cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of vinorelbine in persistent or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

Abstract Purpose . Vinorelbine is being explored by the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) for its possible use in advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The objective of this Phase II trial was to evaluate a days 1 and 8 every-21-days schedule and determine its activity in patients who had failed standard chemotherapy. Patients and methods . Eligible patients with measurable disease and satisfactory baseline bone marrow, liver, and kidney functions were treated with vinorelbine 30 mg/m 2 given on days 1 and 8 every 21 days. A two-stage sampling design was used, proceeding to a second stage accrual if sufficient activity was documented in the first 25 patients. Results . The study did proceed to the second stage and accrued 44 patients. There were six objective responses (one complete, five partial) for a response rate of 13.7% (95% confidence interval: 5.2–27.4%). There were three patients with response in extra-pelvic sites (including the complete response) and three with response in the pelvis. The overall frequency of grades 3 and 4 neutropenia was 41%, whereas neuropathy was reported in 27% and was severe in three. Treatment-related pain, very severe in two instances, was also reported in 27%. Conclusion . Vinorelbine has moderate activity in a pretreated population with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Accordingly, vinorelbine in this days 1 and 8 schedule is being studied further in combination with cisplatin by the GOG.
Flow transients induced on a 2D airfoil by pulse-modulated actuation

The transitory response of the flow over a stalled, 2D airfoil to a momentary synthetic jet actuation that is realized by low-duty cycle amplitude modulation of the actuator’s resonant waveform is investigated experimentally using hot-wire anemometry and flow visualization. The pulse-like actuation results in the shedding of large vortical structures and a momentary flow attachment.
Segmentation and coalescence of Cenozoic carbonate platforms, northwestern Great Bahama Bank

Seismic profiles over the northwestern Great Bahama Bank reveal that it is formed by the coalescence of three smaller platforms and significant lateral progradation. This conclusion is contrary to previous models which assumed that the bank is the result of continuous accumulation on one huge buildup. In Late Cretaceous to early Tertiary time, a north-south-trending depression, the Straits of Andros, separated an eastern platform, Andros bank, from a western platform, Bimini bank. Initially, the Straits of Andros had dimensions similar to the modem Tongue of the Ocean but was progressively filled from east to west In early(?) to middle Tertiary time, a second depression, the Bimini embayment, formed within Bimini bank by folding; it had a maximum depth of about 470 m. This depression was also filled from east to west. In addition, prograding systems built the western margin of Bimini bank more than 25 km westward into the Straits of Florida.
A pharmacological model for calcium overload-induced tachycardia in isolated rat left atria.

Abstract Few experimental models produce spontaneous tachycardia in normal left atria to allow the study of the cellular mechanisms underlying this contributor to atrial fibrillation. We reported 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) that provokes sporadic spontaneous mechanical activity and calcium leak in isolated rat left atria. Since sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium leak in the presence of high calcium load may trigger tachyarrhythmias, we tested how conditions that increase calcium load affect 2-APB-induced ectopic activity. Exposing superfused rat left atria to (i) 30 nM isoproterenol, (ii) 3 μM forskolin, (iii) 300 nM (−)BayK 8644 ((4S)-1,4-Dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-[2-(trifluormethyl)phenyl]-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid methyl ester), (iv) 300 nM FPL-64176 (2,5-Dimethyl-4-[2-(phenylmethyl)benzoyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester) or (v) 120 μM ouabain increases their force of contraction, evidence of calcium loading, but does not produce ectopic activity. Spontaneous mechanical activity occurs in left atria superfused with 20 μM 2-APB at 47 ± 6 contractions/min in the absence of pacing. Any of these five agents increase rates of 2-APB-induced spontaneous mechanical activity to > 200 contractions/min in the absence of pacing. Washing tachycardic left atria with superfusate lacking 2-APB restores normal function, demonstrating the reversibility of these effects. Decreasing superfusate sodium reverses this tachycardia and two hyperpolarization-activated current (If) inhibitors blunt this ectopic activity. Thus conditions that increase atrial calcium load increase the frequency of spontaneous mechanical activity. Decreasing extracellular sodium and If inhibitors suppress this spontaneous tachycardia suggesting forward-mode sodium–calcium exchange and If-like activities underlie this activity. This model may help define cell pathways that trigger atrial tachyarrhythmias.
An analytical evaluation of the cutting forces in orthogonal cutting using a dynamic model of the shear zone with parallel boundaries

