cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Deep Learning Models for Ear Recognition Against Image Distortions

Automated human authentication is becoming increasingly popular on a variety of daily activities, ranging from surveillance to commercial related applications. While there are many biometric modalities that can be used, ear recognition has earned its value if and when available to be captured. Ears demonstrate specific advantages over other competitors in an effort to identify cooperative and non-cooperative individuals in either controlled or challenging environments. The performance of ear recognition systems can be impacted by several factors, including standoff distance, ear pose angle, and ear image quality. While all three factors can degrade ear recognition performance, here we focus on the latter two using real data, and assess the standoff distance factor by synthetically generating blurry and noisy images to simulate longer distance ear images. Thus, in this work we are inspired by various studies in the literature that discuss the how and why challenging biometric images of different modalities impact the associated biometric system recognition. Specifically, we focus on how different ear image distortions and yaw pose angles affect the performance of various deep learning based ear recognition models. Our contributions are threefold. Firstly, we are using challenging ear dataset, with a wide range of yaw pose angles, to evaluate the ear recognition performance of various original ear matching approaches. Secondly, by examining multiple convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures and employing multiple techniques for the learning process, we determine the most efficient CNN - based ear recognition approach. Thirdly, we investigated the impact on performance of a set of ear recognition CNN models in the presence of multiple image degradation factors, including variations of blurriness, additive noise, brightness and contrast.
Enhanced Sulfur Dioxide Adsorption in UiO-66 Through Crystal Engineering and Chalcogen Bonding

Adsorption of corrosive SO2 gas occurs in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) including UiO-66. Improvements in SO2 capacity is obtained through the incorporation of residual modulators in the UiO-66 f...
The Counteracting Effects of Snowmelt Rate and Timing on Runoff

The declining mountain snowpack is expected to melt earlier and more slowly with climate warming. Previous work indicates that lower snowmelt rates are associated with decreased runoff. However, earlier snowmelt could increase runoff via lower vegetation water use in early spring. The relative importance of these factors with regard to runoff is linked to site‐specific conditions such as plant available water storage (PAWS) and energy availability. To disentangle the effects of snowmelt rate and timing on runoff production, we conducted a hydrologic modeling experiment at sites in Colorado (NR1) and California (P301) that controlled for snowmelt rate and timing multicollinearity. We tested the sensitivity of snowmelt season potential runoff (R), changes in subsurface storage (ΔS), and other water budget components to snowmelt rate (smr) and timing (smt) using multiple linear regression and global sensitivity analysis (GSA). Regression results confirmed that R was governed by the competing influence of smr and smt. At both sites, ΔS was more sensitive to smt than smr while R was more sensitive to smr at P301 and to smt at NR1, reflecting energy limitation at NR1. GSA analyses mirrored the regressions for R, confirming that smt was more important at NR1 than P301. This work suggests that runoff increases from earlier snowmelt may counteract runoff losses due to slower snowmelt and that this process is mediated by PAWS and energy availability. These results suggest that R will be more susceptible to future changes in smr and smt at sites with greater PAWS and available energy.
Cardiac arrest during cornea transplant surgery.

This paper describes a case of cardiac arrest during femtosecond laser enabled penetrating keratoplasty (FLEK) in a young, healthy patient with no known cardiac risk factors and discusses the risk of cardiac arrest during intraocular surgery. A healthy 22-year-old man who underwent repeat FLEK under general anaesthesia developed bradycardia and subsequent cardiac arrest while open sky during surgery. After resuscitation and completion of the transplant surgery, the patient recovered and the graft has survived with excellent uncorrected visual acuity over 1 year after surgery. Understanding the risks of cardiac arrest and death during intraocular surgery is imperative to discussing the systemic risks of surgery during the preoperative informed consent.
A multidisciplinary approach to improving transition readiness in pediatric liver transplant recipients

The Six Core Elements of Transition have been advocated to guide transition, but little is published about their use with liver transplant patients. We started a liver transplant transition program in August 2015 using quality improvement (QI) methods and by linking the Six Core Elements of Transition to process measures. Eligible patients completed baseline transition readiness assessments (Readiness for Transition Questionnaire, RTQ), interviews with a psychologist, received focused education, and completed follow-up RTQs before transfer to adult care. Our QI goal was to improve RTQ scores by 20% prior to transfer to adult care. We also assessed continuity of care, tacrolimus levels, rejection, and retransplantation as balancing measures. Of the 24 patients who completed the transition program and were transferred to adult care, RTQ scores were available for 11 patients. Overall RTQ scores improved from 23.7 to 30.5 (+28.7%, P = .009) prior to transfer. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of patients were seen by adult transplant hepatology within 6 months, and one patient was lost to follow-up after the first adult visit. Tacrolimus-level standard deviations were <2.0 in 45% of patients in pediatric care and 72% of patients in adult care. Three patients had undergone immunosuppression withdrawal in pediatric care, with one restarted on immunosuppression prior to transfer to adult care due to late acute rejection. The Six Core Elements of Transition can be translated into patient- and system-level transition milestones to serve as potential quality metrics in the implementation of transition programs.
Dexmedetomidine as add-on sedation to reduce continuous infusion sedative use in mechanically ventilated patients.

