cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3D deformable face tracking with a commodity depth camera

Recently, there has been an increasing number of depth cameras available at commodity prices. These cameras can usually capture both color and depth images in real-time, with limited resolution and accuracy. In this paper, we study the problem of 3D deformable face tracking with such commodity depth cameras. A regularized maximum likelihood deformable model fitting (DMF) algorithm is developed, with special emphasis on handling the noisy input depth data. In particular, we present a maximum likelihood solution that can accommodate sensor noise represented by an arbitrary covariance matrix, which allows more elaborate modeling of the sensor's accuracy. Furthermore, an l1 regularization scheme is proposed based on the semantics of the deformable face model, which is shown to be very effective in improving the tracking results. To track facial movement in subsequent frames, feature points in the texture images are matched across frames and integrated into the DMF framework seamlessly. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated with multiple sequences with ground truth information.
Detecting Deception in Non‐Native English Speakers

Summary The ability to accurately assess credibility is important in countless situations, including many in which individuals being assessed are not speaking their native language. There is reason to believe that native and non-native speakers may behave differently when lying and that detectors may have a bias to believe non-native speakers are lying. However, very little is known about detecting deception in non-native speakers, and the few existing studies have not resulted in consistent findings. The current research compared the ability to detect lies and truths in native speakers with that in non-native speakers and looked at differences in the cues displayed via the Psychologically Based Credibility Assessment Tool. Results from two samples with different demographic characteristics and backgrounds indicated that there was a bias to believe that non-native speakers were lying. These results may have implications regarding the use of interpreters in settings where credibility is being assessed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of the aggregation properties of a recombinant amelogenin

The present paper reviews some recent data on the aggregation properties of a recombinant amelogenin using dynamic-light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and size exclusion chromatography. It was found that the recombinant amelogenin M179 molecules in solution form spherical monodisperse aggregates (15-20 nm) which are predominantly stabilized by intermolecular hydrophobic interactions while their surfaces are charged, carrying the hydrophilic carboxy-terminal sequence. We concluded that the spherical aggregates represent the “stippled materials” secreted by the ameloblasts at the mineralization front. We further speculate that the self-assembly process in the formation of amelogenin aggregates may play a primary role in the structural organization of mineralizing enamel.
Jewish Ritual in Sherwood Anderson's HANDS

At the end of Sherwood Anderson's “Hands,” as Wing Biddlebaum kneels on the floor of his cabin, he begins “to pick up [bread] crumbs, carrying them to his mouth one by one with unbelievable rapidit...
T and B cells and immune competence in human fetal liver cells.

Abstract Mononuclear cells obtained from the fetal liver of seven human fetuses between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation had very few T cells as detected by spontaneous sheep erythrocyte rosette formations. Cells bearing surface membrane-bound immunoglobulin were rare, while cells bearing a receptor for the third component of complement could be detected in all of the specimens and were found to be within normal values in two specimens. The response of these cells to mitogens and allogeneic lymphocytes was poor, while the stimulatory ability of these cells in the mixed lymphocyte reaction could be detected in these cells. In the cocultivation of fetal liver mononuclear cells with peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from a patient with severe combined immunodeficiency disease, the responsiveness for phytohemagglutinin increased threefold over control values.
Thin-Film Lens Technology Applied To Integrated Optical Spectrum Analyzers

Thin-film Luneburg lenses are an alternative to geodesic and grating type lenses for optical microelectronic devices requiring the collimation or focusing of a guided optical wave on a substrate. They have the advantage of circular symmetry and ease of fabrication by semiconductor-type sputtering processes. However, close tolerance levels must be maintained for control of refractive index, loss and scatter, profile and position. These issues have been addressed theoretically, with Luneburg-type lens structures, and experimentally, with films of niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) on Ti-indiffused lithium niobate (Ti:LiNb03) planar waveguides. Films with loss levels of 0.5 dB/cm and low in-plane scatter were obtained by using reactive rf sputtering from a niobium target. Refractive indices near 2.29 at X = 0.633 Am can be repeatedly obtained with partial pressure-controlled and gas-analyzed sputter environment. Tolerance levels on refractive index have been theoretically determined and are compared to experimental values. Time-temperature experiments have determined aging and environmental ruggedness. The data indicate that high index thin-film lenses can be reproducibly fabricated that meet inte-grated, optical spectrum analyzer requirements.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Oxygen-independent direct deoxyribonucleic acid backbone breakage caused by Rose Bengal and visible light