Abstract A shear zone model with parallel boundaries is used to evaluate the dynamic cutting forces in orthogonal cutting. The cutting system was modeled using a single degree-of-freedom dynamic system where the variations of the cutting forces are represented by their total differentials. The influence of temperature on the flow shear stress of workpiece material is accounted for. The experimental verification of the proposed model was performed using a two-component piezoelectric dynamometer and adopting the rotating cutting tool–stationary workpiece procedure. The dynamometer was calibrated for static and dynamic outputs and techniques were employed for increasing the measurement accuracy and reducing cross-influence by obtaining the elements of transfer and coherent functions. Experiments were carried out to measure the dynamic fluctuations of the force components. The experimental results show good agreement with the theoretical evaluations of the cutting force components.
Extracting Knowledge From Science: A Conversation With Elias Zerhouni

National Institutes of Health (NIH) director Elias Zerhouni is pushing hard for innovation and the risk taking required to make major leaps in medicine. Fully attuned to cutting-edge work that crosses disciplines, he cites nanotechnology, clinical databases designed to answer research questions, systems biology, and an openness to radical ideas among his top priorities. The NIH director’s job, he says, “is to have a vision.” This requires leveraging NIH funding so that money is spent more wisely and has a cumulative effect on population health. Knowledge can be extracted from science, and health system transformation is made possible.
Correlation between subsequent lengths of postpartum amenorrhoea in a prospective study of breast-feeding women in rural Bangladesh.

A researcher drew from 1975-1979 prospective data on about 2500 women from 14 villages in rural Matlab Bangladesh to determine the relationship between subsequent durations of lactational amenorrhea in breast feeding women. The life table analysis included 1852 postpartum amenorrhea intervals. The median interval was 14.66 months for all births and 15.5 months when infant deaths were excluded. The median duration of postpartum amenorrhea for all women who remained amenorrheic after a live birth was 15.68 months and for 2nd and later births it was 13.74 months. The shorter the prior interval the greater was the risk of quick resumption of menstruation. In fact the relative risk (RR) was 9 for women with an earlier interval of <6 months (p<.01) 5 for those with a 6-12 month interval (p<.01) and 2.5 for those with a 13-18 month interval (p<.05). Years of schooling had a significant effect on resumption of menstruation (p<.01) but the researcher could not determine if it was due to other aspects of differences in patterns of breast feeding by socioeconomic status. She did not directly measure frequency and duration of each feeding. The introduction of solid food supplementation did not affect resumption of menstruation at all. In conclusion the researcher recommended that since previous length of postpartum amenorrhea had a considerable predictive effect on subsequent lengths of postpartum amenorrhea family planning workers should include previous experience with postpartum amenorrhea to algorithms for the introduction of contraception during lactation.
Polyglot Cubed: the design of a multi-language learning game

Polyglot Cubed is an educational game to facilitate the learning of multiple languages. It is designed to entertain while enforcing language listening comprehension. The modular language learning game system works interchangeably with a variety of languages. The game relies on a matching mechanic intended to balance comprehension based language recognition with a simple gameplay mechanic. The game is an implementation of theories in motivation, education and entertainment. It takes as its motivation academic critique of existing educational video games and in particular pursues those areas where educational games fall short of the needs of post-secondary learners. This document outlines the design the comprised the educational video game system.
Governing equations for heat and mass transfer in heat-generating porous beds. I: Coolant boiling and transient void propagation

Abstract It has been proposed as a reactor design option to line the bottom of the guard vessel with magnesia (MgO) bricks to retain the core debris following a core-disruptive accident. With conduction as the dominant mode of heat transfer in the debris bed and natural convection in the overlying pool, the debris bed, while fully submerged in sodium coolant, may begin to heat up and lead to coolant boiling. During boiling, to determine transient void distribution, a void propagation equation is derived. The transient aspects of the void distribution are expected to be important for very deep beds and during debris bed quenching. The vapor production source term is obtained from the solution of energy equation for the two-phase coolant, whereas the temperature distribution in the solid phase is calculated from the conduction equation. The heat flux from the fuel particulate to the two-phase coolant is modeled from the solution of steady-state two-phase continuity, momentum and energy equations.
Use of biologic agents in ocular manifestations of rheumatic disease

Biologic agents have dramatically shifted the treatment paradigm for rheumatic disease. Use of these agents can decrease disease burden, allow the patient to be weaned from corticosteroids, and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Eye disease associated with rheumatic conditions may present with a wide range of signs and symptoms. This coexisting pathology should not be overlooked and should be considered a reason for initiation or continuation of biologic therapy. Additionally, many of the ocular manifestations of rheumatic disease respond preferentially to specific targeting molecules. This paper summarizes the available studies on the use, efficacy, and safety of biologic agents in the treatment of ocular manifestations of rheumatic disease.
Optical properties of coupled nano gold particles

