cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 155: What Predicts Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage in Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Emergent Brain Imaging for Neurological Deterioration After IV tPA?

Background: Early neurological deterioration (END) prompting urgent brain imaging occurs in up to 15% of ischemic stroke patients receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Most of these are not related to symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) but lead to unnecessary interruption of the tPA infusion. We aim to determine predictors of sICH in ischemic stroke patients undergoing emergent brain imaging after tPA. Methods: We queried our prospective stroke database and included all patients who received tPA for ischemic stroke from March 1 st , 2015 until March 1 st , 2017. We then identified patients who underwent emergent brain imaging before the planned 24-hour brain imaging and divided these patients into: sICH+ and sICH- defined by NINDS criteria. We compared baseline clinical factors, pre-admission medications, admission blood pressure, symptoms prompting repeat scan [change in level of consciousness (LOC); worsening or new (W/N) neurological symptoms without change in LOC; headache/nausea/vomiting), thrombectomy, 24-hour NIHSS and 90 day outcome. Results: We identified 511 patients who received tPA (sICH rate 4.1%). Emergent repeat brain CT was performed on 108 (21.1%); 17.5% (19/108) had sICH and 21.3% (23/108) occurred during the tPA infusion with only one being related to sICH. The mean time from tPA infusion to symptoms prompting brain imaging in sICH was 7.3 ± 5.3 hours. In patients who underwent emergent brain imaging, sICH+ patients were older (80.2 ± 15.8 vs. 70.8 ± 15.4, p = 0.026), with higher admission NIHSS (14 vs. 7, p = 0.0016) and 90-day mortality (87.5% vs. 22.4%, p Conclusion: Nearly 95% of patients with ischemic stroke had unnecessary interruption of the tPA infusion for new symptoms shortly after the tPA infusion. A change in LOC was the only predictor of sICH among tPA patients undergoing emergent brain imaging. In this group of patients, the preparation of tPA reversal agents awaiting brain imaging may help reduce tPA reversal times and improve outcomes
Crystal nucleation along an entropic pathway: Teaching liquids how to transition

We combine machine learning (ML) with Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to study the crystal nucleation process. Specifically, we use ML to infer the canonical partition function of the system over the range of densities and temperatures spanned during crystallization. We achieve this on the example of the Lennard-Jones system by training an artificial neural network using, as a reference dataset, equations of state for the Helmholtz free energy for the liquid and solid phases. The accuracy of the ML predictions is tested over a wide range of thermodynamic conditions, and results are shown to provide an accurate estimate for the canonical partition function, when compared to the results from flat-histogram simulations. Then, the ML predictions are used to calculate the entropy of the system during MC simulations in the isothermal-isobaric ensemble. This approach is shown to yield results in very good agreement with the experimental data for both the liquid and solid phases of argon. Finally, taking entropy as a reaction coordinate and using the umbrella sampling technique, we are able to determine the Gibbs free energy profile for the crystal nucleation process. In particular, we obtain a free energy barrier in very good agreement with the results from previous simulation studies. The approach developed here can be readily extended to molecular systems and complex fluids, and is especially promising for the study of entropy-driven processes.
Context Analytics: Vision, Architecture, Opportunity

Business actions are often situated in a complex system of people, data and software, and the pace and quality of decisions often rely on how well knowledge work is coordinated. A tremendous amount of contextual data exists within an enterprise in data management, business analytics, and visualization systems, enterprise applications, and collaboration and social networking tools that capture the flow of 'work' accurately and completely across people, data and software. We believe that if such contextual data is captured and integrated, it offers significant potential to support knowledge work and to accelerate the productivity of knowledge workers. In this paper, we argue for context analytics, broadly referring to analytics on knowledge work and activity. We propose a context graph to flexibly represent knowledge work, including people, data assets, and tools, as well as the context around them. We also propose a reference architecture that is specifically designed for integration and analytics, illustrate how to populate the context graph with contextual data from a variety of systems, and show how analytics can be flexibly computed over the graph such that the graph serves as both input and output. Finally, we describe techniques such as contextual search and activity summarization to create a contextual user experience for discovery, governance, and collaboration in an enterprise setting.
Placing Curriculum in Music

One of the purposes of The MayDay Group is to engage music educators and others in examination, critique, and reconceptualization of music education practices, including matters of curriculum. Generally, the word “curriculum” implies a course of study or the elements of a subject or domain. Study of curriculum may include analyses of the ways in which programs of study are constructed, examinations of goals, and interrogations of why and how curricular decisions are made. The MayDay Group, in its statement of action ideals, moves the conversation about curriculum toward consideration of social contexts, examination of institutional priorities, and critique of standards documents, among other concerns. The signatories of the original MayDay Group “action ideals” advise that curriculum “must be guided by a sound philosophical process,” which “should precede considerations of teaching and research techniques, methods, materials and assessment” (MayDay Group 1997, pp. xxxi–xxxvii, this volume).
Polyethylene — Copolymer Model Blends: Morphology and Mechanical Properties

