cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pterostilbene ameliorates tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced pancreatitis in vitro.

Abstract Background We have previously demonstrated that pterostilbene, a compound in blueberries, exerts antiproliferative effects against pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, little is known about the anti-inflammatory effects of pterostilbene in pancreatitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pterostilbene on inflammatory markers in an in vitro pancreatitis model. We hypothesized that pterostilbene would ameliorate the immediate inflammatory response in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)–induced pancreatitis through downregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and inhibition of TNF-α–induced secretion of lipase and proinflammatory cytokines interleukins (ILs) 1β and 6. Methods AR42J acinar cells were pretreated with TNF-α to induce pancreatitis followed by 25 and 50 μM pterostilbene for 15 and 30 min. Secretion of lipase was quantified using a lipase assay and used as a marker of TNF-α–induced pancreatitis. Detection of STAT3, IL-1β, and IL-6 was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results TNF-α increased the secretion of lipase, IL-1β, and IL-6. Pterostilbene treatment inhibited TNF-α–induced secretion of lipase (P Conclusions The dietary compound pterostilbene exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in pancreatitis through downregulation of STAT3 and decreased the secretion of lipase, IL-1β, and IL-6. Pterostilbene's amelioration of pancreatitis in vitro makes it an advantageous anti-inflammatory agent. Further studies are necessary to determine pterostilbene's role as a protective or therapeutic agent in pancreatitis.
Carbon and nutrient cycling in the upper water column across the Polar Frontal Zone and Antarctic Circumpolar Current along 170°W

[1] Seasonal changes of upper water column chemical properties integrate the effects of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that control the export of carbon to the deep ocean. Between October 1997 and March 1998, several hydrographic cruises were undertaken in the southwestern Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean, as part of the U.S. JGOFS program. On these cruises, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and concentration of total carbon dioxide (TCO2) dissolved in seawater were determined in surface waters, along with the nutrient concentrations [nitrate (NO3−), nitrite (NO2−), ammonium (NH4+), phosphate (PO4≡), and silicate (Si(OH)4)]. This interval saw the commencement, culmination, and denouement of phytoplankton blooms, both north and south of the Polar Front (PF). Nutrient utilization, regeneration, and export ratios, and primary production and export, were estimated from seasonal changes in these properties observed in surface waters across the Polar Front. While the biological drawdowns of carbon dioxide and nutrient concentrations in the euphotic zone were greater south of the front, the estimated primary productivity (1.6–2.7 mol C/m2/yr) and export (1.2–1.5 mol C/m2/yr) are comparable. The observed C/N/P ratios vary temporally, as a function of the dominant process, and spatially, as a function of the phytoplankton assemblage. South of the PF, the maximum biological utilization (or new production) C/N/P ratios are 69 ± 2/10.4 ± 0.5/1 while post-regeneration biological utilization (or export) C/N/P ratios are 87 ± 3/12.7 ± 0.5/1. North of the PF the C/N/P ratios are similar to the classic Redfield ratios, 100 ± 5/(14–16.5) ± 0.5/1. Silica/(C, N, and P) ratios are also highly variable temporally, reflecting differences between silica and organic nutrient cycling, and the bio-availability iron. Departures from the “Redfield ratio” arise from excess phosphate uptake by diatoms and the preferential regeneration of phosphate. The disparity in nutrient ratios north and south of the PF reflects difference in phytoplankton assemblages. South of the PF there was a greater percentage of diatoms than to the north.
A kinetic friction model for viscoelastic contact of nominally flat rough surfaces

Approximate closed-form equations are derived for normal and tangential contact forces of rough surfaces in dry friction. Using an extension of the Greenwood and Tripp [1] model, in which the derivations permit asperity shoulder-to-shoulder contact and viscoelastic asperity behavior, mathematical formulae are derived for normal and tangential components of the contact force that depend not only on the proximity of the two surfaces but also the rate of approach and relative sliding. A statistical approach is forwarded in which dependence of the asperity tangential contact force on relative tangential velocity of two asperities can be cast as corrective factors in the mathematical description of tangential force. In this regard two corrective coefficients are derived: force directionality corrective coefficient and force-velocity directionality corrective coefficient. The results show that for a moderate to high load ranges the contact force can be analytically described to within 20 percent accuracy of that from a numerical integration of the contact equations, well below the uncertainties due to surface profile measurement.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Conversion of a printing calculator to an inexpensive printing counter

A procedure is described for simple conversion of a printing calculator to an inexpensive printing counter. The unit is particularly useful for unattended data collection. A timing circuit controls printout of accumulated data at specified time intervals.
Relations between Biotic Integrity and Physical Habitat in the Embarras River Basin, Illinois

