cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On nonprimitive Weierstrass points

We give an upper bound for the codimension in ℳg,1 of the variety ℳG,1S of marked curves (C,p) with a given Weierstrass semigroup. The bound is a combinatorial quantity which we call the effective weight of the semigroup; it is a refinement of the weight of the semigroup, and differs from the weight precisely when the semigroup is not primitive. We prove that whenever the effective weight is less than g, the variety ℳG,1S is nonempty and has a component of the predicted codimension. These results extend previous results of Eisenbud, Harris, and Komeda to the case of nonprimitive semigroups. We also survey other cases where the codimension of ℳG,1S is known, as evidence that the effective weight estimate is correct in wider circumstances.
Feasibility and acceptability of telephone-delivered cognitive-behavioral-based physical therapy for patients with traumatic lower extremity injury

This work was funded in part by the Department of Defense through the Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Research Program of the Congressional Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) under Award No. W81XWH-16-2-0060. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Department of Defense.
A Hybrid Algorithm for Metaheuristic Optimization.

We propose a novel, flexible algorithm for combining together metaheuristicoptimizers for non-convex optimization problems. Our approach treatsthe constituent optimizers as a team of complex agents that communicateinformation amongst each other at various intervals during the simulationprocess. The information produced by each individual agent can be combinedin various ways via higher-level operators. In our experiments on keybenchmark functions, we investigate how the performance of our algorithmvaries with respect to several of its key modifiable properties. Finally,we apply our proposed algorithm to classification problems involving theoptimization of support-vector machine classifiers.
Scaling tree-based automated machine learning to biomedical big data with a feature set selector

Motivation Automated machine learning (AutoML) systems are helpful data science assistants designed to scan data for novel features, select appropriate supervised learning models and optimize their parameters. For this purpose, Tree-based Pipeline Optimization Tool (TPOT) was developed using strongly typed genetic programing (GP) to recommend an optimized analysis pipeline for the data scientist's prediction problem. However, like other AutoML systems, TPOT may reach computational resource limits when working on big data such as whole-genome expression data. Results We introduce two new features implemented in TPOT that helps increase the system's scalability: Feature Set Selector (FSS) and Template. FSS provides the option to specify subsets of the features as separate datasets, assuming the signals come from one or more of these specific data subsets. FSS increases TPOT's efficiency in application on big data by slicing the entire dataset into smaller sets of features and allowing GP to select the best subset in the final pipeline. Template enforces type constraints with strongly typed GP and enables the incorporation of FSS at the beginning of each pipeline. Consequently, FSS and Template help reduce TPOT computation time and may provide more interpretable results. Our simulations show TPOT-FSS significantly outperforms a tuned XGBoost model and standard TPOT implementation. We apply TPOT-FSS to real RNA-Seq data from a study of major depressive disorder. Independent of the previous study that identified significant association with depression severity of two modules, TPOT-FSS corroborates that one of the modules is largely predictive of the clinical diagnosis of each individual. Availability and implementation Detailed simulation and analysis code needed to reproduce the results in this study is available at https://github.com/lelaboratoire/tpot-fss. Implementation of the new TPOT operators is available at https://github.com/EpistasisLab/tpot. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Anatre o quaglie

In a recent article it is proposed that an ornithomorphic askos, probably depicting a duck, found in the tophet of Carthage and datable not after the seventh century BC, instead depicts a quail or a rooster on the basis of Greek influences arrived in the Punic world during the Hellenistic era. The Mycenaean, Cypriot, Near-Eastern and Phoenician ornithomorphic askoi found between the second half of the second millennium and the first half of the first millennium BC seem instead to represent mainly ducks.
Americans’ attitudes toward foreign accents: evaluative hierarchies and underlying processes

This study examined Americans’ attitudes toward standard American English (SAE) and nine, non-Anglo foreign accents: Arabic, Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Hispanic, Mandarin, Russian, and Vietnames...
Beyond Idealized Models of Nanoscale Metal Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage

Metal hydrides are attractive for compact, low-pressure hydrogen storage, yet a foundational understanding of factors governing their thermodynamics and kinetics is still lacking. Predictive modeli...
The impact of near-infrared angiography and proctoscopy after rectosigmoid resection and anastomosis performed during surgeries for gynecologic malignancies

