cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turbo-charging hidden database samplers with overflowing queries and skew reduction

Recently, there has been growing interest in random sampling from online hidden databases. These databases reside behind form-like web interfaces which allow users to execute search queries by specifying the desired values for certain attributes, and the system responds by returning a few (e.g., top-k) tuples that satisfy the selection conditions, sorted by a suitable scoring function. In this paper, we consider the problem of uniform random sampling over such hidden databases. A key challenge is to eliminate the skew of samples incurred by the selective return of highly ranked tuples. To address this challenge, all state-of-the-art samplers share a common approach: they do not use overflowing queries. This is done in order to avoid favoring highly ranked tuples and thus incurring high skew in the retrieved samples. However, not considering overflowing queries substantially impacts sampling efficiency.In this paper, we propose novel sampling techniques which do leverage overflowing queries. As a result, we are able to significantly improve sampling efficiency over the state-of-the-art samplers, while at the same time substantially reduce the skew of generated samples. We conduct extensive experiments over synthetic and real-world databases to illustrate the superiority of our techniques over the existing ones.
Factoring logic functions

A factored form is a representation of a logic function that is either a single literal or a sum or product of factored forms. Thus it is equivalent to a parenthesized algebraic expression. It is one of many possible representations of a logic function, but seems to be the most appropriate one for use in multilevel logic synthesis. We give a number of methods for obtaining different factored forms for a given logic function. These methods range from purely algebraic ones, which are quite fast, to so-called Boolean ones, which are slower but are capable of giving better results. One of the methods given is both fast and gives good results, and is useful in providing continuous estimates of area and delay as logic synthesis proceeds. In multilevel logic synthesis, each of the methods given has a use in a system where run-time and quality are traded off. We also formulate the problem of optimal algebraic factorization, and pose its solution as a rectangle-covering problem for which a heuristic method is given.
A Robust, Reactive, and Remarkably Simple to Prepare Sterically Encumbered meta‐Terphenyl Ligand

A cost-efficient, high yield and simple one-pot route to the sterically encumbered iodoterphenyl DcpI [Dcp = 2,6-(2,6-Cl2C6H3)2C6H3] is developed in which the necessary addition of external Grignard reagent is avoided. This material is employed as a convenient precursor to low-coordinate phosphorus compounds, such as DcpP=PDcp (1), DcpP=C(H)Ph (4), and DcpP=PMe3. The resultant aryl is found to provide robust steric protection for 1 and 4 once in place, but reactive intermediates leading to insertion chemistry must be avoided in the course of their synthesis. A new bis(dibenzophosphole) 2 resulting from insertion of a phosphorus atom into vicinal C−Cl bonds was isolated and characterized. The single crystal X-ray structures of 1, 2, and 4 are presented. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2002)
Modeling Anisotropic Multiphase Heterogeneous Materials via Directional Correlation Functions: Simulations and Experimental Verification

The effective properties of heterogeneous materials critically depend on their complex microstructure. In this article, by successfully reconstructing the three-dimensional microstructure of a multiphase alloy with orientated anisotropic inclusions from two-dimensional slices, we show that such materials can be modeled by the two-point correlation functions of the inclusion phases along the three orthogonal characteristic directions of the inclusions. The reconstructions are compared to the actual microstructure obtained from high-resolution X-ray tomography experiments by quantifying certain directional cluster statistics associated with the microstructures.
Long-term psychological correlates of childhood sexual abuse in two samples of college men.

Using a retrospective questionnaire approach, the current study explored the relationship between a history of childhood sexual abuse and later psychological and sexual adjustment. Subjects were 582 college men from two different geographic locations: 253 from a midwestern university and 329 from a southeastern university. The definition of child sexual abuse employed in this study was a broad one which included both contact and noncontact experiences. In order to be defined as abusive, however, an age discrepancy between victim and perpetrator was required. Although not so for the southeastern sample, for the midwestern sample a number of small but significant correlations emerged between a history of sexual abuse and psychological adjustment as measured by the SCL-90. In both samples, very few significant correlations emerged between a history of sexual abuse and later sexual adjustment and behavior. Language: en
A selected bibliography of biomedical and environmental applications of stable isotopes. IV—17O, 18O and 34S 1971–1976

Selected references to the biochemical, pharmacological, clinical and environmental applications of the stable oxygen isotopes, 17O and 18O and of 34S have been compiled for the period 1971--1976. Author and subject indices have been prepared for each element.
A sputnik IV saga