Abstract An oxygen enhancement ratio of 10 for the induction of backbone single-strand breaks (SSBs) in purified deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by monochromatic 365 nm UV radiation was obtained. Similarly, a dose reduction factor of 10 was observed when the DNA was irradiated in the presence of 0.1 M diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). To determine whether this breakage of DNA was due to the action of a reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen, we used the photosensitizing dye Rose Bengal and visible light as a system for generating singlet oxygen. Treatment of the DNA with Rose Bengal and 545 nm monochromatic light enhanced the rate of induction of SSBs six times, compared with the rate we obtained when the light was used alone. Elimination of oxygen or addition of 0.1 M DABCO during the 545 nm irradiation in the presence of Rose Bengal did not alter the enhancement of SSBs in the DNA caused by Rose Bengal and 545 nm radiation. The induction of SSBs in the DNA caused by irradiation of the DNA by 545 nm light in the presence of Rose Bengal was not enhanced by the use of D2O instead of H2O as a solvent. The results indicate that Rose Bengal plus visible light can cause biological damage without the intermediacy of reactive oxygen species, i.e. Rose Bengal and visible light can react directly with biological material, in reactions that appear to be type I photosensitized processes, independent of singlet oxygen as an intermediate.
DENSITY DEPENDENCE OF HOMOPOLYMER ADSORPTION AND COLLOIDAL INTERACTION FORCES IN A SUPERCRITICAL SOLVENT : MONTE CARLO SIMULATION

The complex relationship among polymer solution density, adsorption, and colloidal interactions in a supercritical solvent is investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulation. The expanded grand canonical method is applied to simulate homopolymer adsorption from solution on two impenetrable flat surfaces. Adsorption isotherms indicate that chain adsorption increases as bulk density is lowered toward the bulk solution phase boundary because chains adsorb to escape an increasingly poor bulk solvent. The force between two surfaces coated with adsorbed chains changes dramatically as a function of bulk solution density. Bridging attraction is observed above the bulk upper critical solution density (UCSD). As adsorption increases, this bridging attraction decreases as the bulk solution density is decreased due to chain crowding in the pore. At the UCSD the force becomes repulsive due to entropically unfavorable chain overlaps, and bridging attraction is no longer present. At densities below the UCSD, the force b...
Rare earth abundances and Rb-Sr systematics of basalts, gabbro, anorthosite and minor granitic rocks from the Indian Ocean Ridge System, Western Indian Ocean

Basalts dredged from the Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge System have rare earth, Rb, and Sr concentrations like those from other mid-ocean ridges, but have slightly higher Sr87/Sr86 ratios. Underlying gabbroic complexes are similar to the basalts in Sr87/Sr86, but are poorer K, Rb, and in rare earths. The chemical and isotopic data, as well as the geologic relations suggest a cumulate origin for the bulk of the gabbroic complexes.
Optimization of a real-time RT-PCR assay reveals an increase of genogroup I norovirus in the clinical setting

Although norovirus has been identified as the most common cause of gastroenteritis, the majority of cases have no etiologic agent identified. In this study, we describe the optimization of a real-time RT-PCR assay for the improved detection of genogroup I norovirus in patient specimens based upon sequence data from a collection of representative clinical norovirus sequences. The redesigned assay demonstrated a 64 fold increase in sensitivity, a 2 log decrease in the limit of detection, and an 18% increase in amplification efficiency, when compared to the standard assay. The optimized test also detected GI norovirus in clinical specimens that were initially negative by the standard assay. Use of the optimized assay increased the annual positivity of GI norovirus in Iowa from 1.2% to 4.5%, indicating the prevalence of GI norovirus may be higher than previously identified. Laboratory confirmation of the etiologic agent involved in gasteroenteritis cases is essential for better understanding of the prevalence and transmission of noroviruses.
The added value of claims for cancer surveillance: results of varying case definitions.

Objective:As cancer diagnosis and treatment has moved to the outpatient healthcare setting, traditional cancer surveillance tools are less effective for complete and unbiased capture of incident cases. This study evaluates the potential for Medicare data to supplement cancer surveillance in a unique
Transparent, Live Migration of a Software-Defined Network

Increasingly, datacenters are virtualized and software-defined. Live virtual machine (VM) migration is becoming an indispensable management tool in such environments. However, VMs often have a tight coupling with the underlying network. Hence, cloud providers are beginning to offer tenants more control over their virtual networks. Seamless migration of all (or part) of a virtual network greatly simplifies management tasks like planned maintenance, optimizing resource usage, and cloud bursting. Our LIME architecture efficiently migrates an ensemble, a collection of virtual machines and virtual switches, for any arbitrary controller and end-host applications. To minimize performance disruptions, during the migration, LIME temporarily runs all or part of a virtual switch on multiple physical switches. Running a virtual switch on multiple physical switches must be done carefully to avoid compromising application correctness. To that end, LIME merges events, combines traffic statistics, and preserves consistency among multiple physical switches even across changes to the packet-handling rules. Using a formal model, we prove that migration under LIME is transparent to applications, i.e., any execution of the controller and end-host applications during migration is a completely valid execution that could have taken place in a migration-free setting. Experiments with our prototype, built on the Floodlight controller, show that ensemble migration can be an efficient tool for network management.
Factors influencing ductility in the superplastic Zn-22 Pct Al eutectoid

