cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scale-angle CWT features : Application in object recognition

This paper discusses the utility of scale-angle continuous wavelet transform features for object classification. These features are used as input to two algorithms: character recognition and target recognition in FLIR images. The corresponding recognition algorithm is robust against noise and allows data reduction. A comparative study is made between two types of directional wavelets derived from the Mexican hat wavelet and the usual template matching.
Towards human-human-computer interaction for biologically-inspired problem-solving in human genetics

Genetic programming (GP) shows great promise for solving complex problems in human genetics. Unfortunately, many of these methods are not accessible to biologists. This is partly due to the complexity of the algorithms that limit their ready adoption and integration into an analysis or modeling paradigm that might otherwise only use univariate statistical methods.allThis is also partly due to the lack of user-friendly, open-source, platform-independent, and freely-available software packages that are designed to be used by biologists for routine analysis. It is our objective to develop, distribute and support a comprehensive software package that puts powerful GP methods for genetic analysis in the hands of geneticists. It is our working hypothesis that the most effective use of such a software package would result from interactive analysis by both a biologist and a computer scientist (i.e. human-human-computer interaction).allWe summarize briefly here the design and implementation of an open-source software package called Symbolic Modeler (SyMod) that seeks to facilitate geneticist-bioinformaticist-computer interactions for problem solving in human genetics. More information can be found at www.epistasis.org or www.symbolicmodeler.org.
Optimal design of advanced power systems under uncertainty

Technical and economic uncertainties are not rigorously treated or characterized in most preliminary cost and performance estimates of advanced power system designs. Nor do current design methods rigorously address the issues of design under uncertainty. However, process costs and other important quality measures, such as controllability, safety, and environmental compliance, largely depend on the process synthesis stage. This conceptual design stage involves identifying the basic flowsheet structures from a typically large number of alternatives. This paper describes recent developments in on-going research to develop and demonstrate advanced computer-based methods for dealing with uncertainties that are critical to the design of advanced coal-based power systems. Results are presented illustrating the use of these new modeling tools for the environmental control design of an advanced energy system based on an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) for electric power generation.
Pulmonary Edema after Pericardiocentesis for Cardiac Tamponade

DIAGNOSTIC and therapeutic aspiration of fluid from various body cavities is a common procedure. The amount of fluid that can be removed safely at one time is limited by potential complications. In patients with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites, a reduction in stroke volume and cardiac output can occur if more than 1500 ml of ascitic fluid is removed.1 Removal of more than 2000 ml of pleural fluid can result in unilateral pulmonary edema.2 We have not previously observed pulmonary edema as a complication of pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade. We describe a patient with cardiac tamponade caused by carcinomatous . . .
Regulatory significance of transfer RNA charging levels I. Measurements of charging levels in livers of chow-fed rats, fasting rats, and rats fed balanced or imbalanced mixtures of amino acids

Abstract 1. 1. To evaluate the possible role of tRNA charging levels (percent of a tRNA class which is acylated at the acceptor site) in the control of liver anabolism, an assay for the level of charging was developed based on the ability of IO 4 -to inactivate uncharged but not charged tRNA. Charging levels of tRNA Ser and tRNA Thr could not be assayed owing to oxidation of the amino acyl moieties and attendant deacylation, and that of tRNA Cys could not be assayed owing to a high and erratic blank. The remaining charging levels were systematically somewhat underestimated by the assay. 2. 2. Evidence was obtained that charging levels in fed or fasting (24 h) rats were all near 100%. The assay was not precise enough to detect any effects of brief fasting. Tube feeding of amino acid mixtures lacking certain amino acids singly caused the charging level of the tRNA corresponding to the missing amino acid to fall considerably below that seen in the fasting rat. This provides some insight into the events leading to suppressed consumption of diets in which single amino acids are severely limiting for growth. Tryptophan deficiency produced the most striking charging level effect of those observed. The apparent high sensitivity of tRNA Trp charging level to dietary tryptophan may account in part for the peculiarly deleterious effects of tryptophan deficiency on hepatic polysome aggregation and activity.
Differential effects of diltiazem and nitroprusside on left ventricular function in experimental chronic volume overload.

