cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exact Confidence Intervals for Channelized Hotelling Observer Performance in Image Quality Studies

Task-based assessments of image quality constitute a rigorous, principled approach to the evaluation of imaging system performance. To conduct such assessments, it has been recognized that mathematical model observers are very useful, particularly for purposes of imaging system development and optimization. One type of model observer that has been widely applied in the medical imaging community is the channelized Hotelling observer (CHO), which is well-suited to known-location discrimination tasks. In the present work, we address the need for reliable confidence interval estimators of CHO performance. Specifically, we show that the bias associated with point estimates of CHO performance can be overcome by using confidence intervals proposed by Reiser for the Mahalanobis distance. In addition, we find that these intervals are well-defined with theoretically-exact coverage probabilities, which is a new result not proved by Reiser. The confidence intervals are tested with Monte Carlo simulation and demonstrated with two examples comparing X-ray CT reconstruction strategies. Moreover, commonly-used training/testing approaches are discussed and compared to the exact confidence intervals. MATLAB software implementing the estimators described in this work is publicly available at http://code.google.com/p/iqmodelo/.
Chemically mediated resistance to mesoherbivory in finely branched macroalgae along the western Antarctic Peninsula

Along the western Antarctic Peninsula, benthic macrophytic biomass rivals some of the denser algal communities in the world. However, there is a noticeable lack of filamentous epiphytes compared with other algal-dominated communities. One possible explanation is that epiphytic species and emerging filaments from profuse endophytes are controlled by grazing pressures from an abundant mesograzer community. Amphipod gut contents from the study area revealed the presence of algal filaments that could support this hypothesis. However, this gut-derived algal material may be from ingestion of any of the several sub-tidal, finely branched rhodophyte species, which are often inhabited by numerous amphipod mesograzers. Palatability of several of these finely branched macrophytes (Halopteris obovata, the only phaeophyte in this study, Cystoclonium obtusangulum, Pantoneura plocamioides, Picconiella plumosa, Plocamium cartilagineum, as well as the known edible control alga Palmaria decipiens) were tested against two o...
A combination of orgasmic reconditioning and covert sensitization in the treatment of a fire fetish

Abstract A 20-year-old male reported a history of fire-setting behavior associated with masturbation as his sole means of obtaining sexual gratification. Physiological and subjective measures indicated sexual arousal to photographic slides of fire and lesser arousal to slides of nude females. Treatment included a new version of orgasmic reconditioning to increase heterosexual arousal and covert sensitization to decrease deviant arousal. At the end of treatment, sexual arousal was greater for heterosexual than for fire stimuli. Masturbatory fantasies were reported to be exclusively heterosexual and no further fire-setting incidents were reported. These changes were maintained at both 4 and 9 month follow-ups.
Soil radon, permeability, and indoor radon prediction

Attempts to predict which geographic areas should be associated with a high percentage of homes with unusually high indoor radon levels have been based on estimates of soil radon and soil permeability for geological units. In northern Virginia and southern Maryland, it appears that predictions of indoor radon based on estimates of homesite soil radon and soil permeability are very useful.
Behavioral Science---Theory Y Assumptions in a Non-Theory Y World

In many ways the values summarized by Tannenbaum and Davis Tannenbaum, R., S. A. Davis. 1969. Values, man, and organizations. Indust. Management Rev.10 67--86. are values I would like to promote. Moreover, I am not suggesting that these values are too idealistic to be achievable. I am suggesting that management strategies, that many behavioral scientists hope will support the acceptance of such values, are doomed to failure. This is because these strategies embody implicit assumptions about the nature of people and organizations which are incomplete and/or inaccurate. Assumptions about individuals, without comparable assumptions about the nature of their environments, do not provide a sound basis for effective action. The problem, as I see it, is to design social systems which support the values summarized by Tannenbaum and Davis. Psychological models alone will not provide an adequate foundation for such work. Rather, social, political, and economic changes are needed to encourage the development and survival of systems useful in the real world.
Repair of Pectus Excavatum by Sternal Eversion

Abstract Pectus excavatum was repaired by the sternal eversion (turnover) technique in 26 patients over a 7-year period. Vascular supply to the sternal graft was maintained by preservation of one internal mammary vascular pedicle. Good results were obtained in 21 (81%) patients followed for periods ranging from 2 to 76 months (mean, 32 months) postoperatively. Four patients (15%) had fair results; 2 patients with Marfan's syndrome had partial recurrence, as did 1 patient with skin necrosis and 1 with hypertrophic scar. One patient (4%) had a poor early result due to wound infection and distal sternal necrosis requiring reoperation. Other complications were minor: superficial wound seroma in 2 patients and pneumothorax in 1. The sternal eversion technique for repair of pectus excavatum utilizes the concave shape of the sternum when turned over to create a cosmetically acceptable convex anterior chest wall contour. Judicious tailoring of the costal cartilages and shaping of the anterior sternum corrects asymmetrical deformities. The chest wall is very stable after repair. Since no prosthetic struts or pins are used, a second operation for removal is avoided. Preservation of the vascular supply to the sternum should allow normal growth of the anterior chest wall. The results have been sufficiently encouraging for us to recommend sternal eversion as the primary method for repair of pectus excavatum.
Evaluating Aircraft Requirements in the Light of Varying or Uncertain Mission Mixes