Nano gold particles interact strongly with visible light to excite the collaborative oscillation of conductive electrons within nano particles resulting in a surface plasmon resonance which makes them useful for various applications including bio-labeling. In this paper, we study the effect of particle sizes with particle plasmon resonant wavelength and the coupling between pair of elliptical metallic disks and ellipsoid particles by simulations and experiments. The red-shift resonant peak wavelength of coupled particles to that of single particle is due to particle plasmons near-field coupling. The shift decays is approximately exponentially with increasing particle spacing, and reaches zero when the gap between the two particles exceeds about 2.5 times the particle short axis length. It is also found that the exponential decay of peak shift with particle gap is size independent but shape dependent.
APLNav Terrain Relative Navigation Helicopter Field Testing

The Applied Physics Laboratory is developing the Autonomous Precision Landing Navigation (APLNav) system for use in multiple space applications including lunar, asteroid and comet landing. This system is one of several being studied as part of NASA’s Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) program that is working to advance technologies for precision lunar landing missions. This paper describes the first flight test performed under the ALHAT program where the APLNav system observing real terrain with real cameras was evaluated. The tests, performed with helicopter flights at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) and Death Valley National Park (DVNP), California, successfully demonstrated the use of the APLNav algorithm to correlate terrain content between the captured and rendered images.
Extending tuplespaces for coordination in interactive workspaces

The current interest in programming models and software infrastructures to support ubiquitous and environmental computing is heightened by the falling cost of hardware and the ubiquity of local-area wireless networking technologies. Interactive workspaces are technologically augmented team-project rooms that represent a specific sub-domain of ubiquitous computing. We argue both from related work and from our own experience with a prototype that the tuplespace model of communication forms the best basis for a coordination infrastructure for such workspaces. This paper presents the usage and characteristics expected of interactive workspaces, from which we derive a set of key system properties for any coordination infrastructure in an interactive workspace. We show that the design aspects of tuplespaces, augmented with some new extensions, yield a system model, which we call the Event Heap, that satisfies all of the desired properties. We also briefly discuss why other coordination models fall short of the desired properties, and describe our experience using our implementation of the Event Heap model. The paper focuses on a justification of the use of tuplespaces in interactive workspaces, and does not provide a detailed discussion of the Event Heap implementation or our more general experience with interactive workspaces, each of which is treated in detail elsewhere.
A morphological and chemical study of Populus acuminata Rydberg

Evidence from morphology, flavonoid chemistry, and field observations suggests thatPopulus acuminata is of hybrid origin. The putative parents areP. angustifolia, the narrow leaf cottonwood, and deltoid leaved plants that are assigned toP. sargentii (P. deltoides var.occidentalis), P. fremontii, orP. wislizenii (P. fremontii var.wislizenii). Populus angustifolia exhibits a series of flavonol glycosides (kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin) in its leaves. By contrast, the major leaf flavonoids of the broad leaved plants are flavone glycosides (apigenin and luteolin).Populus acuminata is intermediate between the suspected parents in morphological features. Additionally, the leaves of mostP. acuminata plants contain the exact summation of the flavonoid compounds characteristic of the putative parents. A diploid chromosome number of 2n = 38 was obtained for six plants, which confirms the one previous report for the species. Meiosis was regular in all cases. Correlated data indicate that the majority of plants ofP. acuminata represent F1 hybrids and that complex hybridization is not common. Evidence from morphological and chemical studies is presented to show that in certain instances backcrossing to both parents has occurred. Results gathered in this study show thatP. ×andrewsii is undoubtedly “typical”P. acuminata, but the type specimen is from a sucker shoot, and thus has been interpreted as a backcross toP. sargentii. Populus acuminata var.rehderi is not considered worthy of taxonomic recognition.
Pten regulates zebrafish hematopoiesis

In this issue of Blood, Choorapoikayil et al have used phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten)–deficient zebrafish to uncover prominent roles for Pten loss in enhancing proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and eliciting differentiation arrest within lineage-committed blood progenitor cells. These results provide novel insights into the early genetic events that predispose blood cells to malignant transformation.
Community Structure in Directed Networks

We consider the problem of finding communities or modules in directed networks. In the past, the most common approach to this problem has been to ignore edge direction and apply methods developed for community discovery in undirected networks, but this approach discards potentially useful information contained in the edge directions. Here we show how the widely used community finding technique of modularity maximization can be generalized in a principled fashion to incorporate information contained in edge directions. We describe an explicit algorithm based on spectral optimization of the modularity and show that it gives demonstrably better results than previous methods on a variety of test networks, both real and computer generated.
Evaluating potential renewable energy resources in Poultney, Vermont: A GIS-based approach to supporting rural community energy planning

