cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interferon regulatory factor 3 plays a role in macrophage responses to interferon-γ.

Abstract IFN-γ produced during viral infections activates the IFN-γ receptor (IFNGR) complex for STAT1 transcriptional activity leading to expression of Interferon Regulatory Factors (IRF). Simultaneous activation of TBK/IKKe via TLR3 during viral infections activates the transcription factor IRF3. Together these transcription factors contributes to expression of intracellular proteins (e.g. ISG49, ISG54) and secreted proteins (e.g. IFN-β, IP-10, IL-15) that are essential to innate antiviral immunity. Here we examined the role of IRF3 in expression of innate anti-viral proteins produced in response to IFN-γ plus TLR3 agonist. Wild-type (WT) and IRF3KO RAW264.7 cells, each with ISG54-promoter-luciferase reporter vectors, were stimulated with IFN-γ, poly I:C, or both together. ISG54 promoter activity was significantly reduced in IRF3KO RAW264.7 cells responding to IFN-γ, poly I:C, or IFN-γ plus poly I:C, compared with WT RAW264.7 cells. These data were confirmed with western blot and qRT-PCR. Primary macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) from IRF3KO mice also showed decreased ISG54 in response to IFN-γ, poly I:C, or IFN-γ plus poly I:C compared with those from WT mice. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of TBK/IKKe significantly reduced ISG54 promoter activity in response to IFN-γ, poly I:C, or IFN-γ plus poly I:C. Similarly, expression of ISG49 and IL-15, but not IP-10, was impaired in IRF3KO RAW264.7 cells responding to IFN-γ or poly I:C, which also had impaired STAT1 phosphorylation and IRF1 expression. These data show that IRF3 contributes to IFN-γ/IFNGR signaling for expression of innate anti-viral proteins in macrophages.
Concurrent Emphysematous Pyelonephritis (EPN) and Emphysematous Cystitis (EC) Presenting With Septic Shock

A 51-year-old woman with uncontrolled type-1 diabetes mellitus (DM) presented to our emergency department (ED) with complaints of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain that started the day before. The pain was described as diffuse and cramping with radiation to the back. She denied having any changes
Kinetically Stable Single Crystals of Perovskite-Phase CsPbI3

We use a solid-state method to synthesize single crystals of perovskite-phase cesium lead iodide (γ-CsPbI3) that are kinetically stable at room temperature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction charact...
Nonlinear Buckling Mechanism of An Arch Subjected to A Symmetrically-placed Point Load

The aim of this study is to devive an analytical solution to predict the buckling load of the thin-walled arch under a point load at mid-span position. A deflection function and the energy method are adopted to build the nonlinear equilibrium formulae, by solving which, the analytical solution is expressed explicitly. Subsequently, a numerical simulation is established to track the load-displacement paths of equilibrium. The simulation results indicate the load drops significantly after its maxima (critical buckling load) and follows multiple branches characterized by load limits and displacement limits. A comparison is taken between the numerical and analytical results, and a good accordance is depicted. Moreover, parameters that may affect the buckling load are analyzed, with the inclusion of rotational stiffness supports, the central angle, as well as the normalized thickness on the load capacity. Finally, both the proposed theoretical formule and simulation results agree excellently with the test results and other closed-form expressions published elsewhere.
Electrocaloric and pyroelectric properties of barium zirconate titanate

The electrocaloric response of bulk monodomain BaZrxTi(1−x)O3 (BZT) under modest electrical fields at room temperature has been evaluated using a Landau theory thermodynamic model as a function of the zirconium content x. The computations show that increasing x changes the nature of the ferroelectric phase transitions of BZT. There are potentially three ferroelectric phases in BZT for zirconium contents 0 0.15, the rhombohedral phase becomes the sole ferroelectric phase upon cooling from the cubic paraelectric state. The magnitude of the polarization discontinuity at the phase transition decreases with increasing x as it approaches a continuous, second order transition. We show here that these phase changes have a significant effect on electrocaloric and pyroelectric properties of BZT. The room temperature adiabatic temperature change was calculated for compositions of BZT with 0 < x < 0.30, revealing a maximum temperature change of ΔTad = 1.25 °C for an electric field difference of 100 kV/cm for x = 0.20 near room temperature.
Cocaethylene—ethanol adding fuel to cocaine’s fire

Abstract Cocaethylene is formed by the transesterification of cocaine by liver carboxylesterase in the presence of ethanol and produces a stronger subjective euphoria compared to cocaine. However, animal and human studies have shown a much greater risk of toxicity associated with cocaethylene. Adverse effects of cocaethylene include increased hypertension and systemic vascular resistance, decreased myocardial function, slowed cardiac conduction, arrhythmias, and immunologic compromise. Herein, we present a case of a middle-aged female suffering from severe congestive heart failure and cocaine abuse who was suspected to have cocaethylene as a contributing factor to an acute heart failure exacerbation with pneumonia.
Efficient Computation of H 2 Performance on Series-Parallel Networks

