cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Face recognition in multi-sensor images based on a novel modular feature selection technique

In this paper we propose a novel multi-sensor information fusion based methodology for human face recognition. Recent studies have indicated that the fusion of complementary information obtained from multiple sensors provide better recognition accuracy compared to that from individual sensors. Images captured by visible and long wave infrared sensors are used in this research. The face recognition technique presented in this paper is based on a regional feature selection strategy. Phase congruency feature maps are used instead of intensity images to make the recognition procedure invariant to illumination and contrast in an image. A novel modularization procedure which takes the importance of the relationship among the pixels within the images into consideration is also presented. Smaller sub-regions from a predefined neighborhood within the phase congruency images of the training samples are merged to obtain a large set of features. As variations in face images are confined to local regions, it is helpful to consider additional pixel dependencies across various sub-regions to improve the classification accuracy. Experiments are conducted on the Aleix Martinez and Robert Benavente (AR) face database which contain visible spectrum images, to prove the efficiency of the proposed recognition technique. The proposed modular feature selection strategy outperformed the modular Gabor features based technique in terms of recognition accuracy. The recognition technique is implemented on both thermal and visible images obtained from the Equinox face database. The thermal face recognition accuracy is also boosted by the feature selection policy. A novel decision level fusion technique which incorporates the proposed feature selection strategy is developed for improved face recognition. In terms of recognition accuracy this technique outperforms all the individual image modalities as well as the data level fused images obtained using the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) based fusion technique. We also discuss the effects of image registration, which is a critical aspect for image fusion techniques. Experiments are conducted on several image sets to study the effect of discrepancies in the image registration process. We observed that the performance of our proposed technique proves to be less affected by registration errors.
Pump-to-Stokes relative intensity noise transfer and analytical modeling of mid-infrared silicon Raman lasers

An analytical model for mid-infrared (mid-IR) silicon Raman lasers (SRLs) is developed. The relative intensity noise (RIN) transfer from the pump to the Stokes in the lasers is also investigated. The analytical model can be used as a versatile and efficient tool for analysis, design and optimization of mid-IR SRLs. It is shown that conversion efficiency of 70% is attainable and the low-frequency RIN transfer may be suppressed to below 1 dB by pumping low-loss waveguides at high intensities.
Histopathologic changes following carmustine treatment of uveal Greene melanoma in rabbits.

Uveal Greene melanoma was produced in the anterior chamber of 47 eyes in 29 rabbits. One group of rabbits was untreated and served as controls. One group was treated with carmustine (1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea; BCNU) intravenously and one group was treated with BCNU both intravenously and locally via an implanted silicone device. Tumor specimens were studied histopathologically with light and electron microscopy. Compared with controls, the treated tumors were smaller, more necrotic, and contained more spindle-shaped cells intermingled with inflammatory cells. Changes were particularly striking in the combined-treatment group. Treated tumors of both groups also showed less invasion into surrounding ocular tissues. Morphologic changes after treatment included the development of numerous degenerative tumor cells with calcium deposition, fragmentation of nuclei, degeneration of mitochondria, accumulation of fat droplets, and disorganization of cytoplasm. These changes may indicate that the drug, particularly following combined delivery, has a cytotoxic effect directly on the tumor cells.
Configuration management and accounting utilizing interactive forms mode technology

Abstract This paper describes an online computer system designed to support the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of a Configuration Management Control System. Configuration Management is a discipline for technical and administrative tracking of the: 1. (1) Identification and documentation of technical requirements of a project specifically associated with the end product. 2. (2) Control of changes, deviations, and waivers to those technical requirements. 3. (3) Recording and reporting of changes to the “baseline” requirements and the implementation status of the changes. The Configuration Management discipline dictates establishment of a technical requirements baseline for each group of hardware/software, or “end item”, to be produced by the project. Baselines, plus approved changes, constitute the current approved configuration identified at any popint in time in te project life cycle. A “Configuration Control Board” is established at each level of project management to identify and maintain a baseline. This Board is the authority for authorizing changes, deviations, or waviers to established baselines. The Configuration Management discipline has become a standard requirement on space and defense projects to identify, control, and account for the configuration of project end items. In addition, the Configuration Management disciplien is becoming widely accepted as essential to computer software development projects. In large-scale, complex projects, an automated system is essential for integrating and tracking change processing activities. An automated system can also track accounting and reporting of approved baselines and all approved changes to those baselines. The online system for Configuration Management and Accounting that is described provides a highly efficient system utilizating the most advanced forms mode capabilities of an intelligent terminal with 16 K forms mode memory built in. A comparative analysis is made relating advantages of the forms mode online system and the resulting savings in computer time, manpower, and system operation costs. This Online System offers the following advantages over batch processing. 1. (1) Rapid retrieval and display of systems forms. 2. (2) Form scroll capability. 3. (3) Large screen sizez provided by the forms mode terminal. 4. (4) Use of ASCII indexed sequential files.
Antiangiogenic therapy in brain tumors.

