cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Fuzzy Segmentation of Medical Images

Digital image segmentation is the process of assigning distinct labels to different objects in an image. The level of detail indicated by the labeling is related to the application at hand. To perform object identification in digital or continuous, moving or still images, humans make use of high-level reasoning and knowledge, as well as of different visual cues, such as shadowing, occlusion, parallax motion, and the relative size of objects. Aside from the difficulty of inserting this type of reasoning into a computer program, the task of segmenting out an object from its background in an image becomes particularly hard for a computer when, instead of the brightness values, what distinguishes the object from the background is some textural property, or when the image is corrupted by noise and/or inhomogeneos illumination.
Acceptance or resistance?—Explaining local reactions to land titling in three Chinese villages

The Chinese government’s recent scheme to issue land certificates to rural households was embraced by some villages but opposed by others. This is puzzling to economists and policymakers who propos...
Reduced type‐A carbohydrate‐binding module interactions to cellulose I leads to improved endocellulase activity

Dissociation of non-productively bound cellulolytic enzymes from cellulose is hypothesized to be a key rate-limiting factor impeding cost-effective biomass conversion to fermentable sugars. However, the role of carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) in enabling non-productive enzyme binding is not well understood. Here, we examine the subtle interplay of CBM binding and cellulose hydrolysis activity for three model Type-A CBMs (families 1, 3a, and 64) tethered to a multifunctional endoglucanase (CelE) on two distinct cellulose allomorphs (i.e., cellulose I and III). We generated a small-library of mutant CBMs with varying cellulose affinity, as determined by equilibrium binding assays, followed by monitoring cellulose hydrolysis activity of CelE-CBM fusion constructs. Finally, kinetic binding assays using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) were employed to measure CBM adsorption and desorption rate constants kon and koff , respectively, towards nanocrystalline cellulose derived from both allomorphs. Overall, our results indicate that reduced CBM equilibrium binding affinity towards cellulose I alone, resulting from increased desorption rates (koff ) and reduced effective adsorption rates (nkon ), is correlated to overall improved endocellulase activity. Future studies could employ similar approaches to unravel the role of CBMs in non-productive enzyme binding and develop improved cellulolytic enzymes for industrial applications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Early Seizures Are Predictive of Worse Health-Related Quality of Life at Follow-Up After Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Objectives Early seizures are a common complication of intracerebral hemorrhage, occurring in ~10% of patients. However, the independent effect of early seizures on patient outcomes, particularly health-related quality of life, is unclear. Without a potential benefit to patient outcomes, the widespread use (~40%) of prophylactic seizure medications has no reasonable chance of improving patient outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that health-related quality of life at follow-up is different between patients with and without early seizures (and secondarily, with nonconvulsive status epilepticus) after intracerebral hemorrhage. Design Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were enrolled in an observational cohort study that prospectively collected clinical data and health-related quality of life at follow-up. Setting Academic medical center. Patients One-hundred thirty-three patients whose health-related quality of life was assessed 3 months after intracerebral hemorrhage onset. Measurements and main results Health-related quality of life was obtained at 3 months after intracerebral hemorrhage onset. T Scores of health-related quality of life were modeled with multivariable linear models accounting for severity with the intracerebral hemorrhage Score and hematoma location. Health-related quality of life was measured with National Institutes of Health Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System/Neuroquality of life, expressed in T Scores (U.S. normal 50 ± 10). The modified Rankin Scale (a global measure) was a secondary outcome. There were 12 patients (9%) with early seizures. T Scores of health-related quality of life at follow-up were lower (worse) in patients with early seizure compared with patients without an early seizure (44 [32.75-51.85] vs 30.25 [18.9-39.15]; p = 0.04); results for other domains of health-related quality of life were similar. The association persisted in multivariable models. There was no association between early seizures and prophylactic seizure medications (p = 0.4). Results for patients with nonconvulsive status epilepticus were similar. There was no association between early seizures and the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months. Conclusions Early seizures and nonconvulsive status epilepticus were associated with lower health-related quality of life at follow-up in survivors of intracerebral hemorrhage.
The Use of Multiple Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Modalities to Help Manage Extensive Wounds Caused by a Crush/Sheer Injury.

