cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic simulation of plug flow packed bed reactors

Comparaison de deux methodes de simulation dynamique et de commande: la methode de collocation orthogonale et la methode des caracteristiques. On etudie en particulier la reponse dynamique a un changement en echelon de la temperature d'entree
Consideration of Vertical Uncertainty in Elevation-Based Sea-Level Rise Assessments: Mobile Bay, Alabama Case Study

ABSTRACT Gesch, D.B., 2013. Consideration of vertical uncertainty in elevation-based sea-level rise assessments: Mobile Bay, Alabama case study, In: Brock, J.C.; Barras, J. A., and Williams, S.J. (eds.), Understanding and Predicting Change in the Coastal Ecosystems of the Northern Gulf of Mexico, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 63, pp. 197–210, Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The accuracy with which coastal topography has been mapped directly affects the reliability and usefulness of elevationbased sea-level rise vulnerability assessments. Recent research has shown that the qualities of the elevation data must be well understood to properly model potential impacts. The cumulative vertical uncertainty has contributions from elevation data error, water level data uncertainties, and vertical datum and transformation uncertainties. The concepts of minimum sealevel rise increment and minimum planning timeline, important parameters for an elevation-based sea-level rise assessment, are us...
The development of surface features on nickel during erosion-corrosion

Abstract The bombardment of metal surfaces under conditions of erosion, or corrosion-affected erosion where the corrosion component is small compared with erosion, leads to substantial physical rearrangement of that surface. It has been found that impingement normal to the surface induces a random pattern of hills and valleys, whereas impingement at an angle to the surface produces a pattern of ripples, aligned across the direction of the erosive stream. Recently, it has been found that, after long times at high temperature, a hill and valley pattern produced by normal erosive impact transforms into a ripple pattern by alignment of the hills and valleys in each metal grain. In this, the individual grains show patterns of ripples that lie at different orientations in the different grains, suggesting that this is determined by the slip system of the crystal. Currently, this phenomenon is being studied using polycrystalline nickel and a nickel bicrystal in order to determine the mechanism by which the ripple pattern evolves and which determines the orientation of the ripples.
A Role for Single-Stranded Exonucleases in the Use of DNA as a Nutrient

Nutritional competence is the ability of bacterial cells to utilize exogenous double-stranded DNA molecules as a nutrient source. We previously identified several genes in Escherichia coli that are important for this process and proposed a model, based on models of natural competence and transformation in bacteria, where it is assumed that single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is degraded following entry into the cytoplasm. Since E. coli has several exonucleases, we determined whether they play a role in the long-term survival and the catabolism of DNA as a nutrient. We show here that mutants lacking either ExoI, ExoVII, ExoX, or RecJ are viable during all phases of the bacterial life cycle yet cannot compete with wild-type cells during long-term stationary-phase incubation. We also show that nuclease mutants, alone or in combination, are defective in DNA catabolism, with the exception of the ExoX(-) single mutant. The ExoX(-) mutant consumes double-stranded DNA better than wild-type cells, possibly implying the presence of two pathways in E. coli for the processing of ssDNA as it enters the cytoplasm.
A Multifuntional Nanoplatform Based on Responsive Fluorescent Plasmonic ZnO-Au@PEG Hybrid Nanogels

Under a rational design, combining multiple constituents into a single nano-object will not only bridge the unique properties of individual materials to leverage research both fundamentally and practically, but will also improve conventional sensing, imaging, and therapeutic efficacies. Such a nano-object (<100 nm) can be constructed by covalently bonding ZnO quantum dots (QDs) to nonlinear poly(ethylene glycol)-based nanogel network chains, followed by appropriate growth of metallic Au. With the polymer gel network serving as a three-dimensional scaffold, the fluorescence of ZnO QDs can be well protected, while metal Au still retains its surface plasmon resonance property. The ZnO QDs covalently bonded to the thermo-responsive gel network chains can sensitively respond to temperature change of the surrounding fluids over the physiologically important range of 37–42 °C, converting the disruptions in homeostasis of local temperature into stable, robust and high-resolution fluorescent signals. The thermoresponsive hybrid nanogels can not only enter into and light up B16F10 cells, but also regulate the release of a model anticancer drug, temozolomide, in response to either local environmental temperature change or external near-infrared light-induced localized hyperthermia from metal Au. The combined chemo-photothermal therapy can significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy due to a synergistic effect.
Gallium(III) Catecholate Complexes as Probes for the Kinetics and Mechanism of Inversion and Isomerization of Siderophore Complexes1

