cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feature local binary patterns with application to eye detection

This paper presents a new Feature Local Binary Patterns (FLBP) method that encodes the information of both local texture and features. The features are broadly defined by, for example, the edges, the Gabor wavelet features, the color features, etc. Specifically, a binary image is first derived by extracting feature pixels from a given image, and then a distance vector field is obtained by computing the distance vector between each pixel and its nearest feature pixel defined in the binary image. Based on the distance vector field and the FLBP parameters, the FLBP representation of the given image can be formed. In contrast to the original LBP that only compares a pixel with the pixels in its own neighborhood; the FLBP can compare a pixel with the pixels in its own neighborhood as well as in other neighborhoods. The experimental results on eye detection using the BioID and FERET databases show the feasibility of our FLBP method. In particular, first, the FLBP method significantly improves upon the LBP method in terms of both eye detection rate and eye center localization accuracy. Second, we present a new feature pixel extraction method-the LBP with Relative Bias Thresholding (LRBT) method. The new LRBT method helps improve the FLBP eye detection performance when compared with other feature pixel extraction methods. Third, the FLBP method displays superior representational power and flexibility to the LBP method due to the introduction of the feature pixels as well as the FLBP parameters. Finally, in comparison with some state-of-the-art methods, our FLBP method achieves the highest accuracy of eye center localization.
Science and Faith: A New Introduction

In Science and Faith: A New Introduction, John F. Haught offers an updated introduction to his original Science and Religion: From Conflict to Conversation (SR) published in 1995. Science and Theol...
TH‐C‐224C‐06: Using Quality of Life Information to Rationally Incorporate Normal Tissue Effects Into Treatment Plan Evaluation and Scoring

Purpose: Modern radiotherapytreatment planning systems provide an increasing number of competing plans. The decision to select a particular plan for treatment is generally made by a radiation oncologist based on training and clinical experience. The criteria applied are often poorly‐defined, qualitative, and largely based on tradition and familiarity. A “realistic” approach utilizing decision analysis tools to evaluate/rank treatment plans based on quality adjusted life years (QALY) expectancy was developed. Method and Materials: The decision analysis methods were applied to the concept of uncomplicated tumor control probability (UTCP). The expected outcome for an anticipated course of radiation was described as a series of probabilities: alive, free of disease without complication; alive with disease; alive with complication, etc. For each of these states of health, a utility can be assigned based on published work or empirical estimates. The total QALY' for a particular treatment plan represent the product of duration‐weighted states of health. The formalism for UTCP was generalized to incorporate the total QALY (UTCPQALY) for a particular treatment.Results: This approach was applied to compare the clinical treatment plans of 200 patients who received high‐dose external‐beam for unresectable non‐small cell lungcancer. Thirty nine out of the 200 patients developed radiation‐induced pneumonitis with the grade distribution of 8.7%, 69.6%, and 21.7% for grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The plan ranking based on the traditional UTCP and pneumonitis QALY‐weighted UTCP (UTCPQALY) values were different. The UTCP varied significantly, reaching values of 0.5. Using UTCPQALY scoring, the mild complications importance is downplayed compared to the severe complications, with all UTCPQALY values above 0.85. The QALY‐weighted UTCP's appear to provide better clinical realistic differentiator between plans. Conclusion: The construct presented represents a potential improvement in the current methods used to compare plans. Formulas presented can be readily incorporated into planning systems.
Coherent Control of 1,3-Cyclohexadiene Ring Opening

Control over the cyclohexadiene ring-opening is achieved via multiphoton excitation. A learning algorithm searched for excitation pulses while pulse effectiveness was evaluated using transient absorption. Control parameters are identified through analysis of the search set.
Automated reminders and increasing intense support increased uptake of colorectal cancer screening

Source Citation Green BB, Wang CY, Anderson ML, et al. An automated intervention with stepped increases in support to increase uptake of colorectal cancer screening: a randomized trial. Ann Intern ...
Optical Faraday Rotation and Microwave Interactions in Paramagnetic Salts

The paramagnetic optical Faraday rotation is the averaged property of all the energy states of the paramagnetic ion. Therefore, any perturbation of the population distribution of the energy states caused by the microwave power absorption would manifest itself as the interaction between the optical Faraday rotation and the microwave radiation. A general calculation of this effect, plus some experimental results, are presented in this paper. An attempt is made to analyze the behavior and to evaluate the applications as optical modulators, detectors, and relaxation measuring devices.
Behavior of Erythrocytes in Various Solvent Systems VII: Water—Monohydric Alcohols