Abstract The Sputnik IV launch occurred on May 15, 1960. On May 19, an attempt to deorbit a ‘space cabin’ failed and the cabin went into a higher orbit. The orbit of the cabin was monitored and Moonwatch volunteer satellite tracking teams were alerted to watch for the vehicle demise. On September 5, 1962, several team members from Milwaukee, Wisconsin made observations starting at 4:49 a.m. of a fireball following the predicted orbit of Sputnik IV. Requests went out to report any objects found under the fireball path. An early morning police patrol in Manitowoc had noticed a metal object on a street and had moved it to the curb. Later the officers recovered the object and had it dropped off at the Milwaukee Journal. The Moonwarch team got the object and reported the situation to Moonwatch Headquarters at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. A team member flew to Cambridge with the object. It was a solid, 9.49 kg piece of steel with a slag-like layer attached to it. Subsequent analyses showed that it contained radioactive nuclei produced by cosmic ray exposure in space. The scientists at the Observatory quickly recognized that measurements of its induced radioactivity could serve as a calibration for similar measurements of recently fallen nickel–iron meteorites. Concurrently, the Observatory directorate informed government agencies that a fragment from Sputnik IV had been recovered. Coincidently, a debate in the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space involved the issue of liability for damage caused by falling satellite fragments. On September 12, the Observatory delivered the bulk of the fragment to the US Delegation to the UN. Two days later, the fragment was used by US Ambassador Francis Plimpton as an exhibit that the time had come to agree on liability for damage from satellite debris. He offered the Sputnik IV fragment to USSR Ambassador P.D. Morozov, who refused the offer. On October 23, Drs. Alla Massevitch and E.K. Federov of the USSR visited the Observatory. They were shown the Sputnik IV fragment. Measurements on the fragment were reported at the American Geophysical Union meeting on December 28, 1962. Early in January, 1963, the Soviet Embassy told the State Department that the USSR wished to accept the remaining fragment. On January 5, 1963 it was picked up by the Soviet Embassy. This four-month saga dramatically illustrated the need for international agreements on satellite debris issues.
How Many Attempts Are Required to Accomplish Out-of-hospital Endotracheal Intubation?

Background: An important goal of emergency airway management is to complete endotracheal intubation (ETI) correctly, safely, and quickly, and repeated ETI attempts can increase patient morbidity and mortality. Clinical protocols limiting the number of ETI attempts may minimize harm, but this strategy also may reduce the frequency of successful ETI. Objectives: To characterize the relationship between the number of out-of-hospital ETI attempts and ETI success. Methods: This study used prospective, multicenter data from 42 emergency medical services agencies from an 18-month period. Out-of-hospital rescuers (paramedics, out-of-hospital nurses, and physicians) completed structured, closed-response data forms describing clinical methods, course, and outcomes for all ETIs. An ETI attempt was defined as an insertion of the laryngoscope blade. Rescuers identified ETI outcome (success or failure) for each attempt. The authors defined overall success as ETI outcome (success or failure) on the last attempt, examining cardiac arrest, conventional nonarrest, sedation-facilitated, and rapid-sequence ETI separately. Univariate odds ratios (ORs) were used to identify the number of ETI attempts in which the cumulative ETI success rate approached the overall ETI success rate. Results: Complete data were available for 1,941 cases. More than 30% of patients received more than one ETI attempt. For 1,272 cardiac arrest ETIs, cumulative success for the first three attempts were 69.9%, 84.9%, and 89.9%; cumulative success approached overall success (91.8%) after three attempts (OR, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61 to 1.04). For 463 conventional non-arrest ETIs, cumulative success for the first three attempts were 57.6%, 69.2%, and 72.7%; cumulative success approached overall success (73.7%) after two attempts (OR, 0.95; 95% CI = 0.71 to 1.28). For 126 sedation-facilitated ETIs, cumulative success for the first three attempts were 44.4%, 62.7%, and 75.4%; cumulative success approached overall success (77.0%) after three attempts (OR, 0.92; 95% CI = 0.51 to 1.64). For 80 rapid-sequence ETI, cumulative ETI success for the first three attempts were 56.3%, 81.3%, and 91.3%; cumulative success approached overall success (96.3%) after three attempts (OR, 0.41; 95% CI = 0.10 to 1.65). Conclusions: Out-of-hospital rescuers often require multiple attempts to accomplish ETI. A protocol limit of three attempts offers reasonable opportunity for accomplishing ETI within the constraints of the out-of-hospital environment.
Improvements in protein secondary structure prediction by an enhanced neural network

Computational neural networks have recently been used to predict the mapping between protein sequence and secondary structure. They have proven adequate for determining the first-order dependence between these two sets, but have, until now, been unable to garner higher-order information that helps determine secondary structure. By adding neural network units that detect periodicities in the input sequence, we have modestly increased the secondary structure prediction accuracy. The use of tertiary structural class causes a marked increase in accuracy. The best case prediction was 79% for the class of all-alpha proteins. A scheme for employing neural networks to validate and refine structural hypotheses is proposed. The operational difficulties of applying a learning algorithm to a dataset where sequence heterogeneity is under-represented and where local and global effects are inadequately partitioned are discussed.
Social vehicle navigation: integrating shared driving experience into vehicle navigation

In this paper, we propose a Social Vehicle Navigation system that integrates driver-provided information into a vehicle navigation system in order to calculate personalized routing. Our approach allows drivers registered into certain vehicle social network groups to share driving experiences with other drivers using voice tweets. These tweets are automatically aggregated into tweet digests for each social group based on location and destination. While listening to the tweet digests, a driver can instruct the social navigator to avoid or choose certain road segments in order to calculate a personalized route. We present our initial design along with a simple prototype implemented for the Android platform.
Contribution of STAT3 to the activation of survivin by GM-CSF in CD34+ cell lines.

