cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revisión del papel de los probióticos en la patología gastrointestinal del adulto

Resumen Antecedentes Los probioticos pueden actuar como agentes biologicos que modifican la microbiota intestinal y ciertos perfiles de citoquinas, lo que puede conllevar una mejoria en ciertos procesos gastrointestinales. Objetivos Realizar una revision basada en la evidencia del papel de los probioticos en determinadas patologias gastrointestinales del adulto. Metodos de busqueda Revision realizada utilizando los descriptores, filtros y limites adecuados en la base de datos PubMed (MEDLINE). Criterios de seleccion Se han empleado los terminos MeSH Probiotics [en el titulo] AND Gastrointestinal Diseases, con los siguientes limites o filtros: tipos de estudios: Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analysis, Guideline, Practice Guideline, Consensus Development Conference (y Consensus Development Conference NIH), Randomized Controlled Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial y Clinical Trial; edad: adultos (19 o mas anos); idioma: en ingles y espanol; en humanos, y que dispusieran, al menos, de un abstract. Recogida y analisis de datos Se recuperaron los textos completos de todas las revisiones sistematicas y metaanalisis directamente relacionados con el objetivo de la revision, asi como los ensayos clinicos aleatorizados de los estudios que se consideraron relevantes y de calidad para realizar esta revision. Resultados principales Determinados probioticos, diferentes para cada proceso, se han demostrado eficaces y beneficiosos en caso de diarrea aguda infecciosa, diarrea asociada a antibioticos, diarrea asociada a Clostridium difficile, pouchitis y en la erradicacion de la infeccion por Helicobacter pylori. Conclusiones de los autores Hay ciertas patologias gastrointestinales en las que se puede recomendar el uso de los probioticos, verdaderos agentes biologicos, y otras en las que no se ha demostrado beneficio.
Stability and change in mother–child planning over middle childhood.

This longitudinal research examines maternal and child behaviors during joint planning over a 3-year period of middle childhood. 118 mother-child dyads were observed once a year beginning when the children were 8 years of age. Coding focused on mother and child planning behaviors, maternal instructional support, and child task engagement. Multilevel modeling was used to compare 3 models of stability and change: stability, normative developmental change, and individual differences in change. Results indicate that normative developmental change was the best predictor of mother and child planning behaviors and maternal guidance. Individual differences in rate of change predicted mothers' instructional support in the use of physical demonstration and child engagement measured by attention, task responsibility, and cooperation. Task difficulty contributed to these patterns. This research advances understanding of social interaction on cognitive tasks for partners in an established relationship. Implications for theory and future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record
A Chemical-Genetic Approach Reveals the Distinct Roles of GSK3α and GSK3β in Regulating Embryonic Stem Cell Fate.

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) plays a central role in diverse cellular processes. GSK3 has two mammalian isozymes, GSK3α and GSK3β, whose functions remain ill-defined because of a lack of inhibitors that can distinguish between the two highly homologous isozymes. Here, we show that GSK3α and GSK3β can be selectively inhibited in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) using a chemical-genetic approach. Selective inhibition of GSK3β is sufficient to maintain mouse ESC self-renewal, whereas GSK3α inhibition promotes mouse ESC differentiation toward neural lineages. Genome-wide transcriptional analysis reveals that GSK3α and GSK3β have distinct sets of downstream targets. Furthermore, selective inhibition of individual GSK3 isozymes yields distinct phenotypes from gene deletion, highlighting the power of the chemical-genetic approach in dissecting kinase catalytic functions from the protein’s scaffolding functions. Our study opens new avenues for defining GSK3 isozyme-specific functions in various cellular processes.
Recent Progress in Linear Response Eigenvalue Problems

Linear response eigenvalue problems arise from the calculation of excitation states of many-particle systems in computational materials science. In this paper, from the point of view of numerical linear algebra and matrix computations, we review the progress of linear response eigenvalue problems in theory and algorithms since 2012.
How leaking and overproducing resources affect the evolutionary robustness of cooperative cross-feeding.

Abstract Cooperative cross-feeding, a resource-exchange mutualism between microbes, is ubiquitous; however, models suggest it should be susceptible to cheating. Recent work suggested two novel mechanisms that could allow cross-feeders to exclude cheaters, even in the absence of tight coupling between cooperative organisms. The first is pattern formation, where cross-feeders form regular patterns so that their resources are separated and cheaters cannot obtain both. The second mechanism is neighbor uncertainty, where demographic stochasticity separates resources so cheaters cannot obtain both. Here we use a stochastic spatial model to test whether those mechanisms are evolutionarily stable, or whether they will collapse under gradual evolution towards reduced resource production. The answer depends on whether a microbe can make the resource for itself without sharing it. If it cannot (i.e. if producing more of a resource means sharing more of a resource), then both mechanisms continue to function. In this case, resource production directly benefits the individual, and cooperation is a byproduct. If microbes can make the resource without sharing it (i.e. if production is an altruistic trait), then neighbor uncertainty completely fails, and pattern formation is weakened. In this case, the costly trait has no direct benefit to the individual, and can only persist if cooperative organisms become associated with their partner. Thus, the novel mechanisms, which operate without tight associations, falter. These results have implications for synthetic ecology, as they suggest that how cross-feeding is engineered will impact its evolutionary stability.
Direct Effects and Effect Among the Treated

