cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequential Bayesian Gaussian Mixture Linear Inversion of Seismic Data for Elastic and Reservoir Properties Estimation

We propose here a methodology to sequentially simulate elastic and reservoir properties, such as impedances, porosity, and facies, in order to obtain a set of reservoir models conditioned by seismic data. The sequential inversion approach provides multiple simulations obtained as solution of a Bayesian linear inverse problem where we assume that rock properties are distributed according to a Gaussian mixture model, i.e. a linear combination of Gaussian distributions. The weights of the Gaussian components are the probabilities of the facies. The main advantage of this approach is that the assumption of Gaussian mixture distribution of reservoir properties overcomes the common Gaussian assumption allowing the description of the multimodal behavior of the data. Furthermore the solution of the Bayesian Gaussian mixture linear inverse problem preserves analytical tractability. The linear inverse theory results valid in the Gaussian case have been extended to the multimodal case, by deriving the analytical expression of means, covariance matrices, and weights of the Gaussian mixture conditional distribution of the model. We describe here how to compute the analytical solution and implement a sequential approach in the simulation algorithm. We then apply the sequential Gaussian mixture linearized inversion to layer maps extracted from a 3D geophysical model of a clastic reservoir located in the North Sea. Impedances are first inverted from seismic data, then porosity and facies are simulated from impedance maps. This application provides a complete set of reservoir models with multimodal rock properties.
Iterative Method for Nonlinear FM Synthesis of Radar Signals

The problem of synthesizing a time-domain signal with a given energy spectral density (ESD) often arises in the field of signal processing. Many solutions have been proposed and successfully used over the years. However the problem of synthesizing a time-domain signal with constraints for a given ESD has not been investigated sufficiently. We propose a solution to one such constraint where the amplitude of the complex-valued time-domain signal is required to be unity. This is equivalent to phase modulating a unit amplitude signal, such that its ESD matches a desired energy spectral density. We provide an algorithm for this solution and apply it to a real problem encountered in radars.
EVALUATION OF SOURCES OF VARIANCE IN DAIRY HERD FERTILITY.

Abstract Fertility data were obtained for the first ten cows bred in 23 herds in each of 22 artificial breeding locals for a period of four consecutive years. Analysis of variance and separation of the components indicated that 1.4% of the variance was due to differences between years, 4.6% to differences between locals, 7.5% was between herds within locals, 2.1% was due to the interaction between years and locals, and 4.9% was due to the interaction between years and herds within locals. The remaining 79.6%, of the variance was estimated to be due to sampling error. The repeatability of annual herd fertility was estimated to be about 0.15. A frequency distribution graph of actual and expected fertility levels is presented.
Progress in the Development of Methods for Asymmetric Organic Synthesis

Methods for the enantioselective synthesis of chiral cyclohexane derivatives from aromatic carboxylic acids are presented. Birch reduction-alkylation of chiral benzamides of type 1 occur with high diastereose-lectivities to give 1,4-cyclohexadiene derivatives with quaternary centers located at C(6). Early applications of this chemistry provided target structures with a quaternary center derived from C(1) of the starting benzoic acid derivative. Herein are described 1) the development of a more versatile Birch reduction-alkylation, 2) a practical “asymmetric linkage” between aromatic carboxylic acids and chiral acyclic structures, and 3) asymmetric syntheses of unnatural alkaloids; applications to opiate receptor pharmacology.
Control configuration design applied to the Tennessee Eastman plant-wide control problem

Abstract When a plant-wide control structure is being designed, there are often more measurements and manipulations than are required. Therefore the designer must judiciously select a subset of them that will be used for feedback control. If the control structure is to be decentralized, a set of pairings between the selected measurements and manipulations must also be established. This subset of process variables and their feedback interconnections has been termed the control configuration, and must be decided prior to the design of the controller. However the number of possible control configurations is usually very high, and the complexity of the controller depends upon the control configuration chosen. This paper presents a systematic way to design the control configuration so as to reduce controller complexity, and yet meet control objectives in the presence of uncertainty This method, called control configuration design, is then applied to a plant-wide control problem posed by Tennessee Eastman
Improved Imaging of Lingual Articulation Using Real-Time Multislice MRI

