cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motion-compensated video compression with reduced complexity encoding for remote transmission

Abstract Efficient operation at very low bit-rates necessitates a complex encoder that can exploit both spatial and temporal redundancy in a video sequence. To reduce the complexity of such an encoder, we introduce here a new form of motion compensation similar to the conventional hybrid DPCM-transform method but where the compensation is performed outside the feedback loop. In addition to reducing encoder complexity, the proposed out-of-loop (OOL) compensation scheme also supports resolution and frame-rate scalability. While the basic idea is conceptually similar to the pan compensation proposed by Taubman and Zakhor, our method continually tracks and updates the image in the feedback loop in the same way as the conventional DPCM coder. Using OOL compensation, we have observed an average encoder speed increase of 33% on a typical CIF-size video sequence compared to the conventional approach with no significant decrease in decoder speed. Furthermore, we have also found that OOL pan compensation significantly improves the rate-distortion performance of the system relative to conventional pan compensation – taken over five different video sequences, the average bit-rate reduction is 9.2% and the average mean-squared error reduction is 29.6%.
Solid state coordination chemistry: temperature dependence of the crystal chemistry of the oxovanadium-phenylphosphonate-copper(II)-2,2′-bipyridine system. Crystal structures of the one-dimensional [{Cu(bpy)}VO2(O3PC6H5)(HO3PC6H5)], [{Cu3(bpy)3(H2O)}V4O9(O3PC6H5)4], [{Cu(bpy)}2V3O6(O3PC6H5)3(HO3PC6H5)] and [{Cu(bpy)}VO(O3PC6H5)2]

Abstract The temperature dependence of the hydrothermal chemistry of the oxovanadium-phenylphosphonate/copper(II)-bipyridine system has been investigated. Reactions of identical compositions of CuSO 4 ⋅5H 2 O, bipyridine, C 6 H 5 PO 3 H 2 and Na 3 VO 4 in H 2 O yielded [{Cu(bpy)}VO 2 (O 3 PC 6 H 5 )(HOC 6 H 5 )] ( 1 ), [{Cu 3 (bpy) 3 (H 2 O)}V 4 O 9 (O 3 PC 6 H 5 ) 4 ]⋅3.9H 2 O ( 2 ⋅3.9H 2 O) and [{Cu(bpy)}VO(O 3 PC 6 H 5 ) 2 ] ( 4 ) at 120 °C, 150 °C and 180–230 °C, respectively. Furthermore, variations in stoichiometry at 150 °C provided yet a fourth one-dimensional phase [{Cu(bpy)} 2 V 3 O 6 (O 3 PC 6 H 5 ) 3 (HO 3 PC 6 H 5 )] ( 3 ). Substitution of a methyl substituent for the phenyl group yielded another one-dimensional material [{Cu(bpy)}V 2 O 4 (O 3 PCH 3 ) 2 ⋅H 2 O ( 5 ⋅H 2 O). The structural chemistry is discussed in terms of the polyhedral variability of vanadium oxides, the tendency of oxovanadium polyhedra to form oligomeric arrays, the variable modes of polyhedral connectivity associated with vanadium square pyramids and phosphorus tetrahedra and the steric influences of the copper(II)-bpy subunit.
Dysfunctional voiding in women.

Purpose: We characterized presenting symptoms and urodynamic findings in women with dysfunctional voiding.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the charts of 26 women diagnosed with dysfunctional voiding. Those with a known or suspected history of neurological disease before evaluation were excluded from study. All patients completed an American Urological Association symptom index, and scores were classified as total, storage (irritative) and emptying (obstructive). The diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding was made on multichannel video urodynamics. There was increased external sphincter activity during voiding. Presenting symptoms and urodynamic findings in all cases were summarized. In addition, symptoms and urodynamic findings in patients later diagnosed with occult neurological disease were compared with those in patients without neurological disease.Results: Mean patient age was 39.2 years (range 19 to 79). Mean total American Urological Association-7 score was 24.4 of 35. Frequency and urgency were the ...
Strategies to reduce browse damage on eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) in southern New England, USA

Abstract Successful conifer plantations may require protection from browse damage in areas with large deer herds. A series of studies at nine sites examined the interaction among browse protection, overstory cover, and vegetation control on growth and survival of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) in southern New England. Bud caps placed slightly below the height of the terminal bud protected the terminal bud without causing distorted top growth during bud expansion. Rigid mesh tubes that were 91-cm tall, but not 60-cm tall tubes, frequently folded over following a heavy wet snowfall and had to be straightened to prevent distorted terminal bud growth. Underplanted seedlings grow much slower than those planted in open clearcuts. After five years, open-grown seedlings averaged 207 cm and were above the browse line. After nine years, underplanted seedlings were the same height (130 cm) as open-grown seedlings after three years. A system using 60-cm tall rigid mesh tubes followed up with bud caps for larger seedlings will increase growth and survival in areas with high deer populations. In areas with low deer populations where minimal browse damage is anticipated, vegetation control may be an effective method of increasing growth and survival.
Inservice training for urban day care centers: An evaluation of training strategies

