cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interferons alpha, beta and gamma therapy of anogenital human papillomavirus infections

Anogenital condyloma acuminatum (genital warts) is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted viral disease in the United States. At least 14 of the more than 60 types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for condyloma acuminatum. Anogenital condyloma acuminatum has a broad spectrum of manifestations in men and women, including subclinical latent infection, clinically apparent warts, abnormal genital cytology and squamous carcinoma. Traditional therapeutic modalities include cytolytic chemical agents and ablative techniques. These anti-wart methods are used in an attempt to eliminate clinically apparent disease. However, they are associated with high rates of recurrence because they do not eradicate the subclinical or latent reservoir of HPV remaining in adjacent epithelial cells and mucous membranes. Immunologic therapy with interferons (IFNs) represents a promising new antiviral modality that can be directed against all sites of infection, including clinical, subclinical and latent disease. IFN-alpha, IFN-beta and IFN-gamma are the three major groups of IFNs. These three groups of IFNs have been used successfully as monotherapy or in combination with traditional modalities to treat anogenital condyloma acuminatum. This review focuses on IFN-alpha, IFN-beta and IFN-gamma therapy of anogenital HPV infections.
What about the community impact?: : The Corpus Christi hook

Abstract This case study draws on theory in the following areas (1) public financing of sport facilities and in particular, the method of bonds and the impact on and involvement of local taxpayers, (2) community impact of minor league sport teams, and (3) leveraging of sport teams and facilities. This case is centered on Justin Drew, the president of the Corpus Christi Hooks, who must work with city officials to ensure that his minor league baseball team does not lose local support. The city of Corpus Christi helped finance the Hooks’ stadium a few years prior, and now with new members on City Council, tough economic times, and a history of folded professional sports teams in the city, Drew must be proactive in seeing that the Hooks do not meet a similar fate. The case presents a common challenge confronted by communities that host professional sport teams. In many cases, cities must provide some level of public financing for sport facilities in order to attract or retain a team. To gain public support, various promises are made about the potential for the team to transform the community. However, once public funding is secured and a team and facility is in place, it is unclear who has the responsibility for delivering on these promises. The situation presented in this case is not unique. In fact, similar claims are made about the impact of a sports team, regardless of the size of the host community or the type of team. This case gives students the opportunity to measure impact and also think critically about how to leverage a sports team to create value for the community. Although the characters in the case are fictitious the case draws upon actual facts and data from public records regarding Corpus Christi and their minor league baseball team, the Hooks; thus, providing students with a realistic dilemma to consider. The case is intended for use in Sport Finance/Economics and Sport Policy courses, but could also be adapted for other courses such as Sport Marketing, Sport Communication, Facilities and Event Management or even Research Methods.
Planning under uncertainty in the continuous domain: A generalized belief space approach

This work investigates the problem of planning under uncertainty, with application to mobile robotics. We propose a probabilistic framework in which the robot bases its decisions on the generalized belief, which is a probabilistic description of its own state and of external variables of interest. The approach naturally leads to a dual-layer architecture: an inner estimation layer, which performs inference to predict the outcome of possible decisions, and an outer decisional layer which is in charge of deciding the best action to undertake. The approach does not discretize the state or control space, and allows planning in continuous domain. Moreover, it allows to relax the assumption of maximum likelihood observations: predicted measurements are treated as random variables and are not considered as given. Experimental results show that our planning approach produces smooth trajectories while maintaining uncertainty within reasonable bounds.
Oral platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors--Part I.

With the central importance of antiplatelet therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and the numerous positive trials with glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIa inhibitors given intravenously, it was hoped that one could extend the benefit of IIb/IIIa inhibition to long-term treatment. Although the hypothesis that prolonged oral IIb/IIIa inhibition was appealing, many issues have been identified in the initial Phase II trials that would limit the usefulness of these compounds. Variability of the level of platelet inhibition was one major culprit that distinguished the oral compounds from intravenous ones. The problems that arose were that increased bleeding has been seen when levels of platelet inhibition are high (e.g., > 90%) and that, conversely, efficacy would likely be limited when levels of platelet inhibition were low. If further development of this class of drugs is undertaken, formal dosing studies would have to establish an oral dosing strategy that achieves appropriately high (80-95% inhibition) and steady levels of inhibition.
Temperature sensitivity of propellant burning rates

