cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modularized data-driven reconstruction framework for nonideal focal spot effect elimination in computed tomography.

PURPOSE High-performance computed tomography (CT) plays a vital role in clinical decision-making. However, the performance of CT imaging is adversely affected by the nonideal focal spot size of the x-ray source or degraded by an enlarged focal spot size due to aging. In this work, we aim to develop a deep learning-based strategy to mitigate the problem so that high spatial resolution CT images can be obtained even in the case of a nonideal x-ray source. METHODS To reconstruct high-quality CT images from blurred sinograms via joint image and sinogram learning, a cross-domain hybrid model is formulated via deep learning into a modularized data-driven reconstruction (MDR) framework. The proposed MDR framework comprises several blocks, and all the blocks share the same network architecture and network parameters. In essence, each block utilizes two sub-models to generate an estimated blur kernel and a high-quality CT image simultaneously. In this way, our framework generates not only a final high-quality CT image but also a series of intermediate images with gradually improved anatomical details, enhancing the visual perception for clinicians through the dynamic process. We used simulated training datasets to train our model in an end-to-end manner and tested our model on both simulated and realistic experimental datasets. RESULTS On the simulated testing datasets, our approach increases the information fidelity criterion (IFC) by up to 34.2%, the universal quality index (UQI) by up to 20.3%, the signal-to-noise (SNR) by up to 6.7%, and reduces the root mean square error (RMSE) by up to 10.5% as compared with FBP. Compared with the iterative deconvolution method (NSM), MDR increases IFC by up to 24.7%, UQI by up to 16.7%, SNR by up to 6.0%, and reduces RMSE by up to 9.4%. In the modulation transfer function (MTF) experiment, our method improves the MTF50% by 34.5% and MTF10% by 18.7% as compared with FBP, Similarly remarkably, our method improves MTF50% by 14.3% and MTF10% by 0.9% as compared with NSM. Also, our method shows better imaging results in the edge of bony structures and other tiny structures in the experiments using phantom consisting of ham and a bottle of peanuts. CONCLUSIONS A modularized data-driven CT reconstruction framework is established to mitigate the blurring effect caused by a nonideal x-ray source with relatively large focal spot. The proposed method enables us to obtain high-resolution images with less ideal x-ray source.
Long Short-Term Memory Networks for Facility Infrastructure Failure and Remaining Useful Life Prediction

Sensors attached to an asset acquiring vibration patterns during both operational and failure states have been used to diagnose fault conditions and to predict future failures of the components being monitored. In this research, we investigate Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, a type of Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), for failure diagnosis and remaining useful life (RUL) prognosis of such deteriorating components. LSTM networks’ long-term dependency capability, which allows LSTM’s to recall information for long term sequence lengths, can also be used to predict the probability of failure within a specified time frame. In this paper, we develop and apply a stylized LSTM model to a motor degradation dataset for the purposes of diagnosing failure and predicting the probability of failure within a specified time frame, as well as predicting RUL. We developed the dataset by acquiring automated sensor measurements from an induction motor attached to a destructive test platform. The performance of the LSTM model on the developed dataset is compared to that of the Random Forest (RF) algorithm as RF is reputably known for classification and regression. The results demonstrate that the LSTM provides quality predictions of motor failure, failure probability and RUL on the developed dataset. When compared to the RF approach, the LSTM performs comparably well in failure classification and outperforms the RF in RUL prediction.
Staufen 1 is expressed by neural precursor cells in the developing murine cortex but is dispensable for NPC self-renewal and neuronal differentiation in vitro.

Abstract Background Proper development of the cerebral cortex relies on asymmetric divisions of neural precursor cells (NPCs) to produce a recurring NPC and a differentiated neuron. Asymmetric divisions are promoted by the differential localization of cell-fate determinants, such as mRNA, between daughter cells. Staufen 1 (Stau1) is an RNA-binding protein known to localize mRNA in mature hippocampal neurons. Its expression pattern and role in the developing mammalian cortex remains unknown. Results Both stau1 mRNA and Stau1 protein were found to be expressed in all cells of the developing murine cortex. Stau1 protein expression was characterized spatially and temporally throughout cortical development and found to be present in all stages investigated. We observed expression in the nucleus, cytoplasm and distal processes of both NPCs and newly born neurons and found it to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Upon shRNA-mediated knock-down of Stau1 in primary cultures of the developing cortex, we did not observe any phenotype in NPCs. They were able to both self-renew and generate neurons in the absence of Stau1 expression. Conclusions We propose that Stau1 is either dispensable for the development of the cerebral cortex or that its paralogue, Stau2, is able to compensate for its loss.
The evolving virtual library II: practical and philosophical perspectives

