cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ampicillin allergy presenting as secondary syphilis

This article reports a case of ampicillin rash with oral and skin lesions, including lesions on the palms and the soles. The distribution of the lesions in a young, sexually active man was suggestive of secondary syphilis. The history, the nature of the delayed rash of ampicillin, and the treatment are reviewed.
Interrelations Among Water and Energy Relations of Reptilian Eggs, Embryos, and Hatchlings

Reptilian eggs previously categorized with respect to the flexibility of eggshells appear to fall into two groups: endohydric eggs are those that are invested, by the female parent at the time of oviposition, with all of the water necessary to complete embryogenesis; and ectohydric eggs which need to absorb water from the nest medium tocomplete embryogenesis. Eggs of the Galapagos land iguana are unusual among most lepidosaurians by having very permeable parchment shells, but containing a large albumen (apparently serving as a reservoir of water for the embryo). It appears that the eggs of Galapagos land iguanas can exploit an endohydric habit without the rigid, impermeable shell seen in other endohydric eggs. This ability appears to be mediated by two factors: eggs of Galapagos land iguanas are laid in dry soils which are essentially impermeable to water, and the very large eggs of land iguanas have a relatively small surface area tovolume ratio which results in a relatively small exchange of water across the eggshell. It appears too that the water relations of Galapagos land iguana eggs will affect the energetics of both the contained embryo and the subsequent hatchling. Without adequate water, land iguana eggs will produce hatchlings that are both smaller and possess less fat to sustain thejuvenile during the first year of life.
Stand-alone photovoltaic-powered electrochromic smart window

Abstract Three different, innovative approaches have been taken to develop photovoltaic (PV) integrated electrochromic (EC) devices for smart-window applications. These are: (i) a stand-alone, side-by-side PV-powered EC window; (ii) a monolithically integrated PV-EC device; and (iii) a novel photoelectrochromic device based on a dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cell. The compatibility of PV-EC devices has been analyzed, and the potential for large energy savings for building applications has been suggested. The first monolithic, amorphous-silicon based, PV-powered electrochromic window is described in detail. The device employs a wide bandgap a-Si1−xCx/H n–i–p PV cell as a semitransparent power source, and a LiyWO3/LiAlF4/V2O5 EC device as an optical-transmittance modulator. The EC device is deposited directly on top of a PV cell that coats a glass substrate. The a-Si1−xCx/H PV cell has a gap of 2.5 eV and a transmittance of 60–80% over a large portion of the visible light spectrum. Our prototype 16-cm2 PV-EC device modulates the transmittance by more than 60% over a large portion of the visible spectrum. The coloring and bleaching times of the EC device are approximately 1 min under normal operating conditions (±1 V). A brief description of photoelectrochromic windows based on a combination of dye-sensitized TiO2 and WO3 EC-layer is also given.
Effects of trials per session on conditioning of the rabbit’s nictitating membrane response

A study was conducted to determine the effects of 1, 5, 10, and 50 conditioning trials per session on classical conditioning of the rabbit’s nictitating membrane response. It was found that single-trial sessions produced more rapid increases in CR frequence across trials and required fewer trials to attain criterial performance than multiple-trial sessions. The finding of a superiority of single-trial sessions on CR acquisition was discussed with regard to traditional accounts of trial distribution effects on learning (i.e., reactive inhibition, stimulus sampling, and consolidation hypothesis), as well as with regard to stimulus variability accounts. Moreover, consideration was given to the issue of retention as it bears upon time-dependent acquisition processes.
Effects of either forskolin, the 1,9-dideoxy derivative of forskolin, or 8-bromocyclic AMP on cyclic AMP and melatonin production in the Syrian hamster pineal gland in organ culture.

Abstract The possible involvement of cyclic AMP in the regulation of melatonin production was investigated in cultured Syrian hamster pineal glands. Addition of forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, to the incubation medium caused marked increases in both cyclic AMP and melatonin levels in glands collected in the second half of the dark period 8-Bromocyclic AMP, an analogue of cyclic AMP, also increased melatonin production. The 1,9-dideoxy derivative of forskolin, which is unable to activate the cyclase, was ineffective in stimulating either cyclic AMP levels or melatonin production. These results support a primary role for cyclic AMP in the nocturnal increase of melatonin production in the Syrian hamster pineal gland.
Worsening left ventricular apical peak strain early after right ventricular pacing.

Abstract We aimed to determine the effect of short-term right ventricle pacing (RV) on left ventricle (LV) mechanics using speckle tracking analysis. Conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional strain imaging was studied in 38 patients, mean age 81.6 ± 7.0, that had undergone pacemaker placement and were greater than 90% ventricularly paced. Mean duration of 24 months of RV pacing resulted in a significant decline in: LV apical diastolic rotational velocities (−59.0 ± −38.9 °/s to −28.0 ± −11.5 °/s, p 0.02), peak strain in the LV apical septal wall (−15.6 ± 8.5 to −13.5 ± 7.6, p 0.02), peak strain in LV apical lateral wall (−13.4 ± 8.9 to −11.4 ± 7.3, p 0.02). Thus, with only 24 months of RV pacing, there was a significant decline in peak strain of the LV apex and in apical diastolic rotational velocity that could account for eventual decline in left ventricular function.
MiR-146b-5p suppresses EGFR expression and reduces in vitro migration and invasion of glioma.