Abstract Objectives Reducing anastomotic leak rates after rectosigmoid resection and anastomosis is a priority in patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery. Therefore, we investigated the implications of performing near-infrared angiography (NIR) via proctoscopy to assess anastomotic perfusion at the time of rectosigmoid resection and anastomosis. Methods We identified all patients who underwent rectosigmoid resection and anastomosis for a gynecologic malignancy between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2018. NIR proctoscopy was assessed via the PINPOINT Endoscopic Imaging System (Stryker). Results A total of 410 patients were identified, among whom NIR was utilized in 133 (32.4%). There were no statistically significant differences in age, race, BMI, type of malignancy, surgery, histology, FIGO stage, hypertension, diabetes, or preoperative chemotherapy between NIR and non-NIR groups. All cases of rectosigmoid resection underwent stapled anastomosis. The anastomotic leak rate was 2/133 (1.5%) in the NIR cohort compared with 13/277 (4.7%) in the non-NIR cohort (p = 0.16). Diverting ostomy was performed in 9/133 (6.8%) NIR and 53/277 (19.9%) non-NIR patients (p Conclusions NIR proctoscopy is a safe tool for assessing anastomotic rectal perfusion after rectosigmoid resection and anastomosis, with a low anastomotic leak rate of 1.5%. Its potential usefulness should be evaluated in randomized trials in patients undergoing gynecologic cancer surgery.
Background Flow Sensing for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Using Model Reduction with Dynamic Mode Decomposition

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have received increasing attention among scientific and engineering societies for their superior performances and promising future in marine environments. A key challenge to marine autonomy is the sensing of the background flow environment, which is important for navigation and motion control of AUVs. While existing flow estimation studies typically focus on (quasi-)steady flow fields for AUVs of well-defined shapes, this paper proposes a novel flow sensing algorithm that applies to any dynamic flows for arbitrary AUV shapes. The proposed flow sensing method assimilates distributed pressure measurements through coalescing recursive Bayesian estimation and dynamic mode decomposition (DMD)-based model reduction. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed distributed flow sensing algorithm, both simulation and experimental results are presented on three testing prototypes of different shapes including a Joukowski foil, a triangle, and a rectangle.
Remote Monitoring of Heart Failure Using A Device-Based Multisensor Algorithm

Introduction Remote monitoring has become standard of care for management of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). However, its utility in heart failure management is unclear. A combination of CIED-derived parameters, including heart rate, respiratory rate, sensor-derived S3, and thoracic impedance, has been shown to be able to predict heart failure admissions in real world scenarios. The HeartLogic multisensor algorithm has been implemented in Boston Scientific CIEDs in current clinical use. However, it is unclear if identification of vulnerable patients by these parameters is sufficient to prevent hospitalization. Hypothesis Remote monitoring of CIEDs using the HeartLogic algorithm will lead to fewer total heart failure hospitalizations than remote monitoring of CIEDs without the HeartLogic algorithm. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study including all patients who were implanted with a Boston Scientific CRT-D device between January 2015 and November 2018 at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. The control cohort included 100 patients with Boston Scientific devices implanted between January 2015 and December 2016 without HeartLogic enabled algorithms, whereas our cohort included 40 patients with HeartLogic enabled devices implanted after January 1, 2017. All patients included had chronic heart failure with an ejection fraction of no more than 35% on optimal medical therapy for at least 3 months as defined by guidelines set by the American College of Cardiology. HeartLogic enabled devices automatically began monitoring after implantation and would report to a pacemaker clinic when HeartLogic scores crossed a threshold of 14. Results In the 1 year preceding device implantation, 17 of 40 (42%) patients with HeartLogic enabled devices and 33 of 100 (33%) patients in the control cohort (p=0.33) were hospitalized. In the 1 year following device implantation, 4 of 40 (10%) patients with HeartLogic enabled devices and 17 of 100 (17%) patients in the control cohort (p=0.35) were hospitalized. Conclusions HeartLogic enabled devices compared with optimal medical therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy shows a trend towards lower 1-year heart failure admissions. Additional studies are necessary to further evaluate this trend.
Next Steps in Integrative Biology: Mapping Interactive Processes Across Levels of Biological Organization.

Emergent biological processes result from complex interactions within and across levels of biological organization, ranging from molecular to environmental dynamics. Powerful theories, database tools, and modeling methods have been designed to characterize network connections within levels, such as those among genes, proteins, biochemicals, cells, organisms and species. Here, we propose that developing integrative models of organismal function in complex environments can be facilitated by taking advantage of these methods to identify key nodes of communication across levels of organization. Mapping key drivers or connections among levels of organization will provide data and leverage to model potential rule-sets by which organisms respond and adjust to perturbations at any level of biological organization.
Quantification of Arterial and Venous Morphologic Markers in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Using CT Imaging.

