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High-resolution elemental profiles were obtained from SiO2(N) /4H-SiC structures by spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) performed in the scanning transmission electron microscopy mode. The results show that following annealing in NO, N was exclusively incorporated within ~1 nm of the SiO2(N) /4H-SiC interface. Mean interfacial nitrogen areal densities measured by EELS were ~(1.0±0.2)×1015 cm-2 in carbon-face samples and (0.35±0.13)×1015 cm-2 in Si-face samples; these results are consistent with nuclear reaction analysis measurements. Some of the interface regions in the C-face samples also showed excess carbon that was not removed by the NO annealing process, in contrast with previous results on Si-face samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we investigated the morphology and interfacial chemistry of (0001) 4H-SiC-based metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) as a function of post-oxidation annealing in nitric oxide (NO) following wet oxidation. Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy analyses showed enhanced C/Si concentrations (up to 13%) at distinct locations along the SiO2/SiC interface in the MOSFETs that were not annealed in NO. In contrast, regions of enhanced C/Si concentration were not detected in the MOSFETs that were annealed in NO; instead, these samples showed a trace amount of interfacial N. The introduction of N may therefore be associated with a reduction of C in these samples and may contribute to the higher channel mobility (∼38 cm2/V s) in the samples annealed in NO relative to the samples that were not annealed in NO (∼9 cm2/V s). Rough SiO2/4H-SiC interfaces and nonuniform oxide thickness were observed on both the NO- and the non-NO-annealed samples. The rough interfaces shown in the transmission electron microscopy bright field images may also be an important factor limiting the channel mobility in SiC-based MOSFETs. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 51-year-old man with a history of end-stage renal disease secondary to hypertension who received a living donor renal transplant in 1996. Topics include treatment received by the patient, finding on histopathology of biopsy specimen, and symptoms of tuberculous (TB) enteritis.

Vorticity dynamics plays an essential role in the description of turbulent flows, so an alternative definition of the mixing length ( l ω = y H − y L , where y H and y L represent the transverse boundary positions of turbulent shear layer at the high- and low-speed free streams, respectively) in a turbulent planar mixing layer, based on the shear induced vorticity field, is suggested in this study. A theoretical analysis for determining the values of y H and y L in the self-preserving development region is presented. An experimental study that demonstrates the self-preserving state in planar turbulent mixing layer is next made with particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements to support the theoretical results. It is shown that “a linear growth rate of l ω along stream-wise distance” can be now used as the necessary and sufficient conditions to identify the achievement of a self-preserving state in a turbulent mixing layer. Another advantage of this alternative definition of mixing length is that l ω gives a better sectional range of shear turbulence in a turbulent mixing layer than the usual definitions of mixing length, which are determined on the basis of the mean velocity field, such as l u . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are frequently used for monitoring haemodynamic status and rapidly delivering fluid therapy during the peri- and postoperative periods. Indwelling CVCs are typically used 7-14 days postoperatively for additional monitoring and treatment, but patients may develop asymptomatic catheter-related thrombosis, leading to life-threatening pulmonary embolism and death. Early detection helps to avoid such complications.Methods: This prospective observational study investigated the risk factors associated with catheter-related right internal jugular vein thrombosis in patients undergoing chest surgery. The study enrolled 24 patients who were scheduled to receive chest surgeries during which catheters were needed. To detect thrombus formation, Doppler ultrasound examinations from the thyroid cartilage level to the supraclavicular region were used after CVC placement and on each of the following days until the catheter was removed.Results: No thrombosis was found in patients before surgery, but it appeared in 75% (18/24) after surgery. The risks of thrombosis increased with a longer duration of anaesthesia, greater amounts of bleeding, and use of postoperative ventilator support.Conclusions: Earlier catheter removal may reduce the risk of catheter-related thrombosis and avoid possibly fatal complications after catheter-related thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the problem of distributed fusion when the conditional independence assumptions on sensor measurements or local estimates are not met. A new data fusion algorithm called Copula fusion is presented. The proposed method is grounded on Copula statistical modeling and Bayesian analysis. The primary advantage of the Copula-based methodology is that it could reveal the unknown correlation that allows one to build joint probability distributions with potentially arbitrary underlying marginals and a desired intermodal dependence. The proposed fusion algorithm requires no a priori knowledge of communications patterns or network connectivity. The simulation results show that the Copula fusion brings a consistent estimate for a wide range of process noises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop a nonlinear spectral graph theory, in which the Laplace operator is replaced by the 1 − Laplacian Δ1. The eigenvalue problem is to solve a nonlinear system involving a set valued function. In the study, we investigate the structure of the solutions, the minimax characterization of eigenvalues, the multiplicity theorem, etc. The eigenvalues as well as the eigenvectors are computed for several elementary graphs. The graphic feature of eigenvalues are also studied. In particular, Cheeger's constant, which has only some upper and lower bounds in linear spectral theory, equals to the first nonzero Δ1 eigenvalue for connected graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large information technology (IT) projects such as Defense Business System (DBS) acquisitions have been experiencing an alarming rate of large cost overruns, long schedule delays, and under-delivery of specified capabilities. There are s tric t defense acquisition laws/regulations/policies/guidance