"The Evolving Virtual Library II documents how libraries of all types are changing with the integration of the Internet and the Web, electronic resources, and computer networks. It provides a summary of trends, developments in networking, case studies of creating digital content delivery systems for remote users, applications in K-12 and public libraries, and a vision of things to come.
Mycotoxin monitoring for commercial foodstuffs in Taiwan

Mycotoxins are toxic food contaminants that are naturally produced by certain fungi. They induce negative effects on human health by making food unsafe for consumption. In this study, analyses were performed to determine the levels and incidence of aflatoxins (AFs) in peanut products, tree nuts, spices, and Coix seeds; ochratoxin A (OTA) in wheat and roasted coffee, as well as OTA and AFs in rice; and citrinin (CIT) in red yeast rice (RYR) products. A total of 712 samples from nine different food categories were collected between 2012 and 2013. The samples were analyzed over 2 years for AFs, OTA, and CIT by methods recommended by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. These official analytical methods were extensively validated in-house and through interlaboratory trials. The analytical values of suspected contaminated specimens were confirmed by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry analysis to identify the specific mycotoxin present in the sample. We show that 689 samples (96.8%) complied with the regulations set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. AFs were found in four peanut-candy products, one peanut-flour product, one pistachio product, one Sichuan-pepper product, and one Coix seed product. All had exceeded the maximum levels of 15 parts per billion for peanut and 10 parts per billion for other food products. Furthermore, 14 RYR samples contained CIT above 5 parts per million, and one RYR tablet exceeded the maximum amount allowed. Instances of AFs in substandard Sichuan pepper and Coix seeds were first detected in Taiwan. Measures were taken by the relevant authorities to remove substandard products from the market in order to decrease consumer exposure to mycotoxin. Border control measures were applied to importing food commodities with a higher risk of mycotoxin contamination, such as peanut, Sichuan pepper, and RYR products. Declining trends were observed in the noncompliance rate of AFs in peanut products, as well as that of CIT in RYR raw materials monitored from 2010 to 2013.
Pharmaceutical Informatics and the Pathway to Personalized Medicines

The present computational era has witnessed the evolution of the field of computational biology into two somewhat disjoint communities: one group focused on the "wriggling of molecules" (e.g. molecular dynamics) and another focused on pattern matching and informatics (e.g. sequence alignment). The separation starts relatively early in the training of the community, as is evident from the relative weighting of calculus vs. computer science courses in the curriculum of undergraduate majors in the various disciplines of computational biology. But at the dawn of the petascale era in computational science, exciting advances in healthcare can be envisioned at a new niche in the computational biology ecosystem - a niche formed by the reunion of the separated branches of computational biology. We consider some illustrative examples from pharmaceutical informatics of data-intensive informatics approaches applied to "objects" that are not simply numbers or static molecular structures but instead are (CPU-intensive) molecular simulations. These results suggest a promising pathway for applying petascale informatics to shift the paradigm in pharmaceutical and biotechnology R&D to a future world of personalized medicines. The early examples from pharmaceutical informatics also indicate that the foundational framework will be based on the concept of Dynamic Data Driven Application Systems (DDDAS).
U.S. “methods awareness” (Methodenbewußtsein) for German Jurists

The purpose of this contribution is to help develop Methods Awareness in German jurists unfamiliar with American law. It shows how distant from German understanding present-day American practice is. It proceeds from Fikentscher's thumbnail sketch of German Prevailing Teaching: "this method starts from norm-thinking, therefore thinks in rules, that are applied to the case at hand." It refers to the core elements of this teaching, namely the place of the legal norm (Rechtssatz) in the legal order (Rechtsordnung) and its application to a particular set of facts (i.e., subsumption), and discusses the significance of these concepts in American law. It leaves unaddressed certain other key elements of Methods Theory, such as differences between case law and statute law, which are much discussed elsewhere in the literature.
A Tale of Two Nozicks: Democracy as the Death Knell of Nozick’s Libertarianism

This paper argues that Robert Nozick’s rejection of libertarianism, based on the existence of democratic institutions, is incomplete. This is because various schemes of property distribution, including those with strong rights to property, may be consistent with democracy. Accordingly, if Nozick is to properly reject libertarianism, he must do so on other grounds.Part I argues that allowing a minimal amount of democracy leads to expansionary pressures in the size of the minimal state.Part II assesses Nozick’s assertion that democratic institutions mandate the rejection of libertarian property rights but concludes that property rights may coexist with democracy. In addition, it is argued Nozick’s endorsement of a zigzag process of democratic politics may go too far by potentially sanctioning excessive interference in people’s lives.Part III argues that attempts to equate various schemes of economic distribution with the proper form of democracy are doomed to endless disputation because such claims are essentially contested. The concluding section briefly discusses the paradoxical way whereby skepticism provides compelling arguments both for and against the minimal state and the more than minimal state.
Understanding the Future of Global Software Production