The hemolytic behavior of human erythrocytes in water-monohydric alcohol solutions was investigated. Complete hemolysis of erythrocytes occurred in all methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol solutions. Sodium chloride was effective in preventing complete hemolysis in solutions containing up to 18% methanol, 11% ethanol, 4% n-propanol, and 8% isopropanol. The addition of sodium chloride to solutions containing more than these concentrations of alcohol did not prevent hemolysis, discoloration, and/or precipitation of human red blood cells. The addition of 2% sodium chloride did not appreciably influence the hemolytic action of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, or isopropanol, while 5% sodium chloride lowered the alcohol concentrations needed to cause 100% hemolysis. The data were used to calculate Van't Hoff i values for sodium chloride in the various alcohol solutions. Studies in aqueous ternary systems containing two alcohols (in 1:1 proportion) indicated an additive effect for the hemolytic action of alcohols.
Probe waveforms and the reconstruction of structural dynamic Green'sfunctions

This paper underlines the rich variety of infinitely divisible pulse shapes that may be used while still retaining a tractable deconvolution problem. A dispersive structural network that may be representative of a large space structure is used as an illustrative example.
Normalization of serum C1q after intravenous immunoglobulin infusions in hypogammaglobulinemia: dependence upon methods of immunoglobulin preparation.

Abstract Low levels of serum complement subcomponent C1q may accompany primary humoral immunodeficiency diseases such as sex-linked agammaglobulinemia, severe combined immunodeficiency, and common varied immunodeficiency. This selective depression of C1q is proportional to the degree of hypogammaglobulinemia, and is corrected in severe combined immunodeficiency by bone marrow transplantation or in hypogammaglobulinemia by immunoglobulin infusions, possibly because C1q is stabilized by IgG by reversible interactions which reduce extravascular degradation. In this study it is shown that a pH 4.0 treated intravenous γ-globulin (ivGG) and a reduced and alkylated ivGG can equally increase levels of serum IgG, but that only the pH 4.0 preparation can raise C1q levels into the normal range. These findings show that some of the methods used to produce immunoglobulins suitable for intravenous use may hinder the ability of these molecules to stabilize C1q. The clinical implications of this observation remain unclear.
Indications for routine cranial ultrasound scanning in the nursery

Cranial ultrasonography provides important diagnostic information in neonates. The clinical indications for routine scanning in newborn infants, however, are not established. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of cranial pathology detectable by ultrasound in certain clinical states in the neonate. We reviewed the scans and clinical states of 1,031 neonates born between April 1981 and February 1985. We found term infants with dysmorphic features to have the highest incidence of neuropathology (46%), followed by term infants born with macrocephaly (33%), preterm infants (26%), term infants with seizures (26%), and term infants with 1- and 5-min Apgar scores less than 7 (13%). We found a lower incidence (less than 5%) of abnormal CNS findings in the nonasphyxiated term infants with split sutures, cephalohematoma, abnormal neurologic examination, and idiopathic jitteriness. Based on our findings we have concluded that it is important to scan routinely all premature infants, term infants with dysmorphic features, macrocephaly, or seizure disorder, and infants with 1- and 5-min Apgar scores less than 7; routine scanning of term infants with split sutures, cephalohematoma, abnormal neurological examination, or idiopathic jitteriness is not indicated.
ORGANIZATIONAL OFFENDING AND NEOCLASSICAL CRIMINOLOGY: CHALLENGING THE REACH OF A GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME*

This article examines and critiques Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime, with particular respect to its applicability to organizational offending. We question their views that the theory is adequately general and that typologies of crime are therefore unnecessary for criminological theory. Gottfredson and Hirschi have employed the case of white-collar crime to support their arguments, but they have con strained the test of their theory by focusing on the white-collar offenses that most resemble conventional crime. When organizational offending is included in white-collar crime, empirical and theoretical limitations of their project emerge. These limitations include the matters of defining and counting the phenomena of interest, the nature of the interest that commonly underlies them, and the role of opportunity in them. A satisfactory theory of organizational offending requires an adequate account of all these matters and will look substantially different from Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory of crime.
Concentration dependence of the binding constant of antibodies.

Abstract By simultaneous dilution of the antigen (AG) and the antibody (AB) used in an immune precipitation reaction, at the equivalence AG/AB ratio, it was found that the association constant, Ka, increased from 1.7 × 107 l/M at the highest concn of AG and AB, to 6.5 × 1011 l/M at 100-fold dilution of both. An important (but not the only) reason for this increase is taken to be the fact that the AB solution was polyclonal.
The effect of glycopyrrolate on the course of symptomatic duodenal ulcer.

ix HAS BEEN snowy by Sun 1 that the administration of glycopyrrolate (Robinul) to patients with duodenal ulcer results in a lowered incidence of symptomatic recurrences. Since there is a lack of controlled studies evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic regimens on the long-term course of duodenal ulcer, it was decided to repeat the studies of Sun. METHODS The records of patients admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital of Ann Arbor for the years 1953 to 1964 and diagnosed as suffering from duodenal ulcer were examined. Patients who had definitive operations for the relief of ulcer were excluded. The remainder were sent a letter outlining the objective of the study and were invited to participate provided they had suffered from significant ulcer symptoms during the previous year. Patients who responded were admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital for a period of 5 days. During this period their clinical status was evaluated, and the duration and intensity of ulcer S~Tnptoms during the recent past was ascertained. An upper gastrointestinal tract X-ray examination was performed. If the patients' symptoms were compatible with duodenal ulcer and if, in
Differences between Racial Groups in the Impact of Oral Disorders among Older Adults in North Carolina