Angiogenesis, the recruitment of new blood vessels, is an essential component of tumor progression. Malignant brain tumors are highly vascularized and their growth is angiogenesis-dependent. As such, inhibition of the sprouting of new capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels is one of the most promising antiglioma therapeutic approaches. Numerous classes of molecules have been implicated in regulating angiogenesis and, thus, novel agents that target and counteract angiogenesis are now being developed. The therapeutic trials of a number of angiogenesis inhibitors as antiglioma drugs are currently under intense investigation. Preliminary studies of angiogenic blockade in glioblastoma have been promising and several clinical trials are now underway to develop optimum treatment strategies for antiangiogenic agents. This review will cover state-of-the-art antiangiogenic targets for brain tumor treatment and discuss future challenges. An increased understanding of the angiogenic process, the diversity of its...
An algorithmic approach to the brain biopsy--part II.

Abstract Context.—The formulation of appropriate differential diagnoses for a slide is essential to the practice of surgical pathology but can be particularly challenging for residents and fellows. Algorithmic flow charts can help the less experienced pathologist to systematically consider all possible choices and eliminate incorrect diagnoses. They can assist pathologists-in-training in developing orderly, sequential, and logical thinking skills when confronting difficult cases. Objective.—To present an algorithmic flow chart as an approach to formulating differential diagnoses for lesions seen in surgical neuropathology. Design.—An algorithmic flow chart to be used in teaching residents. Results.—Algorithms are not intended to be final diagnostic answers on any given case. Algorithms do not substitute for training received from experienced mentors nor do they substitute for comprehensive reading by trainees of reference textbooks. Algorithmic flow diagrams can, however, direct the viewer to the correct ...
Circovirus-Like Infection in a Pigeon:

4,7,10-13 These viruses are similar in that they are small (15-17 nm), icosahedral, and nonenveloped and contain single-stranded circular DNA. Each virus, however, has distinct DNA sequences and antigenicity. Psittacine beak and feather disease virus has the largest host range and has been reported in over 35 species of Old World and New World psittaciforms but has never been reported in other avian families. 4 This is the first case report of circovirus-like infection in a pigeon (Columbiformes). A young female racing pigeon was submitted for necropsy to the Davis branch of the California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System in the fall 1990. The owner had 50 birds (adult and young), and mortality in the squabs was 100%. Three to 5 birds had died per week. Squabs exhibited anorexia and lethargy and died 3-4 days after clinical signs appeared. On gross examination, the pigeon was emaciated, with pectoral muscle atrophy. The mucosal wall of the intestinal tract was slightly red, and luminal contents were foamy and yellow-green. The spleen was enlarged. Air sacs were edematous, and there were caseous cores within the primary bronchi of both lungs. The right lung was consolidated and red. A defined bursa of Fabricius was not evident on gross examination of the site dorsal to the cloaca. The lung and liver were cultured aerobically on blood agar. A Pasteurella sp. was isolated from the lung. Bacteria were not isolated from the liver. Air sacs cultured on selective media for Mycoplasma sp. exhibited no growth. Chlamydia was not identified in Gimenez-stained impression smears of the liver, air sac, and spleen nor in liver, air sac, and spleen impression smears stained with fluorescence-labeled monoclonal antibody specific for Chlamydia a and examined with ultraviolet light. However, Chlamydia psittaci was isolated in a McCoy cell culture system from an organ pool of liver, air sac, and spleen. Viruses were not isolated from pooled tissue homogenates of liver, spleen, lung, brain, and intestine
On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem

1. Computing machines. 2. Definitions. Automatic machines. Computing machines. Circle and circle-free numbers. Computable sequences and numbers. 3. Examples of computing machines. 4. Abbreviated tables Further examples. 5. Enumeration of computable sequences. 6. The universal computing machine. 7. Detailed description of the universal machine. 8. Application of the diagonal process. Pagina 1 di 38 On computable numbers, with an application to the Entscheidungsproblem A. M. ...
Three-dimensional FDTD modeling of impulsive ELF propagation about the earth-sphere

This paper reports the application of an efficient finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm to model impulsive extremely low frequency (ELF) propagation within the entire Earth-ionosphere cavity. Periodic boundary conditions are used in conjunction with a three-dimensional latitude-longitude FDTD space lattice which wraps around the complete Earth-sphere. Adaptive combination of adjacent grid cells in the east-west direction minimizes cell eccentricity upon approaching the poles and hence maintains Courant stability for relatively large time steps. This technique permits a direct, three-dimensional time-domain calculation of impulsive, round-the-world ELF propagation accounting for arbitrary horizontal as well as vertical geometrical and electrical inhomogeneities/anisotropies of the excitation, ionosphere, lithosphere, and oceans. The numerical model is verified by comparing its results for ELF propagation attenuation with corresponding data reported in the literature.
New Species and Records of Chrysobothris Eschscholtz (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from Montserrat, Saba, and Anguilla, with a Key to the Chrysobothris thoracica Species-Group in the West Indies