Professional training for day care providers is being increasingly recognized as an avenue to improve the quality of child care. This article briefly describes two projects that offered training to urban day care centers. Based on the combined five years of training implemented, the relative utility of various training strategies is examined.
A Limited Plasma Cell Flow Cytometry Panel With Reflex CD138 Immunohistochemistry Is an Optimal Workflow Process for Evaluating Plasma Cell Neoplasms in Bone Marrow Specimens

Objectives: To determine the optimal workflow combination of flow cytometry (FC) and immunohistochemistry tests for efficient and cost-effective evaluation of plasma cell (PC) neoplasms (PCNs) in bone marrow (BM) specimens. Methods: Various workflow combinations of immunohistochemistry and FC for 4,031 BM specimens worked up for PCNs were compared. Turnaround time (TAT), immunohistochemistry usage, technical charges, and addendum/amendment rates were compared between periods to determine the optimal workflow combination. Results: Five distinct workflow periods were identified, with varying combinations of full or limited FC panels for assessing PC clonality and CD138/κ/λ immunohistochemistry for PC quantification. Replacement of full FC with limited FC was associated with significant reductions in TAT and number of immunostains performed per case. Elimination of immunohistochemistry on cases determined to be polyclonal by FC also resulted in significant reductions in immunohistochemistry usage and significant cost savings. Conclusions: Assessment of PC clonality using a limited FC panel followed by reflex CD138 immunohistochemistry on cases that are monoclonal by FC provides an optimal and cost-effective workflow for evaluating PCNs in BM samples.
Normal functioning and the treatment-enhancement distinction.

The treatment-enhancement distinction draws a line between services or interventions meant to prevent or cure (or otherwise ameliorate) conditions that we view as diseases or disabilities and interventions that improve a condition that we view as a normal function or feature of members of our species. The line drawn here is widely appealed to in medical practice and medical insurance contexts, as well as in our everyday thinking about the medical services we do and should assist people in obtaining.
Increasing Connection Lifetimes through Dynamic Distribution of Budgeted Power

We present a new dynamic scheme which continuously redistributes a fixed power budget among mobile wireless nodes participating in a multi-hop wireless connection, with the objective of maximizing the expected lifetime of the connection. Our experimental simulations indicate that the proposed power budget distribution scheme yields a significant increase in connection lifetime. We quantify the sensitivity of the performance gains to various system parameters, including connection size, node density, power budget size, and mean node velocities. We then compare the efficacy of our scheme with two schemes: one that simply distributes the power budget uniformly, and one that distributes the power budget dynamically with the objective of minimizing end-to-end bit error rate (BER). In comparing the relative performance of the three schemes we obtain a qualitative assessment of the inherent oppositions and tradeoffs between the objectives of BER minimization and lifetime maximization.
Joseph Black, carbon dioxide, latent heat, and the beginnings of the discovery of the respiratory gases

The discovery of carbon dioxide by Joseph Black (1728–1799) marked a new era of research on the respiratory gases. His initial interest was in alkalis such as limewater that were thought to be useful in the treatment of renal stone. When he studied magnesium carbonate, he found that when this was heated or exposed to acid, a gas was evolved which he called “fixed air” because it had been combined with a solid material. He showed that the new gas extinguished a flame, that it could not support life, and that it was present in gas exhaled from the lung. Within a few years of his discovery, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen were also isolated. Thus arguably Black’s work started the avalanche of research on the respiratory gases carried out by Priestley, Scheele, Lavoisier and Cavendish. Black then turned his attention to heat and he was the first person to describe latent heat, that is the heat added or lost when a liquid changes its state, for example when water changes to ice or steam. Latent heat is a key concept in thermal physiology because of the heat lost when sweat evaporates. Black was a friend of the young James Watt (1736–1819) who was responsible for the development of early steam engines. Watt was puzzled why so much cooling was necessary to condense steam into water, and Black realized that the answer was the latent heat. The resulting improvements in steam engines ushered in the Industrial Revolution.
Performance of Improved Channel Allocation for Multicarrier CDMA with Adaptive Frequency Hopping and Multiuser Detection

Subchannel allocation for the reverse link of multi-carrier code-division multiplex-access (MC-CDMA) system with adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) is investigated. An efficient allocation method that can be employed with the matched filter (MF) receiver as well as with multiuser detectors (MUDs) by exploiting the appropriate signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) analysis is described. It is demonstrated that combined improved subcarrier allocation and the linear decorrelating detector (LDD) are very efficient in mitigating multiple-access interference (MAI), resulting in much larger system capacity than for a non-adaptive MC direct-sequence (DS)-CDMA system. This conclusion is confirmed for realistic fading channels with correlated subcarriers and imperfect channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter.
Weighted Fair Uplink/Downlink Access Provisioning in IEEE 802.11e WLANs