Abstract The effect of the solid propellant's initial temperature on its burning rate has long been recognized. This effect causes variations in the pressure, thrust, and burning time of solid propellant propulsion systems. An understanding of the effect of initial propellant temperature upon burning rate is essential for improving the performance of solid propellant propulsion systems. This paper presents the results of an experimental and theoretical investigation of the temperature sensitivity of the JANNAF standard composite propellant. Four combustion models were selected and calculations made using them for comparison to the experimental results. The models are: (1) the granular diffusion flame model based on the uniformly distributed heat release (KTSS) model, (2) the Beckstead, Derr, and Price (BDP) multiple flame model, (3) a modified BDP model, and (4) the petite ensemble model. The petite ensemble model is quite unusual since it describes the sizes of the propellant's oxidizer particles as a polydispersion of particle sizes. Experimentally, strands of the JANNAF standard composite propellant were burned in a modified Crawford type chimney burner with the propellant burning rate being measured as a function of pressure and initial temperature. The numerical values for the temperature sensitivity determined from the experimental results are compared to the results predicted by the theoretical models. It is concluded that the petite ensemble model provides better agreement with the experimental data because it models the size and size distribution of the oxidizer particles more realistically.
Reduced irradiance and applied auxin influence carbohydrate relations in Pinus banksiana cuttings during propagation

Untreated and indole-3-butyrie acid-treated (IBA) cuttings from 90-day-old Pinus banksiana Lamb, stock plants were propagated under normal greenhouse irradiance (max. 900 $$mol m-2 s-1) and shade (max. 120 $$mol m-2 s-1) to determine effects on adventitious rooting and on reducing sugar and starch concentrations in needles and basal stems. In one experiment, cuttings were assessed at days 15 and 25 of propagation for basal 1-cm stem fresh weight, proportion rooted, number of roots and longest root length. In a second experiment with cuttings, basal 1-cm stem fresh weight and concentrations of reducing sugar and starch in needles and basal stems were measured each day for the first 10 days of propagation. Carbohydrate measurements were also made for seedling stock plants as controls for the second experiment. Carbohydrate data for cuttings were primarily evaluated based on net (cutting minus seedling) concentrations, to correct for changes in cuttings not related to adventitious rooting. Increase of basal stem fresh weight and rooting of cuttings, based on all measured variables, occurred in the order: light + IBA > light > shade + IBA > shade. The best rooting required the greater irradiance. Compared to results from cuttings in the light, shading resulted in lesser accumulations of reducing sugars and starch in needles and basal stems. Reducing sugar: starch concentration ratios were significantly greater in shade- vs light-propagated cuttings, IBA treatment did not offset the effects of shade on rooting or on reducing sugar and starch concentrations or ratios. Overall, the results suggested that decreased reducing sugar and starch concentrations and/or their increased ratios are associated with shade-induced poor rooting of P. banksiana cuttings.
Enhancement of cholesterol esterification in serum by an extract of group-A streptococcus

extracts of certain Group-A streptococci, in minute amounts, markedly increase the rate and extent of cholesterol esterification occurring in human serum held at 37°. This enhancement of esterification depends on a factor in the extracts that produces opalescence in serum through a specific degradation of high-density (α-1-)lipoprotein. Results of experiments in which streptococcal extract was incubated with heated or aged serum, or with fresh serum in the presence of various esterification inhibitors, suggest that the streptococcal factor potentiates, rather than supplements, the normal process of ester formation. Taking advantage of the enhanced esterification occurring in the presence of the streptococcal factor, an apparent conversion of lecithin to lysolecithin has been shown to accompany cholesterol esterification in vitro and to be, in all probability, an integral part of the esterification reaction in serum. The present findings, and those of others, lead us to conclude that the direct transfer of a single fatty acid from lecithin to cholesterol constitutes the major mechanism of cholesterol esterification in vitro in human serum; the rate and extent of ester formation being limited by the availability of lipoprotein-bound lecithin. The streptococcal factor, in promoting the degradation of high-density serum lipoprotein, evidently enhances esterification by making bound lecithin more accessible to the serum enzyme involved in fatty acid transfer.
An integrated rapid prototyping environment for reconfigurable manufacturing systems

At the enterprise level, manufacturing organizations are faced with accelerating technological cycles, global competition and an increasingly mobile work force. The flexibility of an enterprise and its ability to respond to new customer demands governs the competitiveness of the enterprise to changes in its market and in the society in which it operates. The flexibility in production processes must be able to accommodate differing product mixes with the changing availability of a skilled work force. It has been recognized for many years that flexibility on the enterprise shop floor can always be achieved if the resulting cost of product, process and system changeovers are not considered. However, with the increasing competitive pressures on today’s manufacturing enterprise; a highly flexible and reconfigurable manufacturing environment must be achieved at relatively low cost and high work-force productivity while maintaining a competitive advantage. To accomplish this goal the manufacturing enterprise must be able to be reconfigured with an increased level of automation that is scalable and flexible to meet diverse product demands. In this paper, we will introduce EMBench as the design and simulation environment for reconfigurable manufacturing systems. This environment provides a universal GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows user to design, configure and simulate various resources on the shop floor level. In this paper, we present the resource model, workstation model and cell model and explore their characteristics and behaviors. We also propose the general interface for different models using IEC-61499 function blocks that allow scalable expansion and modular design. We use IEC-61499 function blocks and a service layer architecture to integrate various resources on the enterprise shop floor and achieve flexibility at a low cost. This environment facilitates a modular, component-based design of services for enterprise shop floor control.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Effect of storage time on clinical efficacy of single-donor platelet units