The current electricity infrastructure in the United States relies on a centralized distribution network that carries a heavy carbon footprint and is susceptible to disruption and failure. Rural communities are more susceptible to longer term interruption and should strive towards a local distributed energy model. This transition will require municipalities to engage with and seek input from community stakeholders. This paper describes a possible model for supporting rural community energy projects using a Geographic Information System (GIS), which was used to develop an inventory of energy resource potential in a rural Vermont town for biomass, wind, and solar technologies.
Young solid earth researchers of the world unite

In early January 2004, one of us attended a workshop on “science priorities and educational opportunities that can be addressed using ocean observatories.” The attendees constituted a broad group—men and women, scientists, engineers, educators, representatives from the private and public sector—but lacked diversity in at least one important aspect: age. A well-known marine geophysicist (with a published record stretching over 30 years) came to me at the ice-breaker party and said (and I paraphrase):“I'm glad you're here:you're young, you might actually see this project flourish before you retire. There're not enough young people here.” At some point or another, every young scientist may have a similar experience.
NF-κB Signaling Dynamics Play a Key Role in Infection Control in Tuberculosis.

The NF-κB signaling pathway is central to the body’s response to many pathogens. Mathematical models based on cell culture experiments have identified important molecular mechanisms controlling the dynamics of NF-κB signaling, but the dynamics of this pathway have never been studied in the context of an infection in a host. Here, we incorporate these dynamics into a virtual infection setting. We build a multi-scale model of the immune response to the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to explore the impact of NF-κB dynamics occurring across molecular, cellular and tissue scales in the lung. NF-κB signaling is triggered via tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) binding to receptors on macrophages; TNF has been shown to play a key role in infection dynamics in humans and multiple animal systems. Using our multi-scale model, we predict the impact of TNF-induced NF-κB-mediated responses on the outcome of infection at the level of a granuloma, an aggregate of immune cells and bacteria that forms in response to infection and is key to containment of infection and clinical latency. We show how the stability of mRNA transcripts corresponding to NF-κB-mediated responses significantly controls bacterial load in a granuloma, inflammation level in tissue, and granuloma size. Because we incorporate intracellular signaling pathways explicitly, our analysis also elucidates NF-κB associated signaling molecules and processes that may be new targets for infection control.
Productivity and foreign direct investment – evidence from Mexico

Concentrates on identifying the mechanisms by which foreign investment affects productivity in recipient countries. Conducts a firm‐level study of manufacturing plants in Mexico and test for performance differences embodied in factor productivity between domestic and foreign (majority and minority) owned plants. In addition checks for the existence of spillovers at the industry level due to the presence of multinational corporations. In contrast to earlier studies finds no evidence of spillovers but does find a strong direct effect in the form of higher levels of productivity in firms with foreign ownership.
Solar irradiance conversion models

Algorithmes de conversion: 1) du rayonnement recu par une surface plane et une surface inclinee, 2) du rayonnement global en rayonnement diffus et direct, 3) de l'eclairement global (ou direct) en relation avec d'autres parametres: insolation, nebulosite, images satellitaires
Clorgyline displays high affinity for σ binding sites in C57BL/6 mouse brain

In the present study we examined the interaction of several MAO inhibitors with the σ receptors. We report that the selective MAO-A inhibitor, clorgyline, displays remarkable high affinity for these binding sites in mouse brain membranes
Undercut Removal of Micrometer-Scale Particles from Surfaces

Effective removal of particulate contaminants from wafer surfaces during semiconductor manufacturing is essential for high-yield processing. To improve cleaning effectiveness, experimental and theoretical evaluations of undercut cleaning were conducted. A model system of polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres being removed from a tetraethyl ortho-silicate (TEOS)-sourced silicon dioxide surface was examined. 7 and 15 μm PSL particles were spray deposited on wafer surfaces and allowed to settle for 24 h. Undercutting was then carried out using 20:1 buffered hydrofluoric acid to etch the silicon dioxide under nonflow conditions. Pre-and postetch scans of the wafer surface were obtained using a Tencor SP1 Surfscan in the laboratories of SEZ America in Phoenix. AZ. The percentage of particles that remained adhered to the surface after etching for varying lengths of time was monitored. A model for undercut removal of particles from surfaces was proposed. Chemical etching of the silicon dioxide surface was assumed to cause a reduction in the particle-wafer contact area. Undercut removal was hypothesized to occur due to a subsequent reduction in the van der Waals force of adhesion and an increase in the area over which repulsive electrostatic forces were dominant. Interactions between the PSL and the silicon dioxide were calculated based on computer simulation of a van der Waals adhesion model and an electrostatic force model. Particle and surface morphology, mechanical properties, and geometry were included in the van der Waals calculation, and the electrostatic force calculation considered the particle and silicon dioxide zeta potentials and local separation distance. The model and experiments agreed to within 10%.
The intracellular distribution of ions and water in rat liver and heart muscle.

