cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the siting of gases shock-emplaced from internal cavities in basalt

Laboratory experiments were carried out on shock-emplaced gases from Servilleta basalt samples that contained gas-filled cavities to answer the following questions: (1) what is the role of shock melting in trapping gases; (2) how are the glassy pockets that contain trapped gases formed; and (3) are the gases trapped in laboratory shocked basalts sited similarly to, and emplaced with the same efficiency as, the gases in the EETA 79001 shergottite? Noble gases were extracted by stepped combustion and crushing followed by shock at 40 GPa, and were analyzed for abundances. Results obtained indicate that noble gases trapped from internal cavities of shock-exposed basalt are associated with glass and are sited predominantly in microvesicles, with a significant fraction of the gases released by crushing. The presence of gas-filled cavities prior to shock results in substantially greater shock effects locally. Thus, glassy pockets similar to those seen in EETA 79001 can be produced in situ within a matrix shocked to only moderate pressures. However, the siting of the gases points to a more complex scenario.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Mycoplasma pneumoniae: evidence for cutaneous infection.

Observation, chez un jeune noir de 15 ans, d'un syndrome de Stevens-Johnson recidivant avec decouverte bacteriologique et serologique d'une infection a Mycoplasma pneumoniae; interet pour la pathogenie et le traitement: guerison ici par l'erythromycine
A cross-fostering analysis of the effects of PCB 77 on the maternal behavior of rats

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental contaminants known to cause multiple behavioral and developmental problems in humans and animals. In rats, gestational exposure to the PCB congener 3, 4, 3', 4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77) affects the brain and behavior of the offspring as well as the maternal behavior of the dams. Whether the behavior of dams is affected by direct effects of the contaminant or indirectly by actions of the PCB on the developing offspring is not known. We investigated this question using a cross-fostering paradigm in which pregnant rats were exposed to either oil vehicle or 2 mg/kg of PCB 77 on gestational days 6 through 18, and then raised pups that had been exposed to either oil or PCB 77 during gestation. Maternal behavior was observed on postnatal days 1, 2, 4 and 6. Some of the effects on maternal behavior, including an increase in the frequency of nursing bouts and in the amount of maternal autogrooming, can be ascribed to prenatal exposure of the litters to the PCB. Other behavioral effects, including an increase in time on the nest and in the amount of pup grooming as well as a reduction in high-crouch nursing, appear to be due to both direct effects of the PCB on the dams and effects mediated by changes in the offspring. Our results show that exposure to PCB 77 can have complex effects on the behavioral interactions between the dams and their litters with a potential impact on the development of the offspring.
ARF and p53 coordinate tumor suppression of an oncogenic IFN-β-STAT1-ISG15 signaling axis

The ARF and p53 tumor suppressors are thought to act in a linear pathway to prevent cellular transformation in response to various oncogenic signals. Here, we show that loss of p53 leads to an increase in ARF protein levels, which function to limit the proliferation and tumorigenicity of p53-deficient cells by inhibiting an IFN-β-STAT1-ISG15 signaling axis. Human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumor samples with coinactivation of p53 and ARF exhibit high expression of both STAT1 and ISG15, and TNBC cell lines are sensitive to STAT1 depletion. We propose that loss of p53 function and subsequent ARF induction creates a selective pressure to inactivate ARF and propose that tumors harboring coinactivation of ARF and p53 would benefit from therapies targeted against STAT1 and ISG15 activation.
Value of Repeated Tests in a Percutaneous Absorption Study

Percutaneous absorption of salicylic acid was measured by blood levels in 20 rabbits, each given four runs at 1-week intervals. Dimethyl sulfoxide was added to the ointment in two runs (Runs 1 and 3 for half the animals, Runs 2 and 4 for the others), thus forming a crossover design with one repetition of each condition. The four successive runs caused a progressive and statistically, highly reliable decrease in percutaneous absorption. This effect of prior exposure increased during successive 1.5-hr, time intervals, from 1.5 to 7.5 hr., and showed no reliable interaction with dimethyl sulfoxide and with pH. A large effect of prior exposure was the increased stability of the salicylate absorption scores and, thereby, greater reliability of the experimental effects, shown by much lower residual terms in the analysis of variance for Runs 3 and 4 than for 1 and 2. Skin dehydration and decreased emotional arousal are possible explanations for the slower and more consistent rate of percutaneous absorption after prior exposure to the test situation.
Response to Letter by Fisher et al

See Editor-in-Chief’s Note, page 3116. Response: The authors correctly point out that Dr Lees was not section coeditor when the Hess critique1 and the Fisher Editorial2 appeared in the section of Stroke in which Dr Lees subsequently served in that capacity. As noted, Dr Hachinski, the Editor-in-Chief, indeed published a clarification of this matter.3 The point is well taken and duly acknowledged. For the rest, Dr Fisher and colleagues, perhaps in an effort to add gravitas to their comments, have seriously confused fact and opinion.4 What they characterize as “statements that are clearly incorrect” and “allegations and mis-statements” are, in actuality, merely opinions that differ from their own and which were set forth to stimulate close consideration of relevant issues. Incidentally, “impugn” is defined as “to assail …
Optimum watchman routes