Introduction Vehicular run-over accidents cause crushing and sheering forces that can result in fractures and cause extensive damage to the cutaneous layer of the skin and underlying soft tissues. These types of injuries present immense challenges that often require numerous treatment modalities for wound management. A complex case in which 2 distinct negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) modalities were instrumental in helping manage extensive wounds resulting from extreme crushing/sheering forces is presented. Case report A 22-year-old male without prior medical history presented to the treating facility after falling and being crushed by a parade float. The patient had multiple fractures to the facial area and pelvic region, including the left side of the sacrum. The injuries encompassed the entire perineum, rectal area, scrotum, and both upper legs. After stabilizing the patient, attention was directed to the extensive wound and eventual closure. Following muscle flap reconstructions to help protect the left and right femoral arteries, an acellular artificial skin was placed to cover the perineum, bilateral medial thighs, and left groin region. Upon developing wound complications, NPWT with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) was applied by intermittently instilling 60 mL of normal saline solution with a 10-minute dwell time, followed by negative pressure at -125 mm Hg for 3.5 hours. The therapy was applied for 11 days with dressing changes every 2 to 3 days. The patient then underwent split-thickness skin grafting to the left thigh, perineum, and right thigh. Due to the extensive nature of the wounds and the multiple anatomical locations, a novel 4-channel NPWT system was used as a bolster over the skin grafts. Continuous NPWT was applied at -125 mm Hg for 2 weeks with dressing changes occurring every 2 to 3 days. There was complete take of all skin grafts 17 days post-grafting, and the patient has since healed. The patient is now walking and has resumed normal daily activities. Conclusions For this case, combining treatment modalities was beneficial in healing a patient's complex trauma wounds and shows a potential treatment strategy in this population of wounds.
A Control Theoretic Evaluation of Schedule Nervousness Suppression Techniques for Master Production Scheduling

In manufacturing operations, a Master Production Schedule (MPS) can be used to make mid-range planning decisions that not only influence the production decisions for a manufacturing facility, but serve as input into other decision systems to determine materials ordering, staffing, and other business requirements. With the advance of computing and data acquisition technologies, an MPS can be recomputed on a more frequent basis to make the production schedule more agile in meeting customer needs. However, uncertainty in the demand forecast or production model may also increase the possibility and/or severity of “schedule nervousness”. The mitigation techniques of frozen horizon, move suppression, and schedule change suppression are evaluated to determine the robust stability margins of each approach at their performance-optimal tunings. Since an MPS is typically computed using Linear Programming these techniques are formulated in this manner, and therefore an empirical Nyquist stability analysis using Empirical Transfer Function Estimates (ETFE) is employed. The technique of move suppression is shown to provide better robust stability margins in the small-scale problem. Further evaluation is needed on scheduling problems of industrial size.
Immunological Consequences of Changing Environmental Stimuli

Most clinicians know that emotional life experiences, such as bereavement, divorce, or loss of employment, increase the probability of some type of illness. Pleasant postoperative settings have been reported to hasten recovery times after major surgery (120). It is also common for researchers to permit their experimental animals to adjust to new conditions after movement or a long shipment. Similarly, people who raise animals and supply domestic animal products know that lack of shelter, a chilly draft, or cold and wet flooring material increase the susceptibility of their livestock to infectious diseases. Indeed this concept of multiple causation of disease—an interaction among host, environment, and microbe—is so widely accepted by the public that there seems to be little need for future research in this area.
Effect of dietary salt, arsenic and copper additions and waste management systems on selected microbial organisms in swine wastes.

Selected microbial organisms were counted in swine wastes during three studies in which the primary objective was to investigate the effects of feed additives and waste management systems on swine waste composition. Dietary salt (NaCl) levels (.2, .5%), dietary arsanilic acid levels (0, 100, 200 ppm), supplemental copper levels (0, 125, 250 ppm) and waste management systems (oxidation ditch, anaerobic deep pit, anaerobic lagoon) were compared in this series of studies. Dietary salt level did not affect total coliform and fecal streptococci concentrations in swine waste. Supplemental copper and arsanilic acid increased total coliform counts (dry matter basis) in anaerobic pit wastes over counts observed with the control. Salmonella spp concentrations were increased in the anaerobic pit waste at the end of the 104-day feeding trial, especially with the 250-ppm copper diet. Staphylococci spp organisms were not affected by supplemental copper. In all studies, concentrations of the microorganisms cultured were higher in freshly excreted waste than in waste stored and partially treated in the waste systems studies. Temperature, diultion and waste handling systems had some effects on microbial populations.
Teaching Computer Security with a Hands-On Component

To address national needs for computer security education, many universities have incorporated computer and security courses into their undergraduate and graduate curricula. Our department has introduced computer security courses at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. This paper describes our approach, our experiences, and lessons learned in teaching a Computer Security Overview course.
Geology of Europa: Galileo Update

The Jovian satellite Europa is a rocky object about the size of Earth’s Moon, and it has an outer water/water-ice zone some 100 to 200 km thick. Images from the Galileo spacecraft show a surface with a complex history involving tectonic deformation, impact cratering, and extrusions of ice-rich materials onto the surface by cryovolcanic processes. Differences in impact crater distributions suggest that some areas have been resurfaced more recently than others; Europa could experience current cryovolcanic activity. Some regions of the lithosphere have been fractured, with icy crustal plates separated and rotated into new positions. The size of these plates suggests that the depth to liquid or mobile ice was only a few kilometers at the time of disruption. The presence of H2O, possibly in a liquid state, inferred heating in the interior, and the probable presence of organic compounds make Europa a high priority for exobiologic exploration.
PARABIOTIC TWINS AND NEONATAL HYPOGLYCEMIA.