The maximum attainable ductility in the superplastic Zn-22 pct Al eutectoid depends critically on the imposed strain rate, the testing temperature, and the initial grain size. High ductilities are observed at intermediate strain rates, and there is a decrease at both higher and lower rates of strain. It is shown that i) the maximum ductility occurs at higher strain rates as the temperature is increased and/or the initial grain size is decreased, and ii) the maximum attainable ductility increases with increasing temperature and/or decreasing initial grain size. For specimens tested at different temperatures, similar macroscopic fracture characteristics are observed in specimens exhibiting a similar maximum flow stress. The experimental trends are qualitatively explained by relating maximum ductility to the maximum strain rate sensitivity and examining the influence of cavitation on the time to rupture.
Influence of pore-former charge distribution on the electrostatic properties of dipolar water chains in transmembrane ion channels

Abstract The free energy, polarization and susceptibility of a linear chain of molecular dipoles modeling the water molecules in a transmembrane ion channel are computed as functions of the cation location in the channel, taking into account the influence of the channel forming peptide in a primitive fashion, by treating it as a distribution of fixed charges. The membrane is simulated by a low dielectric (ϵM = 2) slab surrounded by high dielectric (ϵ = ∞) continua. For parameters representative of gramicidin, we find that water molecules are still orientationally frozen by the field of an ion; the fixed peptide charges do not alter this major result of our previous calculation. These charges affect the free energy mainly through direct electrostatic interactaction with the ion.
Absence of germline mutations in genes within the MAP kinase pathway in familial non-medullary thyroid cancer.

Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism; Department of Medicine; The JohnsHopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, Maryland USA*Correspondence to: Mingzhao Xing; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism;The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 1830 East Monument Street,Suite 333; Baltimore, Maryland 21287 USA; Tel.: 410.502.6888; Fax: 410.955.8172;Email: mxing1@jhmi.edu Original manuscript submitted:07/11/06Manuscript accepted: 07/11/06Previously published online as a
USE OF VEHICLE POSITIONING DATA FOR ARTERIAL INCIDENT DETECTION

This paper investigates the effectiveness of individual vehicle movement measures in the detection of incidents on urban arterial road segments. Several measures of varying measurement complexity, including average speed, running time and speed, and coefficient of variation of speed, are calculated from vehicle positioning data recorded at 1-s time intervals. The sensitivity of measures to differences in traffic condition is investigated, and the most sensitive measures are used as predictor variables in discriminant classification models. The results of these analyses are presented and discussed, including a simulation of the implementation of the classification models.
“How Should I Tell my Child?” Disclosing the Diagnosis of Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies

To date, the disclosure of a sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) diagnosis to an affected individual has not been explored. This study aimed to assess the timing and content revealed to an affected child by his or her parent(s), resources accessed in preparation, parental feelings of preparedness, common parental concerns, and recommendations for disclosure approaches. Two online surveys were created: 1) for parents of a child with a diagnosis and 2) for individuals with a diagnosis. One-hundred thirty-nine parent surveys (XXY n = 68, XXX n = 21, XYY n = 9, other SCAs n = 41) and 67 individual surveys (XXY n = 58, XXX n = 9) were analyzed. Parents most frequently discussed the topics of learning disabilities (47 %) and genetics (45 %) with their child during the initial disclosure. A significantly greater proportion of parent respondents reported feeling prepared vs. unprepared for disclosure, regardless of their child’s diagnosis (z-test of proportions, all p’s < 0.001). Both prepared and unprepared parents most frequently accessed resources such as websites, support groups, and discussion with the child’s physician prior to disclosure, with unprepared parents accessing fewer resources (M = 2.0 ± 1.41) than prepared parents [M = 2. ± 1.56; t(101) =−2.02, p < 0.05]. Common parental concerns included making the conversation age-appropriate, discussing infertility, and possible impact on the child’s self-esteem. Both parent and individual respondents endorsed being honest with the child, disclosing the diagnosis early and before puberty, and discussing the diagnosis gradually over time. These results provide recommendations for parents, and suggest benefits from additional resources and supports to alleviate concerns when approaching diagnosis disclosure.
Battery sizing for grid connected PV systems with fixed minimum charging/discharging time

In this paper, we study a battery sizing problem for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems assuming that the battery charging/discharging limit scales linearly with its capacity. The objective is to seek a value of the battery size such that the electricity purchase cost from the grid is minimized while satisfying the loads. We propose an upper bound on the storage size, and an algorithm to calculate the exact storage size for the case with ideal PV generation and constant loads; we verify that these are consistent with the results obtained via simulations.
DNA Screening, Pooling Design and Simplicial Complex

Pooling designs are used for DNA library screening. In this paper, we present a construction of pooling design with simplicial complex and establish some general results on the construction.
Simple Efficiency Formula for Regulated DC-to-DC Converters

