cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A term extraction tool for expanding content in the domain of functioning, disability, and health: proof of concept

Among the challenges in developing terminology systems is providing complete content coverage of specialized subject fields. This paper reports on a term extraction tool designed for the development and expansion of terminology systems concerned with functioning, disability, and health. Content relevant to this domain is the emphasis of the foci and targets of many nursing terminologies. We extend previously published term extraction algorithms by applying two filters. The first filter is based on the raw frequency of the content words in the lexical string under consideration. The second filter applies the notion of a complete syntactic node to discover relevant noun or verb phrases. While we report on a limited corpus (30,607 words comprising 4103 terms from 60 dismissal note summaries), the recall, precision, and F-measures we observed are encouraging and suggest continued development and testing of the tool is merited.
CH Cygni X-Ray Jet Activity and Multicomponent Structures

In this paper we report detection of multiple component structures in a Chandra X-ray image obtained in 2001 March of the nearby symbiotic interacting binary system CH Cyg. These components include a compact central source, an arclike structure or a loop extending to 1.5'' (400 AU) from the central source associated with the 1997 jet activity, and possibly a newly formed jet extending to ~150 AU from the central source. The structures are also visible in VLA and HST images obtained close in time to the Chandra observations. The emission from the loop is consistent with optically thin thermal X-ray emission originating from a shock resulting from interaction of the jet ejecta with the dense circumbinary material. The emission from the central source originates within <50 AU region, and is likely associated with the accretion disk around the white dwarf. CH Cyg is only the second symbiotic system with jet activity detected at X-ray wavelengths, and the Chandra high angular resolution image, combined with the VLA and HST images, provides the closest view of the region of jet formation and interaction with the circumbinary material in a symbiotic binary.
Effect of load and velocity on wear behaviour of Cu based self-lubricating composite

The wear test of copper (Cu)–niobium diselenide (NbSe2)–silicon carbide (SiC) composite were conducted on a pin on disc under different normal loads and sliding speed. The morphologies of the worn surface of the composite were observed by using scanning electron microscopy. Experiment results show that the friction coefficient and wear rate of (NbSe2+SiC)/Cu composite increased with increasing of the normal load and the sliding speed. The addition of NbSe2 can effectively reduce the plastic deformation of the substrate, making the friction and wear properties of composite has greatly improved. Mild adhesive wear and abrasive wear were the main wear mechanisms during the sliding process.
Electron holography techniques for study of ferroelectric domain walls

Abstract An electron holographic method is introduced for the study of ferroelectric domain walls. The method allows not only direct imaging of the domain wall but also the measurement of local spontaneous polarization. Preliminary results of first high-resolution imaging of ferroelectric domain walls by using this technique in BaTiO3 and quantitative measurements of electrostatic field distribution across domain walls are presented.
Hydrology becomes water science

The traditional hydrologic cycle is usually depicted as beginning with precipitation, with this in turn being acted upon by the landscape to produce a partial return to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, and by the infiltration process which divides the remainder into surface runoff which returns to the sea, and into recharge which replenishes both the soil moisture and the ground water. The hydrologist has been concerned primarily with the terrestrial phases of this cycle, and therefore did not much concern himself with ocean evaporation or global circulation of the atmosphere. In this traditional context hydrology is very much a part of geophysics, and has particularly close ties with meteorology and oceanography. Hydrology still maintains its principal residence in geophysics, witness the Section of Hydrology in AGU and the International Association of Scientific Hydrology in the IUGG. In this association with geophysics, we have our home. Here we draw our scientific strength; here we talk to each other.
Tomographical transformation of Malvern measurements

Abstract A new method is described theoretically, which directly transforms Malvern line integral data into point measurements of the radial droplet mean size and volume concentration distributions. Two different nozzles were investigated. The tomographical results have been compared with experimental point measurements. The comparison reveals that this method is simple and effective.
Organometallic Amphiphiles: Oxidized Ferrocene as Headgroup for Redox-Switched Bilayer and Monolayer Membranes