It is often assumed that an extreme sacrifice in efficiency is made when utility or multi-purpose weapons systems are substituted for systems specifically designed to meet a particular requirement. In this paper the authors attempt to quantify the expected differences in the costs of providing a capability with either specialized or utility type aircraft to meet aircraft requirements in a counterinsurgency environment, where requirements are either uncertain or are known to change from time to time. Because little is known about the actual costs of aircraft operation in a primitive logistics environment, particularly the question of the difference in logistics costs as a result of operating more than one type of aircraft rather than only one type of aircraft, the analysis deals solely with average costs. Unless significant savings are likely to be achieved by providing a mix of specialized aircraft for a given level of operational requirements, an a priori case is considered made for the procurement of the utility aircraft.
Stimulation of M3 Muscarinic Receptors Induces Phosphorylation of the Cdc42 Effector Activated Cdc42Hs-associated Kinase-1 via a Fyn Tyrosine Kinase Signaling Pathway

The tyrosine kinase, activated Cdc42Hs-associated kinase-1 (ACK-1), is a specific effector of the Rho family GTPase Cdc42. GTP-bound Cdc42 has been shown to facilitate neurite outgrowth elicited by activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChRs). Because tyrosine kinase activity is a requirement for neuritogenesis in several cell systems, we investigated whether endogenous mAChRs (principally of the M3 subtype) expressed in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells would signal to ACK-1. Incubation of cells with the cholinergic agonist oxotremorine-M (Oxo-M) induced an approximately 6-fold increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of ACK-1 which was inhibited by atropine. ACK-1 phosphorylation was blocked by Clostridium difficile toxin B, an inhibitor of Rho family GTPases. In contrast, disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D stimulated ACK-1 phosphorylation, and moreover, addition of Oxo-M to cells preincubated with this agent elicited a further increase in phosphorylation, indicating that an intact cytoskeleton is not required for mAChR signaling to ACK-1. Although stimulation of M3 mAChRs induces both an increase in intracellular Ca2+ and activation of protein kinase C (PKC), neither of these second messenger pathways was required for receptor-stimulated ACK-1 phosphorylation. Instead, inhibition of PKC resulted in a 2-fold increase in Oxo-M-stimulated ACK-1 phosphorylation, whereas acute activation of PKC with phorbol ester decreased ACK-1 phosphorylation. The agonist-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of ACK-1 was blocked by inhibitors of Src family kinases, and ACK-1 was coprecipitated with Fyn (but not Src) in an agonist-dependent manner. Finally, scrape loading cells with glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins of either the Fyn-SH2 or Fyn-SH3 domain significantly attenuated mAChR-stimulated ACK-1 tyrosine phosphorylation. The data are the first to show phosphorylation of ACK-1 after stimulation of a receptor coupled to neurite outgrowth and indicate that a Rho family GTPase (i.e. Cdc42) and Fyn are essential upstream elements of this signaling pathway.
Quantifying the burden of injuries in temporary labour migrants: an analysis from the United Arab Emirates

Abstract Background Temporary labour migration is a global trend whereby individuals from one country move temporarily to another for employment. These populations are sometimes vulnerable groups with limited rights and resources during their migration experience. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) more than 80% of the population are non-citizen temporary workers, mostly from low-income and middle-income south Asian and southeast Asian countries. With extremely restricted rights, they are mostly young men, who work predominately as unskilled or semi-skilled labourers in the construction, manufacturing, and oil sectors. Injuries incurred in the course of work are of concern in this population. To better understand the health and occupational risks facing these migrant workers, we aimed to systematically quantify the burden of injuries among temporary migrants in the UAE and compare it with the estimated injury burden for UAE citizens. Methods We followed WHO and Global Burden of Disease Study protocols, to conduct a national burden of disease analysis for the UAE with a focus on quantifying the injury burden. We used local mortality and morbidity data sources from the Ministry of Health, Health Authority-Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Health Authority. Years of life lost (YLLs) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated by age, sex, and nationality. Findings We estimate that, in 2010, migrants lost 448 584 DALYs to disease and injuries. For migrants, injuries were the leading cause of lost DALYs, irrespective of sex, and accounted for 27% (121 915 DALYs) of the total. Among UAE citizens, injuries were also the leading cause of DALYs lost, representing 22% of the national-specific total (216 301 DALYs). Cause-specific analysis of YLLs shows that road traffic injuries are the main cause of premature death for both migrants and nationals. Suicides (10 392 YLLs; 4·9%), other adverse events (6824 YLLs; 3·5%) and falls (5554 YLLs; 2·6%) are also important causes of total YLLs for all migrants, but in migrant men account for 5·2% and 3·4%, respectively, of the total YLL burden. Interpretation This study highlights the high burden of road traffic injuries in the UAE and the need for national efforts to reduce deaths from this cause. Furthermore, it shows that the injury burden is higher for migrants. It highlights the need for an increased focus on injury prevention for migrants—especially suicide prevention—and efforts to reduce occupational falls. Despite the limitations associated with using secondary data, we provide a systematic assessment of the burden of injuries in temporary migrants working in the UAE. Funding From the Baker, Taylor, Reinke Scholarship.
Oxoperoxo(citrato)- and dioxo(citrato)vanadates(V): synthesis, spectra, and structure of a hydroxyl oxygen bridged dimer K2[VO(O2)(C6H6O7)]2.2H2O