ABSTRACT The West Indian Chrysobothris thoracica species-group is defined to include Chrysobothris thoracica (F., 1798), Chrysobothris hispaniolae Fisher, 1925, Chrysobothris guadeloupensis Descarpentries, 1981, Chrysobothris sabae Maier and Ivie, new species (Saba), and Chrysobothris marskeae Maier and Ivie, new species (Montserrat). New records of C. thoracica from Anguilla and several of the Virgin Islands are reported. These rarely collected species are defined, keyed, and illustrated.
A radical hypothesis for neurodegeneration

Point mutations in the cytosolic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) gene have been detected in association with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS). SOD clears superoxide radical and is one of the body's principal defense mechanisms against oxygen toxicity. The finding of SOD variants in FALS is consistent with the hypothesis that free radicals contribute to the pathogenesis of FALS, and possibly to the pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, in which there is substantial evidence of oxidant stress. The implication of free radicals in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders raises the possibility that antioxidants might provide neuroprotective therapy.
High dispersal in a frog species suggests that it is vulnerable to habitat fragmentation

Global losses of amphibian populations are a major conservation concern and have generated substantial debate over their causes. Habitat fragmentation is considered one important cause of amphibian...
The metabolism of acetonitrile to cyanide by isolated rat hepatocytes

The metabolism of saturated nitriles, including acetonitrile, has been assumed to occur by a cytochrome P-450-dependent oxidation at the alpha-carbon, yielding a cyanohydrin intermediate which may spontaneously degrade to hydrogen cyanide and an aldehyde. However, results of studies in our laboratory suggest that formaldehyde is not a metabolite of acetonitrile. Since acetonitrile is structurally similar to iodomethane, a substrate for glutathione (GSH) S-transferases, we hypothesized that the metabolism of acetonitrile to cyanide might also occur by a nucleophilic substitution reaction involving GSH. The present studies were conducted to investigate these hypotheses and to further our study of the effects of acetone on acetonitrile metabolism. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with buthionine sulfoximine BSO (4 mmol/kg ip, at -4 and -2 hr), cobalt heme (90 mumol/kg sc, at -48 hr), acetone (1960 mg/kg po, at -24 hr), or vehicle, and hepatocytes were isolated after collagenase perfusion of the liver. BSO reduced the cellular GSH content by greater than 80%, but did not appear to affect the metabolism of acetonitrile: the liberation of cyanide correlated with cytochrome P-450, and not GSH, concentrations. Cobalt heme depleted hepatocellular cytochrome P-450 (-45%) content, decreased cell yield and viability, and resulted in a marked reduction in the metabolism of acetonitrile to cyanide. Cobalt heme did not affect the recovery of sodium cyanide from hepatocyte suspensions. Pretreatment of rats with acetone resulted in a twofold increase in the metabolism of acetonitrile to cyanide. Addition of acetone in vitro inhibited acetonitrile metabolism, with an IC50 of 319 microM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Magnesium Sulfate Effects on Three Strains of Egg Type Hens

Abstract Three commercial, egg-type strains of W.L. hens were given 0, 12,000, and 16,000 p.p.m. of MgSO4 in their drinking water for 20 wk. All levels of MgSO4 × strain combinations had similar percentage drops in egg production; varying from 6.9 to 10.3%. Hens given 12,000 p.p.m. MgSO4 laid significantly heavier eggs than those receiving 0 or 16,000 p.p.m. Water consumption increased as level of MgSO4 increased; 217, 321, and 379 ml. per hen-day for 0, 12,000, and 16,000 p.p.m. of MgSO4, respectively.
Effect of z-Pins on Fracture in Composite Cocured Double Cantilever Beams

The paper illustrates a new approach to the evaluation of the effect of z-pins on deformations and the strain energy release rate in composite double cantilever beams (DCB) subject to a standard fracture toughness test. The effect of z-pins is modeled by an elastic foundation, based on previously published work. The approach to the solution is based on a separate analysis of the intact and delaminated parts of DCB. The rotational stiffness of the intact part is obtained from the Rayleigh-Ritz solution for this part subjected to a force couple, rather than modeling the rotational restraint by introducing an elastic foundation, as has been done in the previous studies. Subsequently, the deformation of the delaminated part of DCB is analyzed exactly by solving the equation of equilibrium with the appropriate boundary conditions. Based on this solution, the compliance, the rate of change of compliance, and the strain energy of the specimen can be evaluated. The results illustrate the beneficial effect of z-pi...
Certainty equivalence for imperfect information finite state-space stochastic games

