cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near-field coupling between plasmonic resonators in Si nanowires

Nanoscale semiconductors are emerging as promising plasmonic materials for applications in the infrared. Herein, we study the near-field coupling between adjacent plasmonic resonators embedded in Si nanowires with in-situ infrared spectroscopy and discrete dipole approximation calculations. Si nanowires containing multiple phosphorus-doped segments, each with a user-programmable aspect ratio and carrier density, are synthesized via the vapor-liquid- solid technique and support localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) between 5 and 10 μm. Discrete dipole approximation calculations confirm that the observed spectral response results from resonant absorption and free carrier concentrations are on the order of 10 20 cm -3 . Near-field coupling occurs between neighboring doped segments and the observed trends agree with plasmon hybridization theory. Our results highlight the utility of vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) synthesis for investigating the basic physics of surface plasmons in nanoscale semiconductors and suggest new opportunities for engineering light absorption in Si.
In the Image of Technology: Modern Freedom, Virtual Reality

Abstract Liberty was once praiseworthy because it enabled a free choice for the good. Technology recasts the classical link between liberty and virtue by making human well-being depend on technological advance. Till recently, technology signified human mastery over nature. But now virtual reality offers itself as a substitute for nature. Unlike machines which hold us at a distance, it draws us in with images. It no longer shapes the soul indirectly through the effects of using machines, but involves the soul directly. The modern attempt to bracket the soul has brought it back virtually. The argument between fight and flight is at a standstill. Instead, the irony which many lament as a feature of postmodernity can provide a distance from the technologies which have made themselves necessary.
Implications of mobility-fluctuation descriptions of 1/f noise in semiconductors

Abstract We show that the report of Hooge and Vandamme on the 1/f noise in semiconductors with impurity scattering contradicts the phenomenological description of Kleinpenning. Possible alternate decriptions are discussed, along with calculations of their measurable implications. Calculations of a new parameter, the coherence of Hall voltage fluctuations with resistance fluctuations are presented and it is shown that this parameter is sensitive to the form of description which the noise obeys.
The cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway of Cytosolic DNA Sensing and Signaling

The innate immune system deploys a variety of sensors to detect signs of infection. Nucleic acids represent a major class of pathogen signatures that can trigger robust immune responses. The presence of DNA in the cytoplasm of mammalian cells is a danger signal that activates innate immune responses; however, how cytosolic DNA triggers these responses remained unclear until recently. In this review, we focus on the mechanism of DNA sensing by the newly discovered cGAS-cGAMP-STING pathway and highlight recent progress in dissecting the in vivo functions of this pathway in immune defense as well as autoimmunity.
Hydrogen-induced ductility losses in cast carbon steels

Abstract The results of this study indicate certain trends in the response of a low-carbon cast steel to deformation in a hydrogen environment. For a heat of given nominal composition, castings can vary substantially in composition and structure, and the effects of some of those variations were indicated. As would be expected, metalloid impurities proved to be detrimental to ductility; this behavior was largely due to the presence of Type II manganese sulfide inclusions. In other castings with the manganese sulfide inclusions in another form, such as Type I (more uniform distribution), the effect of metalloids could be similar but may not be so pronounced as found here; this can be inferred by comparing the clean and doped steels after hot rolling, which redistributed the manganese sulfide inclusions. For the clean steel, in which the sulfide inclusions did not control the fracture process, annealing and hot rolling reduced the tendency for lower ductility fracture modes to be promoted by hydrogen, presumably by refining the microstructure and/or redistributing segregated impurities more uniformly. The observed fracture-mode transitions suggest that hydrogen may reduce the fracture toughness of the as-cast clean steel, by reducing local plastic deformation, to a much greater extent than that of the wrought steel.
Microsoft SQL server's integrated database approach for modern applications and hardware

Recently, there has been much renewed interest in re-architecting database systems to exploit new hardware. While some efforts have suggested that one needs specialized engines ("one size does not fit all"), the approach pursued by Microsoft's SQL Server has been to integrate multiple elements into a common architecture. This brings customers what they want by reducing data impedance mismatches between database systems that they are using for multiple purposes. This integration is, of course, more easily said than done. But this is, in fact, precisely what the SQL Server team has done.
Current Issues in Oncology Drug Development, with a Focus on Phase II Trials

In this commentary we discuss several challenges that are of current relevance to the design of clinical trials in oncology. We argue that the compartmentalization of trials into the three standard phases, with non overlapping aims, is not necessary and in fact may slow the clinical development of agents. Combined Phase I/II trials and/or Phase I trials that at minimum collect efficacy data and more optimally include a preliminary measure of efficacy in dosing determination should be more widely utilized. Similarly, we posit that randomized Phase II trials should be used more frequently, as opposed to the traditional historical single arm Phase II trial that usually does not have a valid comparison group. The use of non binary endpoints is a simple modification that can improve the efficiency of early phase trials. The heterogeneity in scientific goals and contexts in early phase oncology trials is considerable, and the potential to improve the design to match these goals is great. We review these and other issues in the context of 5 manuscripts related to Phase II trials published in this volume. Our overall premise is that the potential benefits associated with the oncology clinical trial community moving away from the one size fits all paradigm of trial design are great, and that more flexible and efficient designs tailored to match the goals of each study are currently available and being used successfully.
Relation of pH to Preservative Effectiveness II.: Neutral and Basic Media