Series-parallel networks are a class of graphs on which many NP-hard problems have tractable solutions. In this paper, we examine performance measures on leader-follower consensus on series-parallel networks. We show that a distributed computation of the $\mathcal{H}_{2}$ norm can be done efficiently on this system by exploiting a decomposition of the network into atomic elements and composition rules. Lastly, we examine the problem of adaptively re-weighting the network to optimize the $\mathcal{H}_{2}$ norm, and show that it can be done with similar complexity.
Induced pluripotent stem cells as tools to investigate the neurobiology of bipolar disorder and advance novel therapeutic discovery

Abstract Bipolar disorder presents one of the most challenging neuropsychiatric disorders to effectively treat and understand the underlying etiopathogenesis due to its complexity at multiple levels: clinical diagnosis, genetic architecture, and variable responsiveness to pharmacotherapy and other treatments. As a CNS disorder, gaining an understanding of the disease has been greatly hindered by the limited accessibility of human brain tissue and challenges to characterizing genetically accurate models. These limitations have meant the dissection of pathogenic mechanisms along with the discovery of disease-relevant biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for bipolar disorder that has lagged behind other areas of medicine despite its prevalence and burden to individuals, families, and society as a whole. Increasingly though, human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology provides an unprecedented opportunity to gain insight into the underling molecular and cellular pathology of a wide range of monogenic and polygenic CNS disorders, including bipolar disorder. Here, we will review this progress and the state of these efforts along with progress toward integrating hiPSC studies with studies in animal models and with human neuropathology that collectively hold potential to advance our understanding of the neurobiology of bipolar disorder and targeted therapeutics for its treatment and ideally prevention.
Group-Specific Training Data

We examine the degree to which training models for specific sub-groups within a population can help improve precision and recall in linking historical records. We focus on an application of linking individuals between the 1900–1920 US censuses. Our results are an inverse of the transfer learning question and also relate to the ways in which training data built for the full population can result in biased predictions for minority groups in the population. We find that training a model specifically for German-born Americans improves our precision rate for these links from 79.1% to 92.7% while decreasing our recall from 94.5% down to 91.4%, thus dramatically increasing our true match rate for this subgroup. Similar analysis can be done based on gender, birthplace, race, and uniqueness of one’s surname.
Abstract MP06: Healthy Diet Quality Is Associated With Epigenetic Age Deceleration

Introduction: Epigenetic age is a marker of healthy lifespan. Diet quality is known to be associated with the risk of developing chronic diseases; however, the relation between diet quality and epi...
Brief Report: Acute Kidney Injury in People Living With HIV Hospitalized With Coronavirus Disease 2019: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Data on clinical characteristics and outcomes of people living with HIV (PLWH) hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who develop acute kidney injury (AKI) are limited. SETTING: Large tertiary health care system in the Bronx, NY. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 83 PLWH and 4151 patients without HIV hospitalized with COVID-19 from March 10, 2020, to May 11, 2020. We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with AKI by HIV serostatus and evaluated HIV-related factors for AKI among PLWH. AKI was defined and staged using Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. RESULTS: The incidence of AKI in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 did not differ significantly by HIV serostatus (54.2% in PLWH vs 49.5% in patients without HIV, P = 0.6). Despite a higher incidence of stage 3 AKI (28.9% vs 17.1% P = 0.05) in PLWH compared with those without HIV, there was no significant difference in the need for renal replacement therapy (22.2% vs 13.4% P = 0.12), renal recovery (76.9% vs 82.5% P = 0.61), or dependence on renal replacement therapy (7.7% vs 3.8% P = 0.27). CD4 T-cell count, HIV-1 RNA viral suppression, and antiretroviral therapy use were not associated with AKI. AKI was associated with increased need for invasive ventilation and in-hospital death, but HIV was not an independent risk factor of in-hospital death after AKI [adjusted hazard ratio 1.01 (95% CI: 0.59 to 1.72), P = 0.98]. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-related factors were not associated with increased risk of AKI in PLWH hospitalized with COVID-19. PLWH hospitalized with COVID-19 had more stage 3 AKI, but outcomes after AKI were similar to those without HIV.
Conspiratorial thinking, selective exposure to conservative media, and response to COVID-19 in the US.

