cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new approach to the modeling of distributed structures for control

Abstract Building structures represent complex distributed-parameter systems. The motion of such systems is described by partial differential equations complemented by suitable boundary conditions. For control design purposes, distributed-parameter systems must be discretized in the spatial variables. But, if the discrete model is not sufficiently accurate, controls designed on the basis of the discrete model can destabilize the actual distributed structure, in which case the controls are said to be sensitive to discretization errors. This paper presents a new approach to the discretization of distributed structures yielding accurate discrete models of relatively low order. A numerical example illustrates how controls can be designed for a complex structure subjected to earthquake excitations.
Detection, evaluation, and management of iron-restricted erythropoiesis

Progress in our understanding of iron-restricted erythropoiesis has been made possible by important advances in defining the molecular mechanisms of iron homeostasis. The detection and diagnostic classification of iron-restricted erythropoiesis can be a challenging process for the clinician. Newer assays for markers of inflammation may allow more targeted management of the anemia in these conditions. The availability of new intravenous iron preparations provides new options for the treatment of iron-restricted erythropoiesis. This review summarizes recent advances regarding the detection, evaluation, and management of iron-restricted erythropoiesis.
Human spinal neurons: Innervation by both substance p and enkephalin

Abstract The distribution of the peptides substance P and methionine-enkephalin in relation to neurons in the human thoracic and lumbar spinal cord has been studied with the unlabeled peroxidase anti-peroxidase method employing antibodies directed against substance P and methionine-enkephalin. The peptides have been localized in varicosities and terminal-like processes in close apposition to the soma and proximal dendrites of neurons in the marginal zone, the intermediolateral nucleus, intermediomedial nucleus, the reticular nucleus of lamina V and the ventral horn; some cells in all these regions are innervated by both peptides. The findings provide morphological evidence of these peptides in the human spinal cord. The demonstration of innervation by both peptides of single neurons in laminae I and V provides some morphological basis to models that postulate the interaction of substance P and enkephalin in pain modulation. The innervation of other neuron types indicates that these neuropeptides may be involved in other spinal functions as well.
File management on a small computer the C-10 system

C-10 is a general purpose file management system that has been implemented by The MITRE Corporation for the IBM 1410. It is of interest for two reasons: first, it is one of the most flexible file management systems ever attempted for a machine the size of the IBM 1410; and second, the conditions surrounding its implementation have produced a design for a large system of programs that displays some uncommon and useful characteristics. These uncommon characteristics include a strong affinity for redesign; a framework for debugging that eliminates the need for memory dumps, symbolic snapshots, and other conventional debugging aids; and an adaptability to machines of various memory sizes and configurations without reprogramming.
Next-to-leading order evolution of color dipoles

The small-$x$ deep inelastic scattering in the saturation region is governed by the nonlinear evolution of Wilson-line operators. In the leading logarithmic approximation it is given by the Balitsky-Kovchegov equation for the evolution of color dipoles. In the next-to-leading order the Balitsky-Kovchegov equation gets contributions from quark and gluon loops as well as from the tree gluon diagrams with quadratic and cubic nonlinearities. We calculate the gluon contribution to the small-$x$ evolution of Wilson lines (the quark part was obtained earlier).
Investigating Nonlinear Conscientiousness-Job Performance Relations for Clerical Employees

In this study we tested for a nonlinear relation between Conscientiousness and job performance using two independent samples of clerical employees (N = 192, and N = 203, respectively). Based on several characteristics of clerical positions, we expected that Conscientiousness would be asymptotically related to job performance. In Study 1, we found evidence of a nonlinear relation using biodata and situational judgment items to measure Conscientiousness. In Study 2, we found similar results using a traditional Conscientiousness measure and controlling for cognitive ability. We discuss the implications for using Conscientiousness to select clerical employees.
Application of cloning techniques to development of a synthetic vaccine against schistosomiasis.

Abstract Techniques for identification of protection-inducing and target antigens of Schistosoma m mansoni are described. The potential for use of these antigens in developing a synthetic vaccine by application of monoclonal antibody and recombinant DNA technologies is presented.
Experimental and Numerical Studies of a High Solidity, Low Tip Speed Ratio DAWT

A numerical and experimental investigation of a Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbine (DAWT) has been conducted. Historically, the advantages of DAWT concept have been negated by higher material cost and less than stellar real world performance. The current configuration combines a duct augmentation concept with an optimized, high solidity, twisted flat plate rotor, a relatively low tip speed ratio, and a tailless configuration to work towards a turbine with a lower cost per kilowatt than other similar sized machines. The experimental data of the initial test concept was compared with a numerical blade element momentum analysis and turbine efficiencies of 0.23–0.25 were observed. An optimized flat plate blade geometry design was then developed, with Cp values of approaching 0.4, and when combined with the diffuser, exhibited experimental system efficiencies greater than 0.60. An additional benefit is the possibility of higher annual energy outputs as the turbine appears to self regulate at higher wind speeds, negating the need for a furling mechanism.
The Newtonian gravitational constant: recent measurements and related studies

