cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric traps array for particle transport

Passive fluidic particle manipulation techniques are useful for particle handling in microfluidic devices. Created using specifically designed channel structures, these systems are advantageous due to their low energy requirements and simple operation. Here we present results on a passive fluidic element termed an asymmetric trap, that is based on obstacle/particle steric interactions. The asymmetric behavior—capturing particles during downward flow with respect to the trap and releasing or passing particles during upward flow—is induced by the asymmetric configuration of the trap elements. The critical particle diameter for the asymmetric behavior in the trap array was theoretically obtained by numerically solving the conservation of flow equations through critical gaps between trap array elements. Based on the physical dimension of the array, five different trap/particle interaction regimes are predicted: symmetric passage (I), asymmetric passage (IIa), symmetric capturing (IIb), asymmetric capturing (III), and channel clogging (IV). The presence of these regimes was experimentally confirmed using micron-sized particles (20.3 μm and 10.1 μm) at low Reynolds number (Re < 0.1).
Potentiometric study of cytochrome c1aa3 from thermus thermophilus

We have examined the redox behavior of the cytochrome c1aa3 complex from Thermus thermophilus. In potentiometric titrations the cytochrome c behaves as an independent center having n = 1 and E = 205 mV (NHE). Under the assumption that the individual centers equilibrate independently in this experiment, changes in the absorption band at 603 nm have been resolved into two components: cytochrome a (n = 1, Em = 270 mV, 60% spectral contribution) and cytochrome a3 (n = 2, Em = 360 mV, 40% spectral contribution). The n = 2 process was attributed to strong chemical coupling between cytochrome a3 and CuB. The enzyme was also titrated with a mixture of NADH and PMS, and the results are shown not to conform to a model of intramolecular equilibrium according to the equilibrium constants obtained from the potentiometric titration. It is suggested that a conformational equilibrium within the complex may control electron transfer between cytochromes a and a3.
Project LEAN: a national campaign to reduce dietary fat consumption.

Abstract The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation initiated a social marketing campaign in 1987, to reduce the nation's risk for heart disease and some cancers. Project LEAN (Low-Fat Eating for America Now) encourages reduction in dietary fat consumption to 30 percent of total calories, by 1998, through public service advertising, publicity, and point-of-purchase programs in restaurants, supermarkets, and school and worksite cafeterias. The campaign has joined efforts with the Partners for Better Health, a coalition of over thirty national health and consumer organizations that are working towards a common goal of improved health through nutrition. Project LEAN has provided funds to states and communities to intitiate local campaigns and work with chefs, food professionals, and the food industry to change norms and customs in food preparation and manufacturing. The goal of the campaign is to accelerate the trend in fat reduction and to stimulate the greater availability of low-fat food choices in the marketp...
Structural Map of a MicroRNA-122:Hepatitis C Virus Complex

MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) enhances hepatitis C virus (HCV) fitness via targeting two sites in the 5′-untranslated region (UTR) of HCV. We used selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension to resolve the HCV 5′-UTR's RNA secondary structure in the presence of miR-122. Nearly all nucleotides in miR-122 are involved in targeting the second site, beyond classic seed base pairings. These additional interactions enhance HCV replication in cell culture. To our knowledge, this is the first biophysical study of this complex to reveal the importance of ‘tail’ miR-122 nucleotide interactions.
Promotion ofn-Butane Isomerization Activity by Hydration of Sulfated Zirconia

Microcalorimetry and infrared spectroscopy were used in conjunction with reaction kinetics measurements to investigate the effects of catalyst hydration on the activity forn-butane isomerization at 423 K of sulfated zirconia. The catalytic activity for a sample dried at 773 K is an order of magnitude lower than that of a sample dried at 588 K. However, the catalytic activity for the sample dried at 773 K is promoted by dosing quantities of water equal to approximately 75 μmol/g onto the surface at 423 K. Larger doses of water poison the catalyst. The acidity of the catalyst after drying at either 588 or 773 K was almost entirely of the Bronsted acid type. Dehydration of the catalyst did not alter the heat or the extent of ammonia adsorption. Water dissociates upon adsorption on the sample dried at 773 K, producing new hydroxyl groups whose presence is critical forn-butane isomerization on sulfated zirconia.
Cryopreservation of some useful microalgae species for biotechnological exploitation