ABSTRACTHuman miR-146b-5p is located on chromosome 10q24.3. Loss of the 10q24–26 region is frequently observed in gliomas. Here, we report that miR-146b-5p suppresses expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in human glioblastoma cell lines. Introduction of miR-146b-5p decreases cell invasion, migration, and phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT). MiR-146b-5p suppresses translation of EGFR, and binds to the EGFR 3′-UTR. Furthermore, analysis of U87-MG laser-capture microdissected cells in tumor-bearing mice indicated that expression of miR-146b-5p was inversely correlated with distance from the tumor core. These findings suggest that reconstitution of miR-146b-5p may be useful for the treatment of this invasive tumor.
Angelman syndrome: validation of molecular cytogenetic analysis of chromosome 15q11-q13 for deletion detection.

In a series of 18 individuals comprising parents of Angelman syndrome (AS) patients and AS patients with large deletions, microdeletions, and no deletions, we utilized fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with genomic phage clones for loci D15S63 and GABRB3 for deletion detection of chromosome 15q11-q13. Utilization of probes at these loci allows detection of common large deletions and permits discrimination of less common small deletions. In all individuals the molecular cytogenetic data were concordant with the DNA deletion analyses. FISH provides an accurate method of deletion detection for chromosome 15q11-q13. 23 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
The chemical composition of population I stars.

A comparison of observed and theoretical mass-luminosity relations for unevolved stars in high-mass eclipsing binary systems and in low-mass visual binary systems is used to find the hydrogen and metals abundances of Population I stars: X = 0.69 plus or minus 0.12 and Z = 0.036 plus or minus 0.039. Alternatively, by adopting Z = 0.03 plus or minus 0.01, one finds X = 0.71 plus or minus 0.03. Limitations of the method are discussed briefly.
Incipient soot formation in dichloromethanemethaneair premixed flames

Abstract Measurements are presented of critical sooting equivalence ratio and peak flame temperature for mixtures of dichloromethane and methane in air. Flame temperature variation was achieved by controlling total mass flux through an atmospheric-pressure, uncooled flat flame burner. A comparison of coated and uncoated thermocouple measurements is given, showing the effect of catalytic surface reactions to be negligible compared to errors in the calculation of radiation loss. The data are correlated using a global model developed for soot inception studies in premixed hydrocarbon flames. The importance of evaluating the correlation in primitive as opposed to parametric variables is shown. The model features two parameters, an activation energy difference and a variable β that has previously been correlated with fuel type in hydrocarbon studies. In chlorinated mixtures, the activation energy difference for incipient soot temperature dependence agrees well with that reported for aliphatic hydrocarbons. The fuel-dependent correlation parameters used for hydrocarbons, C H ratio and number of CC bonds, are not sufficient to explain the behavior of chlorinated mixtures. The parameter β is shown to depend on the Cl H ratio in addition to possible dependence on C H ratio and/or number of CC bonds. Analysis showns this is consistent with the known chemical effects of chlorine on hydroxyl radicals and fuel molecules. At constant temperature, the effects of chlorine on hydroxyl concentration and fuel pyrolysis are shown to be of comparable magnitude.
Effect of moisture stress on composition and yield in leaf resin of Hymenaea courbaril

Abstract Previous controlled environment studies of the effect of photoperiod, light intensity and temperature have shown little phenotypic plasticity in leaf resin composition of Hymenaea courbaril which ranges throughout New World lowland tropical ecosystems. The present control chamber study also showed negligible variation in resin composition as a result of moisture status. Although some change in composition occurred under dry treatment conditions, leaf development was retarded and the variation is consistent with the progressive change in composition with leaf development from very young to fully expanded leaves. Yield (mg resin/g leaf tissue), not measured in previous studies, also showed little variation between wet and dry treatments. It is suggested that these indications of low plasticity in both composition and yield in Hymenaea leaf resins may be significant in herbivore interactions.
Improved operations through manpower management in the oil sector