Liquid trypticase soy broth media was buffered with Prideaux and Ward's universal buffer to neutral and basic pH levels (pH 7 to 10 inclusive). Preservative solutions of various concentrations were added to tubes containing the media, After inoculation of the tubes with a slurry obtained from soil samples suspended in water, these preparations were examined for preservative effectiveness over a 6-month period. In most cases preservative effectiveness varied with pH alteration. The preservative activity ranged from negligible with cinnamic acid and some of its derivatives, the amides of bromal and dichloroacetaldehyde, sorbic acid and dehydroacetic acid-sodium, to fair in the case of parabens and salicylanilide, to good with cetrimide, chlorophenesin, vanillic acid esters, hexylresorcinol, hexachlorophene, and phenylethanol.
Geometric effects on surface roughness in precipitation

We investigate the branching of an advancing precipitation front to a nonplanar shape as the solute concentration in a supersaturated solution is increased beyond its critical value. We aim to learn whether new branches can be detected by measuring the speed of the front. We present a condition that determines whether a cross section of arbitrary shape will lead to a pitchfork or to a transcritical branching. Both are possible. Rectangles and circles imply pitchfork bifurcations, equilateral triangles and hexagons imply transcritical bifurcations.
DNAD, a simple tool for automatic differentiation of Fortran codes using dual numbers

Abstract DNAD (dual number automatic differentiation) is a simple, general-purpose tool to automatically differentiate Fortran codes written in modern Fortran (F90/ 95/2003) or legacy codes written in previous version of the Fortran language. It implements the forward mode of automatic differentiation using the arithmetic of dual numbers and the operator overloading feature of F90/ 95/2003. Very minimum changes of the source codes are needed to compute the first derivatives of Fortran programs. The advantages of DNAD in comparison to other existing similar computer codes are its programming simplicity, extensibility, and computational efficiency. Specifically, DNAD is more accurate and efficient than the popular complex-step approximation. Several examples are used to demonstrate its applications and advantages. Program summary Program title: DNAD Catalogue identifier: AEOS_v1_0 Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEOS_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 3922 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 18 275 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Fortran 90/95/2003. Computer: All computers with a modern FORTRAN compiler. Operating system: All platforms with a modern FORTRAN compiler. Classification: 4.12, 6.2. Nature of problem: Derivatives of outputs with respect to inputs of a Fortran code are often needed in physics, chemistry, and engineering. The author of the analysis code may no longer be available and the user may not have a deep knowledge of the code. Thus a simple tool is necessary to automatically differentiate the code with very minimum change to the source codes. This can be achieved using dual number arithmetic and operator overloading. Solution method: A new data type is defined with the first scalar component holding the function value and the second array component holding the first derivatives. All the basic operations and functions are overloaded with the new definitions according to dual number arithmetic. To differentiate an existing code, all real numbers should be replaced with this new data type and the input/output of the code should also be modified accordingly. Running time: For each additional independent variable, DNAD takes less time than the running time of the original analysis code. However, the actual running time depends on the compiler, the computer, and the operations involved in the code to be differentiated.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adolescents after Hurricane Andrew

ABSTRACT Objective To examine rates and correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents after Hurricane Andrew. Method A random-digit dialing sample of 158 Hispanic, 116 black, and 104 white adolescent-parent pairs were surveyed in high- and low-impact areas within Dade County, Florida, 6 months after Hurricane Andrew. Subjects completed a structured telephone interview focused on within-disaster experiences and emotional reaction, disaster-related losses, lifetime exposure to violent or traumatic events, recent stressful experiences, and psychiatric symptomatology. Results Approximately 3% of males (95% confidence interval 0.4 to 5.3) and 9% of females (95% confidence interval 4.6 to 13.7) met the criteria for PTSD. Rates were highest among blacks (8.3%, 95% confidence interval 2.3 to 14.2) and Hispanics (6.1%, 95% confidence interval 2.2 to 9.9) and increased with age (odds ratio of 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.72) and the number of undesirable events reported (odds ratio of 1.38, 95% confidence interval 1.21 to 1.57). Conclusions While only a relatively small percentage of adolescents reported symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD, most reported some posttraumatic symptoms. Postdisaster planning should recognize that common stressful events occurring after disasters may be more strongly associated with PTSD than magnitude of contact with the actual disaster.
Kinetics of multistep photoinitiated electron transfer reactions in a molecular triad