The software industry in India that mostly exports information technology (IT) services has emerged in the last decade as an important constituent of the world software industry. The industry is organized into MNC networks, whose structural, relational, and territorial dimensions has been investigated. The quasi-disintegration and internationalization of MNC production activities, the commodification of services, the availability of highly skilled low cost personnel, and Indian IT services firms link with MNCs have aided in the emergence of IT services industry in India. The research elucidates that MNCs are key drivers in this complex and interdependent network that involve important Indian firms. This is the first study to investigate the Indian IT services industry in the context of global software production network.
High-Reliability Operation and Disruption Control in Tokamaks

AbstractAn attractive power plant candidate must provide power >70% of the time in a given operational year, typically implying that the frequency of key component failures resulting in unplanned loss of plant availability must be reduced to <0.001/yr (Ref. 1). Present fusion devices typically have little motivation to operate with such high reliability and allow relatively frequent instability-driven plasma-terminating events known as disruptions. The vision of an operational fusion reactor therefore includes a level of reliable control performance and confidence well beyond that of presently operating devices. Maximizing use of the limited number of discharges planned for ITER also implies a major advance in control reliability. Fortunately, the mature field of control theory offers methods that routinely provide such levels of performance in many fields from aerospace to process control.
Television access and political power : the networks, the presidency, and the "loyal opposition"

Foreword by Newton N. Minow Series Foreword by Robert E. Denton, Jr. Introduction Radio: Setting the Precedent Television: Increasing the Dependence Network Remote Control Economic Realities Rising Opposition The Networks as Loyal Opposition A New Political Communication Order Bibliography Index
Amphiphilic templating of magnesium hydroxide.

The synthesis of lamellar mesostructured Mg(OH)2 was achieved through a surfactant templating route. Amphiphilic compounds with different anionic headgroups (phosphate, sulfate, sulfonate, and carboxylate) were used as surfactants. Control of d spacing was achieved through the use of different alkyl carboxylate amphiphiles. It is proposed that the interaction between the highly reactive oxygen atoms of the anionic surfactants and the highly electrophilic Mg atom leads to the formation of high charge density at the interface between the surfactant molecules and the inorganic precursor. This interaction is very strong and the existence of strong bonds between the headgroup molecules of the surfactant and the Mg atom locks the structure in a preferred orientation, i.e., lamellar mesostructure. The strong interaction thus precludes any phase transformation, and only the lamellar phase of Mg(OH)2 is obtained. Calcination of the surfactant by heating in oxygen flow leads to the collapse of the lamellar mesophas...
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury, Return to Play, and Reinjury in the Elite Collegiate Athlete Analysis of an NCAA Division I Cohort

Background:Graft survivorship, reinjury rates, and career length are poorly understood after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the elite collegiate athlete. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of ACL reconstruction in a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athlete cohort.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A retrospective chart review was performed of all Division I athletes at a single public university from 2000 to 2009 until completion of eligibility. Athletes were separated into 2 cohorts: those who underwent precollegiate ACL reconstruction (PC group) and those who underwent intracollegiate reconstruction (IC group). Graft survivorship, reoperation rates, and career length information were collected.Results:Thirty-five athletes were identified with precollegiate reconstruction and 54 with intracollegiate reconstruction. The PC group had a 17.1% injury rate with the original graft, with a 20.0% rate of a contralateral ACL inju...
Sister chromosome pairing maintains heterozygosity in parthenogenetic lizards

The existence of an all-female species of whiptail lizard, formed as a hybrid between sexual species, has been known since 1962. But how it produces mature eggs with a full somatic chromosomal complement has remained unclear, as has a mechanism for maintaining genetic diversity. Lutes et al. now show that in this species (Aspidoscelis tesselata) meiosis initiates with twice the number of chromosomes, compared to sexual species, and that pairing and recombination take place between genetically identical sister chromosomes instead of between homologues. The existence of all-female species of whiptail lizard, formed as a hybrid between sexual species, has been known since 1962; however, how the meiotic program is altered to produce diploid eggs while maintaining heterozygosity has remained unclear. Here it is shown in parthenogenetic species that meiosis initiates with twice the number of chromosomes compared to sexual species, and that pairing and recombination takes place between genetically identical sister chromosomes instead of between homologues. Although bisexual reproduction has proven to be highly successful, parthenogenetic all-female populations occur frequently in certain taxa, including the whiptail lizards of the genus Aspidoscelis. Allozyme analysis revealed a high degree of fixed heterozygosity in these parthenogenetic species1,2, supporting the view that they originated from hybridization events between related sexual species. It has remained unclear how the meiotic program is altered to produce diploid eggs while maintaining heterozygosity. Here we show that meiosis commences with twice the number of chromosomes in parthenogenetic versus sexual species, a mechanism that provides the basis for generating gametes with unreduced chromosome content without fundamental deviation from the classic meiotic program. Our observation of synaptonemal complexes and chiasmata demonstrate that a typical meiotic program occurs and that heterozygosity is not maintained by bypassing recombination. Instead, fluorescent in situ hybridization probes that distinguish between homologues reveal that bivalents form between sister chromosomes, the genetically identical products of the first of two premeiotic replication cycles. Sister chromosome pairing provides a mechanism for the maintenance of heterozygosity, which is critical for offsetting the reduced fitness associated with the lack of genetic diversity in parthenogenetic species.
Dynamic deformation of Etna Volcano observed by satellite radar interferometry