Researchers are frequently interested in assessing the direct effect of one variable on an outcome of interest, where this effect is not mediated through a set of intermediate variables. In this chapter, we will examine direct effects in a gender salary equity study example. Such studies provide one measure of the equity of procedures used to set salaries and of decisions in promoting and advancing faculty based on performance measures. The goal is to assess whether gender, as determined at birth, has a direct effect on the salary at which a faculty member is hired, not mediated through intermediate performance of the subject up until the time the subject gets hired. If such a direct effect exists, then that means the salary was set in response not only to merit but also to the gender of the person, indicating a gender inequality issue.
Rheumatologic disease and associated ocular manifestations.

Background Ocular involvement is a common manifestation of rheumatic disease. Recognition of associated systemic findings strengthens our diagnostic armamentarium. Methods The previous ophthalmic and medical literature was reviewed and synthesized into a focused review of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa; the seronegative spondyloarthropathies, including ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Results New and improved diagnostic and therapeutic measures have added a great deal to our understanding of the ocular manifestations of rheumatologic disease and the systemic management of rheumatologic disease. Conclusions Optometry can fill an important role in the health care of patients with rheumatologic disease. Regular optometric care and coordination with the patient's rheumatologist can significantly benefit the patient's care.
Nutrient Sensors Regulating Peptides

The hypothalamus is an important center for coordinating mammalian physiology and maintenance of homeostasis. Accordingly, the hypothalamus regulates feeding, body temperature, energy expenditure, glucose metabolism, thirst, blood pressure, reproductive axis, and other metabolic functions associated with the overall metabolism. At the central level, the hypothalamus is the primary component of the nervous system in interpreting adiposity and nutrient-related inputs; it delivers hormonal and behavioral responses with the ultimate purpose of regulating body weight, food intake, and energy consumption (Williams et al. 2001; Wardlaw 2011; Toorie and Nillni 2014). Among the hormonal inputs that feed into the hypothalamic circuitries are adipose tissue-derived hormone leptin and adiponectin, pancreatic hormone insulin, and several hormones secreted by the gastrointestinal tract, such as ghrelin. The activity of the hypothalamic feeding centers is also responsive to basic nutrients including glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids besides other metabolites, such as ketone bodies. Much like the hypothalamus acting at the organismal level to regulate homeostasis by integrating such hormonal and nutritional signals, there are evolutionarily conserved proteins and protein complexes that act at the cellular level as “nutrient sensors” that couple cellular energetics to downstream pathways to regulate various cellular functions. The activity of these nutrient sensors in key hypothalamic feeding centers plays a major role in the regulation of energy balance and glucose metabolism.
Fully Bayesian Analysis of RNA-seq Counts for the Detection of Gene Expression Heterosis

Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, is the enhancement of the phenotype of hybrid progeny relative to their inbred parents. Heterosis is extensively used in agriculture, and the underlying mechanisms are u...
Small-Signal Modeling of Three-Level Boost Rectifier and System Design for Medium-Voltage Solid-State Transformer

This paper presents small-signal modeling of three-level boost (TLB) converter for active front-end power-factor-correction in medium-voltage (MV) solid state transformer (SST). The analysis has been conducted for continuous conduction mode (CCM) in two different voltage modes of TLB to derive system dynamics and to confirm that transfer functions in the voltage modes are identical to one another. Based on the derived models, this paper introduces MV-SST system design guidelines including controller and input filter, considering limited selection width of off-the-shelf high-voltage-rating capacitors and nontrivial source impedances. Digital feedback controller and input filters are designed based on the derivations and implemented to a 4-module-stacked SST system prototype of which TLB plays a role of active front-end PFC. In order to verify the effectiveness of small-signal analysis and system design, experimental verifications of the prototype have been conducted for single phase 3.8-kV rms input voltage to 400-V de bus voltage conversion and 15-kW full load condition in the existence of 65-mH source impedance.
5-Year Update of a Multi-Institution, Prospective Phase 2 Hypofractionated Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy Trial.

