cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A density functional theory study of formaldehyde adsorption on ceria

Molecular adsorption of formaldehyde on the stoichiometric CeO2(111) and CeO2(110) surfaces was studied using periodic density functional theory. Two adsorption modes (strong chemisorbed and weak physisorbed) were identified on both surfaces. This is consistent with recent experimental observations. On the (111) surface, formaldehyde strongly chemisorbs with an adsorption energy of 0.86 eV to form a dioxymethylene-like structure, in which a surface O lifts from the surface to bind with the C of formaldehyde. A weak physisorbed state with adsorption energy of 0.28 eV was found with the O of formaldehyde interacting with a surface Ce. On the (110) surface, dioxymethyelene formation was also observed, with an adsorption energy of 1.31 eV. The weakly adsorbed state of formaldehyde on the (110) surface was energetically comparable to the weak adsorption state on the (111) surface, but adsorption occurred through a formaldehyde C and surface O interaction. Analysis of the local density of states and charge density differences after adsorption shows that strong covalent bonding occurs between the C of formaldehyde and surface O when dioxymethylene forms. Calculated vibrational frequencies also confirm dioxymethylene formation. Our results also show that as the coverage increases, the adsorption of formaldehyde on the (111) surface becomes weak,more » but is nearly unaffected on the (110) surface. This work was supported by a Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The computations were performed using the Molecular Science Computing Facility in the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, which is a U.S. Department of Energy national scientific user facility located at PNNL in Richland, Washington. Computing time was made under a Computational Grand Challenge “Computational Catalysis”. Part of the computing time was also granted by the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC).« less
Epidermal growth factor delays gastric emptying and small intestinal transit in suckling rats.

Suckling (12-d-old) rats that were fasted for 15 h received epidermal growth factor (EGF) s.c. (0.5 and 1.0 microgram per rat, i.e. approximately 2 and 4 micrograms/100 g of body weight), together with motility markers 51Cr-EDTA or Poly R-478, and were killed 45 min later. Counts were measured separately in the stomach and the small intestine, which was divided into 12 segments. Administration of EGF delayed gastric emptying. In controls, the stomach contained 26.1 +/- 1.6% (mean +/- SEM); in EGF-treated rats the stomach contained 75.9 +/- 10.2% and 75.7 +/- 2.5% of the total 51Cr-EDTA counts given. EGF had the maximum effect (1.0 microgram) when given simultaneously with 51Cr-EDTA. Significant, but lower, effects of EGF were seen with the administration of EGF preceded by 10 min or followed by 10 and 20 min with the administration of 51Cr-EDTA (65.8 +/- 5.8%, 60.0 +/- 6.4%, and 54.1 +/- 4.2%, respectively). Small intestinal transit was also delayed. Administration of anti-EGF antiserum did not affect gastric emptying, but accelerated small intestinal transit as determined 30 min after administration of 51Cr-EDTA. These studies are the first to demonstrate the effect of EGF on gastrointestinal motility in vivo in suckling mammals.
Approaching real-time molecular diagnostics: Single-pair fluorescence resonance energy transfer (spFRET) detection for the analysis of low abundant point mutations in K-ras oncogenes

The aim of this study was to develop new strategies for analyzing molecular signatures of disease states approaching real-time using single pair fluorescence resonance energy transfer (spFRET) to rapidly detect point mutations in unamplified genomic DNA. In addition, the detection process was required to discriminate between normal and mutant (minority) DNAs in heterogeneous populations. The discrimination was carried out using allele-specific primers, which flanked the point mutation in the target gene and were ligated using a thermostable ligase enzyme only when the genomic DNA carried this mutation. The allele-specific primers also carried complementary stem structures with end-labels (donor/acceptor fluorescent dyes, Cy5/Cy5.5, respectively), which formed a molecular beacon following ligation. We coupled ligase detection reaction (LDR) with spFRET to identify a single base mutation in codon 12 of a K-ras oncogene that has high diagnostic value for colorectal cancers. A simple diode laser-based fluorescence system capable of interrogating single fluorescent molecules undergoing FRET was used to detect photon bursts generated from the molecular beacon probes formed upon ligation. LDR-spFRET provided the necessary specificity and sensitivity to detect single-point mutations in as little as 600 copies of human genomic DNA directly without PCR at a level of 1 mutant per 1000 wild type sequences using 20 LDR thermal cycles. We also demonstrate the ability to rapidly discriminate single base differences in the K-ras gene in less than 5 min at a frequency of 1 mutant DNA per 10 normals using only a single LDR thermal cycle of genomic DNA (600 copies). Real-time LDR-spFRET detection of point mutations in the K-ras gene was accomplished in PMMA microfluidic devices using sheath flows.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Neonates Before Palliation of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Background Neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome have circulatory vulnerability that results in shock and high risk of mortality without intervention. High arterial saturation (SaO 2 ) is often used as a proxy for inadequate systemic oxygen delivery and triggers the use of invasive therapies to restore circulatory balance. We hypothesized that preoperative use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) would reduce the need for invasive therapies, including controlled ventilation and inspired gas manipulation. Methods A Human Research Review Board–approved retrospective review of patients who had stage 1 palliation from Januar 2000 to January 2006 was conducted. Preoperative patient characteristics, cardiorespiratory support, and monitored data were collected for all patients. Cerebral and somatic tissue oxyhemoglobin saturations were recorded for patients with preoperative NIRS monitoring. Results The studied cohort included 92 patients, 47 without and 45 with preoperative NIRS. Patient characteristics were similar between groups. Differences were observed in preoperative respiratory support. Controlled ventilation was less common in the NIRS group (51% versus 79%, p = 0.005) as was the use of inspired nitrogen (16% versus 70%, p = 0.001). The NIRS patients had higher mean SaO 2 (92% versus 88%, p = 0.001). Age at surgery was similar between groups (5.7 ± 3.2 versus 6.5 ± 5.2 days, p = 0.3). Early survival was 96% in each group. Conclusions Near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome awaiting palliation provides noninvasive assessment of oxygen delivery and simplified management, with reduced use of controlled ventilation and inspired gas. Higher SaO 2 in the NIRS group was not associated with impaired systemic oxygen delivery, and did not lead to earlier palliation or postoperative mortality.
For Christian Eyes Only? The Intended Audience of the Martyrdom of Antony Rawḥ