Stochastic games under imperfect information are typically computationally intractable even in the discrete-time/discrete-state case considered here. We consider a problem where one player has perfect information. A function of a conditional probability distribution is proposed as an information state. In the problem form here, the payoff is only a function of the terminal state of the system, and the initial information state is either linear or a sum of max-plus delta functions. When the initial information state belongs to these classes, its propagation is finite-dimensional. The state feedback value function is also finite-dimensional, and obtained via dynamic programming, but has a nonstandard form due to the necessity of an expanded state variable. Under a saddle point assumption, certainty equivalence is obtained and the proposed function is indeed an information state.
Analyzing lock contention in multithreaded applications

Many programs exploit shared-memory parallelism using multithreading. Threaded codes typically use locks to coordinate access to shared data. In many cases, contention for locks reduces parallel efficiency and hurts scalability. Being able to quantify and attribute lock contention is important for understanding where a multithreaded program needs improvement.This paper proposes and evaluates three strategies for gaining insight into performance losses due to lock contention. First, we consider using a straightforward strategy based on call stack profiling to attribute idle time and show that it fails to yield insight into lock contention. Second, we consider an approach that builds on a strategy previously used for analyzing idleness in work-stealing computations; we show that this strategy does not yield insight into lock contention. Finally, we propose a new technique for measurement and analysis of lock contention that uses data associated with locks to blame lock holders for the idleness of spinning threads. Our approach incurs ≤ 5% overhead on a quantum chemistry application that makes extensive use of locking (65M distinct locks, a maximum of 340K live locks, and an average of 30K lock acquisitions per second per thread) and attributes lock contention to its full static and dynamic calling contexts. Our strategy, implemented in HPCToolkit, is fully distributed and should scale well to systems with large core counts.
Comparative Life-Cycle Assessments for Biomass-to-Ethanol Production from Different Regional Feedstocks

This study compares life-cycle (cradle-to-gate) energy consumption and environmental impacts for producing ethanol via fermentation-based processes starting with two lignocellulosic feedstocks: virgin timber resources or recycled newsprint from an urban area. The life-cycle assessment in this study employed a novel combination of computer-aided tools. These tools include fermentation process simulation coupled with an impact assessment software tool for the manufacturing process life-cycle stage impacts. The process simulation file was provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and was modified slightly to accommodate these different feedstocks. For the premanufacturing process life-cycle stage impacts, such as the fuels and process chemicals used, transportation, and some preparatory steps (wood chipping, etc.), a life-cycle inventory database (the Boustead Model) coupled with an impact assessment software tool were used (the Environmental Fate and Risk Assessment Tool). The Newsprint process has a slightly lower overall composite environmental index (created from eight impact categories) compared to the Timber process. However, the Timber process consumes less electricity, produces fewer emissions in total, and has less of a human health impact. The amount of life-cycle fossil energy required to produce ethanol is 14% of the energy content of the product, making the overall efficiency 86%. Process improvement strategies were evaluated for both feedstock processes, including recycle of reactor vent air and heat integration. Heat integration has the greatest potential to reduce fossil-derived energy consumption, to an extent that fossil-derived energy over the life cycle is actually saved per unit of ethanol produced. These energy efficiency values are superior to those observed in conventional fossil-based transportation fuels.
HAL: a faster match algorithm

Existing match algorithms treat the matching process like the querying process of relational databases. Owing to the combinatorial nature of the matching process, the match time greatly varies in different recognize-act cycles. Current match algorithms utilize local matching support networks with redundant working memory elements shared among rules involving the same classes. Since the match time is a dominant factor in the total execution time of a production system, such large match time makes production systems with existing match algorithms unsuitable for many applications. To reduce match time, we introduce the Heuristically-Annotated-Linkage (HAL) match algorithm. HAL differs from traditional match algorithms in that HAL employs a fixed-traversal-distance pseudobipartite network approach of treating rules and classes as objects, or nodes, in only one global pseudobipartite-graph-like connection and communication scheme. In addition, HAL is more efficient than other existing match algorithms because it is capable of immediate characterization of any new datum upon arrival. This paper reviews existing match algorithms, presents HAL, and analyzes the performance of HAL in comparison with existing algorithms.
ART: a next-generation sequencing read simulator

Summary: ART is a set of simulation tools that generate synthetic next-generation sequencing reads. This functionality is essential for testing and benchmarking tools for next-generation sequencing data analysis including read alignment, de novo assembly and genetic variation discovery. ART generates simulated sequencing reads by emulating the sequencing process with built-in, technology-specific read error models and base quality value profiles parameterized empirically in large sequencing datasets. We currently support all three major commercial next-generation sequencing platforms: Roche’s 454, Illumina’s Solexa and Applied Biosystems’ SOLiD. ART also allows the flexibility to use customized read error model parameters and quality profiles. Availability: Both source and binary software packages are available at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/software/art
Focused Assessment of Patients With Asthma in the Emergency Department

