cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crossover/noncrossover differentiation, synaptonemal complex formation, and regulatory surveillance at the leptotene/zygotene transition of meiosis.

Abstract Yeast mutants lacking meiotic proteins Zip1, Zip2, Zip3, Mer3, and/or Msh5 (ZMMs) were analyzed for recombination, synaptonemal complex (SC), and meiotic progression. At 33°C, recombination-initiating double-strand breaks (DSBs) and noncrossover products (NCRs) form normally while formation of single-end invasion strand exchange intermediates (SEIs), double Holliday junctions, crossover products (CRs), and SC are coordinately defective. Thus, during wild-type meiosis, recombinational interactions are differentiated into CR and NCR types very early, prior to onset of stable strand exchange and independent of SC. By implication, crossover interference does not require SC formation. We suggest that SC formation may require interference. Subsequently, CR-designated DSBs undergo a tightly coupled, ZMM-promoted transition that yields SEI-containing recombination complexes embedded in patches of SC. zmm mutant phenotypes differ strikingly at 33°C and 23°C, implicating higher temperature as a positive effector of recombination and identifying a checkpoint that monitors local CR-specific events, not SC formation, at late leptotene.
Under the Magnifying Glass: An Examination of Fundamental Concepts in Mind, Brain, and Education

This special section explicitly introduces aspects of Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE) in order to help those new to the field develop a better understanding of and participate effectively in MBE. Researchers, policy makers, and practitioners who are already active in MBE will also benefit from the varied perspectives on MBE fundamentals to better understand key concepts in the field. The current issue includes two articles concerning communication in MBE: The article by Tina Grotzer outlines potential barriers to understanding scientific work, and the article by Rebecca Martin and Jennifer Groff presents examples of MBE collaborations in action. Subsequent articles will focus on interdisciplinary work and communication among various stakeholders to address meaningful questions in MBE.
ARE THERE UNIVERSALLY VALID SEX PRECEPTS? A CRITIQUE OF WALTER WINK'S VIEWS ON THE BIBLE AND HOMOSEXUALITY

In an article entitled “Homosexuality and the Bible,” Walter Wink argued that the Bible’s stance toward homosexual practice has to be set against the backdrop of an extensive series of “biblical sexual mores” that we no longer follow. By his reckoning there are sixteen such mores that we no longer follow in the church today versus only four that we do. Recently Christian Century has published an exchange consisting of Wink’s review of my book, The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics; my response to Wink’s review; and Wink’s reply to my response. In his reply Wink summarized the main claim of his article “Homosexuality and the Bible” as follows:
Observation of an abrupt double-to-single-layer transition in a double-quantum-well structure

Abstract We report the first observation of an abrupt double-to-single-layer transition in a GaAs/AlAs double-quantum-well (DQW) structure. The transition is observed as a sharp decrease in the 4-terminal resistance measured as a function of the bias applied to the front gate of the device. Data on the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations taken at different gate voltages reveal that this abrupt change in resistance is associated with the transition from a double- to a single-layer two-dimensional electron system in the DQW.
Discrimination by Rhesus Monkeys of Patterns with Asymmetrically Placed Cues

Although psychologists agree that it is desirable to control experimental stimuli with precision, they usually employ extremely heterogeneous stimuli (perhaps not without reason) in studies of the discrimination learning of monkeys. A fortunate exception is found in the use of bi-dimensional (pattern) stimuli in several different laboratories. These stimuli are generally constructed by glueing pieces of paper (cues), of prescribed shapes, sizes, and colors, on 3-in. by 3-in. posterboard squares. It has been established that patterns are harder to learn than stereometric objects, thar absolute size of the stimulus is a relatively unimportant parameter, and that accuracy is a function of size of cue relative to toral surface area, at least up to 7576 of the area (Harlow, 1951; Warren, 1953). Several investigations have been concerned primarily with posirion or size of cue. Riopelle, Wunderlich, and Francisco (1958) reported thac the more peripheral the differentially colored ring, in stimuli composed of concentric rings, the more efficient was performance. In an earlier study with posterboard patterns, Warren (1953) showed thac a colored border was more discriminable than was a vertically placed colored rectangle which extended to the near and far edges and that the latter was more discriminable than a centrally placed colored square, when all three types of cue were equated in surface area. An ingenious technical innovation has been described by Schrier and Harlow ( 1957 ) . In one phase of their study they used posterboard cards glued to the surface of a test tray and colored paper cues which were centered (not glued) on the cards. When a monkey moved a cue rhe foodwell was exposed through a hole in the middle of the card. Schrier and Harlow reported that accuracy was nearly as great in this condition as when movable cards with 100% colored surface were used. A few low-level hypotheses about the cue-size effect have been advanced. Originally, Harlow (1951 ) suggested that ease of learning depended on the perimetric extent of the cue. Later Schrier and Harlow (1957) argued that performance may be facilitated by spatial and temporal contiguity between the food-reward and relevant cue at the instant the foodwell is exposed.
Transfer of spleen cells from young to aging NZB × NZW F1 hybrid mice. Effect on mortality, antinuclear antibody, and renal disease