Purpose: To develop a real-time imaging technique that allows for simultaneous visualization of vocal tract shaping in multiple scan planes, and provides dynamic visualization of complex articulatory features. Materials and Methods: Simultaneous imaging of multiple slices was implemented using a custom real-time imaging platform. Midsagittal, coronal, and axial scan planes of the human upper airway were prescribed and imaged in real-time using a fast spiral gradient-echo pulse sequence. Two native speakers of English produced voiceless and voiced fricatives /f/-/v/, /θ/-/ð/, /s/-/z/, /∫/- in symmetrical maximally contrastive vocalic contexts /a_a/, /i_i/, and /u_u/. Vocal tract videos were synchronized with noise-cancelled audio recordings, facilitating the selection of frames associated with production of English fricatives. Results: Coronal slices intersecting the postalveolar region of the vocal tract revealed tongue grooving to be most pronounced during fricative production in back vowel contexts, and more pronounced for sibilants /s/-/z/ than for /∫/-. The axial slice best revealed differences in dorsal and pharyngeal articulation; voiced fricatives were observed to be produced with a larger cross-sectional area in the pharyngeal airway. Partial saturation of spins provided accurate location of imaging planes with respect to each other. Conclusion: Real-time MRI of multiple intersecting slices can provide valuable spatial and temporal information about vocal tract shaping, including details not observable from a single slice. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:943–948. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Affective and physiological factors predicting maternal response to infant crying

This study evaluated physiological, affective, and perceptual factors hypothesized to predict how quickly 45 primiparous mothers of 7-9-month-old infants would respond to non-distressed infant crying. Aversiveness ratings of the non-distressed cries of one's "own" infant and physiological reactivity to one's "own" infant crying accounted for a significant amount of the variance in a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis of speed of response. These findings suggest that mothers who have strong affective and physiological responses to non-distressed infant cries may be more likely to respond indiscriminately to attention-seeking infant behaviors.
Endogenous human prolactin and not exogenous human prolactin induces estrogen receptor α and prolactin receptor expression and increases estrogen responsiveness in breast cancer cells

Prolactin (PRL) and estrogen act synergistically to increase mammary gland growth, development, and differentiation. Based on their roles in the normal gland, these hormones have been studied to determine their interactions in the development and progression of breast cancer. However, most studies have evaluated only endocrine PRL and did not take into account the recent discovery that PRL is synthesized by human mammary cells, permitting autocrine/paracrine activity. To examine the effects of this endogenous PRL, we engineered MCF7 cells to inducibly overexpress human prolactin (hPRL). Using this Tet-On MCF7hPRL cell line, we studied effects on cell growth, PRLR, ER alpha, and PgR levels, and estrogen target genes. Induced endogenous hPRL, but not exogenous hPRL, increased ER alpha levels as well as estrogen responsiveness in these cells, suggesting that effects on breast cancer development and progression by estrogen may be amplified by cross-regulation of ER alpha levels by endogenous hPRL. The long PRLR isoform was also upregulated by endogenous, but not exogenous PRL. This model will allow investigation of endogenous hPRL in mammary epithelial cells and will enable further dissection of PRL effects on other hormone signaling pathways to determine the role of PRL in breast cancer.
Rigor and Relevance in Organization Studies

Many organization studies (OS) scholars are motivated by the desire to generate theory and research that is relevant to practicing managers. But concerns about the irrelevance of OS theory and research surfaced early in the field's development and have intensified recently. Many believe that a growing preoccupation with theoretical and methodological rigor underpin the increasing generation of theory and research that is irrelevant to managers. But there is little empirical research on: 1) historical trends in theoretical and methodological rigor, 2) historical trends in relevance, and 3) the relationship between the two. This is partly because the measurement of theoretical and methodological rigor, as well as of relevance, is fraught with conceptual problems. This article describes a study that attempts to address these gaps in our knowledge, partly by tackling the conceptual problems responsible for them. We then present preliminary findings from that study. We conclude by pondering the value of resear...
Shape of the northern hemisphere of Mars from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA)

Eighteen proles ofN-S-trending topography from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) are used to analyze the shape of Mars' northern hemisphere. MOLA observations show smaller northern hemisphere flattening than previously thought. The hypsometric distribution is narrowly peaked with > 20% of the surface lying within 200 m of the mean elevation. Low elevation correlates with low surface roughness, but the elevation and roughness may re- flect dierent mechanisms. Bouguer gravity indicates less variability in crustal thickness and/or lateral density struc- ture than previously expected. The 3.1-km oset between centers of mass and gure along the polar axis results in a pole-to-equator slope at all longitudes. The N-S slope dis- tribution also shows a subtle longitude-dependent variation that may represent the antipodal eect of the formation of Tharsis.
The anatomical course of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve, including a description of its own unique tunnel

In order to obtain a better understanding of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve, dissections of 21 forearms from 12 fresh cadavers were done with loupe magnification. Discrete regions of potential surgical significance were identified, including an origin that can be as high as 11 cm proximal to the wrist crease, a radial position immediately after its origin so that it lies adjacent to flexor carpi radialis in the distal forearm, and the existence of an anatomical tunnel through the palmar aponeurosis.
Benefit of ventriculoperitoneal cerebrospinal fluid shunting and intrathecal chemotherapy in neoplastic meningitis: a retrospective, case-controlled study.

