cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A genetic framework using contextual knowledge for segmentation and recognition of handwritten numeral strings

For the first time, a genetic framework using contextual knowledge is proposed for segmentation and recognition of unconstrained handwritten numeral strings. New algorithms have been developed to locate feature points on the string image, and to generate possible segmentation hypotheses. A genetic representation scheme is utilized to show the space of all segmentation hypotheses (chromosomes). For the evaluation of segmentation hypotheses, a novel evaluation scheme is introduced, in order to improve the outlier resistance of the system. Our genetic algorithm tries to search and evolve the population of segmentation hypotheses, and to find the one with the highest segmentation/recognition confidence. The NIST NSTRING SD19 and CENPARMI databases were used to evaluate the performance of our proposed method. Our experiments showed that proper use of contextual knowledge in segmentation, evaluation and search greatly improves the overall performance of the system. On average, our system was able to obtain correct recognition rates of 95.28% and 96.42% on handwritten numeral strings using neural network and support vector classifiers, respectively. These results compare favorably with the ones reported in the literature.
Mycophenolate mofetil for lupus nephritis

Approved treatment options for moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) are presently very limited. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressive agent indicated for acute transplant rejection prophylaxis, has been increasingly used to treat these conditions. The best evidence-based information on the use of MMF in SLE comes from studies of LN. Randomized, controlled trials of MMF have been conducted only in this subset of lupus patients. The data suggest that the drug is well tolerated, effective and should be considered a useful alternative to standard immunosuppressants for the treatment of LN. The aim of this article is to examine the available evidence concerning MMF in lupus and LN.
Does Democracy Promote Interstate Cooperation? Lessons from the Mercosur Region

A rapidly growing body of research suggests that democracy enhances prospects for the peaceful settlement of interstate conflicts. To what extent can democracy also be linked with increased international cooperation? Building upon the literature on political cooperation as well as recent discussions of the “democratic peace,” this study offers a plausibility probe of the hypothesis that democracy increases the likelihood of interstate agreement. The analysis, which draws upon a data set covering dyadic interactions among Mercosur nations during the 1947–1985 period, utilizes both logistic regression and negative binomial regression methods to assess the relationship between democracy and cooperation. The findings offer only limited support for the hypothesis that democracy promotes cooperation and challenge the recent literature on the relative peace among democracies in several theoretically suggestive ways. The study points to the potential fruitfulness of more extensive and rigorous research on the nexus between domestic institutions and international cooperation.
Homogenization Model Examining the Effect of Nanosilica on Concrete Strength and Stiffness

Composite homogenization is a numerical simulation method that allows determination of the effect of microstructure constituents on the mechanical properties of composite materials. This homogenization technique allows cement paste to be modeled as a composite material in which microparticles are randomly dispersed in the cement paste matrix. By using microstructural homogenization, a representative volume element (RVE) can be developed and used to simulate the constitutive model of the composite cement paste by considering its constituent phases. A four-phase cement paste model is considered to describe cement paste incorporating nanosilica. Cement paste microstructures are divided into Phase I, hydrated cement paste; Phase II, unhydrated cement paste; Phase III, nonreacted nanosilica; and Phase IV, capillary porosity. Cement hydration models are used to predict the volume fraction of the four phases on the basis of the mixture proportion of the cement paste mix. Constitutive models for Phases I, III, an...
A correlation between photosynthetic temperature adaptation and seasonal phenology patterns in the shortgrass prairie

The temperatures at which chlorophyll fluorescence yield is substantially increased and the temperatures at which the quantum yield for CO2 uptake is irreversibly inhibited were measured for three shortgrass prairie species. The experimental taxa include, a cool season species (Agropyron smithii), a warm season species (Bouteloua gracilis), and a species which grows throughout the cool and warm seasons (Carex stenophylla). Agropyron smithii exhibited lower high temperature damage thresholds (43°C in cool grown plants, 46°C in warm grown plants), relative to the other two species. Bouteloua gracilis exhibited the highest tolerance to high temperature, with threshold values being 44-49°C for cool grown plants and 53-55°C for warm grown plants. Carex stenophylla exhibited threshold values which were intermediate to the other two species (43-47°C for cool grown plants, and 51-53°C for warm grown plants). Seasonal patterns in the fluorescence rise temperatures of field grown plants indicated acclimation to increased temperatures in all three species. The results demonstrate a correlation between the high temperature thresholds for damage to the photosynthetic apparatus, and in situ seasonal phenology patterns for the three species.
FTIR Imaging of the Dissolution of Polymers. 4. Poly(methyl methacrylate) Using a Cosolvent Mixture (Carbon Tetrachloride/Methanol)

