cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Map kinase signaling pathways and hematologic malignancies

Mitogen-activated protein (Map) kinases are widely expressed serine-threonine kinases that mediate important regulatory signals in the cell. Three major groups of Map kinases exist: the p38 Map kinase family, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) family, and the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) family. The members of the different Map kinase groups participate in the generation of various cellular responses, including gene transcription, induction of cell death or maintenance of cell survival, malignant transformation, and regulation of cell-cycle progression. Depending on the specific family isoform involved and the cellular context, Map kinase pathways can mediate signals that either promote or suppress the growth of malignant hematopoietic cells. Over the last few years, extensive work by several groups has established that Map kinase pathways play critical roles in the pathogenesis of various hematologic malignancies, providing new molecular targets for future therapeutic approaches. In this review, the involvement of various Map kinase pathways in the pathophysiology of hematologic malignances is summarized and the clinical implications of the recent advances in the field are discussed.
Viral mortality of marine bacteria and cyanobacteria

DESPITE the importance of cyanobacteria in global primary productivity1and of heterotrophic bacteria in the consumption of organic matter in the sea2, the causes of their mortality, particularly the cyanobacteria, are poorly understood. It is usually assumed that mortality is due to protozoan grazing3,4 rather than to viral infection, probably because abundances of phage and host in nature are presumed to be low5. Previously, either very few marine bacteriophages have been found by plaque assays6–9, or viruses have been simply observed10–12or counted13,14 by transmission electron microscopy, with the assumption that 'phage-looking' forms are locally active bacteriophages. Here we report not only high viral abundance in the ocean but also counts of bacteria and cyanobacteria in the final irreversible stage of lytic infection. The latter counts are necessary to evaluate mortality, because the sources, hosts, viability and ages of observed free viruses are unknown; even finding viruses attached to cells does not prove successful infection. Up to 7% of the heterotrophic bacteria and 5% of the cyanobacteria from diverse marine locations contained mature phage; interpretation via culture data indicates that up to 70% of the prokaryotes could be infected. These data demonstrate the existence of a significant new pathway of carbon and nitrogen cycling in marine food webs and have further implications for gene transfer between marine organisms.
The role of NCAM in remyelination

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is expressed by myelinating precursor cells in neonatal mouse spinal cord and by remyelinating cells after chemically induced demyelination in adult mouse. It shows tempting suggestions about its possible involvement in the reparative mechanisms and the remyelination processes that take place in multiple sclerosis (MS). In fact, its levels progressively increase in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of acute MS patients subjected to steroid treatment, paralleling the progressive clinical improvement after the attack. Such an increase is not found in acute MS patients not treated with steroids nor in non-acute patients subjected to the same steroid treatment.
Hierarchical segmentation of vertebrae from x-ray images

The problem of vertebrae segmentation in digitized x-ray images is addressed with a hierarchical approach that combines three different methodologies. As a starting point, two customized active shape models are trained on data sets of cervical and lumbar images, respectively. Here, a methodology to include edge information in the gray-level modeling part of the active shape models is developed to increase the representativeness of the model and to improve the chances of finding vertebral boundaries. Active shape models' initialization shortcoming is then addressed by a customized implementation of the Generalized Hough Transform, which provides an estimate of the pose of the vertebrae within target images. Active shape models' shortcoming of lack of local deformation is addressed by a customized implementation of the technique of Deformable Models. In this implementation, an energy minimization approach is employed in which the external energy term is extracted from the training set of images and the internal energy terms control the shape of the template. Segmentation results on data sets of cervical and lumbar images show that the proposed hierarchical approach produces errors of less than 3mm in 75% of the cervical images and 6.4mm in 50% of the lumbar images.
Impact of Linewidth on Backend Dielectric TDDB and Incorporation of the Linewidth Effect in Full Chip Lifetime Analysis

Low-k time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) has been found to vary as a function of metal linewidth, when the distance between the lines is constant. Modeling requires determining the relationship between TDDB and layout geometries. Therefore, comb test structures that vary pattern density and linewidth independently have been designed and implemented in 45 nm technology. Models are computed to estimate TDDB as a function of linewidth, and the cause of variation in TDDB behavior is investigated. The methodology to use the models for full-chip analysis is explained.
Truth and Consequences: The Costs and Benefits of Accurate Self-Knowledge

Accurate self-knowledge is widely assumed to be necessary, sought after, and characteristic of most people. In this article, the authors examine the logical and evidentiary basis of these assumptions and reach the opposite conclusions.
Production of bio-oil from underutilized forest biomass using an auger reactor