Abstract Time-resolved fluorescence and subpicosecond transient absorption experiments have been carried out on a triad molecular device (CPQ) comprising a porphyrin (P) covalently linked to an electron-donating carotenoid pigment (C) and a quinone (Q), which acts as an electron acceptor. Rate constants governing the intramolecular electron transfer processes originating from the excited singlet state of the porphyrin have been determined. Excitation of the porphyrin moiety of the triad in benzonitrile solution results in photoinduced electron transfer to give CP .+ Q .− ( k 1 =2.5 × 10 9 s −1 ) followed by rapid non-photochemical electron transfer to yield C .+  PQ .− ( k 3 ≈ 1 × 10 11 s −1 ). The intermediate CP .+ Q .− , also decays by charge recombination to the ground state with a rate constant k 2 of about 6 × 10 11 s −1 . Nanosecond laser flash experiments were used to measure a quantum yield of 0.13 for the long-lived (370 ns) charge-separated species C .+ PQ .− . Excitation of the carotenoid moiety of the triad results in singlet energy transfer to the attached porphyrin with a quantum yield of about 0.07.
Critical Operating Conditions For A Novel Flying Tester

Increased recording densities are often achieved through a reduction in the flying height over a thin film disk possessing diminishing surface roughness. Flying heights will continue to decrease until the head-disk interface (HDI) operates under quasi-contact conditions, i.e., ultra-low flying with intermittent slider-disk collisions. The failure mechanisms that occur in such quasi-contact devices may differ from those experienced in current, higher flying hard drive assemblies. In this paper, the authors will present the experimental, numerical, and theoretical tools that have been developed to study the behavior of the HDI under ultra-low flying conditions. These tools include an accelerated flyability tester and a numerical algorithm applicable to highly rarefied air bearings that possess large pressure gradients. Air bearing simulation results, as well as the results from a simple flying height scaling analysis, will be compared to flying test results in both air and helium to obtain insight into the ...
Gill arches of some teleostean fishes of the families Girellidae, Pomacentridae, Embiotocidae Labridae and Scaridae

(1967). Gill arches of some teleostean fishes of the families Girellidae, Pomacentridae, Embiotocidae Labridae and Scaridae. Journal of Natural History: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 289-293.
One Ought Too Many

[Extract] Normative branches of philosophy take special interest in claims expressed by sentences of the form ‘S ought to φ', where S is some agent and φ-ing is some action (broadly conceived). We'll call sentences satisfying this description agential. These claims raise many important philosophical issues, such as: Which ones are true? What makes them true? How can we know if they are true? What follows from them? Some philosophers have hoped that light would be cast on these issues if we could get clearer on the exact meaning of this word ‘ought’. Once we start looking to language for philosophical clues we should notice that the word ‘ought’ is also employed in different kinds of sentences. It appears in normative sentences with different grammatical forms, like ‘It ought to be that Charlie was born a girl’, and ‘There ought to be less suffering in the world’. For convenience we'll call sentences like these nonagential.1 (It also has a non-normative epistemic use meaning approximately what is probable, as in ‘The sky ought to get dark soon’.) In these other sentences, ‘ought’ appears to represent a propositional operator, O(p).
Generation of ultrashort hard-x-ray pulses with tabletop laser systems at a 2-kHz repetition rate

We describe the generation of ultrafast x-ray pulses at a 2-kHz repetition rate with a new tabletop laser and x-ray generation system. The range of the emitted x-radiation wavelength is approximately a single angstrom, from 0.3 to 0.1 nm. Specific emphasis is placed on the generation of broad continuum radiation for x-ray absorption spectroscopy. High-contrast laser pulses are desirable for generation of ultrashort pulses, which we achieve by dividing the laser system into a section for generation of high-contrast microjoule pulses followed by pulse cleaning and a section for chirped pulse amplification and pulse compression. Using this system, we generated x radiation from solid-copper and liquid-mercury targets in a helium atmosphere. From copper targets an average x-ray flux of 1013 photons/(s 4π sr keV) at 3 keV and 109 photons/(s 4π sr) above 5 keV photon energy was produced. X radiation from the mercury target did not exhibit emission lines within the spectral range 3–13 keV.
Membrane-associated cathepsin L: A role in metastasis of melanomas

Subcellular distribution of cathepsin L, the major protein released by transformed or ras transfected fibroblasts, was examined in murine liver, murine B16 amelanotic melanoma and human A2058 melanoma after sequential differential and Percoll density gradient centrifugation. In both murine and human melanomas, cathepsin L activity was found to be enriched in plasma membrane fractions; cathepsin L in these fractions was in both native and acid activatable forms. Plasma membrane fractions from B16 melanoma subpopulations of "low" and "high" metastatic potential were assayed for activity of cathepsin L and of heat stable endogenous inhibitors. The relative specific activity of cathepsin L was 7-fold greater in the subpopulation of "high" metastatic potential, whereas cysteine proteinase inhibitory activity was 5-fold less. Since cathepsin L can degrade intact basement membrane, this membrane-associated cathepsin L may well contribute to metastatic spread of melanomas.
Loss of expression of the cancer stem cell marker aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 correlates with advanced-stage colorectal cancer