The catechol siderophore analog K3[Ga(3)3], 4 (H23 = 2,3-dihydroxy-N,N‘-diisopropylterephthalamide), is D3-symmetric in aqueous solution, and exists in two enantiomeric forms, Δ-4 and Λ-4. Variable temperature NMR experiments demonstrate that the inversion of the enantiomers of 4 in D2O is facile. The rate of inversion is independent of pH above pH 8. The mechanism is intramolecular. From line-shape analysis the free energy of activation ΔG⧧298 = 67.4(9) kJ mol-1 in D2O at pD 12.1, with ΔH⧧ = 58.5(6) kJ mol-1 and ΔS⧧ = −0.030(9) kJ mol-1 K-1. Below pD 8 the rate of inversion for 4 is pD dependent and initially first order in [D+]. Potentiometric titrations reveal that 4 protonates in two one-proton steps with log KHML3 = 4.66(4) and log KH2ML3 = 3.99(7). In DMSO-d6, formation of a tight contact ion pair between K+ and [Ga(3)3]3- ions increases the free energy barrier to inversion by ∼7 kJ mol-1. The complex K3[Ga(9)3], 10 (H29 = 2,3-dihydroxy-N-tert-butyl-N‘-benzylterephthalamide), was prepared to elucida...
Determination of In Vivo Ankle Ligament Strains During External Rotation of the Foot

Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the properties of shoe-surface interface conditions on natural grass and synthetic turfs [2,7,9]. It is suggested that ankle injuries are related to the torque generated in the joint. Recently, our laboratory has developed a surrogate ankle [10] for use with a rotational traction measurement apparatus on various surfaces [9]. External rotation, commonly thought as the mechanism of a high ankle sprain in football, is applied to the surrogate foot and the resistive torque is measured. The study suggests that synthetic turfs generate higher ankle torques than natural grasses, therefore implying a high injury risk on turfs. One disadvantage of these studies is that only artificial devices are used to represent the ankle. Consequently, it is not possible to determine ligament strains, which is crucial in determining ankle injury.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Respiratory System Model for Quasistatic Pulmonary Pressure-Volume (P-V) Curve: Inflation-Deflation Loop Analyses

A respiratory system model (RSM) is developed for the deflation process of a quasistatic pressure-volume (P-V) curve, following the model for the inflation process reported earlier. In the RSM of both the inflation and the deflation limb, a respiratory system consists of a large population of basic alveolar elements, each consisting of a piston-spring-cylinder subsystem. A normal distribution of the basic elements is derived from Boltzmann statistical model with the alveolar closing (opening) pressure as the distribution parameter for the deflation (inflation) process. An error minimization by the method of least squares applied to existing P-V loop data from two different data sources confirms that a simultaneous inflation-deflation analysis is required for an accurate determination of RSM parameters. Commonly used terms such as lower inflection point, upper inflection point, and compliance are examined based on the P-V equations, on the distribution function, as well as on the geometric and physical properties of the basic alveolar element.
Using Cloud-Based Software to Build an Interlibrary Loan Survey Databank

As an assignment for the Reference and User Services Association and as part of the American Library Association Emerging Leaders Program, the authors created a databank to house the results of a large-scale interlibrary loan staffing survey. After examining the pros and cons of several software solutions, the authors decided to use a Web-based database product, Dabble DB. The paper discusses the scope, outcomes, and value of the Reference and User Services Association interlibrary loan survey, the development of the authors’ project plan, and recommendations for the use of cloud-based database products in library operations.
Clinitest: A simple technique for estimation of reducing sugar content of potatoes

The Clinitest method, originally devised to test urine of diabetic patients, proved to be effective for estimating reducing sugar content of tuber juice. Data obtained by the Clinitest method correlated well with data obtained from the same tubers by the analytical dinitrophenol method and by chip color numbers as determined by Agtron ranges. Simplicity in operation, low cost, and quick results are the main attributes of this method that is potentially useful to the potato industry.
Overwinter soil denitrification activity and mineral nitrogen pools as affected by management practices

During freeze–thaw events, biophysical changes occurring in soils can affect processes such as mineralization, nitrification and denitrification which control inorganic N balances in agro-ecosystems. To evaluate the impact of these climatic events on soil biochemical properties, a study was conducted comparing soil denitrification enzyme activity (DEA), dissolved organic C (DOC) and inorganic N levels before and after the winter season in plots under: (1) continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CC) with annual chisel plow and disking, (2) corn–soybean (Glycine max L.) (CS) rotation with chisel plow every other year prior to planting soybean, and (3) corn–soybean–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) (CSW-V) with ridge tillage during the corn and soybean crops, and dairy manure application during the corn year. Soil cores were collected in late autumn and immediately after spring thaw at 0–5, 5–10, 10–15, and 15–30 cm depths. Regardless of management practices, freeze–thaw events resulted in significant (2–10 times) increases in NH4 +-N, NO3 –-N (P<0.001) and DOC (P<0.01) levels at all soil depths. Following freeze–thaw, DEA remained unchanged in the 5–30 cm depth but dropped significantly (P<0.01) in the 0–5 cm soil layer. In that layer, soils which had been chisel plowed during the previous growing season lost 78–84% of the DEA recorded during the fall, whereas in the plots amended with manure during the previous season, the loss of activity was 40–45%. These data indicate that frequent tillage, compared with manure additions, is more conducive to overwinter loss of DEA in surface layers of soils subject to freeze–thaw cycles.
Homology modeling and analysis of structure predictions of the bovine rhinitis B virus RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp).

