cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Friedrich Trendelenburg and the Surgical Approach to Massive Pulmonary Embolism

• A surgical approach to embolectomy from the pulmonary artery had been worked out in laboratory animals prior to 1908 by Friedrich Trendelenburg, professor of surgery and director of the University Surgical Clinic at Leipzig, Germany. His technique was based on limited opening of the left side of the chest directly over the common or undivided pulmonary artery and encircling the proximal aorta and pulmonary artery together through the transverse sinus of the pericardium. Both vessels were to be occluded by traction on the encircling band. Emboli were to be extracted through a small pulmonary arteriotomy, which then was to be controlled by a tangentially applied clamp, while occlusion of the great blood vessels was released. Unfortunately, during the first clinical trial of the technique, the patient died because of technical difficulties. Not until 1924 was a surviving patient described, by Trendelenburg's former trainee, Martin Kirschner. ( Arch Surg . 1990;125:1202-1205)
An upper echelons view of “Good to Great”: Principles for behavioral integration in the top management team

We examined the best-selling management book Good to Great (GTG) through the lens of upper echelons theory. In doing so, it is demonstrated that the often cited practitioner/academic divide is not necessarily so expansive as frequently perceived. We utilized upper echelons theory and more specifically, the associated metaconstruct of behavioral integration, to identify principles from GTG that are consistent with the theoretically rooted processes of collective action. Through this theoretical lens, three key principles emerged from GTG for building a successful organization: organizationally focused leadership, a disciplined culture, and the right people. Implications for practice are discussed, including the reciprocal relationship among these principles. We conclude by appealing for more constructive dialogue between academics and practitioners of management.
Immunobiology of TNFSF15 and TNFRSF25

TNFRSF25 is an understudied broad-acting T cell costimulator with high homology to TNFR1, however, the overall role of this receptor in T cell immunobiology is unclear. Ligation of TNFRSF25 by its monogamous ligand, TNFSF15 (TL1A), leads to recruitment of TNFR-associated factor 2 and TNFR-associated death domain in primary T cells with downstream activation of both NFκB as well as the PI3K/Akt axis. These signaling pathways are dependent upon coordinated engagement of the T cell receptor and interleukin-2 receptor and leads to the constitutive proliferation of CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) as a result of tonic exposure to self-antigen. Concurrent activation of CD4+ or CD8+ conventional T cell clones is dependent upon the availability of cognate foreign antigen. Here, we provide a review of both the literature and our work on this receptor and propose that the overall function of TL1A signaling to TNFRSF25 in T cells is to provide simultaneous costimulation of foreign-antigen-specific effector T cells and pre-existing Treg in order to focus the clonality of effector immunity to pathogen-derived antigens and reduce the risk of bystander inflammation toward self- or endogenous microbial antigens.
Monitoring Digoxin Therapy in Two Long-Term Facilities

: Digoxin monitoring was examined according to 13 criteria in two nursing homes: 1) an intermediate care facility (ICF) with private physicians, and 2) a skilled care (SCF) plus ICF with 3 housestaff physicians from a medical college. The digoxin review was a retrospective chart analysis to: 1) identify all patients receiving digoxin, 2) evaluate dosage patterns, 3) evaluate monitoring patterns, and 4) detect possible toxic reactions and determine whether management was appropriate. The calculated correct dosage of digoxin was administered to 82 percent of patients in the SCF and to 40 and 48 percent in both ICFs. More frequent monitoring of serum creatinine and potassium levels was associated with fewer symptoms of toxicity. Possible toxicity occurred in 46 percent of the SCF and in 68 and 71 percent of patients in the ICFs. Documented toxicity occurred in 18 percent of the SCF patients and in 16 and 10 percent of the ICF patients. Eighty percent of patients who had symptoms of digoxin toxicity were not examined or managed appropriately in the SCF, and 43 and 33 percent in the ICFs. Often standing orders had been assigned for drugs to treat nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. A number of possible drug interactions with digoxin were discovered. The participation of the pharmacist in nursing home care is discussed.
Effect of track crossing on focus servo signals: feedthrough

We discuss the origin of focus servo feedthrough in optical storage drives and show modeling and experimental feedthrough results for various aberrations.
Systemic immunity against a murine colon tumor (CT‐26) produced by immunization with syngeneic cells expressing a transfected viral gene product

We have previously shown that CT-26 tumor cells expressing the transfected hemagglutination antigen of influenza virus elicit an immune response in syngeneic hosts that is cross-protective against an s.c. challenge with non-transfected parental cells. Since CT-26 is a murine colorectal carcinoma we sought to determine whether the same immuno-protective effect could be achieved after a challenge with parent tumor cells injected into the usual sites of colon tumor growth and metastasis. We now show that the protection afforded by this immunization protocol is systemic and that animals can be protected against tumor growth in the cecum, lymphatics of the mesentery, liver and lung.
From war for talent to victory through organization

