cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sparsh UI: A Multi-Touch Framework for Collaboration and Modular Gesture Recognition

Most current multi-touch libraries provide support to recognize the touch input from particular hardware and seldom support complex gestures. For rapid prototyping and development of multi-touch applications, particularly for collaboration across multiple disparate devices, there is a need for a framework which can support an array of multi-touch hardware, provide gesture processing, be cross platform compatible, and allow applications to be developed in the desired programming language. In this paper we present criteria for evaluating a multi-touch library and “Sparsh UI”— an open source multi-touch library which is a novel attempt to address these issues by enabling developers to easily develop multi-touch applications. We also compare Sparsh UI with other multi-touch libraries and describe several Sparsh-based applications, including BasePlate, a system for collaborative virtual assembly.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Early arterial hypotension is common in the post-cardiac arrest syndrome and associated with increased in-hospital mortality.

Summary Aim After return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) from cardiac arrest, profound myocardial stunning and systemic inflammation may cause hemodynamic alterations; however, the prevalence of post-ROSC hemodynamic instability and the strength of association with outcome have not been established. We tested the hypothesis that exposure to arterial hypotension after ROSC occurs commonly (>50%) and is an independent predictor of death. Methods Single-center retrospective cohort study of all post-cardiac arrest patients over 1 year. Inclusion criteria: (1) age >17; (2) non-trauma; (3) sustained ROSC after cardiac arrest. Using the Jones criteria, subjects were assigned to one of two groups based on the presence of hypotension within 6 h after ROSC: (1) exposures—two or more systolic blood pressures (SBPs) Results 102 subjects met inclusion criteria. In-hospital mortality was 75%. Exposure to hypotension occurred in 66/102 (65%) and was associated with significantly higher mortality (83%) compared to non-exposures (58%, p = 0.01). In a model controlling for common confounding variables (age, pre-arrest functional status, arrest rhythm, and provision of therapeutic hypothermia (HT)), early exposure to hypotension was a strong independent predictor of death (OR 3.5 [95% CI 1.3–9.6]). Conclusions Early exposure to arterial hypotension after ROSC was common and an independent predictor of death. These data suggest that post-ROSC hypotension could potentially represent a therapeutic target in post-cardiac arrest care.
Comparison of Practice Patterns Between Inpatient Cardiology Pharmacists With and Without Added Qualifications in Cardiology

Background: There is a paucity of data comparing practice patterns between board-certified specialists with added qualifications in cardiology (AQCV) and cardiovascular pharmacists without these credentials. Purpose: The purpose is to characterize differences in practice between inpatient pharmacists with and without AQCV. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional, case-controlled survey. An AQCV pharmacist list was extracted from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties Web site. Hospitals with AQCV pharmacists comprised the case group. Hospitals were excluded if the AQCV pharmacists did not provide direct patient care, practiced in the outpatient setting, or were in a Veterans Affairs hospital. Each case hospital was matched to hospitals without an AQCV pharmacist in a 1:3 ratio (case:control) by region, cardiovascular discharges, and teaching hospital status. Institutions completed a survey characterizing their pharmacy services. Results: Fifty-six hospitals completed the survey (21 ...
Arms control between the two Koreas: Seeking the path to a deterrence‐based détente1

(1996). Arms control between the two Koreas: Seeking the path to a deterrence‐based detente1. Contemporary Security Policy: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 113-126.
A pharmacokinetic study of pentachlorophenol poisoning and the effect of forced diuresis.

(1978). A Pharmacokinetic Study of Pentachlorophenol Poisoning and the Effect of Forced Diuresis. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 41-48.
Distributed program reliability analysis

The reliability of distributed processing systems can be expressed in terms of the reliability of the processing elements that run the programs, the reliability of the processing elements holding the required files, and the reliability of the communication links used in file transfers. The authors introduce two reliability measures, namely distributed program reliability and distributed system reliability, to accurately model the reliability of distributed systems. The first measure describes the probability of successful execution of a distributed program which runs on some processing elements and needs to communicate with other processing elements for remote files, while the second measure describes the probability that all the programs of a given set can run successfully. The notion of minimal file spanning trees is introduced to efficiently evaluate these reliability measures. Graph theory techniques are used to systematically generate file spanning trees that provide all the required connections. The technique is general and can be used in a dynamic environment for efficient reliability evaluation.
Neuroleptic Treatment of HIV-Associated Psychosis

The aim of this rater-blinded randomized study was to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of haloperidol and thioridazine in the treatment of new-onset psychosis in HIV-positive individuals. Participants were 13 men who had no history of psychosis prior to infection with HIV, and whose psychosis was not attributable to delirium or to non-HIV-related organic factors. Participants were evaluated at baseline after at least one month without neuroleptic treatment and then weekly for six weeks of the experimental treatment using several rating scales. The mean daily dose in chlorpromazine equivalents was 124 mg. Both neuroleptics produced modest but significant reduction in overall level of psychosis and in positive symptoms, but not in negative symptoms. All the haloperidol-treated patients developed extrapyramidal side effects and required treatment with anticholinergic medication, whereas three of the five thioridazine-treated patients had noticeable side effects. We make recommendations for the treatment of HIV-associated psychosis with neuroleptics.
Morbidity and mortality of surgery for endometrial cancer in the oldest old

