39) and ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), found on the surface of a variety of cell types. Once generated, Ado is made available to bind and activate one of four G protein-coupled Ado receptors. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies implicate Ado in a broad array of tissue-protective mechanisms that provide new insight into adenosine actions. Studies in cultured cells and murine tissues have indicated that Ado receptors couple to novel posttranslational protein modifications, including Cullin deneddylation, as a new anti-inflammatory mechanism. Studies in Ado receptor-null mice have been revealing and indicate a particularly important role for the Ado A2B receptor in animal models of intestinal inflammation. Here, we review contributions of Ado to cell and tissue stress responses, with a particular emphasis on the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Absorption of water vapour from unsaturated air by Arenivaga sp. (polyphagidae, dictyoptera)

Abstract 1. 1. Dehydrated Arenivaga sp. nymphs and adult females absorb water vapour from relative humidities above 82·5 per cent at temperatures from 10–30°C. Adult Arenivaga males, Periplaneta americana nymphs and Blatta orientalis nymphs do not. 2. 2. Absorption is faster at higher temperatures, ceases when the insects are rehydrated and is temporarily inhibited by moulting. 3. 3. Water derived from oxidation of food reserves is only a small fraction of the net water gain. 4. 4. Haemolymph osmotic pressure is strongly regulated against the effects of dehydration and rehydration. 5. 5. Light abrasion of the cuticle leads to increased transpiration but is rapidly repaired. Painting the abraded area permits an immediate net uptake of water vapour. 6. 6. The energy expenditure involved in absorption is very small compared with the insects' basal metabolism.
Induction of pup killing in female mice by androgenization.

Abstract Significantly more male than female mice killed mouse pups. This difference was eliminated by treating females with testosterone propionate.
What Goes Online Comes Offline: Knowledge Management System Use in a Soft Bureaucracy

This paper investigates when and how online practices (i.e. practices of management and use of web-based Information Technology) impact offline practices (i.e. regular work practices and communication patterns) within a bureaucratic environment. A case study of implementation and use of a Knowledge Management System by members of a network of practice within the bureaucratic environment of a public administration is interpreted through a situated learning perspective. This lens helps us to understand the process of emergence of continuity between online and offline practices. Findings indicate that the constructed continuity within the network of practice emerged from a combination of structural changes in the environment and of the involvement of key actors who actively encouraged others to integrate their online practices into their regular activities. The paper helps us to understand the processes of construction of continuity of online and offline practices and the bounded impacts of this continuity w...
High aspect ratio contacts: A review of the current tungsten plug process

Abstract Although all areas of semiconductor manufacturing have experienced the reality of miniaturization, this review is intended to highlight the key materials and processing parameters for successful high aspect ratio contacts (HARCs) in the tungsten plug process. Seven fundamental points of interest are highlighted: (1) dopant levels, (2) cleans, (3) contact layer, (4) barrier layer, (5) Ti-TiN anneal, (6) tungsten fill, and (7) tungsten etchback. Several of these factors-residual native oxides, Ti thickness at the bottom of the contact, and anneal temperature-toggle the amount of silicidation at the bottom of the contact in an interactive way and need to be optimized accordingly along with the W seed layer to minimize TiF x formation during tungsten deposition. Other detrimental contact-related defects are discussed with emphasis on their source. Ti cusping and grain growth as well as TiN and W film conformality are shown to be first order factors in forming W keyholes. Collimation has been a means of minimizing cusping and achieving sufficient Ti at the bottom of the contact, but the logistics of increasing collimation for that required for 5:1 HARCs and beyond (deposition rates and collimator changes) may provide an opportunity for one of the newer technologies. TiN has been shown to act as a barrier to W wormholes. Two means of depositing TiN are presented with their inherent advantages and disadvantages. Sputter-deposited TiN is a low resistance form of TiN, but does not deposit on the sidewalls of the contact. The more conformal chemical vapor deposited (CVD) TiN process provides a more complete barrier with better sidewall coverage, but has higher sheet resistance. Tungsten planarization can be accomplished by dry etch or chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP). Dry etch is effective in removing W but ineffective in removing the large W defects that are often associated with the deposition process. CMP more readily planarizes the larger defects, but is more likely to scratch the oxide. Optimization of each is required.
The metabolic conversion of the carbon chain of lysine-6-C14 to glutamic acid, aspartic acid and arginine

Abstract 1. 1. dl -Lysine-6-C14 has been fed to intact dogs, and the amino acids lysine, arginine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid have been isolated from the liver and plasma proteins. 2. 2. The chemical degradation of the isolated radioactive glutamic acid points to the lysine carbon chain both as a direct precursor via glutarate and as an indirect precursor via acetate. 3. 3. The nature of a likely five-carbon intermediate in the metabolic breakdown of lysine such as glutarate or α-gketolutarate as the common precursor of glutamic acid and arginine (i.e., ornithine), is discussed.
Magnetic interactions in europium compounds

Abstract The magnetic interactions in EuO, EuS, EuSe and EuTe are usually characterized by exchange constants I 1 and I 2 , denoting the interaction between nn and nnn Eu spins, respectively. In this paper, we propose a mechanism for the ferromagnetic interaction I 1 . It is an indirect exchange mediated by the spin polarization of the chalcogen p -band electrons via their exchange interactions with the magnetic ƒ-electrons.