Asthma remains a common cause for presentation to the emergency department. Multiple clinical asthma scores (CAS) have been developed to assess the severity of an asthma exacerbation. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine if adoption of a CAS and asthma guidelines identifies patients with more severe asthma and to identify factors that predict the need for hospital admission. The results identified the admission rates in the pre- and post-CAS groups to be similar. Within the post-CAS group, patients requiring admission received more aggressive therapy and were frequently hypoxic on initial presentation. In conclusion, CAS aids in identifying severe asthma exacerbations. Lack of response to aggressive therapy or hypoxia on initial presentation should prompt the emergency department physician to arrange for admission.
Piano and Pen: Music as Kenneth Burke's Secular Conversion

Drawing on Kenneth Burke's music reviews in The Nation, this article argues that the shifting music scene of the 1930s heavily influenced Burke's development of the key term “secular conversion” in Permanence and Change. While reviewing works by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, Burke also witnessed audience reactions to (and often acceptance of) jarring atonal works by Schonberg, Debussy, and others, leading to music reviews that focused on musical as well as rhetorical matters. Burke's interest in music provides a “perspective by incongruity” that illuminates the often-overlooked key term “graded series” as a type of secular conversion that informs Burke's dialectic in A Grammar of Motives. A greater understanding of “perspective by incongruity,” “piety,” and “graded series” through music provides a window into the possibilities of linguistic transformation that bridges Burke's continuously merging, dividing, and transcending dialectic in A Grammar of Motives.
Taxonomy and imaging spectrum of small bowel obstruction after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

OBJECTIVE. For most patients with morbid obesity, bariatric surgery is the only effective method to achieve sustainable weight loss. Small bowel obstruction (SBO) after bariatric surgery is a major complication that affects postoperative course and management. Knowledge of the types of and imaging findings for SBO is essential to prompt diagnosis.CONCLUSION. We discuss different types of SBO and a taxonomic schemata of bowel obstruction (ABC classification) and present a review of imaging findings that facilitates optimal patient management.
Comparative effectiveness review of antiplatelet agents in peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) was identified by the Institute of Medicine as one of the top 100 priorities for comparative effectiveness research because of the large population of patients affected with significant morbidity and mortality, the multiple potential treatment options, and the high
An Intronic Splicing Silencer Causes Skipping of the IIIb Exon of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 through Involvement of Polypyrimidine Tract Binding Protein

Alternative splicing of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGF-R2) transcripts involves the mutually exclusive usage of exons IIIb and IIIc to produce two different receptor isoforms. Appropriate splicing of exon IIIb in rat prostate cancer DT3 cells requires a previously described cis element (ISAR, for “intronic splicing activator and repressor”) which represses the splicing of exon IIIc and activates the splicing of exon IIIb. This element is nonfunctional in rat prostate AT3 cells, which repress exon IIIb inclusion and splice to exon IIIc. We have now identified an intronic element upstream of exon IIIb that causes repression of exon IIIb splicing. Deletion of this element abrogates the requirement for ISAR in order for exon IIIb to be spliced in DT3 cells and causes inappropriate inclusion of exon IIIb in AT3 cells. This element consists of two intronic splicing silencer (ISS) sequences, ISS1 and ISS2. The ISS1 sequence is pyrimidine rich, and in vitro cross-linking studies demonstrate binding of polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB) to this element. Competition studies demonstrate that mutations within ISS1 that abolish PTB binding in vitro alleviate splicing repression in vivo. Cotransfection of a PTB-1 expression vector with a minigene containing exon IIIb and the intronic splicing silencer element demonstrate PTB-mediated repression of exon IIIb splicing. Furthermore, all described PTB isoforms were equally capable of mediating this effect. Our results support a model of splicing regulation in which exon IIIc splicing does not represent a default splicing pathway but rather one in which active repression of exon IIIb splicing occurs in both cells and in which DT3 cells are able to overcome this repression in order to splice exon IIIb.
Neonatal networks: clinical research and quality improvement

Summary Worldwide, neonatal networks have been formed to address both the research and quality improvement agenda of neonatal–perinatal medicine. Neonatal research networks have led the way in conducting many of the most important clinical trials of the last 25 years, including studies of cooling for hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, delivery room management with less invasive support, and oxygen saturation targeting. As we move into the future, increasing numbers of these networks are tackling quality improvement initiatives as a priority of their collaboration. Neonatal quality improvement networks have been in the forefront of the quality movement in medicine and, in the 21st century, have contributed to many of the reported improvements in care. In the coming years, building and maintaining this community of care is critical to the success of neonatal–perinatal medicine.
Reproducible Analysis of Post-Translational Modifications in Proteomes--Application to Human Mutations.