To compare the hemodynamic effects of a calcium-channel blocker with those of a conventional vasodilator in the awake preinstrumented dog, diltiazem and nitroprusside were administered in equihypotensive infusions before (decrease in mean aortic pressure by 10%; p less than .001, n = 6) and after (decrease in mean aortic pressure by 12%; p less than .001) chronic volume overload (CVO) produced by an infrarenal aortocaval fistula. Diltiazem had no effect on preload either before or after CVO. The maximal rate of change in left ventricular pressure (dP/dtmax) was unaffected by diltiazem before the aortocaval fistula (decrease in dP/dtmax by 6%; p = NS) but was significantly reduced by calcium-channel blockade after CVO (decrease in dP/dtmax by 22%; p less than .001). By contrast, at matched aortic pressures nitroprusside significantly reduced left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and pressure (LVEDP) in the same animals before (decrease in LVEDD by 10%, p less than .05; decrease in LVEDP by 7 +/- 2 mm Hg, p less than .001) and after CVO (decrease in LVEDD by 7%, p less than .05; decrease in LVEDP by 5 +/- 2 mm Hg, p less than .001) without altering dP/dtmax. We conclude that the calcium entry blocker diltiazem, unlike conventional vasodilators, may depress left ventricular function in CVO by direct negative inotropic properties in amounts that are without myocardial depressant effects in the presence of normal left ventricular performance.
The Revised Standard Version in the Classroom

the primary text for his class. All teachers of English Bible would agree that the Bible itself, rather than books about the Bible, is the primary source that should be used by the student, and that mere recitation on the basis of a good book about the Bible is hardly a commendable technique. The class projects should be such that they involve the students' use of the Bible itself. It is obvious that a natural corollary of this is the use of a dependable translation. This should mean a modern translation, one which takes advantage of recent knowledge of the biblical manuscripts and languages. But a double advantage is accrued if the translation used in class can be at one and the same time dependable and that translation which the student will find in use in the churches after his graduation, when, as a result in part of the inspiration given to him by his teacher while he was in college, he becomes a lay leader in the church in his community. The teacher may find in this paper some ideas which will suggest to him specific projects for the classroom, but the primary purpose is to try to present information which may be helpful to the teacher who uses the Revised Standard
A Direct Method For State-Space Model and Observer/Kalman Filter Gain Identification

This paper presents a new direct method that identifies a linear state-space model of a system from input-output data. This is in contrast to existing indirect methods that first solve for the system Markov parameters, then use one of various realization algorithms to find a state-space representation. The direct method is very simple to implement and consists of solving only a few linear equations, both in the identification step and the model reduction step. When combined with the Observer/Kalman filter Identification (OKID) algorithm, the method also yields a simple way to produce an optimal Kalman filter gain for systems corrupted by process and measurement noise of unknown statistics. Both simulation and experimental results are provided to illustrate the direct identification method.
An integer programming approach for the view and index selection problem

The view- and index-selection problem is a combinatorial optimization problem that arises in the context of on-line analytical processing (OLAP) in database-management systems. We propose an integer programming (IP) model for this problem and study the properties of the views and indexes that appear in the optimal solution for this model. We then use these properties to remove a number of variables and constraints from the corresponding IP model and obtain a model that is significantly smaller, yet its optimal solution is guaranteed to be optimal for the original problem. This allows us to solve realistic-size instances of the problem in reasonable time using commercial IP solvers. Subsequently, we propose heuristic strategies to further reduce the size of this IP model and dramatically reduce its execution time, although we no longer guarantee that the reduced IP model offers a globally optimal solution for the original problem. Finally, we carry out an extensive computational study to evaluate the effectiveness of these IP models for solving the OLAP view- and index-selection problem.
Numerical simulation of grain-boundary grooving by surface diffusion

Abstract A numerical investigation of grain-boundary grooving by surface diffusion has been carried out. The surface diffusion is driven by surface curvature gradients, and a fixed dihedral angle is assumed at the groove tip. The corresponding mathematical system is an initial boundary value problem in a one-dimensional nonlinear partial differential equation. The numerical results show excellent agreement with Mullins' analytical “small slope” (i.e. dihedral angle close to 180 °) solution of the linearized mathematical system. Our simulation extends Mullins' solution, since it is applicable to larger groove widths and a complete range of dihedral angles. As an example, we apply our technique to two adjacent grooves. The evolution of the surface profile shows clearly that the two grooves grow initially independently, while they interact at a later stage, resulting in changes in their growth kinetics.
A device for monitoring position of unrestrained animals in a temperature gradient

The design and use of an automated system which permits continuous monitoring of the position of an animal in a temperature gradient is demonstrated. Animal position in the gradient is detected with phototransistors. Through simple electronic switching, the information from the phototransistors is converted to an analog DC signal that is directly proportional to the position of the animal in the temperature gradient. The temperature gradient method permits continuous automated monitoring of thermoregulatory behavior in unrestrained animals.
Causality in structure—activity studies

The problem of chance correlations in studies of structure—activity relationships using multivariate linear regression techniques is addressed. Random correlations are simulated by scrambling real potency values in data bases consisting of molecules possessing various biological properties. The statistical parameters of these correlations are compared to those obtained using the actual potency/compound data pairs and it is noted that the most noticeable differences are in the magnitude of the F values for the overall regression. Cutoff points for this parameter are suggested, which, when implemented in the recently introduced CASE method that correlates biological activity with substructural descriptors, can serve to weed out effectively the majority of meaningless correlations.
The bacon chow study: maternal supplementation and infant growth

