cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Factors That Influence Dose Variability of Marek's Disease Vaccines

Marek's disease (MD) vaccines are cell-associated and require special handling and care during administration. Vaccine dose is evaluated by plaque assay and is indicated as the number of plaque-forming units (PFUs) per dose. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the dose variability within each vial of MD vaccines and to assess those factors (from both manufacturing and handling and administration of the vaccine) that could affect vaccine dose variability. Three experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 was to evaluate dose variability in 36 MD vaccine vials and the effect of manufacturing factors on dose variability. Vaccines were titrated 10 times. Dose variability was measured as the coefficient of variability (CV) calculated as standard deviation divided by average PFU and multiplied by 100. Our results showed that all evaluated vaccines had levels of CV ranging from 10% to 34%. Variability existed regardless of manufacturer, vaccine serotype, and batch. Experiment 2 was conducted to evaluate the effect of infectivity rate (IR) on CV. IR was artificially reduced by adding noninfected chicken embryo fibroblast to the reconstituted vaccine before titration. Our results showed that decreased IR results in higher CV. Experiment 3 was to evaluate the handling and administration factors (time and mixing during administration) on CV. Our results showed that CV tends to increase with time and that this effect is more remarkable if vaccines were not mixed. Our study emphasizes the relevance of proper handling of MD vaccines and shows that dose variability can jeopardize the uniformity of vaccination in a flock and therefore the success of vaccination.
Broadband imaging with one planar diffractive lens

We demonstrate imaging over the visible band using a single planar diffractive lens. This is enabled via multi-level diffractive optics that is designed to focus over a broad wavelength range, which we refer to as an achromatic diffractive lens (ADL). We designed, fabricated and characterized two ADLs with numerical apertures of 0.05 and 0.18. Diffraction-limited focusing is demonstrated for the NA = 0.05 lens with measured focusing efficiency of over 40% across the entire visible spectrum (450 nm to 750 nm). We characterized the lenses with a monochromatic and a color CMOS sensor, and demonstrated video imaging under natural sunlight and other broadband illumination conditions. We use rigorous electromagnetic simulations to emphasize that ADLs can achieve high NA (0.9) and large operating bandwidth (300 nm in the visible spectrum), a combination of metrics that have so far eluded other flat-lens technologies such as metalenses. These planar diffractive lenses can be cost-effectively manufactured over large areas and thereby, can enable the wide adoption of flat, low-cost lenses for a variety of imaging applications.
Towards A Theory of Platform Firms: Platform Firms As An Organizational Innovation

Despite recent increasing interest in platforms, platform ecosystems, and platform firms, we still know little about why and how platform firms come into existence. Analyzing 52 publicly available ...
International cooperation, legal assistance and the case of lacking states collaboration within the international criminal court

The present research work is focused on the legal analysis of the relevant articles of the International Criminal Court’s Statute regarding the obligation of cooperation between States for the punishment of serious crimes against humanity and war. Judicial development, starting with ad hoc Tribunals and arriving at causes at various stages of proceedings still ongoing at the International Criminal Court, opens the doctrinal and comparative national debates, seeking to elaborate on specific topics such as requests for assistance during preliminary investigations, the role of the Prosecutor and the non-assistance of some States that for political and not only reasons impede the development and operation of international criminal justice.
Oxygen Vacancy and Chemical Ordering Control Oxygen Evolution Activity of Sr2–xCaxFe2O6−δ Perovskites

We report on the oxygen vacancy effects controlling oxygen evolution activity of Sr2–xCaxFe2O6−δ perovskites. This system shows a tunable surface reactivity toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) t...
Locally advanced prostate cancer imaging findings and implications for treatment from the surgical perspective

The anatomy of the prostate is reviewed in the context of discussing the staging of prostate cancer and patterns of tumor spread. The utility of prostate magnetic resonance imaging along with new advancements in tumor staging are discussed specifically in locally advanced disease. What should be included in the radiology report carries a substantial weight to formulate the urologist's decision in regards to the selection of surgical candidates, preoperative planning and avoiding postoperative complications.
Climate change impacts on groundwater storage in the Central Valley, California

Groundwater plays a critical supporting role in agricultural production in the California Central Valley (CV). Recent prolonged droughts (notably 2007–2009 and 2012–2016) caused dramatic depletion of groundwater, indicating the susceptibility of the CV’s water supply to climate change. To assess the impact of climate change on groundwater storage in the CV, we combined integrated surface water and groundwater models with climate projections from 20 global climate models and thereby explore the vulnerability of CV groundwater under two climate scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. We found that groundwater has been declining over the past decades (3 km3/year on average during 1950–2009). In the absence of future mitigating measures, this decline will continue, but at a higher rate due to climate change (31% and 39% increase in loss rate under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). The greatest loss (more than 80% of the total) will occur in the semi-arid southern Tulare region. We performed computational experiments to quantify the relative contribution of future crop water use and headwater inflows to total groundwater storage change. Our results show that, without management changes, continuing declines in future groundwater storage will mainly be attributable to ongoing overuse of groundwater. However, future changes in the seasonality of streamflow into the CV, (small) changes in annual inflows, and increased crop water use in a warmer climate will lead to 40–70% more annual groundwater losses than the current annual average, up to approximately 5 km3/year.
Educational Gaming and Use for Explaining Alternative Energy Technologies