Abstract The need for improved operations was never higher than today in the oil industry. The world's demand for energy, especially for oil and natural gas, is rising rapidly and for many years to come. In order to meet this rising demand and to keep price volatility to a minimum; oil companies worldwide are looking for ways to improve operations in order to achieve increased production with decreased costs. This paper describes data from Southern Area Oil Operations (SAOO); an organization within the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (ARAMCO), to show how manpower management can be used to achieve improved operations. For the years 1983 to 2004, manpower management in SAOO focused on addressing both the quantity and quality dimensions of manpower. First, the level of manpower gradually declined by 35% for both the Saudi Arab and Expatriate categories for the entire period. Expatriate labor is defined as labor in three main categories: US/Canadian, UK, and Asians and Other Arabs. Second, the level of training slowly increased to align manpower to better fit organizational functions and work responsibilities. Not only a number of new training and development programs were initiated but also the percentage of employees involved in such programs doubled from 4.5% in 1990 to 8.9% in 2004. Third, technology based initiatives such as the use of computers, Internet, and intranet were heavily introduced to employees in the last 10 yrs. Due to these three changes reduced costs and increased manpower efficiency were achieved. In the period 1983 to 2004 the total labor bill declined by 35% and Net Direct Expenditures NDE by 24% after adjusting for inflation and using 2004 dollars. Net Direct Expenditure NDE is defined by SAOO to be the summation of labor cost, material cost, invoices cost, and net service income. In addition two signs of improved efficiency of manpower were apparent in the same period. First, SAOO manpower, despite its smaller size, could actually sustain an increased workload without relying more on contractor services. There was more than a 100% increase in the number of wells requiring operational support within SAOO's territory increasing the index measuring the number of wells per employee from 0.37 in 1983 to 1.17 in 2004. The same period witnessed more than 200% increase in the number of service jobs completed within SAOO area increasing the index measuring the number of service jobs completed per employee from 4.14 completed jobs in 1983 to 14.33 completed jobs in 2004. Second, SAOO overall oil production increased by more than 100% for the period 1983 to 2004 despite the reduction in manpower. The index measuring the output–input ratio or average product of manpower steadily increased from 0.58 in 1983 to 1.85 MBCD (Thousand Barrells per Calendar Day) per employee in 2004. The combined effect of reduced costs and increased manpower efficiency resulted in improved operations in the period 1983 to 2004. Hence, the cost in cents per barrel produced dropped sharply by 64% (when cost was measured as NDE) and 39% (when only the cost of manpower is used).
Cellular immunity in pyelonephritis: Inhibition of the spleen cell response to the mitogen Concanavalin A☆

Abstract Spleen cells from rats given experimental pyelonephritis using Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis as infecting organisms were evaluated for their ability to respond to the mitogen Concanavalin A. Results indicate an 80% reduction in the response of animals with gross suppuration in the kidney, but no inhibition is observed in animals with kidney infection, but not renal abscesses. The inhibition is not, apparently, due to serum factors.
Ultrafiltration of Virus of Equine Encephalomyelitis (Russian Strain, Moscow No. 2):

SummaryThe Russian strain (Moscow No. 2) of equine encephalomyelitis virus has a particle size of 85 to 130 m^, using the Elford type of graded collodion membranes and the Elford correction factor. Under the same filtration conditions, the California and New Jersey strains of the same virus have a particle size less than 40 mμ.
Representative threats for research in public health surveillance

A large number of biological agents can cause natural or bioterroristic disease outbreaks and each can present in a bewildering number of ways (e.g., a few cases versus many cases, confined to a building versus widely disseminated). This 'problem space' is a challenge for designers of early warning systems for disease outbreaks and the sheer size of this space is a barrier to progress.This paper addresses this problem by deriving nine categories of threats that represent a parsimonious characterization of the problem space. A literature search also identified one or more example outbreaks for each of the nine categories. These outbreaks have occurred in recent times and could be used by researchers in need of actual outbreak data for investigations of the role of different types of surveillance data and algorithms in outbreak detection.The methodological contribution of this research is a Criterion Set of threats for analysis and evaluation of detection systems. This set characterizes the problem space in a tractable manner with less loss of generality than analyses based on one or two selected diseases, which is representative of current analyses.
High frequency amplification in quantum well oscillators

Abstract We have calculated the frequency limit of negative differential resistance and a.c. amplification of quantum well oscillators. From the time development of resonant tunneling, negative resistance is expected to occur at very high frequencies. However, the large device impedance results in a resistive cut-off frequency that is several orders of magnitude below that predicted from transit time considerations. This cut-off frequency is estimated from an equivalent circuit model, and the power of an oscillator as a function of frequency and negative resistance is found from a transmission line model.
Child care in an age of family differences

The importance of understanding America's day care needs has become a major issue in society today. Understanding these needs involves more than simply providing spaces for care. The uniqueness of each family's situation requires research into differing family expectations. This paper provides some insight into differences between single mothers and fathers in their utilization of child care.
Coercivity and the critical switching field

The critical switching field and the coercivity of a material are not necessarily the same; these field values depend upon the magnetization process. Several field-related parameters are used to identify the major hysteresis loop of a material: the saturation field, remanent coercivity, critical field, average critical field, coercivity, median coercivity, and intrinsic coercivity. The parameters vary with changes in the magnetization process, which usually is assumed to be quasi-static. If the process is not quasi-static; i.e., it is faster or slower, the results of the process will change, and the field parameters will be different.
Organo-functionalized metal–oxide clusters: synthesis and characterization of the reduced cationic species [NaVIV6O6{(OCH2CH2)2NH}6]+