Objective Although endometrial cancer commonly occurs in elderly women, little is known about the perioperative outcomes of the oldest women (>80 years of age) who are treated surgically. Study Design We performed an analysis of women ≥65 years of age with endometrial cancer who underwent hysterectomy from 1998–2007 and who were registered in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Results A total of 25,698 women were identified. Compared with women who were 65-69 years old, women who were ≥85 years old were more likely to have perioperative surgical complications (12% vs 17%), postoperative medical complications (24% vs 34%), and a longer length of stay (3 vs 5 days) and to require a transfusion (6% vs 10%; P P Conclusion The morbidity that is associated with surgery for endometrial cancer is significantly higher in women who are >80 years old, even after medical comorbidities have been considered.
Teaching a profoundly retarded adult at home by non-professionals

Abstract Non-professional undergraduate college students were used in a behavior modification program for a profoundly retarded adult whose parents, though they had reservations about behavior modification, agreed to it. The four target behaviors were dressing, undressing, toileting, and cooperative play. Measures taken on these behaviors showed improvements during the course of the training and on tests conducted during a one year follow-up. The results are discussed in terms of the use and availability of undergraduates in such programs, the analysis of complex skills into component behaviors, and the positive reaction of the parents to the program.
Verapamil-induced changes in myocardial contractile force and cyclic nucleotides in the isolated perfused rat heart

Abstract Interrelationships among transmembrane flux of calcium ions, cyclic nucleotides, and myocardial contractile force in isolated, perfused rat hearts were studied with verapamil, lanthanum, or zero-calcium solutions to reduce the influx of calcium ions into myocardial cells. Myocardial concentrations of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP were determined, and changes in contractile force were measured. Perfusion with verapamil, lanthanum, or zero-calcium solutions produced a dose-related decrease in myocardial contractile force and reduced cyclic AMP to levels significantly lower than in control hearts. The reduction in cyclic AMP was independent of the amount of drug used to inhibit calcium influx. Verapamil (6 × 10−8 M) or lanthanum (4 × 10−7 M or 4 × 10−6 M) had no effect on the concentration of cyclic GMP. Zero-calcium solution or verapamil (6 × 10−7 M) decreased significantly myoeardial cyclic GMP. 8-Bromo-cyclic GMP (in the presence of inorganic phosphate) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP caused a positive inotropic response which was not inhibited by sotalol. Only dibutyryl cyclic AMP reversed the negative inotropic effect of verapamil. Dibutyryl cyclic GMP alone produced a negative inotropic effect and further depressed the force of contraction induced by verapamil. Since two analogs of cyclic GMP had opposite effects on myocardial contractility, it was concluded that analogs do not necessarily mimic actions ascribed to endogenous parent nucleotides. Although the transmembrane flux of calcium ions remains an important factor controlling myocardial contractile force, the direct mechanism by which cyclic nucleotides may modulate calcium flux in the heart remains unknown.
Fungal Fragments in Moldy Houses: A Field Study in Homes in New Orleans and Southern Ohio.

Smaller-sized fungal fragments ( 2.25 μm (spores); (ii) 1.05–2.25 μm (mixture); and (iii) < 1.0 μm (submicrometersized fragments). Samples were collected in five homes in summer and winter and analyzed for (1→3)-β-D-glucan. The total (1→3)-β-D-glucan varied from 0.2 to 16.0 ng m −3 . The ratio of (1→3)β-D-glucan mass in fragment size fraction to that in spore size fraction (F/S) varied from 0.011 to 2.163. The mass ratio was higher in winter (average = 1.017) than in summer (0.227) coinciding with a lower relative humidity in the winter. Assuming a mass-based F/S-ratio=1 and the spore size = 3 μm, the corresponding number-based F/S-ratio (fragment number/spore number) would be 10 3 and 10 6 , for the fragment sizes of 0.3 and 0.03 μm, respectively. These results indicate that the actual (field) contribution of fungal fragments to the overall exposure may be very high, even much greater than that estimated in our earlier laboratory-based studies.
Direct and nickel(I) salen-catalyzed reduction of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (CFC-113) in dimethylformamide