Raising awareness of energy issues to high school students using traditional teaching methods can be tedious and unproductive. However, letting a high school student engage in an interactive 3D game can not only stimulate general interest but can also captivate and educate. During 2013, several demonstrations were given in a virtual reality lab at the University of Louisiana that explained solar thermal power concepts and other alternative energy technologies. These were given on three 150 inch screens in a concave design, immersing the user in a 3D educational experience. Several software technologies were used in the creation of the game, the main ones being Solidworks, 3ds Max Design, and Unity 3D. The scene of the game was constructed using a scale model of the Cleco Alternative Energy Center in Crowley, Louisiana. This paper gives a literary review of educational games and explains the design process of the interactive 3D game and the educational experience from demonstrations during 2013.
Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Predictors of Treatment Success.

Background Microvascular decompression (MVD) is highly effective in managing the neuropathic facial pain of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Its utility in patients with TN and concurrent multiple sclerosis (MS) has been a subject of debate. The goal of this study was to identify demographic and perioperative variables associated with favorable outcome after MVD over the past 20 years in patients from our institution. Methods A retrospective analysis of our cohort of 33 patients diagnosed with MS and TN who underwent MVD between 1997 and 2017 to treat neuropathic facial pain was performed. Perioperative variables included MS disease burden, findings on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), TN pain severity, and the presence of intraoperative neurovascular compression. MS disease burden was quantified using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Preoperative and postoperative pain severity was quantified using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain severity scale. Results A total of 33 patients with TN and MS were treated with MVD at our institution (out of the 632 total MVDs performed) between 1997 and 2017. Twenty-two patients (67%) maintained a reduction in pain at a mean follow-up of 53.5 months. Higher preoperative BNI pain intensity score was associated with unfavorable outcome after MVD (P = 0.006). No associations were identified between MS disease burden, presence of neurovascular compression or pontine demyelinating plaques on MRI, or intraoperative findings of neurovascular compression and treatment outcomes. Conclusions MVD is a reasonable treatment option for patients with TN and MS, although the rate of freedom from pain is lower than that for the general TN population. Preoperative pain severity may be a predictor of treatment success.
Net Prime Volume Is Associated with Increased Odds of Blood Transfusion.

Hemodilutional anemia has been cited as a contributing factor to red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in cardiac surgery patients. Accordingly, efforts have been made to minimize hemodilution by reducing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) prime volume. We sought to assess the impact of these efforts on intraoperative RBC transfusions. We evaluated 21,360 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass with or without aortic valve surgery between July 2011 through December 2016 at any of 42 centers participating in the Perfusion Measures and Outcomes registry. The primary exposure was net CPB prime volume (total prime volume minus retrograde autologous prime volume) indexed to body surface area (mL/m2), which was further divided into quartiles (Q1: 516 mL/m2). The primary outcome was intraoperative RBC transfusion. We modeled the effect of index net prime volume on transfusion, adjusting for patient (age, gender, race, diabetes, vascular disease, previous myocardial infarction, ejection fraction, creatinine, preoperative hematocrit (HCT), total albumin, status, aspirin, and antiplatelet agents), procedural (procedure types) characteristics, surgical year, and hospital. The median net prime volume was 378 mL/m2 (25th percentile: 262 mL/m2, 75th percentile: 516 mL/m2). Relative to patients in Q1, patients in Q4 were more likely to be older, female, nondiabetic, have higher ejection fraction, have more ultrafiltration volume removed, and undergo more elective and aortic valve procedures (all p < .05). Patients in Q4 relative to Q1 were exposed to lower nadir HCTs on bypass, p < .05. The net prime volume was associated with an increased risk of transfusion (8.9% in Q1 vs. 22.6% in Q4, p < .001). After adjustment, patients in Q4 (relative to Q1) had a 2.9-fold increased odds (ORadj = 2.9, 95% CI [2.4, 3.4]) of intraoperative RBC transfusion. In this large, multicenter experience, patients exposed to larger net prime volumes were associated with greater adjusted odds of receiving intraoperative transfusions. Our findings reinforce the importance of efforts to reduce the net CPB prime volume. Based on these findings and other supporting evidence, the net prime volume should be adopted as a national quality measure.
African American Spirituality: Through Another Lens:

African American spirituality provides a rich lens into the heart and soul of the black church experience, often overlooked in the Christian spiritual formation literature. By addressing this lacun...
Physical activity delays accumulation of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

