cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experiments on computer recognition of connected handwritten words.

An operational system is presented for the recognition of handwritten words when written on line on a special transducer. The system represents a new approach to handwriting recognition, that of searching for the invariants of the patterns by consideration of the intrinsic movements that execute the handwriting. The handwritten words are analyzed by segmentation into strokes, recognition of strokes by the statistical likelihood of their belonging to preselected classes, and the use of constraints inherent in the script and word representations to limit the output sequences generated. Experiments carried out by computer simulation of the recognition system reveal that the system is capable of recognizing well-formed, legible handwritten words with a reliability that depends on the correspondence between the script of the test samples and that of the ensemble on which the machine's representation of handwriting is based. For an ensemble of 100 samples written by four subjects with a vocabulary chosen so that adjacent letters provided little contextual information, 91% of the samples were correctly recognized if the machine had been previously exposed to the same 100 samples. Lower recognition rates are obtained in situations in which differences exist between the teaching and test ensembles.
Supported bismuth oxide catalysts for the selective reduction of NO with propene in lean conditions

Abstract Bi2O3/Al2O3 materials were prepared by impregnation of a γ-Al2O3 support with bismuth citrate and tested as catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NO with propene. Under simulated diesel exhaust gas conditions (500 ppm NO, 10% O2, 6% H2O) with 600 ppm propene as reductant, a maximum in NO conversion of 56% was attained at 525 °C and a GHSV of ca. 30,000 h−1. Water significantly inhibited NO reduction by competing for adsorption sites with the propene and/or NO reactants. To correlate NO reduction activity with catalyst composition, the catalysts were characterized using XRD, XPS and N2 physisorption methods.
(d,p) REACTIONS FROM CARBON, NITROGEN, AND OXYGEN

Proton groups from the deuteron bombardment of thin targets of Formvar, polyethylene, and nylon have been analyzed by magnetic deflection in a 180-degree spectrograph and at 90 degrees to the incident beam. The MIT-ONR electrostatic generator was used to provide a deuteron beam at several energies ranging from 5 to 8.5 Mev. A total of twenty-eight individual proton groups has been observed. On the basis of both the relative intensities from the different targets and the differential energy shift, all the groups were identified with levels in ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}$, ${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$, ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$, or ${\mathrm{O}}^{17}$. The present investigation covers the region of excitation up to energies corresponding approximately to the neutron binding energy in each of these nuclei. The results confirm previous knowledge of four proton groups from the ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(d, p){\mathrm{C}}^{13}$ reaction; two groups from ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}(d, p){\mathrm{C}}^{14}$; seven groups from ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}(d, p){\mathrm{N}}^{15}$; and four groups from ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}(d, p){\mathrm{O}}^{17}$. In addition, eleven new particle groups were observed, two arising from the ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}(d, p){\mathrm{C}}^{14}$ reaction and corresponding to energy levels in ${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$ at 6.723 and 6.894 Mev, and the remaining nine groups from the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}(d, p){\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ reaction and corresponding to levels in ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ at 7.575, 8.571, 9.062, 9.834, 10.069, 10.458, 10.544, 10.705, and 10.811 Mev.
Hyperspectral unmixing via semantic spectral representations

We propose a new spectral unmixing method using a semantic spectral representation, which is produced via nonhomogeneous hidden Markov chain (NHMC) models applied to wavelet transforms of the spectra. Previous studies have shown that the representation is robust to spectral variability in the same materials because it can automatically detect the diagnostic spectral features in the training data. Therefore, our method can successfully detect materials while automatically extracting diagnostic features, showing high resilience to spectral variability. Simulations indicate that our unmixing method could be effectively used on Hapke mixtures.
New Rodent Records for Chile and for Two Chilean Provinces

A decade ago, Osgood (Publs. Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Ser., 30: 9–10, 1943) stated that existing collections probably furnished a “nearly complete picture of the whole mammal fauna” of Chile. This statement has proven somewhat rash, for Mann (Biologica, Santiago, 2: 25, 1945; Investigaciones Zoologicas Chilenas, Santiago, 2: 4–5, Dec. 1950) has reported the occurrence of eight additional species in the northernmost province, Tarapaca, alone. Between September 20 and November 11, 1952, Mary Koford and I collected, for the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, three dozen specimens of small …
Surface superconductivity, supercooling and superheating of strong-coupling superconductors: Lead and mercury

Abstract The surface nucleation field H c3 and the bulk superheating field H sh have been measured from 1.2°K to the transition temperature T c for the two strong-coupling superconductors Pb and Hg. The results are given in terms of the Ginzburg- Landau parameters u 1 and u sh as functions of T. Measured values of − ∂ H c3 ( T c ) ∂ T are compared with recent theoretical predictions; good agreement is found. Results for the weak-coupling superconductors Sn and In are included for comparison.
The measurement of TQM principles and work-related outcomes