Random copolymers of ethylene and α-olefins made by low pressure polymerization are known to be mixtures of chains which vary considerably in comonomer content.1 Mirabella, et al.2 have shown that such composition heterogeneity in linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE, in that case ethylene-butene copolymers) leads to the formation of dispersed, submicron size domains of highly branched polymer, presumably by phase separation in the melt. A similar conclusion was reached by Deblieck and Mathot3 regarding the morphology of ethylene-octene copolymers. It was further suggested by Mirabella, et al.2 that the superior plane strain fracture toughness of LLDPE (JC = 40 kJ/m2 at −20°C, versus ~ 2 kJ/m2 for unbranched polyethylene homopolymer) results from the presence of the dispersed rubber-like regions. Their conclusion was underscored by the observation that conventional low density polyethylene (LDPE) with similar density, branching and molecular weight, but characterized by a narrower composition distribution, has no melt phase separation and a low toughness, about the same as that of unbranched homopolymer (PE).
Use of a DPSS Er:YAG laser for the selective removal of composite from tooth surfaces

New diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) Er:YAG lasers have become available operating at high pulse repetition rates. These lasers are ideally suited for integration with laser scanning systems for the selective removal of dental decay and composite restorative materials from tooth surfaces. The purpose of this study was to determine if a DPSS Er:YAG laser system is suitable for the selective removal of composite from tooth surfaces. Relative ablation rates of composite and enamel were determined and composite was removed from tooth surfaces using a DPSS Er:YAG laser. Composite was removed very rapidly with ablation rates approaching 50-µm per pulse. A fluence of ~50 J/cm2 appeared optimal for the removal of composite and damage to the enamel was limited to less than 100-µm after the removal of composite as thick as 700-800-µm; however, dentin is removed at similar rates to composite. The DPSS Er:YAG laser appears to be better suited for the removal of composite than conventional flash-lamp pumped Er:YAG lasers since composite is ablated at higher rates than dental enamel and the high pulse repetition rates enable greater selectivity while maintaining high removal rates.
Healthcare Blockchain Infrastructure: A Comparative Approach

Blockchain has been hailed as the most disruptive technology of the next decade. One of the areas of immediate application is healthcare, where different types of blockchain applications could help streamline data sharing, protect patient privacy, and assist in the monitoring of drug shipments. This Article explores the first steps taken by healthcare companies in the United States to incorporate blockchain solutions into their business models. It then contrasts them to ongoing experiments in the European Union, with a focus on Sweden’s adoption of CareChain (a national, interoperable blockchain health data platform) and Estonia’s digitization of 95% of the country’s health data.
Enzyme-Deoxygenated Low Parts per Million Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization in Miniemulsion and Ab Initio Emulsion

The development of robust oxygen-tolerant reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) systems can dramatically simplify synthesis of well-defined polymers without redundant deoxygenation ...
Mutasynthesis for Natural Product Bioengineering

Abstract Mutasynthesis of natural products, particularly those structurally complex compounds synthesized by polyketide synthases (PKSs) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), is a preferred approach over organic synthesis for creating “unnatural” natural products with improved biological properties. Full and rational control over polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide production has long been a goal since the discovery of their modular biosynthetic synthases. This goal has not been fully realized, yet production of non-native natural product analogues has been a success in many cases. This article covers mutasynthetic strategies for producing analogues of polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides in addition to methods with promise to improve engineering of modular PKSs and NRPSs. Incorporation of non-native building monomers will be discussed, organized by strategies of incorporation: harnessing natural promiscuity of megasynthases, mutagenesis of gate-keeping enzymes, domain swapping, and module swapping. The complexity of protein-protein interactions and enzyme-substrate preference has hindered many efforts to control these megasynthases. However, the last decade has provided successful studies in mutagenesis and redefinition of module boundaries, which brings the field closer to full control of natural product bioengineering.
Enfleshment: Beneath the Body Lies Flesh

This chapter maps the distinction between narratives that are inscribed on a body versus a motif of enfleshment, which brings flesh back to the bones of Latina experience. It identifies the conceptual genealogies of the “body” from Enlightenment philosophies through to their current instantiations within embodiment studies. It unpacks the methods through which the concept of “human” takes on default characteristics of gender, race, ethnicity, and geography. This analysis produces a nuanced reading of literature written by Puerto Rican women that represent experiences of sociopolitical violence. This chapter specifically examines Judith Ortiz Cofer’s poetry that depicts US Government-sanctioned Zero Population Growth Policies of the twentieth century, which resulted in over 1/3 of Puertorriquenas becoming reproductively sterilized. My analysis of Ortiz Cofer’s poetry, in conjunction with a larger sociopolitical context, elucidates a creative method that relays experiences of violence without relying on conceptual genealogies of dehumanization.
Peer Coaching Program Development: A Framework of First-Year Latina/o Student Persistence Pursuing STEM Pathways at a Hispanic Serving Institution:

This study developed and examined the implementation of an intrusive peer-to-peer coaching program model at a private 4-year master’s degree granting Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) located in S...
Abstract 524: HMGB1-activated IRF3 and NF-κB contributes to UV radiation-induced immune suppression by upregulating PD-L1

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) suppresses skin immunity, which facilitates skin lesion initiation and establishment by promoting immune evasion. It is unclear whether immune checkpoints are involved in the modulation of skin immunity by UVR. Here we report that the expression of immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1 was significantly increased in melanocytes and melanoma cells upon UVR exposure. The damage-associated molecular patterns molecule HMGB1 was secreted by melanocytes and keratinocytes upon UVR, which subsequently activated the RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation endproducts) receptor to promote the NF-κB and IRF3-dependent transcription of PD-L1 in melanocytes. We also found that UVR exposure significantly reduced the susceptibility of melanoma cells to CD8+ T cell-dependent cytotoxicity, which was mitigated by inhibiting the HMGB1/TBK1/IRF3/NF-κB cascade or blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that UVR-induced PD-L1 upregulation contributes to the immune suppression in the skin microenvironment, which may promote immune evasion of oncogenic cells, and melanoma initiation and progression. Citation Format: Wei Wang, Nicole Chapman, Bo Zhang, Mingqi Li, Meiyun Fan, R. Nicholas Laribee, M. Raza Zaidi, Lawrence Pfeffer, Hongbo Chi, Zhaohui Wu. HMGB1-activated IRF3 and NF-κB contributes to UV radiation-induced immune suppression by upregulating PD-L1 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 524.
Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence in 50 U.S. States and D.C. by Sex, Birth Cohort, and Race: 2013-2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality, and more than 2 million adults in the United States are estimated to be currently infected. Reducing HCV burden will require an understanding of demographic disparities and targeted efforts to reduce prevalence in populations with disproportionate disease rates. We modeled state-level estimates of hepatitis C prevalence among U.S. adults by sex, birth cohort, and race during 2013-2016. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were used in combination with state-level HCV-related and narcotic overdose-related mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System and estimates from external literature review on populations not sampled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Nationally, estimated hepatitis C prevalence was 1.3% among males and 0.6% among females (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.3). Among persons born during 1945 to 1969, prevalence was 1.6% compared with 0.5% among persons born after 1969 (PR = 3.2). Among persons born during 1945 to 1969, prevalence ranged from 0.7% in North Dakota to 3.6% in Oklahoma and 6.8% in the District of Columbia. Among persons born after 1969, prevalence was more than twice as high in Kentucky, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and West Virginia compared with the national average. Hepatitis C prevalence was 1.8% among non-Hispanic black persons and 0.8% among persons of other races (PR = 2.2), and the magnitude of this disparity varied widely across jurisdictions (PR range: 1.3-7.8). Overall, 23% of prevalent HCV infections occurred among non-Hispanic black persons, whereas 12% of the population was represented by this racial group. These estimates provide information on prevalent HCV infections that jurisdictions can use for understanding and monitoring local disease patterns and racial disparities in burden of disease.
Evaluation of Carrier Trapping in SiN x Towards Ion Migration Measurements

Sodium ion migration has been implicated in potential induced degradation of the shunting type. The kinetics of sodium migration in silicon nitride can be investigated using a simple capacitance-voltage characterization technique. However, we show that the charge trapping strongly affects the measurement and must be taken into consideration in the experimental approach. We perform a systematic analysis of charge carrier trapping in silicon nitride, allowing us to correct trapping effects that otherwise prevent sodium signal detection. We extract trapping and detrapping time constants both on the order of several hours. This shows that trapping cannot be ignored as it occurs relatively quickly and is constantly evolving in time. Accurate determination of sodium behavior in dielectric layers will facilitate robust co-optimization of these layers for optical, passivation, and barrier properties.
On the Frontline of the COVID-19 Outbreak: Keeping Patients on Long-Term Dialysis Safe

We received a call at 9:00 pm on Friday evening, February 28th that our patient had died of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. This would be the first reported death from COVID-19 in the nation. After suspending disbelief, we began our approach following three guiding principles: provide
Chapter 5 – Motor Assessments

The diagnosis of movement disorders and evaluation of their severity is done on clinical grounds with high reliance on the examiner seeing the movements. Video technology has enhanced the ability of clinicians to witness the movements in question. Other technologies may be helpful in the assessment of the movements themselves or neurophysiologic correlates. These include kinematic methods, electromyography, cortical evoked potentials, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Clinical rating scales can also be helpful in the assessment of movement disorder type and severity as well as response to treatment. Rating scales that have been tested in children are discussed.
Privacy and Personalization Strategies for Winning Customer Trust and Promoting Customer Engagement