Culture collections of microalgae represent a biological resource for scientific research and biotechnological applications. When compared to the current methods of maintenance and sub-culturing, cryopreservation minimizes labor costs and is an effective method for maintaining a large range of species over long periods with high stability. In order to determine the best cryopreservation method for microalgae species with great biotechnological potential, three freezing protocols were employed using different cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulfoxide—Me2SO; methanol—MeOH). Three marine microalgae species (Thalassiosira weissflogii; Nannochloropsis oculata, and Skeletonema sp.) were cooled by directly plunging into liquid nitrogen (−196°C) and with two-step controlled cooling protocols (−18°C and −80°C pre-treatments). After storage periods ranging from 10 to 120 days, viability was determined by the ability of cells to actively grow again. Results obtained for T. weissflogii showed that this species could be preserved at ultra-low temperature (−196°C) for 10 and 30 days with 10 % Me2SO and 5 % MeOH when employed a controlled cooling protocol (−80°C). N. oculata was successfully cryopreserved either by direct freezing or with controlled cooling protocols. N. oculata samples presented good responses when treated with 5 % Me2SO, 10 % Me2SO, 5 % MeOH and even without any cryoprotectant. Skeletonema sp. did not survive cryopreservation in any of the tested conditions. The results indicate the difficulty in establishing common protocols for different microalgae species, being necessary further studies for a better understanding of cell damages during freezing and thawing conditions for each species.
Challenging the Traditional Graduate Information Systems Program

How do you make a graduate program more relevant? Develop a project-based capstone course that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application to offer students - even those enrolled only part-time - a more comprehensive, integrated experience.
Methylation of ribosomal proteins in vitro.

STARVATION of an Escherichia coli rel− (RCrel) strain for an essential amino acid results in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) without the concomitant synthesis of proteins1,2. Ribosomal precursor particles accumulate in these conditions and such precursor particles have been shown to be deficient in the methylation of rRNA (ref. 3). We have observed that in addition to proteins L7 and L12, which were previously reported to be methylated4, several other ribosomal proteins from the 50S subunit were also methylated in the unstarved culture5,6. Similar observations have also been made by Alix and Hayes7, but are the precursor particles generated by rel− strain after starvation for methionine also deficient in the methylation of the ribosomal proteins and if so, can such particles be methylated in vitro?
Enhancement of irradiation creep in pulsed fusion reactors

Abstract A design correlation for creep in pulsed fusion reactors is formulated, by using a breeder based design equation. The design equation for fusion reactors differs from the breeder equation by a multiplicative enhancement factor F. F has been calculated for a wide range of microstructural and pulsing parameters. It is found that irradiation pulsing can lead to significant creep enhancements in long burn-time Tokamaks, whose first wall microstructure is characterized by mean vacancy lifetimes τv pulse on-time, and off-time. For example, for a realistic duty factor of 0.9, the enhancement lies between about 2 and 3, depending on whether dose-equivalent averaged, or instantaneous damage rates are used.
Manufacturing lot-sizing under MRP II environment: an improved analytical model & a heuristic procedure

Under single-level lot-sizing problem, well known Wagner-Whitin algorithm based on Dynamic Programming (DP) provides optimal order schedule. Order schedule does not work properly under Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II), where it is considered multi-level capacitated problem and requirements of subcomponents are depend on the parent product. In this paper, we formulate a multi-level capacitated optimization model and develop a relatively efficient heuristic working under MRP II environment which considers work center capacities and interrelationship between levels in lot-sizing computation.
Additional Comment on the Sexological Examination: A Reply To Hoch

The sexological examination was created in 1965 as part of a three year study of non-orgasmic women. William E. Hartman and Marilyn A. Fithian developed the procedure in cooperation with Kenneth Morgan who insisted that the senior author have specific training in the female pelvis before beginning the research. At Morgan's suggestion, Hartman spent a year under the tutelage of Arnold H. Kegel at the Perineometer Clixiic at Los Angeles County General Hospital. Once the study was completed it was reported in a paper presented to the Counseling section of the National Council on Family Relations meeting at New Orleans, Louisiana in 1968. The name "sexological examination" was utilized since the procedures employed were designed to evaluate and assess various components of human sexuality (perception, feeling, arousal, and response patterns) present or absent in varying degrees in research and therapy populations. It was created by behavioral scientists for use by behavioral scientists in appropriate research and therapy situations. Hartman and Fithian have always advocated that anyone utilizing the techniques of the sexological examination receive specific training in its use well adjusted professional persons of unquestioned professional status are ideal. The purposes of the female sexological examination, as developed by Hartman and Fithian, are to: (a) Provide an educational experience in physiological psychology for a husband and wife.
The figure of Phobos

The figure of Phobos is presently modeled by a sixth-degree-and-order spherical harmonic expansion that fits the observed surface to an accuracy of a few hundred m, as validated through the use of control points, limbs, terminators, map projections, and predicted rotational properties. Only the region around the large crater, Stickney, exhibits lower accuracy. The forced libration amplitude obtained closely matches the observed value; this supports the view of Phobos as possessing a uniform density distribution.
In-situ detection of viral nucleic acids using fluorescent probes

The objective of this work was to develop and improve technologies in cytometry and molecular biology for the specific in situ detection of viral nucleic acids. The major application for this system was the detection and measurement of individual cells stained specifically for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Staining procedures used nucleic acid either directly or indirect labeled with enzymes or fluorescent probes. A cytometry system was used to acquire digitized images of labeled cells and determine their individual staining density or intensity. Efforts are underway to improve the sensitivity of these assays using time-resolved methods.
A Rule Based System For 3D Shape Recovery From A Single Perspective View