with an abundance of review and oversights, generating a plethora of data and evidence for project progress. However, with the size and complexity of these large IT projects and sheer amount of project data they produce, there are challenges in collectively discerning these data and making successful decisions based on them. This research article develops an analytic model with Bayesian networks to orient the vast number of acquisition data and evidence to support decision making, known as the DBS Acquisition Probability of Success (DAPS) model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A UV-curing technique was used to develop advanced anticorrosive coatings made of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/silica composite (PSC) with bioinspired Xanthosoma sagittifolium leaf-like superhydrophobic surfaces. First of all, a transparent soft template with negative patterns of xanthosoma sagittifolium leaf can be fabricated by thermally curing the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pre-polymer in molds at 60°C for 4 h, followed by detaching PDMS template from the surface of natural leaf. PSC coatings with biomimetic structures can be prepared by performing the UV-radiation process upon casting UV-curable precursor with photo-initiator onto cold-rolled steel (CRS) electrode under PDMS template. Subsequently, UV-radiation process was carried out by using light source with light intensity of 100 mW/cm2 with exposing wavelength of 365 nm. Surface morphologies of the as-synthesized hydrophobic PMMA (HP) and superhydrophobic PSC (SPSC) coatings showed a large number of micro-scaled mastoids, each decorated with many nano-scaled wrinkles that were systematically investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The contact angles of water droplets on the sample surfaces can be increased from ~81 and 103° on PMMA and PSC surfaces to ~148 and 163° on HP and SPSC surfaces, respectively. The SPSC coating was found to provide an advanced corrosion protection effect on CRS electrodes compared to that of neat PMMA, PSC, and HP coatings based on a series of electrochemical corrosion measurements in 3.5 wt% NaCl electrolyte. Enhanced corrosion protection of SPSC coatings on CRS electrodes can be illustrated by that the silica nanoparticles on the small papillary hills of the bioinspired structure of the surface further increased the surface roughness, making the surface exhibit superior superhydrophobic, and thus leading to much better anticorrosion performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present comparative studies on the effect of varying the carboxylic-group content of thermally reduced graphene oxides (TRGs) on the anticorrosive properties of as-prepared poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/TRG composite (PTC) coatings. TRGs were formed from graphene oxide (GO) by thermal exfoliation. The as-prepared TRGs were then characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Subsequently, the PTC materials were prepared via a UV-curing process and then characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). PTC coatings containing TRGs with a higher carboxylic-group content exhibited better corrosion protection of a cold-rolled steel electrode that those with a lower carboxylic-group content. This is because the well-dispersed TRG with a higher carboxylic-group content embedded in the PMMA matrix effectively enhances the oxygen barrier properties of the PTC. This conclusion was supported by gas permeability analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Interferon (IFN)-based therapies could eradicate hepatitis C (HCV) and reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, HCC could still happen after sustained virological response (SVR). We aimed to develop a simple scoring system to predict the risk of HCC development among HCV patients after antiviral therapies.Methods:From 1999 to 2009, 1879 patients with biopsy-proven HCV infection treated with IFN-based therapies were analyzed.Results:Multivariable analysis showed old age (adjusted HR (aHR)=1.73, 95% CI=1.13-2.65 for aged 60-69 and aHR=2.20, 95% CI=1.43-3.37 for aged 70), Male gender (aHR=1.74, 95% CI=1.26-2.41), platelet count <150 × 109/l (HR=1.91, 95% CI=1.27-2.86), α-fetoprotein 20 ng ml−1 (HR=2.23, 95% CI=1.58-3.14), high fibrotic stage (HR=3.32, 95% CI=2.10-5.22), HCV genotype 1b (HR=1.53, 95% CI=1.10-2.14), and non SVR (HR=2.40, 95% CI=1.70-3.38) were independent risk factors for HCC. Regression coefficients were used to build up a risk score and the accuracy was evaluated by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Three groups as low-, intermediate-, and high-risk are classified based on the risk scores. One hundred sixty patients (12.78%) in the derivation and 82 patients (13.08%) in the validation cohort developed HCC with AUC of 79.4%, sensitivity of 84.38%, and specificity of 60.66%. In the validation cohort, the 5-year HCC incidence was 1.81%, 12.92%, and 29.95% in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, with hazard ratios 4.49 in intermediate- and 16.14 in high-risk group respectively. The risk reduction of HCC is greatest in patients with SVR, with a 5-year and 10-year risk reduction of 28.91% and 27.99% respectively.Conclusion:The risk scoring system is accurate in predicting HCC development for HCV patients after antiviral therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a three-dimensional (3D) stippling technique, which includes a 3D sampling phase followed by a 3D surface half-toning phase for greyscale 3D polygon-meshed models. With the proposed technique, a 3D model is represented in a list of uni-colour, fixed-size points, which can be used by laser crystal engravers to generate its appearance. In the 3D sampling phase, based on the strategy of marching-cube operation, the space containing the entire model is divided into many equal-sized sample cubes. For each valid sample cube, only one sample point is placed. The location of the sample point is determined by calculating the centroid of the greyscale-weighted surface segments contained in the cube. Then, the sample points are dithered in the 3D surface half-toning phase to generate the surface tone of the model. The proposed method provides a closed-form solution and gives satisfactory results without any need of iterative programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop an approach to enhance polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production via the coexpressed phaCAB and vgb genes controlled by arabinose PBAD promoter in Escherichia coli. Method and Results: The polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) synthesis operon, ( phaCAB), from Ralstonia eutropha was overexpressed