Abstract In this paper we consider the problem of finding shortest routes from which every point in a given space is visible (watchman routes). We show that the problem is NP-hard in polygons with holes and we present an O(n loglog n) algorithm to find a shortest route in simple rectilinear polygons.
Speech Discrimination in Noise: The Influence of Hearing Protection:

A psychoacoustic study was performed to determine speech discrimination performance in several noise conditions with the use or non-use of industrial hearing protection. The independent variables i...
Geostatistical Reservoir Modeling Accounting for Precision and Scale of Seismic Data

An approach to model the detailed 3-D distribution of lithofacies and porosity constrained to seismic data is presented. The simulated annealing-based approach explicitly honors the relatively coarse vertical resolution, from a reservoir modeling perspective, and the less than perfect correlation of seismic with lithofacies proportions and effective porosity. Conventional geostatistical procedures such as co-located cokriging or the Markov-Bayes model assume that the seismic attribute has the same volumetric support as the geological modeling cells. The conventional techniques are reviewed, details of the proposed methodology are presented, and a reservoir case study is shown.
Influence of pressure on the retention of sugars in hydrophilic interaction chromatography

Pressure can influence the retention of analytes in hydrophilic interaction chromatography as well as in RP chromatography. We demonstrate that the retention of sugars in hydrophilic interaction chromatography decreases with pressure, and interpret the observation as a gain in solvation, or more specifically hydration, as the sugar molecules enter the water-rich stationary phase.
Power control for wireless streaming with HOL packet deadlines

We consider the problem of streaming media packets from a transmitter buffer to a receiver over a wireless channel, controlling the transmitter power. When each packet comes to the head-of-line (HOL) in the buffer, it is a given a deadline D, which is the maximum number of times it can attempt retransmission in order to get successfully transmitted to the receiver. If that fails to happen, the packet is dropped and the next in line packet becomes the HOL one. Cost is incurred in each time slot for keeping packets in the transmitter buffer, transmitting power, and dropping HOL packets exceeding their deadlines. We investigate how transmission power should be chosen efficiently given the remaining backlog and residual transmission attempts of the HOL packet, so as to minimize the overall cost to transmit the buffer content. We formulate the optimal power control problem and study properties of the optimal control, proving that it is monotone under certain conditions. We then develop an approximate power control, which increases logarithmically in the transmitter backlog, and is demonstrated to perform quite closely to the optimal one.
Studies on the late replication of phage lambda: rolling-circle replication of the wild type and a partially suppressed strain, Oam29 Pam80.

The chromosome of bacteriophage λ replicates in two stages. The first stage produces bidirectionally replicating theta-shaped intermediates ( Schnos & Inman, 1970 ). This paper demonstrates that the late replicating intermediates of the second stage of replication are rolling circles, the intact forks of a majority of which progress from right to left and a minority progress in the other direction. The locations of the free ends of the tails of the rolling circles are variable with respect to the denaturation map of the chromosome. Furthermore, under the condition of limited replication, effected by partial suppression of amber mutants of the loci O and P , which specify the phage initiator proteins, rolling circles are also observed. A majority, but not all, of these rolling circles replicate from left to right.
Changes and Challenges in Regulatory Reform

Abstract This article examines the development of regulatory reform by focusing on its background, strategies and lessons. The background section includes the review of types, motives and problems of government regulation. The strategy section analyzes the implementation of reforms in economic, social, and administrative regulations. The lessons learned and suggested are: the search for a balanced and integrated regulatory system, the relationship between regulatory reform and public management, the debate about the role of government in the society, and the impact of technology development and global environment.
Quantitative studies on CD4+ and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses against herpes simplex virus type 1 in normal and β2-m deficient mice

Abstract Against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infected target cells, effector T cells of both CD4 − CD8 + and CD4 + CD8 − phenotypes occur in both man and mice. In man, the CD4 + CD8 − phenotype may dominate the response, but the situation in the mouse is unclear. In this report, several approaches are used to document the existence of HSV-1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) of both phenotypes and to quantitate the frequency of their CTL precursors (CTL-p) in acutely HSV-1 infected animals. Evidence that CD4 + CD8 − CTL occur was confirmed with β2-m − mice lacking CD8 + T cells and which generated CTL capable only of lysing MHC class II infected target cells. Comparisons of frequencies of CD4 + CD8 − and CD4 − CD8 + CTL-p showed the former to be 2–3-fold more frequent. The β2-m − mice generated only CD4 + CD8 − CTL-p and their frequencies approximately equally the CD4 + CD8 − CTL-p frequency in intact infected mice. Our results are discussed in terms of the value of the mouse model to study HSV-1 immunobiology.
Development of Japanese neurosurgery: from the Edo era to 1973.

