cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping vegetation morphology types in a dry savanna ecosystem: integrating hierarchical object-based image analysis with Random Forest

Savanna ecosystems are geographically extensive and both ecologically and economically important, and require monitoring over large spatial extents. Remote-sensing-based characterization of vegetation properties in savannas is methodologically challenging, mainly due to high structural and functional heterogeneity. Recent advances in object-based image analysis OBIA and machine learning algorithms offer new opportunities to address these challenges. Focusing on the semi-arid savanna ecosystem in the central Kalahari, this study examined the suitability of a hierarchical OBIA approach combined with in situ data and an ensemble classification technique for mapping vegetation morphology types at landscape scale. A stack of Landsat TM imagery, NDVI, and topographic variables was segmented with six different scale factors resulting in a hierarchical network of image objects. Sample objects for each vegetation morphology class were selected at each segmentation scale and classification was performed using optimal features consisting of spectral and textural features. Overall and class-specific classification accuracies were compared across the six scales to examine the influence of segmentation scale on each. Results suggest that the highest overall classification accuracy i.e. 85.59% was observed not at the finest segmentation scale, but at coarse segmentation. Additionally, individual vegetation morphology classes differed in the segmentation scale at which they achieved highest classification accuracy, reflecting their unique ecology and physiognomic composition. While classes with high vegetation density/height attained higher accuracy at fine segmentation scale, those with lower vegetation density/height reached higher classification accuracy at coarse segmentation scales. Contrarily, for pans and bare areas, accuracy was relatively unaffected by changing segmentation scale. Variable importance plots suggested that spectral features were the most important, followed by textural variables. These results show the utility of the OBIA approach and emphasize the requirement of multi-scale analysis for accurately characterizing savanna systems.
Social Cognition, Language, and the Non-Conscious Expression of Racial Ideology

Derived from a set of qualitative methodological procedures of analysis and validation of verbal reports, findings from both small group laboratory sessions and naturalistic observation settings are presented illustrating non-conscious expressions of racial ideology. Literal verbal productions are shown to yield “metaphorical” or subliteral references to racial concerns and stereotypes. The findings are discussed in terms of psychological and sociocultural levels of conditioning, prejudicial intent, the perception of “difference,” and the cognitive structure of prejudice.
Confidence Levels for Differences between Speech-Discrimination Scores

Tables of confidence levels for determining the probability of differences between speech-discrimination scores are presented. These tables were generated by a computer program developed for that purpose, and they are based on arc-sine transforms applied to a binomial distribution.
Machine Transliteration of Names in Arabic Texts

We present a transliteration algorithm based on sound and spelling mappings using finite state machines. The transliteration models can be trained on relatively small lists of names. We introduce a new spelling-based model that is much more accurate than state-of-the-art phonetic-based models and can be trained on easier-to-obtain training data. We apply our transliteration algorithm to the transliteration of names from Arabic into English. We report on the accuracy of our algorithm based on exact-matching criterion and based on human-subjective evaluation. We also compare the accuracy of our system to the accuracy of human translators.
Diodelike response of high‐latitude plasma in magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling in the presence of field‐aligned currents

The dynamic processes in the plasma along high-latitude field lines plays an important role in ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling process. A time-dependent, large-scale simulation of these dynamics parallel to the geomagnetic field lines from the ionosphere well into the magnetosphere is created. The plasma consists of hot e(-) and H(+) of magnetospheric origin and low-energy e(-), H(+), and O(+) of ionospheric origin. Including multiple electron species, a major improvement to the model, made it possible for the first time to simulate the upward current region properly and to dynamically simulate the diodelike response of the field-line plasma to the parallel currents coupling the ionosphere and magnetosphere. It is shown that return currents flow with small resistance, while upward currents produce kilovolt-sized potential drops along the field, as concluded from satellite observations. The kilovolt potential drops are due to the effect of the converging magnetic field on the high-energy magnetospheric electrons.
Extension of a Microscale Indentation Fracture Model to Nanoscale Contact in Purview of Mechanical Nanofabrication Processes

In this work, we investigate the extension of the Lawn and Evans indentation fracture model, developed primarily for microscale contact, to nanoscale contacts. Systematic nanoindentation fracture experiments are performed on Si (100) using a sharp diamond cube corner (radius, r = 32 nm) indenter as a function of load, load cycles, contact dimension, and contact separation. Atomic force microscopy is used to image and measure contact deformation and fracture. The experimental results show that the threshold load for fracture was 290 μN, which is lower than previously reported. Adjacent indents separated by less than three times the radius of each indent were observed to interact with each other, such that second indents were consistently deeper than the first at the same loads. There was an increase in crack length for pairs of indents that were separated by equally small distances (<3 indentation radii). These results have clear implications for nanofabrication where stress field interactions impose limits on the closeness (resolution) to which features can be generated and to free abrasive machining where stress field interactions enhance the ability to machine below the threshold load.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Graphical Inference for Multiple Intrusion Detection