Abstract Cyclic voltammetry, controlled-potential (bulk) electrolysis, gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–MS) have been employed to investigate the direct reduction of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (CFC-113) at a carbon cathode in dimethylformamide (DMF) containing 0.10 M tetra-n-butylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TBABF4) as well as the nickel(I) salen-mediated reduction of CFC-113 in the same medium. Cyclic voltammograms for direct reduction of CFC-113 show two irreversible cathodic peaks attributable to formation of, first, 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethene (CFC-1113) and, second, trifluoroethene (HFC-1123); bulk electrolyses of CFC-113 at potentials corresponding to each of the cathodic peaks afford CFC-1113 and HFC-1123, respectively, in essentially quantitative yield. Cyclic voltammograms for reduction of nickel(II) salen in the presence of CFC-113 provide evidence for the catalytic formation of CFC-1113 and HFC-1123, and bulk electrolyses involving electrogenerated nickel(I) salen lead to mixtures of CFC-1113 and HFC-1123, although 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) has been detected as a minor product. It has been determined with the aid of HPLC–ESI–MS that the salen ligand of the nickel(I) catalyst is modified during the catalytic reduction of CFC-113. A mechanistic scheme is proposed for the direct reduction of CFC-113.
Diffuse polyposis of the large intestine

since 1863 when originaIIy described by Virchow.41 HuIIsiek r6 in 1928, found 127 reported cases and’ more recentIy Scarborough36 was abIe to cohect a tota of 301 cases recorded prior to 1937. A review of the Iiterature reveaIs an additiona group of thirty cases reported from 1937 to 1942 bringing the totaI number of coIIected cases to 33 r . AIIingham’ did not observe a singIe instance of diffuse coIonic polyposis in 4,000 consecutive examinations in St. Marks’ HospitaI, London. Martin25 reported five cases with diffuse poIyposis of the coIon in 1,500 sigmoidoscopic examinations and Buie6 found fifty-five cases of diffuse poIyposis in a series of 1,234 patients with polyps of the coIon. Mayo and WakefieIdz6 note that 4 per cent of patients examined in the ProctoIogicaI Section of the Mayo CIinic had one or more poIyps but onIy .04 per cent of this latter group had disseminated poIyposis. Classification. The classification of polyposis of the coIon suggested by Erdman and MorrislO is generaIIy accepted today. AI1 cases are divided into two major types: (I) AduIt or acquired type, usuaIIy occurring in middIe or Iate aduIt Iife, and characterized by a proIonged history of colitis. Unmistakable evidence of i&ammation in the coIon is aIways present and the poIyps tend to be Iess frequent than in the other type. (2) AdoIescent (congenita1 disseminated) type occurring in individuaIs in youth or young aduIt Iife. A history of a simiIar condition can usuaIIy be obtained in other members of the famiIy. The symptoms are those of recurrent bouts of abdomina1 pain associated with cramps and bIoody diarrhea. PathoIogicaIIy, the coIon is usuaIIy diffuseIy studded with poIyps from the cecum to anus. AmpIe cIinica1 study has demonstrated that chronic uIcerative coIitis frequently resuIts in the deveIopment of diffuse poIyposis of the coIon.3~17*21~37*42 Kahler”’ reports that poIyposis develops in IO per cent of patients suffering with chronic uIcerative coIitis and Rankin31 found that diffuse poIyposis was present in sixty-nine of 693 cases of proved chronic uIcerative coIitis. Bargen3 considers the relationship of the acquired to the congenita1 type of adenomatosis of the coIon to be approximateIy 4 : I. Cripps, 23 in 1882, first pointed out that a definite hereditary factor was present in certain cases of poIyposis of the coIon. The heredofamiIia1 character was subsequentIy emphasized by Lockhart-Mummery23 and has been confirmed by many observers 2.3,11,16,27,28,29,33,38
Body Growth Response to Selection and Crossbreeding in Dwarf and Normal Broiler-type Chickens

Abstract A normal-bodied broiler population and one dwarfed by the dw sex-linked gene were each sub-divided into two lines. AGB (normal) and D2B (dwarf) were selected only for superior body weight at eight weeks of age. AGE (normal) and D2E (dwarf) were sublines in which prospective dams were selected for large egg weight while prospective sires were selected for eight-week body weight. Selection for large eight-week weight of both sexes in both dwarf and normal populations during each of three generations resulted in superior growth rate to that observed when the dams were selected for egg weight. When the selected dams were tested each generation for their ability to produce superior broiler crossbreds using a commercial broiler sire strain, AGE proved superior to AGB in the second and third generations while D2B and D2E dams produced crossbreds with similar broiler weights. Normal-bodied dams which produced crossbreds having superior growth to that of the dwarf dams in the first generation lost most of this superiority by the third generation in sons and the second generation in daughters. Reproductive fitness was superior within the dwarf lines as well as in their ability to produce more crossbred progeny.
BSB: A New Mouse Model of Multigenic Obesity