Conversion of underutilized forest biomass to bio-oil could be a niche market for energy production. In this work, bio-oil was produced from underutilized forest biomass at selected temperatures between 425–500°C using an auger reactor. Physical properties of bio-oil, such as pH, density, heating value, ash, and water, were analyzed and compared with an ASTM standard to document the effect of pyrolysis temperature. All of the properties analyzed in this study, except for the ash content of the bio-oil, met the ASTM standard. Chemical composition of bio-oil was also analyzed, and the concentration of each species was compared at different temperatures.
Selenophosphate synthetase: detection in extracts of rat tissues by immunoblot assay and partial purification of the enzyme from the archaean Methanococcus vannielii

Abstract In Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium it has been shown that selenophosphate serves as the selenium donor for the conversion of seryl-tRNA to selenocysteyl-tRNA and for the synthesis of 2-selenouridine, a modified nucleoside present in tRNAs. Although selenocysteyl-tRNA also is formed in eukaryotes and is used for the specific insertion of selenocysteine into proteins, the precise mechanism of its biosynthesis from seryl-tRNA in these systems is not known. Because selenophosphate is extremely oxygen labile and difficult to identify in biological systems, we used an immunological approach to detect the possible presence of selenophosphate synthetase in mammalian tissues. With antibodies elicited to E. coli selenophosphate synthetase the enzyme was detected in extracts of rat brain, liver, kidney, and lung by immunoblotting. Especially high levels were detected in Methanococcus vannielii, a member of the domain Archaea, and the enzyme was partially purified from this source. It seems likely that the use of selenophosphate as a selenium donor is widespread in biological systems.
Simple syntheses of (±) -β-copaene, (±) -β-ylangene and lemnalol.

Abstract The ketone 1a, which we have prepared from geranylacetone in 38% yield by a four step sequence, has been converted to β-copaene and β-ylangene by a three step sequence. Oxidation of β-ylangene with SeO 2 gives lemnalol in 76% yield.
Observations of cyclic grain boundary migration in aluminium after large numbers of fatigue cycles

Etude experimentale sur Al polycristallin. Observation des joints par microscopie optique et interferrometrie
Age-Dependent Contribution of P/Q- and R-Type Ca2+ Channels to Neuromuscular Transmission in Lethargic Mice

β-Subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) regulate assembly and membrane localization of the pore-forming α1-subunit and strongly influence channel function. β4-Subunits normally coassociate with α1A-subunits which comprise P/Q-type (Cav2.1) VGCCs. These control acetylcholine (ACh) release at adult mammalian neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). The naturally occurring lethargic (lh) mutation of the β4-subunit in mice causes loss of the α1-binding site, possibly affecting P/Q-type channel expression or function, and thereby ACh release. End-plate potentials and miniature end-plate potentials were recorded at hemidiaphragm NMJs of 5-7-week and 3-5-month-old lh and wild-type (wt) mice. Sensitivity to antagonists of P/Q- [ω-agatoxin IVA (ω-Aga-IVA)], L- (nimodipine), N- (ω-conotoxin GVIA), and R-type [C192H274N52O60S7 (SNX-482)] VGCCs was compared in juvenile and adult lh and wt mice. Quantal content (m) of adult, but not juvenile, lh mice was reduced compared to wt. ω-Aga-IVA (~60%) and SNX-482 (~ 45%) significantly reduced m in adult lh mice. Only Aga-IVA affected wt adults. In juvenile lh mice, ω-Aga-IVA and SNX-482 decreased m by >75% and ~20%, respectively. Neither ω-conotoxin GVIA nor nimodipine affected ACh release in any group. Immunolabeling revealed α1E and α1A, β1, and β3 staining at adult lh, but not wt NMJs. Therefore, in lh mice, when the β-subunit that normally coassociates with α1A to form P/Q channels is missing, P/Q-type channels partner with other β-subunits. However, overall participation of P/Q-type channels is reduced and compensated for by R-type channels. R-type VGCC participation is age-dependent, but is less effective than P/Q-type at sustaining NMJ function.
Comparative measurements on a series of accelerators by the same vendor.

A series of comparative measurements were conducted during a 12-month period on a series of linear accelerators made by the same vendor. These measurements were conducted during acceptance and commissioning of six Varian model 2100C linear accelerators which had identical beam energies and beam modifiers. Nominal accelerating potentials, scattermeasurements, depth doses, beam profiles, wedge and electron beam descriptors are presented. The results show highly similar beam parameters with observed variations being approximately equivalent to the precision of measurement. This similarity implies that a standard data set can be used to validate new commissioning data.
Effect of ramp-like contours upon perceived size and detection threshold'

Perceived widths and detection thresholds were measured for foveally viewed stimuli which were edged on two sides by luminance ramps. Perceived width approximated the distance between the midpoints of the ramps. It varied with the width of the ramps, but was unaffected by a five-fold change in the luminance of the stimulus. The detection threshold was higher for a ramp stimulus than for a normal stimulus of the same apparent width. The relationship between perceived width and detectability is consistent with a theoretical treatment based upon receptive-field mechanisms.
Consistency of voice frequency and perturbation measures in children.