SUMMARY Local dry mass concentrations of intracellular compartments in rat heart muscle and liver cells were estimated by quantitative electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis of ultrathin frozen-dried cryosections. The results were used to calculate elemental concentrations per litre of compartment water from the X-ray microanalytical data. Water fractions were between 80.3 ± 1.3% of wet weight in the decondensed chromatin and only 45.1 ± 1.7% in mitochondria of liver cells. The lowest water fraction in heart muscle cells was also found in mitochondria. The ionic concentrations found in the cytoplasm of liver cells and in the myofibrils are in accord with the electroneutrality rule and in osmotic equilibrium with the extracellular concentrations. The concentrations of Na, K, Cl and P both in the cytoplasm and in the regions of decondensed chromatin within the nuclei were found to be equal. However, in regions of condensed chromatin K+ concentrations were found to be much higher than expected for a Donnan distribution of ions free in solution. Most probably the activity coefficient for K+ is lower in the condensed chromatin than in the decondensed or in the cytoplasm. The same holds true for the A-band as compared to the I-band in heart muscle cells. A sequestration of K+ was measured also in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) of hepatocytes. The Cl− concentration in mitochondria both in heart muscle and liver cells has been measured far in excess of what might be expected from a Nernstian distribution. A coupled inward Cl− transport in mitochondria must, therefore, be assumed.
Anatomical localization and time course of Fos expression following soman-induced seizures

Soman (pinacolymethylphosphonofluoridate), a highly potent, irreversible inhibitor of cholinesterase, causes intense convulsions, neuropathology and, ultimately, death. There is evidence that certain brain structures are selectively vulnerable to the pathological consequences of soman-induced seizures. A working hypothesis is that central nervous system (CNS) structures with the earliest and most severe signs of neuropathology may be key sites for the initiation of the seizures. Fos, the immediate-early gene product, increases rapidly in several animal seizure models. Thus, we reasoned that the earliest brain regions to express Fos might be involved in the initiation and maintenance of soman-induced convulsions. To assess this, rats were injected with a single, convulsive dose of soman (77.7 micrograms/kg, i.m.). The animals were euthanized and processed for immunocytochemical analysis at several time points. Robust Fos expression was seen in layer II of the piriform cortex and the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus within 30-45 minutes. One hour following soman injection, staining was more intense in the piriform cortex layer II and in the locus coeruleus. In addition, Fos was evident in the piriform cortex layer III, the entorhinal cortex, the endopiriform nucleus, the olfactory tubercle, the anterior olfactory nucleus and the main olfactory bulb. By 2 hours, Fos staining was present throughout the cerebral cortex, thalamus, caudate-putamen and the hippocampus. At 8 hours and beyond, Fos expression returned to control levels throughout the CNS except for the piriform cortex and the locus coeruleus which still had robust labeling. By 24 hours, neuropathology was evident throughout the rostral-caudal extent of layer II of the piriform cortex. The rapid induction of Fos in the piriform cortex and the locus coeruleus, taken together with previous anatomical, eletrophysiological and neurochemical studies, suggests that prolonged, excessive exposure to synaptically released acetylcholine and norepinephrine triggers the production of soman-induced seizures initially in the piriform cortex and subsequently in other cortical and subcortical structures.
Copper toxicity and cyanobacteria ecology in the Sargasso Sea

The closely related cyanobacteria Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus have different distributions in stratified water columns in the northern Sargasso Sea. The abundance of Synechococcus is relatively uniform with depth, but Prochlorococcuscell numbers are low within shallow mixed layers and high in and below the thermocline. Because free cupric ion (free Cu 21 ) concentrations are high (up to 6 pM) in shallow mixed layers and lower in deeper water, there is an inverse relationship between Prochlorococcus densities and the free Cu 21 concentration. We explored the possibility of a causal underpinning for this relationship by examining the relative copper sensitivities of Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus in cultures and field populations. Prochlorococcus isolates from both the high- and low‐light adapted ecotypes were inhibited at free Cu 21 concentrations that had no effect on Synechococcus. However, the high‐light adapted strains were more copper resistant than their low‐light adapted counterparts. When copper was added to Prochlorococcus from environments where the in situ free Cu 21 was low (in deeply mixed water columns and below the mixed layer in stratified conditions), net growth rates were substantially reduced and cells arrested in the G1 and early S phases of the cell cycle. Prochlorococcus in shallow mixed layers were less sensitive to copper and were probably members of the copper-resistant high‐light adapted ecotype. Synechococcus were relatively copper resistant across a range of environments in the Sargasso Sea. These observations are consistent with our hypothesis that copper plays a role in cyanobacteria ecology in the Sargasso Sea.
Heavy-Ion and Total Ionizing Dose (TID) Performance of a 1 Mbit Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM)

An MRAM is a nonvolatile memory that has been demonstrated and supports heavy ion immunity to an LET of approximately 69 MeV-cm 2 /mg for fluences to 10 8 ions/cm 2 ; and TED hardness in excess of 1 Mrad.
Direct imaging and quantification of carotid plaque calcification.