Bovine Rhinitis B Virus (BRBV) is a picornavirus responsible for mild respiratory infection of cattle. It is probably the least characterized among the aphthoviruses. BRBV is the closest relative known to Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV) with a ~43% identical polyprotein sequence and as much as 67% identical sequence for the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is also known as 3D polymerase (3Dpol). In the present study we carried out phylogenetic analysis, structure based sequence alignment and prediction of three-dimensional structure of BRBV 3Dpol using a combination of different computational tools. Model structures of BRBV 3Dpol were verified for their stereochemical quality and accuracy. The BRBV 3Dpol structure predicted by SWISS-MODEL exhibited highest scores in terms of stereochemical quality and accuracy, which were in the range of 2A resolution crystal structures. The active site, nucleic acid binding site and overall structure were observed to be in agreement with the crystal structure of unliganded as well as template/primer (T/P), nucleotide tri-phosphate (NTP) and pyrophosphate (PPi) bound FMDV 3Dpol (PDB, 1U09 and 2E9Z). The closest proximity of BRBV and FMDV 3Dpol as compared to human rhinovirus type 16 (HRV-16) and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) 3Dpols is also substantiated by phylogeny analysis and root-mean square deviation (RMSD) between C-α traces of the polymerase structures. The absence of positively charged α-helix at C terminal, significant differences in non-covalent interactions especially salt bridges and CH-pi interactions around T/P channel of BRBV 3Dpol compared to FMDV 3Dpol, indicate that despite a very high homology to FMDV 3Dpol, BRBV 3Dpol may adopt a different mechanism for handling its substrates and adapting to physiological requirements. Our findings will be valuable in the design of structure-function interventions and identification of molecular targets for drug design applicable to Aphthovirus RdRps.
Hypothalamic lesions producing polyuria in chickens

Permanent polyuria was produced in chickens. Some of these also showed polydipsia; otherwise, the chickens appeared normal; they ate normally, laid eggs, and maintained normal body temperatures. The combs of the cocks and hens were normal and there was no evidence to indicate any impairment in reproductive functions. The low levels of arginine vasotocin in the posterior pituitaries indicated primary polyuria; however, the occurrence of crops distended with water in some chickens also suggested a primary polydipsia. No differences in plasma sodium and potassium, nor in plasma osmolality, were found between lesioned and nonlesioned chickens. Evidence suggesting functional intestinal obstruction and its correction by hydrocortisone is discussed.
The granulocyte response to the phosphodiesterase inhibitor RO 20-1724 in asthma☆

Isolated human granulocytes secrete the lysosomal enzyme beta glucuronidase when incubated with complement-activated zymosan particles. Isoproterenol inhibits this release, and the beta adrenergic response is associated with an increase in granulocyte cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. In asthma, the beta adrenergic responsiveness is impaired. Cyclic AMP concentration in the granulocyte is also influenced by phosphodiesterase hydrolysis of this cyclic nucleotide. We found that the potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor, RO 20-1724, inhibited zymosan-stimulated beta glucuronidase release from granulocytes in a dose-dependent fashion (10(-8) to 10(-4) M). The inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release by RO 20-1724 was associated with an increase in granulocyte cAMP. Granulocytes were also isolated from asthmatic patients and the RO 20-1724 inhibition of beta glucuronidase release was compared with the response in normal subjects. The negative log molar median effective dose (ED50) value (mean +/- SE) was 5.98 +/- 0.69 in normal subjects and 5.90 +/- 0.63 in asthmatics. These observations suggest that the granulocyte metabolism modulated by the RO 20-1724-sensitive phosphodiesterase is equally responsive to this potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor in normal and asthmatic leukocytes.
ENTOMOPHTHORA TABANIVORA, A NEW PATHOGEN IN HORSEFLIES (DIPTERA: TABANIDAE)

Abstract Entomophthora tabanivora n. sp. is described from a parous Tabanus nigrovittatus. Conidiophores were abundant on the membranous areas of the head, thorax, and anterior abdominal sternites. They were determinate, macronemous, unbranched, cream-colored, and measured 89.1 × 18.9 μm. Primary conidia were multinucleate, broadly pyriform, and measured 36.7 × 32.4 μm. Hyphal bodies were branched, coenocytic, and averaged 54.8 μm long and 15.3 μm wide.
Latino Immigration and Citizenship

Immigration figures prominently in Latino politics in both historical and contemporary terms. It underlies the formation and development of a longstanding Latino presence in the United States. Indeed, the very heritage of the Latino people is rooted in the history of conquest and settlement in the Americas. In more recent times, immigration has fueled the growth of the Latino population in the United States; over 40% of U.S. Latinos are first-
The informational properties of S1, S2, and the S1–S2 sequence on conditioned suppression

The Egger-Miller information hypothesis was tested in a nonoverlapping compound stimulus CER situation. During CER training, S2, the so-called redundant stimulus, acquired greater suppression qualities than S1. However, following CER training, subjects were exposed to test situations in which the independent suppression qualities of S1 and S2 were assessed. S1 was followed by a trace interval, S2 was presented alone, or the S1–S2 sequence was reversed. Results of all test conditions showed minimal suppression to S2, while suppression to S1 was maintained or facilitated. It was suggested that S2, although a redundant predictor of shock occurrence, provides information as to “when” shock is due.
Adrenal gland in tissue culture.