The article by Dr. Naeye, "Organ Composition in Newborn Parabiotic Twins with Speculation Regarding Neonatal Hypoglycemia" in Pediatrics 34:415, 1964, is interesting, but his speculations are irrelevant. The only similarity between the parabiotic syndrome and neonatal hypoglycemia is that the former always occurs in twins, and the latter may occur in the smaller of discordant twins. Parabiotic twins have a high mortality, discordant twins do not. The smaller donor twin is anemic and pale; the smaller hypoglycemic twin is often polycythemic (3/7)1 and plethoric.
Can Conditions for Life Be Inferred from Optical Emissions of Extra‐Solar‐System Planets?

The recent detection of several planets in other solar systems has revived the discussion about possibilities of extraterrestrial life and of ways of a remote detection. According to our present understanding of the development of life on Earth and the basics of a water-carbon based system, there are several environmental requirements for the development of life. These conditions, however, are necessary but not sufficient indicators for the presence of life on other planets. On Earth, early life forms had a great impact on compositional changes of the terrestrial atmosphere by the production and continued supply of free oxygen. This paper discusses spectral features of oxygen emission and absorption and the possibilities of their use for a remote characterization of the chemical composition of extraterrestrial atmospheres. Observations of planets and moons in the solar system indicate, that oxygen emissions can be produced by many processes and that only a complete characterization of an atmosphere and the detection of significant amounts of molecular oxygen can be used as an indicator for the possible existence of higher life forms.
Receptors for Gut Peptides and Other Secretagogues on Pancreatic Acinar Cells

The sections in this article are: 1 Receptors for Secretagogues that Mobilize Cellular Calcium 1.1 Receptors for Cholecystokinin and Structurally Related Peptides 1.2 Receptors for Bombesin and Structurally Related Peptides 1.3 Receptors for Muscarinic-Cholinergic Agents 1.4 Receptors for Physalaemin and Structurally Related Peptides 2 Receptors for Secretagogues that Increase Cellular Camp 2.1 Receptors for Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Secretin 2.2 Receptors for Cholera Toxin 2.3 Receptors for Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide 2.4 Receptors for Natural Glucagon Contaminant
Self-Perceived Educational Preparedness of Entry-Level Athletic Trainers Regarding Preventing Sudden Death in Sport

Context: As the first medical professionals on scene when emergency situations arise in sport, athletic trainers (ATs) need to be proficient in recognizing and managing these conditions. Recent evidence regarding exertional heatstroke indicates a lack of educational training as a factor preventing implementation of best practices, yet other causes of sudden death exist, and little is known about the educational training provided to the AT. Objective: To gain insight into the entry-level AT and athletic training students' (ATSs') perceptions of education received in the area of emergency care techniques. Design: Mixed methods study. Setting: Athletic training programs (ATPs) and practice settings. Patients or Other Participants: Thirteen first-year ATs (n = 7) or recent ATS graduates before employment (n = 6). Data Collection and Analysis: One-on-one phone interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed inductively using a grounded theory approach and open coding. Close-ended questio...
Post-Stroke Dementia

Nefiracetam is a new pyrrolidone nootropic drug that is being developed for clinical use in the treatment of post-stroke vascular-type and Alzheimer's-type dementia. Among a few neuroreceptors that have been identified as potential targets of nootropics, neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nnAChRs) are deemed the most important since they are related to learning, memory, and Alzheimer's disease dementia. We have recently found potent stimulating action of nefiracetam on nnAChRs. Rat cortical neurons in long-term primary culture expressed nnAChRs. Whole-cell patch clamp experiments revealed two types of currents induced by ACh, alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BuTX)-sensitive, rapidly desensitizing, alpha 7-type currents and alpha-BuTX-insensitive, slowly desensitizing, alpha 4 beta 2-type currents. Although alpha 7-type currents were only weakly inhibited by nefiracetam, alpha 4 beta 2-type currents were potently and efficaciously potentiated by nefiracetam. Nefiracetam at 0.1 nM reversibly potentiated ACh-induced currents to 200-300% of control. Very high concentrations (about 10 microM) also potentiated these currents, but to a lesser extent, indicative of the bell-shaped dose-response relationship known to occur for nefiracetam, even in animal behavior experiments. Three specific inhibitors of each of PKA and PKC did not prevent nefiracetam from potentiating ACh-induced currents, indicating that these protein kinases are not involved in nefiracetam action. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin did not alter nefiracetam potentiation, indicating Gi/Go proteins are not involved. Pretreatment with cholera toxin did abolish nefiracetam potentiation. Thus, nefiracetam potentiation is mediated via Gs proteins. In conclusion, nefiracetam stimulates alpha 4 beta 2-type nnAChRs via Gs proteins at nanomolar concentrations. The potentiation of alpha 4 beta 2-type nnAChRs is thought to be at least partially responsible for cognitive enhancing action.
Short-term learning and the searching accuracy of egg-laying butterflies

