cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PLR partitions: a conceptual model of maps

The traditional spatial data models model space in terms of points, lines, and regions. These models employ a disjoint dimension model in which a spatial object can only consist of a zero, one, or two-dimensional point set. However, such models cannot adequately represent spatial reality. For example, consider a river network that contains both rivers and lakes. Intuitively, this river network is a single object made up of one-dimensional components (the river segments), and two-dimensional components (the lakes). Typically, collection types are used to represent such an object, but they present new problems. In this paper, we propose the PLR partition model that is able to model space in the form of a map geometry that can contain point, line, and region features within the same object. This model solves the problems associated with the traditional spatial data models.
Low-complexity iterative detection and decoding of multi-antenna systems employing channel and space-time codes

We study multiple antenna systems that employ space-time modulation schemes and transmit data encoded by powerful channel codes. Decoders for such codes require probabilistic (soft) information about transmitted bits. We use a modification of the Fincke-Pohst algorithm to solve maximum a posteriori detection problem and efficiently approximate soft information. Simulation results that illustrate performance of the proposed system are presented.
Probiotic lactobacillus ameliorates heightened colonic inflammatory responses in infected stressor-exposed C57BL/6 mice and inhibits dysbiosis (MPF1P.771)

The mammalian colon is a primary niche for the microbiota, a community of bacteria in part involved in immune maintenance. Alterations in these microbial populations, referred to as dysbiosis, can have deleterious effects on host health and previous studies show psychological stress can lead to dysbiosis. We investigated if stressor exposure could increase the severity of colonic infection with the enteric pathogen, Citrobacter rodentium. Mice that were subjected to social stressor exposure had increases in pathogen burden and the inflammation-related gene transcripts TNF-alpha, iNOS, and CCL2. The stressor-exposed mice also had increased colitic pathology. When mice were treated with a probiotic strain of Lactobacillus reuteri, the colitic pathology and resultant inflammatory markers were abrogated. The mechanism by which L. reuteri reduces colitis is unknown. Probiotic treatment of germ-free mice mono-associated with C. rodentium did not reduce inflammation, indicating that direct immune intervention is unlikely. However, quantitative PCR of conventional mice infected with C. rodentium revealed that stressor-exposed mice had altered levels of commensal microbes, and probiotic treatment caused these populations to rebound. Thus, stressor exposure exacerbated infection-induced dysbiosis and colonic inflammation. It is proposed that probiotic treatment prevents stressor-induced exacerbation of colonic inflammation by preventing dysbiosis.
Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus in the Preterm Infant

Between 1969 and 1978 we treated 22 low birth weight infants for delayed onset posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. All developed clinical signs of hydrocephalus after 2 weeks of age. The diagnosis was determined in 12 infants before August 1974, and they were treated by surgical placement of a shunt. In the ten infants born after September 1974, an attempt was first made to control the hydrocephalus with repeated lumbar puncture and diuretics prior to placing a shunt. In seven of the ten the hydrocephalus was successfully arrested by medical therapy alone. Follow-up assessments at 1 to 8 years of age were done on 18 infants. Two of the 12 treated by permanent shunts and three of six treated medically had an IQ score of 85 or greater. These results indicate a poor long-term outlook for the low birth weight infant who develops clinically overt hydrocephalus after intracranial bleeding.
The kilometric radio emission spectrum: Relationship to auroral acceleration processes

Using current theories for the generation of auroral kilometric radiation, the possibilities for obtaining information on the auroral acceleration processes from the spectrum of this radiation are discussed. It is shown, for example, that under certain conditions the low-frequency cutoff provides a direct indication of the upper altitude limit of the acceleration region. What is more, certain discrete features in the kilometric radiation spectrum show a very close similarity to whistler-mode emissions, thereby suggesting that the basic instability mechanisms are quite similar. Certain of these discrete features have frequency drifts which can be interpreted in terms of the propagation of shock-like disturbances along the auroral field lines at velocities near the ion-acoustic speed.
Information Acquisition and Exploitation in Multichannel Wireless Networks

A wireless system with multiple channels is considered, where each channel has several transmission states. A user learns about the instantaneous state of an available channel by transmitting a control packet in it. Since probing all channels consumes significant energy and time, a user needs to determine what and how much information it needs to acquire about the instantaneous states of the available channels so that it can maximize its transmission rate. This motivates the study of the trade-off between the cost of information acquisition and its value towards improving the transmission rate. A simple model is presented for studying this information acquisition and exploitation trade-off when the channels are multi-state, with different distributions and information acquisition costs. The objective is to maximize a utility function which depends on both the cost and value of information. Solution techniques are presented for computing near-optimal policies with succinct representation in polynomial time. These policies provably achieve at least a fixed constant factor of the optimal utility on any problem instance, and in addition, have natural characterizations. The techniques are based on exploiting the structure of the optimal policy, and use of Lagrangean relaxations which simplify the space of approximately optimal solutions.
Simple Methods For Drawing Rational Surfaces as Four or Six Bezier Patches