We report here a new mouse model of multigenic obesity. Backcross progeny ((C57BL/6J x Mus spretus)F1 x C57BL/6J), designated as BSB mice, range from 1% to 50% body fat. Since both parental strains are relatively lean, the wide range of the phenotype in the BSB mice indicates the involvement of multiple genes to produce obesity. Obesity in BSB mice results from increases in both intraabdominal and subcutaneous fat and is associated with hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Female and male BSB mice do not differ in the degree of obesity obtained. Stimulated plasma corticosterone levels are reduced in obese male and female mice. The development of appropriate genetic markers and statistical methods have made it feasible to analyze quantitative polygenic traits in animal models by employing F2 or backcross progeny. Thus, this BSB model is uniquely suited to the genetic analysis of the multifactorial quantitative trait of obesity and its associated phenotypes. (OBESITY RESEARCH 1993;1:271–280)
Hypersusceptibility of A/J mice to tuberculosis is in part due to a deficiency of the fifth complement component (C5)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) causes tuberculosis in man, which occurs as an acute, chronic or dormant disease reactivating over several years. The mechanisms of persistence and reactivation are not well understood and there is a need for animal models. Moderate-dose, aerosol infection killed A/J mice earlier than partially resistant C57Bl/6 mice, whereas a low-dose, aerosol-induced chronic infection exacerbated earlier in A/J mice. A/J mice lethally infected with MTB but drug cured of disease underwent reactivation of tuberculosis at least 100 days before similarly infected C57Bl/6 mice. Because A/J mice were C5 deficient, congenic B10 mice sufficient and deficient for C5 were infected intravenously with MTB to define the role of C5. C5-deficient mice again showed enhanced growth of MTB in the lungs. MTB-infected macrophages from C5-deficient mice showed enhanced growth of MTB coinciding with a reduced secretion of both cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12) and chemokines (KC, MIP-2 and MIP-1alpha) in A/J and TNF-alpha and chemokines in C5-deficient mice. Because C5-deficient macrophages could be activated from extraneous C5 and TNF-alpha we suggest that both play a role in the macrophage-mediated killing as well as containment mechanisms in tuberculosis.
An efficient graph-based recognizer for hand-drawn symbols

We describe a trainable, multi-stroke symbol recognizer for pen-based user interfaces. The approach is insensitive to orientation, non-uniform scaling, and drawing order. Symbols are represented internally as attributed relational graphs describing both the geometry and topology of the symbols. Symbol definitions are statistical models, which makes the approach robust to variations common in hand-drawn shapes. Symbol recognition requires finding the definition symbol whose attributed relational graph best matches that of the unknown symbol. Much of the power of the approach derives from the particular set of attributes used, and our metrics for measuring similarity between graphs. One challenge addressed in the current work is how to perform the graph matching efficiently. We present five approximate matching techniques: stochastic matching, which is based on stochastic search; error-driven matching, which uses local matching errors to drive the solution to an optimal match; greedy matching, which uses greedy search; hybrid matching, which uses exhaustive search for small problems and stochastic matching for larger ones; and sort matching, which relies on geometric information to accelerate the matching. Finally, we present the results of a user study, and discuss the tradeoffs between the various matching techniques.
Natal philopatry, ranging behavior, and habitat selection of juvenile bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida

Movement patterns and habitat selection are influenced by factors such as resource availability, predation risk, and social interactions, and the relative importance of each of these variables can change over an animal’s life span. Although ranging patterns and habitat use of adult dolphins have been explored in some areas, relatively little is known about how these behaviors develop as young dolphins mature. This study explored natal philopatry during the juvenile period and behavioral development of ranging and habitat-use patterns in newly independent bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at a long-term study site in Sarasota Bay, Florida. To achieve this we used both long-term sighting data from the resident dolphin community in Sarasota Bay and new information on movements, habitat selection, and social associations collected through boat-based focalanimal behavioral observations on 27 individually identifiable juveniles during 2005–2008. We documented differences in ranging patterns and habitat use of juvenile dolphins by sex, season, and age, and investigated the degree of maternal influence on these behaviors and the functional significance of juvenile groups. We found that male and female dolphins in Sarasota Bay had similar ranging and habitat-selection patterns during the juvenile period. Both sexes exhibited a high degree of philopatry to natal areas as juveniles, with dispersal occurring only rarely by members of either sex. Seasonal and age-related differences in juvenile behavior were evident, and lasting maternal influences on habitat selection and ranging patterns postindependence are apparent. These findings provide some of the 1st information on juvenile marine mammal behavior that contributes to our understanding of resident inshore dolphin behavior throughout the life history and are potentially important to management and conservation efforts.
Metacarpophalangeal joint motion and the role of the collateral ligaments.

A three stage study of the metacarpophalangeal joint was performed. First, a triaxial goniometer was designed which allowed direct measurement of joint motion in living and cadaveric hands. Then, based on the above data, a computer simulated model of the joint was developed. This permitted an analysis of the orientation of the joint for any given point in the axis of motion, the effects of the collateral ligaments and their contribution to joint motion and stability. Finally the metacarpal head was analysed using a shadow profilometer and anatomical dissections. From 0° to 70°, the metacarpal head demonstrated a curved configuration. At approximately 70°, the metacarpal head assumed a bicondylar shape which produced a bony block to lateral deviation. Dissection of the collateral ligaments demonstrated that they ran diagonally from the metacarpal head to the proximal phalanx. We conclude that the metacarpophalangeal joint has an instant axis. From 0° to 70° of flexion, in any given hand, the angle of lateral deviation is constant. Beyond 70° there is a marked decrease in lateral deviation. The joint has two degrees of freedom and the collateral ligament is taut in all positions.
The Expression of α2B-Adrenoceptor mRNA in Sprague-Dawley Rat Kidney