Multiple injections of spleen cells from young NZB × NZW F1 hybrid mice with a mean age of 9 weeks were administered to syngeneic recipients at 10-day intervals beginning at 3 months of age. The recipient mice had a delayed appearance of antinuclear antibody, decreased cumulative incidence of antinuclear antibody positivity up to 7.3 months of age, lower cumulative mortality up to 8 months of age, and a lesser degree of glomerular sclerosis at 8 months of age. By 9 months of age no significant differences in these parameters remained. Transferred cells were most effective during the 4- to 6-week period immediately following initiation of injections. The beneficial effects appeared to reflect an early but temporary suppression of the autoimmune process by the transferred lymphoid cells.
A cholecystokinin-like hormone activates a feeding-related neural circuit in lobster.

THE peptide hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) contributes to the production of feeding-related behaviour in mammals, but the mechanism by which it exerts its effects remains unclear1–6. The gastric mill neural circuit of lobster is an experimentally accessible model system for studying the hormonal control of feeding-related behaviour7, 8. Composed of 11 identified neurons, this circuit produces rhythmic movement of teeth within the stomach9. We have previously shown that the gastric mill motor pattern can be modulated by a cholecystokinin-like peptide in vitro10. We report here that (1) after feeding, levels of CCK-like peptide in haemolymph increase with the activation of the gastric mill, (2) injections of CCK activate the gastric mill, and (3) a specific CCK antagonist inhibits feeding-induced gastric mill activity. This neatly demonstrates a causal link between in vivo release of a peptide hormone and activation of a neural circuit.
The bates polarized electron source

Abstract A polarized electron source, based on photoemission from GaAs, has been developed and installed at the MIT Bates Linear Accelerator Center. A multichamber vacuum system houses up to four GaAs crystals simultaneously, and is contained in a Faraday cage to provide about 300 keV in electrostatic acceleration. A modulated cw krypton ion laser is used to achieve stable operation during 15 μs pulses with a repetition rate of 600 Hz. The source has produced pre-injected peak currents in excess of 17 mA, and accelerated peak currents of 8 mA. The source has a calculated transverse phase space of 10−3πmec − cm. Developed for initial us in a parity violation measurement in elastic polarized e -12C scattering, the first beam polarization measurement was 0.36 ± 0.04, as determined by Moller scattering at 250 MeV. Subsequent beam polarization measurements have yielded polarizations as high as 0.40 ± 0.03.
Fundus changes in central retinal vein occlusion.

The clinical entity of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) has been known since 18781 and it is a common, visually disabling disorder. Yet, a Medline literature search revealed little comprehensive information on the various retinal and optic disc changes, from any study with large cohort of eyes with CRVO. We investigated this in 581 eyes of 562 patients with CRVO, as well as their natural history.
A diverse alpine species pool drives a ‘reversed’ plant species richness–elevation relationship in interior Alaska

Aim We evaluate whether vascular plant species richness in interior Alaska is highest in the alpine zone. We test the proposition that historical dynamics have influenced the sizes of species pools inhabiting different segments of the landscape by quantifying the contrasting responses of five phytogeographical elements within the flora to changes in elevation and topography. Location Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA. Methods We developed Bayesian hierarchical models for total plant species richness and the richness of five phytogeographical elements with data from a systematic-grid sample containing 1022 plots. We also used rarefaction and extrapolation techniques on these data to estimate species richness for more extensive landscape segments, including across seven elevation bands in the study area. Results Plot-level species richness had a unimodal response to elevation, reaching its peak in the alpine zone. Overall plant species richness across more extensive areas was also higher in the alpine zone, even though this zone occupies less area overall in interior Alaska. Species richness of Alaska endemic and amphi-Beringian phytogeographical elements showed particularly strong positive responses to elevation, whereas that of the North American and incompletely circumpolar elements declined with elevation. Main conclusions Our results document a unique pattern in the study of variation in species-pool sizes with elevation, revealing that sparsely vegetated alpine areas contained a larger species pool than adjacent extensive lowlands. This pattern was driven by pronounced increases in phytogeographical elements whose distribution patterns suggest that they evolved or persisted in the region during full-glacial intervals. The persistence of tundra and/or similar open, treeless vegetation in interior Alaska contrasts with the simultaneous periodical elimination of boreal lowland ecosystems in the region. We posit that this has resulted in a regional species pool relatively enriched in alpine species and impoverished in boreal lowland taxa, causing a ‘reversed’ relationship between species richness and elevation. Increased habitat heterogeneity in high-relief areas of the mountainous landscape are also likely to have contributed to the reported patterns.
Stress diffusion along rupturing plate boundaries