A new heteropolyoxovanadium compound, [NaV6O6{(OCH2CH2)2NH}6]·(OH)0.5Cl0.5·3(H2O), was synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, cyclic voltammetry, FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy, and TGA. [NaV6O6{(OCH2CH2)2NH}6]·(OH)0.5Cl0.5·3(H2O) contains the diethanolamine functionalized oxovanadium cationic cluster, [NaV(IV)6O6{(OCH2CH2)2NH}6](+). The cluster cation is composed of a fully reduced cyclic {NaV6N6O18} framework which adopts an Anderson-like structure and is comprised of a ring of six edge-sharing {VO5N} octahedra linked to a central {NaO6} unit. Two (OCH2CH2-) arms of each of the six diethanolamine ligands are incorporated into the oxometalate core. FTIR spectra are consistent with the presence of expected V=Ot stretching modes and functionalization with diethanolamine. Electrochemical and UV-vis absorption properties are consistent with two distinct MLCT processes: the characteristic V=Ot dπ-pπ interaction, and a second process occurring through the hydrogen-terminated nitrogen atoms (V-N-H) of the octahedra forming the cyclic {NaV6N6O18} core.
The use of Google Glass for airway assessment and management

Summary Currently, information about airway assessment and tracheal intubation is communicated verbally or in writing. Google Glass can record this information in real time with minimal disruption to work flow, using standard operating room lighting.
Health Education Manpower in the United States

Problems in collection of uniform data on health education manpower on a continuing basis are discussed. Sources of data on current health education manpower projections for future needs are reviewed. Possible directions for improving manpower planning in this field are cited
Mechanistic Model for Simulating Critical Behavior in Elastomeric Bearings

AbstractWhen an elastomeric bearing is subjected to simultaneous vertical compressive load and lateral displacement, the shear force can pass through a maximum beyond which the bearing exhibits negative tangential horizontal stiffness and a condition of unstable equilibrium. This behavior has been experimentally demonstrated and has important implications on the stability and earthquake response of elastomeric seismic isolation bearings. Yet, analytical bearing models used for numerical earthquake simulation assume a positive second-slope stiffness irrespective of vertical load and/or bearing lateral displacement and therefore are unable to simulate the experimentally observed bearing behavior. Semiempirical bearing models have been developed and some of these models have been shown to simulate the influence of vertical load and lateral displacement on the shear force response with reasonable accuracy, however these models rely on a number of experimentally calibrated parameters, making them impractical f...
Searches for neutrino oscillations using atmospheric neutrinos

Abstract Studies of neutrino oscillations using the natural atmospheric source of neutrinos are reviewed. Studies that search for global deficiencies in the observed event rates are compared with studies based on the variation of the energy spectrum for different propagation distances. Results from both the intermediate energy contained event samples and the high energy event upward muon samples are examined. Questions about the reliability and limitations of the results are discussed.
Effect of some leaf essential oil phenotypes from coastal redwood on growth of its predominant endophytic fungus,Pleuroplaconema sp.

Experiments were performed to assess the effect of four foliar essential oil phenotypes from a coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) population on isolates ofPleuroplaconema sp., its ubiquitous endophytic fungus. Isolates were exposed to essential oils extracted from their trees of origin and from other trees. The hypotheses tested were: (1) redwood leaf essential oils extracted from distinct trees would have a differential effect onPleuroplaconema sp. growth, and (2) growth of isolates from a particular tree would be differentially affected when exposed to essential oil phenotypes different from that of their tree of origin. The essential oil phenotypes were differentially inhibitory, but the pattern of inhibition did not support the second hypothesis.Pleuroplaconema sp. showed low average tolerance to all of the essential oils; two phenotypes reduced growth 70–80% and the other two 50–60% at the dose tested. The overall growth response of individual isolates to all treatments suggests that more than one fungus genotype per tree was represented in the experiment. The variability in tolerance of individual isolates to the essential oils was low for three phenotypes. The low tolerance ofPleuroplaconema sp. to redwood essential oils, in spite of its predominance and specialization in this conifer, is discussed considering: (1) the possible pathogenic ancestry of this fungus, and (2) that essential oil phenotypes may be important in controlling the activity ofPleuroplaconema sp. after it colonizes the leaf.
Modeling and analysis of single phase multi string five level inverter for distributed energy resources

The main objective of this paper is to study a five level multi string converter topology for distributed energy resources based DC-AC conversion system. The modeling and analysis of multi string multi-level converter has not been presented anywhere else before. This paper proposes the Karnaugh mapping technique (which was rarely used in power electronic converters) for modeling the multi string five level converter. The proposed method can also be extended to `n' level converter. This paper also proposes the double Fourier series analysis to determine the expressions for modulation signals with particular reference to five level design. This paper also compares the switching losses between cascaded and multi string multi-level inverters. The studied multi-level inverter topology offers strong advantages such as less switching losses, improved output voltage waveforms, lower EMI and lower THD.
Von Willebrand factor antigen concentration in dogs with sepsis.