Decrements in platelet function and recovery are known to accumulate during the 5-day storage period, and the clinical response to platelets transfused after several days' storage has been suggested by some researchers to be less than that seen with platelets stored for shorter periods. The clinical response to single-donor platelet (SDP) units (as measured by corrected count increments [CCIs] and intertransfusion intervals) was investigated in autologous bone marrow transplant patients. Twenty-seven consecutive autologous bone marrow transplant patients with a variety of hematologic and solid organ malignancies were evaluated for posttransfusion CCIs after 419 SDP transfusions of units stored for 1 to 5 days. Patients were not excluded from the study because of clinical condition, such as fever or sepsis. The mean 15-minute posttransfusion CCI for SDP units stored for only 1 day (11,006 +/- 5,157) was no different than that for units stored for 5 days (10,225 +/- 4,481; p > 0.05); 24-hour posttransfusion CCIs were also not different if the SDP unit had been stored for 1 day or 5 days (6229 +/- 4489 vs. 4786 +/- 2759; p > 0.05) or for any intermediate period. Nor were intertransfusion intervals affected by storage time. While platelets may exhibit a progressive lesion during the 5-day storage period, these changes do not result in a decreased clinical response.
Oxidation of silicon: strain and linear kinetics

Abstract The influence of strain in a silicon dioxide layer growing on silicon on growth kinetics is explored. A compressive strain in the silicon dioxide reduces the diffusion coefficient of molecular water or oxygen in the oxide and can cause the linear contribution to the thickness—time relation for growth of oxide on silicon. Furthermore this strain contribution is consistent with the dependence of growth rates on gas pressure and on the lattice plane of silicon on which the oxide grows. An anomalous decrease in the parabolic growth coefficient below 950°C for oxidation of silicon by water is also explained by the strain contribution. It seems likely that strain, rather than a surface reaction, leads to the linear term and that strain must be accounted for in analyzing the rates of oxide growth on silicon.
Integrating Adaptive and Traffic Responsive Algorithms

Adaptive control systems are difficult to compare against one another, because they vary widely in their capabilities. We present a nomenclature that maps traffic control system functions to control theory concepts, to serve as a vocabulary for making comparisons. An example evaluation of traffic responsive control and an adaptive control system is provided in which the two systems are operated independently and concurrently, and compared to conventional time of day control. The results show that the use of two algorithms concurrently results in better performance than either one independently.
Cimetidine Use and Risk of Breast, Prostate, and Other Cancers

Purpose - The study was conducted to examine whether use of cimetidine is associated with the risk of cancer, with special attention to cancers of the breast and prostate because cimetidine increases estradiol levels and interferes with androgen binding. Methods - Individuals who received a prescription of cimetidine were identified from two computerized pharmacy databases of medications dispensed at Northern California Kaiser Permanente between 1982 and 1987. Users of ranitidine, a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that does not appear to influence estrogen levels or androgen binding, and non-users of either cimetidine or ranitidine, were also identified from these databases. Study subjects were followed through December 1995 for new diagnoses of cancer. Cox regression was used to estimate relative risks of cancer associated with use of cimetidine and ranitidine. Non-users of cimetidine and ranitidine were the referent group for all analyses. Result - While there were very modest increases and decreases in risk for some cancer sites among cimetidine users, most were within the limits of chance given no true association. Furthermore, similar risks of these cancers were also observed among ranitidine users. Conclusions - Although our results do not support an association between cancer risk and cimetidine use, it is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the US and may now be purchased over-the-counter. The potential effect of cimetidine on risk of cancer, especially those that are hormone-related, should continue to be monitored, preferably in larger study populations. Copyright (c) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Victimization by bullying and harassment in high school: findings from the 2005 youth risk behavior survey in a southwestern state

ABSTRACT This study analyzed data on victimization by bullying and harassment on school property in a large, diverse, random sample of high school students in Arizona using data from the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. No gender differences in frequency of victimization were detected, but differences by grade, Body Mass Index category, academic performance, depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts and actions, and feelings of safety were statistically significant, although the magnitude of the differences, as measured by effect sizes, were generally small. Implications of the findings for schools are discussed.
The effects of X-ray radiation on Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Shigella flexneri inoculated on whole Roma tomatoes.