Improvements in our knowledge of the absolute value of the Newtonian gravitational constant, G, have come very slowly over the years. Most other constants of nature are known (and some even predictable) to parts per billion, or parts per million at worst. However, G stands mysteriously alone, its history being that of a quantity which is extremely difficult to measure and which remains virtually isolated from the theoretical structure of the rest of physics. Several attempts aimed at changing this situation are now underway, but the most recent experimental results have once again produced conflicting values of G and, in spite of some progress and much interest, there remains to date no universally accepted way of predicting its absolute value. The review will assess the role of G in physics, examine the status of attempts to derive its value and provide an overview of the experimental efforts that are directed at increasing the accuracy of its determination. Regarding the latter, emphasis will be placed on describing the instrumentational aspects of the experimental work. Related topics that are also discussed include the search for temporal variation of G and recent investigations of possible anomalous gravitational effects that lie outside of presently accepted theories.
Simple on-line method for the detection of the dependence between the unit activity and amplitude of macropotentials.

Abstract This method can be applied to evoked or spontaneous activity, can be implemented on-line with a simple signal averager, and results in a more distinctive difference in the form of histograms than do other methods (if there is dependence between the slow potential amplitude and unit discharges).
Developmental modification of the lipophosphoglycan from Leishmania major promastigotes during metacyclogenesis

Lipophosphoglycan was isolated from the dividing, noninfective stage and from the nondividing metacyclic stage of Leishmania major promastigotes. The lipophosphoglycans were characterized by SDS-PAGE and by chromatographic and quantitative analysis of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C- and mild acid-generated fragments. The results revealed two stage-specific structural differences: (i) an increase in size of the metacyclic form of the glycoconjugate due to an approximate doubling in the number of its salient phosphorylated saccharide units; and concomitantly, (ii) a subtle compositional change in these units. Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis indicated that the phosphatidylinositol lipid anchor was developmentally conserved. These developmental modifications suggest important roles for the lipophosphoglycan which have not been previously considered, such as promoting complement resistance within the vertebrate host, and midgut attachment and release within the sand fly vector.
Low temperature processed highly conducting, transparent, and wide bandgap Gd doped CdO thin films for transparent electronics

Abstract Gadolinium (Gd) doped cadmium oxide (CdO) thin films are grown at low temperature (100 °C) using pulsed laser deposition technique. The effect of oxygen partial pressures on structural, optical, and electrical properties is studied. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that these films are polycrystalline in nature with preferred orientation along (1 1 1) direction. Atomic force microscopy studies show that these films are very smooth with maximum root mean square roughness of 0.77 nm. These films are highly transparent and transparency of the films increases with increase in oxygen partial pressure. We observe an increase in optical bandgap of CdO films by Gd doping. The maximum optical band gap of 3.4 eV is observed for films grown at 1 × 10 −5 mbar. The electrical resistivity of the films first decreases and then increases with increase in oxygen partial pressure. The lowest electrical resistivity of 2.71 × 10 −5 Ω cm and highest mobility of 258 cm 2 /Vs is observed. These low temperature processed highly conducting, transparent, and wide bandgap semiconducting films could be used for flexible optoelectronic applications.
The virtual raft project: a network of mobile and stationary computer systems inhabited by communities of interactive animated agents

This project presents a novel interaction paradigm in which computer screens serve as islands of virtual space ("iLands"). Mobile "virtual rafts" let people move animated agents between iLands (see Figure 1). The project features innovations in heterogeneous computer graphics, tangible human-computer interaction, interactive animated characters, and mobile computing technology. It has applications in education, entertainment, and new media art.
CHANGES IN VOLATILE FLAVOR CONSTITUENTS IN PASTEURIZED ORANGE JUICE DURING STORAGE