Carotid plaque calcification normally appears as a signal void with clinical MR sequences. Here, we describe the use of an adiabatic inversion recovery prepared two-dimensional ultrashort echo time sequence to image and characterize carotid plaque calcification using a clinical 3-T scanner. T1, T, and free water content were measured for seven carotid samples, and the results were compared with micro-CT imaging. Conventional gradient echo and fast spin echo images were also acquired for comparison. Correlations between T1, T, free water concentration, and mineral density were performed. There was a close correspondence between inversion recovery prepared two-dimensional ultrashort echo time morphologic and micro-CT appearances. Carotid plaque calcification varied significantly from sample to sample, with T1s ranging from 94 ± 19 to 328 ± 21 msec, Ts ranging from 0.31 ± 0.12 to 2.15 ± 0.25 msec, and free water concentration ranging from 5.7 ± 2.3% to 16.8 ± 3.4%. There was a significant positive correlation between T1 (R = 0.709; P < 0.074), T (R = 0.816; P < 0.025), and free water concentration, a negative correlation between T1 (R = 0.773; P < 0.042), T (R = 0.948; P < 0.001) and CT measured mineral density, and a negative correlation between free water concentration (R = 0.936; P < 0.002) and mineral density. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
State space models for current programmed pulse width modulated converters

State space models are derived for pulse-width-modulated power converters operating at constant switching frequency under current programmed control. One model neglects the sample and hold effect of the current loop and is therefore representative of the traditional approach taken to modeling current programmed converters. The order of the model is the same as that of the power stage. A second state space model which incorporates the sample and hold effect is derived. The order of this model is two higher than that of the power stage. A comparison of the two models clearly demonstrates the superiority of the second modeling approach. As the models are in state space form they may be quite readily used in a computer-aided-design package for general power converter analysis and design, to determine all transfer functions and associated pole/zero locations of interest. >
A model study of circum-Arctic soil temperatures

A one-dimensional heat transfer model with phase change is applied to the entire Arctic terrestrial drainage area. The main forcing parameters are reanalysed surface air temperature that was topography-enhanced, and snow depth, derived from passive microwave satellite data. We present results based on daily fields of soil temperature, ranging from the soil surface down to 14 m depth. The horizontal grid cell resolution is 25 km × 25 km. Model results are compared to several long series of soil temperature measurements from Alaska and Siberia, with a relatively good match of the the annual cycle at different depths. We show time series of soil temperature at different depths for the 22-year period 1980 through 2001, and both seasonal and regional analyses are included. A trend analysis reveals positive trends for all permafrost regions in response to positive trends in air temperature, with the strongest warming trend in regions of continuous permafrost. A slight cooling trend is only found for the topmost soil layers in regions of seasonally frozen ground at the southern margins of the Arctic drainage domain. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Sequence Data To Infer the Antigenicity of Influenza Virus

ABSTRACT The efficacy of current influenza vaccines requires a close antigenic match between circulating and vaccine strains. As such, timely identification of emerging influenza virus antigenic variants is central to the success of influenza vaccination programs. Empirical methods to determine influenza virus antigenic properties are time-consuming and mid-throughput and require live viruses. Here, we present a novel, experimentally validated, computational method for determining influenza virus antigenicity on the basis of hemagglutinin (HA) sequence. This method integrates a bootstrapped ridge regression with antigenic mapping to quantify antigenic distances by using influenza HA1 sequences. Our method was applied to H3N2 seasonal influenza viruses and identified the 13 previously recognized H3N2 antigenic clusters and the antigenic drift event of 2009 that led to a change of the H3N2 vaccine strain. IMPORTANCE This report supplies a novel method for quantifying antigenic distance and identifying antigenic variants using sequences alone. This method will be useful in influenza vaccine strain selection by significantly reducing the human labor efforts for serological characterization and will increase the likelihood of correct influenza vaccine candidate selection.
Reverse Engineering Digital Circuits Using Structural and Functional Analyses