The dissolution process of poly(methyl methacrylate) in mixtures of methanol and carbon tetrachloride, individually nonsolvents for the polymer (under the conditions of study), was studied at 25 °C using FTIR imaging spectroscopy. To investigate this cosolvency phenomenon, the spatial resolution and sensitivity of FTIR imaging to interactions between the components were used. The results obtained suggest that the dissolution process of the PMMA in a high weight fraction of the CCl4/CH3OD solvent mixtures consists of first the swelling of the PMMA by the CCl4 allowing the methanol to penetrate into the PMMA and specifically interact (hydroxyl−carbonyl hydrogen bonds) with the polymer to separate the polymer chains. Furthermore, the effect of compositions of the solvent mixtures on the dissolution rates is a result of two opposite effects: (i) the ability of the polymer to be swelled (CCl4 fraction) and (ii) the number of specific interactions between the polymer and one of the nonsolvents (methanol fraction).
Pyridoxine Administration Improves Behavioral and Anatomical Outcome after Unilateral Contusion Injury in the Rat

Abstract The purpose of this project was to evaluate the preclinical efficacy of pyridoxine, or vitamin B6. Rats received a 3.0 mm unilateral controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury of the sensorimotor cortex or sham surgery. Treatment with vitamin B6 (600 or 300 mg/kg IP) or vehicle was administered at 30 min and 24 h post-CCI. Somatosensory dysfunction was evaluated with the vibrissae–forelimb placing and bilateral tactile adhesive removal tests. Sensorimotor dysfunction was evaluated with the locomotor placing and the forelimb asymmetry tests. On the forelimb asymmetry test both treatment groups displayed no asymmetry bias on any of the testing days post-CCI and were statistically no different than the shams. Both vitamin B6 groups displayed a significant improvement in behavioral performance on the locomotor placing test compared to the vehicle-treated group. Administration of 600 mg/kg also significantly reduced tactile adhesive removal latencies on days 2, 4, 6, and 12 post-CCI. Both treatment group...
Thermoregulatory Vasoconstriction Impairs Active Core Cooling

BACKGROUND Many clinicians now consider hypothermia indicated during neurosurgery. Active cooling often will be required to reach target temperatures < 34 degrees C sufficiently rapidly and nearly always will be required if the target temperature is 32 degrees C. However, the efficacy even of active cooling might be impaired by thermoregulatory vasoconstriction, which reduces cutaneous heat loss and constrains metabolic heat to the core thermal compartment. The authors therefore tested the hypothesis that the efficacy of active cooling is reduced by thermoregulatory vasoconstriction. METHODS Patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures with hypothermia were anesthetized with either isoflurane/nitrous oxide (n = 13) or propofol/fentanyl (n = 13) anesthesia. All were cooled using a prototype forced-air cooling device until core temperature reached 32 degrees C. Core temperature was measured in the distal esophagus. Vasoconstriction was evaluated using forearm minus fingertip skin-temperature gradients. The core temperature triggering a gradient of 0 degree C identified the vasoconstriction threshold. RESULTS In 6 of the 13 patients given isoflurane, vasoconstriction (skin-temperature gradient = 0 degrees C) occurred at a core temperature of 34.4 +/- 0.9 degree C, 1.7 +/- 0.58 h after induction of anesthesia. Similarly, in 7 of the 13 patients given propofol, vasoconstriction occurred at a core temperature of 34.5 +/- 0.9 degree C, 1.6 +/- 0.6 h after induction of anesthesia. In the remaining patients, vasodilation continued even at core temperatures of 32 degrees C. Core cooling rates were comparable in each anesthetic group. However, patients in whom vasodilation was maintained cooled fastest. Patients in whom vasoconstriction occurred required nearly an hour longer to reach core temperatures of 33 degrees C and 32 degrees C than did those in whom vasodilation was maintained (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Vasoconstriction did not produce a full core temperature "plateau," because of the extreme microenvironment provided by forced-air cooling. However, it markedly decreased the rate at which hypothermia developed. The approximately 1-h delay in reaching core temperatures of 33 degrees C and 32 degrees C could be clinically important, depending on the target temperature and the time required to reach critical portions of the operation.
Modelling wave-driven sediment transport in a changing climate: a case study for northern Adriatic Sea (Italy)