Increasing deployment of technologies and AI-infused analytics to deliver personalized offerings amplifies consumers’ privacy concerns and challenges their trust in the firm. Mitigating customers’ ...
A Virtual Prostate Cancer Clinic for Prostate-Specific Antigen Monitoring: Improving Well Visits and Freeing Up Time for Acute Care

Leaders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have created an efficient model for remote prostate care, which has led to increased access to and revenue from more advanced in-person care.
Clinical Features, Natural History, and Outcomes of Intraneural Perineuriomas: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background Intraneural perineurioma is a rare peripheral nerve sheath tumor characterized by localized proliferation of perineurial cells. The literature consists predominantly of case reports and institutional series, with inconsistent and confusing nomenclature. We present a pooled analysis of all reported cases of intraneural perineurioma in the literature. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was performed according to PRISMA guidelines to identify all reported cases of intraneural perineurioma in the literature. Individual cases were pooled and analyzed for demographics, clinical features, and outcomes. Results A total of 172 cases were identified across 72 studies, of which 149 were found in major peripheral nerves and their branches. Median age of patients at diagnosis and onset of symptoms was 18 years (interquartile range [IQR], 12–34 years) years and 13.5 years (IQR, 8–26 years), respectively, with 54.4% (81/149) being female. The most common sites were the sciatic nerve or its branches (41.9%), median nerve (13.5%), radial nerve (12.2%), and brachial plexus (12.2%). Most patients were managed conservatively (52.9%; 72/136). Among those managed conservatively with available follow-up (n = 31), median follow-up was 11 months, and most (67.7%, n = 21) reported no change in neurologic status, although worsening was noted in 29.0% (9/31). Among surgically managed cases (n = 64), the most common intervention was resection with or without repair (62.5%; 40/64), neurolysis (25%; 16/64), or tendon transfers without resection (12.5%; 8/64). No lesion recurred after surgical resection. Conclusions Intraneural perineurioma represents a benign focal lesion presenting with weakness and atrophy affecting adolescents and young adults. Most cases are managed nonoperatively and surgical treatment strategies are varied.
The SWING test: A more reliable test than passive clinical tests for assessing sagittal plane hip mobility.

Abstract Background Clinical assessment of sagittal plane hip mobility is usually performed using the Modified Thomas Test (for extension) and the Straight-Leg-Raise (for flexion) with a goniometer. These tests have limited reliability, however. An active swinging leg movement test (the SWING test), assessed using 3D motion analysis, could provide an alternative to these passive clinical tests. Research question Is the SWING test a more reliable alternative to evaluate hip mobility, in comparison to the clinical extension and flexion tests? Methods Ten asymptomatic adult participants were evaluated by two investigators over three sessions. Participants performed 10 maximal hip extensions and flexions, with both legs straight and no trunk movement (the SWING test). Hip kinematics was assessed using a 3D motion analysis system. Maximal and minimal hip angles were calculated for each swing and represented maximal hip flexion (SWING flexion) and extension (SWING extension), respectively. The Modified Thomas Test and Straight-Leg-Raise were repeated 3 times for each leg. On the first day, both investigators performed all the tests (SWING + Modified Thomas Test + Straight-Leg-Raise). A week later, a single investigator repeated all the tests. Inter-rater, intra-rater, within-day and between-day reliability were evaluated using intra-class correlation. Results Intra-class correlation coefficients for all the tests were superior to 0.8, except for the Modified Thomas Test’s intra-rater, between-day (intra-class correlation 0.673) and the Straight-Leg-Raise’s inter-rater, within-day (intra-class correlation 0.294). The SWING test always showed a higher intra-class correlation coefficient than the passive clinical tests. The only significant correlation found was for the Straight-Leg-Raise and SWING flexion (r = 0.48; P Significance The SWING test seems to be an alternative to existing passive clinical tests, offering better reliability for assessing sagittal plane hip mobility.
Closely Related Physical Properties Data for Grain and Seed

Some physical properties of grain have been studied in detail because of their influence on the dielectric properties of those materials. The moisture dependence of density, both kernel density and bulk density, is prominent among those. Also, kernel dimensions and kernel and seed densities are of interest, and they have been determined for a range of agricultural grain and crop seeds. Graphical relationships between bulk density and moisture content, and between kernel density and moisture content, are presented for both wheat and corn. Polynomial regression equations for these relationships are also provided. Porosity and moisture content relationships for wheat and corn are shown graphically. Also, for a reasonable selection of seeds of grain and other agricultural crops, physical properties, including moisture content, test weight, bulk density, seed weight, seed volume, seed density, and seed dimensions, are tabulated for reference along with volume coefficients for relating kernel or seed dimensions and volume.
Environment and health: 4. Cancer

One of the urgent environmental health issues of the past 25 years has been workplace and community exposures and the risk of cancer. In the United States, much of the concern has focused on toxic chemicals and radiation, both ionizing and nonionizing, and their relation to clusters of cancer in
Evidence for the Inclusion of Controlling Elements within the Structural Gene at the Waxy Locus in Maize.