Integrated circuits (ICs) are now designed and fabricated in a globalized multivendor environment making them vulnerable to malicious design changes, the insertion of hardware Trojans/malware, and intellectual property (IP) theft. Algorithmic reverse engineering of digital circuits can mitigate these concerns by enabling analysts to detect malicious hardware, verify the integrity of ICs, and detect IP violations. In this paper, we present a set of algorithms for the reverse engineering of digital circuits starting from an unstructured netlist and resulting in a high-level netlist with components such as register files, counters, adders, and subtractors. Our techniques require no manual intervention and experiments show that they determine the functionality of ${>}{45\%}$ and up to 93% of the gates in each of the test circuits that we examine. We also demonstrate that our algorithms are scalable to real designs by experimenting with a very large, highly-optimized system-on-chip (SOC) design with over 375000 combinational elements. Our inference algorithms cover 68% of the gates in this SOC. We also demonstrate that our algorithms are effective in aiding a human analyst to detect hardware Trojans in an unstructured netlist.
Risk-managed approach for routing petroleum pipelines: Keystone XL pipeline, Nebraska.

TransCanada’s proposed international crude oil pipeline route over sensitive, relatively pristine, subirrigated land underlain by the Ogallala aquifer led to increased scrutiny and eventual rejecti...
Whole-Genome Sequencing Identifies Emergence of a Quinolone Resistance Mutation in a Case of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Bacteremia

Whole-genome sequences for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia serial isolates from a bacteremic patient before and after development of levofloxacin resistance were assembled de novo and differed by one single-nucleotide variant in smeT, a repressor for multidrug efflux operon smeDEF. Along with sequenced isolates from five contemporaneous cases, they displayed considerable diversity compared against all published complete genomes. Whole-genome sequencing and complete assembly can conclusively identify resistance mechanisms emerging in S. maltophilia strains during clinical therapy.
Judgments of salary bias and test bias from statistical evidence

Abstract Academics examined correlation scatter plots and made judgments of group bias. Half of the subjects judged bias in salaries from graphs that showed salaries plotted against merit with a separate correlation ellipse for each of two groups. The others judged test bias from graphs that showed job performance vs test scores. Relative positions of the centroids for the two groups and the within-group correlation were systematically varied. Judgments of bias were not consistent with either “forward” or “reverse” regression definitions of bias. Judged bias is not a monotonic function of the group difference in salary between persons of equal merit nor is it a monotonic function of the group difference in merit between persons of equal salary. Instead, judgments in both tasks were consistent with a difference of differences model; for example, when the group difference in standard deviation units is equal on both salary and merit, judges say the situation is unbiased. The results are consistent with a one-mediator model of group equity, which assumes that both measures are imperfectly and equally correlated with the mediator.
Techniques for Finite Element Analysis of Clamp Band Systems

This paper presents two computational techniques for determining the structural capability of clamp band systems, which are typically used in launch vehicle applications . Both techniques utilize three -dimensional finite element models (3D FEM) and consider contact between all the components of the clamp band system. One technique models the fu ll circumference of the clamp band structure , while the other technique models a circumferential slice of the clamp band system and uses cyclic symmetry. The analytical predictions for the full 3D model show reasonable agreement with test data. The cycli c symmetry model underestimates the capability of the hardware to withstand applied loads . Numerical s tudies were also performed to investigate how physical parameters , such as friction and band pre -tension, affect the structural capability of the clamp ba nd system .
Genipin-Crosslinked Fibrin Hydrogels Modified With Collagen or Fibronectin as an Annulus Fibrosus Sealant

Low back pain (LBP) affects 80% of all adults at some point in their lives [1], and is often associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, therefore, restorative solutions are of high importance. The IVD is composed of an outer ring of annulus fibrosus (AF) containing the pressurized nucleus pulposus (NP) center. NP replacement approaches and IVD procedures such as discectomy or discography involve rupture of the AF tissue for diagnosis or repair purposes. Even small defects to the outer AF can accelerate IVD degeneration [2]. Current closure techniques are limited to sutures and offer little in the way of tissue replacement or mechanical restoration of the AF [3]. A genipin crosslinked fibrin hydrogel offers some promise as an adhesive AF sealant [4]. Fibrin is FDA approved and genipin is a plant based chemical crosslinker with low cytotoxicity used with a variety of materials including fibrin for articular cartilage engineering [5]. Genipin crosslinked fibrin is a tunable material with comparable mechanical properties to native AF tissue and although cells remained viable on the gel, the relatively slow proliferation and presence of abnormal cells with rounded morphology motivated further optimization. To improve cytomorphology, key extracellular matrix proteins, collagen and fibronectin, were added to the formulation. It was hypothesized that the addition of these proteins would maintain the mechanical properties of this gel while improving cell morphology and viability. Several additional analyses were included to further characterize this gel including push-out strength, degradation and contraction tests.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Ingestion of Synthetic Street Drug “25-I” (25I-NBOMe) Causing Type B Lactic Acidosis and Multi-Organ Dysfunction