In this paper, we investigate the impact of climate change on coastal sediment transport in a deltaic system in the northern Adriatic Sea, with reference to the period 2070–2099 in the IPCC A1B emission scenario. Wind fields obtained by means of the high-resolution regional climate model Consortium for Small-scale Modelling–Climate Limited-area Modelling were employed for computing wave climate at basin scale by means of the spectral wave model Simulating Waves Nearshore. This was used as a constraint for a nearshore hydromorphodynamic model (MIKE LITPACK), which was applied to a test site on the Po River Delta, located in northern Italy. Relevant sediment transport processes have been studied at storm and decadal time scales in order to capture climate change effects on single events and as an overall trend. The transport rates in the A1B climate change scenario were then compared with the corresponding results of a control analysis (period 1965–1994) representing the actual climate. Although predicted wave climate in the investigated scenario displays an overall decrease in sea severity offshore in the northern Adriatic Sea, the effects of these modifications are modulated during the onshore propagation, with different impacts on sediment transport depending on the considered process and time scale. The strategy presented in this work can find fruitful applications in the long-term modelling of coastal and transitional environments, in which morphology is strongly influenced by sediment transport in the nearshore zone, suggesting a methodological approach for coastal planning and management.
High school students and their pets

50 high school students, 25 boys and 25 girls, were individually interviewed using a series of open-ended questions to analyze the cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in adolescents' attitudes toward their pets. It was hypothesized that cognitive elements would progress from the concrete operations stage to the formal operations stage, that empathy and perspective taking would continue developing, and that behavioral elements would be closely related to realistically assessed characteristics of pets. Although the data supported the second and third hypotheses, only 30 (60%) of the subjects had reached the formal operations stage of cognition. An unexpected finding was that a higher percentage of high school students than of the grade school students previously studied in 1985 indicated closeness to and love for their pets. Further research was suggested.
Assessment of biomaterials as components of a reciprocating dialyser during canine dialysis.

Abstract A recently reported device, the sorbent suspension reciprocating dialyser (SSRD), was investigated for use as a test system for biocompatibility of dialyser components. The device is easy to assemble and operate, and allows minimal blood contact with foreign material outside of dialyser components. Its constant pressure/ variable flow rate operation allows quantification of degree of clotting of dialyser versus time. The effect of heparinization of the blood distribution gaskets (BDG) of the device on performance and dialyser lifetime was investigated. Heparin was bound to the surface of polyethylene gaskets by immersion in a solution of tridodecylmethylammonium chloride (TDMAC)-heparin complex for several hours. Gaskets were then assembled in an SSRD which was then used for experimental dialysis in dogs with AV shunts. Dialysers assembled using non-heparinized gaskets were used as controls. Blood coagulation tendency was quantified by the activated clotting time (ACT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and these values correlated with the rate of clotting of the device. Heparinization of the gaskets resulted in the prevention of clotting in the dialyser until the final minutes of dialysis in all cases, in contrast to the constant decay of blood fill volume and evidence of clotting in the non-heparinized cases. However, dialyser lifetime was not significantly increased by gasket heparinization. At normal initial values of ACT (80–95 s) dialyser clotting occurred in 10–15 mia In tests with non-heparinized gaskets and systemically heparinized dogs, values obtained in the ACT test were observed to decrease during dialysis, indicating the disappearance of heparin from the blood. Both ACT and PTT tests show promise as predictors of dialyser lifetime.
Rod lensing and diffraction effects on the optimum design parameters of a super-Gaussian coupled unstable resonator

We have developed a computer model calculating bare cavity transverse eigenmodes for super-gaussian unstable resonators, including aperture diffraction in the gain medium. This generalized simulation, based on the Fox and Li Power Method, reduces the input parameters to five: rod longitudinal position, cavity magnification, super-gaussian order of the output coupler reflectivity, and Fresnel numbers for the cavity and rod apertures. Using two-dimensional FFT's to discretize the Huygen-Fresnel numbers, the output fields at the plane of the rod aperture and exiting the output coupler were subjected to beam quality (M 2 ) and extraction efficiency (Xeff) analysis. Beam quality was found to be the most sensitive to cavity magnification, with M 2 values varying as much as 30% or more with 3% shifts in magnification, which can occur during rod lensing. Avoiding peaking M 2 values is demonstrated with design curves for two different cavity Fresnel numbers, and super-gaussian orders. The cavity Fresnel number and the super-gaussian order are shown to only weakly affect beam quality, although extraction efficiency varies strongly with the latter. Finally, optimized rod longitudinal position was explored for promising combinations of the other four parameters, and it was found to be near the high reflector (HR) end of the cavity, in terms of M 2 analysis.
Breakthrough of Single-Quantum Coherence and Its Elimination in Double-Quantum Filtering