Pasteurized orange juice which was packaged in laminated gable top cartons was stored for the expected shelf-life of 9 weeks at 2C and at -18C (control sample). Periodic quantitative analysis of 46 volatile constituents by headspace gas chromatography (HSGC) showed a gradual decrease during the first 4 weeks and a more rapid drop after 5-6 weeks of storage. The decrease was greater for water soluble than for oil soluble constituents. HSGC of the laminated composite carton revealed an initial rapid absorption of many volatile constituents. A sensory panel found a significant decrease in the hedonic rating of juice stored for 7 weeks at 2C compared with that for the starting juice. Triangle difference and paired preference tests showed no differences between juices stored at 2C and those stored at -18C for the same length of time, and no preference for either juice stored at 7 or 9 weeks for the same length of time.
Mesocaval shunting: a novel technique to facilitate venous resection and reconstruction and enhance exposure of the superior mesenteric and celiac arteries during pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Adequate exposure of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is necessary to facilitate a negative SMA margin, which represents the most critical oncologic step during pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer. For tumors inseparable from the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), or the SMV-portal vein (PV) confluence, which clearly require venous resection and reconstruction, SMA exposure and dissection is traditionally accomplished by 1 of 2 techniques. First, the SMA can be exposed medial to the SMV if the SMV-PV confluence is encased at the splenic vein (SV) confluence, and the SV can be divided, which widely exposes the SMA, as originally described by Fortner. However, if the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) enters the SMV (rather than the SV), SV ligation may predispose to sinistral portal hypertension and gastrointestinal hemorrhage because retrograde decompression via the IMV is not possible. We have described the use of distal splenorenal shunting in such situations to allow SV decompression. If the SMV segment to be resected is distal to the splenic-portal junction, the SV does not need to be divided; however, this prevents easy access to the proximal SMA from this anterior approach and also prevents the PV from achieving increased length (for a primary anastomosis to the SMV). For these 2 reasons, some surgeons routinely divide the SV when performing segmental venous resection and reconstruction. However, preservation of the splenic-portal junction, if possible, is important because it essentially eliminates the risk of PV thrombosis or stenosis, which can occur after SMV-PV resection or reconstruction when the SV is divided. Alternatively, when resecting
PIC8 Clinical And Economic Benefits of An Infectious Disease Approval Program

A one-month case-control comparison was completed to evaluate infectious disease costs and outcomes utilizing an antibiotic management service. METHODS: Antibiotic approvals were obtained from the Infectious Disease Pharmacy Specialist (case) or the Infectious Disease fellows (control). Drug selection by the pharmacy specialist was based on patient-specific and hospital-specific parameters. Appropriateness of the drug therapy approved by the service was also reviewed by the antibiotic management physician. Charts were reviewed after antibiotic approval from case or control. They were also reassessed when patients were discharged from the hospital. Failure, reinfection, superinfection, and death were clinical outcomes categorized. Cure rates were determined microbiologically and clinically. Cost analyses were based on drug therapy, microbiology, length of treatment days, and infectious disease consults. Antibiotics administered reasonably without a documented infection were categorized as “no infection.” Patients were excluded if charts were unattainable or outcome could not be determined. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients receiving infectious disease approval was reviewed. Of these, 130 patients were controls and 125 were cases. Thirty-seven patients were excluded. Cure rates for the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist versus the Infectious Disease fellows were 56% versus 37%. Cost-effectiveness ratios per cure in 1993 US dollars were $330 for the ID specialist versus $932 for fellows considering drug costs. Cost-effectiveness ratios, including total antibiotic management costs were $5,660 versus $11,252, respectively. When ratios were translated to cost avoidance of the antibiotic management team, savings were estimated at $94,416 for monthly drug costs or $1,132,992/year. Total hospital costs savings during infectious disease management interval were estimated to be $576,876/month or $6,922,512/year. CONCLUSIONS: The benefit of the antibiotic management team improves cure rates while also decreasing cost of treatment. This service pays for itself through its savings in drug and hospital costs while also improving patient outcomes.
Development of a targeted single molecule sequencing panel for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

center. The differences were not attributable to cohort size (blastocysts biopsied). This is the first study to investigate the question of center-dependent aneuploidy controlling for indication and patient population by taking into account only egg donor cycles. The reasons for the observed differences between centers can only be speculated but include any of the factors that are known to affect oocyte and embryo development, such as hormonal stimulation regimes, laboratory conditions, gamete and embryo manipulation methods, or environmental differences. Age is not considered to play a role here since young age is a pre-requisite to anonymous egg donation.
Lasers In Physical Evidence Examination: An Overview

A recent application of fluorescence that is perhaps largely unknown outside law enforcement involves the utilization of laser excited fluorescence (LEF) in forensic science. In this overview, the focus is on LEF applicaton to development of latent fingerprints. Other areas of criminalistics, such as document examination and fiber analysis will be dealt with briefly only. To bring the technical reader, who likely has little familiarity with the fingerprint field, up to stream, a historical introduction precedes the description of current procedures for laser detection of latent fingerprints which is followed by a brief outline of current areas of research in the fingerprint area and application of lasers to other types of evidence examination. The overview concludes with an assessment of the current state and utilization growth prognosis of lasers in criminalistics.
Temperature effects on hydrogen-induced crack growth susceptibility of iron-based superalloys

Abstract The effects of temperature on hydrogen-induced crack growth susceptibility were studied in the iron-based superalloy IN903 using hydrogen charged crack growth samples. The measured crack growth rates increased by more than two orders of magnitude as temperature increased from 253 to 298 K. Crack growth rates then decreased at higher temperature. Fracture in all samples initiated by fracture of matrix carbides followed by microvoid formation at slip band intersections and failure of interconnecting slip band segments. Materials and mechanics approaches were then combined to model the fracture process and crack growth rates. Application of the model to the test results showed that the model provides a quantitatively accurate and physically correct description of how hydrogen and temperature interact to control crack growth susceptibility in IN903. It supports the observation that microvoid formation at slip band intersections is the critical event in the fracture process. It further shows that the interaction between crack tip stress fields and trap sites controls crack growth susceptibility.
Polarography: A classical method with a new lease of life