Background Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are potent suppressors of immune function and may play a key role in the development and progression of metastatic cancers. Aerobic exercise has been shown to have anticancer effects, yet the mechanisms behind this protection are largely unknown. Therefore, we examined the effects of physical activity on MDSC accumulation and function. Methods Female BALB/c mice were assigned to one of two primary groups: sedentary tumor (SED+TUM) or wheel run tumor (WR+TUM). After 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running, all animals were randomly subdivided into 4 different timepoint groups; 16, 20, 24, and 28 days post-tumor injection. All mice were inoculated with 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells in the mammary fat pad and WR groups continued to run for the specified time post-injection. Spleen, blood, and tumor samples were analyzed using flow cytometry to assess proportions of MDSCs. Results Cells expressing MDSC biomarkers were detected in the spleen, blood, and tumor beginning at d16. However, since there was no evidence of immunosuppressive function until d28, we refer to them as immature myeloid cells (IMCs). Compared to SED+TUM, levels of IMCs in the spleen were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in WR+TUM at day 16 (33.0 ± 5.2%; 23.1 ± 10.2% of total cells, respectively) and day 20 (33.9 ± 8.1%; 24.3 ± 5.1% of total cells, respectively). Additionally, there were fewer circulating IMCs in WR+TUM at day 16 and MDSC levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the tumor at day 28 in WR+TUM. Additionally, a non-significant 62% and 26% reduction in metastatic lung nodules was observed at days 24 and 28, respectively. At day 28, MDSCs harvested from SED+TUM significantly suppressed CD3+CD4+ T cell proliferation (3.2 ± 1.3 proliferation index) while proliferation in WR+TUM MDSC co-cultures (5.1 ± 1.7 proliferation index) was not different from controls. Conclusions These findings suggest that physical activity may delay the accumulation of immunosuppressive MDSCs providing a broader window of opportunity for interventions with immunotherapies.
Self-perception, Personality, and Observed Activity on Snapchat

This study investigated the frequency of Snapchat activity (i.e., posting stories, change in user score) and the content of Snapchat stories in relation to self-perception (i.e., narcissism, self-esteem, fear of missing out (FoMO), loneliness). Participants were 138 undergraduates (19 males, 119 females) with active Snapchat accounts. FoMO and some aspects of narcissism were related to certain indices of Snapchat activity (i.e., posting stories, using captions, including videos in stories), but these relations were relatively weak in magnitude. This study indicates that for more immediate, short-term social media formats, relatively stable personality or self-perception constructs may be of limited relevance. To the extent that narcissism and FoMO are relevant for Snapchat use, they may reflect self-enhancement or connectedness motives, respectively.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Impact on Adult and Fetal Health.

Women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may have an increased risk for complications in pregnancy including miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, higher rates of cesarean delivery, and abnormalities in fetal growth. In addition, PCOS has been associated with the development of type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, endometrial cancer, depression and anxiety, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In understanding that PCOS is a disease impacting more than just a woman's fertility, prevention and early identification of risk factors for affiliated conditions is essential.
Characterisation of nano-assemblies inside mesopores using neutron scattering*

Adsorption of molecular and nanoscale matter in mesoporous materials is important in filtration and chromatography as well as membrane processes. However, the morphology and distribution of self-as...
MORPHOLOGICAL OBSERVATION AND RBCL SEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF A NEW SPECIES FROM CHINA, GRATELOUPIA BOAOENSIS WANG ET LUAN SP. NOV.(HALYMENIACEAE, RHODOPHYTA)

During macroalgae investigation, a new Grateloupia species from Wenchang, Hainan Province, South China, was discovered and named Grateloupia boaoensis Wang et Luan sp. nov. By using morphological observation and molecular analysis, we determined that G. boaoensis was purplish red, cartilaginous and slippery in texture, 15—40 cm high, with completely compressed and foliated axes with lateral branches and sword-shaped apex. The transverse sections were 400—800 μm thick consisting of 4—9 layers of cortex cells and solid medulla, and the medullar filaments were longitudinal and intertwined. The new species exhibited typical Grateloupia-type auxiliary cell ampullae. Cystocarps were densely distributed on both axes and lateral branches. The four G. boaoensis sequences in this study were identical and formed a single monophyletic subclade with G. yinggehaiensis embedded in the Grateloupia clade based on ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase gene(rbcL) sequences. G. boaoensis was considered most closely related to G. yinggehaiensis by morphological observation and molecular analysis.
Rationalismus, Determinismus und Freiheit

Das Kapitel untersucht den Zusammenhang zwischen Rationalismus und Determinismus, erklart den Siegeszug des Determinismus und eines kompatibilistischen Freiheitsbegriffs im 17. und 18. Jahrhundert, kategorisiert und kritisiert die Hauptargumente zugunsten eines Indeterminismus und schlagt eine Form eines nicht-materialistischen Determinismus vor, die stark von Leibniz beeinflusst ist und darauf beharrt, dass Freiheit zwar den Unterschied von Ursachen und Grunden voraussetzt, aber nicht auszuschliesen braucht, dass es Ursachen fur die unterschiedlichen Fahigkeiten gibt, den besten Vernunftgrunden zu folgen.
Quō vādis? Short-term medical missions in a globalized world and the role of pharmacy.