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated variations in impact of oral disorders between older black adults and older white adults living in North Carolina. METHODS: Using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire, 440 participants aged 70 and older provided data on their perceptions of the impact of oral disease on aspects of their lives during the previous 12 months. RESULTS: For 22 of the 49 items queried in the OHIP questionnaire, older blacks reported more frequent impact than older whites (P < .05). For none of the OHIP items did whites report more frequent impact. The impacts reported were diverse and included items reflecting pain, physical disability, psychological disability, and social disability. When the number of items occurring fairly often or very often were summed for dentate participants, blacks reported more items than did whites (3.7 vs 1.1, P < .0001). This difference decreased to 2.7 vs 2.0 (P < .346) after controlling statistically for greater mean periodontal pocket depth, more unreplaced missing teeth, and more episodic dental visits among blacks. CONCLUSIONS: Older dentate blacks reported more impact from oral problems than older dentate whites. The differences in reported impact likely are linked to differences in oral status and dental visit history between these two racial groups in North Carolina.
HPLC-MS/MS analysis of 9 artificial sweeteners in imported foods

An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of 9 artificial sweeteners (acesulfame-K, cyclamate, sodium saccharin, aspartame, alitame, neotame, sucralose, dulcin, and neohesperidine dihydrochalcone) in imported foods by HPLC-MS/MS was developed. Samples were extracted with buffer solution (pH 4.5). The supernatant was analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS after centrifugation and filtration. The sample was separated on a thermo hypersil BPS C18 (250×3 mm, 5-μm) column, and detected by MS/MS with selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The correlation coefficients (r 2) of the calibration curve were >0.99. The recoveries were 90.0–107.5% with good coefficients of variation of 1.8–8.6%. The limits of detection and limits of quantification were between 0.001 and 0.375 mg/mL and between 0.003 and 1.125 mg/mL, respectively. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of the 9 sweeteners in various foods.
Disentangling the Relationship Between Age and Marital History in Age-Assortative Mating

Many scholars have noted that divorcees have age-assortative mating patterns distinct from the never-married. Similarly, comparisons between older and younger individuals indicate that hypergamy becomes increasingly likely with age. Unfortunately, prior research has not been able to disentangle the effects of age from the effect of divorce. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort (n = 12,231 for first marriage and 4,298 for remarriage) and heterogeneous choice models, this research predicted the likelihood of age homogamy and hypergamy as a function of age, marital history, and other factors. The results indicate that homogamy is largely an age-driven phenomena, where the never-married and previously married have similar patterns. However, the likelihood of hypergamy is higher for the previously married, even after accounting for the influence of age in the models.
Ischemic stroke in a postpartum patient: understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and outcome of Moyamoya disease.

Background Moyamoya disease (MMD), or spontaneous occlusion of blood vessels in the circle of Willis, is a noninflammatory, nonatheromatous vasculopathy that often presents with ischemia or hemorrhage and has a tendency to affect young women. We discuss a case of a woman 7 days postpartum with new onset strokes, suspected initially to have benign angiopathy of the central nervous system (BACNS)/postpartum angiopathy versus primary CNS vasculitis. Cerebral angiography was suspicious for MMD and the patient underwent surgical revascularization. Objectives To review the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and postpartum maternal outcomes of MMD. Methods The authors reviewed the English-language literature published between 1996 and 2004 using Medline databases. Additional articles were obtained from references described in literature obtained by the primary search. Results MMD is characterized by severe bilateral stenosis of the distal internal carotid arteries and their first branches, with prominent collateralization. Autoantibodies relating to endothelial cell dysfunction have been studied as possible pathogenetic mechanisms. The gold standard for diagnosing MMD is digital subtraction contrast angiography (DSA). MMD-related findings on imaging studies may, at times, be mistaken for those of vasculitis. A surgical approach may need to be considered. Despite treatment, the overall prognosis of MMD is worse in adults compared with children. Conclusion Awareness of the specific features of MMD is crucial for clinical decision-making to avoid unnecessary exposure to aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. It is important for rheumatologists to consider MMD in the differential diagnosis of suspected CNS vasculitis.
Women Reporting Conflict: Reflections on No Woman's Land: On the Frontline with Female Reporters

I've rarely heard anyone say of men: “They're too macho and always run toward the action, so maybe we shouldn't send guys into war zones.” Yet when a female is sexually assaulted, the questions imm...
Exercise training in heart failure