Preparation de complexes du type M[VO(O 2 )(C 6 H 6 O 7 )]•H 2 O (M=K + , NH 4 + , Cs + ). Caracterisation spectrometrique IR et etude radiocristallographique du complexe dimere
Development of rationally designed affinity-based drug delivery systems

Many drug delivery systems have been developed to provide sustained release of proteins in vivo. However, the ability to predict and control the rate of release from delivery systems is still a challenge. Toward this goal, we screened a random drug-binding peptide library (12 amino acids) to identify peptides of varying (i.e. low, moderate, and high) affinity for a model polysaccharide drug (heparin). Peptide domains of varying affinity for heparin identified from the library were synthesized using standard solid phase chemistry. A mathematical model of drug release from a biomaterial scaffold containing drug-binding peptide domains identified from the library was developed. This model describes the binding kinetics of drugs to the peptides, the diffusion of free drug, and the kinetics of enzymatic matrix degradation. The effect of the ratio of binding sites to drug, the effect of varying the binding kinetics and the rate of enzymatic matrix degradation on the rate of drug release was examined. The in vitro release of the model drug from scaffold containing the peptide drug-binding domains was measured. The ability of this system to deliver and modulate the biological activity of protein drugs was also assessed using nerve growth factor (NGF) in a chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurite extension model. These studies demonstrate that our rational approach to drug delivery system design can be used to control drug release from tissue-engineered scaffolds and may be useful for promoting tissue regeneration in vivo.
Realism and neoliberalism: International relations theory and Southeast Asian security

Abstract Realism and neoliberalism, two schools of international relations theory, provide contending explanations for state behaviour in the international system. The latter believes that interstate cooperation will create institutions and regimes for the peaceful settlement of conflicts. The former argues that only ‘self help’ — the building of individual state military capabilities — can assure that state interests will be protected. A review of Southeast Asian security policies demonstrates that both paradigms coexist as the region's members enhance their individual military capabilities because of territorial disputes with neighbours, while simultaneously entering into new collaborative arrangements such as the ASEAN Regional Forum. The ARF has begun as a venue for discussions and reassurance among Southeast Asian states and external powers in hopes that the zero‐sum character of pure realism may ultimately be transcended.
Intracoronary radiation decreases the second phase of intimal hyperplasia in a repeat balloon angioplasty model of restenosis.

Purpose: Repeat balloon angioplasty is likely to induce intimal proliferation, which is associated with a higher restenosis rate. This study examined the effect of intracoronary ionizing radiation on restenotic lesions using repeat balloon injury in a normolipemic swine. Methods and Materials: Eight domestic normolipemic pigs underwent overstretch balloon angioplasty with a 3.5 mm balloon in the LAD and LCX, followed by repeat balloon injury at the same sites 4 weeks after the initial injury. At that time a high activity 192 Iridium source was introduced immediately after the angioplasty by random assignment to deliver 14 Gy at 2 mm in eight of the injured coronary arteries (LAD and LCX). One month later the animals were killed and the coronary arteries pressure perfusion fixed. Serial sections were stained with H&E and VVG, then evaluated by histopathologic and morphometric techniques. Maximal intimal thickness (MIT), intimal area (IA), and intimal area corrected for the extent of injury (IA/FL) were measured in the irradiated and control arteries and were compared to control arteries with single injuries from previous studies. Results: Repeat balloon injury induced significant additional medial damage, which was associated with marked intimal hyperplasia in a concentric pattern. Intracoronary irradiation significantly decreased the total of neointima area formation (IA 93 + 0.35 mm 2 compared to control 1.38 + 0.33 mm 2 p < 0.01) and the MIT was also significantly reduced in the irradiated vessels (0.57 + 0.18 mm vs. 0.71 + 0.08 mm,p = 0.05). Conclusions: Intracoronary irradiation immediately after the second balloon dilatation inhibits the intimal hyperplasia due to that injury. However, there was no effect on the existing neointima from the initial injury.
Permittivity and AC conductivity in yttria-stabilized zirconia

Alternating current (ac) conductivity and permittivity measurements were carried out on yttriastabilized cubic zirconia, with yttria varying from 9.6 to 25.5 mol%. In this composition range, the dielectric constant measured at 103 Hz decreased from 29.8 to 23.2 as the yttria concentration increased. A plot of the ac conductivity versus frequency exhibited a plateau conductivity (σdc) and a frequency (ω) dependent term σ'(ω). An analysis of σ'(ω) with a suitable theoretical approach based on a pairs-approximation model, resulted in a calculated binding energy for the yttrium-associated oxygen vacancy of 0.29±0.05 eV, which compares favorably with values obtained by different means in previous studies. The experimental determination of the frequency dependence of the conductivity and its analysis provides an effective basis for understanding the ionic conductivity mechanism.
Atomic-level computer simulation

Abstract This paper provides a broad overview of the methods of atomic-level computer simulation. It discusses methods of modelling atomic bonding, and computer simulation methods such as energy minimization, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, and lattice Monte Carlo.
Effects of fulvic acid on uranium(VI) sorption kinetics.