A very simple circuit loss model and an efficiency formula are given for regulated pulsewidth modulated (PWM) dc-to-dc converters which can be used by manufacturers of off-the-shelf converters to characterize the efficiency of a converter by specifying only two parameters at each input voltage. In this model, the overhead losses are modeled by a current source and all remaining losses are modeled by a series resistor. The efficiency formula is shown to fit remarkably well the efficiency data of a number of representative low power and low voltage commercial dc-to-dc converters regardless of their topology as well as custom designed high power, high voltage converters. The results presented are useful mainly to end-users for power system management.
The Arab spring – and winter – in Syria

Syrian President Bashar al-Asad officially took the constitutional oath of office and delivered his inaugural speech on 17 July 2000 in Damascus. By Syrian standards, it was a remarkably enlightene...
Lagrangian stochastic modeling of heavy particle transport in the convective boundary layer

Lagrangian stochastic (LS) models of dispersion in the convective boundary layer (CBL) are modified here to include the effects of particle fall velocity. This is accomplished by subtracting the fall velocity in the calculation of the vertical displacement, by reducing the decorrelation time-scale, and by making a new modification to the deterministic acceleration term in the vertical velocity increment equation. This new modification has an impact on downwind concentrations predicted by LS models of heavy particle transport in the CBL.
Legal rights of children

Children's rights do not seem to evolve--they respond. They respond to modern issues and concerns that are often fed by the media and resolved by politicians who serve adult constituencies. The solutions are typically premised on the beliefs that all children of a certain age and usually of a certain geographic state are alike and that parents know and do best for their children. (When they do not or cannot, the state or other legal guardian steps in). If we are worried about commercial alliances between schools and businesses, such as computer providers or fast food concessionaires, and the possible commercial marketing and exploitation of children through personal data that businesses collect about students and their families, the solution is predictable. As a secondary right, make the schools notify parents when businesses want to gather and use students' personal information, and let them say no [60]. Language: en
Effectiveness of an instructional DVD on third- and fourth-degree laceration repair for obstetrics and gynecology postgraduate trainees.

Abstract Objective To assess the effectiveness of an instructional DVD on the anatomy and repair of anal sphincter lacerations to improve postgraduate trainees’ understanding. Methods A total of 71 obstetrics and gynecology trainees completed a pretest of third- and fourth-degree lacerations to assess baseline knowledge and perceptions. Question categories included anatomy, antibiotics, anesthesia, repair methods, complications, postoperative care, and risk factors. After 1 year of clinical experience, 67 trainees (94%) were randomly assigned into DVD (intervention) and non-DVD (control) groups. A post-test was administered 4 weeks later. Results In the DVD group (n = 34), mean scores on the pretest versus the post-test were 65% vs 74% for postgraduate year (PGY)-1 ( P = 0.09); 72% vs 83% for PGY-2 ( P = 0.06); 67% vs 83% for PGY-3 ( P = 0.01); and 75% vs 87% for PGY-4 ( P P P = 0.005) and repair methods ( P = 0.042) subscales. Conclusion An educational video is an effective tool for improving understanding of third- and fourth-degree lacerations for physicians-in-training.
The use of medium-chain triglycerides in the management of biliary atresia

This study demonstrates reduction in fecal fat losses, improvement in bowel patterns,or enhanced growth in 11 children with biliary atresia who were offered medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diets. In 3 children the start of the MCT diet allowed for catch-up growth, and initiation of this formula during very early infancy in 3 other patients permitted a normal growth pattern. Careful clinical and laboratory appraisal of these patients failed to demonstrate any untoward effects.
Naturalized Epistemics and Conditional Reasoning

The continued predominance of SL-logic and deductive paradigms in the research on conditional-based reasoning by experimental psychologists is examined and criticized. After recounting the history and influence of the model, I note the emergence of trends in epistemology and other areas of theory that might provide a springboard for the critique of the model, and I argue that a new approach to examining reasoning with conditionals ought to be developed. I conclude that a superior approach would model such reasoning with sociolinguistic, inductive, and neurophysiological parameters, and that it would not involve any comparison of subjects' reasoning with the standard deductive rules of logic.
A preliminary study of the role of duplex scanning in defining the adequacy of treatment of patients with renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia

Abstract Renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia is a well-known cause of hypertension whose presence is confirmed by its typical arteriographic appearance. The functional significance of these lesions is often difficult to determine, particularly when both renal arteries are involved. Duplex scanning has been shown to be accurate for the detection of renal artery stenosis and estimation of the degree of narrowing. To test whether duplex scanning results after intervention correlate with clinical outcome, we reviewed the studies on nine patients with renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia who had been treated by either angioplasty or surgery. A total of 18 arteries were treated. Fourteen of the 18 treatments were successful as measured by a reduction in blood pressure and antihypertensive drugs. In four instances treatment was unsuccessful. For those patients who had clinical improvement, the hemodynamic parameters from the renal artery also improved. In the patients for whom treatment failed, the velocities recorded from the site of narrowing did not improve after intervention. Thus it appears that duplex scanning along with the clinical results may be used to document the basis for failing to improve after treatment be it angioplasty or operation. (J Vasc Surg 1992;15:604–11.)
Lagtime: a program for calculating coupled enzyme assay parameters.

