cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Hypertext Years

This talk begins with the crazy notion that we might think of hypertext as a signature for the period 1985-2020. The claim is more plausible technically than culturally, but the talk is perversely addressed to culture. Among other things, the discussion revisits Moulthrop's previous ACM Hypertext keynote in 1998, in which he distinguished between "exoteric" hypertext - the then-novel adaptation of the World Wide Web by Amazon and other online retailers - and "esoteric" applications in things like hypertext fiction and digital art. The talk updates this insight with reference to later developments such as Jill Walker's "feral hypertext" thesis, the rise of social media, and the recognition of computer games as legitimate channels of ideas. While these phenomena have arguably displaced hypertextuality in the popular imagination, Moulthrop points to the major interest in complex narratives, counterfactuals, and multiverses as places where the hypertext aesthetic survives. Turning from aesthetics back to the technical, the talk focuses on Twine, the popular text-gaming application that marries what Alexander Galloway would call the "proctological" openness of web technologies with the structure-mapping affordances of graphical hypertext systems. In some ways portraying Twine as a second coming of hypertext is a clear and perhaps intentional misreading. The talk ends by wondering what this misreading might reveal.
Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma: an institutional technical analysis.

Background Recently, middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a potentially safe and effective method of treating chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). Objective To report a single-center experience with MMA embolization and examines the type of embolic material used, the extent of penetration, and the number of MMA branches embolized. Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients with MMA embolization from 2018 through 2019 was performed. A failed outcome was defined as either surgical rescue and/or greater than 10 mm of hematoma residual or reaccumulation following embolization. Results Of 35 patients, surgery had failed for 9 (26%) and initial conservative treatment had failed for 6 (17%). Of 41 MMA embolizations, including those in six patients with bilateral cSDH who underwent bilateral MMA embolization, 29 (72%) were performed using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx), 7 (17%) using particles, and 5 (12%) using n-butyl cyanoacrylate. Both the anterior and posterior MMA divisions were embolized in 29 cases (71%); distal penetration of these branches was achieved in 25 embolizations (61%). Twenty-six (63%) cSDHs completely resolved. Complete resolution was seen in 22 of 29 hematomas (76%) in which both anterior and posterior MMA branches were occluded versus 4 of 12 (33%) following single-branch embolization (p=0.014). Embolization of one cSDH (2%) failed. Conclusion MMA embolization of cSDHs appears to be both safe and efficacious. Furthermore, embolization of both the anterior and posterior MMA branches may be associated with increased odds of complete resolution.
A humidity-controlled precipitation technique enabling discovery of Rb3(H1.5PO4)2

Abstract The previously unknown compound Rb3(H1.5PO4)2 is successfully synthesized here using a newly developed variant of aqueous precipitation crystal growth. The approach exploits the phenomenon of boiling point elevation in concentrated solutions. Crystals of the title compound were obtained upon heating a stoichiometric solution from 110 to 150 ​°C under a high steam partial pressure of 0.83 ​atm. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed Rb3(H1.5PO4)2 crystallizes in space group C2/m and is isostructural to Cs3(H1.5PO4)2. As evidenced by thermal analysis, Rb3(H1.5PO4)2 does not undergo a phase transition to a trigonal superprotonic phase upon heating. Even under a steam partial pressure of 0.82 ​atm, under which dehydration is suppressed to a temperature of 263 ​°C, no polymorphic transition is detected. The behavior parallels that of Cs3(H1.5PO4)2 and contrasts that of several structurally and chemically similar selenate compounds. The crystal growth approach developed here may prove particularly useful for obtaining water soluble compounds which are thermodynamically or kinetically disfavored at temperatures close to ambient.
Pathologic Characteristics Associated With Local Recurrence of Atypical Meningiomas Following Surgical Resection.