A family of 15 ferrocene derivatives has been prepared, most of which are reported for the first time. This includes FcCH2O-3-cholestanyl, 1; FcCH2O(CH2)13CH3, 2; FcCH2O(CH2)15CH3, 3; FcCH2O(CH2)17CH3, 4; FcCH2N[(CH2)17CH3]2, 5; FcCH2O(CH2)8OCH2Fc, 6; FcCH2O(CH2)12OCH2Fc, 7; FcCH2O(CH2)16OCH2Fc, 8; Fc(CH2)22Fc, 9; FcCH2-3,17-β-estradioxy-CH2Fc, 10; Fc-1,1‘-[COO(CH2)16CH3], 11; FcCONH(CH2)17CH3, 12; Fc-1,1‘-{CON[(CH2)17CH3]2}2, 13; Fc-1,1‘-(COO-3-dihydrocholesteryl), 14; and Fc-1,1‘-(COO-3-cholesteryl), 15. Redox potentials for 1−15 have been determined and are in the range 400−450 mV for 2−6 (vs SSCE) and 509 mV for 1, 972 mV for 7, 806 mV for 8, 711 mV for 9, 941 mV for 10, and 945 mV for 11 (vs Ag/AgCl). Upon oxidation with Ce(IV), aqueous suspensions of compounds 1−5 and 7−10 formed stable vesicles after sonication. The charged monomers that formed vesicles afforded aggregates in the 2000−3000 A range that were characterized by laser light scattering and negative stain electron microscopy. In the absen...
ON-line-ridge regression; sequential biased estimation for nonorthogonai problems

Several algorithms are proposed for on-line parameter estimation. Ridge regression (biased estimation) is applied to sequential estimation to improve estimation when the (X″ X) matrix is ill-conditioned. The problem of a singular (X″ X) matrix is treated by both biased estimation and the generalized inverse. An algorithm for nonlinear parameter estimation for ill-conditioned systems is accomplished by parallel sequential biased, and sequential least squares estimation.
Mechanistic studies on full length and the catalytic domain of the tandem SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase: analysis of phosphoenzyme levels and Vmax stimulatory effects of glycerol and of a phosphotyrosyl peptide ligand

SHP-1, a protein tyrosine phosphatase containing two tandem SH2 domains, is autoinhibited at rest by its N-terminal SH2 (N-SH2) domain. Relief from autoinhibition and a subsequent 10-60-fold increase in V(max) have been observed upon N-SH2 domain engagement by a specific phosphotyrosyl ligand or upon deletion of the SH2 domains to yield the catalytic PTPase domain. In this study, we observed that glycerol and propane-1,2-diols, at concentrations of 4-6 M, accelerated the k(cat) of the full length enzyme by 47-fold and of the PTPase domain by 8-fold. Glycerol also increases the rate of proteolytic cleavage between the SH2 and catalytic PTPase domains. In stopped-flow studies using p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) as a substrate, a burst of p-nitrophenolate in the full length enzyme was not observed; however, a 50-70% stoichiometric burst was observed with the PTPase domain. Rapid quench studies using [32P]pNPP as a substrate showed a very low level of covalent [32P]phosphocysteinyl enzyme intermediate accumulation: 0.06% in the full length enzyme and 1% in the PTP domain. Stimulation by glycerol reduced the accumulating levels of phosphocysteinyl enzyme in both cases of full length SHP-1 and the PTPase domain; however, glycerol is not acting as a cosubstrate since no glycerophosphate product was detectable. It is likely that, for full length SHP-1, with pNPP as a model substrate, enzyme-substrate complex (ES) accumulates in its basal autoinhibited state, whereas enzyme-product complex (EP(i)) accumulates in its pY ligand-bound activated state. Glycerol probably relaxes the compact structure of SHP-1 and the PTP domain, thereby accelerating the catalytic rates in both cases by increasing forward reaction rates of ES and EP(i).
Design and development of ferroelectric tunable HTS microstrip filters for Ku- and K-band applications

Abstract In the past few years, our group has designed, fabricated and tested several ferroelectric tunable components, in collaboration with NASA Glenn Research Center. Among the components studied are microstrip tunable resonators, filters, diplexers, and couplers. Tunable filters with gold as well as YBCO high temperature superconductor (HTS) electrodes have been studied using the conductor/ferroelectric/dielectric two-layered microstrip configuration. Tunability is achieved through the non-linear dc electric field dependence of the relative dielectric constant of the ferroelectric thin film. Two pole ferroelectric tunable HTS filters using the YBCO/STO/LAO two-layered microstrip yielded low insertion loss as low as 1.5 dB, and large frequency tunability (∼2.3 GHz) at 24 K, with a peak electric field of 80 kV cm −1 for electrical tuning. The critical design issues for realizing practical tunable filters will be addressed. These include design for (i) large tunability, (ii) low insertion loss, (iii) bandwidth considerations, and (iv) dc biasing for tuning the filters. HTS filters will be compared with their gold counter parts for their performance at Ku- and K-band frequencies. Also, our current work on BSTO based room temperature tunable filters will be presented.
Electro-Mechanical Properties of Electron Irradiated P(VDF-TrFE) Copolymers Under Different Mechanical Stresses

