cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of bacterial run and tumble motility parameters through trajectory analysis.

Abstract In this paper, a method for extraction of the behavior parameters of bacterial migration based on the run and tumble conceptual model is described. The methodology is applied to the microscopic images representing the motile movement of flagellated Azotobacter vinelandii . The bacterial cells are considered to change direction during both runs and tumbles as is evident from the movement trajectories. An unsupervised cluster analysis was performed to fractionate each bacterial trajectory into run and tumble segments, and then the distribution of parameters for each mode were extracted by fitting mathematical distributions best representing the data. A Gaussian copula was used to model the autocorrelation in swimming velocity. For both run and tumble modes, Gamma distribution was found to fit the marginal velocity best, and Logistic distribution was found to represent better the deviation angle than other distributions considered. For the transition rate distribution, log-logistic distribution and log-normal distribution, respectively, was found to do a better job than the traditionally agreed exponential distribution. A model was then developed to mimic the motility behavior of bacteria at the presence of flow. The model was applied to evaluate its ability to describe observed patterns of bacterial deposition on surfaces in a micro-model experiment with an approach velocity of 200 μm/s. It was found that the model can qualitatively reproduce the attachment results of the micro-model setting.
Effect of short- and long-term feed restriction on ghrelin concentrations in turkeys

One-day-old broad-breasted white turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were reared as recommended by industry standards. In Experiment 1, starting at 5 wk of age (WOA), birds were placed in individual cages with free access to feed and water. Blood samples were taken after 18 h of fasting (FASTING) and at 90 ± 5 min after feeding (1.5 h after feeding). In Experiment 2, birds were weighed, randomly assigned to 2 treatments, and placed in individual cages. In treatment 1 (n = 10), birds were fed ad libitum (FF), while birds in treatment 2 (n = 11) were placed on a restricted diet to allow for an average daily gain of 10.0 g per d from 4 to 11 WOA (RES). In Experiment 1, concentrations of ghrelin (P = 0.012) and glucose (P < 0.001) were increased 1.5 h after feeding compared with concentration during FASTING, whereas concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (P < 0.001) and corticosterone (P = 0.002) were decreased 1.5 h after feeding. Concentration of insulin, free fatty acids, and ketone bodies followed a normal physiological response to fasting and feeding. Similarly, in Experiment 2, concentrations of ghrelin (P < 0.001) and glucose (P = 0.038) were increased in FF birds, whereas concentrations of corticosterone were decreased (P = 0.002) in FF birds. It could be concluded that in turkeys, preprandial (18 h of fasting) and long-term feed restriction is associated with decreased concentration of ghrelin-thus, the opposite effect of that reported in chickens and mammalian species.
High performance resorbable composites for load-bearing bone fixation devices.

Abstract Bone fractures are some of the most common injuries annually, and many require a fixation device to help properly heal. The present study focuses on developing a bioresorbable composite that has high strength and stiffness for bone fixation applications. To achieve this, a design of experiments was performed, testing the effect of long fiber reinforcement type, matrix type, matrix amount, and particle reinforcement amount on the flexural properties of the composite. Based on these results, the ideal resorbable long fiber reinforcement, particle reinforcement, and matrix material are degummed silk fibroin, hydroxyapatite, and polylactic acid, respectively. Through further optimizations of the particle reinforcement phase a flexural modulus and strength of 13.7 GPa and 437 MPa, respectively, was achieved. Both values are among the highest found in literature, with the strength far exceeding the requirement for a fixation device and the highest for such a bioresorbable composite material, showing great promise for use as a bioresorbable fixation device.
The Archaeology of Ottoman Ti’innik

The multidisciplinary research of the Ottoman period sets it aside from the trappings of the period oriented archaeological research that dominate Mediterranean archaeology. Although this period in interesting in its own right its fundamental attraction lies in the fact that it bridges disciplines in order to achieve a more realistic understanding of the nature and limitations of the archaeological record. The loss of cultural information over the short period of time that lapsed between the present and the Ottoman period forces one to question the extent to which archaeologists are able to fully reconstruct the past. Therefore the research of Ottoman Ti’innik is not going to stop at the perimeters of this period rather, the research will systematically and gradually move back in time to cover the entire cultural history of the site.
The Genetics of Restless Legs Syndrome