Satellite radar interferometry of Mt. Etna volcano, Sicily, Italy, reveals a sequence of deformation characterized by deflation during the end of the 1993 eruption, inflation from 1993–1995 with an increase in the inflation rate immediately before its resumed eruptive activity in late 1995. This was followed by very low deformation levels during the following year. The source of the deformation changed from a depth of 9 km during deflation to more than 11–14 km during the subsequent inflation, consistent with a model in which deflation at shallower levels is followed by inflation at greater depth as the volcano system recharges from below before its next eruption. This study demonstrates that radar interferometry provides an important contribution towards understanding the dynamic deformation of volcanoes. By revealing large scale changes in their pre-eruption deformation rates, radar interferometry could play an important role in volcano eruption monitoring.
Parenting stress and behavior among single mothers of preschoolers: The mediating role of self‐efficacy

This study examines the role of perceived self‐efficacy in mediating relations between mothers’ parenting behavior and variables such as maternal employment status, depressive symptoms, parenting s...
Analysis of all-optical buffers for high-speed WDM networks

The possible improvement in the performance of networks without electro/optical conversion has been investigated by introducing optical memories. In particular, different buffering methods are presented, where optical signal is stored in the memory blocks. The need to process signals at electrical level limits the performance of transmission links or computing systems. This limit can be overcome through the introduction of all optical processing, thus avoiding the electro/optical conversion.
Concentration limits on terrestrial strange matter from heavy isotope searches

Abstract Recent heavy isotope searches can be reinterpreted to place exclusion limits on the presence of stable terrestrial strange quark matter of baryon number
Focal elevations in neocortical interstitial K+ produced by stimulation of the fastigial nucleus in rat.

We studied whether K+, a potent cerebrovasodilator released by active neurons, participates in the increase in cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) elicited by stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN). Rats were anesthetized by continuous administration of halothane (1–3%), paralyzed and artificially ventilated. FN was stimulated electricaly (8 s trains, 50 Hz, 5–10 V) through microelectrodes positioned stereotaxically. K+o (mM) was measured in sensory cortex by K+-sensitive micropipettes. In some experiments neocortical CBF was monitored continuously by laser-doppler flowmetry. Stimulation of the FN produced significant increases in K+o that averaged 0.91 ± 0.16 mM (range 0.5–2.9 mM; n = 19) and were confined to sites corresponding to the intermediate cortical laminae (P < 0.05, ANOVA). To determine whether such K+o elevations were able to produce increases in CBF comparable to those elicited by FN stimulation, cortical K+o was increased by superfusing the sensory cortex with 20–30 mM K+ in Ringer. K+o elevations of 2.8 ± 0.6 mM increased CBF by 17 ± 2% (n = 5), an increase considerably smaller than that elicited by FN stimulation in cerebral cortex. We conclude that K+ is unlikely to mediate the cortical cerebrovasodilation. Furthermore, the restricted spatial distribution of the K+o increase indicates that the cortical neural activity evoked by FN stimulation is highly focal. Thus the findings support the hypothesis that, in cortex, the vasodilation is mediated by activation of a restricted group of neural elements, perhaps neurons in laminae III-IV.
Particle-plasma interactions during low pressure plasma deposition

Abstract A numerical model has been developed to predict the temperature profile of particles injected in a low pressure plasma jet. The equations governing particle melting were applied to spherical powders of a binary model alloy. Thermophysical properties of the gas and the powder material have been taken to be temperature dependent. In the proposed model, the latent heat of melting was taken into account by introducing the apparent enthalpy as a function of the fraction of liquid formed which can be derived from equations describing non-equilibrium melting. The temperature and velocity profiles of the plasma jet used in this analysis are for a free jet (without target interference) and were calculated using the parabolic Navier-Stokes equation with a K -ϵ turbulence model. Correction factors have been introduced to take into account non-continuum effects encountered in the low pressure environment and the results show that both heat and momentum transfer between the plasma gas and the injected particles are reduced.
Cuticular hydrocarbons of the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus by age and sex