The electro-mechanical properties of high energy electron irradiated poly(vineylidene fluoride-trifluorethylene) (P(VF-TrFE)) copolymers under different mechanical stress conditions are reported. In stress free condition, the electric field induced longitudinal and transverse strains of the irradiated P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer films at room temperature (RT) can reach about 5% and more than 3% respectively. The longitudinal strain response of the material under hydrostatic a pressure up to 83 atmospheses was studied at RT. The transverse strain response of the material at RT was studied under uniaxial tensile stress. It was found that the material has a high load capability and for stretched films along the stretching direction the induced strain remains high, even at about 45 MPa. The temperature dependence of the strain response is also characterized. Both the temperature and stress dependence of the strain response indicate that the electric field induced strain response originates from the electric field induced local phase transition.
Endothelial dysfunction as a modifier of angiogenic response in Zucker diabetic fat rat: Amelioration with Ebselen

Endothelial dysfunction as a modifier of angiogenic response in Zucker diabetic fat rat: Amelioration with Ebselen. Background Progression of nephropathy in metabolic syndrome is associated with microvasculopathy and vascular dropout. Methods Eight- and 22-week-old Zucker diabetic fat (ZDF) and Zucker lean (ZL) rats were studied to characterize the progression of nephropathy, and to test the effect of a peroxynitrite scavenger, Ebselen, on renal microvasculature and angiogenic competence. Results Capillary density was increased, both in the cortex ( P P P P P P P Conclusion The progression of nephropathy in ZDF rats is associated with decreased angiogenic competence both ex vivo and in vivo. This is accompanied by a altered expression of VEGF system components and endothelial dysfunction, and scavenging peroxynitrite with Ebselen ameliorates the progression of microvasculopathy and partially restores angiogenesis. These findings reveal the complex mechanism of microvascular dropout in experimental metabolic syndrome.
Finite element model of thermal processes in retinal photocoagulation

Short duration (< 20 ms) pulses are desirable in patterned scanning laser photocoagulation to confine thermal damage to the photoreceptor layer, decrease overall treatment time and reduce pain. However, short exposures have a smaller therapeutic window (defined as the ratio of rupture threshold power to that of light coagulation). We have constructed a finite-element computational model of retinal photocoagulation to predict spatial damage and improve the therapeutic window. Model parameters were inferred from experimentally measured absorption characteristics of ocular tissues, as well as the thresholds of vaporization, coagulation, and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) damage. Calculated lesion diameters showed good agreement with histological measurements over a wide range of pulse durations and powers.
Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherothrombotic Occlusive Disease

The endothelium plays a crucial role in the regulation of vascular function through the release of locally important molecular effectors such as endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and prostacyclin. Endothelial cells also regulate vascular patency and tissue perfusion by inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombosis, suppressing intimal proliferation, and maintaining vascular tone. Disturbances of the regulatory functions of the endothelium contribute to the pathophysiology of various disease states, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. Most studies focused on endothelial control of vasomotion and, in particular, on the action of EDRF; many studies have also emphasised that altered endothelial control of fibrinolysis and intimal growth influence the clinical expression of atherothrombotic disease. Importantly, understanding the pathophysiological role of endothelial dysfunction may lead to new therapeutic approaches for disease states caused by vascular disease.
PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY UNDERGRADUATES' STEREOTYPES OF ONE ANOTHER

Literature suggests that increased interaction between physical therapy and occupational therapy students may improve their understanding of each other's profession. This cross-sectional study examined positive and negative stereotypes in an educational setting in which physical and occupational therapy students take over 25% of their curricular courses together. The aim of the study was to assess whether interaction between these students in and out of the classroom positively affected their views of each other, as compared with physical and occupational therapy students in previous studies who did not take classes together. Senior students, 25 physical therapy and 28 occupational therapy, completed two copies of the Health Team Stereotype Scale questionnaire exploring attitudes concerning their own chosen profession and the other participants' profession. They also completed an extracurricular activities survey to indicate how much they participated in activities outside of the classroom with students f...
Incorporation effects in MOCVD-grown (In)GaAsN using different nitrogen precursors

Abstract The incorporation of In into InGaAsN grown by MOCVD is known to reduce the incorporation of nitrogen. In addition, the most commonly used nitrogen precursors are all extremely inefficient. Growth of InGaAsN with NF 3 as the nitrogen precursor is relatively insensitive to the addition of indium and has an incorporation efficiency much higher than dimethylhydrazine. The results from a study of four nitrogen precursors are presented, indicating that only NF 3 is insensitive to the incorporation of In. The relative incorporation efficiencies for the four sources are also determined, indicating that the relative efficiencies are as follows: NF 3 ∼hydrazine>tertiary-butylhydrazine>dimethylhydrazine. We propose a simple model based on chemical reactions to account for the differences in incorporation efficiency.
Decline in the prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly by race/ethnicity: 1995-2002.