Abstract Classical DC polarography was introduced by Heyrovsky in 1922. Since then substantial advances have been made in the technique, its instrumentation and methodology. These, coupled with the brilliant and innovative thinking of several workers, especially Barker, have transformed polarographic analysis into a powerful analytical tool.
Improving Blood Compatibility of Intravascular Oxygen Sensors Via Catalytic Decomposition of S-Nitrosothiols to Generate Nitric Oxide In Situ

Reliable, real-time, in vivo sensing (intravascular) of blood gases and electrolytes remains a difficult challenge owing to biocompatibility issues that occur when chemical sensors are implanted into the blood stream. Recently, local release of nitric oxide (NO) at the sensor/blood interface has been suggested as a potential solution to this problem. However, the lifetime of NO release from thin polymer films coated on implanted sensors is limited by the reservoir of NO donor loaded within the polymeric coating. To continuously produce NO at the sensor/blood interface, a novel approach to catalytically decompose endogenous S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs) in blood to generate NO in situ is reported herein. Metallic copper particles of two different sizes (3 μm and 80 nm) are embedded as catalysts in thin polymer coatings on the surface intravascular electrochemical oxygen sensing catheters. Oxygen levels (partial pressure of oxygen; PO2) provided by the copper particle/polymer coated sensors are, on average, more accurate than values obtained from non-NO generating control sensors when both types of sensors are implanted in porcine arteries for 19–20 h. Upon termination of each in vivo study, catheters were explanted and examined for surface thrombosis via both visual image and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The results indicate that the Cu0-catalyst coatings significantly reduce the occurrence of surface thrombosis, likely from the ability to generate NO from endogenous RSNO species at the sensor/blood interface.
Effective Use of Integrated Decision Making: An Advanced Technology Model for Evaluating Fraud in Service‐Based Computer and Technology Firms

Most fraud‐detection models developed to date require the use of private information and focus on companies primarily in retail and manufacturing industries. In the wake of recent corporate failures, a broad spectrum of interested parties now uses publicly available information to monitor their investments. The central issue we raise in this paper is the ability of external parties to detect financial reporting fraud in service‐based computer and technology organizations by using publicly available information. Utilizing both financial and nonfinancial information, we develop a model that employs logical reasoning through the use of Excel® and fuzzy logic. We predict fraud in these firms with 76.7 percent accuracy.
Tamoxifen as the First Targeted Long Term Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer

Tamoxifen is an unlikely pioneering medicine in medical oncology. Nevertheless, the medicine has continued to surprise us, perform, and save lives for the past 40 years. Unlike any other medicine in oncology, it is used to treat all stages of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ, and male breast cancer and pioneered the use of chemoprevention by reducing the incidence of breast cancer in women at high risk and induces ovulation in subfertile women! The impact of tamoxifen is ubiquitous. However, the power to save lives from this unlikely success story came from the first laboratory studies which defined that 'longer was going to be better' when tamoxifen was being considered as an adjuvant therapy. This is that success story, with a focus on the interdependent components of: excellence in drug discovery, investment in self-selecting young investigators, a conversation with Nature, a conversation between the laboratory and the clinic, and the creation of the Oxford Overview Analysis. Each of these factors was essential to propel the progress of tamoxifen to evolve as an essential part of the fabric of society.
Ion Exchange in Escherichia coli: Potassium-Binding Proteins

The potassium binding that occurs during passive accumulation by intact Escherichia coli has been demonstrated in a cell-free system. The data suggest that this binding is due largely to binding by the cell proteins in general and cannot be accounted for by the binding of a particular protein. The results are in accord with the view that the ion-exchange properties of protoplasmic poly-electrolyte determine the overall ionic composition of the cell.
The Role of the DSCS Operational Support System (DOSS) in the Future DSCS Operations Control System (DOCS) Architecture

This paper describes role of the DOSS in the Defense Satellite Communication System (DSCS) Operations Control System (DOCS). The prime mission of the DOCS is to monitor and control the world-wide DSCS X-band communication networks. The DOCS is being developed in an evolutionary way from the current manual system to a highly automated system that will include specific control elements developed by several contractors. The DSCS Operational Control System (DOSS) is the heart of the DOCS. The DOSS will receive measurement data from the other DOCS Control elements, correlate this data by network elements (e.g. links, terminals, satellite channels) and provide alarms and supporting displays to SATCOM Network Controllers at both local and remote locations. The DOSS also serves to control all the DOCS elements and performs the monitoring and control necessary to switch control between collocated processors and between geographical disperse control sites.
Toll-like receptor 4 mediates the early inflammatory response after cold ischemia/reperfusion.