In this paper, we consider vulnerabilities of networked systems and develop a multiple intrusion detection system (MIDS) which operates by running belief propagation on an appropriately constructed weighted bipartite graph. In this bipartite graph, one set of nodes represents the different types of intrusions that are possible, the other set of nodes represents the set of significant measures that are available, and the (weighted) connections represent the dependence of a certain measure on a particular type of intrusion. We assume that the effect of each active intrusion on a particular significant measure is superimposed on the normal operation of that measure; thus, we are able to obtain a complete representation of the overall bipartite graph model by superimposing the simpler graphs associated with each individual intrusion. The key ingredient of our MIDS is the development of a modified belief propagation max-product algorithm (MPA) that avoids the exponential complexity of the original MPA by limiting, during the iteration process, the number of active intrusions that are connected to a particular measure. Our simulation results indicate that the proposed MIDS performs well in detecting both single and multiple intrusions with a very low false alarm rate.
Arginine 54 in the active site of Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase is critical for catalysis: a site-specific mutagenesis, NMR, and X-ray crystallographic study.

The replacement of Arg-54 by Ala in the active site of Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase causes a 17,000-fold loss of activity but does not significantly influence the binding of substrates or substrate analogs (Stebbins, J.W., Xu, W., & Kantrowitz, E.R., 1989, Biochemistry 28, 2592-2600). In the X-ray structure of the wild-type enzyme, Arg-54 interacts with both the anhydride oxygen and a phosphate oxygen of carbamoyl phosphate (CP) (Gouaux, J.E. & Lipscomb, W.N., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 4205-4208). The Arg-54-->Ala enzyme was crystallized in the presence of the transition state analog N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate (PALA), data were collected to a resolution limit of 2.8 A, and the structure was solved by molecular replacement. The analysis of the refined structure (R factor = 0.18) indicates that the substitution did not cause any significant alterations to the active site, except that the side chain of the arginine was replaced by two water molecules. 31P-NMR studies indicate that the binding of CP to the wild-type catalytic subunit produces an upfield chemical shift that cannot reflect a significant change in the ionization state of the CP but rather indicates that there are perturbations in the electronic environment around the phosphate moiety when CP binds to the enzyme. The pH dependence of this upfield shift for bound CP indicates that the catalytic subunit undergoes a conformational change with a pKa approximately 7.7 upon CP binding. Furthermore, the linewidth of the 31P signal of CP bound to the Arg-54-->Ala enzyme is significantly narrower than that of CP bound to the wild-type catalytic subunit at any pH, although the change in chemical shift for the CP bound to the mutant enzyme is unaltered. 31P-NMR studies of PALA complexed to the wild-type catalytic subunit indicate that the phosphonate group of the bound PALA exists as the dianion at pH 7.0 and 8.8, whereas in the Arg-54-->Ala catalytic subunit the phosphonate group of the bound PALA exists as the monoanion at pH 7.0 and 8.8. Thus, the side chain of Arg-54 is essential for the proper ionization of the phosphonate group of PALA and by analogy the phosphate group in the transition state. These data support the previously proposed proton transfer mechanism, in which a fully ionized phosphate group in the transition state accepts a proton during catalysis.
An approach to on-line power dispatch with ambient air pollution constraints

An on-line optimal environmental/economic dispatch methodology for electric power generation is developed in this paper. Aside from the conventional economic dispatch, constraints on air quality (such as those specified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) are added to the minimum fuel cost problem. Using the integrated Gaussian puff model based on the statistical turbulent theory, rapid dynamic features of pollutant dispersion and its forecast surrounding the plants are emphasized. By applying a convex programming algorithm repeatedly, a set of marginal environmental imposts for the power plants at different times are obtained. Such imposts are incorporated with the fuel cost in the ordinary short-term economic dispatching program to indirectly account for the environmental impact of power generation on the quality of the ambient air. The approach is specifically taken to have little modification for existing economic dispatch programs and be implemented for real power networks. The proposed approach has been simulated in a power system with three plants and three monitoring points.
Rodent dispersal of fungal spores promotes seedling establishment away from mycorrhizal networks on Quercus garryana

With global warming and the possible decline of conifers, more habitat may be available to oaks, particularly at higher elevations and more northerly latitudes. Whether oaks expand into new habitat...
ION PERMEATION THROUGH LIGHT-ACTIVATED CHANNELS IN RHABDOMERIC PHOTORECEPTORS : ROLE OF DIVALENT CATIONS