Objective Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been shown to specifically stimulate proliferation of CD34 + hematopoietic progenitor cells. Although signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) is believed essential for transduction of GM-CSF–induced cell proliferation, the signaling mediated by STAT3 is not completely understood. Because survivin regulates cell proliferation and survival via its antiapoptotic function, we studied the link between STAT3 signaling and survivin expression in CD34 + cells. Methods GM-CSF–induced STAT3 and survivin expression in CD34 + cells was examined by Western blot assay. GM-CSF–activated survivin promoter activity was analyzed by gene transfection and reporter assays. The binding of STAT3 to the survivin promoter was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Western blotting and flow cytometry were utilized to test the effect of Janus family of tyrosine kinases (JAK) inhibitor and STAT3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) on cell apoptosis. Results We found that GM-CSF stimulates survivin promoter activity in CD34 + KG-1 cells, and STAT3 binds to the core survivin promoter containing a STAT response element TT(N) 5 AA at sites −264 to −256. Mutation or deletion of this STAT response element completely abolished the effects of GM-CSF on survivin promoter activity. Furthermore, addition of either JAK inhibitor or STAT3 siRNA was able to inhibit GM-CSF–induced survivin promoter activity and survivin expression. Inhibition of survivin by STAT3 siRNA or by withdrawal of GM-CSF in a GM-CSF–dependent, CD34 + line TF-1 decreased cell growth and increased apoptosis. Conclusion Altogether, our results suggest that survivin is a transcriptional target of STAT3, and that GM-CSF–stimulated CD34 + cell proliferation is regulated by the JAK/STAT3/survivin signaling pathway.
How Does Program Composition Affect the Revenues of Nonprofit Organizations?: Investigating a Benefits Theory of Nonprofit Finance

Nonprofit organizations draw financial support from multiple sources including contributions, earned income, government support, and returns on investment, but the source of variation in income portfolios is not well understood. The authors draw on a ‘‘benefits theory of nonprofit finance’’ to illuminate the relationship between the programs and services that a nonprofit provides and the sources from which it obtains income. The authors analyze detailed revenue and expenditure data from eighty-seven Jewish Community Centers, estimating models that show significant associations between expenditures on particular types of services and the sources of an organization’s revenue. Specifically, expenditures on services of a more private goods nature are associated with greater reliance on earned income while expenditures on services of a more public goods nature are associated with greater reliance on charitable sources. Results are potentially important for nonprofit management practice because they suggest clo...
A non-stationary multi-scale oscillating free boundary for the laplace and heat equations

The paper is concerned with the homogenization problem for the Poisson equation in a domain, a part of whose boundary varies in time and is rapidly oscillating in space at each time. Such a problem arises in growing semiconductor film, taking into account the fact that the surface of the film is changing in time by chemical vapor deposition, or by etching. We prove existence and uniqueness of the solution and establish its homogenizated approximation. We obtain an L ∞ estimate on the error between the free boundary and the homogenized boundary.
Biomechanical comparison of posterior and transforaminal interbody fusion constructs for the degenerative lumbar spine

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is an established technique that allows circumferential fusion of lumbar spine through a single incision. A variation of PLIF called transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) uses a posterior approach to the spine but accesses the disc space via a path that runs through the far lateral portion of the vertebral foramen. TLIF provides the surgeon with a fusion procedure that reduces many of the risks and limitations associated with PLIF. Like PLIF, TLIF is easily enhanced when combined with posterolateral fusion (PLF) and instrumentation. TLIF offers an advantage in that it is usually done via a unilateral approach preserving the facet joint and the interlaminar surface on the contralateral side [1]. It minimizes soft tissue stripping and neural element retraction compared to PLIF, while providing a single-stage circumferential fusion. This study compared the biomechanical performance of these two constructs in flexion, extension, and lateral bending under physiologic compressive preloads.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Human detection and ranging at long range and through light foliage using a w-band noise radar with an embedded tone

This paper describes a millimeter-wave (mm-wave) radar system that has been used to range humans concealed in light foliage at 30 meters and range exposed humans at distances up to 213 meters. Human micro-Doppler is also detected through light foliage at 30 meters and up to 90 meters when no foliage is present. This is done by utilizing a composite signal consisting of two waveforms: a wide-band noise waveform and a single tone. These waveforms are summed together and transmitted simultaneously. Matched filtering of the received and transmitted noise signals is performed to range targets with high resolution, while the received single tone signal is used for Doppler analysis. The Doppler measurements are used to distinguish between different human movements using characteristic micro-Doppler signals. Using hardware and software filters allows for simultaneous processing of both the noise and Doppler waveforms. Our measurements establish the mm-wave system's ability to range humans up to 213 meters and distinguish between different human movements at 90 meters. The radar system was also tested through light foliage. In this paper, we present results on human target ranging and Doppler characterization of human movements.
Power laws governing hydrology and carbon dynamics in northern peatlands