An analysis is made of viscoelastic lithosphere/asthenosphere coupling in the time-dependent redistribution of stress along plate boundaries or other seismic lineaments following great earthquakes. The study is based on a generalization by Rice of Elsasser's model of stress-diffusion, in which general elastic plane stress deformations are allowed in lithospheric plates which are coupled in an elementary way to a (Maxwellian) viscoelastic asthenosphere. Solutions are developed which describe the large-scale quasistatic distribution of thickness-averaged in the lithosphere at or near stationary or travelling rupture zones, modeled here by either crack-like zones of fixed stress drop or dislocation-type slip zones. Sudden ruptures shed load onto the asthenosphere which is gradually transferred back to the lithosphere by a slow relaxation process. The spatial and temporal characteristics of the predicted stress alterations suggest a significant role of lithosphere/asthenosphere coupling effects in triggering interactions of great earthquakes, patterns of prolonged aftershock activity, and the breaking of barriers or gaps by time-dependent stressing.
Postpartum Functioning in Mothers With Multiple Sclerosis

Increased family demands during the postpartum period together with having to cope with symptoms and curtailed everyday functioning associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) suggest the need for additional support for mothers with MS throughout the first postpartum year. This study investigated factors (MS duration, MS relapse, symptoms, social support) that affect functional performance of 172 mothers with MS during the second 6-month postpartum period. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and path analysis. Findings indicated a good fit of the path models to the data at 9 and 12 months. Significant effects at both 9 and 12 months included positive relationships between duration of MS and symptoms and between social support and functional performance. Significant negative relationships were observed between symptoms and both social support and functional performance. Social support mediated the relationship between symptoms and functional performance. Findings suggest the importance of continued ...
Sensory and Functionality Differences of Whey Protein Isolate Bleached by Hydrogen or Benzoyl Peroxide.

UNLABELLED Whey protein is a highly functional food ingredient used in a wide variety of applications. A large portion of fluid whey produced in the United States is derived from Cheddar cheese manufacture and contains annatto (norbixin), and therefore must be bleached. The objective of this study was to compare sensory and functionality differences between whey protein isolate (WPI) bleached by benzoyl peroxide (BP) or hydrogen peroxide (HP). HP and BP bleached WPI and unbleached controls were manufactured in triplicate. Descriptive sensory analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were conducted to determine flavor differences between treatments. Functionality differences were evaluated by measurement of foam stability, protein solubility, SDS-PAGE, and effect of NaCl concentration on gelation relative to an unbleached control. HP bleached WPI had higher concentrations of lipid oxidation and sulfur containing volatile compounds than both BP and unbleached WPI (P < 0.05). HP bleached WPI was characterized by high aroma intensity, cardboard, cabbage, and fatty flavors, while BP bleached WPI was differentiated by low bitter taste. Overrun and yield stress were not different among WPI (P < 0.05). Soluble protein loss at pH 4.6 of WPI decreased by bleaching with either hydrogen peroxide or benzoyl peroxide (P < 0.05), and the heat stability of WPI was also distinct among WPI (P < 0.05). SDS PAGE results suggested that bleaching of whey with either BP or HP resulted in protein degradation, which likely contributed to functionality differences. These results demonstrate that bleaching has flavor effects as well as effects on many of the functionality characteristics of whey proteins. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Whey protein isolate (WPI) is often used for its functional properties, but the effect of oxidative bleaching chemicals on the functional properties of WPI is not known. This study identifies the effects of hydrogen peroxide and benzoyl peroxide on functional and flavor characteristics of WPI bleached by hydrogen and benzoyl peroxide and provides insights for the product applications which may benefit from bleaching.
Nutrition, Infection, and Morbidity in Leukemia

Seven of the 25 children with acute leukemia were malnourished on admission. Of the 11 children who presented with fever, 6 had protein energy malnutrition and a bacterial infection was confirmed. They had a lower total leucocyte count. Out of 18 well-nourished children, 5 presented with a fever and the causative organism was isolated in 1 patient. There were more patients with a palpable liver in the malnourished group, and they had a high morbidity due to infections during remission induction.
SMEI observations in the STEREO era