NEUROSECRETORY cells of the adrenal medulla are difficult to study by electrophysiological and pharmacological methods, because of their obscure situation and susceptibility to many forms of physiological stress. For this reason, a simple method of cultivation and fixation of the adrenal gland has been developed in this laboratory. The adrenal gland is difficult to culture1 and there have been only two reports specifically dealing with medullary cells in culture since 19352,3. I have been interested in the morphology of neurosecretory cells in the “resting state”, that is, with no influence from the central nervous system.
A convenient program for the rapid calculation of sedimentation coefficients in linear salt or sucrose gradients.

Abstract A program is presented for calculating s20,w values from data obtained by zone sedimentation in linear sucrose or salt gradients in a variety of rotors at temperatures ranging from 0° to 20°C. The program can be either run with the use of high-speed computers or performed with the aid of a small calculator in a reasonably short time.
Rapid identification of a major diffusion/perfusion mismatch in distal internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke

We tested the hypothesis that in patients with occlusion of the terminal internal carotid artery and/or the proximal middle cerebral artery, a diffusion abnormality of 70 ml or less is accompanied by a diffusion/perfusion mismatch of at least 100%. Sixty-eight consecutive patients with terminal ICA and/or proximal MCA occlusions and who underwent diffusion/perfusion MRI within 24 hours of stroke onset were retrospectively identified. DWI and mean transit time (MTT) volumes were measured. Prospectively, 48 consecutive patients were identified with the same inclusion criteria. DWI and time to peak (TTP) lesion volumes were measured. A large mismatch volume was defined as an MTT or TTP abnormality at least twice the DWI lesion volume. In the retrospective study, 49 of 68 patients had a DWI lesion volume ≤ 70 ml (mean 20.2 ml; SEM 2.9 ml). A DWI/MTT mismatch of > 100% was observed in all 49 patients (P 100% was present in all 35 (P < .0001). Acute stroke patients with major anterior circulation artery occlusion are exceedingly likely to have a major diffusion/perfusion mismatch if the diffusion lesion volume is 70 ml or less. This suggests that physiology-based patient assessments may be made using only vessel imaging and diffusion MRI as a simple alternative to perfusion imaging.
INACTIVATION OF PENICILLIN BY CHEESE.

Abstract Penicillinase-like activity among commercial blue mold-ripened cheese was discovered in research originally initiated to investigate the possibility of penicillin arising in such cheese from the normal penicillin mold required for its manufacture. No penicillin production was observed. Over 60% of 70 Blue and Roquefort cheese analyzed destroyed, in some instances completely, added penicillin upon contact, indicating that ingestion of these cheeses may be beneficial to penicillin-sensitive persons. Swiss, Camembert, and Cheddar cheese did not exhibit this penicillinase-like activity.
Evaluation and Improvements to the Aeroprediction Code Based on Recent Test Data

The 1998 (AP98) and prior versions of the U.S.NavalSurfaceWarfare Center, DahlgrenDivisionAeroprediction Code are based primarily on slender body and perturbation theories at low angle of attack and empirical constants that represent the nonlinear aerodynamics as a function of angle of attack, Mach number, aspect and taper ratio, and othermissile geometric parameters. The primary database on which these empirical nonlinear constants were derived was based on the NASA/Tri-Service component database taken in the 1970s. This database was limited in body radius to wing semispan plus body radius ratios of 0.5. A more recent database taken by NASA and the formerMcDonnell DouglasCorporation investigated other values of the parameter: body radius to wing semispan plus body radius ratio of 0.25, 0.33, and 0.5. As a result of this new database, the empirical constants in the AP98 that represent many of the aerodynamic nonlinearities were  ne tuned. This  ne tuning, along with other minor improvements, has shown the average normal force coef cient errors to be reduced by anywhere from 10 to over 40% on various missile con gurations. The largest reductions in error were for con gurations where the AP98 average accuracy was the worst. These new improved empirical constants will be a part of the next planned release of the aeroprediction code in 2002 (AP02). The AP98 average error on normal force coef cient of § 10% will, therefore, be somewhat better for the AP02.
Aspectos semânticos da discriminação racial no Brasil: para além da teoria da modernidade