IN JAPAN, ALTHOUGH eminent surgeons have performed major operations while the patient is under general anesthesia since the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, neurosurgical operations were performed only sponadically for many years after 1877. The Japanese Neurological Society was formed in 1948. Independent departments of neurosurgery have been established since 1962. The Board of Neurological Surgery was founded in 1966. The Fifth International Congress of Neurological Surgery, held in Tokyo in 1973, strongly influenced young Japanese neurosurgeons.
The k‐nucleus of a graph

In an earlier paper the measures of centrality in a graph G demonstrated by the center and centroid were unified and generalized, resulting in the definition of the h-centrum of G and denoted C(G;h) for 1 ≤ h ≤ |V(G)|. When dealing with the h-centrum one sums the distances from a given vertex u to each of the h vertices farthest from it. Here another way of generalizing the concepts of center and centroid is examined, and the k-nucleus is defined for G and denoted θk(G). When dealing with the k-nucleus one sums the distances from a given vertex u to the balls of radius k around each of the other vertices. The centroid of G is θo(G), and the center of G is θr(G), where r is the radius of G. Some relationships between the h-centra and the k-nuclei are presented.
Motor correlates of dichotic listening asymmetries in children

The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive relation between incidence of unintended motor overflow and degree of asymmetry on a dichotic word identification task in children. Seventy-eight third grade girls and 67 fifth grade boys were seen longitudinally over a 2-yr period. Among girls, incidence of overflow, primarily contralateral, accounted for nearly 20% of the variance in dichotic listening scores; but the results were not reliable for boys. The findings support the contention that suppression of the non-dominant hemisphere is an important mechanism underlying dichotic listening performance.
Errors in emergency department prescriptions resulting in pharmacy call backs

Study objectives: More than 7,000 deaths annually have been attributed to medication errors, and emergency departments (EDs) have one of the highest medication error rates. Although completed errors have been described, so-called “near misses” are less well understood. We describe the errors that emergency physicians make in prescription writing that result in a pharmacy's inability to fill the prescription. Methods: At our tertiary care, university ED (64,000 patients per year), prescriptions for patients discharged from the ED are handwritten and contain a telephone number for any pharmacy to call if the pharmacy cannot fill the prescription as written. For 12 hours a day, the pharmacist can reach a dedicated nurse administrator who records the reason for the prescription “callback” and attempts to solve the difficulty. We reviewed and described all ED prescriptions resulting in a pharmacy callback between 8 am and 8 pm for 21 consecutive months. Results: One thousand five hundred eleven ED prescriptions could not be filled as written and resulted in a pharmacy callback. Reasons included illegible text (37%), medication not covered by patient insurance (22%), incorrect dosing (14%), missing number to dispense (9%), missing Drug Enforcement Administration or license number (5%), missing signature (2%), wrong patient name (1.4%), no patient name (1.3%), medication not available at pharmacy (0.8%), called to verify (0.8%), patient allergic to medication (0.4%), medication interaction with patient's other medication (0.2%), patient already on similar medicine (0.1%), miscellaneous (6%). The most common classes of medication resulting in a callback included antibiotics (75), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (12), antihistamines (12), antacids (9), opiates (8), antiemetics (7), and asthma medications (6). Conclusion: Most errors in ED prescription writing that result in pharmacy callbacks involve illegible text, incorrect doses, missing information, or off-formulary items. Computerized prescription writing, which corrects dosing errors and prompts for all necessary elements of a prescription, could reduce pharmacy callbacks by at least 62%, resulting in an estimated 535 fewer pharmacy callbacks per year.
On the use of u-shaped penalty functions for deriving a satisfactory financial plan utilizing goal programming

Abstract This paper stresses the use of goal programming as a what-if device and examines two methods of applying goal programming to a financial planning problem. Traditional goal programming ranks the competing goals by assigning preemptive priority factors to the corresponding deviations; another approach is to provide more flexible penalty functions and to modify the penalties for missing the various goals during subsequent what-if sessions. Examples are provided that illustrate that 1) the user is provided with more potential solutions in the search for a satisfactory one if the latter method is used, and 2) this method produces a better mix of deviations-from-goal. This procedure was applied by corporate financial planners at Texas Instruments, Inc. and was found to be a very flexible and powerful planning instrument.
Introduction of a New Crossover Radius for the Guaranteed Heat Transfer Reduction in Radial Thermal Insulation Systems

The use of the critical radius for radial heat conduction in thermal insulation systems has been widely reported in the literature. When it is desirable to increase heat dissipation, this critical radius can be used in a definitive manner to maximize the heat dissipation. However, if it is desirable to decrease heat gain or heat loss, the critical radius only serves as a necessary condition and is not sufficient. To address the design of such thermal systems, a new crossover radius is introduced. A crossover radius is a radius greater than the critical radius and is defined such that the heat transfer with the corresponding amount of insulating material is equal to that of the bare thermal system. Both cylindrical and spherical systems are considered.
Lamprey hemoglobin. Structural basis of the bohr effect.