White-light Thomson scattering observations from the Solar Mass Ejection Imager (SMEI) have recorded the inner heliospheric response to many CMEs. Some of these are also observed from the LASCO instrumentation and, most recently, the STEREO spacecraft. Here, we detail several CME events in SMEI observations that have also been observed by the LASCO instrumentation and STEREO spacecrafts. We show how SMEI is able to measure CME events from their first observations as close as 20° from the solar disk until they fade away in the SMEI 180° field of view. We employ a 3D reconstruction technique that provides perspective views as observed from Earth, from outward-flowing solar wind. This is accomplished by iteratively fitting the parameters of a kinematic solar wind density model to the SMEI white-light observations and, where possible, including interplanetary scintillation (IPS) velocity data. This 3D modeling technique enables separating the true heliospheric response in SMEI from background noise, and reconstructing the 3D heliospheric structure as a function of time. These reconstructions allow both separation of CME structure from other nearby heliospheric features and a determination of CME mass. Comparisons with LASCO and STEREO images for individual CMEs or portions of them allow a detailed view of changes to the CME shape and mass as they propagate outward.
Comparative effectiveness of revascularization strategies in stable ischemic heart disease: current perspective and literature review.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are established strategies for coronary revascularization in the setting of ischemic heart disease. Multiple randomized controlled trials and observational studies have compared the impact of the two modalities on the patients’ quality of life, mortality and morbidity, as well as the cost–effectiveness of these modalities in different clinical setting. CABG is the preferred strategy for revascularizations in patients with multi-vessel disease, especially in those with higher risk secondary to associated diabetes, left ventricular dysfunction or more complex lesions. PCI is a reasonable revascularization modality in patients with ischemia and single or low-risk multi-vessel disease and those with unprotected left main with low complexity anatomy. Compared with PCI, CABG is associated with less repeat revascularization, better quality of life and improved survival in high-risk patients. Although CABG is associated with higher cost, it is probably associated with a reasonable cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained in many patients. Therefore, CABG will often be a cost-effective strategy, especially in patients with high angiographic complexity and/or diabetes.
Helarctos malayanus (Sun bear)

Skin biopsies of one male and one female sun bear were kindly supplied by Dr. C. Gray, the National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C., USA. They gave similar results and the karyotype is similar to that of other Northern hemisphere bears. The second largest acrocentric autosomal pair often shows a secondary constriction near the centromere.
Democracy’s Friend or Foe? The Effects of Recent IMF Conditional Lending in Latin America

Structural adjustment is commonly prescribed as a condition for receiving loans from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, but the effects of structural adjustment and conditionality are controversial. While much research has been devoted to examining the economic effects of conditional lending, far fewer studies have looked at the political consequences. How do conditional lending agreements affect democracy? Does the number of required reforms or the type of reform play a role? Neoliberal theory suggests that improved economic conditions will result from structural adjustment, and over time this should lead to higher levels of democracy. Conversely, democratic practices may decline in the presence of conditionality as the government reduces civil liberties in an attempt to quell the social unrest that results from structural adjustment. Using a sample of Latin American countries from 1998 to 2003, this article analyzes the effects of both the number and type of required conditions on democ...
Comparison of Electronic Screening for Suicidal Risk With the Patient Health Questionnaire Item 9 and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale in an Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic

Background Patient-reported data can improve clinical care, including identifying patients who are at risk for suicide. Methods In a tertiary care, psychiatric outpatient clinic, we compared computerized self-assessments of suicidal risk based on item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and an electronic version of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), using retrospective medical record review of clinical psychiatric assessments as the reference standard. We also surveyed patients׳ attitudes about participating in the process. We compared prevalence of suicidal risk rates by the 3 assessment methods as well as their sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value. Results Observed prevalence of positive suicidal risk screenings differed significantly, ranking (1) Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item 9, 24% (343/1416; 95% CI: 22%–26%) Conclusions As expected, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item 9 generated much higher rates of apparently false-positive findings than the C-SSRS did, when compared with clinical assessment. C-SSRS backed with timely clinical assessment may be a useful and efficient method of screening for suicidal risk, provided that adequate, immediate clinical follow-up is available.
CNN implemented by nonlinear phase dynamics in nanoscale processes

We discuss CNNs in which the states are defined by the electrical phase of a dynamic physical process, such as electron tunneling in ultra-small junctions or integrate-and-fire processes in nanoscale structures or molecules. Such processes produce impulsive "neuron-like" waveforms which can be coupled to nearest neighbors in a 1D, 2D, or 3D array. Input data can be represented by the distribution of dc bias level, initial charge, or coupling strength within the array. Information processing can be realized through the nonlinear dynamics produced by interactions between elements, which give rise to an evolution of complex patterns in the phase-state. In this paper, we discuss information processing for a model physical system based on Coulomb blockade in a 2D array of ultra-small tunnel junctions.
A Semantics for the Counting Numerals of Latin