Background Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) are an important aspect of protein regulation. The number of PTMs discovered within the human proteome, and other proteomes, has been rapidly expanding in recent years. As a consequence of the rate in which new PTMs are identified, analysis done in one year may result in different conclusions when repeated in subsequent years. Among the various functional questions pertaining to PTMs, one important relationship to address is the interplay between modifications and mutations. Specifically, because the linear sequence surrounding a modification site often determines molecular recognition, it is hypothesized that mutations near sites of PTMs may be more likely to result in a detrimental effect on protein function, resulting in the development of disease.
Sequential selection of economic good and action in medial frontal cortex of macaques during value-based decisions

Value-based decisions could rely either on the selection of desired economic goods or on the selection of the actions that will obtain the goods. We investigated this question by recording from the supplementary eye field (SEF) of monkeys during a gambling task that allowed us to distinguish chosen good from chosen action signals. Analysis of the individual neuron activity, as well as of the population state-space dynamic, showed that SEF encodes first the chosen gamble option (the desired economic good) and only ~100 ms later the saccade that will obtain it (the chosen action). The action selection is likely driven by inhibitory interactions between different SEF neurons. Our results suggest that during value-based decisions, the selection of economic goods precedes and guides the selection of actions. The two selection steps serve different functions and can therefore not compensate for each other, even when information guiding both processes is given simultaneously.
Enriching communication methods for composable mobile systems

We are now surrounded by a variety of devices, simple and complex, and embedded in an infrastructure of computing, sensing and communication that spans across the globe. This ever-large computing, communication and sensing ecosystem provides a unique opportunity to dynamically and opportunistically compose logical mobile systems from the best set of wireless components available locally and globally. Such composable mobile systems allow users to easily and seamlessly extend the capability of their device, overcoming the basic design limitations of traditional monolithic mobile devices in terms of screen size, weight, processing power, sensing power, and battery life. However, existing communication methods and the current Internet architecture, designed in the era of large and trustworthy stationary computers, fail to meet the demands of the emerging composable computing era. In this work, we focus on developing new communication methods between devices in the vicinity and designing a new network architecture to facilitate seamless communication at global scale for composable computing. To enable secure and convenient communication between physically co-located devices, we designed and evaluated a technique that allows a device to transmit information through the screen of touchscreen-enabled devices, called capacitive touch communication (CTC). The key idea is to exploit the pervasive capacitive touchscreen as a receiver for a bitstring to be transmitted. At the network layer, we revisited two conerstones of the Internet architecture to provide better support for composable computing: naming and routing. We proposed an in-network scalable name resolution service, called DMap that lays the foundation for a fast and global- scale name resolution service necessary to provide seamless connectivity between billions of network-connected objects. To provide reliable and efficient inter-network connectivity, especially in the presence of high mobility, we propose a clean-slate edge-aware inter-domain routing protocol, called EIR. The protocol provides enhanced information about network topology and edge network properties in order to enable networks across the Internet to make better routing decisions than currently possible with BGP. This is accomplished with a telescopic network state dissemination protocol which makes the entire network graph visible while keeping the routing overhead within limits. Preliminary designs and implementations of CTC, DMap and EIR demonstrated their features and benefits towards composable computing. Our evaluation showed that CTC is potentially a secure and convenient communication method for touchscreen-enabled devices, albeit at low bit rates. DMap evenly balances storage load across the global network while achieving lookup latency of ~100 ms, considered adequate for support of dynamic mobility across the global Internet. The EIR interdomain routing protocol provides good performance in highly dynamic environments with frequent migration of clients across network domains.
The Generalized Activating Function

Electrical field stimulation of the heart occurs during pacing and defibrillation. In cardiac tissue, the generalized activating function is the mathematical forcing function that drives changes in cellular transmembrane potential in response to field stimulation. It is the underlying principle giving rise to virtual electrodes near a physical electrode or throughout the tissue. The pattern and strength of the virtual electrodes is the result of a complex interaction between the spatial patterns of local electric field and local tissue properties of conductivity. This review defines the generalized activating function and illustrates its utility in a number of examples.
Dual-isotope protocol for indium-111 capromab pendetide monoclonal antibody imaging.

Objective: A dual-isotope imaging protocol using 99mTc-labeled red blood cells with 111In capromab pendetide monoclonal antibody imaging for detecting and localizing nodal metastasis in prostate cancer is described. Methods: This protocol involves a single SPECT acquisition that is less time consuming and more comfortable for the patient than the currently recommended method, which requires two separate SPECT acquisitions performed on different days. Results: Forty patients were studied with the dual-isotope protocol. Preliminary data suggest increased accuracy compared with the single-isotope technique. Conclusion: The dual-isotope technique assures the precise image registration needed for accurate comparison of blood pool and pelvic lymph node activity that is required for confident and accurate image interpretation.
Washing Durability of Cotton and Wool Fabrics Treated by Plasma Polymerization of Perfluorocarbons.