ObjectiveEvaluate normal pediatric voice frequency and perturbation measures with Voice Evaluation Suite (VES) and Multi Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP), determine the consistency of these measures over time, and understand which measures might be most useful for evaluating children with voice disorders.Study DesignProspective, longitudinal study of normal voices of 50 children aged 4 to 17 years.SettingPediatric otolaryngology clinic within tertiary hospital.Subjects and MethodsTwo tests of sustained utterances from each child were evaluated by 2 computerized voice analysis programs for frequency and perturbation. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the reliability between the samples.ResultsChildren (male/female, 1.08:1) with a mean age of 8.34 years were tested on an average of 54.2 minutes apart. Each test included 4 utterances; 1 was analyzed by MDVP, and 3 grouped utterances were averaged and evaluated by VES. Fundamental frequency had excellent reliability (ICC = 0.95) in b...
Constraints on the Yerkes-Dodson Law in Skin Temperature Biofeedback

The purpose of the present experiment was to explore the relationship between motivation and task difficulty during temperature biofeedback. A 2 (task difficulty: decreasing vs. increasing) X 3 (mo...
Fatal air embolism in pregnancy resulting from orogenital sex play.

Abstract A case of fatal air embolism resulting from orogenital sexual play during pregnancy is described and similar cases in the world literature are reviewed.
Multilevel partitioning of large unstructured grids

Scientific datasets today are often far too large to fit into a single machine's memory or even a single disk. Partitioning multidimensional arrays across several machines or disks has become increasingly necessary. However, relatively little work has been done for unstructured grids composed of a collection of simplicial cells. Our previous work investigated partitioning unstructured grids at the disk level and its effect on overall system performance. In this paper, we build upon prior work by investigating the effect of an in-core partitioning performed on top of the existing disk level partitioning. The granularity of in-core partitioning has varying effect on the overall system performance. Based on our test results, we propose a formula for choosing an effective partitioning for large unstructured grids to facilitate fast data retrieval. We also examine the performance benefits of declustering unstructured grids across several disks. Given this declustered dataset, we describe and explore a parallel data retrieval method that takes advantage of prior knowledge of a user access pattern. Our test results demonstrate very significant performance gains.
Global Defense Policy System of Laws: Graph Theory Approach to Balance of Power Theory

This paper illustrates and further develops a previously proposed proactive system approach to war prevention called the Global Defense Policy System of Laws (GDPSL). This mathematical system can be used to develop policies that maintain the balance of power and balance of perception among states in the global arena and avoid the dangers of misperception. The author argues that power and law must coexist to structure this system, although equalizing catalysts are also necessary to achieve stability.
Evaluation of the performance of immobilized enzyme reactors with Michaelis-Menten kinetics.

Two dimensionless models, taking into account the external mass-transfer, are used to characterize and compare the behaviour of plug flow reactors (PFR) and continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR). These models need only two parameters, the Damkohler number and the Stanton number, to cover all the range of operating conditions. The conversion and a new dimensionless number, quantifying the use of the enzyme, are calculated for different values of the Damkohler and Stanton numbers.
Texture in friction stir welds of Timetal 21S

Abstract The β-titanium alloy, Timetal 21S, was welded by the friction stir welding process. Good weldability was demonstrated for a range of welding parameters. A torsion texture was observed in all welds.
Précis of Hume’s difficulty: Time and identity in the TREATISE

Despite its central role in his important theories of self and external world, Hume's account of numerical identity has been neglected or misunderstood. The account is designed as a response to a difficulty concerning identity apparently original with Hume. I argue that the problem is real, crucial, and remains unresolved today. Hume's response to the difficulty enlists his idiosyncratic, empiricist views on time: time consists of discrete, partless moments, some of which coexist with successions of others. Time is more like a wall of variously sized bricks than like a continuous line. Hume's arguments that time (and space) are not infinitely divisible have met with literal contempt. I show that his unusual views are motivated and consistent.
THE MYCOFLORA OF WOOD CHIPS TO BE USED AS MULCH

One hundred and fourteen species of fungi in 82 genera were identified from 2500 wood chips examined. Species of Trichoderma, Fusarium, Chaetomium, Aspergillus, Rhizopus and Graphium accounted for 48.6% of the isolates. None of the other species occurred in more than 5% of the wood chips. T. species accounted for nearly one-fifth of all colonies recorded. A. fumigatus was very common in both self-heated and ambient temperature piles. The possible threat to persons working around mulch piles from A. fumigatus is discussed. 29 references.
Impression Management Strategies and Performance in Information Technology Consulting The Role of Self-Other Rating Agreement on Charismatic Leadership

This study examined the extent to which subordinates’ and superiors’ perceptions of the five basic impression-management strategies of ingratiation, self-promotion, intimidation, exemplification, a...
Response to Dengue Fever — The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly?