Based on radio-ligand binding assays, most of the α2B-adrenoceptors in rat kidney are found in the proximal tubules and are of the α2B-adrenoceptors subtype. To determine more accurately the distribution of the α2B-adrenoceptors in the rat kidney, we studied the expression of α2B-adrenoceptors mRNA in rat kidney slices and microdissected nephron fragments using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Sprague-Dawley rat kidney was dissected into cortex, outer medulla and inner medulla. Total RNA was prepared from the kidney slices. Microdissected single nephron segments about 1mm in length were transferred to tubes containing lysis buffer. RT-PCR was performed using a GeneAmp RNA PCR kit from Perkin-Elmer Corporation. The PCR primers were designed based on the sequences of the third cytoplasmic loop of the rat α2B-gene. After the PCR, the products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The specificity of PCR amplified products was examined by restriction endonuclease digestion and internal oligonucleotide hybridization. Our results indicate that α2B-adrenoceptors mRNA is expressed in rat kidney cortex, outer medulla and inner medulla. Microdissection and RT-PCR showed that α2B-adrenoceptor mRNA was expressed in the proximal straight tubules (S3), cortical and medullary thick ascending limbs of Henle (CTALH, MTALH) and cortical and outer medullary collecting tubules (CCT, OMCT). (Hypertens Res 1993; 16: 259-263)
Automorphic Invariant Isometric Operators

We consider isometric operators with finite defect numbers that are unitarily equivalent to their Mobius transformations. A functional characterization of such isometries is given in terms of their characteristic operator-functions. We show that any such isometry admits a contractive extension that is also unitarily equivalent to its Mobius transformation and a unitary extension in a larger space that has the same property. Examples of automorphic invariant operators are considered.
Strain selection for β-carotene production by Dunaliella.

Four strains of Dunaliella were grown at 25°C and pH 8±0.5, with continous illumination at 200 W/m2. Their maximum specific growth rates ranged from 0.093 day-1 to 0.234 day-1, nitrate yields from 3.0 to 7.8 g cells/g NaNO3 and lipid contents from 3% to 6% of the dry wt, with carotenes 50 to 80% of the lipids. Of the carotenes, β-carotene made up 7 to 19%; all-trans-β-carotene 32 to 52% and 9-cis-β-carotene 29 to 55%. There are, therefore, considerable intra-specific differences between strains of Dunaliella.
Localized levels near semiconductor surfaces

Abstract On the basis of simple models it is shown that the position in energy scale of localized levels near the surfaces of heavily doped semiconductors is different from their bulk values.
Size distribution and coning behaviour of the Australian cycad Lepidozamia peroffskyana

Leaf numbers as an estimate of sexual maturity and presence of current and previous season's cones were determined for individuals sampled in two populations of Lepidozamia peroffskyana near Dorrigo and Sealy Lookout, New South Wales, Australia. Average leaf numbers of known males and females were not significantly different. Average leaf numbers of plants showing no evidence of coning were lower than for coning individuals, suggesting that both populations contain substantial numbers of immature plants. About half the plants in both populations were putatively mature, but only 12% of such individuals in the Dorrigo population bore current season's cones compared with 51% in the Lookout population; 28% of the Dorrigo plants and 5% of the Lookout plants showed evidence of prior coning. Thus, in each population, not all mature plants produce cones during a given reproductive episode. The proportion that does so appears to vary from year to year. Cone production by individuals of each sex appears to be separated by several-year intervals. The few plants with current season's cones in the Dorrigo population prevented determining a phenotypic sex ratio there, but for the Lookout population it was not statistically different from 1:1 male:female. The weevil Tranes lyterioides was abundant on two male cones that were entering the pollination phase in the Lookout population, suggesting that it may be involved in the pollination of this cycad.
The ER aminopeptidase ERAP1 enhances or limits antigen presentation by trimming epitopes to 8-9 residues.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) appears to be specialized to produce peptides presented on class I major histocompatibility complex molecules. We found that purified ERAP1 trimmed peptides that were ten residues or longer, but spared eight-residue peptides. In vivo, ERAP1 enhanced production of an eight-residue ovalbumin epitope from precursors extended on the NH2 terminus that were generated either in the ER or cytosol. Purified ERAP1 also trimmed nearly half the nine-residue peptides tested. By destroying such nine-residue peptides in normal human cells, ERAP1 reduced the overall supply of antigenic peptides. However, after interferon-γ treatment, which causes proteasomes to produce more NH2-extended antigenic precursors, ERAP1 increased the supply of peptides for MHC class I antigen presentation.
Relevance of physics to the pharmacy major.