Background: Optimal management of grade II meningiomas following resection remains controversial, owing mostly to the heterogeneity of post-operative (post-op) recurrence patterns across studies. Improved risk stratification of these patients would ensure that only those most at risk of recurrence would undergo appropriate post-op radiation therapy (RT). Methods: Medical records from patients who underwent resection for grade II meningiomas were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, disease characteristics, treatment, and clinical course data were retrospectively collected. Logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards modeling, and Kaplan-Meier curves with log rank testing were conducted to describe any potential relationships with time of recurrence. Results: Of the 49 patients identified, 18 (36.7%) suffered a local recurrence following resection with a median follow-up of 3.1 years (range: 0.23 - 17.1 years). Past recurrence of the meningioma (P = 0.002) and extent of resection (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with local recurrence. On multivariable analysis, only prior meningioma recurrence was associated with time to local failure (P = 0.021). No histopathologic factors were found to be associated with the initial local failure. Of those who suffered a local recurrence, the presence of bone invasion (hazard ratio: 0.069, P = 0.008) and lack of salvage RT (P = 0.02) were associated with subsequent local failure. Conclusions: Currently considered histopathologic factors appear not to be helpful in guiding initial treatment course. History of prior local failure and bone invasion appear to be associated with multiple recurrences. Optimal surgical resection is critical to improving outcomes, and salvage RT may reduce subsequent local failure. J Clin Med Res. 2021;13(3):143-150 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4444
Regional distribution of anoxic brain injury after cardiac arrest: clinical and electrographic correlates

Abstract Introduction Disorders of consciousness, EEG background suppression and epileptic seizures are associated with poor outcome after cardiac arrest. The underlying patterns of anoxic brain injury associated with each remain unknown. Our objective was to identify the distribution of anoxic brain injury after cardiac arrest, as measured with diffusion MRI, and to define the regional correlates of disorders of consciousness, EEG background suppression, and seizures. Methods We analyzed patients from a prospectively-maintained, single-center database of unresponsive patients who underwent diffusion-weighted MRI following cardiac arrest (n = 204). We classified each patient based on recovery of consciousness (command-following) before discharge, the most continuous EEG background (burst suppression versus continuous), and the presence or absence of seizures. Anoxic brain injury was measured using the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) signal. We identified abnormalities in ADC relative to control subjects without cardiac arrest (n = 48) and used voxel lesion symptom mapping to identify regional associations with disorders of consciousness, EEG background suppression, and seizures. We then used a bootstrapped lasso regression procedure to identify robust, multivariate regional associations with each clinical and EEG variable. Finally, using area under receiver operating characteristic curves, we then compared the classification ability of the strongest regional associations to that of brain-wide summary measures. Results Compared to control subjects, cardiac arrest patients demonstrated a reduction in the ADC signal that was most significant in the occipital lobes. Disorders of consciousness were associated with reduced ADC most prominently in the occipital lobes, but also in the basal ganglia, medial thalamus and cerebellar nuclei. Regional injury more accurately classified patients with disorders of consciousness than whole-brain injury. Background suppression mapped to a similar set of brain regions, but regional injury could no better classify patients than whole-brain measures. Seizures were less common in patients with more severe anoxic injury, particularly in those with injury to the lateral temporal white matter. Discussion Anoxic brain injury was most prevalent in posterior cerebral regions, and this regional pattern of injury was a better predictor of disorders of consciousness than whole-brain injury measures. EEG background suppression lacked a specific regional association, but patients with injury to the temporal lobe were less likely to have seizures. Collectively, our results suggest that the regional pattern of anoxic brain injury is relevant to the clinical and electrographic sequelae of cardiac arrest and may hold importance for prognosis.
Mitigation of Pneumatic Tube Effects on Blood Gas Measurements for pH, PO2, and PCO2