Abstract The cuticular hydrocarbons of the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus consist of n- alkanes , 3-methylalkanes, internally branched monomethylalkanes and dimethylalkanes. The dimethylalkanes are nearly all 13, x- dimethylalkanes . There are 3, 7, 9, 11 and 13 methylene groups between the 13 and x in the various chains from carbon number 31 to 43. No qualitative differences are observed between third instar nymphs through 42-day-old adults. From third instar nymphs the major alkanes are normal C-25, C-27 and C-29. There is a sharp rise in branched alkanes by the fourth instar especially in the dimethyl-C-33, C-35, C-37, C-39 and C-41 alkanes. By the fifth instar dimethyl C-37, C-39 and C-41 alkanes are the predominant components. As the adults age there is a decrease in the 13-methyltritriacontane and dimethyltritriacontanes and an increase in 3-methyloctacosane and 13, 17-dimethyltriacontane. Adult males and females have similar profiles.
Navigating the ideological and cultural landscapes of environmental policy–making in the United States

This article offers a framework for mapping the ideological and cultural landscapes within which environmental policy–making takes place in the United States as an aid to analyzing its dynamics and predicting its outcomes. It explores four relevant political ideologies and cultures (traditional conservatism, classical liberalism, modern liberalism, and modern conservatism), which together form a complex motivational matrix of which fully informed analysis and prediction must take account. The article illustrates the practical implications of this motivational matrix by reference to the politics of global climate change.
Barriers to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation participation and adherence.

BACKGROUND A significant proportion of eligible patients do not participate in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to participation and adherence to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation by querying program staff. METHODS In January 1999, a survey was mailed to all North Carolina program directors of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs. The response rate was 85% (61/72). RESULTS Across programs, the most common barrier to participation in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation was financial. Other barriers identified by program directors included lack of patient motivation, patient work or time conflicts, and lack of physician support or referral. When program directors were asked to cite reasons that referred patients provided for not participating in rehabilitation, the most common answer was financial or lack of motivation or commitment. The most common reason cited for dropping out of the rehabilitation program was work, followed by financial reasons and lack of motivation or commitment. CONCLUSIONS The results of this statewide survey of program directors indicated a common set of barriers that many patients currently face to begin and continue participating in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation.
High-frequency oscillation and paralysis stabilize surfactant protein-B--deficient infants.

OBJECTIVE To determine if high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and neuromuscular blockade improve oxygenation and chest radiographic appearance more effectively than high-frequency oscillation alone for surfactant protein-B (SP-B)--deficient infants. STUDY DESIGN We reviewed medical records and chest radiographs of five SP-B--deficient infants awaiting lung transplantation. Changes in FiO2 and radiographic scores were analyzed with respect to neuromuscular blockade status. RESULTS FiO2 consistently increased 0.20 (SD 0.11) during high-frequency ventilation without neuromuscular blockade (p = 0.02) and decreased 0.14 (SD 0.11) during high-frequency ventilation with neuromuscular blockade (p = 0.05). Chest radiographic appearance, quantified by an expansion/aeration index, consistently deteriorated without neuromuscular blockade (p = 0.01) and consistently improved with neuromuscular blockade (p = 0.03). Changes in FiO2 correlated with changes in radiograph scores (r = 0.7, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS High-frequency ventilation with neuromuscular blockade optimizes oxygenation for SP-B--deficient infants. This ventilatory strategy should be considered while awaiting the diagnosis of SP-B deficiency or lung transplantation.
Deprivation and the Canalization of Responses to Food

The present study, under somewhat more rigorous conditions, has confirmed Lukomnik's original testing of the canalization hypothesis. Within the limits of the procedure employed, sheer familiarization had relatively little effect in modifying S's liking for esoteric foods; but, when S came to the training session hungry, statistically significant changes in the later ratings of the foods then tested were induced. Clearly, Murphy's canalization hypothesis with respect to the increase in liking for one among several potential ways of satisfying a need is supported. It should be noted (as Murphy has commented in a personal communication) that in both the Lukomnik and the present studies, the relation between the amount of food taken to taste and the amount needed for satisfying the hunger has not been established. Whether there has been true need-satisfaction or drive-reduction is as yet an unsolved question, the answer to which seems crucial to the clarification of the basic mechanisms involved in the pheno...
Systematic bias compensation for a Moiré fringe projection system

Moire fringe projection techniques are gaining popularity due to their non-contact nature and high accuracy in measuring the surface shape of many objects. The fringe patterns seen when using these instruments are similar to the patterns seen in traditional interferometry but differ in that the spacing between consecutive fringes in traditional interferometry is constant and equal to the wavelength of the source. In moire fringe projection, the spacing (equivalent wavelength) between consecutive fringes may not be constant over the field of view and it depends on the geometry (divergent or parallel) of the set-up. This variation in the equivalent wavelength causes the surface height measurements to be inaccurate. This paper looks at the aberrations that are caused by this varying equivalent wavelength and a calibration process to determine the equivalent wavelength map.
A New Observation on the Stress Distribution in the Coronary Artery Wall