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is mediated by cancer stem cells (CSCs). We sought to determine if the expression of the CSC marker aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) in CRC tumors varies by American Joint Committee on Cancer stage or correlates to clinical outcomes. Methods Primary and metastatic CRC samples from 96 patients were immunostained with antibodies to ALDH1 and imaged to evaluate marker expression. The percentage of ALDH1 + cells was correlated to clinical outcomes. Results ALDH1 was overexpressed in CRC tumors compared with nonneoplastic tissue. Marker expression was highest in nonmetastatic tumors. The loss of expression was associated with advanced stage and metastatic disease. No significant correlation was found between ALDH1 expression and metastasis, recurrence, or survival. Conclusions ALDH1 was highly expressed in nonmetastatic CRC, but expression was lost with advancing stage. ALDH1 could be an effective therapeutic target in early CRC but not late-stage disease. No correlation was found between ALDH1 and disease prognosis.
Beraprost sodium improves survival rates in anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis and 5/6 nephrectomized chronic kidney disease rats

Beraprost sodium, a stable prostacyclin analog, was showed to improve survival rates in two different rat models, anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis (GN) and 5/6 nephrectomized (Nx) chronic kidney disease (CKD) rats. In the anti-GBM rat, beraprost sodium (0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg/day) improved survival rate (hazard ratio for beraprost sodium 0.6 mg/kg/day group, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.68). Subsequently, in the 5/6 Nx CKD rat, beraprost sodium (0.6 mg/kg/day) improved survival rate (hazard ratio for beraprost sodium, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.23 to 0.92), serum creatinine doubling time and the slope of the reciprocal of serum creatinine. In the anti-GBM GN rats, beraprost sodium suppressed the serum accumulation of representative uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate. Furthermore, beraprost sodium inhibited human aortic endothelial cell (HAEC) injury induced by indoxyl sulfate, indicating that beraprost sodium might have a protective effect against cardiovascular damage due to CKD. These results show that beraprost sodium can improve the survival rates in two rat models of anti-GBM GN and 5/6 Nx CKD rats by protecting endothelial cells and thereby ameliorating decreased renal function. Therefore, clinical studies are needed in patients with chronic kidney failure to determine whether beraprost sodium will become a useful medication in CKD.
High carrier density and capacitance in TiO2 nanotube arrays induced by electrochemical doping.

The paper describes the electronic charging and conducting properties of vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays formed by anodization of Ti foil samples. The resulting films, composed of vertically oriented nanotubes approximately 10 μm long, wall thickness 22 nm, and pore diameter 56 nm, are analyzed using impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Depending on the electrochemical conditions two rather different electronic behaviors are observed. Nanotube array samples in basic medium show behavior analogous to that of nanoparticulate TiO2 films used in dye-sensitized solar cells: a chemical capacitance and electronic conductivity that increase exponentially with bias potential indicating a displacement of the Fermi level. Nanotube array samples in acidic medium, or samples in a basic medium submitted to a strong negative bias, exhibit a large increase in capacitance and conductivity indicating Fermi level pinning. The contrasting behaviors are ascribed to proton intercalation of the TiO2. Our resu...
Microprocessors present and future

Microprocessors are very quickly reaching the stage of maturity as a design component in the field of digital systems even though they are relatively new. They are the one component with the most far reaching implications for future developments in the digital systems area since the transistor.
Weight regulation practices of young adults. Predictors of restrictive eating