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that the human resource (HR) focus on “talent” has dominated the profession for the past 15 to 20 years. Much of this work draws on the research from the excellent study and book called The War for Talent. In this paper, the author proposes that victory (from any war) does not come from talent alone, but from the organization. Organization is defined as capabilities, or what an organization is known for and good at, and culture, which is a key capability. When HR professionals deliver both talent and organization, they build sustainable success that leads to victory. Design/methodology/approach – This paper offers a perspective on shifting HR focus from an exclusive emphasis on talent to one on talent and organization. The author gives many examples of where great individual talent does not lead to long-term success (e.g. in most team sports, the leading scorer is on the winning team about 20 per cent of the time). Findings – Once one identifies organization as a source of long-term success, it is critical to operationalize organization into a series of conscious choices. The paper defines culture as a key capability (along with other possible capabilities of speed [agility, flexibility, responsiveness and change], innovation, collaboration, efficiency and so forth). The author identifies specific wars that HR professionals and line managers can diagnose that create the right organization. Originality/value – Many have talked about parts of organization (culture, climate, systems, process, etc.). The author offers an original way to define organization capabilities and culture.
Convergence of LMM when the solution is not smooth

Abstract LMM (linear multistep methods) are popular for the solution of the initial value problem for a system of ordinary differential equations. In the classical theory it is assumed that the solution is as smooth as necessary. LMM are constructed to be of about as high order as possible, subject to stability, so it is not obvious that they will provide reasonable results when the the solution is not as smooth as anticipated. It is shown that they do, the order is just reduced. The discretization error constants are investigated using Peano kernels. In practice, solutions seem to be piecewise smooth. It is shown then that the order of convergence is two higher than might be expected. Piecewise smooth solutions commonly arise when data is fitted with piecewise polynomial functions. An example of the propagation of sound in the ocean illustrates this and confirms the theory presented.
Recovery of15N-labelled fertilizer by Coastal bermudagrass in lignite minesoil

Minesoils developed from lignite surface mining in Texas are nutrient-poor and have a high N retention capacity. A major concern of landowners and soil conservationists is the response of Coastal bermudagrass to the application of low rates of ammonium-N fertilizer on these nutrient-poor minesoils. A glasshouse study, using15N-labelled ammonium sulfate fertilizer and lignite minesoil, was conducted to measure Coastal bermudagrass biomass production and fertilizer recovery during establishment in response to clipping at 2, 4, and 8 week intervals. At N rates of 0, 40, and 80 kg N ha−1,increases in N fertilization increased Coastal bermudagrass aboveground biomass 5-fold, but showed only small increases in belowground biomass. Recovery of ammonium-N fertilizer ranged from 54 to 63%. Roots contained approximately the same N content across all fertilizer rates suggesting that young, estabilishing, Coatal bermudagrass roots reserve N until their N requirement is met. As more N is obtained above that which was needed to maintain roots, then additional N taken up by the plant was transported to aboveground plant parts for growth. Frequent clipping intensified N transport to aboveground tissues. Reduced amounts of N were contained in roots after clipping due to reductions in root growth, biomass, and resource demand. Fertilization of Coastal bermudagrass at low N rates with different N fertilizer forms influenced the distribution of N in the plant and affected N recovery by different parts of the plant.
Magnetic field measurements of the harmonic generation FEL superconducting undulator at BNL-NSLS

Abstract A three stage superconducting undulator (modulator, dispersive section, and radiator) is under construction at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Sections of the radiator, consisting of 25 cm long steel yokes, each with 18 mm period, 0.54 T field, and 8.6 mm gap are under test. The magnetic measurements and operational characteristics of the magnet are discussed. Measurement results and analyses are presented, with emphasis on the integrated field quality. The magnet winding and the effects of the various trims are discussed.
Economic analysis of hydride fueled BWR

Abstract The economic implications of designing BWR cores with hydride fuels instead of conventional oxide fuels are analyzed. The economic analysis methodology adopted is based on the lifetime levelized cost of electricity (COE). Bracketing values (1970 and 3010 $/kWe) are used for the overnight construction costs and for the power scaling factors (0.4 and 0.8) that correlate between a change in the capital cost to a change in the power level. It is concluded that a newly constructed BWR reactor could substantially benefit from the use of 10 × 10 hydride fuel bundles instead of 10 × 10 oxide fuel bundles design presently in use. The cost saving would depend on the core pressure drop constraint that can be implemented in newly constructed BWRs – it is between 2% and 3% for a core pressure drop constraint as of the reference BWR, between 9% and 15% for a 50% higher core pressure drop, and between 12% and 21% higher for close to 100% core pressure. The attainable cost reduction was found insensitive to the specific construction cost but strongly dependent on the power scaling factor. The cost advantage of hydride fuelled cores as compared to that of the oxide reference core depends only weakly on the uranium and SWU prices, on the “per volume base” fabrication cost of hydride fuels, and on the discount rate used. To be economically competitive, the uranium enrichment required for the hydride fuelled core needs to be around 10%.
Risk of cerebrovascular events in patients with patent foramen ovale and intracardiac devices.