The Arabic account of the early medieval Passion of Antony Rawḥ is a remarkable source for the character of Abbasid-era Muslim–Christian relations in that, although it recalls an instance of intercommunal violence, the account itself suggests a profound familiarity among Christian audiences with the defining communal narratives of the early Muslim umma. What is more, certain specific uses of language and apparent allusions to Muslim texts may also reveal this text as one intended for mixed audiences of Christians and Muslims. This only becomes apparent, however, when we read the Passion of Antony Rawḥ in tandem with certain contemporary Muslim texts recalling the personalities and events of the first/seventh-century Arab conquests, texts that recent research suggests were themselves crafted in accordance with much older late ancient hagiographic traditions.
Social closure and the incorporation of the Society of Accountants in Edinburgh in 1854

The incorporation of the Society of Accountants in Edinburgh in 1854 has been researched from different perspectives without attention to the overall occupational grouping to which the founders belonged. The existence of this larger community of accountants raises the question of whether the foundation involved social closure. The purpose of the paper is to pose and respond to this question by explaining social closure, examining the Society's foundational process for signs of possible exclusion, and observing founders and non-founders to identify differences in characteristics that provide possible explanations for exclusion. Archival evidence of the foundational process and differences in characteristics is consistent with the possibility of social closure without precluding other explanations for the founder and non-founder groupings. The evidence also raises the question of whether the foundation of the Society is completely explained by the external pressures associated with a potential loss of court...
An electronic quadrature technique for laser interferometry.

The (LFI) Laser Feedback Interferometer consists of a cw laser and an external retroreflector (Fig. 1). This interferometer has the advantage of requiring no tedious alignment other than that of positioning the retroreflector so that the returned laser beam is approximately centered. The distance between the retro­ reflector and the output mirror of the laser is the parameter of in­ terest in metrological applications. A uniform translation of the retroreflector along the laser beam will produce a sinusoidal in­ tensity variation in the laser output when the amount of optical
Compressor Fouling Testing on Rolls Royce/Allison 501-K17 and General Electric LM2500 Gas Turbine Engines

As part of the Gas Turbine Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) Program, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division Code 9334 conducted compressor fouling testing on the General Electric LM2500 and Rolls Royce/Allison 501-K Series gas turbines. The objective of these tests was to determine the feasibility of quantifying compressor performance degradation using existing and/or added engine sensors. The end goal of these tests will be to implement an algorithm in the Navy Fleet that will determine the optimum time to detergent crank wash each gas turbine based upon compressor health, fuel economy and other factors which must be determined. Fouling tests were conducted at the Land Based Engineering Site (LBES). For each gas turbine, the test plan that was utilized consisted of injecting a salt solution into the gas turbine inlet, gathering compressor performance and fuel economy data, analyzing the data to verify sensor trends, and assessing the usefulness of each parameter in determining compressor and overall gas turbine health. Based upon data collected during these fouling tests, it seems feasible to accomplish the end goal. Impact Technologies, who analyzed the data sets for both of these fouling tests, has developed a prognostic modeling approach for each of these gas turbines using a combination of the data and probabilistic analysis.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
EFFECTS OF CARBON, NITROGEN, AND ALLOPURINOL ON THE ABUNDANCE OF PARTICIPATE INCLUSIONS IN A MARINE DINOFLAGELLATE12