Abstract Young adults frequently use restrictive eating (i.e., going for long periods [⩾8 h] without eating to influence their shape or weight) to control their weight. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of restrictive eating in young adults, compare eating behaviors of restrictive and non-restrictive eaters, and predict restrictive eaters. A diverse (56% white, 63% female) sample of young adults ( n = 2449) completed an online survey that included eating behavior scales (Restraint, Eating, Shape, and Weight Concerns, and Inappropriate Compensatory Behaviors from the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, Emotional and Disinhibited Eating from the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and Night Eating from the Night Eating Questionnaire) and demographics. A quarter of women and 20% of men were classified as restrictive eaters. Independent t -tests revealed restrictive eaters had significantly ( p
Dynamic and differential changes in myocardial and plasma endothelin in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective The bioactive peptide endothelin modulates left ventricular function by changing afterload, coronary vascular tone, and myocardial contractility. However, whether increased plasma endothelin levels observed in patients during and after coronary revascularization and cardiopulmonary bypass reflect actual myocardial interstitial levels are unknown. Methods A microdialysis probe (outer diameter: 0.77 mm; length: 4 mm) was placed in the left ventricular apical midmyocardium in 20 patients and myocardial interstitial fluid was collected (2.5 μL/min) at baseline and up to 30 minutes after cardiopulmonary bypass. Myocardial interstitial and systemic arterial endothelin were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results Baseline myocardial interstitial endothelin was over 6-fold higher than plasma (20.11 ± 2.07 vs 3.19 ± 0.25 fmol/mL, P P P Conclusion The unique findings of this study were 2-fold: First, significant compartmentalization of endothelin exists within the human myocardium. Second, a significantly higher and temporally disparate change in myocardial interstitial endothelin occurs during and after cardiopulmonary bypass when compared with systemic levels. These dynamic changes in myocardial endothelin likely influence coronary vascular tone and contractility.
Chemiluminescence detection of porphyrins with the peroxyoxalate reaction by flow-injection analysis

Abstract The Chemiluminescence (CL) reaction of bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) and bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate with hydrogen peroxide was employed for the study of CL-emission characteristics from porphyrins. The effects of experimental factors such as pH, solvents, flow rate, and reagent concentrations on CL kinetics and intensity were investigated. Based on these studies, a new method involving the coupling of CL with flow injection analysis (FIA) was developed for the rapid screening of porphyrin(s) present in a real simple matrix, with good sensitivity, selectivity and precision. Under optimized conditions, the detection limit for urinary coproporphyrin was about 0.1 μg 1−1 ( S N = 3 ) and the average precision was about 1.5% (rsd). Perhaps, most importantly, significant enhancement in the selectivity was demonstrated for the CL detection of coproporphyrin against common urinary metabolites, such as riboflavin and bilirubin, when compared with fluoresence detection.
Les effets pervers du partage de la sécurité. Polices publiques et privées dans une gare et un centre commercial

Cet article s’interesse aux acteurs du controle de la delinquance dans une gare et un centre commercial d’une grande ville francaise. L’implication croissante d’acteurs prives dans la mise en œuvre de politiques de securite dans les espaces publics suscite une litterature sur les dangers de la « privatisation ». En fait, l’enquete de terrain montre que les acteurs non etatiques (agents de securite, associations caritatives) remplissent des fonctions laissees vacantes par les policiers, comme la relation avec le public ou le recours a des politiques sociales. Dans ce partage de la securite, la police se concentre sur des missions purement bureaucratiques, ce qui affecte sa legitimite. L’approche historique permet de comprendre comment les mauvaises relations entre la police et les autres acteurs se sont developpees.
Standardized Grade Equivalents Really! No, Well, Sort of, But They Are More Confusing Than Helpful

A method for developing “standardized” grade equivalents has recently been proposed by Burns (1982). The proposed method fails to remediate most of the well-known problems of grade equivalent scales and recreates some problems of the original mental age concept. Grade equivalents never really qualify as standard scores. The use of “standardized” grade equivalents may be more misleading than use of traditional empirically derivedgrade equivalent scales not only because of the term standardized as a false descriptorbut because these scores consistently underestimate above-average performance and overestimate below-average performance.
The Effect of Radiation on Microbiologic Characteristics of M Tuberculosis

The effect of irradiation on mutation (expressing itself as drag resistance) and on viability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was studied in vitro. Forty-two identical cultures of H37-Rv (M tuberculosis) were exposed to different levels of cobalt radiation (10, 100, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 rads) with six samples used for each of the seven radiation levels. Equivalent samples exposed to zero rads and samples handled and stored identically formed the controls. Coded cultures were read in a double-blind fashion to determine the number of surviving organisms and sensitivities to nine different antituberculosis drugs. Organism viability began to decrease at radiation levels of 1,000 rads and decreased linearly with higher levels of radiation. Three of the 42 radiated cultures developed drug-resistant organisms (one to INH, one to PAS, a third to SM). This drug resistance occurred at levels of clinical significance (> 1 percent control) as well as in amounts exceeding probability values for chance resistance mutation. High radiation levels such as occur in radiotherapeutic doses decrease the viability of M tuberculosis. Radiation may also induce genetic mutation expressed as primary drug resistance.
Data-Driven Flower Petal Modeling with Botany Priors