Purpose Hypofractionation in the setting of postmastectomy radiation (PMRT) is not currently the standard of care in most countries. Here we present a 5-year update of our multi-institutional, phase 2 prospective trial evaluating a novel 15-day hypofractionated PMRT regimen. Methods and Materials Patients were enrolled to receive 3.33 Gy daily to the chest wall (or reconstructed breast) and regional lymphatics in 11 fractions with an optional 4-fraction mastectomy scar boost. The primary endpoint was freedom from grade 3 or higher late non–reconstruction-related radiation toxicities. Toxicities were scored using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0. Secondary endpoints included local and locoregional recurrence rates, cosmesis, and reconstruction complications. Results After enrolling 69 patients with stage II-IIIa breast cancer, 67 women were eligible for analysis. At a median follow up of 54 months, there were no acute or late grade 3 and 4 nonreconstruction reported toxicities. The grade 2 or greater late toxicity rate was only 12% and comprised grade 2 pain, fatigue, and lymphedema that persisted beyond 6 months after completion of radiation therapy. Only 3 women (4.6%) experienced a chest wall or nodal recurrence as a first site of relapse. Freedom from local failure, including local failure after distant relapse, was 92% at 5 years, and the 5-year overall survival was 90%. Conclusions This is the first prospective trial conducted in the United States to demonstrate the safe and effective use of hypofractionated PMRT. We have demonstrated a low complication rate while achieving excellent local control. Toxicity was better than anticipated based on previously published series of PMRT toxicities. Although our fractionation was novel, the radiobiological equivalent dose is similar to other hypofractionation schedules. This trial was the basis for the creation of Alliance A221505 (RT CHARM), which is currently accruing patients in a phase 3 randomized design.
Supported iron catalysts for slurry phase Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

Abstract The present study was undertaken to investigate reduction and catalytic behavior of silica and alumina-supported iron Fischer–Tropsch (F–T) catalysts promoted with potassium and copper. It was found that the alumina (Vista Catapal B) inhibits reduction of iron, whereas the reduction behavior of the silica (Davison Grade 952) supported catalyst was similar to that of the two precipitated iron catalysts synthesized in our laboratory. Supported and precipitated (Fe/Cu/K/SiO2) catalysts were tested in a stirred tank slurry reactor. Initial activity of the silica-supported catalyst, measured by a value of an apparent first-order reaction rate constant, was 20–40% higher than that of the precipitated iron catalysts, whereas the activity of the alumina-supported catalyst was about 50% less than that of the silica-supported catalyst. Silica-supported catalyst had higher gaseous selectivity and lower olefin content than the alumina-supported catalyst and precipitated catalysts. These results were explained in terms of interactions between potassium with supports, resulting in reduction of the potassium promotion effectiveness.
Move out of Z way Millennials.

Abstract Introduction: With the influx of Generation Z (Gen Z) students into pharmacy schools, there are new opportunities for pharmacy educators to develop its greatest asset. Assessing student characteristics is vital in creating pedagogical approaches in education. Commentary: The incoming pharmacy students, Gen Z, are independent and desire active engagement with incorporation of technology in the classroom. These learners have a growth mindset and desire immediate, honest feedback. However, pharmacy educators must evaluate opportunities to facilitate student development related to communication and collaboration to prepare aspiring pharmacists for their future careers. Implications: Pharmacy educators have the ability to harness technology, pedagogical approaches, and skill refinement for Gen Z students to provide the necessary resources and opportunities to facilitate their development into competent, confident, and impactful practitioners to positively influence the profession for years to come.
The Corset as a Killer: Did Corseting Negatively Impact Longevity?

Another conversation around corseting is that of men of medicine. The study of the body is respected, and the knowledge of one’s own body discounted, until what remains of the narrative of women’s health and corseting is that pushed by physicians of the time. Women are seen as the object of medical discourse, rather than the subjects of their own lives. In this chapter, Gibson examines what doctors say about the corset, and what motivated their assessments. She also looks at whether those assessments were accurate when compared to what we now know about female physiognomy. This chapter also presses back against prejudices that are found among doctor’s statements about the corset, and determine what the corset could have realistically done to the female body, based on lifespan and skeletal data. It examines several doctors, but primarily discusses Ludovic O’Followell, whose 1908 book on corseting is the most cited among cultural historians today.
Detection of age and gender differences in walking using mobile wearable sensors.