Rationale Previous research has shown that during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, users of conservative media were more likely to accept conspiracy theories about the pandemic and less likely to accept pandemic mitigation measures such as mask-wearing and vaccination. Objective To test the hypothesis that during the first year of the pandemic, viewers who were prone to conspiratorial thinking engaged in selective exposure to conservative media which served to enhance pandemic-related conspiracy beliefs. Methods A national 3-wave longitudinal survey of 883 US respondents running from March to November 2020 assessed media-use habits, belief in COVID-related conspiracies, conspiratorial thinking, mask-wearing, intention to accept a COVID vaccine, and trust in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Growth curve models were used to analyze changes in conspiracy beliefs and associated public health outcomes. Results Users of conservative media were disproportionately likely to engage in conspiratorial thinking, to vote for President Trump, and to be ideologically conservative. They were also less likely to use mainstream news sources and displayed increasing belief in pandemic conspiracies. Increases in conspiracy beliefs were associated with reduced support for pandemic prevention. Although users of conservative media supported vaccination and trusted the CDC at the outset of the study, continued exposure to conservative media reduced support for both. Increasing use of mainstream print was associated with less endorsement of pandemic conspiracy beliefs. Viewers of mainstream television news did not exhibit change in pandemic conspiracy beliefs over time. Conclusion Conservative media in the US have attracted users prone to conspiratorial thinking and conservative political views who are also less exposed to mainstream news. The selective use of these media enhances belief in conspiracies that pose challenges to the country's ability to control a public health crisis such as the COVID pandemic.
Child maltreatment, suicidal ideation, and in-home firearm availability in the U.S.: findings from the longitudinal studies of child abuse and neglect.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents in the U.S., and risk factors include child maltreatment (CM), especially physical and emotional abuse, and in-home firearm availability ('availability'). However, research examining availability among adolescent populations at-risk for CM is limited. This study examines availability in this population, the association between CM and availability, and availability among adolescents experiencing suicidal ideation. A multivariable modified Poisson regression model assessed the relationship between CM by age 12 and availability at age 14 using data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (n = 1,354 families). Approximately 11.61% of adolescents reported availability, and physical abuse increased the risk of availability (aRR = 1.94; 95% CI [1.22, 3.08]). Over one-quarter (27.50%) of adolescents with suicidal ideation at age 16 reported availability. Child welfare-involved families are often referred to interventions. Future research and prevention efforts should explore augmentation of these programmes with firearm safe storage guidance.
Anomalous Ionic Conductivity Increase in Li2S + GeS2 + GeO2 Glasses

Numerous studies of the ionic conductivities in oxide-doped chalcogenaide glasses have shown the anomalous result that the ionic conductivity actually increases significantly (by more than a factor of 10 in some cases) by the initial addition of an oxide phase to a pure sulfide glass. After this initial sharp increase, the conductivity then monotonically decreases with further oxide addition. While this behavior is important to the application of these glasses for Li batteries, no definitive understanding of this behavior has been elucidated. To examine this effect further and more completely, the ionic conductivities of 0.5Li(2)S + 0.5[(1 - x)GeS(2) + xGeO(2)] glasses have been measured on disc-type bulk glasses. The ionic conductivity of the 0.5Li(2)S + 0.5GeS(2) (x = 0) glass was observed to increase from 4.3 x 10(-5) (Omega cm)(-1) to 1.5 x 10(-4) (Omega cm)(-1) while the activation energy decreased to 0.358 eV from 0.385 eV by the addition of 5 mol % of GeO(2). Further addition of GeO(2) monotonically decreased the conductivity and increased the activation energy. On the basis of our previous studies of the structure of this glass system, the Anderson and Stuart model was applied to explain the decrease in the activation energy and increase in the conductivity. It is suggested that the "doorway" radius between adjacent cation sites increases slightly (from approximately 0.29(+/-0.05) A to approximately 0.40(+/-0.05) A) with the addition of oxygen to the glass and is proposed to be the major cause in decreasing the activation energy and thereby increasing the conductivity. Further addition of oxides appears to contract the glass structure (and the doorway radius) leading to an increase in the conductivity activation energy and a decrease in the conductivity.
Bitz, Ginoux, Jacobson, Nizkorodov, and Yang Receive 2013 Atmospheric Sciences Ascent Awards: Response

I am honored to receive the 2013 AGU Ascent Award, although it came with some surprise. If I get quickly passionate when speaking about dust, most colleagues and friends wonder with amazement how that is possible. One reason for it is the widespread interactions between dust and all parts of the Earth's system.
A computationally efficient adaptive transceiver for high-speed digital subscriber lines

The feasibility of implementation of a multichannel inverse discrete Fourier transform/discrete Fourier transform transceiver for crosstalk-limited carrier-serving-area subscriber loops is demonstrated. This transceiver can provide reliable T1 transmission in the presence of crosstalk noise on most loops. The complexity of the design is examined in terms of speed or computing power. The authors also note several practical advantages of this system: channel response estimation during call initialization, simplicity of the transmitter, short-length equalizer, and absence of error propagation. It is concluded that the complete receiver can be implemented with under 40 MIPS of computing power, using a fairly high signaling rate of 640 kHz, on conventional DSP chips. One bottleneck in the receiver is the Viterbi decoder, which may take around 1000 MIPS using a standard DSP chip. >
Molecular geometry—I