Abstract Objectives This study investigated whether patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) have an increased risk of stroke due to permanent pacemaker (PPM)/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Background Data are lacking on the risk of stroke in patients with PFO and implantable intracardiac devices, either a PPM or an ICD. We investigated whether patients with PFO have increased risk of stroke due to PPM/ICD implantation. Methods Between 2001 and 2008, 2,921 consecutive patients with PFO (67.5 ± 16.4 years of age, 52.2% male) were identified from our echocardiography database. These patients were divided into a device group (patients had PPM/ICD implantation for any reason after receiving a diagnosis of PFO) and a no device group (patients did not have PPM or ICD implantation). Patients who had PFO closure during follow-up were excluded. Both groups were matched for baseline characteristics and medications. The incidence of ischemic stroke was assessed in each group after propensity score matching (case:control ratio of 1:1 yielding 231 pairs). All patients completed at least 4 years of follow-up until May 2012. Results There were 2,690 patients in the n device group (67.3 ± 16.4 years of age, 51.6% male) and 231 patients in the device group (75.4 ± 14.6 years of age, 59.3% male). Six patients (2.6%) in the no device group and 6 (2.6%) in the device group had a stroke during the follow-up period. No difference in the rate of stroke, transient ischemic stroke, or stroke/transient ischemic stroke was observed between the 2 groups. Conclusions The risk of stroke in patients with PFO and an implantable intracardiac device is similar to those without an intracardiac device. In patients with PFO, without a history of stroke, device implantation might not be considered a risk factor for future stroke occurrence.
Mucus-Stimulating Activity in the Sera of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: Demonstration and Preliminary Fractionation

The ciliated, mucus-secreting urn cell complex (UCC) is found swimming in the coelomic cavity of the marine invertebrate Sipunculus nudus. This cell complex, which can be maintained in suspension cultures, responds to various stimuli by hypersecreting mucus in the form of a cohesive mucus "tail." This tail can be measured and expressed as a multiple of "urn cell diameters." Using this bioassay, heated sera from 35 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), 29 patients who were obligate heterozygotes for the CF gene, and 42 controls with a variety of diseases were tested. Control sera yielded a mean (+/- S.D.) mucus tail length of 2.5 (+/-2.3); CF sera yielded a mean mucus tail length of 7.5 (+/- 2.9), (P < 0.0005), and obligate heterozygote sera yielded a mucus tail length of 6.2 (+/- 2.1), (P < 0.0005). These responses were reproducible with different UCC suspensions from the same Sipunculus, as well as from different Sipunculi. In addition, sera from 3 CF patients and 3 controls were chromatographed on protein A-Sepharose. The bound IgG fraction was then washed with 8 M urea and subsequently eluted with 1 M acetic acid. Pooled dialyzed, lyophilized fractions were assayed as coded samples in the UCC assay. Mucus-stimulating activity as measured by mucus tail length per mg protein was greatest in the fractions eluted with 8 M urea. The 8 M urea fractions from 3 CF sera were 2.8 to 5.5 times as active as fractions from 3 control sera. The UCC assay can quantitatively measure mucus-stimulating activity in CF serum. This activity appears to be associated with a serum fraction which can be dissociated from IgG.
Anatomical pathways connecting lip sensory structures and central nervous system in hirudinid leeches visualized by carbocyanine dyes and laser scanning confocal microscopy

Chemoreception in Hirudo medicinalis is thought to be mediated by ciliated cells grouped in sensory structures, the sensilla, arranged in bands on the animal's dorsal lip (Elliott, 1986; Zipser et al., 1994). Furthermore, chemical and/or thermal stimulation of the dorsal lip in reduced preparations evokes changes in the electrical activity of the cephalic nerves that connect the head with the central nervous system. However, the complete trajectory by which the sensory afferents reach the cerebral ganglia has not been demonstrated anatomically. In this study, we traced these pathways following retrograde and/or anterograde transport of carbocyanine dyes (DiI, DiA and DiD) in the cephalic nerves of Hirudo medicinalis and a closely related species, Macrobdella decora. While information regarding Macrobdella's chemoreception is scarce, the two species show some differences with regard to their chemical preferences. Dyes were applied to the sensillar structures along the dorsal lip, or to the cut ends of individual cephalic nerves in fixed preparations that included the lip and attached nerves with or without the head ganglia. After a two week incubation, specimens were mounted and imaged using a confocal microscope. The results show that the axons of the sensory neurons in the sensilla project through the four pairs of cephalic nerves. The sensillar projections are however more numerous in the dorsal nerves than they are in the ventral ones. In addition, the organization of the sensillar bands, the morphology of the pathways and the sensory structures themselves appear to be identical for Hirudo and Macrobdella and therefore the behavioral differences in response to appetitive stimuli cannot be readily explained by differences in morphology.
Morphology of isolated mouse inner cell masses developing in vitro