Breakthrough of single-quantum coherence is shown to occur after application of a double-quantum filter with the conventional four-step phase-cycling scheme. This single-quantum breakthrough is due to the intersequence stimulated echo which has been generated by the radiofrequency pulses in the preceding pulse sequence and appears at the same time as the double-quantum coherence signal in the current pulse sequence. Moreover, the phase of the intersequence stimulated echo is the same as the phase of the double-quantum coherence signal; i.e., the phase of the intersequence stimulated echo is twice the phase change of the radiofrequency pulses in the creation period when their phase is rotated in accordance with the conventional four-step phase-cycling scheme. Consequently, the intersequence stimulated echo passes through the double-quantum filtration in the conventional four-step phase-cycling scheme and gradient pulses. A new phase-cycling scheme which can filter out the single-quantum breakthrough signal is proposed here and its effectiveness is verified experimentally and by computer simulations.
Satisfaction with Channel Communication Strategies in High vs. Low Context Cultures

ABSTRACT Today's vertically linked international marketing channel networks require effective cross-cultural communications processes. If the channel partners are to cooperate successfully they need to understand each other in spite of the potential noise that may occur in the channel across cultures. This study examines channel communications between U.S. exporters and their channel partners from countries in high and low context cultures. It was found that culture is related to certain dimensions of channel communication, while for others no relationship was found.
Phenobarbital withdrawal seizures may occur over several weeks before remitting: Human data and hypothetical mechanism

This case is the first report of a patient who had phenobarbital (PB) withdrawal seizures after having been seizure-free for 3 years following temporal lobe surgery. The patient had been taking PB for 14 years when a gradual taper of PB was started. When PB was at 60 mg/d, a titration of lamotrigine (LTG) was started. However, typical complex seizures occurred when the patient was on PB 60 mg/d, along with LTG 25mg/d. PB was increased back to 90 mg/d and levetiracetam (LEV) was titrated. Seizures appeared when the patient was on PB 30 mg/d and LEV 750 mg BID and continued for 3 weeks after PB was stopped and the patient was on LEV 1,000 mg BID. For the following 6 months, her aura frequency remained elevated in comparison to her baseline aura of two auras per month for the previous year before the start of the PB taper. She was followed for 24 months after her last PB withdrawal seizure. During the last 8 months, her aura frequency returned to her baseline. As suggested by animal studies, the PB withdrawal seizures and increase in aura frequency in this patient may be explained by changes in her levels of GABA(A) receptor subunits.
Topology Optimization of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Damping Layers

Topology optimization has been successfully used for improving vibration damping in constrained layer damping structures with viscoelastic materials. Reinforcing carbon nanotubes in a polymer matrix greatly influences the mechanical properties of the polymer. Such nanotube-reinforced polymers (NRP) can be used to further enhance the damping properties of the constrained layer structures. The inclusion of nanotubes into a polymer matrix provides a new design variable in the topology optimization studies on such structures. In this work, the topology optimization of structures using such NRP as the damping material is performed. The resulting structures show a phenomenal improvement in damping. Moreover, a more efficient method is used for the optimization process.© 2005 ASME
Decomposing intentionality: Perspectives on intentionality drawn from language research with two species of chimpanzees

In philosophy the term “intentionality” refers to the feature possessed by mental states of beingabout things others than themselves. A serious question has been how to explain the intentionality of mental states. This paper starts with linguistic representations, and explores how an organism might use linguistic symbols to represent other things. Two research projects of Sue Savage-Rumbaugh, one explicity teaching twopan troglodytes to use lexigrams intentionally, and the other exploring the ability of several members ofpan paniscus to learn lexigram use and comprehension of English speech spontaneously when raised in an appropriate environment, are examined to explore the acquisition process. Although it is controversial whether intentionality of mental states or linguistic symbols is primary, it is argued that the intentionality of linguistic symbols is primary and that studying how organisms learn to use linguistic symbols provides an avenue to understanding how intentionality is acquired by cognitive systems.
A two-part model for reference curve estimation subject to a limit of detection.

Reference curves are commonly used to identify individuals with extreme values of clinically relevant variables or stages of progression which depend naturally on age or maturation. Estimation of reference curves can be complicated by a technical limit of detection (LOD) that censors the measurement from the left, as is the case in our study of reproductive hormone levels in boys around the time of the onset of puberty. We discuss issues with common approaches to the LOD problem in the context of our pubertal hormone study, and propose a two-part model that addresses those issues. One part of the proposed model specifies the probability of a measurement exceeding the LOD as a function of age. The other part of the model specifies the conditional distribution of a measurement given that it exceeds the LOD, again as a function of age. Information from the two parts can be combined to estimate the identifiable portion (i.e., above the LOD) of a reference curve and to calculate the relative standing of a given measurement above the LOD. Unlike some common approaches to LOD problems, the two-part model is free of untestable assumptions involving unobservable quantities, flexible for modeling the observable data, and easy to implement with existing software. The method is illustrated with hormone data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
15N Metabolic Labeling of Mammalian Tissue with Slow Protein Turnover