Patients with heart failure challenge the clinician with a constellation of difficult clinical, pathophysiologic, and psychologic issues. As a result, until recently, exercise training was not considered a safe and effective treatment strategy to be used in these patients. However, in the past 10 years, data from both randomized and nonrandomized trials showed that regular exercise training in patients with stable Class II and III heart failure can safely improve exercise tolerance, attenuate an overactivated sympathetic nervous system, partially reverse skeletal muscle abnormalities, and enhance health-related quality of life. These outcomes are achievable with a relatively moderate dose of physical activity, such as 30 to 60 minutes of walking or cycling 3 to 5 days per week at an intensity equivalent to 60% to 70% of peak oxygen consumption. Sufficiently powered trials are needed to assess morbidity, mortality, and cost-effectiveness endpoints relative to exercise training in patients with heart failure.
Component and intrinsic motion integrate in ‘dancing bar’ illusion

We introduce a new illusion that contradicts common assumptions in the field of visual motion perception. When an unoccluded bar moves at certain speeds and oscillates at certain frequencies, the perceived direction of the bar is not predicted by its intrinsic terminators but is biased to move in the direction orthogonal to its orientation. It appears that the veridical terminator motions are integrated with spurious component motion signals, generating an at times complex pattern of motion around an apparently closed loop path. In the absence of oscillation the effect does not occur. Several factors, including optimal angle, speed, and oscillating distance of the bar, are quantified and possible mechanisms are discussed. In a model, we suggest that the effect arises because of the failure to inhibit spurious component motion signals arising from contours that are nearly oriented along the direction of true motion.
Urethral prolapse in the premenarcheal female

Urethral prolapse in the premenarcheal female manifests as vaginal bleeding and a periurethral mass. In the past, the recommended management was surgical excision or cautery. However, conservative management has been shown to have excellent results. Five premenarcheal patients with urethral prolapse treated by conservative therapy are presented. Treatment regimen consisted of local hygiene with sitz baths, hexachlorophene soap, topical providone iodine and estrogen cream. There were no complications or recurrences. Surgery is not warranted in the treatment of urethral prolapse in the premenarcheal female. Medical management is equally effective and less traumatic in this age group.
Total Synthesis of Motuporin (Nodularin-V)

The serine/threonine phosphatase (protein phosphatase 1 and 2A) inhibitors constitute a biologically and structurally interesting class of natural products. Among this class of inhibitors are cyclic pentapeptides (nodularins) and cyclic heptapeptides (microcystins), both of which inhibit at the nanomolar level and are the only peptide inhibitors of these enzymes. Described herein is the total synthesis of motuporin, which utilizes an Ugi four-component condensation (4CC) reaction to synthesize the 2-(N)-methylaminobutenyl residue, Matteson's dihalomethyllithium insertion methodology for the construction of a key fragment, and an overall synthetic strategy amenable to the synthesis of analogues.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Low-Income Women Considered High Priority for Receiving the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccine

The primary purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of low-income women considered high priority for receiving the novel influenza A (H1N1) vaccine to improve communication in emergency preparedness and response. Researchers sought to identify the factors that affect this high priority population’s ability to successfully comply with vaccination recommendations. By utilizing an existing communication framework through the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) they were able to document the systems and infrastructure needed to foster constructive responses in a sustainable manner in the future. Six focus group discussions with WIC clients (n = 56) and 10 individual interviews with staff members were conducted at two WIC clinics in Georgia (1 urban and 1 rural). Data were collected after the 2009–2010 influenza season and analyzed using thematic analysis. Knowledge and attitudes regarding H1N1 differed among participants with regard to perceived severity and perceived risk of influenza illness. Participants identified several barriers and motivators to receiving the vaccination, as well as information needs, sources, and information-seeking behaviors. Similarities emerged among both WIC clients and staff members regarding impressions of H1N1 and the vaccine’s use, suggesting that while the information may be provided, it is not effectively understood or accepted. Comprehensive education, policy and planning development regarding pandemic influenza and vaccine acceptance among low-income women is necessary, including improvements in risk communication messages and identifying effective methods to disseminate trusted information to these high priority groups.
Security Constrained Economic Dispatch: A Markov Decision Process Approach with Embedded Stochastic Programming

The main objective of electric power dispatch is to provide electricity to the customers at low cost and high reliability. Transmission line failures constitute a great threat to the electric power system security. We use a Markov decision process (MDP) approach to model the sequential dispatch decision making process where demand level and transmission line availability change from hour to hour. The action space is defined by the electricity network constraints. Risk of the power system is the loss of transmission lines, which could cause involuntary load shedding or cascading failures. The objective of the model is to minimize the expected long-term discounted cost (including generation, load shedding, and cascading failure costs). Policy iteration can be used to solve this model. At the policy improvement step, a stochastic mixed integer linear program is solved to obtain the optimal action. We use a PJM network example to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Very energetic protons in Saturn's radiation belt