Abstract Determination of the crystal structure of trans -9.10-pentacyclo-[4.4.0.0 2,5 .0 3,8 .0 4,7 ]-decandioic acid has shown that two types of cyclobutane rings are present in this bridged polycyclic system: one is planar while the other is puckered with dihedral angle of 160·7°. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 6·070 (1) A, b = 14·774 (3) A, C = 11·344 (1) A and cos β = −0.0923 (3): Z = 4. The structure was refined to R = 0·048 and all H atoms were located.
Botryomycosis, a complication in cystic fibrosis

This report deals with a chronic granulomatous process, superficially resembling actinomycosis, which we noted in 7 patients with cystic fibrosis. Five of the seven patients succumbed as a result of this rare complication. The lesion was found in the lung in all cases, but not exclusively, and was associated with Micrococcus pyogenes, var. aureus, or with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, singly or in combination. An awareness of this condition may lead to the diagnosis during life. The diagnostic criteria, histologic appearance of the lesion, and the clinical course of the patients with this complication is presented.
Segmentation of colour layers in historical maps based on hierarchical colour sampling

A colour image segmentation (CIS) process for scanned historical maps is presented to overcome common problems associated with segmentation of old documents such as (1) variation in colour values of the same colour layer within one map page, (2) differences in typical colour values between homogeneous areas and thin line-work, which belong both to the same colour layer, and (3) extensive parameterization that results in a lack of robustness. The described approach is based on a two-stage colour layer prototype search using a constrained sampling design. Global colour layer prototypes for the identification of homogeneous regions are derived based on colour similarity to the most extreme colour layer values identified in the map page. These global colour layer prototypes are continuously adjusted using relative distances between prototype positions in colour space until a reliable sample is collected. Based on this sample colour layer seeds and directly connected neighbors of the same colour layer are determined resulting in the extraction of homogeneous colour layer regions. In the next step the global colour layer prototypes are recomputed using a new sample of colour values along the margins of identified homogeneous coloured regions. This sampling step derives representative prototypes of map layer sections that deviate significantly from homogeneous regions of the same layers due to bleaching, mixed or false colouring and ageing of the original scanned documents. A spatial expansion process uses these adjusted prototypes as start criterion to assign the remaining colour layer parts. The approach shows high robustness for map documents that suffer from low graphical quality indicating some potential for general applicability due to its simplicity and the limited need for preliminary information. The only input required is the colours and number of colour layers present in the map.
Psychophysical Evidence for Spatial Channels

More than a decade of research spawned by the work of CAMPBELL and ROBSON [1] and GRAHAM and NACHMIAS [2] has led to a general consensus that the human visual system contains several different classes of spatial mechanisms or channels that process the retinal image in parallel. Thus, elucidation of the spatiotemporal filtering characteristics of these mechanisms has become one of the major tasks of psychophysics. In general, of course, it is to be expected that complex interactions will occur between mechanisms responding to neighboring portions of the retinal image; and we know this to be true for the processing of movement and depth information. Fortunately, experimental paradigms have been developed which have enabled us to estimate mechanism characteristics at a lower level than that at which these interactions occur. This article will focus on two of these techniques and the resulting characterization of human spatiotemporal mechanisms.
Culture, Production of

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 5, pp. 3167–3173, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Coherence and Symmetry Breaking at the Molecular Level

Contrary to expectation, when an electron leaves a symmetric dihydrogen molecule before dissociation, the breakup is asymmetric. This paradox can be understood by considering fundamental properties of interacting waves.
Trace element chemistry of lithium-rich micas from rare-element granitic pegmatites

Granitic pegmatites characterized by advanced accumulation and fractionation of incompatible rare lithophile elements (Li, Rb, Cs, Be, Ta ≶ Nb, B, P and F), often contain mineral assemblages which host lithium-rich micas. Lepidolite and lithian muscovite occur in high-pressure spodumene, low-pressure petalite, phosphorus-enriched amblygonite and fluorine-rich lepidolite subtypes of orogenic affiliated complex type granitic pegmatites and rarely in anorogenic affiliated amazonite-bearing Trace element data determined by X-ray fluorescence for lepidolite of various pegmatite subtypes, morphology (“book”, “scaly”, “fine-grained”), position within the pegmatite (primary zones, replacement units, pockets), mineral assemblages and tectonic affinity (orogenic vs anorogenic) show extreme fractionation of Rb and Cs; modest levels of T1, Ga, Nb, Ta, Sn and Zn; and typically low abundances of Ba, Sr, Ni, Pb, Y, V, W and Zr. Extreme fractionation is indicated by low values of K/Rb, K/Cs and Nb/Ta which are lowest in lepidolite from petalite subtype pegmatites. No systematic differences in trace element content is evident among the different lepidolite morphologies or paragenetic position. Lepidolite from spodumene subtype pegmatites are generally slightly less fractionated than those from petalite or lepidolite subtype pegmatites.
Active damping control of compliant base manipulators