In this paper we present a precise semantics for the two series of counting numerals of Latin: the cardinals and the collectives. Couched in the framework of mereological model-theoretic semantics, the proposal is that while a cardinal denotes a set of equinumerous combinations of elements of an individuation of the model, a collective denotes a set of equinumerous combinations of elements of a partition of the model. Crucial to the success of this simple proposal will be a number of nontrivial assumptions concerning the nature of groups and kinds in linguistic discourse, the semantics of pluralia tantum, and a distinction between specific and collective plurality. The paper also contains a preliminary discussion of the semantics of cardinals and collectives in the Germanic, Baltic, Slavic, and Indic branches of Indoeuropean and, beyond Indoeuropean, in Finnish, Mongolian, and Greenlandic. An appendix presents the fundamental concepts of Mereological Theory
General illumination correction and its application to face normalization

The appearance of an object can be severely affected by illumination. Thus, illumination correction is necessary both for human perception and machine recognition. The paper reports on a general approach for fast illumination correction. The approach has been tested for application in face normalization as a preprocessing step in face recognition. The basic idea of the algorithm is to normalize the image contrast locally using an affine transformation lighting model based on local estimation of background and gain. The background is estimated via an efficient multi-resolution low-pass filter and the gain is estimated via homomorphic filtering. This is followed by normalizing the data with the help of a clipped histogram. Experiments on images with different lighting conditions produce results that are better than those from using several popular illumination correction methods.
The safety profile of lumbar spinal surgery in elderly patients 85 years and older

OBJECT The aging of the population will require that surgeons increasingly consider operating on elderly patients. Performing surgery safely in the elderly will require an understanding of the factors that predict successful outcomes and avoid complications. METHODS Records of patients 85 years and older undergoing elective lumbar spinal surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Microdiscectomies were excluded. Preexisting medical illnesses measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status class, age, and surgical parameters were analyzed as factors potentially predictive of complications. Ambulatory function was rated on a 4-point scale. RESULTS During the study 26 consecutive patients (mean age 87 years) with a mean ASA class of 2.6 ± 0.65 and CCI of 1.1 ± 1.27 were enrolled. The average number of levels treated was 2.17 ± 1.23, and 73% underwent fusion. The mean follow-up was 41.9 months with a minimum of 24 months, and all patients were alive at last follow-up. Average blood loss was 142 ± 184 ml, and the operative time was 183.3 ± 80.6 minutes. The mean number of levels treated was 2.17 ± 1.13 (range 1-4). Ambulatory function improved significantly by 0.59 ± 1.0 points. Five complications (19.2%) occurred in 4 patients, 2 major and 3 minor. Four complications were temporary and 1 was permanent. Patient age, blood loss, CCI score, ASA class, the number of levels treated, and fusion surgery were not statistically associated with a complication. Operative time of longer than 180 minutes (p = 0.0134) was associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS Lumbar spine surgery in patients 85 years and older can be accomplished safely if careful attention is paid to preoperative selection. Prolonged operative times are associated with a higher risk of complications.
The α1 isoform of the Na+/K+ ATPase is up-regulated in dedifferentiated progenitor cells that mediate lens and retina regeneration in adult newts

Adult newts are able to regenerate their retina and lens after injury or complete removal through transdifferentiation of the pigmented epithelial tissues of the eye. This process needs to be tightly controlled, and several different mechanisms are likely to be recruited for this function. The Na+/K+ ATPase is a transmembrane protein that establishes electrochemical gradients through the transport of Na+ and K+ and has been implicated in the modulation of key cellular processes such as cell division, migration and adhesion. Even though it is expressed in all cells, its isoform composition varies with cell type and is tightly controlled during development and regeneration. In the present study we characterize the expression pattern of Na+/K+ ATPase α1 in the adult newt eye and during the process of lens and retina regeneration. We show that this isoform is up-regulated in undifferentiated cells during transdifferentiation. Such change in composition could be one of the mechanisms that newt cells utilize to modulate this process.
Application of a propionyl coenzyme A synthetase for poly(3-hydroxypropionate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) accumulation in recombinant Escherichia coli.

