cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pituitary glycoprotein hormone oligosaccharides: Structure, synthesis and function of the asparagine-linked oligosaccharides on lutropin, follitropin and thyrotropin

Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from pituitary and chorionic gonadotropin (CG) from placenta are a family of closely related glycoproteins. Each hormone is a heterodimer, consisting of an alpha- and a beta-subunit. Within an animal species, the alpha-subunits of all four glyco-protein hormones have an identical amino acid sequence, whereas each beta-subunit is distinct and confers hormone-specific features to the heterodimer. LH and FSH are synthesized within the same cell, the gonadotroph of the anterior pituitary, but are predominantly stored in separate secretory granules. We have characterized the asparagine-linked oligosaccharides on bovine, ovine and human LH, FSH and TSH. The various pituitary hormones were found to contain unique sulfated oligosaccharides with the terminal sequence SO4-4GalNAc beta 1----4GlcNAc beta 1----2Man alpha, sialylated oligosaccharides with the terminal sequence SA alpha Gal beta GlcNAc beta Man alpha, or both sulfated and sialylated structures. Despite synthesis of LH and FSH in the same pituitary cell, sulfated oligosaccharides predominate on LH while sialylated oligosaccharides predominate on FSH for all three animal species. We have examined the reactions leading to synthesis of the sulfated oligosaccharides to determine which steps are hormone specific. The sulfotransferase is oligosaccharide specific, requiring only the sequence GalNAc beta 1----4GlcNAc beta 1----2Man alpha. In contrast, the GalNAc-transferase appears to be protein specific, accounting for the preferential addition of GalNAc to LH, TSH, and free (uncombined) alpha-subunits compared with FSH and other pituitary glycoproteins. The predominance of sulfated oligosaccharide structures on LH may account for sorting of LH and FSH into separate secretory granules. Differences in sulfation and sialylation of LH, FSH and TSH may also play a role in the regulation of hormone bioactivity.
Merge2-3D: Combining Multiple Normal Maps with 3D Surfaces

We propose an approach to enhance rough 3D geometry with fine details obtained from multiple normal maps. We begin with unaligned 2D normal maps and rough geometry, and automatically optimize the alignments through 2-step iterative registration algorithm. We then map the normals onto the surface, correcting and seamlessly blending them together. Finally, we optimize the geometry to produce high-quality 3D models that incorporate the high-frequency details from the normal maps. We demonstrate that our algorithm improves upon the results produced by some well-known algorithms: Poisson surface reconstruction [1] and the algorithm proposed by Nehab et al. [2].
Skin blood flow abnormalities in diabetic dermopathy

Background Diabetic dermopathy is the most common specific cutaneous finding in diabetes. Objective Using laser Doppler technology, we tested the hypothesis that diabetic dermopathy arises from abnormal local skin blood flow. Methods We measured cutaneous blood flow in patients with type 1 diabetes without dermopathy and compared values with those in a control group of patients with type 1 diabetes without diabetic dermopathy and in a nondiabetic group. We measured at 3 separate sites on the pretibial area on the legs of each participant, at dermopathy lesions, and at a number of standard sites on the upper and lower extremities. Results We studied 25 patients with diabetes and diabetic dermopathy, average age 51 ± 2 years, mean duration of diabetes 28 ± 3 years. In all, 58 patients with type 1 diabetes without diabetic dermopathy served as control patients, average age 41 ± 2 years, mean duration of diabetes 23 ± 2 years. There were 67 nondiabetic control subjects, average age 47 ± 3 years. The patients with diabetic dermopathy showed a marked reduction in skin blood flow at 35°C at normal-appearing skin areas on the pretibial surface of the legs (1.1 ± 0.1 mL/min/100 g) compared with 1.7 ± 0.1 mL/min/100 g ( P = .01) in the type 1 diabetic control group and 2.1 ± 0.3 mL/min/100 g ( P Limitations Our diabetic dermopathy patients were somewhat older than the control type 1 diabetes subjects, but were of comparable age to the nondiabetic subjects. Conclusions These results suggest that patients susceptible to diabetic dermopathy have a functional abnormality in blood flow leading to this scarring process.
Superselection rule for magnetic charges and the search for magnetic monopoles

Abstract We show that (a) one can construct a quantum mechanics of particles with electric and pseudoscalar magnetic charges in which parity and time reversal are conserved, (b) in a chiral invariant and parity invariant theory there is no superselection rule for magnetic charges, (c) the states which are superpositions of positive and negative magnetic charges, ∣ g〉 ± ∣ -g〉, in which the expectation value of the magnetic charge vanishes, cannot be split in electromagnetic interactions by energy measurements. The hypothesis that magnetic charges occur in the superpositions ∣ +g 〉 ± ∣ -g 〉 can possibly be tested.
Innate immune detection of bacterial virulence factors via the NLRC4 inflammasome

Introduction Cytokine production by innate immune cells is initiated by signaling downstream of pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors.
Enhancement of the vibration stability of a microdiffraction goniometer.

