cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation of respiratory activity by the lamprey brain exposed to picrotoxin and strychnine, and weak synaptic inhibition in motoneurons

Abstract The roles of Cl-dependent synaptic inhibition in the generation of fictive breathing were tested in isolated brains of adult lampreys, Ichthyomyzon unicuspis . Only a few inhibitory synaptic potentials were recorded in respiratory motoneurons between excitatory bursts. This was also true after Cl − injections inverted them to depolarizing potentials. A weak and variable phase of Cl-sensitive synaptic inhibition occurred at the ends of excitatory bursts. Respiratory motoneurons had a pronounced post-spike hyperpolarization, which was distinct from synaptic inhibition and appeared to be a more important mechanism for termination of firing. The production of the basic rhythm for respiration was tested in strychnine, picrotoxin, bicuculline and Cl-free fluid. Low concentrations of the blocking drugs prevented the inhibitory effects of bath-applied glycine and γ-aminobutyric acid, but essentially normal respiratory bursts still occurred. Equilibration of isolated brains in high concentrations of strychnine and picrotoxin did not prevent periodic activities, but burst durations were increased and inter-burst intervals were longer and less regular than normal. Similar bursts could also occur transiently in Cl-free fluid. Recordings from the IX and X motor nuclei indicated that respiratory neurons produced the periodic bursts in the presence of strychnine and picrotoxin. Hemisections of the brain behind the V motor nuclei eliminated the bursts ipsilaterally. This indicated that descending excitation was necessary during pattern generation both in normal fluid and in the presence of antagonists of synaptic inhibition. Conventional synaptic inhibition does not appear to be essential for respiratory pattern generation in the adult lamprey but may contribute to its modulation. The hypothetical neural oscillator may consist of excitatory bursting interneurons.
SU-E-T-365: Dosimetric Impact of Dental Amalgam CT Image Artifacts On IMRT and VMAT Head and Neck Plans

Purpose: The presence of high density dental amalgam in patient CT image data sets causes dose calculation errors for head and neck (HN) treatment planning. This study assesses and compares dosimetric variations in IMRT and VMAT treatment plans due to dental artifacts. Methods: Sixteen HN patients with similar treatment sites (oropharynx), tumor volume and extensive dental artifacts were divided into two groups: IMRT (n=8, 6 to 9 beams) and VMAT (n=8, 2 arcs with 352° rotation). All cases were planned with the Pinnacle 9.2 treatment planning software using the collapsed cone convolution superposition algorithm and a range of prescription dose from 60 to 72Gy. Two different treatment plans were produced, each based on one of two image sets: (a)uncorrected; (b)dental artifacts density overridden (set to 1.0g/cm3). Differences between the two treatment plans for each of the IMRT and VMAT techniques were quantified by the following dosimetric parameters: maximum point dose, maximum spinal cord and brainstem dose, mean left and right parotid dose, and PTV coverage (V95%Rx). Average differences generated for these dosimetric parameters were compared between IMRT and VMAT plans. Results: The average absolute dose differences (plan a minus plan b) for the VMAT and IMRT techniques, respectively, caused by dental artifacts were: 2.2±3.3cGy vs. 37.6±57.5cGy (maximum point dose, P=0.15); 1.2±0.9cGy vs. 7.9±6.7cGy (maximum spinal cord dose, P=0.026); 2.2±2.4cGy vs. 12.1±13.0cGy (maximum brainstem dose, P=0.077); 0.9±1.1cGy vs. 4.1±3.5cGy (mean left parotid dose, P=0.038); 0.9±0.8cGy vs. 7.8±11.9cGy (mean right parotid dose, P=0.136); 0.021%±0.014% vs. 0.803%±1.44% (PTV coverage, P=0.17). Conclusion: For the HN plans studied, dental artifacts demonstrated a greater dose calculation error for IMRT plans compared to VMAT plans. Rotational arcs appear on the average to compensate dose calculation errors induced by dental artifacts. Thus, compared to VMAT, density overrides for dental artifacts are more important when planning IMRT of HN.
PRESSURE DERIVATIVES OF THE ELASTIC CONSTANTS OF COPPER, SILVER, AND GOLD TO 10,000 BARS

The pressure derivatives of the elastic constants of the homologous series of metals, copper, silver, and gold have been measured over the pressure range from 0 to 10 000 bars, using a modified ultrasonic pulse-echo method. Means have been devised to measure the change of elastic constant with pressure as directly as possible. The values found for the pressure derivatives of the elastic constants are as follows: The notation $C={C}_{44}$, ${C}^{\ensuremath{'}}=\frac{({C}_{11}\ensuremath{-}{C}_{12})}{2}$, and ${B}_{s}=\frac{{({C}_{11}+2{C}_{12})}_{s}}{3}$ has been used. The data for each metal, of the three elastic constants and their pressure derivatives, have been interpreted in terms of conventional theory. The theoretical contributions of long-range interactions have been subtracted off and the remainder attributed to short-range nearest-neighbor interaction. The analysis indicates that these must be non-central, many-body interactions in order to account for the shear constants and especially their pressure derivatives. The many-body character of the interactions is of rapidly increasing importance in the sequence copper, silver, and gold.
Cloning and expression of the Rhodospirillum rubrum ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase gene in E. coli