Background: Specimen transport is a pre-analytical factor that can influence the accuracy of blood gas results as gas exchange can occur between an air bubble and the sample. A literature review determined that there is no uniform consensus as to whether pneumatic tube transport is appropriate for blood gas specimens. Our study was designed to determine acceptability of pH, PCO2 and PO2 results for specimens transported via a pneumatic tube Methods: Blood gas measurements were conducted on performance comparable Siemens Rapidpoint 500 analyzers. Blood gas samples were analyzed at point-of-care then sent through the pneumatic tube system for repeat analysis. Sample integrity was evaluated prior to tube transport. All sample analysis was performed by two experienced respiratory therapists. All point of care testing was performed by one therapist and the second therapist performed the post tube transport analysis. CLIA/CAP total allowable error limits were utilized to establish acceptable limits for pH, PCO2, and PO2. Phase two testing introduced a rubber stopper and immobilization padding prior to specimen tube transport. Results: Sixty blood gas specimens were analyzed pre and post-tube transport. 96.7% of pH results, 88.3% of PCO2 results, and 50.0% of PO2 results were within the acceptable range. The average biases between pre and post pneumatic tube specimens were -0.0048 for pH, 1.25 mm Hg for PCO2, and 0.99 mm Hg for PO2. In phase two, 54 blood gas samples were measured pre- and post-tube transport utilizing the mitigation interventions, 74.1% of PO2 results (average bias of -0.59 mm Hg). 92.6% of PCO2 results and 100% of pH measurements were within acceptable limits. To determine the clinical significance of the PO2 differences, data with PO2 values outside of the reference interval (70–100 mm Hg) with the potential to impact patient management were examined. Ten specimens were Conclusions: The study confirmed measurable variation in PO2 values post tube transport. The PO2 variability was reduced to an acceptable level by immobilizing the sample and capping the syringe with a rubber stopper. Findings support tube transport of blood gas specimens under these conditions.
Continuum Hard-Photon K-Shell Yields from Z-Pinch Implosions: Present Status and Scaling to Higher Currents

The use of the recombination continuum for x-ray radiation production in Z pinches has been discussed as an option 1 for generating high yields in the warm photon energy range, ħω > 13 keV. The free-bound continuum emission is an inherently weaker radiation production mechanism than K-shell line emission. But it is challenging, if at all possible, to heat stagnated Z-pinch plasmas with atomic numbers Z A >36 to temperatures ~10 keV needed for efficient K-shell line emission. Experiments with argon gas-puffs 2,3 on Decade Quad and pre-refurbishment Z produced up to 10 to 20% of the total K-shell yield in high-energy continuum above the K-edge, 4.4 keV. As the atomic number of the load material increases from Z A =18 (argon) to Z A =26 and 29 (iron and copper, respectively), the scaling factor determining the ratio of the recombination continuum to line K-shell yield increases by a factor of 2 to 3. This indicates a possibility of using wire-array Z-pinch implosions on next-generation pulsed power facilities to produce significant continuum yields in warm photons. Such an option is feasible, provided that stripping substantial fractions of iron and copper ions at stagnation to an H-like state can be demonstrated. We analyze K-shell continuum yields measured in recent Z experiments with argon gas-puff and stainless-steel wire-array loads, with a view of scaling present-day results to higher driver currents.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) symptoms in children with autism, ADHD, and neurotypical development and impact of co-occurring ODD, depression, and anxiety

Abstract Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a controversial diagnosis introduced in the DSM-5 that is particularly relevant to autism and other disorders in which DMDD symptoms (irritable-angry mood and temper outbursts) are common. Mothers rated DMDD symptoms in 1593 children with autism, ADHD, and neurotypical development (6–16 years, IQ ≥ 80). Percentages with DMDD symptoms (often or very often) were autism 45%, ADHD-Combined type 39%, ADHD-Inattentive type 12%, and neurotypical 3%. Almost all (91%) with DMDD symptoms met DSM-5 criteria for ODD, and 79% with ODD had DMDD symptoms. Only 5% without ODD had DMDD symptoms, and most of these had autism. Children with autism had significantly higher DMDD scores than all other groups, even when the oppositional behavior score (excluding the two DMDD symptoms) was controlled. The findings suggest that DMDD and ODD are not meaningfully differentiated based on their symptoms and that DMDD symptoms are particularly common in autism, more so than expected by comorbid ODD alone.
Cortical neuroprosthetics from a clinical perspective

Recent pilot clinical studies have demonstrated that subjects with severe disorders of movement and communication can exert direct neural control over assistive devices using invasive Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) technology, also referred to as 'cortical neuroprosthetics'. These important proof-of-principle studies have generated great interest among those with disability and clinicians who provide general medical, neurological and/or rehabilitative care. Taking into account the perspective of providers who may be unfamiliar with the field, we first review the clinical goals and fundamentals of invasive BMI technology, and then briefly summarize the vast body of basic science research demonstrating its feasibility. We emphasize recent translational progress in the target clinical populations and discuss translational challenges and future directions.
The use of electronic devices to cue self-catheterization for adolescents with spina bifida