The genetic operon for propionic acid degradation in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium contains an open reading frame designated prpE which encodes a propionyl coenzyme A (propionyl-CoA) synthetase (A. R. Horswill and J. C. Escalante-Semerena, Microbiology 145:1381-1388, 1999). In this paper we report the cloning of prpE by PCR, its overexpression in Escherichia coli, and the substrate specificity of the enzyme. When propionate was utilized as the substrate for PrpE, a K(m) of 50 microM and a specific activity of 120 micromol. min(-1). mg(-1) were found at the saturating substrate concentration. PrpE also activated acetate, 3-hydroxypropionate (3HP), and butyrate to their corresponding coenzyme A esters but did so much less efficiently than propionate. When prpE was coexpressed with the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthetic genes from Ralstonia eutropha in recombinant E. coli, a PHA copolymer containing 3HP units accumulated when 3HP was supplied with the growth medium. To compare the utility of acyl-CoA synthetases to that of an acyl-CoA transferase for PHA production, PHA-producing recombinant strains were constructed to coexpress the PHA biosynthetic genes with prpE, with acoE (an acetyl-CoA synthetase gene from R. eutropha [H. Priefert and A. Steinbuchel, J. Bacteriol. 174:6590-6599, 1992]), or with orfZ (an acetyl-CoA:4-hydroxybutyrate-CoA transferase gene from Clostridium propionicum [H. E. Valentin, S. Reiser, and K. J. Gruys, Biotechnol. Bioeng. 67:291-299, 2000]). Of the three enzymes, PrpE and OrfZ enabled similar levels of 3HP incorporation into PHA, whereas AcoE was significantly less effective in this capacity.
Shot boundary detection and key-frame extraction from neurosurgical video sequences

In this work, we present a system for video shot boundary detection and key-frame extraction from video sequences based on colour histograms. The growth of archived video material has made automated indexing and browsing tools necessary. The aim of this paper is to provide a framework for such a video indexing and browsing tool. The proposed system segments video sequences based on colour similarity, and then extracts key-frames by clustering the images. Computations of colour histogram differences and self-similarity modelling have been performed in segmentation process. We have extracted three-, four- and five-frames video summaries with unsupervised k-means clustering. We have also dynamically determined the number of key-frames representing the video content without any prior information based on dominant set clustering. Our results show that our approach is successful in both segmentation and key-frame extraction processes.
Fault isolation in grey systems

The concepts of grey, white, and black systems are formally introduced and developed into logic testing area, i.e. the area of error detection and fault isolation, to find a direction to establish more efficient test schemes for testing digital systems at a reasonable cost. A probabilistic isolation strategy realized by a heuristic and decision-making algorithm is presented to isolate faults in grey systems efficiently in terms of computation space and time. >
Comments on "An approach to eliminate roundoff errors in digital filters"

A = xxxxxxyyyzzz B = xxxxyyzz), can be shown as differing greatly. The sensitivity of the WLD to word duration may account for the poor results obtained by Sakoe and Chiba for Velichko and Zagoruyko’s metric [ 11 in comparison with other metrics. Except for computing similarity rather than distance, the latter’s DP equation is similar to (2). The penalty on words of differing lengths may be eliminated by the subtraction of /I - J/ dID from the WLD, to give a modified WLD. Words that are identical except for the (linear) speed of speech will be shown as identical by the modified WLD. It should be noted that this modification is quite different from the usual normalization of the distance function by division of the accumulated distance by a quantity proportional to the total length of the strings [cf. [4], (22)]. The usual normalization precludes pairs of very short, but otherwise grossly different strings from being considered more similar than long strings differing only slightly symbol-bysymbol. The usual normalization can be applied to the modified WLD, just as it can to other distance measures. An extension of the modification would involve the subtraction of a suitable function of I I - JI, so that the recognition process would disregard minor variations in word duration, but would be sensitive to large differences, such as exist between short and long words in the vocabulary.
The Impact of Noninvasive Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma on Rates of Malignancy for Fine-Needle Aspiration Diagnostic Categories

Background: Increased recognition of the indolent nature of noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (NFVPTC) along with greater insight into the molecular alterations of these tumors has prompted endocrine pathologists to question whether these tumors warrant a diagnosis of carcinoma. However, a change in terminology would affect the rates of malignancy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) diagnostic categories. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the percentage decrease in associated risk of malignancy for each FNA diagnostic category if NFVPTCs were no longer termed carcinomas. Methods: We evaluated a cohort of 655 FNAs with subsequent resection specimens over a 22-month time period. The diagnoses of the preceding FNAs were recorded according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. For cases with more than one preceding FNA, the FNA diagnosis associated with the highest risk of malignancy was identified. Slides for all resection specimens with a diagnos...
From the cheap seats: one consideration of school-based PE's position in contemporary American schools

Background: As the USA enters the second decade of the twenty-first century, it does so in a polarized political, social, and educational climate heretofore unseen in its relatively short history. Such a climate has implications for what role schools play in American society and especially how school-based physical education (SBPE) may need to reinvent how and what it contributes to the schooling of American children and, ultimately, the common good. Currently, SBPE receives verbal endorsement from the public and politicians yet little in the way of policy and financial support from legislators at national, state, and local levels.Aims: The purpose of this essay is to present a US-centered perspective on the current ‘position’ of SBPE and offer some modest (and hardly earth-shattering) suggestions for the immediate future from the perspective of a mid-career physical education teacher educator. Recommendations are made that may enable SBPE to make valuable contributions (perhaps even more that it currentl...
Breast cancer in pregnancy