Purpose To characterize the impact of add-on dexmedetomidine therapy on baseline continuous infusion sedative use. Methods A retrospective, single-center, chart review-based study was conducted to assess outcomes of and potential predictors of response to add-on dexmedetomidine therapy in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients who were already receiving continuous infusions of sedatives. Patients were defined as complete, partial, or nonresponders to add-on dexmedetomidine therapy if initial sedative infusion rates were reduced by 100%, by 50% to 99%, and by less than 50%, respectively, at 6 and 24 hours after initiation of dexmedetomidine. Results Among the 100 patients included in the study sample, there were 54 complete responders, 21 partial responders, and 25 nonresponders to dexmedetomidine add-on therapy at 6 hours after dexmedetomidine initiation; at 24 hours, there were 65 complete and 12 partial responders and 23 nonresponders. Of the variables tested (ie, baseline characteristics, opioid and antipsychotic use, hemodynamic parameters), none differentiated between complete or partial responders and nonresponders. Ventilator time, ICU length of stay (LOS), and hospital LOS after add-on dexmedetomidine therapy initiation were shorter among both partial responders and complete responders vs nonresponders (median, 1.1 days vs 4.1 days [P = 0.01], 7.0 days vs 14.1 days [P = 0.20], and 11.0 vs 17.0 days [P = 0.58], respectively), with only ventilator time being significantly different. Conclusion Add-on dexmedetomidine therapy can obviate or reduce the need for alternate sedation in as many as 75% of mechanically ventilated ICU patients. However, the addition of dexmedetomidine does not allow the reduction of alternate sedation in a substantial minority of patients, and failure to respond to dexmedetomidine can be identified as early at 6 hours after add-on therapy initiation. In the absence of clear predictors of response to dexmedetomidine, these data suggest empiric trials of dexmedetomidine can be considered but should be time-limited.
Practice patterns of perioperative insulin pump management in pediatric diabetes.

Perioperative management of children with diabetes is complex.1-3 Insulin pumps are increasingly used by children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and anesthesiologists are likely to encounter them in practice. However, there is limited data on the experience of using insulin pumps in the perioperative management of pediatric patients.
Are people in bigger cities less ethical human beings? Evidence on urban living and moral values

Abstract How might rising urbanization be affecting ethical norms and beliefs? This paper uses new World Values Survey data from 40 countries to answer this question. We find that living in more populous places is associated with greater exposure to crime and neighborhood disorder, lower likelihood of membership in charitable organizations, and lower religiosity. Residents of more populous places are no more likely to approve of ethically questionable behavior surrounding violence or money but may be more permissive in terms of sexual behavior. Contrary to the stereotype, we find no link between city size and the perceived importance of family. When imparting values to children, those in more populous places emphasize personal responsibility, individualism, and determination more, and obedience and work less. Finally, residents of more populous places are more tolerant of groups such as gays, immigrants, and those of other nationalities and religions. In all, bigger city ethics are associated with greater independence and personal freedom, though this may be both a good thing (greater tolerance of differences) and a bad one (higher crime).
Operational and financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. dental school clinics.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. dental schools and their school-based clinic operations and finances during the first eight months (April to December 2020) of the outbreak. School-based clinics are critical to training and educating future dentists and delivering oral health care services to underserved communities. METHODS: The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) conducted a structured survey with the 67 accredited U.S. dental schools between November 2020 and January 2021 to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations, especially on their school-based clinics. The response rate was 67%. The authors employed descriptive statistics and text analysis to examine the survey results. RESULTS: This study revealed that from April to December 2020, dental schools experienced a 50% reduction in patient visits at dental school clinics, a 7% median decrease in budget, a 42% decline in revenue, changes in clinical and nonclinical faculty and staff, and investments related to infection control measures to remain operational. Ninety-two percent of dental school clinics suspended community-based patient care experiences outside the dental school in the first eight months of the pandemic compared to the same time period the year prior. CONCLUSIONS: This research shows the extent of the operational and financial challenges dental school clinics faced in the pandemic's first eight months, April to December 2020. In these unique times, dental school clinics continued to train and educate the dentists of tomorrow and deliver oral health care services to vulnerable communities while implementing safeguards and infection control measures to combat the propagation of the COVID-19 virus in their institutions.
Family Processes as Moderators of the Impact of Peer, School, and Neighborhood Influences on Adolescent Aggression