Abstract Searching constraints influence foraging patterns in three species of Colias butterflies. The activity of egg-laying females is partitioned into periods of searching for oviposition plants and periods of visiting flowers for nectar. Eggs are laid most frequently upon legume host-plants, although females frequently land upon non-legume species, particularly those bearing a superficial resemblance to suitable hosts. The average frequency of these landing ‘errors’ decreases over the course of an egglaying flight, implying thet females learn to identify host-plants more accurately on the basis of recent experience. Landing accuracy is low after periods of nectar-feeding, which suggests a trade-off between the two searching modalities. Within oviposition sequences, females that visit a narrow range of host specis make fewer landing errors than females visiting a broader host-plant set. Two interpretations of these data are presented: (1) that partitioning searching time into discrete modes may enhance overaccuracy in invertebrates, as has been demonstrated previously for vertebrates. Searching dynamics of this type may explain some discrepancies between the predictions made by simple optimal diet models and the occurrence of ‘switching’ behaviours in foragers.
Effect of methotrexate on glial fibrillary acidic protein content of astrocytes in primary culture.

We have recently reported that methotrexate (MTX) causes degenerative as well as reactive-like astroglial changes and alters the cell cycle kinetics of astrocytes In vitro . To further characterize the nature of the reactive-like changes that were noted by light and electron microscopy following MTX exposure, the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) content of astrocytes in culture was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry and double-immunofluorescent staining. An increase in GFAP content which did not correlate with drug dosage or DNA synthesis was noted in the MTX-treated cultures. It is postulated that this increase in GFAP content of astrocytes reflects an adaptive response to MTX-induced injury and partly explains the gliosis that is seen in methotrexate encephalopathy.
Measuring exchange rate misalignment: Inflation differentials and domestic relative prices

Abstract Empirical studies of exchange rate misalignment generally use crosscountry differences in overall inflation as proxy measures for a country's real exchange rate (RER). This paper shows that using such differential-inflation proxies introduces two systematic biases in model results: understatement of RER movements; and a spurious trend towards depreciation. These biases can be corrected only with disaggregated data on domestic relative prices of tradable and nontradable products. Using a standard model with disaggregated data for Zimbabwe, it is found that proxy-based results understate misalignment by almost 25% and exaggerate depreciation by 4% per year.
OEP80, an essential protein paralogous to the chloroplast protein translocation channel Toc75, exists as a 70-kD protein in the Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplast outer envelope.

Toc75 and OEP80 are paralogous proteins found in the Viridiplantae lineages, and appear to have evolved from a protein in the outer membrane of an ancient cyanobacterium. Toc75 is known to act as a protein translocation channel at the outer membrane of the chloroplast envelope, whereas the exact function of OEP80 is not understood. In Arabidopsis thaliana, each protein is encoded by a single gene, and both are essential for plant viability from embryonic stages onward. Sequence annotation and immunoblotting data with an antibody against its internal sequence (αOEP80325–337) indicated that the molecular weight of OEP80 is ca. 80 kD. Here we present multiple data to show that the size of A. thaliana OEP80 is smaller than previously estimated. First, we prepared the antibody against a recombinant protein consisting of annotated full-length A. thaliana OEP80 with an N-terminal hexahistidine tag (αOEP801–732). This antibody recognized a 70-kD protein in the A. thaliana chloroplast membrane fraction which migrated faster than the His-tagged antigen and the protein recognized by the αOEP80325–337 antibody on SDS-PAGE. Immunoprecipitation followed by LC–MS/MS analysis confirmed that the 70-kD protein was encoded by the OEP80 cDNA. Next, we performed a genetic complementation assay using embryo-lethal oep80-null plants and constructs encoding OEP80 and its variants. The results revealed that the nucleotide sequence encoding the 52 N-terminal amino acids was not required for functional expression of OEP80 and accumulation of the 70-kD protein. The data also indicated that an additional C-terminal T7 tag remained intact without disrupting the functionality of OEP80, and was not exposed to the cytoplasmic surface of the chloroplast envelope. Finally, OEP80-T7 and Toc75 showed distinct migration patterns on blue native-PAGE. This study provides molecular tools to investigate the function of OEP80, and also calls for caution in using an anti-peptide antibody.
Constraint and reproduction in an amateur craft institution: The conservative logic of the county fair