This article intends to be a contribution to the understanding of racial discrimination in Brazil. It begins diagnosing the lack of substantive studies about the semantic contents of such social practice in the current Brazilian social sciences literature. The author exposes the pitfalls of the argument that the content of prejudice against blacks was redefined, after the abolition of slavery, with the advent of modernity in Brazil. With the help of a typology of misrecognition forms, he highlights some aspects of racial discrimination and prejudice that have not been dealt with in the literature, presenting an alternative argument to explain these social phenomena in modern Brazil.
Transition Metal Catalyzed s -Bond Activation and Formation Reactions

The factors controlling the transition metal catalyzed s-bond (including H-H, C-H and C-C) activation and formation, the fundamental steps of many chemical transformations, were analyzed. It was demonstrated that in the mono-nuclear transition metal systems the (1) availability of the lower lying s1dn–1 and s0dn states of the transition metal atoms, and (2) nature of the ligands facilitating the reduction of the energy gap between the different oxidative states of the transition metal centers are very crucial. Meanwhile, in the transition metal clusters the “cooperative” (or “cluster”) effects play important roles in the catalytic activities of these clusters. Another important factor affecting the catalytic activity of the transition metal systems shown to be their redox activity.
The components of complex monitoring

Abstract An effort was made to identify the processes governing the monitoring of complex visual displays. The independent variables of primary interest were the relative frequency of relevant and irrelevant signals (R/I frequency) and time on watch. Detection latency, β, and d′ were inversely related to R/I frequency, and detection latency was an erratic function of time on watch. The latter function reflected the temporal variability of detection latency and was particularly evident under low R/I frequency. The results were interpreted in terms of a four-process model of complex monitoring, the processes being attention, decision, memory, and scanning. The detection latency data support the thesis that scanning is governed by the reinforcement efficacy of relevant signals.
Treatment of Noise in Magnitude-Mode FT-ICR Spectra

In FT-ICR spectroscopy it is often desirable to be able to determine ion abundances from the heights of small spectral peaks in the presence of substantial noise. When magnitude-mode transforms are used, the noise gives an apparent baseline shift, and it may be thought appropriate to measure peak heights from this apparent baseline. It is shown here that such a noise correction procedure is inappropriate, and that the peak heights measured from the original, noise-free baseline to the tops of the smoothed peaks give an excellent approximation to the true peak heights. Correction factors for peaks heights are given, which become significant at signal-to-noise ratios below about 3 and which may be useful when spectral accumulation is performed in the frequency domain.
Situation Definition and the Online Synchronous Writing Conference

Abstract Since the mid 1990's, more and more college and university writing centers have been offering online synchronous writing conferences to students. Writing center researchers have published extensively on how tutors can promote collaboration in online conferences, but comparatively few have used Lev Vygotsky's conception of the zone of proximal development (ZPD) to analyze activity in these conferences or to develop specific methods for working with students in these environments. Using more recent developments in the theory of the ZPD, such as the concept of situation definition, I will discuss how tutors can apply strategies related to the ZPD to promote student learning. By focusing on students’ definitions of rhetorical concepts that often implicitly guide students’ writing processes, tutors can help students improve how they approach their writing tasks. Progress through the ZPD, then, is more related to how students grow their own understanding, rather than on the correcting of students’ texts. I will illustrate this theoretical discussion by presenting examples of two online synchronous writing conferences, and I will describe the implications and possible shortcomings of a method of tutoring that applies the concept of situation definition and the ZPD.
Vascular Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by repeated upper airway obstruction during sleep and affects between 5% and 20% of the population. Epidemiological studies reveal that sleep apnea and associated intermittent hypoxemia increase the risk for hypertension and vascular disease but the mechanisms underlying these effects are incompletely understood. This review reports the results of rodent models of intermittent hypoxia (IH) and relates them to the observed hemodynamic and vascular consequences of sleep apnea. These animal studies have demonstrated that IH exposure in the absence of any other comorbidity causes hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and augmented constrictor sensitivity, all due at least in part to increased vascular oxidative stress. Animal studies have used a variety of exposure paradigms to study intermittent hypoxia and these different exposure protocols can cause hypocapnia or hypercapnia—or maintain eucapnia—with accompanying alterations in plasma pH. It appears that these different profiles of arterial blood gases can lead to divergent results but the impact of these differences is still being investigated. Overall, the studies in rodents have clearly demonstrated that the vascular and hemodynamic impact of intermittent hypoxia provides a strong rationale for treating clinical sleep apnea to prevent the resulting cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Neutrophil autoantibodies as disease markers for ulcerative colitis.