Abstract Environmental and biological variables fluctuate over different time scales. On the basis of power spectral analysis of 14 time series at four sites from northern peatlands (fens and raised bogs), the temporal variability of physical environment (temperatures, water tables) and biological variables (CO2 flux) shows power-law behaviour, with a scaling exponent ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5. The scaling exponents of air temperatures change from 1.5 at high frequency to 0.5 at low frequency, with a break point at diurnal period. Comparison with similar analysis of temperature data from climate stations suggests that the atmosphere above peatlands has more active heat exchange with waterlogged peatlands than with upland terrestrial ecosystems. Water tables from different peatlands show almost identical power spectra, with a scaling exponent of 1.0 over all time scales. CO2 exchange has more complex spectral structure, with two break points at daily and monthly periods. This spectral structure suggests scale-dependent influence of climatic and hydrological fluctuations on CO2 fluxes. CO2 flux responds to air temperature with a distinct diurnal spectral peak. These results indicate that time scales are important in discussing hydrology and carbon dynamics in peatlands, and that scaling up of short-term experimental results may be inadvisable. Further statistical analysis on drained and harvested peatlands would provide insights into understanding shift in peatland dynamics due to human disturbance.
A peek at PIAS

Members of the PIAS family can negatively regulate the cytokine-activated Jak-STAT pathway in vitro. One member of this family, PIAS1, is a nonredundant and physiologic regulator of certain STAT1-dependent interferon-induced genes.
Aerial surveys and tagging of free-drifting icebergs using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

Abstract Ship-based observations of free-drifting icebergs are hindered by the dangers of calving ice. To improve the efficacy and safety of these studies, new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were developed and then deployed in the Southern Ocean. These inexpensive UAVs were launched and recovered from a ship by scientific personal with a few weeks of flight training. The UAVs sent real-time video back to the ship, allowing researchers to observe conditions in regions of the icebergs not visible from the ship. In addition, the UAVs dropped newly developed global positioning system (GPS) tracking tags, permitting researchers to record the precise position of the icebergs over time. The position reports received from the tags show that the motion of free-drifting icebergs changes rapidly and is a complex combination of both translation and rotation.
A novel synthesis of pyrido[2,3-α]indolizine

The synthesis of a new pyridoindolizine, in particular, pyrido[2,3-α]indolizine, was carried out using 2-methyl-3-t-butoxycarbonyl-4-aminopyrrole as the starting material.
Evaluation of modified retinopathy of prematurity screening guidelines using birth weight as the sole inclusion criterion.

Purpose : The purpose was to determine if birth weight (BW) alone can be the sole criterion for screening infants at risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Materials and Methods : In this retrospective, observational case series, 208 infants were screened for ROP using the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) Guidelines (1997). Variables examined included gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), and a composite variable BWGA Index [(grams Χ weeks)/1000], which takes into consideration both the birth weight and gestational age of the infant. Infants were divided into two groups: Group 1, BW ≤1250 g, and Group 2, BW >1250 g. Multivariate analysis was performed to detect factors predictive of ROP. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the efficacy of screening using the BW, GA, and BWGA Index. Statistical analyses were performed with logistic regression with a P-value of 0.05 or less indicating statistical significance. Results : Varying stages of ROP were present in 116 of 416 eyes. Of the 105 eyes in Group 2, only 1 eye developed stage 1 ROP. Only Group 1 eyes developed stage 3 or higher ROP. The ROC curve for BW alone gave an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.797 (standard error [SE] = 0.0329, P Conclusion : Data from our neonatal intensive care unit suggest that birth weight ≤ 1250 g alone is an adequate parameter to identify premature infants at risk for ROP.
A Simplified Plastic Zone Method for Frame Analysis

: A methodology for the geometric and material nonlinear analysis of plane steel frames suitable for implementation in a microcomputer or personal computer platform is presented. The proposed procedure takes into consideration both geometric and material nonlinearities in its formulation. Geometric nonlinearity in the form of member and frame instabilities is accounted for by the use of pseudo-joint loads derived from the geometric stiffness matrix of the structure. Material nonlinearity in the form of cross-sectional plastification and progressive member yielding is accounted for by the use of a cross-sectional plastification model and the concept of effective member stiffness. Since both cross-sectional plastification and spread of yield along member length are considered in the analysis, the proposed approach is regarded as a plastic zone model. Unlike conventional plastic zone models in which intensive computations are required to obtain solutions, the proposed model employs simplified procedures by which spread of plasticity in the structural frame is accounted for in an approximate manner. Despite its simplicity, the proposed model gives reasonably accurate results when compared with other more rigorous approaches. To verify the applicability of the approach in predicting inelastic frame behavior, the proposed method was used to analyze a variety of frame structures. The results, expressed in terms of load-deflection responses, member forces, and moments, compared well with those obtained using other more elaborate inelastic analysis methods.
Thoracic epidural catheter in the management of a child with an anterior mediastinal mass: a case report and literature review