Lampreys, among the most primitive living vertebrates, have hemoglobins (Hbs) with self-association and ligand-binding properties very different from those that characterize the α2β2 tetrameric Hbs of higher vertebrates. Monomeric, ligated lamprey Hb self-associates to dimers and tetramers upon deoxygenation. Dissociation to monomers upon oxygenation accounts for the cooperative binding of O2 and its pH dependence. Honzatko and Hendrickson (Honzatko, R. B., and Hendrickson, W. A. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A 83, 8487–8491) proposed that the dimeric interface of the Hb resembles either the α1β2 interface of mammalian Hbs or the contacts in clam Hb where the E and F helices form the interface. Perutz (Perutz, M. F. (1989) Quart. Rev. Biophys. 2, 139- 236) proposed a version of the clam model in which the distal histidine swings out of the heme pocket upon deoxygenation to form a bond with a carboxyl group of a second monomer. The sedimentation behavior and oxygen equilibria of nine mutants of the major Hb component, PMII, from Petromyzon marinus have been measured to test these models. The results strongly support a critical role of the E helix and the AB corner in forming the subunit interface in the dimer and rule out the α1β2 model. The pH dependence of both the sedimentation equilibrium and the oxygen binding of the mutant E75Q indicate that Glu75 is one of two groups responsible for the Bohr effect. Changing the distal histidine 73 to glutamine almost completely abolishes the self-association of the deoxy-Hb and causes a large increase in O2 affinity. The recent x-ray crystallographic determination of the structure of deoxy lamprey Hb, reported after the completion of this work (Heaslet, H. A., and Royer, W. E. (1999) Structure 7, 517–526), shows that the dimer interface does involve the E helix and the AB corner, supporting the measurements and interpretations reported here.
Nonlinear Response and Stability Analysis of Beams Using Finite Elements in Time

The dynamic response and stability analysis of beams undergoing large deflections and rotations is analyzed using the finite-element method in time. This formulation provides an efficient and consistent approach to predicting the dynamic response of nonlinear periodic systems as well as their stability boundaries based on Floquet's theory. This paper has two goals: 1) to present the formulation of the finite element in time equations for naturally curved and twisted beams undergoing large deflections and rotations, and 2) to discuss the predictions of this method when applied to several classical nonlinear beam problems for which analytical solutions exist and, in some cases, experimental results are available. These examples are 1) the natural vibration frequencies of a rotating beam, 2) the harmonic and superharmonic response of a clamped-clamped beam undergoing largeamplitude vibrations, 3) the dynamic instability of a cantilevered beam under a tip follower force, and 4) the parametric excitation of a beam under an axial pulsating load, with and without the presence of viscous damping forces. In all cases, close agreement is found between the analytical results and the predictions of the finite element in time approach, which appears to be an efficient and reliable technique for nonlinear dynamic response and stability analysis of periodic systems.
Life Events and Sexual Risk Among HIV-Negative, Heterosexual, Methamphetamine Users

Identifying psychosocial factors associated with sexual risk behavior among methamphetamine users is essential to enhancing HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention. This study examined the relationship between positive and negative life events and sexual risk behavior in a sample of 100 HIV-negative, heterosexually identified, methamphetamine-using men and women. Negative life event categories included death of a significant other, negative health event involving self or significant other, and child custody or visitation issues. Categories of positive life events included birth or pregnancy involving self or significant other, a positive relationship event, and a positive life change. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that negative life events were positively associated with total number of unprotected sex acts, whereas positive life events were not associated with sexual risk taking. Also, amount of methamphetamine used did not moderate the relationship between life events and sexual risk behavior. These data support future research to identify underlying mechanisms that link negative life events to sexual risk taking in this high-risk population.
Effect of molecular weight on the electrorheological behavior of side-chain liquid crystal polymers in nematic solvents