Very energetic protons are trapped in the inner Saturnian radiation belt. The University of California at San Diego instrument on Pioneer 11 has definitely identified protons of energy greater than 80 MeV on channel M3 and has tentatively detected protons of energy greater than 600 MeV on channel C3. The spatial distribution of the protons is distinct from that of the trapped electrons, the main difference being that the protons are strongly absorbed by the innermost moons and that the electrons are not. The source strength for injecting protons by the decay of cosmic ray albedo neutrons generated in the rings of Saturn has been estimated. The required proton lifetime is approximately 20 years.
Predictors of exercise and effects of exercise on symptoms, function, aerobic fitness, and disease outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective To determine the effects of participation in a low-impact aerobic exercise program on fatigue, pain, and depression; to examine whether intervention groups compared with a control group differed on functional (grip strength and walk time) and disease activity (total joint count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein) measures and aerobic fitness at the end of the intervention; and to test which factors predicted exercise participation. Methods A convenience sample of 220 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ages 40–70, was randomized to 1 of 3 groups: class exercise, home exercise using a videotape, and control group. Measures were obtained at baseline (T1), after 6 weeks of exercise (T2), and after 12 weeks of exercise (T3). Results Using structural equation modeling, overall symptoms (latent variable for pain, fatigue, and depression) decreased significantly at T3 (P < 0.04) for the class exercise group compared with the control group. There were significant interaction effects of time and group for the functional measures of walk time and grip strength: the treatment groups improved more than the control group (P ≤ 0.005). There were no significant increases in measures of disease activity. Fatigue and perceptions of benefits and barriers to exercise affected participants' amount of exercise, supporting previous research. Conclusion This study supported the positive effects of exercise on walk time and grip strength, and demonstrated that fatigue and perceived benefits/barriers to exercise influenced exercise participation. Furthermore, overall symptoms of fatigue, pain, and depression were positively influenced in this selective group of patients with RA ages 40–70 years.
Subungual Exostosis of the Finger with Nail Plate Induction

Subungual exostosis (SE) is a solitary, commonly sessile, bony growth firmly attached to the tuft of the underlying distal phalanx. It is a benign osteocartilaginous tumor arising underneath or beside the nail bed and may disrupt nail growth. Initially described in the hand by Hutchinson in 1857 [8], Dupuytren wrote about his experience with its manifestation in the foot a decade earlier [4]. The differential diagnosis of SE spans many possible nail, soft tissue, and bony pathologies. Onchomycosis, granuloma pyogenicum, epithelioma, verruca, keratoacanthoma [12], fibroma, glomus tumor [11], melanotic whitlow [3], osteochondroma [2], turret exostosis [13], juxtacortical chondroma, and myositis ossificans [1] have all been mentioned as potential diagnoses. The etiology and pathogenesis of SE is not clearly established. It is most commonly thought to reflect a fibrocartilaginous metaplasia from trauma or chronic infection [5, 9]. Although the latter may be a secondary consequence, as SE can elevate the nail causing exposure of the underlying soft tissue. However, others have alluded to genetic etiology [6], supranumery digits, cartilaginous rests, or a forme fruste of hereditary multiple exostoses [10]. SE is seen predominantly in females in a ratio of up to 2:1 [2, 5], though one series documented occurrence more often in males [8]. It occurs primarily in children and young adults in the second or third decades of life and more often affects the great toe, up to 77% of the time [9]. SE is best diagnosed on lateral radiographic view. It is usually seen as a bony projection on the dorsal or dorsomedial aspect of the distal phalanx capped with fibrous tissue. Early lesions may have insufficient bony formation to show up on X-rays [7]. No surrounding destructive changes are seen, supporting this as a benign diagnosis. SE is treated surgically. The nail plate may be removed, and excision is either through the nail bed [11] or via a midlateral incision [2]. Complete resection of the fibrocartilaginous cap is compulsory as local recurrence rates of 11% have been reported [9]. On histology, SE is composed of a mature trabecular pattern of a cancellous bone base with a proliferating fibrocartilaginous cap. The growth, which can reach more than 2 cm in diameter, is always benign. Our case report is the first description of aberrant induced nail plate growth with SE in the literature.
An inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor function does not affect the ability of human papillomavirus 11 to form warts in the xenografted immunodeficient mouse model

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) has been shown to be induced and activated in cells infected with HPV, suggesting that it may play a physiological role in viral replication or in the formation or maintenance of warts. To investigate this possibility, human foreskin tissue was infected with HPV11 and transplanted onto the renal capsule and the dermis of immunodeficient mice. The animals were treated orally or topically with the potent EGFr inhibitor CP-545130, with treatment starting either immediately following graft attachment, or following a 70 day period to allow development of warts. The rate of appearance of warts, wart size and number were monitored. In addition, we measured intra-lesional HPV replication levels and examined the morphology of the graft tissues. Analysis of the results showed no significant difference between placebo and compound-treated groups, despite high levels of compound present in the graft tissue. We conclude that EGFr kinase activity is not required for the development and maintenance of HPV-11-induced warts in this model.
Internal reflection spectroscopy applied to air pollution