We describe a case of an anterior mediastinal mass compressing the right main bronchus that required a biopsy through a thoracotomy incision. The anesthetic management of these patients is associated with several risks and challenges, including potential airway compression and cardiovascular collapse. Inhalation induction and maintenance of spontaneous respiration is recommended to preserve normal transpulmonary pressure gradient and improve flow through conducting airways. We placed a thoracic epidural catheter under general anesthesia as the main analgesic technique in order to maintain spontaneous breathing. The use of regional anesthesia, especially continuous epidurals in pediatric cardiothoracic anesthesia have many theoretical advantages including attenuation of the neuroendocrine response, facilitation of rapid extubation and improved ventilatory mechanics secondary to decreased narcotic requirements. The absolute risk of nerve injury and epidural hematoma for this procedure is unknown and hard to define in this patient population. We reviewed multiple studies and case reports addressing its safety and reported side effects. Finally, we emphasize that a thoracic epidural anesthesia is a reasonable choice that can be applied carefully in special situations even for children under general anesthesia.
Disability and the Urban Environment: A Perspective on Los Angeles:

Increasingly, research on disability has been guided by a definition that focuses on the interaction between the individual and the environment and by a minority-group perspective based on the propositions that discriminatory attitudes are the primary source of the problems of disabled citizens, that the environment is shaped by public policy, and that policies reflect prevalent social attitudes and values. The implications of this approach for an analysis of the experience of disabled persons in Los Angeles are examined by assessing major characteristics of this urban area such as geographic dispersion, the absence of a sense of community, and the impact of pervasive standards of personal appearance. The investigation indicates a pressing need to provide increased accessibility for disabled residents to fulfill constitutional principles of freedom and equality.
The usability paradox of the human factors standard

One goal of a human factors design standard is to facilitate the development of consistent and usable systems. Ironically, human factors standards can plagued with the same issues that they are try...
Spectroelectrochemistry of a system involving two consecutive electron-transfer reactions

Cette etude developpe un modele mathematique permettant d'analyser les resultats experimentaux obtenus lors de l'etude par spectroelectrochimie, de reactions electrochimiques mettant en jeu plusieurs etapes de transfert electronique. Ce modele est testee en examinant le comportement par spectroelectrochimie de l'anion [Au III (squarate) 2 ] − dans un melange TEAP+DMF. L'electrode de travail est de l'or, la cellule electrochimique etant optiquement transparente. [Au III (squarate) 2 ] − donne lieu a deux processus redox centres sur le metal
Monitoring underground mining subsidence in South Indiana with C- and L-band InSAR technique

In the state of Indiana over 1500 million tons of coal were extracted from underground in the past 150 years. As a consequence, today many of the long-abandoned mines pose a serious risk to the local. When the abandoned mine shafts collapse, the ground above can drop as much as several feet along with everything on it. Thus it is essential for a long-term-wide-range monitoring technique to map the ground subsidence over the local mining area. In this study, we try to evaluate the mining area ground subsidence with interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technique, which is famous for its capability of wide-area and high-precision monitoring. Furthermore, for better understanding the ground motion with respect to difference RADAR frequencies, we use data with different wavelengths in this project, C-band and L-band respectively. The result shows that overall the monitored area were stable but we can still detect ground movements at the location of a few mining spots.
Bovine Plasma Protein Functions in Surimi Gelation Compared with Cysteine Protease Inhibitors

: The protease inhibitory activity of bovine plasma protein (BPP) and its gel strengthening effect on Pacific whiting surimi were compared with E-64 [L-trans-epoxysuccinylleucylamido (4-guanidio) butane], iodoacetic acid (IAA), and a recombinant soybean cystatin (RSC). In terms of inhibitory activity, as low as 1.2 mM E-64,37.7 mM IAA, or 17.9 mg RSC were equivalent to 1% BPP. To produce the same gel strength as the 1% BPP-treated surimi, 10 times that level of E-64 and RSC were required, while 100 times that level of IAA did not increase the gel stress as effectively. Thus, plasma contributed to enhanced gelation of Pacific whiting surimi by inhibition of fish protease and also by other gel-enhancing factors in the plasma.
Pulmonary Barotrauma and Related Events in Divers