This study focuses on the effects of fulvic acid (FA) on uranium(VI) sorption kinetics to a silica sand. Using a tritium-labeled FA in batch experiments made it possible to investigate sorption rates over a wide range of environmentally relevant FA concentrations (0.37–23 mg L–1 TOC). Equilibrium speciation calculations were coupled with an evaluation of U(VI) and FA sorption rates based on characteristic times. This allowed us to suggest plausible sorption mechanisms as a function of solution conditions (e.g., pH, U(VI)/FA/surface site ratios). Our results indicate that U(VI) sorption onto silica sand can be either slower or faster in the presence of FA compared to a ligand-free system. This suggests a shift in the underlying mechanisms of FA effects on U(VI) sorption, from competitive sorption to influences of U(VI)-FA complexes, in the same system. Changes in metal sorption rates depend on the relative concentrations of metals, organic ligands, and mineral surface sites. Hence, these results elucidate ...
Pimod processing and electrical characterization of ferroelectric thin film capacitors for nonvolatile memories

Abstract A novel photo-induced metallo-organic decomposition (PIMOD) process has been developed for producing high-quality lithium niobate thin films on silicon for applications in non-volatile memories. Crack and interdiffusion-free films have been grown by the PIMOD process at a lower temperature for a shorter processing time than those required for the conventional MOD process. MFS capacitors were fabricated to examine the electrical and optical properties of the lithium niobate thin films. The C-V hysteresis curves show ferroelectric switching. Only a very small amount of mobile ionic contamination was observed in C-V measurements using temperature and field stresses. The polarization reversal in the films was observed as shown in the photocurrent experiments.
A probability-based sampling approach for the analysis of drug seizures composed of multiple containers of either cocaine, heroin, or Cannabis

Abstract A probability-based analytical sampling approach for seized containers of cocaine, Cannabis , or heroin, to answer questions of both content weight and identity, is described. It utilizes the Student's t distribution, and, because of the lack of normality in studied populations, the power of the Central Limit Theorem with samples of size 20 to calculate the mean net weights of multiple item drug seizures. Populations studied ranged between 50 and 1200 units. Identity determination is based on chemical testing and sampling using the hypergeometric distribution fit to a program macro – created by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) Drugs Working Group. Formal random item selection is effected through use of an Excel ® -generated list of random numbers. Included, because of their impact on actual practice, are discussions of admissibility, sufficiency of proof, method validation, and harmony with the guidelines of international standardizing bodies.
Energy-efficient congestion detection and avoidance in sensor networks

Event-driven sensor networks operate under an idle or light load and then suddenly become active in response to a detected or monitored event. The transport of event impulses is likely to lead to varying degrees of congestion in the network depending on the distribution and rate of packet sources in the network. It is during these periods of event impulses that the likelihood of congestion is greatest and the information in transit of most importance to users. To address this challenge we propose an energy-efficient congestion control scheme for sensor networks called CODA (COngestion Detection and Avoidance) that comprises three mechanisms: (i) receiver-based congestion detection; (ii) open-loop hop-by-hop backpressure; and (iii) closed-loop multisource regulation. We present the detailed design, implementation, and evaluation of CODA using simulation and experimentation. We define three important performance metrics (i.e., energy tax, fidelity penalty, and power) to evaluate the impact of CODA on the performance of sensing applications. We discuss the performance benefits and practical engineering challenges of implementing CODA in an experimental sensor network testbed based on Berkeley motes using CSMA. Simulation results indicate that CODA significantly improves the performance of data dissemination applications such as directed diffusion by mitigating hotspots, and reducing the energy tax and fidelity penalty on sensing applications. We also demonstrate that CODA is capable of responding to a number of congestion scenarios that we believe will be prevalent as the deployment of these networks accelerates.
The relevance of sacred inquiry in the education of delinquent Black girls