SUMMARY Nutritional factors have been identified that affect the abundance of particulate inclusions in the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii. The amount of ammonium sulfate. glucose, and glutamic acid in the medium markedly affected the number of particle-containing cysts. Particle production was directly proportional to the concentration of ammonium sulfate and glutamic acid, and inversely proportional to the amount of glucose in the medium. Allopurinol reduced particle production Strikingly. The chemical composition of the particulate inclusions, and their possible ecological significance, are discussed.
Efficiency exploration of ALOPEX based recognition of hexagonalized images

The ALOPEX process, an optimization procedure which simultaneously varies several parameters based on single value feedback and noise application, is used to solve an image-recognition problem using several hexagonally based templates. Although in general the values of ALOPEX parameters are application-specific, the results show that the ALOPEX noise and feedback gain constants have optimum absolute sizes and relative ratios. In addition, the convergence improves by subjecting these parameters to an annealing process, provided the ratio of the constants are maintained near the ideal value. An attempt to enhance convergence using parallel processes with occasional crosstalk was also successful. Similar results were obtained with a different choice of the ALOPEX response function. It is suggested that these simple additions to traditional optimization methods such as ALOPEX can significantly improve the accuracy and time of convergence. >
In Vitro Evaluation of Positive Expiratory Pressure Devices Attached to Nebulizers

BACKGROUND: Patients with cystic fibrosis perform airway clearance techniques and receive nebulized medications on a regular basis. Some positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices allow concomitant administration of aerosol. I hypothesized that this practice alters the aerosol characteristics and patient dose. I compared the aerosol characteristics and patient dose of nebulized albuterol from 2 types of nebulizer, alone and when connected to different PEP and vibratory PEP devices. METHODS: Three units of a continuous-output nebulizer (Up-Draft II Opti-Neb) and 3 units of a breath-enhanced nebulizer (LC Plus) were tested alone and connected to PEP devices (Acapella Choice, Acapella Duet, and EzPAP for Up-Draft II Opti-Neb, and Pari PEP at 2 different settings, and Pari PEP S system with the LC Plus). Aerosol characteristics were evaluated with a cooled cascade impaction technique. The nebulizers were loaded with 2.5 mg/3 mL albuterol solution and operated for 4 min at 6 L/min (wall air). Patient dose was evaluated with simulated breathing patterns for a child, small adult, and large adult. Albuterol was assayed via spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Connecting the LC Plus to the PEP devices did not change the aerosol characteristics or patient dose. Connecting the Up-Draft II Opti-Neb to the PEP devices significantly reduced the mass median aerodynamic diameter, from 4.13 μm to 3.72 μm with EzPAP ( P = .02), 1.24 μm with Acapella Choice ( P < .001), and 1.22 μm with Acapella Duet ( P < .001). The total amount of albuterol captured by the impactor decreased when connected to either Acapella Choice (65%) or Acapella Duet (69%), with 17–25% retained in the PEP devices. Patient dose decreased by 76% and 84% when connected to Acapella Choice and Acapella Duet, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant use of nebulizer and PEP or vibratory PEP devices that obstruct the aerosol pathway significantly decrease the aerosol particle size and the patient dose.
Effects of lipopolysaccharide on interleukin-6 production in perfused human placental cotyledons.

Objective: To determine if lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alters production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) or vascular tone in perfused placental cotyledons.Methods: Control and study cotyledons from nine placentas were perfused for 3 h. Study cotyledons received LPS in concentrations of 0.01 mcg/ml (n = 3), 0.1 mcg/ml (n = 3), or 1.0 mcg/ml (n = 3). Effluents were collected at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min following infusion with LPS. IL-6 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Perfusion pressures were recorded at 10-min intervals. Data were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures.Results: IL-6 production significantly increased over time in both the study and control cotyledons (P = 0.002). LPS treatment did not affect IL-6 production (P = 0.85) and there were no observable dose effects (P = 0.13). Perfusion pressures did not differ (P = 0.16).Conclusions: The isolated perfused placental cotyledon produces IL-6 and concentrations increase over time. LPS does not alter production of IL-6 or ...
Autonomous task control for mobile robots

The design and implementation of the task control architecture (TCA), a general-purpose framework plus facilities for building and controlling mobile robots, are presented. TCA is designed to support capabilities needed by many autonomous mobile robot systems, including concurrent planning, execution, and perception; reacting to changes in the environment; error recovery; and handling multiple tasks. The facilities that TCA provides for implementing these capabilities, including distributed processing, explicit representation and manipulation of hierarchical plans, concurrent monitoring of selected conditions, and context-dependent exception handling, are described, along with a mobile manipulator that uses the architecture to operate with multiple goals in a dynamic and uncertain environment. TCA has been implemented and is used to run several mobile robot testbeds. >
Histone deacetylase 2–mediated deacetylation of the glucocorticoid receptor enables NF-κB suppression