Background Pulmonary hypertension is a heterogeneous disease, and a significant portion of patients at risk for it have CT imaging available. Advanced automated processing techniques could be leveraged for early detection, screening, and development of quantitative phenotypes. Pruning and vascular tortuosity have been previously described in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but the extent of these phenomena in arterial vs venous pulmonary vasculature and in exercise pulmonary hypertension (ePH) have not been described. Research Question What are the arterial and venous manifestations of pruning and vascular tortuosity using CT imaging in PAH, and do they also occur in ePH? Study Design and Methods A cohort of patients with PAH and ePH and control subjects with available CT angiograms were retrospectively identified to examine the differential arterial and venous presence of pruning and tortuosity in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension not confounded by lung or thromboembolic disease. The pulmonary vasculature was reconstructed, and an AI method was used to separate arteries and veins and to compute arterial and venous vascular volumes and tortuosity. Results A total of 42 patients with PAH, 12 patients with ePH, and 37 control subjects were identified. There was relatively lower (median [interquartile range]) arterial small vessel volume in subjects with PAH (PAH 14.7 [11.7-16.2; P Interpretation Lower small distal pulmonary vascular volume, higher proximal arterial volume, and higher arterial tortuosity were observed. These can be quantified by using automated techniques from clinically acquired CT scans of patients with ePH and resting PAH.
Pathogenic potential in catheter associated Escherichia coli is associated with separable biofilm and virulence gene determinants

Urinary catheterization facilitates asymptomatic bacterial colonization of the urinary tract and increases the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). Differentiating catheter-associated asymptomatic bacteriuria (CAASB) from catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) can be challenging when the presence or origins of symptoms are unclear. To determine whether strain-specific Escherichia coli characteristics are associated with CAUTI, we compared genomic composition and experimental catheter biofilm production by urinary isolates from catheterized inpatients and rectal isolates from healthy volunteers. CAUTI isolates were associated with a distinctive phylotype B2 sub-clade dominated by the multidrug resistant, pandemic ST131 lineage. While catheter biofilm formation was widespread among E. coli isolates, phylotype B2 biofilms were more extensive and biofilm-associated genes were preferentially found in B2 and ST131 isolates. Distinctive suites of iron-responsive genes were associated with both the ST131 lineage and catheter biofilm formation. Catheter biofilms produced by some CAASB strains could inhibit ST131 colonization, suggesting a potential beneficial function for these strains. These results suggest that the combination of biofilm and non-biofilm-associated gene networks in urinary E. coli influence CAUTI risk in catheterized patients.
Ultra-sensitive AAV capsid detection by immunocapture-based qPCR following factor VIII gene transfer.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy vectors are replication-incompetent and thus pose minimal risk for horizontal transmission or release into the environment. In studies with AAV5-FVIII-SQ (valoctocogene roxaparvovec), an investigational gene therapy for hemophilia A, residual vector DNA was detectable in blood, secreta, and excreta, but it remained unclear how long structurally intact AAV5 vector capsids were present. Since a comprehensive assessment of vector shedding is required by regulatory agencies, we developed a new method (termed iqPCR) that utilizes capsid-directed immunocapture followed by qPCR amplification of encapsidated DNA. The limit of detection for AAV5 vector capsids was 1.17E+04 and 2.33E+04 vg/mL in plasma and semen, respectively. Acceptable precision, accuracy, selectivity, and specificity were verified; up to 1.00E+09 vg/mL non-encapsidated vector DNA showed no interference. Anti-AAV5 antibody plasma concentrations above 141 ng/mL decreased AAV5 capsid quantification, suggesting that iqPCR mainly detects free capsids and not those complexed with antibodies. In a clinical study, AAV5-FVIII-SQ capsids were found in plasma and semen but became undetectable within nine weeks after dose administration. Hence, iqPCR monitors the presence and shedding kinetics of intact vector capsids following AAV gene therapy and informs the potential risk for horizontal transmission.
Amyloid-beta and tau pathologies are both necessary to induce novel stage-specific microglia subtypes during Alzheimer’s disease progression

It is unknown whether specific microglia are selectively induced by amyloid-β(Aβ), tau pathologies, or both in combination. To address this, we use single-cell RNA-sequencing to profile mice bearing both Aβ and tau pathologies during Alzheimer9s disease (AD). We identify novel microglia subtypes induced in a disease stage-specific manner. We show that during early-stage disease, interferon signaling induces a subtype of microglia termed EADAM. During late-stage disease, a second microglia subtype termed LADAM is detected. While EADAM and LADAM-like microglia are observed in other neurodegenerative models, the magnitude and composition of subtype markers are distinct from microglia observed with AD-like pathology. The pattern of EADAM- and LADAM-associated gene expression is observed in microglia from human AD, during the early and late stages of disease, respectively. Furthermore, we observe that several siglec genes are selectively expressed in either EADAM or LADAM. Siglecg is expressed in white-matter-associated LADAM, and expression of the human orthologue of Siglecg is progressively elevated in AD-stage-dependent manner but not shown in non-AD tauopathy. Our findings imply that both Aβ and tau pathologies are required for disease stage-specific induction of EADAM and LADAM.
Chang Poling: A Biographical Tribute

“I have no special talent, nor have I acquired advanced skill in any particular field. The little measure of success I have had in my life-long endeavors is entirely due to the simple fact that I have faith and interest in education.”
Electron microscope observations on chick embryo liver. Glycogen, bile canaliculi, inclusion bodies and hematopoiesis.