Background. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to graft dysfunction and may contribute to alloimmune responses posttransplantation. The molecular mechanisms of cold I/R injury are only partially characterized but may involve toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 activation by endogenous ligands. We tested the hypothesis that TLR4 mediates the early inflammatory response in the setting of cold I/R in a murine cardiac transplant model. Methods. Syngeneic heart transplants were performed in mutant mice deficient in TLR4 signaling (C3H/HeJ) and wild-type mice (C3H/HeOuJ). Transplants were also performed between the strains (mutant hearts into wild-type recipients and the converse). Donor hearts were subjected to 2 hr of cold ischemia. The grafts were retrieved at 3 and 24 hr after reperfusion. Serum samples were collected for cytokine analysis. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and histologic analysis were used to assess intra-graft inflammation. Results. After transplant, serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-6, JE/monocyte chemotractant protein (MCP)-1, IL-1β, and troponin I levels, as well as intragraft TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, early growth response (EGR)-1, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels, were significantly lower in the mutant→mutant group compared to the wild-type→wild-type group (P≤0.05). Intermediate levels of serum IL-6, JE/MCP-1, as well as intragraft TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, and ICAM-1 mRNA were observed after transplants in the mutant→wild-type and wild-type→mutant groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed less myocardial nuclear factor-κB nuclear translocation at and less neutrophil infiltration in the mutant→mutant group compared to the wild-type→wild-type group. Conclusions. These findings demonstrate that TLR4 signaling is central to both the systemic and intragraft inflammatory responses that occur after cold I/R in the setting of organ transplantation and that TLR4 signaling on both donor and recipient cells contributes to this response.
Intrahepatic natural killer T cell populations are increased in human hepatic steatosis.

AIM: To determine if natural killer T cell (NKT) populations are affected in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery underwent liver biopsy and blood sampling during surgery. The biopsy was assessed for steatosis and immunocyte infiltration. Intrahepatic lymphocytes (IHLs) were isolated from the remainder of the liver biopsy, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the blood. Expression of surface proteins on both IHLs and PBMCs were quantified using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Twenty-seven subjects participated in this study. Subjects with moderate or severe steatosis had a higher percentage of intrahepatic CD3+/CD56+ NKT cells (38.6%) than did patients with mild steatosis (24.1%, P = 0.05) or those without steatosis (21.5%, P = 0.03). Patients with moderate to severe steatosis also had a higher percentage of NKT cells in the blood (12.3%) as compared to patients with mild steatosis (2.5% P = 0.02) and those without steatosis (5.1%, P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: NKT cells are significantly increased in the liver and blood of patients with moderate to severe steatosis and support the role of NKT cells in NAFLD.
Seasonal abundance of fleas (Siphonaptera) on grassland rodents in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, and potential for plague transmission

Seasonal abundance of fleas infesting small mammals was studied from July 1975 to August 1976 in a grassland in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya. Ten species of rodents and two species of shrews were live-trapped 935 times. The Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) was the most abundant species, with 233 individuals captured 690 times, forming 73·8% of all captures. From these grass rats, 4247 fleas were collected, including Dinopsyllus lypusus Jordan & Rothschild (n = 2596), Xenopsylla bantorum Jordan (n = 1396) and Ctenophthalmus calceatus cabirus Jordan & Rothschild (n = 255). D. lypusus and C. calceatus cabirus were more abundant on Nile grass rats during the rains, while ×. bantorum became more abundant during the dry season and peaked during the early part of the rains. The potential for plague transmission by fleas between Nile grass rats probably exists all year. The potential for transmission to people living in close proximity to these rodents may be highest during the seasonal peak of X. bantorum, at the end of the dry season.
Focus shift and individual differences in the Sternberg memory-search task

Abstract One consistent finding in research using the memory search task developed by Sternberg (1966) is that negative set size has no effect on search reaction time, even when the negative set contains fewer items than the positive set. Such inefficient behavior appears to result from an intense positive focus generated by standard memory search task instructions. The present research was designed to explore the conditions under which a subject will switch focus to a smaller negative set. Two experiments were carried out using standard Sternberg instructions. The first experiment examined the effects of making the contents of the negative set explicit. The result was a shift to negative focus when the negative set was much smaller than the positive set. In the second experiment the size of the positive set was increased systematically to induce a shift to negative focus. The second experiment also examined the relationship between focus shift and measures of intelligence (Raven Progressive Matrices) and information storage capacity (digit span). The results are evidence that negative set size can affect reaction time in the memory search task, and that individual differences in ability to shift focus are related to intelligence.
Yellow warblers are able to learn songs and situations in which to use them