Abstract Background Previous studies have demonstrated differences in gait speed and ground reaction forces (GRF) based on age as well as sex during lab-based testing. With advancements in wearable technology, it may be possible to assess differences in loading parameters in non-lab settings using portable data collection methods. Research question The purpose of this study is to determine if wearable sensors (loadsol®) are valid for assessing peak force, impulse and loading rate (LR) in older adults and determine if the insole can detect sex and age differences in these parameters during walking. Methods Twenty young (22.2 ± 2.9 years) and 23 older adults (68.1 ± 5.8 years) walked at a self-selected speed on a flat, inclined and declined instrumented treadmill (randomized order). Force data was simultaneously collected from the treadmill (1440 Hz) and insoles (100 Hz) during each condition. To assess validity, an ICC(3,k) and a Bland-Altman plot was generated for each variable and condition in the older adults. To determine age and gender differences, an ANCOVA (covary: walking speed) was completed for each variable. Results All ICCs were greater than 0.88 for vGRF, impulse and loading rate. The Bland-Altman plots report a bias of less than 2% for vGRF, -8 to -15 % for impulse and -5 to 2% for loading rate. The ANCOVA results indicate that the loadsol® has the ability to detect differences between age groups in peak vGRF in the flat, declined and inclined conditions which are in agreement with the differences the force plates detected. Similarly, the loadsol® and force plates agreed with age-based differences in the flat and inclined condition, but the loadsol® missed the declined LR difference. Significance The ability to collect data in nontraditional settings has the potential to broaden the research questions investigated, explore clinical applications and increase the generalizability.
Substrate-borne vibration and sound production by the land hermit crab Coenobita compressus during social interactions

Despite the diversity of sound production in crustacea, sounds produced by the land hermit crabs (Coenobitidae) are not well understood. Here, sound and substrate-borne vibration production by the tropical species Coenobita compressus was characterized in relation to shell architecture and social context. Sound production rates were compared between group and solitary conditions. Chirps were measurable in the air (peak frequency 800–8400 Hz) and within the sediment (40–1120 Hz). On average, chirp pulses were 0.08 s, spaced 0.41–0.92 s apart, and had trains composed of 4–6 pulses. There were significant correlations between the shell architecture and chirp vibroacoustics. Notably, a correlation between the substrate-borne peak frequency and shell wall thickness was found, indicating that the shell remodeling process which crabs undertake (shell wall thinning) impacts the vibroacoustics of the chirps. Chirp production was significantly linked to sociality during increased individual proximity and shell contests; hence, the function is hypothesized to be intraspecific communication relative to personal space and defense. Although there have been anecdotal observations of chirping in the Coenobitidae, this paper provides a full characterization of C. compressus, which produces chirps in two sensory modes, indicating the potential of being a seismic signaler.
Modular Haptic Feedback for Rapid Prototyping of Tactile Displays

This work presents the foundations of a novel haptic toolkit, consisting of a set of modules that seeks to enable designers to easily and quickly produce new tactile prototypes. The modules are re-attachable, wearable, wireless, customizable, and can be placed on different parts of the body. This paper first discusses a series of design decisions that were made when producing these modules. The paper then presents a set of five modules that were created using the decided upon design techniques. The five haptic modules presented produce the three most common tactile feedback modalities: vibrotactile, skin-stretch, and probing. Each module haptic cue parameters can be customized and controlled wirelessly through an off- board computer. The modules can be used either in isolation or in groups for haptic sketching to rapidly iterate through tactile displays.
Prostaglandin F2 alpha receptors in the human trabecular meshwork.

PURPOSE Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and analogs, such as latanoprost, are thought to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), primarily by increasing uveoscleral outflow. However, outflow through the trabecular meshwork may be increased as well. The authors hypothesize that any effect on the trabecular meshwork is mediated by prostanoid FP receptors (receptors for prostaglandin F2 alpha) in this tissue. METHODS To test this hypothesis, tissue sections of the human trabecular meshwork and cultures of human trabecular meshwork cells were examined for the presence of FP receptors using immunofluorescence microscopy with affinity-purified antibodies raised against a glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-FPA receptor fusion protein. The presence of the receptor was confirmed by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), functional assays of PGF2 alpha-stimulated inositol phosphate hydrolysis, and intracellular calcium measurements. RESULTS Positive FPA receptor immunolabeling was observed in sections of the human trabecular meshwork and in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells. In both cases, specific labeling could be blocked by preincubation with a GST-FPA receptor fusion protein. Cross-blocking experiments with other receptor fusion proteins did not block specific labeling in cultured trabecular meshwork cells. PGF2 alpha caused a dose-dependent increase in total inositol phosphate accumulation and intracellular calcium release in human trabecular meshwork cells that was consistent with the presence of FP receptors. Using RT-PCR, message-encoding prostanoid FPA receptors were found in total RNA isolated from human trabecular meshwork cells. CONCLUSIONS Prostanoid FPA receptors exist in human trabecular meshwork cells, as shown by the presence of mRNA, protein, and functional response to PGF2 alpha. This study indicates that functional FP receptors are present in the human trabecular meshwork and that they may be involved in mediating some of the IOP-lowering effects of PGF2 alpha in the eye.
Sildenafil citrate use and the incidence of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) has been reported rarely in men after taking sildenafil or other phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction (ED). The incidence of NAION in men receiving sildenafil treatment for ED was estimated using pooled safety data from global clinical trials and European observational studies. Based on clinical trial data in more than 13,000 men and on more than 35,000 patient-years of observation in epidemiologic studies, we estimated an incidence of 2.8 cases of NAION per 100,000 patient-years of sildenafil exposure. This is similar to estimates reported in general US population samples (2.52 and 11.8 cases per 100,000 men aged ≥50 years). The data cited herein do not suggest an increased incidence of NAION in men who took sildenafil for ED.
Pharmacokinetics of 3-methyl-(triazen-1-yl)imidazole-4-carboximide following administration of temozolomide to patients with advanced cancer.