We previously reported the metabolic 15 N labeling of a rat where enrichment ranged from 94% to 74%. We report here an improved labeling strategy which generates 94% 15 N enrichment throughout all tissues of the rat. A high 15 N enrichment of the internal standard is necessary for accurate quantitation, and thus, this approach will allow quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of animal models of disease targeting any tissue.
Inhibition of CaMKII in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell Decreases Enhanced Amphetamine Intake in Sensitized Rats

Abstract Microinjection of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN-93 into the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell impairs expression of the sensitized locomotion and NAcc dopamine (DA) overflow normally observed in psychostimulant-exposed rats. Based on these results, we investigated the effect of NAcc shell KN-93 on the enhanced amphetamine (AMPH) intake normally observed in AMPH- relative to saline-exposed rats. Rats were administered five injections of either AMPH (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline, one injection every 2–3 days. Fourteen days following the last injection, they were trained to self-administer AMPH (200 μg/kg/infusion, i.v.) first on fixed ratio schedules (FR) and then on a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement (PR). As expected, AMPH-exposed rats worked harder and obtained significantly more drug infusions than saline-exposed rats on the PR schedule. After 4 days of stable responding, all rats were bilaterally microinjected with KN-93 (1 or 10 nmol/0.5 μl/side) into the NAcc shell, 2 min prior to the beginning of the self-administration session. Inhibiting CaMKII in this site reduced the enhanced drug intake observed in AMPH-exposed rats to levels no longer significantly different from those of saline-exposed rats. Responding in these latter controls was not affected by KN-93 nor did KN-93 affect responding in AMPH-exposed rats when it was infused into the NAcc core. Thus, in a manner similar to what has been reported for sensitized locomotion and NAcc DA overflow, these results suggest that inhibiting CaMKII in the NAcc shell attenuates the enhanced motivation to obtain a drug reinforcer that is normally displayed in AMPH-exposed rats.
Decreased procollagen production in cultured fibroblasts from patients with Lowe's syndrome.

The oculo-cerebro-renal syndrome described by Lowe is a catastrophic disease in children characterized by progressive eye, central nervous system and kidney degeneration. We determined procollagen production in cultured skin fibroblasts originating from patients with Lowe's syndrome as well as normal individuals after incubation of cells with [14C]proline for 1, 4 and 20 h. Using [14C]hydroxyproline formation, in relation to cell protein or DNA, as an index of procollagen production, we found that cultured cells from patients synthesized collagenous protein at a substantially reduced level. This decrease in synthesis in cultured fibroblasts from patients could not be accounted for by differences in the specific radioactivity of the free intracellular proline; moreover, it could not be attributed to differences in the kinetics of growth between normal and affected cell lines. The degree of hydroxylation of proline residues in collagen was the same in both normal and affected cells.
Substance Abuse Treatment Characteristics of Probation‐Referred Young Adults in a Community‐Based Outpatient Program

Although rates of substance abuse continue to rise among young adults ages 18-25, there is little information on the clinical characteristics of young adults referred to treatment, their readiness to change substance use behaviors, and treatment outcomes. These aspects were examined in young (18-25 years old) and older adult (26-45 years old) substance abusers entering treatment at a large, urban, outpatient substance abuse treatment facility. All clients were referred for outpatient treatment by the local Offices of Adult Probation during 1998-1999. The demographic and substance use characteristics, motivation level/readiness to change substance use behaviors, treatment attendance, completion, and "drug-free" status based on patient self-report and urine/breathalyzer data were assessed. Results. Substance-abusing young adult probationers were more likely to be African-American, with a significantly earlier age of onset of primary substance use. They were more likely to have a marijuana use disorder as compared with older adults, who in turn, were more likely to meet criteria for alcohol use disorders. Furthermore, as compared with older adults, young adults had significantly higher scores on precontemplation, and significantly lower scores on contemplation, determination, action, and maintenance subscales of motivation/change readiness. A significantly higher number of young adults did not complete outpatient treatment and were "drug-positive" at discharge, as compared with older adults. Conclusions. Young adult probationers referred to substance abuse treatment show significantly different substance abuse and treatment characteristics as compared with their older adult counterparts. The findings suggest that specialized treatment approaches that focus on enhancing treatment readiness and motivation to change substance use behaviors may be of particular benefit to substance abusing young adults.
American Social Work, Corrections and Restorative Justice: An Appraisal

Social work played an active role in American corrections until the 1980s when the ethic of rehabilitation began to give way to a more conservative doctrine of retribution. Changes in the field of social work, characterized by preference of social workers to work only with certain populations, contributed to social work’s diminishment in corrections. Although efforts at rehabilitation continue in corrections, the concept of restorative justice that emphasizes assisting victims, communities, and offenders in dealing with the consequences of crime is gaining acceptance in the field of corrections in the United States and in other countries. This study explored social work’s presence in corrections, the decline of that presence, and how the concept of restorative justice can invigorate social work within the field of corrections. Several examples of social work’s contemporary efforts to use the concept of restorative justice in the United Kingdom are presented.
PROPERTIES OF FUSED MANNITOL IN COMPRESSED TABLETS.

Among the carbohydrates used in compressed tablets, mannitol is the only one which possesses high heat stability. This substance melts at 167°, but does not decompose at temperatures up to 250°. Mannitol, alone and in combination with other carbohydrates, was fused and recrystallized or spray-congealed. Phase diagrams determined for these mixtures indicated that mannitol is eutectic with other carbohydrates. Selected drugs were soluble in the fused mixtures, and the crystallized or spray-congealed material obtained from these solutions possessed excellent flow and compression characteristics.
Multiparametric Analysis of Host Response to Murine Cytomegalovirus in MHC Class I–Disparate Mice Reveals Primacy of Dk-Licensed Ly49G2+ NK Cells in Viral Control

MHC class I D k and Ly49G 2 (G 2 ) inhibitory receptor–expressing NK cells are essential to murine CMV (MCMV) resistance in MA/My mice. Without D k , G 2 + NK cells in C57L mice fail to protect against MCMV infection. As a cognate ligand of G 2 , D k licenses G 2 + NK cells for effector activity. These data suggested that D k -licensed G 2 + NK cells might recognize and control MCMV infection. However, a role for licensed NK cells in viral immunity is uncertain. We combined classical genetics with flow cytometry to visualize the host response to MCMV. Immune cells collected from individuals of a diverse cohort of MA/My × C57L offspring segregating D k were examined before infection and postinfection, including Ly49 + NK subsets, receptor expression features, and other phenotypic traits. To identify critical NK cell features, automated analysis of 110 traits was performed in R using the Pearson correlation, followed with a Bonferroni correction for multiple tests. Hierarchical clustering of trait associations and principal component analyses were used to discern shared immune response and genetic relationships. The results demonstrate that G 2 expression on naive blood NK cells was predictive of MCMV resistance. However, rapid G 2 + NK cell expansion following viral exposure occurred selectively in D k offspring; this response was more highly correlated with MCMV control than all other immune cell features. We infer that D k -licensed G 2 + NK cells efficiently detected missing-self MHC cues on viral targets, which elicited cellular expansion and target cell killing. Therefore, MHC polymorphism regulates licensing and detection of viral targets by distinct subsets of NK cells required in innate viral control.
A class of parallel algorithms for computation of the manipulator inertia matrix

A class of parallel and parallel/pipeline algorithms for computation of the manipulator inertial matrix is presented. An algorithm based on the composite rigid-body spatial inertia method, which results in less data dependency and hence better parallelization efficiency, is used for computation of the inertia matrix. Two parallel algorithms are developed which achieve the time lower bound of O((log/sub 2/ n))+O(1) in the computation with O(n/sup 2/) processors. The architectural features required for perfect mapping of these algorithms and their communication complexity are analyzed. The performance of the algorithms when mapped on two- and one-dimensional (linear) processor arrays with nearest-neighbor connection is investigated. Mapping on the linear array results in new algorithms with a computational complexity of k/sub 1/n(log/sub 2/n)+k/sub 2/(log/sub 2/n)+k/sub 3/. A parallel/pipeline algorithm is also presented which achieves the computation time of k/sub 1/n+k/sub 2/(log/sub 2/ n)+k/sub 3/ on the linear array. An architecture-oriented approach is used in the design of the algorithms. >
Chloroquine reduces arylsulphatase B activity and increases chondroitin-4-sulphate: implications for mechanisms of action and resistance

Background The receptors for adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (RBC) in the placenta have been identified as chondroitin-4-sulphate (C4S) proteoglycans, and the more sulphate-rich chondroitin oligosaccharides have been reported to inhibit adhesion. Since the anti-malarial drug chloroquine accumulates in lysosomes and alters normal lysosomal processes, the effects of chloroquine on the lysosomal enzyme arylsulphatase B (ASB, N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase), which removes 4-sulphate groups from chondroitin-4-sulphate, were addressed. The underlying hypothesis derived from the recognized impairment of attachment of parasite-infected erythrocytes in the placenta, when chondroitin-4-sulphation was increased. If chloroquine reduced ASB activity, leading to increased chondroitin-4-sulphation, it was hypothesized that the anti-malarial mechanism of chloroquine might derive, at least in part, from suppression of ASB.
Weighted Additive Criterion for Linear Dimension Reduction

Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) for dimension reduction has been applied to a wide variety of face recognition tasks. However, it has two major problems. First, it suffers from the small sample size problem when dimensionality is greater than the sample size. Second, it creates subspaces that favor well separated classes over those that are not. In this paper, we propose a simple weighted criterion for linear dimension reduction that addresses the above two problems associated with LDA. In addition, there are well established numerical procedures such as semi-definite programming for efficiently computing the proposed criterion. We demonstrate the efficacy of our proposal and compare it against other competing techniques using a number of examples.
A Theology of Everything

The rise of natural theology in the seventeenth century did not originate in theology, but in science. It was not started by theologians trying from above to impress a religious perspective on science. On the contrary, the natural theology of the century of the Enlightenment began as a grass-roots movement among believing scientists who were convinced both that God's existence could be proved and some of His attributes described from below, that is, on the basis of the expanding world of scientific knowledge. Essentially they were arguing for the existence of a Deity whose direct intervention would explain the gaps in the scientific discourse. But this manner of reasoning made natural theology extremely vulnerable. It would clearly lose its power at the moment when the scientific discourse itself became sufficiently advanced to close the gaps by its own force.
A multipurpose simulation platform for decision-making in construction management

Research in general purpose and special purpose simulation platforms typically treat model development, experimentation, validation and deployment of simulations as distinct phases. Direct involvement of decision-makers is usually limited to the validation phase, even though their participation significantly improves the effectiveness and applicability of models. Unfortunately, the complexity and sophistication involved in the model development and experimentation phases deters their participation. This also makes the validation problem particularly challenging, and hinders the credibility and successful deployment of such models. In addressing this problem, we introduce an interactive simulation platform called Interactive Construction Decision Making Aid (ICDMA), that integrates decision-maker participation into the model development, simulation deployment, experimentation and validation phases. Effectively it separates the complexities of programming the model and the model development process, thus encouraging the participation of domain experts. We illustrate the usefulness of this platform.
Conformity to Peer Pressure by Students with Learning Disabilities A Replication

This study assessed the reported responses of junior high school students with learning disabilities and normally achieving classmates to peer pressure to conform in prosocial and antisocial activities. The results replicate those of an earlier study in finding that students with learning disabilities indicated more willingness than their classmates to conform to peer pressure to engage in antisocial actions.
13% of parents of children who died of cancer considered requesting hastened death for their child: this was more likely if their child was in pain

Commentary on: V Dussel, S Joffe, JM Hilden, et al.. Considerations about hastening death among parents of children who die of cancer. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med2010;164:231–7.
CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells reverse established allergic airway inflammation and prevent airway remodeling.

Background CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells can inhibit excessive T-cell responses in vivo . We have previously demonstrated that prophylactic administration of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells suppresses the development of acute allergen-induced airway inflammation in vivo . Objective We sought to determine the effect of therapeutic transfer of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells on established pulmonary inflammation and the subsequent development of airway remodeling. Methods CD4 + CD25 + cells were transferred after the onset of allergic inflammation, and airway challenges were continued to induce chronic inflammation and airway remodeling. Results Administration of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells reduced established lung eosinophilia, T H 2 infiltration, and expression of IL-5, IL-13, and TGF-β. Moreover, subsequent mucus hypersecretion and peribronchial collagen deposition were reduced after prolonged challenge. In contrast, transfer of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells had no effect on established airway hyperreactivity either 7 days or 4 weeks after transfer. Conclusions In this study we demonstrate for the first time that therapeutic transfer of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells can resolve features of chronic allergen-induced inflammation and prevent development of airway remodeling.
Kinetic Equation for Particle Transport and Heat Transfer in Nonisothermal Turbulent Flows

The physical situation of two-phase nonisothermal turbulent fluid flows laden with nonevaporating spherical particles is considered. A closed kinetic equation for the transport of particles and their temperature is derived by solving the involved closure problem using the functional method. The equation is exact when the fluctuations of fluid flow variables along the particle path are distributed as Gaussian. For the case of homogeneous turbulent flows, macroscopic equations describing the time evolution of statistical properties related to particle velocity and temperature are obtained by taking various moments of the closed kinetic equation
Operation Mode Analysis and Peak Gain Approximation of the LLC Resonant Converter

With the advantage of achieving zero voltage switching for a wide input voltage range, the LLC resonant topology has become increasingly popular for use in high power density and high-efficiency power converter applications. However, when the LLC converter is applied to wide input voltage range applications, the widely used fundamental harmonic approximation is incapable of guiding the design due to its inaccuracy. Thus an accurate LLC converter model is desired. In this paper, a generalized mode analysis is presented that provides highly accurate prediction on resonant current and voltage behavior and dc gain characteristic. Also, because operation modes are affected by load, frequency, and gain conditions, the boundaries and distribution of modes are discussed and illustrated. Based on the mode analysis, an approximation method is developed to estimate the peak gain point, which is useful in LLC design. This approximation demonstrates high accuracy within the simulation results. An experimental prototype is built to verify the analysis.
On complex flutter and buckling analysis of a beam structure subjected to static follower force