Short-term medical missions (STMMs) have evolved in the past few decades to provide non-emergent care including routine and follow-up primary care for acute and chronic conditions, along with treatment of neglected tropical diseases. Many STMMs operate outside the local health care infrastructure and may have limited local partnerships. STMM outcomes in improving local population health are often inferred but not well documented. Concerns such as ethical conduct, provider bias, and lack of adequate training and preparation continue to be raised. When disruptions occur (e.g. the COVID-19 pandemic), STMMs need to develop and prepare for challenges such as the inability to travel and provide care. Pharmacists as health professionals play a unique role when volunteering in STMMs. However, pharmacists' roles in STMMs need further development along with a framework to guide STMM work. Often driven by a few dynamic individuals, STMMs need to be aware of local geo-socio-political issues and develop local partnerships toward a meaningful legacy of building sustaining, long-lasting systems that will continue to serve others beyond the life of the STMMs and their founders.
31 The association of delta power during sleep with concurrent nocturnal and next-day pain: results from a cohort of female participants with temporomandibular joint pain

Introduction Existing data demonstrate reduced delta power during sleep in chronic pain and depressed patients. However, there has been little examination of the relationship between delta power and next-day reports of pain. We tested the extent to which nocturnal (during the concurrent sleep period) and daytime pain reports are associated with delta power during sleep, as well as the extent to which this association is moderated by depressive symptoms. We hypothesised that reduced delta power and SWS would be associated with increased pain, pain catastrophising, and pain sensitivity. Methods 149 female participants with insomnia and temporomandibular joint pain (TMD) were recruited. We examined nocturnal and daytime measures of pain (pain severity, average pain), pain catastrophizing, and objective pain sensitivity (obtained through quantitative sensory testing (QST)), and calculated relative nocturnal delta (0.5-3.4 Hz) power using polysomnography. We fit linear regression models correcting for depressive symptom severity, age, and total sleep time, and further examined the moderating effect of depression severity on these measures. Results reduced delta power was associated with increased average nocturnal pain (Unstandardized β = -17.67, p= 0.02), morning pain (Unstandardized β = -15.67, p=0.02), and average next-day pain (Unstandardized β = -16.74, p= 0.03). Depression severity did not moderate these relationships. Delta power was not significantly associated with objective pain-sensitivity, nocturnal, or daytime pain catastrophising. However the association between nocturnal pain catastrophising and delta power was moderated by depressive symptom severity (p = 0.04). Simple slopes analysis revealed that when participants had low depressive symptoms ( Discussion These findings demonstrate that delta power during sleep is associated with both nocturnal and daytime experience of pain in patients with TMD. In patients with TMD and low depressive symptoms, reduced delta power was associated with increased nocturnal pain catastrophising.
TPACK’s pedagogy and the gradual release of responsibility model coalesce: integrating technology into literacy teacher preparation

This study explored how the pedagogical knowledge construct of TPACK and a scaffolded use of the gradual release of responsibility framework helped preservice teachers design literacy instruction w...
TU-CD-207-12: Impact of Anatomical Noise On Detection Performance of Microcalcifications in Multi-Contrast Breast Imaging

Purpose: The anatomical noise power spectra (NPS) for differential phase contrast (DPC) and dark field (DF) imaging have recently been characterized using a power-law model with two parameters, alpha and beta, an innovative extension to the methodology used in x-ray attenuation based breast imaging such as mammography, DBT, or cone-beam CT. Beta values of 3.6, 2.6, and 1.3 have been measured for absorption, DPC, and DF respectively for cadaver breasts imaged in the coronal plane; these dramatic differences should be reflected in their detection performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of anatomical noise on breast calcification detection and compare the detection performance of the three contrast mechanisms of a multi-contrast x-ray imaging system. Methods: In our studies, a calcification image object was segmented out of the multi-contrast images of a cadaver breast specimen. 50 measured total NPS were measured from breast cadavers directly. The ideal model observer detectability was calculated for a range of doses (5–100%) and a range of calcification sizes (diameter = 0.25–2.5 mm). Results: Overall we found the highest average detectability corresponded to DPC imaging (7.4 for 1 mm calc.), with DF the next highest (3.8 for 1 mm calc.), and absorption the lowest (3.2 for 1 mm calc.). However, absorption imaging also showed the slowest dependence on dose of the three modalities due to the significant anatomical noise. DPC showed a peak detectability for calcifications ∼1.25 mm in diameter, DF showed a peak for calcifications around 0.75 mm in diameter, and absorption imaging had no such peak in the range explored. Conclusion: Understanding imaging performance for DPC and DF is critical to transition these modalities to the clinic. The results presented here offer new insight into how these modalities complement absorption imaging to maximize the likelihood of detecting early breast cancers. J. Garrett, Y. Ge, K. Li: Nothing to disclose. G.-H. Chen: Research funded, GE Healthcare; Research funded, Siemens AX.
Bend-insensitive and low-splice-loss optical fiber for indoor wiring in FTTH