When a robotic manipulator is mounted on a crane, boom or mobile platform, it loses its accuracy and speed due to the compliance of the base. The paper presents a simple robust control strategy that reduces mechanical vibrations and enable better tip positioning. The control algorithm uses sensory feedback of the base oscillation to modulate the manipulator actuators to induce the inertial damping forces. Previous work by the author has demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed concept using linear analysis. The work extends to a more general case of a nonlinear multiple link manipulator using acceleration feedback and one sample delayed torque. A computer simulation study shows very promising results for a test bed consisting of a two-link manipulator and a compliant base.
Ethnic Identity and Major Depression in Asian American Subgroups Nationwide: Differential Findings in Relation to Subcultural Contexts

Objectives Asian Americans (AA) are the fastest growing minority population in the United States. Leading AA scholars have highlighted the unmet service needs and the necessity to investigate subgroup variations in the mental health of AAs. This study addressed a research gap of whether racial and ethnic identity (REI) in three AA subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese) consistently protects against major depressive disorder (MDD), counteracting the deleterious role of discrimination. Method Using the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS), we explored the varying and incremental predictive values of REI, above and beyond the effects of known demographic and acculturation predictors, alongside other potentially protective factors. Results In three sets of two-step logistic regressions, REI had an inverse relationship with MDD in the Filipino subgroup only but a positive association in the Chinese subgroup. The damaging role of negative REI moderated the effect of discrimination. The longest stay in the United States and discrimination predicted a higher likelihood of a MDD diagnosis in the Filipino subgroup. Social support contributed to the lower odds of MDD in Chinese and Vietnamese subgroups, had lower odds of having MDD, and religious attendance may act as a protective factor in the Vietnamese subgroup. Conclusion Our findings do not reinforce uniform protection of REI but lend partial support for two underlying rationales. Based on cultural psychologists’ framework, inconsistent findings are interpreted within the sociocultural contexts of the 3 subgroups.
An Irregularly Portioned Lagrangian Monte Carlo Method for Turbulent Flow Simulation

A novel computational methodology, termed "Irregularly Portioned Lagrangian Monte Carlo" (IPLMC) is developed for large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent flows. This methodology is intended for use in the filtered density function (FDF) formulation and is particularly suitable for simulation of chemically reacting flows on massively parallel platforms. The IPLMC facilitates efficient simulations, and thus allows reliable prediction of complex turbulent flames. Sample results are presented of LES of both premixed and non-premixed flames via this method, and the results are assessed via comparison with laboratory data.
Particulate organic carbon in the deep sea

Abstract Data showing the distribution of particulate and dissolved organic carbon in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are given and support the following conclusions : (1) surface standing crop has no measurable influence on the concentration of organic particles occurring at depth; (2) below a given distance of the surface, the distribution of these particles is homogeneous in time, space, and depth; (3) there is no consistent decrease in dissolved organic carbon with depth. Alternate theories to explain the observed pattern of particle distribution in the deep-sea are discussed.
Looking backward to see forward: Historical changes of public knowledge about climate hazards in Ireland

This paper seeks to prompt climate change researchers and climate hazard managers in Ireland to think expansively about the human potential for adjusting to anticipated climate perturbations in the twenty-first century. It argues that, in the past, shifting and expanding combinations of anthropogenic factors propelled important changes of perception and response to disruptive climate events and it suggests that a thorough canvas of past experience with such transitions has the potential to enrich the existing menu of human choices for the future. Evidence of the expanding gaze of humans on climate hazards is presented from a representative selection of monastic chronologies, letters, diaries and newspapers and the links to policy changes that eventually followed in their wake are noted. At a time when innovations in information technology are redrawing the boundary between climate experts and laypersons, with uncertain but potentially far-reaching consequences, a systematic analysis of historical human re...
Reconstruction of fcc (110) surfaces

The embedded atom method is used to compute the relative energy of the unreconstructed (110) surfaces and the (1×2) missing row reconstruction of the (110) surfaces of Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au. The results show increased tendency to reconstruct for the elements at the bottom of these columns of the periodic table. In addition, the detailed geometry of these surfaces is computed and compared with available experimental results. The calculations show an inward relaxation of the top layer atoms, a buckling of the third layer atoms and a lateral pairing of the atoms in the second and fourth atomic layers. Finally, the importance of many-body interactions in determining the relative energy of the missing row and unreconstructed surfaces is discussed.
The double insertion of t-butyl isocyanide by tris(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) aluminum to form

Abstract which results from the double insertion of the isonitrile at a single Al-cyclopentadienyl ring position. Double isonitrile insertion occurs in preference to a single insertion such that only unreacted Cp3′Al and the title compound are observed when fewer than two equivalents of the isonitrile are consumed. The molecular structure of has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The aluminum center is tetracoodinate with two η1-cyclopentadienyl rings and the coupled isonitrile fragment bonding through a carbon of one iminoacyl group and a nitrogen of the other to form a four-membered azametallacycle.
Image feature analysis and computer-aided diagnosis in digital radiography: automated delineation of posterior ribs in chest images.