Objective. In an effort to reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs), folic acid fortification of US enriched grain products was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration in March 1996 and required by January 1998. Fortification has been shown to result in an important decline in the prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly in the general US population; however, fortification9s impact on specific racial/ethnic groups has not been well described. We sought to characterize the decline in the prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly among specific racial/ethnic groups during the transition to mandatory folic acid fortification in the United States. Methods. Data from 21 population-based birth defects surveillance systems were used to examine trends in prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly for specific racial/ethnic groups for the years 1995–2002. These years were divided into 3 periods: prefortification, optional fortification, and mandatory fortification. Race/ethnicity was defined as Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, and non-Hispanic black. Prevalence ratios were calculated for each racial/ethnic group by dividing the prevalence from the mandatory fortification period by the prevalence in the prefortification period. Results. The study included data on 4468 cases of spina bifida and 2625 cases of anencephaly. The prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly was highest among Hispanic births, followed by non-Hispanic white births, with the lowest prevalence among non-Hispanic black births. Significant declines in spina bifida and anencephaly were observed among Hispanic births and non-Hispanic white births. The prevalence ratio for non-Hispanic black births was of borderline significance for spina bifida and was not significant for anencephaly. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that folic acid fortification is associated with significant decreases in the prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly among non-Hispanic white and Hispanic births. The magnitude of the reduction was similar between these 2 groups and was more pronounced for spina bifida than for anencephaly. The decline in the prevalence of spina bifida and anencephaly among non-Hispanic black births did not reach statistical significance. Efforts to increase folic acid consumption for the prevention of NTDs in pregnancies among women of all races/ethnicities should be continued, and studies to identify and elucidate other risk factors for NTDs are warranted.
Lymphocyte activation and immune regulation

Abstract Occupation of cell surface receptors on lymphocytes by appropriate antigens and/or growth and differentiation factors initiate activation steps essential for acquisition of differentiated functions and clonal expansion. The diversity of lymphocyte antigen-specific receptors and selective expression of binding sites for distinct growth and differentiation factors form the basis for the specificity of the immune response. In contrast to the diversity of receptor-associated recognition systems, transduction of signals to lymphocyte nuclei seems to occur via a limited number of biochemical pathways. One ubiquitous mechanism of signal transduction involves the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ) and formation of two second messengers, diacylglycerol (DG) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ), which trigger numerous physiological responses in T and B lymphocytes. Lymphocytes which are triggered by different or even identical ligands can use a single signal transduction pathway but respond with any of several genetically predetermined effector functions. Ligands and cell surface receptors that participate in lymphocyte activation, and the intracellular events accompanying this activation step were the topic of a recent meeting.
Integrating Writing Strategy Instruction with Content-Area Instruction Part II—Writing Processes

The second article in this two-part series focuses on instructional techniques for the writing process
On the validity of the geometrical theory of diffraction by convex cylinders

In this paper we consider the scattering of a wave from an infinite line source by an infinitely long cylinder C. The line source is parallel to the axis of C, and the cross section C of this cylinder is smooth, closed and convex. C is formed by joining a pair of smooth convex arcs to a circle C0, one on the illuminated side, and one on the dark side, so that C is circular near the points of diffraction. By a rigorous argument we establish the asymptotic behavior of the field at high frequencies, in a certain portion of the shadow S that is determined by the geometry of C in S. The leading term of our asymptotic expansion is the field predicted by the geometrical theory of diffraction.
Seasonal activity and spatial distribution of host-seeking adults of the tick Dermacentor variabilis

The seasonal temporal and spatial distribution and emergence of overwintering and summer cohorts of host-seeking American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae), adults were examined for 5 years in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Weekly drag cloth sampling was conducted from early March until late September 1992-1995 and early March until the end of May 1996. Overwintering adult cohorts became active in early to mid-April followed by bimodal host-seeking activity each year, with the duration and intensity of the first activity period being related to the previous year's summer cohort activity. The first activity peak extended from mid-April through late May and the second activity peak occurred in July. All host-seeking activity ceased by early August, except in 1995, when activity ended on 22 August. Laboratory survival of adults, collected weekly during 1993-1996, was used to estimate the emergence of summer adult cohorts. Summer adult cohorts became active in late May or early June and overlapped with overwintering adult host-seeking activity. The termination of host-seeking activity in overwintering adults could not be determined using the methods employed in this study and is most likely to have continued for the entire season. Host-seeking adults displayed contagious distribution patterns along trails bordering ecotone habitats, as determined by fitting a negative binomial frequency distribution to weekly sampling data. These patterns did not vary from year to year. In addition, the location of D. variabilis activity did not change from year to year, which suggests that microhabitats within apparently homogeneous environments enhance adult survival and lead to 'hot spots' of tick activity despite the ability of vertebrate hosts to disperse D. variabilis populations more widely. These data better define our understanding of D. variabilis adult seasonal and spatial host-seeking activity, estimate for the first time the intensity of summer cohort host-seeking activity, and relate summer cohort activity with spring activity the following year.
An Empirical Comparison of Spatial Randomness Models for Yield Analysis