A rule based system for 3D shape recovery and orientation estimation from a single perspective view is described. The primary input to our system is a set of line segments extracted from images by a complex segmentation process. In practice, humans are able to interpret 3D shape and orientation from 2D images with very little a priori information. The heuristics behind shape constancy suggest that certain regularity assumptions play an important role. Fifteen rules have been developed for the rule base which can be extended to include additional rules. The current rules deal with parallel lines, perpendicular lines, and right corners in the object space that lead to the given image instance recorded by the camera. Forward chaining methodology is adopted. The implementation is written in the rule base language OPS5 in conjunction with Pascal on a VAX/VMS system. Two examples are presented, and the results are consistent with human perception.
Circles of Ethics: The Impact of Proximity on Moral Reasoning

We report the results of an experiment designed to determine the effects of psychological proximity—proxied by awareness of pain (empathy) and friendship—on moral reasoning. Our study tests the hypotheses that a moral agent’s emphasis on justice decreases with proximity, while his/her emphasis on care increases. Our study further examines how personality, gender, and managerial status affect the importance of care and justice in moral reasoning. We find support for the main hypotheses. We also find that care should be split into two components, one related to protection (or compassion) and the other to the preservation of relationships. Although gender does not affect moral reasoning directly, we find that it does so indirectly via personality, controlling for age, professional status, and professional background. We do not find a significant effect of managerial status on ethics of justice, but do find that holding a managerial position has a negative impact on ethics of care. Regarding personality, we detect significant positive effects of conscientiousness on ethics of justice and of neuroticism on ethics of care.
Relationship Between Airway Obstruction and Respiratory Symptoms in Adult Asthmatics

Study objectives To characterize the relationship between symptoms and the degree of airway obstruction as determined by the FEV 1 and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in a cohort of adult patients attending a university-based urban asthma clinic. Design Each of six current asthma symptoms, including cough, dyspnea, wheeze, chest tightness, sputum production, and nocturnal awakening was rated by patients on a 0 (none) to 4 (constant) scale at initial and first follow-up clinic evaluations. Spirometry and PEF were measured at the initial clinic visit and PEF was measured at all follow-up visits. Patients Sixty-seven adult patients with chronic asthma. Measurements and results: Asthma symptoms did not correlate with the degree of airway obstruction as determined by the FEV 1 (percent predicted FEV 1 vs total symptoms: r=0.143; p=0.263; n=70) and only correlated poorly with PEF (percent predicted PEF vs total symptoms: r=0.384; p=0.0029; n=58). Subjective wheezing was the best individual predictor of the level of airway obstruction in this group of patients. When reassessed an average of 7.9 weeks later, patients reported significant improvement in several symptoms, including those of wheeze, chest tightness, dyspnea, and nocturnal awakening. However, this symptomatic improvement was not associated with improvement in the level of airway obstruction. Conclusions Asthma symptoms correlate poorly with the level of airway obstruction as determined by the FEV 1 and PEF. Following treatment, subjective improvement in asthma symptoms may occur without improvement in the level of airway obstruction. These results support the recommendation to measure airway obstruction objectively when assessing adult patients with chronic asthma.
Heterogeneity of heparan sulfate chains in a proteoglycan from bovine lung

A heparan sulfate proteoglycan from bovine lung gas-exchange tissue was isoalted by extraction of the tissue with 4.0 M guanidine HCl in the presence of multiple protein inhibitors. The proteoglycan was purified by precipitation with cetylpyridinium chloride in 0.5 M KCl followed by CsCl isopycnic centrifugation (ϱ0 = 1.45) in 4.0 M guanidine/HCl. Further purification was achieved by gel filtration on Sepharose CL-2B and by chromatography in DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B column. The proteoglycan had 14.9% protein and 22.4% uronate. Heparan sulfate chains from the proteoglycan were isolated after β-elimination. Fractionation of heparan sulfate chains was achieved on Dowex-1 Cl− column, eluting with a stepwise increase in the concentration of NaCl, 1.0 to 2.0 M with 0.2 M increments. Of the total heparan sulfate recovered from the column, about 10% eluted by 1.2 M NaCl, 68% by 1.4 M NaCl, 18% by 1.6 M NaCl and 4% by 1.8 M NaCl. The fractions varied in their total and N-sulfate ester contents and iduronic acid to glucuronic acid ratios. The fraction that eluted from the Dowex-1 Cl− column at 1.6 M NaCl had the highest molecular weight, 37 000, and the fraction that eluted at 1.8 M NaCl had the lowest molecular weight, 12 000, as determined by gel filtration method, and the greatest sulfate content. The core protein, obtained by digestion of proteoglycan by heparan sulfate lyase, showed mostly a single band in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The observations indicate a heterogeneity of the composition of heparan sulfate chains in the proteoglycan. This heterogeneity likey contributes to variations in biologic properties of different heparan sulfate proteoglycan preparations.
Eigenfunctions of S 2 by a Spin Operator Method