FAMILY PROCESSES AS MODERATORS OF THE IMPACT OF PEER, SCHOOL, AND NEIGHBORHOOD INFLUENCES ON ADOLESCENT AGGRESSION By Alison Marie Kramer-Kuhn, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013 Major Director: Albert D. Farrell, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychology Despite theoretical support for the role of the family in providing a foundation to protect youth against risks for aggression, there is little published literature examining a protective influence. This study examined family functioning and perceived parental messages about fighting and nonviolence as moderators of the relation between risk factors and adolescent aggression. The specific risk factors included affiliating with a delinquent group of peers, attending a school with norms that support aggression, and witnessing violence within the community. Secondary analyses were conducted on data collected from a high-risk sample of 537 adolescents in 2 cohorts from 18 schools. Adolescents completed measures of peer delinquent behavior and community violence exposure at the beginning and end of the sixth grade and at the end of the following two school years. An aggregated school-level measure of norms supporting aggression was constructed from a random sample of students in each cohort and school. Family variables included adolescent reports of parental messages supporting fighting and nonviolence, and family functioning classes created through a latent profile analysis of adolescent and parent reports of family cohesion, family problem-solving, parental involvement, and positive parenting. Aggression was assessed by a composite of ratings from parents, teachers, and adolescents. Longitudinal analyses indicated that delinquent peer associations and witnessing violence were each related to changes in aggression over time. School norms supporting aggression was not significantly related to aggression. Parental messages supporting nonviolence and not supporting fighting, and good family functioning at the start of the sixth grade were each related to lower subsequent levels of aggression. Few protective effects of family processes were found. High family functioning reduced the risk associated with delinquent peer associations. Lower levels of parental support for fighting buffered the risk associated with witnessing violence, but not at higher levels of witnessing violence. Thus, whereas a foundation of positive parental messages and good family functioning was associated with lower aggression overall, these family factors generally did not serve to protect adolescents that experienced higher levels of risk. These findings suggest a need for further study of protective factors for adolescents in the face of peer, school, and community risk.
Patients started on hemodialysis with tunneled dialysis catheter have similar survival after arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft creation

Objective Current guidelines suggest that arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is associated with survival advantage over arteriovenous graft (AVG). However, AVFs often require months to become functional, increasing tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) use, which can erode the benefit of an AVF. We sought to compare survival in patients with end-stage renal disease after creation of an AVF or AVG in patients starting hemodialysis (HD) with a TDC and to identify patient populations that may benefit from preferential use of AVG over AVF. Methods Using U.S. Renal Data System databases, we identified incident HD patients in 2005 through 2008 and observed them through 2008. Initial access type and clinical variables including albumin levels were assessed using U.S. Renal Data System data collection forms. Attempts at AVF and AVG creation in patients who started HD through a TDC were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes. We accounted for the effect of changes in access type by truncating follow-up when an additional AVF or AVG was performed. Survival curves were then constructed, and log-rank tests were used for pairwise survival comparisons, stratified by age. Multivariate analysis was performed with Cox proportional hazards regressions; variables were chosen using stepwise elimination. An interaction of access type and albumin level was detected, and Cox models using differing thresholds for albumin level were constructed. The primary outcome was survival. Results Among the 138,245 patients who started with a TDC and had complete records amenable for analysis, 22.8% underwent AVF creation (mean age ± standard deviation, 68.9 ± 12.5 years; 27.8% mortality at 1 year) and 7.6% underwent AVG placement (70.2 ± 12.0 years; 28.2% mortality) within 3 months of HD initiation; 69.6% remained with a TDC (63.2 ± 15.4 years; 33.8% mortality). In adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression, AVF creation is equivalent to AVG placement in terms of survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-1.02; P = .349). AVG placement is superior to continued TDC use (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.48-1.61; P 4.0 g/dL, AVF creation is associated with higher mortality hazard compared with AVG creation (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.43; P = .013). Conclusions For patients who start HD through a TDC, placement of an AVF and AVG is associated with similar mortality hazard. Further study is necessary to determine the ideal access for patients in whom the survival advantage of an AVF over an AVG is uncertain.
Gide's Immoraliste : Orientalism Against the Grain