目的 繊維製品の表面改質は, 従来から, 樹脂加工が一般的である.しかし, 樹脂加工は風合いや耐久性の面で問題があった.一方, プラズマ重合による表面加工は非常に薄い膜を容易に形成できるため, 樹脂加工に比較して風合いや耐久性の向上が期待される.しかし, 繊維製品に対するCF4プラズマ重合物は, 洗濯耐久性が良好でないといわれている.ここでは綿および羊毛織物にフソ素化合物のプラズマ重合を行い, その表面の性質を繰り返し洗濯を行いなから評価し, フッ素化合物のプラズマ重合物の洗濯耐久性にっいて検討した.成果 C2F4, C3F6, C3F8, C6F6を用いて綿および羊毛織物のプラズマ重合を行った.その結果, 重合後の表面形態は, モノマーの種類によって異なることがわかった.織物の風合いはフッ素化合物のプラズマ重合によって, 繊維表面の摩擦係数が増大し “ざらっく” 風合いとなることが明らかになった.また, はっ水性は繰り返し洗濯によって低下した.羊毛織物では, 30回の洗濯によってほとんど縮まず, 防水性および防縮性に関しては, 洗濯耐久性か良好であることかわかった.
The Effect of Decreased Audibility on MMSE Performance: A Measure Commonly Used for Diagnosing Dementia.

Background: Hearing loss and dementia are both prevalent in late adulthood. The most common test used to determine cognitive status in late adulthood, the Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE), is presented face to face, usually in the context of the physician’s office in the presence of background noise. Despite the problems of hearing loss and cognitive problems in late life, there is an absence of evidence linking hearing-related deficits to performance on the MMSE and dementia diagnoses. Purpose: This study examined the effect of decreased audibility on performance on the MMSE. Research Design: A between-subjects design was implemented. Participants were randomly assigned to one of five degrees of simulated hearing loss conditions and were blinded to condition assignment. Study Sample: One hundred and twenty-five young normal-hearing participants were randomized into five conditions of varying degrees of simulated hearing loss. Data Collection and Analysis: Performance on the MMSE was scored and cognitive status was categorized based on the scores. Analysis of variance with conditions as a between-subjects factor was conducted with post hoc multiple comparisons to determine the effect of audibility on performance. Results: Reduced audibility significantly affected performance on the MMSE in a sample of young adults, resulting in greater apparent cognitive deficits as audibility decreased. Conclusions: Apparent cognitive deficits based on MMSE scores obtained in test conditions in which audibility is reduced could result in incorrectly identified cognitive loss if clinicians are not alert to hearing loss when patients are evaluated. Furthermore, health care providers should be cautious when using family report of cognitive impairment to diagnose dementia without accounting for hearing loss because the impression of family members may be based on misinterpretation of the effects of hearing loss.
MMR Vaccine and Transverse Myelitis

Postvaccination transverse myelitis developed within 5 days following measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in a 20 year old man diagnosed and treated at the Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, England.
MUSES, MUSEUMS, AND MEMORIES

It is commonly reported that museums are growing?more people are visiting museums, great numbers of museums are being created, and an even larger number are expanding. Today, museums are identified as the most popular cultural institutions visited by Americans.1 The American Association of Museums (AAM) estimates that in the decade of the 1990s, attendance grew by over two hundred million visitors. What are visitors to these institutions seeking? Is it an experience with artifacts and objects?the real thing?at a time when virtual reality is a growing phenomenon? Is it the need for places that provide opportunities for educational and aesthetic experiences, for discourse, for social gatherings? Museums are more than the repositories of the past, with memories and objects both rare and beautiful. Museums are cultural, educational, and civic centers in our communities? centers for exhibition, conservation, research, and interpreta tion; they are theaters and movie houses, job-training pro grams, schools and day-care centers, libraries and concert halls. The notion of museums as quiet, contemplative places of learn ing where collections are studiously researched and cared for by scholars has changed dramatically in recent decades. The number of museums that offer this kind of experience is dimin ishing; museums increasingly serve as gathering places, as fo rums for their communities. The exhibitions presented and the range of materials incorporated into collections reflect the multiple voices, needs, and interests of individual communities.
Venothromboembolism (VTE) in Patients (pts) with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Burkitt’s Leukemia/Lymphoma (BL) or Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (LL).