A genomic library of Rhodospirillum rubrum DNA was constructed in the phage replacement vector λ1059. Recombinant phage carrying the gene for ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase were identified by radioimmune blotting of plaques. A 6.6 kb EcoRI fragment from one of the immunologically positive phage was subcloned into pBR325 and a plasmid which conferred low levels of enzyme activity in E. coli was recovered. Expression of the gene was dependent upon the orientation of the restriction fragment in pBR325, suggesting that transcription originated on a plasmid promoter. In order to increase expression, a new plasmid was constructed by replacing the tetracycline resistance determinant of pBR322 with a restriction fragment from phage M13mp7 which encoded part of the lac operon. A 2.4 kd restriction fragment containing the RuBP carboxylase gene was then cloned into the unique BamHI site of the lac DNA. Induction of lac-transcription resulted in a high level of expression of a fully functional RuBP carboxylase enzyme, which was purified to homogeneity. Southern hybridization analysis of the R. rubrum genome with a restriction fragment encoding part of the enzyme indicated only one copy of the gene.
Quantified types in an imperative language

We describe universal types, existential types, and type constructors in Cyclone, a strongly typed C-like language. We show how the language naturally supports first-class polymorphism and polymorphic recursion while requiring an acceptable amount of explicit type information. More importantly, we consider the soundness of type variables in the presence of C-style mutation and the address-of operator. For polymorphic references, we describe a solution more natural for the C level than the ML-style “value restriction.” For existential types, we discover and subsequently avoid a subtle unsoundness issue resulting from the address-of operator. We develop a formal abstract machine and type-safety proof that capture the essence of type variables at the C level.
Edge saturation fields and dynamic edge modes in ideal and nonideal magnetic film edges

This paper describes modeling of the micromagnetic behavior near edges of ferromagnetic thin films when uniform fields are applied in plane and perpendicular to the edge. For ideal film edges with vertical edge surfaces, the field required to saturate the magnetization perpendicular to the edge, ${H}_{\mathrm{sat}}$, and the frequency of precession in the localized edge mode are calculated using numerical micromagnetics for a wide range of film thicknesses. Analysis of the critical state at the saturation field and the full micromagnetic results are used to develop a simple macrospin model for the edge magnetization. This model predicts both ${H}_{\mathrm{sat}}$ and edge mode precession frequency values that agree well with the micromagnetic results. Three classes of nonideal edges are also modeled: tilted edge surfaces, diluted magnetization near the edge, and surface anisotropy on the edge surface. Despite their different physical mechanisms, all three of these defects produce similar reductions in ${H}_{\mathrm{sat}}$ and similar dynamic properties of the edge magnetization.
Mathematical Modeling of Pulmonary Airway Dynamics

A mathematical model has been derived that describes the pressure-flow relationship in the ventilatory system under conditions of constant lung volume. The parameters of the model include small airway resistance, large airway resistance, and lung elastic recoil. A collapsible airway segment is included to model compression of the airways during expiration.
The Importance of Trying Charles Taylor

The Special Court for Sierra Leone has indicted Liberia's former President Charles Taylor on eleven counts of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and serious violations of international humanitarian law. In April 2006, Charles Taylor was arrested and brought into the court's custody, and his trial will begin in 2007. This article discusses three evolving issues in international law expected to be highlighted in Taylor's trial. First, Taylor's prosecution contributes to the ongoing challenge to the norm of head-of-state immunity from prosecution for alleged human rights crimes. Second, the prosecution will employ a relatively new tool in international prosecution—personal culpability based on participation in a joint criminal enterprise. Finally, this case will continue the path-breaking work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone in prosecuting individuals for the crime of enlisting children under the age of fifteen years into armed forces and using them in hostilities. In each of these three areas, the t...
Intravenous immune globulins. A review of their uses in selected immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases.

Intravenous immune globulin (IGIV) was introduced a decade ago as a therapy for primary immunodeficiency diseases. It proved to be a valuable therapeutic substance for this purpose and is now considered to be the treatment of choice. The intent was to supply ubiquitous anti-infectious agent antibodies through passive immunisation to replace deficient circulating antibody content. During such therapy, unexpected benefits were noted in thrombocytopenic patients. Since that time, the therapeutic indications for IGIV infusions have greatly increased, with a particular interest in infectious, haematological and autoimmune diseases. This review summarises the status of IGIV therapy in haematological diseases within the categories of primary immunodeficiency diseases, secondary immunodeficiency states and autoimmune syndromes.
Residential Development Encroachment on U.S. Protected Areas