High-precision instrumentation, such as that for x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and other optical micropositioning systems, requires the stability that comes from vibration-isolated support structures. Structure-born vibrations impede the acquisition of accurate experimental data through such high-precision instruments. At the Advanced Photon Source, a multiaxis goniometer is installed in the 2-ID-D station for synchrotron microdiffraction investigations. However, ground vibration can excite the kinematic movements of the goniometer linkages, resulting in critically contaminated experimental data. In this paper, the vibration behavior of the goniometer has been considered. Experimental vibration measurements were conducted to define the present vibration levels and determine the threshold sensitivity of the equipment. In addition, experimental modal tests were conducted and used to guide an analytical finite element analysis. Both results were used for finding the best way to reduce the vibration levels and to develop a vibration damping/isolation structure for the 2-ID-D goniometer. The device that was designed and tested could be used to reduce local vibration levels for the vibration isolation of similar high-precision instruments.
COMFY—comfortable set of control primitives for machine language programming

Structured programming advocates the elimination of the GOTO from the set of primitives for a computer language. Yet at the machine language level, almost all machines offer only the conditional or unconditional branch as the basic control primitive. Vaughan Pratt has suggested using instead pseudo-non-deterministic programming (as well as the COMFY name). We present a new set of machine language control primitives based on Pratt's suggestion which are simpler to implement than if-then-else and do-while and are more flexible at the same time. The machine language implementation of these primitives requires nothing more complicated than a stack; the size of the stack needed (exclusive of programmer-defined subroutine control points) is O(d), where d is the operator depth of the program. This is much less space and machine complexity than would be required for a true backtracking control structure. The user can emulate if-then-else, do-while, repeat-until, etc., with macros using these primitives if he so desires.
Implementing a New Regime of Stable Maritime Zones to Ensure the (Economic) Survival of Small Island States Threatened by Sea-Level Rise

Some low-lying small island states are in danger of being rendered uninhabitable or even completely submerged by climate change-induced sea-level rise. However, even before their physical destruction, the socio-economic viability of small island states might be compromised by the current design of the law of the sea which provides for ambulatory baselines and maritime limits and thus the shrinking of maritime zones with sea-level rise. This article examines the legal avenues open to small island and other interested states to permanently fix their maritime zones. Concluding that unilateral strategies are inadequate, it proposes the adoption of coordinated responses such as an Implementation Agreement on Sea-Level Rise or a UN General Assembly resolution on stable maritime zones and explores the precedential basis, scope and possible content of these collective implementation mechanisms for a new regime of stable maritime zones.
Review Paper: Human factors of stereo displays: An update

— This updated review paper provides a selected review of a number of important perceptual and human-factors issues that arise when stereo displays are designed and used. This review and analysis draws heavily from the basic vision literature in order to help provide insight for future design solutions for stereo displays. Issues discussed include: (1) the basics of human stereopsis (horopter, binocular disparity, binocular rivalry); (2) low-level factors (interocular cross talk, interocular differences in luminance and contrast, accommodation-vergence mismatch, stereoanomaly); (3) contextual factors (spatio-temporal frequency effects, distance scaling of disparity); and (4) a high-level cognitive factor (high-level cue conflict). In this updated review, significant new material has been added: (1) interocular luminance and contrast differences and their effect on stereo viewing; (2) more insightful discussion of accommodative-vergence mismatch; (3) high-level cognitive factor. Two topics in the earlier review (visual pathways; dark focus and dark vergence) have been deleted. The paper concludes with the presentation of several recommendations for the design of stereo displays.
Good treatment outcomes in late-life depression with comorbid anxiety.

Background: Late-life depression studies have found that comorbid anxiety, as a symptom or comorbid disorder, is associated with poorer treatment response and increased likelihood of dropout. This study evaluated the impact of comorbid anxiety on response, dropouts, and side effects, in elderly subjects treated for depression. Methods: We analyzed data from a 12-week trial comparing nortriptyline and paroxetine in 116 patients aged 60 and older with depression. Subjects classified as having anxious depression were compared to those with nonanxious depression in terms of treatment response rate, time to response, dropout rate, and early side effects. The analysis was replicated with another study, in which 125 subjects aged 69 and older were treated openly with paroxetine and interpersonal psychotherapy. Results: Anxious and nonanxious groups did not differ in terms of response rates, time to response, dropout rates, or time to dropout. Side effects declined more quickly and more significantly in the anxious group than in the nonanxious group. Limitations: Subjects were treated in a specialty mental health setting, and the findings may not apply in other settings. Conclusions: We found no association between comorbid anxiety and a poorer prognosis during acute treatment of late-life depression. For elderly patients with anxious depression, standardized treatment in the mental health sector is associated with a good response.
Calcium carbonate saturation in northeastern pacific:in situ determination and geochemical implications

Abstract In situ measurements by calcite and aragonite saturometry in the intermediate waters of the northeastern Pacific, indicate that these waters are close to saturation with respect to calcite. It is proposed that the carbonate compensation depth in this region is mainly controlled by the degree of carbonate saturation of ocean waters. If this suggestion is correct, then the carbonate compensation depth can be shown to be directly related to the alkalinity and nutrient cycles in the oceans. Three independent factors seem to control the depth of carbonate compensation: bottom topography, nutrient recycling rate (oceanic mixing) and a dependency factor relating biogenic CaCO 3 production to nutrient availability.
Surgical management of intracranial arachnoid cysts: clinical and radiological outcome.