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the developmental capacity of the mouse inner cell mass (ICM) in the absence of the trophoblast. ICMs were isolated from blastocysts by immunosurgery and cultured under conditions that support egg cylinder formation by intact blastocysts. After 2 or 3 days of culture, the ICMs consisted of an outer layer of endoderm and an inner layer of ectoderm that had cavitated centrally. By 4 or 5 days of culture, 25–60% of these ICMs had developed into paired cysts, apparently by secondary cavity formation. The inner cell layer surrounding this secondary cavity resembled the extraembryonic ectoderm of cultured egg cylinders. By 6 days of culture, 60% of the ICMs had expanded into yolk sac-like structures that subsequently produced capillaries containing blood cells. The ICMs appeared to develop mesoderm in two distinct ways. A few of them developed mesoderm as a third layer of cells in the cleft separating endoderm and ectoderm, presumably by migrating from the inner, ectodermal layer, through the primitive streak, as in the intact egg cylinder. In the rest of the ICMs the embryonic ectoderm gradually differentiated into mesoderm while still in the inner layer, without primitive streak formation. We suggest, therefore, that the continuous presence of the trophoblast or of its derivatives is not required for the cytodifferentiation of mesoderm although it may be important in establishing embryonic polarity or in providing inductive signals necessary for the morphogenetic aspects of mesoderm differentiation, specifically primitive streak formation.
Evidence that the Cohesive Ends of Mature λ DNA are Generated by the Gene A Product

THE generation of the cohesive ends of λ DNA is generally believed to involve an enzyme or a group of enzymes which introduce two staggered single-chain scissions twelve bases apart (recent review in ref. 1). This hypothetical function has also been observed in the excision of a λ chromosome from a doubly lysogenic bacterium lacking all the known recombination functions, rec, red, and int2,3. This kind of excision cuts the prophage specifically between genes R and A, and is called Ter2.
Hydrogen bonding and packing density are factors most strongly connected to limiting sites of high flexibility in the 16S rRNA in the 30S ribosome.

Background Conformational flexibility in structured RNA frequently is critical to function. The 30S ribosomal subunit exists in different conformations in different functional states due to changes in the central part of the 16S rRNA. We are interested in evaluating the factors that might be responsible for restricting flexibility to specific parts of the 16S rRNA using biochemical data obtained from the 30S subunit in solution. This problem was approached taking advantage of the observation that there must be a high degree of conformational flexibility at sites where UV photocrosslinking occurs and a lack of flexibility inhibits photoreactivity at many other sites that are otherwise suitable for reaction.
ω-Agatoxin IVA and excitotoxicity in cortical neuronal cultures

Because the P- and Q-type Ca2+ channel antagonist omega-agatoxin IVA inhibits glutamate release, agatoxin-related drugs could have a role in the treatment of excitotoxic neurologic disorders such as stroke. We examined the effect of omega-agatoxin IVA on excitotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase release) induced by depolarization with veratridine or ouabain, or by N-methyl-D-aspartate, in neuron-enriched cerebral cortical cultures. omega-Agatoxin IVA (< or = 300 nM) failed to reduce excitotoxicity, as did the L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist nimodipine and the N-type antagonist omega-conotoxin GVIA. Drugs that inhibit glutamate release may not necessarily be neuroprotective.
Molecular motors: directing traffic during RNA localization

RNA localization, the enrichment of RNA in a specific subcellular region, is a mechanism for the establishment and maintenance of cellular polarity in a variety of systems. Ultimately, this results in a universal method for spatially restricting gene expression. Although the consequences of RNA localization are well-appreciated, many of the mechanisms that are responsible for carrying out polarized transport remain elusive. Several recent studies have illuminated the roles that molecular motor proteins play in the process of RNA localization. These studies have revealed complex mechanisms in which the coordinated action of one or more motor proteins can act at different points in the localization process to direct RNAs to their final destination. In this review, we discuss recent findings from several different systems in an effort to clarify pathways and mechanisms that control the directed movement of RNA.
Perceived Social Support: Ethnic and Gender Differences in the Computing Disciplines

Since the early 1990's many studies have focused on the decline of women in the computing disciplines at Predominantly White Institutions. A further examination of student data indicates that this decline does not extend to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Research in social psychology indicates that people seek social support when making important decisions. This paper examines the role of gender and ethnicity on students' perceived social support from faculty and students, as well as their overall satisfaction with that support. Data from the first year of a three-year study conducted at 42 U.S. institutions were analyzed to determine if there are gender and ethnic differences in perceived social support in the computing disciplines compared to the non-computing disciplines, as well as in computer science. Results and implications of findings in relation to the recruitment and retention of students in the computing disciplines are discussed.
Are laboratory studies necessary for griseofulvin therapy