ABSTRACT Minimal limits for the structural gene at the waxy locus have been set by investigations of the protein product of the gene. An altered protein is produced by four of the waxy mutants including B3 , a controlling-element mutation. All are similar to wild type in molecular weight as determined by electrophoresis in SDS acrylamide gels. At least three of the five wx controlling-element mutations studied have been shown to lie within the limits of the structural gene.
Molecular networks in model systems.

▪ Abstract Model organisms, especially the budding yeast, are leading systems in the transformation of biology into an information science. With the availability of genome sequences and genome-scale data generation technologies, the extraction of biological insight from complex integrated molecular networks has become a major area of research. Here I examine key concepts and review research developments. I propose specific areas of research effort to drive network analysis in directions that will promote modeling with increasing predictive power.
Ayn Rand versus Karl Marx

What sets Rand apart from other critics of Marx is that she is a philosophical/ethical/ political individualist who rejects the claim by Marx that “The human essence is the true collectivity of man” and advances, instead, a neo‐Aristotelian theory to the effect that each of us is a human individual – that being human is essentially to be self‐directed and that the kind of society that is truly suited to human living must secure the individual his or her sovereignty.
Stereological and serial section analysis of chondrocytic enlargement in the proximal tibial growth plate of the rat

Background: It has been suggested that within the growth plate, the final volume and shape of hypertrophic chondrocytes are important variables in determining the rate of longitudinal bone growth. To better understand the organization and regulation of chondrocytic hypertrophy as related to longitudinal bone growth, the beginning and end, and the location and magnitude of chondrocytic volume and shape changes during the hypertrophic process were defined in the proximal tibial growth plate of 35-day-old rats. Methods: In this study we used two different approaches, a stereological analysis of chondrocytes in unbiasedly defined, narrow growth plate strata, and a serial section reconstruction and measurement of individual cells. In both experiments chondrocytes were preserved using optimal chemical fixation. Proliferating chondrocytes were identified using bromodeoxyruidine labelling, and the rat of longitudinal bone growth was determined using oxytetracycline labelling. Results: In both studies, immediately following cell division in the proliferative zone, chondrocytic volume gradually increased toward the midpoint of the growth plate. During this phase of about 30 hours, approximately 20% of the final cell volume was obtained. During the following 20 hours the remaining 80% was acquired. The estimated rate of cell volume increased changed from approximately 50 μm3/hr during the first 30 hours to about 800 μm3/hr during the last 20 hours. The increase in cell volume resulted in an increase in both the vertical and the horizontal chondrocytic diameters. Cell parameters did not change during the final five hours of the maturation process. Conclusions: In this study we demonstrated that chondrocytic enlargement starts immediately following cell division in the proliferative zone, and that chondrocytic enlargement consists of two morphologically distinguishable phases. The transition point between the first and the second phase of chondrocytic enlargement corresponded with the junction between the proliferative zone and the maturation zone. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A fully capable bidirectional debugger

The goal of this research project is to develop a bidirectional program debugger with which one can move as easily backwards as current debuggers move forward. We believe this will be a vastly more useful debugger. A programmer will be able to start at the manifestation of a bug and proceed backwards investigating how the program arrived at the incorrect state, rather than the current and often tedious practice of the user stepping and breakpointing monotonically forward and then being forced to start over from the beginning if they skip past a point of interest.Our experimental debugger has been implemented to work with C and C++ programs on Digital/Compaq Alpha based UNIX workstations.
A simple appliance for continuous jaw exercise

Impressions of the upper and lower occlusal surfaces of the teeth anterior to the molars are obtained in the traditional manner. The models are mounted on a hinge articulator. The exerciser is made of a 5 in. X 5 in. clear sheet of resin that is normally used for mouth guards. It is 0.15 in. thick, which gives the material resilience. The sheet is heated over a flame and then applied to the lower arch where the markings of the lower occlusal surfaces are imprinted. Following that, the sheet is chilled and folded over in the premolar or first molar region. The part that faces the maxillary teeth is now heated, and the markings of the maxillary occlusal surfaces are registered (Fig. 1). The sheet is again chilled, and a heavy pair of scissors is used to trim the outer part and to remove the middle section (Fig. 2). The sharp edges at the periphery are then smoothed with an acrylic bur. The final product is a thin, soft appliance that can be inserted between the arches, provided the patient’s mouth is not completely closed (Fig. 3). We recommend that the patient begin by wearing the appliance day and night for 2 weeks. The severity of the condition dictates the length of its use; in some cases, this may be for several months.
Super-resolution image reconstruction from a sequence of aliased imagery