Over the years, since its publication in 1902, Andre Gide's novel L'immoraliste has elicited a variety of responses. Paul Claudel denounced the book by saying that Gide was personally responsible for leading French youth astray both morally and sexually. Although avoiding Claudel's peremptory denunciation, some readers have emphasized the homosexual component of the novel, whereas others have stressed Michel's quest for liberation from religious and social constraints. Indeed, until discussions of metafiction and self-reflexive art became fashionable, L'immoraliste was read as an example of that "monstrous rose" (Gide's own term)—Michel's unbridled licentiousness and self-interest—the dialogic opposite of Alissa's renunciation in La porte etroite (1909). It was customary, and Gide himself encouraged the coupling, to read L'immoraliste and La porte etroite together as typical examples of the Gidean dialog.
How Georgi-Jariskog and SUSY-SO(10) imply a measurable rate for μ → eγ

Slepton mass matrices have been analyzed in an SO(10) SUSY-GUT, with soft-breaking terms generated at Planck scale. Higher dimensional operators consistent with 4-d string constructions are used in order to generate a Georgi-Jarlskog (G-J) Yukawa texture at MGUT. Radiative corrections between MPl and MGUT generate a substantial non-universality in the u¯−e¯ sector. This non-universality originates in the flavor dependence of the Higgs assignments required for the G-J texture, and is unrelated to the large top Yukawa. The resulting branching ratio for μ → eγ could make this process observable for large sectors of the MSSM parameter space, with a factor of 10 improvement in statistics.
Economic Conditions and the Cyclical and Secular Changes in Parental Coresidence Among Young Adults: 1960 to 2007

The recent economic downturn in the United States has coincided with stories of young men and women choosing to remain at home, or to move back in with their parents since they can't afford to live independently. But do economic declines cause increases in parental coresidence, or are 'boomerang kids' merely a continuation of a long secular trend towards more living with parents among young adults? This paper first describes changes in parental coresidence from 1960 to 2007, and then turns to an analysis of the causal link between economic conditions and living arrangements among young adults using data on more than 12.5 million individuals from 1960 to 2007. Comparing changes in economic conditions across U.S. states to changes in living arrangements, I find that fewer jobs, low wages, and high rental costs all lead to increases in the numbers of men and women living with their parents. The magnitudes of the effects are quite large: for men, I estimate that changes in economic factors alone are large enough to have caused the observed changes in parental coresidence between 1970 and 2007. For women, since economic opportunity was expanding over the time period we would have expected fewer women living with parents when in fact the opposite occurred. I speculate on the reasons for this asymmetry, and results by race and education subgroups are also discussed.
Characterization of the cryptic lambdoid prophage DLP12 of Escherichia coli and overlap of the DLP12 integrase gene with the tRNA gene argU.

Abstract The argU (dnaY) gene of Escherichia coli is located, in clockwise orientation, at 577.5 kilobases (kb) on the chromosome physical map. There was a cryptic prophage spanning the 2 kb immediately downstream of argU that consisted of sequences similar to the phage P22 int gene, a portion of the P22 xis gene, and portions of the exo, P, and ren genes of bacteriophage lambda. This cryptic prophage was designated DLP12, for defective lambdoid prophage at 12 min. Immediately clockwise of DLP12 was the IS3 alpha 4 beta 4 insertion element. The argU and DLP12 int genes overlapped at their 3' ends, and argU contained sequence homologous to a portion of the phage P22 attP site. Additional homologies to lambdoid phages were found in the 25 kb clockwise of argU. These included the cryptic prophage qsr' (P. J. Highton, Y. Chang, W. R. Marcotte, Jr., and C. A. Schnaitman, J. Bacteriol. 162:256-262, 1985), a sequence homologous to a portion of lambda orf-194, and an attR homolog. Inasmuch as the DLP12 att int xis exo P/ren region, the qsr' region, and homologs of orf-194 and attR were arranged in the same order and orientation as the lambdoid prophage counterparts, we propose that the designation DLP12 be applied to all these sequences. This organization of the DLP12 sequences and the presence of the argU/DLP12 int pair in several E. coli strains and closely related species suggest that DLP12 might be an ancestral lambdoid prophage. Moreover, the presence of similar sequences at the junctions of DLP12 segments and their phage counterparts suggests that a common mechanism could have transferred these DLP12 segments to more recent phages.
DNA sequence analysis of pglA and mechanism of export of its polygalacturonase product from Pseudomonas solanacearum.