Building on the work of Dean and Bowen (1994), this paper proposes measures of the extent to which three TQM principles (i.e. customer focus, continuous improvement, and teamwork) have become an integral part of an organization's culture. The measures are also used to examine the relationship between the implementation of TQM principles and work-related outcomes, to include job satisfaction, communication, and perceptions of the work environment. Results derived from a survey of 2249 employees of a large midwestern organization indicated that reasonably reliable and distinct measures were developed and that the adoption of TQM principles was associated with more favorable work-related outcomes. Further research to verify the psychometric properties of these measures and to determine whether TQM principles impact on ‘harder’ measures of organizational performance is recommended. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical Aspects of Transporter Model Systems: A Case Study Involving SQV

In this case study, in vitro and in vivo data were provided for saquinavir (SQV) showing that drug transporters play a significant role in the absorption and disposition of drugs. This article is focused on the more practical points with a technical emphasis. Currently many in vitro and in vivo experimental models have been developed to investigate drug transporter interactions for the prediction of how transporters may influence the pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs. In this review, the successful application, limitations and challenges of these models are emphasized.
Exercise improves albumin fractional synthetic rate in chronic hemodialysis patients

To determine whether exercise augments the improvements in fractional synthetic rate (FSR) of albumin observed with nutrition alone. Randomized crossover study. Each patient randomly participated in two protein metabolism kinetic studies using primed-constant infusion of (13C) leucine 2 h before, during and 2 h after hemodialysis. Plasma enrichments of (13C) leucine and (13C) ketoisocaproate were examined to determine the FSR of albumin. General Clinical Research Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Five chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients. Intra-dialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) with or without exercise. Exercise performance during hemodialysis significantly improves the FSR of albumin beyond what is observed with IDPN alone (26.2±3.1% per day versus 17.7±1.9% per day, P<0.05). Exercise improves albumin fractional synthetic rate beyond what is observed with IDPN alone in the acute setting in CHD patients.
Epitaxial BaTiO3 films on silicon for MFSFET applications

Abstract Recently, we have grown epitaxial BaTiO3 films directly on a Si (001) substrate using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The films have been characterized both physically (RHEED, XRD, AFM, SE) and electrically (CV & IV). The films show streaky RHEED patterns and sharp X-ray diffraction patterns, indicating epitaxial BTO growth. The leakage current is below 1E-8 A/cm2 at 2V. The CV results show good interface properties. The films exhibit a 0.5V hysteresis in the CV curves.
Pharmacoeconomic aspects of poor adherence: can better adherence reduce healthcare costs?

AbstractBackground:Poor adherence to medical treatment is one of the main reasons why patients do not achieve the full benefits of their therapy. It also has a substantial financial weight in terms of money wasted for unused medication and increased healthcare costs including hospitalization due to clinical complications.Objective:To provide an overview and examples of the financial and economic consequences of poor adherence to treatment, techniques and devices for monitoring adherence and interventions for improvement of treatment adherence.Results:New electronic devices with monitoring features may help to objectively monitor patients’ adherence to a treatment regimen that can help a healthcare professional determine how to intervene to improve adherence and subsequent clinical outcome. Interventions that aim to enhance adherence may confer cost-effectiveness benefits in some indications and settings. The nature of the intervention(s) used depends on a range of factors, including patient preference, th...
Understanding high performance buildings: The link between occupant knowledge of passive design systems, corresponding behaviors, occupant comfort and environmental satisfaction

Abstract In the past twenty years, more stringent energy codes and environmental standards have led to many higher performance building designs that use less energy. Oftentimes, high performance buildings that incorporate passive building strategies require active occupant engagement [Brown et al. (2009) [1]] but the people who work in these buildings on a daily basis may not comprehend how their actions (negatively or positively) affect the building's energy use [Janda (2009) [2]]. Additionally, minimal research exists surrounding educational strategies for how to best educate building occupants. The purpose of this study was to investigate existing occupant training in high performance buildings to provide recommendations for future occupant education efforts. A sequential mixed methods study was conducted to better understand the relationships between occupant behaviors, reported environmental satisfaction, and learning in high performance buildings. First, expert interviews were conducted (n = 3) to determine the study population. Second, a survey was sent to ten high performance buildings in the United States (n = 118), and third, follow-up occupant interviews (n = 41) were conducted to better understand the survey responses. It was hypothesized that participants who had received effective training for high performance building features would be more satisfied with their environment than those who had not received training. Results indicated a significant difference between the two groups (those who had received effective training and those who did not), and individuals who reported effective training were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their office environment. Follow-up interviews provided additional insight into occupant satisfaction and behaviors.
Automated system for scheduling pipeline time for small batch production using a symphony spreadsheet