In this paper we focus on the 3D modeling of flower, in particular the petals. The complex structure, severe occlusions, and wide variations make the reconstruction of their 3D models a challenging task. Therefore, even though the flower is the most distinctive part of a plant, there has been little modeling study devoted to it. We overcome these challenges by combining data driven modeling techniques with domain knowledge from botany. Taking a 3D point cloud of an input flower scanned from a single view, our method starts with a level-set based segmentation of each individual petal, using both appearance and 3D information. Each segmented petal is then fitted with a scale-invariant morphable petal shape model, which is constructed from individually scanned exemplar petals. Novel constraints based on botany studies, such as the number and spatial layout of petals, are incorporated into the fitting process for realistically reconstructing occluded regions and maintaining correct 3D spatial relations. Finally, the reconstructed petal shape is texture mapped using the registered color images, with occluded regions filled in by content from visible ones. Experiments show that our approach can obtain realistic modeling of flowers even with severe occlusions and large shape/size variations.
FREEZING POINTS OF ANTI-COAGULANT SALT SOLUTIONS

By a method involving equilibration of ice and solution, and analysis of the solution, freezing point depressions of solutions of sodium citrate, oxalate, and fluoride have been determined over the range Delta = 0.45 to 0.65 degrees C. Determinations with sodium chloride solutions have confirmed the accuracy of the method. In each case the freezing point depression is given, within 0.002 degrees C., as a linear function of the concentration. By the use of these linear equations it is possible to prepare a solution of any of these four salts isotonic with a given biological fluid of known freezing point, provided the latter falls within the range studied.
Pathologic paediatric conditions associated with a compromised airway.

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 102–111 Purpose. The purpose was to describe pathologic paediatric conditions associated with airway compromise adversely affecting dental treatment with sedation and general anaesthesia. Methods. A review of available literature was completed, identifying pathologic paediatric conditions predisposing to airway compromise. Results. Airway-related deaths are uncommon, but respiratory complication represents the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality during the administration of general anaesthesia. Differences in anatomy and physiology of the paediatric and adult airway contribute to the child’s predisposition to rapid development of airway compromise and respiratory failure; juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spine injury, morbid obesity, and prematurity represent only a few conditions contributing to potential airway compromise of which the paediatric clinician needs to be aware. In all cases, thorough physical examination prior to treatment is mandated to affect a positive treatment outcome. Conclusions. Successful management of children and adolescents with a compromised airway begins with identification of the problem through a detailed medical history and physical examination. Due to the likely fragile nature of many of these patients, and possibility of concomitant medical conditions affecting airway management, dental treatment needs necessitating pharmacological management are best treated in a controlled setting such as the operating room, where a patent airway can be maintained.
Oxidative mechanisms in the toxicity of metal ions

The role of reactive oxygen species, with the subsequent oxidative deterioration of biological macromolecules in the toxicities associated with transition metal ions, is reviewed. Recent studies have shown that metals, including iron, copper, chromium, and vanadium undergo redox cycling, while cadmium, mercury, and nickel, as well as lead, deplete glutathione and protein-bound sulfhydryl groups, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species as superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. As a consequence, enhanced lipid peroxidation. DNA damage, and altered calcium and sulfhydryl homeostasis occur. Fenton-like reactions may be commonly associated with most membranous fractions including mitochondria, microsomes, and peroxisomes. Phagocytic cells may be another important source of reactive oxygen species in response to metal ions. Furthermore, various studies have suggested that the ability to generate reactive oxygen species by redox cycling quinones and related compounds may require metal ions. Recent studies have suggested that metal ions may enhance the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and activate protein kinase C, as well as induce the production of stress proteins. Thus, some mechanisms associated with the toxicities of metal ions are very similar to the effects produced by many organic xenobiotics. Specific differences in the toxicities of metal ions may be related to differences in solubilities, absorbability, transport, chemical reactivity, and the complexes that are formed within the body. This review summarizes current studies that have been conducted with transition metal ions as well as lead, regarding the production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative tissue damage.
Can we trust biomarkers? visualization and quantification of outlier probes in high density oligonucleotide microarrays

One of the top priorities in translating genomics to disease diagnosis and treatment is the reliability and reproducibility of oligonucleotide microarrays. Previous work such as dChip (Li and Wong, 2001) and caCORRECT (Stokes et al., 2007) have tried to detect outlier probes and remove artifacts. This paper presents a more advanced method that quantifies and visualizes the direct impact of outlier probes on genes of interest (i.e. biomarkers). Thousands of papers on microarray have been published, and many of these papers have claimed to discover new biomarkers. However, many biomarkers cannot be reproduced. Using our research result, the wide community of microarray users can rescreen hundreds of oligo microarray data, and overlay previous published biomarkers so to get rid of noisy ones. The methods are being incorporated into the next version of caCORRECT, which is available at http://www.caCORRECT.bme.gatech.edu.
Substance misuse among young people referred to a UK psychiatric servicemxSubstance misuse among young people referred to a UK psychiatric service.