An operator is derived which is a function of step-up and step-down operators pertaining to spin angular momentum, and which creates a state of definite multiplicity when operating on a single determinant of spatial and spin orbitals. This paper is concerned with the problem of finding all of the orthogonal singlets for a $2N$-electron system in terms of the spin operator. The five orthogonal singlets corresponding to the six-electron spin degeneracy problem are studied in detail by means of the branching diagram. The fourteen orthogonal singlets corresponding to the eight-electron problem and the forty-two orthogonal singlets corresponding to the ten-electron problem are written down. Some remarks are made concerning the application of this method to a configuration interaction investigation.
Regional adaptive resolution-based fractal block coding

ABSTRACT In this paper, the fractal function is used for the image representation and compression. By introducmg a searching strategyinto the fractal-function-based image coding, the image representation accuracy is improved by 10%. A regional adaptiveresolution-based fractal block coding is formed by combining the encoding and the decoding processes together with aquadtree structure to perform image compression. It is shown by the experiments that the image compression ratio isincreased up to 1 2 without a great loss of visual quality.Keywords: Image coding; image compression; fractal function. 1. INTRODUCTION AND THEORETICAL FOUNDATION Fractal has been stimulating great interests since John Hutchinson introduced the theory of iterated function system(IFS) [1] to model collections of contractive transformations in a metric space as dynamical systems. After the work of M.Barnsley and A. E. Jacquin [2]-[3] in using the partitioned iterated function system (PIFS) to do fractal-based imagecompression, many works have been done either to improve the compression ratio or to reduce the encoding time. F.Dudbridge[4]-[5] developed a method which is quite different from the traditional fractal (TF) image coding. He proposedusing a new fractal function (FF) for the image representation.Before the concept of fractal function is introduced the following preliminaries are needed: (1) w1 ,
Use of mechanistic information in risk assessment for toxic chemicals.

Abstract Risk assessment (RA) for toxic chemicals is assumed to be a scientific activity providing a framework of principles for the compilation and evaluation of all available scientific information and the rational extrapolation to human health effects in as quantitative terms as possible and with a high degree of certainty. Sensible public health decisions are made more certain through the use of mechanistic information throughout the 4 steps in RA: hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure (dose) assessment and risk characterisation. Examples of the use of mechanistic information to assess risks of systemic, developmental/reproductive and neurotoxic effects show how to move away from the presently used threshold/no observable adverse effect/uncertainty factor default methodology towards an evaluation based on all available scientific data. The experience gained in cancer RA in the use of metabolic and tissue binding (receptor) models as well as physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) and pharnacodynamic (PBPD) models can be transferred to non-cancer RA. A good example is the use of a PBPK model for the hepatoxicity of chloroform. As in cancer RA, as default positions are replaced by biological data the risk assessments become less uncertain when extrapolating between species. Combining information on tissue dosimetry and response data can also provide an estimate of variability within populations, which is impossible with present default type methodology but essential for adequate risk characterisation. Unlike the cancer field there is no single hypothesis for the mechanism of action for the multitude of non-cancer end-points studied.
Criteria for recommending lighting levels

The effect of lighting on behaviour ranges from allowing simple detection of objects to creating moods and impressions. Lighting standards and recommendations for general applications should be based on the visibility (seeing) requirements where differences between individuals are minimal. Furthermore, lighting criteria or standards must evaluate the seeing process under stimulus conditions approximating those encountered in the real space. It is recommended that conspicuity, defined as: 'how well the detail stands out from the background', or ease of seeing be the metric for visibility. Subjective visual response criteria cannot be universally applied where significant differences in interpretations and evaluations between individuals and/or groups of individuals occur. Instead they should be treated as design options to be applied when they are important aspects of the intended function of the space. In discussing the above issues, the paper identifies the major categories of variables included in the p...
Study of Diffusion of Two Sulfonamides from Ointment Bases

Two sulfonamides of widely different solubilities were incorporated at two concentrations into ointment bases and their diffusion through a membrane into distilled water determined over a 6-hr. period. A lipophilic surfactant appeared to increase the diffusion of sulfacetamide from petrolatum and from the hydrogenated cottonseed oil base. The surfactant increased the diffusion of sulfathiazole from the vegetable oil base but appeared to retard the process when petrolatum was utilized as the base. A reduction of the water–oil ratio in the emulsion bases tended to slow diffusion of both drugs. The results were analyzed statistically using the Student t test.
Fiscal Adjustment in Developing Countries Through Tax Administration Reform

Many developing countries undertaking a fiscal adjustment have followed the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) recommendation to create a large taxpayer unit (LTU) to ensure stable or enhanced revenue flows, but the problem is that researchers have not conducted a systematic evaluation (other than a survey) of this recommendation's revenue raising effects. It is important to understand the effects of this reform measure because limited country resources should be allocated carefully to policy reforms that have a reasonable chance of success. In order to address the issue, this paper evaluates the effectiveness of this fiscal reform using economic data. A unique panel data set has been assembled to evaluate performance of LTUs based on each country's tax share (tax revenue divided by GDP) over a seven-year period. Employing a straightforward empirical methodology of comparing changes in the average annual tax share before and after implementation, a surprising 43 percent of countries experienced a decline in the tax share after implementing an LTU. The implication for policy makers is that successful reform not only includes adopting the correct policy, but also taking adequate steps to ensure that the policy is well-implemented.
Molecular characterization of type 1 serine/threonine phosphatases from Brassica oleracea.