Abstract A program is described for calculating either (i) the time required for the observed rate to approximate the rate of the enzyme under study (the lagtime) when the concentrations of the auxillary enzymes are known or (ii) the units of auxillary enzymes needed to obtain a desired lagtime. The calculations for these coupled enzyme systems also apply to cases where one of the intermediates undergoes mutarotation; for example, equations for coupled reactions involving two enantiomers of glucose as intermediates incorporate the rate constants for mutarotation. When two auxillary enzymes are used, the program also minimizes the total cost of the assay in the price per unit of the coupling enzymes are known. The equation used are those of S.P.J. Brooks et al. (Can. J. Biochem. Cell Biol. , 62, (1984) 955–963.
Social Policy, Feminism, and Research on Violence in Close Relationships

The history of research on intimate partner violence is reviewed, with a special focus on how my own work in this area has evolved. The role of researcher values in the research process is highlighted. Some of the issues emerging from this review are the need for better measures of intimate partner violence, reasons why women's violence has been ignored by many researchers, and a discussion of the conditions under which women display violence. Policy implications of this research are discussed.
The Energy Release Rate in the General Delamination Problem of Anisotropic Laminates Under Thermomechanical Loads

A simple formulation, directly in terms of the local variables of the laminated plate theory, is used to derive the general expression of the energy release rate at a boundary point of an arbitrarily shaped delamination in a multilayered anisotropic laminate under combined mechanical and temperature loads. The intact and de-bonded sublaminates are modeled using the first-order shear deformation theory. If the thermoelastic constitutive equations of the sublaminates are linear and uncoupled, then the expression of the energy release rate may be reduced to a simple form depending only on the sublaminate stiffness coefficients and the local values of the midplane strains and curvatures. The expression does not explicitly involve the temperature load, and is also independent of the strain and curvature parameters tangential to the delamination front. The corresponding expression for delamination in classical laminated plates is also given. The results are applied to the problem of a laminated strip with a fully developed edge delamination loaded under axial extension, bending, and twisting.
Short-term correction of factor VIII deficiency in a murine model of hemophilia A after delivery of adenovirus murine factor VIII in utero.

Development of in utero gene transfer approaches may provide therapies for genetic disorders with perinatal morbidity. In hemophilia A, prenatal and postnatal bleeding may be catastrophic, and modest increments in factor VIII (FVIII) activity are therapeutic. We performed transuterine i.p. gene transfer at day 15 of gestation in a murine model of hemophilia A. Normal, carrier (XHX), and FVIII-deficient (XHY and XHXH) fetuses injected with adenoviral vectors carrying luciferase or β-galactosidase reporter genes showed high-level gene expression with 91% fetal survival. The live-born rates of normal and FVIII-deficient animals injected in utero with adenovirus murine FVIII (3.3 × 105 plaque-forming units) was 87%. FVIII activity in plasma was 50.7 ± 10.5% of normal levels at day 2 of life, 7.2 ± 2.2% by day 15 of life, and no longer detectable at day 21 of life in hemophilic animals. Injection of higher doses of murine FVIII adenovirus at embryonic day 15 produced supranormal levels of FVIII activity in the neonatal period. PCR analysis identified viral genomes primarily in the liver, intestine, and spleen, although adenoviral DNA was detected in distal tissues when higher doses of adenovirus were administered. These studies show that transuterine i.p. injection of adenoviral vectors produces therapeutic levels of circulating FVIII throughout the neonatal period. The future development of efficient and persisting vectors that produce long-term gene expression may allow for in utero correction of genetic diseases originating in the fetal liver, hematopoietic stem cells, as well as other tissues.
Enhanced empirical models of the thermosphere

Abstract The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has embarked on a development program to upgrade empirical models of the neutral upper atmosphere (thermosphere and upper mesosphere) and to apply these models to scientific and engineering problems. The program focus has been the Mass Spectrometer — Incoherent Scatter Radar (MSIS) model of composition and temperature. The new NRLMSIS model, due for release in 2000, has ingested additional data sets, including, for the first time, the drag and accelerometer data of Jacchia and others. The formulation in the lower thermosphere now has improved flexibility, and a new species, “anomalous oxygen,” allows for appreciable O + and hot atomic oxygen contributions to the total mass density at high altitudes. A new full disk proxy for the solar chromospheric EUV driver of thermospheric variability is available for studies in combination with the NRLMSIS model and database. This will determine the value of augmenting F 10.7 in the model formulation — a longstanding issue. Whereas F 10.7 correlates more closely with coronal EUV flux, chromospheric fluxes provide the primary thermospheric heating.
Cholangiocyte Endothelin 1 and Transforming Growth Factor β1 Production in Rat Experimental Hepatopulmonary Syndrome