Although substance misuse by adolescents is widespread, few previous studies have investigated illicit drug use in adolescent psychiatric populations. The literature on adolescent substance misuse has focused on risk factors, and protective factors have received little or no attention. The study examined substance misuse and its correlates among young people referred to a regional adolescent psychiatric service. Co‐morbidity of substance misuse and psychiatric disorder was discussed, and the possible role of substance misuse as a gateway to adolescent offending examined. Recommendations for the development of adolescent substance misuse services are made.
NOBLE GASES IN SEA WATER

Concentrations of noble gases in samples of sea water obtained at depths to 3437 meters from a Pacific Ocean station were measured by mass spectrometry. An excess of helium, in relation to concentrations of the other noble gases, is attributed to influx of atoms of this gas from the sediments where it is produced by the natural radioactive decay of members of the uranium and thorium series. On the basis of a steady-state model, the escape of helium from the earth is calculated at 6.4 x 10 13 atoms per square centimeter per year.
Shape annealing solution to the constrained geometric knapsack problem

Abstract The paper introduces a technique called shape annealing as a solution to an extension of the knapsack problem which is referred to as the constrained geometric knapsack problem that is used for the layout or packing of parts, components, and configurations. Shape annealing , a variation of the simulated annealing stochastic optimization technique, incorporates shape grammars to dictate permissible item orientations in packing problems. Stochastic mutation based on a potential function creates a packing that converges toward the optimum. Results are acceptable but generally not provably optimal, and the algorithm runs in polynomial time and space complexity. The constrained geometric knapsack problem includes geometric constraints and reduces in zero dimensions to the ordiniry knapsack problem. The problem has a wide variety of applications in design and manufacturing.
DC Photoelectron Gun Parameters for Ultrafast Electron Microscopy

We present a characterization of the performance of an ultrashort laser pulse driven DC photoelectron gun based on the thermionic emission gun design of Togawa et al. [Togawa, K., Shintake, T., Inagaki, T., Onoe, K. & Tanaka, T. (2007). Phys Rev Spec Top-AC10, 020703]. The gun design intrinsically provides adequate optical access and accommodates the generation of ∼1 mm2 electron beams while contributing negligible divergent effects at the anode aperture. Both single-photon (with up to 20,000 electrons/pulse) and two-photon photoemission are observed from Ta and Cu(100) photocathodes driven by the harmonics (∼4 ps pulses at 261 nm and ∼200 fs pulses at 532 nm, respectively) of a high-power femtosecond Yb:KGW laser. The results, including the dependence of the photoemission efficiency on the polarization state of the drive laser radiation, are consistent with expectations. The implications of these observations and other physical limitations for the development of a dynamic transmission electron microscope with sub-1 nm·ps space-time resolution are discussed.
Arginine 276 Controls the Directional Preference of AKR1C9 (Rat Liver 3α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase) in Human Embryonic Kidney 293 Cells

Rat liver AKR1C9 is the best-studied 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3αHSD) of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily. The physiologic function of AKR1C9 is to catalyze the reduction of 5α-androstane-17β-ol-3-one (dihydrotestosterone) to 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (androstanediol) rather than the reverse reaction, and all of the known AKR1C enzymes with 3αHSD activity also preferentially catalyze dihydrotestosterone reduction in intact cells. Because the utilization of pyridine-nucleotide cofactors NAD(P)(H) primarily governs the directional preference of HSD enzymes in intact cells, and because R276 participates in NADP(H) binding, we hypothesized that mutation of R276 would alter directional preference in intact cells. To test this model, we constructed stable lines of human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing wild-type AKR1C9 and mutations R276M, R276G, and R276E. Mutations R276M and R276G retained reductive preference with slightly reduced magnitude compared with wild-type AKR1C9. NADPH depletion by gl...
A new type of annular ring waveguide cavity for resonator and filter applications

A new type of annular ring waveguide cavity has been developed as a waveguide component for the design of resonators, filters, and multiplexers, H-plane and E-plane annular ring waveguide cavities have been investigated thoroughly as regular and forced mode resonators. A dual resonant mode filter using a single H-plane annular ring waveguide cavity has been built with a bandwidth-center-frequency ratio of 0.77%, a stopband attenuation of more than 40 dB, and a sharp gain slope transition. Another dual resonant mode filter which was formed by cascading two E-plane annular ring waveguide cavities has also been fabricated with a bandwidth-center-frequency ratio of 1.12%, a stopband attenuation of 60 dB, a mode purity of 2 GHz around the centre frequency of 26.82 GHz, and a sharp gain slope transition. Electronically tuned resonators are also discussed. >
Further defining lung SP cells: their origin and their heterogeneity, now if we only knew their fate!

tissue injury and repair are ongoing processes in the lung and result from acute and chronic exposure to environmental insults. There are a myriad of effectors of lung injury, including infectious agents, particulate and chemical pollutants, radiation, and host defense mechanisms gone awry. Many of
Integration of Contracted Renewable Energy and Spot Market Supply to Serve Flexible Loads