under the regulation of the arabinose PBAD promoter in Escherichia coli, and the vgb gene encoding bacterial haemoglobin from Vitreoscilla stercoraria (VHb) was further cloned at downstream of phaCAB to form an artificial operon. The cell dry weight (CDW), PHB content and PHB concentration were enhanced around 1·23-, 1·57-, and 1·93-fold in the engineered cell harbouring phaCAB–vgb (SY-2) upon 1% arabinose induction compared with noninduction (0% arabinose). Furthermore, by using a recombinant strain harbouring PBAD promoter- vgb along with native promoter- phaCAB construction, the effect of vgb expression level on PHB biosynthesis was positive correlation. Conclusions: The results exploit the possibility to improve the PHB production by fusing the genes phaCAB–vgb from different species under the arabinose regulation system in E. coli. It also demonstrates that increase in VHb level enhances the PHB production. Significance and Impact of the Study: We were successful in providing a new coexpressed system for PHB synthesis in E. coli. This coexpressed system could be regulated by arabinose inducer, and is more stable and cheaper than other induced systems (e.g. IPTG). Furthermore, it could be applied in many biotechnology or fermentation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional message passing algorithm was originally developed by Pearl in the 1980s for computing exact inference solutions for discrete polytree Bayesian networks. When a loop is present in the network, propagating messages are not exact, but the loopy algorithm usually converges and provides good approximate solutions. However, in general hybrid Bayesian networks, the message representation and manipulation for arbitrary continuous variable and message propagation between different types of variables are still open problems. The novelty of the work presented here is to propose a framework to compute, propagate, and integrate messages for hybrid models. First, we combine unscented transformation and Pearl's message passing algorithm to deal with the arbitrary functional relationships between continuous variables in the network. For the general hybrid model, we partition the network into separate network segments by introducing the concept of interface node. We then apply different algorithms for each subnetwork. Finally we integrate the information through the channel of interface nodes and then estimate the posterior distributions for all hidden variables. The numerical experiments show that the algorithm works well for nonlinear hybrid BNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new nonlinear filtering and prediction (NFP) algorithm with input estimation is proposed for maneuvering target tracking. In the proposed method, the acceleration level is determined by a decision process, where a least squares (LS) estimator plays a major role in detecting target maneuvering within a sliding window. We first illustrate that the optimal solution to minimize the mean squared error (MSE) must consider a trade-off between the bias and error variance. For the application of target tracking, we then derive the MSE of target positions in a closed form by using orthogonal space decompositions. Then we discuss the NFP estimator, and evaluate how well the approach potentially works in the case of a set of given system parameters. Comparing with the traditional unbiased minimum variance filter (UMVF), Kalman filter, and interactive multiple model (IMM) algorithms, numerical results show that the newly proposed NFP method performs comparable or better in all scenarios with significantly less computational requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In state estimation of dynamic systems, Kalman filters and HMM filters have been applied to linear-Gaussian models and models with finite state spaces. However, they do not work well in most practical problems with nonlinear and non-Gaussian models. Even when the state space is finite, the dynamic Bayesian networks describing the HMM model could be too complicated to manage. Sequential Monte Carlo methods, also known as particle filters (PFs), have been introduced to deal with these real-world problems. They allow us to treat any type of probability distribution, nonlinearity and nonstationarity although they usually suffer major drawbacks of sample degeneracy and inefficiency in high-dimensional cases. We show how we can exploit the structure of partially dynamic hybrid Bayesian networks (PD-HBN) to reduce "sample depletion" and increase the efficiency of particle filtering by combining the well-known K-nearest neighbor (KNN) majority voting strategy and the concept of evolution algorithm. Essentially, the novel method resamples the dynamic variables and randomly combines them with the existing samples of static variables to produce new particles. As new observations become available, the algorithm allows the particles to incorporate the latest information so that the fittest particles associated with a proposed objective rule will be kept for resampling. We also conduct a theoretical analysis on the proposed KNN-PF algorithm, and demonstrate the accuracy of the performance prediction with extensive simulations. Performance analysis and numerical results show that this new approach has a superior estimation/classification performance compared to other related algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peas, lentils and chickpeas were blanched and soaked in water, then cooked with four different cooking methods and dehydrated in a convection tray dehydrator. Color, splitting and butterflying rate; firmness; and rehydration rate were evaluated. Dehydrated yellow and green peas produced by soaking at 22C for 9 h and 82C for 4 h in 0.07% NaHCO3 solution, and followed by precooking at 110C for 10 min had the best quality with respect to firmness, splitting and butterflying rate. Dehydrated chickpeas produced by soaking at 22C for 9 h and 82C for 3 h in 0.07% NaHCO3 solution, and followed by precooking at 110C for 10 min had the best quality. Dehydrated lentils produced by soaking at 22C for 2 h and 82C for 20 min in 0.07% NaHCO3 solution, and followed by precooking at 106C for 10 min had the best quality. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Traditionally, soaking and cooking of peas, lentils and chickpeas (PLCs) takes one a long time. It is desirable to manufacture dehydrated precooked PLCs to provide convenience for the users. The objective of this study was to investigate the quality of precooked dehydrated PLCs as affected by processing. The fundamental cooking characteristics of PLCs obtained in this study are very useful for the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical utility of therapeutic drug monitoring in tuberculosis has not been adequately evaluated by controlled clinical trials. To examine the relationship between slow culture conversion and peak plasma rifampicin level (Cmax-rfm) in a case-control study, patients with persistence of positive sputum smear despite at least 8 weeks of directly observed treatment with standard pyrazinamide-containing regimens were enrolled prospectively in government chest clinics from 16 December 2005 to 15 November 2006. Patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus infection, or poor treatment adherence were excluded. Cases referred to patients with persistence of positive culture whereas controls had negative culture despite positive smear. Blood was checked at 2 and 4 hours post-dosing to capture Cmax-rfm. A cohort of 88 patients was identified. After excluding 16 patients, there were 36 controls and 36 cases. None had symptoms of malabsorption. Cmax-rfm was below 6 mg/l among 47% of controls and 44% of cases. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses showed no significant association between slow culture conversion and Cmax-rfm after logarithmic transformation. Thus, there is probably no association between Cmax-rfm and slow culture conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the number of cores on a chip increases, power consumed by the communication structures takes a significant portion of the overall power budget. Many application-specific systems on chips (SoCs) involve heterogeneous cores with varied functionality and communication requirements, such as those in mobile-phone systems. If a regular network-on-chip is designed to fit the requirements of few high-communicative components, it will be largely over-designed with respect to the needs of the remaining components. Consequently, irregular network architectures might be necessary for realising application-specific SoCs. The authors propose a power-aware topology construction method, which can construct application-specific low-power interconnection topologies according to the traffic characteristics of SoCs. They take several multimedia applications as case studies and experimental results show the power savings of power-aware topology approximate to 49% of the interconnection architecture. They also implement a simulator to experiment more general large scale systems, and the results show that customised irregular networks are clearly superior to traditional regular architectures in terms of performance and energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circuitry of a low cost pulse generator based on a commercially available digital integrated circuit is presented. The circuit produces ‘rectangular’ pulses of amplitude 0.77 V and width 362 ps at half amplitude, and 0.688 V peak-to-peak monocycle pulses with a -10 dB bandwidth of 1.2787 GHz (0.1191 to -1.3978 GHz). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1422–1427, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22425 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose:Aminoguanidine (AG), an inhibitor of advanced glycation endproducts, has been identified as a prominent agent that prevents the fructose-induced arterial stiffening in male Wistar rats. Our aims were to examine whether AG produced benefits on the left ventricular (LV)-arterial coupling in fructose-fed (FF) animals in terms of the ventricular and arterial chamber properties.Experimental approach:Rats given 10% fructose in drinking water (FF) were daily treated with AG (50 mg·kg−1, i.p.) for 2 weeks and compared with the untreated FF group. In anaesthetised rats, LV pressure and ascending aortic flow signals were recorded to calculate LV end-systolic elastance (E es, an indicator of myocardial contractility) and effective arterial volume elastance (E a). The optimal afterload (Q load) determined by the ratio of E a to E es was used to measure the coupling efficiency between the left ventricle and its vasculature.Key results:There was a significant interaction between fructose and AG in their effects on E a. Fructose loading significantly elevated E a and AG prevented the fructose-derived deterioration in arterial chamber elastance. Both fructose and AG affected E es and Q load, and there was an interaction between fructose and AG for these two variables. Both E es and Q load exhibited a decline with fructose feeding but showed a significant rise after AG treatment in the FF rats.Conclusions and Implications:AG prevented not only the contractile dysfunction of the heart caused by fructose loading, but also the fructose-induced deterioration in matching left ventricular function to the arterial system.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 341–346; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707223; published online 2 April 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We review structures of high-density CO monolayers on Pt(111) surfaces in CO-saturated electrolytes or in gaseous CO at near atmospheric pressure, using surface X-ray scattering (SXS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). In electrolytes, we confirmed the well-known (2×2)-3CO and (√19×√19)-13CO structures and were able to study the transition between them. For gas-phase studies, we were able to stabilize extremely well-ordered CO monolayers by emersion transfer from an electrochemical cell. We found that the hexagonal close-packed (2×2)-3CO structure is the equilibrium phase at room temperature in ∼1atm CO gas pressure. This commensurate (C) phase transforms continuously to an incommensurate (IC) phase at elevated temperature (a second-order phase transition). We also confirm that the (√19×√19)-13CO structure is stable at lower CO partial pressure. This C phase transforms discontinuously to an IC phase (a first-order phase transition). A tentative phase diagram and a brief review of structure details of the (2×2)-3CO and (√19×√19)-13CO phases will be presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A Bayesian network (BN) is a compact representation for probabilistic models and inference. They have been used successfully for many military and civilian applications. It is well known that, in general, the inference algorithms to compute the exact a posterior probability of a target node given observed evidence are either computationally infeasible for dense networks or impossible for general hybrid networks. In those cases, one either computes the approximate results using stochastic simulation methods or approximates the model using discretization or a Gaussian mixture model before applying an exact inference algorithm. This paper combines the concept of simulation and model approximation to propose an efficient algorithm for those cases. The main contribution