ABSTRACT This study investigated the relationship between a habitat quality index and stream fish assessment indices used to evaluate stream quality in an agricultural setting. Fish data and stream habitat quality data were collected from 13 sampling localities within the Embarras River basin. Habitat quality was measured using a stream habitat assessment procedure, a qualitative index comprised of 15 metrics. Stream quality was determined by fish species richness and an index of biotic integrity (IBI). Multiple regression analysis identified pool quality, bank vegetation, and width-to-depth ratio as the best estimators of IBI. These variables were used in creating a model for predicting IBI. This model demonstrates the potential for predicting the biotic integrity of a stream fish community from commonly collected, and often readily available, habitat data. Thus, models which use habitat information may be an important management tool which will allow for the rapid prediction of the biotic integrity of a...
Extendible hashing—a fast access method for dynamic files

Extendible hashing is a new access technique, in which the user is guaranteed no more than two page faults to locate the data associated with a given unique identifier, or key. Unlike conventional hashing, extendible hashing has a dynamic structure that grows and shrinks gracefully as the database grows and shrinks. This approach simultaneously solves the problem of making hash tables that are extendible and of making radix search trees that are balanced. We study, by analysis and simulation, the performance of extendible hashing. The results indicate that extendible hashing provides an attractive alternative to other access methods, such as balanced trees.
Commercial ZrO2 paints as coatings for SiGe thermoelectric materials

The use of ZrO2 paints to coat SiGe materials used in radioisotopic thermoelectric generators was studied. The best results were obtained when the SiGe alloys were double coated with a 200 h anneal at 1000° C after each coating. The thermoelectric properties of these coated samples were about the same as for the SiGe alloys coated by SiO2 or Si3N4. The vapoursupression properties of the best ZrO2 coatings fell between those of SiO2 and Si3N4. In the SiGe doped with GaP alloys, the interface between the oxide coating and alloy is enriched with Ga2O3.
Probability or frequency? Expressing forecast uncertainty in public weather forecasts

Is uncertainty expressed as frequency easier for non-experts to understand than uncertainty expressed as probability? The experiment reported here compared participants' responses to the same wind speed forecast expressed several different ways. Three different uncertainty expressions were tested (90%, 9 times in 10, or 90 out of 100%). Also tested was whether understanding was improved by including a short phrase explaining, in lay terms, how the forecast was derived (adding a reference class). Results suggested that, contrary to prior research, participants better understood the forecast when it was presented in a probability format rather than a frequency format. Furthermore, specifying a reference class did not facilitate understanding. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Responses of T cells to ligands for the T-cell receptor.

Abstract We have learned a great deal about the recognition of MHC class II:peptide complexes by concentrating on the responses of a single cloned T-cell line, called D10. From these results, we argue for a single orientation of all CD4 T-cell receptors to their MHC ligands, based on the uneven top surface of MHC molecules, the repeated isolation of cells with T-cell receptors encoded in the same Vα and Vβ genes after peptide immunization, the proposed role of CD4 in aligning the sites, and the apparently invariant orientation of the antigenic peptide in the peptide binding groove of MHC class II molecules. We also argue in favor of a model of T-cell activation that involves conformational change as well as cross linking of the T-cell receptors. Finally, we show in other systems that the structure of the peptide can determine the differentiation rate of naive CD4 T cellsin vivoorin vitro.
Effects of UV Exposure and Litter Position on Decomposition in a California Grassland

The importance of photodegradation in surface litter decomposition has recently been recognized in arid and semi-arid terrestrial ecosystems, yet its importance in decomposing dense litter and the mechanisms through which it acts remain unclear. We investigated how ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and litter position affected decomposition processes in a California annual grassland. In a split-plot design, we exposed Bromus diandrus litter to two levels of UV radiation (UV pass and UV block) at two aboveground locations (at the top, suspended above the litter layer, and at the bottom of the litter layer) for 1 year. We found that UV radiation increased the litter decay constant by 23% at the top location over 1 year, consistent with the occurrence of photodegradation. Surprisingly, UV radiation also increased the litter decay constant by 30% at the bottom location over 1 year. We speculate that photodegradation indirectly increased microbial decomposition through priming effects. Overall, litter in the top location had a 29% higher decay constant than litter in the bottom location. In terms of litter chemistry, exposure to UV radiation increased loss of hemicellulose by 26%, but not loss of lignin. Litter in the bottom location exhibited greater loss of the cell solubles fraction and greater nitrogen immobilization, but lower loss of hemicellulose than litter in the top location. Our results demonstrate that litter position significantly regulates the contribution of photodegradation to overall decomposition, both through direct (top location) and indirect (bottom location) effects. Therefore, better quantification of both direct and indirect effects of photodegradation can greatly improve understanding of biogeochemical cycling in grasslands.
BlueStar: enabling efficient integration between bluetooth WPANs and IEEE 802.11 WLANs