Abstract A scheduling pipeline program can be easily developed and customized using Symphony spreadsheet software. Monsanto Research Corporation produces small electro-mechanical component subassemblies in large lot sizes which are subdivided into transfer quantities. Since production takes place in several buildings, the transfer quantities create wait time for parts not being worked. Batch production schedules are constructed and adjusted using the pipeline program. This application uses work centers and/or balanced workstation assignments to determine schedule dates for a given transfer quantity. Production routing information is summarized for each station assignment, and these are considered as schedule points. The program incorporates many data base management, input forms, and graphic features available in Symphony.
Moving disease biology from the laboratory to the clinic

To address the urgent need for novel therapies for multiple myeloma (MM), long-term research efforts have characterized the mechanisms whereby MM cells home to the bone marrow and adhere to bone marrow stromal cells and extracellular matrix proteins. Research also characterizes the functional sequelae of this binding to identify targets for novel therapies. This article describes the mechanisms by which MM cells home to bone marrow and adhere to bone marrow stromal cells and extracellular matrix proteins, and describes the functional sequelae of this binding. Adhesion molecules that mediate MM cell binding to bone marrow stromal cells are identified, and the growth and survival advantage conferred by this binding is discussed. The biologic significance of cytokines in MM pathogenesis and the signaling cascades mediating their effects are delineated. Apoptotic and targeted therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance based on interrupting growth or triggering apoptotic-signaling cascades also are identified, providing the basis for novel biologically based therapies, such as thalidomide/immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitor PS-341.
Green and Black Tea Consumption and Risk of Stroke A Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose— Experimental models of stroke provide consistent evidence of smaller stroke volumes in animals ingesting tea components or tea extracts. To assess whether a similar association of black or green tea consumption with reduced risk is evident in human populations, we sought to identify and summarize all human clinical and observational data on tea and stroke. Methods— We searched PubMed and Web of Science for all studies on stroke and tea consumption in humans with original data, including estimation or measurement of tea consumption and outcomes of fatal or nonfatal stroke. Data from 9 studies involving 4378 strokes among 194 965 individuals were pooled. The main outcome was the occurrence of fatal or nonfatal stroke. We tested for heterogeneity and calculated the summary effect estimate associated with consumption of ≥3 cups of tea (green or black) per day using random-effects and fixed-effects models for the homogeneous studies. Publication bias was also evaluated. Results— Regardl...
NORMAL PAIRS WITH ZERO-DIVISORS

Results of Davis on normal pairs (R, T) of domains are generalized to (commutative) rings with nontrivial zero-divisors, particularly complemented rings. For instance, if T is a ring extension of an almost quasilocal complemented ring R, then (R, T) is a normal pair if and only if there is a prime ideal P of R such that T = R[P], R/P is a valuation domain and PT = P. Examples include sufficient conditions for the "normal pair" property to be stable under formation of infinite products and ⋈ constructions.
A Method for Capturing Pygmy Rabbits in Summer

Degradation of sagebrush habitat and a lack of information on current status motivated a petition to list the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The petition brought on renewed interest in obtaining data on pygmy rabbits; however, pygmy rabbits are notoriously difficult to capture, especially in summer. We tested box-trap, net, noose-pole, and fabric-fence methods to capture pygmy rabbits in 4 areas of northern Nevada and eastern California, USA. We captured 25 different pygmy rabbits in 30 captures from April 2005 to July 2006. The combination of camouflaged box traps baited with canned green beans was 35% more successful and required less effort per captured rabbit than any other method. Noose-pole methods also were successful. These techniques provide an efficient method of capturing pygmy rabbits in summer when many remote field sites are most accessible.
Increasing Incidence of Community-Associated Atypical Clostridium difficile Disease in Children

Forty-one children with a variety of gastrointestinal complaints were diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infections as part of a routine screen over 3 years. The infection had not been suspected prior to the screen. Each child responded to treatment with metronidazole with resolution of their symptoms. These data suggest that community-associated C difficile is increasing and may produce atypical disease and lead to misdiagnosis.
Differential space-time block code modulation for DS-CDMA systems

A differential space-time block code (DSTBC) modulation scheme is used to improve the performance of DS-CDMA systems in fast time-dispersive fading channels. The resulting scheme is referred to as the differential space-time block code modulation for DS-CDMA (DSTBC-CDMA) systems. The new modulation and demodulation schemes are especially studied for the down-link transmission of DS-CDMA systems. We present three demodulation schemes, referred to as the differential space-time block code Rake (D-Rake) receiver, differential space-time block code deterministic (D-Det) receiver, and differential space-time block code deterministic de-prefix (D-Det-DP) receiver, respectively. The D-Det receiver exploits the known information of the spreading sequences and their delayed paths deterministically besides the Rake type combination; consequently, it can outperform the D-Rake receiver, which employs the Rake type combination only. The D-Det-DP receiver avoids the effect of intersymbol interference and hence can offer better performance than the D-Det receiver.
The Hydrodynamic Stability of Helium II between Rotating Cylinders. I