A bend-insensitive fiber with a trench index profile is presented. A bending loss of 0.1dB/turn at 1650 nm for a bending diameter of 20 mm and MFD of 8.1 /spl mu/m at 1310 nm was realized simultaneously.
Effects of interface coating and nitride enhancing additive on properties of Hi-Nicalon SiC Fiber reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride composites

Strong and tough Hi-Nicalon SiC fiber reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride matrix composites (SiC/RBSN) have been fabricated by the fiber lay-up approach. Commercially available uncoated and PBN, PBN/Si-rich PBN, and BN/SiC coated SiC Hi-Nicalon fiber tows were used as reinforcement. The composites contained ∼24 vol% of aligned 14 μm diameter SiC fibers in a porous RBSN matrix. Both one- and two-dimensional composites were characterized. The effects of interface coating composition, and the nitridation enhancing additive, NiO, on the room temperature physical, tensile, and interfacial shear strength properties of SiC/RBSN matrix composites were evaluated. Results indicate that for all three coated fibers, the thickness of the coatings decreased from the outer periphery to the interior of the tows, and that from 10 to 30 percent of the fibers were not covered with the interface coating. In the uncoated regions, chemical reaction between the NiO additive and the SiC fiber occurs causing degradation of tensile properties of the composites. Among the three interface coating combinations investigated, the BN/SiC coated Hi-Nicalon SiC fiber reinforced RBSN matrix composite showed the least amount of uncoated regions and reasonably uniform interface coating thickness. The matrix cracking stress in SiC/RBSN composites was predicted using a fracture mechanics based crack bridging model.
Introduction to Geomagnetic Fields: Utility programs for geomagnetic fields

Below is a description of computer program files, mentioned throughout this textbook, that may be obtained by the readers in two ways: (1) free of charge at the website prepared by Susan McLean of NGDC/NOAA (http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/potfld/geomag.shtml) or (2) on a high-density (1.4 Mb) floppy disk sold by NGDC/ NOAA. At the website main page, select the highlighted “useful computer programs.” The executable files are designed for a DOS-compatible, personal computer. The programs were designed to assist the user in understanding the subject of geomagnetic fields; no claim is made regarding the suitability of the software for any other purpose. No restriction has been placed on the sharing of these programs; also, no warranty (expressed or implied), no endorsement, no guarantee of accuracy, and no responsibility for the program's functioning, can be made by the program authors, the author or publisher of this book, or by the National Geophysical Data Center. The files ending in. EXE are the executable programs; all the other files provide necessary input for some of the programs and must also be copied for proper operation of the set. If the files have been downloaded from the NGDC website, then copy all of them to a disk on your computer before running. Geomagnetic Coordinates 1940–2005 The GMCORD program provides a determination of the geomagnetic coordinates for any selected global location. The program uses a polynomial fit (see the POLYFIT program below) of the dipole Gauss coefficients from the geomagnetic reference field models (see file ALL-IGRF.TAB below).
Functional Group Interconversion by Nucleophilic Substitution

The first two chapters have dealt with formation of new carbon-carbon bonds by processes in which carbon is the nucleophilic atom. The reactions considered in Chapter 1 involve attack by carbon nucleophiles at sp3 centers, while those discussed in Chapter 2 involve reaction at sp 2 centers, primarily carbonyl groups. In this chapter, we turn our attention to noncarbon nucleophiles. Nucleophilic substitution at both sp 3 and sp 2 centers is used in a variety of synthetic operations, particularly in the interconversion of functional groups. The mechanistic aspects of the reactions were considered in Part A, Chapters 5 and 8.
Endonuclease Activity Associated with Purified Simian Virus 40 Virions

Purified simian virus 40 has associated with it an endonuclease activity which converts form I (double-stranded, circular) simian virus 40 deoxyribonucleic acid to a nicked form that sediments as a homogeneous peak in alkaline sucrose gradients. The enzyme is dependent on magnesium ions for activity and is completely inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (0.02 m) or heat (80 C for 10 min). In tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-hydrochloride buffer it exhibits optimal activity between pH 6.7 and 7.1 at 37 C. Gel electrophoretic analysis of purified, disrupted virus indicates the absence of detectable host cell protein contamination.
A robust output feedback controller for uncertain linear systems

The authors consider the design of controllers for uncertain linear systems. The knowledge about the system is restricted to a nominal transfer function model and to the quantitative bounds on the system uncertainties. They construct a robust output feedback controller which regulates the system output to almost zero and assures the boundedness of system state. In contrast to the ultimate boundedness control or sliding mode control, the proposed controller does not impose matching conditions on the system uncertainties. Instead, it is assumed that the system is minimum phase. >
High-speed MSM/MESFET-based optoelectronic integrated circuit (OEIC) receivers for data communications