Although pulmonary barotrauma (PBT) is a well-known clinical entity, its recognition in divers is sometimes delayed and its implications for future diving often are unappreciated. The pulmonary complications of diving activities range from mere discomfort from mediastinal emphysema or pneumothorax, or both, to life-threatening gas embolization. In nine cases described here, only minor manifestations were associated with PBT which occurred at or close to the surface, but three of these four divers were found to have abnormal pulmonary function. More serious manifestations resulted from PBT which took place at depths of 16 to 120 ft. Even minor forms of PBT should be considered a contraindication to further diving, since they are prone to recur. Such recurrences—even at shallow depths—may cause serious complications.
Looking at you: fused gyro and face tracking for viewing large imagery on mobile devices

We present a touch-free interface for viewing large imagery on mobile devices. In particular, we focus on viewing paradigms for 360 degree panoramas, parallax image sequences, and long multi-perspective panoramas. We describe a sensor fusion methodology that combines face tracking using a front-facing camera with gyroscope data to produce a robust signal that defines the viewer's 3D position relative to the display. The gyroscopic data provides both low-latency feedback and allows extrapolation of the face position beyond the the field-of-view of the front-facing camera. We also demonstrate a hybrid position and rate control that uses the viewer's 3D position to drive exploration of very large image spaces. We report on the efficacy of the hybrid control vs. position only control through a user study.
Believing that Intrusive Thoughts Can be Immoral Moderates the Relationship Between Obsessions and Compulsions for Shame-prone Individuals

This study tests explanations of why some people experience intrusive thoughts as problematic, and others experience them as benign. Six-hundred and ninety non-clinical participants completed questionnaires. Results provide support for the hypothesis that the interaction between three variables (i.e., shame-proneness, thought action fusion-morality beliefs and obsessions) predicts compulsions. The relationship between obsessions and compulsions was stronger as a function of shame-proneness and thought action fusion-morality beliefs, such that the highest levels of compulsions were found for those who had the highest levels on all three predictors. No support was found for the hypothesis that the relationship of these three predictors with compulsions is mediated by intrusion-related self-inferences, nor for the hypothesis that another interaction between three variables (i.e., guilt-proneness, TAF-likelihood beliefs, and obsessions) also predicts compulsions. These results are consistent with the ideas that shame and thought action fusion beliefs play a role in the development of obsessive compulsive disorders.
Testing for Parallelism Among Trends in Multiple Time Series

This paper considers the inference of trends in multiple, nonstationary time series. To test whether trends are parallel to each other, we use a parallelism index based on the L2 -distances between nonparametric trend estimators and their average. A central limit theorem is obtained for the test statistic and the test's consistency is established. We propose a simulation-based approximation to the distribution of the test statistic, which significantly improves upon the normal approximation. The test is also applied to devise a clustering algorithm. Finally, the finite-sample properties of the test are assessed through simulations and the test methodology is illustrated by a cell phone download data collected in the United States.
Effect of sodium cyanate on the seizure susceptibility of mice

Abstract The LD50 and median neurotoxic dose (as determined by impairment of rotarod performance) of sodium cyanate (NaOCN) were determined to be 278 and 155 mg/kg, ip, respectively. At doses of 38.75–155 mg/kg, NaOCN increased the susceptibility of mice to iv pentylenetetrazol-induced maximal seizures; the magnitude of this enhanced seizure susceptibility (15–47%) and its duration (5–60 min) were dose-dependent. Similarly, the two higher doses of NaOCN decreased the maximal electroshock seizure threshold 21–38%. Meclofenoxate pretreatment conferred a slight protection (12–14%) against cyanate potentiation of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. The oxygen affinity of hemoglobin was increased 6–10% by NaOCN, and P CO 2 values were elevated by 31–68%. The results of this study suggest that hypoxia may play a contributory role in cyanate-induced and potentiated seizure susceptibility in mice.
Resolution of seleno-amino acid optical isomers using chiral derivatization and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (ICP-MS) detection

This work describes the separation of the enantiomeric forms of Se-amino acids by reversed phase liquid chromatography following formation of the diastereomers using 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl-5-L-alanine amide (Marfey's reagent) as the derivatizing agent. Optimization of the chromatographic conditions by UV absorption at 340 nm (λmax for Marfey's derivatives) was possible. The final operating conditions involved the use of 50% (v/v) MeOH at pH 5.3 (acetic acid–sodium acetate), which provided a good separation of the diastereomers of Se-methionine within 26 min. Slight modification of the sample introduction system by on-line dilution (1∶4) of the chromatographic eluent using a PTFE tee piece was required for good performance of the ICP-MS. Final instrumental set-up involved the use of both detectors on-line (diode array and ICP-MS). Under these conditions, detection limits at the ppb level (11 ppb as Se in the Se-methionine diastereomer) using ICP-MS detection were obtained with negligible band broadening caused by the on-line dilution. The methodology was finally applied to the qualitative identification of D and L enantiomers in selenium nutritional supplements (selenized yeast and tablets) and a pharmaceutical preparation.
Geriatric dentistry: is there such a discipline?