We present the unfairness problem between the uplink and the downlink flows in the IEEE 802.11e infrastructure basic service set (BSS) when the default settings of the enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters are used. First, we propose an analytical model to calculate the EDCA parameter set that ideally achieves a predetermined utilization ratio between uplink and downlink flows. Next, we design a simple and practical model-assisted measurement-based dynamic parameter adaptation algorithm. In the design of the proposed algorithm, we also consider the interactions of the bi-directional communication structure of transmission control protocol (TCP) with the medium access control (MAC) layer algorithm. Via simulations, we show that our solution provides short- and long-term fair access for uplink and downlink TCP and user datagram protocol (UDP) flows with different wired link propagation delays in a wired-wireless heterogeneous scenario. In the meantime, the quality-of-service (QoS) requirements of coexisting real-time flows can also be maintained.
Trade productivity upgrading, trade fragmentation, and FDI in manufacturing: The Asian development experience

This paper examines the experience of 10 Asian countries with respect to growth, trade and FDI. It explores relationships between the nature of exports and imports and growth, as well as the relevance of FDI as a channel for these relationships. We find that FDI is often positively correlated with higher productivity levels in exports and imports. The effect for imports is particularly apparent for imported intermediate goods, reflecting the emergence of greater trade fragmentation. In turn, both imported intermediates and exports that are associated with higher productivity levels are positively correlated with per capita GDP. This paper therefore brings together empirical evidence that integrates discussions of FDI, trade fragmentation and improvements in the productivity of traded goods.
Cold temperature increases winter fruit removal rate of a bird-dispersed shrub

We tested the hypothesis that winter removal rates of fruits of wax myrtle, Myrica cerifera, are higher in colder winters. Over a 9-year period, we monitored M. cerifera fruit crops in 13 0.1-ha study plots in South Carolina, U.S.A. Peak ripeness occurred in November, whereas peak removal occurred in the coldest months, December and January. Mean time to fruit removal within study plots was positively correlated with mean winter temperatures, thereby supporting our hypothesis. This result, combined with the generally low availability of winter arthropods, suggests that fruit abundance may play a role in determining winter survivorship and distribution of permanent resident and short-distance migrant birds. From the plant's perspective, it demonstrates inter-annual variation in the temporal component of seed dispersal, with possible consequences for post-dispersal seed and seedling ecology.
Thumb Force and Muscle Loads Are Influenced by the Design of a Mechanical Pipette and by Pipetting Tasks

Work involving pipetting is associated with elevated rates of musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and wrist. The purpose of this study was to quantify thumb loading and muscle activity and determine if they varied among pipetting tasks. Fourteen experienced participants performed nine pipetting tasks while surface electromyography was measured for the extensor pollicis brevis, abductor pollicis longus, flexor pollicis longus, and abductor pollicis brevis muscles. For five tasks, participants used a pipette instrumented to measure the thumb force applied to the plunger. High-precision tasks significantly increased static muscle activity but reduced peak thumb force on average 5% as compared with low-precision tasks. Pipetting high-viscosity fluids increased peak thumb forces on average 11% as compared with pipetting low-viscosity fluids. Use of a latch pipette increased muscle activity of three muscles. We conclude that pipette design and pipetting tasks can influence applied thumb force and muscle activity. We recommend that pipettes be designed to limit applied peak forces and that pipette users be instructed in use patterns that will reduce applied forces. Actual or potential applications of this research include modifications to pipette designs and worker training in order to reduce hand pain associated with pipetting.
Interactive geovisualization of activity-travel patterns using three-dimensional geographical information systems: a methodological exploration with a large data set

A major difficulty in the analysis of disaggregate activity-travel behavior in the past arises from the many interacting dimensions involved (e.g. location, timing, duration and sequencing of trips and activities). Often, the researcher is forced to decompose activity-travel patterns into their component dimensions and focus only on one or two dimensions at a time, or to treat them as a multidimensional whole using multivariate methods to derive generalized activity-travel patterns. This paper describes several GIS-based three-dimensional (3D) geovisualization methods for dealing with the spatial and temporal dimensions of human activity-travel patterns at the same time while avoiding the interpretative complexity of multivariate pattern generalization or recognition methods. These methods are operationalized using interactive 3D GIS techniques and a travel diary data set collected in the Portland (Oregon) metropolitan region. The study demonstrates several advantages in using these methods. First, significance of the temporal dimension and its interaction with the spatial dimension in structuring the daily space-time trajectories of individuals can be clearly revealed. Second, they are effective tools for the exploratory analysis of activity diary data that can lead to more focused analysis in later stages of a study. They can also help the formulation of more realistic computational or behavioral travel models.
Distributing load in the presence of failures in extra-stage shuffle-exchange networks