Objective. To offer a physics course that is relevant to pharmacy students, yet still contains many of the fundamental principles of physics. Design. The course was modified over a period of several years to include activities and examples that were related to other courses in the curriculum. Assessment. Course evaluations were given to assess student attitudes about the importance of physics in the pharmacy curriculum. Conclusion. Students' attitudes have changed over time to appreciate the role that physics plays in their studies. Students gained confidence in their ability to learn in other courses.
Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Javanica rice

Difficulties frequently encountered using direct DNA transfer methods for transformation of Javanica varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) have limited the application of biotechnology to these varieties. We now reportAgrobacterium-mediated transformation of Javanica cultivars Gulfmont and Jefferson that are, respectively, widely used or about to enter commercial cultivation in the southern USA. Vigorous, phenotypically normal, fertile plants expressing both the selectable marker and the gene of interest were obtained. Southern analysis showed that only one or two copies of the T-DNA insert were present. Sequence analysis of right border fragments of one line confirmed that insertion was into a coding region of rice nuclear DNA. This analysis also revealed the presence of relatively short regions of permuted T-DNA border sequences, similar to those found afterAgrobacterium-mediated transformation of dicots. Progeny analysis of lines bearing two copies showed co-segregation, indicating that they were located relatively closely on the same chromosome. The introduced genes were transmitted to the R1 and R2 generations in a Mendelian fashion, confirming the suitability of this approach for biotechnological improvement of elite rice cultivars.
Thalamocortical relations in gustation.

Abstract The paucity of data on the response of cortical neurons to taste stimulation raised the question of whether thalamic taste neurons do, in fact, project to cortex. In an electrophysiological study of thalamocortical taste projections in the albino rat and cottontop marmoset, the following results were obtained. It was found that thalamic neurons in the ventromedial nucleus responding to chemical stimulation of the anterior tongue and/or electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral chorda tympani nerve could be activated antidromically from ‘taste cortex’, that is, from that delimited area on the cortical surface from which maximal, primary responses were evoked following electrical stimulation of the chorda tympani nerve. Thus this demonstrated that thalamic taste neurons do project to cortex. Moreover, it was shown that thalamocortical gustatory cells could be activated synaptically from ‘taste cortex’, suggesting the existence of corticothalamic projections to thalamic taste neurons. Finally, it may be concluded that many thalamic taste cells receive bilateral, convergent input from the anterior tongue.
New Formulations for Optimization under Stochastic Dominance Constraints

Stochastic dominance constraints allow a decision maker to manage risk in an optimization setting by requiring his or her decision to yield a random outcome which stochastically dominates a reference random outcome. We present new integer and linear programming formulations for optimization under first- and second-order stochastic dominance constraints, respectively. These formulations are more compact than existing formulations, and relaxing integrality in the first-order formulation yields a second-order formulation, demonstrating the tightness of this formulation. We also present a specialized branching strategy and heuristics which can be used with the new first-order formulation. Computational tests illustrate the potential benefits of the new formulations.
Characterizations of derived graphs

Abstract The derived graph of a graph G has the edges of G as its vertices, with adjacency determined by the adjacency of the edges in G . A new characterization of derived graphs is given in terms of nine excluded subgraphs. A proof of the equivalence of all known characterizations is also given.
Effects of nitrification inhibitors on denitrification of nitrate in soil

The influence of 28 nitrification inhibitors on denitrification of nitrate in soil was studied by determining the effects of different amounts of each inhibitor on the amounts of nitrate lost and the amounts of nitrite, N2O and N2 produced when soil samples were incubated anaerobically after treatment with nitrate or with nitrate and mannitol. The inhibitors used included nitrapyrin (N-Serve), etridiazole (Dwell), potassium azide, 2-amino-4-chloro-6-methylpyrimidine (AM), sulfathiazole (ST), 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole(ATC),2,4-diamino-6-trichloromethyl-s-triazine (CL-1580), potassium ethylxanthate, guanylthiourea (ASU), 4-nitrobenzotrichloride, 4-mesylbenzotrichloride, sodium thiocarbonate (STC), phenylmercuric acetate (PMA), and dicyandiamide (DCD). Only one of the nitrification inhibitors studied (potassium azide) retarded denitrification when applied at the rate of 10 μg g−1 soil, and only two (potassium azide and 2,4-diamino-6-trichloromethyl-s-triazine) inhibited denitrification when applied at the rate of 50 μg g−1 soil. The other inhibitors either had no appreciable effect on denitrification, or enhanced denitrification, when applied at the rate of 10 or 50 μg g−1 soil, enhancement being most marked with 3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole. Seven of the inhibitors (potassium azide, sulfathiazole, potassium ethylxanthate, sodium isopropylxanthate, 4-nitrobenzotrichloride, sodium thiocarbonate, and phenylmercuric acetate) retarded denitrification when applied at the rate of 50 μg g−1 soil to soil that had been amended with mannitol to promote microbial activity. Reports that nitrapyrin (N-Serve) and etridiazole (Dwell) inhibit denitrification when applied at rates as low as 0.5 μg g−1 soil could not be confirmed. No inhibition of denitrification was observed when these compounds were applied at the rate of 10 μg g−1 soil, and enhancement of denitrification was observed when they were applied at the rate of 50 or 100 μg g−1 soil.
Give in to procrastination and stop prefetching