Sometimes we find ourselves doing things in the clinic because we were taught to do them. I recently questioned my own routine of obtaining laboratory studies for patients receivinggriseofulvintherapy for more than 6 weeks. A review of six major general textbooks of dermatology revealed that none suggested the requirement of laboratory monitoring of griseofulvintherapy. Roberts and Mackenzie! in the Textbook ofdermatology' by Rook et a1. state that measurement of hemoglobin and WBCs is not indicated but mention that proteinuria can occur. Bickers et a1.2 recommend that blood studies be performed two times in the first month and every 3 to 4 months thereafter, noting that the hematologic effects can be transient. Sande and Mandell.' in a widely used pharmacology text, recommend that blood studies be done during griseofulvin therapy at least once weekly during the first month of treatment. The recommendations for obtaining laboratory work go back to early studies with griseofulvin. Livingood et a1.4 reported in 1960 their results ofliver, hematologic, and renal studies of 66 patients receiving prolonged griseofulvin therapy. They found no impairment ofliver function or hematologic changes attributable to griseofulvin but did note albuminuria; they recommended that until more is known, routine urinalysis, leukocyte count, hemoglobin, and blood smear be obtained every 3 to 4 weeks. Goldmanreviewed griseofulvin a decade later, and advised liver profile studies at intervals because of "concern" over liver involvement. The review by Blank6points out the scarcity ofliterature reports of
Second-by-Second Characterization of Cold-Start Gas-Phase and Air Toxic Emissions from a Light-Duty Vehicle

Tailpipe pollutants from motor vehicles are linked to environmental concerns and human health issues. Gasoline engine ignition produces a significant portion of trip emissions, but few studies have quantified mobile source air toxic (MSAT) species for light-duty vehicles during cold start. Real-world tailpipe emissions were measured from a 1999 Toyota Sienna minivan with the University of Vermont total onboard tailpipe emissions measurement system. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer measured 27 gas-phase emissions for cold start, extended idle, and warm-up driving at 1-s temporal resolution. Analysis demonstrated that (a) time to optimal function of emissions control devices was not indicated by one species, but varied for different pollutants; (b) extended idling after cold start produced elevated emissions for MSAT species as compared to warm-up driving; and (c) ambient temperatures ranging from 9.5°C to 38.4°C affected species from each emission category, with the exception of carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide produced peak emissions three orders of magnitude higher than hot-stabilized conditions for an average of 90 s, regardless of operating conditions, while nitric oxide peak emissions were over an order of magnitude higher during warm-up driving than extended idle. Peak MSAT emissions, up to two orders of magnitude higher than hot-stabilized idle, were maintained or increased during extended idle and decreased to baseline within 100 to 200 s of warm-up driving. Results indicate extended idling after cold starts prolongs elevated concentrations of MSAT emissions, suggesting that recent policy efforts to reduce vehicle idling behavior could limit potential human exposure to the toxic exhaust constituents.
Relationship of Religion and Perceived Social Support to Self-Esteem and Depression in Nursing Home Residents

This study is an examination of the relationship of religiosity and perceived social support to depression and self-esteem in nursing home residents. Answers to questionnaires administered to 83 nursing home residents indicated that perceived social support from family, public religious activity, and length of stay in the home were related to self-esteem and to depression. Past occupational status was also associated with self-esteem. Health status and having a choice in selecting the nursing home were negatively related to depression. Intrinsic religiosity and the resident's perceived social support from friends were not significantly related to depression or self-esteem.
Automated Fluidic System with a Chaotic Microfluidic Reaction Chamber for Rapid, Multi-Analyte Immunosensing

In this paper, a fully automated fluidic system with a chaotic reaction chamber for rapid and accurate fiber-optic immuno-sensing has been developed and applied for the measurement of cardiac biomarkers. A new microchannel with serpentine bump structures has improved the sensor performance by generating local turbulence near the sensor surface. A full immunoassay with the automated fluidic system has been successfully performed, and the total assay time spent for detecting four cardiac markers was less than 10 minutes.
High Relative Humidity Increases Pilfering Success of Yellow Pine Chipmunks

Scatter-hoarding animals store food items to be used later when food is scarce. However, other individuals can pilfer food stores because caches are not usually defended. We tested how associative learning contributes to foraging success of pilferers searching for scatter-hoarded food. We conducted a field-based, seed-removal experiment to test 2 hypotheses. First, yellow pine chipmunks (Tamias amoenus) will learn to associate buried food with recurring objects faster than they will learn to associate food with singular (distinctive) objects. Second, they will learn to associate buried food with man-made objects faster than they will learn to associate food with natural objects. Rodents clearly learned to associate objects with buried food regardless of distinctiveness or origin. The observed pattern of seed removal suggested that high relative humidity (RH) events (storm systems) increased seed odor, facilitating olfaction by rodents, and increasing the rate of seed removal. We tested this hypothesis in a laboratory experiment using 8 wild-caught yellow pine chipmunks and 5 levels of RH (17%, ,27%, ,50%, ,75% ,o r,95%). Foraging success at 17–75% RH was not different from random, but at 95% RH seed recovery was significantly higher than random. High RH facilitates discovery of buried seeds, and with higher foraging success, associative learning of cache markers may be easier. Thus, cache pilfering may be facilitated by high humidity.
Building facade detection, segmentation, and parameter estimation for mobile robot localization and guidance