The effect of maternal supplementation during both gestation and lactation on infant growth from birth to 12 mth was investigated in the double-blind, randomly allocated control trial conducted in Taiwan by the late Bacon F. Chow. The supplement was a milk-based formula providing 800 kcal and 40 g protein daily. The placebo provided less than 40 kcal per diem but resembled the supplement in appearance. Supplementation was limited to mothers and began after birth of one infant and continued without interruption until weaning of a second infant. Supplement effects were tested by comparing both supplement and placebo groups and first- and second-infant groups with respect to weight, length and head circumference. Both comparisons of growth curves and analyses of variance were carried out. Both strategies agreed in failing to detect differences in growth between supplement and placebo groups. However, differences were found between first and second infants in the supplement group.
Dielectric oil coated single-walled carbon nanotube electrodes for stable, large-strain actuation with dielectric elastomers

Abstract Dielectric elastomers have shown remarkably large actuation strain and energy density. A wide range of novel applications have been conceptualized, but commercial devices have not materialized due to the high rates of failure during high-strain actuation. We report that the use of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) layers with thicknesses in the tens of nanometers as the compliant electrodes in combination with dielectric oil can prolong the actuation durability by at least one order of magnitude. Even though the ultrathin SWNT electrodes can undergo localized self-clearing in the event of electrical breakdown, effectively deactivating the fault and enabling self-healing of the device, extended duration actuation at strains larger than 100% in area cannot be achieved. This is due to corona discharge of the highly porous SWNT electrodes that have sharp tips that amplify the electric field. We show that by applying a dielectric oil coating on the SWNT electrodes, the corona discharging is quenched and continuous actuation at larger than 150% strain for longer than 1500 min can be achieved. The combination of self-clearable SWNT electrodes with dielectric oil coating should improve the manufacturing yield and operational reliability of dielectric elastomer artificial muscles and push them closer to commercialization.
Rhizosphere Phosphorus Solubility and Plant Uptake as Affected by Crop in a Clay Soil from the Central Plateau Region of Haiti

Phosphorus (P) is commonly a limiting nutrient affecting crop yields in tropical cultivated systems, and a high P-sorption capacity in many of these soils can decrease the effectiveness of fertilizer use. Smallholder farmers, such as those in rural Haiti who do not have sufficient access to P fertilizers, may benefit from crops that are efficient at scavenging for P. To evaluate commonly grown and potentially useful plants for this purpose, a pot study was conducted in a controlled-environment chamber set to approximate ambient May–June conditions in Haiti's Central Plateau with seven treatments (six legume and one grass species) using soil from an Ustalf taken in the region. Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens [L.] DC) produced the largest amount of biomass, though no difference in P uptake among treatments was observed. Phosphorus uptake and rhizosphere P were positively correlated, indicating plants with a larger capacity to solubilize P took up more P.
Attentive Betweenness Centrality (ABC): Considering Options and Bandwidth When Measuring Criticality

Between ness centrality measures how critical a node is to information i&#x00AC;ow in a network. A node is critical (and hence should have high betweeness) if it is on many shortest paths. Two shortcomings of such a measure are:(i) It ignores nodes on &#x00E2;almost shortest&#x00E2; paths, (ii) It assumes that a node can provide the same attention to information i&#x00AC;ow through each of those shortest paths, no matter how many shortest paths the node controls. There have been attempts to address these concerns in the literature, with partial success. We provide a new measure, attentive between ness centrality (ABC), that measures criticality by the amount of attention a node devotes to the information i&#x00AC;ow between other nodes. Our measure addresses both the aforementioned concerns and can be computed efi&#x00AC;ciently. It performs as well or better than between ness centrality on both stylized networks and large scale real data networks, and hence provides a useful tool for measuring node criticality.
Kinetic Mechanism for the Conformational Switch Between Bistable RNA Hairpins

Transitions between the different conforma- tional states play a critical role in many RNA catalytic and regulatory functions. In this study, we use the Kinetic Monte Carlo method to investigate the kinetic mechanism for the conformational switches between bistable RNA hairpins. We find three types of conformational switch pathways for RNA hairpins: refolding after complete unfolding, folding through basepair-exchange pathways and through pseudoknot-assisted pathways, respectively. The result of the competition between the three types of pathways depends mainly on the location of the rate-limiting base stacks (such as the GC base stacks) in the structures. Depending on the structural relationships between the two bistable hairpins, the conformational switch can follow single or multiple dominant pathways. The predicted folding pathways are supported by the activation energy results derived from the Arrhenius plot as well as the NMR spectroscopy data.
Preclinical assessment of the distribution of maraviroc to potential human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sanctuary sites in the central nervous system (CNS) and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)