The detection of a distinct subset of serum neutrophil autoantibodies in UC is simple and reproducible. While such autoantibodies probably have no direct role in mediating tissue damage, they may reflect the underlying immunologic disturbance that leads to the disease. As such, they may be important disease markers and appear to be particularly promising in studies of genetic susceptibility. Future identification of the antigen(s) recognized by these UC-linked autoantibodies will facilitate the development of improved assay systems and the study of the immunological basis for their occurrence.
Diagnostic accuracy of EUS for vascular invasion in pancreatic and periampullary cancers: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background Vascular invasion (VI) in a patient with pancreatic or periampullary cancers precludes surgery and indicates a poor prognosis. Published data on the accuracy of EUS in diagnosing VI is varied. Objective The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the accuracy of EUS in diagnosing VI in patients with pancreatic and periampullary cancers. Design Data from EUS studies were pooled according to the Mantel-Haenszel and DerSimonian Laird methods. Patients EUS studies in which VI was confirmed by surgery or angiography were selected. Interventions EUS. Main Outcome Measures Pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio of EUS. Results Data were extracted from 29 studies (N = 1308) that met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity of EUS in diagnosing VI was 73% (95% CI, 68.8-76.9) and the pooled specificity was 90.2% (95% CI, 87.9-92.2). The positive likelihood ratio for diagnosing VI by EUS was 9.1 (95% CI, 4.6-17.9) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.3 (95% CI, 0.2-0.5). Diagnostic odds ratio, the odds of having VI in positive as compared with negative EUS studies, was 40.1 (95% CI, 16.1-99.9). The P value for χ 2 heterogeneity for all the pooled estimates was >.05. Conclusions Although EUS is the best noninvasive test to diagnose VI in pancreatic and periampullary cancers, this meta-analysis showed that the specificity (90%) is high but the sensitivity (73%) is not as high as suggested. Further refinements in EUS technologies and interpretation may improve the sensitivity for detecting VI.
‘The poorest form of theism’: Schopenhauer, Islam and the perils of comparative hermeneutics

Even among Western philosophers open to religious and intellectual traditions of other cultures, such as Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860), the hermeneutic reception of Islam has been highly problematic. In the case of Schopenhauer, we find an interpretation which aligns the Islamic tradition with philosophical themes which met his general rejection, the commitment to theism and the ‘optimism’ characteristic of a teleological view of existence. These themes are ones Schopenhauer finds refuted in his typologically classified cultural/religious complexes of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, which espouse either polytheism or atheism and a ‘pessimistic’ orientation. In Schopenhauer's contorted hermeneutic, which considerably distorts all the religions he examines, it is these latter traditions which are ancient ancestors of Christian spirituality and show up Islam along with Judaism to be the religious ‘other’ to Europe. In Schopenhauer's case, we can see the fully tragic outcome of a ‘monological’ stance, a stan...
Capacity planning in job-shop environment

Abstract Presented here is a computerized capacity planning system for the IBM Microcomputer family. The system maintains the profile of the job shop in a data base along with data pertinent to various products that can be manufactured in the shop. Projected orders for the planning period are input to the system with their associated quantities and delivery dates. The system uses the forward and backward loading rules in generating capacity loading scenarios. User selects the best course of action which may satisfy delivery dates subject to the limitations of the work centers. Efficiency figures are provided to aid the user in his/her decision.
Making CAPTCHAs clickable

We show how to convert regular keyboard-entry CAPTCHAs into clickable CAPTCHAs. The goal of this conversion is to simplify and speed-up the entry of the CAPTCHA solution, to minimize user frustration and permit the use of CAPTCHAs on devices where they would otherwise be unsuitable. We propose a technique for producing secure clickable CAPTCHAs that are well suited for use on cell phones and other mobile devices. We support the practical viability of our approach by results from a user study, and an analysis of its security guarantees.
Frametrapping the framebusting defence

Framebusting code can prevent one type of clickjacking, but new features of HTML 5 allow a malicious developer to nullify this protection. New iframe attributes – currently supported only by Google Chrome but likely to be introduced on other browsers – can bypass the protection mechanisms provided by framebusting code. Although the new iframe attributes have been introduced to improve the user experience, they can also be exploited to launch successful web attacks, including clickjacking, explain Aditya Sood and Richard Enbody of Michigan State University. Iframes are interactive frames that are placed in web pages to show third-party content as a part of the parent website. As a result, the third-party content becomes inline with the parent web page. However, iframes can also be used to conduct web-based attacks. One of the most pernicious types of attack, clickjacking, depends on framing the website in an iframe and then using User Interface (UI) redressing attacks to exploit the trust that users have with legitimate websites. 1
Combining Stem Cells and Biomaterial Scaffolds for Constructing Tissues and Cell Delivery

Combining stem cells with biomaterial scaffolds provides a promising strategy for engineering tissues and cellular delivery. This review seeks to describe the current types of scaffolds and evaluate their use in combination with stem cells for tissue engineering applications. Potential scaffold materials are classified as natural or synthetic and the advantages and drawbacks of each material are detailed. The materials are further divided into subcategories, which describe specific examples from the literature. Finally, conclusions about the current state of biomaterial scaffolds containing stem cells for tissue engineering applications are drawn and suggestions for the future direction of the field are given. Overall, this chapter seeks to give an overview of the available biomaterials for use in combination with directed stem cell differentiation as means of replacing diseased or damaged tissues.
Fast and accurate computation of the Fourier transform of an image