Multiple, intersecting factors contribute to the over-representation of Black girls among students who experience exclusionary discipline and other criminalising factors in school. Education is an important rehabilitative factor among girls in trouble with the law; however, there has been little investigation into the practices that interrupt school-to-confinement pathways for Black girls. This article discusses the application of sacred theory (Reason, 1993) and epistemological considerations that may provide a foundation for the implementation of a liberative pedagogical model (Morris, 2013) for educating girls who have a history of formal contact with the criminal legal system.
Estrogen and progesterone exposure is reduced in response to energy deficiency in women aged 25–40 years

background: Alterations in circulating steroids are believed to be important mediators of the impact that diet and exercise have on breast cancer risk and changes in bone density. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that moderate exercise training combined with caloric restriction would produce significant menstrual disturbances and alterations in ovarian steroids in premenopausal women. methods: Sedentary premenopausal women (25 –40 years; body mass index: 23.6+ 0.6 kg/m 2 ) assigned to either a light conditioning (LC, n ¼ 9) or an exercise combined with caloric restriction group (EX + CR, n ¼ 24) were studied for one screening, one baseline and four intervention periods equivalent to the length of subjects’ menstrual cycles. Exercise consisted of supervised training sessions, i.e. two LC or four EX + CR times per week, 30 –60 min at a moderate intensity. The EX + CR group was prescribed a diet representing a caloric restriction of 20–35% below baseline energy requirements, whereas the LC group remained eucaloric. Ovarian steroid exposure was determined with daily urinary estrone-1- and pregnanediol glucuronides (E1G and PdG, respectively) and mid-cycle urinary LH measures. Fitness, body composition, and serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and serum estradiol (E2) were assessed repeatedly. results: The intervention produced significant increases in VO2 max and decreases in both body weight (23.7+ 0.5 kg; ranged from 28.8 to +1.8 kg) and percent body fat (24.5+ 0.7%; ranged from 212 to +0.3%), which were attributable primarily to changes in the EX + CR subjects (time × group; P , 0.05). Serum E2 and urinary E1G and PdG concentrations declined significantly across the intervention period (time; P , 0.05), whereas SHBG increased transiently (time; P , 0.05) in the EX + CR subjects, with no significant changes observed in the LC group. The decrease in E1G area under the curve was significantly related to the daily energy deficit (R ¼0.61; P ¼ 0.003), not the amount of weight lost. There was no significant impact of the intervention on menstrual cyclicity or the incidence of menstrual disturbances in either group. conclusions: A moderate aerobic exercise training program combined with modest weight loss in accordance with recommended guidelines produces significant reductions in ovarian steroid exposure without disrupting menstrual cyclicity in premenopausal women aged 25 –40 years. Exposure to a daily energy deficit is a stronger predictor of the decline in estrogen exposure than decreases in body weight.
What do Special Educators Need to Know and Be Prepared to Do for Inclusive Schooling to Work

This article focuses on the role of the special educator in an inclusive school. The authors review the development of a special education knowledge base and specific schools' change to an inclusiv...
Uplift Capacity of Piles and Pile Groups in Sand

Offshore structures supported by pile foundations are sometimes subjected to uplifting forces due to wave, wind, and ice actions. This paper presents the results of laboratory model tests for ultimate uplift capacity of single and group metal piles embedded in saturated medium and dense sand. The results have been compared with existing theories.
A Novel Selective Method for the Production of Bacillus subtilis var. niger Spores

Summary. A method for the recurrent selective production of heat resistant spores of Bacillus subtilis var. niger is described. The method embodies some features of both batch and continuous culture, permitting a daily production of 10 1 volumes of culture containing up to 2·3 × 1010 spores/ml. These spores are stable in storage at −20° and yet germinate readily, giving rise to easily recognizable, pigmented colonies.
Ocean Data Assimilation and Initialization Procedure for the Coupled GFDL/URI Hurricane Prediction System

A new ocean data assimilation and initialization procedure is presented. It was developed to obtain more realistic initial ocean conditions, including the position and structure of the Gulf Stream (GS) and Loop Current (LC), in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory/University of Rhode Island (GFDL/URI) coupled hurricane prediction system used operationally at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. This procedure is based on a feature-modeling approach that allows a realistic simulation of the cross-frontal temperature, salinity, and velocity of oceanic fronts. While previous feature models used analytical formulas to represent frontal structures, the new procedure uses the innovative method of cross-frontal “sharpening” of the background temperature and salinity fields. The sharpening is guided by observed cross sections obtained in specialized field experiments in the GS. The ocean currents are spun up by integrating the ocean model for 2 days, which was sufficient for the velocity fields to adjust to the strong gradients of temperature and salinity in the main thermocline in the GS and LC. A new feature-modeling approach was also developed for the initialization of a multicurrent system in the Caribbean Sea, which provides the LC source. The initialization procedure is demonstrated for coupled model forecasts of Hurricane Isidore (2002).
Effect of Deletion of Genes Involved in Lipopolysaccharide Core and O-Antigen Synthesis on Virulence and Immunogenicity of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major virulence factor of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and is composed of lipid A, core oligosaccharide (C-OS), and O-antigen polysaccharide (O-PS). While the functions of the gene products involved in synthesis of core and O-antigen have been elucidated, the effect of removing O-antigen and core sugars on the virulence and immunogenicity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium has not been systematically studied. We introduced nonpolar, defined deletion mutations in waaG (rfaG), waaI (rfaI), rfaH, waaJ (rfaJ), wbaP (rfbP), waaL (rfaL), or wzy (rfc) into wild-type S. Typhimurium. The LPS structure was confirmed, and a number of in vitro and in vivo properties of each mutant were analyzed. All mutants were significantly attenuated compared to the wild-type parent when administered orally to BALB/c mice and were less invasive in host tissues. Strains with ΔwaaG and ΔwaaI mutations, in particular, were deficient in colonization of Peyer's patches and liver. This deficiency could be partially overcome in the ΔwaaI mutant when it was administered intranasally. In the context of an attenuated vaccine strain delivering the pneumococcal antigen PspA, all of the mutations tested resulted in reduced immune responses against PspA and Salmonella antigens. Our results indicate that nonreversible truncation of the outer core is not a viable option for developing a live oral Salmonella vaccine, while a wzy mutant that retains one O-antigen unit is adequate for stimulating the optimal protective immunity to homologous or heterologous antigens by oral, intranasal, or intraperitoneal routes of administration.
Global harmonization NextGen / SESAR