here is a unified treatment of arbitrary (nonlinear non-Gaussian) hybrid (discrete and continuous) BN inference having both computation and accuracy scalability. The key idea is to precompile the high-dimensional hybrid distribution using a hypercube representation and apply it for both static and dynamic BN inference. Since the inference process essentially becomes a combination of table look-up and some simple operations, the method is shown to be extremely efficient. It can also be scaled to achieve any desirable accuracy given sufficient preprocessing time and memory for the cases where exact inference is not possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) on collagen within the arterial wall may be responsible for the development of diabetic vascular injury. This study focused on investigating the role of aminoguanidine (AG), an inhibitor of AGE formation, in the prevention of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)-derived arterial stiffening and cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Materials and methods The NIDDM was induced in male Wistar rats, which were administered intraperitoneally with 180 mg kg−1 nicotinamide (NA) 30 min before an intravenous injection of 50 mg kg−1 streptozotocin (STZ). After induction of diabetes mellitus type 2, animals receiving daily peritoneal injections with 50 mg kg−1 AG for 8 weeks were compared with the age-matched, untreated, diabetic controls. Results After exposure to AG, the STZ-NA diabetic rats had improved aortic distensibility, as evidenced by 18·8% reduction of aortic characteristic impedance ( P < 0·05). Treatment of the experimental syndrome with AG also resulted in a significant increase in wave transit time (+23·7%, P < 0·05) and a decrease in wave reflection factor (−26·6%, P < 0·05), suggesting that AG may prevent the NIDDM-induced augmentation in systolic load of the left ventricle. Also, the glycation-derived modification on aortic collagen was found to be retarded by AG. The diminished ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight suggested that prevention of the diabetes-related cardiac hypertrophy by AG may correspond to the drug-induced decline in aortic stiffening. Conclusions Long-term administration of AG to the STZ-NA diabetic rats imparts significant protection against the NIDDM-derived impairment in vascular dynamics, at least partly through inhibition of the AGE accumulation on collagen in the arterial wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We determined the effects of NIDDM on haemodynamic parameters describing arterial wall elasticity and cardiac hypertrophy in rats administered streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA), using the aortic impedance analysis. Methods Male Wistar rats at 2 months were administered intraperitoneally 180 mg kg−1 of NA, 30 min before an intravenous injection of 50 mg kg−1 STZ, to induce type 2 diabetes. The STZ-NA rats were divided into two groups, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after induction of diabetes, and compared with untreated age-matched controls. Pulsatile aortic pressure and flow signals were measured by a high-fidelity pressure sensor and electromagnetic flow probe, respectively, and were then subjected to Fourier transformation for the analysis of aortic input impedance. Results In each diabetic group, the experimental syndrome was characterized by a moderate and stable hyperglycaemia and a relative deficiency of insulin secretion. However, the 8-week but not the 4-week STZ-NA diabetic rats showed a decrease in cardiac output in the absence of any significant changes in mean aortic pressure, having increased total peripheral resistance. The diabetic syndrome at 8 weeks also contributed to an increase in aortic characteristic impedance, from 1·49 ± 0·33 (mean ± SD) to 1·95 ± 0·28 mmHg s mL−1 ( P < 0·05), suggesting a detriment to the aortic distensibility in NIDDM. Meanwhile, the STZ-NA diabetic animals after 8 weeks had an increased wave reflection factor (0·46 ± 0·09 vs. 0·61 ± 0·13, P < 0·05) and decreased wave transit time (25·8 ± 3·8 vs. 20·6 ± 2·8 ms, P < 0·05). Ratio of the left ventricular weight to body weight was also enhanced in the 8-week STZ-NA diabetic rats. Conclusion The heavy intensity with early return of the pulse wave reflection may augment systolic load of the left ventricle coupled to the arterial system, leading to cardiac hypertrophy in the rats at 8 weeks after following STZ and NA administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper generalises the concept of grey relational analysis to develop a technique, called grey relational pattern analysis, for analysing the similarity between given patterns. Based on this technique, a clustering algorithm is proposed for finding cluster centres of a given data set. This approach can be categorised as an unsupervised clustering algorithm because it does not need predetermination of appropriate cluster centres in the initialisation. The problem of determining the optimal number of clusters and optimal locations of cluster centres is also considered. Finally, the approach is used to solve several data clustering problems as examples. In each example, the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with other well-known algorithms such as the fuzzy c-means method and the hard c-means method. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybeans stored under four sets of conditions were analyzed for the changes in color, composition and their effects on yield and textural properties of tofu. Soybeans stored under the adverse conditions (84% relative humidity (RH), 30C) exhibited significant changes in tofu yield and textural quality as well as in color and total free sugar content with storage time. Significant correlations existed between soybean color and tofu yield within 6 months under the adverse storage conditions. Color changes may provide a rapid method for predicting soybean quality for making tofu after storage. Soybeans stored under mild (57% RH, 20C), cold (4C) and uncontrolled ambient conditions (garage) exhibited no significant changes in their color or composition except for moisture contents, and maintained good qualities for tofu making for up to 18 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a quantitative performance evaluation method for the maximum a posteriori (MAP) state estimate fusion algorithm. Under ideal conditions where data association is assumed to be perfect, it has been shown that the MAP or best linear unbiased estimate (BLUE) fusion formula provides the best linear minimum mean squared estimate (LMMSE) given local estimates under the linear Gaussian assumption for a static system. However, for a dynamic system where fusion is recursively performed by the fusion center on local estimates generated from local measurements, it is not obvious how the MAP algorithm will perform. In the past, several performance evaluation methods have been proposed for various fusion algorithms, including simple convex combination, cross-covariance combination, information matrix, and MAP fusion. However, not much has been done to quantify the steady state behavior of these fusion methods for a dynamic system. The goal of this work is to present analytical fusion performance results for MAP state estimate fusion without extensive Monte Carlo simulations, using an approach developed for steady state performance evaluation for track fusion. Two different communication strategies are considered: fusion with and without feedback to the sensors. Analytic curves for the steady state performance of the fusion algorithm for various communication patterns are presented under different operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: Soybeans stored under 4 conditions were analyzed for the degradation of phytate and its effects on tofu qualities. Phytate in soybeans was hydrolyzed significantly under the adverse conditions for 9 mo, but decreased slightly under 3 mild conditions for 18 mo. Phytate degradation contributed to an increase in titratable acidity. When the phytate contents of soymilk were selectively reduced by 11.3% and 17.5% by phytase, while other components remained unchanged, tofu yield increased significantly but texture became softer. Tofu yield decreased and hardness increased in beans stored in the adverse conditions. Phytate degradation during adverse storage played a minor, indirect role in the deterioration of soybeans for tofu making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the rationality of the design force and damping reduction factors adopted by a few seismic design provisions for buildings with and without added passive energy dissipation systems. The issue will first be pointed out that the damping reduction factors adopted by those provisions are derived from the effects of viscous damping on displacement responses, but are used to reduce the design force of buildings. Statistical results from 1053 ground motions recorded in the U.S. show that it may lead to unconservative results, especially for systems with damping ratios greater than 10% and periods longer than 0.15 s. Furthermore, although there is no doubt that the additions of extra damping to a structure will always reduce the displacement responses, many documents argue the effect of added damping to reduce the force responses of the buildings. Therefore, this paper also addresses the effects of viscous damping on the inertial force and elastic restoring force in order to use the damping reduction factors correctly. Results of this study suggest that if the damping of structures comes from the hysteretic response of the building, the design force of the structures should be the inertial force and the damping reduction factors should be derived from the acceleration responses. Otherwise, if the additional damping of structures comes from the added energy dissipation devices, the design force should be the restoring force and the damping reduction factors should be derived from the displacement responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybeans (Glycine max) were soaked and ground to obtain soymilk. The soymilk was cooked in an open tank and held at 85 to 90 &degC. Yuba films were picked up in 20 min intervals and dried for 20 min. Yuba films were soaked in chicken-flavor solutions (25% and 35%), and baking soda (BS) solutions (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% BS), and cooked at 100 °C for 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min. TIA decreased (p < 0.05) with the increase of heating time and BS concentration. In vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) decreased with heating time and BS concentration (p < 0.05). Sensory characteristics were affected by flavor concentration. By using 0% BS, 25% of the chicken flavor concentration, and a short heating time method, meat-like products with low TIA, high IVPD, and good sensory characteristics were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular dendritic cell tumours are very rare neoplasms that often occur in lymph nodes. We report here a case in the colon, a hitherto unreported site, in a 37-year-old female. The differentiation from gastrointestinal stromal tumour is emphasized. The tumour was tan, elastic and solid with surface ulceration. Microscopically, it was composed of oval to spindle tumour cells with syncytial cytoplasm arranged in fascicular and whorled patterns. There were many infiltrating lymphocytes. The histological appearance resembled gastrointestinal stromal tumour, thymoma or meningioma. Distinct from the stromal tumour, the lymph node was also involved by the tumour. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for CD21, CD35 and CD68, but negative for cytokeratin, CD34, smooth muscle actin, desmin, S100 protein, epithelial membrane antigen, leukocyte common antigen, HMB-45 and c-kit. In-situ hybridization study was negative for Epstein–Barr virus RNA sequences. Ultrastructurally, the tumour cells possessed cytoplasmic processes joined by desmosomes. This entity should be considered in the list of differential diagnoses for gastrointestinal stromal tumour. The lymph node metastasis and immunohistochemical features are of value for identification of this rare neoplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis induces lymphocyte apoptosis and prevention of lymphocyte death may improve the chances of surviving this disorder. We compared the efficacy of a selective caspase-3 inhibitor to a polycaspase inhibitor and to caspase-3-/- mice. Both inhibitors prevented lymphocyte apoptosis and improved survival. Caspase-3-/- mice shared a decreased, but not total, block of apoptosis. The polycaspase inhibitor caused a very substantial decrease in bacteremia. Caspase inhibitors did not benefit RAG-1-/- mice, which had a >tenfold increase in bacteremia compared to controls. Adoptive transfer of T cells that overexpressed the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 increased survival. T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 produced increased interleukin 2 and interferon γ by 6 h. Thus, caspase inhibitors enhance immunity by preventing lymphocyte apoptosis and lymphocytes act rapidly, within 24 h, to control infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which described a linear predictive algorithm for bandwidth conservation. System concept; Analysis of a linear predictive algorithm based on linear regression; Numerical results; Conclusions.