In this paper, we give several simple methods for drawing a whole rational surface (without base points) as several Bezier patches. The first two methods apply to surfaces specified by triangular control nets and partition the real projective plane RP2 into four and six triangles respectively. The third method applies to surfaces specified by rectangular control nets and partitions the torus RP1 X RP1 into four rectangular regions. In all cases, the new control nets are obtained by sign flipping and permutation of indices from the original control net. The proofs that these formulae are correct involve very little computations and instead exploit the geometry of the parameter space (RP2 or RP1 X RP1). We illustrate our method on some classical examples. We also propose a new method for resolving base points using a simple ``blowing up'' technique involving the computation of ``resolved'' control nets.
Optimization of long-term outcomes for patients with esthesioneuroblastoma.

Background Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare cancer of the anterior cranial base that arises in the region of the olfactory rootlets. The purpose of this study was to review the long-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) treated at a single institution to determine factors associated with improved disease control and survival. Methods A retrospective review of 70 patients with ENB treated at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between 1992 and 2007 was undertaken. Survival and recurrence was analyzed and compared using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank statistics. Results Seventy patients were reviewed. The majority (77%) had T3 or T4 disease at presentation, 38% identified as modified Kadish stage C or D. Ninety percent of patients received surgical resection as part of their treatment, and 66% received postoperative radiation or chemoradiation. The median follow-up was 91.4 months (7.6 years). Forty-eight percent of patients developed recurrent disease and the median time to recurrence was 6.9 years. Overall and disease-specific median survival was 10.5 and 11.6 years, respectively. Patients who were treated with surgery alone had a median disease-specific survival of 87.9 months, whereas those who were treated with surgery and postoperative radiation had a median disease-specific survival of 218.5 months (p = .047). Conclusion Patients with ENB can achieve favorable long-term survival, even if disease is locally advanced. Survival is improved considerably when surgical resection is followed by postoperative radiation. However, recurrence rates and mortality remain high, and therefore long-term observation in these patients is warranted. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 524–530, 2014
Building a better infarct: Modulation of collagen cross-linking to increase infarct stiffness and reduce left ventricular dilation post-myocardial infarction

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) deletion attenuates collagen accumulation and dilation of the left ventricle (LV) post-myocardial infarction (MI); however the biomechanical mechanisms underlying the improved outcome are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms whereby MMP-9 deletion alters collagen network composition and assembly in the LV post-MI to modulate the mechanical properties of myocardial scar tissue. Adult C57BL/6J wild-type (WT; n=88) and MMP-9 null (MMP-9(-/-); n=92) mice of both sexes underwent permanent coronary artery ligation and were compared to day 0 controls (n=42). At day 7 post-MI, WT LVs displayed a 3-fold increase in end-diastolic volume, while MMP-9(-/-) showed only a 2-fold increase (p<0.05). Biaxial mechanical testing revealed that MMP-9(-/-) infarcts were stiffer than WT infarcts, as indicated by a 1.3-fold reduction in predicted in vivo circumferential stretch (p<0.05). Paradoxically, MMP-9(-/-) infarcts had a 1.8-fold reduction in collagen deposition (p<0.05). This apparent contradiction was explained by a 3.1-fold increase in lysyl oxidase (p<0.05) in MMP-9(-/-) infarcts, indicating that MMP-9 deletion increased collagen cross-linking activity. Furthermore, MMP-9 deletion led to a 3.0-fold increase in bone morphogenetic protein-1, the metalloproteinase that cleaves pro-collagen and pro-lysyl oxidase (p<0.05) and reduced fibronectin fragmentation by 49% (p<0.05) to enhance lysyl oxidase activity. We conclude that MMP-9 deletion increases infarct stiffness and prevents LV dilation by reducing collagen degradation and facilitating collagen assembly and cross-linking through preservation of the fibronectin network and activation of lysyl oxidase.
Achromatic phase matching for tunable second harmonic generation

Currently, tunable lasers are frequency doubled by mechanically adjusting the SHG crystal angle as the laser wavelength varies.
Architectural innovation in product development through early supplier integration

The paper explains how an important opportunity exists to pro-actively integrate suppliers at an early stage in the concept exploration and definition stages of product development. Research suggests that the concept of architectural innovation can be extended so that product features are matched with the associated specialized technical skills of partners in the development team. In addition to the establishment of integrated product teams, key enablers include: long-term commitment to suppliers; co-location; joint responsibility for design and configuration control; seamless information flow; and retaining flexibility in the definition of system configuration. Important contributing factors include: supplier-capability-enhancing investments; target costing; and incentive mechanisms. To promote innovative outcomes in military and government programmes, attention is drawn to the importance of governments championing closely-knit customer-supplier relationships. Firms can build enduring competitive strength by leveraging the specialized knowledge bases of their supplier networks. Two case-studies provide lessons to improve current approaches to the creation of long-term partnerships, or strategic alliances, with suppliers.
Drug delivery: the heart of the matter.