Etude de l'apprentissage du chant chez Dendroica petechia et des relations entre le type de chant et la situation dans laquelle il est emis
Method for Estimating System Stiffness for Excavation Support Walls

AbstractExcessive excavation-induced movements are major concerns for most underground construction projects in urban areas. These movements can lead to significant damage in adjacent structures. When average to good workmanship is employed during the installation process of the excavation support systems, the consequent ground movements are most influenced by the support system stiffness. Therefore, choosing the most appropriate stiffness for an excavation support system is crucial to minimizing excavation-related damage to adjacent buildings and utilities. This paper presents a semiempirical design methodology that facilitates the selecting of the excavation support system stiffness in such a way that limits excavation-related ground movement. As part of the proposed design methodology, a new parameter was developed called the relative stiffness ratio. This new parameter relates the strength and stiffness of the soil with the stiffness of the excavation support system and was developed from a comprehens...
Thermodynamic calculations on sulfide flotation systems, II. Comparisons with electrochemical experiments on the galena-ethyl xanthate system

Extensive thermodynamic calculations have been carried out to study the oxidation of galena and its flotation by potassium ethyl xanthate (KEX). In order to include some kinetic effects, three cases have been considered by assuming that sulfur oxidation can proceed as far as the formation of sulfate, thiosulfate and elemental sulfur. The results of these calculations have been compared with those of linear sweep voltammetry and intermittent galvanostatic polarization experiments conducted on galena at pH 9.2. Analysis of the experimental data indicates that in xanthate-free solutions, galena is oxidized primarily to PbO and S0 and, to a lesser extent, S2O32−, rather than to the thermodynamically most favored PbOH+ and SO42−. Tests carried out in the presence of collector confirm the previous finding (Woods, 1971) that the interaction of xanthate with the mineral begins with chemisorption by a one-electron reaction. This cannot, of course, be predicted by calculations based on bulk thermodynamics.
Cut-and-stitch: efficient parallel learning of linear dynamical systems on smps

Multi-core processors with ever increasing number of cores per chip are becoming prevalent in modern parallel computing. Our goal is to make use of the multi-core as well as multi-processor architectures to speed up data mining algorithms. Specifically, we present a parallel algorithm for approximate learning of Linear Dynamical Systems (LDS), also known as Kalman Filters (KF). LDSs are widely used in time series analysis such as motion capture modeling, visual tracking etc. We propose Cut-And-Stitch (CAS), a novel method to handle the data dependencies from the chain structure of hidden variables in LDS, so as to parallelize the EM-based parameter learning algorithm. We implement the algorithm using OpenMP on both a supercomputer and a quad-core commercial desktop. The experimental results show that parallel algorithms using Cut-And-Stitch achieve comparable accuracy and almost linear speedups over the serial version. In addition, Cut-And-Stitch can be generalized to other models with similar linear structures such as Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and Switching Kalman Filters (SKF).
Determination of Bisphenol A in U.S. Infant Formulas: Updated Methods and Concentrations

An updated survey of U.S. infant formula was conducted to determine the concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA). The purpose was to accurately assess BPA concentrations across the infant formula market, accounting for lot variability, and determine if geographic location or can age influences BPA concentrations. A method was developed to measure BPA in formula utilizing isotope dilution, solid-phase extraction, and liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The method was tested and found to be reproducible (10% relative standard deviation), reliable (47 ± 1% recovery), and sensitive (0.15 ng g−1 method detection limit). Over 160 analyses were conducted using 104 formula containers representing 36 products. Samples from U.S. east and west coast markets demonstrated no significant difference, and concentrations in older cans were not higher. BPA concentrations in liquid formula (0.48−11 ng g−1) were consistent with previous studies, and BPA was detected in only 1 of 14 powder formula products...
The NF-κB RelB Protein Is an Oncogenic Driver of Mesenchymal Glioma

High-grade gliomas, such as glioblastomas (GBMs), are very aggressive, invasive brain tumors with low patient survival rates. The recent identification of distinct glioma tumor subtypes offers the potential for understanding disease pathogenesis, responses to treatment and identification of molecular targets for personalized cancer therapies. However, the key alterations that drive tumorigenesis within each subtype are still poorly understood. Although aberrant NF-κB activity has been implicated in glioma, the roles of specific members of this protein family in tumorigenesis and pathogenesis have not been elucidated. In this study, we show that the NF-κB protein RelB is expressed in a particularly aggressive mesenchymal subtype of glioma, and loss of RelB significantly attenuated glioma cell survival, motility and invasion. We find that RelB promotes the expression of mesenchymal genes including YKL-40, a marker of the MES glioma subtype. Additionally, RelB regulates expression of Olig2, a regulator of cancer stem cell proliferation and a candidate marker for the cell of origin in glioma. Furthermore, loss of RelB in glioma cells significantly diminished tumor growth in orthotopic mouse xenografts. The relevance of our studies for human disease was confirmed by analysis of a human GBM genome database, which revealed that high RelB expression strongly correlates with rapid tumor progression and poor patient survival rates. Thus, our findings demonstrate that RelB is an oncogenic driver of mesenchymal glioma tumor growth and invasion, highlighting the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the noncanonical NF-κB (RelB-mediated) pathway to treat these deadly tumors.
The Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Affects T Cell Differentiation in OVA Induced Asthma