Abstract In the last decades, scholars have developed a keen understanding of how institutional contexts shape the production of fine and popular art forms including music, visual art, and theater. We know less, however, about how similar institutional processes direct the production of creative goods understood as crafts, particularly amateur crafts. This study examines how American agricultural fairs (most commonly known as county fairs) recognize and reward craft goods including domestic wares, decorative items and foodstuffs, emphasizing how their distinct institutional logic encourages conformity to established norms. Based on participant observation of craft entry and evaluation procedures at Southern California county and district fairs, we reveal that both bureaucratic procedures and judges’ assessments reflect a resistance to reward novelty or innovation, and instead encourage mastery of established techniques in a relatively narrow range of applications. We suggest how this constraint of novelty and regard for convention facilitates reproduction of the institution in its traditional form, and expand upon understandings of the aesthetics guiding amateur craft production.
Replantation of Mature Teeth Without Endodontics in Monkeys

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic response after replantation of mature, developed teeth without endodontic treatment in monkeys. To serve as experimental controls, the other replanted teeth received endodontic treatment. No significant differences were noted in the rate and quality of periodontal tissues healing between the endodontically and the nonendodontically treated teeth in monkeys sacrificed at 5, 7, and 14 days, and at 1, 2, and 3 months after replantation. However, specimens obtained at 4, 6, 9, and 12 months showed that teeth replanted without endodontics developed periapical complications, whereas endodontically treated teeth did not.
Estimation of elastic parameters of ovarian tissue using phase stabilized swept source optical-coherence tomography

We have estimated the micro-mechanical properties of ovarian tissue using phase-sensitive swept source optical coherence tomography. Ovary samples were mechanically excited by periodical vibration of an ultrasound transducer. The displacement and strain of the tissues were calculated during loading. Significant difference in strain was observed between the normal and malignant ovary groups, which indicates much softer and heterogeneous tissue structure for malignant ovaries. The initial results show that the phase sensitive swept source optical coherence elastography (OCE) can be an effective tool for characterization of stiffness and other micro-mechanical properties of normal and malignant ovarian tissue.
Direct evaporation from soil under a row crop canopy

Abstract A simplified measurement of the soil evaporation (E) component of evapotranspiration (ET) is needed to obtain independent measurements of transpiration (T) and to evaluate the effects of E and T on ET. Our objective in this study was to evaluate the use of small lysimeters placed under a crop canopy to measure the E component. Lysimeters were constructed of rigid PVC pipe sections, 20.3 cm in diameter and 20, 10, or 5 cm long. Water loss from the lysimeters was recorded daily. The water content of the soil surrounding the lysimeters was measured gravimetrically from composite 1-cm-increment cores sampled daily. The results reported are for two drying cycles of 16 and 13 days in July 1975 and 1976. In order for the lysimeters to behave as the surrounding soil, the water content of the lysimeters must be higher than the soil outside to compensate for changes under the natural conditions due to plant uptake, drainage and upward flow. Since the lysimeters depend on a set of compensating factors to directly measure E, estimates of E from them should be used with caution. A better use of the lysimeters would be to establish a relationship between lysimeter E and the surface soil water content and then use surface water content measurements to infer E.
A Novel Class of Simple PCR Markers with SNP-Level Sensitivity for Mapping and Haplotype Characterization in Solanum Species

The RB gene from wild potato Solanum bulbocastanum imparts broad-spectrum late blight resistance to cultivated potato. To explore marker associations and haplotype frequencies near RB, we developed, optimized, validated, and employed a set of markers specific to the haplotype associated with the RB resistance allele. Our markers, developed using a mismatch amplification mutation assay (MAMA)-PCR approach, have single nucleotide polymorphism-level sensitivity. MAMA markers were validated via linkage mapping and applied to a collection of 60 S. bulbocastanum genotypes representing the geographic distribution of the species. Considerable marker disassociation within a 100 kb region encompassing RB was revealed. Physical distance between markers was not an effective predictor of marker disassociation. Applied to a collection of four S. bulbocastanum genotypes of known RB allelic status, a set of six MAMA markers accurately predicted the presence of the RB allele. Implications for marker aided genotype selection and association mapping in wild potato species are explored.
Collection and storage of data for evoked potential studies: a database

A detailed description of a set of programs is presented which is designed for use with subjects tested in a research laboratory primarily with visual evoked potentials (VEPs). It has been written in a way which accommodates other modalities such as brain-stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). It can be used in a clinic or a hospital for collecting patient information, data recordings, and analysis. The programs are implemented on an LSI-11/23 microcomputer and allow for initial subject data entry, entry of data acquired at subsequent visits, data analysis, lists of patient files and data sorts and tabulations. In their present form they are intended to be run by a staff who have little experience with computers and technical skills.
Sensor Noise Effects of the SWIR Bands on MODIS-Derived Ocean Color Products