A B S T RA C T The receptor potential of rhabdomeric photoreceptors is mediated primarily by a Na influx, but other ions must also permeate through light-dependent channels to account for some properties of the photoresponse. We examined ion conduction in macroscopic and single-channel light-induced currents of Lima and Pecten photoreceptors. In the absence of Na, a fivefold change in extracellular K shifted the reversal voltage of the photocurrent (V~v) by ~ 27 mV. Because the dependency of Vre v on [K] o was sub-Nernstian, and Vre v in each condition was more positive than EK, some other ion(s) with a positive equilibrium potential must be implicated, in addition to K. We assessed the participation of calcium, an important candidate because of its involvement in light adaptation. Three strategies were adopted to minimize the impairments to cytosolic Ca homeostasis and loss of responsiveness that normally result from the required ionic manipulations: (a) Internal dialysis with Na-free solutions, to prevent reverse operation of the Na/Ca exchanger. (b) Rapid solution changes, temporally limiting exposure to potentially detrimental ionic conditions. (c) Single-channel recording, exposing only the cell-attached patch of membrane to the test solutions. An inward whole-cell photocurrent could be measured with Ca as the only extracellular charge carrier. Decreasing the [Ca]o to 0.5 mM reduced the response by 43% and displaced the reversal potential by -4.3 mV; the shift was larger (AVr~v = -44 mV) when intracellular permeant cations were also removed. In all cases, however, the current carried by Ca was < 5% of that measured with normal [Na]o. Unitary light-activated currents were reduced in a similar way when the pipette contained only divalent cations, indicating a substantial selectivity for Na over Ca. The fall kinetics of the photoresponse was slower when external Ca was replaced by Ba, or when the membrane was depolarized; however, dialysis with 10 mM BAPTA failed to antagonize this effect, suggesting that mechanisms other than the Ca influx participate in the modulation of the time course of the photocurrent. Key words: light-dependent channels �9 ion permeation * ionic selectivity �9 calcium �9 photoreceptors
Involvement of phospholipase A2 and lipoxygenase in lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in glial cells.

The present study underlines the importance of phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 )- and lipoxygenase (LO)-mediated signaling processes in the regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. In glial cells, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced the activities of PLA 2 (calcium-independent PLA 2 ; iPLA 2 and cytosolic PLA 2 ; cPLA 2 ) as well as gene expression of iNOS. The inhibition of cPLA 2 by methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphates (MAFP) or antisense oligomer against cPLA 2 and inhibition of iPLA 2 by bromoenol lactone reduced the LPS-induced iNOS gene expression and NFκB activation. In addition, the inhibition of LO by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA; general LO inhibitor) or MK886 (5-LO inhibitor), but not baicalein (12-LO inhibitor), completely abrogated the LPS-induced iNOS expression. Because NDGA could abrogate the LPS-induced activation of NFκB, while MK886 had no effect on it, LO-mediated inhibition of iNOS gene induction by LPS may involve an NFKB-dependent or -independent (by 5-LO) pathway. In contrast to LO, however, the cyclooxygenase (COX) may not be involved in the regulation of LPS-mediated induction of iNOS gene because COX inhibition by indomethacin (general COX inhibitor), SC560 (COX-1 inhibitor), and NS398 (COX-2 inhibitor) affected neither the LPS-induced iNOS expression nor activation of NFKB. These results indicate a role for cPLA 2 and iPLA 2 in LPS-mediated iNOS gene induction in glial cells and the involvement of LO in these reactions.
Using decision trees to enhance interdisciplinary team work: the case of oncofertility

Purpose Oncofertility, an emerging discipline at the intersection of cancer and fertility, strives to give cancer patients options when they are confronting potential infertility as a consequence of cancer treatment. Fertility preservation decisions must be made before treatment begins, adding stress to the decision-making process.
Dementia in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS): Comparison with Alzheimer's disease†

Neurocognitive deficits in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) involve attentional control, working memory, executive functioning, and declarative and procedural learning. To date, no studies comparing FXTAS with other dementias have been done. We characterize the dementia in FXTAS, comparing it with Alzheimer's disease. Retrospective chart review of 68 adults (50 men, 18 women) with FXTAS. 20 men with FXTAS dementia were matched by age, gender, and education to patients with mild Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Neuropsychological measures were compared between the two groups: Boston Naming Test (BNT), phonemic fluency (Controlled Oral Word Association Test), digit span forward (DSF) and backward (DSB). Comparisons were based on analysis of covariance and t-tests to assess significant differences between groups. 50% of men with FXTAS and no women were cognitively impaired. On mean scores of verbal fluency (22.83 in FXTAS vs. 28.83 in AD, P = 0.112), working memory (DSB, 4.80 in AD vs. 5.41 in FXTAS, P = 0.359), and language (BNT, 48.54 in AD vs. 54.20 in FXTAS, P = 0.089), there were no significant differences. Digit span forward, measuring attention, was significantly higher in subjects with FXTAS dementia (8.59, vs. 7.10 in AD, P = 0.010). Individuals with FXTAS have significant cognitive deficits, on the order of those in AD although the cognitive profiles in these dementias are not similar. Further research is needed to outline the neuropsychiatric profile in FXTAS and the correlation of genetic markers with the progression and severity of cognitive loss.
Evolution of marine climates of the U.S. Atlantic coast during the past four million years