Bluetooth is a radio technology for Wireless Personal Area Networking (WPAN) operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band. So far, there has been little research on how Bluetooth-enabled devices can effectively and efficiently have uninterrupted access to wide area networks (WAN) such as the Internet. We introduce a novel architecture (BlueStar) whereby selected Bluetooth devices, called Bluetooth Wireless Gateways (BWGs), are also IEEE 802.11 enabled so that these BWGs could serve as egress/ingress points to/from the IEEE 802.11 wireless network. We propose mitigating interference between Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11, by employing a hybrid approach of adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) and Bluetooth carrier sense (BCS) of the channels. AFH labels channels as "bad" or "good", and Bluetooth devices only access those channels in the "good" state, whereas BCS is used to avoid collision by sensing the channel prior to any transmission. By combining AFH and BCS, we drastically minimize the effect of the worst-case interference scenario wherein both a Bluetooth and an IEEE 802.11 interface are co-located in a single device. BlueStar enables Bluetooth devices, belonging to either a piconet or a scatternet, to access the WAN through the BWG without the need for any fixed Bluetooth access points, while utilizing widely deployed base of IEEE 802.11 networks. Moreover, we define the protocol stack employed by BlueStar as well as indicate how BWGs efficiently manage their capacity allocation through the different systems. We also mathematically derive an upper bound on the number BWGs needed in a Bluetooth scatternet so that uninterrupted access to all Bluetooth devices could be provided.
Some effects of 5-bromouracil on a thymine-requiring mutant of Escherichia coli.

Abstract Studies of the biochemical effects of the thymine analog, 5-bromouracil (BU), on a thymine-requiring mutant of E. coli , were carried out. Partial inhibition of growth was noted within 30 min after the compound was added to an exponentially growing culture. With cultures grown to the same turbidity, the analog produced no effect on the utilization of the nucleic acid precursors, 2- 14 C-uracil and 4- 14 C-guanine, whereas that of 2- 14 C-thymine was blocked completely. Correspondingly, the content of RNA was identical when cells were grown to the same turbidity in the presence or absence of BU; on the other hand, the synthesis of DNA was only 25 per cent of that of the control, and cell division stopped entirely. During this period, BU continued to be incorporated into new DNA, but it did not displace the thymine already in DNA. Although the drug decreased the rate of protein synthesis for corresponding increases in cell mass, more protein synthesis took place in the BU-inhibited cultures, and certain amino acids were utilized to a still greater extent. The possibility of disruption in the normal process of protein synthesis is discussed.
in pursuit of hegemony: representations of authority and justice in a Sri Lankan village

This paper analyzes the hegemonic state of play between the local culture of a village in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka, and the dominant ideology of Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism. It focuses on a government housing project that was started in the village in 1978. This project provided numerous opportunities for the authoritative propagation of the dominant ideology, but the manner of its implementation violated local cultural norms and caused a serious rupture in the village community. [Sri Lanka, nationalism, kinship, politics, ideology]
Use of neural network approximation for trajectory optimization of unmanned aerial vehicles with gimbaled cameras

A direct trajectory optimization method that uses neural network approximation methods is presented. Neural networks are trained to approximate objective functions and vehicle dynamics. The neural network method reduces computational requirements by removing the need for collocation and providing fast computation of gradients. The method has been shown to significantly reduce computational costs while resulting in trajectories comparable to direct collocation and pseudospectral methods. Since the neural networks readily provide accurate computation of gradients, it removes the need for formulating analytical gradients, so the method is more easily extended to different types of applications with different objective functions and constraints. In previous work, the method was applied towards trajectory optimization of single or multiple UAVs with fixed, downward facing cameras in order to maximize surveillance of a ground target. In this paper the method is extended to optimize trajectories for a UAV equipped with a gimbaled camera, and more complex constraints on the vehicle trajectory are investigated.
Optical properties of mouse brain tissue after optical clearing with FocusClear

Fluorescence microscopy is commonly used to investigate disease progression in biological tissues. Biological tissues, however, are strongly scattering in the visible wavelengths, limiting the application of fluorescence microscopy to superficial (<200µm) regions. Optical clearing, which involves incubation of the tissue in a chemical bath, reduces the optical scattering in tissue, resulting in increased tissue transparency and optical imaging depth. The goal of this study was to determine the time- and wavelength-resolved dynamics of the optical scattering properties of rodent brain after optical clearing with FocusClear™. Light transmittance and reflectance of 1-mm mouse brain sections were measured using an integrating sphere before and after optical clearing and the inverse adding doubling algorithm used to determine tissue optical scattering. The degree of optical clearing was quantified by calculating the optical clearing potential (OCP), and the effects of differing OCP were demonstrated using the optical histology method, which combines tissue optical clearing with optical imaging to visualize the microvasculature. We observed increased tissue transparency with longer optical clearing time and an analogous increase in OCP. Furthermore, OCP did not vary substantially between 400 and 1000 nm for increasing optical clearing durations, suggesting that optical histology can improve ex vivo visualization of several fluorescent probes.
Why long words take longer to read: the role of uncertainty about word length