Yield analysis is an important activity in the assessment and control of semiconductor fabrication processes. Tests of spatial randomness provide a means of enhancing yield analysis by considering the patterns of good and defective chips on the wafer. These patterns can be related to the likely sources of defects during production. This paper compares two approaches for determining spatial randomness based on join-count statistics. The first assumes that a random distribution of defects can be modeled as a spatially homogenous Bernoulli process (SHBP). The second uses a Markov random field (MRF) as the null distribution. While both methods are shown to have good performance, the MRF outperforms the SHBP on both clustered and random defect data.
Motion and structure from point correspondences with error estimation: planar surfaces

The determination of motion and structure of a planar scene from monocular image sequences, is studied. A new and simpler linear algorithm, that gives closed-form solutions for motion and structure parameters using point correspondences between two images, assuming that the coplanar points undergo a rigid motion in 3-D space, is presented. A series of analytical results is established. From two perspective views of a planar scene which is undergoing a rigid motion, there are generally two (normalized) interpretations for motion parameters and the positions of the object plane. These two interpretations, one vertical and the other illusive, are both valid in the sense that they render the same pair of images. The authors identify all the special cases in which the number of interpretations is not two, and derive necessary and sufficient geometrical conditions for those special cases to occur. The approach to error estimation is based on the first-order perturbation. The estimated errors provide quantitative assessment for the accuracy of the solutions. They also indicate degenerate or nearly degenerate configurations in the presence of noise. >
A CHALLENGE TO THOSE WORKING IN THE FIELD OF GENOCIDE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

United in the belief that civilians should not suffer from intentional infliction of widespread and systematic violence and the assumption that special measures are necessary to prevent and protect groups from such violence, a diverse group of scholars, educators, journalists, activists, advocates, policymakers, diplomats, and military leaders have raised their voices against genocide and mass atrocities. This group has grown exponentially over the last decade and can be understood as an emerging field in its own right. This essay explores some of the conceptual and practical challenges facing this field as it furthers its professional development.
An Observational Study on the Latitudes Where Wave Forcing Drives Brewer–Dobson Upwelling

The 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) data are analyzed to demonstrate that wave forcing at lower latitudes plays a crucial role in driving the tropical upwelling portion of the Brewer‐Dobson circulation. It is shown that subtropical wave forcing is correlated with tropical upwelling on both intraseasonal and interannual time scales when transient waves are taken into account, and that tropical wave forcing exerts its influence on tropical upwelling via its body force on the zonal mean flow.
From Theodicy to Discipleship: Dostoyevsky's Contribution to the Pastoral task in The Brothers Karamazou

From the moment Jesus was hung on the cross, Christians have been compelled to address the fact of evil within God's creation. For the most part we have made the mistake of addressing this reality by logical means. It is not that there are no logical solutions to the apparent contradiction between the fact of evil and an omnipotent and benevolent God. The difficulty is far more fundamental. Logical solutions or answers do not address the fact of sin, evil and suffering in the world. At best, they are innocuous. At worst, they are destructive. For example, a pastor presiding at a funeral may well have an answer or two to the inevitable question raised by the grieving, 'Why did Jack have to die so young?' She might say that the wages of sin are death, and she might even speculate thatjack died young because he was such an accomplished sinner. Moreover, it is at least conceivable that our pastor could be correct in herjudgment!!! Nevertheless, those gathered would be right to be angry if the pastor said such a thing because her answer did not address the issue. Indeed, no answer can. The people gathered do not need answers. They already have biological, psychological and even theological answers. The people longfor presence instead. To be sure, they long for the presence of their departed loved one, but they require the presence of friends, relatives and God. The theodicy issue is addressed by such presence. The theodicy issue does not simply pose a question to be answered. It creates a context in which ministry may happen.
A probabilistic relational data model

It is often desirable to represent in a database entities whose properties cannot be deterministically classified. We develop a new data model that includes probabilities associated with the values of the attributes. The notion of missing probabilities is introduced for partially specified probability distributions. This new model offers a richer descriptive language allowing the database to reflect more accurately the uncertain real world. Probabilistic analogs to the basic relational operators are defined and their correctness is studied.
Identification of novel NRF2-regulated genes by ChIP-Seq: influence on retinoid X receptor alpha