Object. Neoplastic meningitis (NM) is a debilitating and increasingly frequent neurological complication of cancer characterized by infiltration of tumor cells into the leptomeninges and the subarachnoid space. Although NM is rarely curable, combined intrathecal chemotherapy and focal radiation can improve disease-related symptoms and survival. Hydrocephalus occurs in a significant proportion of patients, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life, and usually precludes the use of intrathecal therapy. Methods. Since January of 2005, the authors have used a combined treatment approach for patients with both NM and hydrocephalus that employs a subcutaneously placed reservoir connected in series to an on/off valve and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for both diversion of CSF and injection of intrathecal chemotherapy. They conducted a retrospective, case-controlled study from 2 independent institutions to review their experience. Results. Twenty-four patients with NM and hydrocephalus underwent placement of a CSF reservoir-on/off valve-ventriculoperitoneal shunt (RO-VPS) construct. There was no perioperative mortality, and there were only 2 minor complications. One shunt failure and no shunt-associated infections were observed over a median of 28 weeks of follow-up. Symptomatic improvement and improved performance status were seen in 20 patients (83.3%) and were sustained over 6 months. Eighteen patients received intraventricular chemotherapy without unexpected toxicity, and cytological responses were found in 11 patients (61.1%). Median progression-free and overall survival was 14 and 31 weeks, respectively. Compared with a contemporaneous comparison group of 24 demographically matched patients with NM who underwent CSF reservoir placement only, those who received RO-VPS constructs (p = 0.02) and had primary diagnosis of breast cancer (p = 0.04) had significant advantage in overall survival. Conclusions. A combined RO-VPS system is safe and practical to install, results in symptomatic improvement in most patients, and allows uncomplicated and effective administration of intrathecal chemotherapy in patients with NM. Cerebrospinal fluid diversion surgery should be considered in NM patients in conjunction with intrathecal and systemic treatments. (DOI: 10.3171/2011.5.JNS101768)
Computers and the problems of urban society

We are fortunate that intended separate publication of the full Proceedings of this Sector will permit abstraction of those portions which are primarily concerned with computer usage and impact. Professor Garrison's presentation sets the tone.
Free will - even for robots

Human free will is a product of evolution and contributes to the success of the human animal. Useful robots will also require free will of a similar kind, and we will have to design it into them. Free will is not an all-or-nothing thing. Some agents have more free will, or free will of different kinds, than others, and we will try to analyse this phenomenon. Our objectives are primarily technological, i.e. to study what aspects of free will can make robots more useful, and we will not try to console those who find determinism distressing. We distinguish between having choices and being conscious of these choices; both are important, even for robots, and consciousness of choices requires more structure in the agent than just having choices and is important for robots. Consciousness of free will is therefore not just an epiphenomenon of structure serving other purposes. Free will does not require a very complex system. Young children and rather simple computer systems can represent internally ‘I can, but I ...
Epithelial Cells in the Female Reproductive Tract: a Central Role as Sentinels of Immune Protection

The continued presence of bacterial and viral antigens in the lumen of the vagina coupled with the periodic presence of antigens in the lumena of the upper reproductive tract provide an ongoing challenge that can compromise female reproductive health and threaten life. Separating underlying tissues from luminal antigens, polarized epithelial cells of the cervix, uterus and Fallopian tubes have evolved to protect against potential pathogens. Once thought to function exclusively by providing a crucial barrier, mucosal epithelial cells are now known to function as sentinels that recognize antigens, respond in ways that lead to bacterial and viral killing, as well as signal to underlying immune cells when pathogenic challenge exceeds their protective capacity. Unique to epithelial cells of the female reproductive tract is the regulatory control of the female sex hormones. Acting both directly and indirectly through underlying stromal cells, estradiol and progesterone regulate epithelial cell innate and adaptive immune functions to protect against potential pathogens while providing an environment that supports an allogeneic fetus. In this article, we will outline how polarized epithelial cells function as the first line of defense against potential pathogens in the female reproductive tract.
A general weighted median filter structure admitting negative weights

Weighted median smoothers, which were introduced by Edgemore in the context of least absolute regression over 100 years ago, have received considerable attention in signal processing during the past two decades. Although weighted median smoothers offer advantages over traditional linear finite impulse response (FIR) filters, it is shown in this paper that they lack the flexibility to adequately address a number of signal processing problems. In fact, weighted median smoothers are analogous to normalized FIR linear filters constrained to have only positive weights. It is also shown that much like the mean is generalized to the rich class of linear FIR filters, the median can be generalized to a richer class of filters admitting positive and negative weights. The generalization follows naturally and is surprisingly simple. In order to analyze and design this class of filters, a new threshold decomposition theory admitting real-valued input signals is developed. The new threshold decomposition framework is then used to develop fast adaptive algorithms to optimally design the real-valued filter coefficients. The new weighted median filter formulation leads to significantly more powerful estimators capable of effectively addressing a number of fundamental problems in signal processing that could not adequately be addressed by prior weighted median smoother structures.
Integrated structure/control design based on model validity and robustness margin