Some of the most robust effects of linguistic variables on eye movements in reading are those of word length. Their leading explanation states that they are caused by visual acuity limitations on word recognition. However, Bicknell (2011) presented data showing that a model of eye movement control in reading that includes visual acuity limitations and models the process of word identification from visual input (Bicknell & Levy, 2010) does not produce humanlike word length effects, providing evidence against the visual acuity account. Here, we argue that uncertainty about word length in early word identification can drive word length effects. We present an extension of Bicknell and Levy's model that incorporates word length uncertainty, and show that it produces more humanlike word length effects.
By-gender risk paths of parental psychological control effects on emerging adult overt and relational aggression:

We modeled by-gender risk paths of maternal, paternal, and parental psychological control effects on emerging adult overt and peer relational aggression using structural equation models. The effect of adolescent conduct problems on emerging adults’ (aged 18–24) aggression was examined through its effect on parents’ psychological control. Additionally, a social–cognitive mediation model of aggression was tested linking conduct problems and parents’ psychological control with hostility and low guilt and concern for harming others. Results highlighted the salience of the social–cognitive model for female emerging adults’ aggression risk. For example, maternal/paternal psychological control and hostility mediated effects of conduct problems on female aggression types. Additionally, combined parental psychological control and hostility mediated effects of conduct problems on female aggression types.
Precipitation Distribution in Tropical Cyclones Using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager: A Global Perspective

TRMM microwave imager rain estimates are used to quantify the spatial distribution of rainfall in tropical cyclones (TCs) over the global oceans. A total of 260 TCs were observed worldwide from 1 January 1998‐31 December 2000, providing 2121 instantaneous TC precipitation observations. To examine the relationship between the storm intensity, its geographical location, and the rainfall distribution, the dataset is stratified into three intensity groups and six oceanic basins. The three intensity classes used in this study are tropical storms (TSs) with winds ,33 m s21, category 1‐2 hurricane-strength systems (CAT12) with winds from 34‐48 m s21, and category 3‐5 systems (CAT35) with winds .49 m s21. The axisymmetric component of the TC rainfall is represented by the radial distribution of the azimuthal mean rainfall rates ( R). The mean rainfall distribution is computed using 10-km annuli from the storm center to a 500-km radius. The azimuthal mean rain rates vary with storm intensity and from basin to basin. The maximum R is about 12 mm h21 for CAT35, but decreases to 7m m h 21 for CAT12, and to 3 mm h21 for TS. The radius from the storm center of the maximum rainfall decreases with increasing storm intensity, from 50 km for TS to 35 km for CAT35 systems. The asymmetric component is determined by the first-order Fourier decomposition in a coordinate system relative to the storm motion. The asymmetry in TC rainfall varies significantly with both storm intensity and geographic locations. For the global average of all TCs, the maximum rainfall is located in the front quadrants. The location of the maximum rainfall shifts from the front-left quadrant for TS to the front-right for CAT35. The amplitude of the asymmetry varies with intensity as well; TS shows a larger asymmetry than CAT12 and CAT35. These global TC rainfall distributions and variability observed in various ocean basins should help to improve TC rainfall forecasting worldwide.
Endoscopic and quality-of-life outcomes after revision endoscopic sinus surgery.

Objectives: First, to examine the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on endoscopic and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes after revision ESS as compared to primary ESS. Second, to evaluate whether or not other risk factors and/or co-morbidities influence the relationship between revision surgery status and outcomes of ESS. Study Design: Prospective observational study with an internal comparison group. Methods: Preoperative computed tomography scores, pre and postoperative endoscopy scores, and two validated disease-specific QOL instruments, the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS), were collected on a prospective cohort of patients undergoing ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ2 and multiple logistic regression models. Results: Mean preoperative Lund-Mackay computed tomography scan scores were similar in primary and revision surgery patients. In patients without polyps, revision ESS patients were 3.88 times more likely to improve on endoscopy scores than primary ESS patients (95% confidence interval 1.70, 8.83; P = .001). In nasal polyp patients, there was no difference by revision status (odds ratio 0.48; 95% confidence interval 0.15, 1.59; P = .23). The odds of improving on the RSDI (odds ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.25, 1.04, P = .065) and CSS (odds ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.51, 1.89, P = .950) were not significantly different by revision status. Conclusions: Both revision and primary ESS patients improved after ESS with regard to endoscopy, RSDI, and CSS scores. In non-polyp patients, revision ESS patients were more likely to improve on endoscopy scores than primary ESS patients; there was no difference in polyp patients by revision status. Revision ESS patients and primary ESS patients were equally as likely to improve on two QOL instruments.
Naturally occurring cell death and differentiation of developing spinal motoneurons following axotomy