Glucocorticoids are the most effective antiinflammatory agents for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases even though some diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are relatively glucocorticoid insensitive. However, the molecular mechanism of this glucocorticoid insensitivity remains uncertain. We show that a defect of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) deacetylation caused by impaired histone deacetylase (HDAC) 2 induces glucocorticoid insensitivity toward nuclear factor (NF)-κB–mediated gene expression. Specific knockdown of HDAC2 by RNA interference resulted in reduced sensitivity to dexamethasone suppression of interleukin 1β–induced granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor production. Loss of HDAC2 did not reduce GR nuclear translocation, GR binding to glucocorticoid response element (GRE) on DNA, or GR-induced DNA or gene induction but inhibited the association between GR and NF-κB. GR becomes acetylated after ligand binding, and HDAC2-mediated GR deacetylation enables GR binding to the NF-κB complex. Site-directed mutagenesis of K494 and K495 reduced GR acetylation, and the ability to repress NF-κB–dependent gene expression becomes insensitive to histone deacetylase inhibition. In conclusion, we show that overexpression of HDAC2 in glucocorticoid-insensitive alveolar macrophages from patients with COPD is able to restore glucocorticoid sensitivity. Thus, reduction of HDAC2 plays a critical role in glucocorticoid insensitivity in repressing NF-κB–mediated, but not GRE-mediated, gene expression.
The DataRes research project on data management

The University of North Texas together with the Council on Library and Information Resources, have received $226,786 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for a two year research project to investigate how the library and information science profession can best respond to emerging needs of research data management in universities. This project will address broad new issues concerning the emerging roles, expectations, and practices arising from requirements announced by NIH, NSF, IMLS and other funding agencies for data management plans as part of proposals.
Photochromic Metal–Organic Frameworks: Reversible Control of Singlet Oxygen Generation

The controlled generation of singlet oxygen is of great interest owing to its potential applications including industrial wastewater treatment, photochemistry, and photodynamic therapy. Two photochromic metal-organic frameworks, PC-PCN and SO-PCN, have been developed. A photochromic reaction has been successfully realized in PC-PCN while maintaining its single crystallinity. In particular, as a solid-state material which inherently integrates the photochromic switch and photosensitizer, SO-PCN has demonstrated reversible control of (1)O2 generation. Additionally, SO-PCN shows catalytic activity towards photooxidation of 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene.
Effect of starch fractions on spherulite formation and microstructure

Abstract The effect of amylose, amylopectin, and intermediate material on starch spherulite formation and microstructure was investigated. Spherulites were observed in all samples made from high amylose maize starch fractions, but could not be observed when common corn or potato amylopectin were used. More numerous and better developed spherulites were formed with higher proportions of amylose. The dissolution temperature of spherulites made from common corn and potato starch amylose was 123–124 °C and 110–111 °C, respectively. However, the dissolution temperature of spherulites made from high amylose maize starch fractions decreased with higher proportions of branched material, ranging from 93 °C to 116 °C. SEM, TEM, and AFM images showed that starch spherulites may develop from a sheaf-like precursor, have an internal radial organization, and a blocklet nanostructure similar to some synthetic spherulites. This study shows that spherulitic crystallization of starch is favored by a higher ratio of linear to branched material.
The Human Papilloma Virus E7 Oncoprotein Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling by Blocking Binding of the Smad Complex to Its Target Sequence

The human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoprotein E7 is implicated in the etiology of cervical cancer associated with infection by HPV. HPV-positive cells develop resistance to TGF-β growth inhibitory activity through the inhibition of hypophosphorylation of pRb by papillomavirus type 16 E7 oncoprotein. In this study, we examined whether E7, in addition to its well known effects on pRb, might directly target the Smad proteins that mediate TGF-β signaling. Here, we show that E7 significantly blocks both Smad transcriptional activity and the ability of TGF-β to inhibit DNA synthesis. We found that E7 interacts constitutively with Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4. Confocal microscopic studies confirm that E7 and Smads co-localize in vivo. Using a canonical Smad DNA binding sequence, we found that E7 blocks Smad3 binding to its target sequence on DNA. These results suggest that suppression of Smad-mediated signaling by E7 may contribute to HPV-associated carcinogenesis.
Premature Mortality From General Medical Illnesses Among Persons With Bipolar Disorder: A Review

Objective: Despite recent evidence that patients with bipolar disorder are at increased risk of premature mortality resulting from general medical disorders, there has been no systematic review of published studies. The authors reviewed the literature to determine whether there is evidence of increased risk of mortality from general medical causes among patients with bipolar spectrum disorders. Methods: MEDLINE was searched from 1959 to 2007 with a focus on bipolar disorder and medical mortality. Published studies in English with more than 100 patients were included. Results: Seventeen studies were identified involving 331,000 patients with bipolar disorder, affective psychosis, affective disorder severe enough to require inpatient psychiatric care or treatment with lithium, or schizoaffective disorder (that is, bipolar spectrum disorders) meeting the inclusion criteria. Compared with age- and sex-matched control samples without mental illness in the general population, mortality ratios for death from natural causes and from specific general medical conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular, and endocrine disorders, were significantly higher among patients with bipolar spectrum disorders in most studies. This finding was more consistent in larger studies with more than 2,500 patients with bipolar spectrum disorders. Cumulatively, cardiovascular disorder appeared to be the most consistent cause of excess mortality in larger studies. Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that bipolar spectrum disorders are associated with increased premature mortality secondary to general medical illnesses. Unhealthy lifestyle, biological factors, adverse pharmacologic effects, and disparities in health care are possible underlying causes for this excess mortality. (Psychiatric Services 60:147–156, 2009)
Estimation of Magnitude of Self-Induced Oscillations via Piecewise Quadratic Lyapunov Functions