Conservation of ecological processes and biodiversity may require development of a conservation system consisting of protected "cores" surrounded by "buffer zones" that effectively expand and connect the cores. Nevertheless, residential development near protected areas may threaten de facto protected areas and hinder development of an official conservation system in the United States. We identified potential conservation cores based on existing protected areas, and using a spatially explicit model of housing densities, we quantified how residential development has altered the structural context around cores nationally from 1970 to 2000 and forecasted changes from 2000 to 2030. We found that residential housing development has likely occurred preferentially near some cores, and if encroachment near cores continues at projected rates, the amount of buffer zone will have been reduced by a total of 12% by 2030, with much of this change occurring directly at core edges. Furthermore, development will have reduced the average connectedness (valence) of cores by 6% from 1970 to 2030. Although patterns of encroachment roughly increased west to east, our results painted a more complex picture of the difficulties that would be faced if establishment of an official conservation system was ever attempted. At a minimum, prioritizing future conservation action must consider adjacent land uses, and a key conservation strategy will be to work cooperatively across land-ownership boundaries, particularly for smaller protected areas, which will tend to dominate future conservation activities.
Nonlinear Optics With Backward Waves

Extraordinary properties of nonlinear optical propagation processes in double-domain positive/negative index metamaterials are reviewed. These processes enable coherent energy exchange between ordinary and backward electromagnetic waves, which allows huge increase of frequency-conversion efficiency at second harmonic generation, three-wave mixing and optical parametric amplification. Striking contrasts with properties of the counterparts in ordinary materials are outlined. Particularly, exotic features arise for amplification and generation of counter-propagating short pulses. Novel class of materials, which enable such processes through electromagnetic waves with negative group velocity, are proposed. The possibility to mimic such processes in readily available crystals that support elastic backward waves (optical phonons) is shown. The concepts of unique photonic devices such as data processing chips, tunable nonlinear-optical mirrors, filters, switches and sensors are discussed.
Distinctive clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis associated with aquaporin-4 autoantibodies

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is a characteristic feature of Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), but it can also occur in several other inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). An IgG autoantibody that binds to aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the predominant water channel of the CNS, is a reliable biomarker of the NMO spectrum disorders, and if detected predicts the recurrence of the myelitis. In this study, we compared the clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of AQP4-IgG+ and AQP4-IgG- LETM patients. Thirty-seven first-ever LETM patients were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two groups according to the presence of AQP4 autoantibodies. AQP4-IgG was detected in the serum and in the cerebrospinal fluid of sixteen patients. The female to male ratio was higher in AQP4-IgG+ patients. Intractable nausea and vomiting and paroxysmal tonic spasms often accompanied the LETM in AQP4-IgG+ patients. T2-weighted spinal cord MRI revealed that inflammatory lesions extending into the brainstem and involving the central grey matter occurred more frequently in AQP4-IgG+ LETM patients. Hypointense lesions on T1-weighted spinal cord MRI were detected more frequently in the seropositive group, and their presence correlated with attack severity. In conclusion, this study provides clinical and spinal cord neuroimaging clues that can help distinguishing AQP4-IgG+ LETM patients.
SLC Positron Damping Ring Optics Design

The basic SLAC Linear Collider operation scheme assumes the use of two damping rings, one for the e/sup -/, one for the e/sup +/, in order to reduce the colliding beam normalized emittances to 30 ..pi.. ..mu..radm hence raising the corresponding luminosity by a factor 170. The e/sup -/ damping ring optics, designed by H. Wiedemann, has been extensively studied and modelled since it's completion at the end of 1982. The e/sup +/ damping ring being built will be based on the same design except for some modifications resulting from the studies on the e/sup -/ damping ring which clearly pointed out two major weak points as far as the optics is concerned. The present paper describes the basic modifications of the ring lattice and main equipment positions in order to improve the situation in the Positron Damping Ring. 16 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
Smooth muscle tumors of soft tissue.

Summary:This paper presents an overview of smooth muscle tumors occurring in deep soft tissue. Although the existence of leiomyomas of soft tissue has been questioned in the past, it appears that they do exist but are rare, and must be diagnosed using stringent histologic criteria that include no at
The Internet and Its Relationship to Buyer Behavior Theory

ABSTRACT The Internet is the newest, most-rapidly changing and fastest-growing buying medium existing today. Its markets are increasing in number and complexity, more nearly reflecting the population in general. A valuable academic model for Internet marketers to consider when developing a business plan is an early buyer behavior model developed by Phillip Kotler, his Input-Output Model. Internet marketers should investigate outside influences on the potential buyer (Kotler's Inputs), means of reaching the prospect effectively (channels), the buyer's frame of mind (processor), and the choices available (outputs). Current “e-tail” examples are given for each of the four components in Kotler's model. Consulting companies that can assist marketers in attracting buyers have found the following techniques helpful: developing or fine tuning Internet sites, developing site-partnering strategies and online focus groups, as well as providing programs that watch prospects as they peruse a site.
Binary vectors with prescribed subsets of consecutive ones