Chick embryo livers of different incubation ages (6–18 days) have been studied in the electron microscope. Three fixation procedures and a variety of embedding materials were used. In particular, the glycogen, bile canaliculi, lipid inclusions, and capillaries containing young blood cells were studied. The variable appearance of the glycogen is illustrated. It is often seen as distinct granules which are as large as 33 mμ, but in other cases these granules become indistinct and are seen only under very low contrast. Furthermore, single granules may fuse (probably when polymerization damage is present) and then the glycogen appears in form of larger clumps. Attempts to demonstrate digestion of the glycogen by salivary amylase, applied directly on the plastic-containing sections, were successful in one instance. The bile canaliculi are well established in livers 6 days old. They are bounded by a variable number of liver cells. “Terminal bars” are not seen at this stage. Certain inclusion bodies are interpreted as lipid bodies. The gradual development of a dense mass in their center (presumably fat), and of stacked lamellae at their periphery (presumably phospholipid) is illustrated. It is believed that the central mass and the peripheral lamellae within these inclusions are being formed from the inclusion body “matrix.” Perhaps these pictures illustrate the synthesis of fat and of phospholipid. In old (18-day) embryos the lamellae (presumed phospholipid) are rarely seen. Blood capillaries are characterized by a continuous endothelium in embryos 6 days old, but they show a discontinuous endothelium after about 8 days of incubation. Endothelial cells are seen to undergo division as they differentiate to form young erythroblasts. The electron microscope observations on this intracapillary erythropoiesis are closely comparable with early observations made with the light microscope.
A Multi-User 3-D Virtual Environment with Interactive Collaboration and Shared Whiteboard Technologies

A multi-user 3-D virtual environment allows remote participants to have a transparent communication as if they are communicating face-to-face. The sense of presence in such an environment can be established by representing each participant with a vivid human-like character called an avatar. We review several immersive technologies, including directional sound, eye gaze, hand gestures, lip synchronization and facial expressions, that facilitates multimodal interaction among participants in the virtual environment using speech processing and animation techniques. Interactive collaboration can be further encouraged with the ability to share and manipulate 3-D objects in the virtual environment. A shared whiteboard makes it easy for participants in the virtual environment to convey their ideas graphically. We survey various kinds of capture devices used for providing the input for the shared whiteboard. Efficient storage of the whiteboard session and precise archival at a later time bring up interesting research topics in information retrieval.
Isolation of the Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-stimulating Hormone-releasing Hormone from Porcine Hypothalami

Abstract A new procedure is described for the isolation on a preparative scale of a hypothalamic decapeptide which stimulates the release of both luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary. The isolation was achieved mainly by countercurrent distribution. The yield from 240,000 porcine hypothalami was 11.4 mg. Thin layer chromatography and electrophoresis showed the material to be homogeneous. The amino acid analyses showed the presence of 2 residues of glycine and 1 residue each of histidine, arginine, tryptophan, serine, glutamic acid, proline, leucine, and tyrosine. This decapeptide stimulates release of both LH and FSH in vivo as well as in vitro in doses smaller than 1 ng. It is thought to be the hypothalamic hormone which controls secretion of both LH and FSH from the pituitary gland.
Development testing of high temperature bearings for SP‐100 control drive assemblies

Initial phases of two distinct SP‐100 control drive assembly bearing test programs were successfully completed at elevated temperature in vacuum. The first was for the reflector drive line spherical self‐aligning bearings. Each bearing consisted of a carbon‐graphite ball mounted on an aluminum oxide‐coated Ta‐10%W shaft, captured by an aluminum oxide‐coated Ta‐10%W socket. One set of these bearings was exposed to temperatures up to 1180K (1665°F) at 1.33×10−6 Pa (1×10−8 torr) and subjected to 38000 cycles of motion. Friction coefficients were found to be between 0.11 and 0.25 over the full range of operation. Overall performance of the bearings was excellent, with only slight wear observed.The second test program was for the safety rod slider bearing. Zirconium carbide coated Nb‐1%Zr bearings pads were stroked inside a molybdenum tube at temperatures up to 1422 K (2100°F) at ∼1.33×10−6 Pa with a normal load of 1.02 Kg between each sliding surface. Coefficients of sliding friction were found to increase fr...
Physiologic and biochemical measurements and response to noxious stimulation at various concentrations of MS-222 in Koi (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract Objective To evaluate the physiological effect and response to noxious stimulation at five concentrations of MS-222 in koi ( Cyprinus carpio ). Study design Prospective experimental study. Animals Twenty-one healthy adult unknown sex koi fish weighing mean 450 ± SD 120 g. Methods Each fish was exposed to five different concentrations of MS-222 (50, 70, 110, 150 and 190 mg L −1 ) in a random sequence during the same anaesthetic event. For each concentration of MS-222, vital functions such as heart rate (HR) (via Doppler) and opercular rate (OpR) were recorded after a standardized induction period. Response to two noxious stimuli in the form of haemostat clamp pressure applied on the tail and the lip was evaluated, and blood was drawn to measure biochemical and blood gas values. Results Decrease in response to noxious stimulation with an increase of MS-222 concentration both for the lip ( p = 0.0027) and the tail ( p r = 0.31, p r = 0.23, p Conclusions and clinical relevance Our results indicated a decrease in response to stimulus and a decrease in OpR that were associated with increased concentrations of MS-222. This may assist in establishing anaesthetic protocols using MS-222 in fish and supports the use of supramaximal pressure stimuli to teleost fish under variable MS-222 concentrations as a model for future studies.
Prehistoric Exchange in the Southeast