We describe the isolation of cDNA clones encoding type 1 serine/threonine protein phosphatase (PP1) from Brassica oleracea stigmas. We demonstrate that PP1 form a multigene family in Brassica. Within their most conserved domain, these phosphatases are 80–90% identical at the amino acid level. One cDNA (BoPP1) was found to encode a protein that shows 78–80% sequence identity to maize, rabbit, and yeast PP1. The accumulation of BoPP1 mRNA is developmentally regulated. Varying levels of BoPP1-homologous transcripts were detected in leaves, cotyledons, pistils, anthers and roots. In addition, distinct species of BoPP1 transcripts accumulated at different stages of Brassica microspore development, and mature trinucleate microspores contained a unique BoPP1 mRNA species not found at other stages of the plant's life cycle. Lastly, we show by genomic Southern blots that the Brassica genome might contain homologues of the mammalian PP1 inhibitor-1.
Amylin Receptor Signaling in the Ventral Tegmental Area is Physiologically Relevant for the Control of Food Intake

The ability of amylin, a pancreatic β-cell-derived neuropeptide, to promote negative energy balance has been ascribed to neural activation at the area postrema. However, despite amylin binding throughout the brain, the possible role of amylin signaling at other nuclei in the control of food intake has been largely neglected. We show that mRNA for all components of the amylin receptor complex is expressed in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a mesolimbic structure mediating food intake and reward. Direct activation of VTA amylin receptors reduces the intake of chow and palatable sucrose solution in rats. This effect is mediated by reductions in meal size and is not due to nausea/malaise or prolonged suppression of locomotor activity. VTA amylin receptor activation also reduces sucrose self-administration on a progressive ratio schedule. Finally, antagonist studies provide novel evidence that VTA amylin receptor blockade increases food intake and attenuates the intake-suppressive effects of a peripherally administered amylin analog, suggesting that amylin receptor signaling in the VTA is physiologically relevant for food intake control and potentially clinically relevant for the treatment of obesity.
Antiepileptic Drugs and Markers of Vascular Risk

The most-used treatments for epilepsy worldwide are older-generation drugs such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and valproic acid, which have prominent enzymatic effects. Our sense of comfort with these treatments is starting to fade, however, as more and more potential long-term consequences of these drugs come to light. Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that ischemic disease of the heart and brain is more common among patients with epilepsy. Enzyme-inducing drugs are associated with elevations in a host of surrogate markers of vascular risk, suggesting that they could be responsible for increased rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. The enzyme-inhibiting drug valproate may have adverse consequences of its own pertaining to glucose and lipid metabolism. These effects stand in addition to those well established in the literature regarding bone metabolism, hormonal abnormalities, and drug–drug interactions. Because patients with epilepsy require medication for years, and often for life, it is difficult to justify the long-term use of these agents when there are capable alternatives. Many of the adverse effects of the older drugs appear to be rapidly reversible, prompting consideration of whether patients who are currently treated with these agents should be switched to alternative therapies, even in the absence of obvious side effects. Newer medications without effects on hepatic enzymes likely do not have these chronic metabolic consequences, and we recommend their use over older-generation drugs whenever possible.
Are anti-arsonate antibody N-segments selected at both the protein and the DNA level?

The V-D junctional residue at position 99 of AIJ anti-arsonate antibodies with a major cross-reactive idiotype is invariably a serine. This serine is not encoded in the germline of either the VH or DH gene segments nor can it be generated by intracodonic recombination between VH and DH. It must, therefore, be generated somatically (N segment addition) and selected by antigen. Sequence data indicate that the serine is frequently encoded by the uncommon TCG triplet. Here J. D. Capra and his colleagues discuss several explanations for the repeated appearance of this unusual codon at this position. They conclude that whatever the mechanism, N segment additions are selected at both protein and DNA levels.
Multivariate analysis of factors associated with invasive fungal disease during remission induction therapy for acute myelogenous leukemia