Low cost high performance optoelectronic components are critical for the success of fiber optic data links in applications such as chip-to-chip, board-to-board, or station-to-station interconnects. We present the current status of low-cost short wavelength (0.85 micrometers ) GaAs MSM/MESFET (metal-semiconductor-metal/metal semiconductor field effect transistor) monolithic opto-electronic integrated circuit (OEIC) receiver arrays. Four-channel OEIC receiver arrays have been designed, fabricated and tested. BERs of less than 10-9 with 300 mV differential output voltages have been achieved at a bit-rate of 1 Gb/s with a -16 dBm 27-1 pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) input optical signal.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Influence of a sedentary lifestyle on self-reported mental health status among community-dwelling older adults with depression: Implications for secondary prevention efforts

The relationship between sedentary behavior and mental health is documented in the primary prevention literature in the context of mental illnesses such as depression. However, these relationships have not been studied to the same extent for secondary prevention efforts, especially among at risk communitydwelling older adults. The Brazos Valley Health Assessment was administered to nearly 4000 adults. Respondents self-reported disease status, lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity and nutrition habits, perceptions of physical and mental health, and socio-demographics. The selection criteria for inclusion in our study sample were being at least 55 years old and having been diagnosed with depression by a healthcare provider. This criterion resulted in a sample of 545. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the association between number of the past 30 days where mental health days were not good and sedentary behaviors such as time spent watching television and time spent using a computer. For each day per week respondents did not engage in at least 10 min of moderate physical activity (such as fast walking) relative to their peers, they were 5% less likely to report positive mental health (IRR=0.95, P=0.036). For each additional hour per day respondents spent watching television relative to their peers, they were 12% more likely to report poorer mental health (IRR=1.12, P=0.033). Secondary prevention efforts should recognize the influence of sedentary behaviors and emphasize similar interventions used for primary prevention of depression.
Garden Patch Foods: Analyzing the Purchasing‐through‐Payables Process

Analyzing nonstrategic functions has become a major focus in today's business environment. This case presents the facts behind a decision faced by Garden Patch Foods, a prepared foods company that is looking for ways to increase efficiency and to improve the bottom line. As management considers how to increase efficiency of support operations, two major alternatives arise: (1) create a shared‐services arrangement for the three divisions or (2) outsource the support functions. The case requires you to assume the role of a staff accountant and analyze the case facts and research issues relevant to shared‐services arrangements and outsourcing. You will then communicate your recommendation in a written report to the CFO. Several references are included in the case to facilitate Internet‐based research.
Multifractal analysis: Pitfalls of standard procedures and alternatives.

When applied to measures that are not multifractal at all, standard methods of multifractal analysis (MFA) may produce results that make the measures appear multifractal. This is because such methods, which are based on the scaling properties of moments of the measure of interest, tend to produce envelopes of the actual spectrum that look like the {\ensuremath{\alpha},f(\ensuremath{\alpha})} spectra of legitimate multifractal measures. We show examples and consequences of this property through the application of MFA to analytic functions, for which the actual spectrum can be easily evaluated, and to measures obtained from empirical data. It is shown specifically that application of MFA to the ``width function'' of river basins has led in the past to erroneous conclusions. We develop tools to distinguish between legitimate and spurious multifractal spectra, in part by using existing MFA procedures in unusual ways and in part by modifying such procedures. Finally, we discuss the extension of MFA to properties other than the scaling of local integrals. We illustrate this possibility by considering increments and integrals of increments of a function. We find that width functions are to a first approximation monofractal relative to differences, with an \ensuremath{\alpha} of about 0.3. This means that at small scales, such functions behave like fractional Brownian motion with a fractal dimension of about 1.7. This is in essential agreement with previous findings. Numerical issues in the application of MFA algorithms are briefly discussed.
Retinoid mechanisms and cyclins

Retinoids have been investigated for their effects in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Scores of synthetic and natural ligands suppress growth and normalize differentiation of cells in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanisms of these activities are being elucidated with the goal of improving the therapeutic index. Here we summarize recent advances in the understanding of retinoid signaling via nuclear receptors, corepressors, and coactivators and review the effects of retinoid treatment on cell-cycle control elements and cyclin proteins.
Differential expression of cytochrome oxidase (COX) genes in different regions of monkey brain.