In the last two decades several foodborne disease outbreaks associated with produce were reported. Tomatoes, in particular, have been associated with several multi-state Salmonella outbreaks. Inactivation of inoculated Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Shigella flexneri on whole Roma tomato surfaces by X-ray at 0.1, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5 kGy was studied. The main purpose of this study was to achieve a 5 log reduction in consistent with the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods. Moreover, the effect of X-ray on inherent microflora (mesophilic counts, psychrotrophic counts and yeast and mold counts) of untreated and treated Roma tomatoes, during storage at ambient temperature (22 °C) for 20 days was also determined. Mixtures of three or two strains of each tested organism was spot inoculated (100 μl) onto the surface of Roma tomatoes (approximately 7–9 log per tomato), separately, and air-dried, followed by treatment with X-ray doses at 22 °C and 55–60% relative humidity. Surviving bacterial populations on tomato surfaces were evaluated using a nonselective medium (tryptic soy agar) with a selective medium overlay for each bacteria; E. coli O157:H7 (CT-SMAC agar), L. monocytogenes (MOA), and S. enterica and S. flexneri (XLD). Treatment with X-ray significantly reduced the population of the tested pathogens on whole Roma tomato surfaces, compared with the control. Approximately 4.2, 2.3, 3.7 and 3.6 log CFU reduction of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, S. enterica and S. flexneri per tomato were achieved by treatment with 0.75 kGy X-ray, respectively. More than a 5 log CFU reduction per tomato was achieved at 1.0 or 1.5 kGy X-ray for all tested pathogens. Furthermore, treatment with X-ray significantly reduced the inherent microflora on Roma tomatoes. Inherent levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the control sample throughout storage for 20 days.
Direct tissue MALDI-FTMS profiling of individual Cancer productus sinus glands reveals that one of three distinct combinations of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone precursor-related peptide (CPRP) isoforms are present in individual crabs.

Abstract Over the past decade, mass spectrometry has become a prominent technique for identifying peptide hormones. In crustaceans, studies directed at characterizing the peptide complements present in neuroendocrine structures have generally involved the isolation of tissue from a large number of individuals, which are pooled, extracted, purified, and then analyzed via chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry. While this approach provides information on the peptides present in the population of animals used as the tissue source, data on the peptide complement present in any individual animal are lost. Direct tissue matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTMS) of single tissues has the potential to identify differences in peptide expression between individuals. Here, we have used direct tissue MALDI-FTMS of individual sinus glands (SGs) to show that the four isoforms of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone precursor-related peptide (CPRP) identified previously from pooled Cancer productus SGs (i.e. Fu, Q., Christie, A.E., Li, L. 2005. Mass spectrometric characterization of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone precursor-related peptides (CPRPs) from the sinus gland of the crab, Cancer productus. Peptides 26, 2137–2150.) are differentially distributed in conserved patterns among individual crabs. Of the crabs examined, ∼61% of the individuals possessed Capr-CPRP I and II, but not III or IV, ∼26% Capr-CPRP I, II and III, but not IV, and ∼13% Capr-CPRP I, II and IV, but not III. Our findings set the stage for future molecular investigations on the origin(s) of this individual-specific variation in CPRP complement, as well as investigations of the function and regulation of the individual isoforms. These data also lend a cautionary note to the assumption that the peptides identified via pooled tissues reveal an accurate picture of the peptides present in any given individual.
Cloud detection from a sequence of SST images

Abstract A cloud detection algorithm was designed as an adjunct to a companion edge-detection algorithm. The cloud detection integrates two distinct algorithms: one based on multiimage processing, the other on single-image analysis. The multiimage portion of the cloud detection algorithm operates on a time sequence of sea surface temperature (SST) images. It is designed to detect clouds associated with regions of apparently lower temperatures than the underlying SST field. A pixel in the current image is initially considered to be corrupted by clouds if it is significantly cooler than the corresponding pixel in a neighbor image. To refine the initial classification, the algorithm checks the current image and the neighbor image for the presence of water masses, which through displacement could explain the change in temperature. The single-image cloud detection algorithm is designed to detect clouds associated with regions of the SST image where gradient vectors have a large magnitude. These regions are flagged in the map of potential clouds. multiimage processing is integrated with the single-image algorithm by adding pixels classified as cloudy at the multiimage level to the map of potential clouds. Further analysis of the gradient vector field and of the shapes of potentially cloudy areas allows one to determine whether these regions correspond to clouds or SST fronts. A previous study has shown that the clouds identified by the single-image algorithm were in close agreement with those detected by a human expert. To validate the additional multiimage processing, the effect of the integrated cloud detection on the performance of a companion edge detection algorithm is examined. These results and a direct comparison with the cloud masks produced by a human expert indicate that, compared to the single-image algorithm, the multiimage algorithm successfully identify additional cloud-corrupted regions while keeping a low rate for the detection of false clouds.
Role of transesophageal echocardiography in the detection of left atrial thrombus in patients with chronic nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation

Abstract Transesophageal echocardiography was used to assess cardiac abnormalities associated with embolization in patients who had completed the Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study of Stroke Prevention in Nonrheumatic Atrial Fibrillation at the Minneapolis and West Haven Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers without an embolic event. Patients were men, 71 ± 7 years old, with atrial fibrillation of 6.2 ± 4.3 years' duration who had received warfarin ( n = 32) or placebo ( n = 23) for 2 years. Thrombi were found in 5 of 55 patients (warfarin 4 and placebo 1; p = 0.39); spontaneous echo contrast was seen in 4 of 5 patients. Other abnormalities identified included spontaneous echo contrast (47%), patent foramen ovale (54%), atrial septal aneurysm (7.3%), and left ventricular thrombus (3.6%). During 34 months of posttreatment follow-up, 5 patients had a stroke (1 fatal), and 10 died. Potential sources of emboli did not predict subsequent outcome. Thus warfarin therapy did not preclude the presence of thrombi. Stroke reduction likely involves the prevention of emboli from sources in addition to the atrial appendage.
Chemical fluxes and origin of a manganese carbonate-oxide-silicate deposit in bedded chert

Abstract Lens-like rhodochrosite-rich bodies within interbedded chert and shale are associated with basalt and/or graywacke in ophiolitic and orogenic zones. The Buckeye manganese mine in the Franciscan Complex of the California Coast Ranges is associated with metagraywacke. Despite blueschist-facies metamorphism, this deposit preserves the compositions and some textural features of its sedimentary protoliths. For this reason, it is a suitable deposit with which to compare more intensely altered deposits, or deposits originating in different paleoenvironments. Six Mn-rich and three Mn-poor minerals form monomineralic layers and mixtures: rhodochrosite, gageite, Mn-oxides (hausmannite, braunite), divalent Mn-silicates (caryopilite, taneyamalite), chlorite, quartz (metachert) and aegirine-augite. The Mn-rich protoliths have high Mn/Fe combined with relatively low concentrations of Ca, Al, Ti, Co, Ni, Cu, Th and REE. REE patterns of various protoliths are distinct. Rhodochrosite and gageite layers are depleted (seawater × 5 · 104) and flat, whereas patterns of metachert and the Mn-silicate-rich layers mimic the patterns of metashale and metagraywacke (seawater × 106). Hausmannite layers have flat patterns (seawater × 7 · 104) whereas braunite-rich layers are more enriched (seawater × 2 · 105) and show a distinct positive Ce anomaly. Factor analysis reveals components and fluxes attributed to sub-seafloor fluids (Ni, As, Zn, Sb, W, Mn), seawater (Mg, Au, V, Mo), detritus and veins (Ca, Ba, Sr). Silica is negatively correlated with the sub-seafloor factor. The observed variances indicate that water from the sediment column mixed with seawater, that deposition occurred near the sediment-seawater interface before mixtures of subsurface fluid and seawater homogenized, and that the system was not entirely closed during metamorphism. The variations in REE enrichment can be related to kinetics of deposition: rhodochrosite and gageite were precipitated most rapidly, and therefore were the protoliths that most effectively diluted the REE-rich background resulting from fine clastic material (derived from distal turbidites). The variation of the Ce anomaly and U/Th among diverse lithologies and the differences in Mn oxidation states are consistent with progressive dilution of reduced subsurface fluids with oxidized seawater. By this scheme, rhodochrosite, gageite and hausmannite were deposited from the most reduced fluids, braunite from intermediate mixtures, and Mn-silicates from the sub-seafloor fluids most diluted with fresh seawater. Comparison of the Buckeye with other lens-like and sheet-like deposits having high Mn/Fe and containing Mn3+ and/or Mn2+ suggests that each had three essential fluxes: a sub-seafloor source of Mn, a local source of very soluble silica and a source of relatively fresh, oxygenated water. Additional fluxes, such as clastics, appear to be more characteristic of the paleoenvironment than the three essential fluxes.
Has the Widespread Adoption of IFRS Reduced U.S. Firms' Attractiveness to Foreign Investors?

ABSTRACT: Widespread adoption of IFRS has fueled debate about whether its dominance puts U.S. firms at a competitive disadvantage in attracting global investors. We examine this issue by looking at the change in foreign mutual fund investment in U.S. companies after 2005, the year in which IFRS surpassed U.S. GAAP as the world's most commonly used accounting standard. We find that while foreign investment in U.S. companies is essentially flat over our sample period, it declines relative to foreign investment in EU IFRS adopters. Foreign investment also declines in U.S. companies that experience large increases in IFRS industry peers relative to U.S. companies that experience small increases. In addition, the relative decline is concentrated among mutual funds that do not specialize in U.S. stocks, and is greater for smaller U.S. firms. Overall, our results suggest that the worldwide adoption of IFRS reduces U.S. firms' relative attractiveness to foreign investors. Data Availability: All data are publicly...
Multipurpose diode-pumped Nd:YLF laser for OMEGA pulse shaping and diagnostics applications