Publisher Summary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder characterized by an unpleasant creeping sensation in the legs at rest and associated with an irresistible urge to move the legs. Most RLS patients also have repetitive jerking movements of the limbs during sleep. Recent genetic studies have shown that primary RLS is a common neurological disorder that has a strong hereditary component with up to 60% of patients reporting a positive family history. An autosomal dominant mode of inheritance within RLS families is most commonly observed. However, autosomal recessive inheritance is also likely given the prevalence of RLS. The fact that RLS has variable expressivity and age-of-onset supports the likelihood that locus heterogeneity almost certainly exists for RLS. Therefore, one important approach to identifying RLS genes is to study families large enough to provide significant evidence for linkage. Studying families with similar clinical phenotypes further maximizes the chances that the same gene is causing the RLS phenotype in all affected family members. One recent linkage study in a large family has identified several putative RLS loci. Identifying RLS genes leads to better clinical characterization of these patients as well as accurate diagnostic tests and more effective therapies for these patients.
Characterization and predictive value of volume changes of extremity and pelvis soft tissue sarcomas during radiation therapy prior to definitive wide excision.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to characterize and evaluate the clinical significance of volume changes of soft tissue sarcomas during radiation therapy (RT), prior to definitive surgical resection. Materials and methods Patients with extremity or pelvis soft tissue sarcomas treated at our institution from 2013 to 2016 with RT prior to resection were identified retrospectively. Tumor volumes were measured using cone-beam computed tomography obtained daily during RT. Linear regression evaluated the linearity of volume changes. Kruskal-Wallis tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and linear regression evaluated predictors of volume change. Logistic and Cox regression evaluated volume change as a predictor of resection margin status, histologic treatment response, and tumor recurrence. Results Thirty-three patients were evaluated. Twenty-nine tumors were high grade. Prior to RT, median tumor volume was 189 mL (range, 7.2 to 4,885 mL). Sixteen tumors demonstrated significant linear volume changes during RT. Of these, 5 tumors increased and 11 decreased in volume. Myxoid liposarcoma (n = 5, 15%) predicted decreasing tumor volume (p = 0.0002). Sequential chemoradiation (n = 4, 12%) predicted increasing tumor volume (p = 0.008) and corresponded to longer times from diagnosis to RT (p = 0.01). Resection margins were positive in three cases. Five patients experienced local recurrence, and 7 experienced distant recurrence, at median 8.9 and 6.9 months post-resection, respectively. Volume changes did not predict resection margin status, local recurrence, or distant recurrence. Conclusion Volume changes of pelvis and extremity soft tissue sarcomas followed linear trends during RT. Volume changes reflected histologic subtype and treatment characteristics but did not predict margin status or recurrence after resection.
Comparative survival and fitness of bumble bee colonies in natural, suburban, and agricultural landscapes

Abstract Pollinators such as bumble bees are in decline as a result of many factors, including loss of habitat. Initiatives to improve and restore pollinator habitat are increasingly popular. However, to most effectively conserve pollinators, we need a better understanding of which habitats limit their survival and fitness at the landscape scale. Our study examined performance and fitness of the common eastern bumble bee, Bombus impatiens (Cresson), in four common landscapes for bees (natural, suburban, conventional agriculture, and organic agriculture). In the summers of 2016 and 2017, 64 bumble bee colonies per year were deployed across 16 sites (4 sites in each landscape type in each year) and their growth (weight and bee abundance), fitness (caste production), and survival were monitored weekly. Colonies in suburban sites in 2016, but not 2017, were lighter, produced fewer worker and drone cells, and experienced queen death more quickly than colonies in natural and agricultural landscapes. The performance and fitness of colonies in natural, organic agricultural, and conventional agricultural landscapes in both years were similar. Additionally, across all landscape types, the proportion of developed land and impervious surface were significantly negatively associated with colony performance in 2016. Thus, our results suggested that suburban landscapes are suboptimal for B. impatiens compared to natural and agricultural landscapes, and that this effect differs across years, potentially due to climactic differences. Future research is needed to identify the mechanisms responsible for reduced performance of bumble bee colonies in suburban landscapes, especially regarding floral resources and pesticide and pathogen stress. Such information could direct specific actions to improve suburban habitat for pollinators.
The power of proteomics to monitor senescence-associated secretory phenotypes and beyond: toward clinical applications.

Introduction: Cellular senescence is a rapidly growing field with potential relevance for the treatment of multiple human diseases. In the last decade, cellular senescence and the senescence-associ...
Attack risk modelling for the San Diego maritime facilities

Abstract California is the largest economy among states in the US. More than 40% of the nation's containerized cargo flows through the marine ports of California. Cruise ships also call on four of California's largest ports, with the Port of San Diego growing the fastest. This study assessed the attack risk for the Port of San Diego by applying a model from the risk assessment framework recommended by the Department of Homeland Security. Quantification of the model's threat and consequence factors was based on economic data derived from various databases. The findings show that the risk of attack is more pronounced for cruise ship operations than for marine cargo operations. The risk is directly proportional to the level of vulnerability to expected perpetrator tactics and weapons. Based on expert knowledge of the port characteristics, the vulnerability assessment points to a low probability that anticipated attack methods could succeed. However, the behavior of terrorists can be unpredictable as they continuously adapt to exploit vulnerability gaps that may be unforeseen. Therefore, it is wise to develop policies that encourage a security culture to avoid complacency and to conduct regular risk assessments.
Paulo Freire and a Curriculum for the Capitalocene

The teaching of utopian dreaming in a classroom setting can be made relevant to the current situation facing humanity through a confrontation with what Jason W. Moore calls the “Capitalocene.” With the “Capitalocene,” the inhabitants of the capitalist system confront their place in natural history, within an era in which capitalism ultimately transforms the planet as an extinction event. The “Capitalocene” manifests itself most immediately as an environmental crisis. With the environmental crisis, the “Capitalocene” acquires epic proportions which must be addressed in education.
Emergency Cricothyrotomy: A 10-Year Single Institution Experience.