The hydrodynamic instability of helium II between rotating cylinders is investigated on two assumptions regarding the mutual friction force, F, between the normal and the superfluid components of the liquid. On both assumptions F is proportional to the constant vorticity which prevails in the stationary state and to the difference in the velocities between the two fluids; however, on one assumption the effect of F is confined entirely to the transverse plane, while on the other it is allowed to be isotropic (with respect to the difference in the velocities). The hydrodynamic problem is solved for the case when the two cylinders (of radii R$\_{1}$ and R$\_{2}$) are rotated in the same direction and (R$\_{2}$ - R$\_{1}$) $\ll \frac{1}{2}$ (R$\_{2}$ + R$\_{1}$). It follows from the theory that when $\partial $(r$^{2}\Omega $)/$\partial $r < 0 (where $\Omega $ denotes the angular velocity and r the distance from the axis) the flow becomes (eventually) unstable along two branches: the first of these is the normal (Taylor) instability of a viscous fluid inhibited by its coupling with an inviscid fluid, and the second is the (Rayleigh) instability of the superfluid inhibited, in turn, by its coupling with a viscous fluid. Further, in all cases the critical Taylor number of instability (suitably defined) becomes asymptotic to a relation which is equivalent to $\Gamma ^{2}=\frac{1}{2}$(R$\_{2}^{2}$ - R$\_{1}^{2}$)/R$_{1}^{2}$, where $\Gamma $ is the coupling constant. From an experiment of Kolm & Herlin's (1956), to which the present theory appears applicable, a value of $\Gamma $ = 0$\cdot $52 is deduced; this is in very good accord with the value $\Gamma $ = 0$\cdot $55 which Hall & Vinen (1956a) have deduced from an unrelated experiment.
Fabrication of a phospholipid membrane-mimetic film on the luminal surface of an ePTFE vascular graft

Abstract A stabilized, membrane-mimetic film was produced on the luminal surface of an ePTFE vascular graft by in situ photopolymerization of an acrylate functonalized phospholipid using a fiber optic diffusing probe. The phospholipid monomer was synthesized, prepared as unilamellar vesicles, and fused onto close-packed octadecyl chains that were components of an amphiphilic terpolymer anchored onto the polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) by electrostatic interactions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that gelatin impregnation of the graft followed by the subsequent biomimetic film coating filled in the fibril and node structure of the luminal surface of the ePTFE graft and was smooth. The lipid film displayed an initial advancing contact angle of 44°, which increased to 55° after being subjected to a wall shear rate of 500 s−1 for 24 h at 37 °C in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Fourier transform (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the stages of biomimetic film assembly and confirmed the stability of the film under shear flow conditions. In vivo assessment using a baboon femoral arteriovenous shunt model demonstrated minimal platelet and fibrinogen deposition over a 1-h blood-contacting period. The results of this study confirm the versatility of a biomimetic film coating system by successfully transferring the methodology previously developed for planar substrates to the luminal surface of an ePTFE vascular graft.
Prostaglandin E2 is a novel inducer of oncostatin-M expression in macrophages and microglia

Oncostatin-M (OSM), a pluripotent cytokine of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family, is produced in a number of inflammatory conditions. Known sources of OSM include monocytes–macrophages and T-cells. Here we present microglia, the resident macrophages of the brain, as a source of OSM in the CNS. In this context, we describe a novel inducer of OSM, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 induces OSM expression in microglia, monocytes, and macrophages of human and murine origin. PGE2 induction of OSM is mimicked by cholera toxin, an activator of stimulatory G (Gs)-proteins; by forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase; and by the cAMP analog, dibutyryl-cAMP. PGE2 induction of OSM gene expression is inhibited by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor 2′,5′-dideoxyadenosine, by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89, and by a dominant-negative PKA construct. These data indicate that PGE2 signals via Gs-protein-coupled receptor(s), adenylate cyclase, and PKA to induce OSM expression. Accordingly, other activators of cAMP signaling such as norepinephrine and PGE1 induce OSM. The ability of PGE2 to induce OSM expression was tested under more physiological conditions, using cocultures of astrocytes and monocytes. Treatment of the cocultures with IL-1β or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) results in production of PGE2 and OSM. PGE2 produced in the cocultures is responsible for OSM induction, because pretreatment with indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, as well as depletion of PGE2, abrogate OSM expression induced by IL-1β or TNF-α. These data suggest that in the CNS, OSM may be produced through collaboration of astrocytes and macrophages–microglia.
Phorbol Esters Cause Preferential Secretion of Norepinephrine from Bovine Chromafin Cells

: Differential secretion of norepinephrine and epinephrine was studied in cultured bovine chromaffin cells. Nicotinic agonists and 55 mM K+ evoked a slightly greater release of norepinephrine than of epinephrine: The percentage of norepinephrine secreted was 1.5 to two times greater than the percentage of epinephrine secreted. In contrast, when the cells were treated with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, the percentage of norepinephrine released was six to eight times greater than that of epinephrine released. Similar results were obtained in experiments with cultures highly enriched in either norepinephrine-containing cells or epinephrine-containing cells. In response to 55 mM K+, catecholamine release from norepinephrine-containing cells was two times greater than that from epinephrine-containing cells. In response to phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, secretion from norepinephrine-containing cells was 13 times greater than that from epinephrine-containing cells. These results suggest that protein kinase C plays a specific role in the regulation of catecholamine secretion from norepinephrine-containing cells.
Single-Pass Composable 3D Lens Rendering and Spatiotemporal 3D Lenses