1. Growing knowledge of the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection has led to the identification of potential virus sanctuary sites within the central nervous system and gut-associated lymphoid tissue. 2. Maraviroc is a novel CCR5 antagonist for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Disposition studies have been performed within the preclinical testing of maraviroc to determine its distribution to these anatomical sites. 3. Maraviroc, which is a substrate of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein, shows limited distribution to the central nervous system as evidenced by cerebrospinal fluid concentrations that were 10% of the free plasma concentration following intravenous infusion to rats. Tissue distribution studies also indicated limited distribution of radioactivity into brain tissue of rats. 4. Radioactivity in gut-associated lymphoid tissue lymph nodes exceeded the concentrations in blood and concentrations in the contents of thoracic ducts of the lymphatic system were similar to blood levels following intravenous administration to rats.
De-risking the implementation of real-time thermal ratings

This paper addresses the de-risking of real-time thermal ratings (RTTRs) for overhead lines to help build DNO business confidence in the adoption of the technology. Through the use of thermal state estimation with integrated sensors and graceful degradation algorithms, a cost-effective RTTR system is being implemented across the 132kV network in North Wales. The system unlocks significant energy yields (up to 14,358 MWh in November 2012 for a single overhead line circuit) whilst minimising the risk of line temperature profile exceedence to a suitably low value. (4 pages)
Outcomes of Group Cognitive Behavioral Training in the Treatment of Panic Disorder And Agoraphobia

BACKGROUND: Several investigators have demonstrated the efficacy of group cognitive behavioral treatment for panic disorder and agoraphobia. However, no information on nurse-facilitated, short-term, outpatient cognitive behavioral treatment training programs was found in the literature.OBJECTIVES: This study examined differences in the severity of symptoms before and after participation in a 6-week training program for clients with panic disorder and agoraphobia. This article describes the cognitive behavioral techniques used in the Comprehensive Anxiety Management Program.DESIGN: Forty consecutive treatment-seeking subjects completed the Symptom Check List-90-Revised and the Weekly Ratings Scale before and afler participation in the training program. Dependent variables included intensity of panic symptoms, phobic avoidance, generalized anxiety, and depression.RESULTS: Significant differences between baseline and endpoint means scores of the group participants were found. No significant differences in pr...
Prostaglandins increase matrix metalloproteinase release from human ciliary smooth muscle cells.

Purpose To identify matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) released by ciliary smooth muscle cells in vitro and to determine whether MMP release is altered by exposure to prostaglandins (PGs). Methods Human ciliary smooth muscle cells were grown to confluence in monolayer cultures and treated with PGF2 alpha, 11-deoxy-PGE1, or PhXA85 (the nonesterified analogue of PhXA41) for 12 to 72 hours. The activity of MMP in the medium was assayed using gelatin and casein zymography. Identification of the specific MMP associated with each band was made by Western blot analysis. Band intensity, which reflects activity, was measured with a scanning laser densitometer. Results Three major bands appeared in the gelatin zymographs at positions corresponding to molecular weights of 62 kDa, 68 kDa, and 97 kDa. A single band at 50 kDa predominated in the casein zymograms. Substitution of EDTA for calcium and zinc in the development solution eliminated the appearance of these bands, indicating that they reflect MMP activity. Immunoblotting, using MMP-specific antibodies, confirmed that the three bands in the gelatin zymographs were MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9, respectively; the single band in the casein zymographs was MMP-3. Treatment with 200 nM PGF2 alpha, 11-deoxy-PGE1, or PhXA85 for 72 hours increased the combined density scores for MMP-1 and MMP-2 by 37%, 64%, and 27%; the density scores for MMP-9 by 268%, 253%, and 125%; and the density scores for MMP-3 by 35%, 71%, and 22%, respectively. Conclusions These results indicate that ciliary smooth muscle cells can secrete MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9. In addition, exposure to PGF2 alpha, 11-deoxy-PGE1, or PhXA85 increases production of all four MMPs. These observations support the hypothesis that increased MMP production by ciliary muscle cells has a role in increasing uveoscleral outflow facility after topical PG administration.
Microbial community utilization of added carbon substrates in response to long-term carbon input manipulation