Agenda • NextGen / SESAR Harmonization • Global Interoperability • Challenges to ATM Modernization
Survival and neurologic outcome after cardiopulmonary resuscitation with four different chest compression-ventilation ratios.

Abstract Study objective: The optimal ratio of chest compressions to ventilations during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is unknown. We determine 24-hour survival and neurologic outcome, comparing 4 different chest compression-ventilation CPR ratios in a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest and bystander CPR. Methods: Forty swine were instrumented and subjected to 3 minutes of ventricular fibrillation followed by 12 minutes of CPR by using 1 of 4 models of chest compression-ventilation ratios as follows: (1) standard CPR with a ratio of 15:2; (2) CC-CPR, chest compressions only with no ventilations for 12 minutes; (3) 50:5-CPR, CPR with a ratio of 50:5 compressions to ventilations, as advocated by authorities in Great Britain; and (4) 100:2-CPR, 4 minutes of chest compressions only followed by CPR with a ratio of 100:2 compressions to ventilations. CPR was followed by standard advanced cardiac life support, 1 hour of critical care, and 24 hours of observation, followed by a neurologic evaluation. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in 24-hour survival among the 4 groups (standard CPR, 7/10; CC-CPR, 7/10; 50:5-CPR, 8/10; 100:2-CPR, 9/10). There were significant differences in 24-hour neurologic function, as evaluated by using the swine cerebral performance category scale. The animals receiving 100:2-CPR had significantly better neurologic function at 24 hours than the standard CPR group with a 15:2 ratio (1.5 versus 2.5; P =.007). The 100:2-CPR group also had better neurologic function than the CC-CPR group, which received chest compressions with no ventilations (1.5 versus 2.3; P =.027). Coronary perfusion pressures, aortic pressures, and myocardial and kidney blood flows were not significantly different among the groups. Coronary perfusion pressure as an integrated area under the curve was significantly better in the CC-CPR group than in the standard CPR group ( P =.04). Minute ventilation and PaO 2 were significantly lower in the CC-CPR group. Conclusion: In this experimental model of bystander CPR, the group receiving compressions only for 4 minutes followed by a compression-ventilation ratio of 100:2 achieved better neurologic outcome than the group receiving standard CPR and CC-CPR. Consideration of alternative chest compression-ventilation ratios might be appropriate. [ Ann Emerg Med. 2002;40:553-562.]
The Wiley Protocol: an analysis of ethical issues.

AbstractObjective:This review explores the ethical issues surrounding an unregulated protocol that is advertised to women through consumer books, the popular press, and the Internet, known as the Wiley Protocol.Design:A content analysis of relevant documents was conducted, followed by telephone inte
Localization and Imaging of Sialylated Glycosphingolipids in Brain Tissue Sections by MALDI Mass Spectrometry

In this study, we describe a simple and efficient method for mapping the distribution and localization of all sialylated sphingoglycolipids present in coronal mouse brain sections using a conventional axial matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight. A single scan of a histological tissue section gives a complete profile of ganglioside species without derivatization or labeling. We have developed and tested a new matrix preparation (2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone [DHA]/ammonium sulfate/heptafluorobutyric acid [HFBA]) to maximize the detection of all ganglioside species; the ammonium sulfate limits the formation of salt adducts, while the addition of HFBA increases the stability of DHA in a vacuum, thus facilitating imaging applications. Our results, in both extracted samples and whole tissue sections using negative ion reflectron and linear modes, show differences in localization in several brain regions depending on the sialic acids and the ceramide-associated core gangliosides.
Permalloy loaded transmission lines for high-speed interconnect applications