Marine climatic and sea-level changes in the eastern United States show two distinct modes: a gradual, directional Pliocene warming that ended with an abrupt regression, and a quasi-cyclic, high-amplitude, high-frequency middle-late Pleistocene pattern of alternating glacials and interglacials. Pliocene marine sediments of the Duplin Formation, deposited during a period of high sea level between 4.0 and 2.8 Ma BP, contain increasing percentages of tropical and subtropical ostracods, signifying a gradual warming. After maximum warm-water temperatures ca. 3.2-2.8 Ma BP, sea level dropped; this was followed by extensive subaerial erosion between about 2.8 and 2.0 Ma BP. This series of events reflects the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama between about 3.5 and 3.0 Ma BP, concomitant intensification of warm Gulf Stream flow along the eastern U.S.A., and initial Pliocene glaciation in the Northern Hemisphere. In the middle-late Pleistocene, glacial-interglacial cycles occurred with a periodicity of ca. 100 ka. Four (possibly five) emerged interglacial marine sequences correlate with deep-sea oxygen-isotope stages 13/11, 7, 5, and 1. During some interglacials, however, climatic conditions ranged from full interglacial warmth to cool, nearly interstadial conditions; this observation indicates short-term regional climatic variability.
Functional diagnosis of coronary stenoses using pressure drop coefficient: a pilot study in humans

Objectives and Background: Myocardial fractional flow reserve (FFR) in conjunction with coronary flow reserve (CFR) is used to evaluate the hemodynamic severity of coronary lesions. However, discordant results between FFR and CFR have been observed in intermediate coronary lesions. A functional parameter, pressure drop coefficient (CDP; ratio of pressure drop to distal dynamic pressure), was assessed using intracoronary pressure drop (dp) and average peak velocity (APV). The CDP is a nondimensional ratio, derived from fundamental fluid dynamic principles. We sought to evaluate the correlation of CDP with FFR, CFR, and hyperemic stenosis resistance (HSR: ratio of pressure drop to APV) in human subjects. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with reversible perfusion defects based on SPECT were consented for the study before cardiac catheterization. Distal coronary pressure and APV were measured simultaneously for each coronary lesion using a Combowire V C during cardiac catheterization. Reference diameter, minimal lumen diameter, and %AS were obtained by quantitative coronary angiography. Maximum hyperemia was induced by IV adenosine (140 mg/kg/min). CDP was calculated as, (Dp)/(0.5 3 q 3 APV 2 ). The density of blood (q) was assumed to be 1.05 gm/cm 3 . Results: The functional index, CDP, when correlated simultaneously with FFR and CFR, was found to have a significant correlation (r 50.61; P <0.05). Similarly a significant correlation was achieved when CDP was correlated with HSR (r 50.91; P <0.001). This is consistent with the definition of CDP, which is a functional parameter that includes both pressure and flow information. Conclusions: CDP, a nondimensional parameter combining simultaneous measurements of pressure drop and velocity data, can accurately define the severity of coronary stenoses and could prove advantageous clinically. V C 2013
Research Methodology in Organizational Studies

Despite the mounting number of criticisms of the use of a relatively restricted set of methodologies in the organizational sciences, few studies have attempted to empirically determine the extent of this restriction or the potential reasons why some methods are used so exclusively. For this review, the authors content-analyzed all of the articles from the 1985 volumes of the Academy of Management Journal, Administrative Science Quarterly, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Management, and Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes to determine the range of strategies used in organizational research. Our analysis of the literature does, indeed, suggest that there is a relatively limited set of research strategies and analytical procedures that represent the "methods of choice" in the organizational sciences. Potential reasonsfor thesefindings, as well as some of their implications are provided.
Traumatic brain injury.