A polymeric delivery vehicle, with neutral degradation products, keeps inflammation at bay during sustained drug release following myocardial infarction.
Dispersion and attraction of particles floating on fluid–liquid surfaces

In this review, we summarize the current state of understanding of the mechanisms that are important in determining the distribution of particles on fluid–liquid interfaces and of a technique that uses an externally applied electric field to control the microstructure of monolayers on interfaces. When particles come in contact with an interface they first disperse and cause particles already trapped on the interface to move away. The initial dispersion, which can be explosive for small particles on the surface of mobile liquids like water, is due to the fact that the capillary force pulls particles into the interface causing them to accelerate to a relatively large velocity. Since the motion of the particles is inertia dominated, they oscillate about the equilibrium position before coming to a stop under viscous drag. The observed spontaneous dispersion is a result of repulsive hydrodynamic forces that arise because of these oscillations. Then, after the forces causing dispersion subside, particles either cluster into monolayers under the action of attractive lateral forces or remain dispersed. The former scenario takes place for particles larger than about 10 µm for which attractive capillary forces can be significant and therefore such particles usually form tightly packed monolayers that normally contain defects and lack long-range order. The spacing between the particles of a monolayer can be controlled and defects eliminated by applying an electric field normal to the interface. This technique, in fact, also allows for the formation of monolayers of particles smaller than about 10 µm, as in the presence of the electric field the particles experience a force normal to the surface which gives rise to attractive lateral capillary forces. We also discuss the direct numerical simulation (DNS) and analytical approaches which have been used to understand and model these physical phenomena.
Modified lapidus arthrodesis for adolescent hallux abducto valgus

The Lapidus arthrodesis was originally described for the surgical correction of hallux valgus associated with metatasus primus adductus. It was popularized on the adult patient with moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. However, the authors present a retrospective review of 23 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 20 who underwent the procedures. Characteristics of adolescent hallux valgus include a smaller dorsal medial eminence, less valgus rotation of the hallux, and certain mechanical influences. These influences may include a generalized increase in motion at the first metatarsocuneiform joint. The modified Lapidus arthrodesis eliminates motion at the first metatarsocuneiform joint and therefore directly addresses an etiology of the deformity. Both preoperative and postoperative radiographs were evaluated for reduction in the 1–2 intermetatarsal angle. Patients were evaluated through either chart review or telephone interview for present activity level, comfortable footgear, and overall satisfaction of the procedure. Twenty-seven out of 30 feet (90%) had either a good or excellent result with only three complications and two recurrences over a mean follow-up of 61 months.
Scytinostroma galactinum as a pathogen of woody plants

Scytinostroma galactinum (Fr.)Donk is the fungus commonly known asCorticium galctinum (Fr.)Burt. Although it occurs as a saprobe on woody plants and plant debris, it also has been considered by several authors as an active pathogen that causes a white root and butt or collar rot. During the summer of 1970, it was found near Baltimore and also in Montgomery County, Maryland, under circumstances that seemingly provide additional records of pathogenicity. Several other Maryland records are cited, and many Canadian studies have been reviewed.S. galactinum has a distinctive dextrinoid mycelium, which is characteristic enough to permit a tentative identification even in the absence of other features. Outstanding elements of the basidiocarp are the dextrinoid hyphae and slender gloeocystidia. In culture, dextrinoid fiber hyphae and papillate oil-bearing hyphae with clamp connections are characteristic. These and other features of the basidiocarp and culture serve in the characterization of this fungus, which is economically significant and widely distributed.
A 4.7 TESLA INTERNAL MALDI-FTICR INSTRUMENT FOR HIGH MASS STUDIES : PERFORMANCE AND METHODS

Abstract A 4.7 Tesla internal source matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) (MALDI-FTICR) has been constructed to examine ions in the 1000–10000 Da mass range. This instrument combines several recent innovations for enhancing the trapping and detection of ions of high mass-to-charge. Ions up to m/z 11 000 have been efficiently trapped and detected with high signal-to-noise (S/N). By using quadrupolar excitation to axialize ions, resolutions of 1.5 million for gramicidin S, 65 000 for insulin, and 85 000 for the 146-mer of polyethylene glycol have been obtained. 100% remeasurement efficiency is shown for 200 remeasurement cycles at m/z 2000 at high S/N with normal detection energies. By using quadrupolar excitation for ion remeasurement, effects from detection parameters such as trapping voltage and r.f. excitation power are examined under conditions that are independent of ionization yield. A tuning method is presented that uses the ions produced by one laser shot to systematically optimize signal strength and resolution for FTICR detection.
Extended conformal field theories

Abstract Some extended conformal field theories are briefly reviewed. They illustrate how non minimal models of the Virasoro algebra (c≥1) can become minimal with respect to a larger algebra. The accent is put on N-extended superconformal algebras, which are relevant in superstring compactification.
Elimination of dissolved sulfide interference in the flow injection determination of SCO2, by addition of molybdate