There have been numerous definitions of the Southeast as a culture area based on various criteria (Smith 1986: Fig 1:1) and, as Smith has pointed out, the problem is compounded when prehistoric data are considered since the boundary shifts back and forth through time. There is general agreement, however, that the Southeast includes at least the Lower Mississippi Valley on the west and the coastal plain and southern half of the Appalachians to the east. This brings up one other more immediate consideration in delineating the area to be covered in this chapter. Gibson deals with the lower Mississippi Valley in Chapter 6, Brose covers the Midwest in Chapter 8, and Stewart reviews trade in the Middle Atlantic states in Chapter 4. The area that remains covers most of the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Optical Third-Order Mixing in GaAs, Ge, Si, and InAs

Nonlinear optical difference mixing of C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ laser radiation is studied in the semiconductors GaAs, Ge, Si, and InAs. The fourth-rank electric susceptibility tensor receivers independent contributions from the bound or valence electrons, ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{b}$, and, in $n$-type material, from the conduction electrons ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{n}$. These two contributions are separated and measured in GaAs. ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{b}$ is found to be anisotropic and ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{n}$ to be isotropic for carrier concentrations $nl~5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{16}$. The relative signs of the susceptibilities are determined. ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{b}$ in Ge and GaAs and ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{n}$ in GaAs and InAs all have the same sign for the particular frequency combination studied. Theoretical and experimental evidence indicate that this sign is positive. At room temperature, ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{n}$ in GaAs is a liner function of $n$ for $nl~{10}^{16}$. The value of the slope $\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{n}}{\ensuremath{\partial}n}$ is a direct measure of the nonparabolicity of the conduction band in GaAs. It is shown to be inconsistent with Kane's model for small direct-band-gap semiconductors, and in agreement with Cardona's indirect measurements of the nonparabolicity in GaAs.
Compositional distinction between oceanic and cratonic lithosphere

Abstract Modal and chemical data for variably-depleted peridotites of oceanic origin together with estimates of the composition of fertile parental peridotite are used to define an oceanic trend. This trend is most clearly illustrated in a plot of modal olivine against mg number. The oceanic residues represented by abyssal peridotites, ophiolite tectonites and some alpine peridotites are characteristically olivine-rich with mg numbers of 90.5–91.5. In contrast, peridotite xenoliths with equilibration temperatures below 1100–1200°C from the Archaean Kaapvaal craton in southern Africa are more enstatite-rich with mg numbers of 91.5–93.5. The structures and compositional relations of other Archaean cratons are believed to be similar to the Kaapvaal on the basis of tectonic, geophysical and sparse petrological data. Oceanic residues may have formed in a variety of tectonic environments, but are believed to be of relatively shallow origin. Mg-rich peridotite xenoliths from mafic volcanics erupted in continental areas marginal to Archaean cratons have compositions that fit the oceanic trend. Some of these xenoliths may be derived from oceanic lithosphere that has been accreted to Archaean nuclei. Others may have originated in sub-continental magmatic events at relatively shallow depths, comparable to those at which lithosphere has formed beneath the oceans. The Archaean cratonic peridotites have had a history that differs from those forming oceanic lithosphere and it is conjectured that they are high-pressure residues of komatiite formation. The cratonic peridotites have a lesser density than other peridotites and they are believed to have floated and coalesced to form continental nuclei.
RETAINING REPATRIATES: THE ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT PRACTICES

Abstract The issue of repatriate turnover continues to be a challenge for many multinational companies today. This article describes several repatriate support practices offered by organizations—and how effective they are at lowering repatriates’ turnover intentions. We found that supportive repatriate practices offered by companies improved the repatriates’ general perceptions about their companies. Repatriates who were offered more of these supportive practices, and believed that such programs were relevant and important for their successful repatriation, felt as though their company cared about their overall well-being—and ultimately, had a greater desire to remain with the company upon repatriation. These findings were based on a study with 58 expatriates from four North American-based multinational organizations.
Anthropomorphic characteristics of centerfold models: trends towards slender figures over time.