Abstract We investigate the change in the electrorheological (ER) properties of a nematic solvent on dissolution of an end-on polyacrylate side-chain liquid crystal polymer (SCLCP) with an 11-methylene spacer. We observe a weak enhancement of the ER response, Δ η [ equals ] δη on − δη off , where δη on is the viscosity increment on dissolving polymer in the presence of a strong electric field, applied transverse to the flow, and δη off is the corresponding increment in the absence of the field. Equating η on and η off , respectively, to the Miesowicz viscosities η c and η b , and using the theoretical prediction that δη c / δη b [ equals ] R ∥ 4 / R ⊥ 4 , where R ∥ and R ⊥ are the rms end-to-end distances of the chain parallel and perpendicular to the director, this indicates that the chain conformation of the SCLCP is weakly prolate. The molecular weight dependence of the conformational relaxation time, τ r , also extracted via the hydrodynamic theory, is identical to that deduced from the GPC hydrodynamic volume in tetrahydrofuran as solvent. The hydrodynamic volume in the nematic state is larger, however, and increases with decrease in temperature. An earlier study of a polysiloxane SCLCP observed similar behavior, but with a smaller molecular weight dependence of τ r . The difference is ascribed to dissimilar chain conformations of the two SCLCPs.
Comparison of the effects of cover crops and nitrogen fertilization on tomato yield, root growth, and soil properties

Abstract Cover crops can influence soil properties, fruit yield, and growth of above and belowground biomass of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The influence of legume [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.)] and non-legume [rye (Secale cereale L.)] cover crops and N fertilization (0, 90, and 180 kg N ha−1) was examined and compared on tomato yield, root growth, and soil N and C concentrations. We measured fresh market yield, biomass (dry weight of fruits, stems, and leaves), N uptake, root growth by using the minirhizotron method, and soil inorganic N, organic N, and organic C concentrations on a Greenville fine sandy loam (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic, Rhodic Kandiudults) in 1996 and 1997 in Fort Valley, GA. Tomato fruit yield, biomass, and N uptake were greater with hairy vetch, crimson clover, and 90 and 180 kg N ha−1 than with rye or 0 kg N ha−1. Number of tomato roots per square centimeter of soil profile area (NR) increased from 1 to 26.0 cm depth and then decreased. Total NR from 1 to 32.5 cm depth (TNR) was greater with hairy vetch, crimson clover, and 90 kg N ha−1 than with 0 kg N ha−1. Soil inorganic N at 48 days after transplanting (DAT) in 1996 and at 36 DAT in 1997 were greater with hairy vetch and 90 and 180 kg N ha−1 than with 0 kg N ha−1. In contrast, organic N and C were greater with rye than with 0 kg N ha−1. Because of their higher N concentration, hairy vetch and crimson clover, supplied more N and gave tomato yield and root growth similar to those produced by 90 and 180 kg N ha−1 but higher than that produced by 0 kg N ha−1. Rye increased tomato root growth relative to 0 kg N ha−1 due to higher biomass yield and soil organic C and N levels.
MATLAB based GUI to investigate effect of voltage changes on static ZIP load model in a microgrid

A microgrid system under three phase fault is investigated with MATLAB based Graphical User Interface (GUI) for studying the effects of voltage changes on load buses having static polynomial (ZIP) loads. Load modeling is always a critical aspect on approaching power system rationally. Examining the behavior of the ZIP load model under a faulty condition is the main objective of this paper. Static characteristics of common load models can be grouped into three categories based on their dependency on voltage. Quadratic relation between power and voltage exists for constant impedance load model (Z). Linear power-voltage relation is true for constant current load model (I). Power is independent of voltage changes for constant power load model (P). The sum of these three categories is a polynomial model known as ZIP load. Voltage and power variations of ZIP load will be investigated with designed user-friendly MATLAB based GUI and overall changes will be discussed.
The Milk Factor in Blood.

Woolley (3, 4) had found the agent to be present in the whole blood of his strains, in concentrations suggestively similar to its concentration in milk. In our experiments whole blood was obtained by heart puncture from 100 mature etherized female Paris mice, whose tumor incidence in our laboratory has been 92.9 ± 1.84 per cent in bred female controls. All blood samples were pooled, and serum and serum fractions were prepared in the appropriate manner from this pool. Single doses of 0.2 cc. of whole blood or serum, or serum fraction equivalent to 0.2 cc. serum, were injected subcutaneously into young female C57 test mice, a strain in which there have been no spontaneous mammary carcinomata during the past five years in our laboratory. This strain has proved highly susceptible to the milk factor, developing 76.1 ± 4.34 per cent carcinoma of the breast in females by foster nursing (2). The injected mice were subsequently bred and allowed to bring up their young normally under our standard control conditions. The final results appear in Table 1.
How did the introduction of managed care for the uninsured in Iowa affect the use of substance abuse services

Concerns about access under managed care have been raised for vulnerable populations such as publicly funded patients with substance abuse problems. To estimate the effects of the Iowa Managed Substance Abuse Care Plan (IMSACP) on substance abuse service use by publicly funded patients, service use before and after IMSACP was compared; adjustments were made for changes in population sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Between fiscal years 1994 and 1997, patient case mix was marked by a higher burden of illness and the use of inpatient, residential nondetox, outpatient counseling, and assessment services declined, while use of intensive outpatient and residential detox services increased. Findings were similar among women, children, and homeless persons. Thus, care moved away from high-cost inpatient settings to less costly venues. Without knowing the impact on treatment outcomes, these changes cannot be interpreted as improved provider efficiency versus simply cost containment and profit maximization.
Overcoming HIV-1 resistance to protease inhibitors