We use the Battle-Lemarie scaling function in an algorithm for fast computation of the Fourier transform of a piecewise smooth function f. Namely, we compute for -N <EQ m,n <EQ N (with a given accuracy (epsilon) ) the integrals f(m,n) equals (integral) 10 (integral) 10 f(x,y)e-2(pi imx)e-2(pi iny)dxdy (0.1) in O(ND)+ O(N2logN) operations, where ND is the number of subdomains where the function f is smooth. We consider an application of this algorithm to image processing. Notwithstanding that it might be advantageous to consider an image as a piecewise smooth function f, it is a common practice in image processing to simply take the FFT of the pixel values of the image in order to evaluate the Fourier transform. We propose our algorithm as a tool for the accurate computation of the Fourier transform of an image since the direct evaluation of (0.1) is very costly.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Efficient Generation of Integration-Free iPS Cells from Human Adult Peripheral Blood Using BCL-XL Together with Yamanaka Factors

The ability to efficiently generate integration-free induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the most readily available source—peripheral blood—has the potential to expedite the advances of iPSC-based therapies. We have successfully generated integration-free iPSCs from cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells with improved oriP/EBNA1-based episomal vectors (EV) using a strong spleen focus forming virus (SFFV) long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter. Here we show that Yamanaka factors (OCT4, SOX2, MYC, and KLF4)-expressing EV can also reprogram adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) into pluripotency, yet at a very low efficiency. We found that inclusion of BCL-XL increases the reprogramming efficiency by approximately 10-fold. Furthermore, culture of CD3−/CD19− cells or T/B cell-depleted MNCs for 4–6 days led to the generation of 20–30 iPSC colonies from 1 ml PB, an efficiency that is substantially higher than previously reported. PB iPSCs express pluripotency markers, form teratomas, and can be induced to differentiate in vitro into mesenchymal stem cells, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes. Used together, our optimized factor combination and reprogramming strategy lead to efficient generation of integration-free iPSCs from adult PB. This discovery has potential applications in iPSC banking, disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
Biochemical study of resistance to imidacloprid in B biotype Bemisia tabaci from Guatemala.

Systemic uptake bioassays using excised cotton leaves confirmed resistance to imidacloprid in a Guatemalan population of the tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of naphthyl esterases identified the insects as B-types. Upon collection from the field, resistance was determined to be 58-fold relative to a susceptible strain originating in the Imperial Valley of California. Resistance levels increased to 126-fold in this population during its continuous exposure to systemically treated cotton. In biochemical investigations, there was no detectable NADPH-dependent mixed function oxidase metabolism of 14C-imidacloprid at any time during the selection process. In contrast, microsomal preparations from housefly abdomens readily produced significant amounts of the mono-hydroxy and olefin derivatives of the parent compound. Detoxification of imidacloprid by housefly MFOs may account for reports of lower toxicity of the insecticide towards this insect compared with whiteflies, despite similar binding properties between imidacloprid and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in both species. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Summer weather conditions and wheat stem rust in the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Minnesota

June and July temperature and rainfall data for the U.S. Weather Bureau stations located in the spring wheat areas of the Dakotas, Minnesota and Nebraska were related to wheat stem rust severity in those states during 1904–60. In all the states, more of the June and July temperature averages of the severe rust years were below the 57-year average temperature. The majority of the June and July rainfall averages of the severe years were above the 57-year average rainfall. The analyses indicated that the long-term average temperature and rainfall lines were not precise in separating rust from no-rust years over a 57-year period;however, they might have some value until more exact criteria are found.
Homozygous Defects In Lmna, Encoding Lamin A/C Nuclear‐Envelope Proteins, Cause Autosomal Recessive Axonal Neuropathy In Human (Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth Disorder Type 2) And Mouse

The Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disorders comprise a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies, which are mainly characterized by muscle weakness and wasting, foot deformities, and electrophysiological, as well as histological, changes. A subtype, CMT2, is defined by a slight or absent reduction of nerve-conduction velocities together with the loss of large myelinated fibers and axonal degeneration. CMT2 phenotypes are also characterized by a large genetic heterogeneity, although only two genes-NF-L and KIF1Bbeta-have been identified to date. Homozygosity mapping in inbred Algerian families with autosomal recessive CMT2 (AR-CMT2) provided evidence of linkage to chromosome 1q21.2-q21.3 in two families (Z(max) = 4.14). All patients shared a common homozygous ancestral haplotype that was suggestive of a founder mutation as the cause of the phenotype. A unique homozygous mutation in LMNA (which encodes lamin A/C, a component of the nuclear envelope) was identified in all affected members and in additional patients with CMT2 from a third, unrelated family. Ultrastructural explor- ation of sciatic nerves of LMNA null (i.e., −/−) mice was performed and revealed a strong reduction of axon density, axonal enlargement, and the presence of nonmyelinated axons, all of which were highly similar to the phenotypes of human peripheral axonopathies. The finding of site-specific amino acid substitutions in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 1B, autosomal dominant Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, dilated cardiomyopathy type 1A, autosomal dominant partial lipodystrophy, and, now, AR-CMT2 suggests the existence of distinct functional domains in lamin A/C that are essential for the maintenance and integrity of different cell lineages. To our knowledge, this report constitutes the first evidence of the recessive inheritance of a mutation that causes CMT2; additionally, we suggest that mutations in LMNA may also be the cause of the genetically overlapping disorder CMT2B1.
Multi-Scale LPA* with low worst-case complexity guarantees