A design methodology for designing the structure of flexible systems in the presence of modeling uncertainties has been developed. Model validation becomes a critical issue in integrated structure/control design, since the mechanical structure is continuously altered during the iterative design process, and it becomes difficult to guarantee validity of the model used. The proposed method solves this problem with an iterative method by bounding the truncation error as the structural design parameters are changed to optimize the robustness margin of the closed loop system. The method is then applied to the lumped parameter model of a heavy-duty robot with a non-collocated sensor-actuator configuration. This formulation minimizes an objective function over the allowable design parameter subspace based on the structured-singular value of the system. The standard /spl mu/-synthesis methods for controller design tend to provide a very large order controller. It is shown that simultaneous physical structure design and control design can provide an alternative for achieving robust performance without letting the controller order become very high.
THE SCATTEROMETER AS A PRESSURE SENSOR

The UW Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) model is used to derive surface pressure fields from scatterometer surface measurements. After a decade of comparison with NMC wind products, it is clear that the combination of the scatterometer and the PBL model yield superior information about the global pressure fields. The pressure fields are used to correct the scatterometer winds where they are contaminated by rain or poorly retrieved due to antenna geometry. The new winds are compared to buoy wind measurements. The scatterometer-derived surface pressure fields are assessed with buoy measurements and NWS analyses (NCEP, ECMWF and MM5 in the Gulf of Alaska). The gradients are systematically compared to buoy-measured pressure gradients. The model has been used to initialize a GCM with Geostrophic (pressure gradient) winds, yielding superior prognoses to initialization with surface winds. Original and corrected scatterometer winds are being assimilated in a NWF model.
A multi-resolution, non-parametric, Bayesian framework for identification of spatially-varying model parameters

This paper proposes a hierarchical, multi-resolution framework for the identification of model parameters and their spatially variability from noisy measurements of the response or output. Such parameters are frequently encountered in PDE-based models and correspond to quantities such as density or pressure fields, elasto-plastic moduli and internal variables in solid mechanics, conductivity fields in heat diffusion problems, permeability fields in fluid flow through porous media etc. The proposed model has all the advantages of traditional Bayesian formulations such as the ability to produce measures of confidence for the inferences made and providing not only predictive estimates but also quantitative measures of the predictive uncertainty. In contrast to existing approaches it utilizes a parsimonious, non-parametric formulation that favors sparse representations and whose complexity can be determined from the data. The proposed framework in non-intrusive and makes use of a sequence of forward solvers operating at various resolutions. As a result, inexpensive, coarse solvers are used to identify the most salient features of the unknown field(s) which are subsequently enriched by invoking solvers operating at finer resolutions. This leads to significant computational savings particularly in problems involving computationally demanding forward models but also improvements in accuracy. It is based on a novel, adaptive scheme based on Sequential Monte Carlo sampling which is embarrassingly parallelizable and circumvents issues with slow mixing encountered in Markov Chain Monte Carlo schemes. The capabilities of the proposed methodology are illustrated in problems from nonlinear solid mechanics with special attention to cases where the data is contaminated with random noise and the scale of variability of the unknown field is smaller than the scale of the grid where observations are collected.
Characterization of complement receptor 1 domains for prevention of complement-mediated red cell destruction.

BACKGROUND: Complement activation resulting in intravascular hemolysis can cause transfusion-associated mortality. We recently showed that a recombinant soluble form of complement receptor 1 (CR1) effectively reduces complement-mediated red blood cell (RBC) destruction in vitro and more importantly prolongs the survival of transfused human RBCs in mice. To determine CR1-active sites that prevent RBC destruction, structure-function analysis of its extracellular 1930-amino-acid domain has been performed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Several CR1-truncated soluble proteins were prepared and tested for their ability to prevent complement-mediated RBC destruction in vitro and in mice. RESULTS: A 250-amino-acid region in CR1 that possesses antihemolytic activity and is effective in prolonging survival of transfused RBCs in vivo was identified. Mutation of two critical residues (D109N and E116K) in this 250-amino-acid domain, previously shown to improve complement-inhibitory functions of CR1 derivatives, resulted in a more potent inhibition of complement activation in vitro. In vivo, however, the activity of mutant proteins was comparable to the wild-type molecules. CONCLUSION: Our structure-function studies have characterized smaller CR1-based complement inhibitors for future development of structure-derived transfusion therapeutics. Our studies underscore the importance of testing CR1 inhibitors in vivo.
Amino‐Functionalized Silica Membranes for Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Permeation