We have developed a diode-pumped, single-mode laser that provides stable amplitude output over many hours. The laser is capable of operating with three types of output: (1) as a single-mode, Q-switched laser, (2) as a single-mode, cw laser; and (3) as a Q-switched laser operating with two adjacent, equal-amplitude cavity modes to provide sinusoidally modulated output. No laser realignment is required to change the laser to these various outputs.
Automated data structure generation: refuting common wisdom

Common wisdom in the automated data structure generation community states that declarative techniques have better usability than imperative techniques, while imperative techniques have better performance. We show that this reasoning is fundamentally flawed: if we go to the declarative limit and employ constraint logic programming (CLP), the CLP data structure generation has orders of magnitude better performance than comparable imperative techniques. Conversely, we observe and argue that when it comes to realistically complex data structures and properties, the CLP specifications become more obscure, indirect, and difficult to implement and understand than their imperative counterparts. We empirically evaluate three competing generation techniques, CLP, Korat, and UDITA, to validate these observations on more complex and interesting data structures than any prior work in this area. We explain why these observations are true, and discuss possible techniques for attaining the best of both worlds.
Superiority of 10% air–10% blood–saline mixture for measuring the velocity of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with severe emphysema

Abstract Background Severe emphysema frequently is associated with elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure. However, it is often difficult to obtain adequate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) signals for measurement of pulmonary artery systolic pressure in patients with severe emphysema. Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of air-blood-saline mixture in measuring TR velocity in severe emphysema. Methods We studied 82 patients with severe emphysema (67.7 ± 9.2 years, 57 males) who had no or mild TR on color Doppler. Contrast echocardiography studies were performed with agitated 10% air–90% saline and 10% air–10% blood–80% saline mixtures. Tracing quality and peak velocity were assessed on baseline continuous wave signals and contrast continuous wave signals with the 2 mixtures. Results With the injection of an air–saline mixture, the quality of TR tracing improved in 45 patients ( P P P P Conclusions In patients with severe emphysema, an air–blood–saline mixture improves the quantifiable TR signals for more accurate estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure, even when there is minimal valve TR.
Evaluation of methyl anthranilate and activated charcoal as snow goose grazing deterrents

Bccausc greater snow geese (Chen caerulescens) damage grain crops and turf grass throughout the eastern United States, repellents are being sought. In the present experiment, 12 0.4-ha study plots were treated with methyl anthranilate (Rejex-It AC-36@, 3.4 kg a.i.), an aqueous slurry of activated charcoal (Anjan-activaid @, 3.4 kg a.i.), or left unsprayed, as a control. Both methyl anthranilate and activated charcoal significantly reduced feces within plots for 16 days post-treatment compared to unsprayed plots. Methyl anthranilate and activated charcoal appear to be promising candidate repellents to deter grazing by snow geese.
Thermal transport across twin grain boundaries in polycrystalline graphene from nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.

We have studied the thermal conductance of tilt grain boundaries in graphene using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. When a constant heat flux is allowed to flow, we observe sharp jumps in temperature at the boundaries, characteristic of interfaces between materials of differing thermal properties. On the basis of the magnitude of these jumps, we have computed the boundary conductance of twin grain boundaries as a function of their misorientation angles. We find the boundary conductance to be in the range 1.5 × 1010 to 4.5 × 1010 W/(m2 K), which is significantly higher than that of any other thermoelectric interfaces reported in the literature. Using the computed values of boundary conductances, we have identified a critical grain size of 0.1 μm below which the contribution of the tilt boundaries to the conductivity becomes comparable to that of the contribution from the grains themselves. Experiments to test the predictions of our simulations are proposed.
Neurological ‘Soft’ Signs in Low‐birthweight children

Sixty-six longitudinally studied prematurely born children who had weighed between 1000 and 1750g at birth were examined neurologically at eight years of age. 13 of these children had localizing neurological findings and another 20 were found to have two or more non-localizing ('soft') signs of CNS dysfunction. These 33 children were significantly more likely to have sustained perinatal complications than were children whose neurological examinations were normal. However, a history of prenatal complications was significantly more frequent among children who subsequently developed 'soft' signs, while children with localizing findings were significantly more likely to have experienced postnatal complications. No significant differences in IQ or reading and arithmetic achievement test-score levels were found between children with 'soft' signs and those who were neurologically normal. Nevertheless, children with 'soft' signs were significantly more likely to have received special education and to have been referred for psychiatric consultation than were children who were neurologically normal.
1H, 13C, 15N backbone NMR assignments of the Staphylococcus aureus small multidrug-resistance pump (Smr) in a functionally active conformation