Severe dengue has been attributed to antibody-dependent enhancement during a second infection with dengue virus. A recent study provides evidence for, and an elaboration of, this mechanism.
RATIONAL, RATIONALIZING, AND REIFYING USES OF ACCOUNTING DATA IN ORGANIZATIONS.

Abstract This paper reports the results of a longitudinal field study of information use in a public sector organization. The investigation focused on the extent to which the use of cost accounting data by military repair facilities in the U.S. fits one of three conceptual models of information use. The models reflected the technical-rational, socio-political and institutional perspectives on organisations. Data were obtained by visiting 14 military installations, interviewing 95 people in depth, examining archival data, and conducting in-depth studies of problem areas within the cost system. The study included data covering a period of 22 years. Results indicated little use of the cost data consistent with the technical-rational perspective. Most uses of the data were consistent with either the social-political or institutional perspectives. The study also revealed interesting dynamic properties of the system over time such as the change in the patterns of data use from socio-political and institutional to technical-rational, and the creation of new users for the system.
The role of insulin-sensitizing agents in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, which includes dyslipidemia, central obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. These diseases collectively and individually increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a subset of NAFLD that can progress to cirrhosis in up to 30% of patients and lead to decompensated liver disease requiring liver transplantation in many patients. Insulin resistance is the pathophysiological hallmark of NASH and addressing insulin resistance is an important aspect of NASH management. Lifestyle modifications with diet and exercise improve insulin sensitivity and are the cornerstone of therapy, but are often difficult to maintain long term. Not surprisingly, insulin-sensitizing agents have been a focus of pharmacologic investigation in NASH. Insulin sensitizers such as the thiazolidinediones, biguanides, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors, also known as incretins, will be discussed with respect to their mechanism of action and how these drugs might target aspects of NASH pathophysiology. Finally, we will summarize the available clinical data and review both the risks and benefits of insulin sensitizers in the treatment of NASH.
Big Brother or big bother? E‐monitoring the salesforce

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of salespersons' attributions about managerial e‐monitoring on salespersons' customer orientation.Design/methodology/approach – Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test the six study hypotheses. A main effects model was used to test the first two hypotheses, with a comparison of regression models used to identify pure modifiers.Findings – The results of this study found informing attributions enhance customer orientation. This effect, however, can be weakened under highly bureaucratic organizational cultures. Similarly, the ability of controlling attributions to hamper customer orientation is less pronounced in cultures described as more bureaucratic.Research limitations/implications – Building on self‐determination theory (SDT), the authors' study provides an explicit test of e‐monitoring and examines the nature and effects of information and controlling attributions. Given a low variance extracted value attained for bureaucratic cult...
D strings and F strings from string loops.

Since the background fields of the string low energy action are supposed to be the long range manifestation of a condensate of strings, the addition of world sheet actions to the low energy effective action needs some string theoretic explanation. In this paper we suggest that this may be understood as being due to string loop effects. We first present arguments using an equation due to Tseytlin and then more rigorously in the particular case of type IIB theory by invoking the Fischler-Susskind effect. The argument provides further justification for SL(2,Z) duality between D-strings and F (fundamental)-strings. In an Appendix we comment on recent attempts to relate the type IIA membrane to the 11-dimensional membrane. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
INDEPENDENT MANIPULATION OF MEANING AND M.

Abstract : THE INDEPENDENCE OF MEANING AND WORD ASSOCIATION PROCESSES WAS DEMONSTRATED THROUGH THE SEPARATE MANIPULATION OF THE TWO PROCESSES. Analyses indicated significant differences between the means of the 2-positive, 2-neutral, and 2-negative word groups, showing the independent effect of the meaning variable. Further, the syllables paired with 4 pleasant word associates scored significantly more pleasant ratings than the syllables paired with only 2 pleasant words. Thus, meaning and m (m is the number of word responses given to a stimulus word in a specified interval of time) were increased in parallel fashion under conditions where the word associates elicited a common meaning response. However, syllables presented with 2-neutral and 4-neutral word associates showed no significant differences in semantic rating, indicating the mere learning of word associates is not sufficient to establish meaning. These results show the independence of meaning and word association processes. The meaning of a word is not established solely by forming word associations. The separate processes of word meaning and word association must be given separate consideration in understanding language development. (Author)
Uniqueness and Existence Results on the Hele-Shaw and the Stefan Problems

In this paper we introduce a notion of viscosity solutions for the one-phase Hele-Shaw and Stefan problems when there is no surface tension. We prove the uniqueness and existence of the solutions for both problems and the uniform convergence of solutions of porous medium equation to those of the Hele-Shaw problem.
plethy: management of whole body plethysmography data in R