Summary The decrease in mortality and improved outcome for patients with severe traumatic brain injury over the past 25 years can be attributed to the approach of "squeezing oxygenated blood through a swollen brain". Quantification of cerebral perfusion by monitoring of intracranial pressure and treatment of cerebral hypoperfusion decrease secondary injury. Before the patient reaches hospital, an organised trauma system that allows rapid resuscitation and transport directly to an experienced trauma centre significantly lowers mortality and morbidity. Only the education of medical personnel and the institution of trauma hospital systems can achieve further improvements in outcome for patients with traumatic brain injuries.
Think aloud protocols: Viable for teaching, learning, and professional development in interpreting

Interpretations are as unique as the professionals who produce them. That being the case, how do we find out what factors contribute to choices made in an interpretation, particularly when a majority of the work tasks involved in the interpreting process occur, unobservable, in the brain of the practitioner. Think Aloud Protocols (TAP) provide a means for gaining access to the inner workings of interpreting practitioners. TAPs have been used in researching translation between two written languages but applying the research method to signed language interpreters has required a bit of adaptation as performing a TAP during simultaneous, or even consecutive, work is cumbersome to near impossible. In studying the inner workings of signed language interpreters, TAPs can be used effectively to access the thinking during preparation for the task of simultaneous interpreting and then again in accessing the thoughts in reviewing the simultaneous work just produced. The use of TAPs are effective in informing many aspects of interpreting work that have long been hidden from inspection, including, but not limited to: decision-making process, facts that influence translation choices in the moment, and monitoring & correction strategies. TAPs, with modifications, are just as viable for accessing the inner workings of interpreters working in real time, simultaneously or consecutively as for use with translator's work.
Echocardiographic and phonocardiographic confirmation of suspected caged mitral valve malfunction.

Seven patients studied by echocardiography with and without simultaneous phonocardiography for suspected malfunction of a caged mitral valve prosthesis are presented. In case 1, with inaudible prosthetic clicks, thrombosis of the cage and immobility of the ball were suggested by echocardiographic studies and confirmed at surgery. In case 2, simultaneous echocardiographic and phonocardiographic studies demonstrated wide and variable intervals between the aortic second sound and the opening click and also “sticking” of the ball. In case 3 a thrombus prevented full motion of the ball to the apex of the cage, which was seen on the echocardiogram; while in case 4, with a thrombus within the ventricle and prosthesis, the prosthetic opening click was present intermittently and was associated with only subtle echocardiographic changes. In case 5, echocardiographic studies demonstrated abnormal rocking of the cage secondary to severe prosthetic dehiscence. In case 6, dull prosthetic clicks were to be secondary to a low cardiac-output state. In case 7, with multiple valve prostheses, simultaneous echocardiographic and phonocardiographic studies allowed identification of individual valve sounds and abnormal timing of valve opening. Based on these studies, we believe that echocardiography and simultaneous phonocardiography can yield very useful information in the evaluation of patients with suspected malfunction of a caged mitral valve prosthesis.
An Online Holistic Scheduling Framework for Energy-Constrained Wireless Real-Time Systems

We consider wireless real-time systems that execute computationally-intensive applications and must transmit packets over the network in a timely manner. Existing methods do not consider the importance (i.e., urgency) of a packet as perceived by end users in conjunction with energy consumption, real-time task deadlines, and packet deadlines, inadvertently causing packet priority inversion during transmissions and possibly starvation of some streams. We present an online holistic scheduling framework that explicitly considers packet importance to select packets to transmit and guarantee their deadline requirements using both packet and energy-aware job assignment and scheduling. Our framework is applicable to wireless real-time systems equipped with either a single processor or a multicore system. Based on extensive simulations, we show that our proposed method allows for timely transmissions of the most important packets, which helps to control packet urgency, while saving processor(s) energy.
PI gain scheduler for load frequency control using spline techniques

This paper proposes a new gain scheduler for proportional-integral (PI) based load frequency control (LFC) using spline techniques. LFC operation has to comply with the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC)'s control performance standards. This can be achieved by tuning the control gains of the load frequency controller. Furthermore, excess maneuvering of the generating units can be reduced if the gains are adjusted properly. Various PI gains are generated by a robust control design, where each one yields different control performance. Subsequently, those gains are interpolated and approximated using spline techniques, which finally result in robust gain paths. An appropriate pair of PI gains are scheduled from the gain paths to achieve the LFC objective. Simulation results are shown to illustrate performance of the proposed methods.
Sources of Bias in SLA: Research Monolingual Bias in SLA Research

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Molting inhibits feeding in a grasshopper

Abstract In the laboratory, we measured the nonfeeding periods that precede and follow molting and hatching in the lubber grasshopper, Romalea microptera. New hatchlings first fed ~ 16 h after egg eclosion. A similar ~ 12-h nonfeeding period was observed after each molt. In contrast, the premolt nonfeeding period increased from 25 h for the 1st molt, to 64 h for the adult molt. In total, hatch- and molt-related nonfeeding periods comprised ~ 272 h, or 21% of the total 54-d nymphal development period. Scientists need to be aware of molt-related nonfeeding periods in arthropods, because they could influence nutrition, growth, physiology, feeding ecology, predator exposure, and life history. They may also hamper pest control, because short-lived poison baits or ingestion-dependent insecticides will not harm individuals that are not feeding. In this study, grasshoppers tended to molt near the beginning of the photophase. Early morning molting might have nutritional, thermal, humidity, or antipredator benefits...
Six-year clinical effect of donor bone marrow infusions in renal transplant patients.