The chemical composition and quantity of plant inputs to soil are primary factors controlling the size and structure of the soil microbial community. Little is known about how changes in the composition of the soil microbial community affect decomposition rates and other ecosystem functions. This study examined the degradation of universally 13 C-labeled glucose, glutamate, oxalate, and phenol in soil from an old-growth Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)—western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) forest in the Oregon Cascades that has experienced 7 y of chronic C input manipulation. The soils used in this experiment were part of a larger Detritus Input and Removal Treatment experiment and have received normal C inputs (control), doubled wood inputs, or root and litter input exclusion (no inputs). Soil from the doubled wood treatment had a higher fungal:bacterial ratio, and soil from the no inputs treatment had a lower fungal:bacterial ratio, than the control soil. Differences in the utilization of the compounds added to the field-manipulated soils were assessed by following the 13 C tracer into microbial biomass and respiration. In addition, 13 C-phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analysis was used to examine differential microbial utilization of the added substrates. Glucose and glutamate were metabolized similarly in soils of all three litter treatments. In contrast, the microbial community in the double wood soil respired more added phenol and oxalate, whereas microbes in the no inputs soil respired less added phenol and oxalate, than the control soil. Phenol was incorporated primarily into fungal PLFA, especially in soil of the double wood treatment. The addition of all four substrates led to enhanced degradation of soil organic matter (priming) in soils of all three litter treatments, and was greater following the addition of phenol and oxalate as compared to glucose and glutamate. Priming was greater in the no inputs soil as compared to the control or doubled wood soils. These results demonstrate that altering plant inputs to soil can lead to changes in microbial utilization of C compounds. It appears that many of these changes are the result of alteration in the size and composition of the microbial community. r 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Exploiting biology in selecting treatment for differentiated cancer of the thyroid gland.

The incidence of thyroid cancer is rising worldwide. In the US, over the course of the past 30 years an increase of 300% has been reported. In spite of such a dramatic increase in the incidence of newly diagnosed patients with thyroid cancer, mortality from the disease remains stable. Data from the SEER program indicate that papillary carcinoma is the fastest rising cancer in the head and neck in the US [1]. A majority of these cancers are reported in young women. Fortunately, a majority of these are patients with subclinical disease or the so-called “micropapillary carcinomas”. Many of these are “incidentalomas” diagnosed on routine sonographic examination of the thyroid gland, other imaging studies of the neck done for other reasons where an incidental thyroid mass is discovered, and on routine physical examination. A majority of these are papillary carcinoma, and in 87% of such patients the newly diagnosed cancers are less than 2 cm in diameter, half of which are less than 1 cm in diameter [2]. If undiagnosed incidentally, many of these tumors would have remained clinically occult throughout the life of the patient. These are nearly uniformly curable cancers and, thus, do not create any major impact upon mortality from thyroid carcinoma. Biological behavior
Marketing Across Cultures

Abstract Two questions were addressed related to cross-cultural marketing of culturally-embedded apparel products: (1) From the perspective of consumer acceptance, which product attributes are most expedient for extension and which are candidates for adaptation? (2) How are extension and adaptation in product attributes related to artisans' goals for sustaining their textile enterprises? Rogers' diffusion theory (1995) provided the conceptual framework. Results confirmed that garment form and closures warrant attention for adaptation related to the receiving culture's current fashion practices. In contrast, attributes such as fabric, color, and embellishment that are closely allied with the producing culture are candidates for extension across cultures with little or no change. This pattern of change and retention fits well with global artisans' conceptualization of their traditions as being more closely allied with the processes than with the products of the tradition.
Saturday night social constructivism

In contrast to evidence for evolved sex differences, support for the argument that female aggression was suppressed by patriarchial ideologies is thin. One empirical test of the differential stigmatization hypothesis is proposed, utilizing the four standard criteria for judgments of abnormality.
Why Should Medical Students Care about Health Policy

Gupta argues that medicine has become increasingly influenced by political, economic and social policies, and that medical students should become well-versed in these policies.
Engineering electrospun nanofibrillar surfaces for spinal cord repair: A discussion

BACKGROUND: The design of implants comprised of biodegradable electrospun nanofibers for the purpose of bridging injuries in damaged spinal cord is discussed. Electrospun nanofibers structurally mimic the extracellular matrix on which neurons and other cell types grow in vivo. This property has created great interest for their use in tissue engineering applications. However, their employment as biomimetic surfaces for such in vivo applications is still in its infancy. RESULTS: A nonwoven fabric comprised of electrospun polyamide nanofibers supported modest axonal regeneration in injured adult rat spinal cord. Covalent modification of the nanofibers with a bioactive peptide derived from the neuroregulatory extracellular matrix molecule tenascin-C enhanced the ability of the nanofibers to facilitate axonal regrowth. However, the random orientation of the nanofibrillar fabric folds was an impediment to the forward movement of axons. CONCLUSIONS: Polyamide nanofibers covalently modified with neuroactive molecules provide a promising material for grafts to promote spinal cord regeneration. However, for the proper guidance of regrowing axons, attention must be paid to the engineering of ordered nanofibrillar structures.  2007 Society of Chemical Industry
A Distributed Self-Learning Approach for Elastic Provisioning of Virtualized Cloud Resources