Breast cancer in pregnancy is likely to become more common because more women have been waiting to bear children until they are in their 40s. This article presents an overview of pregnancy-associated breast cancer and a review of surgical, chemotherapeutical, and radiation principles as they pertain to pregnancy.
Drawing Inspiration From Human Design Teams for Better Search and Optimization: The Heterogeneous Simulated Annealing Teams Algorithm

Insights uncovered by research in design cognition are often utilized to develop methods used by human designers; in this work, such insights are used to inform and improve computational methodologies. This paper introduces the heterogeneous simulated annealing team (HSAT) algorithm, a multiagent simulated annealing (MSA) algorithm. HSAT is based on a validated computational model of human-based engineering design and retains characteristics of the model that structure interaction between team members and allow for heterogeneous search strategies to be employed within a team. The performance of this new algorithm is compared to several other simulated annealing (SA) based algorithms on three carefully selected benchmarking functions. The HSAT algorithm provides terminal solutions that are better on average than other algorithms explored in this work.
It’s Her Fault: Student Acceptance of Rape Myths On Two College Campuses

The present study examined factors that are associated with an individual's adherence to rape myths at two colleges located in the same town. Particularly, we examined sex, race, and participants' drinking behavior in relation to rape myth acceptance. We found that males and heavy drinkers are more likely than females and non/low drinkers to adhere to rape myths. An interaction between males and drinking was also found indicating a moderated effect of gender on rape myth acceptance. In addition, the college with sexual assault programming did not experience a lowered acceptance of rape myths compared with the college with no programming.
Chapter 23 – Irritant Dermatitis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the factors influencing irritant potential, delineates general clinical presentations of irritant dermatitis, and addresses workup and treatment. In addition, it addresses methods of evaluating a chemical's irritant potential and discusses the irritation potential of some agricultural chemicals and plants. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is defined as nonimmunologic skin inflammation after contact to a substance or physical factor. Although epidemiologic data are scarce, ICD appears to be an important cause of occupational and nonoccupational skin disease. Various factors influence a chemical's irritant potential. Intrinsic molecular properties such as molecular structure, size, ionization state, lipid solubility, and pKa determine the chemical's interaction with the skin barrier and epidermal cells. Irritant potential is also dependent on the molar concentration and volume and duration of the exposure. Physical factors such as extremes of temperature and humidity, as well as mechanical factors such as occlusion and friction, can enhance irritation of chemicals or act as irritants. Endogenous factors such as age, anatomical site, preexisting dermatologic conditions, and genetic background may influence an individual's predisposition to irritant dermatitis. There is a decreased susceptibility of irritation with increasing age, with children younger than 8 years being most susceptible to skin irritation. Few human studies exist, and new studies are currently inhibited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ethics system. Lastly, epidemiologic data that are so helpful for many contact allergens remain scarce for agricultural irritants. The techniques and assays are efficient; however, a regulatory system that promotes developing and registering relevant data in this arena is lacking.
The Dissolution of Uranophane in CaCl2-SiO2(aq) Test Solutions

Uranophane [Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 • 5H2O] is a corrosion product of long-term leaching of spent fuel under oxidizing conditions and is a weathering product of uraninite in uranium ore deposits hosted by siliceous rocks. Incorporation of radionuclides into uranophane by coprecipitation may occur as a result of spent fuel alteration. Dissolution of uranophane leading to release of these radionuclides may therefore influence the long-term dissolved concentration and mobility of radionuclides at the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. In this study, the dissolution of uranophane in Ca- and Si-rich test solutions was investigated. Batch dissolution experiments were designed to approach uranophane equilibrium from undersaturated solutions at near-neutral pH (~6.0). Test solutions had initial U concentrations of 0.0 and 10−7 mol/L in matrices of ~10−2 mol/L CaCl2 and ~10−3 mol/L SiO2(aq). The test solutions were reacted with synthetic uranophane (confirmed by XRD and chemical analyses) and analyzed periodically over 10 weeks. Reaction quotients (Log Qs) derived from aqueous speciations of experimental solutions considered to be near equilibrium with uranophane ranged from 10.54 to 11.06 for the dissolution reaction: Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 • 5H2O + 6H+ ⇔ Ca2+ + 2UO22+ + 2SiO2(aq) + 9H2O.
Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Strength of the Cultural Affiliation Scale.