Abstract— A definition of geriatric dentistry is presented in this paper. From this definition several specific groups of older persons such as the older adult, the frail elderly, and the functionally dependent elderly can be identified. Each group requires dental care and the dentist treating these patients requires knowledge and skills at different levels. Skills and training programmes for dentists wishing to treat geriatric patients are discussed.
Playing Their Roles Experiential Design Concepts Applied in Complex Services

With the increasing use of experience design with its theatrical ideas of scripting, staging, and other performing arts concepts in the service industry, the reaction of employees working in these ...
Neural network estimation of atmospheric profiles using AIRS/AMSU observations: Improved uncertainty assessments

Neural networks are developed for estimating the rms accuracy profiles of individual infrared and microwave atmospheric temperature and humidity profile retrievals, thus potentially significantly improving their assimilation into numerical weather prediction models. Currently most assimilation processes compute retrieval variances or error-covariance matrices as ensemble averages over diverse profiles, or simply flag problematic retrievals. Although retrieval accuracies vary considerable from profile to profile because of clouds, even in cloud-free cases they can differ markedly. The ability to estimate accurately the variances of individual profiles is one of the benefits of hyperspectral infrared and microwave sounding. The variance-estimating neural network was trained to estimate the logarithm of variance, which was then mapped to standard deviation. Examples utilizing AIRS/AMSU/HSB soundings [1] on the NASA Aqua satellite and those from a proposed hyperspectral microwave sounder [2], [3] show that when the predicted rms errors for a single altitude are stratified, they agree with the actual rms errors within perhaps ten percent of the dynamic range of the stratifications thus significantly improving the potential for accurately weighting soundings against model parameters during assimilation. Simple quality indicators using the new variance estimates also favorably compare to AIRS Level 2 Version 5 quality flags.
The Evolution of Tail Shape in Hummingbirds

ABSTRACT. The tail morphology of many birds is shaped by both natural and sexual selection. Models of tail aerodynamics predict that functions related to flight naturally select for moderately forked tail shapes, constraining the tendency of sexual selection to generate interspecific morphological diversity. Moreover, models predict that small birds will have low variation in tail morphology. Although hummingbirds (family Trochilidae) depend exclusively on flight for locomotion, the diversity of their tail morphology is among the greatest in all bird families. Hummingbird tail length exhibits positive allometry, scaling as approximately mass0.5, which causes tail surface area to scale as mass1.0. Forked tail morphology arises at least 26 times in the clade, and forked taxa tend to be sexually dimorphic, whereas species with graduated tails tend to be monomorphic. Small hummingbird species exhibit higher variation in tail morphology than large species. These results suggest that moderately forked tail morp...
Two Essential Ingredients: Phonics and Fluency Getting to Know Each Other.

Phonics and fluency have been identified as two essential elements in the effective teaching of reading. Although normally considered two distinct elements of the reading curriculum that are separate, through the use of rhyming poetry both phonics and fluency can be taught in a synergistic and authentic manner. In this article, the authors explore how the repeated reading and performing of rhyming poetry can help children learn to read words accurately, automatically, and with appropriate and meaningful expression. لقد تم تحديد الصوتيات والطلاقة كعنصرين أساسيين لدى تعليم القراءة الفعال. وبيد أن غالبا ما يعتبران عنصرين مختلفين من منهاج القراءة وهما منفصان عن بعضهما البعض فإن كلا الصوتيات والطلاقة يجوز تعليمهما من خلال شعر القافية بصورة تضافرية وأصلية. وفي هذه المقالة يستكشف المؤلفون كيف قراءة شعر القافية وأداءها المتكرران قد يساعد الأطفال في قراءة الكلمات بدقة وبتلقائي وبنبرة مناسبة ومعنوية. 语音拼读与流畅阅读已被确認为高效阅读教学中两个不可或缺的元素。虽然语音拼读与流畅阅读通常被视为两个截然不同的独立阅读教程元素，但透过押韵诗歌阅读教学，這两个教程元素不但可以同时教授，而且還会促使两者协同增效，更具真实性。本文作者探索重复朗读和表演押韵诗歌如何帮助儿童学习准确地、自动地朗读语词，并且配以适当的和有意义的表情。 La phonetique et la fluidite ont ete identifiees comme deux elements essentiels d'un enseignement efficace de la lecture. Quoiqu'elles soient considerees normalement comme des elements distincts et independants du programme de lecture, grâce a l'utilisation de la poesie rimee on peut enseigner en synergie et de facon authentique la phonetique et la fluidite. Dans cet article, l'auteur examine comment la lecture repetee et la pratique de la poesie rimee peuvent aider les enfants a lire les mots de facon exacte, automatique, et avec le sens et l'expression qui conviennent. Краеугольными камнями для успешного обучения чтению принято считать беглость чтения и умение соотносить звуковую оболочку слова с его написанием. Согласно учебному плану эти навыки обычно развиваются порознь, но их можно эффективно отрабатывать и вместе – благодаря рифмованным стихам, то есть на основе аутентичных текстов. В данной статье авторы исследуют, как перечитывание и декламация стихов наизусть помогают детям внимательно прочитывать слова, довести чтение до автоматизма и затем выразительно их декламировать. La fonetica y la fluidez han sido identificadas como dos elementos esenciales en la ensenanza efectiva de la lectura. Aunque generalmente se consideran dos elementos distintos en el curriculo de lectura, es posible ensenar tanto la fonetica como la fluidez de una forma sinergetica y autentica usando poesia que rima. En este articulo, los autores exploran como la lectura y la presentacion repetida de poesia que rima puede ayudar a los ninos a aprender a leer palabras precisamente, automaticamente, y con una expresion apropiada que hace sentido.
Lipoprotein-bound endotoxin exerts an immunomodulatory effect on hepatocytes through the lipid A domain of LPS.