AIM Intracranial arachnoid cysts account for 1% of all intracranial mass lesions and may require drainage if symptomatic. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 45 consecutive patients who underwent surgical drainage for symptomatic intracranial cysts at our institution from January 2000 to January 2010. The average age of our patients was 36.2 years; 26 were female and 19 were males. The most common symptoms included headaches (73.3%) and dizziness (35.6%). RESULTS Cyst wall fenestration was carried out in 29 (64.4%), Cystoperitoneal shunting in 6 (13.3%) and endoscopic fenestration and stealth guided craniotomy in 5 patients each (11.1%). Seven patients had perioperative complications, and on discharge 79.1% of all patients had partial or complete clinical relief and 85.7% showed radiological decompression. A maximum cyst dimension of more than 5.0 cm was significantly associated with worse outcome at discharge (p=0.02). There was no association between post-operative size cyst decompression and resolution of clinical symptoms. The clinical and radiological outcomes were comparable between different surgical methods. CONCLUSION There was no difference in the outcomes between different modalities. The extent of post-operative radiological reduction had no correlation with clinical outcomes, and should be assessed in relation to the patient's clinical status.
Superconductivity in the CuAl2 (C16) crystal class

Several superconducting compounds are found in the CuAl/sub 2/ (C16) crystal class, indicating that this structure is among those favorable to the occurrence of superconductivity. The compounds include AuPb/sub 2/ (Tc = 4.42 deg K), PdPb/sub 2/ (T/sub c/ =2.95 deg K), RhPb/sub 2/ (T/sub c/ =2.66 deg K) and AgIn/sub 2/ (t/sub c/= 2.30 to 2.46 deg K). In addition, two compounds related to the C16 class are found to be superconducting, viz. AuSn/sub 4/ (T/ sub c/ = 2.38 deg K) and PtPb/sub 4/ (T = 2.80 deg K). (auth)
Nuclear β-globin RNA transcripts initiated in vitro with γ-thio nucleoside triphosphate

We have been able to obtain significant levels of apparently in vitro-initiated β-globin transcripts from isolated nuclei using mouse Friend cells. The level of hybrid selected β-globin transcripts was increased 3–9-fold in nuclei after the cells were induced with dimethylsulfoxide. The newly initiated transcripts were detected through incorporation of γ-thio ATP and isolation by Hg-agarose chromatography. The 5′-terminus was identified by recovery of the thio tetraphosphate in hydrolysis products from in vitro initiated RNA using γ-35S ATP.
Changes in dopamine and DOPAC following systemic administration of apomorphine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylamino-2-imidazoline (DPI) in rats

Rats were injected systemically with either saline, apomorphine, or one of four doses of DPI (3,4-dihydroxyphenylamino-2-imidazoline) and the levels of dopamine and DOPAC determined in the nucleus accumbens and the caudate regions. DPI reduced dopamine and DOPAC levels in the nucleus accumbens, while apomorphine did not. On the other hand, apomorphine reduced the levels of dopamine and DOPAC in the caudate but not the nucleus accumbens. DPI largely was without effect in the caudate. The results are discussed in terms of possible specificity of the two dopamine agonists in the two forebrain regions.
Micellar desorption of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated soil

Abstract Efficacious application of in situ surfactant-aided biodegradation for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds requires a sound understanding of the behavior of surfactants in these systems. We investigated the desorption of PAH compounds from an aged soil at a former manufactured gas plant site with Alfonic 1412-7, a nonionic alkyl ethoxylate surfactant. When concentrations of Alfonic were lower than twice the critical micelle concentration, PAH desorption was negligible. This was attributed to the sorption of the surfactant to the soil. At higher concentrations, Alfonic significantly enhanced the extent and rate of release of PAH compounds from the soil implying that mechanisms that increased matrix diffusivities in addition to micellar sinks may be operational. Evidence for soil organic matter desorption was also demonstrated.
Three-dimensional asymptotic stress field in the vicinity of the circumference of a penny shaped discontinuity

Abstract An eigenfunction expansion method is presented to obtain three-dimensional asymptotic stress fields in the vicinity of the front of a penny shaped discontinuity, e.g., crack, anticrack (infinitely rigid lamella), etc., subjected to the far-field torsion (mode III), extension/bending (mode I) and sliding shear/twisting (mode II) loadings. Five different discontinuity-surface boundary conditions are considered: (i) penny shaped crack, (ii) penny shaped anticrack or perfectly bonded thin rigid inclusion, (iii) penny shaped thin transversely rigid inclusion (frictionless planar slip permitted), (iv) penny shaped thin rigid inclusion in part perfectly bonded, the remainder with frictionless slip, and (v) penny shaped thin rigid inclusion alongside penny shaped crack. The computed stress singularity for a penny shaped anticrack is the same as that of the corresponding crack. The main difference is, however, that all the stress components at the circular tip of an anticrack depend on Poisson’s ratio under modes I and II.
Where It's At

In the “Schrodinger's Cat” experiment (Letters, [16 Aug., p. 859][1]) Schrodinger undoubtedly chose a cat as the subject because the experiment can be repeated many times with both negative and positive results, that is, until the final experiment when Schrodinger's CatDoesn't know where it's
AT2 bounds for a class of VLSI problems and string matching

We present a class of boolean functions which have regional mappings, a generalization of the transitivity property defined in [12]. We prove that all transitive problems have regional mappings, as do a variety of interesting computational problems such as merging two sorted lists of arbitrary length, generalized integer multiplication and matrix-vector products. We present a general area-time lower bound for VLSI implementations of problems with regional mappings and confirm that the lower bound matches the previously known bound for transitive problems. For generalized integer multiplication, we present a custom VLSI implementation which provides a matching upper bound. The results improve AT2 bounds on a number of open problems.In related work, we consider the problem of finding occurrences of a P-bit pattern in an N-bit text string. We show that every chip capable of solving this string matching problem requires AT2 = O(PN). A custom VLSI design, using an idea similar to that used for generalized integer multiplication, provides a matching upper bound when N is polynomial in P.
Entry science experiments for Viking 1975.

A review is given of our present knowledge of the Martian atmosphere with special emphasis on the results obtained by the Mariner 4, 6 and 7 fly-bys. The Viking Project offers the first opportunity for in situ measurements which should resolve many questions left open by previous work. A description is given of the neutral gas mass spectrometer and retarding potential analyzer experiments to be performed as the lander enters the upper atmosphere and the experiments planned for determining atmospheric structure as the lander approaches the surface of the planet.
Coronary bypass for diabetic heart patients

SUMMARY A literature search for clinical trials evaluating the role of bypass surgery for revascularization of diabetics with significant coronary artery disease that reported results in that past 4 years was undertaken. Six clinical trials were identified that recently reported intermediate to long-term outcomes of coronary bypass in diabetic patients. Three studies were conducted exclusively in diabetics, while three represent subset analyses of larger trials. Two meta-analyses of the clinical trial data and several large database studies have been reported in the past few years as well. We will review the major findings of these studies and the implication of their findings for clinical practice. We will also identify areas where persistent uncertainty remains.
Theorems and implications of a model-independent elimination/distribution function decomposition of linear and some nonlinear drug dispositions. III. Peripheral bioavailability and distribution time concepts applied to the evaluation of distribution kinetics.

Disposition decomposition analysis (DDA) is applied to evaluate the rate and extent of drug delivery from the sampling compartment to the peripheral system, i.e., peripheral bioavailability. Four parameters are introduced which are useful in quantifying peripheral bioavailability. The compounded peripheral bioavailability, Fcomp,is the ratio between the total compounded amount of drug transferred to the peripheral system and the injected dose, D.The AUCperipheral bioavailability, FAUC,is the ratio between the area under the amount vs.time curves for the peripheral system and the sampling compartment. The distribution time td,is the time following an i.v. bolus at which the net transfer of drug to the peripheral system reverses in direction. The maximum peripheral bioavailability, Fmax,is the maximum fraction of an i.v. bolus dose that is present in the peripheral system at any one time. Equations are derived which permit estimation of those parameters from drug concentrations in the sampling compartment. Simple algorithms and a computer program are provided for estimating Fcomp, FAUC, td, Fmax,and other parameters relevant to DDA for drugs that exhibit a linear polyexponential bolus response. Estimates of Ecomp, FAUC, td,are presented for several drugs.
Experimental demonstration of the relationship between the second- and third-order polarizabilities of conjugated donor-acceptor molecules

The dependence of the second- and third-order polarizabilities ((beta) and (gamma) ) on ground-state polarization was measured for a series of donor-acceptor polyenes using electric field induced second harmonic generation and third harmonic generation, respectively. The changes in ground-state polarization, associated with the donor/acceptor strength or solvent polarity, were probed by x-ray crystallography, 1H-NMR, electronic absorption, and Raman spectroscopies. The observed behavior of (beta) and (gamma) as a function of ground- state polarization agrees well with theoretical predictions. In particular, positive and negative peaks, as well as sign changes, were observed for both (beta) and (gamma) . The dependences for (beta) and (gamma) are consistent with a derivative relationship between them. In addition, the third-order polarizability of a series of molecules possessing zero bond length alternation was found to be negative, in agreement with predictions based on the relationship between the polarizabilities and ground-state geometry.
A Reexamination of William Cobbett's Opinions of Thomas Paine

IN 1817, William Cobbett, then at the height of his influence as a publisher and proponent of political reform, made his second trip to the United States. He voluntarily exiled himself in order to avoid what he felt would be certain prosecution following the passage of the "gagging" acts aimed at silencing critics of the Liverpool ministry. Cobbett's Political Register, published from 1802 to 1835, was a popular paper which more and more called for reform of the governmental "system" which he had come to regard as corrupt and repressive. Before returning to his homeland in 1819, he disinterred the body of Thomas Paine and shipped it to England where he was unsuccessful in his attempt to raise money for a lasting memorial. By examining Cobbett's puzzling personality through the narrow topic of his lifelong preoccupation with Paine/ some insight may be gained which will dispel the erroneous conclusion that Cobbett was moved by sincere feelings of devotion and respect for "Old Common Sense." William Cobbett and Thomas Paine were contemporaries, both of whom became renowned for their expertise as pamphleteers. There is no evidence that they ever corresponded, and they certainly never met though they were in England and France at the same time for brief periods from November of 1791 to September of 1792.2 They were both born in England ; Cobbett the son of a tavern-keeper in Surrey ; and Paine the son of a staymaker in Norfolk. Both died at the age of 72. Their lives became curiously intertwined by the times
Designing robots with movement in mind

This paper makes the case for designing interactive robots with their expressive movement in mind. As people are highly sensitive to physical movement and spatiotemporal affordances, well-designed robot motion can communicate, engage, and offer dynamic possibilities beyond the machines' surface appearance or pragmatic motion paths. We present techniques for movement centric design, including character animation sketches, video prototyping, interactive movement explorations, Wizard of Oz studies, and skeletal prototypes. To illustrate our design approach, we discuss four case studies: a social head for a robotic musician, a robotic speaker dock listening companion, a desktop telepresence robot, and a service robot performing assistive and communicative tasks. We then relate our approach to the design of non-anthropomorphic robots and robotic objects, a design strategy that could facilitate the feasibility of real-world human-robot interaction.
The Effects of Training Experienced Teachers in Enthusiasm on Students' Attitudes toward Reading.

The purpose of this study was to determine if enthusiasm training would increase levels of observable enthusiasm in experienced teachers, and if this training would result in a change in students’ attitudes toward reading. Nineteen teachers were randomly assigned to the experimental group (N=10) and the control group (N=9). Both groups were pretested and posttested by video taping teachers presenting a 20 minute reading skills lesson and giving their students a reading attitudes survey. The experimental group of teachers received enthusiasm training from the researcher. The results indicated that enthusiasm training was significant in increasing levels of teacher enthusiasm for the experimental group teachers, and this training also had a significant effect on changes in students' attitudes toward reading.
Explaining Change in Science

Philosophical theories of scientific change abound and, for the most part, they have one thing in common: they are theories of rational justification for changing scientific theories. That is, they are not about science per se, where science is construed as a social process whose main activity is the generation and testing of ideas about the composition and structure of the material universe. The kinds of theories of scientific change I have in mind are exemplified by the work of Popper (1959), Lakatos (1970), Kuhn (1962), and Laudan (1977).
Energy and Surveillance Quality Sensitive Scheduling Scheme for Composite Event Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks

Event surveillance especially the composite event surveillance is a crucial task for wireless sensor networks applications. However, sensor nodes are vulnerable by harsh environmental conditions, which cause sensor nodes fallibility and affect the quality of surveillance. In order to improve the surveillance quality of composite event, one straightforward method is to increase the number of wake-up nodes in event surveillance, but this result in an immense consumption of precious energy. This paper focuses on improving surveillance quality of composite event in an energy-efficient manner. We use a three-layer statistically reliability model (StaR) to quantify the surveillance quality of composite event. Given the detection quality parameter and a k-out-of-n voting strategy, StaR-based scheduling scheme can dynamically schedule the nodes' states within a composite event detection group, i.e., inactivate low detection reliability node and activate high detection reliability node, to satisfy the user-defined composite event detection quality and realize energy conservation meanwhile.
Use of stress-testing modalities after angioplasty or bypass

Primary care clinicians care for many patients whose status is either post-percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or postcoronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Although many primary care clinicians defer to a cardiologist, they ofen handle these patients themselves. At the least, the primary care clinicians are handling these patients in the interim between their annual exams with the cardiologist. Controversy surrounds which exercise-testing modality is best after PTCA and CABG. This controversy is about what is the ”right” test. This review discusses what direction post-PTCA and post-CABG testing might take. The reader is advised to keep checking the literature for updates and especially for a larger prospective trial that would dictate which test to perform. WHICH TEST? This article will concern itself with testing modalities used after PTCA and CABG. There are many issues regarding the diagnostic accuracy, choice of test, timing, and which test is best after the revascularization procedures. Some authors only deal with patients who have recurrent chest pains after these procedures:’, 55 whereas others suggest a pre-PTCA exercise test (with- or without radionuclides) and then an elective exercise test after PTCA, sometimes with the use of a exercise thallium st~dy.5~ This is just an example of the complexity of approaching these testing-modality recommendations.
RTSL: a Ray Tracing Shading Language

We present a new domain-specific programming language suitable for extending both interactive and non-interactive ray tracing systems. This language, called ldquoray tracing shading languagerdquo (RTSL), builds on the GLSL language that is a part of the OpenGL specification and familiar to GPU programmers. This language allows a programmer to implement new cameras, primitives, textures, lights, and materials that can be used in multiple rendering systems. RTSL presents a single-ray interface that is easy to program for novice programmers. Through an advanced compiler, packet- based SIMD-optimized code can be generated that is performance competitive with hand-optimized code. This language and compiler combination allows sophisticated primitives, materials and textures to realize the performance gains possible by SIMD and ray packets without the low-level programming burden. In addition to the packet-based Manta system, the compiler targets two additional rendering systems to exercise this flexibility: the PBRT system and the batch Monte Carlo renderer Galileo.
Implicit model checking of logic‐based control systems

Increasing automation in the CPI has led to the growing use of logic-based control systems (or safety interlock systems) in safety-related and sequencing operations. The growing complexity and safety-critical nature of typical applications make developing technologies for the formal verification of logic-based control systems with respect to their functionality a crucial and urgent issue. It still remains elusive to analysis, primarily due to the exponential growth of the alternatives that must be examined with application size. Implicit model checking is a formal verification technology that can be applied to the verification of large-scale logic-based control system. Its primary advantage is to formally verify large-scale coupled systems, where a novel and compact model formulation makes tractable previously inaccessible problems. Logic-based control systems are represented compactly as an implicit Boolean state-space model, and the properties to be verified are represented in the language of temporal logic. Verification is posed as a Boolean satisfiability problem and then transformed into its equivalent integer programming feasibility problem, which allows for efficient solution with standard branch-and-bound algorithms. Benefits of the methodology are demonstrated by applying to largescale industrial examples.
Structural gene (prME) chimeras of St Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus exhibit altered in vitro cytopathic and growth phenotypes

Despite utilizing the same avian hosts and mosquito vectors, St Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) display dissimilar vector-infectivity and vertebrate-pathogenic phenotypes. SLEV exhibits a low oral infection threshold for Culex mosquito vectors and is avirulent in avian hosts, producing low-magnitude viraemias. In contrast, WNV is less orally infective to mosquitoes and elicits high-magnitude viraemias in a wide range of avian species. In order to identify the genetic determinants of these different phenotypes and to assess the utility of mosquito and vertebrate cell lines for recapitulating in vivo differences observed between these viruses, reciprocal WNV and SLEV pre-membrane and envelope protein (prME) chimeric viruses were generated and growth of these mutant viruses was characterized in mammalian (Vero), avian (duck) and mosquito [Aedes (C6/36) and Culex (CT)] cells. In both vertebrate lines, WNV grew to 100-fold higher titres than SLEV, and growth and cytopathogenicity phenotypes, determined by chimeric phenotypes, were modulated by genetic elements outside the prME gene region. Both chimeras exhibited distinctive growth patterns from those of SLEV in C6/36 cells, indicating the role of both structural and non-structural gene regions for growth in this cell line. In contrast, growth of chimeric viruses was indistinguishable from that of virus containing homologous prME genes in CT cells, indicating that structural genetic elements could specifically dictate growth differences of these viruses in relevant vectors. These data provide genetic insight into divergent enzootic maintenance strategies that could also be useful for the assessment of emergence mechanisms of closely related flaviviruses.
TeV scale superstring and extra dimensions

Utilizing the idea of extra large dimensions, it has been suggested that the gauge and gravity couplings unification can happen at a scale as low as 1 TeV. In this paper, we explore this phenomenological possibility within string theory. In particular, we discuss how the proton decay bound can be satisfied in type I string theory. The string picture also suggests different scenarios of gauge and gravitational couplings unification. The various scenarios are explicitly illustrated with a specific 4-dimensional $\mathcal{N}=1$ supersymmetric chiral type I string model with Pati-Salam-like gauge symmetry and 3 fermion families. We point out certain features that should be generic in other type I strings.
Real-time digital video watermarking

We present method that uses digital video watermarking as a real-time authenticator in a video stream. The proposed scheme uses the Hadamard transform as the spreading transform for the key, hence very fast coding and decoding of the the imperceptible watermark is realized. This in turn, can serve to verify the source of a digital frame in real-time.
Grandmother Coresidence, Maternal Orphans, and School Enrollment in Sub-Saharan Africa

The HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa has brought renewed attention to the role of grandmothers as caregivers of children. Using 2004 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey data, the authors examine the relationship between coresidence with a grandmother and child schooling in Lesotho, a country with one of the highest rates of HIV infection. Results confirm the critical role grandmothers play in the event of maternal death. Maternal orphans who live with a grandmother are just as likely to be in school as children living with a mother. The protective effect of living with a grandmother is also important for children whose mothers are alive but not affiliated with their households. The results of the analysis underscore the importance of attending to the simultaneous presence of mothers and grandmothers, as well as the circumstances associated with mother absence, when assessing the relationship between grandmother coresidence and child outcomes.
Iron-Formations: Facts and Problems

This book is similar in format to Precambrian Iron-Formations of the World, published in 1973 as a special issue of Economic Geology (vol. 68, no. 7). Both have 16 papers and begin with descriptions of iron formations or iron districts followed by topical papers on various aspects o f the iron formation problem. New basic data on Precambrian iron bearing and associated rocks has continued to accumulate since 1973, and the present volume admirably fills the need to compile this widespread information and to reexamine these enigmatic rocks in the light of new discoveries.
Efficient selection of image patches with high motion confidence

Motion confidence measures aim to identify how well an image patch determines image motion. These kinds of confidence measures are commonly used to select points for optical flow estimation and feature tracking. The brute force approach of computing confidence for every image patch is inefficient, especially when the patches are large. The faster approach of computing confidence for a regular grid of patches is sub-optimal; good patches may be missed because they straddle grid boundaries. We present a new algorithm that efficiently selects globally optimal patches. Our primary innovation is the use of confidence bounds to identify image regions that should be explored by a queue-based search algorithm.
Mechanical model for single thrust sheets Part I: Taxonomy of crystalline thrust sheets and their relationships to the mechanical behavior of erogenic belts

Crystalline thrust sheets (CTS) are those partially or wholly composed of metamorphic and/or igneous rocks. They have been known for more than a century. We have recognized several types: (1) thin-skinned, basement-cover sheets; (2) ophiolites; (3) tectonic slides; (4) basement uplifts; and (5) composite thrust sheets. The overthrust index ratio , B, may be obtained by dividing the total estimated displacement on CTS by the distance from the 0-mgal contour on the prominent gravity gradient in an orogen to the last thrust in the foreland. A fundamental property of CTS is that the largest crystalline thrust sheet is always larger than the largest foreland thrust sheet in the same orogen ; this property is doubtlessly related to then- relative strengths. Because they generally contain no pre-existing, subhorizontal weak zones, CTS are probably generated within the ductile-brittle transition zone. Thicknesses of CTS are thus determined by the geo-thermal gradient and crustal lithology. A mechanical model primarily for types 1,2, and 5 CTS relates cross-strike width (x) of thrust sheets to the compressive stress (σ c ), friction (τ B ), and dip (α) of the basal thrust; thickness of the thrust sheet at the hinter end (t); and average thickness (t). The model, based upon an energy conservation argument, predicts x = σc t /(τ B + g¯ρ;α¯t) where g is gravity (980 gal) and ρ is average density of the allochthonous mass. This equation can be used to relate data from ancient, deeply eroded orogens to processes that were active during emplacement of CTS. For observed widths and thickness, the model requires emplacement of composite (type 5) thrust sheets by tectonic compression (σ c ∼50 MPa) and low-friction thrusts (τ B B ≃ 50 MPa).
Relationship of diet to risk of colorectal adenoma in men.

Background Rates of colorectal cancer in various countries are strongly correlated with per-capita consumption of red meat and animal fat and inversely associated with fiber consumption. There have been few studies, however, of dietary risk factors for colorectal adenomas, which are precursors of cancer. Purpose Our purpose was to determine prospectively the relationship between dietary factors and risk of colorectal adenomas. Methods Using data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, we documented 170 cases of adenomas of the left colon or rectum in 7284 male health professionals who completed a food-frequency questionnaire in 1986 and who had a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy between 1986 and 1988. Relative risk (RR) of adenoma was determined according to quintiles of nutrient intakes. Results After adjustment for total energy intake, saturated fat was positively associated with risk of colorectal adenoma (P for trend = .006); RR for the highest versus the lowest quintile of intake was 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-3.2). Dietary fiber was inversely associated with risk of adenoma (P for trend less than .0001); RR for men in the highest versus the lowest quintile was 0.36 (95% CI = 0.22-0.60). All sources of fiber (vegetables, fruits, and grains) were associated with decreased risk of adenoma. For subjects on a high-saturated fat, low-fiber diet, the RR was 3.7 (95% CI = 1.5-8.8) compared with those on a low-saturated fat, high-fiber diet. The ratio of the intake of red meat to the intake of chicken and fish was positively associated with risk of adenoma (P for trend = .02). Conclusions These prospective data provide evidence for the hypothesis that a diet high in saturated fat and low in fiber increases the risk of colorectal adenoma. They also support existing recommendations to substitute chicken and fish for red meat in the diet and to increase intake of vegetables, fruits, and grains to reduce risk of colorectal cancer.
Dynamic Compressive Strength and Failure of Steel Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Results of an experimental program systematically evaluating the deformation and fracture of steel wire reinforced epoxy composite systems are presented. The program involved mechanical testing in the strain rate range 10-5 to 103/sec and impact testing of composite specimens using massive elastic targets at strain rates approximately 104/sec. Specific results presented include static and dynamic prop erties, strain rate sensitivity, information on the nature and character of dynamic fracture, influence of specimen geometry and reinforce ment spacing, and high speed photographs of dynamic failure modes. Further, a simplified energy criterion is proposed for predicting failure modes and critical velocities.
Objectivity and commitment in linguistic science: The case of the Black English trial in Ann Arbor*

Though many linguists have shown a strong concern for social issues, there is an apparent contradiction between the principles of objectivity needed for scientific work and commitment to social action. The Black English trial in Ann Arbor showed one way in which this contradiction could be resolved. The first decade of research on Black English was marked by violent differences between creolists and dialectologists on the structure and origin of the dialect. The possibility of a joint point of view first appeared in the general reaction of linguists against the view that blacks were linguistically and genetically inferior. The entrance of black linguists into the field was a critical factor in the further development of the creole hypothesis and the recognition of the distinctive features of the tense and aspect system. At the trial, linguists were able to present effective testimony in the form of a unified view on the origins and structural characteristics of the Black English Vernacular and argue for its alidity as an alternate to standard English. (Black English, language and the law.)
A new approach for opto-electronic/MEMS packaging

Opto-electronic and MEMS packages require unique capabilities over and above traditional hermetic multichip modules. In addition to hermeticity or vacuum atmosphere, opto-electronic systems require direct input/output of optical, RF and other sensitive signals through the package using fiber-optic, coaxial and/or other interconnection approaches. Precise optical component alignment and accurate thermal management is critical to achieve component and system performance capabilities. Furthermore, to improve MEMS functionality, performance and service life, a suitable getter and/or dopant is required compatible with the hermetic/vacuum package atmosphere. The getter/dopant is usually activated after achieving hermetic or vacuum atmosphere. A comprehensive MEMS packaging approach is introduced based on photo-patterned thick film metallization, LTCC, brazing technology and new feed-through approaches. The new methodology incorporates most reported MEMS packaging requirements for proven performance, reliability, low cost and mass production capabilities.
An evaluation of techniques for finishing margins of gold inlays

The following conclusions on finishing margins of gold inlays were reached: 1. Instruments should be rotated perpendicular to the margin from gold to enamel. 2. Green stones produce rough surfaces that are not easily smoothed by finer instruments. 3. Hand burnishers and rubber points are not effective in producing gross marginal closure. 4. The best instruments for finishing occlusal margins are round steel burs, finishing burs, or white finishing stones. 5. When finishing occlusal margins, it is important to use an instrument small enough to gain access to the depth of grooves and fissures. 6. Proximal preparations made with a secondary flare yield castings with better "as cast" and finished margins than those preparations made with a butt joint. 7. The best instruments for finishing proximal margins are flexible paper discs. Usually, one fine sand or fine cuttle discs are necessary. 8. There is an indication that castings made from slightly overwaxed patterns can be finished to produce better margins than those made from patterns waxed exactly to the margins.
Bright and Stable Core−Shell Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles

A class of highly fluorescent and photostable core−shell nanoparticles from a modified Stober synthesis in the size range of 20−30 nm is described. These nanoparticles are monodisperse in solution, 20 times brighter, and more photostable than their constituent fluorophore, and are amenable to specific labeling of biological macromolecules for bioimaging experiments. The photophysical characteristics of the encapsulated fluorophores differ from their solution properties. This raises the possibility of tuning nanoparticle structure toward enhanced radiative properties, making them an attractive material platform for a diverse range of applications.
Recombinant Adenovirus Encoding gp100 Modulates Experimental Melanin-Protein Induced Uveitis (EMIU)

Experimental melanin-protein induced uveitis (EMIU) is a T-cell mediated autoimmune uveitis induced by immunization with bovine uveal melanin protein. Gp100, a melanocyte lineage-specific protein, is identified as a human melanoma antigen. A recombinant adenovirus construct encoding gp100 (Ad2CMV-gp100) has been used as a vaccine for cancer therapy. This study examines the effect of Ad2CMV-gp100 on EMIU. To induce EMIU, rats were injected intraperitoneally on day 7 before immunization with ad2CMV-gp100, control adenovirus encoding LacZ (Ad2CMV-LacZ), or no virus. On day 21 after immunization, the right eye was processed for histology and the left eye was analysed for cytokines by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis showed that uveal melanin-protein contains gp100. In three independent experiments, ocular inflammation was significantly suppressed, and expression of ocular IL-12p40 mRNA was much lower in the rats which received Ad2CMV-gp100 before immunization than in those that received Ad2CMV-LacZ or no virus. No abnormalities developed in rats which received Ad2CMV-gp100 or Ad2CMV-LacZ alone. Therefore, Ad2CMV-gp100 injection prevents the development of EMIU, at least in part, through cytokine regulation.