Background & Aims: Hepatic production and release of endothelin 1 plays a central role in experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome after common bile duct ligation by stimulating pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide production. In thioacetamide-induced nonbiliary cirrhosis, hepatic endothelin 1 production and release do not occur, and hepatopulmonary syndrome does not develop. However, the source and regulation of hepatic endothelin 1 after common bile duct ligation are not fully characterized. We evaluated the sources of hepatic endothelin 1 production after common bile duct ligation in relation to thioacetamide cirrhosis and assessed whether transforming growth factor β1 regulates endothelin 1 production. Methods: Hepatopulmonary syndrome and hepatic and plasma endothelin 1 levels were evaluated after common bile duct ligation or thioacetamide administration. Cellular sources of endothelin 1 were assessed by immunohistochemistry and laser capture microdissection of cholangiocytes. Transforming growth factor β1 expression and signaling were assessed by using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting and by evaluating normal rat cholangiocytes. Results: Hepatic and plasma endothelin 1 levels increased and hepatopulmonary syndrome developed only after common bile duct ligation. Hepatic endothelin 1 and transforming growth factor β1 levels increased over a similar time frame, and cholangiocytes were a major source of each peptide. Transforming growth factor β1 signaling in cholangiocytes in vivo was evident by increased phosphorylation and nuclear localization of Smad2, and hepatic endothelin 1 levels correlated directly with liver transforming growth factor β1 and phosphorylated Smad2 levels. Transforming growth factor β1 also stimulated endothelin 1 promoter activity, expression, and production in normal rat cholangiocytes. Conclusions: Cholangiocytes are a major source of hepatic endothelin 1 production during the development of hepatopulmonary syndrome after common bile duct ligation, but not in thioacetamide-induced cirrhosis. Transforming growth factor β1 stimulates cholangiocyte endothelin 1 expression and production. Cholangiocyte-derived endothelin 1 may be an important endocrine mediator of experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome.
Web-based teaching module improves success rates of postpyloric positioning of nasoenteric feeding tubes.

Background: Bedside protocols improve success rates of postpyloric nasoenteric tube (NET) placement by nutrition teams and experienced individuals. However, many hospitals require novice practitioners to perform these procedures and often choose fluoroscopy, endoscopy, or newer alternative devices to achieve success. Little is known about the ability to train inexperienced practitioners or the effectiveness of the methods used to implement these protocols. Web-based learning is a potential tool to improve knowledge and procedural skills. The authors created a self-directed Web-based teaching module (WBTM) to educate and standardize placement of postpyloric NETs. Methods: Forty-three first-, second-, or third-year residents or medical or physician assistant students took pretests for knowledge and confidence surveys, viewed the WBTM, placed NET at the bedside, then took a posttest and confidence survey while awaiting confirmation of tube position by abdominal radiograph. Success was acknowledged if the tip...
Talking about computers: from metaphor to jargon

The language used to talk about computers is uniquely colorful and sometimes extraordinarily difficult. This paper examines ‘computer discourse’ and points out its highly metaphorical nature. While the use of metaphor is unavoidable, it often leads, especially in informal settings, to the mannered use of words we call jargon. Metaphor becomes jargon when it is used too literally in a self-conscious manner. Experts often use their metaphors as though they were literally true. Technical details fall away and the metaphor is taken for the reality it represents. The less expert sometimes mimic the language they hear, in a self-conscious manner, without truly understanding it.
Short-latency disparity vergence eye movements: a response to disparity energy.

Abstract Vergence eye movements were elicited in human subjects by applying disparities to square-wave gratings lacking the fundamental (“missing fundamental”, mf ). Using a dichoptic arrangement, subjects viewed gratings that were identical at the two eyes except for a phase difference of 1/4 wavelength so that, based on the nearest-neighbor matches, the features and the 4 n + 1 harmonics (5th, 9th, etc.) all had binocular disparities of one sign, whereas the 4 n − 1 harmonics (3rd, 7th, etc.) all had disparities of the opposite sign. Further, the amplitude of the i th harmonic was proportional to 1/ i . Using the electromagnetic search coil technique to record the positions of both eyes indicated that the earliest vergence eye movements elicited by these disparity stimuli had ultra-short latencies (minimum, mf stimulus (creating the “ mf-5 ” stimulus) the vertical vergence responses showed almost no shortfall—indicating that it had been almost entirely due to that 5th harmonic—but the horizontal vergence responses still showed a small shortfall, at least with higher contrast stimuli. This small shortfall might represent a very minor contribution from higher harmonics and/or distortion products and/or a feature-based mechanism. We conclude that the earliest disparity vergence responses—especially vertical—were strongly dependent on the major Fourier components of the binocular images, consistent with early spatial filtering of the monocular visual inputs prior to their binocular combination as in the disparity-energy model of complex cells in striate cortex [Ohzawa, I., DeAngelis, G. C., & Freeman, R. D. (1990). Stereoscopic depth discrimination in the visual cortex: neurons ideally suited as disparity detectors. Science, 249 , 1037–1041].
Water column anomalies associated with hydrothermal activity in the Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California