A frontal pole cDNA library from monkey (Macaca mulatta) brain was screened to identify mRNAs that are expressed more in frontal pole as compared to primary visual cortex. Three cDNA clones, whose greater expression was confirmed by Northern blot analysis, were identified as cytochrome oxidase (COX) subunits I, II, and III (COX I, II, and III). Each clone showed higher levels of mRNA in the frontal pole, dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus than in the primary visual or somatosensory cortices. COX histochemistry of prefrontal, visual, and somatosensory cortical regions demonstrated heterogeneous distributions, with highest activity in dendrite-rich neuropil of the cortex. A laminar distribution of COX mRNA expression also was demonstrated with in situ hybridization. mRNA was detected in cell bodies and in apical dendrites. These results indicate region specific differences in the distribution of COX activity and in the corresponding mRNA for three of its subunits within the monkey brain. Such differences may be related to differences in the distribution of neuropil as compared with cell bodies among the brain regions studied, and may be relevant to selective vulnerability in Alzheimer's disease. Published 1992 by Wiley-Liss, Inc. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Kamchatkan volcanic eruption team celebrates tenth anniversary at Workshop

Awareness of the hazards to aviation posed by explosive volcanic eruptions worldwide increased significantly in the 1980s and 1990s. On Russia's Kamchatka peninsula, 29 active volcanoes lie beneath and upwind of the heavily used airways of the North Pacific. Systematic monitoring and timely reporting of Kamchatkan volcanic activity geared toward the aviation community was largely lacking until 1993, when a collaborative effort between the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO; a joint project of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys) and the Russian Academy of Science's Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry (IVGG) prompted formation of the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT).
Making Japanese Citizens: Civil Society and the Mythology of the Shimin in Postwar Japan

Simon Andrew Avenell, Berkeley, University of California Press, 2010, viii +333 pp., index, $60.00, ISBN 978-0-520-26270-6 (hardback);, $24.95, ISBN 978-0-520-26271-3 (paperback) Making Japanese Ci...
The effects of magnesium sulfate on renal function inchildren with acute glomerulonephritis

lte|NhA previous publication concerning influence of magnesium sulfate on renal hemodynamics in normal children, we have mentioned the direct or indirect association of generalized arteriolar spasm with the complications of acute hemorrhagic nephritis. 1 An historieM summary of the important contributions concerning the antispasmodic effect of magnesium sulfate was included. In these normal children we demonstrated that parenteral administration of magnesium sulfate caused a significant alteration in the tubular excretory capacity for paraaminohippurate (PAH) and exerted no significant influence on other measured functions. The following report includes the results of quantitative measurements of renal function in children with acute nephritis and hypertension before and during magnesium sulfate therapy. This problem was undertaken in order to supply additional information concerning the action and usefulness of this compound.
Analysis of the sequences within and flanking the cyanoglobin-encoding gene, glbN, of the cyanobacterium Nostoc commune UTEX 584

Abstract A 3.5-kb segment of DNA containing nifU glbN nifH nifD was cloned from a gene library of Nostoc 584 and sequenced. The nif U-glbN intergenic region contains short tandemly repeated repetitive sequences (5'-AATTACG). A sequence corresponding to a NifA-like upstream activator sequence (with the consensus recognition sequence for BifA in Anabaena 7120), elements of a nifH promoter and a sequence that may function as a transcription terminator, were identified downstream from glbN. GlbN, unique to certain Nostoc spp., is more homologous to protozoan myoglobins than to any other prokaryotic, vertebrate or plant globins.
Aqueous humor cytology of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy

Abstract The long-term effects of the interaction between an IOL and theimmune system of the implanted patient are not yet clear. This study presents the results of aqueous humor (AH) cytological analysis of 51 patients undergoing intraocular surgery for cataract, and aphakic (ABK) or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK). Cataract AH was acellular (N = 8). The mean ABK AH cell count was 8.5 ± 6.4 cells per high power field (hpo of cytologically filtered specimens; mean PBK cell count was 30.2 ± 13.0. If inflamed eyes are defined as those with more than one cell/hpf, a statistically significant greater number of PBK eyes than ABK eyes were inflamed (93% versus 44%, P
Vulvar Necrotizing Fasciitis as a Presenting Symptom of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

tion. Four months post operation, she continues vaginal dilation without evidence of constipation or fecal incontinence. Patient C was born with a cloacal anomaly and had an anorectoplasty and urogenital sinus mobilization as an infant. At age 5 she complained of urinary incontinence and on exam was found to have a posterior urethral diverticulum, stenosed introitus and residual vaginal septum. She underwent a posterior sagittal vaginourethroplasty for combined access for resection of the vaginal septum, enlarging the introitus and resection of the posterior urethral diverticulum. Again, no change in bowel habits at the follow-up evaluation. Comments: The posterior sagittal approach has been shown to provide exceptional exposure to the pelvic structures. These three cases demonstrate how this surgical method can be used for management of gynecologic conditions, especially when other approaches have been unsuccessful or would be more surgically challenging. This approach can also be used safely and effectively in patients with isolated gynecologic concerns who have not been treated for an anorectal malformation. The improved access to the surgical field, without concerns of adverse effects on bowel functions, reinforce the role of this approach in more challenging cases, especially revisional surgeries or high vaginal lesions. Gynecologists performing reconstructive procedures should be aware of this approach to broaden the surgical options provided to patients.
Computational Approaches to Image Understanding

Abstract : Recent theoretical developments in Image Understanding are surveyed. Among the issues discussed are: edge finding, region finding, texture, shape from shading, shape from texture, shape from contour, and the representations of surfaces and objects.
EM-Autoradiography of cerebellar nucleocortical terminals in the cat