Characterization of respiratory phenotypes can enhance complex trait and genomic studies involving allergic/autoimmune and infectious diseases. Many aspects of respiration can be measured using devices known as plethysmographs that can measure thoracic movement. One such approach (the Buxco platform) performs unrestrained whole body plethysmography on mice which infers thoracic movements from pressure differences from the act of inhalation and exhalation. While proprietary software is available to perform basic statistical analysis as part of machine’s bundled software, it is desirable to be able to incorporate these analyses into high-throughput pipelines and integrate them with other data types, as well as leverage the wealth of analytic and visualization approaches provided by the R statistical computing environment. This manuscript describes the plethy package which is an R/Bioconductor framework for pre-processing and analysis of plethysmography data with emphasis on larger scale longitudinal experiments. The plethy package was designed to facilitate quality control and exploratory data analysis. We provide a demonstration of the features of plethy using a dataset assessing the respiratory effects over time of SARS and Influenza infection in mice. The plethy package provides functionality for users to import, perform quality assessment and exploratory data analysis in a manner that allows interoperability with existing modelling tools. Our package is implemented in R and is freely available as part of the Bioconductor project http://www.bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/plethy.html .
Binary choice and the supply of memory

Abstract In a binary choice experiment, the subject predicts on a series of trials whether a particular random event will or will not occur. The results of such experiments show systematic departures from expected value maximization, but to a degree that decreases as the reward for successful prediction increases. This paper proposes that the mechanism underlying these results involves the supply of memory. Subjects are influenced by the outcomes of recent trials, but tend to respond to the evidence in a larger number of trials as reward (and hence attention) are increased. Broader conceptual issues surrounding the notion of rational choice are also discussed.
Analytical gradients for Singer's multicenter n-electron explicitly correlated Gaussians

Analytical gradients for Singer's basis of n-electron multicenter explicitly correlated Gaussian functions are derived and implemented to variationally optimize the energy and wave function of molecular systems within the Born–Oppenheimer approximation. Wave functions are optimized with respect to (½n(n+1)+3n) nonlinear variational parameters and one linear coefficient per term in the basis set. Preliminary results for the ground states of H3+ and H3 suggest that the method can be more flexible and can achieve lower energies than previously reported calculations. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 82: 151–159, 2001
Role of IgA in IgA nephropathy.

IgA nephropathy (Berger disease) is defined by the dominant or codominant deposition of IgA in the renal mesangium. There is much evidence in vitro to suggest up-regulation of the IgA immune response in patients. Data from tonsillar and bone marrow-derived lymphocytes and from in vivo immunization studies indicate that the primary defect is an up-regulated systemic one, rather than mucosal IgA production. Several lines of evidence suggest that increased IgA production alone is inadequate to explain the pathogenesis of Berger disease. Murine models of IgA nephropathy indicate that local complement activation mediated by deposited IgG is essential for measangial cell proliferation and subsequent renal injury. Circulating immune complexes from patients with Berger disease contain IgA and IgG within the same lattice. In vitro studies of model immune aggregates containing various mixtures of IgA and IgG indicate that the IgG is the site of complement activation and fixation. The IgA in the aggregate actually inhibits both complement activation and binding to erythrocyte complement receptor CR1. This effect of IgA may prevent effective immune complex clerance. In future studies, more emphasis should be placed on the roles of IgG and complement in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy.
Telecommunication engineering education (TEE): making the case for a new multidisciplinary undergraduate field of study

Six years of sustained efforts to recognize telecommunication engineering (TE) as a distinct education discipline came to a successful conclusion on November 1, 2014, with ABET�s approval of its 2015-2016 Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. This paper narrates the history of the Telecommunication Engineering Education (TEE) initiative and movement (2008–2014) which resulted in recognition of this field as a distinct engineering education discipline in the US and 28 other countries. We describe how the case for this recognition was made successfully, based on advances in network science and engineering. We discuss some aspects of the new ABET criteria, and how they relate to ongoing and anticipated changes in the arena of engineering education.
Apyrase Functions in Plant Phosphate Nutrition and Mobilizes Phosphate from Extracellular ATP

ATP, which is present in the extracellular matrix of multicellular organisms and in the extracellular fluid of unicellular organisms, has been shown to function as a signaling molecule in animals. The concentration of extracellular ATP (xATP) is known to be functionally modulated in part by ectoapyrases, membrane-associated proteins that cleave the γ- and β-phosphates on xATP. We present data showing a previously unreported (to our knowledge) linkage between apyrase and phosphate transport. An apyrase from pea (Pisum sativum) complements a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) phosphate-transport mutant and significantly increases the amount of phosphate taken up by transgenic plants overexpressing the gene. The transgenic plants show enhanced growth and augmented phosphate transport when the additional phosphate is supplied as inorganic phosphate or as ATP. When scavenging phosphate from xATP, apyrase mobilizes the γ-phosphate without promoting the transport of the purine or the ribose.
Experimental results for passive sonar arrays with eigenvector-based adaptive beamformers