Generations of computer programmers are taught to prefetch network objects in computer science classes. In practice, prefetching can be harmful to the user's wallet when she is on a limited or pay-per-byte cellular data plan. Many popular, professionally-written smartphone apps today prefetch large amounts of network data that the typical user may never use. We present Procrastinator, which automatically decides when to fetch each network object that an app requests. This decision is made based on whether the user is on Wi-Fi or cellular, how many bytes are remaining on the user's data plan, and whether the object is needed at the present time. Procrastinator does not require developer effort, nor app source code, nor OS changes -- it modifies the app binary to trap specific system calls and inject custom code. Our system can achieve as little as no savings to 4X savings in bytes transferred, depending on the user and the app. In theory, we can achieve 17X savings, but we need to overcome additional technical challenges.
Role of Protein Kinase C in Modulating Epidermal Growth Factor- and Phorbol Ester-Induced Mammary Epithelial Cell Growthin Vitro

Abstract Normal mammary epithelial cells isolated from midpregnant BALB/c mice were grown within collagen gels and maintained on serum-free media. Chronic treatment with low doses (0.1–5 n M ) of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) had no mitogenic action when given alone, but significantly enhanced epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced growth. In contrast, similar treatment with high doses (10–100 n M ) of PMA significantly stimulated mammary epithelial cell growth in the absence of EGF. Furthermore, growth of cells treated with high doses of PMA and EGF was similar to that observed in cells treated with PMA alone. In parallel experiments, treatment with similar doses of 4-α-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a phorbol ester which does not activate PKC, did not significantly alter mammary epithelial cell proliferation when given alone or in combination with EGF. Acute treatment with 10 ng/ml EGF or 20 n M PMA stimulated phospholipid-dependent PKC translocation from the cytosolic to the membrane fraction, and this effect was blocked by prior treatment for 7 days with 20 n M PMA. Western blot analysis showed that chronic treatment with 1–10 n M PMA for 6 days caused only a slight decrease in relative PKCα levels in the cytosolic and membrane fractions, while similar treatment with 20–100 n M PMA caused a large down-regulation in total cellular phospholipid-dependent PKCα levels. Additional studies showed that treatment with 1–2 n M PMA caused an increase, whereas treatment with 5–100 n M PMA caused a dose-related decrease in EGF-dependent EGF-receptor (EGF-R) autophosphorylation. In summary, these findings suggest that submitogenic doses of PMA potentiate EGF-induced cell growth by enhancing EGF-R mitogenic signaling, whereas the mitogenic effects of high doses of PMA alone appear to be mediated through PKC- and EGF-independent mechanisms.
On Tests Applied to Residuals

Abstract The null distribution of a test statistic computed on residuals can be affected by the dependence among the residuals. It might be expected, however, that the dependence decreases as the sample size increases, so that the limiting null distribution is the same as if the test were based on independent observations. The author investigates whether this large sample equivalence holds for tests of correlation, scale difference, regression, and location difference. Particular emphasis is placed on showing when rank tests based on residuals have a strongly asymptotically distribution-free property. U statistic theorems are used to investigate these issues.
Approximation of polygonal maps by cellular maps

The approximation of polygonal thematic maps by cellular maps, an important operation in geographical data processing, is analyzed. The data organization used for representing the polygonal maps is a widely used segment-based data structure, where class labels identify the regions bordering each segment on either side. The approximation algorithm presented operates on such an organization, eliminating the need for the recognition of region boundaries. Each segment is examined only once. The versatility of the new organization is further illustrated by the outline of algorithms for area computation and point inclusion. The algorithm is applied to a set of soil maps converted to computer-readable form by means of a coordinate digitizer.
Continuous infusion of ketamine in mechanically ventilated children with refractory bronchospasm

To determine whether ketamine infusion to mechanically ventilated children with refractory bronchospasm is beneficial. Retrospective chart review. Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a children's hospital. Seventeen patients, ages ranging from 5 months to 17 years (mean 6±5.7 years), were admitted to our PICU over a 3-year period and received ketamine infusion during a course of mechanical ventilation. The patients had acute respiratory failure associated with severe bronchospasm due to status asthmaticus (n=11), bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (n=4), and bacterial pneumonia (n=2). All patients had been mechanically ventilated for 1–5 days (2.2±1.5 days) and received conventional treatment to relieve bronchospasm for more than 24 h prior to the initiation of ketamine treatment. An intravenous bolus of ketamine of 2 mg/kg, followed by continuous infusions of 20–60 μg/kg per minute (32±10 μg/kg per minute) was administered to all patients without changing their preexisting bronchodilatory regimen. Benzodiazepines were also given intravenously to all patients during the ketamine treatment. The PaO2/FIO2 ratio in all patients (n=17) and the dynamic compliance in the volume-preset mechanically ventilated patients (n=12) were calculated. The PaO2/FIO2 ratio increased significantly from 116±55 before ketamine, to 174±82, 269±151, and 248±124 at 1, 8, and 24 h respectively, after the initiation of the ketamine infusion (p<0.0001). Dynamic compliance increased from 5.78±2.8 cm3/cmH2O to 7.05±3.39, 7.29±3.37, and 8.58±3.69, respectively (p<0.0001). PaCO2 and peak inspiratory pressure followed a similar trend of improvement with ketamine administration. The mean duration of the ketamine infusion was 40±31 h. One patient required glycopyrrolate 0.4 mg/day to control excessive airway secretions and one patient required an additional dose of diazepam to control hallucinations while emerging from ketamine. All patients were successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation and discharged from the PICU. Continuous infusion of ketamine to mechanically ventilated patients with refractory bronchospasm significantly improves gas exchange and dynamic compliance of the chest.
Adeno-associated virus serotype 9-mediated overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase improves recovery from surgical hind-limb ischemia in BALB/c mice.