The antitumor activity of temozolomide (TMZ) is believed to arise via formation of the reactive, alkylating metabolite 3-methyl-(triazen-1-yl)imidazole-4-carboximide (MTIC), which is produced by chemical hydrolysis of the parent drug. MTIC has not been quantitated in plasma or urine following administration of TMZ to patients. We developed a sensitive, specific method for the determination of MTIC levels in plasma, based on reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography of the supernatant that is obtained by methanol precipitation of plasma proteins. Due to poor stability under physiological conditions, determination of MTIC required rapid specimen processing, precipitation of plasma proteins with methanol, and storage of the methanolic supernatant at -70 degreesC. The pharmacokinetics of MTIC were studied in 15 patients who received 125-250 mg/m2 TMZ. Peak plasma concentrations of 0.07-0.61 microgram/ml MTIC were observed approximately 1 h after a p.o. dose of TMZ. Appearance and disappearance (t1/2, 88 min) of the reactive metabolite paralleled the appearance and disappearance of TMZ in plasma. The mean values of the metabolite peak plasma concentration and AUC were 2.6% (range, 1.6-4.6%) and 2.2% (range, 0.8-3.6%), respectively, of the values for TMZ. MTIC did not accumulate in plasma following five consecutive daily doses of TMZ.
Correlation and statistical characteristics of aggregate wind power in large transcontinental systems

Studies have shown that the unpredictability and variability of wind power is reduced in systems with large numbers of geographically diverse wind plants. These effects are caused by the decreased correlation of power output between wind plants as their separation and diversity in terrain increases. One way that system operators have increased geographic diversity is by enlarging balancing areas through the physical or administrative connection of adjacent systems. This strategy can be extended from the regional level to the transcontinental level. As such, it is important to study the correlation and statistical characteristics of aggregate wind power between large, distant systems. This paper analyzes multi-year historical data from four North American system operators—Bonneville Power Administration, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator and PJM—to see how effective transcontinental interconnection of systems is at enabling wind plant integration. The effects of separation and timescale on correlations of instantaneous and hourly variations are analyzed. The analysis is complemented by a study of a hypothetical transcontinental connection of the systems across yearly, monthly, daily and hourly timescales. The results show that correlations between large systems exhibit similar characteristics as the correlations between individual wind plants, but are somewhat larger in magnitude. The transcontinental system exhibits a close to normal distribution of power output and decreased variability, but there is still appreciable and statistically significant correlation at the longer timescales driven by seasonal and diurnal forcing, as well as synoptic weather systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Japanese children's trait and state worry and emotionality in a high-stakes testing environment

Our previous research using both Japanese Children's Trait and State Worry and Emotionality Scales indicated that there were several issues that needed resolution in a high-stakes testing environme...
The Hardy chew-in technique: a modified procedure.

T he use of a “chew-in” for complete denture occlusion was developed by Meyer’ in 1935 and refined and popularized by Hardy2 in 1950. The Hardy chew-in is a relatively simple method to adjust a denture to a bilaterally balanced occlusion without interceptive occlusal contacts. Most of the time involved is spent in laboratory procedures rather than at chairside using the Cable Balancer (L. G. Cable, H.D.S., Greensboro, N.C.) or selective grinding methods.3
Cross-situational, multimethod research on military leader effectiveness☆

Abstract Data from four studies are analyzed to identify effective patterns of leadership behavior for military cadets and Air Force officers. Two studies employ a questionnaire—correlational methodology, and two use content analysis of critical incidents. Combat, simulated combat, and two noncombat situations are compared to examine situational differences in effective leadership behavior. Behaviors that are important for group performance in both combat and noncombat situations include performance emphasis, inspiration, role clarification, and criticism—discipline. Planning and problem solving are important in dynamic, uncertain combat situations but not in stable, benign academic situations. Consideration is important for maintaining effective leader—subordinate relations, particularly in noncombat situations, but is unrelated to group performance. Most discrepancies in results among studies can be explained either in terms of method effects or situational differences in role requirements for leaders.
Uncertainty of “Measured” Energy Savings from Statistical Baseline Models