We present a new 3D lens rendering technique and a new spatiotemporal lens. Interactive 3D lenses, often called volumetric lenses, provide users with alternative views of data sets within 3D lens boundaries while maintaining the surrounding overview (context). In contrast to previous multipass rendering work, we discuss the strengths, limitations, and performance costs of a single-pass technique especially suited to fragment-level lens effects, such as color mapping, lighting, and clipping. Some object-level effects, such as a data set selection lens, are also incorporated, with each object's geometry being processed once by the graphics pipeline. For a substantial range of effects, our approach supports several composable lenses at interactive frame rates without performance loss during increasing lens intersections or manipulation by a user. Other cases, for which this performance cannot be achieved, are also discussed. We illustrate possible applications of our lens system, including Time Warp lenses for exploring time-varying data sets.
Numerical Study of Freestream Waves Induced Breakdown in Hypersonic Boundary Layer Transition

As a continued effort in investigation of hypersonic boundary layer transition induced by fresstream waves, direct numerical simulations are performed on blunt cones over Mach 5.5 and Mach 6 flows. In this paper, a new approach is introduced to simulate the hypersonic flow over blunt cone from laminar to the breakdown stage in transition. The disturbance waves are introduced into freestream instead of generating within the boundary layer. The new approach breaks the direct numerical simulation into three parts: mean flow computation, linear receptivity simulation and nonlinear breakdown simulation. With this approach, it is possible to directly link the freestream receptivity process to the final breakdown stage so that the complete transition process can be better understood. The ultimate goal is to develop a robust numerical tool to carry out hypersonic boundary layer flow simulation over blunt cone to the non-linear breakdown stage and use it for future transition studies.
Near-Field Magneto-Photoluminescence of Singe Self-Organized Quantum Dots.

We present results obtained using low temperature near-field scanning optical microscopy for the measurements of Zeeman splitting and the diamagnetic shift of single self-organized InAs/AlAs, InAs/GaAs and InP/GaInP quantum dots. The measurements allow us to relate the bimodal size distribution of InAs dots with variations in In content. For single InP QDs we observed a strong circular polarization at zero magnetic field accompanied with a negative energy shift, suggesting that strong internal magnetic fields exist in these QDs.
Comprehension Process of Second Language Indirect Requests.

This study examined the comprehension of English conventional indirect requests by native English speakers and Japanese learners of English. Subjects read stories inducing either a conventional or a literal interpretation of a priming sentence. Reading speeds did not vary as a function of the interpretation. Subsequent target sentences that paraphrased either the literal or the conventional interpretation of the prime sentence were read more quickly when they paraphrased a conventional interpretation of the sentence than when they paraphrased a literal interpretation. Target sentences were also read more quickly if they paraphrased the interpretation induced by the context than if they did not match. The results suggest that both native and nonnative speakers process both meanings of an ambiguous conventional request.
NUTRIENT REGULATION OF CELL CYCLE PROGRESSION

Cell replication is tightly controlled in normal tissues and aberrant during disease progression, such as in tumorigenesis. The replication of cells can be divided into four distinct phases: Gap 1 (G1), synthesis (S), gap 2 (G2), and mitosis (M). The progression from one phase to the next is intricately regulated and has many "checkpoints" that take into account cellular status and environmental cues. Among the modulators of cell cycle progression are specific nutrients, which function as energy sources or regulate the production and/or function of proteins needed to advance cells through a replicative cycle. In this review, we focus on the roles of specific nutrients (vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, and glucose) in the control of cell cycle progression and discuss how insights into the mechanisms by which these nutrients modulate this process can be and have been used to control aberrant cell growth in the treatment of prevalent pathologies.
Elimination of multi-cycle false paths by state encoding

In this paper we present a technique to remove multi-cycle false paths from a sequential circuit by the encoding of its states. Based on behavioral level analysis, we derive the necessary and sufficient condition for the encoding of FSM to obtain a false path free implementation. This condition requires the satisfaction of false path dichotomies obtained from symbolic output and next state equations of the machine. The presented approach can significantly impact the multi-cycle false path removal techniques, traditionally applied to gate-level circuits. >
The Visualised Chronotope