Building facade detection is an important problem in computer vision, with applications in mobile robotics and semantic scene understanding. In particular, mobile platform localization and guidance in urban environments can be enabled with an accurate segmentation of the various building facades in a scene. Toward that end, we present a system for segmenting and labeling an input image that for each pixel, seeks to answer the question “Is this pixel part of a building facade, and if so, which one?” The proposed method determines a set of candidate planes by sampling and clustering points from the image with Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC), using local normal estimates derived from Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to inform the planar model. The corresponding disparity map and a discriminative classification provide prior information for a two-layer Markov Random Field model. This MRF problem is solved via Graph Cuts to obtain a labeling of building facade pixels at the mid-level, and a segmentation of those pixels into particular planes at the high-level. The results indicate a strong improvement in the accuracy of the binary building detection problem over the discriminative classifier alone, and the planar surface estimates provide a good approximation to the ground truth planes.
Quantifying the Uncertainty in Site Amplification Modeling and Its Effects on Site-Specific Seismic-Hazard Estimation in the Upper Mississippi Embayment and Adjacent Areas

The Mississippi embayment, located in the central United States, and its thick deposits of sediments (over 1 km in places) have a large effect on earthquake ground motions. Several previous studies have addressed how these thick sediments might modify probabilistic seismic-hazard maps. The high seismic hazard associated with the New Madrid seismic zone makes it particularly important to quantify the uncertainty in modeling site amplification to better represent earthquake hazard in seismic-hazard maps. The methodology of the Memphis urban seismic-hazard- mapping project (Cramer et al. , 2004) is combined with the reference profile approach of Toro and Silva (2001) to better estimate seismic hazard in the Mississippi embayment. Improvements over previous approaches include using the 2002 national seismic-hazard model, fully probabilistic hazard calculations, calibration of site amplification with improved nonlinear soil-response estimates, and estimates of uncertainty. Comparisons are made with the results of several previous studies, and estimates of uncertainty inherent in site-amplification modeling for the upper Mississippi embayment are developed. I present new seismic-hazard maps for the upper Mississippi embayment with the effects of site geology incorporating these uncertainties.
Imaging OmpR Binding to Native Chromosomal Loci in Escherichia coli

Previously, an unexplained subcellular localization was reported for a functional fluorescent protein fusion to the response regulator OmpR in Escherichia coli. The pronounced regions of increased fluorescence, or foci, are dependent on OmpR phosphorylation and do not occupy fixed, easily identifiable positions, such as the poles or mid-cell. Here we show that the foci are due to OmpR-YFP (yellow fluorescent protein) fusion binding to specific sites in the chromosome. To identify positions of foci and quantify their fluorescence intensity, we used a simple system to tag virtually any chromosomal location with arrays of lacO or tetO. The brightest foci colocalize with the OmpR-regulated gene ompF, which is strongly expressed under our growth conditions. When we increased OmpR-YFP phosphorylation by stimulating the EnvZ/OmpR system with procaine, we observed a small increase in OmpR-YFP fluorescence at ompF and a significant increase at the OmpR-regulated gene ompC. This supports a model of hierarchical binding of OmpR to the ompF and ompC promoters. Our results explain the inhomogeneous distribution of OmpR-YFP fluorescence in cells and further demonstrate that for a transcription factor expressed at wild-type levels, binding to native sites in the chromosome can be imaged and quantified by fluorescence microscopy.
Annealing Effects on Mechanical and Transport Properties of Ni and Ni-Alloy Electrodeposits

The effect of annealing at temperatures up to 600 degC on the mechanical properties and the thermal and electrical transport characteristics of nickel and a nickel-manganese electrodeposits are presented. The samples include Ni plated from sulfamate salt with dodecyl sulfate surfactant and from NiSO4 with saccharin additive and a NiMn alloy deposited from a nickel sulfamate bath with added MnCl2. Recrystallization and grain growth, induced by annealing, are shown to strongly affect the mechanical and transport properties. Relatively coarse-grained Ni-sulfamate electrodeposits yielded properties closest to bulk Ni. The incorporation of sulfur (from saccharin additions to the plating electrolyte) or Mn into electrodeposited Ni produces materials with exceptionally fine grain size and with very high yield and ultimate strength. At the same time, the thermal and electrical conductivities are smaller than bulk Ni. Thermal annealing leads to a reduction in strength and an enhancement of the transport properties. The Ni-Mn alloy shows the best temperature stability of the mechanical and transport properties among the tested samples. The observed trends are explained in terms of the influence of microstructure on the mechanical and transport properties
Anticipating Uncertainty: The Strategy-Structure Problem in Public Bureaucracy