The clinical courses of 54 consecutive adult patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) who underwent 67 courses of intensive remission induction therapy were analyzed to assess factors associated with development of serious fungal and bacterial infections. Fever developed in 65 of 67 remission induction attempts and was due to bacterial, bacterial-fungal, and fungal etiologies in 49%, 14%, and 9% of cases, respectively. No etiology of fever was found in 28% of cases. Bacteremia occurred in 54% of remission induction attempts. Invasive fungal disease (IFD) occurred in 22% of cases with an overall mortality of 60%, including 45% of the patients who died during treatment. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, a mathematical model was constructed which correlated with the risk of IFD. Major factors associated with patients who ultimately develop IFD included the duration of chemotherapy, the number of sites colonized with fungi and the number of fungal species isolated on certain surveillance cultures, particularly Aspergillus species. These studies define characteristics of patients at high risk for development of IFD for whom early initiation of empiric antifungal therapy is strongly recommended.
Modeling of radiation heat transport in complex ladder-like structures placed in rectangular enclosures

Abstract Complex ladder-like structures recently have been considered as the target design for accelerator applications. The decay heat, during a postulated beyond design-basis loss-of-coolant accident in the target where all normal and emergency cooling fails, is removed mainly by radiation heat transfer. Modeling of the radiation transport in complex ladder-like structures has several challenges and limitations when the standard net-radiation model is used. This paper proposes a simplified lumped, or ‘hot-rung’ model, that considers the worst elements and utilizes the standard net-radiation method. The net-radiation model would under-predict structure temperatures if surfaces were subject to non-uniform radiosity. The proposed model was assessed to suggest corrections to account for the non-uniform radiosity. The non-uniform radiosity effect causes the proposed hot-rung model to under-predict the center-rung temperatures by ≈4–74°C when all parametrics, including temperatures up to 1500°C, were considered. These temperatures are small. The proposed model predicted that an important effect of decreasing the emissivity was smoothing of non-isothermal effects. The radiosity effects are more pronounced when there are strong temperature gradients. Uniform rung temperatures tend to decrease the radiosity effects. We concluded that a relatively simple model that is conservative with respect to radiosity effects could be developed.
Primary decomposition II: Primary components and linear growth

We study the following properties about primary decomposition over a Noetherian ring R: (1) For finitely generated modules N⊆M and a given subset X={P1,P2,…,Pr}⊆Ass(M/N), we define an X-primary component of N⊊M to be an intersection Q1∩Q2∩⋯∩Qr for some Pi-primary components Qi of N⊆M and we study the maximal X-primary components of N⊆M; (2) We give a proof of the ‘linear growth’ property of Ext and Tor, which says that for finitely generated modules N and M, any fixed ideals I1,I2,…,It of R and any fixed integer i∈N, there exists a k∈N such that for any n=(n1,n2,…,nt)∈Nt there exists a primary decomposition of 0 in En=ExtRi(N,M/I1n1I2n2⋯ItntM) (or 0 in Tn=ToriR(N,M/I1n1I2n2⋯ItntM)) such that every P-primary component Q of that primary decomposition contains Pk|n|En (or Pk|n|Tn), where |n|=n1+n2+⋯+nt.
Inverse-time underfrequency relay

THIS PAPER describes a magnetic inverse-time underfrequency relay unit. It contains a relay which is operated when the frequency of an aircraft alternator drops below 380 cps (cycles per second). The time required for the relay to pick up is an inverse function of how far the frequency is below 380 cps. The complete unit contains a frequency-sensitive circuit which provides a voltage signal proportional to alternator frequency for driving a magnetic amplifier which has a very long time constant. The output of the magnetic amplifier is the coil of the underfrequency relay.
Laser induced fluorescence studies of the A2Σ state of PbF

Abstract Time resolved laser-induced fluorescence has been used to determine the radiative lifetime of the A 2 Σ + state of PbF. The lifetime of the υ′ = 1 level is 3.7 ± 0.4 μs. Some preliminary quenching data are also reported.
TASSER_WT: A Protein Structure Prediction Algorithm with Accurate Predicted Contact Restraints for Difficult Protein Targets

To improve the prediction accuracy in the regime where template alignment quality is poor, an updated version of TASSER_2.0, namely TASSER_WT, was developed. TASSER_WT incorporates more accurate contact restraints from a new method, COMBCON. COMBCON uses confidence-weighted contacts from PROSPECTOR_3.5, the latest version, PROSPECTOR_4, and a new local structural fragment-based threading algorithm, STITCH, implemented in two variants depending on expected fragment prediction accuracy. TASSER_WT is tested on 622 Hard proteins, the most difficult targets (incorrect alignments and/or templates and incorrect side-chain contact restraints) in a comprehensive benchmark of 2591 nonhomologous, single domain proteins ≤200 residues that cover the PDB at 35% pairwise sequence identity. For 454 of 622 Hard targets, COMBCON provides contact restraints with higher accuracy and number of contacts per residue. As contact coverage with confidence weight ≥3 (Fwt≥3cov) increases, the more improved are TASSER_WT models. When Fwt≥3cov > 1.0 and > 0.4, the average root mean-square deviation of TASSER_WT (TASSER_2.0) models is 4.11 A (6.72 A) and 5.03 A (6.40 A), respectively. Regarding a structure prediction as successful when a model has a TM-score to the native structure ≥0.4, when Fwt≥3cov > 1.0 and > 0.4, the success rate of TASSER_WT (TASSER_2.0) is 98.8% (76.2%) and 93.7% (81.1%), respectively.
Heterobimetallic rhodium–gold halide and hydride complexes