A Lyapunov approach is developed in this paper for estimation of the magnitude of self-induced oscillations for systems with piecewise linear elements. The oscillatory trajectories are bounded by invariant level sets of a piecewise quadratic Lyapunov function. An optimization problem with bilinear-matrix-inequality constraints is formulated to minimize the invariant level set and to obtain tight bound for oscillatory trajectories. Several examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the new method on analysis of self-induced oscillations.
Dendritic incorporation of quinacridone: solubility, aggregation, electrochemistry, and solid-state luminescence

The first incorporation of quinacridone, a technologically important organic electroluminescent emitter, into dendrimers increases solubility, decreases aggregation, retards heterogeneous electron transfer, and enhances luminescence in condensed phases (powders and thin films).
Apoptosis in schizophrenia: pathophysiologic and therapeutic considerations.

Purpose of reviewA role for apoptosis in schizophrenia has long been hypothesized, but only recently have studies begun to examine this issue. This paper will review studies of apoptotic regulatory proteins, DNA fragmentation, and gene microarrays to highlight the potential role of apoptosis in the
New Evidence in the Generic Strategy and Business Performance Debate: A Research Note

Regardless of the numerous published tests of the business strategy–performance relationship, no consensus has been reached. Researchers continue to debate the merits of various theories, research methods, survey techniques and the use of different strategy typologies. This study tests for a strategy–performance linkage in a manner sensitive to prevailing research criticisms.
Call center scheduling technology evaluation using simulation

Telemarketers, direct marketing agencies, collection agencies and others whose primary means of customer contact is via the telephone invest considerable sums of money to make the calling operation efficient and productive. Investments are required in human resources, infrastructure and technology. Having invested the dollars, businesses want to ensure that value is maximized. Call scheduling algorithms provide an efficient method to maximize customer contact. However, management at a large, national credit-card bank was not convinced that the software used to schedule calls was providing an adequate level of service. Simulation studies showed that management was justified in this assumption. The study also revealed that process improvement opportunities exist, which if implemented would likely produce the desired performance improvements.
Lambda learning rule for feedforward neural networks

Feedforward layered networks of continuous perceptrons are traditionally trained using the delta and generalized delta training rules. These learning concepts are formalized in the error backpropagation training (EBPT) concept. Although the EBPT algorithm is widely used, the lambda learning rule often offers a considerable improvement in learning. Both the rule and the complete generalized lambda learning algorithm for layered networks are outlined. Emphasis is placed on visualization of learning. Comparisons between the two learning approaches are drawn. >
Hemoglobin oxidation at functional amino acid residues during routine storage of red blood cells

BACKGROUND Routine storage of red blood cells (RBCs) results in the progressive accumulation of storage lesions. While the clinical relevance of these lesions is still a matter of debate, alterations to RBC morphology and biochemistry, especially in terms of energy and redox homeostasis, are likely to affect RBC physiology and functionality at a minimum. Identification of oxidative modifications that accumulate on key RBC proteins will help bridge the gap between storage induced alterations and post-transfusion RBC viability. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Five AS-3 units were analyzed during routine storage via one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis–nano-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled online with tandem mass spectrometry and advanced database searches. RESULTS We identified oxidative modifications to functional residues of hemoglobin (Hb) beta chain, including proximal histidine, cysteine beta 94 (counting initiator methionine in the sequence), and histidine 144. Semiquantitative analysis indicates that up to approximately 20% of total Hb could be targeted by these oxidative modifications that are overlooked by standard proteomics approaches using routine database search conditions. Progressive accumulation of oxidized residues in stored RBCs and selective accumulation in vesicles was observed, further substantiating the hypothesis that vesiculation represents a self-protective mechanism in ageing RBCs. CONCLUSION Several of the oxidized residues identified play well-established roles in heme iron coordination, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate binding, and nitric oxide homeostasis. Further functional and structural studies are necessary to determine possible associations between these modifications and impaired gas transport homeostasis in RBCs from old units.
Markov random field models for directional field and singularity extraction in fingerprint images

A Bayesian formulation is proposed for reliable and robust extraction of the directional field in fingerprint images using a class of spatially smooth priors. The spatial smoothness allows for robust directional field estimation in the presence of moderate noise levels. Parametric template models are suggested as candidate singularity models for singularity detection. The parametric models enable joint extraction of the directional field and the singularities in fingerprint impressions by dynamic updating of feature information. This allows for the detection of singularities that may have previously been missed, as well as better aligning the directional field around detected singularities. A criteria is presented for selecting an optimal block size to reduce the number of spurious singularity detections. The best rates of spurious detection and missed singularities given by the algorithm are 4.9% and 7.1%, respectively, based on the NIST 4 database.
The emergence of equity investment in developing countries : overview