Address: 1Departments of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 2Departments of Behavior Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 3Departments of the Center for Spina Bifida and Related Conditions, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 4Departments of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5Departments of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and 6Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, USA
Arabic text recognition using neural networks

Recognizing multi-font Arabic texts is a difficult task in the area of optical character recognition (OCR) because Arabic is a cursive type language. This paper proposes a hybrid Arabic character recognition system based on Moment Invariants employing an Artificial Neural Network classifier. The feature extraction stage uses a set of moment invariants descriptors which are invariants under shift, scaling, and rotation. The actual classification is done using a multilayer perceptron network with back-propagation learning. As a preprocessing step, a new approach to segmentation of Arabic words is proposed in this paper. The system has been tested and has shown a very high accuracy. >
Correlates of postpartum alcohol use.

OBJECTIVE The purposes of this investigation are to (1) describe drinking patterns among women attending a postpartum visit, and (2) identify correlates of postpartum "at risk" drinking. METHODS A survey was completed by 8706 women at their postpartum visit. We identified correlates of "at risk" drinking, defined as binge drinking (4 or more drinks per occasion at least once in the past month) or consuming an average of > or =7 drinks/wk. RESULTS A total of 997 women (12%) reported "at risk" drinking. At risk drinkers were more likely than other women to have been frequent drinkers prior to pregnancy (> or =7 drinks/wk), scored 1 or 2 on the CAGE, smoked postpartum, and been unmarried. Black women, those over age 35, "stay-at-home mothers," and women having breastfed were less likely to report "at risk" drinking. CONCLUSION This study supports routine alcohol screening of women attending a postpartum visit with their obstetrician.
Colombia en el siglo XX: ¿un caso de éxito?

Sin duda, la mayoria de los colombianos y de lo colombianistas extranjeros pensaran que el titulo del presente trabajo es ironico o que con ello el historiador tal vez prepara el escenario para una tentativa de mamagallismo. Esta suposicion podria no estar del todo descaminada. Sin embargo quiero aclarar desde un principio que no me parece absurdo considerar a la Colombia contemporanea, en cierto sentido, aun fuera del campo novelistico, como un caso de exito. Si observamos el panorama latinoamericano, el caso de Colombia, con toda las aflicciones que la aquejan, constituye un exito en el sentido negativo de haber evitado felizmente mayores males.
Resolved-sideband Raman cooling in an optical lattice

Dissipation from photon scattering can be virtually eliminated if the lattice is formed by light detuned a few thousand linewidths from atomic resonance, in which case the frequency of oscillation in the optical potential wells can be several orders of magnitude larger than the rate of vibrational excitation. The atoms are then good candidates for resolved-sideband Raman cooling. We believe we have demonstrated for the first time resolved-sideband Raman laser cooling of neutral Cs atoms close to the zero-point of motion in a two-dimensional optical lattice.
Unstable interior points in attainable sets: cracks

Let X be a subset of a linear space. We refer to a continuous function g: X/spl rarr/R/sup n/ as an open covering of y/sub 0//spl epsi/R/sup n/, respectively of A/spl sub/R/sup n/, if g(X) contains a neighborhood of y/sub 0/, respectively of A. The main subject of the paper deals with the sufficient conditions for the instability of a function g as an open covering. Let X be a metric space, Y a normed vector space, g: X/spl rarr/Y continuous, and C/spl sub/g(X). We refer to C as a crack of g if, for every continuous function /spl omega/: X/spl rarr/[0, 1] that is positive on g/sup -1/(C), there exists a continuous perturbation e: X/spl rarr/Y such that |e(x)|/spl les//spl omega/(x) for all x/spl epsi/X and (g+e)(X)/spl cup/C=O. Thus the presence of a crack in the interior of g(X) reveals the instability of g as an open covering. Subject to certain "qualitative" assumptions, we derive conditions equivalent, to the statement that C is a crack of g. Each of the first two conditions, which deal with the case that C is an oriented C/sup 1/ manifold without boundary of dimension n-1, is essentially equivalent to the statement that every topological component /spl Gamma/ of g/sup -1/(C) has a neighborhood /spl Sigma//sup /spl Gamma// that is mapped by g into one side of C only. The third condition deals with the case that C is a set whose components are C/sup 1/ manifolds without boundary in R/sup n/ of codimensions 2 or higher. We also provide examples to illustrate the applications of some of the results.
On the dependence of plasma-induced charging damage on antenna area