BACKGROUND With recent technological advances reducing the demand for emergent surgical airway placement, surgeons are less often performing this life-saving procedure. We sought to assess the characteristics and outcomes surrounding patients undergoing modern emergent cricothyrotomy. METHODS A retrospective case series was performed between January 2010 and January 2020 at a single tertiary academic level 1 trauma center. Patients who underwent tracheostomy (CPT 31600, 31601) within 48 hours of admission or listed in the trauma registry were queried. Charts were individually reviewed to identify patients with cricothyrotomy. Demographic, operative and relevant hospital course data were collected. RESULTS A total of 1642 patients were identified with 12 of those found to have met inclusion criteria. The population was mostly male (91.7%) with an average age of 43 years and average body mass index of 30. Survival rate of patients was 75%. A total of 7 patients (58%) had appropriate anatomical placement of cricothyrotomy. Of those patients, 75% were performed by Trauma Surgery. Of the 5 patients with misplaced cricothyrotomy, all were male, with an average age and body mass index of 36 years and 25, respectively. Procedures were performed by prehospital personnel (20%), referring hospital (20%), and Trauma Surgery (60%). DISCUSSION Cricothyrotomy remains a vital tool in the successful management of emergent airway access. The most common complication observed was improper anatomical placement, which occurred in nearly half of patients. Trauma surgeons perform 75% of cricothyrotomies, with an anatomical accuracy rate of 66.7%.
The organophosphate insecticide diazinon and aging: Neurobehavioral and mitochondrial effects in zebrafish exposed as embryos or during aging.

Abstract Organophosphate (OP) compounds comprise one of the most widely used classes of insecticides worldwide. OPs have been shown to have negative human health impacts, particularly developmental neurotoxicity. However, neurotoxic impacts in later adulthood and during the aging process are relatively uncharacterized. The present study examined diazinon (DZN), an OP, to determine the neurobehavioral consequences, in addition to mitochondrial dysfunction on a macroscale (whole organism basal respiration) and on a microscale (whole organ mitochondrial respiration), using zebrafish (ZF) as a model. One group of 14-month-old adult ZF were exposed acutely as adults (0.4, 1.25, and 4.0 μM) for five days and tested as adults, and another group was exposed developmentally 5–120 h post-fertilization (70, 210, and 700 nM) and tested at larval, adolescent, adult, and aging life stages. ZF exposed acutely as adults did not display many significant neurobehavioral impacts or mitochondrial dysfunction. Conversely, the embryonically exposed ZF showed altered behavioral functions at each stage of life which emerged and attenuated as fish transitioned from each developmental stage to the next. Mitochondrial oxygen consumptions measurement results for developmentally DZN exposed ZF showed significant increases in the low and middle dose groups in organs such as the brain and testes. Overall, there is an indication that early developmental exposure to DZN had continuing adverse neurobehavioral and cellular consequences throughout their lives well into adulthood and aging periods.
A novel bivalent chromatin associates with rapid induction of camalexin biosynthesis genes in response to a pathogen signal in Arabidopsis

In the fight against harmful fungi and bacteria, plants have an arsenal of chemicals at their disposal. For instance, species in the crucifer family – which includes mustard, cabbages and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana – can defend themselves with camalexin, a compound produced soon after the plant receives signals from its attacker. What controls this precise timing, however, is still unclear. For the genes that rule the production of camalexin to be ‘read’, interpreted, and ultimately converted into proteins, their DNA sequences first need to be physically accessible to the cell. This availability is controlled, in part, by adding or removing chemical groups onto histones, the spool-like structures which DNA wraps around. These precisely controlled modifications ultimately help to activate or repress a gene. Sometimes, activating and inhibiting chemical groups can be present in the same location, creating what is known as a bivalent chromatin domain. Zhao et al. investigated whether histone modifications regulate when A. thaliana produces camalexin in response to an attack. A combination of bioinformatics and experimental approaches highlighted two chemical modifications (one repressive, the other activating) which were present on the same histone, forming a previously unknown bivalent chromatin domain. Mutant plants which did not carry these modifications could not produce camalexin at the right time. Further experiments showed that under normal conditions, both histone modifications were present. However, when the plant was under attack, the level of repressive and activating modifications respectively decreased and increased, leading to gene activation. Together, the results by Zhao et al. suggest that both histone modifications are required for camalexin genes to respond appropriately to signals from a harmful agent. A deeper understanding of this new mechanism could, in turn, allow scientists to engineer crops that are better at resisting disease.
Beyond Simple Homology Searches: Multiple Sequence Alignments and Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic trees represent hypotheses about evolutionary relationships between organisms or nucleotide or amino acid sequences. Because the best BLAST hit often does not represent the most closely related sequence, phylogenetic analyses are an essential extension of inquiry into any new protein or gene. In this unit, the reader will first learn how to create a multiple sequence alignment using ClustalX. He or she will then learn how to use that alignment to build a neighbor-joining phylogeny using the program Geneious. Finally, the user will learn how to interpret the phylogeny in light of the research questions. Curr. Protoc. Essential Lab. Tech. 1:11.3.1-11.3.17. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: phylogeny; alignment; neighbor-joining; homology; ClustalX; Geneious
Content and Fluxes of Electrolytes