A previously described flow injection method for the analysis of ΣC0 2 included the addition of ZnCl 2 to some samples before analysis in order to precipitate dissolved sulfide (which interferes with the method) as ZnS. However, the use of Zn 2+ in samples with high concentrations of dissolved sulfide causes the coprecipitation of ZnCO 3 , and in our experience with this technique, ZnCO 3 also precipitates even in the absence of dissolved sulfide. The addition of molybdate effectively complexes dissolved sulfide without interfering with the determination of ΣCO 2 by this technique.
Paths to Advancement in Japanese Bureaucracy

Based on biographical data, this study analyzes the factors affecting advancement in Japan's higher civil service. Through path analysis, it evaluates in a systematic way not only the relative importance of three widely acknowledged factors of advancement—university background, field of study, and higher civil service examinations—but also the manner in which they interact with one another. It also assesses the impact of a civil servant's “track record” on advancement. Finally, after examining the seniority principle in the context of Japanese cultural norms and the findings pertaining to merit-oriented variables, the study suggests that the seniority principle does not produce stagnation but rather facilitates mobility at the highest levels of Japanese bureaucracy.
Tyrosyl radicals in Photosystem II

In PSII, there are two redox-active tyrosines, D and Z, with different midpoint potentials and different reduction kinetics. The factors responsible for these functional differences have not yet been elucidated. Recent model compound studies of tyrosinate and of tyrosine-containing dipeptides have demonstrated that perturbations of the amino and amide/imide group occur when the tyrosyl aromatic ring is oxidized [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124 (2002) 5496]. Accompanying density functional calculations suggested that this perturbation is due to spin density delocalization from the aromatic ring onto the amino nitrogen. The implication of this finding is that spin density delocalization may occur in redox-active, tyrosine-containing enzymes, like Photosystem II. In this paper, we review the supporting evidence for the hypothesis that tyrosyl radical spin density delocalizes into the peptide bond in a conformationally sensitive, sequence-dependent manner. Our experimental measurements on tyrosyl radicals in dipeptides have suggested that the magnitude of the putative spin migration may be sequence-dependent. Vibrational spectroscopic studies on the tyrosyl radicals in Photosystem II, which are consistent with spin migration, are reviewed. Migration of the unpaired spin may provide a mechanism for control of the direction and possibly the rate of electron transfer.
Contribution of Collagen, Elastin, and Smooth Muscle to In Vivo Human Brachial Artery Wall Stress and Elastic Modulus

Background The contributions of collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle to arterial mechanical properties in the in vivo human artery are not known. Methods and Results We used a recently developed intravascular ultrasound technique to measure total brachial artery wall stress and incremental elastic modulus (Einc) in seven normal human subjects at baseline and after intra-arterial norepinephrine (1.2 μg) and nitroglycerin (100 μg). Then we applied a modified Maxwell model to estimate the elastic modulus of elastin (EE); the recruitment of collagen fibers supporting wall stress; and the differential contributions of collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle to wall stress and Einc over a wide range of pressure and smooth muscle tone. With this model, EE was 3×106 dynes/cm2. Collagen fibers were recruited increasingly as transmural arterial pressure increased and reached a value of ≈5% to 6% at 100 mm Hg under each of the conditions studied. Isobaric smooth muscle contraction resulted in a small decrease in total ...
Gyroscope-Free Link Parameter Measurement Using Accelerometers and Magnetometer

Knowledge of joint angles, angular velocities is essentialfor control of link mechanisms and robots. The estimation of joi nt angles and angular velocity is performed using combinationof inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) which ar e contactless and flexible at point of application. Different estimation techniques are used to fuse data from different inertial sen sors. Bio-inspired sensors using symmetrically placed multipleinertial sensors are capable of instantaneously measuring join t parameters (joint angle, angular velocities and angular acce leration) without use of any estimation techniques. Calibratio n of inertial sensors is easier and more reliable for accelerome ters as compared to gyroscopes.
Vitamin E and Its Relation to Heart Disease

Although vitamin E deficiency in ruminants results in conspicuous heart disease, a similar deficiency state in primates appears to spare the heart, even when other systems are affected. No heart disease in man has been related to a vitamin E deficiency. The pharmacologic use of vitamin E in doses 10 to 50 times the daily requirement was recommended in 1947 for the treatment of a variety of cardiovascular disorders, including intermittent claudication, angina pectoris, coronary occlusion, congestive heart failure, thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism, but no evidence of its effectiveness has been convincingly verified during the ensuing 25 years.
Evidence for a Complex of Transcription Factor IIB (TFIIB) with Poly(A) Polymerase and Cleavage Factor 1 Subunits Required for Gene Looping