Functionalization of silica membranes is important for enhancing surface interactions with specific chemicals in order to enhance separations. It is important to develop synthesis strategies that allow control over the density and the surface chemistry of the functional group in order to tailor the membrane separation properties. In this paper we investigate the ability of amino functionalization to enhance CO 2 transport in silica membranes. Specifically, we examine three synthesis techniques for functionalizing silica membranes with amino groups that result in different surface chemistries of the silica membranes. Silica membranes are amino-functionalized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) with aminopropyldimethylethoxysilane (APDMES), ethylenediamine (EDA)-assisted APDMES ALD, and direct attachment of aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) from the liquid phase. Three different reaction schemes are presented and verified by using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The FTIR measurements were performed on silica powders that were processed using the same reaction conditions as the membranes used in this study. The differences in reaction schemes are correlated with changes in the CO 2 facilitation characteristics. It is found that high loadings of amino groups, in which interaction with the silica surface is minimized, promote the highest CO 2 transport.
High-Dimensional Graphical Model Selection Using ell_1-Regularized Logistic Regression

We focus on the problem of estimating the graph structure associated with a discrete Markov random field. We describe a method based on l1-regularized logistic regression, in which the neighborhood of any given node is estimated by performing logistic regression subject to an l-constraint. Our framework applies to the high-dimensional setting, in which both the number of nodes p and maximum neighborhood sizes d are allowed to grow as a function of the number of observations n. Our main result is to establish sufficient conditions on the triple (n, p, d) for the method to succeed in consistently estimating the neighborhood of every node in the graph simultaneously. Under certain mutual incoherence conditions analogous to those imposed in previous work on linear regression, we prove that consistent neighborhood selection can be obtained as long as the number of observations n grows more quickly than 6d6 log d + 2d5 log p, thereby establishing that logarithmic growth in the number of samples n relative to graph size p is sufficient to achieve neighborhood consistency.
Transcriptional Profiling of Staphylococcus aureus During Growth in 2 M NaCl Leads to Clarification of Physiological Roles for Kdp and Ktr K+ Uptake Systems

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus exhibits an unusually high level of osmotolerance and Na + tolerance, properties that support survival in various host niches and in preserved foods. The genetic basis of these traits is not well understood. We compared the transcriptional profiles of S. aureus grown in complex medium with and without 2 M NaCl. The stimulon for growth in high-osmolality media and Na + included genes involved in uptake of K + , other compatible solutes, sialic acid, and sugars; capsule biosynthesis; and amino acid and central metabolism. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the loci responded differently from each other to high osmolality imposed by elevated NaCl versus sucrose. High-affinity K + uptake ( kdp ) genes and capsule biosynthesis ( cap5 ) genes required the two-component system KdpDE for full induction by osmotic stress, with kdpA induced more by NaCl and cap5B induced more by sucrose. Focusing on K + importers, we identified three S. aureus g enes belonging to the lower-affinity Trk/Ktr family that encode two membrane proteins (KtrB and KtrD) and one accessory protein (KtrC). In the absence of osmotic stress, the ktr gene transcripts were much more abundant than the kdpA transcript. Disruption of S. aureus kdpA caused a growth defect under low-K + conditions, disruption of ktrC resulted in a significant defect in 2 M NaCl, and a Δ ktrC Δ kdpA double mutant exhibited both phenotypes. Protective effects of S. aureus Ktr transporters at elevated NaCl are consistent with previous indications that both Na + and osmolality challenges are mitigated by the maintenance of a high cytoplasmic K + concentration. IMPORTANCE There is general agreement that the osmotolerance and Na + tolerance of Staphylococcus aureus are unusually high for a nonhalophile and support its capacity for human colonization, pathogenesis, and growth in food. Nonetheless, the molecular basis for these properties is not well defined. The genome-wide response of S. aureus to a high concentration, 2 M, of NaCl revealed the upregulation of expected genes, such as those for transporters of compatible solutes that are widely implicated in supporting osmotolerance. A high-affinity potassium uptake system, KdpFABC, was upregulated, although it generally plays a physiological role under very low K + conditions. At higher K + concentrations, a lower-affinity and more highly expressed type of K + transporter system, Ktr transporters, was shown to play a significant role in high Na + tolerance. This study illustrates the importance of the K + status of the cell for tolerance of Na + by S. aureus and underscores the importance of monovalent cation cycles in this pathogen.
Ocorrência e tratamento de quadros depressivos por hormônios sexuais