Objective Anthropomorphic characteristics of centerfold models were analyzed to determine if there has been a trend towards slimmer models over the last 50 years. Method Height and weight, breast, waist, and hip measurements of 559 Playboy centerfold models, obtained from the magazine's website, were analyzed. Results Regression analyses indicated a gradual and subtle change towards slimness. A latent class analysis yielded five basic types of figures and results indicated that the prevalence of the type of figures being depicted changed over time, with a slightly thinner figure being more common. However, really thin figures were rare until the 2000s and the probability of a model having a body mass index (BMI) < 17 was greater in the 1950s than in the 2000s. Discussion These findings suggest that there has been a trend towards slimness, but that the changes have been gradual. © 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dual Representation Methods for Efficient and Automatable Analysis of 3D Plates

It is well recognized that 3D finite element analysis is inappropriate for analyzing thin structures such as plates and shells. Instead, a variety of highly efficient and specialized 2D methods have been developed for analyzing such structures. However, 2D methods pose serious automation challenges in today's 3D design environment. Specifically, analysts must manually extract cross-sectional properties from a 3D computer aided design (CAD) model and import them into a 2D environment for analysis. In this paper, we propose two efficient yet easily automatable dual representation methods for analyzing thin plates. The first method exploits standard off the-shelf 3D finite element packages and achieves high computational efficiency through an algebraic reduction process. In the reduction process, a 3D plate bending stiffness matrix is constructed from a 3D mesh and then projected onto a lower-dimensional space by appealing to standard 2D plate theories. In the second method, the analysis is carried out by integrating 2D shape functions over the boundary of the 3D plate. Both methods do not entail extraction of the cross-sectional properties of the plate. However, the user must identify the plate or thickness direction. The proposed methodologies are substantiated through numerical experiments.
Structural and functional neuroimaging methods in the diagnosis of dementias: a retrospective chart and brain imaging review.

Objective: Assess the contribution of structural and functional neuroimaging methods to the diagnosis of dementia. Methods: This was a retrospective chart and imaging review. Participants were 24 inpatient dementia cases from a general hospital-based, university medical psychiatry unit. Data from clinical charts and imaging results were reviewed. Results: Most common initial diagnoses were dementia NOS and vascular dementia (VD); most common discharge diagnoses were VD, Alzheimer's, Dementia NOS and dementia with Lewy bodies. Most diagnostic changes occurred following family meetings or SPECT/PET, with fewer changes after CT/MRI. Conclusions: Diagnostic steps that contributed the most to the final diagnosis were the family meeting and the functional neuroimaging evaluation.
New Approach to Oligonucleotide Microarrays Using Zirconium Phosphonate-Modified Surfaces

A new approach to oligonucleotide arrays is demonstrated that utilizes zirconium phosphonate-derivatized glass slides. The active slides are prepared by binding Zr4+ to surfaces terminated with organophosphonate groups previously deposited using either Langmuir−Blodgett or self-assembled monolayer methods. Oligonucleotide probes modified with a terminal phosphate bind strongly to the active zirconium phosphonate monolayer, and arrays for detecting fluorescent targets have been prepared using commercial spotting and scanning instruments. Preferred binding to the surface of the terminal phosphate of the modified probes instead of the internal phosphate diester groups is demonstrated and shown to yield increased fluorescence intensity after hybridization with labeled targets. A significant decrease in background signal is achieved by treating the slides with bovine serum albumin after spotting and before hybridization. A further increase in fluorescence after hybridization is observed when using a poly-guani...
Effects of alpha-methylphenylalanine plus phenylalanine treatment during development on myelin in rat brain.

The effects of hyperphenylalaninemia induced by treatment with α-methylphenylalanine (MPA) plus phenylalanine (PHE) on body and brain weight, on myelin and synaptosome formation, and on the lipids and fatty acids of myelin were studied in rats. The administration of MPA (2.4 μmol/g body wt) plus PHE (2.6 μmol/g body wt) for 25 and 35 days beginning on the fifth postnatal day did not affect brain development. On doubling the dosage of PHE, body and brain weights and myelin yields were significantly lowered. The lipid composition of myelin from the brains of treated animals was largely unaffected; however, the concentration of sulfatides was significantly reduced. Unsaturated fatty acid levels in myelin from hyperphenylalaninemic rat brains were reduced while long-chain fatty acids were unaffected. We conclude that as in hyperphenylalaninemia induced by other methods, MPA+PHE treatment impairs body and brain growth, reduces myelin formation, and causes inhibition of fatty acid desaturation in the brain.
A threshold for wind‐wave growth

[1] Measurements in a closed, recirculating wind-wave tank using variable wind speeds showed that wind waves in the gravity-capillary range exhibit a threshold in their growth. Surface wave height variance spectral densities in the wave number domain were measured for gravity-capillary waves using both radar backscatter and a wavelet transform technique applied to a laser probe. The measurements showed that when the wind speed was slowly ramped up, a threshold wind speed or friction velocity was required to produce waves. Turning the wind on suddenly showed that the wind stress did not grow as rapidly as the wind since the surface waves supporting the stress grew relatively slowly. Changing water temperature or current in the water caused a pronounced change in the wind speed threshold but not in the friction velocity threshold. Changes in fetch of as much as a factor of 2 had no discernible effect on the thresholds. The results imply that wind speed, being a condition imposed on the air-water interface, causes wave growth, while friction velocity, being a result of air-water interactions, is closely related to surface roughness, hence radar cross section, and changes during wave growth.
Particle motions and distributions in turbulent boundary layer of air–particle flow past a vertical flat plate