Protease inhibitors are key components in the chemotherapy of HIV-1 infection. However, despite their success, the appearance of viral mutations routinely compromises their clinical efficacy, creating a constant need for new and better inhibitors. An ideal inhibitor should be able to neutralize the wild type as well as mutants associated with drug resistance with high potency and high selectivity towards human targets, thus minimizing side effects. The evolution of protease inhibitors since 1995 has revealed the basis for extremely high affinity as well as different mechanisms by which inhibitors can escape the deleterious effects of mutations.
Efficient gradient-domain compositing using quadtrees

We describe a hierarchical approach to improving the efficiency of gradient-domain compositing, a technique that constructs seamless composites by combining the gradients of images into a vector field that is then integrated to form a composite. While gradient-domain compositing is powerful and widely used, it suffers from poor scalability. Computing an n pixel composite requires solving a linear system with n variables; solving such a large system quickly overwhelms the main memory of a standard computer when performed for multi-megapixel composites, which are common in practice. In this paper we show how to perform gradient-domain compositing approximately by solving an O(p) linear system, where p is the total length of the seams between image regions in the composite; for typical cases, p is O(√n). We achieve this reduction by transforming the problem into a space where much of the solution is smooth, and then utilize the pattern of this smoothness to adaptively subdivide the problem domain using quadtrees. We demonstrate the merits of our approach by performing panoramic stitching and image region copy-and-paste in significantly reduced time and memory while achieving visually identical results.
742-1 Use of the Perma-FlowRGraft in Coronary Bypass Surgery

The Possis Perma-Flow R Graft is 5 mm PTFE tubing into which is incorporated a Venturi flow restrictor. An aortocaval fistula is created. and coronary anastomoses are constructed proximal to the resistor. where arterial pressure is maintained. From November 1992 through August 1994, this conduit has been used in 13 patients with inadequate autologous alternatives. Patient age ranged from 53 to 78 years and 3 patients were re-operative. On each Perma-Flow R graft, one to four coronary side-to-side anastomoses were constructed. In addition. LIMA (N = 12). vein graft (12), and/or gastroepiploic (3) grafts were also utilized to complete revascularization, or aortic valve replacement (1) performed. There was one perioperative death from cholesterol emboli and perioperative infarction in a second re-operative patient. Two to twenty months postoperative, all surviving patients (12) are asymptomatic. Protocol coronary angiography (8) performed in 7 patients, 1 week to 1 year postoperative, revealed all coronary anastomoses (11) to be patent. The Venturi resistor in one patient was occluded. The Perma-Flow R graft is a useful adjunct in patients with deficient autologous conduit.
Electoral Competition, Globalization, and Subnational Education Spending in Mexico, 1999–2004

This article examines the determinants of primary education spending among 29 Mexican states from 1999 to 2004. There is wide variation in spending despite expectations of policy convergence due to market forces associated with globalization, and in spite of the unique potential of education spending to complement economic strategies in achieving equitable growth. This study exploits significant advantages of subnational analysis in exploring political and economic variables that have been useful in explaining spending levels cross-nationally. Consistent with these studies, this article shows that greater electoral competition leads to increased spending. In contrast to other work, however, this study finds that exposure to the global economy has distinctly mixed effects on education spending. These findings thus further highlight the positive returns to higher “quality” democracy, while underscoring the need to examine the effects of many different aspects of globalization representing a wide variety of strategies employed by governments in engaging the international economy.
Long-Range Guanine Damage in Single-Stranded DNA: Charge Transport through a Duplex Bridge and in a Single-Stranded Overhang

A series of anthraquinone-linked DNA oligonucleotides was prepared to examine the migration and reactions of radical cations in duplex and single-stranded regions. There are fewer nucleotides in the strand complementary to the AQ-containing strand, which creates a duplex with an overhang. This complementary strand contains three GG steps, which serve as traps for the radical cation. One GG step is in the duplex region, a second is adjacent to the duplex, and the third is in the single-strand overhang. Irradiation at 350 nm excites the anthraquinone and results in radical cation injection into the duplex DNA region. Treatment of the irradiated sample with piperidine or with formamidopyrimidine glycosylase results in strand cleavage that is detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The pattern of reactivity at the three GG steps was examined for various oligonucleotide sequences. These studies confirm that the products of radical cation reaction differ in single-strand and duplex r...
Alkoxyalkyl prodrugs of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates enhance oral antiviral activity and reduce toxicity: current state of the art