The results of this study demonstrate the effects of sensor noise in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands on the satellite-derived ocean color products, in particular, normalized water-leaving radiance spectra data. A simple radiance smoothing technique is used for reducing sensor noise equivalent radiance NEΔL(λ) (or increasing the sensor signal-to-noise ratio) values for the SWIR radiances measured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua satellite. Specifically, a simple 5 × 5 box running mean approach for MODIS-Aqua-measured SWIR radiances has been proposed. We show that the noise errors in MODIS-Aqua-derived ocean color products using the SWIR-based atmospheric correction algorithm are mainly from large noise errors in the MODIS-Aqua-measured SWIR radiances due to their significantly larger sensor NEΔL(λ) values. Using the proposed SWIR radiance smoothing method, SWIR-derived ocean color products can be improved with considerably reduced product noise. In addition, a practical method in estimation of the MODIS-Aqua SWIR NEΔL(λ) values has been developed. We show that, for future ocean color satellite sensors, it will require NEΔL(λ) values of less than ~5 × 10-4 and ~9 × 10-5 mW · cm-2 · μm-1 · sr-1 for SWIR bands at 1240 and 2130 nm, respectively.
GRAVITY RECONNAISSANCE AT THREE MAURITANIAN CRATERS OF EXPLOSIVE ORIGIN

We have carried out reconnaissance gravity surveys across three Mauritanian craters: Aouelloul, an undoubted meteorite crater; Tenoumer, a probable meteorite crater with a unique array of concentric dikes on its outer rim flanks containing xenoliths of country rock showing abundant shock artifacts; and Temimichat Ghallaman, a crater of possible meteorite impact origin. All three have residual negative gravity anomalies associated with their interiors. In all cases the gravity values return to “normal” immediately outside their rims. At Tenoumer the anomaly has the form and magnitude expected for a meteorite crater which has been subsequently in-filled with unconsolidated sediments to the level of the surrounding country. Maximum depth from the present crater floor to the bottom of the sedimentary fill (top of the original crater floor) is at least 750 feet. With a rim-rim diameter of 6,300 feet, the origin depth/diameter ratio of about 1:8 is virtually identical with that of Meteor Crater, Arizona. Temimichat, with a rim-rim diameter of 2,100 to 2,400 feet, is somewhat larger than has been previously reported. If it is meteoritic in origin the gravity data dictate a surprisingly shallow structure, with a depth from the present floor to the original crater floor of 150 feet maximum and an original depth/diameter ratio of 1:15. No positive evidence for an impact origin has yet been found for Temimichat. Aouelloul is also larger than generally reported, with a rim-rim diameter averaging 1,275 feet. As for Temimichat the gravity data dictate a remarkably shallow structure having a depth/diameter ratio of about 1:13. The combination of a shallow depth and a reasonably high rim apparently requires a scaled depth of burst for the impact event substantially in excess of 0.50, a value previously considered a maximum for explosive impacts. The morphological resemblance between Temimichat and Aouelloul is striking but, without additional evidence, this fact alone cannot be used to infer a similar origin.
Neurochemistry and child psychiatry.

Abstract Normal brain function depends on the integration of the synthesis, storage, release, and inactivation of neurotransmitters localized in different brain structures and pathways. Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, are implicated in various neurological and psychiatric diseases and in a broad range of normal physiological processes. Neurotransmitters, metabolites, and enzymes can be measured in cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and urine, permitting clinical researchers to study correlations between metabolic and behavioral dimensions. There are serious methodological problems which must be considered in interpreting biological research in child psychiatry. However, studies of neurotransmitter metabolism in conjunction with other types of research strategies offer promise for clarifying the basis for some serious developmental disturbances of childhood and the impact of psychoactive medication.
A belief maintenance scheme for hierarchical knowledge‐based image analysis systems

A variety of belief maintenance schemes for image analysis have been suggested and used to date. In the recent past, several researchers have suggested the use of the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence for representation of belief. This approach appears to be particularly suited for knowledge-based image analysis systems because of its intuitively convincing ways of representing beliefs, support, plausibility, ignorance, dubiety, and a host of other measures that can be used for the purpose of decision making. It also provides a very attractive technique to combine these measures obtained from disparate knowledge sources. In this article, we show how the Dempster-Shafer theoretic concepts of refinement and coarsening can be used to aggregate and propagate evidence in a multi-resolution image analysis system based on a hierarchical knowledge base.
Field Theory for a Model of Self-Organized Criticality

The specific mechanism of self-organization to a critical state is identified for the Bak-Sneppen evolution model. This model is mapped exactly to an underlying branching process. Theoretical arguments, supported by numerical simulations, indicate that the resulting critical behavior is in the same universality class as Reggeon field theory.
Silica-waveguide optical time-shift network for phased arrays

We report the demonstration of a 4-bit optoelectronic-switched silica- waveguide time-delay network. Targeted for insertion into a 96-element L-band conformal array, the optical time-shifter provides 16 programmable time-delays in steps of 0.248 nsec. By characterizing its RF insertion phaser and synthesized pulse response, we verified that the relative time-delays generated by the waveguides were within 15 psec of their designed value.
Stochastic selection in large and small populations.