It has been reported that cancer increases the risk of VTE 4-6-fold. The incidence of VTE in cancer pts has been estimated at 1 in 200 per year and has been well documented in solid tumors. Far less is known about the incidence of VTE in pts with hematological malignancies although a recent publication (Blom et al, JAMA293:715, 2005) suggested that pts with hematological malignancies such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma may be at a higher risk of developing VTE than pts with solid tumors. The incidence and risk of VTE has not been well studied in acute leukemias, a population in which prophylaxis is underutilized given the thrombocytopenia associated with intensive chemotherapy. To evaluate the incidence of VTE in pts with hematological malignancies further and to assess the need for VTE prophylaxis, we conducted a retrospective chart review of 299 pts with ALL, BL, or LL who were seen at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Center from November 1999 to May 2005. Pts received a hyper-CVAD based regimen (fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone alternating with methotrexate and high-dose cytarabine). The median observation period was 188 weeks (range 1–328 wks) and included post-consolidation chemotherapy, allogeneic stem cell transplant, and/or salvage chemotherapy. Among 298 evaluable pts, 52 (17%) had confirmed VTE by imaging studies. In 7 pts, VTE was the presenting sign of the malignancy. The median age of pts who developed VTE was significantly higher than of those who did not develop VTE, 48.5 yrs (range 19–75) vs. 42 yrs (range 15–83), respectively (p=0.04). With each year increase in age, the risk of having VTE increased approximately by 1.7% (p=0.059). ALL pts with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) had a higher incidence of VTE than all other pts (p=0.02), and were 1.8 times more likely to have VTE than non-Ph ALL pts (p=0.007). Caucasian pts or those with history of prior VTE had a significantly higher incidence of VTE (p=0.03 and p=0.002, respectively). The risk was 2 fold higher for Caucasians and 12 fold higher for those with a prior history of VTE. At the time of VTE, platelet counts were below 50 x 10 9 /L in 33%, 50–100 x 10 9 /L in 10%, and greater than 100 x 10 9 /L in 57%. VTE occurs in a significant proportion of pts with ALL, BL, and LL. Thrombocytopenia does not preclude the development of VTE. Older age, Ph positivity, race, and history of prior VTE were significantly associated with the development of VTE. Further analysis of other known risk factors such as the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, hormonal therapy, and other comorbidities is underway to better refine the subpopulation at risk.
Preinternship preparation of clinical and counseling students in psychological testing, psychotherapy, and supervision: Their readiness for medical school and nonmedical school internships

Internship directors have been critical of students' preinternship preparation in test-based assessment and psychotherapy but have not, until recently, expressed their quantitative expectations for this training. Using data from the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers application form, this study investigated the quantitative statements of 96 counseling and 238 clinical students regarding their preinternship testing, psychotherapy, and supervision training, comparing findings to medical school and nonmedical school directors' quantitative expectations. Results generally demonstrated adequate psychotherapy training but suggested deficiencies in testing training, particularly as related to medical school directors' expectations. Counseling students received more training in individual therapy with adults but not in other forms of therapy. Clinical students produced more integrated test-based reports. Both groups received similar amounts of supervision.
Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy with Primary Closure.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces the risk of stroke in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis, although the optimal surgical technique is debated. The literature suggests that patch angioplasty reduces complication risk, although primary closure shortens cross-clamp time and eliminates complications associated with grafts. The objective of this study was to assess the complication rate after CEA with primary closure. Retrospective review of 240 consecutive patients between 2002 and 2010. Of these patients, 70% returned for follow-up visits for at least 2 or more years. Primary closure was used in all patients. The average cross-clamp time was 18 minutes. Complications in the immediate postoperative period within 30 days were as follows: stroke (n = 3; 1.1%), transient ischemic attack (TIA; n = 4; 1.5%), myocardial infarction (MI; n = 3; 1.1%), and death (n = 1; 0.4%). Short-term follow-up revealed eight patients who were found to have significant restenosis (>80%) by carotid duplex imaging. Two to ten year postoperative complication rates were as follows: stroke (n = 7; 4.2%), TIA (n = 7; 4.2%), amaurosis fugax (n = 1; 0.6%), MI (n = 8; 4.8%), and death (n = 28; 17%). Mortality was due to stroke or heart attack (n = 2; 1.2%), cancer (n = 7; 4.2%), and unknown causes (n = 19; 11%). This study presents our experience with complications after primary closure after CEA. In our experience, CEA is a safe and effective surgical means of preventing stroke in the short term. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to confirm specific patient characteristics in which primary closure and patch angioplasty are indicated.
Impact of Cirrhosis in Patients Who Underwent Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement.

Cirrhosis is known to adversely affect cardiac surgery outcomes. Our objective was to quantify the morbidity, mortality, and cost that cirrhosis adds to surgical aortic valve replacement. From 1998 to 2011, 423,789 patients in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Healthcare Cost Utilization Project underwent isolated aortic valve replacement; 2,769 (0.7%) had cirrhosis. Multivariable linear regression and 1:1 propensity matching were used to determine the effect of cirrhosis on postsurgical outcomes. The number of patients with cirrhosis who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement per year more than tripled during the 13-year study period. Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to be younger (p