O processo de envelhecimento promove alteracoes significativas na producao e no equilibrio dos niveis circulantes de diversos hormonios sexuais em homens e mulheres. Acredita-se que esses hormonios (estrogenos, progestogenos, testosterona, dehidroepiandrosterona [DHEA]) exercem papel modulador sobre diversas funcoes psiquicas, particularmente sobre o humor e a cognicao. Alteracoes nesse papel modulador causadas por variacoes abruptas dos hormonios sexuais circulantes ¾ como as que ocorrem, por exemplo, durante a transicao menopausal ¾ favorecem o surgimento de queixas depressivas. No entanto, a utilizacao terapeutica de hormonios sexuais pode promover alivio ou mesmo remissao de sintomas depressivos, como ja foi caracterizado com o uso de estradiol em mulheres em perimenopausa e com a administracao de testosterona apos a menopausa. Este artigo aborda, por revisao da literatura, os diversos papeis atribuidos aos hormonios sexuais no desenvolvimento e tratamento das queixas depressivas. Estudos sobre a eficacia terapeutica de estrogenos, testosterona e DHEA nos quadros depressivos sao discutidos de forma critica. Em essencia, existem resultados preliminares bastante promissores, particularmente quanto ao uso de estradiol e testosterona em subpopulacoes especificas para alivio de sintomas depressivos. Futuras investigacoes devem melhor definir a utilizacao de hormonios como agente depressivo monoterapico ou adjuntivo, bem como delinear os riscos e as contra-indicacoes associados a seu uso.
Compressive Viscoelastic Properties of Human Dentin : I. Stress-Relaxation Behavior

Stress-relaxation measurements were performed on specimens of radicular human dentin. The relaxation modulus showed a linear dependence on the logarithm of time and the approximation to the logarithmic distribution function of relaxation times was used to predict the behavior of other viscoelastic properties. This experimental technique provides significant criteria for the design of polymeric restorative and prosthetic materials.
Primary dystonia: conceptualizing the disorder through a structural brain imaging lens

Background: Dystonia is a hyperkinetic movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive twisting movements. The anatomical structures and pathways implicated in its pathogenesis and their relationships to the neurophysiological paradigms of abnormal surround inhibition, maladaptive plasticity, and impaired sensorimotor integration remain unclear. Objective: We review the use of high-resolution structural brain imaging using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques for evaluating brain changes in primary torsion dystonia and their relationships to the pathophysiology of this disorder. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted to identify relevant literature. Results: VBM and DTI studies produced somewhat conflicting results across different forms of primary dystonia and reported increases, decreases, or both in gray matter volume and white matter integrity. However, despite the discrepancies, these studies are consistent in revealing brain abnormalities in dystonia that extend beyond the basal ganglia and involve the sensorimotor cortex and cerebellum. Discussion: Although limited to date, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies combined with functional brain imaging and neurophysiological modalities begin to establish structural-functional relationships at different levels of the abnormal basal ganglia, cortical, and cerebellar networks and provide clues into the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie primary dystonia. Cross-disciplinary studies are needed for further investigations of the interplay between structural-functional brain abnormalities and environmental and genetic risk factors in dystonia patients.
Development of a solar photovoltaic module emulator

Solar photovoltaic (PV) emulator systems with high precision and high reliability are of great importance in the interest of developing PV equipment with improved performance at fluctuating conditions. Typical PV module emulators tend to have some drawbacks (high cost, limited customization abilities), with some not capable of providing the power outputs of the newest generation of PV modules. A portable, inexpensive and light-weight plug-and-play front end device for emulating photovoltaic modules has been developed using a buck converter and is described in this paper.
The Impact of Overestimations of Surgical Control Times Across Multiple Specialties on Medical Systems

Optimization of operating room (OR) resources and costs require accurate estimations of procedure times. In some institutions, surgeons are asked to predict their surgical control time (SCT), which typically constitutes the majority of the total procedure time. Here, we examine differences in predicted versus actual SCT and variations by specialty. Data included all scheduled surgical procedures at one academic institution from October 2008 --- September 2014. Exclusion criteria consisted of missing values for SCT as well as estimated SCTs that fell outside of 5 standard deviations of any given procedure's mean. Differences in estimation were calculated by subtracting estimated SCT from actual SCT and compared against a null hypothesis of 0 with a two-tailed t-test. Differences between specialties were examined using analysis of variance and Games-Howell tests. Between 2008 and 2014, 119,410 scheduled procedures were performed. After exclusion, 116,599 cases were analyzed. On average, SCT was overestimated by 12.9 min (p?<?0.0001). Overestimations persisted when divided by specialty (p?<?0.0001). With thoracic surgery as a control, all other specialties except for cardiac surgery had overestimations of SCT. The greatest time differences were seen in dental (37.6 min, p?<?0.0001), cardiology (33.0 min, p?<?0.0001), and neurosurgery (29.7 min, p?<?0.0001). Overall, SCTs are overestimated at this institution across many specialties. Depending on the methodology by which a hospital chooses to allocate OR time, SCT estimations could potentially be reduced in certain specialties to allow for better allocation of OR resources.
Late-Pleistocene Glaciation and Climate Around the Junín Plain, Central Peruvian Highlands