Baseline models are a crucial element in determining savings from energy conserving measures. The baseline model is obtained by regressing the energy consumption data for the period prior to the implementation of the energy conservation measures. The widely used criteria for determining adequacy of a particular baseline model is based on statistical cutoff criteria that do not give the user a knowledge of the error inherent in the savings determination. The absolute cutoff criteria may not be appropriate since baseline model development is not the desired end. It is proposed that models be evaluated in terms of the ratio of the expected uncertainty in the savings to the total savings (ΔEsave/Esave). This physically and financially intuitive measure permits the user to vary the criteria according to factors most relevant for a particular energy conservation project. Simplified expressions for (ΔEsave/Esave) appropriate for use by practitioners as applicable for cases with uncorrelated data and for use with...
Analysis of motion-compensated temporal filtering versus motion-compensated prediction

In previous work, a performance bound for multi-hypothesis motion-compensated prediction (MCP) has been derived based on a video signal model with independent Gaussian displacement errors. A simplified form of the result is derived in this work. A performance bound for optimal motion-compensated temporal filtering (MCTF) has also been proposed based on a signal model with correlated Gaussian displacement errors. In this previous work, the optimal MCTF (KLT) was found to perform better than one-hypothesis MCP but not better than infinite-hypothesis MCP. In this work, we derive the performance of multi-hypothesis MCP again based on the signal model with correlated Gaussian displacement errors. Now with the same signal model, we find that optimal MCTF has the same performance as that of infinite-hypothesis MCP.
Chain length compatibility effects in mixed surfactant systems for technological applications

Abstract Chain length compatibility is an important factor in systems involving interfacial films. As surface active molecules as well as other hydrocarbon molecules are aligned at interfaces, the properties of the interface are impacted to a large extent upon the matching or mismatching of the alkyl chain lengths. The effects of chain length compatibility are particularly important to interfacial properties and technologies such as: surface tension, surface viscosity, micellar stability, foamability, lubrication, contact angle, bubble size, environmental remediation, corrosion, enhanced oil recovery, microemulsion water solubilization and microemulsion stability. In this article the authors discuss the importance of chain length compatibility on these interfacial properties and related technologies from a practical and fundamental viewpoint.
Automatic video self modeling for voice disorder

Video self modeling (VSM) is a behavioral intervention technique in which a learner models a target behavior by watching a video of him- or herself. In the field of speech language pathology, the approach of VSM has been successfully used for treatment of language in children with Autism and in individuals with fluency disorder of stuttering. Technical challenges remain in creating VSM contents that depict previously unseen behaviors. In this paper, we propose a novel system that synthesizes new video sequences for VSM treatment of patients with voice disorders. Starting with a video recording of a voice-disorder patient, the proposed system replaces the coarse speech with a clean, healthier speech that bears resemblance to the patient's original voice. The replacement speech is synthesized using either a text-to-speech engine or selecting from a database of clean speeches based on a voice similarity metric. To realign the replacement speech with the original video, a novel audiovisual algorithm that combines audio segmentation with lip-state detection is proposed to identify corresponding time markers in the audio and video tracks. Lip synchronization is then accomplished by using an adaptive video re-sampling scheme that minimizes the amount of motion jitter and preserves the spatial sharpness. Results of both objective measurements and subjective evaluations on a dataset with 31 subjects demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Oxygen isotope perspective on Precambrian crustal growth and maturation

In this study the authors contrast insights on Precambrian crustal growth and maturation from radiogenic and oxygen isotope systematics in the Superior (3.0--2.7 Ga) and Grenville (1.3--1.0 Ga) Provinces of the Canadian shield. Oxygen isotope ratios in zircon provide the best evidence of supracrustal input into ancient orogens. Archean Superior Province zircons have relatively low {delta}{sup 18}O values and a limited range (5.7{per_thousand} {+-} 0.6{per_thousand}), while Proterozoic Grenville Province zircons have elevated {delta}{sup 18}O values and a wider range (8.2{per_thousand} {+-} 1.7{per_thousand}). These data reflect fundamental differences in crustal evolution and maturation between the Superior and the Grenville Provinces. In the Grenville Province, radiogenically juvenile supracrustal material with high {delta}{sup 18}O values was buried (or subducted) to the base of the crust within 150 m.y. of initial crust production, causing high magmatic {delta}{sup 18}O values ({delta}{sup 18}O [zircon] {ge} 8{per_thousand}) in anorthosite suite and subsequent plutons. Information about large volumes and rapid recycling of Grenville crust is not accessible from radiogenic isotope data alone. The Grenville data contrast with the restricted {delta}{sup 18}O values of Superior Province magmatism, where subtle ({approximately}1{per_thousand}) elevation in {delta}{sup 18}O occurs only in volumetrically minor, late to postorogenic (sanukitoid) plutons. Differences in sediment {delta}{sup 18}Omore » values between the Superior and Grenville Provinces are predominantly a function of the {delta}{sup 18}O of source materials, rather than differences in chemical maturity or erosion styles. This study shows that zircon is a robust reference mineral to compare igneous processes in rocks that have undergone radically different histories.« less
Assessing the Extent of Substitution Rate Variation of Retrotransposon Long Terminal Repeat Sequences in Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima

Long Terminal Repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) are a major component of several plant genomes. Important insights into the evolutionary dynamics of these elements in a genome are provided by the comparative study of their insertion times. These can be inferred by the comparison of pairs of LTRs flanking intact LTR-RTs in combination with an estimated substitution rate. Over the past several years, different substitution rates have been proposed for LTRs in crop plants. However, very little is known about the extent of substitution rate variation and the factors contributing to this variation, so the rates currently used are generally considered rough estimators of actual rates. To evaluate the extent of substitution rate variation in LTRs, we identified 70 orthologous LTRs on the short arms of chromosome 3 of both Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima, species that diverged ∼0.64 Ma. Since these orthologous sequences were present in a common ancestor prior to species divergence, nucleotide differences identified in comparing these regions must correspond to mutations accumulated post-speciation, thereby giving us the opportunity to study LTR substitution rate variation in different elements across these short arms. As a control, we analyzed a similar amount of non-repeat-related sequences collected near the orthologous LTRs. Our analysis showed that substitution rate variation in LTRs is greater than 5-fold, is positively correlated with G+C content, and tends to increase near centromeric regions. We confirmed that in the vast majority of cases, LTRs mutate faster than their corresponding non-repeat-related neighboring sequences.
Electrical Properties of Pure Tellurium and Tellurium-Selenium Alloys

The resistivity and Hall coefficient of pure, single-crystals tellurium and of six single-crystal tellurium-selenium alloys, ranging from 2.7 percent to 13.2 percent selenium by weight, were measured over the temperature range 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 550\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, and a few of the samples were taken down to liquid helium temperatures. It was found that the alloys show the same double reversal in the Hall coefficient that is exhibited by pure tellurium, going from $p$ type to $n$ type in the general region of room temperature, and reversing back to $p$ type at temperatures near 200\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The upper reversal temperature decreases and the forbidden band width, as obtained from the slope of the resistivity vs temperature curves, increases with increasing selenium concentration. The room temperature resistivity and lower reversal temperature do not vary monotonically with alloy concentration but a correlation among them has been found based on ideal semiconductor theory. An explanation of the anomalous Hall coefficient which considers the effect of the electron configuration and the lattice structure on the energy band picture is discussed and it is shown how this hypothesis fits the observed facts. As a further test of this theory, the effect of a hydrostatic pressure of 5000 lb/in. on the two Hall reversal temperatures was measured.
Analysis of scattering from complex dielectric objects using the generalized method of moments

Integral equation-based analysis of scattering from dielectric objects has been a topic of research for many decades. Different integral equation formulations, discretization methods, and comparative data of their relative advantages have been well studied. Traditional discretization methods typically rely on a tight coupling between the underlying geometry discretization and the approximation function space that is defined on this discretization. As a result, it is difficult to stitch together different approximation spaces or nonconformal domains or match basis sets to local physics. Furthermore, the basis sets most commonly used in discretizing dielectric boundary integral operators impose limits on the variety of integral equation formulations that can be employed. We recently published a methodology [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A28, 328 (2011)10.1364/JOSAA.28.000328JOAOD61084-7529] that overcomes several of these bottlenecks. In the present paper, we introduce several extensions to these concepts for dielectric scattering problems. Specifically, we present a method that (i) uses mixed higher order local geometric descriptions and (ii) mixes multiple basis sets defined on this geometry, including higher order polynomials and classical Rao–Wilton–Glisson functions. Furthermore, we provide a unified description of different integral equation formulations that can be used for the analysis of scattering from dielectric objects, and show that the present approach admits a larger range of formulations than existing methods. A number of results demonstrating the efficiency of the method (in terms of accuracy and capability) together with applicability to different formulations are presented.
A semi-analytical solution for a two-dimensional capacitance model in solute transport

Abstract A two-dimensional capacitance model is presented for the analysis of solute transport in heterogeneous porous media where the transport processes are affected by mass transfer between the flowing volume in macropores and the stagnant volume in micropores. The semi-analytical solutions for both penetrating and nonpenetrating sources are obtained using double Laplace transforms and numerical inversions. The modeling results reveal the strong influences of dispersive and convective properties of porous media in the transverse direction on the overall transport that cannot be replicated by the current one-dimensional transport models. The solution may provide a useful tool to interpret some transport situations within common field geometries.
Impact damage of laminated composite with energy dissipation: Part II — Damage evolution