Multipath multistage interconnection networks (MINs) have been proposed to increase reliability in shared memory multiprocessor systems. The authors address the problem of evenly distributing traffic among surviving switching elements in the presence of switch failures. They consider the 16*16 extra stage cube (ESC) network. A simple modification to the ESC network is outlined. Hardware cost is not increased as the modified network uses the same number of links as the ESC network. Like the ESC network the proposed MIN tolerates all single component failures. In addition, it is shown that the proposed MIN tolerates multiple switch failures better than the ESC network. >
A direct field oriented controller for induction motor drives using tapped stator windings

The implementation of a direct method of field orientation that requires little knowledge of machine parameters and uses only readily measurable quantities is discussed. The system uses tapped stator windings to measure the air-gap flux. The signals from the tapped windings are also used in a flux-regulation loop. A speed controller is implemented using the ripples created in the tapped windings by the motion of the rotor slots through the flux for speed information. >
Dermatomyositis: Evolution of a Diagnosis

Background and Purpose. As direct access evolves, physical therapists will increasingly encounter patients with pathology that might have an underlying systemic origin. The purpose of this case report is to describe the diagnostic process that led a patient's physical therapist to recognize signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis. Case Description. The patient was an 18-year-old woman who was referred for physical therapy by her primary care physician on 3 occasions with 3 separate musculoskeletal diagnoses. During the third episode, the physical therapist recognized signs and symptoms that could be indicative of dermatologic disease and referred the patient to a dermatologist. Outcomes. A rheumatologist diagnosed the patient's condition as dermatomyositis and referred her for physical therapy. The physical therapy plan of care focused on strengthening and stretching, with an emphasis on a home exercise program. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) indicated that the patient continually made functional improvements over an 18-month period. Discussion. Although diagnosis of diseases such as inflammatory myopathies is not within a physical therapist's scope of practice, this case demonstrates the role a physical therapist can play in recognition of underlying systemic pathology by using the diagnostic process.
Ste5 tethers multiple protein kinases in the MAP kinase cascade required for mating in S. cerevisiae

Ste5 is a Zn2+ finger-like protein thought to function before three kinases, Ste11 (a MEKK), Ste7 (a MEK), and Fus3 (a MAPK), in a conserved MAP kinase cascade required for mating in S. cerevisiae. Here, we present evidence that Ste5 forms a multikinase complex that joins these kinases for efficient Fus3 activation. By two-hybrid analysis, Ste11, Ste7, and Fus3 associate with different domains of Ste5, while Kss1, another MAPK, associates with the same domain as Fus3, thus implying that Ste5 simultaneously binds a MEKK, MEK, and MAPK. Ste5 copurifies with Ste11, Fus3, and a hypophosphorylated form of Ste7, and all four proteins cosediment in a glycerol gradient as if in a large complex. Ste5 also increases the amount of Ste11 complexed to Ste7 and Fus3 and is required for Ste11 to function. These results substantiate a novel signal transduction component that physically links multiple kinases within a single cascade.
The Tyranny of Numbers or the Tyranny of Methodology: Explaining the East Asian Growth Experience

This paper applies the theory and insights of Maurice Scott’s New View of Economic Growth (1989) to challenge the analysis and conclusions of Alwyn Young’s widely acclaimed paper, ”The Tyranny of Numbers: Confronting the Statistical Realities of the East Asian Growth Experience” (1995), which purports to show that growth in the East Asian NICs was mainly due to factor accumulation, with little technical change or total factor productivity growth. It is argued that Young’s empirical findings result from the inappropriate, albeit widely adopted, practice of subtracting depreciation from gross investment in measuring the contribution of investment to growth.
Abstract 12951: Human C-Type Natriuretic Peptide-53: A Distinct Molecular Form With in vitro and in vivo Biological Actions Through cGMP Generation

Introduction: ANP and BNP are cardiac hormones that have a natriuretic and diuretic role in heart failure (HF) through guanylyl cyclase receptor A (GC-A) and cGMP generation. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is part of this hormone family and is produced in the heart and endothelium. The biologically active form, CNP-22, is known to have potent anti-remodeling properties through the activation of GC-B and cGMP, but lacks natriuretic actions. Recently we have identified that another larger CNP form, CNP-53, is elevated in the plasma of acute decompensated HF patients, however it unclear if CNP-53 possesses biological actions. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that CNP-53 would be biologically active in vivo and in vitro, and would stimulate GC-B specific cGMP production. Methods: HEK 293 cells over-expressing GC-A and GC-B and human cardiac fibroblasts (hCFs), in which GC-B are in abundance, were stimulated with CNP-53 for 10 minutes at a dose of (10-8M). Two groups of anesthetized rats (n=8) received a 75-minut...
Nonbelievers in the Church: A Study of Cultural Religion in Sweden

In terms of belief and attendance, Sweden is one of the most secular countries in the world. Yet, church affiliation and ritual participation remain high. Asthe Church of Sweden historically served secular functions on behalf of the state, this paper uses survey data from the International Social Survey Program to investigate the extent to which Swedes are culturally religious, whereby they belong without believing. Findings reveal more prominent differences between individuals identifying with other religions and the Church of Sweden than between those identifying with the Church of Sweden and no religion. Furthermore, there is a weak connection between beliefs and Church of Sweden identification, while there is a strong relationship between beliefs and regular attendance. As such, this study calls for careful conceptualization of religious belonging as, in some contexts, common measures of objective religiosity, such as affiliation and attendance, reflect fundamentally different phenomena.
Inhibitory influence of ethanol on serotonin metabolism.