Abstract Air–particle flow past a vertical flat plate was studied experimentally. Particle motion and distribution inside the turbulent boundary layer along the plate were measured by using a newly developed reflective fiber optic probe. Pulverized coal particles with 60 μm mean diameter were used. The superficial air velocity was 20 and 30 m/s, and solids loading ratio was varied between 0.3 and 1.2 (kg dust/kg air). The particle velocity measurements showed that particle mean velocity distribution in the boundary layer follows the log law. Inside the boundary layer, particle velocity is greater than air velocity and the boundary layer thickness of the particulate flow is smaller than that of the clean air flow. These effects are more pronounced as solids loading increases. Particle inertia and momentum transfer between particles and air play important roles in understanding particle motions inside the boundary layer. A non-uniform distribution of particle concentration in the turbulent boundary layer with the peak value in the outer region has been found. This phenomenon is believed to be attributed to a transverse lift force and particle–wall collisions.
Efficient transformation of certain singular polynomial matrix eigenvalue problems

Abstract Several transformations of the singular (| A r | =0) n x n polynomial matrix eigenvalue problem ( A r λ r + A r−1 λ r−1 + …+ A 1 λ+ A 0 ) x = 0 of degree r , where A r has k n nonzero rows, are described. The transformed problems are either of degree one, order r ( n − 1) + k , and usually (in a sense made precise) nonsingular, or of degree r −1, order n + k , and singular. For a wide range of k , n , and r , the transformed problems can be solved more efficiently than the original problem of degree r and order n .
An approach to specifying a minimum dose system for mammography using multiparameter optimization techniques.

Analytical expressions have been written for image quality in mammography. Multiparameter optimizations have been conducted to find mammographysystems providing the lowest patient dose for a given image quality. The optimizations are subject to constraints imposed by technology, such as power limits on the tube focal spot, absorption efficiency related to detector resolution, and others. The optimizations permit system geometry, kVp, filtration, detector resolution, focal spot size, and grid characteristics to vary simultaneously and self‐consistently subject to the constraints. A system configuration approaching a factor of 3 dose reduction has been found without assuming radical technological advances. The system satisfies image quality constraints for both large and small targets and would be possible to implement clinically. The sensitivity of the results to the assumptions made in the modeling has been investigated.
Classification of chromatographic data using multidimensional polynomials

A pattern recognition methodology has been developed for analysis of chromatographic data. The method uses a new class of multidimensional orthogonal polynomials developed by Cohen in conjunction with a supervised learning technique. The method is applicable to any chromatographic data for which classification into two or more categories is desired. The algorithm analyzes both elution times and peak areas. An application is shown for the analysis of organic acids in ascitic fluid obtained from patients with liver disorders. Classification of these patients for presence or absence of bacterial infection shows over ninety percent correct classification.
Proliferative and structural differences between male and female mouse submandibular glands.

Sexual dimorphism has been observed in salivary glands of many species. In this study, evidence for sexual differences in adult mouse submandibular gland is extended beyond parenchymal cell composition, size, and volumes to include patterns of DNA synthesis and complexity of ductal branching. Computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstructions also revealed differences in overall organization of secretory complexes. Consistent with observations by others, granular intercalated duct cells were absent, while striated granular duct cells were low in proportion in the male glands relative to female glands. When the mean of average cell volumes were compared, acinar (AC) cells were smaller than granular duct (GD) cells in the male, but in the female the reverse was true. Furthermore, in addition to differences in average volumes of GD cells, the average volume of AC cells was significantly greater in females than males. The most dramatic evidence for sexual dimorphism was observed following a 90-min labeling with 3H-thymidine. Though all cell types showed DNA replication activity, the intercalated duct (ID) cells were substantially more active than AC and GD cells in the female, while in the maleeA the GD cells, ID cells, and AC cells all showed approximately equal activity. Three-dimensional reconstructions indicated that the female possessed a more highly branched intercalated duct system and that the GD usually terminated within a secretory complex, whereas in males the GD typically passes through a secretory complex and forms a prominent cap-like structure on the opposite side. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
High-Temperature Synthesis of Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Methane

Arenes of 1, 2, 3, 4 and more rings have been synthesized in a flow system by passing methane through silica gel at 1000°C. Yields of 4.8 to 7.2 percent have been obtained per single pass. As determined by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the major compound synthesized that are of less than S rings are benzene, naphthalene, acenaphthylene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene. Under certain conditions ( presence of ammonia and water), small amounts of aliphatic hydrocarbons are also synthesized. Even-carbon-numbered hydrocarbons (aromatic as well as aliphatic) predominate, to the extent that about 97 percent of the total weight of the analyzed arenes have even numbers of carbon atoms.
Managing probation programs with geographic information systems

At a time when funding for probation does not catch up with the growth in caseloads, probation programs need to adopt new technology, such as geographic information systems (GIS), to increase their management efficiency. We discuss our implementation of a GIS to support management of the probation program in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. GIS provides a set of efficient tools for data integration, mapping, and analysis. Furthermore, it allows probation officers to understand their clients and plan their tasks better. As a decision support system, GIS integrates information from various sources and makes them readily available to probation officers. As a data analysis tool, GIS enables probation officers to study the profiles of their clients with only minimal efforts. As a task management assistant, GIS supports a wide variety of alternatives in storing or updating records and planning activities.
Child Care Arrangements for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Are They Different for Youngest Children?.

Many extant studies on the use of non-parental child care are based on data from the youngest child in the household. To date, it has not been addressed whether this approach introduces bias. We present reasons why child care arrangements for youngest children may differ from those of same-age older children and examine whether the use of child care, type of arrangement, and use of care in combination with mother's employment differ for youngest versus middle/oldest toddlers and preschoolers with data from the 1999 National Household Education Survey. We find that youngest preschoolers are more likely to attend child care on a regular basis than middle/oldest preschoolers. Further, youngest toddlers and preschoolers are more likely than middle/oldest toddlers and preschoolers to have an employed mother. How families combine the use of child care and maternal employment differs by birth order. Controlling for other child and household characteristics does not explain these differences. Differences in the types of care arrangements used for youngest versus middle/oldest toddlers and preschoolers in non-parental care do not reach statistical significance.
Development of a Synoptic Climatology for the Northeast Gulf of Alaska

Abstract The subjective, sea level pressure-based, synoptic climatologies of Sorkina and Putnins have been specialized for the coastal region of southern Alaska. The results of the subjective typing were compared to the automated correlation technique for surface chart typing proposed by Lund. The subjective and automated approaches point to four persistent patterns: the Aleutian low, the low over the southern Gulf of Alaska, high pressure centered over the eastern Gulf of Alaska, and high pressure centered over the western Gulf of Alaska. Beyond these four patterns, migratory low-pressure centers were divided into various groups. Matching individual synoptic charts to the map patterns, or sequencing, was done both subjectively and objectively by correlation with the National Meteorological Center grid point analyses. For the period 1968–77 75% of the twice daily sea level pressure charts could be sequenced objectively by matching one of the subjective subtypes with a correlation >0.7. Correlation-based t...
IBM 9.2-megapixel flat-panel display: technology and infrastructure

Recently, IBM introduced a very high-resolution high-information content flat-panel display, which incorporates a number of technological advances. This display contains 9.2 million pixels at a density of 204 pixels per inch, in a 3840x2400 pixel format. This is the first large-area display with a pixel density which satisfies normal visual acuity at normal reading distances, and increases the screen information content by a factor of 5 to 7 times over conventional displays. This display is appropriate for a wide variety of applications in which visualization of a large amount of data is important. At the same time, this technology advance heralds a number of infrastructure changes in system architecture, digital data protocol, and user interface design for both operating system and software applications.
Comparison of vitrification and conventional cryopreservation of day 5 and day 6 blastocysts during clinical application

Objective To evaluate implantation of day 5 and day 6 vitrified and slow-frozen blastocysts. Design Retrospective analysis comparing two cryopreservation techniques. Setting Private IVF clinic. Patient(s) Five hundred eight cryopreserved embryo transfer candidates. Intervention(s) Supernumerary day 5 and day 6 blastocysts were vitrified or slow-frozen and transfered after warming or thawing. Main Outcome Measure(s) Comparison of two cryopreservation techniques with respect to survival rate, implantation, and pregnancy rates of day 5 and day 6 blastocysts. Result(s) In 254 vitrified transfer cycles, survival, embryonic implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates for day 5 blastocysts were 95.9%, 33.4%, 48.7%, respectively, and for day 6 blastocysts 97.5%, 25.9%, 42.8%. In 254 slow-frozen transfer cycles, survival, embryonic implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates for day 5 blastocysts were 91.4%, 29.6%, 42.8%, respectively, and for day 6 blastocysts 94.8%, 28.2%, 43.1%. Overall there was a slightly, but not significantly, higher outcome regarding implantation and clinical pregnancy with the use of day 5 blastocysts (31.3% and 45.4%, respectively) versus day 6 blastocysts (26.7, and 42.9%, respectively). Conclusion(s) Vitrification technique yields the same implantation and pregnancy rate as slow-frozen blastocyst transfers. Slow growing embryos can be cryopreserved on day 6, because they yield a satisfactory survival, implantation, and pregnancy rate.