Abstract Sea floor hydrothermal activity in the Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California, is quite different from that associated with ridge crest spreading centers. Injection of hydrothermal fluids occurs in the bottom of a semi-enclosed basin and water column anomalies produced by this activity increase to much higher values than in the open ocean. In the Guaymas Basin the hydrothermal venting generates large clouds of fine suspended particulate matter (SPM) 100–300 m above active mounds and chimneys. These hydrothermal clouds have potential temperature anomalies of about 0.010–0.020°C, are enriched in dissolved silica, particulate manganese, and depleted in dissolved oxygen relative to areas away from the vents. The particulate manganese values increase from about 3 nmol/kg at ∼ 1000 m, well above the enclosing topography of the subsill basin, to 100–150 nmol/kg in the clouds of SPM and in the bottom nepheloid layer. The particulate Mn in the hydrothermal clouds appears to originate from both direct precipitation of dissolved Mn2+ injected by the vents and entrainment of Mn-rich SPM in the rising hydrothermal plumes. Injection of silica-rich vent fluids into the basin bottom waters produces a silica anomaly of 10–15 μmol relative to the other deep basins of the Gulf of California. Spillover of Guaymas Basin deep water produces a silica plume just above the basin sill depth which is detectable to the mouth of the Gulf. A simple two-endmember mixing model indicates that the deep waters of the Guaymas Basin contain approximately 0.1% hydrothermal fluid. Oxygen anomalies associated with the hydrothermal clouds are on the order of 5 μmol relative to regions away from active vents. The basin as a whole shows a depletion in oxygen of about 13 μmol relative to the other deep basins of the Gulf. The mixing model shows that this oxygen consumption can be explained by the oxidation of dissolved sulfide and methane injected by the hydrothermal vents. Box models of the deep basins of the southern Gulf of California indicate that the Guaymas Basin has a significantly higher source term for dissolved silica and sink term for dissolved oxygen than the other basins. The calculated flux of hydrothermal fluids into the Guaymas Basin is 10–12 m3/s.
Surgical exposure of the sciatic nerve in the gluteal region: anatomic and historical comparison of two approaches.

Objective To increase awareness among neurosurgeons of alternative surgical approaches to lesions of the sciatic nerve in the gluteal region. Methods The dominant surgical approach to lesions of the proximal sciatic nerve involves detachment and medial reflection of the gluteus maximus through a question-mark incision. An alternative to this infragluteal exposure is a transgluteal approach, which provides access to the sciatic nerve by splitting the gluteus maximus through a curvilinear incision. We explored the anatomy and surgical history of these approaches through cadaveric study, our own case series, and a literature review. Results The infragluteal approach uses a larger incision, extensive dissection, and postoperative bracing while allowing wide exposure of the nerve inferiorly into the thigh. By contrast, the transgluteal approach minimizes dissection and spares muscle attachments but requires meticulous attention to hemostasis and provides a more focal exposure of the sciatic nerve. During the past century, the infragluteal approach has been described more frequently and has become increasingly popular among peripheral-nerve surgeons. For comparison, we present three patients in whom the transgluteal approach was used to treat substantial lesions of the proximal sciatic nerve. Conclusion At the present time, the majority of peripheral nerve surgeons use an infragluteal approach to the proximal sciatic nerve. However, for select patients with well-defined and localized lesions, the transgluteal approach may provide sufficient nerve exposure with lowered operative complexity and postoperative morbidity.
RADIATION-PRODUCED ABSORPTION BANDS IN SILICON: PIEZOSPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF A GROUP-V ATOM-DEFECT COMPLEX.

A series of sharp new infrared-absorption bands produced by high-energy-electron irradiation in phosphorus- and arsenic-doped float-zone-refined silicon is reported. In P-doped silicon, the dominant band is at 1150 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, with associated weaker bands at 1310, 970, 1000, 1025, 1040, and 1450 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. In As-doped silicon, the corresponding bands are at 1260 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and 1480, 1080, 1110, 1135, 1160, and 1650 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The spectra recover in both materials at \ensuremath{\sim}140\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Uniaxial-stress studies of these bands in oriented single crystals with polarized light are described. The results cannot be fit to the usual "piezospectrospic" classification of Kaplyanskii and Runciman. A model is presented which identifies the spectra as electronic transitions from the orbital singlet ground state of a single anistropic donor defect to a manifold of bound large-orbit effective-mass excited states. Extension of the Kaplyanskii classification to include the accidental degeneracy inherent in the effective-mass excited states in silicon explains the stress results. The symmetry of the defect is deduced to be monoclinic II. It is deduced that one or more group-V atoms are involved in the defect, but a microscopic identification of the defect is not possible.
Remineralization of dentin in vitro

The remineralization of completely demineralized bovine dentin was studied in vitro by monitoring the velocities of fall of small particles through calcifying solutions. The density of a particle of dentin may be found from its velocity of fall through a fluid using Stokes’ law.
Using FORTRAN 90 and object-oriented programming to accelerate code development