The connection between administrative structure and policy strategy for public agencies is neither well understood, nor widely appreciated in political science. Much more emphasis is placed on the structure of linkages between bureaucracies and other political institutions. In this article, 1 advance an argument explaining the importance of strategy in policymaking for public agencies, and demonstrate how the concept needs to be refined in order for it to have meaning for public sector organizations. Strategy is analyzed in terms of two categories of uncertainty: generalized and contingent. Because of the ubiquitousness of generalized uncertainty in public policymaking, developing a capacity for anticipating uncertainty problems is critical in strategy formation. Whether that capacity exists is a function of administrative structure. 1 further present an argument for why structure deserves consideration as a political and technical matter, and not simply as a consequence of political preferences. For most of the past decade and a half, public sector planning has been in disfavor. Much of the hostility toward planning has been directed at the American federal bureaucracy. Recently, however, a more favorable climate seems to have emerged regarding the prospects of large-scale bureaucratic planning. But even as new policy ventures - such as massive reform of the American health care insurance and delivery system - are contemplated, the ghosts of past failures serve as reminders that success entails more than advancing innovative policy ideas; it necessarily includes the bureaucratic structures and processes involved in the administration of new policy. The issue of whether public bureaucracy, particularly American public bureaucracy, is designed to innovate or to plan for much of anything is a contentious one for students of administration. Both incrementalist and public choice models of bureaucratic behavior argue that American public bureaucracy is not designed to be effective, much less efficient (Lindblom 1959; Wildavsky 1973; 1979; Moe 1989). Competing interest groups and elective political institutions see to it that careful controls
Stochastic birth, death and migration processes for spatially distributed populations

Stochastic models are investigated for collections of populations which are distributed spatially, either at discrete points on a line or at the nodes of a square or cubic lattice, and which are subject to birth, death, and migration to or from neighbouring populations. Explicit expressions are given for the stochastic means. A general indication is provided for the calculation of variances and covariances, with explicit values for some special cases.
Symbolic Dynamics for Voltage Conditioning and Load Modeling

A novel method of signal analysis, symbolic dynamics, is employed to model highly varying electrical loads. The potential for application of forecast future load currents is used to conceptually design a power conditioner. Symbolic dynamics is based on the coding of signals as symbols, which appear in groups known as words. A symbolic dynamic dictionary is formed from historical time series data. The words and the symbols themselves are treated much as they might in a natural language. An application to the modeling of an electric arc furnace and the load current conditioning of an arc furnace current is given.
The 44Ti half-life☆

Abstract The half-life of 44Ti has been determined by combining an isotopic dilution measurement of the amount of 44Ti in a sample with γ-ray counting of the short-lived 44Sc daughter in equilibrium. A half-life of 48·2 ± 0·9 years is obtained.
The combination of amlodipine and angiotensin receptor blocker or diuretics in high-risk hypertensive patients: rationale, design and baseline characteristics

The Chinese Hypertension Intervention Efficacy Study (CHIEF) is a multi-centre randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the effects of amlodipine+angiotensin II receptor blocker and amlodipine+diuretics on the incidence of cardiovascular events, represented as a composite of non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death events in high-risk Chinese hypertensive patients. The study also evaluates the long-term effects of lipid-lowering treatment and lifestyle modification. From October 2007 to October 2008, 13 542 patients were enrolled into the study in 180 centres in China. Patients will be followed up for 4 years. There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the two blood pressure arms.
Pantomime as an L2 Classroom Strategy

Interpersonal communication is generally accompanied by non-verbal forms of communication. Language teachers, however, often reduce language teaching to the single channel of strictly linguistic features, thus ignoring kinetic sources of input in language instruction. At the same time, current research on learner cognitive styles and learning preferences underscores the importance of providing a variety of instructional modalities. This article presents a kinetic approach to language instruction that has proven successful in arousing student interest and promoting language acquisition—pantomime. Several examples are given to demonstrate how to include mimetic activities for a variety of language instruction outcomes.
A Triple-yolk Egg