Although cloud computing has gained sufficient popularity recently, there are still some key impediments to enterprise adoption. Cloud management is one of the top challenges. The ability of on-the-fly partitioning hardware resources into virtual machine(VM) instances facilitates elastic computing environment to users. But the extra layer of resource virtualization poses challenges on effective cloud management. The factors of time-varying user demand, complicated interplay between co-hosted VMs and the arbitrary deployment of multitier applications make it difficult for administrators to plan good VM configurations. In this paper, we propose a distributed learning mechanism that facilitates self-adaptive virtual machines resource provisioning. We treat cloud resource allocation as a distributed learning task, in which each VM being a highly autonomous agent submits resource requests according to its own benefit. The mechanism evaluates the requests and replies with feedback. We develop a reinforcement learning algorithm with a highly efficient representation of experiences as the heart of the VM side learning engine. We prototype the mechanism and the distributed learning algorithm in an iBalloon system. Experiment results on an Xen-based cloud test bed demonstrate the effectiveness of iBalloon. The distributed VM agents are able to reach near-optimal configuration decisions in 7 iteration step sat no more than 5% performance cost. Most importantly, iBalloon shows good scalability on resource allocation by scaling to 128correlated VMs.
STREPTOCOCCUS VIRIDANS INFECTIONS IN MIDGESTATION

During a 14-year period Streptococcus viridans was isolated at autopsy from 18 neonates or stillborn fetuses delivered in midgestation (18–28 weeks) at Women I delivery was preceded by spontaneous rupture of membranes in 9 cases and vaginal bleeding in 7 cases. Poor maternal obstetric history was indicated by only 12 living children from 42 total pregnancies in the 12 multigravidas in the study.It is concluded that S. viridans may have a significant role in the pathogenesis of second trimester amniotic fluid infections with abortions and fetal and neonatal sepsis.
Repetition of comprehensible sentences by children with deviant speech

Recently the imitation of sentence strings has been found useful in probing the linguistic abilities of language disordered and normal children. The impetus for this method was provided by Chomsky (1964), who regarded repetition performance as one indirect way of tapping linguistic competence for the syntactic, semantic and phonological rules of grammar. The technique he suggested was to have the child repeat “sentences and nonsentences, phonologically possible sequences and phonologically impossible ones” for the analysis and interpretation of error patterns across levels of the grammar. Correct placement of elements would suggest acquired competence, while misplacement would indicate lapses in performance, or nonacquisition of linguistic competence. In this manner, Chomsky speculated, it might be possible to determine whether fully developed conceptions of sentence structure exist under the telegraphic speech patterns so commonly observed in young children. Subsequent repetition studies on the whole hav...
Quartz crystal tuning fork photoacoustic point sensing

Abstract Achieving chemical specificity in trace detection of small molecules is a challenge. Here we describe a highly selective method for detection of trace chemicals using photoacoustic spectroscopy of adsorbed molecules on a quartz crystal tuning fork. The technique is demonstrated in an open environment without the need of a resonant cavity. Mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers are used as the light source with cyclotrimethylenetrinitromine (RDX) residue being the target analyte. The results show absorption peaks matching those of earlier literature.
Changing Ethnic Disparity in Ischemic Stroke Mortality in US Children After the STOP Trial

Importance A prior report showed higher stroke mortality in US black children compared with white children (1979-1998), a disparity likely due in part to sickle cell disease, which leads to a high risk of childhood ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that this disparity has diminished since the publication of the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP trial) in 1998 demonstrating the efficacy of long-term blood transfusions for primary stroke prevention. Objective To evaluate the demographics and secular trends in mortality from ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke (as a primary cause of death) in US children ( Design We used death certificate data from the National Center for Health Statistics, 1988 through 2007. Setting United States. Participants Children who died in 1988 through 2007 in the United States. Intervention Publication of the STOP trial. Main Outcome Measures Incidence rate ratios were calculated as the measure of relative risk. Results Among 1.6 billion person-years of US children (1988-2007), there were 4425 deaths attributed to stroke, yielding an average of 221 deaths per year; 20% were ischemic; 67%, hemorrhagic; and 12%, unspecified. The relative risk of ischemic stroke mortality for black vs white children dropped from 1.74 from 1988 through 1997 to 1.27 from 1998 through 2007. The ethnic disparity in hemorrhagic stroke mortality, however, remained relatively stable between these 2 periods: black vs white relative risk, 1.90 (1988-1997) and 1.97 (1998-2007). Conclusions and Relevance The excess risk of death from ischemic, but not hemorrhagic, stroke in US black children has decreased over the past decade. This may be related to the implementation of an effective ischemic stroke prevention strategy for children with sickle cell disease.
Anthropology and Traditional Ecological Knowledge: A Summary of Quantitative Approaches to Traditional Knowledge, Market Participation, and Conservation