Abstract Having developed the methodology for analyzing the failure of a ceramic/rubber/steel composite laminate impacted by a tungsten rod in Part I, Part II of the work is concerned with the progressive damage process where material continuity would be interrupted at different locations and time intervals. Depending on the time rate dependent threshold values of the surface and volume energy density, the degree and extent of damage by fragmentation, mass loss, etc. are determined by finite element calculations for time steps of 0.15, 5.0, 7.5, 10, 20, 21 and 21.5 μs. Stresses and strains possess an oscillatory character in time; they alternate in sign as the impact waves bounce back and forth in the three-layered dissimilar materials. Local strain rates of approximately 10 5 , 10 3 and 10 4 s −1 are formed in the ceramic, rubber and steel layer respectively at locations underneath the tungsten rod after 16 μs of impact. A more wide range of strain ratio would have prevailed for a homogeneous layer of the same thickness. The tungsten rod is now badly fragmented while cracking near the surface of the ceramic is also predicted. Local temperature and dissipation energy density rise rapidly as time approached 20 μs. The maximum surface and volume.energy density in the ceramic near the impact region reached 260 MPa · m and 6.39 MPa, respectively. Complete disintegration of the tungsten rods occurred at 21.5 μs. At this time, the ceramic layer is perforated and the rubber layer is partially cracked. The back-up steel plate, however, remained in tack. These predictions agree qualitatively with past observations.
Differences in enthalpies of combustion and other related thermodynamic properties for regular and perdeuterated n-octane, isooctane, and benzene

Abstract Enthalpies of combustion of benzene, n -octane, and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane and their perdeuterated analogues in the liquid state at 298.15 K were measured by oxygen-bomb combustion calorimetry. Differences in enthalpies of combustion for these isotopic pairs were calculated. With the help of differences in the enthalpies of formation of H 2 O and D 2 O, the differences in the enthalpies of formation of these pairs at 298.15 K were derived. By use of additional estimated and statistically calculated data, the standard enthalpy and standard Gibbs energy changes for six exchange reactions of the hydrocarbons with D 2 and D 2 O at 298.15 K in the gas phase were evaluated. Differences in zero-point energies of these gaseous isotopic pairs were calculated and compared with those obtained from spectroscopic data.
Advances in Ceramics Related to Electronic Tube Developments

In some of the older vacuum tubes operating at 1-mc. frequency or lower glass envelopes and porous ceramic refractories were used for internal supports. Some of the more modern electronic tubes operating at 10,000 mc. (3-cm. wave length) require vacuum-tight envelopes with (1) physical stability at operating temperatures (preferably a highly crystalline composition), (2) good mechanical strength, (3) surfaces which will take metallizing, (4) metal or alloy components of comparable thermal expansions, and (5) low dielectric losses, even after being heated in a reducing atmosphere such as hydrogen, or in a vacuum. After providing a brief historical background, the author discusses changes in properties of a few crystals and glasses and gives many detailed composition studies of four types of bodies, including such properties as linear thermal expansion and dielectric properties at 3-cm. wave length, viz.: alumina, K 8.4, PF 0.0006; forsterite, K 6.3, PF 0.0006; zircon-talc, k7.5, PF 0.0026; and steatite, K 6.6, PF 0.0005. A brief account is presented of the development of sealing techniques and some details are given for three modern methods of making ceramic-metal seals by using (1) Mn-Mo, (2) MoO3, and (3) TiH2 as the active metallizing agents.
Multifunctionality of douglas-fir beetle pheromone 3,2-mch confirmed with solvent dibutyl phthalate

Previous field and laboratory tests withDendroctonus pseudotsugae showing increased attractancy and chirp evocation by very low concentrations of the pheromone 3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (3,2-MCH) dissolved in ethanol with known attractants were repeated with a different diluent, dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Other workers had speculated that the solvent ethanol was actually the synergist. Beetle response was essentially identical with both solvents, confirming the concentration-dependent multifunctionality of 3,2-MCH in Douglas-fir beetle behavior. Contradictions in available data with ethanol indicate unanswered questions about its effect withDendroctonus attractants.
Determination of androgen excretion in short duration timed urine samples.

Urine samples collected over a timed period of short duration (between 3–5 h) were analyzed for levels of 17-keto-steroids (17KS) and testosterone glucuronide (TG), and correlated to levels determined in 24 h urine collections. The correlation coefficient for 17KS excretion was statistically significant (r = 0.95, P < 0.001) at a level that the data suggest short duration timed (SDT) urines could justifiably be utilized in place of 24-h urines. Although the correlation coefficient for TG excretion was also statistically significant (r = 0.73, P < 0.01), there was sufficient discordant values on an individual basis to suggest that the use of SDT urines for TG excretion in the clinical situation is generally not warranted. However, the data for TG excretion indicate that SDT urines might be utilized in large clinical studies involving group data, such as longitudinal studies of puberty.