The stress distribution in the vessel wall has an important bearing on vascular function in health and disease. We studied the relationship between the transmural stress distribution and the opening angle (OA) to determine the stress gradient. The simulation of wall stress was based on transmural measurements of strain and material properties of coronary arteries in reference to the zero-stress state. A one-layer model with material constants of the intact vessel was used to calculate the circumferential stress distribution. A sensitivity analysis using both one- and two-layer models (intima-media and adventitia layers) was carried out to study the effect of the OA on the circumferential stress distribution and average circumferential stress. A larger OA always shifts the circumferential stress from the intima-media to the adventitia layer. We report a new observation that the circumferential stress at the adventitia may exceed that at the intima at physiological loading due to the larger OA in the porcine coronary artery. This has important implications for growth and remodeling, where an increase in opening angle may shift excessive stress from the inner layer to the outer layer.
Hydroelastic Response of Wind or Tidal Turbines

The objective of this work is to develop and validate a coupled boundary element method (BEM)-finite element method (FEM) for the transient hydroelastic analysis of wind or tidal turbines subject to spatially varying inflow. The focus is on tidal turbines, although the methodology is also applicable for the analysis and design of wind turbines. An overview of the formulation for both the fluid and solid domains, and the fluid-structure interaction algorithms, are presented. The model is validated by comparing the predicted thrust and power measurements, and cavitation patterns, with experimental measurements and observations for a 800 mm marine current turbine presented in [1]. Additional numerical results are shown for the same turbine, but scaled up to 20 m in diameter, operating in a tidal boundary layer flow. The results suggest that a special high-strength corrosion resistant material is needed to avoid excessive blade deflection, and to ensure structural integrity. The results also suggest that it is important to consider the dynamic characteristics of the tidal turbine as the natural frequencies of the blades when operating in water are significantly reduced, as compared to when operating in air. Finally, current design challenges for both wind and tidal turbines are discussed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Hardware verification using ANSI-C programs as a reference

We describe an algorithm to verify a hardware design given in Verilog using an ANSI-C program as a specification. We use SAT based Bounded Model Checking [1] in order to reduce the equivalence problem to a bit vector logic decision problem. As a case study, we describe experimental results on a hardware and a software implementation of the data encryption standard (DES) algorithm.
Developmental expression of S-antigen in fetal human and rat eye.

Developmental expression of S-antigen and its mRNA in human and rat fetal retina was studied by immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. Immunocytochemistry indicated that S-antigen was present after 4 months gestation in the fetal human retina. In the rat, S-antigen was detected in the retina only after birth. In situ hybridization studies indicated that the S-antigen mRNA was present at 13 weeks gestational age in the human and at 15 days in the rat embryo. S-antigen mRNA was expressed not only in the retina but also in ocular tissues of neural crest origin in the fetus.
A strictly localizable field theory and the construction of resonant-symmetric scattering amplitudes

Abstract A straightforward realization of a strictly localizable quantum field theory is considered. Some properties of the fields are established. An explicit example of the ability of the “Born approximation” in this theory to yield crossing symmetric resonance amplitudes is discussed.
Effects of training on postprandial flow mediated dilation

PUBLICATIONS Ballard, K.D., Olive, J.L. Metabolic Rate in Individuals with a Predisposition for Type 2 Diabetes. American College of Sports Medicine 53 Annual Meeting, May 2006, Denver, CO. Olive, J.L., Ballard, K.D., Robinson, J. Vascular Function in Individuals with a Predisposition for Type 2 Diabetes. American College of Sports Medicine 53 Annual Meeting, May 2006, Denver, CO. Moreillon, J., Burgard, M.A., Ballard, K.D., Mercer, S.L., Felker, J.M., Hare, J.L., Adams, K.J., FACSM (2005). Metabolic Costs of Two Types of Barbell Lunges. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 37(5): S191. CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS Milliner, B., Ballard, K., Robinson, J., and Olive, J.L. Metabolic Rate in Individuals with a Predisposition for Type 2 Diabetes. Poster Presentation, Research Louisville, November 2005, Louisville, KY. Ballard, K.D., Olive, J.L. Metabolic Rate in Individuals with a Predisposition for Type 2 Diabetes. Slide Presentation, University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development Spring Research Conference, April 2006, Louisville, KY. Ballard, K.D., Olive, J.L. Metabolic Rate in Individuals with a Predisposition for Type 2 Diabetes. Slide Presentation (pending), American College of Sports Medicine 53 Annual Meeting, May 2006, Denver, CO. Olive, J.L., Ballard, K.D., Robinson, J. Vascular Function in Individuals with a Predisposition for Type 2 Diabetes. Poster Presentation (pending), American College of Sports Medicine 53 Annual Meeting, May 2006, Denver, CO. AFFILIATIONS/ MEMBERSHIPS National Strength and Conditioning Association-Certified Personal Trainer, 2002-present UofL Health Sciences Club, Vice President, 2005-2006 American Heart Association CPR Certified, 2000-present American College of Sports Medicine, 2006-present COMPUTER SKILLS: Proficient in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, SPSS, Eat Right Analysis Nutrition software, LabVIEW and EndNote software
Penile Injection Training