In this paper, we compare the performance of several eigenvector-based adaptive beamforming (ABF) algorithms on experimental data collected with a passive sonar array. The first eigenvector-based ABF algorithm considered is dominant mode rejection (DMR) with a fixed, bearing independent diagonal loading level. Then, we look at two robust forms of DMR, DMR with a white noise gain constraint and DMR with eigenvector/beam association and excision. All algorithms are applied to experimental data and performance is evaluated in terms of beamformer output power and broadband detection. These ABF algorithms are also compared to conventional non-adaptive beamforming (CBF). The findings show a significant performance improvement for all ABF algorithms over CBF. Furthermore, the results show that less robust, more aggressive ABF achieves detection performance similar to eigenvector/beam association and excision algorithm, while both algorithms slightly outperform the more robust white noise gain constrained DMR.
An adequacy evaluation of a 10-year, four-country nutrition and health programme

Background Evaluations of large-scale health and nutrition programmes in developing countries are needed for determining the effectiveness of interventions. This article critically analyses a non-governmental organization (NGO)-led large-scale, multi-country, 10-year micronutrient and health (MICAH) programme with an ‘adequacy evaluation’, that is, a documentation of time trends in the expected direction. Methods MICAH was implemented from 1996 to 2005 in selected areas of Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi and Tanzania, reaching >6 million people with numerous health and nutrition interventions. Coverage and impact were monitored through surveys at baseline, midpoint and end of funding. The data were subjected to post-hoc methods of quality determination, and, if of suitable quality, included in the adequacy evaluation. Results Most collected data were of moderate or high quality and therefore included in the adequacy evaluation. There were moderate to large improvements in vitamin A status in Ethiopian school-age children, children <5 years of age in Tanzania and Ghana and mothers in Ghana. Iodine status improved in Malawi and Tanzania. Anaemia rates and malaria prevalence decreased in women, pregnant women and pre-school children in Ghana, Malawi and Tanzania, but anaemia increased in Ethiopian women. Large increases were reported for rates of exclusive breastfeeding and immunization. Child growth improved to the maximum that would be predicted with the given interventions. Conclusions Numerous nutrition and health impacts were observed in the intervention areas, often of a magnitude equal to or larger than observed in controlled interventions or trials. These results show the value of integrated long-term interventions.
Plane based relative structure recovery

In this paper we provide a novel linear algorithm to estimate the direction of translation and the normal to the scene plane, given a stereo pair with known correspondences between the corners in the images. Planar parallax which arises naturally in planar scenes (and can also be defined with respect to virtual planes), is exploited to achieve this. Based on the parallax vectors and the homography induced by the scene plane we calculate the direction of translation and the normal to the scene plane. We also calculate the relative heights of points on the object with respect to the scene plane, given the height of the camera above the plane. The accuracy of the estimated normal with respect to noise in input data is also analyzed empirically.
Machine Learning for Detection and Diagnosis of Disease

Machine learning offers a principled approach for developing sophisticated, automatic, and objective algorithms for analysis of high-dimensional and multimodal biomedical data. This review focuses on several advances in the state of the art that have shown promise in improving detection, diagnosis, and therapeutic monitoring of disease. Key in the advancement has been the development of a more in-depth understanding and theoretical analysis of critical issues related to algorithmic construction and learning theory. These include trade-offs for maximizing generalization performance, use of physically realistic constraints, and incorporation of prior knowledge and uncertainty. The review describes recent developments in machine learning, focusing on supervised and unsupervised linear methods and Bayesian inference, which have made significant impacts in the detection and diagnosis of disease in biomedicine. We describe the different methodologies and, for each, provide examples of their application to specific domains in biomedical diagnostics.
Optical microsensor arrays

Fiber optic imaging bundles are comprised of thousands of individual fibers melted and drawn together in a coherent manner. Sensor arrays are fabricated by combining the optical pathways of imaging fibers with the spatial discrimination of CCD video cameras.
Comparative life cycle assessment of centralized and distributed biomass processing systems combined with mixed feedstock landscapes