Background: Von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen concentration, a marker of endothelial activation, is increased in human patients with multiorgan failure, sepsis, or both, and is an independent predictor of survival. Hypothesis/Objectives: vWF antigen concentrations are significantly higher in dogs with sepsis. Animals: Fourteen dogs hospitalized with sepsis. Sepsis was defined as microbiologic or cytologic evidence of infection combined with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Control dogs were healthy dogs, without evidence of disease. Methods: Prospective, observational study. Dogs admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of sepsis were considered eligible for enrollment into the study. Exclusion criteria included a previous diagnosis of von Willebrand disease or a recent history of a plasma transfusion. Citrated plasma samples were collected for analysis of vWF antigen by ELISA. All samples were drawn from dogs during hospitalization. Data between populations were analyzed using nonparametric statistical analysis with a P value < .05 considered significant. Results: Twenty-five dogs were enrolled; 14 dogs with sepsis and 11 control dogs. The median vWF antigen concentration in dogs with sepsis was 156% (range, 117–200%), which was significantly higher than healthy dogs (105%; range, 44–155%, P < .005). There was no difference between survivors and nonsurvivors with a median vWF antigen concentration of 144% (range, 136–201%) in survivors (n = 7) and 159% (range, 122–174%) in nonsurvivors (n = 7) (P= .5). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: vWF is increased in dogs with sepsis, possibly reflecting endothelial activation. Further exploration of endothelial function is warranted in critically ill dogs.
Attenuation of Sepsis‐Induced Organ Injury in Mice by Vitamin C

Background: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is the principal cause of death in patients with sepsis. Recent work supports the notion that parenteral vitamin C (VitC) is protective in sepsis through pleiotropic mechanisms. Whether suboptimal levels of circulating VitC increase susceptibility to sepsis-induced MODS is unknown. Materials and Methods: Unlike mice, humans lack the ability to synthesize VitC because of loss of L-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase (Gulo), the final enzyme in the biosynthesis of VitC. To examine whether physiological levels of VitC are required for defense against a catastrophic infection, we induced sepsis in VitC sufficient and VitC deficient Gulo-/- mice by intraperitoneal infusion of a fecal stem solution (FIP). Some VitC deficient Gulo-/- mice received a parenteral infusion of ascorbic acid (AscA, 200 mg/kg) 30 minutes after induction of FIP. We used molecular, histological, and biochemical analyses to assess for MODS as well as abnormalities in the coagulation system and c...
Comparative Evaluation of Five Selective and Differential Media for the Detection and Enumeration of Coagulase-Positive Staphylococci in Foods.

Five selective media for the detection and enumeration of coagulase-positive staphylococci were evaluated for their efficiency in the recovery of 17 strains of coagulase-positive staphylococci from foods. They were Staphylococcus Medium 110 (SM-110), tellurite-glycine-agar (TGA), egg-tellurite-glycine-pyruvate-agar (ETGPA), tellurite-egg-agar (TEA), and tellurite-polymyxin-egg yolk-agar (TPEY). Statistical analysis by the rank correlation method of the efficiency with which these media recovered staphylococci from pure 24-hr Brain Heart Infusion cultures revealed the following efficiencies in descending order: (i) TPEY, (ii) ETGPA, (iii) TGA, (iv) TEA, (v) SM-110. Growth of 17 strains of coagulase-negative cocci on these media showed the following approximate descending order of inhibition to these organisms: (i) ETGPA, (ii) TEA, (iii) SM-110, (iv) TGA, (v) TPEY. The appearance of colonies of the various coagulase-negative strains on each medium was studied for the degree to which they could be confused with colonies of coagulase-positive strains. Nineteen food contaminants, including Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Erwinia sp., fecal streptococci, and others, were also studied for similarities in appearance to staphylococci and for ability to grow on the selective media. The influence of five sterile food homogenates (frozen chicken and tuna pies, custard, smoked ham, and raw whole egg) on recovery of 1,500 enterotoxigenic staphylococci (three strains) per milliliter was determined by statistical analysis. Three main effects (culture, media, and food) and three interactions (media with food, food with cultures, and media with culture) were found to be significant. Recovery on TPEY was influenced less by food than the other selective media and showed optimal recovery ability from sterile custard, eggs, and ham. TGA recovered well from sterile chicken pie and custard, SM-110 from sterile custard, and TEA from sterile ham. None of the media was outstanding in recovering staphylococci from tuna pie. The ability of the five selective media to recover 1,500 enterotoxigenic staphylococci (three strains) per ml from three sterile foods in the presence of 10 strains of contaminating bacteria added at the 0, 105, and 106 levels per milliliter was also studied and analyzed statistically. Only three factors were significant under these conditions—cultures, foods, and the interaction of media with the level of added contamination. Efficiency of recovery of TGA, SM-110, and ETGPA was found not to be dependent upon the level of contamination. Recovery on TPEY decreased with increases in the number of contaminants. TEA increased in efficiency at the 105 level, but decreased at the 106 level. When recovery on Trypticase Soy Agar was considered to be 100%, the average percentage of recovery by each of the selective media under all experimental conditions was determined.
A generalized algorithm for bounding fault detection probabilities in combinational circuits