Abstract Five internationally standardized samples of types of asbestos were identified by multiple internal reflectance spectroscopy in the infra-red region between 650 cm−1 and 4000 cm−1. Previously, identification of asbestos types has required personal visual recognition through light microscopy, electron microscopy, or electron microprobe techniques. The type of samples used in this investigation were undiluted, uncontaminated masses of large sized asbestos fibres less than 200 μm in length, similar to refined production material. The ability to identify this material in bulk, readily, can be expected to be useful when relating atmospheric asbestos fibre samples to specific sources and types. The lower limits of resolution as to mass, fiber length, and dilution with other air pollutants will next be determined, along with methods of atmospheric samples preparation, such as a slow ashing method.
The propagation of photoacoustic shock waves

Photoacoustic imaging has been recently developed for biomedical imaging. This imaging technique is based on the photoacoustic effect, which includes a process involving the absorption of photons, the subsequent thermal expansion, and propagation of photoacoustic waves. The propagation of photoacoustic waves has been modeled by using linear acoustic theories although the generated photoacoustic waves are naturally shock waves. In this work, the propagation of photoacoustic shock waves are studied by using nonlinear acoustic wave solutions based on Hugoniot’s shock relation combining Earnshaw solution with Poisson solution. The non-linear solution is compared with the existing linear solution using the propagating waveforms for spherical wave. The simulation results show a discrepancy between the two solutions.
Meshing the Universe: Integrating Analysis in Cosmological Simulations

Mesh tessellations are indispensable tools for analyzing point data because they transform sparse discrete samples into dense continuous functions. Meshing the output of petascale simulations, however, can be as data-intensive as the simulations themselves and often must be executed in parallel on the same supercomputers in order to fit in memory. To date, however, no general-purpose large-scale parallel tessellation tools exist. We present a prototype method for computing such a Voronoi tessellation in situ during cosmological simulations. In principle, similar methods can be applied to other computational geometry problems such as Delaunay tetrahedralizations and convex hulls in other science domains. We demonstrate the utility of our approach as part of an in situ cosmology tools framework that runs various analysis tools at selected time steps, saves results to parallel storage, and includes visualization and further analysis in a widely used visualization package. In the example highlighted in this paper, connected components of Voronoi cells are interrogated to detect and characterize cosmological voids.
Touring occupied Belgium: American humanitarians at ‘work’ and ‘leisure’ (1914–1917)

This essay investigates how representative American members of the Commission for Relief in Belgium (CRB) engaged with the world of occupied Belgium during their mission as neutral humanitarian agents. The essay uses the diaries and recollections of several members of the CRB to argue that while neutral and professional, the American members of the CRB engaged with the world around them often as tourists would in an effort to better understand their outsider status and better associate with those they were trying to help. These insights help us better understand how a humanitarian identity was formed during the First World War era and the role non-governmental American citizens played in continuing to develop the USA's place in the world during this important historical moment.
A computer model for wetting hysteresis 2. A virtual wettability scanning balance

Abstract We described previously a computer model for wetting hysteresis based on a theoretical analysis of the Wilhelmy wetting experiment. Applying this model to a number of virtual surfaces, we demonstrated that surface heterogeneity causes hysteresis in the wetting trace of an otherwise perfect solid. We now develop a model for the two-meniscus case to emulate liquid membrane wetting. This experiment scans a suspended solid specimen with a film of liquid contained in a loop attached to a vertical drive. After showing how variations in the size and proportion of surface energy domains affect the appearance of virtual wetting traces, we estimate the proportion of the surface covered randomly by two materials having different wettabilities, using real immersion and liquid membrane wetting data. The traces produced by the two models match the measured traces well. We are also able to mimic the effect of macroscale heterogeneity superimposed on surfaces featuring wetting hysteresis caused by microscale heterogeneity, specifically, fibers with non-uniform applications of finishing agents.
Be meek or be bold? A colony-level behavioural syndrome in ants

Consistent individual variation in animal behaviour is nearly ubiquitous and has important ecological and evolutionary implications. Additionally, suites of behavioural traits are often correlated, forming behavioural syndromes in both humans and other species. Such syndromes are often described by testing for variation in traits across commonly described dimensions (e.g. aggression and neophobia), independent of whether this variation is ecologically relevant to the focal species. Here, we use a variety of ecologically relevant behavioural traits to test for a colony-level behavioural syndrome in rock ants (Temnothorax rugatulus). Specifically, we combine field and laboratory assays to measure foraging effort, how colonies respond to different types of resources, activity level, response to threat and aggression level. We find evidence for a colony level syndrome that suggests colonies consistently differ in coping style—some are more risk-prone, whereas others are more risk-averse. Additionally, by collecting data across the North American range of this species, we show that environmental variation may affect how different populations maintain consistent variation in colony behaviour.
Perfect Matchings and K 4 3 -Tilings in Hypergraphs of Large Codegree