Numerical simulations of pattern-dependent charging during etching of antenna structures in high-density plasmas reveal a counter-intuitive nonlinear dependence on the antenna area ratio of the tunneling current that stresses a thin buried gate oxide to which the antenna is electrically connected. The sub-linear relationship is explained by the fact that the net current density collected by the antenna decreases as the antenna area increases.
Causal refutations of idealism

In the ‘Refutation of Idealism’ chapter of the first Critique, Kant argues that the conditions required for having certain kinds of mental episodes are sufficient to guarantee that there are ‘objects in space’ outside us. A perennially influential way of reading this compressed argument is as a kind of causal inference: in order for us to make justified judgements about the order of our inner states, those states must be caused by the successive states of objects in space outside us. Here I consider the best recent versions of this reading, and argue that each suffers from apparently fatal flaws.
Do Rules of Thumb Measure Up? Characteristics of Fire-Scarred Trees and Samples

Dendrochronologists studying fire history must be strategic in their search for fire-scarred tree samples. Because it is desirable to extend the period of analysis in a site by looking for old scars, recent scars, and trees with large numbers of scars, researchers have developed rules of thumb regarding which trees are most likely to meet these goals as well as where fire scars are most likely to be found. To test our assumptions and quantify patterns about tree and sample characteristics, we analyzed a dataset of 2800 samples and 16,036 scars. On average, logs had the oldest scars and live trees had the most recent scars, although both very old and very recent scars were found on snags and stumps. Scars tended to be located on the uphill sides of trees, particularly on steeper slopes. The number of years between pith date and first fire scar ranged from 2 to 473 years, with a median of 52 and a mean of 67. The data confirm that searching for a variety of sample types and looking on the uphill sides of trees are useful methods for efficient sampling and extending a fire history record.
A neural-network Q-learning method for decentralized sequential detection with feedback

This paper studies a feedback decentralized sequential detection system using Q-learning. The purpose is to obtain a better understanding of certain distributed detection systems and to examine the impact of feedback information. Performance comparisons are made in the paper between the Q-learning approach, the centralized sequential probability ratio test method, a dynamic programming method, and a non-feedback distributed detection method.
Another bound on the chromatic number of a graph

Abstract Let G be a simple graph, let Δ( G ) denote the maximum degree of its vertices, and let χ( G ) denote its chromatic number. Brooks' Theorem asserts that χ( G )⩽Δ( G ), unless G has a component that is a complete graph K Δ( G )+1 , or unless Δ( G )=2 and G has an odd cycle. We show here that this bound can be improved if G does not contain certain types of subgraphs. For instance, if G has no 4-cycle, then χ( G )⩽ 2 3 (Δ(G)+3) . A different result of a similar nature was recently obtained independently by us, by Borodin and Kostochka, and by Lawrence.
A note on the proper use of the RAN1 random number generator

Abstract The FORTRAN function RAN1 was designed to be incorporated into Monte Carlo computer programs where the data generation and data analysis are accomplished in the same program. This note illustrates how RAN1 can be used in Monte Carlo studies where the data generation and data analysis are performed in separately executed programs.
Thyrotropin releasing hormone: antagonism of pentobarbital narcosis in the monkey.