The receptor for glycation end products (RAGE) has been previously implicated in shaping the adaptive immune response. RAGE is expressed in T cells after activation and constitutively in T cells from patients with diabetes. The effects of RAGE on adaptive immune responses are not clear: Previous reports show that RAGE blockade affects Th1 responses. To clarify the role of RAGE in adaptive immune responses and the mechanisms of its effects, we examined whether RAGE plays a role in T cell activation in a Th2 response involving ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice. WT and RAGE deficient wild-type and OT-II mice, expressing a T cell receptor specific for OVA, were immunized intranasally with OVA. Lung cellular infiltration and T cell responses were analyzed by immunostaining, FACS, and multiplex bead analyses for cytokines. RAGE deficient mice showed reduced cellular infiltration in the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and impaired T cell activation in the mediastinal lymph nodes when compared with WT mice. In addition, RAGE deficiency resulted in reduced OT-II T cell infiltration of the lung and impaired IFNγ and IL-5 production when compared with WT mice and reduced infiltration when transferred into WT hosts. When cultured under conditions favoring the differentiation of T cells subsets, RAGE deficient T cells showed reduced production of IFNγ but increased production of IL-17. Our data show a stimulatory role for RAGE in T activation in OVA-induced asthma. This role is largely mediated by the effects of RAGE on T cell proliferation and differentiation. These findings suggest that RAGE may play a regulatory role in T cell responses following immune activation.
Imaging of the pituitary and parasellar region

The pituitary is part of a chain of enormous biologic amplification, which is regulated by a small amount of releasing factors in the portal blood from the hypothalamus. The pituitary is a master gland that regulates a number of hormones. A subtle abnormality in the pituitary can cause significant changes in body metabolism. Because the pituitary glands are small structures, high-resolution imaging techniques are required to satisfactorily evaluate the gland. It is imperative for the radiologist to be familiar with the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the pituitary gland, which provides a solid foundation for accurate interpretation of the imaging studies of the pituitary gland.
Temperature dependence of positron annihilation characteristics on the surfaces of graphite powders

Positron lifetime measurements have been made on graphite powders, grafoils, and pyrolytic graphite crystals with different surface areas in the temperature range between 25° and 600 °C. Three positron lifetimes were found in these systems: a short-lived component (∼0.2 ns) due to positrons in the bulk; a component (∼0.45 ns) due to surface-trapped positrons; and a long-lived component (∼2 ns) ofo-Ps in the voids or the interfacial spaces of powders. Both bulk and surface positron lifetimes increase as a function of temperature. Correlations between the intensity of surface-trapped positrons and the surface area and between Ps formation and the surface area of graphite are found. The Ps formation probability increases as a function of temperature. A thermal desorption model interprets the emission process of Ps atoms from the surface of graphite to the vacuum and gives an activation energy of 0.23±0.02 eV.
Phosphorylation of protein 4.1 on tyrosine-418 modulates its function in vitro.

Abstract Protein 4.1 was initially characterized as a protein that regulates cytoskeletal assembly in erythrocytes. However, recent studies have shown that protein 4.1 is ubiquitous in mammalian cells. Here, we show that protein 4.1 is phosphorylated on tyrosine by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase. The phosphorylation site has been localized to the 8-kDa domain, which has one tyrosine, tyrosine-418. The 8-kDa region is required for the assembly of the spectrin/actin complex, and phosphorylation by EGFR reduced the ability of protein 4.1 to promote the assembly of the spectrin/actin/protein 4.1 ternary complex. Immunoblotting with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies showed that purified protein 4.1 contained phosphorylated tyrosine, and this increased upon phosphorylation by EGFR. This suggests that tyrosine phosphorylation of protein 4.1 occurs in vivo and may be functionally significant. The tyrosine phosphorylation site is in the center of a sequence motif that is expressed by a differentiation-specific splicing mechanism.
Quantitative Flow Measurement Utilizing a Time Interval Histogram of Doppler Shifted Ultrasound

The presence of disturbed and possibly fully turbulent blood flow caused by abnormal anatomical structures such as heart valve defects and vascular constrictions can be important in clinical diagnoses. Although major disturbances may produce bruits, audible with a stethoscope, ultrasonic Doppler techniques are of immediate interest for the early detection of these cardiovascular disorders. Qualitative measurements of disturbed flow using ultrasound have already been demonstrated clinically.1,2 Quantitative measurements of flow disturbances in vitro, based on the measurement of the audio Doppler signal bandwidth, have also been demonstrated.3 The above investigations made use of spectral analysis of the Doppler signal. This technique is time consuming and/or expensive whether done offline on a digital computer or in real time with dedicated hardware.
Photoinduced Charge Separation in Zinc–Porphyrin/Tungsten–Alkylidyne Dyads: Generation of Reactive Porphyrin and Metallo Radical States