Although the acyclic nucleoside phosphonates cidofovir, adefovir and tenofovir are approved for treating human cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and HIV infections, respectively, their utility is limited by low oral bioavailability, renal toxicity and poor cell penetration. Research over the past decade has shown that these undesirable features can be eliminated by esterifying the compounds with an alkoxyalkyl group, in effect disguising them as lysophospholipids. In this modified form, the drugs are readily taken up in the gastrointestinal tract and have a prolonged circulation time in plasma. The active metabolite also has a long half life within cells, permitting infrequent dosing. Because these modified drugs are not recognized by the transport mechanisms that cause the accumulation of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates in renal tubular cells, they lack nephrotoxicity. Alkoxyalkyl esterification also markedly increases the in vitro antiviral activity of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates by improving their delivery into cells. For example, an alkoxyalkyl ester of cyclic-cidofovir, a less soluble compound, retains anti-CMV activity for 3 months following a single intravitreal injection. Two of these novel compounds, hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir (CMX001) and hexadecyloxypropyl-tenofovir (CMX157) are now in clinical development. This article focuses on the hexadecyloxypropyl and octadecyloxyethyl esters of cidofovir and (S)-HPMPA, describing their synthesis and the evaluation of their in vitro and in vivo activity against a range of orthopoxviruses, herpesviruses, adenoviruses and other double-stranded DNA viruses. The extension to other nucleoside phosphonate antivirals is highlighted, demonstrating that this novel approach can markedly improve the medicinal properties of these drugs.
EXCHANGE THROUGH A TUNNELING BARRIER

A tunneling junction consisting of two ferromagnets separated by an insulating barrier is treated in the Stoner limit. One thus derives expressions for Julliere's magnetic valve effect and Heisenberg-type interfacial exchange coupling. In addition, a voltage-dependent irreversible form of exchange coupling is predicted.
Optimal tendon configuration of a tendon control system for a flexible structure

This paper considers the optimal tendon configuration of a tendon control system for a two-dimensional, eleven-bay truss. With the criterion for optimal tendon configuration being controllability and robustness of the tendon control system, the optimal tendon configuration problem can be formulated as a constrained optimization problem which can be solved using dynamic programming; therefore, a solution to the optimal tendon configuration problem can be obtained efficiently. The robustness of the resulting tendon control system with respect to modeling imperfections is studied.
Cyclodextrin mediated enantio and diastereoselective geometric photoisomerization of diphenylcyclopropane and its derivatives

cis-Diphenylcyclopropanes upon direct excitation and triplet sensitization undergo geometric isomerization to the corresponding trans isomers. In solution the trans isomers are formed as a 1:1 enantiomeric or diasteromeric mixture. Upon inclusion within β-cyclodextrin the same molecules give the trans isomers enriched in one optical isomer. Enantiomeric excess and diasteromeric excess induced by the optically active host β-cyclodextrin although small is mechanistically significant.
Balancing poset extensions

We show that any finite partially ordered setP (not a total order) contains a pair of elementsx andy such that the proportion of linear extensions ofP in whichx lies belowy is between 3/11 and 8/11. A consequence is that the information theoretic lower bound for sorting under partial information is tight up to a multiplicative constant. Precisely: ifX is a totally ordered set about which we are given some partial information, and ife(X) is the number of total orderings ofX compatible with this information, then it is possible to sortX using no more thanC log2e (X) comparisons whereC is approximately 2.17.
Edge Operator Improvement Using Feedback

This paper describes a grading procedure that evaluates the performance of edge operators and thus provides feedback for improvement of the operators. The quantitative grade permits the optimization of magnitude threshold levels as well as thinning and linking criteria. Operator performance is shown to improve by a factor of two on aerial imagery using this technique.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Classification of monosubstituted phenyl rings by branching tree methods using infrared and raman peak heights

Abstract A branching tree scheme is proposed and evaluated for classifying monosubstituted benzenes by the structure of the part of a substituent which lies near the phenyl ring. A large group having the same atom attached to the phenyl ring is divided into subgroups having a more highly defined structure. Each subgroup is then further divided into still smaller subgroups having still more highly defined structures. Combined sets of infrared and Raman peak heights for bands characteristic of the phenyl ring vibrations are used as pattern vectors. A statistical linear discriminant method is used to correlate the peak heights of groups having similar near-the-ring structure. The stepwise and overall success rates are given for each level of classification.
Illness transmission mode and perceiver personality: Factors affecting stigmatized perceptions of patients and sexual illness

Past field research has demonstrated the devastating impact of illness stigma on patient populations; experimental studies have identified specific illness characteristics that influence stigmatization and social rejection of patients. The current study used a quasi-experimental design to investigate the influence of participant erotophobia-erotophilia (Fisher, Byrne, & White, 1983) and illness transmission (nonsexual, sexual) on perceptions of illness and patients. Sexual illness transmission led to significantly more negative perceptions of the illness and patient. A significant Erotophobia-Erotophilia × Nonsexual-Sexual Transmission interaction influenced participants’ social rejection of the patient. Specifically, erotophobes socially rejected patients with the sexually transmitted illness more than patients with the nonsexual illness.
Pressure Flow Studies in Men and Women