The pglA gene encodes a 52-kilodalton extracellular polygalacturonase (PGA) which is associated with the phytopathogenic virulence of Pseudomonas solanacearum. The nucleotide sequence of pglA and the putative amino acid sequence of the PGA protein were determined. A computer search identified a 150-residue region of PGA which was similar (41%) to the amino acid sequence of a region of the PG-2A polygalacturonase from tomato. Comparison of the amino terminus of the pglA open reading frame with the actual amino-terminal sequence of purified extracellular PGA suggested that pglA is initially translated as a higher-molecular-mass precursor with a 21-residue amino-terminal signal sequence. Localization of various pglA-phoA fusion proteins in Escherichia coli and P. solanacearum indicated that the 21-residue leader sequence directs the export of PhoA only as far as the periplasm of both bacteria. Deletion of the last 13 residues of PGA eliminated its catalytic activity, as well as its ability to be exported outside of the P. solanacearum cell. Our results suggest that PGA excretion occurs in two steps. The first step involves a signal sequence cleavage mechanism similar to that used for periplasmic proteins and results in export of PGA across the inner membrane; the second step (transit of the outer membrane) occurs by an unknown mechanism requiring sequences from the mature PGA protein and biochemical factors absent from E. coli. Images
An experimental study of input/output characteristics of NASA Earth and Space Sciences applications

Parallel input/output (I/O) workload characterization studies are necessary to better understand the factors that dominate performance. When translated into system design principles, this knowledge can lead to systems with higher performance/cost ratios. In this paper, we present the experimental results of an I/O workload characterization study of NASA Earth and Space Sciences (ESS) applications. Measurements were collected using device driver instrumentation. Baseline measurements with no workload and measurements during regular application runs were collected, analyzed and correlated. It is shown how the observed disk I/O can be identified as block transfers, page requests and cache activity, and how the ESS applications are characterized by a high degree of spatial and temporal locality.
Human performance on the temporal bisection task

The perception and processing of temporal information are tasks the brain must continuously perform. These include measuring the duration of stimuli, storing duration information in memory, recalling such memories, and comparing two durations. How the brain accomplishes these tasks, however, is still open for debate. The temporal bisection task, which requires subjects to compare temporal stimuli to durations held in memory, is perfectly suited to address these questions. Here we perform a meta-analysis of human performance on the temporal bisection task collected from 148 experiments spread across 18 independent studies. With this expanded data set we are able to show that human performance on this task contains a number of significant peculiarities, which in total no single model yet proposed has been able to explain. Here we present a simple 2-step decision model that is capable of explaining all the idiosyncrasies seen in the data.
The value of mammography after limited breast surgery and before definitive radiation therapy

One hundred twenty consecutive patients who had breast-conserving surgery for cancer and were referred for definitive radiation therapy (RT) had a mammogram performed before starting RT. This was done to determine the presence of residual neoplasm or other abnormalities that may alter or delay the planned RT and are undetected by other means. It also was performed to provide a baseline for the diagnosis of postoperative changes and recurrence of disease on follow-up studies. In six (5%) patients, calcifications or masses were found that proved to be residual tumors
Phosphofructokinase activity in human skeletal muscle: Effects of euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia and fasting

Katz A, Yan Z. Phosphofructokinase activity in human skeletal muscle: effects of euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia and fasting. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1993; 53: 853-858.Euglycaemic (∼ 5.5mmol 1−1) hyperinsulinaemic (60 mU[m2]−1min−1) clamps were performed for 2h after a 10h and after a 72 h fast on man. Biopsies were obtained from the quadriceps femoris muscle before and after each clamp and analysed in vitro for phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity under optimal (pH8.2) and regulatory conditions (pH7.0 and low substrate concentrations). Insulin stimulated, and fasting inhibited basal and insulin stimulated muscle glycolysis in vivo However, PFK activity, measured in vitro, was not altered by any of the treatments (at pH8.2: basal [10 h] = 102 ± 5mmolkg−1 dry wtmin−1, clamp [10h] = 104±6; basal [72h] = 107±6, clamp [72 h] = 110±4) (at pH7.0: basal [10h] = 10.7±0.9, clamp [10h] = 10.7 ± 1.7; basal [72h] = 11.7 ±2.4, clamp [72h] = 9.7 ± 1.6). Similarly, the activity ratio (7.0/ 8.2) was also not significantly al...
The elasticity of substitution in urban housing production: A VES approach

Abstract Many of the models which have been developed to explain urban spatial structure and land-use patterns rest on the properties of production functions. Differing factor price ratios within urban areas, particularly land prices, result in capital-land ratios exemplified by high-rise apartments and single-family dwellings. The purpose of this paper is to explore a new functional form for the housing production function. Specifically, a variable elasticity of substitution production function is proposed and some preliminary empirical evidence is provided using data for single-family housing.
Media, militarism and mythologies of the state: The Latino soldier in World War II films

This essay examines the representation of Latino soldiers in World War II films and the social and political consequences of making these soldiers invisible or visible on screen. The Latino soldier's in/visibility has often been contingent upon state directives, genre conventions and prevailing war discourses. Films such as A Medal for Benny (1945), Battle Cry (1955) and Hell to Eternity (1960) were linked to discourses of national defense and, in later years, Cold War rhetoric. By focusing on these films, the essay calls for heightened vigilance about military and state influence in cinematic representations of Latino/a soldiers.
Monomeric sarcosine oxidase: role of histidine 269 in catalysis.