Injection therapy is the most effective pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, it has been all but forgotten by most practitioners since the advent of the oral therapy. Physicians rarely offer injection therapy as an option, despite the fact that over 6 million men have tried phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the United States, and 1.8 million of those men may have failed or been dissatisfied with oral therapy. Patients approached with the possibility of injection therapy fear the pain and concept of penile self-injection. Through a compassionate, supportive educational approach incorporating the physicians and their staffs, injection therapy can be a highly effective treatment for ED patients who have failed oral therapy.
Guatemala strives for environmental and economic sustainability in the Rio Dulce region

Conditions in Guatemala's Rio Dulce National Park (RDNP) present an immediate decision-making challenge concerning the reversal of current destructive environmental trends, and in establishing policies for restoration, protection, and sustainable use. This article summarises results of environmental assessment activities undertaken at three levels: an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of a proposed industrial forestry activity, an environmental assessment of management options for the Rio Dulce National Park, and water management planning for the Rio Dulce/Lago Izabal watershed. A key result of the EIA was to prohibit construction of a barge terminal within the boundaries of the park because it could set a precedent for future development. Management options for the park focused on establishing land-use controls, dealing with river transport more effectively, and identifying funding mechanisms to implement solutions. At the watershed scale, a strategic approach was recommended to identify priority issues for initiating change toward sustainability in the region.
Profiles of stutterers' and nonstutterers' affective, cognitive, and behavioral communication attitudes

Abstract The purposes of this investigation were 1) to profile the affective, cognitive, and behavioral attitudinal dimensions of stutterers' and nonstutterers' communication attitudes and 2) to describe membership characteristics of each profile. To this end, 76 stutterers and 81 nonstutterers completed the Inventory of Communication Attitudes. This self-report inventory obtained ratings of different types of speaking situations, using five response scales reflecting behavioral, affective, and cognitive aspects of attitudes. Exploratory cluster analysis identified six attitudinal clusters or profiles. Some profiles were more typical either of stuttering respondents or of nonstuttering respondents, whereas one profile reflected attitudes of proportionately equal numbers of stutterers and nonstutterers. Examination of profile membership characteristics revealed two significant discriminators, classification as a stutterer or nonstutterer and an overall speech rating. Nondiscriminatory characteristics included sex, age, education, therapy experiences, stuttering severity self-rating, onset of stuttering, total therapy time, current therapeutic status, and familial history.
Physiological activities of gluconyl peptides.

d-gluconyl-e-aminocapronsaure und andere Glyconylpeptide wirken als Anticoagulans durch Hemmung der Fibrinbildung aus Fibrinogen, hamolysieren rote Blutkorperchen und haben einen bakteriostatischen Effekt. Es handelt sich moglicherweise um eine Wirkung auf Glukoproteine mit Austausch von Kohlenhydratkomponenten; Zugabe von e-Aminocapronsaure ist imstande, die Wirkung aufzuheben.
Adaptation: Conservation for any budget

Deciding where and how to allocate scarce funding to conserve plants and animals in a changing and uncertain climate is a thorny issue. Numerical modelling identifies the most effective mix of conservation measures based on the level of expenditure available.
American Civil Law Origins: Implications for State Constitutions

We examine the effect of initial legal traditions on constitutional stability in the American states. Ten states were initially settled by France, Spain, or Mexico and had developed civil law legal systems at the time of American acquisition. Although Louisiana retained civil law, the remaining nine adopted common law. Controlling for contemporaneous and initial conditions, civil law states have substantially higher levels of constitutional instability at the end of the twentieth century. We speculate that this effect is attributable to instability in property rights caused by the change in national governments and to the legacy of the civil law system. Copyright 2005, Oxford University Press.
Rocket Exhaust Scattering Effects on Incident Microwave Propagation Characteristics

This paper considers the effect of the rocket exhaust turbulence and scattering within the surrounding medium upon the propagation characteristics of incident electromagnetic waves. The exhaust is represented by a cylindrical plasma beam, diffusing through the surrounding medium. The equations of propagation of EM waves are derived for both TE and TM modes. By using a quasi-linear perturbation technique the exhaust is further separated into an inner homogeneous cylindrical plasma beam, and an outer conical inhomogeneous turbulent region. The isotropic change in the temperature of the outer region and its effects on the fluctuations in the density of electrons, collision frequency, and plasma index of refraction are analyzed in detail. It is found that the exhaust turbulence and scattering effects produce linear fluctuations in the E and H fields computed from the exhaust inner region effect. The equations of this paper can be used in the prediction of the radar cross sections and the attenuation of microwaves by rocket exhaust plumes.
Novel Poly[3-(p-substituted)benzoyl-2,5-thiophenes] via Nickel(0)-Catalyzed Coupling Polymerization

Three novel poly[3-(p-substituted)benzoyl-2,5-thiophene]s (Ib, IIb, and IIIb) were successfully prepared via nickel(0)-catalyzed coupling polymerization of 3-benzoyl-2,5-dichlorothiophene (Ia), 3-(...
Low molecular weight heparin suppresses tumor necrosis factor expression from deep vein thrombosis.