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of axon transection on the development and differentiation of spinal motoneurons in the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpole. The 3 ventral roots (VRs) that innervate the hindlimb were transected, and the animals were killed 6–7 weeks later (reinnervation took place within 3 weeks). At early stages of development, axotomy resulted in an increase in the number of spinal motoneurons on the operated side. By histological criteria, these motoneurons appeared more differentiated than those in normal tadpoles. Axotomy was effective in increasing motoneuron number only during the period of naturally occurring cell death. Similar effects were seen when the transected VRs were ligated to prevent regeneration. Hindlimb amputation without VR transection had no effect on motoneuron number or differentiation. Thus, target removal is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for hyperplasia of the lateral motor column. An extreme loss of spinal motoneurons was seen if the operated tadpole entered into metamorphic climax during the 6–7-week postoperative survival period. Motoneuron loss occurred although the injured motoneurons had reconnected to the hindlimb. In contrast, tadpoles allowed to survive up to 6 months showed no loss of motoneurons if they did not enter metamorphic climax. From these data, it appears axon transection in developing spinal motoneurons exerts its effects on motoneuron number and differentiation by altering the metabolic state of the motoneuron (axon reaction) rather than by depriving it of contact with its target.
Failure to rescue and mortality following repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Objective Recently, failure to rescue (FTR; death following major complication) has been shown to be a primary driver of mortality in highly morbid operations. Establishing this relationship for open and endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms may be a critical first step in improving mortality following these procedures. We sought to examine the relative contribution of severe complications and FTR to variations in mortality rate. Methods We examined endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and open aortic repair (OAR; n = 3215) performed in 40 hospitals participating in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative from 2007 to 2012. Hospitals were first divided into risk-adjusted mortality tertiles. We then determined rates of severe complications and FTR within each tertile. Results For EVAR, risk-adjusted hospital mortality rates varied significantly between the lowest and highest tertiles (0.07% vs 6.14%; P P = NS), FTR rates were about 35 times greater in high-mortality hospitals (4.0% vs 33.3%). Similar associations with mortality, severe complications, and FTR were seen for OAR as well. The most common complications that led to FTR events were postoperative transfusion (OAR 29.8% vs EVAR 5.8%) and prolonged ventilation (OAR 18.2% vs EVAR 1.0%). The average number of severe complications per FTR event was 2.85 and 2.66 for OAR and EVAR, respectively. Conclusions FTR appears to drive a large proportion of the variation in mortality associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The exact mechanisms underlying this variation remain unknown. Nonetheless, FTR is influenced by the structural characteristics and safety culture related to the timely recognition and management of severe complications. Hospitals that are unable to effectively handle severe complications following EVAR or OAR require close scrutiny.
Wavelength-division multiplexing using channel-dropping filters

The performance of resonant channel-dropping filters in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) applications is computed. 31 and 50 filters are cascaded along a single bus with crosstalks of -27 and -14 dB, respectively. The temporal response of the filter for a secant-hyperbolic pulse stream at 400 Mb/s and 1 Gb/s is presented. The simulation shows the promise of resonant-filter cascades. >
Thermal Resistance of Common Rice Maintainer and Restorer Lines to High Temperature During Flowering and Early Grain Filling Stages

Fifteen common rice maintainer lines and 26 high-yielding restorer lines were used to evaluate their thermal resistance and fertility during flowering and early grain filling stages. The rice plants were subjected to high temperature stress (39–43 °C) for 1–15 d from main stem flowering. Based on the heat stress index, they were divided into thermal resistant lines, semi-thermal resistant lines, semi-thermal sensitive lines and thermal sensitive lines. Therefore, the maintainer lines K22B, Bobai B and V20B belonged to thermal resistant lines, whereas II-32B, Zhongzhe B and Zhong 9B belonged to thermal sensitive lines. For rice restorer lines, Minghui 63 had the highest thermal resistance, followed by R207, P32, P929, and the lowest thermal resistant lines P62-2-2, R8006 and P51. The correlation analysis indicated that the heat stress index was significantly correlated with seed-setting rate and abortive grain rate under heat stress, but not under natural conditions. This indicated that heat stress occurred during flowering and early grain filling stages mainly decreased the seed- setting rate and significantly increased the abortive grain rate in both rice maintainer and restorer lines.
Behavior of Stabilized Subgrade Soils under Indirect Tension and Flexure

AbstractA laboratory study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of three cementitious additives on the indirect tensile and fatigue behavior of two subgrade soils. Hydrated lime (or lime), class C fly ash (CFA), and cement kiln dust (CKD) were used as additives. Cylindrical specimens were prepared, cured for 28 days, and subjected to different stress sequences in indirect tension to study the resilient modulus. Moreover, stabilized beam specimens were subjected to repeated cycles of reloading-unloading after 28 days of curing in a four-point beam fatigue apparatus for evaluating fatigue life and flexural stiffness. These properties were compared with those of the control soil specimens in order to determine the extent of enhancement. Results indicate that all three additives improved the indirect tensile and fatigue properties; however, the degree of improvement varied with the type of additive and soil. The properties evaluated under indirect tension mode projected 10 percent CKD with highest improve...
Laparoscopic repair of complicated umbilical hernia with Strattice Laparoscopic™ reconstructive tissue matrix