Clarifying the point with which the previous chapter culminates, Chap. 3 begins by returning to Seaford’s concept of a monetised chronotope. To enhance this idea, the monetised chronotope is placed within its historical context, namely alongside the emergence and transformation of a visualised chronotope that first appears with Homer’s invention of alphabetic writing around 800 B.C.E. This abstract, visual essence, when it combines with that of money, produces what we can call—to borrow a phrase from Noam Chomsky —early historic “media control”. Confronting this new lethal danger to their world, the Greeks absorb the unlimited nature of the new visual media of money into the unlimited chronotope of mystery-cult that is, for this purpose, opened out on the public stage. One thinks of the blindness to which the money-tyrants such as Pentheus, Kreon and Oedipus succumb.
Influence of Drug Lipophilicity on Drug Release from Sclera After Iontophoretic Delivery of Mixed Micellar Carrier System to Human Sclera

Mixed micelles prepared using sodium taurocholate (TA) and egg lecithin (LE) were previously found to be an effective carrier for sustained release of a poorly water-soluble drug in transscleral iontophoretic delivery. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of drug lipophilicity upon micellar carrier solubilization potential and drug release profiles from the sclera after iontophoretic delivery of model lipophilic drugs dexamethasone (DEX), triamcinolone acetonide (TRIAM), and β-estradiol (E2β) with a mixed micellar carrier system of TA–LE (1:1 mole ratio). In this study, the micellar carrier system was characterized for drug solubilization. The micelles encapsulating these drugs were evaluated for transscleral passive and 2-mA iontophoretic delivery (both cathodal and anodal) and drug release from excised human sclera in vitro. The results show that drug solubility enhancement of the micellar carrier system increased with increasing drug lipophilicity. The more lipophilic drugs E2β and TRIAM displayed slower drug release from the sclera compared with the less lipophilic drug DEX after iontophoretic drug delivery with the mixed micelles. These results suggest that the combination of transscleral iontophoresis and micellar carriers is more effective in sustaining transscleral delivery of the more lipophilic drugs studied in this investigation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 102:480–488, 2013
Body Temperature of Newborns: What is Normal?

Medical records of 203 healthy full-term infants were reviewed to determine the range of axillary temperatures for newborn infants, factors that affect temperature and nursery management of infants with temperatures outside published normal ranges. The mean birth temperature was 36.5 degrees C (S.D. = 0.6 degrees C). Temperature was associated with birth weight (p 24 hours) and none for evaluation of abnormal temperatures. No infants had systemic infections and all were discharged in stable condition. Newborn axillary temperatures in our nursery were considerably lower than what has been previously described as "normal." Given the frequency of "hypothermia" and absence of associated illness, we believe the reference range for newborn temperatures should be expanded to include lower temperatures.
Immunological considerations of modern animal models of malignant primary brain tumors

Recent advances in animal models of glioma have facilitated a better understanding of biological mechanisms underlying gliomagenesis and glioma progression. The limitations of existing therapy, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have prompted numerous investigators to search for new therapeutic approaches to improve quantity and quality of survival from these aggressive lesions. One of these approaches involves triggering a tumor specific immune response. However, a difficulty in this approach is the the scarcity of animal models of primary CNS neoplasms which faithfully recapitulate these tumors and their interaction with the host's immune system. In this article, we review the existing methods utilized to date for modeling gliomas in rodents, with a focus on the known as well as potential immunological aspects of these models. As this review demonstrates, many of these models have inherent immune system limitations, and the impact of these limitations on studies on the influence of pre-clinical therapeutics testing warrants further attention.
IMAGING INDICES FOR QUANTIFICATION OF SHAPE, ANGULARITY, AND SURFACE TEXTURE OF AGGREGATES

Three image indices are presented that characterize aggregates in a hierarchical scheme involving overall shape (or form), roundness of corners, and particle surface texture. The corresponding dimensionless image indices are called aspect ratio, angularity, and roughness, respectively. Calculating these indices requires that image-analysis techniques be used to find the following data for a sample of two-dimensional particle images: shortest and longest dimensions, perimeters, convex perimeters, and perimeters of ellipses with areas equivalent to those of the associated particles. To demonstrate the usefulness of these three dimensionless indices, selected sieve-size fractions for 25 fine-aggregate sources were subjected to image-analysis testing and to uncompacted void testing (ASTM C1252). Both uncompacted void contents and image-analysis indices could generally differentiate between natural sands and crushed fine aggregates. However, the image-analysis indices provided additional useful information. For example, the image-analysis results identified that two sources of crushed fine aggregates had relatively low uncompacted void contents because they had relatively smooth surface textures or relatively low aspect ratios. In addition, the image-analysis results were able to distinguish morphological differences between aggregate sources that were measured to have similar uncompacted void contents.
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin is required for gastrointestinal allergy but not oral tolerance.