BACKGROUND Within the United States, there are individuals who retain the traditions and beliefs of cultural groups that vary from the general majority population. Both healthcare providers and researchers have reported that many individuals who live in but are less affiliated with the dominant culture tend to have less positive health outcomes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to use factor analysis to assess the psychometric properties of Mood's 18-item Strength of Cultural Affiliation Scale (SCAS). METHODS The SCAS was administered to 604 participants from a randomized clinical trial of cancer patients who were treated with radiotherapy at a large central city hospital located in the Midwest. RESULTS Confirmatory Factor Analyses using Principal Component Analysis with Oblimin Rotation indicated a 16-item, 4-factor final solution with the following subscales: factor 1, lifestyle (7 items); factor 2, language and cultural-specific holidays (3 items); factor 3, relationships (4 items); and factor 4, cultural health practices (2 items). CONCLUSION The SCAS demonstrated high reliability and content, construct, discriminant, convergent, divergent, and predictive validity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The SCAS seems to be a reliable and valid tool for practitioners to use to assess a patient's strength of cultural affiliation to provide the best culturally sensitive care possible for the patient.
Antibiotic activity of certain molds against Brucella.

SummaryFiltrates of 13 mold cultures were found to possess antibiotic activity against Br. abortus in vitro. The active material from one of these molds, tentatively identified as Aspergillus terreus, after partial purification, inhibited growth of Br. abortus in a dilution of 1:64,000.
Analysis of the Serum Levels of Immunoglobulins A,G,M and T Lymphocyte Subgroup in Children with Recurrent Pneumonia

Objective:To investigate the changes in serum Immunoglobulins and T lymphocyte subgroup in children with recurrent pneumonia,and the role of immune function testing in recurrent pneumonia.Method:The expressions of Immunoglobulin and T lymphocyte subgroup were detected by rapid immune turbidimetry and flow cytometry in recurrent pneumonia children and healthy children(Control group).Result:The levels of IgG,IgA were all significantly lower in recurrent pneumonia children than those of control group(P0.01),there were no significant differences in the levels of IgM between two groups(P0.05).Meanwhile the percentage of CD4+ cell and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ were also all significantly lower in recurrent pneumonia children than those of control group(P0.01),but the percentage of CD8+ cell was significantly higher in recurrent pneumonia children than those of control group(P0.01).Conclusion:There are disfunctions of cellular immunity and humoral immunity in recurrent pneumonia children,which may contribute to the pathogenesis in children with recurrent pneumonia.
Selective Functionalization of Pyridines via Heterocyclic Phosphonium Salts

Methods that directly functionalize pyridines are in high demand due to their presence in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. A reaction that selectively transforms the 4-position C–H bonds in pyridines into C–PPh3+ groups that are subsequently converted into heteroaryl ethers is presented. The two step sequence is effective on complex pyridines, pharmaceutical molecules, and other classes of heterocycles. Initial studies show that C–C, C–N, and C–S bond formations are also amenable.
Cancer of the lung

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in the management of lung cancer. However, conventional radiotherapy using two-dimensional radiotherapy to 60–66 GY is associated with low local control and potential significant toxicity. Evolving radiotherapy technologies, such as four-dimensional (4-D) image-based motion management, daily on-board imaging and adaptive radiotherapy, have enabled us to improve the therapeutic index for lung cancer by permitting the design of image-guided personalized treatments that deliver adequate doses conforming to the target while sparing the surrounding critical normal tissues. These achievements have permitted the implementation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and proton therapy in lung cancer. These cutting-edge technologies may improve lung cancer control and patient survival.
The Global Acceptance Proven Model Developed

AREVA TN the logistics division of AREVA has developed a Global Acceptance model. The presentation will elaborate on the methodology and give some example of how the GA model has been used for new build equipments and international transports.
Pursuing Quality: How Search Costs and Uncertainty Magnify Gender-based Double Standards in a Multistage Evaluation Process:

Despite lab-based evidence supporting the argument that double standards—by which one group is unfairly held to stricter standards than another—explain observed gender differences in evaluations, i...
Railroaders without Borders: A History of the Railroad Development Corporation

Review of: "Railroaders without Borders: A History of the Railroad Development Corporation," by H. Roger Grant
“Everything We Do is Democracy”: Women and Youth in Land Rights Social Mobilization in Cambodia

Cambodian/Canadian human rights NGO LICADHO estimates that more than half a million people have been affected by land grabs and land rights issues (LICADHO, 2014). Land conflict in Cambodia is a clear manifestation of structural violence - affected communities are almost exclusively low income and many of them are home to indigenous and ethnic minorities. This article explores the complex interplay of actors, particularly women and youth, in land rights social mobilization (LRSM) in Cambodia, focusing on urban Boeung Kak Lake and rural Areng Valley. I argue that the disproportionate representation of women and youth in LRSM in Cambodia is both practical as well as strategic. However, despite the role of women and youth and the grassroots and lower levels of mobilization, this movement also appears to be driven and shaped by men and questions remain regarding to what extent LRSM comes from the grassroots.