Gene looping, defined as the interaction of the promoter and the terminator regions of a gene during transcription, requires transcription factor IIB (TFIIB). We have earlier demonstrated association of TFIIB with the distal ends of a gene in an activator-dependent manner (El Kaderi, B., Medler, S., Raghunayakula, S., and Ansari, A. (2009) J. Biol. Chem. 284, 25015–25025). The presence of TFIIB at the 3′ end of a gene required its interaction with cleavage factor 1 (CF1) 3′ end processing complex subunit Rna15. Here, employing affinity chromatography and glycerol gradient centrifugation, we show that TFIIB associates with poly(A) polymerase and the entire CF1 complex in yeast cells. The factors required for general transcription such as TATA-binding protein, RNA polymerase II, and TFIIH are not a component of the TFIIB complex. This holo-TFIIB complex was resistant to MNase digestion. The complex was observed only in the looping-competent strains, but not in the looping-defective sua7-1 strain. The requirement of Rna15 in gene looping has been demonstrated earlier. Here we provide evidence that poly(A) polymerase (Pap1) as well as CF1 subunits Rna14 and Pcf11 are also required for loop formation of MET16 and INO1 genes. Accordingly, cross-linking of TFIIB to the 3′ end of genes was abolished in the mutants of Pap1, Rna14, and Pcf11. We further show that in sua7-1 cells, where holo-TFIIB complex is not formed, the kinetics of activated transcription is altered. These results suggest that a complex of TFIIB, CF1 subunits, and Pap1 exists in yeast cells. Furthermore, TFIIB interaction with the CF1 complex and Pap1 is crucial for gene looping and transcriptional regulation.
Surface emissivity effects on thermodynamic retrieval of IR spectral radiance

The surface emissivity effect on the thermodynamic parameters (e.g., the surface skin temperature, atmospheric temperature, and moisture) retrieved from satellite infrared (IR) spectral radiance is studied. Simulation analysis demonstrates that surface emissivity plays an important role in retrieval of surface skin temperature and terrestrial boundary layer (TBL) moisture. NAST-I ultraspectral data collected during the CLAMS field campaign are used to retrieve thermodynamic properties of the atmosphere and surface. The retrievals are then validated by coincident in-situ measurements, such as sea surface temperature, radiosonde temperature and moisture profiles. Retrieved surface emissivity is also validated by that computed from the observed radiance and calculated emissions based on the retrievals of surface temperature and atmospheric profiles. In addition, retrieved surface skin temperature and emissivity are validated together by radiance comparison between the observation and retrieval-based calculation in the window region where atmospheric contribution is minimized. Both simulation and validation results have lead to the conclusion that variable surface emissivity in the inversion process is needed to obtain accurate retrievals from satellite IR spectral radiance measurements. Retrieval examples are presented to reveal that surface emissivity plays a significant role in retrieving accurate surface skin temperature and TBL thermodynamic parameters.
Transcriptional repression of the rat steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein gene by the AP-1 family member c-Fos.

Abstract PGF2α, working via protein kinase C, may inhibit transcription of the StAR gene through negative regulatory factors. Administration of PGF2α increased c-Fos mRNA with a corresponding reduction in StAR mRNA. A search of the rat StAR promoter revealed three putative AP-1 elements at bp positions −85, −187 and −1561, which demonstrated specific binding of c-Fos by mobility shift assays. Co-transfection of c-Fos with the p-1862 StAR promoter caused a reduction in luciferase activity in the presence or absence of cAMP. Mutation of all three AP-1 sites in the p-1862 StAR promoter abolished c-Fos repression. Mutation of the proximal AP-1 site in the p-1862 StAR promoter reduced SF-1 mediated induction. This study is the first to demonstrate that c-Fos represses StAR gene transcription and adds to the current knowledge on the complex relationship that exists between SF-1 and c-Fos in the regulation of StAR activity.
Sertoli Cell Nuclear Transcriptional Activity: Stimulation by Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Testosterone in Vitro*

RNA polymerase activities were characterized in intact nuclei obtained from cultured rat Sertoli cells. The activities of α-amanitin-resistant RNA polymerases I and III were identical when measured in low or high ionic strength (0.05 or 0.25 M) ammonium sulfate in the presence of MnCl2 or MgCl2, with a divalent cation optimum of 1.6 mM. α-Amanitin-sensitive RNA polymerase II was most active in 0.25 M ammonium sulfate and 1.6 mM MnCl2. The apparent Km of RNA polymerase II activity in intact nuclei for UTP was 0.016 mM in 0.05 M ammonium sulfate and 0.037 mM in 0.25 M ammonium sulfate. The apparent Km values for total polymerase activity were 0.008 and 0.036 mM at low and high ionic strengths, respectively. These data indicate that Sertoli cell RNA polymerase activities have catalytic properties characteristic of eukaryotic polymerase activities in general. FSH stimulated Sertoli cell RNA polymerases I and III after 30–45 min of incubation. RNA polymerase II activity was maximally stimulated by 30–45 min. T...
Generating meshes for tidal wetland modeling using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data