In order to facilitate computerized quantitative analysis of digital chest radiographs, an automated method for accurate delineation of posterior ribs in frontal chest images is being developed. This method is based on an analysis of vertical profiles in the lung regions and a statistical analysis of edge gradients and their orientations in small selected regions‐of‐interest (ROIs). A shift‐variant function is fitted to vertical profiles to obtain initial estimates of locations of rib edges. Rib edges are then determined more accurately by analyzing cumulative edge gradients and their orientations in small ROIs that are located adjacent to the initially estimated edges. The present computerized method can achieve a good agreement between the detected and the actual rib structures for posterior ribs in 74% of 50 cases examined. This suggests that automated detection of posterior ribs by a computerized method is feasible, and may be useful for computer‐aided diagnostic schemes in the chest.
Analysis of the sibship patterns of stutterers.

Analyses of birth rank, age separation, and the frequency of stutterers in birth ranks before and after the proband were undertaken for the purpose of verifying or disproving conjectures made by ot...
On the labelling of oxidized cell surface membranes by acyl hydrazides

Abstract The covalent modification of bovine erythrocyte membranes by first oxidizing cell surface sugars followed by the covalent coupling of the oxidized components with hydrazides was investigated. The aldehydic groups were introduced either chemically, by mild periodate oxidation, or enzymically with galactose oxidase. The periodate (0.1 mM) and galactose oxidase (50 units) oxidations were complete at 5 and 240 min, respectively, in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) at 30°C using 2 · 109 cells · ml−1. The rates of hydrazone formation between the oxidatively generated aldehyde groups and α-[3H]acethydrazide were also measured (pH 7.4) at 30°C. The reactions with the periodate and galactosde oxidase-treated cells went to completion in 1.5 and 6 h, respectively. Aniline had a marked catalytic effect on these rates. With 5 mM aniline under the same conditions, the periodate-treated cells reacted to completion with acethydrazide in 30 min and the galactose oxidase-treated cells in 40 min. As expected, although the rates of α-[3H]acethydrazide incorporation were increased with aniline, the extents of the reaction were not. Finally, the stability of the hydrazone linkages were measured. The hydrazone bonds formed when the galactose oxidase-treated cells were reacted with acethydrazide were completely stable at 30°C for 24 h whereas those formed from the periodate-treated cells were not. In the latter case roughly 50% of the membrane-bound hydrazone linkages were lost after 6 h at 30°C. The remaining 50%, however, were stable to cleavage. Thus, these sites are clearly heterogeneous in nature.
Projective affine Osserman curvature models

A curvature model \({(V, \mathcal{A})}\) is a vector space equipped with an element \({A \in V ^ \ast \otimes V^ \ast \otimes}\) End(V) such that A has the same symmetries as an affine curvature operator. Such a model is called projective affine Osserman if the spectrum of the Jacobi operator, \({\mathcal{J}_{X}(y) = \mathcal{A}(y, x)x,}\) is projectively constant. There are topological conditions imposed by Adams’ theorem (vector fields on spheres) on such a model. In this paper, we construct projective affine Osserman curvature models in dimensions \({m \equiv 1(2),\, m \equiv 2(4),}\) and \({m \equiv 4(8)}\) which realize all possible eigenvalue structures allowed by Adams’ theorem.
Mechanical Behavior of Contact Aluminum Alloy

We report the results of tensile tests of thin films of Al-0.5 % Cu deposited on bare silicon. This material was subjected to the complete CMOS fabrication process, including a high-temperature heat treatment. Contact metal makes the electrical connection between the metal wiring and the silicon transistors in a chip. Room-temperature values of yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation were all lower than the corresponding values found previously for pure electron-beam-evaporated aluminum films. The strengths and elongation decreased slightly as the specimen temperature was raised from 25 to 150°C. The slopes of the stress-strain curves from unloading-reloading runs were lower than the accepted Young’s modulus of bulk polycrystalline aluminum. The results are interpreted with the help of scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
Prognostic factors affecting remission, remission duration, and survival in adult acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

The medical records of 94 consecutive patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) were reviewed to identify significant prognostic factors. The data were analyzed using 1) Cox's linear hazard and linear logistic models, 2) chi-square comparison of the groups living longer than 2 years and those living less than 2 years, and 3) the Gehan-Breslow test of equal survival curves. The only statistically significant finding was that the presence of promyelocytic cell type and complete remission correlated with increased survival (p less than .05), but this was negated by the small number of patients with this cell type. There was a suggestive association between higher initial hemoglobin and survival (p = .09). The Gehan-Breslow test revealed a possible difference in survival between those patients more than 51 years of age and those less than 51 (p = .10). Thus none of the commonly accepted prognostic factors in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia was definitely shown to be useful. The findings of this study support an aggressive approach toward all patients with this disease.
Analysis of two-dimensional ducts with sudden area changes using the boundary element method

In this paper, the boundary element method (BEM) is applied to two-dimensional acoustic ducts with sudden area changes. The mathematical basis of BEM along with the technique of handling singularities is presented in a systematic manner. The computer code is verified by comparison with the exact solutions and a number of illustrative examples are included.
Chlamydia trachomatis pulmonary infection induces greater inflammatory pathology in immunoglobulin A deficient mice.