Background & Aims Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine produced by epithelial cells that acts on dendritic cells, mast cells, T cells, and B cells. TSLP is involved in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation in the lung and skin, but data indicate a regulatory role in the gastrointestinal tract. We tested the functional role of TSLP in mouse models of gastrointestinal allergy and tolerance. Methods TSLP Receptor (TSLPR) +/+ and TSLPR −/− mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin; models of allergic diarrhea or systemic anaphylaxis were studied. To induce oral tolerance, mice were fed with low-dose ovalbumin before they were immunized with it. Tolerance was measured from inhibition of ear swelling in a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. Results TSLPR −/− mice were protected from the onset of allergic diarrhea; they did not develop mastocytosis in the jejunum and had reduced ovalbumin-immunoglobulin E in their serum, compared with TSLPR +/+ mice. TSLPR −/− mice also lost T helper cell (Th) 2-mediated inflammation in the jejunum. In contrast, sensitization and oral tolerance were not impaired in TSLPR −/− mice. Transfer of wild-type, Th2-primed cells to TSLPR −/− mice completely restored the development of allergic diarrhea. Antigen presentation assays showed that TSLPR on T cells, but not dendritic cells, was required to mediate the Th2 response. Conclusions TSLP is required for allergic inflammation but not primary sensitization or tolerance to food proteins in the gastrointestinal tract; it amplifies Th2 responses directly from CD4 + T cells.
LibFTE: a toolkit for constructing practical, format-abiding encryption schemes

Encryption schemes where the ciphertext must abide by a specified format have diverse applications, ranging from in-place encryption in databases to per-message encryption of network traffic for censorship circumvention. Despite this, a unifying framework for deploying such encryption schemes has not been developed. One consequence of this is that current schemes are ad-hoc; another is a requirement for expert knowledge that can disuade one from using encryption at all. We present a general-purpose library (called libfte) that aids engineers in the development and deployment of format-preserving encryption (FPE) and format-transforming encryption (FTE) schemes. It incorporates a new algorithmic approach for performing FPE/FTE using the nondeterministic finite-state automata (NFA) representation of a regular expression when specifying formats. This approach was previously considered unworkable, and our approach closes this open problem. We evaluate libfte and show that, compared to other encryption solutions, it introduces negligible latency overhead, and can decrease diskspace usage by as much as 62.5% when used for simultaneous encryption and compression in a PostgreSQL database (both relative to conventional encryption mechanisms). In the censorship circumvention setting we show that, using regular-expression formats lifted from the Snort IDS, libfte can reduce client/server memory requirements by as much as 30%.
CD62L is not a reliable biomarker for predicting PML risk in natalizumab-treated R-MS patients.

Objective: To assess if the percentage of CD3 + CD4 + CD62L + cells in cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (here termed %CD62L) can predict risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and better inform the physician for benefit–risk assessment of natalizumab treatment decisions in a global setting. Methods: Cryopreserved PBMCs from 21 natalizumab-treated patients who developed PML and 104 matched natalizumab-treated patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) without PML collected as a part of Biogen clinical trials were retrospectively examined for CD3, CD4, CCR7, CD45RA, and CD62L by flow cytometry. Results: In this cohort, %CD62L in natalizumab-treated patients did not predict PML risk. Natalizumab-treated patients with MS without PML showed highly variable %CD62L upon serial sampling. In the STRATA study, the distribution of %CD62L in samples collected more than 6 months before a PML diagnosis, at diagnosis, and in natalizumab-treated patients without PML overlapped. No statistical threshold for risk could be determined. In addition, we demonstrated that lymphocyte viability strongly affects %CD62L, supporting previous reports that %CD62L is inherently unstable following cryopreservation and is sensitive to sample collection. Conclusion: Data from this well-controlled cohort of natalizumab-treated patients indicate that %CD62L is not a biomarker of PML risk.
Kombination von Beobachtungsverfahren

In den vorangegangenen Kapiteln 4 und 6 wurde dargestellt, wie die relativen Kontraste im elektronenmikroskopischen Bild in verwickelter Weise von den Objekteigenschaften, der Praparation und den Untersuchungsbedingungen am Elektronenmikroskop zusammenhangen.
Abstract 14973: Higher Burden of Sudden Death in African Americans vs. Whites: a Postmortem Evaluation

Introduction: We have previously reported racial disparities in rates of sudden cardiac death (SCD) with higher SCD burden in blacks. We performed a detailed evaluation of autopsy findings among black vs. white cases of SCD in a community-based study. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that post-mortem evaluation would reveal racial differences in cardiac abnormalities among SCD cases. Methods: As a component of an ongoing multiple-source community-based study of SCD in the northwest US (population approx. 1 million), a subset of cases had detailed postmortem evaluation performed by the medical examiner. For this analysis, patients of black or white race age ≥18 with internal autopsy (2002 - 2012) were included. Results: Among 395 patients with autopsy-confirmed SCD, 30 were black (78% male, mean age 41.8 yrs) and 365 were white (73% male, mean age 46.5 years). Autopsy findings of fresh MI were not significantly different in blacks and whites (13% vs. 20%; p=0.38). Blacks were less likely than whites to have sig...
One enantiomeric fluorescent sensor pair to discriminate four stereoisomers of threonines