Abstract EGGS containing two yolks are found frequently and have been described by numerous workers. In most instances a double-yolk egg is abnormally large and can further be distinguished by candling. Recently an egg was found on the growing range of the West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station at Morgantown laid by a pullet hatched March, 1931. On candling, the entire inner area appeared dark, no outlines of yolk appearing as in a normal egg. On opening, the egg was found to contain three yolks, which so far as the author is aware, is very rare. The yolks weighed 8.0, 8.5, and 9.3 grams, totalling 25.8 grams. Unfortunately the albumen was lost by the assistant who opened the egg, but judging from the size of the shell this egg closely approximated the weight of an average hen’s egg. However, it will be observed that the total amount of yolk found in this . . .
Investigation of folate pathway gene polymorphisms and the incidence of neural tube defects in a Texas hispanic population.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are multifactorial in their etiology, having both genetic and environmental factors contributing to their development. Recent evidence demonstrates that periconceptional supplementation of the maternal diet with a multivitamin containing folic acid significantly reduces the occurrence and recurrence risk for having a pregnancy complicated by NTDs. Unfortunately, the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of folic acid remains unknown. NTD surveillance data from the Texas-Mexico border show that the high NTD rate (28/10,000 live births) noted during the 1990-1991 Cameron county NTD cluster was superimposed on a background Cameron county NTD rate (16/10,000 live births) which is considerably higher than that generally noted in the United States (8-10/10,000 live births). These data suggest that genetic factors as well as transient environmental factors may contribute to the etiology of the NTDs. Furthermore, clinical and experimental evidence imply that allelic forms of genes involved with folate metabolism and/or transport may explain some of the observed variation in the NTD rates found across different populations. Two folate pathway genes were selected for evaluation in this study. The loci investigated included two known alleles of the 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, as well as the promoter region of the folate receptor-alpha (FR-alpha) gene. Odds ratios (ORs) for the C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene were 1.8 (CI 0.47-6.8) for heterozygosity and 1.8 (CI 0.35-9.4) for homozygosity for the mutant 677T allele, relative to wildtype homozygotes. The odds ratio for the heterozygosity for the A1298C polymorphism in the same gene was 1.1 (CI 0.09-14). No individuals homozygous for the 1298C allele were observed. The OR for heterozygosity of FR-alpha gene polymorphisms detected at nucleotide 762 and at nucleotides 610/631 was 1.4 and 0.7, respectively. Neither of the FR-alpha polymorphisms was observed in the homozygous condition. No statistically significant associations were observed for any of the polymorphisms examined, as the 95% confidence intervals for all of the ORs included one. However, the frequency of the MTHFR 677T allele in the largely Hispanic control group from Texas was significantly different from other populations (P < 0.005), and among the highest reported for any control populations examined.
Using Markov Models of Fault Growth Physics and Environmental Stresses to Optimize Control Actions

A generalized Markov chain representation of fault dynamics is presented for the case that available modeling of fault growth physics and future environmental stresses can be represented by two independent stochastic process models. A contrived but representatively challenging example will be presented and analyzed, in which uncertainty in the modeling of fault growth physics is represented by a uniformly distributed dice throwing process, and a discrete random walk is used to represent uncertain modeling of future exogenous loading demands to be placed on the system. A finite horizon dynamic programming algorithm is used to solve for an optimal control policy over a finite time window for the case that stochastic models representing physics of failure and future environmental stresses are known, and the states of both stochastic processes are observable by implemented control routines. The fundamental limitations of optimization performed in the presence of uncertain modeling information are examined by comparing the outcomes obtained from simulations of an optimizing control policy with the outcomes that would be achievable if all modeling uncertainties were removed from the system.
Hiding vegetables to reduce energy density: an effective strategy to increase children’s vegetable intake and reduce energy intake–

Background: Strategies are needed to increase children's intake of a variety of vegetables, including vegetables that are not well liked. Objective: We investigated whether incorporating pureed vegetables into entrees to reduce the energy density (ED; in kcal/g) affected vegetable and energy intake over 1 d in preschool children. Design: In this crossover study, 3- to 5-y-old children (n = 40) were served all meals and snacks 1 d/wk for 3 wk. Across conditions, entrees at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snack were reduced in ED by increasing the proportion of pureed vegetables. The conditions were 100% ED (standard), 85% ED (tripled vegetable content), and 75% ED (quadrupled vegetable content). Entrees were served with unmanipulated side dishes and snacks, and children were instructed to eat as much as they liked. Results: The daily vegetable intake increased significantly by 52 g (50%) in the 85% ED condition and by 73 g (73%) in the 75% ED condition compared with that in the standard condition (both P < 0.0001). The consumption of more vegetables in entrees did not affect the consumption of the vegetable side dishes. Children ate similar weights of food across conditions; thus, the daily energy intake decreased by 142 kcal (12%) from the 100% to 75% ED conditions (P < 0.05). Children rated their liking of manipulated foods similarly across ED amounts. Conclusion: The incorporation of substantial amounts of pureed vegetables to reduce the ED of foods is an effective strategy to increase the daily vegetable intake and decrease the energy intake in young children. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01252433.
Modeling user choice in the PassPoints graphical password scheme

We develop a model to identify the most likely regions for users to click in order to create graphical passwords in the PassPoints system. A PassPoints password is a sequence of points, chosen by a user in an image that is displayed on the screen. Our model predicts probabilities of likely click points; this enables us to predict the entropy of a click point in a graphical password for a given image. The model allows us to evaluate automatically whether a given image is well suited for the PassPoints system, and to analyze possible dictionary attacks against the system. We compare the predictions provided by our model to results of experiments involving human users. At this stage, our model and the experiments are small and limited; but they show that user choice can be modeled and that expansions of the model and the experiments are a promising direction of research.