Background. To date, several single- and multicenter clinical trials have attempted to induce specific immunological unresponsiveness using donor bone marrow cell infusions to augment solid organ transplantation, but the outcomes have not been definitive. Methods. Between September 1994 and May 1998, 63 cadaver (CAD) renal transplant recipients of either one or two postoperative donor bone marrow cell (DBMC) infusions were prospectively compared with 219 non-infused controls given equivalent immunosuppression. There was at least a 1 HLA DR antigen match present between donors and recipients. The immunosuppressive regimen included a 10-day course of OKT3 induction, and tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and methylprednisolone maintenance. A total 7.01 × 10 8± 1.9 × 10 8 (SD) DBMC/kg was infused into the CAD recipients on either days 4 and 11 (n=42) or one half of that dose on day 4 (n=21) postoperatively. Clinical follow-up has ranged from 2.9 to 6.3 years (mean, 4.7 years). Studies were also performed of humoral immunity and quantitative cellular chimerism. Results. There is clear-cut equivalence in immunosuppressive dosaging and in the other major demographic variables in both groups. However, only 2/63 DBMC recipients had biopsy-proven chronic rejection, whereas 41/219 showed chronic rejection in the controls (P=<0.01). In both groups, mortality was not associated with rejection. The actuarial graft survival at 6.3 years in the CAD DBMC group was 84.3% compared with 72.2% in the control group (not statistically significant). However, if death with a functioning graft was excluded, graft survival was 94.1% in the DBMC group and 79.8% in the controls (P=0.039). Forty patients in the control group continue to have deteriorating renal function (increasing serum creatinine concentrations to 2 mg/dl and higher), compared with 2 patients in the DBMC group (P = 0.04). In the DBMC group, chimerism in iliac crest marrow aspirates has increased 3-fold in yearly sequential measurements between 1 and 4 years postoperatively averaging 1.3 ± 0.36% (SE) most recently. This has not occurred in the controls. Conclusions. There now appears to be more solid long-term evidence, in kidney transplant recipients prospectively receiving DBMC infusions, of an improvement in long-term graft survival, and of the degree of chimerism positively correlating with the absence of graft loss.
Identification of high-level concept clones in source code

Source code duplication occurs frequently within large software systems. Pieces of source code, functions, and data types are often duplicated in part or in whole, for a variety of reasons. Programmers may simply be reusing a piece of code via copy and paste or they may be "re-inventing the wheel". Previous research on the detection of clones is mainly focused on identifying pieces of code with similar (or nearly similar) structure. Our approach is to examine the source code text (comments and identifiers) and identify implementations of similar high-level concepts (e.g., abstract data types). The approach uses an information retrieval technique (i.e., latent semantic indexing) to statically analyze the software system and determine semantic similarities between source code documents (i.e., functions, files, or code segments). These similarity measures are used to drive the clone detection process. The intention of our approach is to enhance and augment existing clone detection methods that are based on structural analysis. This synergistic use of methods will improve the quality of clone detection. A set of experiments is presented that demonstrate the usage of semantic similarity measure to identify clones within a version of NCSA Mosaic.
The Determination and Application of Fixed-Dose Analgesic Combinations for Treating Multimodal Pain

Abstract When the pathophysiology of a medical condition is multimodal, ie, related to multiple physiological causes or mediated by multiple pathways, the optimal strategy can be to use a drug or a combination of drugs that contribute multiple mechanisms to the therapeutic endpoint. In such situations, a rational multimodal approach can also result in the fewest adverse effects. We discuss the quantitative analysis of multimodal action using the treatment of pain as a practical example and give examples of its application to some widely used analgesic drugs. Perspective This article reviews the medical relevance of the quantitative evaluation of drug combinations, using pain and combinations of analgesics as specific examples. Such measure can help clinicians who seek to maximize therapeutic effect while simultaneously minimizing adverse effects.
Optimally balancing large assembly lines with `FABLE'

A new algorithm for optimally balancing assembly lines is formulated and tested. Named "FABLE," it obtains proven optimal solutions for ten 1000 task lines, which each possess the computationally favorable conditions of an average of at least 6 tasks per work station and a small number of between-task precedence requirements, in less than 20 seconds of IBM 3033U CPU time for each problem. FABLE also performs very favorably on a benchmark group of 64 test problems drawn from the literature, which are of up to 111 tasks each. FABLE finds and proves an optimal solution to the 64 problems in a total of 3.16 seconds of IBM 3090 CPU time. FABLE is a 'laser' type, depth-first, branch-and-bound algorithm, with logic designed for very fast achievement of feasibility, ensuring a feasible solution to any line of 1000 or even more tasks. It utilizes new and existing dominance rules and bound arguments. A total of 549 problems of various characteristics are solved to determine conditions under which FABLE performs most and least favorably. Performance is sensitive to average number of tasks per work station, number of between-task precedence requirements measured by 'order strength', and the total number of tasks per problem. A heuristic variant of FABLE is also described.
A Flexible Spatio-Temporal Indexing Scheme for Large-Scale GPS Track Retrieval