Lignocellulosic biofuels can help fulfill escalating demands for liquid fuels and mitigate the environmental impacts of petroleum-derived fuels. Two key factors in the successful large-scale production of lignocellulosic biofuels are pretreatment (in biological conversion processes) and a consistent supply of feedstock. Cellulosic biomass tends to be bulky and difficult to handle, thereby exacerbating feedstock supply challenges. Currently, large biorefineries face many logistical problems because they are fully integrated, centralized facilities in which all units of the conversion process are present in a single location. The drawbacks of fully integrated biorefineries can potentially be dealt by a network of distributed processing facilities called ‘Regional Biomass Processing Depots’ (RBPDs) which procure, preprocess/pretreat, densify and deliver feedstock to the biorefinery and return by-products such as animal feed to end users. The primary objective of this study is to perform a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of distributed and centralized biomass processing systems. Additionally, we assess the effect that apportioning land area to different feedstocks within a landscape has on the energy yields and environmental impacts of the overall systems. To accomplish these objectives, we conducted comparative LCAs of distributed and centralized processing systems combined with farm-scale landscapes of varying acreages allocated to a ‘corn-system’ consisting of corn grain, stover and rye (grown as a winter double crop) and two perennial grasses, switchgrass and miscanthus. The distributed processing system yields practically the same total energy and generates 3.7% lower greenhouse gas emissions than the centralized system. Sensitivity analyses identified perennial grass yields, biomass densification and its corresponding energy requirements, transport energy requirements and carbon sequestration credits for conversion from annual to perennial crops as key parameters that significantly affect the overall results.
The Untouchable as Himself: Ideology, Identity and Pragmatism among the Lucknow Chamars

Preface Note on transliteration Introduction: The inquiry and its context Part I. Untouchable Ideology: 1. The moral basis 2. Formulations, categories and procedures 3. Evaluating an ideal ascetic 4. Moral individuation: a climax Part II. Pragmatic Strategies: 5. Transition I: The worldly ascetic 6. Transition II: The radical and protesting ascetic 7. Articulation of the practical ethos 8. Identification of deprivation and its manipulation 9. Evaluation and accountability Conclusion: aspects of significance Notes Bibliography Index.
At the Tipping Point: Predicting Severe Mobility Difficulty in Vulnerable Older Women

More than 46% of Medicare beneficiaries in 2004 reported difficulty walking one-quarter of a mile,1 placing them at risk of progression to mobility disability, dependency, and greater health services requirements.2 Several screening tests and prognostic indices have been constructed that predict incident mobility limitations or mild mobility disability in relatively high-functioning older persons. These tests and indices primarily use performance measures that reflect impairments and functional limitations3–5 or self-report indicators of preclinical disability.6 Much less is known about how to identify persons on the verge of developing severe mobility difficulty from among the many older adults with functional limitations or mild mobility difficulty. Severe mobility difficulty—great difficulty walking or inability to ambulate without assistance over a short distance, such as a small room—threatens the ability to live independently and negatively affects quality of life. In functionally limited older persons, an initially broad clinical assessment may be particularly appropriate in light of the diverse and complex health issues that may underlie their functional difficulties. Clinical practice and emerging evidence suggest that factors difficult to categorize as impairments or limitations, such as fatigue or pain, can have critical effects on the development of difficulty.7–10 Although severe mobility difficulty may be evident when a patient can no longer walk unaided from the waiting to the examination room, features that distinguish the state immediately preceding severe difficulty, or that predict its development, are less obvious. The objective of this study was to identify easily ascertainable clinical measures that distinguish persons at risk of developing severe mobility difficulty over the short term. To accomplish this, an observational cohort study with in-depth clinical information on factors hypothesized to influence mobility difficulty was utilized. As a first step, measures readily obtainable in a clinical setting and highly correlated with severe mobility difficulty were identified. Initial selection of measures was based on a conceptual model that delineates physiological domains necessary for walking.11 The degree to which measures identified in the first step predicted incident severe mobility difficulty within the next 12 months was then determined.
Contextualizing Racial Disparities in American Welfare Reform: Toward a New Poverty Research

As a result of the 1996 reforms, the number of welfare recipients has declined precipitously, and the reform effort has been heralded a “success.” However, a growing body of research indicates racial disparities in client treatment and outcomes under welfare reform. These findings have inaugurated a debate about interpreting racial disparities under welfare reform and determining what corrective action, if any, is necessary. Some analysts contend that welfare reform, as a post–civil rights era, racially neutral public policy, can legitimately have differential outcomes for different racial groups. I argue that this claim must be countered with a new poverty research that goes beyond the limits of mainstream work by placing welfare reform in its historical and social context, thereby providing a more robust explanation of how and to what effect welfare reform is race-biased. I show how welfare reform contributes to what Loic Wacquant calls “racemaking” by being part of a racial policy regime that has developed from past policy but reinforces current racial inequalities.
A fault tolerant control system for hexagram inverter motor drive

In this paper, a fault tolerant control method for hexagram inverter motor drive is proposed. Due to its unique topology, the hexagram inverter is able to tolerate certain degree of switch failure with a proper control method. The proposed method consists of fault detection, fault isolation and post fault control. A simple fault isolation method is to use fuses in the DC links to disable the whole inverter module with switch failure. When a fault is detected in one inverter module, it is isolated by turning on all switches temporarily to blow out the fuse in the DC link, the gate drive signals for this faulty inverter module and its interconnecting legs are then disabled. After one inverter module is disabled, the hexagram inverter works in the post fault two-phase mode. The post fault control algorithm is initiated to control the two remaining output currents in order to maintain a smooth torque operation for the motor drive. Simulations and a small-scale PMSM motor drive experiment verified the proposed fault tolerant control system design.
EFFECT OF MEDIA AND MEDIA pH ON IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF 'NEMAGUARD' PEACH ROOTSTOCK*