A high resolution model mesh was required to numerically simulate sediment transport in tidal marshes. The timing of flooding is dependent on the tidal marsh ground elevation, which requires accurate topographic elevation data. The tidal prism of the marsh is determined by the volume provided by tidal channels in the system. Hence, their location and bathymetry needed to be represented adequately. Due to the high spatial variability and inaccessibility of marshes, remote sensing techniques such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) are a significant resource for elevation data. LiDAR measures the highest elevation of elements. To determine the bare ground elevation, filter techniques exist but are often inadequate to eliminate elevation errors that are introduced by the vegetation of marshes. We introduce a simple method to remove remaining vertical elevation errors in high resolution digital terrain models (DTMs) of vegetated marshes and present an approach to determine the bathymetry of tidal channels based on a limited number of cross-sectional measurements. Forcing polygons for mesh generation were extracted from the DTMs to assure an accurate spatial representation of the marsh. DTMs (2 × 2 m/1 × 1 m) derived from LiDAR data from the Blackbird Creek Reserve and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware, USA, were used.
Vagaries of the lavage white blood cell count in evaluating abdominal stab wounds.

background : The clinical value of an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count on a diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) performed in an asymptomatic patient with a penetrating abdominal stab wound is controversial. methods : We performed a comprehensive analysis of asymptomatic patients (no signs of peritonitis) with stab wounds who underwent an exploratory laparotomy based solely on a WBC count >500/mm 3 in the effluent of an open DPL. results : Twenty-eight patients, 25 with injury to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and 3 with injury to the liver, obtained true-positive results from DPL. Their mean WBC count in lavage effluent obtained at a mean of 7.6 hours after the stab wound was 3,380/mm 3 and their mean serum WBC count, obtained at the same time, was 12,324/mm 3 . Fifteen patients had false-positive results from DPL. They were lavaged at a mean of 7.2 hours after the stab wound, and had a mean lavage WBC count of 1,228/mm 3 and a mean serum WBC count of 9,084/mm 3 . conclusions : Patients lavaged at a mean 6 to 7 hours after an abdominal stab wound will have a significant incidence of false-positive studies based on an elevated WBC count alone. Lavage WBC counts >3,000/mm 3 , particularly when associated with a serum WBC count >11,000, are likely to be true positives and to indicate injury to the GI tract.
A survey of the applications of computersin the community health services-community health systems

Abstract In November 1984 a questionnaire survey was circulated to discover the current stateof the art with regard to computer applications in the community health services across the U.K. This survey was combined with a more traditional literature search for relevant information, making much use of computerized on-line techniques for access to bibliographic databases such as Medline. This paper summarizes many of the applications discovered wich make up the “state-of-the-art” such as the many recall systems and nurse workload analysis packages reported, and also presents a selection from the numerous “results” obtained following computer analysis of the responses collected. It is interesting to note the extremely widespread use of microcomputers withincommunity health departments, and the enormously varied applications to which they are put. There is a whole proliferation of computer applications in the community, but only a small number of authorities when considering the country as a whole make any where near full use of the new technology. This is the only attempt that has been made as far as I am aware to collect together national data, regarding community health computer applications and make available a register of the applications reported on.
A polynomial jump operator

For recursive sets A, define a complexity theoretic version of the ordinary recursion theoretic jump by setting A′ equal to the canonical NPA-complete set. Thus A
Implications between strong large cardinal axioms

Abstract The rank-into-rank and stronger large cardinal axioms assert the existence of certain elementary embeddings. By the preservation of the large cardinal properties of the embeddings under certain operations, strong implications between various of these axioms are derived.
Gastric emptying in prematures of isocaloric feedings with differing osmolalities.

Summary: The role of osmolar load in the regulation of gastric emptying time was studied in 10 healthy premature infants. Two isocaloric infant feedings of similar composition with mean osmolalities of 279 and 448 mOsm/kg were compared. Emptying was studied over 120 min by the double sampling marker dilution technique and by a single aspiration of the feeding at 30 min. Similar gastric emptying times were noted for both formulas with approximately half of the initial gastric contents remaining at 30 min. The secretory response to the two meals during the first 30 min after feeding was compared by measuring the secretions present in the stomach during that time. The mean secretory response to the feedings did not differ significantly and was less than 2.5 ml in both cases. In general, a biphasic pattern of gastric emptying with a rapid early emptying phase was noted with both feedings. This study, therefore, provides evidence that when isocaloric feedings with similar composition are used, osmolar load does not play a significant role in the regulation of gastric emptying in premature infants. This study also demonstrates that differences in osmolality do not significantly affect the secretory response to a meal in the stomach of the premature infant. Speculation: By developing a better understanding of the factors which regulate gastric emptying time in infancy, a physiologic basis for dealing with clinical problems such as gastroesophageal reflux or inadequate gastric emptying by premature infants may be developed. These patients could benefit from infant formulas which are n"tritionally sound but empty more rapidly than formulas currently available. The present data indicate that osmolar load is not an important ?onsideration in the feediig of these patients. The role of other factors such as the specific constituents of a feeding or its caloric density remain to be determined.
Lossy Compression of Permutations