In this paper, I summarize some of the current trends in quantitative anthropological investigations of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and political–economic systems. I first provide an overview of the quantitative studies of TEK, focusing on the various research methods commonly employed in ethnoecology. Anthropologists use techniques such as freelists, pile sorts, objective tests, and semi-structured interviews with key informants to elicit TEK. Indices or cultural consensus models are constructed from the data to identify patterns of distribution of TEK in cultural groups. Key variables that are associated with the patterns of distribution of TEK include gender, age, social class, and mode of subsistence. Next, I contextualize current understandings of the nature and distribution of TEK in the context of political–economic systems. Ways of studying market participation and market integration of indigenous people are discussed in relationship to explaining patterns in TEK. Finally, I suggest some possible connections between TEK, economic market integration, and biodiversity conservation.
Fixation selection by maximization of texure and contrast information

We present information-theoretic underpinnings of a computation theory of low-level visual fixations in natural images. In continuation of our prior work on optimal contrast-based fixations [1], we develop an optimum texture- based fixation selection algorithm based on a recent theory of non-stationarity measurement in natural images [2]. Thereafter we propose a simple coupling of the optimal texture-based and contrast-based fixation features to produce a new algorithm called CONTEXT, which exhibits robust performance for fixation selection in natural images. The performance of the fixation algorithms are evaluated for natural images by comparison to randomized fixation strategies via actual human fixations performed on the images. The fixation patterns obtained outperform randomized, GAFFE-based [3], and Itti [4] fixation strategies in terms of matching human fixation patterns. These results also demonstrate the important role that contrast and textural information play in low-level visual processes in the Human Visual System (HVS).
Current concepts in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) develops as a consequence of priming and sensitizing mechanisms rendered by cross-interactions of primary mechanistic factors and secondary risk factors. This concept, albeit not novel, is becoming widely accepted by the field, and more research is directed toward identifying and characterizing the interfaces of the cross-interactions to help understand individual predisposition to the disease. Another pivotal development is the beginning of cell type-specific research to elucidate specific contributions not only of hepatocytes, but also of hepatic macrophages, liver-associated lymphocytes, sinusoidal endothelial cells, and hepatic stellate cells to sensitizing and priming mechanisms. In particular, the critical role of hepatic macrophages has been highlighted and the priming mechanisms concerning this paracrine effect have been proposed. Glutathione depletion in hepatocyte mitochondria is considered the most important sensitizing mechanism. One of the contributing factors is decreased methionine metabolism. Remaining key questions include how altered methionine metabolism contribute to the pathogenesis of ALD; how cross-talk among nonparenchymal liver cells or between nonparenchymal cells and hepatocytes leads to ALD; how dysfunctional mitochondria determine the type of cell death in ALD; and what secondary factors are critical for the development of advanced ALD such as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Experiments with small helicopter automated landings at unusual attitudes

This paper describes a set of experiments involving small he- licopters landing automated landing at unusual attitudes. By leveraging the increased agility of small air vehicles, we show that it is possible to automat- ically land a small helicopter on surfaces pitched at angles up to 60 degrees. Such maneuvers require considerable agility from the vehicle and its avion- ics system, and they pose signicant technical and safety challenges. Our work builds upon previous activities in human-inspired, high-agility ight for small rotorcraft. However, it was not possible to leverage manual ight test data to extract landing maneuvers due to stringent attitude and posi- tion control requirements. Availability of low-cost, local navigation systems requiring no on-board instrumentation has proven particularly important for these experiments to be successful.
A Mechanism-Based Approach to the Identification of Age-Period-Cohort Models

This article offers a new approach to the identification of age‐period‐cohort (APC) models that builds on Pearl’s work on nonparametric causal models, in particular his front-door criterion for the identification of causal effects. The goal is to specify the mechanisms through which the age, period, and cohort variables affect the outcome and in doing so identify the model. This approach allows for a broader set of identification strategies than has typically been considered in the literature and, in many circumstances, goodness of fit tests are possible. The authors illustrate the utility of the approach by developing an APC model for political alienation.
Scale, causality, and the new organism–environment interaction