The increasing popularity of GPS device has boosted many Web applications where people can upload, browse and exchange their GPS tracks. In these applications, spatial or temporal search function could provide an effective way for users to retrieve specific GPS tracks they are interested in. However, existing spatial-temporal index for trajectory data has not exploited the characteristic of user behavior in these online GPS track sharing applications. In most cases, when sharing a GPS track, people are more likely to upload GPS data of the near past than the distant past. Thus, the interval between the end time of a GPS track and the time it is uploaded, if viewed as a random variable, has a skewed distribution. In this paper, we first propose a probabilistic model to simulate user behavior of uploading GPS tracks onto an online sharing application. Then we propose a flexible spatio-temporal index scheme, referred to as Compressed Start-End Tree (CSE-tree), for large-scale GPS track retrieval. The CSE-tree combines the advantages of B+ Tree and dynamic array, and maintains different index structure for data with different update frequency. Experiments using synthetic data show that CSE-tree outperforms other schemes in requiring less index size and less update cost while keeping satisfactory retrieval performance.
The Role of APC E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Complex in Tumorigenesis

E3 ubiquitin ligases, especially the SCF (Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein) and APC (Anaphase-promoting complex, also known as APC/C), have been extensively studied in the past decades. These two ubiquitin E3 ligases primarily function in the regulation of cell cycle progression through timely and coordinated degradation of key cell cycle regulators. Mounting evidence has revealed not only that the SCF plays a critical role in tumorigenesis but also that the APC is important for cancer development. Genetically modified mouse models have demonstrated that the APC co-activator Cdh1 primarily functions as a tumor suppressor, while another co-activator, Cdc20, exhibits an oncogenic role. Consistently, Cdh1 is frequently lost or inactivated in human cancers (Bassermann et al., Cell 134(2):256–267, 2008; Fujita et al., Clin Cancer Res 14(7):1966–1975, 2008; Fujita et al., Am J Pathol 173(1):217–228, 2008), while the overexpression of Cdc20 is observed in human malignancies (Mondal et al., Carcinogenesis 28(1):81–92, 2007; Jiang et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun 415(2):325–329, 2011; Rajkumar et al., BMC Cancer 11:80, 2011; Chang et al., J Hematol Oncol 5:15, 2012; Kato et al., J Surg Oncol 106(4):423–430, 2012). Here, we discuss the identified substrates of APC, and summarize the reported phenotypes of genetically modified mouse models, which support the role of APC in the pathogenesis of human cancers and other relevant human diseases. Finally, we offer perspectives for developing APC pathway-specific inhibitors to treat various types of human cancers.
Gross and Radiographic Anatomy

The purpose of this chapter is to review pertinent anatomy of the head and neck that is relevant to both the otolaryngologist and anesthesiologist. The chapter provides the otolaryngologist with an overview of imaging technologies and a concise anatomic review, while also providing the anesthesiologist with a working knowledge of head and neck anatomy and an ability to interpret normal and pathologic head and neck radiographic imaging. Although the intention of this chapter is not meant to supplant the importance of consultation with otolaryngology and radiology colleagues, the ability to interpret head and neck radiographic imaging is critical for the anesthesiologist caring for patients with head and neck pathology. The chapter is divided into two anatomic sections, the airway and the deep neck spaces. Each section includes a discussion of basic anatomy, related pathology, helpful radiological imaging studies, and innervation with related nerve blocks for those contemplating regional anesthesia of the head and neck. The chapter concludes with (Appendix A), a series of CT scans and a MRI that highlights the normal anatomy and a summary of the abbreviations used for each figure throughout the chapter (Appendix B) (see Box 2.1).
Non-contact ultrasonic technique for Lamb wave characterization in composite plates