SummaryThe influence of a sublethal, hypnotic dose of ethanol on metabolism of serotonin was investigated in the mouse. Thirty minutes after intraperitoneal injection of 4.5 g/kg of ethanol, mice were administered 160 mg/kg of serotonin intraperitoneally. At various intervals after the serotonin dose, the whole animal and its excreta were homogenized and analyzed for serotonin, 5-HIAA, and total 5-hydroxyindole compounds. The results clearly demonstrated that alcohol exerted an appreciable inhibitory effect on metabolism of serotonin and depressed its biotransformation via oxidation and conjugation. The enzymatic, toxicologic, and neuropharmacologic implications are discussed.The author expresses his gratitude to CDR Jack W. Millar, MC, USN for encouragement and generous support, and to Charles E. Wilson for able and enthusiastic technical assistance.
New Europe, Old Habits: Immigration, Economics and the Rise of the Far Right in Western Europe

This paper theorizes that the recent global economic crisis has highlighted an underlying weakness inherent in the foundations of the European Union. While many have viewed the noticeable increase in political support for far-right parties in Europe as a consequence of economic hardship, this research attempts to place economic issues in the broader context of the elitist foundations of the European Union and an ‘unrestrained’ European Political Culture. To this end, this research utilizes Comparative Manifest Data to explore two primary hypotheses. The first asserts that the creation of the original EU15 was largely the result of the ability of political elites to limit the scope of EU deliberation at the domestic level – thus, the European Union was built upon a democratic deficit that, in the wake of European expansion and economic recession, is no longer able to sustain. The second hypothesis examines the possibility that the political mobilization of European voters cannot be understood in terms of a purely rational choice, economic cost-benefit analysis. Rather, we must consider such mobilization in the context of a bounded rationality framework that intertwines considerations of economic well-being with those of cultural homogeneity. The final part of this paper will discuss the concept of an unrestrained European Political Culture and its implications for the future of European Unity.
Rural Telemental Health and Adolescents: Try a Little Shakespeare

ABSTRACTTwenty-five percent of Americans live in rural areas, almost all of which are designated as mental health service shortage areas. This designation represents serious problems for adolescents needing help with predictable developmental problems. The project described serves communities without mental health professionals; uses telemental health technology, co-located in rural primary care clinics; and emphasizes communication and coordination among professionals and clients. An example of addressing identity formation in an adolescent experiencing significant family and relational stress is explored, including the resolution of an ongoing friendship problem by using a school assignment, an analysis of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 48. Discussion includes safety, immediacy, and using bibliotherapy in telemental health with adolescents, as well as the appropriateness of telemental health for individual and parent-child sessions.
Aflatoxins in domestic and imported foods and feeds

Aflatoxins, metabolic products of the molds Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, may occur in foods and feeds. These toxins cannot be entirely avoided or eliminated from foods or feeds by current agronomic and manufacturing processes and are considered unavoidable contaminants. To limit aflatoxin exposure, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set action levels for these toxins in foods and feeds involved in interstate commerce. FDA continually monitors food and feed industries through compliance programs. This report summarizes data generated from compliance programs on aflatoxins for the fiscal year 1986. Commodities sampled included peanuts and peanut products, corn and corn products, tree nuts, cottonseed, milk, spices, manufactured products, and miscellaneous foods and feeds. Correlations were highest between aflatoxin contamination and geographical areas for corn/corn products and cottonseed/cottonseed meal. Higher incidences of aflatoxin contamination in corn and corn products designated for human consumption were observed in samples collected in the southeastern states (32 and 28%, respectively). A higher incidence of contamination was observed in corn designated for animal feed from Arkansas-Texas (74%) than from the southeastern states (47%). Only 3% of feed corn from corn belt states contained detectable aflatoxins. All aflatoxin-contaminated cottonseed was collected in the Arizona-California area; 80% of cottonseed meal analyzed from this area also contained detectable levels of aflatoxins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Role of tumor necrosis factor in monocyte/macrophage tumor cytotoxicity in vitro

The ability of activated monocytes/macrophages to exert cytotoxic effects in vitro which are preferentially manifest on target cells displaying a transformed phenotype has elicited intense efforts aimed at a molecular characterization of the underlying mechanism. This multistep reaction is typified by an apparently stringent requirement for conjugation between the effector and target to facilitate cytotoxicity, which has therefore long caused bias against the role of soluble effector molecules in mediating target cell damage. However, several laboratories have recently demonstrated a compelling role for at least one such mediator, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), in cell-mediated cytotoxicity exerted against certain target cells; these studies indicated that specific anti-TNF antibodies could block direct monocyte/macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity of TNF-sensitive targets. More recently we have shown that some targets which are completely resistant to soluble or fluid-phase TNF are effectively lysed by a TNF-dependent mechanism upon coculture with activated macrophages under conditions in which conjugation is facilitated. Furthermore, macrophage-mediated cytolysis of both TNF-sensitive and TNF-resistant targets occurs independently of the action of secreted TNF via this mechanism. The purpose of this review is to consider the implications of distinct modes of effector cell delivery of TNF to the target for molecular characterization of the target injury phase of macrophage-mediated tumor cytotoxicity.
Evaluating an Image Gently and Image Wisely Campaign in a Multihospital Health Care System

Abstract Purpose The efficacy of an Image Gently ® /Image Wisely ® radiology departmental campaign consisting of the optimization of CT protocols to reduce dose while maintaining quality, and an educational effort to alter the ordering patterns of referring physicians at a multihospital academic center, was evaluated. Methods The numbers of CT, MR, and ultrasound studies performed at inpatient, outpatient, and emergency facilities in the hospital system before and after the initiation of the departmental campaign (2010) were obtained for a 10-year period (2004-2014) using a radiology information system. For the same time period, dose per scan (volumetric CT dose index) was obtained through the Dose Index Registry ® /National Radiology Data Registry for frequently performed studies. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze temporal trends in radiation dose and utilization across differing age groups: Results The radiology information system yielded 865,879 imaging examinations and 4,508,030 patients. Although patient and imaging volume grew annually over the study period (by 6.8% and 4.9%, respectively), CT utilization as a percentage of total imaging decreased, compensated for by an increase in ultrasound use. This was most marked in the youngest age group. MR use as a percentage of total imaging was unchanged. The median volumetric CT dose index for each study protocol was reduced or stabilized. Conclusions The campaign resulted in a reduction in CT utilization, a reduction in radiation dose per study, and a compensatory rise in ultrasound use. An interactive aggressive educational campaign directed toward referring providers combined with protocol dose reduction efforts can be successful in reducing patient exposure from medical radiation.
Determining the Safety of Maltogenic Amylase Produced by rDNA Technology.

A maltogenic amylase produced by a genetically engineered Bacillus subtilis was studied to evaluate its safety in the food industry. First, the safety of the component parts used in the cloning process, i.e. the host organism ( B. subtilis ), the donor organism ( Bacillus stearothermophilus ) and the construction process, were evaluated. This evaluation indicated that the final construct should be regarded as a safe source for maltogenic amylase when manufactured according to current Good Manufacturing Practices. Additional experimental safety testing was carried out to confirm this conclusion. In a 13-week oral toxicity study rats tolerated the maltogenic amylase at dietary levels of 5% without toxicologically significant adverse reaction. Lack of mutagenic potential was confirmed in bacterial mutagenic as-says with Salmonella typhimurium and in an in vivo cytogenetic study in rat bone marrow cells. In an acute inhalation study with 4 h of exposure to rats, no death occurred at the highest dose level, i.e, 1.59 mg/L. The test material was non-irritating to skin and did not product eye injury in rabbits. A skin sensitization study in guinea pigs was negative. Antibiotic activity tests indicated that the microorganism did not produce antibiotics. Results indicated that maltogenic amylase should be generally recognized as safe for use in production of maltose syrups, and confirmed the conclusion drawn from the safety evaluation of the component parts used in the cloning process.
Atlas of human diseases influenced by genetic variants with extreme allele frequency differences.

Genetic variants with extreme allele frequency differences (EAFD) may underlie some human health disparities across populations. To identify EAFD loci, we systematically analyzed and characterized 81 million genomic variants from 2504 unrelated individuals of 26 world populations (phase III of the 1000 Genomes Project). Our analyses revealed a total of 434 genes, 15 pathways, and 18 diseases and traits influenced by EAFD variants from five continental populations. They included known EAFD genes, such as LCT (lactose tolerance), SLC24A5 (skin pigmentation), and EDAR (hair morphology). We found many novel EAFD genes, including TBC1D2B (autophagy mediator), TRIM40 (gastrointestinal inflammatory regulator), KRT71, KRT75, KRT83, and KRTAP10-1 (hair and epithelial keratin synthesis), PIK3R3 (insulin receptor interaction), DARS (neurological disorders), and NACA2 (skin inflammatory response). Our results also showed four complex diseases significantly associated with EAFD loci, including asthma (adjusted enrichment P = 4 × 10−8), type I diabetes (P = 6 × 10−9), alcohol consumption (P = 0.0002), and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P = 0.003). This study provides a comprehensive atlas of genes, pathways, and human diseases significantly influenced by EAFD variants.
Repeated Application of Fuel Reduction Treatments in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, USA: Implications for Achieving Management Goals

Fire and resource managers of the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA, have many questions about the use of prescribed fire and mechanical treatments to meet various land management objectives. Three common objectives include restoration to an open woodland, oak regeneration, and fuel reduction. This paper provides information about reaching each of these three management objectives by using prescribed burning (B), mechanical fuel reduction (M), and a combination of both fire and mechanical treatment (MB). The southern Appalachian site of the National Fire and Fire Surrogate study has been burned three times and a mechanical treatment has been conducted twice since 2002. Stand structure was changed by each active treatment but restoration to an open woodland was not achieved by any. The MB treatment units developed the desired overstory structure but heavy sprouting of woody species in the understory prevented the establishment of a diverse herbaceous forest floor. Oak reproduction was increased by all active treatments, largely by sprouting of top-killed stems. The degree of fuel reduction differed by treatment. All treatments reduced the shrub layer, thus reducing the vertical fuel component. The B and MB treatments reduced most fuels and likely reduced the severity of a subsequent wildfire. We conclude that additional burning is required to meet each management objective, and that fires should be conducted more frequently, in different seasons, or in combination with other treatments.
How can mate-pair sequencing be utilized for cancer patients?

NGS utilizes the power of massively parallel sequencing to generate large numbers of sequences simultaneously. The first NGS platform (454) could generate 20 million base pairs of sequence from a s...
Monte Carlo Decision Curve Analysis Using Aggregate Data

Background Decision curve analysis (DCA) is an increasingly used method for evaluating diagnostic tests and predictive models but its application requires individual patient data. The Monte Carlo (MC) method can be used to simulate probabilities and outcomes of individual patients and offers an attractive option for application of DCA. Methods We constructed a MC decision model to simulate individual probabilities of outcomes of interest. These probabilities were contrasted against the threshold probability at which a decision-maker is indifferent between key management strategies: treat all, treat none, or use predictive model to guide treatment. We compared the results of DCA with MC simulated data against the results of DCA based on actual individual patient data for three decision models published in the literature: 1.statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, 2.hospice referral for terminally ill patients, and 3.prostate cancer surgery. Results The results of MC DCA and patient data DCA were identical. To the extent that patient-data DCA were used to inform decisions about statin use, referral to hospice, or prostate surgery the results indicate that MC DCA could have also been used. As long as the aggregate parameters on distribution of the probability of outcomes and treatment effects are accurately described in the published reports, the MC DCA will generate indistinguishable results from individual patient data DCA. Conclusions We provide a simple, easy-to-use model, which can facilitate wider use of DCA and better evaluation of diagnostic tests and predictive models that rely only on aggregate data reported in literature. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Widespread Expression of a Membrane-Tethered Version of the Soluble Lysosomal Enzyme Palmitoyl Protein Thioesterase-1

“Cross-correction,” the transfer of soluble lysosomal enzymes between neighboring cells, forms the foundation for therapeutics of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). However, “cross-correction” poses a significant barrier to studying the role of specific cell types in LSD pathogenesis. By expressing the native enzyme in only one cell type, neighboring cell types are invariably corrected. In this study, we present a strategy to limit “cross-correction” of palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1(PPT1), a lysosomal hydrolase deficient in Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (INCL, Infantile Batten disease) to the lysosomal membrane via the C-terminus of lysosomal associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP1). Tethering PPT1 to the lysosomal membrane prevented “cross-correction” while allowing PPT1 to retain its enzymatic function and localization in vitro. A transgenic line harboring the lysosomal membrane-tethered PPT1 was then generated. We show that expression of lysosome-restricted PPT1 in vivo largely rescues the INCL biochemical, histological, and functional phenotype. These data suggest that lysosomal tethering of PPT1 via the C-terminus of LAMP1 is a viable strategy and that this general approach can be used to study the role of specific cell types in INCL pathogenesis, as well as other LSDs. Ultimately, understanding the role of specific cell types in the disease progression of LSDs will help guide the development of more targeted therapeutics.
Hydrolysis of several ethylethoxysilanes to yield deformable filler particles

A technique is devised for incorporating organic groups in filler particles, thus giving them some deformability. Hoped-for increases in toughness were not obtained, presumably because of replacement of some surface silanol groups by less reactive organic groups, thus decreasing filler-matrix bonding and elastomer reinforcement.
Direct Method without the Riccati equation for a Linear Filtering System with Arbitrary Initial Conditions

Abstract The Kalman-Bucy filter is widely used in modern industry. Despite its usefulness, however, the Kalman-Bucy filter is not perfect, One of its weaknesses is that it needs a Gaussian assumption for the initial data. In this paper we present a direct method without the Riccati equation, Our method requires only n sufficient statistics, where n is the dimension of the state space, the same complexity as the classical Kalman-Bucy filter with Gaussian initial conditions. On the other hand, the well-known Makowski method and Haussman-Pardoux method for linear filtering both require a number of sufficient statistics to be a polynomial of degree two in n. Our method thus appears of practical importance.
The Relevance of Ageing for Civil Infrastructure: The Profession, the Politics, the Classroom

The work of civil engineers and researchers has strong impact on public policy for infrastructure funding. This talk considers several professional, political and education-related thrusts. First is the challenge of communicating about intrinsically qualitative matters with metrics that support rational decision making for spending public funds. Second, it is necessary to confront political realities when trying to influence infrastructure-investment policy in free and democratic societies. Third, ageing of infrastructure is complex, and it demands new knowledge to address technical, economic and political aspects. Fourth, the new knowledge and expanded skills expected of future engineers are driving the reform of curriculum and pedagogy. This talk revels in the opportunity to marry technical facts with political commentary in the spirit of provoking thoughtful debate and discussion.
The psychological and emotional effects of prison on prison staff

This chapter focuses exclusively on the uniformed sector of prison staff – prison officers – drawing upon their testimonies from research carried out in a high security and a local prison, as well as existing theoretical literature and previous empirical findings. It outlines the various effects that have been identified of working in prison on prison officers. Prisons are not only interesting sites of sociological study but of psychological and emotional inquiry too. The chapter then considers the extent to which an officer's job may be described as stressful and summarises the possible causes of this occupational stress, discussing the pressures and tensions encountered by staff. Finally, the chapter examines the coping strategies officers employ in order to deal with the demands of the job and addresses the question of whether relationships between staff and prisoners might be affected by the personal experiences of prison officers.
Repair of DNA double-strand breaks by mammalian alternative end-joining pathways

Alternative end-joining (a-EJ) pathways, which repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), are initiated by end resection that generates 3′ single strands. This reaction is shared, at least in part, with homologous recombination but distinguishes a-EJ from the major nonhomologous end-joining pathway. Although the a-EJ pathways make only a minor and poorly understood contribution to DSB repair in nonmalignant cells, there is growing interest in these pathways, as they generate genomic rearrangements that are hallmarks of cancer cells. Here, we review and discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of a-EJ pathways, the role of a-EJ in human disease, and the potential utility of a-EJ as a therapeutic target in cancer.
Experimental study on the cyclic behavior of thermal energy storage in an air-alumina packed bed

Abstract Thermal energy storage (TES) in a packed bed exemplifies important technology for concentrated solar thermal (CST) applications such as electricity production, desalination, enhanced oil recovery, fuel production and chemical processing. In this study, the cyclic charge-discharge behavior of packed bed TES was studied experimentally using alumina beads as packing material. Air was used as heat transfer fluid (HTF) with an inlet temperature of 150 °C. This paper shows the effect of flow rates, partial charge-discharge cycling, and storage hold time on the exergetic efficiencies. The results indicate that the exergy efficiency increases from 35.7% to 55.4% with increasing flow rate from 0.0020 to 0.0061 m3/s. The exergy decays for multiple cycles before reaching a steady state. Over partial charge-discharge cycles at flow rates of 0.0020, 0.0034, 0.0048, and 0.0061 m3/s, the exergetic efficiency decays from 59.8% to 50.2%, 72.5% to 61.2%, 79.0% to 66.2%, and 83.1% to 69.2%, respectively. Heat losses and axial thermal dispersion are two important variables that affect the exergy efficiency, and the individual contributions were estimated via a model for the partial cycles. Heat losses were considered for three durations of holding: no hold, 30 min hold and 120 min hold. The exergy efficiency decays from 53.2% to 31.0% from no hold to 120 min hold due to the heat lost to the ambient.
Detection of timing loop and clock selection in a synchronous ethernet network based on hop count

A Synchronous Ethernet Network consists of network element (NE) which recover clock from the underlying Ethernet PHY and the quality of clock is conveyed using Ethernet Synchronous Messaging Channel with QL information embedded in QL-TLV. This enables clock selection for the downstream node. This paper describes a method to detect Timing Loop in synchronous network by modifying the current clock selection algorithm by adding another TLV to ESMC. A new parameter `hop count' define this new TLV which is incremented by `1' on each hop as the ESMC messages propagate on a synchronous ethernet network. This paper also shows the modified clock selection algorithm which each NEs uses to select the best available clock from a set of clocks. Also this paper captures the MTIE/TDEV graph for the frequency error/noise respectively with the proposed solution.
eFCM: An Enhanced Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm for Longitudinal Intervention Data

Clustering methods become increasingly important in analyzing heterogeneity of treatment effects, especially in longitudinal behavioral intervention studies. Methods such as K-means and Fuzzy C-means (FCM) have been widely endorsed to identify distinct groups of different types of data. Build upon our MIFuzzy [1], our goal is to concurrently handle multiple methodological issues in studying high dimensional longitudinal intervention data with missing values. Particularly, this paper focuses on the initialization issue of FCM and proposes a new initialization method to overcome the local optimal problem and decrease the convergence time in handling high-dimensional data with missing values for overlapping clusters. Based on the idea of K-means++ [10], we proposed an enhanced Fuzzy C-means clustering (eFCM) and incorporated it into our MIFuzzy. This method was evaluated using real longitudinal intervention data, classic and generic datasets. Compared to conventional FCM, our findings indicate eFCM can run faster and avoid the local minimal issue.