Abstract ‘Nemaguard’ ( Prunus persica L. Batsch × Prunus davidiana Carriere) peach rootstock explants grown in liquid vs. agar medium (modified Murashige and Skoog) had a mortality of 83 vs. 60% at the end of 8 weeks. Media pH (5.2 or 5.8) had no effect on mortality. However, the best survival, growth, and condition of explants occurred on agar medium at pH 5.8. With time cultures declined in vitro; of 180 initial explants, 10 shoots rooted and 4 plantlets survived the transfer to soil.
Shear bond strengths for composite and autopolymerized acrylic resins bonded to acrylic resin denture teeth.

Abstract Statement of problem. Composite has been used to modify acrylic resin denture teeth. Purpose. This in vitro investigation examined the shear bond strengths between composite and autopolymerized acrylic resin bonded to acrylic resin denture teeth. Material and methods. The surface treatments used for the denture teeth included wetting with methyl methacrylate (MMA), vinylethyl methacrylate monomer (VEMA), unfilled liquid resin, composite bonding agent, and composite color modifier. Nonhydrated and hydrated denture tooth groups were included. A commercial composite was bonded to the denture teeth. The control group consisted of autopolymerized PMMA resin bonded to the acrylic resin denture teeth, and another group consisted of polyvinylethyl methacrylate bonded to acrylic resin denture teeth. The samples were thermocycled and tested in shear. Results. Acrylic resin denture teeth prewetted with MMA and treated with unfilled resin or a bonding agent had bond strength values comparable to the control group. VEMA was not as effective in promoting the bond. Composite color modifier did not produce a significantly weaker bond between the acrylic resin teeth and added composite. No prewetting of the teeth with MMA resulted in the lowest bond strength. Mean shear bond strengths for corresponding hydrated and non-hydrated groups were not significantly different. Conclusion. Bond strength of composite-to-acrylic resin denture teeth was comparable to the bond strength of autopolymerized acrylic resin. (J Prosthet Dent 1999;82:573-8.)
Diagnosis and Management of Primary Intraocular Lymphoma

Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a subset of primary central nervous system lymphoma. The incidence of PIOL has increased in the past 20 years. PIOL often presents as chronic uveitis that is resistant to corticosteroid therapy. Diagnosing PIOL can be challenging and requires an expert pathologist. The treatment of PIOL is difficult because of its high recurrence rate and refractory nature. The objective for the future is to improve diagnostic techniques and therapeutic success while minimizing ocular toxicities.
Uses of satellite data for famine early warning in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Since 1984, national and international agencies have sought to improve their ability to forecast famine in sub-Saharan Africa. A number of early warning systems have been implemented for this purpose that monitor physical and social variables that may indicate the likelihood and magnitude of famine. Several famine early warning systems use satellite remote sensing data to supplement ground-based observations. These systems have demonstrated the advantages in timeliness and consistency of remote sensing data. Although user needs have not been clearly defined, experience gained in the operation of early warning systems and the results of related research suggest that: (a) at the continental scale AVHRR GAC data offer many advantages over traditional, ground data sources; (b) quantitative crop yield estimates might be improved through consideration of both photosynthetic activity of the vegetation and length of growing season; (c)qualitative comparisons of crop years have provided useful inputs to c...
Protein synthesis in a device with nanoporous membranes and microchannels

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is an alternative approach to cell-based recombinant protein production. It involves in vitro transcription and translation in a cell-free medium. In this work, we implemented CFPS in a plastic array device. Each unit in the array consisted of an inner well and an outer well. Two synthesis steps, gene transcription and protein translation, took place in the inner well, in which a cell-free medium was used to provide ribosomes and additional components necessary for protein synthesis. The outer well was concentric to the inner well and it functioned as a nutrient reservoir. A nanoporous membrane was sandwiched between the inner and outer wells for retaining the synthesized proteins and removing the reaction byproducts. A microfluidic channel was employed to connect these two wells for supplying fresh nutrients for longer reaction time and higher expression yield. Synthesis of luciferase was shown to last 8 times longer and yield 10 times more proteins than in a conventional container. The device also enables more than 2 orders of magnitude reduction in reagent consumption compared to a bench-top instrument. The effects of the membrane pore size and microfluidic channel on the protein production yield were also studied. The array device has potential to become a platform for parallel protein expression for proteomics applications, matching high-throughput gene discovery.