The sections in this article are: 1 Physicochemical Models of Cellular Behavior 1.1 Prevailing Assumptions 1.2 Osmotic Properties 1.3 Membrane Diffusion 1.4 Electrochemical Potentials 2 Experimental Approaches 2.1 Chemical Dissection 2.2 Isotope Flux Analyses 2.3 Electron Probe Analyses 3 Ionic Transport Mechanisms 3.1 Simple Diffusion or Permeation 3.2 Active Transport 3.3 Exchange Diffusion 4 Control of Cellular H2O 4.1 Osmotic Balance 4.2 Transport Mechanisms 5 Temperature Dependence 5.1 Activation Energy 5.2 Phase Transitions 6 Effects of Excitatory Agents 6.1 Membrane Potentials 6.2 Ionic Fluxes 7 Divalent Ions 7.1 Calcium 7.2 Magnesium 8 Conclusion
Endocrine control of clutch size in reptiles. I. Effects of FSH on ovarian follicular size-gradation in Leiolopisma laterale and Anolis carolinensis

Abstract The effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on inactive ovarian follicles of different sizes were studied in two lizard species, Leiolopisma laterale and Anolis carolinensis . Each ovary of L. laterale possesses two germ lines, while each ovary of A. carolinensis possesses one germ line. In both ovaries of L. laterale , 1 μg of FSH daily for 21 days did not stimulate the growth of follicles. In the larger ovary, dosages of 10 and 50 μg of FSH did not stimulate growth of follicles less than 0.35 mm in diameter, but did stimulate growth of follicles greater than 0.43 mm (only 50μmg FSH) or 0.48 mm (10 and 50 μg FSH). FSH-induced follicular growth was biased; i.e., the larger the initial follicular size, the greater the hormonal effect. Similar FSH effects occurred in the smaller ovary, except (1) very small (0.25 mm) follicles responded to 10 and 50 μg FSH, and (2) biased growth of FSH-treated ovaries occurred in different initial follicular sizes in the larger and smaller germ lines (0.79 mm and 0.47 mm, respectively). In A. carolinensis , the effects of FSH treatment were similar to those seen in L. laterale except that (1) all follicles measured responded to 10 and 50 μg FSH. (2) 1 μg of FSH stimulated growth of larger follicles, and (3) biased growth occurred whenever the higher FSH dosages stimulated growth. These results are discussed in relation to proposed mechanisms controlling biased growth of some follicles but not others (“follicular selection”).
Neural Mechanisms of Motor Program Switching inAplysia

The Aplysia multifunctional feeding central pattern generator (CPG) produces at least two types of motor programs, ingestion and egestion, that involve two sets of radula movements, protraction–retraction and opening–closing movements. In ingestion, the radula closes during retraction to pull food in, whereas in egestion, the radula closes during protraction to push inedible objects out. Thus, radula closure shifts the phase in which it occurs with respect to protraction–retraction in the two programs. To identify the central switching mechanisms, we compared activity of CPG neurons during the two types of motor programs elicited by a higher-order interneuron, cerebral–buccal interneuron-2 (CBI-2). Although CPG elements (B63, B34, and B64) that mediate the protraction–retraction sequence are active in both programs, two other CPG elements, B20 and B4/5, are preferentially active in egestive programs and play a major role in mediating CBI-2-elicited egestive programs. Both B20 and B4/5 control the phasing of radula closure motoneurons (B8 and B16) to ensure that, in egestive programs, these motoneurons fire and produce radula-closing movements only during protraction. Elsewhere, another higher-order interneuron, CBI-3, was shown to convert CBI-2-elicited egestion to ingestion. We show that CBI-3 switches the programs by suppressing the activity of B20 and B4/5. CBI-3, active only during protraction, accomplishes this through fast inhibition of B20 during protraction and slow inhibition of B4/5 during retraction. The slow inhibition is mimicked and occluded by APGWamide, a neuropeptide contained in CBI-3. Thus, fast conventional and slow peptidergic transmissions originating from the same interneuron act in concert to meet specific temporal requirements in pattern switching.
Sulfamethoxazole-induced thrombocytopenia masquerading as posttransfusion purpura: a case report.