INTRODUCTION Complex hernias continue to present a challenge. Surgical techniques for repair are carefully considered to reduce risk for complications. Laparoscopic repairs improve postoperative infection rates, and placement of biologic mesh decreases mesh infection rates. However, laparoscopic repairs using biologic mesh is generally challenging due to difficulty with maneuverability.
Are AES x86 cache timing attacks still feasible

We argue that five recent software and hardware developments - the AES-NI instructions, multicore processors with per-core caches, complex modern software, sophisticated prefetchers, and physically tagged caches - combine to make it substantially more difficult to mount data-cache side-channel attacks on AES than previously realized. We propose ways in which some of the challenges posed by these developments might be overcome. We also consider scenarios where side-channel attacks are attractive, and whether our proposed workarounds might be applicable to these scenarios.
ZK-5: A CO2-Selective Zeolite with High Working Capacity at Ambient Temperature and Pressure

The increased carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere caused by combustion of fossil fuels has been a leading contributor to global climate change. The adsorption-driven pressure or vacuum swing (PSA/VSA) processes are promising as affordable means for the capture and separation of CO2. Herein, an 8-membered-ring zeolite ZK-5 (Framework Type Code: KFI) exchanged with different cations (H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) was synthesized as novel CO2 adsorbent. The samples were characterized by SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), XRD, and gas adsorption (CO2 and N2). The Toth adsorption model was used to describe the CO2 adsorption isotherms, and the isosteric heats of adsorption were calculated. CO2 capture adsorbent evaluation criteria such as working capacity, regenerability and CO2/N2 selectivity were applied to evaluate the zeolite adsorbents for PSA/VSA applications. The in situ FTIR CO2 adsorption spectra show that physisorption accounts for the largest fraction of the total CO2 adsorbed. The CO2 adsorption analysis shows that Mg-ZK-5 is the most promising adsorbent for PSA applications with the highest working capacity (ΔN=2.05 mmol g−1), excellent selectivity (α=121), and low isosteric heat. Li-, Na- and K-ZK-5 with good working capacity (ΔN=1.55–2.16 mmol g−1) and excellent selectivity (α=103–128) are promising CO2 adsorbents for the VSA working region.
Characterization of p38 MAPK isoforms for drug resistance study using systems biology approach.

Motivation: p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation plays an important role in resistance to chemotherapeutic cytotoxic drugs in treating multiple myeloma (MM). However, how the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway is involved in drug resistance, in particular the roles that the various p38 isoforms play, remains largely unknown. Method: To explore the underlying mechanisms, we developed a novel systems biology approach by integrating liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and reverse phase protein array data from human MM cell lines with computational pathway models in which the unknown parameters were inferred using a proposed novel algorithm called modularized factor graph. Results: New mechanisms predicted by our models suggest that combined activation of various p38 isoforms may result in drug resistance in MM via regulating the related pathways including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and NFкB pathway. ERK pathway regulating cell growth is synergistically regulated by p38δ isoform, whereas nuclear factor kappa B (NFкB) pathway regulating cell apoptosis is synergistically regulated by p38α isoform. This finding that p38δ isoform promotes the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in MM cells treated with bortezomib was validated by western blotting. Based on the predicted mechanisms, we further screened drug combinations in silico and found that a promising drug combination targeting ERK1/2 and NFκB might reduce the effects of drug resistance in MM cells. This study provides a framework of a systems biology approach to studying drug resistance and drug combination selection. Availability and implementation: RPPA experimental Data and Matlab source codes of modularized factor graph for parameter estimation are freely available online at http://ctsb.is.wfubmc.edu/publications/modularized-factor-graph.php Contact: ude.htlaehekaw@uohzix or nc.ude.uws@qclgnahz Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
THU0302 Proposed Disease Activity Category Thresholds for Behcet's Syndrome Activity Scale (BSAS) Scores for a Potential “Treat to Target” Approach to Behcet's Syndrome