For a k-graph F, let t l (n, m, F) be the smallest integer t such that every k-graph G on n vertices in which every l-set of vertices is included in at least t edges contains a collection of vertex-disjoint F-subgraphs covering all but at most m vertices of G. Let K m k denote the complete k-graph on m vertices. The function $$t_{k-1} (kn, 0, K_k^k)$$(i.e. when we want to guarantee a perfect matching) has been previously determined by Kuhn and Osthus [9] (asymptotically) and by Rodl, Rucinski, and Szemeredi [13] (exactly). Here we obtain asymptotic formulae for some other l. Namely, we prove that for any $$k \ge 4$$and $$k/2 \le l \le k-2$$, $$ t_l(kn, 0, K_k^k) = \left(\frac{1}{2} + o(1)\right) {kn\choose k-l} $$is adjacent to some vertex in S. The domination number γ(G) is the minimum cardinality of a dominating set of G. The domination subdivision number sdγ(G) is the minimum number of edges that must be subdivided (each edge in G can be subdivided at most once) in order to increase the domination number. Haynes et al. (Discussiones Mathematicae Graph Theory 21 (2001) 239-253) conjectured that $${\rm sd}_{\gamma} (G) \le \delta(G) + 1$$for any graph G with $$\delta(G) \ge 2$$. In this note we first give a counterexample to this conjecture in general and then we prove it for a particular class of graphs.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE FACILITY MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONNAIRE

Summary.-To identiFy the reasons people join fitness fachties, a Facility Membership Questionnaire was developed and was administered to 26 subjects to assess internal consistency. Cronbach alpha was .94. Several questionnaires have been developed to measure an individual's motivation to participate in physical activity. Duda and Tappe (1989) developed the Personal Incentives for Exercise Questionnaire. More recently, and after the identification of problems with that questionnaire, Markland and Hardy (1993) provided support for the validity and reliability of the Exercise Motivations Inventory. Gill, Gross, and Huddleston (1983) developed the Participation Motivation Questionnaire, for which internal consistency was later estimated by Dwyer (1992) to be generally adequate. Although knowledge of motivation for exercise is important for program development and compliance, little has been done to examine the reasons why people join fitness facilities. This information is of importance for programming at fitness facilities. A 50-item Facility Membership Questionnaire was administered to 26 members (20 men and 6 women) of a community-based fitness facility to assess internal consisrency and to eliminate items having low item-total correlations. Each item on the questionnaire was rated on a 5point scale to indicate importance of membership in the facility. No items were deleted from the questionnaire. The internal consistency, examined using Cronbach alpha, was .94. Face validity was confirmed by experts in the field of exercise and facility development.
Free radical transport in a two‐zone photoreactor

Reacteur divise en deux zones par une grille de teflon. Les resultats experimentaux montrent que les radicaux libres de chlore peuvent etre transportes a travers des trous de petit diametre dans un morceau de teflon suffisamment epais, en nombre suffisant pour initier des reactions mesurables dans la zone sombre du reacteur. On a egalement constate que des diaphragmes de teflon minces et apparemment opaques peuvent transmettre des quantites significatives de rayonnement presque UV
Trifluoperazine inhibits ovarian mitochondrial side-chain cleavage enzyme activity in the absence of calcium

In a previous report we described the inhibitory effect of trifluoperazine (TFP) on steroidogenesis in avian granulosa cells. To clarify the possible site of action of TFP we measured the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CSCC) activity in a mitochondrial preparation of granulosa cells isolated from mature and developing ovarian follicles. Using a calcium free medium, TFP inhibited CSCC in a dose related manner with an IC50 of 50 microM. Kinetic parameters (apparent Km and Vmax) obtained in the presence of TFP are indicative of uncompetitive inhibition of CSCC. Moreover, enzyme activity increased during follicular maturation while the efficacy of TFP was similar in both young and mature follicles. Because the inhibitory effects of TFP were manifest in medium from which calcium was omitted, it is suggested that the drug acts independently of the calcium-calmodulin system to suppress CSCC activity.
A new graphical method based on stoichiometric dilution for the classification of binary complexes with mole ratio 1:1.

Abstract A simple approach to the treatment of spectrophotometric data obtained by stoichiometric dilution is presented for complexes of the type M m B n and m / n = 1. The values of m and n are obtained by matching the slope of a straight line with a mathematically predicted value. The method can be applied to moderately strong complexes, the concentration of which can be determined by absorbance measurements, and allows calculation of the formation constant as well.
Laboratory biology of Hyalomma truncatum (Acari: Ixodidae).