BACKGROUND Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia (DITP) is a rare clinical disorder characterized by accelerated platelet (PLT) clearance in the presence of drug-dependent antibodies. Distinguishing DITP from other immune-mediated disorders such as posttransfusion purpura (PTP) and autoimmune thrombocytopenia can represent a clinical challenge. CASE REPORT A 68-year-old male with no prior transfusion history presented to the emergency department (ED) with dyspnea, epistaxis, and severe thrombocytopenia (<10 × 109/L) 12 days after discharge from a hospital admission for a coronary artery bypass graft. Evaluation of the degree of thrombocytopenia and the temporal association between the peri- and postoperative receipt of multiple transfusions and the acute decrease in PLT count indicated PTP as a possible cause of the severe thrombocytopenia. Treatment with 1 g/kg intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was initiated and followed by a rapid 48-hour increase in the PLT count. PLT antibodies lacking serologic specificity were subsequently identified in a sample collected upon presentation. Two weeks later he again presented to the ED with epistaxis and severe thrombocytopenia (<10 × 109/L). Clinical history now revealed that the patient had been treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole by his primary care physician after his first hospitalization for a “cellulitic-appearing” leg and again before his final presentation for surgical site erythema and edema. IVIG was administered again with a rapid return of PLT count to baseline. Sulfamethoxazole-dependent PLT antibodies were subsequently identified in the original patient sample. CONCLUSION This case report documents a case of IVIG-responsive DITP initially misdiagnosed as PTP, highlighting the clinical overlap of these immunologic-mediated phenomena.
Mitochondrial Electron Transport can Become a Significant Source of Oxidative Injury in Cardiomyocytes

Ischemia/reperfusion causes oxidant injury in isolated cardiomyocytes without neutrophils or xanthine oxidase. Since these cells contain mitochondria, we hypothesized that the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) causes this injury. To test this, we altered two conditions known to change within the mitochondria during ischemia/reperfusion-the extent of ETC redox-reduction and oxygen levels-and measured the resulting oxidant generation and injury. Specifically, we exposed cardiomyocytes for 1 h to the mitochondrial ETC inhibitors cyanide, antimycin, and rotenone and measured oxidant generation, using the intracellular fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH, sensitive to H2O2 and hydroxyl radicals). Inhibitors causing more extensive redox-reduction of the ETC (cyanide or antimycin) generated more oxidants than did partial ETC reduction with the inhibitor rotenone (10-fold v five-fold increases in DCFH oxidation). In addition, the DCFH oxidation caused by cyanide could be completely attenuated by the antioxidants 2-mercaptopropionylglycine (MPG) and 1,10 phenanthroline (PHEN). Finally, we tested the relevance of this oxidant generation on cell survival and contraction, with and without antioxidant interventions. Cell viability and contraction after 3-h recovery from cyanide exposure was significantly improved by either the addition of antioxidants, or by the "antioxidant" strategy of lowering O2 levels (i.e. from 150 to 3 tau) during the cyanide exposure (13.8% death with hypoxic cyanide v 48.6% cell death with normoxic cyanide). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that mitochondrial ETC carriers can cause significant oxidant injury, greatest when fully redox-reduced and exposed to oxygen, conditions known to occur in the transition from ischemia to reperfusion.
Very Distributed Media Stories: Presence, Time, Imagination

The action of stories is always grounded and contextualized in a specific place and time. For centuries, artists seeking places worthy of representation have found inspiration in both the natural landscape and in man-made surrounds. This inspiration traditionally dwells on the scenic aspects of place and situation, in styles ranging from photorealistic to impressionistic. Sometimes, as in Australian aboriginal ”dreamtime maps,” the real, the historical, and the spiritual components of a place are simultaneously depicted with equal weightings. Sometimes, as in road maps and contour maps, super-simplified representations are enhanced with integrated or overlaid technical measurements; constructed artifacts, such as roads and airports, share equal billing with natural landmarks, such as lakes and rivers. The scale, focus, point-of-view, and narrative content of landscapes are chosen and manipulated to suit the artist’s (and the audience’s) specific purposes: they embody affordances which exert great influence over a work’s final use. When we view the image of a broad, sweeping vista, we seldom notice every leaf on every tree: indeed, artists seldom provide us with this level of detail. Instead, our attention is drawn through and across a collection of landmarks, consciously and unconsciously brought together to serve as sensually satisfying iconic and symbolic representations of a more complex whole. This notion of bringing together and arranging selected elements into an integrated environment – customized and personalized for specific uses – has profound relevance to the digital systems of tomorrow.
The Evolution of Homo Erectus: Comparative Anatomical Studies of an Extinct Human Species

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Homo erectus in the Far East 3. Homo erectus at Olduvai Gorge 4. Discoveries from the Turkana basin and other localities in sub-Saharan Africa 5. Northwest Africa 6. Comparisons of African hominids with Asian Homo erectus 7. Homo erectus as a paleospecies 8. The transition to more modern forms 9. Summary and prospects for further research References Author index Subject index.
Pathogenesis of syringomyelia.

I read with great interest the article, The Presyrinx State: A Reversible Myelopathic Condition that May Precede Syringomyelia, by Nancy J. Fischbein et al [(1)][1]. Although their theory of pathogenesis for the formation of the presyrinx state and syringomyelia is provocative, several areas need
Orthogonal compactly supported wavelet construction using beta functions

We present a simple method of constructing maximally flat halfband filters based on normalized incomplete beta functions which can easily be used to construct orthonormal compactly supported wavelets. We show how the halfband beta filters can be appropriately factored to yield linear phase and conjugate quadrature filters for use in exact reconstruction subband coders. The linear phase solutions provide finite impulse response filters with simple coefficients which can be easily generated for large order filters. The CQF solutions are shown to be the same as the wavelet solutions obtained by Daubechies. >
Building the capacity for change: radical innovation and new product development in the multinational firm