Background Behcet9s Syndrome Activity Scale (BSAS), a patient reported outcome measure for Behcet9s syndrome, has been validated for routine clincial care and have been shown to differentiate active treatment from placebo in clinical trials. Currently, there are no identified thresholds for disease activity levels for BSAS. Objectives To determine resmission, low, moderate and high disease activity level threshold scores for BSAS. Methods Behcet9s patients seen at the NYU Behcet9s Center had their demographic, clinical features and outcomes data abstracted. Confirmed Behcet9s diagnosis was determined if ISG criteria were met at any time during the course of observation. Concordance correlation was estimated between the BSAS and the RAPID3; both outcomes were scaled to [0-100]. Proposed BSAS severity categories are as: Near-Remission = [0-10), Low = [10-30), Moderate=[30-60), and High = [60-100]. Weighted Kappa statistics were estimated between BSAS and RAPID3 severity categories. RAPID3 categories were based upon published 1 as well as matching the proposed BSAS severity categories. Results First observation data on 832 subjects were abstracted for this analysis. 504 (63%) met ISG criteria for Behcet9s, 616 (74%) were female with an average age of 35 years (±13.8). Concordance between BSAS and RAPID3 was moderate (CCC =0.518). BSAS severity categories classified 7% Near-Remission, 24% Low, 48% Moderate, and 21% of the study population as High disease severity (Table). Published RAPID3 categories classified 44% of subjects as High, while matching RAPID3 categories only classified 20%. Agreement between categories was moderate for both RAPID3 classifications. Conclusions BSAS, a patient reported outcome measure for Behcet9s syndrome, correlates well with other composite indices of disease activity. Proposed cut off points for near-remission, low, moderate and high activity for BSAS may be used in clinical care for a “treat-to-target” approach to Behcet9s treatment. References Pincus T, Swearingen CJ, Bergman M, Yazici Y. J Rheumatol 2008 Nov;35(11):2136-47. Disclosure of Interest Y. Yazici Grant/research support from: BMS, Celgene, Genentech, Consultant for: BMS, Celgene, H. Bernstein: None declared, C. Swearingen: None declared
Nicola Pisano, Federigo Visconti, and the Classical Style in Pisa

Nicola Pisano's pulpit for the Baptistery of Pisa, signed and dated 1260, is one of the fundamental Italian sculptural monuments of the thirteenth century. In its complexity and originality of iconography and visual organization, the pulpit departs from previous Tuscan pulpit tradition. Nicola's sophisticated understanding of Classical prototypes and his creation of heroic human forms in stone set his work apart from that of most of his Italian contemporaries.
The Effects of Non-Uniform Boundary Temperatures in Ignition Delay Time Measurements from Heated Rapid Compression Machine Experiments

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to investigate the role that non-uniform boundary temperatures have on ignition delay time predictions and temporal compressed gas temperature field development in rapid compression machine (RCM) experiments that use either creviced or flat pistons. Five boundary temperature cases are investigated at a compressed pressure of 7 bar for five different compression ratios. For each compression ratio, a uniform boundary temperature case was used as a baseline for comparison to the other cases which represent non-uniform boundary temperatures. Initial gas temperature fields were based on steady state simulations which account for the effect that non-uniform boundary temperatures have on the gas temperature field prior to the RCM compression stroke. The steady state simulations were used as the initial temperature fields in transient RCM simulations of the compression stroke and the post-compression period. These simulations reveal that non-uniform boundary temperatures significantly influence the development of the compressed temperature field, but their impact on ignition delay times depends on the experimental conditions. The thermal stratification in the compressed gas only becomes consequential to ignition delay time if the controlling chemistry occurs in the region affected by the non-uniformities. This is particularly relevant for measurements made in the negative temperature coefficient region.
Enhancement of Tetracycline Serum Levels with Glucosamine Hydrochloride as Adjuvant. Cross-over Studies in Beagle Dogs

SummarySerum levels of tetracycline activity were enhanced by the presence of D-glucosamine hydrochloride from 76% at one hour to 34% at 7 hours over those obtained after oral administration of tetracycline hydrochloride alone in a cross-over experiment with 40 pure-bred beagle dogs.
Optimization of Shielding Electrode for UHV Oil-gas Bushings with Improved Hybrid Algorithm Combining Particle Swarm Optimization and Back-propagation Neural Network

In the developing process of ultra-high voltage oil-gas bushings prototype,the E-field distribution around the bushing end and the structure optimization of shielding electrode are important issues.We presented the basic principles and processes of hybrid algorithm which combines particle swarm optimization and back-propagation neural network(PSO-BP) in detail.The optimization capability and accuracy of the proposed algorithm were verified through a continuous explicit function.Moreover,the structure of shielding electrode was optimized using the PSO-BP algorithm.By using the PSO-BP algorithm,extreme points of the testing function could be found out exactly to jump over traps of local optimal solutions.A three-dimensional model of bushing is needed to accurately calculate the electric-field distribution around the bushing end.By using the PSO-BP algorithm,the optimum structure parameters of shielding electrode that make the maximum electric strength on the surface of the shielding electrode decreased by 64.9% is gained while reducing cost by about 75.2% than traditional PSO algorithm.The PSO-BP algorithm has been successfully applied in the manufacture of the bushing prototype.
Barrett's esophagus: detection and management.