The life cycle of Hyalomma truncatum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae) required an average of 108 d at 26 ± 1°C, 92–96% RH, and a 12:12 (L:D) photoperiod to complete. Mean weights of unfed larvae, nymphs, and females were 0.02, 0.19, and 11.1 mg, respectively. Weights of larvae, nymphs, and females increased 20-, 91-, and 48-fold, respectively, as a result of feeding on guinea pigs. All stages exhibited host-seeking behavior <1 d after emergence. The mean (±SE) feeding period of larvae, nymphs, and adults was 3.8 (±0.1), 7.7 (±0.3), and 8.3 (±0.3) d, respectively. Larvae and nymphs molted an average of 11.0 (±0.3) and 30.7 (±0.2) d after engorgement, respectively. The female/male sex ratio, as determined from emerged adults, was 1.4:1. Oviposition started an average of 11.9 (±0.8) d after engorgement, and a mean of 6,701 eggs per female was deposited. A total of only 48% of the eggs eclosed after a mean incubation of 35 (±1.1) d. Females converted 56% of their engorged weight into eggs and produced an average of 12,614 (±2.0) eggs/g of engorged body weight. On the first day of oviposition, an egg <24 h old weighed an average of 44.8 (±1.5) μg. Egg weight was significantly ( P < 0.01) lower during peak egg production (days 2–8 after onset of oviposition) than during reduced egg production (days 14–20 after onset of oviposition).
Work in progress: Enhance CS/CE student learning in computer architecture and organization through a remote instrument control lab with mixed reality

The paper presents our preliminary work on developing a remote hardware development lab using mixed reality technology (mRLab). The mRLab allows a group of students to remotely and simultaneously work on a VHDL project with an FPGA development board. All lab objects are created in 3D and an interactive layer on the 3D objects is added to host learning information along with caveats to assist learning.
Cause of death in Alzheimer's disease

Cause of death among 917 of the 959 subjects in a population-based incidence cohort with Alzheimer's disease (AD) during the years 1960 to 1984 was compared to that of an age- and gender-matched control group (n = 703). In general, a summary of the diagnostic codes entered anywhere on a death certificate suggests that control subjects had more cardiovascular disease and neoplasms than did patients, while patients more often had a diagnostic code of bronchitis/pneumonia (P < 0.01). By logistic regression, this difference remained statistically significant after adjusting for age and gender.
Chiral separation with dipeptide-terminated polymeric surfactants: The effect of an extra heteroatom on the polar head group

Chiral recognition of two binaphthyl derivatives and three benzodiazepines were studied by use of polymeric surfactants in electrokinetic chromatography. Four specific dipeptide terminated (multichiral) micelle polymers were synthesized for this study. These include poly (sodium-N-undecanoyl-L-alanyl-leucinate)-(poly L-SUAL), poly (sodium-N-undecanoyl-L-valyl-leucinate) (poly L-SUVL), poly (sodium-N-undecanoyl-Lseryl-leucinate) (poly L-SUSL), and poly(sodium-N-undecanoyl-L-threonyl-leucinate) (poly L-SUTL). In addition to the chiral separation study, the physicochemical properties (critical micelle concentration and specific rotation) of each polymer were investigated. The molecular weights of the various dipeptide-terminated micelle polymers were determined using analytical ultracentrifugation. These dipeptide-terminated micelle polymers were designed to study the effect of the extra heteroatom at the polar head group of the micelle polymer (i.e., poly L-SUSL compared to poly L-SUAL and poly L-SUTL compared to poly L-SUVL) on the enantiomeric separation of the binaphthyl derivatives and benzodiazepines. The synergistic effect of three chiral centers (poly L-SUTL) provided improved resolution over that of two chiral centered dipeptide-terminated micelle polymer in the case of (+/-)-temazepam, (+/-)-oxazepam, (+/-)-binaphthol, and (+/-)-binaphthol phosphate. The chiral recognition mechanisms in these cases were additionally controlled by the presence of the extra heteroatom located on the polar head group of the micelle polymers.
Spontaneous recovery from overexpectation

In three Pavlovian magazine approach experiments, rats received conditioning of auditory and visual stimuli by pairing with a pellet. Then the stimuli received additional conditioning while presented in simultaneous compound and were tested either immediately or after a delay. The compound conditioning resulted in a decrement in responding to the individual stimuli (overexpectation). However, there was recovery of responding with the passage of time. These results suggest that the decrements produced by an overexpectation procedure share some properties with those produced by nonreinforcement.
Optimal power allocation among multiple heterogeneous servers in a data center

Abstract In a data center for cloud computing, there are typically multiple heterogeneous servers which provide services in different application domains. For such heterogeneous servers in a data center with different configurations for diversified applications and certain available power, there is a problem of allocating the power to the servers, such that the overall quality of service of the servers in the data center is optimized. We address power constrained performance optimization in a data center with multiple heterogeneous servers. We consider the problem of optimal power allocation among multiple heterogeneous servers, i.e., minimizing the average task response time of multiple heterogeneous computer systems with energy constraint. Each server is treated as a queueing system and the average task response time in a data center with multiple servers is formulated as a function of power allocations to the servers. The average task response time is minimized subjected to the constraint that the total effective power consumption of all the servers does not exceed a given power limit. We develop an algorithm to find the optimal solution and demonstrate numerical data. We also develop several closed-form heuristic solutions and show that they are very close to the optimal solution. Our approach provides an analytical way of studying the power-performance tradeoff at the data center level.