Our study of RI looks at initiatives undertaken to provide a sustainable source of radical innovation. The RI programs we study are tied to the R&D organizations of our company participants. In this paper we report on system characteristics of these RI initiatives. An objective is to provide perspective on what options exist to foster the guided evolution of organizations and therefore sustained performance or long-term survival. Inherent to the pursuit of innovation is creation of new resources and new dynamic capabilities, both of which can be the foundation of organizational rejuvenation and change. One challenge of corporate innovation is creating variance to ensure capability to adapt in uncertain environments Another challenge, which can be interpreted as a driver of RI and a feature of corporate entrepreneurship, firm transformation where the result is that the corporation is the driver of environmental change. If organizations must, in order to be successful over the long run, be good at (a) current operations, (b) incremental innovation, and (c) developing new paths to growth through breakthrough innovation, what type of RI system is a workable model for providing this dexterity? What activities are best suited to creating new capabilities and resources? What can RI programs do to enhance the organization's growth into new areas in comparison to other means such as acquisition and international expansion? What are the challenges to effective implementation of the RI system concept? How can the various challenges be overcome, and if so, what are alternative approaches for effective implementation? In focusing on these questions our research examines how resources, knowledge and learning are employed to build a sustainable capability for RI suitable either for adaptation or transformation in global competitive environments.
Fixed-Percentage Commissions and Moral Hazard in Residential Real Estate Brokerage

If home sellers cannot monitor real estate brokers' efforts on their behalf, fixed-percentage brokerage commissions can promote welfare by giving brokers an incentive to tailor their services to their clients' demands. This article shows how a competitive broker optimally allocates selling effort across clients who pay different commissions. There is an equilibrium in which clients who value brokerage services more highly offer to pay larger commissions and consequently receive more selling effort from the broker. If clients who are selling higher-priced houses tend to value brokerage services more highly, then this result helps explain the prevalence of fixed-percentage commissions in the residential real estate brokerage industry and suggests that they could emerge in a competitive setting.
Toxic effects of intrahepatic reflux of monooctanoin in a canine model.

Abstract Monooctanoin (MO), when infused into the common bile duct (CBD), is an effective agent in dissolving retained CBD stones. If the stone migrates and obstructs the distal CBD, the solution could be infused under pressure resulting in intrahepatic reflux. The relationship between the infusion pressure and the safety of monooctanoin has not been evaluated. To study the effects of intrahepatic reflux of MO, a canine model was used and solutions were infused into an obstructed CBD under controlled pressure. Solutions of normal saline (NS), 150 mM sodium cholate (Ch), or MO were infused under pressures of 30, 40, and 50 cm. All of eight dogs died when infused with MO at 50 cm pressure with a mean administered dose of 1.4 ± 0.4 cc/kg within a mean time of 87 ± 38 min. Three of four dogs died at 40 cm pressure (1.7 ± 0.4 cc/kg; 133 ± 95 min) and only one of three dogs died at 30 cm pressure (2.5 cc/kg; 335 min). These dogs died from progressive hypoxia, acidosis, hemolysis, and hemorrhagic pneumonitis. Four dogs each were administered Ch at 50 and 40 cm pressure and all died with an average absorption of 19 cc/kg. Six dogs were tested with NS at 50 cm and all survived despite absorbing 180 cc/kg in 6 hr. MO at 50 cm pressure and Ch at both 40 and 50 cm pressure were significantly more toxic than saline. It is concluded that MO and Ch infused under pressure into CBD carry a significant risk of serious side effects. The infusion pressure must be monitored to prevent increased biliary pressure which might lead to intrahepatic reflux.
On the principle of exchange of stabilities for the magnetohydrodynamic thermal stability problem in completely confined fluids

The principle of exchange of stabilities (exchange principle) for the thermal stability problem has been proved by Pellew & Southwell (1940) for fluids bounded by two infinite, horizontal parallel planes. Chandrasekhar (1952) discussed the establishment of the exchange principle for the same geometry when the fluid is an electrical conductor and when an arbitrary oriented, uniform, external magnetic field is applied in the vertical direction.In this paper, the exchange principle is examined for fluids completely confined in an arbitrary region with rigid bounding surfaces that are good electrical conductors with respect to the fluid. The uniform magnetic field is applied in an arbitrary direction. A generalized thermal boundary condition is imposed which includes the fixed temperature and prescribed heat-flux conditions as special cases.If no magnetic field is applied to the fluid, the present work reduces to a generalization (for completely confined fluids) of the Pellew & Southwell proof of the exchange principle. In the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) thermal stability problem, the exchange principle is found to be valid if the total kinetic energy associated with an arbitrary disturbance is greater than or equal to its total magnetic energy. In a special case it is demonstrated that a sufficient condition which will establish the exchange principle is k ≤ η, where k is the fluid thermal diffusivity and η is the fluid electrical resistivity.
Transgenic animals in biomedicine and agriculture: outlook for the future