With the ease of incorporating a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) within a chip for generating pseudo-random sequence of binary vectors, random pattern testing is popular as a built-in self test (BIST) scheme for combinational circuits for stuck at faults. A combinational circuit is said to be random pattern testable if a certain fault coverage can be achieved with certain confidence when a randomly chosen input pattern sequence of length equal to or less than a fixed number (dictated by practical constraints) is applied to the inputs. In order to determine if a design is random pattern testable it is necessary to examine the fault detection probability of each fault. The exact determination of fault detection probabilities of the modeled stuck at faults in a combinational circuit is an NP complete problem. In this paper, an algorithm for computing bounds for the fault detection probabilities in linear time and which requires almost no memory is introduced. >
Experimental investigation of two-phase flow pressure drop transients in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell reactant channels and their impact on the cell performance

Abstract Fuel cells experience transients, which constitute a significant part of the drive cycle. Fuel cell response during these transients depends on the rates of reaction kinetics as well as mass transport delays. In the current work, an in situ setup is used to investigate the effect of changing load and temperature conditions on the two-phase flow in the fuel cell. Pressure drop and voltage response from the cell are used to characterize the two-phase flow and performance of the cell. The effect of changing load is simulated by changing the current by 20 A cm −2 (0.4 A cm −2 ) over a time period of 300 s, while the effect of changing cell temperature is studied by increasing/decreasing the cell temperature by 40 °C over 900 s. The results show that several minutes are required after a transient event for the two-phase flow to return to a new steady state condition. Transient effects are more prominent at the lower temperature of 40 °C, at which condition there is more liquid water present in the channels. Overshoot behavior, commonly seen in current and voltage response from fuel cells, has been observed for two-phase pressure drop during transient load changes.
Game-Related Examples of Artificial Intelligence

The field of artificial intelligence needs to attract new researchers to the field to continue current explorations and look for novel approaches to tomorrow's problems. One approach involves providing students with learning tools that excite their imagination and help them obtain an appreciation for what artificial intelligence can do. The tools described here are used in an undergraduate course at Sam Houston State University. They include heuristic-driven search in a potential game's terrain map, reinforcement learning in a tank battle game, and game tree search techniques in tic-tac-toe.
CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides Down-Regulate Macrophage Class II MHC Antigen Processing

Unmethylated CpG motifs in bacterial DNA or short oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) stimulate cells of the immune system and provide adjuvant activity. CpG DNA directly activates macrophages to secrete IL-12 and TNF-α and increases transcription of various genes, but its effects on macrophage Ag processing remain uncertain. The effects of CpG ODN on class II MHC (MHC-II) Ag processing and presentation were examined using peritoneal macrophages that were cultured for 18 h with CpG ODN and then pulsed with protein Ags. T cell hybridomas were used to detect presentation of specific peptide:MHC-II complexes. Both CpG ODN and LPS inhibited processing of bovine RNase and hen egg lysozyme. Presentation of exogenous peptides was inhibited to a lesser degree. Treatment of macrophages for 18 h with CpG ODN decreased surface MHC-II expression, as measured by flow cytometry. Furthermore, Northern blot analysis revealed that treatment with CpG ODN decreased I-A k mRNA. Endocytosis by macrophages, as measured by uptake of fluorescent dextran, was not altered by treatment with CpG ODN. The inhibitory effect of CpG ODN on Ag processing was seen after prolonged (18 h) treatment of macrophages, but not after short treatment (e.g., 2 h) with CpG ODN and protein Ag. Enhancement of macrophage Ag processing was not seen at any time point of CpG ODN exposure, in contrast to data from other studies with dendritic cells. In summary, exposure of macrophages to CpG ODN results in a decrease in macrophage Ag processing and presentation, which is largely mediated by a decrease in synthesis of MHC-II molecules.
Dual-input fiber-optic gyroscope

A fiber-optic gyroscope is operated at maximum sensitivity by supplying two equal-intensity inputs with a specific phase difference to the gyroscope beam splitter. When the beam-splitter outputs have equal intensity, reciprocity requires the Sagnac interferometer to be at quadrature. A sensitivity of ∼0.93 rad−1 is demonstrated with a minimum-detectable rotation rate of 0.4 deg/sec.
POCS-Based Restoration of Bayer-Sampled Image Sequences