In this paper we consider dynamic shortest path-planning problems on a graph with a single endpoint pair and with potentially changing edge weights over time. Several incremental algorithms exist in the literature that solve this problem, notably among them the Lifelong Planning A* (LPA*) algorithm. Although, in most cases, the LPA* algorithm requires a relatively small number of updates, in some other cases the amount of work required by the LPA* to find the optimal path can be overwhelming. To address this issue, in this paper we propose an extension of the baseline LPA* algorithm, by making efficient use of a multiscale representation of the environment.
Zur Kristallzüchtung von Cadmiumsulfid und anderen II—VI-Verbindungen durch Sublimation in verschiedenen Gasgemischen. I. Chemische Technik zur Gewinnung plättchenförmiger Kristalle des Cadmium- und Zinksulfids

Zur Gewinnung groser, glatter, plattchenformiger CdS-Einkristalle durch Sublimation in verschiedenen Tragergasen wird der Einflus der Zusammensetzung und der Stromungsgeschwindigkeit des Gases sowie der Temperatur fur eine feste experimentelle Anordnung mit gegebener Temperaturverteilung untersucht. Die gunstigsten Bereiche fur die gegebenen Bedingungen werden abgegrenzt. Einige entsprechende Erfahrungen bei der Sublimation von Zinksulfid werden mitgeteilt. Large smooth platelet-shaped CdS single crystals are prepared by sublimation in various carriergases. The influence of the composition and streaming velocity of these gases and of sublimation temperature are studied in an experimental arrangement with a fixed temperature distribution. The optimum ranges for the parameters cited above are reported. Some results concerning the sublimation of zinc sulphide are presented.
Disclosure and Self-Efficacy Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Comparison Between Older and Younger Adults

Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV in the US. HIV among older adults also continues to be an important public health problem. Age is associated with disclosure of HIV serostatus and self-efficacy for condom use. However, studies examining self-efficacy and disclosure among older MSM (age 50 and older) living with HIV are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between being 50 and older, and disclosure behaviors, intentions and attitudes, and self-efficacy for condom use, disclosure, and negotiation for safer sex practices among HIV-positive MSM. Data were gathered from 340 participants at the baseline assessment of a longitudinal disclosure intervention study. Linear regression was used to determine the association between being older (age 50 and older) and disclosure behaviors, intentions and attitudes, and self-efficacy for condom use, disclosure, and negotiation for safer sex practices. After adjusting for time since diagnosis and number of sexual partners, MSM aged 50 and older scored lower in disclosure behavior (β = -7.49; 95% CI: -14.8, -0.18) and in self-efficacy for negotiation of safer sex practices (β = -0.80; 95% CI: -1.57, -0.04) compared to MSM 18-34 years. Intervention and prevention programs should endeavor to improve disclosure and self-efficacy for negotiating safer sex practices among older HIV-positive MSM. More health care providers should initiate sexual health discussions, especially among older HIV-positive MSM populations, which may help to improve their disclosure behavior and self-efficacy for negotiating safer sex practices.
Impacto de las medidas tecnológicas de protección en el acceso al dominio público

Normal 0 21 false false false ES-CL X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 El dominio publico es la reserva natural de la cual se ha nutrido tradicionalmente la creacion. El advenimiento de la «era de la informacion» brinda una posibilidad casi infinita de estar en contacto con obras e ideas provenientes de todos los lugares del mundo y epocas, que constituyen la mas amplia base cultural que cualquier ser humano ha tenido a su disposicion en todos los tiempos. Sin embargo, la propia tecnologia que trae esta facilidad de acceso viene acompanada del desarrollo de dispositivos encaminados a limitarlo: son las denominadas medidas tecnologicas de proteccion. Las medidas tecnologicas de proteccion pueden dirigirse tanto a controlar el acceso a una obra, como la utilizacion de la misma. En ambos casos, al tratarse de un mecanismo tecnico ciego a las condiciones o particularidades que rodean el intento de acceso o utilizacion de una obra, es incapaz de determinar si el acceso o utilizacion que se intenta se encuentra o no autorizado por la ley. A traves de una proteccion juridica amplia podria limitarse el acceso a contenidos pertenecientes al dominio publico. La regulacion que se desarrolle a nivel nacional debe tener en consideracion estos aspectos. /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabla normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}