The plasmid-encoded small multidrug resistance pump from S. aureus transports a variety of quaternary ammonium and other hydrophobic compounds, enhancing the bacterial host’s resistance to common hospital disinfectants. The protein folds as a homo-dimer of four transmembrane helices each, and appears to be fully functional only in lipid bilayers. Here we report the backbone resonance assignments and implied secondary structure for 2H13C15N Smr reconstituted into lipid bicelles. Significant changes were observed between the chemical shifts of the protein in lipid bicelles compared to those in detergent micelles.
Effect of electrolyte concentration on interfacial and bulk solution properties of ferrocenyl surfactants with anionic headgroups

We report the effect of electrolyte concentration on the surface and bulk solution properties of a redox-active ferrocenyl surfactant, Fc(CH2)11SO3-Na+, where Fc is ferrocene. Electrochemical oxidation of the electrically neutral Fc moiety to the ferrocenium cation reversibly transforms the anionic surfactant (Fc(CH2)11SO3-) into a zwitterionic species (Fc+(CH2)11SO3-). Whereas the effect of an increase in electrolyte concentration on the surface activity of Fc(CH2)11SO3- and Fc+(CH2)11SO3- is similar to that for classical anionic (surface tension decreases) and zwitterionic surfactants (surface tension invariant), respectively, the bulk solution behavior is not. We measured oxidation of Fc(CH2)11SO3- to Fc+(CH2)11SO3- to lead to the spontaneous transformation of either monomers or globular micelles into vesicle-like assemblies (Rg/Rh = 1.0 ± 0.3) with hydrodynamic diameters of 90 ± 10 nm in 1 mM Li2SO4. We observed the addition of salt to Fc+(CH2)11SO3- to lead to a modest decrease in the size of the ves...
Vertical distribution of grain size for wind blown sand

Abstract Grain size-sorting characteristics from twenty-five vertical, mass-flux profiles for a mixed grain population are presented from a field study conducted in Jericoacoara, Brazil. The vertical mass flux profile is best described using an exponential decay function. An analysis of the grain-size statistics shows that a reverse in grain-size trends occurs at an inflection zone located 0.05–0.15 m above the bed. Below this inflection, mean grain-size decreases steeply with elevation in the near bed region dominated by reptation and saltation modes of transport. Above the inflection there is a coarsening of grain size with elevation. Sorting improves with elevation above the surface. There is not a strong relationship between skewness and kurtosis with elevation. The grain-size inflection above the surface is a characteristic of saltation in some natural environments, with important implications for numerical modeling of grain trajectories.
Role of bone marrow matrix in normal and abnormal hematopoiesis.

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Dissociation of autonomic and cognitive effects of THC in man.

Intravenous THC, 30–44.8 μg/kg, was administered to four subjects. Each received THC on four occasions preceded by either i.v. saline, 0.04 mg/kg atropine sulfate, 0.2 mg/kg propranolol, or both drugs together. Heart rates, subjective intoxication and symptom ratings, time productions, and EEG activity were measured. In the absence of autonomic blocking drugs, THC produced characteristic tachycardia, subjective intoxication, and EEG effects. After combined autonomic blockade, THC had no effect on heart rate, while subjective and EEG changes remained as intense. These findings argue against the hypothesis that the subjective and EEG effects of THC are mediated by autonomic receptors or by interoception of peripheral autonomic actions of THC.
Constitution-Making and Violence

Contrary to a traditional view, constitutions are rarely written in calm and reflective moments. Rather, because they tend to bewritten in period of social unrest, constituent moments induce strong emotions and, frequently, violence. The paper examines two such cases: the Federal Convention of 1787 and the French Assemblee Constituante of 1789–1791. These involved state violence as well as popular violence. In the USA, the unequal political representation of the backcountry explains both the violent events leading to the Convention and its outcome. In France, the dismissal of the King’sMinister Necker explains the subsequent urban and rural violence, and ultimately the abolition of feudalism and the fall of the monarchy. L’anarchie est un passage effrayant, mais necessaire, et c’est le seul moment ou l’on peut arriver a un nouvel ordre des choses. Ce n’est pas dans des temps de calme qu’on prendrait des mesures uniformes. (“Anarchy is a frightening but necessary passage, and the only moment when one can establish a new order of things. It is not in calm times that one can adopt uniform measures”.) (Comte de Clermont-Tonnerre, AR 9, 461)
Transparent thin-film transistor with self-assembled nanocrystals