Heterobimetallic RhIAuIhalide complexes react with LiHBEt3 to afford the corresponding hydride, and they are oxidised by halogen to afford thermally stable RhIIAuII complexes. The hydride complex reacts with acid and halogen sources to produce H2 and HCl, respectively. The RhIIAuII complexes exhibit optical and photochemical properties that are derived from the bimetallic core.
Dynamics of spin-state interconversion and cooperativity for ferric spin-crossover complexes in the solid state. 3. Bis[N-(2-(benzylamino)ethyl)salicylaldiminato]iron(III) complexes

Determination de la structure cristalline du complexe [Fe(allyl-3-salbzen) 2 ]NO 3 . Spectres Mossbauer, RPE et mesures de susceptibilite magnetique
A New Method for Evaluating Compliance with Industry Self‐Regulation Codes Governing the Content of Alcohol Advertising

Background This study evaluated the use of a modified Delphi technique in combination with a previously developed alcohol advertising rating procedure to detect content violations in the U.S. Beer Institute Code. A related aim was to estimate the minimum number of raters needed to obtain reliable evaluations of code violations in television commercials. Methods Six alcohol ads selected for their likelihood of having code violations were rated by community and expert participants (N = 286). Quantitative rating scales were used to measure the content of alcohol advertisements based on alcohol industry self-regulatory guidelines. The community group participants represented vulnerability characteristics that industry codes were designed to protect (e.g., age <21); experts represented various health-related professions, including public health, human development, alcohol research, and mental health. Alcohol ads were rated on 2 occasions separated by 1 month. After completing Time 1 ratings, participants were randomized to receive feedback from 1 group or the other. Results Findings indicate that (i) ratings at Time 2 had generally reduced variance, suggesting greater consensus after feedback, (ii) feedback from the expert group was more influential than that of the community group in developing group consensus, (iii) the expert group found significantly fewer violations than the community group, (iv) experts representing different professional backgrounds did not differ among themselves in the number of violations identified, and (v) a rating panel composed of at least 15 raters is sufficient to obtain reliable estimates of code violations. Conclusions The Delphi technique facilitates consensus development around code violations in alcohol ad content and may enhance the ability of regulatory agencies to monitor the content of alcoholic beverage advertising when combined with psychometric-based rating procedures.
Receding horizon path planning with implicit safety guarantees

This paper extends a recently developed approach to optimal path planning of autonomous vehicles, based on mixed integer linear programming (MILP), to account for safety. We consider the case of a single vehicle navigating through a cluttered environment which is only known within a certain detection radius around the vehicle. A receding horizon strategy is presented with hard terminal constraints that guarantee feasibility of the MILP problem at all future time steps. The trajectory computed at each iteration is constrained to end in a so called basis state, in which the vehicle can safely remain for an indefinite period of time. The principle is applied to the case of a UAV with limited turn rate and minimum speed requirements, for which safety conditions are derived in the form of loiter circles. The latter need not be known ahead of time and are implicitly computed online. An example scenario is presented that illustrates the necessity of these safety constraints when the knowledge of the environment is limited and/or hard real-time restrictions are given.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN COMPONENTS OF SELF-ESTEEM

Sex differences were examined on the Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory which measures global self-esteem, specific components of self-esteem, defensiveness, and identity integration. Significa...
Effects of Information Displays for Hyperlipidemia

How information is distributed between internal and external representations significantly affects information search performance. For a distributed information search task, data representation and cognitive distribution jointly affect the user search performance in terms of response time and accuracy. Guided by UFuRT ( User, Function, Representation, Task), a human-centered framework, we propose a search model and task taxonomy. The model defines its application in the context of healthcare setting. The taxonomy clarifies the legitimate operations for each type of search task of relation data. We then developed experimental prototypes of hyperlipidemia data displays. Based on the displays, we tested the search tasks performance through two experiments. The experiments are of a within-subject design with a sample of 24 participants. The results in general support our hypothesesand validate the prediction of the model and task taxonomy.
Untangling Microphysical Impacts on Deep Convection Applying a Novel Modeling Methodology

AbstractMicrophysical piggybacking applied previously in shallow convection simulations is employed to highlight microphysical impacts on deep convection. The main idea is to apply two sets of thermodynamic variables, one coupled to the dynamics and driving the simulation and the second one piggybacking the simulation: that is, responding to the simulated flow but not affecting it. The two sets can be driven either by different microphysical schemes or by the same scheme with different scheme parameters. For illustration, two single-moment bulk microphysical schemes are implemented, one with a simple representation of ice processes and the second one with a more comprehensive approach. Each scheme is applied assuming contrasting cloud droplet concentrations, pristine versus polluted, with simulations mimicking dynamical effects of pollution on deep convection. The modeling setup follows the case of daytime convective development over land based on observations during the Large-Scale Biosphere–Atmosphere (...
Multi-objective, multi-domain genetic optimization of a hydraulic rescue spreader