Cellular oxidative and electrophilic stress triggers a protective response in mammals regulated by NRF2 (nuclear factor (erythroid-derived) 2-like; NFE2L2) binding to deoxyribonucleic acid-regulatory sequences near stress-responsive genes. Studies using Nrf2-deficient mice suggest that hundreds of genes may be regulated by NRF2. To identify human NRF2-regulated genes, we conducted chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing experiments in lymphoid cells treated with the dietary isothiocyanate, sulforaphane (SFN) and carried out follow-up biological experiments on candidates. We found 242 high confidence, NRF2-bound genomic regions and 96% of these regions contained NRF2-regulatory sequence motifs. The majority of binding sites were near potential novel members of the NRF2 pathway. Validation of selected candidate genes using parallel ChIP techniques and in NRF2-silenced cell lines indicated that the expression of about two-thirds of the candidates are likely to be directly NRF2-dependent including retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA). NRF2 regulation of RXRA has implications for response to retinoid treatments and adipogenesis. In mouse, 3T3-L1 cells’ SFN treatment affected Rxra expression early in adipogenesis, and knockdown of Nrf2-delayed Rxra expression, both leading to impaired adipogenesis.
Parsing Intensity Profiles

Much work in image processing deals with one-dimensional intensity profiles. This paper describes PROPAR, a system that allows a convenient and uniform mechanism for recognizing such profiles. PROPAR is a modified Augmented Transition Networks parser. The grammar used by the parser serves to describe and label the set of acceptable profiles. The inputs to the parser are descriptions of segments of a piecewise linear approximation to an intensity profile. A sample grammar is presented and the results are discussed.
Driving toward higher I/sub DDQ/ test quality for sequential circuits: A generalized fault model and its ATPG

We propose a generalized stuck-at fault model for sequential circuits under the selective I/sub DDQ/ test strategy. The proposed fault model makes a pessimistic assumption on the Boolean fault effects when the fault is activated. We show that by using the proposed fault model, test sequences of higher quality can be generated and/or selected. We further propose a test vector generation and selection method for this fault model. We present results to illustrate that a high fault coverage for the proposed fault model can be achieved by a small test set under the selective I/sub DDQ/ test environment.
On Risk Management with Information Flows in Business Processes

This article investigates the economic consequences of data errors in the information flows associated with business processes. We develop a process modeling-based methodology for managing the risks associated with such data errors. Our method focuses on the topological structure of a process and takes into account its effect on error propagation and risk mitigation using both expected loss and conditional value-at-risk risk measures. Using this method, optimal strategies can be designed for control resource allocation to manage risk in a business process. Our work contributes to the literature on both ex ante risk management-based business process design and ex post risk assessments of existing business processes and control models. This research applies not only to the literature on and practice of process design and risk management but also to business decision support systems in general. An order-fulfillment process of an online pharmacy is used to illustrate the methodology.
Why the Student Voice? The Case for Investigating the Learners’ Experience of ICT in Distance Education

In recent years the student experience of higher education in general and distance education in particular has been strongly influenced by wide scale uptake of internet based learning approaches, internationalisation and an expanding distance education market, amongst many other trends. As competition within the sector increases because of access to the WWW and other in-country socio-political influences, the push to attract and retain students is becoming a key issue for institutions. Understanding the distance student’s voice in relation to these trends and developing appropriate responses to ensure a satisfactory learning experience is becoming of critical importance. This paper reports on a work in progress. It discusses some of the trends influencing students’ learning in our increasingly borderless world and outlines a rationale for investigating the student voice to meet the unique needs of the distance learner. It describes approaches that will be adopted by a consortium of Australian and New Zealand distance education providers to undertake this work.
Scrota1 melanins in bats (Chiroptera): description, distribution and function

Several species of bats contain pigment granules within the scrotal skin, tunica vaginalis, or tunica albuginea surrounding the testis and/or epididymis. Seventy-two species of bats, representing 49 genera were examined for the presence of such pigmentation. Histological, chemical and spectrophotometric tests were performed and confirmed the pigment as melanin. Melanin was found only in the families Pteropidae, Megadermatidae, Myzopodidae and Vespertilionidae. A strong correlation exists between scrotal pigmentation and roosting in locations where the bats are exposed to solar radiation. Melanin pigmentation in the scrotal region appears to be an adaption protecting male germinal tissue from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. In one species, Laoiu frons, melanin deposited within the scrotal skin appears to have a social/reproductive communication function.
Retinal and Gingival Hemorrhaging and Chronic Hyperglycemia