The fallout from environmental determinism of the early 20th century steered geography away from biological and evolutionary thought. Yet it also set in motion the diversification of how geographers conceive environment, how these environments shape and are shaped by humans, and how scaling negotiates the interpretation of this causality. I illustrate how this plurality of scalar perspectives and practices in geography is embedded in the organism–environment interaction recently articulated in the life sciences. I describe the new fields of epigenetics and niche construction to communicate how ideas about scale from human and physical geography come together in the life sciences. I argue that the two subdisciplinary modes or ‘moments’ of scalar thinking in geography are compatible, even necessary, through their embodiment in organisms. To procure predictability, organisms practice an epistemological scaling to rework the mental and material boundaries and scales in their environment. Yet organisms are also embedded in ontological flux. Boundaries and scales do not remain static because of the agency of other organisms to shape their own predictability. I formally define biological scaling as arising from the interplay of epistemological and ontological moments of scale. This third moment of scale creates local assemblages or topologies with a propensity for persistence. These ‘lumpy’ material outcomes of the new organism–environment interaction have analogues in posthuman and new materialist geographies. They also give formerly discredited Lamarckian modes of inheritance a renewed, but revised acceptance. This article argues for a biological view of scale and causality in geography.
Geometric proof of rate-distortion function of Gaussian sources with side information at the decoder

The achievability of the Wyner-Ziv theorem (Wyner 1978) for the Gaussian case is shown using only geometric arguments. The motivation for this is to inspire the construction of practical codes based on this (Pradhan and Ramchandran 2000).
Transient modification of baroreceptor response during tilt-induced vasovagal syncope

Aims Normally, arterial baroreceptors attempt to minimize systemic hypotension by initiating reflex vasoconstriction and tachycardia. However, in the setting of vasovagal syncope (VVS), these usual compensatory mechanisms either fail to be triggered or the response is inadequate. We hypothesized that in VVS prone individuals, arterial baroreceptor response (BRR) is normal under most conditions, but that a transient functional BRR disturbance occurs during an evolving vasovagal faint and may in part account for failure of the usual compensatory response. Methods and results This study assessed BRR in the baseline state and again in association with either VVS induced head-up tilt (HUT) or after a prolonged period of upright posture without VVS. To minimize impact on HUT outcome, BRR was estimated non-pharmacologically by measuring blood pressure and heart rate changes, induced when subjects were returned to the supine position after undergoing diagnostic 70° HUT evaluation. Beat to beat heart rate and arterial blood pressure changes were recorded in 13 patients with syncope and another 16 individuals with negative HUT (control group). Baseline BRR was initially evaluated at the end of a 3 min symptom free HUT (HUT#1), and the measurement was repeated after a 45 min duration HUT in the control group or in conjunction with syncope in VVS prone individuals (HUT#2). Baseline BRR did not differ significantly in controls and VVS prone individuals (controls: 3.37±1.56, VVS prone: 6.0±2.02 ms mmHg, p =0.27). Further, at the end of 45 min HUT#2, BRR was unaltered from baseline in control subjects (4.92±1.36 ms mmHg, p =0.48), but was markedly reduced from baseline value in individuals who experienced a faint, −3.30±0.81 ms/mmHg ( p <0.0003 vs baseline). Conclusion Compared with individuals who do not manifest VVS during HUT, VVS prone individuals appear to demonstrate functional diminution of baroreceptor responsiveness. This altered response may undermine the normal expected compensatory response to evolving systemic hypotension. The basis for this transient disturbance in baroreceptor responsiveness is currently unknown.
Media wars in children's electronic culture: domesticating the world with Carmen Sandiego and the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

The paper analyzes the strategies currently being used on commercial television to face the challenge of multimedia: the attempt to simulate the computer screen, to rival its promises of interactivity and "edutainment", and to emphasize TV's own promised values of free access and social mobility. The paper discusses how these dynamics operate in two series on the Fox Children's network, The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (the most popular kids' show on television) and Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego (an animated series based on Broderbund's successful educational software).
Predictors of permanent menopause after chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer in premenopausal women

575 Background: Optimal choice of endocrine therapy for early-stage breast cancer differs with menopausal status. While amenorrhea is common during adjuvant chemotherapy, there is currently no available test to establish when menopause is permanent. The aim of this study was to determine the age cutoff after which resumption of menses is unlikely following chemotherapy and to assess what additional risk factors may predict for persistent menopause at 5 years after initiation of chemotherapy. Methods: One hundred patients treated with chemotherapy for early-stage premenopausal breast cancer and who remained alive and free of recurrence at least 5 years from the start of treatment were enrolled. Participants were evaluated for current menstrual status and for baseline potential risk factors for menopause: age at start of chemotherapy, race, BMI, smoking history, age at menarche, irregular menses prior to chemotherapy, presence of menses during chemotherapy, type of chemotherapy regimen, hormonal therapy, ov...
Proposed Accounting for Options: Silver Lining or Dark Cloud?

Ellie Kehmeier of Deloitte & Touche examines a proposed new accounting standard for option expensing by employers.