Equity flows to developing countries have increased sharply in recent years. Foreign equity investment can be beneficial to developing countries because of its risk-sharing characteristics and effects on resource mobilization and allocation. Empirical evidence shows that the stock markets of developing countries have become more, although not fully, integrated with world financial markets, and this increased integration implies a lower risk-adjusted cost of capital. Constraints to further increasing the flows and expanding the benefits are macroinstability, poorly functioning stock markets, and insufficiently open financial markets. Empirical evidence does not support the view that equity flows are more volatile than other types of capital flows or that equity flows have a negative impact on the volatility of stock prices.
Sidelobe predictions for spectrally-disjoint radar waveforms

Spectrally-disjoint radar waveforms seek to minimize the amount of energy in a set of frequency bands within the bandwidth of the waveform. Such a waveform will suffer higher range sidelobes than a waveform with a contiguous bandwidth. As we continue to develop these waveforms, it becomes necessary to establish peak sidelobe level ratio (PSLR) and integrated sidelobe level ratio (ISLR) predictions in order to objectively evaluate performance. In this paper, we derive a closed-form prediction for PSLR and ISLR. These predictions provide sidelobe estimates as a function of usable bandwidth. Predictions such as these can aid in the decision making process of an adaptive radar.
Effect of urbanization on the diurnal rainfall pattern in Houston

Data from 19 raingauges located within and nearby Houston were analysed to quantify the impact of urbanization of the Houston metropolitan area on the local diurnal rainfall pattern. The average annual and warm-season diurnal rainfall patterns were determined for one time period when Houston was relatively small and likely would not have had a significant effect on meteorological processes (1940–58) and for a second, more recent, time period after Houston had become a major metropolitan area (1984–99). The diurnal rainfall patterns within the hypothesized urban-affected region and an upwind control region were compared for the pre- and post-urban time periods. Results indicated that the diurnal rainfall distribution in the urban area is much different than that found for the upwind and downwind adjacent regions for the 1984 to 1999 time period. For an average warm season from 1984 to 1999, the urban area and downwind urban-impacted region registered 59% and 30% respectively greater rainfall amounts from noon to midnight than an upwind control region. Moreover, the urban area had approximately 80% more recorded rainfall occurrences between noon and midnight during the warm season than surrounding areas. Comparison of the pre- and post-urban rainfall patterns indicated that the diurnal rainfall distribution has changed in southeast Texas. The changes are most significant in the urban area, especially for the afternoon time increments during the warm season. The average warmseason rainfall amount registered in the urban area increased by 25% from the pre- to the post-urban time period, while the amount in the upwind control region decreased by 8%. The majority of the increase was observed for the noon to 4 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. time increments. Copyright  2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutrient‐ and light‐limited growth of Thalassiosira fluviatilis in continuous culture, with implications for phytoplankton growth in the ocean

The marine diatom Thalassiosira jluvintilis was grown in a continuous culture system at 20°C on a 12:12 L:D cycle over a series of nutrient- and light-limited dilution rates. Bannister’s theoretical model describing nutrient-saturated growth gave an excellent fit to the light-limited data. A simple extension of the model allows description of nutrient-limited growth as well. Dark carbon loss rates were in the range lo-20% of daytime production rates at dilution rates >0.25*d-‘. The relationship hctwcen Chl n:C ratios and dilution rate was linear under nutrient limitation and independent of the type of limiting nutrient. Productivity indices under nutrient limitation were found to be a hyperbolic function of dilution rate. N:C ratios were linearly correlated with dihltion rate llnder both light and nutrient limitation, but with the regressions having opposite signs.
The learning curve associated with anteromedial portal drilling in ACL reconstruction

ABSTRACTObjectives: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the accuracy and precision of femoral and tibial tunnel placement during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using independent anteromedial portal (AMP) drilling over a three-year observation period.Methods: This study was a retrospective review of 161 consecutive primary ACL reconstructions from a single surgeon over his first 36-months in practice. Femoral and tibial tunnel angulation measurements were made on anteroposterior radiographs by a single observer utilizing the assessment method described by Aglietti et al. The accuracy and precision of tunnel placement across the three-year period were assessed with comparisons made.Results: Significantly improved accuracy was demonstrated toward the cadaveric ideal femoral tunnel angle of 33.5° over time. Improved precision of tunnel placement was also demonstrated evidenced by declining standard deviations across each year. Statistically significant improvement in femoral t...
RDF Approximate Query Approach Based on Semantics