Abstract Recursion formulas and generating functions are derived for determining the number of binary vectors in n -space containing exactly k isolated m -tuples of consecutive ones.
Modified Appleby Procedure for Resection of Tumors of the Pancreatic Body and Tail with Celiac Axis Involvement

Involvement of the celiac axis by pancreatic tumors of the body and tail is no longer considered an absolute contraindication to resection. In highly selected patients, resection is possible, relying on collateral circulation through the gastroduodenal artery to maintain liver perfusion. Our approach to intraoperative assessment and resection is described herein.
Changes in standing postural control during acquisition of a sequential reaching task

Postural control acquired during learning functional reaching movements has not been well examined. Fourteen healthy adults practiced a serial reaching task 300 times. Task acquisition was examined considering two types of action-goals [1]: hand accuracy and consistency as the focal action-goals and control of equilibrium as the postural action-goal [2,3]. Hand accuracy and consistency were measured as absolute constant error and variable error. Postural control was measured by time to boundary (TtB). Improvements were expected in the focal goals and postural goal; however the timing of improvements might reflect explicit and implicit learning processes. Practice effects resulted in improvements for hand task accuracy, consistency and an increase in TtB values. Changes in postural control may reflect improved efficiency or improved perception-action coupling by the postural system within task performance.
Uveitogenicity Is Associated with a Th1-like Lymphokine Profile: Cytokine-Dependent Modulation of Early and Committed Effector T Cells in Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis

This study addresses the nature of the pathogenic effector T cell in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis and the effect of different cytokines on these cells in vitro. Lymph node cells of B10.RIII mice immunized with the uveitogenic peptide 161-180 of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein were cultured with the peptide with or without IL-12, IL-4, or anti-IL-4. An antigen-specific T cell line was subsequently derived from these cells. Primary cultures of immune lymph node cells stimulated with the peptide proliferated and produced IL-2 and some IL-4, but no IFN-gamma. The addition of recombinant IL-12 resulted in abundant production of IFN-gamma, which was blocked by the addition of IL-4 and was enhanced by anti-IL-4. Only those cultures that produced IFN-gamma in vitro were uveitogenic in vivo. A long-term uveitogenic T cell line, initially derived in the presence of IL-12, produced IFN-gamma and IL-2, but not IL-4, and was CD4+ (Th1-like). Antigen-specific proliferation and IFN-gamma production of the line were enhanced by exogenous IL-4, TGF-beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, and IL-9 and were inhibited by IL-10 and TNF-alpha. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that the uveitogenic effector T cell has a Th1-like phenotype. Furthermore, the data suggest that the effects of the cytokine milieu on fully differentiated Th1 effectors may differ considerably from their effects on less mature stages of antigen-specific T cells.
Biphenotypic lymphoblastic lymphoma. An unusual tumor with lymphocytic and granulocytic differentiation

An unusual example of a lymphoblastic lymphoma with evidence of both T-lymphocytic (Leu-1, Leu-2, Leu-3, OKT-6, terminal transferase-positive) and immature granulocytic (Mo1, chloroacetate esterase, lysozyme, alpha-1-antitrypsin-positive) cell proliferations was studied. The tumor arose in the oropharynx of a 39-year-old man without evidence of blood or bone marrow involvement. This tumor has been termed a "biphenotypic lymphoblastic lymphoma," and the origin of which appears to be from uncommitted progenitor cells capable of both lymphoid and myeloid differentiation. Biphenotypic lymphoblastic lymphomas, like biphenotypic leukemias, may occur more commonly than is appreciated, and may account for reported cases of acute myeloblastic leukemia after lymphoblastic lymphoma.
Plasma Vasoconstrictor Activity in Patients with Renal, Malignant, and Primary Hypertension

Polypeptide vasoconstrictor activity was assayed in the peripheral venous blood of 45 hypertensive patients and 20 normal subjects. The average activity was significantly increased in all hypertensive groups, and activity tended to be much higher in patients with renovascular and malignant hypertension than in primary hypertension. In confirmation of previously reported results by Helmer and Judson, there was no correlation between vasoconstrictor activity and renal excretory function. The plasma level of vasoconstrictor activity did not correlate with mean arterial pressure except when malignant or renovascular hypertension was present. A significant inverse relationship was found between the serum potassium concentration and vasoconstrictor activity: as activity levels increased, the potassium fell. The data suggest that a renin-like substance may be present in various hypertensive states in amounts sufficient to depress serum potassium, presumably by activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone mech...
Growth inhibition of the rumen bacterium Selenomonas ruminantium by ammonium salts

The objective of this study was to determine the maximum ammonium source concentration tolerated by Selenomonas ruminantium and its metabolic response to high ammonium source concentrations. The ammonia-nitrogen half-inhibition constant (K i) in defined basal medium was 239 mabetm for NH4Cl, 173 mabetm for NH4OH, 153 mabetm for (NH4)2SO4 and 110 mabetm for NH4HCO3. Reduction in continuous culture maximal growth rate was similar to the reduction in the batch culture logarithmic growth rate for the respective NH4Cl concentrations. Cell yield when expressed as Y ATP decreased for 150 and 200 mabetm NH4C1. the NH3-N K i estimates are in line with inhibiting concentrations observed for other bacteria and suggest that energy efficiency is reduced when the NH3-N concentration is increased.
Inductor winding loss owing to skin and proximity effects including harmonics in non-isolated pulse-width modulated dc-dc converters operating in continuous conduction mode

A general expression for winding loss (copper loss) including harmonics for an inductor carrying periodic non-sinusoidal current is presented. The skin and proximity effects are taken into account. Expressions for amplitudes of inductor current harmonics are derived and illustrated as functions of duty cycle for selected non-isolated converters namely buck, boost and buck-boost converters. An example of inductor design procedure using the area-product method is shown for a buck converter operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM). The amplitude spectra of the inductor current, winding resistance and winding power loss are illustrated. Inductor winding losses in the designed inductor are analysed using MatLab simulations. Experimental results using the designed inductor are also presented.
A comparison of stochastic optimizers applied to dynamic sensor scheduling for satellite tracking

This paper presents a comparison of stochastic optimizers running inside a centralized sensor resource manager (SRM) for scheduling the tasks (observations) of an ensemble of space observing kinematic sensors. The manager is designed to operate as a receding horizon controller in a closed feedback loop with a linear filter based multiple hypothesis tracker (MHT) that fuses the disparate sensor data to produce target declarations and state estimates. The reward function is based on expected entropic information gain of satellite tracks over the planning horizon. A comparison between several stochastic optimizers, namely: particle swarm optimizers (PSO), evolutionary algorithms (EA), and the simultaneous perturbation and stochastic approximation (SPSA) algorithm is performed over the resulting high dimensional, Markovian, and discontinuous reward function. The algorithms were evaluated by simulating space surveillance scenarios using idealized optical sensors, satellite two-line element (TLE) sets from the US Space Track catalog, and relevant factors such as line of sight visibility. Simulation results show a hybrid PSO and EA algorithm outperforms the other algorithms over the tests performed.
Neurovascular injuries of the spinal cord

Neurovascular spinal cord injuries are very prevalent and in a busy trauma center radiology practice these injuries are commonly seen. Imaging neurovascular injuries has been greatly facilitated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The histopathological changes that occur with spinal cord trauma have been found to correlate well with what is seen on MRI examinations. The MRI findings in spinal cord trauma have also been found to be useful in determining patient prognosis. Spinal cord infarcts due to arterial injury from trauma are relatively rare, but it has been shown by imaging that vertebral artery injuries are not an unusual occurrence. The specific findings associated with neurovascular injuries will be described with an emphasis on the findings on MRI and MRA examinations. MRI and MRA techniques have become the procedure of choice for evaluating neurovascular injuries because of their proven accuracy and because they are non-invasive. Conventional angiography, although, does remain quite useful for evaluating arterial injuries.
Photometric Modeling of the Epsilon Ring of Uranus and Its Spacing of Particles

Abstract The ring model of Irvine (1966, J. Geophys. Res. 71 , 2931–2937) is used to explain the longitudinal brightness variation of the e ring of Uranus observed by Voyager 2 and with the Hubble Space Telescope, while basic ring properties are based on occultation data. The observations span a factor of 600 in the range of phase angles (0.03–20°) which allows the rejection of previous simpler ring models. Particles of the e ring are more densely packed than estimated previously. The average volume filling factor is at least 0.06, corresponding to mean particle separations of about twice their diameters or less. Plots are presented which allow the prediction of photometric properties of all uranian rings for various earth-based geometries.
Castus castor (the chaste beaver): some reflections on the iconography of the southern portal of Santa María de Uncastillo

The Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Uncastillo (Aragon) presents us with a rich and elaborate sculptural program. Particularly intriguing is the imagery of the southern portal’s archivolts. Avoiding repetition, each voussoir is carved with a unique depiction. Animals, hybrids, and fantastic creatures are dispersed among humans engaged in various activities. The apparent iconographic incoherence has led scholars to dismiss the archivolts’ imagery as mere drollery, or alternatively, to view it as a collective image of the community. None of the previous interpretations explained the relation of the archivolts’ imagery to the sacred substrate on which it resides – the church wall. In this article, I propose a new reading of a prominent portion of the archivolts’ imagery, namely, the central vertical axis of the archivolts. I argue that the four voussoirs that are aligned along this axis generate a reference to castration. Castration in the High Middle Ages was a double‐sided cultural phenomenon. On the o...
Serological studies on tomato mosaic virus

La souche du virus en mosaique de la tomate et celle du virus en mosaique du tabac se sont trouvees alliees comme l'ont montre les resultats des experiences de precipitation et d'aglutination.
Minimum Number of Throws Needed for Knot Security

Objective The purpose of the study was to determine the optimal number of throws to ensure knot security. Study Design Knots were tied with 3, 4, 5, or 6 square throws with 0-gauge coated polyester, polydioxanone, polypropylene, and polyglactin 910. The suture was soaked in 0.9% sodium chloride and subsequently transferred to a tensiometer and broken. Results A total of 225 knots were tied. Regardless of the suture type, tension at failure for knots with 4 throws, 5 throws, and 6 throws was higher than tension at failure of knots with only 3 throws (p 0.05 for each). Knots with 4 throws were significantly more likely to come untied than knots with 5 or 6 throws (p Conclusions Under laboratory conditions, the ideal knot has 5 throws to maximize tensile strength and rate of untying. This finding does not seem to vary by type of suture material.
A Computational Framework for Proteome-Wide Pursuit and Prediction of Metalloproteins using ICP-MS and MS/MS Data

Background Metal-containing proteins comprise a diverse and sizable category within the proteomes of organisms, ranging from proteins that use metals to catalyze reactions to proteins in which metals play key structural roles. Unfortunately, reliably predicting that a protein will contain a specific metal from its amino acid sequence is not currently possible. We recently developed a generally-applicable experimental technique for finding metalloproteins on a genome-wide scale. Applying this metal-directed protein purification approach (ICP-MS and MS/MS based) to the prototypical microbe Pyrococcus furiosus conclusively demonstrated the extent and diversity of the uncharacterized portion of microbial metalloproteomes since a majority of the observed metal peaks could not be assigned to known or predicted metalloproteins. However, even using this technique, it is not technically feasible to purify to homogeneity all metalloproteins in an organism. In order to address these limitations and complement the metal-directed protein purification, we developed a computational infrastructure and statistical methodology to aid in the pursuit and identification of novel metalloproteins.
Integrating the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) into the multiobjective budgeting models of public sector organizations

Abstract In this research, a multiobjective budgeting approach for governmental and nonprofit organizations is developed and applied to a government-sponsored public radio/TV facility. The approach is designed to accommodate many features characteristic of the governmental/nonprofit sector such as multiple goals, multiple restricted funding sources, changing funding levels, and lack of data usually needed for model specification. Saaty's eigenvalue method (Analytic Hierarchy Process) is utilized to subjectively estimate selected components of a multiobjective budgeting model that incorporates multiple restricted funding sources. An interactive interval criterion weights algorithm is then used to generate alternative feasible budgets and assist the decision-maker in selecting a preferred budget allocation.
Nanoparticle decorated anodes for enhanced current generation in microbial electrochemical cells

The development of highly efficient anode materials is critical for enhancing the current output of microbial electrochemical cells. In this study, Au and Pd nanoparticle decorated graphite anodes were developed and evaluated in a newly designed multi-anode microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). The anodes decorated with Au nanoparticles produced current densities up to 20-fold higher than plain graphite anodes by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, while those of Pd-decorated anodes with similar morphologies produced 50-150% higher than the control. Significant positive linear regression was obtained between the current density and the particle size (average Feret's diameter and average area), while the circularity of the particles showed negative correlation with current densities. On the contrary, no significant correlation was evident between the current density and the particle density based on area fraction and particle counts. These results demonstrated that nano-decoration can greatly enhance the performance of microbial anodes, while the chemical composition, size and shape of the nanoparticles determined the extent of the enhancement.
Uncertainty bounds for parameter identification with small sample sizes

Consider the problem of determining uncertainty bounds for an M-estimate of a parameter vector from (generally) non-i.i.d. data (M-estimates are those obtained as the solution of a set of equations; maximum likelihood estimates are perhaps the most common type). Calculating uncertainty bounds requires information about the distribution of the estimate. It is well known that M-estimates typically have an asymptotic normal distribution. However, because of their generally complex nonlinear (and implicitly defined) structure, very little is usually known about the finite-sample distribution. This paper presents a method for characterizing the distribution of an M-estimate when the sample size is small. The approach works by comparing the actual (unknown) distribution of the estimate with a closely related known distribution. Some discussion and analysis are included that compare the approach here with the well-known bootstrap and saddlepoint methods. Theoretical justification and an illustration of the approach in a signal-plus-noise estimation problem are presented. This illustrative problem arises in many contexts, including random effects modeling ("unbalanced" case), the problem of combining several independent estimates, Kalman filter-based modeling, small area survey analysis, and quantile calculation for projectile accuracy analysis.
Hemispherically-Unified Surface Maps of Human Cerebral Cortex: Reliability and Hemispheric Asymmetries

Understanding the anatomical and structural organization of the cerebral cortex is facilitated by surface-based analysis enabled by FreeSurfer, Caret, and related tools. Here, we examine the precision of FreeSurfer parcellation of the cortex and introduce a method to align FreeSurfer-registered left and right hemispheres onto a common template in order to characterize hemispheric asymmetries. The results are visualized using Mollweide projections, an area-preserving map. The regional distribution, inter-hemispheric asymmetries and intersubject variability in cortical curvature, sulcal depth, cortical thickness, and cortical surface area of 138 young, right handed subjects were analyzed on the Mollweide projection map of the common spherical space. The results show that gyral and sulcal structures are aligned with high but variable accuracy in different cortical regions and show consistent hemispheric asymmetries that are maximal in posterior temporal regions.
Recent parallel divergence in body shape and diet source of alewife life history forms

Recent work suggests that juvenile alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) share similar phenotypes among independently derived landlocked (freshwater resident) populations. Based on this observation, it is possible that the alewife life history forms represent a case of parallel adaptive divergence. To further evaluate this hypothesis, we describe patterns of body shape divergence between anadromous and landlocked alewife life history forms using geometric morphometrics. Our results suggest that body shape differs significantly between juveniles of the alewife forms: anadromous fish were more robust, with larger heads and deeper caudal peduncles, while landlocked fish from three independently isolated populations were more fusiform with thinner caudal peduncles and smaller heads. These differences matched population level dietary patterns, which suggest that anadromous fish consumed more littoral resources than landlocked fish. Finding consistent differences across populations of the same form supports the notion that landlocked alewives have diverged from their anadromous ancestors in a parallel manner, in response to pressures associated with being isolated in freshwater lakes. Comparing alewife phenotypes to expectations from the literature suggests that neither migration distance of the population, nor the relative availability of habitats in each lake, are likely drivers of the pattern we report. Instead, the pattern is consistent with the hypothesis that divergence between alewife forms results from the distinct effects of each form on its zooplankton prey.
New solutions for improved transmission line protective relay performance analysis

Transmission line protective relays are assuring normal operation of power system by automatically isolating faulted sections. Different disturbances in power system could affect relay behavior and may result in relay misoperation or unintended operation. This paper explores various aspect of the performance analysis of existing protective relays. Three categories of solutions are discussed: 1) relay performance evaluation based on relay testing; 2) on-line relay monitoring based on advanced fault analysis and relay dynamic performance analysis; 3) intelligent alarm processing based on analysis of the relay logic operands. Case study and benefits are presented for each solution for relay performance analysis to demonstrate the advantages.
Computer scientists put the informatics into bio, health, and medical informatics education (abstract only)

There has been an explosion of interest in bioinformatics, medical informatics, and healthcare informatics in the past decade. As a result, many computer science departments are developing courses or degree programs in bioinformatics and/or health informatics. This session is aimed at faculty who are teaching, or developing courses that tie together computer science and biology, medicine, or healthcare. The discussion leaders all have experience teaching courses in healthcare informatics and/or bioinformatics within computer science departments. We will share our expertise and experience on such issues as effectively team teaching interdisciplinary courses, developing case studies and projects, and developing links with biologists and clinicians. Some of the questions we might tackle: What types of courses should be included in degree programs? What role do curricular standards, especially in healthcare, play? What topics belong in interdisciplinary bioinformatics courses? How do we cope with students who may have differing backgrounds and prerequisites? The hope is that we can create an informal network for sharing ideas which will persist after the session. To this end, we will also discuss ways for maintaining a community, perhaps as a mailing list, blog, or website.
The probabilistic peaking effect of viewed angles and distances with application to 3-D object recognition

Two novel probabilistic models for viewed angles and distances are derived using an observability sphere method. The method, which is based on the assumption that the prior probability density is isotropic for all viewing orientations, can be used for the computation of observation probabilities for object's aspects, features, and probability densities of their quantitative attributes. Using the sphere, it is discovered that the probability densities of viewed angles, distances, and even projected curvature have sharp peaks at their original values. From this peaking effect, it is concluded that in most cases, the values of angles and distances are being altered only slightly by the imaging process, and they can still serve as a strong cue for model-based recognition. The probabilistic models for 3-D object recognition from monocular images are used. To form the angular elements that are needed, the objects are represented by their linear features and specific points primitives. Using the joint density model of angles and distances, the probabilities of initial matching hypotheses and mutual information coefficients are estimated. These results are then used for object recognition by optimal matching search and stochastic labeling schemes. Various synthetic and real objects are recognized by this approach. >
On-chip interconnect-aware design and modeling methodology based on high bandwidth transmission line devices

This paper expands the on-chip interconnect-aware methodology for high-speed analog and mixed signal design, presented in D. Goren et al. (2002), into a wider class of designs, including dense layout CMOS design. The proposed solution employs a set of parameterized on-chip transmission line (T-line) devices for the critical interconnects, which is expanded to include coplanar structures while considering the silicon substrate effect. The generalized methodology contains treatment of the crossing line effects at the various design stages, including two way interactions between the post layout extraction tool and the T-line devices. The T-line device models are passive by construction, easily migratable among design environments, and allow for both time and frequency domain simulations. These models are verified by S-parameter measurements up to 110GHz, as well as by EM solver results. It is experimentally shown that the effect of properly designed discontinuities is negligible in most practical cases. The basic on-chip T-line methodology is being used extensively for numerous high-speed designs.
Ka-band quadrature Doppler radar system with sub-millimeter resolution and sensitivity in measuring periodic movement