The luminescent tungsten-alkylidyne metalloligand [WCl(≡C-4,4'-C6H4CC-py)(dppe)2] (1; dppe=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) and the zinc-tetraarylporphyrins ZnTPP and ZnTP(Cl)P (TPP=tetraphenylporphyrin, TP(Cl)P=tetra(p-chlorophenyl)porphyrin) self-assemble in fluorobenzene solution to form the dyads ZnTPP(1) and ZnTP(Cl)P(1), in which the metalloligand is axially coordinated to the porphyrin. Excitation of the porphyrin-centered S1 excited states of these dyads initiates intramolecular energy-transfer (ZnPor→1) and electron-transfer (1→ZnPor) processes, which together efficiently quench the S1 state (~90%). Transient-absorption spectroscopy and an associated kinetic analysis reveal that the net product of the energy-transfer process is the (3)[dπ*] state of coordinated 1, which is formed by S1→(1)[dπ*] singlet-singlet (Forster) energy transfer followed by (1)[dπ*]→(3)[dπ*] intersystem crossing. The data also demonstrate that coordinated 1 reductively quenches the porphyrin S1 state to produce the [ZnPor(-)][1(+)] charge-separated state. This is a rare example of the reductive quenching of zinc porphyrin chromophores. The presence in the [ZnPor(-)][1(+)] charge-separated states of powerfully reducing zinc-porphyrin radical anions, which are capable of sensitizing a wide range of reductive electrocatalysts, and the 1(+) ion, which can initiate the oxidation of H2, produces an integrated photochemical system with the thermodynamic capability of driving photoredox processes that result in the transfer of renewable reducing equivalents instead of the consumption of conventional sacrificial donors.
Antiretroviral drugs for AIDS

Treatment of HIV disease with antiretroviral agents has changed considerably. We now know that monotherapy is not the best strategy in most cases to combat rapid turnover of virus and development of resistance (the exception being mother-to-child transmission) and various combination drug regimens are being explored. Apart from the main drug groups, consisting of nucleoside analogues, proteinase inhibitors, and reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, many new compounds are under development. The timing of therapy may likewise be important, and the indications of benefit from early initiation of treatment need to be confirmed in randomised trials. Overall, there is far more optimism about the use of drugs in HIV infection than there was several years ago.
Microtubule binding by dynactin is required for microtubule organization but not cargo transport

Dynactin links cytoplasmic dynein and other motors to cargo and is involved in organizing radial microtubule arrays. The largest subunit of dynactin, p150glued, binds the dynein intermediate chain and has an N-terminal microtubule-binding domain. To examine the role of microtubule binding by p150glued, we replaced the wild-type p150glued in Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells with mutant ΔN-p150 lacking residues 1–200, which is unable to bind microtubules. Cells treated with cytochalasin D were used for analysis of cargo movement along microtubules. Strikingly, although the movement of both membranous organelles and messenger ribonucleoprotein complexes by dynein and kinesin-1 requires dynactin, the substitution of full-length p150glued with ΔN-p150glued has no effect on the rate, processivity, or step size of transport. However, truncation of the microtubule-binding domain of p150glued has a dramatic effect on cell division, resulting in the generation of multipolar spindles and free microtubule-organizing centers. Thus, dynactin binding to microtubules is required for organizing spindle microtubule arrays but not cargo motility in vivo.
Platelet Induction of the Acute-Phase Response Is Protective in Murine Experimental Cerebral Malaria

Platelets are most recognized as the cellular mediator of thrombosis, but they are increasingly appreciated for their immunomodulatory roles, including responses to Plasmodium infection. Platelet interactions with endothelial cells and leukocytes contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). Recently, it has been suggested that platelets not only have an adverse role in cerebral malaria, but platelets may also be protective in animal models of uncomplicated malaria. We now demonstrate that these diverse and seemingly contradictory roles for platelets extend to cerebral malaria models and are dependent on the timing of platelet activation during infection. Our data show that platelets are activated very early in ECM and have a central role in initiation of the acute-phase response to blood-stage infection. Unlike platelet depletion or inhibition postinfection, preinfection platelet depletion or treatment with a platelet inhibitor is not protective. Additionally, we show that platelet-driven acute-phase responses have a major role in protecting mice from ECM by limiting parasite growth. Our data now suggest that platelets have a complex role in ECM pathogenesis: platelets help limit parasite growth early postinfection, but with continued platelet activation as the disease progresses, platelets contribute to ECM-associated inflammation.