Background: We have previously shown that chylomicron (CM)-bound lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhibits the host innate immune response by rendering hepatocytes tolerant to pro-inflammatory cytokine stimulation. However, LPS is a complex macromolecule containing both lipid and carbohydrate domains. We hypothesized that just as lipid A confers the toxicity of LPS, it is also responsible for the immunoregulatory effect on hepatocytes. Methods: We pretreated primary rat hepatocytes for 2 h with a series of CM-LPS complexes in which the endotoxin moiety varied in its structure and/or toxicity. Subsequently, the cells were stimulated with a mixture of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nitric oxide production was measured as an indicator of hepatocellular activation. Results: All pretreatments wherein the CM-bound complex contained the lipid A moiety readily inhibited the hepatocellular cytokine response, including CM bound to lipid A alone. In contrast, CM-LPS complexes containing detoxified LPS, which lacks the lipid A domain, had no effect on the hepatocellular response to cytokines. Conclusions: The lipid A domain of the LPS macromolecule is both sufficient and essential for the CM-mediated induction of cytokine tolerance in hepatocytes. However, this process is independent of the specific endotoxic activity of the lipid A moiety.
A quantum gravitational relaxation of the cosmological constant

Similar to QCD, general relativity has a {Theta} sector due to large diffeomorphisms. We make explicit, for the first time, that the gravitational CP violating {Theta} parameter is non-perturbatively related to the cosmological constant. A gravitational pseudoscalar coupling to massive fermions gives rise to general relativity from a topological B {Lambda} F theory through a chiral symmetry breaking mechanism. We show that a gravitational Peccei-Quinn like mechanism can dynamically relax the cosmological constant.
An extensible user interface for an object-oriented VLSI CAD framework

A user interface/view editor for a VLSI CAD database in an object-oriented framework called Cbase is described. The interface provides a platform for invoking and integrating diverse tools besides providing graphic capability for editing various views of the circuit. The object-oriented nature of Cbase leads to an adaptive and customizable user interface. The most important aspect of the user interface is its extensibility. New object types can be added to the system type hierarchy with practically no change to the user interface code. This is accomplished through judicious use of polymorphism and metainformation to avoid hard coding in the program. Another question addressed is whether or not a persistent data structure can support an interactive application such as a user interface. Performance figures for some typical user interface operations are presented. These figures reveal that the performance, though quite satisfactory for small-to-medium-size systems, may require close attention to object caching, clustering, and storage management for large circuits. >
T cells from lungs and livers of Francisella tularensis-immune mice control the growth of intracellular bacteria.

Parenteral and respiratory vaccinations with the intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis have been studied using the live vaccine strain (LVS) in a mouse model, and spleen cells from immune mice are often used for immunological studies. However, mechanisms of host immunological responses may be different in nonlymphoid organs that are important sites of infection, such as lung and liver. Using parenteral (intradermal) or respiratory (cloud aerosol) vaccination, here we examine the functions of resulting LVS-immune liver or lung cells, respectively. Surprisingly, LVS was considerably more virulent when administered by cloud aerosol than by intranasal instillation, suggesting method-dependent differences in initial localization and/or dissemination patterns. Only low doses were sublethal, and resolution of sublethal cloud aerosol infection was dependent on gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Nonetheless, survival of cloud aerosol or parenteral infection resulted in the development of a protective immune response against lethal LVS intraperitoneal or aerosol challenge, reflecting development of systemic secondary immunity in both cases. Such immunity was further detected by directly examining the functions of LVS-immune lung or liver lymphocytes in vitro. Lung lymphocytes primed by respiratory infection, as well as liver lymphocytes primed by parenteral infection, clearly controlled in vitro intracellular bacterial growth primarily via mechanisms that were not dependent on IFN-γ activity. Thus, our results indicate functional similarities between immune T cells residing in spleens, livers, and lungs of LVS-immune mice.
Cost recovery of municipal solid waste management in small cities of inland China.

Financial performance of waste management, the key for efficiency and sustainability, has rarely been studied in China, especially for small cities. Through questionnaires and interviews, we conduc...