Both the maximal systolic elastance (Emax) and the theoretical maximal flow (Qmax) can quantify the systolic mechanical behavior of the ventricular pump. Physically, Emax can reflect the intrinsic contractility of the myocardium as an intact heart. The quantity in (Qmax is inversely related to the internal resistance of the left ventricle. How great the effects of age are on these Emax and Qmax has never been examined, however. This study was to determine the ventricular pumping mechanics in terms of the systolic elastance and resistance in male Fischer rats at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. We measured left ventricular (LV) pressure and ascending aortic flow waves using a high-fidelity pressure sensor and an electromagnetic flow probe, respectively. Those two parameters that characterize the systolic pumping mechanics of the left ventricle are obtained by making use of an elastance-resistance model. The basic hemodynamic condition in those animals with different ages is characterized by (i) no significant change in cardiac output and (ii) a decrease in basal heart rate, LV end-systolic pressure, as well as effective arterial volume elastance. Changes that take place in the left ventricle with age include a decline in Emax and an increase in Qmax especially at 24 months. These results demonstrate that the impaired intrinsic contractility of an aging heart may be compensated to some extent by the diminished ventricular internal resistance. Such compensation in aging rats may maintain normal blood flow essential for the metabolic needs of tissues and/or organs before heart dysfunction and failure occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of food restriction on the mechanical properties of the vasculature were determined in Long-Evans male rats with different ages. Rats that began food restriction at the ages of 6 months and 12 months were fed on alternate days for 6 months. Rats at the ages of 12 and 18 months were referred to as adult and middle-aged rats and were anesthetized and thoracotomized. The exponentially tapered T-tube model was employed to relate pulsatile pressure and flow signals measured in the ascending aorta. In each age group, food restriction elicited a decrease in body weight as well as basal heart rate but showed no significant change in cardiac output. Arterial blood pressure, total peripheral resistance, and aortic characteristic impedance were not affected by food restriction in middle-aged rats. However, adult food-restricted rats exhibited lower mean arterial blood pressure (99.1 +/- 3.1 mmHg) than did adult ad libitum-fed rats (110.7 +/- 3.0 mmHg). Total peripheral resistance was reduced from 0.645 +/- 0.045 mmHg-min-kg/ml in adult ad libitum-fed rats to 0.492 +/- 0.030 mmHg-min-kg/ml in adult food-restricted rats. Moreover, aortic characteristic impedance of adult food-restricted rats (0.014 +/- 0.001 mmHg-min-kg/ml) was lower than that of adult ad libitum-fed rats (0.024 +/- 0.002 mmHg-min-kg/ml). Neither age nor diet exerted effects on wave transit time and produced no changes in aortic distensibility. In conclusion, food restriction may elicit significant changes in the mechanical properties of both Windkessel vessels and resistance arterioles in adult rats, but not in middle-aged rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explore the changes of mechanical properties in the rat's arterial system at different ages by using the exponentially tapered T-tube model. Long-Evans male rats at the ages of 6, 12, and 18 months were anesthetized and thoractomized. Rats at the ages of 6, 12, and 18 months were individually referred to as young, adult, and middle-aged rats. The pulsatile pressure and flow signals in the ascending aorta were measured by a high-fidelity pressure sensor and electromagnetic flow probe, respectively. Model parameters, such as aortic characteristic impedance, vascular tapering index, wave transit time, and arterial load compliance, were inferred from the aortic pressure and flow signals to describe the pulsatile nature of blood flows in the vasculature. The static hemodynamic condition in those animals with different ages was characterized by (i) no change in cardiac output and (ii) a decrease in heart rate, arterial blood pressure, as well as total peripheral resistance. As for the pulsatile nature of the arterial system, the wave transit time remained unaltered, indicating there was no change in the aorta's distensibility of rats at those three different ages. The arterial load compliance, which describes the buffering nature of a hollow vessel, also remained unchanged. On the contrary, there was a significant fall in aortic characteristic impedance in those age-related rats. The decline of aortic characteristic impedance without a significant change in arterial distensibility suggests that lumen growth of the aorta and large arteries may occur in rats up to middle age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the results of an extensive study on the seismic behavior of a viscoelastically damped structure under mild and strong earthquake ground motions. Shaking-table studies were conducted on a 2/5-scale five-story steel model with added viscoelastic (VE) dampers under various ambient temperatures, damper-placement cases, and earthquake intensities. Three types of VE dampers distinguished by dimensions and viscoelastic materials designed to provide the structure with similar damping ratios at room temperature were used. Analytical studies were carried out to predict the equivalent damping ratios and seismic response of the viscoelastically damped structure. Experimental results show that the VE dampers are effective in attenuating seismic structural response under mild and strong earthquake ground motions. Numerical results show that the structural damping and structural response with added VE dampers can be easily and accurately calculated by the proposed analytical methods. The methods are readily available to practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A full-scale five-story steel-frame structure with added viscoelastic (VE) dampers is studied experimentally and analytically. The experimental program includes free-vibration and harmonic forced-vibration tests. Dynamic scaling relations between the full-scale and 2/5-scale models with VE dampers are presented. Test results confirm that damping in the full-scale structure can be significantly increased by incorporating relatively small VE dampers. The modal strain energy method used to estimate the structural damping for the 2/5-scale model structure is also applicable to the full-scale structure. The damper design procedure developed from the 2/5-scale model can also be used for the full-scale structure. This study provides an important base for utilizing the extensive data generated from the reduced scale-model tests for incorporating VE dampers into full-scale structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the important results of palaeoanthropological study in China during the nineteen-seventies. Palaeoanthropology refers to the study of human and cultural history during the Pleistocene and its immediately preceding and succeeding periods. In the first decades of the study of early man in China, the study of Peking Man, otherwise known as Homo erectus pekinensis, was dominated by Western scientists. In an excavation led by Swedish geologist Otto Zdansky at Locality 1 of Chou-k'ou-tien from 1921 to 1923, C. Wiman of Uppsala recognized two human teeth among the excavated fossils. When J. G. Andersson, another Swedish geologist, announced this find in Peking in 1926, A. W. Grabau, a German geologist teaching at Peking University, proposed the name Peking Man.