Abstract We describe two models of stochastic variation in selection intensity. In both models the arithmetic mean fitness of all genotypes is equal; in both models the geometric mean fitness of the heterozygous genotype is greater than that of both homozygous genotypes. In one model the correlation between the fitnesses of the homozygous genotypes is +1; in the other it is −1. We show that the expected time to absorption of an allele in a finite population is significantly retarded for all initial gene frequencies in the former model. The expected time to absorption of an allele in the latter model is retarded only at extreme initial gene frequencies; at intermediate initial gene frequencies the expected time to absorption is accelerated. We conclude that the criterion for polymorphism based on the geometric mean of the heterozygote being greater than that of both homozygotes provides only limited information about the fate of gene frequency.
Least-significant bit optimization techniques for FPGAs

We present a methodology for FPGA datapath precision optimization subject to user-defined area and error constraints. This work builds upon our previous research which presented a methodology for optimizing for dynamic range--the most significant bit position. In this work we define the problem of least significant bit optimization and propose optimization techniques that provide finer control of area-to-error tradeoffs than more traditional methods. We present some preliminary results describing the effectiveness of our techniques on typical signal and image processing kernels.
Photochemical generation of a highly reactive iron-oxo intermediate. A true iron(V)-oxo species?

Laser flash photolysis of 5,10,15-tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole−iron(IV) chlorate or nitrate, prepared from the corresponding chloride, gave a highly reactive iron−oxo transient identified as an iron(V)−oxo species on the basis of its UV−visible spectrum and high reactivity as well as by analogy to photochemical ligand cleavage reactions of related manganese species. The transient was shown to be an oxo transfer agent in a preparative reaction with cis-cyclooctene. Representative rate constants for oxidation reactions by the new transient at ambient temperature were k = 5900 M-1 s-1 for cyclooctene and k = 570 M-1 s-1 for ethylbenzene. The new transient is more than 6 orders of magnitude more reactive with typical organic reductants than expected for an iron(IV)−oxo corrole radical cation and 100 times more reactive than an analogous positively charged iron(IV)−oxo porphyrin radical cation. Slow electron transfer isomerization of ligand iron(V)−oxo species to iron(IV)−oxo ligand radical cations might be ...
Atmospheric effect on spatial resolution of surface imagery: errata

Atmospheric scattering and absorption tend to reduce appreciably the spatial resolution of satellite images of the earth’s surface. Photons that were reflected by the surface out of the field of view are scattered by the atmosphere into the field of view(adjacency effect). As a result the apparent field of view is increased. The atmospheric effect on the spatial resolution is calculated and compared with the sensor resolution. It is found that the 30-m resolution of the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) is reduce to 100 m by a hazy atmosphere. Consequently, simple empirical expressions are developed for the upward radiance at nadir for a given nonuniform surface reflectivity and for the atmospheric modulation transfer function (MTF). These expressions relate the radiance above a field with a background of different reflectivity (nonuniform surface) to the radiance above the same field if the surface is uniform. These expressions are used to deduce the noise equivalent surface reflectance (NEΔρ) and the SNR due to the atmospheric path radiance fluctuations caused by the adjacency effect. It is shown that in the near IR the NEΔρ due to the radiance fluctuations is ~0.01.
PRE-RADIATION CHEMOTHERAPY FOR INFANTS AND POOR PROGNOSIS CHILDREN WITH MEDULLOBLASTOMA

Beginning in 1984, we started a prospective study to evaluate the role of postoperative, pre-radiation chemotherapy in the treatment of infants and poor prognosis children with medulloblastoma. The study was designed to evaluate the role of pre-radiation chemotherapy in two specific patient populations: (a) children under the age of 2 years in which there was an attempt to delay definitive radiation and thus reduce the risk of toxicity to the developing nervous system; and (b) children over age 2 years with Stage T3 and T4 disease who were known to have a relatively poor prognosis with surgery and radiation. The five patients under age 2 years received cisplatinum (100 mg/m2) every 3 weeks and weekly vincristine (1.5 mg/m2) for a total of 9 weeks. Nitrogen mustard (6 mg/m2), procarbazine (100 mg/m2), and vincristine (1.5 mg/m2) (MOP) were given in 28 day cycles as long as there was no disease progression or until the child's second birthday, at which time the children were referred for radiation therapy. The 13 patients over 2 years of age received the 9 week course of cisplatinum and vincristine and then began radiation. Responses measured by computed tomography were obtained in 10 of 12 children with measurable disease at the start of chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 22 months, 15 of 18 children were alive and free of disease. Except for mild ototoxicity in one child, the acute side effects have been well tolerated. In conclusion, it appears that some infants can have their radiation delayed until the age of 2 years. Although the follow-up time was short, all but three patients were free of disease, time exceeding the median time to failure with radiation alone. Pre-radiation chemotherapy might improve local control and survival in children with advanced stage medulloblastoma.
Study of the Onset of Delamination at Holes in Composite Laminates