OBJECTIVE To assess the hypothesis that retinopathies are indicative of systemic microvascular injury. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The only U.S. national survey assessing microvascular hemorrhaging at two distinct anatomical sites was the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994). The systemic microvascular injury hypothesis was assessed by modeling the association of retinal and gingival hemorrhaging and the factors that explain this association. RESULTS Individuals in whom one or more in five gingival sites was hemorrhaging had a 57% increased odds for retinal hemorrhaging (95% CI: 1.26–1.94). This association between retinal and gingival hemorrhaging was 51% explained by A1C concentrations. Retinal and gingival hemorrhaging exhibited the signature J-shaped prevalence patterns when plotted as a function of A1C concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Gingival hemorrhaging reflected on retinal hemorrhaging, and both shared chronic hyperglycemia as an explanatory marker. These epidemiological findings support the hypothesis that retinopathies are reflective of systemic microvascular injury.
What can elementary particles tell us about the world in which we live

What kind of space-time do we live in? Does it extend beyond the four dimensions of ordinary space and time? In physicists' efforts to explain the origin of elementary Dirac particles, namely the twelve kinds of quarks and leptons, they find that they are driven to as many as seven or eight additional space-like dimensions. They generally assume that the extra dimensions are curled up into tiny circles or generalizations thereof, with diameters of the order of 10 -34 meter. These models tend to be quite complex. However, I will argue that it may be much easier to model these quarks and leptons if we assume that the extra dimensions are flat, i. e., stretch out to infinity. What keeps quarks and leptons, and us, from drifting off into the higher dimensions may be a local "well" in space (a soliton) generated by the particles' field equations. Furthermore only four extra dimensions may be needed. If there really are four extra dimensions besides the ordinary four, then why don't we see them? It may be that many people who have had an out-of-body or near-death experience (NDE) have seen the extra dimensions. For example, the "tunnel" in the NDE may lead to another local universe like our own, only situated in another well in the extra dimensions. In the model that I will describe, quarks and leptons which are accelerated to sufficiently high energies can escape our local space-time "well" and travel freely in eight dimensions, as our consciousnesses seem to be able to do. Could it be that large configurations of these particles might even constitute spaceships, the UFOs that seem to come out of nowhere? Higher dimensions may also provide avenues for information transfer ascribed to ESP.
Teamwork, team performance, and team interfaces: historical precedence and application significance of the research at the USAF Fitts Human Engineering Division

Warfare is a complex activity that requires the coordination and integration of many teams to accomplish directives and strategies. Teamwork required in battle management situations often occurs at command posts and is necessarily bound (or enhanced) by the collaborative information infrastructure in place. This paper provides a historical review of the work at the US Air Force Fitts Human Engineering Division over the last 30 years that has been conducted with the intent of improving team performance and team interfaces. Three distinct eras of research accomplishment are addressed. Discussion of these different eras reveal how research has progressed and matured, as well as how it has significantly influenced various application domains relative to the conduct of warfare operations and the warfighter.
The influence of past experience on wilderness choice

A study of Southern Appalachian backcountry hikers tested the hypothesis that recreationists with high experience levels would have greater differentiation of site attribute values when making recreation choices than would individuals with low experience. Contrary to cognitive development theory, a simulated laboratory choice study found that more experienced subjects employed fewer and broader attribute value categories than did their less experienced counterparts. This surprising finding might be explained by the nature of the judgment task. Cognitive development theory suggests that greater experience leads to greater perceptual distinction along a range of attribute values, but social judgment theory suggests fewer attitudinal or preference distinctions along the range of attribute values with increased involvement with the issue or object. Leisure planners, managers, and programmers must decide what type of judgment they are asking recreationists to make when they attempt to influence choice through provision of information.
Overexpression Of CD133 Promotes Drug Resistance In C6 Glioma Cells

Glioblastoma multiforme is an extremely aggressive and clinically unresponsive form of cancer. Transformed neoplastic neural stem cells, resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are thought to be responsible for the initial tumor formation and the recurrence of disease following surgical resection. These stem cells express multidrug resistance markers along with CD133. We show that ectopic overexpression of CD133 in rat C6 glioma cells leads to significant reluctance to undergo apoptosis from camptothecin and doxorubicin. Although p53 was upregulated in CD133-overexpressing glioma cells treated with DNA-damaging agents, apoptosis seems to be p53 independent. At least one ABC transporter, rat P-glycoprotein/ABCB1, was upregulated by 62% in CD133(+) cells with a corresponding increase in activity. Thus, the combination of higher P-glycoprotein mRNA transcription and elevated transporter activity seems to contribute to the protection from cytotoxic reagents. In conclusion, previous investigators have reported that resilient cancer stem cells coexpress CD133 and ABC transporters with increased reluctance toward apoptosis. Our data suggest that CD133 may contribute to the observed resistance to apoptosis of CD133(+) cancer stem cells.
Data Center Metrology and Measurement-Based Modeling Methods