Modern glaciers in the cordillera west and east of the plain of Laguna Junin northeast of Lima are confined to small summits and west-facing cirques. Snowline today is at about 4900 m on the west a...
Bipolar Disorder in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Principles of Management

Pregnancy and postpartum represent times of increased vulnerability for women with bipolar disorder, yet this condition remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. As 50 % of pregnancies are unplanned, the risks associated with the illness and the potential risks associated with treatment should be considered when a woman of reproductive age first presents for evaluation. This article reviews the epidemiology of perinatal bipolar disorder, screening recommendations, and treatment with pharmacotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). An overview of the data in pregnancy and lactation is presented for lithium, lamotrigine, valproic acid, newer antipsychotics, and ECT. General principles of management include close monitoring in pregnancy and postpartum, careful adjustment of the treatment regimen to attenuate the risk of relapse, and avoidance of valproic acid when possible. Thoughtful consideration of these issues will minimize the risks to the mother and baby.
Some NACA/NASA Aerodynamic Research Related to Security and Defense

During the cold war era following World War II a research activity was undertaken at NASA-Langley to assess the capability of a variety of foreign aircraft and missile systems perceived as potential threats to our security and defense. As data was compiled it became apparent that much could be learned about foreign (principally USSR) design philosophy and possible objectives insofar as military capability was concerned. This information was summarized in a briefing on Foreign Technology that was given more than 100 times to many concerned groups. The itinerary for these presentations is presented herein.
The response of the atrium to direct mechanical wounding in the adult heart of the newt, Notophthalmus viridescens - An electron-microscopic and autoradiographic study

Wound repair and proliferation were examined in the injured newt atrium with light- and electron-microscopic techniques including autoradiography. Hearts were injured by removing a piece approximately 0.5 mm2 of the atrial wall. The five-day wound was an endothelial and mesothelial-lined blood clot bordered by a 150-μm necrotic zone. Repair progressed from the periphery inward with areas of macrophage activity replaced by fibroblasts and connective tissue. The wound at 25 days consisted of a scar with few myocytes. There was no difference in the proliferative behavior between the right and left atria. Proliferative cells were localized to a 500-μm reactive zone surrounding the wound. The maximum mesothelial cell thymidine-labeling index of 20.5% and mitotic index of 1.4% were seen 5 days after injury. The peak connective tissue cell thymidine-labeling index of 10.2% and mitotic index of 0.4% were seen 10 days after wounding. The peak thymidine-labeling index of 9.8% for myocardial cells was recorded 10 days after injury with a mitotic index of 0.2%. Proliferation returned to control levels by 25 days post-injury. Electron microscopy demonstrated that myocytes engaged in DNA synthesis were indistinguishable from control myocytes. Z-band material was not observed in mitotic myocytes, but myofilaments and junctions were present.
Variations in approaching the diagnosis of depression: a guided focus group study.

BACKGROUND Primary care physicians are often held to the same standard of performance as mental health specialists, yet they face special challenges in recognizing and treating depression. The purpose of this study was to explore the range of approaches to diagnose depression. METHODS A purposeful sample of 21 primary care physicians in three US cities participated. A semistructured series of questions and clinical cases stimulated discussions about recognizing and managing major and minor depression. The focus groups were videotaped, and data were analyzed by two independent reviewers using the classic method of content analysis. RESULTS Primary care providers have three major ways of approaching the diagnosis of depression: a biomedical exclusionary approach, where investigation of all physical complaints occurs first; a mental health approach, where psychosocial aspects of a presentation are pursued first; and a synergistic approach, where physical and mental health complaints are addressed simultaneously. Physicians move freely across all approaches depending on patient cues. CONCLUSIONS Physicians' approaches to depression vary depending on patient characteristics and cues. Through a better understanding of current practices, future researchers can identify the optimal clinical approaches to match the characteristics and cues of specific patients. This study informed the development of a larger objective study of primary care physician performance.
A rare case of primary hepatic solitary fibrous tumor associated with pregnancy

Purpose: To describe a case of histologically and immunohistochemically confirmed primary hepatic solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) associated with pregnancy. Case Report: A 40-year-old Caucasian woman G3P1021 with history of oral contraceptive use and no other known significant past medical history delivered via C-section in November of 2012. Two months post delivery, she noted that her abdomen did not decrease in size and sought medical attention. As part of the work-up, an abdominal MRI revealed a 15.9 cm mass centered in segment 4b of the liver with extension into segments 5 and 8 within the right lobe. In addition, an exophytic component extending inferiorly from the liver into the right mid abdomen was noted. The patient underwent an uncomplicated hepatic segmentectomy with cholecystectomy. Grossly, the tumor consisted of a firm tan-white well-circumscribed and partially encapsulated mass. Histologically, the tumor was composed of cytologically bland spindle cells with a patternless architecture with hypocellular and hypercellular areas embedded within a collagenous fibrous stroma with occasional dilated branching thin-walled blood vessels. The tumor showed no infiltrative margins or necrosis and a mitotic count of 1/10HPF. Tumor cells were strongly and diffusely positive for CD34, BCL-2, and vimentin; weakly positive for STAT6 (nuclear distribution); and focally positive for CD99 and β-Catenin. In addition, estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR) were also performed and showed positive staining. The diagnosis of SFT was confirmed. To date, 36 months post-resection, our patient has been followed with imaging, showing no evidence of residual or recurrent disease. Conclusions: Primary hepatic SFT is exceedingly rare and even more so in association with pregnancy. Positive immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells for progesterone and estrogen receptors may indicate hormonal stimulation as a driver of neoplastic cell proliferation.
The distribution of zeolites and their effects on the performance of a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, U.S.A.

Yucca Mountain, Nevada, has been approved by the U.S. Congress as the site of the first high-level radioactive waste repository in the U.S., paving the way for the Department of Energy to submit a license application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The U.S. concept of a radioactive waste repository involves both engineered (man-made) barriers and geologic barriers to minimize the long-term migration of waste from the repository. The minerals at Yucca Mountain are an integral part of the geologic barrier to the migration of radionuclides, and understanding the distribution of reactive and potentially sorptive minerals is crucial to modeling the long-term performance of the repository. We have determined the three-dimensional distribution of minerals at Yucca Mountain by analyzing a number of drill cores using quantitative X-ray diffraction methods. Clinoptilolite and mordenite are locally abundant in the rhyolitic tuffs in both the unsaturated and saturated zones. They formed by the alteration of glassy rhyolitic tuffs, and their occurrence is stratified, often following the distribution of nonwelded, initially vitric tuffs near and below the water table. Because of their large cation-exchange capacities, these minerals have traditionally been considered to be important in retardation of the migration of cationic radionuclides such as 137 Cs and 90 Sr. However, analysis of radionuclides that may be contained at Yucca Mountain reveals that, for the most part, the radioactive species of concern are not those that would be readily sorbed by natural zeolites. Although clinoptilolite and mordenite are highly selective for Cs and Sr, the half-lives of these radionuclides (~30 years) are sufficiently short that the man-made containment at any radioactive waste repository is expected to outlive these radionuclides. The most important radionuclides are thus anionic species and long-lived actinides that often form large, complex aqueous species, both of which are not strongly sorbed by cation exchangers such as zeolites. However, zeolites play an important role in a repository at Yucca Mountain for several other reasons. Emplacement of radioactive waste will change the temperature and P H 2 O conditions in large volumes of rock, and zeolites will be important sources and sinks of water and thermal energy during heating and cooling in the vadose zone. In addition, dehydration/hydration reactions are accompanied by volumetric changes that can affect macroscopic rock properties. Longer-term reactions, e.g., of clinoptilolite to analcime, would give rise to larger volume reductions and production of water and silica. These studies show that the importance of zeolites extends far beyond cation exchange by zeolites to phenomena affecting the entire thermohydrologic system.
Testing Berkeley DB.

Oracle Berkeley DB is a family of database engines that provide high performance, transactional data management on a wide variety of platforms. Berkeley DB products are available under a dual license: an open source license and a commercial license. We discuss some of the standard testing and tuning techniques used for ensuring the quality and reliability of the Berkeley DB library, emphasizing some of the interesting testing challenges arising due to multi-platform support. Since Berkeley DB is available in source code form, it can be adapted/modified by users in the field. It is necessary to test and validate the modified version of Berkeley DB before it can be deployed in production. We discuss some testing tools and techniques provided with the Berkeley DB distribution that simplify the process of user-testing and certifying Berkeley DB ports to new platforms.
The effect of anger expression style on cardiovascular responses to lateralized cognitive stressors.

To determine the effects of self-reported anger expression style on cerebrally lateralized physiological responses to neuropsychological stressors, changes in systolic blood pressure and heart rate were examined in response to a verbal fluency task and a figural fluency task among individuals reporting either “anger in” or “anger out” expression styles. Significant group by trial interaction effects was found for systolic blood pressure following administration of verbal fluency [F(1,54) = 5.86, p < 0.05] and nonverbal fluency stressors [F(1,54) = 13.68, p < .001]. Similar interactions were seen for systolic heart rate following administration of verbal fluency [F(1,54) = 5.86, p < .005] and nonverbal fluency stressors [F(1,54) = 13.68, p < .001]. The corresponding results are discussed in terms of functional cerebral systems and potential implications for physiological models of anger. Given the association between anger and negative physical health outcomes, there is a clear need to better understand the physiological components of anger. The results of this experiment indicate that a repressive “anger in” expression style is associated with deregulation of the right frontal region. This same region has been shown to be intimately involved in cardiovascular recovery, glucose metabolism, and blood pressure regulation.