The findings from the present EM-autoradiography experiments identify the cerebellar nucleocortical projection as a mossy fiber-type pathway. In these studies orthogradely labelled axons and terminals were observed in the folial white matter and granule cell layer, with only background levels of silver grains over the Purkinje cell and molecular layers. Most nucleocortical axons synapsed within cerebellar glomeruli either at en passant contacts along dilated segments of unmyelinated axons or at multilobulated (terminal) expansions of the axons. Typically these synaptic junctions were of the asymmetrical type containing clear round vesicles. Usually, each labelled mossy fiber rosette synapsed on a large number of small terminal dendrites of granule cells; however, occasionally a series of 4–8 asymmetric contacts were noted on a single large dendrite. Labelled nucleocortical terminals were occasionally present in the nonglomerular neuropil between granule cell bodies where they contacted large dendrites of Golgi cells.
The design of naming features in App Inventor 2

Blocks languages, in which programs are constructed by connecting blocks resembling puzzle pieces, are increasingly used to introduce novices to programming. MIT App Inventor 2 has a blocks language for specifying the behavior of mobile apps. Its naming features (involving event and procedure parameters, global and local variables, and names for procedures, components, and component properties) were designed to address problems with names in other blocks languages, including its predecessor, MIT App Inventor Classic. We discuss the design of these features, and evaluate them with respect to cognitive dimensions and fundamental computer science naming concepts.
Compressed Histogram of Gradients: A Low-Bitrate Descriptor

Establishing visual correspondences is an essential component of many computer vision problems, which is often done with local feature-descriptors. Transmission and storage of these descriptors are of critical importance in the context of mobile visual search applications. We propose a framework for computing low bit-rate feature descriptors with a 20× reduction in bit rate compared to state-of-the-art descriptors. The framework offers low complexity and has significant speed-up in the matching stage. We show how to efficiently compute distances between descriptors in the compressed domain eliminating the need for decoding. We perform a comprehensive performance comparison with SIFT, SURF, BRIEF, MPEG-7 image signatures and other low bit-rate descriptors and show that our proposed CHoG descriptor outperforms existing schemes significantly over a wide range of bitrates. We implement the descriptor in a mobile image retrieval system and for a database of 1 million CD, DVD and book covers, we achieve 96% retrieval accuracy using only 4 KB of data per query image.
Effect of electrospinning parameters on the nanofiber diameter and length

Polymer nanofibers exhibit properties that make them a favorable material for the development of tissue engineering scaffolds, filtration devices, sensors, and high strength lightweight materials. Electrospinning is a versatile method commonly used to manufacture polymer nanofibers. Collection of electrospun nanofibers across two parallel plates is a technique useful for creating nanofiber structures because it allows for the collection of linearly oriented individual nanofiber arrays and these arrays can be easily transferred to other substrates or structures. It is of importance to have some understanding of the capabilities of this collection method, such as the maximum length of fibers that can be collected across two parallel plates. The effect of different electrospinning parameters on maximum fiber length, average fiber diameter, diameter uniformity, and fiber quality was explored. It was shown that relatively long continuous polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers with average diameters from approximately 350 nm to 1 µm could be collected across parallel plates at lengths up to 35–50 cm. Experimental results lead to the hypothesis that even longer continuous nanofibers over 50 cm could be collected if the size of the parallel plates were increased. Extending the maximum fiber length that can be collected across parallel plates could expand the applications of electrospinning. Polymer solution concentration, plate size, and applied voltage were all shown to have varying effects on maximum fiber length, fiber diameter, and fiber uniformity.
Systems to evaluate the Protein quality of diets fed to lactating cows

Abstract Ten multiparous and 5 primiparous cows (62 ± 33 d in milk) were used in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design to investigate three dietary protein evaluation systems for lactating cows: milk protein score, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System, and an increase in Lys and Met to supply 15 and 5% of the predicted total essential amino acids (AA) in duodenal digesta, respectively. Five isonitrogenous diets were evaluated differently by the three systems. The milk protein score indicated that formulations of diets 2, 3, 4, and 5 were of equal quality and better for milk protein synthesis than was diet 1. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System indicated that diets 3, 4, and 5 contained adequate AA, but diets 1 and 2 were deficient in Lys and Met. The increase in Lys and Met supply indicated that only diets 3 and 5 provided adequate Lys and Met. The dry matter intake, energy-corrected production, and fat production were lower, and 3.5% fat-corrected milk production tended to be lower, for cows consuming diets 4 and 5 than for cows consuming diets 2 and 3. Cows consuming diet 1 had lower percentages of crude protein, true protein, and casein N in their milk than did with cows consuming all other diets. Cows fed diets 3 and 5 had higher percentages of protein in milk than did cows fed other diets. Protein production was greater, and casein N tended to be greater, for cows consuming diet 3 than for cows consuming diet 2. Although all three systems had validity, the system by which Lys and Met were increased most accurately predicted milk protein percentages and production.