Conservative mutation of His269 (to Asn, Ala, or Gln) does not-significantly affect the expression of monomeric sarcosine oxidase (MSOX), covalent flavinylation, the physicochemical properties of b...
VNMBench: A Benchmark for Virtual Network Mapping Algorithms

The network architecture of the current Internet cannot accommodate the deployment of novel network-layer protocols. To address this fundamental problem, network virtualization has been proposed, where a single physical infrastructure is shared among different virtual network slices. A key operational problem in network virtualization is the need to allocate physical node and link resources to virtual network requests. While several different virtual network mapping algorithms have been proposed in literature, it is difficult to compare their performance due to differences in the evaluation methods used. In this paper, we proposed VNMBench, a virtual network mapping benchmark that provides a set of standardized inputs and evaluation metrics. Using this benchmark, different algorithms can be evaluated and compared objectively. We present such an evaluation using three existing virtual network mapping algorithms. We compare the evaluation results of our synthetic benchmark with those of actual Emulab requests to show that VNMBench is sufficiently realistic. We believe this work provides an important foundation to quantitatively evaluating the performance of a critical component in the operation of virtual networks.
Quantitative branching of linear and branched polysaccharide mixtures by size exclusion chromatography and on-line low-angle laser light scattering detection

The quantitative branching characterization of polysaccharide via size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and on-line low-angle laser light scattering (LALLS) detection is presented from both theoretical arguments as well as direct experimental evidence. The two measurable branching parameters gv(m) [= (Ml/(Mn)m)v] and g′v(m) [ = (Ml/(Mw)m)v] of a sample mixture have been related theoretically to the mixture's composition. There exists linear relationships between gv(m) and Wb,v (the mass fraction of branched component in mixture) as well as between g′v(m)−1 and wb,v. The latter correlation has been demonstrated experimentally employing a combined SEC/LALLS technique, and displays excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions. Furthermore, this polymer branching characterization method has been applied to study enzymatic starch hydrolysates products. The molecular weight distribution and branching distribution have been obtained.
Synkinematic microscopy of transparent polycrystals

Abstract Deformation of weak, polycrystalline materials in thin section, on the stage of a petrographic microscope, offers insight into the origin of optical microstructures similar to microstructures in naturally deformed rocks. Sample materials used to date include several soft minerals (ice, carnallite, bischofite, nitratite) and various organic plastic materials. They can be simple-sheared or pure-sheared at temperatures to 300°C, at a variety of strain rates, using relatively simple and inexpensive apparatus. The complete microstructural evolution can be recorded photographically, along with the complete kinematic history. Research applications have focussed on dynamic recrystallization, and progress has been made towards understanding how the average grain size is maintained constant in steady-state recrystallization flow. Records have been obtained of the development of various crystal-plastic microstructures and of lattice reorientation trajectories during flow. Teaching applications have begun to be developed, and several videotapes are available. Future technical developments are expected to permit stress measurement or control during experiments, and synkinematic recording of lattice reorientation. Numerous research areas invite attention. These include investigation of the microstructural developments that precede faulting, the behaviour of deforming crystal-melt systems, and the behaviour of dynamically reactive, multi-phase systems.
The politics of immunization in public health.

Abstract The role of socio-political and psychological factors in the decision to immunize is explored using data collected in a country health department in the United States. Decisions regarding the administration of post-exposure immunizations for hepatitis A and rabies are described, and a tendency toward unnecessary use noted. At times these interventions function more to reduce the anxiety of a patient or clinician than they do to prevent an infection. These findings may have implications for analyses of clinical decision making that involve other types of interventions.
Maintaining the stability of a leapfrog scheme in the presence of source terms

The instability encountered by applying the upwind leapfrog method to the advection equation having a source term is resolved. The source term is eliminated by transforming the governing equation. Two types of transformation are examined and the method of the space transformation leads to a stable and accurate scheme for the one-dimensional advection equation. The method is also extended to the two-dimensional acoustic equations in polar co-ordinates. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatile anesthetics decrease calcium content of isolated myocytes.