In this paper, a 27.6 GHz Ka-band quadrature Doppler radar system is developed to measure the movement amplitude of periodic movement. Experiments were conducted to verify that by increasing the carrier frequency from 5.8 GHz to 27.6 GHz, the resolution can be improved to be in the sub-millimeter range. The relation between the sensitivity-limited detection range and movement amplitude under certain output power was also explored.
Transparent, Low Power Optical WDM Interface for Off-Chip Interconnects

We demonstrate a scalable WDM optical interface with 70% improvement in static power efficiency for off-chip interconnects. Serial 40 Bytes packet streams are transparently mapped onto a WDM optical signal with a measured power penalty of 1.5 dB.
Pancreatic Digestive Enzyme Blockade in the Intestine Increases Survival After Experimental Shock

Shock, sepsis, and multiorgan failure are associated with inflammation, morbidity, and high mortality. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism is unknown, but evidence suggests that pancreatic enzymes in the intestinal lumen autodigest the intestine and generate systemic inflammation. Blocking these enzymes in the intestine reduces inflammation and multiorgan dysfunction. We investigated whether enzymatic blockade also reduces mortality after shock. Three rat shock models were used here: hemorrhagic shock, peritonitis shock induced by placement of cecal material into the peritoneum, and endotoxin shock. One hour after initiation of hemorrhagic, peritonitis, or endotoxin shock, animals were administered one of three different pancreatic enzyme inhibitors—6-amidino-2-naphtyl p-guanidinobenzoate dimethanesulfate, tranexamic acid, or aprotinin—into the lumen of the small intestine. In all forms of shock, blockade of digestive proteases with protease inhibitor attenuated entry of digestive enzymes into the wall of the intestine and subsequent autodigestion and morphological damage to the intestine, lung, and heart. Animals treated with protease inhibitors also survived in larger numbers than untreated controls over a period of 12 weeks. Surviving animals recovered completely and returned to normal weight within 14 days after shock. The results suggest that the active and concentrated digestive enzymes in the lumen of the intestine play a central role in shock and multiorgan failure, which can be treated with protease inhibitors that are currently available for use in the clinic.
Infinitely Long Terms of Transfinite Type

Publisher Summary This chapter describes infinitely long terms of transfinite type. Functionals of higher type have been introduced into proof theory, which gives an interpretation of first order number theory in terms of the impredicative primitive recursive (p.r.) functionals of finite type. The chapter shows that for the consistency of number theory, Gentzen's use of induction up to ɛ0 (with respect to p.r. properties) can be replaced by a quite different constructive.— but like Gentzen's non-finitist - principle—namely, the assumption of constructive functionals of finite type and of their closure under p.r. operations. The chapter discusses only p.r. functionals or rather a certain generalization of them. The p.r. functionals of finite type can be generated from such φ by means of λ-abstraction and explicit definition.
A system architecture for use with free space optical interconnects in a 3D stacked processor environment

There exists a technology suited for dealing with the unique constraints of the 3D stacked processor environment; free space optical interconnects (FSOI). This technology uses VCSEL's, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, as a communications medium. FSOI has been proven to work in a two dimensional matrix format that would be optimal for communications between stacks.
Genetic variation in soluble epoxide hydrolase ( EPHX2 ) and risk of coronary heart disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study

Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Soluble epoxide hydrolase metabolizes epoxyeicosatrienoic acids in the vasculature and regulates endothelial function. We sought to determine whether genetic variation in soluble epoxide hydrolase (EPHX2) was associated with the risk of CHD. We genotyped 2065 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study participants (1085 incident CHD cases, 980 non-cases) for 10 previously identified polymorphisms in EPHX2. Using a case‐cohort design, associations between incident CHD risk and both non-synonymous EPHX2 polymorphisms and phase-reconstructed haplotypes were evaluated using proportional hazards regression. Individuals carrying the K55R polymorphism variant allele demonstrated higher apparent soluble epoxide hydrolase activity in vivo .P resence of theK55R variant allele was significantly more common among Caucasian CHD cases when compared with non-cases (20.8% versus 15.3%, respectively, P 5 0.012), and was associated with significantly higher risk of incident CHD (adjusted hazard rate ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.05‐2.01, P 5 0.026). A significant association between the K55R variant allele and risk of CHD was not observed in African-Americans. The distribution of reconstructed haplotypes were significantly different in Caucasian cases when compared with non-cases (P 5 0.021). Significant differences in haplotype distribution were not observed in African-Americans (P 5 0.315). Genetic variation in EPHX2 was significantly associated with risk of incident CHD in Caucasians, implicating EPHX2 as a potential cardiovascular diseasesusceptibility gene.