The paper presents the fabrication of transparent devices using nanofabrication and nanomaterials. Clear and functional structures can be constructed over a large area with highly transparent nanocrystals via layer-by-layer self-assembly. The 12 nm SnO2 and SiO2 nanocrystals can form ultra-thin and uniform multilayers, serving as the active and insulating layers, respectively. Transistors fabricated by this method have a high optical transparency and reliable electrical performance. The averaged optical transmittance is higher than 85%. The usage of nanofabrication and nanomaterials solves some of the current fabricating problems for transparent devices. This technique is applicable to other transistor devices and circuits.
Intracameral triamcinolone acetonide in glaucoma surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracameral triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in glaucoma surgery. Design Prospective randomized clinical trial. Methods setting: Institutional—Wills Eye Hospital. study population: Patients undergoing trabeculectomy (with or without cataract surgery) or tube shunt surgery. intervention: Patients were randomized to receive intracameral TA or balanced salt solution at the end of surgery. Follow-up time was 6 months. main outcome measures: Intraocular pressure, visual acuity, inflammation measured by slit-lamp examination and laser flare meter, cataract grading, bleb appearance, dry eye scores, use of supplemental medical therapy, surgical success, and rate of complications. Results Seventy-seven patients were enrolled in the study, including 37 in the TA group and 40 in the control group. There were no significant differences in success rates between the 2 groups ( P = .60). Intraocular pressure and medication use were similar between the groups for each follow-up visit. Dry eye scores were lower in the TA group at month 1 ( P = .042), while flare scores were higher in the TA group on day 1 ( P = .015) but lower at month 1 ( P = .044). The complication rates were higher in the TA group on day 1 ( P = .04). All other outcome measures were similar for both groups. Conclusions Intracameral TA did not affect the success rates or change the complication rates of glaucoma surgery.
Ex vivo hemodialysis culture system for assessing the activity of cancer chemotherapeutic agents

An ex vivo culture system was developed for assessing the activity of cancer chemotherapeutic agents against tumor cells. The system utilizes artificial capillary culture units and the technique of hemodialysis to expose tumor cells to a chemotherapeutic drug and its metabolites following injection of the drug into an experimental animal. This ex vivo culture system was used to test the activity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) against four human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines (SW 403, SW 480, SW 620, and SW 707). Cell killing by 5-FU or its metabolites in blood dialysate following intravenous injection was measured by determining colony formation of cells attached to plastic and suspended in 0.3% agar after short-term exposures of 1 to 2 h. The technique was shown to discriminate between the sensitivities of these cell lines and the respective sensitivities to the drug were reproducible. Kinetics of drug clearance from the host animal's blood were shown to be similar to that in humans. The results suggest the system may be useful for testing diverse drugs, including those requiring metabolic activation, against a variety of types of tumor cells.
Method Decisions: Quantitative and Qualitative Inquiry in the Study of Religious Phenomena

The conceptual and procedural differences between quantitative and qualitative methods have led many researchers to realize that some methodologies are better suited for studying some phenomena over other phenomena. However, practical guidelines for making these method decisions have yet to be developed. The primary purpose of this paper is to begin to provide such guidelines, especially in the study of religious phenomena. We first discuss the common mistake in Western psychology of considering methods as mere procedures rather than as the outcomes of different interpretations of the world. We then compare five features of a general quantitative interpretation with five features of a general qualitative interpretation. From this comparison, the advantages and disadvantages of each method strategy are discussed. Knowledge of these advantages and disadvantages allows methods to be better matched to the religious phenomena being studied.
Radio science measurements with suppressed carrier

Radio Science started when it became apparent with early deep space missions that occultations by planetary atmospheres would affect the quality of radio communications. Since then the atmospheric properties and other aspects of planetary science, solar science, and fundamental physics were studied by scientists. Radio Science data was always extracted from a received pure residual carrier (without data modulation). For some missions, it is very desirable to obtain Radio Science data from a suppressed carrier modulation. In this paper we propose a method to extract Radio Science data when a coded suppressed carrier modulation is used in deep space communications. The type of modulation can be BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, MPSK or even GMSK. However we concentrate mostly on BPSK modulation. The proposed method for suppressed carrier simply tries to wipe out data that acts as an interference for Radio Science measurements. In order to measure the estimation errors in amplitude and phase of the Radio Science data we use the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB). The CRB for suppressed carrier modulation with non-ideal data wiping is then compared with residual carrier modulation under the same noise condition. The method of derivation of the CRB for non-ideal data wiping is an innovative method that is presented here. Some numerical results are provided for a coded system.
Effects on larval crabs of exposure to algal toxin via ingestion of heterotrophic prey

We tested whether ingesting toxic algae by heterotrophic prey affected their nutritional value to crab larval predators, using toxic algal strains that are either ingested directly by larval crabs or rejected by them. Ingestion of toxic strains of the dinoflagellates Alexandriumandersoni and A. fundyense by the rotifer Brachionusplicatilis was confirmed. Rotifers having ingested either algal type for five days were fed to freshly hatched larvae of three crab species, with larval survival and stage durations determined. For both algal/rotifer treatments in all three crab species, larvae fed algae directly died during the first zoeal stage, while those fed rotifers that had been fed either algal strain survived to the experiment’s end (zoeal stage 3). Survival was lower, and stage duration longer, for larvae fed rotifers cultured on toxic algae when compared to those fed non-toxic algae. The role of toxic algae in the planktonic food web may be influenced by its direct or indirect ingestion by larval crabs.