For laminated composites, delamination can be a controlling failure mode and a major damage mode. The problem of delamination growth has been widely studied, especially for idealized situations such as the edge delamination of specially designed plate specimens. However, comparatively little systematic study has been made of the ini tiation of delamination around notches such as cutouts and holes in laminates of practical interest. Such work is essential to efforts to establish criteria for the design and optimiza tion of laminates to withstand the important practical requirements of notched strength, especially under long term static or cyclic loading. Composite laminates are prone to delamination at free edges, straight edges, or at holes, due to the mismatch of deformations at interfaces where two adjacent plies have different fiber orientations and/or different material properties. The linear analysis of the mismatch at the edge results in a mathe matical singularity. That phenomenon occurs in a bound...
High-efficiency diffuse raman spectroscopy through a fiber bundle

Conventional spectrometers are limited in the amount of light they accept because of the requirement for narrow input apertures. A trade-off must generally be made between spectral resolution and input aperture width. This is especially a problem for performing spectroscopy on diffuse sources, such as with tissue, from which signal light has a broad spatial distribution. We introduce a method for achieving good spectral resolution from a fiber bundle input. The image of a fiber bundle has a characteristic structure. By distorting this image optically, we generate a pseudo-orthogonal intensity mask at the input of the spectrometer. The pseudo-orthogonal properties of the mask then allow decoupling at the detector plane of wavelength from spatial position. As long as the distorted image of the fiber bundle is well known, a spectrum can be recovered with spectral resolution equivalent to that of a conventional slit-based spectrometer. We demonstrate successful recovery of narrowly spaced spectral features as well as Raman spectra from a highly scattering sample with this method. This method enables probes with much higher throughputs and add fiber bundle-based spectroscopy to endoscopic designs.
Defining and Searching Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics to Identify Its Core Research Journals

ABSTRACT Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, an intertwined discipline, is an important and growing area of interdisciplinary research. One of the challenges in this field is locating and retrieving all of the relevant literature on any topic. Analysis of subject coverage reveals the online databases most needed. Several databases-Chemical Abstracts, BIOSIS, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CancerLit, Science Citation Index, PASCAL, Derwent Drug File, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Biotechno-base, Biotechnology & Bioengineering, and Biotechnology Resource- each contain unique references not included in the other databases. While searching using the root terms “pharmacogenomic or pharmacogenetic” retrieves most of the relevant literature in this field, often specific topics must be searched using strategies tailored to the exact subjects being sought. Citation analysis and subject coverage examination reveal this field's most relevant journals, the ones most needed by researchers in pharmacogenomics and pharma...
Assessment of social vulnerability to natural disasters: a comparative study

The purpose of this study is to examine and compare the methodologies being developed in assessing social vulnerability to natural disasters. Existing vulnerability literature shows that two methods have been used in developing social vulnerability indexes: (1) a deductive approach based on a theoretical understanding of relationships and (2) an inductive approach based on statistical relationships (Adger et al. in New indicators of vulnerability and adaptive capacity. Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, Norwich, 2004). Two techniques were also utilized in aggregating social vulnerability indicators: (1) a deductive approach using standardization techniques such as z scores or linear scaling (Wu et al. in Clim Res 22:255–270, 2002; Chakraborty et al. in Nat Hazards Rev 6(1):23–33, 2005) and (2) an inductive approach using data-reduction techniques such as factor analysis (Clark et al. in Mitig Adapt Strateg Glob Change 3(1):59–82, 1998; Cutter et al. Soc Sci Quart 84(2):242–261, 2003). This study empirically compares deductive and inductive index development and indicator aggregation methods in assessing social vulnerability to natural disasters in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coastal areas. The aggregated social vulnerability index is used to examine a relationship with disaster losses in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coastal areas. The results show that coastal counties with more vulnerability in terms of social achieved status are positively associated with disaster damages, while variations in the development of the index using deductive and inductive measurement approaches produce different outcomes.
Numerical modeling of cylindrically symmetric nonlinear self-focusing using an adaptive fast Hankel split-step method

Abstract We present a novel technique to numerically solve beam propagation problems based on the paraxial and nonparaxial scalar nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation in two transverse dimensions with cylindrical symmetry. Using fast algorithms for Hankel transforms along with adaptive longitudinal stepping and transverse grid management in a symmetrized split-step technique, it is possible to accurately track a beam much closer to its physical collapse due to self-focusing for the paraxial NLS than other existing methods, notably the fast Fourier transform-based standard split-step technique. For the nonparaxial NLS, the adaptive fast Hankel transform-based split-step method with an adaptive nonparaxiality parameter yields results comparable to the more rigorous vector nonlinear wave equation.