This paper presents a super-resolution image reconstruction from a sequence of aliased imagery. The sub-pixel shifts (displacement) among the images are unknown due to uncontrolled natural jitter of the imager. A correlation method is utilized to estimate sub-pixel shifts between each low-resolution aliased image with respect to a reference image. An error-energy reduction algorithm is derived to reconstruct the high-resolution alias-free output image. The main feature of this proposed error-energy reduction algorithm is that we treat the spatial samples from low-resolution images that possess unknown and irregular (uncontrolled) sub-pixel shifts as a set of constraints to populate an over-sampled (sampled above the desired output bandwidth) processing array. The estimated sub-pixel locations of these samples and their values constitute a spatial domain constraint. Furthermore, the bandwidth of the alias-free image (or the sensor imposed bandwidth) is the criterion used as a spatial frequency domain constraint on the over-sampled processing array. The results of testing the proposed algorithm on the simulated low-resolution aliased images from real world non-aliased FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) images, real world aliased FLIR images and visible aliased images are provided.
On L2 cohomology of ACH Kähler manifolds

We discuss a class of complete Kahler manifolds which are asymptotically complex hyperbolic near infinity. The main result is a sharp vanishing theorem for the second L 2 cohomology of such manifolds under certain assumptions. The borderline case characterizes a Kahler-Einstein manifold constructed by Calabi.
Breeding Transformed Cotton Expressing Enhanced Fiber Strength

ABSTRACT New cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seeds that can produce fiber with enhanced strength would increase efficiency of the rotor form of open end yarn manufacture. We report results of 3-yr of breeding transgenic ‘Deltapine 50’ (DP 50) germplasm expressing enhanced fiber strength. The objective was to identify germplasm that could consistently express and transmit enhanced fiber strength to their progeny. Deltapine 50 cotton was transformed via particle bombardment of meristems by Monsanto. The intent of transformation was to insert a -glucuronidase (GUS) marker gene and a proprietary gene driven by a fiber specific promoter. The R4-R6 generations descendent from three GUS-positive, enhanced strength, R3 greenhouse plants were evaluated in the field from 1996-1998 near Florence, SC. Unusual frequencies of GUS-positive progeny were found upon self-pollination of GUS-positive plants, possibly reflecting altered fitness of transgenic gametes. Fiber strength of most GUS-positive plants was 30-70% greate...
TH‐D‐BRB‐07: Skin Dose Determination for Various IMRT Delivery Methods

Purpose: To examine the effect of various methods of IMRT delivery on skin dose. Method and Materials:MLC based optimized IMRT plans were created using Pinnacle® TPS: two controlled cases — a 6‐step step‐wedge and a 4‐field forward planned IMRT plans — and one clinical case for abdomen treatment. For the same cases, optimized fluence maps were used to define the corresponding thickness distribution of brass compensators using the p.d software (.decimal) The planned compensator apertures were imported in Pinnacle® TPS for dose calculation using the same geometry with the MLC plans (isocentric method on a 30cm diameter cylindrical phantom). Equivalence between the MLC and compensator calculated plans were verified through isodose lines and Dose Volume Histogram comparisons. All measurements were performed using a 23Ex Varian accelerator with 120MLC and the compensators were fitted at the wedge tray location. Absolute dose measurements using ionization chambers were also performed at the center of the phantom geometry for plan verification purposes. Entrance, exit and total skin dose measurements were done using ultra thin TLDs and gafchromic EBT film. Results: Measurements of the entrance skin dose was shown to be reduced for the compensator based plan for the controlled cases up to 45% (step‐wedge plan) and the effect was even more prominent for thicker compensator material. However, the exit and total skin dose measurements were higher for the compensator IMRT plans than the respective MLC ones for the most part of the surface area. Conclusion: Preliminary results showed that the hardening of the beam when using compensator based IMRT delivery affects the patient's skin dose reducing the entrance skin dose but leading to higher skin doses when accounting for the total plan delivery. Current and future work includes Monte Carlo simulations for verification purposes. Conflict of Interest: Research sponsored by .decimal.
Climatic Change as a Mathematical Problem

Abstract Formulating reasonable hypotheses regarding climatic change requires physical insight and ingenuity, but subsequently testing these hypotheses demands quantitative computation. Many features of today's climate have been reproduced by mathematical models (equations arranged for numerical solution by digital computers), similar to those used in weather prediction. Models currently in use generally predict only the atmosphere, and pre-specify the state of its environment (oceans, land surfaces, sun, etc.). Newer models, where certain environmental conditions enter as additional dependent variables, should be suitable for testing climatic-change hypotheses. Aspects of the atmosphere which play no role in these hypotheses may be highly simplified. A super-model where virtually all not-strictly-constant features of the atmosphere and its environment enter as variables may ultimately lead to an acceptable theory of climatic change.
Effect of insole material on force and plantar pressures during walking