There are well established pressure flow criteria and nomograms for urinary obstruction in men. The pressure flow criteria for female urinary obstruction are not well established due to differences in female voiding dynamics as compared to men. Typically, other information such as radiographic data and clinical symptoms are needed to facilitate the diagnosis. Detrusor underactivity remains a poorly studied clinical condition without definitive urodynamic diagnostic criteria. Modalities proposed for objective analysis of detrusor function such as power (watt) factor, linear passive urethral resistance relation and BCI nomogram were all developed to analyze male voiding dysfunction. Overall, further investigation is needed to establish acceptable urodynamic criteria for defining detrusor underactivity in women.
The Promethean Dilemma: Third-party State-building in Occupied Territories

Contemporary occupying powers seeking to build states on foreign soil are faced with a fundamental dilemma: How can they transfer coercive and organizational capacity to the local population withou...
The Classification of Music Moving Image Materials: Historical Perspectives, Problems, and Practical Solutions

For almost half a century, music librarians, media librarians, and professional associations have advocated classifying audiovisual materials using the same classification scheme that a library uses for print materials. Despite this strong advocacy, not all media materials have been classified. Music moving image materials have often received the same lack of subject classification access as sound recordings and other media resources. Libraries are now replacing their videocassette collections with DVDs and are presented with the opportunity to rectify this situation. A discussion of the advantages of including class numbers in the bibliographic records for music moving image materials will also demonstrate the applicability and advantages for video collections in general.
A mechanistic and structural investigation of modified derivatives of the diaryltriazine class of NNRTIs targeting HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

Abstract Background Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are vital in treating HIV-1 infection by inhibiting reverse transcriptase (RT). Drug toxicity and resistance drive the need for effective new inhibitors with improved physiochemical properties and potent antiviral activity. Computer-aided and structure-based drug design have guided the addition of solubilizing substituents to the diaryltriazine scaffold. These derivatives have markedly improved solubility and maintain low nanomolar antiviral activity against RT. The molecular and structural basis of inhibition for this series was determined to facilitate future inhibitor development with improved pharmacological profiles. Methods The molecular mechanism of inhibition was investigated using transient-state kinetic analysis. Crystal structures of RT in complex with each inhibitor were obtained to investigate the structural basis of inhibition. Results The diaryltriazine and its morpholine derivative have RT inhibition constants of 9 ± 2 nM and 14 ± 4 nM, respectively. They adopt differential binding modes within the non-nucleoside inhibitor binding pocket to distort the catalytic site geometry and primer grip regions. The novel morpholinopropoxy substituent extends into the RT/solvent interface of the NNIBP. Conclusions Kinetic and structural analyses show that these inhibitors behave as conventional NNRTIs and inhibit the polymerization step. This study confirms that appending solubilizing substituents on the azine ring of diaryltriazine class of NNRTIs that extend into the RT/solvent interface effectively maintains low nanomolar potency and improves physiochemical properties. General significance The modification of NNRTI scaffolds with solubilizing substituents, which extend into the RT/solvent interface, yields potent antivirals and is an effective strategy for developing novel inhibitors with improved pharmacological properties.
Improving generalization in backpropagation networks with distributed bottlenecks

The primary goal of any adaptive system that learns by example is to generalize from the training examples to novel inputs. The backpropagation learning algorithm is popular for its simplicity and landmark cases of generalization. It has been observed that backpropagation networks sometimes generalize better when they contain a hidden layer that has considerably fewer units than previous layers. The functional properties of such hidden-layer bottlenecks are analyzed, and a method for dynamically creating them, concurrent with backpropagation learning, is described. The method does not excise hidden units; rather, it compresses the dimensionality of the space spanned by the hidden-unit weight vectors and forms clusters of weight vectors in the low-dimensional space. The result is a functional bottleneck distributed across many units. The method is a gradient descent procedure, using local computations on simple lateral Hebbian connections between hidden units. >
One Woman's Passion for Peace and Freedom: The Life of Mildred Scott Olmsted

This is a biography of Mildred Scott Olmsted, who travelled the world, drawing women into the struggle for peace. A protege of Jane Addams, she devoted her long life to building the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).
Use of a ternary gradient for the separation of phenylthiohydantoin-amino acids, including the methyl esters of aspartic and glutamic acids, by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The phenylthiohydantoin (PTH) derivatives of the common amino acids can be resolved in a single high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis by elution from a cyanopropylsilane column with a ternary gradient of methanol, acetonitrile, and ammonium acetate. The system is compatible with an automated sequencer-automated converter combination that produces the methyl esters of PTH-aspartic and PTH-glutamic acids.
Bending the Cost Curve in Cancer Care

The current growth in the cost of cancer care is unsustainable. The authors provide data-driven proposals that have the potential to save money without compromising patient care.