Abstract We present a contract for integrating renewable energy supply and electricity spot markets for serving deferrable electric loads in order to mitigate renewable energy intermittency. The contract which we describe results in a stochastic optimal control problem for minimizing the cost of serving flexible load. We solve the optimal control problem by using a recombinant lattice for modeling renewable power supply and electricity spot price uncertainty. We compare various control policies, and we analyze the sensitivity of our results with respect to various problem parameters.
Screening spring wheat for drought tolerance

An improved method to screen wheat seedlings for drought tolerance using polyethylene glycol-8000 (PEG) was developed. Plants were started in nutrient solution and transferred to PEG after stable growth was achieved. Plants were held in a plexiglass framework that allowed the repeated weighing of a single holder with plants from a single genotype. The same set of plants was used to plot a fresh weight growth curve through the entire experiment. This procedure has allowed us to screen larger numbers of genotypes than otherwise would be possible.
Level of disaster preparedness in patients visiting the emergency department: results of the civilian assessment of readiness for disaster (CARD) survey.

BACKGROUND: Patients seeking care in public hospitals are often resource-limited populations who have in past disasters become the most vulnerable. The objective of this study was to determine the personal disaster preparedness of emergency department (ED) patients and to identify predictors of low levels of preparedness. It was hypothesized that vulnerable populations would be better prepared for disasters. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted over a one-year period of patients seeking care in a public university hospital ED (census 65,000). Exclusion criteria were mentally impaired, institutionalized, or non-English speaking subjects. Subjects completed an anonymous survey detailing the 15 personal preparedness items from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster preparedness checklist as well as demographic characteristics. Summary statistics were used to describe general preparedness. Chi-square tests were used to compare preparedness by demographics. RESULTS: During the study period, 857/1000 subjects completed the survey. Participants were predominantly male (57%), Caucasian (65%), middle-aged (mean 45 years), and high school graduates (83%). Seventeen percent (n = 146) reported having special needs and 8% were single parents. Most participants were not prepared: 451 (53%) had >75% of checklist items, 393 (46%) had food and water for 3 days, and 318 (37%) had food, water, and >75% of items. Level of preparedness was associated with age and parenting. Those aged 44 and older were more likely to be prepared for a disaster compared to younger respondents. (43.3% vs 31.1%, P = .0002). Similarly, single parents were more likely to be prepared than dual parenting households (47.1 vs 32.9%, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: This study and others have found that only the minority of any group is actually prepared for disaster. Future research should focus on ways to implement disaster preparedness education, specifically targeting vulnerable populations, then measuring the effects of educational programs to demonstrate that preparedness has increased as a result. True NA , Adedoyin JD , Shofer FS , Hasty EK , Brice JH . Level of disaster preparedness in patients visiting the emergency department: results of the Civilian Assessment of Readiness for Disaster (CARD) survey. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-5. Language: en
Condom Versus Indwelling Urinary Catheters: A Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVES: To compare condom and indwelling urinary catheters in terms of infection risk and patient satisfaction. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, unblinded, controlled trial. SETTING: An academically affiliated Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalized men aged 40 and older who required a urinary collection device. MEASUREMENTS: The incidence of adverse outcomes (bacteriuria, symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI), or death) and patient device-related satisfaction as determined according to a questionnaire. Dementia status was recorded to assess effect modification by the presence of dementia. RESULTS: Seventy-five subjects were randomized: 41 receiving an indwelling catheter and 34 a condom catheter. The incidence of an adverse outcome was 131/1,000 patient-days with an indwelling catheter and 70/1,000 patient-days with a condom catheter (P=.07). The median time to an adverse event was 7 days in the indwelling group and 11 days in the condom group. After adjusting for other risk factors, it was found that condom catheter use reduced adverse outcomes (P=.04). Patients without dementia who had an indwelling catheter were approximately five times as likely to develop bacteriuria or symptomatic UTI or to die (hazard ratio=4.84, 95% confidence interval=1.46–16.02) as those with a condom catheter (P=.01). Patients reported that condom catheters were more comfortable (P=.02) and less painful (P=.02) than indwelling catheters. CONCLUSION: The use of condom catheters is less likely to lead to bacteriuria, symptomatic UTI, or death than the use of indwelling catheters. This protection is especially apparent in men without dementia.
RELIGIOSITY, VOLUNTEERISM, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN: AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS

Social activists have argued that African American men must play a prominent role as volunteers in social programs that affect the African American community. Using a sample of African American men (N= 171), the present study examines the relative utility of social capital, communalism, and religiosity variables as predictors of volunteerism, membership in community-based as well as political and social justice organizations, and the number of hours that men dedicate to volunteer work each year. Church involvement was associated with a greater likelihood to volunteer and a greater likelihood to be a member of a community-based organization. Men who scored higher on communalism, and men who were more involved in church life dedicated more time to volunteer work each year. A complex pattern of relationship emerged between age, education, and the various participation outcomes. Implications of the findings are discussed. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.