To handle the problem of empty or few answers returned from RDF in response to a user query and the problem of synonyms in RDF queries,an approximate query approach by combining query relaxation and replacement with kinship words was proposed.RDF entailment to triple patterns is applied on the original query to relax it and then appropriate queries are chosen for replacement of kinship words so that more results can be obtained.The notion of semantic distance was introduced.The results that are semantically close to the original query can be determined.An approxiamate query algorithm based on semantics was hereby developed.The proposed approach was verified with experiments and it has good performances in its recall and precision.
Enhancing Readers-Writers Exclusion with Upgrade/Downgrade Primitives

We design an algorithm for readers-writers exclusion that allows a writer to downgrade to a reader and a reader to attempt to upgrade to a writer. The highlights of our algorithm are: (i) the upgrade and downgrade methods are linearizable and wait-free, and (ii) all properties deemed desirable, such as concurrent entering, FCFS for writers, FIFE for readers, are satisfied, and (iii) RMR complexity is constant.
The Snotty and the Stringy: Energy for Subsurface Life in Caves

Caves are subterranean environments that support life largely in the absence of light. Because caves are completely or almost completely removed from the photosynthetic productivity of the sunlit realm, most cave ecosystems are supported either by inputs of organic matter from the surface or by in situ sources of inorganic chemical energy. The majority of caves have very low energy and nutrient availability and thus, generally low biological activity and productivity. However, those caves that have abundant inorganic chemical energy or high organic carbon influx represent subterranean oases that support robust microbial communities and diverse animal life. In this chapter, we review the energy resources available to cave microbiota and describe several examples that illustrate the vast diversity of subsurface habits contained within caves.
The Dorsal Medial Prefrontal Cortex Responds Preferentially to Social Interactions during Natural Viewing.

Humans display a strong tendency to make spontaneous inferences concerning the thoughts and intentions of others. Although this ability relies upon the concerted effort of multiple brain regions, the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) is most closely associated with the ability to reason about other people9s mental states and form impressions of their character. Here, we investigated this region9s putative social category preference using fMRI as 34 participants engaged in uninstructed viewing of a complex naturalistic stimulus. Using a data-driven “reverse correlation” approach, we characterize the DMPFC9s stimulus response profile from ongoing neural responses to a dynamic movie stimulus. Results of this analysis demonstrate that the DMPFC9s response profile is dominated by the presence of scenes involving social interactions between characters. Subsequent content analysis of video clips created from this response profile confirmed this finding. In contrast, regions of the inferotemporal and parietal cortex were selectively tuned to faces and actions, both features that often covary with social interaction but may be difficult to disentangle using standard event-related approaches. Together, these findings suggest that the DMPFC is finely tuned for processing social interaction above other categories and that this preference is maintained during unrestricted viewing of complex natural stimuli such as movies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Recently, studies have brought into question whether the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC), a region long associated with social cognition, is specialized for the processing of social information. We examine the response profile of this region during natural viewing of a reasonably naturalistic stimulus (i.e., a Hollywood movie) using a data-driven reverse correlation technique. Our findings demonstrate that, during natural viewing, the DMPFC is strongly tuned to the social features of the stimulus above other categories. Moreover, this response differs from other areas with previously well characterized response profiles such as the lateral and medial fusiform gyrus. These findings suggest that this region9s dominant function in everyday situations is to support reasoning about the thoughts and intentions of conspecifics.
Upregulation Of Hepcidin Expression By Lactoferrin Administration To Pre-Weanling Mice

Background Hepcidin is a peptide hormone produced in hepatocytes which regulates dietary iron absorption and systemic iron distribution. The hepatic expression of the hepcidin gene is regulated by signals which reflect body iron status and erythropoietic activity. The regulation of hepcidin by iron status includes a signal from the circulating transferrin via hepatocellular transferrin receptor (TfR2). Lactoferrin is a member of the transferrin family of iron-binding glycoproteins found in high concentrations in milk. Lactoferrin has a well described role in host defense; however, its in iron metabolism is less clear. Like transferrin, lactoferrin will deliver iron to hepatocytes but unlike transferrin, lactoferrin cannot deliver iron to erythroid cells. Lactoferrin does not interact with TfR1 or TfR2. We took advantage of these properties of lactoferrin to determine if delivering iron to the liver (but not erythron) in a form which is independent on transferrin and its receptors could regulate hepcidin. Methods To take advantage of the naturally-occuring low iron and low hepcidin states at this developmental stage, experiments were performed on pre-weanling mice. Mice at 12-14d (pre-weanling) were administered human lactoferrin equivalent to 2 mg/kg iron (n=10) or carrier (n=10) intraperitoneally (IP) and sacrificed 6 h later. Other mice were administered a comparable IP dose of transferrin (n=5) or carrier (n=4). Additional groups of mice were delivered Lf (n=8) or carrier (n=7) enterally (by orogastric tube), and the sacrificed 6h or 24h later. Liver hepcidin (Hamp1) mRNA was measured by real-time RT-PCR, normalized to beta actin expression, and analyzed by commercial software (Rest 2007, Qiagen). Liver iron distribution was determined histochemically in tissue sections by modified Perls' staining. Results Parenteral administration of lactoferrin in pre-weanling mice was associated with a 32-fold increase in liver Hamp1 expression after 6 hours (P<0.001). This compares with an only 4.5 fold increase in Hamp1 expression 6h after a comparable dose of transferrin. Enteral lactoferrin likewise resulted in a ∼30-fold increase in Hamp1 expression (P<0.005) after 24 hours. Iron delivered to the liver from lactoferrin was distributed in sinusoidal lining cells as well as hepatocytes. Conclusions Exogenously administered iron-rplete lactoferrin increases liver Hamp1 expression in pre-weanling mice. These observations demonstrate that iron delivery to the liver in a form not dependent upon transferrin or its receptors upregulates hepcidin expression. These findings moreover raise the possibility that lactoferrin-mediated changes in hepcidin expression may contribute to reported benefits of supplemental lactoferrin on host defense. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Blood clotting behavior is innately modulated in Ursus americanus during early and late denning relative to summer months.