Objective Neovascularization is a physiologic repair process that partly depends on nitric oxide. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) is the major scavenger of superoxide. It is an important regulator of nitric oxide bioavailability and thus protects against vascular dysfunction. We hypothesized that overexpression of EcSOD in skeletal muscle would improve recovery from hind-limb ischemia. Methods Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vectors expressing EcSOD or luciferase (control) from the cytomegalovirus promoter were cross-packaged into AAV9 capsids and injected intramuscularly into the hind-limb muscles (1 × 10 11 viral genomes/limb) of 12-week-old mice. Ischemia was induced after intramuscular injections. Laser Doppler was used to measure limb perfusion on days 0, 7, and 14 after injection. Values were expressed as a ratio relative to the nonischemic limb. EcSOD expression was measured by Western blotting. Capillary density was documented by immunohistochemical staining for platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule. Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated biotin-deoxy uridine triphosphate nick-end labeling and necrosis was visually evaluated daily. Results EcSOD expression was twofold upregulated in EcSOD treated vs control ischemic muscles at day 14. Capillary density (capillaries/fiber) was 1.9-fold higher in treated (1.65 ± 0.02) vs control muscle (0.78 ± 0.17, P P P Conclusion AAV9-mediated overexpression of EcSOD in skeletal muscle significantly improves recovery from hind-limb ischemia in mice, consistent with improved capillary density and perfusion ratios in treated mice.
Evidence for dual serotonergic projections to neocortex: axons from the dorsal and median raphe nuclei are differentially vulnerable to the neurotoxin p-chloroamphetamine (PCA).

Previous studies have shown that there are morphologically dissimilar serotonergic (5-HT) axon types in rat cerebral cortex which are differentially sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of certain psychotropic drugs: methylenedioxyamphetamines (MDA and MDMA) and p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) cause degeneration of fine 5-HT axon terminals in cortex, while sparing beaded axons. Moreover, a recent anterograde transport study suggests that fine and beaded 5-HT axons arise from the dorsal raphe (DR) and median raphe (MR) nuclei, respectively. These data led us to propose that the DR projection to neocortex is selectively vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of PCA, while the MR projection is resistant; this hypothesis was tested in the present study by comparing retrograde axonal transport of the fluorescent tracer Fluoro-Gold in PCA-treated and control rats. Using this method, only axons that survive PCA treatment can take up and transport the injected label back to the cell bodies of origin, thus allowing us to determine which raphe—cortical projections remain intact after PCA. The results show that PCA administration produces a loss of fine 5-HT axon terminals in neocortex and a concomitant reduction in the number of retrogradely labeled neurons in the DR (77% decrease), when compared to controls. In contrast, beaded 5-HT axon terminals are spared and the number of labeled neurons in the MR remains unchanged after PCA. These results demonstrate that DR and MR projections to cortex are differentially vulnerable to PCA: fine axon terminals arise from neurons in the Dr and are highly sensitive to the neurotoxic effects, whereas beaded axons from the MR are resistant. We therefore propose that there are two anatomically and functionally separate 5-HT projections to cortex having different (1) nuclei of origin, (2) axon morphology, (3) regional distributions, and (4) pharmacological properties. Since the mood-altering substances MDA, MDMA, and PCA act specifically upon 5-HT axon terminals from the dorsal raphe nucleus, DR neurons may be preferentially involved in the control of affective state.
Feature selection of 3D volume data through multi-dimensional transfer functions

Direct volume rendering maps data values to visual properties such as transparency and color through transfer functions. Traditional multi-dimensional functions are generated based on a 2D histogram of function value and gradient magnitude. When two different features overlap in the 2D histogram, the traditional transfer functions cannot visually distinguish the features, since overlapped areas have similar visual properties. In this paper, we describe a new multi-dimensional transfer function that enables visual differentiation of features even in the case when two different features overlap in the 2D histogram. Furthermore, we provide details of an implementation of our transfer function on modern programmable graphics hardware.
Semantic relationships and medical bibliographic retrieval: a preliminary assessment

Abstract This paper describes a project exploring whether semantic relationships between bibliographic terms may effectively partition the clinical literature. To address this question, a set of semantic relationships was identified between pairs of bibliographic terms taken from four categories: (1) diseases, (2) treatments, (3) tests, and (4) patient characteristics. The MEDLINE system of the National Library of Medicine was used to generate lists of abstracts relating to pairs of clinical terms. Each lists of abstracts was examined to identify the semantic relationships, if any, which applied to the two terms in each paper. The study suggests that semantic relationships may play a potentially valuable role in assisting computer-based medical bibliographic retrieval. The degree to which relationships partition the literature is strongly dependent on the underlying semantics of the particular bibliographic terms involved.