Prior investigations have shown that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) possesses anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its anticoagulant effects. The physiology of this anti-inflammatory mechanism is poorly understood. Experiments were performed to assess the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of LMWH in a rat model of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups and underwent laparotomy and inferior vena cava (IVC) ligation directly below the renal veins to induce thrombosis. Twenty-four hours later, intraluminal clot was confirmed at repeat laparotomy using an electromagnetic flowmeter and visual inspection. An intravenous infusion of LMWH or urokinase or no infusion (control) was then performed. Subcutaneous LMWH was given postoperatively to the heparin group. Twenty-four hours after the second operation, the animals were killed, the IVC harvested, the cells from the IVC purified, and cytokine measurements done.The LMWH group showed an overall statistically significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels compared to both the control and urokinase groups by analysis of variance (918 pg/mL vs. 1,345 and 1,623, respectively; P = 0.001). To ensure accuracy, individual pairwise comparisons were performed, which also showed statistically significant TNF-α suppression by LMWH compared to control ( P = 0.015) and urokinase ( P = 0.0009).Treatment of DVT with LMWH causes suppression of TNF-α expression. This may, in part, explain its anti-inflammatory effects.
AB initio investigations of symmetric rotor models for small trifluoromethyl substituted molecules

Abstract Gas phase structural information is available for many trifluoromethyl substituted molecules. For practical reasons, this has been interpreted using symmetric rotor models for the trifluoromethyl top, although there is evidence that this approximation is not a complete model for the equilibrium structure of the molecules. Fluorine is also known to be a difficult substituent to represent with conventional SCF techniques; accuracy often depends on elaborate basis sets and post Hartree-Fock methods. However, for the purpose of this study, ab initio investigations have been made of trifluoroacetylfluoride, trifluoroacetic acid, and perfluoroacetic acid to determine the extent to which the conventional single determinant calculations based on the symmetric rotor model are in agreement with the experimental interpretations of the molecular structure. In particular, optimized geometries, vibrational analyses, conformational structures and barriers to rotation are presented.
Model-companions and definability in existentially complete structures

The theory of model-companions and existentially complete structures is both reviewed and developed further. The review begins with A. Robinson’s work in the fifties and continues through the definability of second order structures in existentially complete groups. New results include necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a model-companion in terms of the definability of general elementary properties. The main theorem of the paper gives necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a model-companion for universal theories with finite presentations and the amalgamation property. This result generalizes the result of P. Eklof and G. Sabbagh that the theory ofR-modules has a model-completion if and only ifR is coherent.
Panepoxydone Targets NF-kB and FOXM1 to Inhibit Proliferation, Induce Apoptosis and Reverse Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer

Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly diverse group that is associated with an aggressive phenotype. Its treatment has been challenging due to its heterogeneity and absence of well-defined molecular targets. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel agents with therapeutic application. NF-κB is over-expressed in many breast cancers; thus, inactivation of the NF-κB pathway could serve as a therapeutic target. Here we report for the first time the anti-tumor activity of panepoxydone (PP), a NF-κB inhibitor isolated from an edible mushroom, in several breast cancer cell lines. Methods We investigated the effects of PP on cell growth, migration-invasion, apoptosis and EMT-related proteins expression in MCF-7 and TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-453. Results Significant antitumor activity was seen in all cell lines, with differential responses noted in cell-line specific manner. Treatment with PP resulted in significant cytotoxicity, decreased invasion, migration and increased apoptosis in all cell lines tested. Up-regulation of Bax and cleaved PARP and down-regulation of Bcl-2, survivin, cyclin D1 and caspase 3 were noted in PP-treated breast cancer cells. The antitumor effect of PP appeared related to its ability to inhibit the phosphorylation of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) with cytoplasmic accumulation. PP treatment also down-regulated FOXM1 which resulted in a reversal of EMT. Similar results were obtained after silencing of NF-kB and FOXM1. Conclusion Altogether, these studies show, for the first time the antitumor activity of PP against breast cancer cells, in particular TNBC cells. Furthermore, it highlights the concept that optimal treatment of TNBC warrants attention to the differential sensitivity of various TNBC subtypes to therapeutic agents. These results suggest that the PP may be a potentially effective chemopreventive or therapeutic agent against breast cancer. However, additional studies are required to more fully elucidate the mechanism of antitumor effect of PP.