Remarkably, American black bears ( Ursus Americanus ) are capable of varying their heart rates to coincide with their breathing, creating pauses of 30 seconds or more, yet they do not appear to suffer from embolic events. We evaluated some features of the clotting cascade of black bears, providing novel insights on the underlying mechanisms they evoke for embolic protection during hibernation. We measured activated clotting times, prothrombin times, and activated partial thromboplastin times during early-denning (December), late-denning (March), and summer (August). Activated clotting times during early hibernation were ∼3 times longer than those observed among non-hibernating animals. Clotting times declined later in hibernation, when bears were within ∼1 month of emerging from dens. Prothrombin times were similar for each seasonal time point, whereas activated partial thromboplastin times were highest during early-denning and decreased during late-denning and summer. We also examined D-dimer concentrations to assess whether the bears were likely to have experienced embolic events. None of the non-parturient bears exceeded a D-dimer concentration of 250 ng/mL (considered the clinical threshold for embolism in mammals). Our findings suggest there is unique expression of the clotting cascade in American black bears during hibernation, in which extrinsic pathways are maintained but intrinsic pathways are suppressed. This was evaluated by a significant difference between the activated clotting times and activated partial thromboplastin times during the denning and non-denning periods. These changes are likely adaptive, to avoid clotting events during states of immobilization and/or periods of asystole. Yet, an intact extrinsic pathway allows for healing of external injuries and/or foreign body responses.
The Voice of America: Lowell Thomas and the Invention of 20th-Century Journalism

By Mitchell StephensNew York: St. Martin's Press, 2016, 336 pp.Mitchell Stephens's thoroughly researched book on broadcast legend Lowell Thomas belongs on the bookshelves of journalists and journal...
Characteristics and outcomes of patients with advanced sarcoma enrolled in early phase immunotherapy trials

Immunotherapies, specifically those based on immune checkpoint inhibitors, have shown promising activity in multiple tumor types. Other than mifamurtide (MEPACT®) for osteosarcoma approved by European Medicines Agency, there are no approved immunotherapies for sarcomas. We analyzed medical records of patients with advanced sarcoma who were referred to Phase 1 clinic at MD Anderson and received an immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, or cytokine based therapies). Clinical parameters including demographics, clinical history, toxicity, and response were abstracted. Among 50 patients enrolled in immunotherapy trials (Bone 10; Soft-tissue 40) we found 14 different subtypes of sarcomas. Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) prognostic score was <2 (86%). Performance status (PS) was 0–1 in 48 patients (96%); median number of prior therapies was 3 (0–12). Immunotherapy consisted of checkpoint inhibitors (82%: PD1 = 7, PD-L1 = 11, CTLA4 = 22, other = 1) of which 42% were combinations, as well as vaccines (14%), and cytokines (4%). Median overall survival (OS) was 13.4 months (11.2 months: not reached). Median progression free survival (PFS) was 2.4 months (95% CI = 1.9–3.2 months). Best response was partial response (PR) in 2 patients with alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) and stable disease (SD) in 11 patients (3 GIST, 3 liposarcomas (2 DDLS, 1 WDLS), 2 ASPS, 2 leiomyo, 1 osteo). PFS was 34% (23%, at 50%) at 3 months, 16% (8%, 30%) at 6 months, and 6% (2%, 20%) at 1 year. Pseudo-progression followed by stable disease was observed in 2 patients (4%). Grade 3/4 adverse events included rash (10%), fever (6%), fatigue (6%), and nausea/vomiting (6%). Immunotherapies were well tolerated in advanced sarcoma patients enrolled in trials. All four ASPS patients had clinical benefit with checkpoint inhibitors and this was the only subtype experiencing partial response. Further evaluation of checkpoint inhibitors in ASPS is warranted.
How Should We Judge the Ethics of Illustrations in Graphic Medicine Novels

Graphic medicine novels such as Stitches , Mom’s Cancer , and Taking Turns have ethical implications for patient-physician relationships and empathic care.