The mutual inductance and self-inductance of global interconnects are important but difficult to extract and model in deep submicrometer very large scale integration (VLSI) designs. The absence of effective mutual magnetic field shielding limits the maximum unbuffered interconnect line length. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate that permalloy-loaded transmission lines can be used for high-speed interconnect applications to overcome these limitations. Permalloy films were incorporated into planar transmission lines using a CMOS-compatible process. The line characteristics show that eddy-current effects are the limiting factors for the high-frequency permalloy applications when ferromagnetic resonance are restrained through geometry design. Patterning permalloy films effectively extends their application to above 20 GHz. The line characteristic impedances are about /spl sim/90 /spl Omega/. Under 50 mA dc current biases, the line parameters did not change much. Moreover, the patterned permalloy reduces the magnetic field coupling between two adjacent transmission lines by about 10 dB in our design. The demonstrated operation frequency range, current carrying capability and magnetic field shielding properties indicate that the permalloy loaded lines are suitable for high-speed interconnect applications in CMOS technologies.
A Seepage Flow Model for Vertebra CT Image Segmentation

A seepage flow model for medical image segmentation has been presented, which linked to the natural phenomenon of "water seeks its own level". The seepage flow to form the segmented pixel set by submerging all the pixels that are r-connected to the initial spring head pixels and also fall within the submerging threshold limits, the moving water fronts keep adding to the segmented pixel set all the pixels until no more pixels fall within the submerging criterion. Based on Mumford-Shah function. A new merit function for criterion has been produced which possess two main kind of measurement reflecting the characteristic of region and contour respectively. Examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency the model on clinical images segmentation
Animal transcription networks as highly connected, quantitative continua.

To understand how transcription factors function, it is essential to determine the range of genes that they each bind and regulate in vivo. Here I review evidence that most animal transcription factors each bind to a majority of genes over a quantitative series of DNA occupancy levels. These continua span functional, quasifunctional, and nonfunctional DNA binding events. Factor regulatory specificities are distinguished by quantitative differences in DNA occupancy patterns. I contrast these results with models for transcription networks that define discrete sets of direct target and nontarget genes and consequently do not fully capture the complexity observed in vivo.
Foundational Report Series. Advanced Distribution management Systems for Grid Modernization (Importance of DMS for Distribution Grid Modernization)

Grid modernization is transforming the operation and management of electric distribution systems from manual, paper-driven business processes to electronic, computer-assisted decisionmaking. At the center of this business transformation is the distribution management system (DMS), which provides a foundation from which optimal levels of performance can be achieved in an increasingly complex business and operating environment. Electric distribution utilities are facing many new challenges that are dramatically increasing the complexity of operating and managing the electric distribution system: growing customer expectations for service reliability and power quality, pressure to achieve better efficiency and utilization of existing distribution system assets, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by accommodating high penetration levels of distributed generating resources powered by renewable energy sources (wind, solar, etc.). Recent “storm of the century” events in the northeastern United States and the lengthy power outages and customer hardships that followed have greatly elevated the need to make power delivery systems more resilient to major storm events and to provide a more effective electric utility response during such regional power grid emergencies. Despite these newly emerging challenges for electric distribution system operators, only a small percentage of electric utilities have actually implemented a DMS. This paper discusses reasons whymore » a DMS is needed and why the DMS may emerge as a mission-critical system that will soon be considered essential as electric utilities roll out their grid modernization strategies.« less
Wheel-Slip Based Inverse Solution for Differential Drive Mobile Robots

An approximate inverse dynamic solution for differential drive mobile robots is presented where the wheel speeds are analytically calculated for a specified desired trajectory. The differential equations of motion of the mobile robot are nondimen-sionalized and a small parameter is defined based on the ratio of wheel slip and wheel speed variation time scales. Approximate dominant and first order inverse solutions are derived for general trajectories. Next, a trajectory planning strategy is devised to ensure continuous wheel speed profiles in achieving any desired target trajectory. The case of target circular trajectories is specifically considered and with inverse solutions which are verified both through simulations and experiments.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Aminoguanidinium Fluorozirconates: Improved Synthesis and Thermal Decomposition of CN4H8ZrF6, CN4H8ZrF6·1/2H2O, CN4H8ZrF6·H2O, (CN4H7)2ZrF6, and CN4H7ZrF5

Synthesis of the title compounds by present literature methods produces compositional mixtures that are difficult to separate. Controlled temperatures, times, and reactant concentrations produce gram quantities of pure, colorless, transparent crystals. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry show that heating to 400 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere causes stepwise decomposition involving first the loss of water (for the hydrated compounds), followed by liberation of HF, then decomposition to ZrF4.
Red Imported Fire Ants: Feeding on Radiolabeled Citrus Trees

Navel orange and ruby red grapefruit trees made radioactive by soaking the rootsin a 32P solution were fed upon by workers of the red imported fire ant (RIFA). Solenopsis invicta Buren. Workers obtained radioactivity from all radiolabeled citrus trees; after 24 h, 53% of ants sampled were radioactive and ca. 80% were radioactive from day 2 through day 10. New leaves, blossoms, and small fruit were consumed by the ants. The availability of supplemental food (house fly pupae) did not reduce feeding on the citrus trees.
Anaphylaxis in the mouse produced with soluble complexes of antigen and antibody.