Twelve subjects between the ages of 24 and 35 years walked barefoot over a pressure platform with the following insole materials placed directly on top of the platform: 1) PPT, 2) Spenco, and 3) Viscolas. Maximum vertical force, vertical force-time integral as well as maximum plantar pressure data were collected for the rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot regions. The results were not significant for maximum vertical force and vertical force-time integral among the three insole materials when compared to barefoot-only walking. There was, however, a significant reduction in forefoot maximum plantar pressure among the three materials compared to barefoot-only walking. In the rearfoot region, a reduction in maximum plantar pressure was seen only with PPT and Spenco.
Perceptions of behavior and humanistic therapies

The impressions that laypeople have of particular treatment procedures presumably affect the acceptance and application of those procedures. Previous research suggests that behavioral therapies are perceived less favorably than humanistic therapies. In this study, mental health professionals' and university students' reactions to behavioral and humanistic therapy labels were measured along specific dimensions (e.g., warmth, effectiveness) of evaluation. Results indicated that both students and professionals perceived humanistic therapies as warmer and more friendly, but behavior therapies were rated as more effective. Thus, both behavioral and humanistic therapies are sometimes perceived favorably, but from different perspectives. Implications for community applications are discussed.
Effects of thyroxine, growth hormone and cortisol on salinity preference of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

Freshwater yearling smolts of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) weighing 25–70 g showed no preference for 33 ppt seawater from March to July; instead, seawater aversion was detected in June and July after the migratory period. In April during the migratory period, the fish showed restless behavior (swimming actively between compartments), which resulted in a high standard error of the mean. Effects of hormone administration on preference for 14 ppt seawater were examined using underyearling coho weighing 0.8–8.8 g. Fish treated with thyroxine (T4) or with ovine growth hormone (oGH) showed a significantly greater preference for 14 ppt salinity than the controls. The combination of T4 + oGH further increased this preference. Cortisol administration resulted in a less but still significant increase in preference. The finding that thyroid hormone, growth hormone and Cortisol all stimulate salinity preference of young coho, suggests the importance of these hormones in preparing smolts for downstream migration...
Reconstruction of chronic distal biceps tendon rupture with use of fascia lata combined with a ligament augmentation device: A report of 3 cases

Successful outcomes have been reported after early direct repair of the ruptured distal biceps tendon to the radial tuberosity.1,2,4,5,8,11,12 The optimal treatment of patients with chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures, which cannot be mobilized to the tuberosity for primary reattachment, remains unclear. The tendon has often retracted into the arm, and direct repair may not be feasible. In these situations, several methods of reconstruction have been described, including use of fascia lata,7 semitendinosus tendon,6 palmaris longus tendon,12 Achilles tendon,10 and split flexor carpi radialis.9 We present 3 cases of chronic distal biceps tendon rupture in which reconstruction was performed with use of a fascia lata autograft combined with a ligament augmentation device.
Deriving visual field loss based upon OCT of inner retinal thicknesses of the macula

Using a multiple linear regression method, a derived visual field (VF) was obtained from retinal ganglion cell and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses measured with frequency-domain, optical coherence tomography (OCT) macular scans. 138 eyes from 92 glaucoma patients or suspects and 58 healthy eyes were included. The derived VF was compared to the VF measured with standard automated perimetry (SAP). The median agreement between the derived and observed VFs was 90%. As the derived and observed VFs should be independent, they can be combined to potentially increase the sensitivity/specificity of a test for glaucoma.
Hunting Parks and Animal Enclosures in Ancient China

Many persons augment their enjoyment in watching wild birds and harmless mammals-such creatures as robins, nuthatches and chipmunks-by setting out crumbs, suet and other food to attract them closer to their houses. The chances of seeing wild animals at close quarters can also be improved by fencing an area of uncleared land and keeping it in a condition attractive to its natural inhabitants, whose numbers can be maintained, if necessary, by bringing their cousins in from elsewhere. This is the basis of the hunting park everywhere in the world. If to this are added exotic and bizarre animals-kept, perhaps, under greater restrictions-we have a zoo or aviary, where the inhabitants can be observed for pleasure or study almost at will. In the best modern zoos, the captive animals are kept in miniature replicas of their native habitats, supplied with an approximation of their natural food, and encouraged to breed. Beyond this, when wild animals can be taught to accept nurture and shelter in close association with men, without harm to either, we speak of the animals as "tame". Finally, if the whole life cycle of the animal, especially its breeding, becomes subject to human control in an artificial environment, we have "domesticated" it. The Chinese, for as far back in time as we can identify them, had both tamed and domesticated animals. Among the former were parrots and elephants. Among the latter were ducks and horses. Their history is fairly well known, and is not under consideration here. It is the purpose of this paper, rather, to investigate the simpler stages of animal control in China--specifically, the condition and significance of hunting parks and other animal enclosures down to the T'ang period.
Reply to "Comment on 'Prewetting at a solid-fluid interface via Monte Carlo simulation' "