The BINOL-amino alcohol enantiomeric pair (S)-1 and (R)-1 are discovered to conduct both enantioselective and diastereoselective fluorescent discrimination of the four stereoisomers of threonine derivatives. This study utilizes different fluorescence responses of one sensor at two emission wavelengths toward the stereoisomeric substrates which expands the capability of the sensor in chiral recognition. In addition, the sensor pair also allows visual recognition of the N-protected l-allo-threonine and d-allo-threonine by enantioselective precipitation.
Heat Induced Cleavage of Flavoprotein in Hard Cooked Eggs

Abstract Uncooked albumen dialyzate did not contain any component of the flavoprotein system of egg white. The egg exudate contained dialyzable fractions of flavoprotein which appear in the exudate as a result of heat treatment given to shell eggs.
A JPEG Image Coding Scheme for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks

With resource-constrained wireless multimedia sensor networks,image coding and transmission must respect the trade-off among energy consumption,compression ratio and image quality.Compression of video-surveillance image sequences collected by a wireless multimedia sensor network is studied.A low-complexity image compression scheme based on change detection and adapted JPEG is proposed.For adaptation to the limited capacity of store and forward,change detection algorithm is used to locate the region of interest and cut down the data for transmission by only transmitting the region of interest.For adaptation to the limited computational capability,DCT and quantization of JPEG is optimized to reduce the computation complexity.Computation complexity analysis and simulation results indicate that the proposed image compression scheme effectively reduces the data traffic and energy consumption of computation under the required image quality.
The effect of albumin gradients and human serum on the longevity and fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa in the hamster ova penetration assay

The motility and the capability to penetrate zona-free hamster eggs of Y-enriched or washed sperm were evaluated after protracted in vitro incubation with and without the addition of preheated human serum. The addition of 50% preheated serum decreased the motility loss over time for both the washed and Y-enriched sperm. Such motility loss was decreased by 25% and 27% at 20hours, by 31% and 39% at 30hours, and by 30% and 40% at 40hours of incubation for the washed and Y-enriched sperm, respectively. The washed and Y-enriched sperm suspensions with and without addition of preheated human serum achieved 100% penetration rate after 2hours of preincubation. However, when scored by the sperm per egg ratio, washed sperm achieved 1.2±0.2 (mean±standard error [SE]) sperm per egg, while the Y-enriched sperm achieved 3.0±0.4 sperm per egg. After 24hours of incubation, penetration by washed sperm decreased to a mean of 62.8%. The Y-enriched sperm penetrated a mean of 18% of the ova. Addition of preheated serum increased the egg penetrating capacity of washed sperm at 24hours but failed to improve the Y-enriched spermatozoa. This study suggests that for optimum conception rates, precise ovulation timing is crucial when Y-enriched fractions are used for insemination.
Operation for esophageal achalasia. Results of esophagomyotomy without an antireflux operation.

Between January, 1970, and January, 1984, 113 patients with esophageal achalasia underwent 115 esophagomyotomies at the Lahey Clinic. Twenty-nine patients had been treated on one or more occasions by forceful dilation, and 18 had been operated upon before. Results are based on follow-up studies of 103 patients operated on 1 to 13.5 years ago (average follow-up period, 6.75 years). Six patients were lost to follow-up study, and six were operated upon less than a year ago. The condition of 94 patients (91 % ) was improved by operation. The improvement rate was 94 % for those who underwent a primary operation and 76% for those who underwent reoperation. Only four of the nine poor results were caused by reflux esophagitis, and these patients are satisfactorily managed medically. Multiple regression analysis of risk factors including age, sex, duration of symptoms, severity of disease, length of follow-up, previous operation, and forceful dilations revealed that only previous operation correlated significantly with poor results (p = 0.0004). Preoperative and postoperative manometric assessment of the lower esophageal sphincter was made on some of these patients. The amplitude of lower esophageal sphincter pressure dropped from 32.5 ± 1.6 (SEM) to 14.5 ± 1.4 mm Hg, and the length of the lower esophageal sphincter decreased from 3.7 ± 0.1 to 2.2 ± 0.1 cm. These differences were highly significant (p = 0.001). After myotomy a short subhiatal remnant of the lower esophageal sphincter remains with pressure within the normal range, which minimizes the risk of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. Because of the high success rate of limited esophagomyotomy and the low incidence of significant reflux symptoms after its use, we recommend that it be performed without an associated antireflux procedure.
Condylomata Acuminata and Verrucous Carcinoma of the Bladder: Case Report and Literature Review

AbstractCondylomata acuminata and verrucous carcinoma are 2 lesions rarely seen in the bladder. Condylomata of the bladder can be treated successfully by local therapy but underlying carcinoma must be considered if the lesion is extensive or progressive in nature. Vigorous biopsies of the base of the lesions are necessary to eliminate the possibility of malignancy. If verrucous carcinoma is found the patient should be treated surgically. A case of condylomata acuminata of the bladder undergoing malignant change to verrucous carcinoma is reported