This chapter describes data center measurement systems and supporting modeling methods. The first part concerns techniques and systems for taking relevant physical measurements to characterize the environmental conditions in data centers. This includes a brief discussion about how design choices, for example, sensor placement, sensor density, and measurement frequency, depend on the supporting modeling approach. Wireless and wired sensing solutions and the role of internal and external sensors are addressed as well. The second part of the chapter deals with how these measurements can be utilized as inputs for subsequent heat transfer modeling in data centers. Two different modeling approaches are discussed, namely a simplified physics-based model (Laplacian model), where the measurements are used to provide the required boundary data, and a reduced order modeling approach using proper-orthogonal decomposition. Case studies for these two different techniques are presented.
Sirolimus-induced Pneumonitis Complicated by Pentamidine-induced Phospholipidosis in a Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Abstract The proliferation signal inhibitors (PSIs)—sirolimus, everolimus, and temsirolimus—have been associated with a noninfectious pneumonitis characterized by lymphocytic alveolitis and bronciolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP). This condition usually occurs within the first year. Herein we presented a case of a deceased donor renal transplant with interstitial pneumonitis developing 6 years after a switch from tacrolimus to sirolimus due to chronic graft dysfunction. After the addition of intravenous pentamidine due to the suspicion of Pneumocystis pneumonia, there was marked clinical deterioration requiring intubation. Open lung biopsy revealed sirolimus-induced pulmonary toxicity (BOOP) with the additional finding of a drug-induced phospholipidosis (DIPL) that we ascribe to pentamidine treatment. After cessation of both drugs and application of corticosteroid therapy, there was only partial improvement. Eight months later the residual interstitial fibrosis demands supplemental home oxygen. We review the literature on PSI-induced pneumonitis and discuss the pathophysiology of a potential interaction with pentamidine. We caution against its use in the setting of PSI-induced pneumonitis. It is currently unknown whether these concerns also apply to prescription of other more commonly used medications associated with DIPL, eg, amiodarone and aminoglycosides.
Stress management in work settings: A critical review of the health effects.

Abstract Purpose. To review critically the research literature on the health effects of worksite stress-management interventions. Search Methods. Stress-management interventions were defined as techniques that are designed to help employees modify their appraisal of stressful situations or deal more effectively with the symptoms of stress. Stress-management studies that were worksite based, assessed a health outcome, and were published in the peer-reviewed literature were included in this review. The main search method was the one described in the lead article to this special issue of the Journal, but supplementary sources included prior reviews of the research literature and expert contacts. Sixty-four studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Summary of Findings. A variety of stress-management techniques was used in worksite studies, including muscle relaxation, meditation, biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral skills, and combinations of these techniques. The most common techniques used were m...
Combining abdominal and cosmetic breast surgery does not increase short-term complication rates: a comparison of each individual procedure and pretreatment risk stratification tool.

Background Combined abdominal and breast surgery presents a convenient and relatively cost-effective approach for accomplishing both procedures. Objectives This study is the largest to date assessing the safety of combined procedures, and it aims to develop a simple pretreatment risk stratification method for patients who desire a combined procedure. Methods All women undergoing abdominoplasty, panniculectomy, augmentation mammaplasty, and/or mastopexy in the TOPS database were identified. Demographics and outcomes for combined procedures were compared to individual procedures using χ2 and Student's t-tests. Multiple logistic regression provided adjusted odds ratios for the effect of a combined procedure on 30-day complications. Among combined procedures, a logistic regression model determined point values for pretreatment risk factors including diabetes (1 point), age over 53 (1), obesity (2), and 3+ ASA status (3), creating a 7-point pretreatment risk stratification tool. Results A total of 58,756 cases met inclusion criteria. Complication rates among combined procedures (9.40%) were greater than those of aesthetic breast surgery (2.66%; P < .001) but did not significantly differ from abdominal procedures (9.75%; P = .530). Nearly 77% of combined cases were classified as low-risk (0 points total) with a 9.78% complication rates. Medium-risk patients (1 to 3 points) had a 16.63% complication rate, and high-risk (4 to 7 points) 38.46%. Conclusions Combining abdominal and breast procedures is safe in the majority of patients and does not increase 30-day complications rates. The risk stratification tool can continue to ensure favorable outcomes for patients who may desire a combined surgery. Level of Evidence 4![Graphic][1] Risk [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif