cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cancer surveillance and preventive services in a diverse sample of breast and colorectal cancer survivors.

Cancer survivors diagnosed at an early age remain at risk for cancer recurrence and other chronic diseases. This study assessed engagement in surveillance for recurrence, cancer screening, and other recommended preventive health services among breast and colorectal cancer survivors with early-onset disease (≤ 50 years) who were diagnosed in California. Breast and colorectal cancer survivors diagnosed with early-onset cancer between 1999 and 2009 were identified through the California Cancer Registry, the state-based cancer registry, and surveyed. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess correlates of receipt of cancer surveillance, cancer screening, and other preventive health services. Of the 497 survivors that were invited to participate in the study, 156 completed the survey for a response rate of 31%. The sample was 50 years of age on average (range 32–69 years) with a mean time since diagnosis of 9 years. The majority of the sample (71%) was a racial/ethnic minority (24% Latino, 15% African American, 29% Asian). Overall, 80% received appropriate surveillance for recurrence, and 72% received recommended screening for early detection of other cancers (breast, cervical, colorectal). Increasing age was associated with lower likelihood of early detection screening (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11–0.69), and higher income was associated with a greater likelihood (aOR 4.89, 95% CI 1.62–14.81). Screening rates were highest for blood pressure (96%), cholesterol (86%), and diabetes (81%), followed by dental visits (64%) and flu vaccination (35%). Greater use of recommended preventive health services was associated with increasing age, female sex, higher education level, and having health insurance. Although the majority of survivors received appropriate surveillance for recurrence, engagement in other preventive health services varied substantially. Efforts are needed to address gaps in the use of recommended cancer screening and preventive health services among cancer survivors, particularly survivors with early-onset disease who may be at increased risk for additional cancers and common chronic conditions over their lifetime.
Congenital Middle Finger in Palm

Middle finger in palm is a congenital flexion deformity at the MP joint with loss of active extension and to some degree loss of passive extension. The condition was observed and first published in 2003 by Al-Harthy and Rayan [1] who also found that the degree of middle finger involvement varies. Three types were observed for this entity: Type I is a mild flexion deformity that is supple and passively correctable; Type II is a moderate deformity that is only partially passively correctible; and Type III is a severe flexion of over 60 degrees with volar skin shortage (Fig. 32.1). Upton [2] in 1990 described a similar condition of an isolated digital flexion deformity of the long digit in patients with bilateral deficiencies.
State-led opioid overdose prevention efforts: Challenges, solutions and lessons learned from the CDC Prevention for States Program (PfS)

Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Prevention for States (PfS) program funded 29 state health departments to prevent opioid overdose by implementing evidence-based prevention strategies. The objectives of this analysis were to describe the scope of activities implemented across the four PfS strategies and identify implementation challenges. Methods: PfS recipients submitted annual progress reports (APRs) to state support staff at CDC from 2015 to 2017. APR data were used to calculate the number of required and optional activities implemented under each PfS strategy. APR data were qualitatively analyzed using a systematic content analysis approach to identify key implementation challenges. Results: From 2015 to 2017, PfS recipients implemented 177 activities across four strategies from 2015 to 2017. Cross-cutting implementation challenges were (1) multi-sector collaboration, (2) lack of knowledge and misperceptions about opioid used disorder (OUD) among some partners and local communities and; (3) management and access to opioid data among PfS recipients. Conclusions: PfS recipients implemented an array of prevention interventions to address the opioid overdose crisis and encountered several cross-cutting implementation challenges. Challenges and state driven solutions over the course of implementing PfS led to several lessons learned and actions that CDC enacted to continue to support and expand overdose prevention.
Music-Based Intervention Connects Auditory and Reward Systems

Listening to pleasurable music is known to engage the brain9s reward system, but little is known about how this engagement develops over time. Here we show for the first time that brain network connectivity can change longitudinally as a result of a personalized receptive music-based intervention (MBI) in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Using a combination of whole-brain regression, seed-based connectivity analysis, and representational similarity analysis (RSA), we compared fMRI responses during a simple music listening task in older adults before and after an eight-week personalized music listening program. Participants rated self-selected and researcher-selected musical excerpts on liking and familiarity. Parametric effects of liking, familiarity, and selection showed significant activation of auditory, reward, default mode, and sensorimotor areas both pre- and post-intervention. Seed-based connectivity comparing pre- and post-intervention showed a significant increase in functional connectivity between auditory regions and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and this auditory-mPFC connectivity was modulated by participant liking and familiarity ratings. RSA showed significant representations of selection and novelty in auditory regions at both time-points, and an increase in striatal representation of musical stimuli following intervention. Taken together, results show a sensitivity of auditory, reward, default, and sensorimotor regions to individual differences in music familiarity and liking, as well as a shift in brain network dynamics following the personalized MBI. Results show how regular music listening can provide an auditory channel towards the mPFC, thus offering a potential neural mechanism supporting healthy brain aging.
Focus games

This paper provides a game-theoretic analysis of contrastive focus, extending insights from recent work on the role of noisy communication in prosodic accent placement to account for focus within sentences, sub-sentential phrases (e.g. in “farmer sentences”) and words. The shared insight behind these models is that languages with prosodic focus marking assign prosodic prominence only within elements which constitute material critical for successful interpretation. We first take care to distinguish the information-structural notion of (contrastive) focus from an ontologically distinct notion of givenness marking, and then outline the core properties of focus. We then introduce a signaling game between a speaker and hearer in which the goal is to transmit semantic content with the smallest signal possible. We apply the Iterated Best Response (IBR) method of Franke (Semant Pragmat 4:1–82, 2011) to find equilibrium strategies in this game, where a unique equilibrium strategy in this case picks out the “critical information” of an utterance, which by hypothesis constitutes its focus. We show that iterating this game at different syntactic levels of a sentence makes correct predictions about the role of contrast in determining stress within words and phrases, and can be extended to account for association and second occurrence focus effects.
Three-Dimensional Vibrations of Orthotropic Cylinders

A method to analyze the three-dimensional vibrations of orthotropic cylinders is presented. The field equations are in the form of three coupled, second-order differential equations with nine elastic constants. The vibration problem is solved by means of the Frobenius method, using power series expansion in the radial coordinate, and assuming sinusoidal dependence on the longitudinal and circumferential coordinates and on time. Frequency equation for the free vibration of solid circular cylinders is derived and a numerical example is given. An extensive study of the dynamic behavior of orthotropic cylinders can be made by this analysis.
Is renal scintigraphy necessary after heminephrectomy in children

Summary Introduction Heminephrectomy remains an excellent option for a poorly functioning moiety in a duplicated collecting system. A primary concern during heminephrectomy is the potential for a significant functional loss in the remaining ipsilateral moiety. As the gold standard for the assessment of differential renal function, renal scintigraphy is often used in the postoperative evaluation of children undergoing heminephrectomy. However, this imaging modality is costly, invasive, and associated with exposure to radiation. Doppler renal ultrasound (RUS) avoids these concerns and is able to evaluate for structural and functional abnormalities. Objective The present study sought to compare Doppler RUS to renal scintigraphy in determining the viability of the remaining ipsilateral moiety in children who underwent heminephrectomy for a poorly functioning moiety in a duplicated collecting system. Materials and Methods The institutional database of children who underwent open heminephrectomy for a poorly functioning moiety in a duplicated collecting system between 2006 and 2013 was reviewed. Only children who underwent both a postoperative Doppler RUS and renal scan were included. A blinded pediatric radiologist independently reviewed all Doppler RUS. Vascular flow on Doppler RUS was correlated with the preservation of renal function in the remaining ipsilateral moiety on renal scintigraphy. Results A total of 29 children were identified for inclusion. Demographic and operative data are provided in Table. The average pre-operative and postoperative differential renal function in the ipsilateral kidney was 41.6% and 38% on renal scintigraphy, respectively, for an average decrease of 3.6% (−18% to +12%). Doppler RUS demonstrated the presence of vascular flow to the remaining ipsilateral moieties of all children after heminephrectomy. Renal scintigraphy confirmed the viability of these moieties in all children. Discussion The first study comparing Doppler RUS to renal scintigraphy was performed to determine the viability of the remaining ipsilateral moiety after heminephrectomy. While no cases of complete functional loss were observed, an average decrease of 3.6% in the ipsilateral renal function favorably compared with other series of children undergoing open heminephrectomy. The limitations of the study included its retrospective design at a single institution. The interpretation of Doppler RUS by an individual pediatric radiologist may also have lead to interobserver variability and impacted the reproducibility of the study, while the absence of any cases of complete functional loss may have impacted its generalizability. Conclusions Doppler RUS is an accurate imaging modality for determining the viability of the remaining ipsilateral moiety after heminephrectomy and may obviate the need for renal scintigraphy.
Evaluation of RxNorm for Representing Ambulatory Prescriptions

OBJECTIVE We evaluated the RxNorm standardized drug nomenclature for representing ambulatory e-prescriptions. METHODS Using a sample of 19743 primary care e-prescriptions, we estimated the coverage rate of RxNorm for representing clinical drugs, measured the 6-month replacement rate for RxNorm concepts, assessed the consistency of two independent concept mappings, and investigated inconsistent mappings. RESULTS RxNorm contained concepts for nearly all prescriptions in the sample (99.995%). Of 1419 concepts used, 8.1% were replaced between April and October 2009. Independent mappings produced different concepts for 676 e-prescriptions (3.4%), but most differences would have low clinical significance. Most mismatches were related to the use of extended-release form concepts with no duration specified, inhalers vs. their contents, and clinically inert salts. CONCLUSIONS RxNorm provides concepts covering nearly all ambulatory e-prescriptions in this setting. Independent mappings were relatively consistent. Improvements could be made by enabling selection of the most-specific concepts when broader prescribable concepts exist.
The generalized discontinuous PWM modulation scheme for three-phase voltage source inverters

This paper presents analytical techniques for the determination of the expressions for the modulation signals used in the carrier-based non-sinusoidal and generalized discontinuous PWM modulation (GDPWM) schemes for two-level, three-phase voltage source inverters. The resulting modulation schemes are applicable to inverters generating balanced or unbalanced phase voltages feeding either star or delta connected loads. The results presented in this paper analytically generalize the several expressions for the modulation signals already reported in the literature. Confirmatory experimental results are provided to illustrate some of the feasible modulation signals.
Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Up-regulate MUC1 Gene Expression in Oral Epithelial Cells

The membrane-bound mucin MUC1 is expressed ubiquitously on epithelial surfaces and is thought to provide protection from bacterial and chemical injury. The present study was undertaken to determine whether MUC1 was expressed in cultured oral epithelial cells and whether expression is modulated by pro-inflammatory mediators released as part of the host response to infection by oral pathogens. Northern and Western blotting experiments showed that KB cells express MUC1 mRNA and protein. When cells were treated with interleukins (IL-1beta, IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), or combinations of these, real-time PCR demonstrated that MUC1 mRNA increased 1.4- to 3.2-fold. Interestingly, a significant increase in levels of MUC1 protein was also observed. While no effect was observed when KB cells were incubated with LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis, infection of KB monolayers with this oral pathogen caused a 2.85-fold increase in MUC1 transcript levels. These results suggest that increased MUC1 synthesis may be a key element in the host response to infection with oral pathogens.
A role for VEGFR2 activation in endothelial responses caused by barrier disruptive OxPAPC concentrations.

Introduction Oxidation products of 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (OxPAPC) differentially modulate endothelial cell (EC) barrier function in a dose-dependent fashion. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is involved in the OxPAPC-induced EC inflammatory activation. This study examined a role of VEGFR2 in barrier dysfunction caused by high concentrations of OxPAPC and evaluated downstream signaling mechanisms resulting from the effect of OxPAPC in EC from pulmonary and systemic circulation.
Strain Energies of Small Ring Alkenes

The energies of hydrogenation of a series of alkenes have been calculated using both the 4-31G and 6-31G* basis sets. The inclusion of polarization functions leads to only a small change in calculated energy for simple alkenes but a large change is found with the more highly strained compounds. The calculated enthalpies of hydrogenation have been compared with experimental values and show that the error in the calculation is essentially constant (6 ± 2 kcal/mol). This makes it possible to estimate the enthalpies of formation and strain energies of the small ring alkenes for which experimental data are not available. The calculated structures of the compounds also are discussed.
Using Simulation as a Tool in Selecting a Retirement Age under Defined Benefit Pension Plans

This paper examines how simulation modeling can be used to select a retirement age under defined benefit pension plans. This approach construes the variables affecting pension benefits as probabilistic variables. Simulations are then run to generate probabilistic values for the real value of pension benefits for alternative retirement ages. By construing variables affecting pension benefits as probability distributions, this approach reflects the uncertainty facing individuals contemplating retirement. By generating estimates of retirement benefits as probability distributions rather than as single deterministic values, the model provides individuals with a more realistic and complete frame of reference for making the retirement decision.
The Crystal Lattice of Germano Sulphide, GeS

The crystal lattice of germano sulphide, GeS, was examined by means of the Laue method, the powder method and the oscillating crystal method. The crystals are orthorhombic bipyramidal. The dimensions of the unit cell were found to be: $a=4.29\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01\mathrm{A}$, $b=10.42\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03\mathrm{A}$, $c=3.64\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01\mathrm{A}$. There are four molecules GeS in the unit cell and the calculated density is 4.24. The space group is $\mathrm{Pb}\mathrm{nm}({{V}_{h}}^{16})$. The germanium atoms as well as the sulphur atoms are lying in the reflection planes: $(\mathrm{uv}0)(\overline{u}, \frac{1}{2}\ensuremath{-}v, \frac{1}{2})(u+\frac{1}{2}, \overline{v}, \frac{1}{2})(\frac{1}{2}\ensuremath{-}u, v+\frac{1}{2}, 0)$. The values of the four parameters, ${u}_{1}{v}_{1}$ for Ge and ${u}_{2}{v}_{2}$ for $S$, were determined on the basis of intensity calculations, the final result being: ${u}_{1}=0.167 (60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})$, ${u}_{2}=0.111 (40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})$, ${b}_{1}=\ensuremath{-}0.125 (\ensuremath{-}45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})$, ${v}_{2}=0.111(40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})$. The crystal structure can be described as a deformed rocksalt lattice, the deformation being very great in the direction of the $a$ axis. The germanium atoms are surrounded by distorted octahedra formed by sulphur atoms. The germanium atom is not lying at the center of the octahedron, but is displaced towards one of the octahedral faces. The distance from germanium to three of the sulphur atoms in this manner is distinctly smaller than to the three others. The two distances Ge-S are: 2.58A (average of 2.47, 2.64, 2.64) and 2.97A (average of 2.91, 3.00, 3.00). The closest approach between two sulphur atoms is 3.55A.
Effects of passive immunization against oestradiol on mouse ovum transport

The ability of anti-oestradiol immunoglobulin to withhold oestradiol-17 beta from its target tissue was examined. The total oestradiol-17 beta binding capacity present in in-vitro incubations or injected into mice intravenously was related to the amount of [3H]oestradiol present in the media or intravenously injected into the animals respectively. When the ratio of binding capacity to [3H]oestradiol was above 74:1, [3H]oestradiol was successfully withheld from uterine tissue in vitro and in vivo. Injecting anti-oestradiol immunoglobulin into mice before administration of a tube-locking dose of oestradiol-17 beta ensured normal passage of ova through the oviduct. Daily administration of anti-oestradiol immunoglobulin to PMSG-hCG stimulated mice (starting 72 h before hCG injection) induced retention of ova for at least 2 days beyond the time when all ova had left the oviducts of control animals. The binding capacity: oestradiol-17 beta concentration ratios of sera from these animals were greater than 250:1 throughout the experimental period. Non-specific immunoglobulin had no such effects, indicating the specificity of the anti-oestradiol immunoglobulin response.
Characterization of Productive and Non-productive ACMNPV Infection in Selected Insect Cell Lines

Abstract We have investigated the process of productive and non-productive AcMNPV infection in a variety of cultured insect cells including lines derived from Spodoptera frugiperda (IPLB-SF21), Mamestra brassicae (SES-MaBr-3), Choristoneura fumiferana (IPRL-CF-1), Bombyx mori (Bm N-4), Lymantria dispar (IPLB-Ld652Y), Helicoverpa zea (Hz1 b3), and Drosophila melanogaster (Dm). In each cell line, we have examined viral utilization of an early, a late, and a very late promoter, the replication of viral DNA and the production of budded virus (BV) and polyhedral inclusion bodies (PIBs). Analysis of promoter use on the single cell level was performed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) technology. Cell cultures were infected with recombinant viruses containing CAT reporter genes under the transcriptional control of viral early, late or very late promoters. Cells were immunostained to detect the CAT gene product and the relative CAT content of infected cells on a per cell basis was determined by FACS analysis. Productive infection of IPLB-SF21 cells involved essentially 100% of the cells while analysis of less productive lines (IPRL-CF-1 and SES-MaBr-3) suggests that the virus initiates and completes the replication process only in a subpopulation of cells. Analysis of non-productive infections (in BmN-4, IPLB-Ld652Y, Hz1b3, Drosophila Schneider) revealed different patterns of viral DNA replication and promoter use in each cell line suggesting a variety of obstacles to productive infection.
Computation of optimal Mars trajectories via combined chemical/electrical propulsion, Part 2: Minimum time solutions with bounded thrust direction

Abstract The success of the solar-electric ion engine powering the DS1 spacecraft has paved the way toward the use of low-thrust electrical engines in future planetary/interplanetary missions. Vis-a-vis a chemical engine, an electrical engine has a higher specific impulse, implying a decrease in propellant mass; however, the low-thrust aspect discourages the use of an electrical engine in the near-planet phases of a trip, since this might result in an increase in flight time. Therefore, a fundamental design problem is to find the best combination of chemical propulsion and electrical propulsion for a given mission, for example, a mission from Earth to Mars. With this in mind, this paper is the second of a series dealing with the optimization of Earth–Mars missions via the use of hybrid engines, namely the combination of high-thrust chemical engines for planetary flight and low-thrust electrical engines for interplanetary flight. We look at the deep-space interplanetary portion of the trajectory under rather idealized conditions. We study minimum time trajectories with bounded thrust direction and bounded thrust magnitude: the thrust direction α is subject to the inequality - α max ⩽ α ⩽ α max , while the thrust setting β is subject to the inequality 0 ⩽ β ⩽ 1 . We use α max as a parameter to generate a family of minimum time trajectories. Numerical results show that, as α max decreases, the flight time increases, while the propellant consumption decreases. Generally speaking, the thrust profile of the optimal trajectory includes three subarcs: the first subarc is characterized by maximum thrust in conjunction with positive (upward) thrust direction; the second subarc is characterized by zero thrust (coasting flight, thrust direction irrelevant); the third subarc is characterized by maximum thrust in conjunction with negative (downward) thrust direction. Two limiting cases have a particular interest. The first limiting case occurs for α max = 180 ∘ and has the following properties: (i) the time length of the coasting subarc reduces to zero and the three-subarc trajectory degenerates into a two-subarc trajectory; (ii) maximum thrust is applied at all times and the thrust direction switches from positive to negative just beyond midway; (iii) the minimum time trajectory for α constrained is the same as the minimum time trajectory for α unconstrained. The second limiting case occurs for α max = 0 ∘ and has the following properties: (i) the thrust magnitude has a bang-zero-bang profile; (ii) for the powered subarcs, the thrust direction is tangent to the flight path at all times; (iii) the minimum time trajectory for α constrained is the same as the minimum propellant consumption trajectory for α unconstrained.
Transonic Vortex Flows Past Delta Wings: Integral Equation Approach

The steady full-potential equation is written in the form of Poisson's equation, and the solution of the velocity field is expressed in terms of an integral equation. The solution consists of a surface integral of vorticity distribution on the wing and its free-vortex sheets and a volume integral of source distribution within a volume around the wing and its free-vortex sheets. The solution is obtained through successive iteration cycles. The density gradient in the source distribution is computed by using a type-differencing scheme. The method is applied to delta wings, and the numerical examples show that a curved shock is captured on the suction side of the wing. It is attached to the lower surface of the leading-edge vortex but does not necessarily reach the wing surface. The present solution does not suffer from the numerical diffusion problem usually encountered with the finite-difference solutions of Euler equations.
Oncofetal fibronectin: new insight into the physiology of implantation and labor.

Oncofetal fibronectin is a newly studied protein produced by the trophoblast and is present in plasma and cervicovaginal secretions of pregnant women as labor approaches or when they have certain complications of pregnancy. Alterations in levels of oncofetal fibronectin occur in preterai labor, postterm pregnancy, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Determining the presence or absence of full-term and preterm labor often is difficult in the clinical setting, and decision-making sometimes is hindered by the lack of a specific biochemical marker for labor. Oncofetal fibronectin may become a clinical indicator or predictor of true labor, preterm labor, or some complications of pregnancy. Assay techniques that identify clinically meaningful levels of oncofetal fibronectin are being developed and investigated and soon may be available to screen and identify pregnant women at risk. Research findings suggest new paths for investigation that may lead to important interventions in health care directed at identifying and decreasing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This article reviews pertinent aspects of placentation and the rationale for using oncofetal fibronectin detection as a clinical marker for abnormal pregnancy states.
Zero-energy optical logic: can it be practical?

The thermodynamic "permission" to build a device that can evaluate a sequence of logic operations that operate at zero energy has existed and has been unsolved for about 40 years. Over the last four years, we have explored the possibility of a constructive proof. And we finally have found successfully such a proof and found that lossless logic systems could actually be built. It can only be implemented by optics. In this paper, the problems addressed are speed, size, and error rate. The speed problem simply vanishes, as it was an inference from the implicit assumption that the logic would be electronic. But the other two problems are real and must be addressed if energy-free logic is to have any significant applications. Initial steps in solving the size and error rate are addressed in more detail.
Ranolazine: New Paradigm for Management of Myocardial Ischemia, Myocardial Dysfunction, and Arrhythmias

Ranolazine, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in January 2006, provides a mechanism of action to treat ischemia that has not hitherto been available. Ranolazine is effective in reducing manifestations of ischemia and angina, and it also holds potential promise to be effective in the management of left ventricular dysfunction, particularly diastolic dysfunction, and arrhythmias. This article provides an update on the available studies concerning the value of ranolazine across the spectrum of cardiovascular disease.
John R. Mather: A Pioneer in the Early Use of Weather Radar

Undoubtedly, the legacy of John Russell Mather is inextricably linked to his pioneering research with the climatic water balance and his extensive collaborations with Charles Warren Thornthwaite. What is not as well known is that Mather's research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received a Bachelor's of Science degree in 1947 and a Master's of Science degree in 1948, was equally pioneering. Under the tutelage of James M Austin, Mather's research focused on the examination of storm trajectories using weather radar—a newly discovered meteorological remote sensing tool. This research, an inherently spatial problem of assessing storm cell size and movement, was both innovative and an appropriate melding of geography and meteorology.
The Art of Systems Architecting

The design of complex systems is viewed as a blend of the art of architecture with the science of engineering. The principles of systems are discussed, with examples to illustrate each point. The artistic elements of architecture are then considered, and four methods in common use, depending on the nature and phase of the project, the particular problem to be solved, and the style of the architect, are described. The role of architecting throughout the system development cycle is examined. Architecting and concurrent engineering are compared and seem to be complementary strategies. >
Computational complexity of object-based image compression

Image compression via transform coding applied to small rectangular regions or encoding blocks appears to be approaching asymptotic rate-distortion performance. However, an emerging compression technology, called object-based compression (OBC) promises significantly improved performance via compression ratios ranging from 200:1 to as high as 2,500:1. OBC involves segmentation of image regions, followed by efficient encoding of each region's content and boundary. During decompression, such regions can be approximated by objects from a codebook, yielding a reconstructed image that is semantically equivalent to the corresponding source image, but has pixel- and featural-level differences. Semantic equivalence between the source and decompressed image facilitates fast decompression through efficient substitutions, albeit at the cost of codebook search in the compression step. Given small codebooks, OBC holds promise for information-push technologies where approximate context is sufficient, for example, transmission of surveillance images that provide the gist of a scene. However, OBC is not necessarily useful for applications requiring high accuracy, such as medical image processing, because substitution of source content can be inaccurate at small spatial scales. The cost of segmentation is a significant disadvantage in current OBC implementations. Several innovative techniques have been developed for region segmentation, as discussed in a previous paper [4]. Additionally, tradeoffs between representational fidelity, computational cost, and storage requirement occur, as with the vast majority of lossy compression algorithms. This paper analyzes the computational (time) and storage (space) complexities of several recent OBC algorithms applied to single-frame imagery. A time complexity model is proposed, which can be associated theoretically with a space complexity model that we have previously published [2]. The result, when combined with measurements of representational accuracy described in a companion paper [5], supports estimation of a time-space-error bandwidth product that could facilitate dynamic optimization of OBC algorithms. In practice, this would support efficient compression with visually acceptable reconstruction for a wide variety of military and domestic applications.
Solvent Reorganization Energy of Charge Transfer in DNA Hairpins

We report calculations of solvent reorganization energies and the energy gap analysis for charge transfer in synthetic DNA hairpins consisting of two complementary strands linked by a stilbene chromophore. Reorganization energies are calculated for the processes of photoinduced hole injection from the linker to a neighboring guanine (G) through variable numbers of adenine/thymine (AT) pairs and for the hole transfer between adjacent G sites connected by AT bridges of different length. Twelve molecules with varying donor−acceptor separation have been analyzed. The solute structure is taken from crystallographic data with atomic resolution, and the polarization response of water is modeled in terms of polarization structure factors accounting for the molecular nature of the polarization fluctuations of the solvent. Both the magnitudes of reorganization energies and the parameter of the rate constant falloff with the donor−acceptor separation turn out to be much higher than those obtained from the Marcus-Lev...
A new model for the replacement process in electron emission at high fields and temperatures

Abstract A new model is presented to resolve the Nottingham-Fleming and Henderson controversy concerning the average energy of the replacement electrons in field emission. In addition to thermal excitation, we introduce the tunnelling-state contribution as a mechanism to vacate levels available for replacement electrons. It is found that the condition for a steady-state current is not satisfied without the tunnelling-state contribution. The present result of the net energy exchange Δϵ per electron obtained as a function of both temperature and field shows much improved agreement with experimental data. The inversion temperature T i as a function of field is now in good quantitative agreement with existing experimental data. Contrary to the assertion of Nottingham [Phys. Rev. 59 (1941) 907] that the replacement energy is equal to the chemical potential of the emitter, our results favor the argument of Fleming and Henderson [Phys. Rev. 58 (1940) 887] that the replacement process takes place in the available energy states below the Fermi energy in the emitter. Non-equilibrium effects in the emitter due to fields and temperature gradients evaluated within the relaxation time approximation are noticeable only for large fields.
Wangari Mathai: an African woman’s environmental and geopolitical landscape

In 2004, Wangari Mathai became the first African woman ever to receive the Nobel Peace prize. The award was bestowed on her for her contribution to reforestation efforts in Kenya through her non‐governmental organization, The Green Belt Movement. She is responsible for having planted 35 million trees and simultaneously carving out a geopolitical agenda that she has used as a vehicle to challenge governmental policy, lead her parliamentary constituents and elevate an environmental conservationist manifesto to a global level. Her struggle highlights gender inequalities in education, economics and leadership that remain a common denominator in many parts of sub‐Saharan Africa. Her achievements, however, offer an alternative and inspiring blueprint for the contemporary African woman and strengthen the principle that increasing female education and financial independence may serve to improve societal health, political freedom and economic prosperity as a whole.
Mathematical theory of imitative behavior in a social group with finite imitation thresholds

The effect of the introduction of either a constant or a variable threshold into Rashevsky's theory of imitative behavior is considered. It is found that in either case it is possible to have five equilibrium configurations, three of which may be stable.
Digestion of cuticle chitin during the moult of Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

At the time of moulting, the old cuticle of Manduca sexta acquires the ability to break down its constituent chitin. The appearance of such endogenous moulting chitinase activity in vivo is not related to the occurrence of apolysis but results from exposure to moulting fluid; chitinase activity is induced in intact or deproteinized cuticle in vitro by incubation with enzymatically active moulting fluid (Bade, 1970). Acquisition of endogenous chitinase activity by the chitin of intact cuticle in vitro requires several steps, one of which involves an enzymatic reaction which is a function of both temperature and concentration of moulting fluid. The process of rendering cuticle chitin able to serve as substrate for chitinase, can be inhibited by anti-trypsin agents and is postulated to be a novel variant of the biological activation of a biopolymer by a protease. Moulting fluid chitinase becomes attached to deproteinized chitin in vitro. Attachment occurs very rapidly, and the extent of this attachment with time is a function of temperature. Digestion of old cuticle during the moult is shown to be an orderly process which comprises a number of steps in sequence; some steps probably overlap in part.
Integer sequences with proscribed differences and bounded growth rate

Let n, b and c be positive integers with b ⩽ c and let A = a i ini = 0 n be a sequence of integers such that 0 = a 0 a 1 a n and a i + b ⩽ a i + c for all i with 0 ⩽ i ⩽ n − b . We find all n function of b, c and k, k a positive integer, so that all such sequences have no two members that differ by exactly k .
Instability in evaporative binary mixtures. I. The effect of solutal Marangoni convection

The instability of an evaporating binary mixture underlying its own vapor in an enclosed container is investigated. The fluid dynamics of both liquid and vapor phases, in the absence of gravity, are taken into account as also a deflecting interface. It is concluded from calculations, exemplified by a low weight alcohol mixture, that unlike single component systems a non-dilute binary mixture can become unstable only when it is heated from the vapor side. This instability is caused by solutal Marangoni convection that is triggered in the presence of phase change.
Coexistence of Stuttering and Disordered Phonology in Young Children

The purpose of the present study was to assess differences in stuttering, phonological, and diadochokinetic behaviors in young children who exhibit both stuttering and disordered phonology and chil...
Analysis of nonimmigrant visa waiver legislation in the USA.

Abstract US visa requirements are among the most restrictive in the world. Three bills have been introduced into the US Congress which, if passed, would exempt nationals of some foreign countries from having to obtain a temporary visitor visa. This article examines the provisions, and conflicts between provisions, of these bills, and emphasizes the beneficial effects on the tourism industry which passage of nonimmigrant visa waiver legislation would have.
Inappropriate adrenal androgen secretion with once-a-day corticosteroid therapy for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

To determine whether cortisone acetate given as a single dally dose would b as effective as the same amount divided into three doses in suppressing adrenal androgen secretion in congenital adrenal hyperplasia, we studied three patients with the salt-losing varlety, who were judged to have been adequately treated during the previous year. Each patient was receiving cortisone acetate, 20.6 to 22.6 mg/m 2 body surface area per day, divided into three doses, and 9α-fluorohydrocortisone, 0.05 to 0.1 mg/day. Their spontaneous and adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated blood concentrations of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone were measured initially and were normal. Cortisone acetate was then given once a day in the same total daily dose. After 3 months, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration was increased in all three patients, and in two of them the plasma levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione were also increased. In the third patient, after 7 months of once-daily therapy, plasma levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione were increased. We conclude that a physiologic replacement dosage of cortisone acetate given once daily is not effective in controlling excessive adrenal androgen secretion in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Cross technology comparison for information services in rural Bangladesh

This paper introduces a framework to examine the relative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different information and communications technologies to deliver a range of social services in rural Bangladesh. It focuses particularly on major sectors like agriculture, education, disaster response and healthcare. Expert elicitation (using both local and international group of experts) survey on ICT effectiveness by service domains shows localization as the key determining factor for any technological intervention. Community based radio broadcasting (CR) appears as the dominant option among the considered ICTs. Human intervention has been found to be crucial in both low (20%) and medium-high (60%) literacy populations. Our study also shows public funded Terrestrial TV is more effective and has higher acceptability in providing information over privately owned Satellite/Cable TV channels. Literacy doesn't seem to significantly affect the relative effectiveness of Information Centers with Internet connection over Print and TV based options. In addition, an extensive techno-economic model for the various ICTs and stochastic evaluation of potential penetrations of the ICTs (reach) has also found CR to be the most cost-effective option. We conclude with a proposed set of policy and operating recommendations to enable effective technology based information services for rural Bangladeshi development.
Ventriculopleural shunting used as a temporary diversion.

Due to the limited absorptive capacity of the pleural cavity, infants and young children are not generally ideal candidates for ventriculopleural shunts. We report using chest cavities as alternate for temporary diversion of CSF in a young child. Venous access to the cervical region could not be utilized because of scarring from previous procedures, while peritoneal access was contraindicated due to repeated pseudocyst formation. Pleural effusions were removed by thoracentesis when necessary, and the shunt catheter was changed to the opposite side of the chest when the effusions reaccumulated within one week. Utilizing the ventriculopleural shunts allowed us to temporize her non-communicating hydrocephalus for a period of one year, until a definitve CSF procedure by direct intracardiac placement of the distal catheter could be performed.
Clonal and Open-Pollinated Progeny Testing in an Intermediate Wheatgrass Population

Efficient testing procedures are needed to identify superior parents for improved cultivars of cross-pollinated forage species. The primary objective of this study was to compare clonal and open-pollinated (OP) progeny testing in the selection of parents from an intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & Dewey] population. A second objective was to examine experimental error control from a partially-balanced lattice design and a nearest-neighbor analysis relative to a randomized complete block statistical design (RCBD). Parent clones were evaluated in plots that consisted of 30 closely spaced ramets, and progenies were sown in single-row plots 6.0 m long spaced 0.6 m apart at adjacent sites near Mandan, ND. Based on 3-yr means from one location, narrow-sense heritability. estimates from 81 parent clones and their respective open-pollinated progenies averaged 50% for heading date, 45% for plant height, and 69% for dry matter yield. Extreme high- and low-ranked entries for all three traits generally were in common for clonal and progeny tests. A lattice design and nearest-neighbor analysis reduced experimental error but did not improve rank correlations between parent clones and their progenies or heritability estimates compared with a randomized complete block design. These results suggest that clonal and open-pollinated progeny tests should be used to select superior parents of intermediate wheatgrass, as both test procedures have unique attributes. Clonal tests are useful in selecting for traits with relatively high herita-bility, while extensive progeny testing is more appropriate for complex traits such as dry-matter yield.
Applying landscape ecological concepts and metrics in sustainable landscape planning

It is increasingly recognized that more sustainable approaches are needed for planning and managing landscapes worldwide. New tools are needed to effectively apply sustainable principles to planning and management. The spatial dimension of sustainability engages processes and relations between different land uses, ecosystems and biotopes at different scales, and over time. Therefore, ecological knowledge is essential when planning for sustainability. The paper briefly reviews the historical role of ecology in planning, and ecological planning and management theories and methodologies. Building on existing ecological planning methods, we have developed a conceptual framework for sustainable landscape planning applying landscape ecological concepts and exploring the multiple potential roles of landscape metrics as ecological planning tools. We argue for a common framework that applies ecological knowledge in land planning, applicable to all physical planning activities. We believe this framework represents a significant contribution to increase the acceptance and use of ecological knowledge across the horizontal sectors planning, and to enhance communication between planners, thus contributing to an increased scientific and cultural consensus for sustainable landscape planning. Numerous quantitative metrics have emerged from landscape ecology that are useful for applying landscape ecology concepts to sustainable landscape planning. These metrics are essential tools to address the spatial dimension of sustainability in a quantitatively rigorous and robust manner. This paper proposes a core (sub)set of metrics, identified through literature reviews, which are understood as the most useful and relevant for landscape planning. A two-part sustainable landscape planning perspective is proposed, integrating horizontal and vertical perspectives. We believe that this dual approach can help to structure and clarify why, where, how and which landscape ecological principles and metrics can most effectively assist planning. We include a demonstration of this approach in the Mill River Watershed, USA. We argue that proper and informed use of landscape metrics will contribute to advance landscape planning theory and practice towards the goal of sustainability.
Rectourethral fistula following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Purpose To review the outcome of rectourethral fistula sustained during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
Attitudes and experience of youth and their parents with psychiatric medication and relationship to self-reported adherence.

Few studies have directly examined the interrelationship of teen and parent attitudes toward psychiatric medication and how this relates to medication adherence. In the current study, survey data from 19 parent–child dyads were analyzed to investigate the relationship of parent and teen attitudes toward medication, decision self-efficacy, and current involvement in decisions about psychiatric medication with self-reported adherence. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to fit actor-partner interdependence models to examine bidirectional effects of the dyadic relationships. Teens and parents had similarly positive attitudes toward medication, high levels of self-efficacy and self-reported adherence. Current involvement in decisions about medications was significantly lower for teens compared to their parents. The actor-partner interdependence models revealed that parent levels of decision self-efficacy were related to youth self-reported adherence (partner effect). Youth attitudes toward medications were related to youth self-reported adherence (actor effect). Parent and teen actor effects of decisional self-efficacy were significantly associated with current involvement. Providers need to be aware of the importance of engaging both teens and parents in decisions about psychiatric medication and recognize the need to explicitly elicit questions and concerns from young patients.