Summary1) Soluble BSA anti-BSA complexes formed in regions of extreme antigen excess are less anaphylactigenic for the mouse than similar complexes formed in regions of low antigen excess. 2) The hypothesis is advanced that anaphylactigenic activity of these complexes for the mouse is dependent upon their capacity to react with complement.
Antibiotic-induced lethal enterocolitis in hamsters: Studies with eleven agents and evidence to support the pathogenic role of toxin-producing clostridia

Abstract Clindamycin-induced enterocolitis in hamsters was studied, using a tissue culture assay to detect clostridial toxin. It was found that animals with lethal enterocolitis had a cytopathogenic substance in cecal contents and blood that was neutralized by clostridial antitoxins. Cultures of the cecal flora yielded numerous species of clostridia, but only 1 organism was detected which produced a toxin which was cytopathic in tissue culture. This organism, Clostridium difficile, was consistently present in high concentrations, and the cell-free supernate of these strains caused enterocolitis if injected intracecally into hamsters. Ten additional antimicrobials were tested ih hamsters. Ampicillin, vancomycin, erythromycin, cephalosporins, and oral gentamicin caused lethal enterocolitis in most recipients, and all animals which died had evidence of clostridia toxin in cecal contents at necropsy. Tetracycline and metronidazole were well tolerated, and the animals given these antimicrobials had no evidence of the toxin. We conclude that toxin-producing clostridia are responsible for lethal enterocolitis due to a variety of antimicrobials in hamsters.
Discovery of a Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Compound That Inhibits Pyrimidine Biosynthesis and Establishes a Type 1 Interferon-Independent Antiviral State

Viral emergence and reemergence underscore the importance of developing efficacious, broad-spectrum antivirals. Here, we report the discovery of tetrahydrobenzothiazole-based compound 1, a novel, broad-spectrum antiviral lead that was optimized from a hit compound derived from a cytopathic effect (CPE)-based antiviral screen using Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Compound 1 showed antiviral activity against a broad range of RNA viruses, including alphaviruses, flaviviruses, influenza virus, and ebolavirus. Mechanism-of-action studies with metabolomics and molecular approaches revealed that the compound inhibits host pyrimidine synthesis and establishes an antiviral state by inducing a variety of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Notably, the induction of the ISGs by compound 1 was independent of the production of type 1 interferons. The antiviral activity of compound 1 was cell type dependent with a robust effect observed in human cell lines and no observed antiviral effect in mouse cell lines. Herein, we disclose tetrahydrobenzothiazole compound 1 as a novel lead for the development of a broad-spectrum, antiviral therapeutic and as a molecular probe to study the mechanism of the induction of ISGs that are independent of type 1 interferons.
Inhibition of serine metabolism by tetrahydrohomofolate in L1210 mouse leukemia cells.

Tetrahydrohomofolate, a reduced folate analogue, inhibited mouse leukemia L1210 grown in vitro. However, it was found to be a substrate for the following enzymes: methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (EC 1.1.1.68), methylene tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.1.5), 10-formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (EC 6.3.4.3), and thymidylate synthetase (EC 2.1.1.45). Serine transhydroxymethylase (EC 2.1.2.1) was markedly inhibited by the analogue (I50 = 62.5 µM). In whole cell studies, incorporation of [3-14C]serine into both nucleic acids and methionine was significantly inhibited by tetrahydrohomofolate. The uptake of [3H]methionine was also inhibited at concentrations of tetrahydrofolate of 50 µM or higher. The inhibition of serine transhydroxymethylase together with the inhibition of methionine uptake may explain, at least in part, the ability of tetrahydrohomofolate to inhibit growth of L1210 cells.
Repredicting Voting Patterns in the General Assembly

In a recent article, Vincent (1971) analyzes the four voting dimensions in the 1961 General Assembly of the United Nations. With fourteen independent variables measuring several governmental and societal attributes of nations, he uses a canonical correlation technique to determine which of the fourteen variables provides "the best overall predictor of the voting scores" (1971: 490). His conclusion is that economic development is by far the most important predictor, so important that "Economic Development might be viewed as something fundamental to the . . . outcomes at the United Nations" (1971: 495). In a subsequent study, Vincent (1973) elaborates on the analysis, but arrives at the same conclusion. He goes even further, however, and suggests a rank order of importance among the first three predictors of UN voting (1973: 578): "the relative importance of the three major predictors, in terms of their relationship to various international phenomena, should assume roughly the following balance: economic development .7, democracy .4, U.S. Relations .3."
The Law of the Subject

Post-structuralism is sometimes described as a critique of the humanist subject, the ‘man’ created by the Renaissance in a post-feudal, republican mercantile era and nurtured to the full extent of his powers in the era of capitalist liberalism. According to liberal humanism, the self comes into being independently of the social grounds in which it is located. In this conception, the way the self’s categories and word schemes are given to it by the culture is secondary to its psychological and political essence, an ideational and moral capacity that grounds man’s freedom of thought and action. The languages, taxonomies, and images of the mind are derivative features of a more primordial subjective substance. They are appended to free thought and action, but they in no way are constitutive of that rationality and freedom.