Spatial resolution of digital images are limited due to optical/sensor blurring and sensor site density. In single-chip digital cameras, the resolution is further degraded because such devices use a color filter array to capture only one spectral component at a pixel location. The process of estimating the missing two color values at each pixel location is known as demosaicking. Demosaicking methods usually exploit the correlation among color channels. When there are multiple images, it is possible not only to have better estimates of the missing color values but also to improve the spatial resolution further (using super-resolution reconstruction). Previously, we have proposed a demosaicking algorithm based on the projection onto convex sets (POCS) technique. In this paper, we improve the results of that algorithm adding a new constraint set based on the spatio-intensity neighborhood. We extend the algorithm to image sequences for multi-frame demosaicking and super resolution.
The SPECTRUM of findings in treatment options for recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer

Evaluation of: Vermorken JB, Stohlmacher-Williams J, Davidenko I et al. Cisplatin and fluorouracil with or without panitumumab in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SPECTRUM): an open-label Phase 3 randomised trial. Lancet Oncol. 14(8), 697–710 (2013). In recent decades, significant progress has been achieved in the biological understanding of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) has become more evident. The EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway represents the main target of the new therapeutic agents currently in development and has proven to be efficacious in locally advanced SCCHN. The role of HPV in recurrent and metastatic disease for predicting response to EGFR monoclonal antibodies is still unknown. Today, cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, is the only targeted therapy approved for the treatment of SCCHN in patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, in association with platinum-...
United States hurricane landfalls and damages: can one- to five-year predictions beat climatology?

This paper asks whether one- to five-year predictions of United States hurricane landfalls and damages improve upon a baseline expectation derived from the climatological record. The paper argues that the large diversity of available predictions means that some predictions will improve upon climatology, but for decades if not longer it will be impossible to know whether these improvements were due to chance or actual skill. A review of efforts to predict hurricane landfalls and damage on timescales of one to five years does not lend much optimism to such efforts in any case. For decision makers, the recommendation is to use climatology as a baseline expectation and to clearly identify hedges away from this baseline, in order to clearly distinguish empirical from non-empirical justifications for judgements of risk.
The neurophysiology of figure^ground segregation in primary visual cortex

The activity of neurons in the primary visual cortex of the awake macaque monkey was recorded while the animals were viewing full screen arrays of either oriented line segments or moving random dots. A square patch of the screen was made to perceptually pop out as a circumscribed figure by virtue of differences between the orientation or the direction of motion of the texture elements within that patch and the surround. The animals were trained to identify the figure patches by making saccadic eye movements towards their positions. Almost every cell gave a significantly larger response to elements belonging to the figure than to similar elements belonging to the background. The figure-ground response enhancement was present along the entire extent of the patch and was absent as soon as the receptive field was outside the patch. The strength of the effect had no relation with classical receptive field properties like orientation or direction selectivity or receptive field size. The response enhancement had a latency of 30-40 msec relative to the onset of the neuronal response itself. The results show that context modulation within primary visual cortex has a highly sophisticated nature, putting the image features the cells are responding to into their fully evaluated perceptual context.
Dispersal ecology of Nuphar luteum (L.) Sibthorp & Smith: abiotic seed dispersal mechanisms

Abstract Nuphar luteum (Nymphaceae) is a water lily indigenous to the glacial lakes of the Rocky Mountains of the western United States. The seeds are negatively buoyant, but are dispersed across the water surface in two different manners: (1) within the floating fruits, and (2) within a buoyant, but water-soluble matrix that surrounds the seeds. Seed dispersal via fruits results in a clumped distribution, while seed dispersal mediated by the buoyant matrix results in scattered seed distributions. Experimental release of tagged fruits and seeds in nature show that fruit and seeds can travel up to 80 m/h on the water surface. Although seeds only float for about 72 h, this is adequate time for dispersal, especially in small glacial lakes that are connected via streams. By comparing historical lake-specific population distributions of N. luteum using aerial photographs taken over a 36 year period we found little change in the overall intralake distribution of each population. We believe these historical patterns to be related to the mechanisms of fruit and seed dispersal.
Minimum energy based fine motion control of underwater robots in the presence of thruster nonlinearity

This paper considers thruster dead zones and saturation limits in fine motion control of underwater robots. Thruster dead zones and saturation limits are major nonlinear elements that make fine motion control of underwater robots difficult. If the vehicle is designed with a redundant thruster configuration, the dead zone and the nonlinear region around it can be completely avoided by implementing a null motion solution for the command input of the vehicle. This solution is derived primarily from the hardware geometry, and is actually realized before the application of the motion control algorithm. The result is an improvement in system performance regardless of the implemented controller type. This paper describes the mathematical derivation of a null motion solution, the minimum energy solution, and a hybrid of the two. The approach is then illustrated through simulation, and followed by empirical application to an underwater vehicle that was developed at the Autonomous Systems Laboratory of the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.
Histopathological Changes of the Eustachian Tube Cartilage and the Tensor Veli Palatini Muscle With Aging