SUMMARY Barrett's esophagus is a disease that is common in patients with gastroesophageal reflux of acid but may also occur in association with bile reflux and rarely with other factors. It cannot be reliably distinguished from patients with reflux alone on the basis of demographic factors, clinical characteristics, or manometry. Radiology only serves to make Barrett's epithelium less likely in the presence of a completely normal study. The gold standard for diagnosing Barrett's esophagus is still multiple biopsies taken at the time of endoscopy. By performing multiple biopsies at various levels, the gastroenterologist will be effective not only in diagnosis but in selecting and screening that subset of patients with dysplasia that may predict coexisting or future adenocarcinoma. Treatment of high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma is resection, whereas medical treatment or fundoplication is still directed at the severity and complications of gastroesophageal reflux rather than at Barrett's characteristics alone. A decision tree given in Figure 5 summarizes these recommendations.
2D hexagonal quaternion Fourier transform in color image processing

In this paper, we present a novel concept of the quaternion discrete Fourier transform on the two-dimensional hexagonal lattice, which we call the two-dimensional hexagonal quaternion discrete Fourier transform (2-D HQDFT). The concept of the right-side 2D HQDFT is described and the left-side 2-D HQDFT is similarly considered. To calculate the transform, the image on the hexagonal lattice is described in the tensor representation when the image is presented by a set of 1-D signals, or splitting-signals which can be separately processed in the frequency domain. The 2-D HQDFT can be calculated by a set of 1-D quaternion discrete Fourier transforms (QDFT) of the splitting-signals.
Quantifying spectral diffusion by the direct measurement of the correlation function for excitons in semiconductor quantum wells

The phenomenon of spectral diffusion is common to a variety of inhomogeneously broadened systems. Spectral diffusion can be quantified through the frequency–frequency correlation function (FFCF), which is often approximated using observables from a variety of experimental techniques. We present a direct measurement of the temperature-dependent FFCF for excitons in semiconductor quantum wells using two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy. This technique enables the FFCF to be quantified without making any assumptions of the FFCF dynamics. Our results show that the Gauss–Markov approximation, which assumes exponential decay dynamics of the FFCF, is only valid for sample temperatures above 50 K. We compare our results with those obtained by the ellipticity and center-line slope measurements.
State estimation, wireless tropes, demons and uncertainty

Consider observation of a system with initial state x(0) through some signal r(t) corrupted by white noise of spectral height N 0 . When the system is cast in state-space form and the observations projected onto the relevant orthonormal bases, completely unbidden, two well-known wireless communications tropes emerge: a colored noise channel and a multi-access channel wherein elements of system state are associated with different “signatures” defined by the system. That is, from a mathematical perspective, the system could communicate to the observer in a well-understood way. Taking these tropes at face value, we investigate the efficiency of conveying a state vector x(0) through classical estimation to that wherein a “demon” manipulates an identical initially-at-rest system so as to communicate x(0) to the observer on successive epochs (channel uses). An energy constraint on the initial state E[|x(0)|2]=e is assumed, and the demon's signaling efforts over the ensemble of epochs are constrained similarly. In all cases, the demon conveys the x(0) with less error - by orders of magnitude for moderate signal to noise ratio e/N 0 . Furthermore, the demon scenario results in some number of reliably-conveyed bits of information and imposes crisp limits on relative uncertainty of different state element estimates. In fact, the form of these limits is identical to that of the quantum mechanical Uncertainty Principle (although there is no requirement of a momentum-position analog). Nonetheless, the appearance of these tropes raises the question of whether communication and information theory have something deeper to say about physical interactions and the cacophony of system voices in conversation.
Design and fabrication of high-reflectance coatings on etched-facet devices

Different high-reflectance coating designs are developed for application on etched-facet devices. A high reflector with reduced sensitivity to fabrication errors is deposited on a short-cavity laser to demonstrate the efficiency of the approach.
Laparoscopically Confirmed Endometriosis and Breast Cancer in the Nurses' Health Study II

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and the risk of breast cancer. Previous research on endometriosis and breast cancer has reported mixed results. METHODS: Our prospective cohort study included 116,430 women from the Nurses' Health Study II cohort followed from 1989 until 2013. Our primary analysis investigated the association between self-reported laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and the risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer diagnosis was verified through medical records. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Breast cancer was further classified by menopausal status at the time of diagnosis and tumor hormone receptor status verified through tissue microarrays when available and medical records. RESULTS: At baseline, 5,389 (5%) women reported laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis. Over 24 years of follow-up, 4,979 (3%) incident breast cancer cases were diagnosed. Women with endometriosis were not at higher risk for overall (adjusted HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.88–1.06), premenopausal (adjusted HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.89–1.23), or postmenopausal breast cancer (adjusted HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.80–1.07). However, associations varied by tumor hormone receptor status (P value, test for heterogeneity: .001), although women with endometriosis were not at increased risk of estrogen- and progesterone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+) tumors (adjusted HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.87–1.14) or ER− and PR− tumors (adjusted HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.67–1.21). Women with endometriosis reported 2.87 ER+/PR− breast cancer cases per 10,000 person-years compared with women without endometriosis (1.32/10,000 person-years), which resulted in nearly a twofold increased risk of ER+/PR− breast cancers (adjusted HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.44–2.50). CONCLUSION: Endometriosis was not found to be associated with overall risk of breast cancer in this study; however, endometriosis was significantly associated with an increased risk of ER+/PR− breast tumors, which should be interpreted cautiously.