The calcium transient of myocytes was measured using a fluorescent dye, Fura-2. Caffeine, halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane increased the resting calcium level and decreased the calcium transient. The amount of caffeine-induced calcium release was suppressed if myocytes were pretreated with halot
Thermal effects in shocks in viscoplastic solids

Abstract In previous work by the present writers, a system of equations was developed governing finite one-dimensional strain waves in a strain-rate sensitive elastic viscoplastic material, and in the present paper these equations are extended to include the effects of heating caused by compression and plastic dissipation. By assuming adiabatic conditions, a non-linear integral equation is established for the temperature increase. This equation is simplified by using the previously-discussed approximation of steady-state propagation of the wave and a nearly exact solution is given for this form of the equation. As a result, it is shown that the temperature can be expressed as a function of the density only in a steady-state wave and is independent of the plastic strain-rate relation used to describe the material. On the basis of the analysis, examples are given showing temperature changes and other features of shock waves in rate-sensitive plastic solids.
Covariance, invariance, and the equivalence of frames

This paper represents an attempt to clarify a number of long-standing issues concerning the nature and status of the special and general principles of relativity in particular and symmetry or invariance principles in general. An analysis of the active and passive interpretations of symmetry operations is offered. This analysis yields an evaluation of the old covariance-invariance issue. It also demonstrates that the passive interpretation, insofar as it is not trivial, is parasitic on the active picture. Finally, the analysis shows that grave difficulties lie in the way of any attempt to generalize the special principle of relativity in a manner like the one Einstein originally proposed.
Criteria for Identification of Sedimentary Environments in Reservoir Sandstones: ABSTRACT

The interpretation of depositional environments for reservoir sandstones requires a knowledge of primary rock properties: composition, texture, sedimentary structure, and morphology. Each property has special significance in interpretation. Compositional and textural changes in vertical sequence are the most important criteria, but because these properties are interdependent, composition alone may be a key indicator of environment. The use of compositional criteria is illustrated by the Lower Cretaceous Muddy Sandstone in the Powder River basin, Wyoming and Montana, where fluvio-deltaic and marine-bar sandstones are clearly separated by compositional differences. Sedimentary structures are also significant. Largely on the basis of bedding, Muddy barrier island strata can e divided into 4 distinct subenvironments even though the unit is only 25 ft thick. These facies represent lower shoreface, middle shoreface, beach-upper shoreface, and dune environments. Morphology of sandstone bodies, commonly suggests environment of deposition, but this criterion is the least reliable unless it is applied with a knowledge of other rock properties. The interpretation of morphology is commonly the principal exploration problem in stratigraphic traps. Where details of rock character are absent, the secondary properties of porosity and permeability may reflect compositional and textural changes because these End_Page 1782------------------------------ properties are largely dependent on the primary properties. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1783------------
Modularized unmanned vehicle packages for the littoral combat ship mine countermeasures missions

The planned acquisition of a leased High Speed Vehicle (HSV) for Mine Countermeasures (MCM) and Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) experimentation provides a significant opportunity to examine and accelerate unmanned systems for mine Countermeasures. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) S&T investments are developing containerized mission packages (to include inexpensive AUVs for minehunting, and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) for minesweeping) for demonstration on HSV-2 SWIFT. This builds on the rapid advance of AUV technologies and capabilities demonstrated on HSV-X1 JOINT VENTURE during Fleet Battle Experiment-JULIET. ONR is currently working with the Coastal Systems Station (CSS), Panama City, Florida for the development of the mission modules, and with the Commander, Mine Warfare Command and the Navy Warfare Development Center on an experimentation schedule. ONR/CSS intend to have the first AUV mission package ready when the SWIFT is available for experimentation in FY2004. Additional AUV mission packages and the USV mine sweeping mission package will follow. Lessons learned from experimentation would be applied to the LCS, and reduce risk to the definition of MCM mission modules composition. Additionally, these unmanned vehicle mission packages provide a contingency capability for operating forces and provide a readily deployable underwater search and survey capability that could be used for homeland defense.
Small subunit of I-A subregion antigens determines the allospecificity recognized by a monoclonal antibody.

The murine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) codes for three groups of identifiable cell-surface proteins, the K, D molecules, the I–A subregion antigens and the I–E subregion antigens. All three groups of molecules display a high degree of serologically detectable polymorphism1 and consist of two noncovalently associated polypeptides2–8. Amino acid sequence and peptide comparisons among allotypes of K, D and I–E molecules reveals that one polypeptide is relatively constant, whereas the other is highly variable9–13. Thus, it is likely that only one of the two polypeptides, the variable component, determines the antigenic specificities recognized by alloantisera. In contrast to the K, D and I–E molecules, both subunits of I–A molecules display substantial structural differences when comparisons among allotypes are made4,14–16. Therefore, we have investigated whether one or both subunits of I–A molecules determine their alloantigenic specificities. Our results, presented here, indicate that only one of the two subunits determines a particular allospecificity recognized by a monoclonal antibody.
Cost-effectiveness of a 10- versus 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Denmark and Sweden.