Objectives: The eustachian tube (ET) and the tensor veli palatini muscle (TVPM) are thought to play an important role in ventilatory function. Calcification of the ET cartilage and the replacement of TVPM by fat tissue are often observed histologically in elderly patients. To our knowledge, however, there are no quantitative studies of these pathological findings in relation to age. Study Design: The calcification of the ET cartilage and the atrophy of the TVPM in 36 normal human temporal bones obtained from 36 individuals with ages ranging from 2 days to 88 years were investigated. Methods: The number of calcified chondrocytes in the midportion of the ET cartilage was quantified as the average number of cells per square millimeter. Atrophy of the TVPM was evaluated at the midportion of the site where the TVPM is attached to the tip of lateral lamina of ET cartilage. A grade of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 was assessed for each section, which indicated approximately 0% to 5%, 5% to 30%, 30% to 70%, 70% to 95%, or 95% to 100% of the TVPM replacement by fat tissue, respectively. Results: A statistically significant correlation was found between the number of the calcified cells and aging (P <.001). A statistically significant correlation was also found between the degree of the atrophy of TVPM and aging (P < .001). Conclusions: The calcification of the ET cartilage and the atrophy of the TVPM are closely associated with aging. Therefore, it is suggested that these two findings may be a predisposing factor for ET dysfunction in elderly adults.
Is Weak Oral Language Associated with Poor Spelling in School-Age Children with Specific Language Impairment, Dyslexia or Both?.

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that word reading accuracy, not oral language, is associated with spelling performance in school-age children. We compared fourth grade spelling accuracy in children with specific language impairment (SLI), dyslexia or both (SLI/dyslexia) to their typically developing grade-matched peers. Results of the study revealed that children with SLI performed similarly to their typically developing peers on a single-word spelling task. Alternatively, those with dyslexia and SLI/dyslexia evidenced poor spelling accuracy. Errors made by both those with dyslexia and SLI/dyslexia were characterized by numerous phonologic, orthographic and semantic errors. Cumulative results support the hypothesis that word reading accuracy, not oral language, is associated with spelling performance in typically developing school-age children and their peers with SLI and dyslexia. Findings are provided as further support for the notion that SLI and dyslexia are distinct, yet co-morbi...
Remodeling Epithelial Cell Organization: Transitions Between Front–Rear and Apical–Basal Polarity

Polarized epithelial cells have a distinctive apical–basal axis of polarity for vectorial transport of ions and solutes across the epithelium. In contrast, migratory mesenchymal cells have a front–rear axis of polarity. During development, mesenchymal cells convert to epithelia by coalescing into aggregates that undergo epithelial differentiation. Signaling networks and protein complexes comprising Rho family GTPases, polarity complexes (Crumbs, PAR, and Scribble), and their downstream effectors, including the cytoskeleton and the endocytic and exocytic vesicle trafficking pathways, together regulate the distributions of plasma membrane and cytoskeletal proteins between front–rear and apical–basal polarity. The challenge is to understand how these regulators and effectors are adapted to regulate symmetry breaking processes that generate cell polarities that are specialized for different cellular activities and functions.
Integrated High Sensitivity Hybrid Silicon Magnetometer

We propose and analyze a novel highly sensitive optical magnetometer, using low-loss silicon nitride waveguides. With the recent advances in Ce:YIG pulsed laser deposition on silicon nitride, we show the possibility of reaching sensitivities on the order of 20 fT/ \(\surd \) Hz at room temperature in an area \(^{2}\) . This letter examines a number of parameters, including the dependence of sensitivity on sensor area.
A production information platform for electric power enterprise

Aimed at the problem of "Information Island" in electric power enterprise, a solution of a production information platform is proposed. This platform is customized for the electric power enterprise and it is great helpful for the management level. OPC technology is adopted to acquire real-time data from industrial control network, then the real-time data are introduced into management network. Enterprise applications are developed based on J2EE. On the platform, a series of Web-based services are provided. So sufficient sharing of production information is achieved. The platform is featured with good universality, high flexibility and strong extendibility. It has been applied in reality. The design and implementation of the platform are discussed in detail, especially the key technologies involved.
An Assay for Pantothenic Acid in Biologic Fluids

Methods for the assay of pantothenic acid in blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid using Lactobacillus plantarum and Tetrahymena pyriformis are presented. Tetrahymena , grown in a synthetic medium, provides a reliable assay control for establishing the range of the vitamin content in biologic fluids. The results show that pantothenic acid exists in the combined form and is equally concentrated in blood and cerebrospinal fluid; in urine it exists in the unconjugated form.
Pharmacokinetics of pentazocine in the rhesus monkey

The time course of pentazocine concentration was followed in the plasma and cerebrums of individual monkeys by obtaining serial samples of both tissues after intravenous administration of tritiated drug. Plasma concentrations of pentazocine were also followed in a monkey after portal vein infusion. A three-compartment open-system model adequately fits the observed plasma data. The use of the constants derived from that model to predict the time course of pentazocine concentration in the brain results in a good fit with the observed cerebral concentrations. As expected, portal vein infusion caused a reduction in the area below the plasma concentration-time curves and in the percentage of pentazocine excreted in the urine. The relative proportions of known metabolites and their conjugates in urine were determined.