Velasco and Tarazona [preceding Comment, Phys. Rev. A 42, 2454 (1990)] have presented density-functional-theory predictions for prewetting at a Lennard-Jones 12-6--9-3 fluid-solid interface and they have compared their results with our recently published Monte Carlo simulation data [J. E. Finn and P. A. Monson, Phys. Rev. A 39, 6402 (1989)]. The agreement is good except for the location of the prewetting line which in the density-functional theory lies at lower values of the pressure relative to saturation than those estimated from the simulations. This leads to prediction of a lower value for the wetting temperature. Velasco and Tarazona suggest that this difference may be due to an underestimation by us of the saturation pressures of the truncated 12-6 fluid. We have performed further Monte Carlo simulations of the coexistence properties of the truncated 12-6 fluid and the results support the accuracy of our method for estimating saturation properties. Thus the difference between simulation and theory cannot be explained in the manner described by Velasco and Tarazona.
A thermodynamic investigation of dilute solutions of hydrogen in liquid Li-Pb alloys

Isothermal measurements of hydrogen decomposition pressure (P) vs. hydrogen concentration (XH) were carried out on ten Li-Pb alloys in the composition range 0.1 ≤ XPb ≤ 0.8. Each alloy was investigated at several temperatures from 50 to 400 K above the corresponding liquidus point and at hydrogen pressures up to 15 kPa. Sieverts' law (√P = KXH, as XH → O) was found to be obeyed under these conditions. The Sieverts' constants showed a 105-fold increase as the Pb content was increased over the stated composition range. The InK vs. XPb, data, fitted to a thermodynamic model, yielded a semi-empirical equation which produced (1) Sieverts' constants within the measured temperature and composition ranges, (2) an inflection point at XPb, ∼0.3, presumably caused by the formation of partly ionic Li-Pb bonds, (3) a steady decrease in the temperature coefficient as a function of XPb, resulting in a sign reversal at XPb ∼0.6, and (4) Sieverts' constant estimates for pure liquid lead. Availability of the latter estimates permitted testing of three statistical mechanical models against the experimental data. The results were compared with other literature on the H-Li-Pb system.
Text and metatext in Hersey's A Single Pebble from the perspective of intercultural communication☆

Abstract An interdisciplinary study of a literary text from the perspectives of both literary scholarship and communication studies is possible under the conditions of expanding applicability of communication models to other fields and the broadening of literary studies to include approaches formerly excluded. This study was undertaken to show the relevance of issues of intercultural communication and models of communication in general to the analysis of issues of concern to the student of literary texts, and to demonstrate the blending of two methodological standpoints. The novel A Single Pebble by John Hersey presents textual structures which complement its ostensible content of interaction by a member of one culture with the members of another. This complementarity may be examined through a model of the interplay of text and metatext in narrative fiction applied to the analysis of an incident in the plot centering upon the disappearance of the protagonist's watch. Because the watch is referred to in a peculiar metaphor at one point, a series of observations on its relationship to the characters, the narrator, and the author are generated in the process of reading out its significance. This is related to the basic situation of the experience of an individual in penetrating an alien culture. The metaphor in which reference to the watch is couched can be taken as emblematic of an ironic authorial stance in Hersey's account of a largely unsuccessful attempt at communication across cultures .
In-situ root uptake and soil transformations of glycine, glutamine and ammonium in two temperate deciduous forests of contrasting N availability

Abstract Whereas it is recognized that most trees have the capacity to take up free amino acids, it is unclear how important amino acid uptake is in situ. In-situ root uptake of isotopically-labeled ammonium, glycine and glutamine were compared between low-nitrogen (N)-availability and high-N-availability temperate forests. Comparable immediate 13C- and 15N-enrichment of fine roots indicated that short-term uptake of amino-acids by tree roots was similar between the two sites. Over the remainder of the experiment, recovery of amino-acid 15N in fine roots was greater, and recovery of 13C lower, in the high-N-availability site. Together with greater rates of conversion of amino-acid-derived 15N into inorganic forms, this indicates that a greater proportion of amino-acid-derived N was taken up after it was converted to inorganic forms by soil microorganisms in the high N availability site. Results from this study suggest that capacity for amino acid uptake by tree roots did not differ between high- and low-N availability sites, but differences in microbial mineralization drove strong differences in the availability of inorganic forms of N between sites.