We examine the object-oriented programming (OOP) capabilities of FORTRAN 90 and their applications to numerical electromagnetic codes. Specifically, we will define an object representing a three-dimensional vector, and illustrate how objects can streamline code development by reducing the number of subroutines and the potential for programmer errors.
Metallogeny of gold in relation to the evolution of the Nubian Shield in Egypt

Abstract Gold mineralization in the Eastern Desert of Egypt is confined, almost completely, to the basement rocks of the Nubian Shield that was cratonized during the Panafrican orogeny. Island-arc, orogenic and post-orogenic stages are indicated for the tectonic-magmatic evolution of the Nubian Shield in Late Proterozoic times. Different styles of gold mineralization recognised in the Eastern Desert are inferred to have developed during these stages. In the island-arc stage, which is characterized by volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks in an ensimatic environment, gold mineralization is hosted in stratiform to strata-bound Algoma-type BIF and associated tuffaceous sedimentary rocks. Both types represent exhalative deposits, formed during breaks in sub-marine basaltic and bastalic–andesite volcanic eruptions. The volcanic rocks have a tholeiitic affinity and reflect an immature arc stage. Gold hosted in massive-sulphide deposits within calc-alkaline rhyolites represents another style of gold mineralization connected with mature island arc stage. During the orogenic-stage, ophiolites and island arc volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks were thrust onto the Pre-Panafrican continental margin. Subduction was active beneath the continent while the thrusting was still operative. A phase of calc-alkaline magmatic activity developed during this stage and the compressional deformation event was synchronous with regional metamorphism (greenschist–amphibolite facies). Extensional shear fractures (brittle–ductile shear zones) were broadly contemporaneous with the intense compressional tectonic regime. These fractures opened spaces in which the mineralizing fluids penetrated. Gold mineralization associated with the orogenic-stage is represented by vein-type mineralization that constituted the main target for gold since Pharaonic times. Other styles of gold mineralization during this stage are represented by altered ophiolitic serpentinites (listwaenites), Gold mineralization associated with intrusion related deposits (possibly porphyry copper deposits), as well as, auriferous quartz veins at the contacts of younger gabbros and G-2 granites. The post-orogenic stage is characterized by the dominance of intra-plate magmatism. Small amounts of the element in disseminations, stockworks and quartz veins of Sn–W–Ta–Nb mineralization represent gold mineralization connected with this stage. The link between these tectonic–magmatic stages and gold mineralization can be used as a criterion at any exploration strategy for new targets of gold mineralization in Egypt.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: Colonization, Infection, Detection, and Treatment

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are becoming a major concern in medical practice. Their increased prevalence and their ability to transfer vancomycin resistance to other bacteria (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) have made them a subject of close scrutiny and intense investigation. Colonization is usually acquired by susceptible hosts in an environment with a high rate of patient colonization with VRE (eg, intensive care units, oncology units). Vancomycin-resistant enterococci can survive in the environment for prolonged periods (>1 week), can contaminate almost any surface, and can be passed from one patient to another by health care workers. Whether VRE colonization leads to infection depends on the health status of the patient. Whereas immunocompetent patients colonized with VRE are at low risk for infection, weakened hosts (patients with hematologic disorders, transplant recipients, or severely ill patients) have an increased likelihood of developing infection following colonization. Quinupristin-dalfopristin and linezolid are among the anti-infective agents that have recently become available to treat infection caused by VRE. Other antimicrobials are currently under development. Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and standard culture studies are being used to detect VRE colonization, infection, and outbreaks.
Human visual system singularity map analyses

This paper has analyzed the day and night images using the novel concept called hard and soft singularity maps (SM) that are biologically extracted by the lateral redundant data. Consequently, the correspondence exists uniquely among neighborhood frames in terms of the different slope values at image corners solving the optical flow problem for the video compression. In this paper, some efficient computational methods: min-max picking, and next order Cellular Neural Network implementing the anti-diffusion Laplacian, can obtain the SM without the convolution broadening based on Sobel and Canny edge operators. However, the differentiation operation may produce a false singularity under noise, and thus we apply the Hermitian wavelets to obtain the noisy singularity.
Synthesis of 2′,3′-Unsaturated and 2′, 3′-Dideoxy Analogs of 6-Azapyrimidine Nucleosides as Potential Anti-Hiv Agents

Abstract Several 2′, 3′-unsaturated and 2′, 3′-dideoxy analogs of 6-azapyrimidine nucleosides, compounds 2′, 3′ -dideoxy-6-azacytidine (12), 2′, 3′ -dideoxy-6-azauridin-2′ - ene (15a), 3′ -deoxy-6-azathymidin-2′ -ene (15b) and 3′ -deoxy-6-azathymidine (16b), have been synthesized via a multi-step synthesis from 6-azauridine and 6-azathymidine, respectively. These compounds were evaluated against HIV-1 in vitro and found to be inactive.