Abstract Chlamydia trachomatis is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that primarily infects via mucosal surfaces. Using mice with a targeted disruption in IgA gene expression (IgA−/− mice), we have studied the contribution of IgA, the principal mucosal antibody isotype, in primary immune defenses against pulmonary C. trachomatis infection. Bacterial burden was comparable between IgA−/− and IgA+/+ animals following C. trachomatis challenge. Serum and pulmonary anti-Chlamydia antibody levels were higher in IgA−/− animals, with the exception of IgA. Lung sections of challenged IgA−/− mice showed more extensive immunopathology than corresponding IgA+/+ animals. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated significantly greater IFN-γ and TGF-β mRNA expression in IgA−/− as compared to IgA+/+ animals. Together, these results suggest that IgA may not be necessary for clearance of primary C. trachomatis infection. However, IgA−/− mice displayed exaggerated lung histopathology and altered cytokine production, indicating an important role for IgA in regulating C. trachomatis induced pulmonary inflammation and maintenance of mucosal homeostasis.
Molecular adapters in FcεRI signaling and the allergic response

IgE-dependent activation of mast cells is central to the allergic response. The engagement of IgE-occupied receptors initiates a series of molecular events that cause the release of preformed, and de novo synthesis of, allergic mediators. Recent investigations demonstrate a critical role for non-enzymatic proteins that facilitate the activation and coordination of biochemical signals required for mast cell activation. Among these LAT, SLP-76 and Gab2 are critically important as adapters that facilitate events initiated by IgE receptor-dependent activation of Src family protein tyrosine kinases, Lyn and Fyn. An evaluation of the role of these adapters points to complementary but independent steps in early signaling and the possibility that preference for one or another adaptor complex may result in selective mast cell responses.
Sodium: Stimulus for Puddling Behavior by Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies, Papilio glaucus

Male Papilio glaucus butterflies are attracted to sand soaked with dillute aqueous solutions of sodium salts. A sodium ion concentration of 10(-3) molar is sufficient to stimulate puddling behavior. Acqlisition of sodiumn mnay be the main ecological function of pudding behavior.
Role of the autonomic nervous system in the hypoxic response of the pulmonary vascular bed.

Abstract The hypoxic pulmonary vascular response was evaluated in anesthetized dogs before and after bilateral cervical sympathectomy or vagotomy. A tracheal divider was used for independent ventilation of the right and left lungs. Relative distribution of perfusion to the right and left lungs was studied by the 133 Xenon technique. Measurements were made with both lungs breathing room air and when one lung was ventilated on O 2 and the other on N 2 for varying times up to 30 min. Unilateral N 2 ventilation reduced perfusion by 33 %. The intensity of the response was inversely related to the Pa O 2 . Significant response occurred within one minute after the onset of hypoxia and maximal shift was reached by 10 min. Cervical vagotomy had no effect on the response. Perfusion to the hypoxic lung fell by 11 % after bilateral cervical sympathectomy suggesting the presence of two components to the hypoxic pulmonary vascular response, one occurring locally and one reflexly mediated through the sympathetic system.
Conversion of a Double-Beam Infrared Spectrometer to Grating Operation

A 150-groove per millimeter grating was installed in a Baird Model B infrared spectrophotometer to provide improved resolution in the 4000 to 1000 cm−1 region. Grating orders are separated by means of a small prism monochromator installed after the exit slit of the converted grating monochromator; and modifications were made in the slit, wavelength drive, and recording systems to provide a maximum of flexibility in the operation of the instrument over narrow wavelength intervals
Dynamics of C2(d3Πg) formation in the He* + C2H2 diffusion flame☆

Abstract The energy partitioning (d 3 Π g )C 2 and H atom products of the reaction between (2 3 S)He* and acetylene in a diffusion flame are reported. The results support the conclusion that the formation of (d 3 Π g )C 2 proceeds without formation of a stable intermediate and occurs by collisional energy exchange between (2 3 S)He* and acetylene in which the acetylene is promoted to a bent, elongated, electronically excited transition state followed by either a simultaneous or a rapid, sequential elimination of the hydrogen atoms. The (d 3 Π g )C 2 product is vibronically excited and the H atoms are translationally hot.
A concept of structurated and destructurated group roles: An initial empirical reduction