A fully non-contact single-sided air-coupled and laser ultrasonic non-destructive system based on the generation and detection of Lamb waves is implemented for the characterization of A0 Lamb wave mode dispersion in a composite plate. An air-coupled transducer (ACT) radiates acoustic pressure on the surface of the composite and generates Lamb waves within the structure. The out-of-plane velocity of the propagating wave is measured using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). In this study, the non-contact automated system focuses on measuring A0 mode frequency-wavenumber, phase velocity dispersion curves using Snell's law and group velocity dispersion curves using Morlet wavelet transform (MWT) based on time-of-flight along different wave propagation directions. It is theoretically demonstrated that Snell's law represents a direct link between the phase velocity of the generated Lamb wave mode and the coincidence angle of the ACT. Using Snell's law and MWT, the former three dispersion curves of the A0 mode are easily and promptly generated from a set of measurements obtained from a rapid ACT angle scan experiment. In addition, the phase velocity and group velocity polar characteristic wave curves are also computed to analyze experimentally the angular dependency of Lamb wave propagation. In comparison with the results from the theory, it is confirmed that using the ACT/LDV system and implementing simple Snell's law method is highly sensitive and effective in characterizing the dispersion curves of Lamb waves in composite structures as well as its angular dependency.
Wideband Monostatic Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (STAR) Antenna

A monostatic ultra-wideband simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) antenna subsystem is introduced. An inherent geometrical symmetry of a four-arm spiral antenna and feeding rearrangement are exploited to achieve the simultaneous transmit (TX) and receive (RX) functionalities without any time, polarization, or frequency multiplexing. The antenna is configured such that one arm-pair is used for TX and the other for RX. Thus, even though the two antennas are spatially separated by 90°, they still share the same aperture and the system is considered monostatic. Theoretical and computational studies are conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach under ideal conditions as well as in the presence of feed network non-idealities. The experimental data indicate that isolation levels greater than 39.6–50 dB over multiple octaves are achievable with realistic components. To improve the TX and RX far-field patterns, the planar four-arm spiral aperture is grounded via resistor-loaded quadrifilar helix with the two-arm TX/two-arm RX feed arrangement preserved. Furthermore, to simplify the feed network and reduce the impact of hybrid imbalances, an impedance-transforming microstrip feed is integrated with each arm pair. Isolation $> {37}\;{\text {dB}}$ and similar with high-quality measured and simulated TX/RX radiation patterns are obtained over the operating bandwidth.
Case-Control Study of Caffeinated Beverages and Preterm Delivery

Although many women reduce their caffeine consumption once they known they are pregnant, 70-80% of pregnant women still consume caffeine. To evaluate the relation between caffeine consumption and preterm delivery, a case-control study was conducted to identify all preterm (< 37 weeks gestation) infants born to women in selected North Carolina counties from September 1988 through April 1991. Randomly selected full-term, normal-weight livebirths (matched by race and hospital) served as controls. The study population consisted of 408 cases and 490 controls. Telephone interviews with participants assessed the consumption of caffeinated coffee, tea, cola soft drinks, and noncola caffeinated soft drinks, with caffeine consumption measured by the number of daily servings of each beverage and the total milligrams of caffeine. Third-trimester caffeine consumption from all beverages combined showed a nonsignificant inverse association with preterm delivery. Both first- and second-trimester consumption of 1-150 mg/day were associated with a modestly increased risk of preterm delivery, while no association was found at higher consumption levels. Overall, these results do not support an association between caffeinated beverage consumption and preterm delivery, as is true in most previous studies.
Dimensional Split Divergence-Free Reconstruction and Prolongation for Adaptive Mesh Refinement

A simple novel approach to preserve the divergence-free condition with adaptive mesh refinement is presented. The new approach uses only reconstructions on the coarse faces and the divergence-free condition to reconstruct the field values on the internal fine faces, and does not construct a global interpolation polynomial over a whole coarse cell. Therefore it can be easily applied to any refinement ratio. It is implemented via a directionally split approach in a directional splitting manner so that it can be applied to any kind of grids in any dimensions. Implementation is presented in the Cartesian, cylindrical and spherical geometries. It is shown by several 2D magneto-hydrodynamic simulations that such a method can keep the divergence-free error of magnetic fields at the round-off level.
Consequences of bariatric surgery on oesophageal function in health and disease

Obesity is a continuing epidemic with substantial associated morbidity and mortality. Owing to the limitations of lifestyle modifications and pharmacological options, bariatric surgery has come to the forefront as an efficient method of achieving sustained weight loss and decreasing overall mortality in comparison with nonsurgical interventions. The most frequently performed bariatric operations are either purely restrictive, such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), or restrictive-malabsorptive, such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Each operation results in weight loss, but can also have unintended effects on the health of the oesophagus. Specifically, operations might lead to oesophageal dilation or the development of GERD. LAGB is the best-studied procedure with notable evidence for postoperative worsening of GERD and pseudo-achalasia, which increases lower oesophageal pressure and causes aperistalsis. In some studies, LSG initiates not only a worsening of GERD, but also the formation of de novo GERD in patients without preoperative GERD symptoms. RYGB demonstrates the most profound evidence for improvement of GERD symptoms and preservation of oesophageal motility. Future high-quality studies will be required to better understand the interaction between bariatric surgery and oesophageal disease.