Abstract Background The introduction of a 7-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine (PCV7) had profound public health effects across the globe. PCV7 vaccination in a national immunization program is generally considered cost-effective and potentially cost-saving. Two new PCVs have been launched, a 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) and a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). Objective This article examines the public health and economic effects of pediatric national immunization programs of PCV10 and PCV13 in Denmark and Sweden. Methods A previously published decision-analytic model was used to estimate the impact of PCV10 and PCV13 on reducing cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), pneumonia (PNE), and acute otitis media (AOM) by using country-specific incidence, serotype coverage, disease sequelae, mortality, vaccine effectiveness, indirect effects, costs, and utilities. Direct effects for PCV13- and PCV10-covered serotypes were assumed similar to PCV7. PCV13 was assumed to confer an indirect effect, similar to PCV7, whereas PCV10 was not. Assumptions were tested in sensitivity analyses. Results PCV13 is expected to save 280.7 million DKK (Danish kroner) in Denmark and 288.2 million SEK (Swedish kronor) in Sweden in direct costs compared with a vaccination program with PCV10. In both Denmark and Sweden, the results of this study indicate that, compared with PCV10, PCV13 will have a greater impact on disease in life-years gained (LYG), quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained, IPD cases avoided, PNE cases avoided, AOM cases avoided, and in deaths avoided. For Denmark PCV13, it was estimated to result in 10,051 LYG; 9063 QALYs gained; 237 additional IPD cases avoided; 12,094 additional PNE cases avoided; 958 additional cases of AOM avoided; and 882 additional deaths avoided. For Sweden PCV13, it was estimated to result in 4245 LYG; 3953 QALYs gained; 379 additional IPD cases avoided; 8210 additional PNE cases avoided; 1459 additional cases of AOM avoided; and 378 additional deaths avoided. In all sensitivity analyses, PCV13 was less costly and more effective compared with PCV10. Conclusions In this analysis, a national immunization program with PCV13 was found to be good value for money and estimated to prevent additional cases of disease among children and nonvaccinated individuals and save additional costs due to treatment of pneumococcal disease, when compared with PCV10 in Denmark and Sweden.
AIRPORT TAXI SERVICE REGULATION : AN ANALYSIS OF AN EXCLUSIVE CONTRACT

Taxi service at a number of major airports is supplied by one taxi company under an exclusive contract with the airport operating authority. Conventional wisdom suggests that airport taxi service produced under exclusive contract is socially inefficient. This was found to be true at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. In this paper we analyze the exclusive airport taxi service at Honolulu International Airport as a case study. At Honolulu International Airport, the terms of the exclusive airport taxi service contract are far less restrictive than those at Dallas/Fort Worth. Our analysis indicates that exclusive airport service can provide high quality service, reasonable prices and revenues to finance airport service. We conclude that is not the exclusivity, but rather the terms of the contract and the circumstances specific to each market that determines which system is best for a particular place.
Impact of deglaciation on present-day intraplate seismicity in eastern North America and western Europe

The retreat of major ice sheets in North America and northern Europe caused a large-scale isostatic desequilibrium of the lithosphere–asthenosphere system. As a result, formerly glaciated areas started to uplift and lithospheric bending occurred, especially near ice margins. While it is well known that post-glacial uplift continues until present-day in formerly glaciated areas, so has the associated flexure of the lithosphere. This continues to alter the stress state in the areas surrounding the former ice sheet. We have addressed the question of the impact of deglaciation on intraplate stress and seismicity in two separate studies. In one study, we have mapped out and modeled the stress field in the Norwegian sector of the Northern North Sea, a prominent hydrocarbon region in the vicinity of the edge of ice sheet that covered Fennoscandia until ∼20000 years ago. In the other study, we investigated the influence of lithospheric flexure as the possible cause of the anomalously high seismicity in the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the central United States. This was the site of three extremely large (M∼8) earthquakes in 1811–1812, following several previous large earthquakes in Holocene time. As there is no significant deformation of Tertiary sediments in the area, deglaciation appears to have been a trigger for recent seismicity.
Courting strategies and conflicts in a monogamous, biparental termite

In species where parental investment is extensive for both sexes, both males and females are predicted to exhibit choosiness when seeking their lifetime partners. Evidence is presented that both courting males and females are choosy in the wood–dwelling, biparental termite Zootermopsis nevadensis . There are, however, sex differences both in the method of mate rejection and in the mate–choice criteria. In particular, females are more likely than males to invite an extra suitor into the nest, whereas males are more likely than females to leave their nest and partner and seek a replacement elsewhere. Correlational analyses of adults show that head width is a mate–choice criterion used by females, whereas body mass and fat mass are used by males. Among males and females that sought replacement mates, those that had been rejected previously were more likely to end up paired with an adult that also had been rejected, compared with adults that had not been rejected. Additional findings reveal a rich repertoire of courting behaviours characterized by extensive intra– and intersexual conflict, including mate rejection, intrasexual combat, and even intrapair aggression.