Schwannomas of the head and neck are uncommon tumors that arise from cranial, peripheral or autonomic nerves. In this study we review a series of 52 cases of schwannoma originating in the head and neck region over an 8-year period. All the tumors were benign, with the exception of one malignant schwannoma. The age range of the patients studied was 13-76 years and there was a predilection for males. Twenty-five schwannomas occurred in the scalp, face and external ear canal, 9 in the oral or nasal cavity and 18 in the neck. Seven cases of neck schwannoma originating from the major nerve system were found in the parapharyngeal space, all of which were located in the post-styloid compartment. Cervical plexus schwannomas originated either in the peripheral nerves or in an unidentified area of the nervous system; seven tumors were found in the posterior triangle of the neck and two in the anterior triangle. Two of the tumors originating in the brachial plexus were located in the posterior neck and one in the anterior neck. Tumors originating in the vagus nerve or sympathetic chain were all located in the anterior triangle of the neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined how intracranial large artery stenosis (ILAS), symptomatic and asymptomatic ILAS, and risk factors affect unfavorable outcome events after medical treatment in routine clinical practice.Methods: This was a 24-month prospective observational study of consecutively recruited stroke patients. All participants underwent magnetic resonance angiography, and their clinical characteristics were assessed. Outcome events were vascular outcome, recurrent stroke, and death. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify potential factors associated with an unfavorable outcome, which included demographic and clinical characteristics, the risk factors, and stenosis status.Results: The analysis included 686 patients; among them, 371 were assessed as ILAS negative, 231 as symptomatic ILAS, and 84 as asymptomatic ILAS. Body mass index (p < .05), hypertension (p = .01), and old infarction (p = .047) were factors relating to vascular outcomes. Hypertension was the only factor for recurrent stroke (p = .035). Poor glomerular filtration rate (< 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) (p = .011) and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (p < .001) were significant predictors of death.Conclusions: This study extended previous results from clinical trials to a community-based cohort study by concurrently looking at the presence/absence of stenosis and a symptomatic/asymptomatic stenotic artery. Substantiated risk factors rather than the stenosis status were predominant determinants of adverse outcome. Although the degree of stenosis is often an indicator for treatment, we suggest risk factors, such as hypertension and renal dysfunction, should be monitored and intensively treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen incorporation at the SiO2/SiC interface due to annealing in NO is measured and shown to be a strong function of crystal face. The annealing process involves two major solid-state chemical reactions: nitrogen uptake at the interface and N loss associated with second-order oxidation. An ad hoc kinetics model explains the experimental observations of anisotropy and nitrogen saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, linezolid is the only oxazolidinone recommended for treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB), including extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB [1], even though its prolonged use frequently results in serious adverse reactions, notably bone-marrow suppression and peripheral/optic neuropathy; the risk is significantly higher for daily dosage(s) exceeding 600 mg [2]. Linezolid-based regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB): a systematic review to establish or revise the current recommended dose for TB treatment. 13 S. Wasserman, G. Meintjes, G. Maartens, Linezolid in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis: the challenge of its narrow therapeutic index, Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 14, 2016, 901-915 10.1080/14787210.2016.1225498Wasserman S, Meintjes G, Maartens G. Linezolid in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis: the challenge of its narrow therapeutic index. [Extracted from the article]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Autofluorescence Bronchoscopy with White Light Bronchoscopy Compared with White Light," by K. Häuβinger, H. Becker and F. Stanzel.

High carbon concentrations at distinct regions at thermally-grown SiO[sub 2]/6H-SiC(0001) interfaces have been detected by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The thickness of these C-rich regions is estimated to be 10-15 Å. The oxides were grown on n-type 6H-SiC at 1100 °C in a wet O[sub 2] ambient for 4 h immediately after cleaning the substrates with the complete RCA process. In contrast, C-rich regions were not detected from EELS analyses of thermally grown SiO[sub 2]/Si interfaces nor of chemical vapor deposition deposited SiO[sub 2]/SiC interfaces. Silicon-rich layers within the SiC substrate adjacent to the thermally grown SiO[sub 2]/SiC interface were also evident. The interface state density D[sub it] in metal-oxide-SiC diodes (with thermally grown SiO[sub 2]) was approximately 9x10[sup 11] cm[sup -2] eV-1 at E-E[sub v]=2.0 eV, which compares well with reported values for SiC metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) diodes that have not received a postoxidation anneal. The C-rich regions and the change in SiC stoichiometry may be associated with the higher than desirable D[sub it]'s and the low channel mobilities in SiC-based MOS field effect transistors. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]