We investigate the lossy compression of permutations by analyzing the trade-off between the size of a source code and the distortion with respect to Kendall tau distance, Spearman’s footrule, Chebyshev distance and `1 distance of inversion vectors. We show that given two permutations, Kendall tau distance upper bounds the `1 distance of inversion vectors and a scaled version of Kendall tau distance lower bounds the `1 distance of inversion vectors with high probability, which indicates an equivalence of the source code designs under these two distortion measures. Similar equivalence is established for all the above distortion measures, every one of which has different operational significance and applications in ranking and sorting. These findings show that an optimal coding scheme for one distortion measure is effectively optimal for other distortion measures above.
RECENT STUDIES IN MARVELL

ELR bibliographical articles are intended to combine a topical review of research with a reasonably complete bibliography. Scholarship is organized by authors or titles of anonymous works. Items included represent the combined entries listed in the annual bibliographies published by PMLA, SP, YWES, and MHRA from 1945 through, in the present instance, 1972. The format was devised by Terence P. Logan and Denzel S. Smith. The series is edited by Elizabeth H. Hageman of the University of New Hampshire and supported by the Department of English, UNH, Durham.
The ultimobranchial body of reptiles.

Reptilian ultimobranchial bodies, located anterior to the heart in the region of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, are composed of cell cords and follicles. The cells show secretory activity and are similar histologically and ultrastructurally to ultimobranchial tissue from other vertebrate classes. Turtle ultimobranchial glands are unusual in containing numerous cytoplasmic granules or bodies which appear to be associated with the material seen within the ultimobranchial follicles. Ultimobranchial extracts from lizards or turtles can induce hypocalcemia in rats. However, calcitonin preparations or ultimobranchial extracts have not induced any significant change in blood calcium or phosphate values in reptiles. Further studies are required in order to clarify the role of the ultimobranchial bodies in this diverse vertebrate group.
Catastrophic Soil Erosion in Iceland: Impact of Long-term Climate Change, Compounded Natural Disturbances and Human Driven Land-use Changes

Abstract This study examines the interplay between long-term climate changes, compounded natural disturbances and human driven land-use changes on catastrophic soil erosion of the heathland ecosystem of Haukadalsheiði, south Iceland. Soil erosion was catastrophic for three centuries (~ 1660–1960 AD) and was characterized by almost total loss of vegetation and underlying soil. Soil erosion resulted in a desertified, barren landscape that had no resemblance to the original heathland ecosystem. Soil erosion was spatially reconstructed in a chronological order using information on the average progress of eroding fronts, anecdotal and historical evidence along with tephrochronological information. The progress of the fastest eroding front was rapid (29.7 m yr − 1 ). Human driven land‐use changes played a role in the heathland degradation: relentless free-range grazing by livestock resulted in decreased resistance of heathland communities to soil erosion. Adverse climate-change during Little Ice Age (LIA: 1550–1850 AD) intensified the effect of grazing. The catastrophic soil erosion was triggered by a massive sand encroachment ~ 1660 AD from three outwash sand-plains along the glacial River Far. The sand drift was sustained by dry northern glacial (katabatic) winds that drove the soil erosion. Long-term climate change resulted in glacier fluctuation that caused changes in water discharge in the River Far; sand drift was intense during periods of no water discharge (~ 1660–1708 AD and ~ 1800–1929 AD) and following glacial river floods (1708, 1884, 1902, 1929 and 1939 AD).Also, sand drift was intense due to unusually frequent volcanic tephra fallouts (1693, 1721 and 1766 AD). Information on factors that increase the risk of soil erosion and trigger and drive soil erosion is critical in understanding catastrophic soil erosion.
Coding of correlated sources with prescribed distortion by separated encoders.

Abstract Let (Xn,Yn) = (X1,Y1),...,(Xn,Yn) be n independent, identically distributed pairs of chance variables. Each of two separated encoders encodes a different sequence of (Xn,Yn) to within given respective distortions z1,z2. Call a region in the plane of the respective rates (R1,R2) M-convex if it is convex, closed, and, to every point (r1,r2), contains all points such that each of their coordinates is larger than or equal to the corresponding coordinate of (r1,r2). This paper determines the (M-convex) region of achievable rates by giving its boundary. For z1 = z2 = 0, the region specializes to that of Slepian and Wolf. For z2 = ∞ and R2 = H(Yi), the minimum R1 is that of Wyner and Ziv; for z2 = ∞ and general given R2, the minimum R1 is that of my generalization of the theorem of Wyner and Ziv.
A survey of management information systems for regional and rural development programs

When management information systems are defined as data organized for the purpose of facilitating administrative action, it is clear that they have many historical antecedents. However, their application to rural development is illustrated by more recent examples beginning with the Malaysian Redbook System of the 1960s, the Kenya experiments with programming, implementation and management during the 1970s, and computerized systems of the present decade. All three phases in the development of these systems show common characteristics: primary information generated by a great many heterogeneous projects; district-level summaries and complementary information; central government summaries with special emphasis on problems, bottlenecks, and political aspects, coupled with a feedback system; and some type of troubleshooting/tuning organization. Improvement in these systems is manifested, first, by their increased capability to monitor a variety of tasks in addition to financial expenditures; secondly, they can pinpoint responsibility better than before, even when problems occur at the higher echelons; and, thirdly, they show greater flexibility in the sense of facilitating midcourse corrections, adding criteria or categories, and moving information more rapidly. Despite these improvements, it is still true that information systems are only as efficient as the administrative context in which they function.
Negative regulation of Toll-like receptor 4 signaling by the Toll-like receptor homolog RP105

Activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling by microbial signatures is critical to the induction of immune responses. Such responses demand tight regulation. RP105 is a TLR homolog thought to be mostly B cell specific, lacking a signaling domain. We report here that RP105 expression was wide, directly mirroring that of TLR4 on antigen-presenting cells. Moreover, RP105 was a specific inhibitor of TLR4 signaling in HEK 293 cells, a function conferred by its extracellular domain. Notably, RP105 and its helper molecule, MD-1, interacted directly with the TLR4 signaling complex, inhibiting its ability to bind microbial ligand. Finally, RP105 regulated TLR4 signaling in dendritic cells as well as endotoxin responses in vivo. Thus, our results identify RP105 as a physiological negative regulator of TLR4 responses.
Silent myocardial ischemia as a manifestation of asymptomatic coronary artery disease: What is appropriate therapy?

Abstract Silent myocardial ischemia is one of the most important clinical manifestations of asymptomatic coronary artery disease, along with silent myocardial infarction. It may well be a forerunner of sudden cardiac death. Although our understanding of the pathophysioiogic mechanisms of the syndrome is still unresolved, we do know that prognosis in certain subsets of patients is far from benign. For that reason, aggressive therapy is recommended in asymptomatic patients with advanced disease, especially if they have already experienced a myocardial infarction, silent or otherwise.
Dopamine D2 receptors contribute to increased avidity for sucrose in obese rats lacking CCK-1 receptors

Accumulating evidence has indicated a link between dopamine signaling and obesity in both animals and humans. We have recently demonstrated heightened avidity to sapid sweet solutions in the obese cholecystokinin (CCK)-1 receptor deficient Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rat. To investigate the dopamine dependence and the respective contribution of D1 and D2 receptor subtypes in this phenomenon, real and sham intake of 0.3 M sucrose solution was compared between prediabetic, obese OLETF and age-matched lean Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) cohorts following peripheral (i.p.) administration of equimolar doses (50-800 nmol/kg) of the D1 (R-(+) 7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine, SCH23390) and D2 (raclopride) selective receptor antagonists. Both antagonists were potent in reducing sucrose intake in both strains with both drugs suppressing sham intake starting at lower doses than real intake (200 nmol/kg vs. 400 nmol/kg for SCH23390, and 400 nmol/kg vs. 600 nmol/kg for raclopride, respectively). Furthermore, when percent suppression of intake, a measure that controlled for the higher baseline sucrose intake by obese rats was analyzed, OLETF rats expressed an increased sensitivity to raclopride in reducing ingestion of sucrose with a 1.7- and 2.9-fold lower inhibitory dose threshold (ID50) for real and sham intake conditions, respectively, compared with LETO controls. In contrast, SCH23390 caused no differential strain effect with respect to dosage whether sucrose was real or sham fed. These findings demonstrate that D2 receptors are involved in heightened increased consumption of sucrose observed in the OLETF obese rat.
Cardiac Electrophysiology in Genetically Engineered Mice

The mouse has become the principal animal model for studying biologic processes in mammals. Major advances in transgene and gene targeting technology enabled manipulation of the mouse genome in a predictable fashion. Mutant mouse strains provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying normal and disordered cardiac conduction and sudden cardiac death. A variety of mouse strains harboring gene mutations leading to inherited developmental disorders have been designed. Structural protein abnormalities, connexin protein defects, and ion channelopathies associated with human clinical phenotypes, including congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, long QT syndrome, and muscular dystrophy, have been engineered into the mouse genome, creating models of human electrophysiologic disease. Functional analyses of the underlying molecular mechanisms of resultant phenotypes require appropriate and sophisticated experimental methodology. In this review, genetic mouse models pertinent to human arrhythmogenic disorders and their application to present-day ex vivo and in vivo murine electrophysiologic technology at the whole organ and animal levels are discussed.
Infrared PL studies of sputtered CdTe films and cells

Photoluminescence (PL) in CdTe in the range from 0.7 eV to 1.5 eV provides a great deal of information about shallow and deep defects and the role of CdCl 2 activation treatments in changing the density of these defects. We have used an InGaAs diode-array detector to study this region at 10 K in as-sputtered films and CdCl 2 -treated films. In the region from 0.7 to 1.2 eV we find a series of peaks from deep donor-acceptor pairs that is quite sensitive to the sputter deposition conditions in the range of pressures from 2.5 mTorr to 30 mTorr. In the near-band-edge region from 1.3 to 1.5 eV, studied from the contact side of cells, we find PL peak shifts indicative of some S alloying at the back surface as the chloride activation time increases.