Abstract In this paper, general strategies are presented by which a multi-domain, multi-objective, mechanism-based optimization problem may be efficiently formulated and solved by means of a genetic algorithm. These strategies include integration of traditional precision position techniques with genetic optimization, efficient selection of design variables and search bounds, and a nested optimization structure. A case study illustrating these methods is presented in which a hydraulic rescue spreader is simultaneously optimized for four objectives relating to structural efficiency and kinematic behavior. The solution obtained is shown to be equal or superior to a comparable commercially available device with respect to all four objectives.
Health care financing and utilization of maternal health services in developing countries

Methods We conducted a cross-national analysis to determine the association between government versus private financing of health services and utilization of antenatal care, skilled birth attendants and Caesarean section in 42 low-income and lower-middle-income countries. We controlled for possible confounding effects of total per capita health spending and female literacy. Findings In multivariable analysis, adjusting for confounders, government health expenditure as a percentage of total health expenditure is significantly associated with utilization of skilled birth attendants (P ¼ 0.05) and Caesarean section (P ¼ 0.01) but not antenatal care. Total health expenditure is also significantly associated with utilization of skilled birth attendants (P < 0.01) and Caesarean section (P < 0.01). Discussion Greater government participation in health financing and higher levels of health spending are associated with increased utilization of two maternal health services: skilled birth attendants and Caesarean section. While government financing is associated with better access to some essential maternal health services, greater absolute levels of health spending will be required if developing countries are to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on maternal mortality.
Calcification by vascular cells is regulated by mechanical strain and MAPK signaling

Calcification in the cardiovascular system is a clinically significant problem believed to be actively mediated by vascular cells that acquire osteoblast-like functions. Vascular cells are mechanically responsive, and thus we hypothesized that calcification by vascular cells is regulated by mechanical strain, with involvement of mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) intracellular signaling pathways. We tested our hypotheses by applying cyclic mechanical strain to calcifying vascular cells (CVCs) in vitro. We found accelerated expression of alkaline phosphatase, a marker of osteoblast differentiation, and increased mineralization by CVCs subjected to strain. When p38 MAPK activity was blocked biochemically, mineralization by the CVCs was inhibited, even when the cells were strained. These data suggest an important role for mechanical signals in regulation of vascular calcification, with necessary involvement of p38 MAPK signaling.
Fabrication and evaluation of transmissive multilayer optics for 8 keV x rays

We have made and tested several sliced multilayer structures which can function as transmissive x-ray optical elements (diffraction gratings, zone plates, and phase gratings) at 8 keV. Our automated multilayer sputtering system is optimized to sputter layers of arbitrary thickness for very large total deposits at high deposition rates. Diffraction patterns produced by the multilayer devices closely match theoretical predictions. Such transmissive optics have the potential for wide application in high resolution microscope and spectrometer systems. 13 refs., 10 figs.
Hybrid query optimization for hard-to-compress bit-vectors

Bit-vectors are widely used for indexing and summarizing data due to their efficient processing in modern computers. Sparse bit-vectors can be further compressed to reduce their space requirement. Special compression schemes based on run-length encoders have been designed to avoid explicit decompression and minimize the decoding overhead during query execution. Moreover, highly compressed bit-vectors can exhibit a faster query time than the non-compressed ones. However, for hard-to-compress bit-vectors, compression does not speed up queries and can add considerable overhead. In these cases, bit-vectors are often stored verbatim (non-compressed). On the other hand, queries are answered by executing a cascade of bit-wise operations involving indexed bit-vectors and intermediate results. Often, even when the original bit-vectors are hard to compress, the intermediate results become sparse. It could be feasible to improve query performance by compressing these bit-vectors as the query is executed. In this scenario, it would be necessary to operate verbatim and compressed bit-vectors together. In this paper, we propose a hybrid framework where compressed and verbatim bitmaps can coexist and design algorithms to execute queries under this hybrid model. Our query optimizer is able to decide at run time when to compress or decompress a bit-vector. Our heuristics show that the applications using higher-density bitmaps can benefit from using this hybrid model, improving both their query time and memory utilization.
Voter Mobilization and the Rise of Black Political Power

During 1970-2000, U.S. cities underwent a rapid increase in black political representation. Many argue that African-Americans’ responsiveness to registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns facilitated this transition. This paper develops a simple model of group-based electoral competition when one group has a greater capacity to mobilize voters to the polls. Mayoral election results are consistent with the model in the South, where African-Americans historically faced political exclusion, but not in the North. In Southern cities, close black victories were more likely than close black losses, involved higher turnout than close black losses, and were more likely to be followed by subsequent black victories.