Abstract A conceptualization of structurated vs. destructurated group roles, derived in part from the thought of Georges Gurvitch, has been used as a model for understanding the role of the clinic nurse in the out-patient department of a large metropolitan pediatric hospital. Two clinics stand out as extremes on the group role continuum: the Orthopedic Clinic, with a highly structurated orientation, and the Diabetic Clinic, corresponding to the destructurated end of the continuum. The analysis is carried out in terms of a preliminary empirical reduction of the conceptual typology.
FPGA based architectures for high performance adaptive FIR filter systems

In this paper, we present a high performance adaptive FIR filter hardware architecture. In particular, the RLS (Recursive Least Square) algorithm for adaptive signal processing is explored based on QR decomposition, which is accomplished by using the Givens Rotation algorithm. The Givens Rotation algorithm is implemented using a systolic array and LUT-based Newton's method. This architecture is suitable for high-speed FPGAs or ASIC designs. It also solves the tradeoff between throughput and latency issues. As a case study, this QR design is tested using Xilinx XC5VLX110T FPGA. The findings show that the system is capable of running the QR decomposition at up to 200MHz with 56 clock cycles latency.
Coupled achiral/chiral column techniques in subcritical fluid chromatography for the separation of chiral and nonchiral compounds.

A multicolumn approach was developed to address the limited achiral selectivity of chiral stationary phases. Groups of structurally related compounds, including β-blockers and 1,4-benzodiazepines, were separated using coupled achiral/chiral stationary phases under subcritical fluid conditions. The achiral selectivity of amino and cyano stationary phases was used to modify the resolution of compounds on a Chiralcel OD chiral stationary phase by combining the achiral and chiral columns in series. In the case of the benzodiazepines, separation of achiral compounds was performed concurrently with the enantioseparation of chiral molecules. The separation of components of a multidrug cough and cold medication was also demonstrated on a cyano column coupled with a Chiralpak AD chiral stationary phase. The use of modified carbon dioxide eluents eliminated the mobile phase incompatibility problems associated with column coupling in liquid chromatography and incorporated the high efficiency of sub- and supercritica...
Effect of Part D coverage restrictions for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cholinesterase inhibitors on related nursing home resident outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: In 2006, Medicare Part D transitioned prescription drug coverage for dual-eligible nursing home residents from Medicaid to Medicare and randomly assigned them to Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs). Because PDPs may differ in coverage, plans may be more or less generous for drugs that an individual is taking. Taking advantage of the fact that randomization mitigates potential selection bias common in observational studies, this study sought to assess the effect of PDP coverage on resident outcomes for three medication classes-antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cholinesterase inhibitors. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study to examine the effect of coverage restrictions-including noncoverage and coverage with restrictions-on depression, hallucinations and delusions, aggressive behaviors, cognitive performance, and activities of daily living for dual-eligible nursing home residents randomized to PDPs in 2006 to 2008. The analyses further adjusted for baseline health status to address any residual imbalances in the comparison groups. SETTING: Linked data from Medicare claims, Minimum Data Set assessments, pharmacy claims, and PDP formulary information. PARTICIPANTS: Dual-eligible nursing home residents aged 65 and older living in facilities that contracted with a single pharmacy provider. RESULTS: PDP coverage restrictions in three medication classes of interest were not significantly associated with the resident outcomes examined. Although cholinesterase inhibitor users facing coverage restrictions had a 0.04-point lower depression rating score than residents facing no restrictions, this difference was not statistically significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that exogenous changes in coverage for three commonly used medication classes had no detectable effect on nursing home resident outcomes in 2006 to 2008. There are several possible explanations for this lack of association, including the role of policy protections for dual-eligible nursing home residents and the possibility that suitable clinical alternatives were identified or that previously used medications offered little clinical benefit. Language: en
Conversion of residual organics in corn stover-derived biorefinery stream to bioenergy via a microbial fuel cell.

A biorefinery process typically uses about 4-10 times as much water as the amount of biofuel generated. The wastewater produced in a biorefinery process contains residual sugars, 5-furfural, phenolics, and other pretreatment and fermentation byproducts. Treatment of the wastewater can reduce the need for fresh water and potentially add to the environmental benefits of the process. Use of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for conversion of the various organics present in a post-fermentation biorefinery stream is reported here. The organic loading was varied over a wide range to assess removal efficiency, coulombic efficiency and power production. A coulombic efficiency of 40% was observed for a low loading of 1% (0.66 g/L) and decreased to 1.8% for the undiluted process stream (66.4 g/L organic loading). A maximum power density of 1180 mW/m2 was observed at a loading of 8%. Excessive loading was found to result in poor electrogenic performance. The results indicate that operation of an MFC at an intermediate loading using dilution and recirculation of the process stream can enable effective treatment with bioenergy recovery.