Abstract Transgenic animals are produced by introduction of ‘foreign' deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into preimplantation embryos. The foreign DNA is inserted into the genetic material and may be expressed in tissues of the resulting individual. This technique is of great importance to many aspects of biomedical science including gene regulation, the immune system, cancer research, developmental biology, biomedicine, manufacturing and agriculture. The production of transgenic animals is one of a number of new and developing technologies that will have a profound impact on the genetic improvement of livestock. The rate at which these technologies are incorporated into production schemes will determine the speed at which we will be able to achieve our goal of more efficiently producing livestock, which meets consumer and market demand.
Advanced distillation curve measurement: Application to a bio-derived crude oil prepared from swine manure

Abstract We have recently introduced several important improvements in the measurement of distillation curves for complex fluids. This new method is a significant improvement over current approaches, with features including a composition-explicit data channel for each distillate fraction (for both qualitative and quantitative analysis), trace chemical analysis of each distillate fraction, and a corrosivity assessment of each distillate fraction. In the present contribution, we present the application of the advanced distillation curve method to a bio-derived crude oil prepared from swine manure. One motivation behind the work was to precisely measure the distillation curve of the oil derived from swine manure with our advanced distillation apparatus and compare the bio-derived oil to traditional petroleum crude oils. Then, the information content of the bio-derived oil distillation was extended further with the composition-explicit data channel: gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), infrared spectrophotometry (IR), gas chromatography with sulfur chemiluminescence detection (GC-SCD), and the copper strip corrosion test (CSCT) were employed on each distillate volume fraction sampled. Consequently, we can address the composition, quantitate the total sulfur content, and measure the corrosivity. Using these tools, we determined that the bio-derived swine manure oil contained both water and heavy metals.
Frege, Boolos, and Logical Objects

In this paper, the authors discuss Frege's theory of “logical objects” (extensions, numbers, truth-values) and the recent attempts to rehabilitate it. We show that the ‘eta’ relation George Boolos deployed on Frege's behalf is similar, if not identical, to the encoding mode of predication that underlies the theory of abstract objects. Whereas Boolos accepted unrestricted Comprehension for Properties and used the ‘eta’ relation to assert the existence of logical objects under certain highly restricted conditions, the theory of abstract objects uses unrestricted Comprehension for Logical Objects and banishes encoding (eta) formulas from Comprehension for Properties. The relative mathematical and philosophical strengths of the two theories are discussed. Along the way, new results in the theory of abstract objects are described, involving: (a) the theory of extensions, (b) the theory of directions and shapes, and (c) the theory of truth values.
Equation of state for solutions of electrolytes in mixed solvents

Abstract Based on molecular theory, an equation of state (EOS) is derived for a mixture containing electrolytes in a mixed solvent. Calculations are performed for the ternary system watermethanollithium bromide. The equation of state follows from an expression for the Helmholtz energy; parameters are fitted to vapor-pressure, density, and osmotic-coefficient data between −10 and 120 °C from infinite dilution to 15 mol% salt. For the binary systems, deviations in vapor pressure are ∼ 2–4%. When applied to the ternary system, using only binary parameters, the EOS predicts vapor pressures with a mean deviation of 6% and vapor compositions with a mean deviation of
780-6 Effect of Long Term Prostacyclin (PGI2) on Exercise in Patients with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) Who Have Deteriorated on Maximal Conventional Therapy

Continuous IV PGI2 has been shown to improve survival and quality of life in patients with PPH. We used cycle ergometrywith continuous measurement of gas exchange to evaluate 15 pts (6–57 yrs) with PPH who were treated with PGI2 after having deteriorated on maximal conventional therapy (CT: oral vasodilators, cardiac glycosides, diuretics, oxygen and anticoagulation). Column I shows the performance while on maximal CT 2 to 13 mos before starting PG12. Column 2 is the baseline performance immediately prior to starting PGI2. Data are presented as mean ± SD. CT Baseline 2–8 mos. 11–18 mos. 18–24 mos. N = 15 N = 15 N = 15 N = 10 N = 6 VO2† 49 ± 18* 39 ± 11 45 ± 16* 49 ± 17 47 ± 20 Max. workt† 45 ± 12* 35 ± 14 41 ± 18 46 ± 2 61 ± 33 O2 Pulse‡ 6.2 ± 3* 5.1 ± 2 5.9 ± 2.3* 6.6 ± 2.7* 4.8 ± 1.8 * p ≤ 0.05 vs. baseline. † % predicted. ‡ ml/beat Full-size table Table options View in workspace Download as CSV At 2 to 8 mos f/u 11/15 pts increased their performance compared to baseline. At 11 to 18 mos f/u 8/10 pts continued to show improvement. Four of 6 were still performing above baseline at 18 to 24 mos f/u. In conclusion. continuous IV PGl2 improved andlor prevented progression in patients who had deteriorated on maximal conventional therapy. Exercise testing is useful for assessing functional capacity in patients with PPH and may help to optimize therapy.
Nested Subsets and the Distribution of Birds on Isolated Woodlots