The flutter and buckling analysis of a beam structure subjected to a static follower force is completely studied in the paper. The beam is fixed in the transverse direction and constrained by a rotational spring at one end, and by a translational spring and a rotational spring at the other end. The co-existence of flutter and buckling in this beam due to the presence of the follower force is an interesting and important phenomenon. The results from this theoretical analysis will be useful for the stability design of structures in engineering applications, such as the potential of flutter control of aircrafts by smart materials. The transition-curve surface for differentiating the two distinct instability regions of the beam is first obtained with respect to the variations of the stiffness of the springs at the two ends. Second, the capacity of the follower force is derived for flutter and buckling of the beam as a function of the stiffness of the springs by observing the variation of the first two frequencies obtained from dynamic analysis of the beam. The research in the paper may be used as a benchmark for the flutter and buckling analysis of beams.
Assessing the Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury on Family Functioning: Conceptual and Methodological Issues

Reviewed empirical literature published since 1975 on the effects of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the family. Few systematic, hypothesis-driven investigations of the impact of TBI on family functioning have been conducted. However, existing findings indicate that severe TBI can adversely affect families and individual family members. Certain factors, such as poor preinjury functioning and parental psychological disorder, appear to place families at greater risk for long-term disruption. Issues associated with the conceptualization of the impact of TBI on various aspects of family functioning are discussed and methodological considerations are outlined. Special attention is given to novel strategies for studying these complex, multifaceted issues. Finally, a framework is proposed for examining the processes of family adaptation after pediatric TBI to guide future research directions. Language: en
Capturing and automating performance diagnosis: the Poirot approach

Performance diagnosis, the process of finding and explaining performance problems, is an important part of parallel programming. Effective performance diagnosis requires that the programmer plan an appropriate method, and manage the experiments required by that method. This paper presents Poirot, an architecture to support performance diagnosis. It explains how the architecture helps automatically, adaptably plan and manage the diagnosis process. The paper evaluates the generality and practicality of Poirot, by reconstructing diagnosis methods found in several published performance tools. >
Observations on the Topology of Pareto Frontiers with Implications for Design Decision Making

Optimization of an aggregate objective function can be used to automate the steps of a decision-based design process. This approach requires the designer to specify preferences, in the form of coecients or weights in the objective function, a priori, but many designers instead prefer to explore the feasible design space before nalizing their preferences. Multiobjective optimization allows a weaker form of a priori preference articulation, but unlike single objective optimization, it does not fully solve the decision making problem|it only generates alternatives and still leaves it to the designer to choose one. While many references the in engineering literature discuss the process of nding non-dominated designs, few techniques exist for interpreting the set of non-dominated designs to aid in formulating preferences. In this paper, we examine some interesting topological features of Pareto frontiers whose objective functions are dierentiable with emphasis on three features: the signicance of partial derivatives of non-dominated objective vectors, the local dimensionality of the Pareto frontier, and the uniqueness of non-dominated objective vectors. An example engineering design problem is presented that illustrates the emergence of these properties and their interpretation.
Finite Element Modeling of Eddy Current Probes for Edge Effect Reduction

Eddy current methods are a widely used technique in the nondestructive inspection of aircraft structures and parts. The method consists of inducing eddy-currents in the material being tested using a probe coil. The magnetic field produced by these eddy-currents opposes that of the probe coils (Lenz’s law) and the net effect is a reduced magnetic flux linking the coil. The presence of defects in the material under test disturbs the distribution of eddy-currents which in turn disturbs the net field. This change in the field is detected as a change in the impedance of the coil. The changes in coil impedance measured as the probe scans the specimen contitutes an eddy current defect signal.
Bounded branching process and and/or tree evaluation

We study the tail distribution of supercritical branching processes for which the number of offspring of an element is bounded. Given a supercritical branching process {Zn} ***image*** with a bounded offspring distribution, we derive a tight bound, decaying super‐exponentially fast as c increases, on the probability Pr[Zn > cE(Zn)], and a similar bound on the probability Pr[Zn ≤ E(Zn)/c] under the assumption that each element generates at least two offspring. As an application, we observe that the execution of a canonical algorithm for evaluating uniform AND/OR trees in certain probabilistic models can be viewed as a two‐type supercritical branching process with bounded offspring, and show that the execution time of this algorithm is likely to concentrate around its expectation, with a standard deviation of the same order as the expectation. © 1995 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.