25I-NBOMe (25-I) is a novel synthetic agonist of the 5-HT2A receptor. It is used recreationally for its psychedelic properties similar to LSD. Side effects include altered mental status, sympathomimetic symptoms, serotonin syndrome and multiple organ injury. We report a case of delayed type B lactic acidosis after ingestion of 25-I. A 16-year-old male presented after being found obtunded. He developed seizures requiring endotracheal intubation. He developed a lactic acidosis about 30 hours after ingestion, peaking at 8.5 mEq/L 38 hours post-ingestion. Concurrently the patient had an elevated mixed venous saturation and decreased arterial-venous oxygen content difference, indicating a type B lactic acidosis. Thiamine, L-carnitine, and coenzyme Q-10 were initiated to treat the metabolic derangement and promote oxygen utilization. Additional treatments included n-acetylcysteine and plasmapheresis. This treatment strategy resulted in reduction in lactate and other markers of organ injury. Arterial-venous oxygen content difference increased to normal levels. The patient made a full recovery. Type B lactic acidosis has been reported previously in a variety of diseases, but never after 25-I ingestion. A novel approach of vitamins and co-factors to support mitochondrial function, n-acetylcysteine and plasmapheresis was employed to treat the lactic acidosis and multi-organ dysfunction successfully. J Med Cases. 2015;6(3):125-127 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc2023w
EFFECTS OF LOCATION BASIS VARIABILITY ON HEDGING OF SLAUGHTER HOGS IN THE SOUTH

The location basis variability aspect of hedging While the study is strictly applicable only to one commodities in futures should be of especial concern period of time, calendar year 1971, and to the to Southern hog producers who might contemplate particular markets considered, the results indicate hedging in the live hog futures market. Location basis virtually no trace of location basis variability. variability affects hedgers who, like Southern hog Variances of hedging results in the Southern markets producers, are distant from designated futures studied were not significantly different from contract delivery points and cannot, as a practical variances in the delivery-point market. matter, make (or take) physical delivery to discharge
Sympatric ecological speciation meets pyrosequencing: sampling the transcriptome of the apple maggot Rhagoletis pomonella

The full power of modern genetics has been applied to the study of speciation in only a small handful of genetic model species - all of which speciated allopatrically. Here we report the first large expressed sequence tag (EST) study of a candidate for ecological sympatric speciation, the apple maggot Rhagoletis pomonella, using massively parallel pyrosequencing on the Roche 454-FLX platform. To maximize transcript diversity we created and sequenced separate libraries from larvae, pupae, adult heads, and headless adult bodies. We obtained 239,531 sequences which assembled into 24,373 contigs. A total of 6810 unique protein coding genes were identified among the contigs and long singletons, corresponding to 48% of all known Drosophila melanogaster protein-coding genes. Their distribution across GO classes suggests that we have obtained a representative sample of the transcriptome. Among these sequences are many candidates for potential R. pomonella "speciation genes" (or "barrier genes") such as those controlling chemosensory and life-history timing processes. Furthermore, we identified important marker loci including more than 40,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and over 100 microsatellites. An initial search for SNPs at which the apple and hawthorn host races differ suggested at least 75 loci warranting further work. We also determined that developmental expression differences remained even after normalization; transcripts expected to show different expression levels between larvae and pupae in D. melanogaster also did so in R. pomonella. Preliminary comparative analysis of transcript presences and absences revealed evidence of gene loss in Drosophila and gain in the higher dipteran clade Schizophora. These data provide a much needed resource for exploring mechanisms of divergence in this important model for sympatric ecological speciation. Our description of ESTs from a substantial portion of the R. pomonella transcriptome will facilitate future functional studies of candidate genes for olfaction and diapause-related life history timing, and will enable large scale expression studies. Similarly, the identification of new SNP and microsatellite markers will facilitate future population and quantitative genetic studies of divergence between the apple and hawthorn-infesting host races.
Effect of national transportation/energy policy on regional transportation phenomena

Most regional transportation modeling studies have focused on microlevel phenomena operating within the region. In contrast, the model presented in this paper utilizes a hierarchial causality approach to examine the impact of higher-level (i.e., national) policies on macrolevel regional transportation characteristics. Specifically, the individual and joint effects of national trends in gasoline price, transit funding, and fuel economy of automobiles are examined with respect to their influence on two Sacramento regional variables: transit usage and transportation fuel consumption. The authors conclude that given the uncertain future of causal forces that are beyond the region's control (e.g., gasoline price), a macrolevel analysis may be a more judicious use of limited transportation planning resources. 50 references. (auth)