Abstract. Distribution of bird species among isolated habitat patches (e.g., woodlots in an agricultural landscape) often appears to be nonrandom; species present in small, species-poor patches also are found in larger patches that support more species. Bird communities form ‘nested subsets’ (after Patterson & Atmar 1986) if all species found in small faunas also are found in more species-rich assemblages. Occurrence of a nested subset pattern implies an underlying, nonrandom pattern of species distributions. I used computer simulations to analyze the degree of nestedness exhibited by bird communities in east-central Illinois. Results demonstrated that the distribution of bird species breeding in isolated woodlots (1.8 to 600 ha) differed significantly from that predicted by a random distribution model; species assemblages were more “nested” than expected by chance. Most species present in small, species-poor woodlots also were found in larger, species-rich woodlots. As groups, species requiring forest interior habitat for breeding and species wintering in the tropics showed highly nested distributions. In contrast, short-distance migrants and species breeding in forest edge habitat showed more variable distribution patterns, species recorded on smaller woodlots were not always recorded on larger, more species-rich wood-lots. Apparent absences from larger woodlots may have reflected real distribution patterns or insufficient sampling of edge habitats. These results support previous conclusions that small habitat patches are insufficient for preservation of many species.
Efficient Nonlinear Frequency Conversion in an All-Resonant Double- Λ System

We demonstrate efficient, pulsed, gas-phase, nonlinear frequency conversion in a quadruply resonant, double- $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ system and, simultaneously, verify theoretical predictions of Rabi-frequency matching unique to absorbing nonlinear media. This system is used to up-convert ultraviolet light at 233 nm to the vacuum ultraviolet at 186 nm in atomic Pb vapor with small-signal conversion efficiencies exceeding $30%$ and with modest atomic density-length (NL) products (scale ${10}^{14}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$) and optical power densities $(10--100\mathrm{kW}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2})$.
Antibiotic peptides and serine protease homologs in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: defensins and azurocidin

The azurophil granule, a specialized lysosome of neutrophils, contains two families of antimicrobial proteins, each with four members. They are the defensins, comprising human neutrophil protein 1, -2, -3 and -4, on the one hand and the serprocidins, comprising cathepsin G, elastase, proteinase 3 and azurocidin, on the other. Defensins appear to contribute to mammalian as well as invertebrate immunity. Recent studies show that defensins and structurally related peptides are found not only in phagocytes but also in intestinal and respiratory cells. Aside from their antibiotic function, members of the defensin family may also act as hormonal agents. Within the serprocidin family the genes encoding the novel antibiotics and serine protease homologs azurocidin and proteinase 3 have been identified recently.
Photochemistry of purine 3-oxides in hydroxylic solvents

Abstract UV irradiation of the potent oncogen hypoxanthine 3-oxide in aqueous solution induces elimination of and rearrangement of the nitrogen-bound oxygen. The extent of each reaction shows a complex variation over the pH range 0–7. The variations in quantum yield for product formation are shown to result from the presence in the neutral molecule of tautomeric species with differing photochemistries that ionize in the excited state ( pK a * ∼ 3.5) just above the protonation pK a (1.2). The photochemical reactivity of each ionic and each tautomeric form was assigned by comparing the effect of pH changes between 0 and 11 on the quantum yields for formation of each photoproduct from hypoxanthine 3-oxide with those of two model compounds, 1-hydroxyhypoxanthine and 6-methoxypurine 3-oxide. Photoreduction of the 3-oxides occurs via the triplet state. This process has a relatively consistent low quantum yield (Φ = 0.005 to 0.04) for most ionic and tautomeric forms of both purine 1-oxides and purine 3-oxides. Photorearrangement is a much more efficient process for purine 3-oxides (Φ = 0.3) than for purine 1-oxides (Φ = 0.04).
The versatile manager: A grid profile

The article reviews the book “The Versatile Manager: A Grid Profile,” by Robert R. Blake and Jane S. Mouton.
Wigner distribution approximation for filtered signals and waves

An approximation of the Wigner distribution of a filtered signal is presented. The approximation is simple to apply, yet insightful, in that it shows the effects of the magnitude and phase of the frequency response of the filter on the Wigner distribution of the signal. Also given is an approximation for the Wigner distribution of an amplitude modulated signal. Examples are given to illustrate the approach, including application of the approximation to wave propagation.
Generating run-time progress reports for a points-to analysis in Eclipse

Eclipse plug-ins have access to a rich collection of GUI components. One such component is the progress bar, which allows a long-running task to provide Eclipse users with feedback about its progress. This paper considers the problem of providing precise progress bar reports for plug-ins that perform static code analysis. Since static analyses often take a long time to execute, progress indicators can inform the user whether the analysis is actually making progress, and how long it will take to complete. This type of responsiveness is essential for providing positive user experience.In this paper we consider points-to analysis, which is a popular static analysis for object-oriented software. Reporting the run-time progress of a points-to analysis requires heuristics for a priori estimates of the total running time of the analysis. We define several such heuristics for a whole-program subset-based points-to analysis for Java, implemented as part of the Soot Eclipse plug-in. We also present an experimental evaluation of the heuristics on a large set of Java programs. These results provide useful insights for the creators of points-to analyses and other static analyses that will be built and distributed in Eclipse.