Abstract The effect of TRH on pentobarbital narcosis in 12 rhesus monkeys was examined. Vital signs monitored included respiration rate, heart rate, temperature, sleeping time, and time of reappearance of certain reflexes. Blood samples were obtained for pentobarbital assay. Two dose schedules for TRH administration were used. One group of 6 animals received a single dose of 20 mg/kg 30 min after barbiturate administration, while the other group received 3 injections of 20 mg/kg spaced at 30, 40 and 50 min after injection of pentobarbital. Both groups were sex balanced. TRH administration resulted in dramatically increased respiration and heart rates and arrested the progress of barbiturate induced hypothermia. The extended dose schedule prolonged increased respiration rate and a differential effect of TRH on pentobarbital induced hypothermia across sexes was observed. All animals regained reflexes sooner and sleeping time was reduced by 22%. No differences in pentobarbital blood levels with TRH were observed. These results extend earlier work in rodents to primates and suggest a possible use of TRH in cases of acute barbiturate intoxication.
The clinical and molecular genetic study of 20 Silver Russell Syndrome cases

Methods 20 SRS cases diagnosed in Beijing Children’s Hospital from 2006 to 2011 were studied retrospectively for clinical manifestations, physical signs, laboratory examinations and respond of GH treatment. We compared with 3 different diagnostic criteria and used the methylationspecific multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) method to detect the chromosome 11p15 imprinting defects in 16 patients of them, meanwhile take 10 normal control.
Valorizing mixed plastic wastes from cardboard recycling by amendment with wood, cement and ash

This project sought improved mechanical strength and thermal properties of mixed plastic rejects from cardboard recycling. The Wandel screen, a process unit, captures 75% of a facility’s total plastic output and consists of hot melt (∼37%), polypropylene (∼32%), polyethylene (∼17%) and polystyrene (∼9%). The mixed plastic was compounded with wood flour, cement, ash and maleated polyethylene. Wood flour and maleated polyethylene increased the tensile modulus by 65%, ash and cement increased moduli by 49% and 39%. Maleated polyethylene decreased crystallinity and compatibilized both mixed polymers and additives. Samples were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. Additives decreased phase separation. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed wood flour, ash, cement and maleated polyethylene thermally stabilized the plastics. These improvements make this mixed plastic waste more attractive for reuse.
A methodology for in-network evaluation of integrated logical-statistical models

Synthesizing high-level semantic knowledge from low-level sensor data is an important problem in many sensor network applications. Programming a network to perform such synthesis in situ is especially difficult due to the stringent resource constraints, unreliable wireless communication, and complex distributed algorithms and network protocols required to manipulate the data. Recently, a declarative programming language called Snlog [5] has been developed to address this problem. However, statistical reasoning for modeling noise in the context of sensor networks has not been addressed in Snlog. In this paper, we develop a methodology based on the PRISM [36] framework, which integrates logical and statistical reasoning, for specifying sensor network programs that deal with noisy data and tolerate faults in the network. The relationship between high-level (synthesized) and low-level (observed) data is captured by logical rules, while statistical models are used to specify computations in the presence of noise and faults. We illustrate our methodology with three examples: (i) estimating temperature at various points in a region, (ii) evaluating the trajectory of an object observed by a sensor network, based on the Hidden Markov Model, and (iii) evaluating most reliable communication paths between sensor nodes. We analyze the results of simulations as well as an experimental deployment to evaluate the practical feasibility of our approach.
Juvenile lumbar discs

One hundred and two patients, ages 10-18 years, were operated upon for herniated lumbar discs. Until age 17, the male-to-female ratio was even. A significant relationship was found between traumatic etiology and the occurrence of free disc rupture. Disc material was found outside the annular ligament in more than half of the patients. Results of surgical excision have been excellent in 95% of cases. Same level recurrence remains below 3%.
Real-time reflection mapping with parallax

We present a novel algorithm to efficiently render accurate reflections on programmable graphics hardware. Our algorithm overcomes problems that commonly occur in environment mapping such as the lack of motion parallax and inaccuracies when objects are close to the reflectors. In place of a 2D environment map, which only represents points infinitely far away from the reflector, we use six 4D light field slabs to represent the surrounding scene. Each reflected ray is rendered by indexing into these precaptured environment light fields. We are able to render accurate reflections with motion parallax at interactive frame rates independent of the reflector geometry and the scene complexity. Furthermore, we can move the reflectors within a constrained region of space and guarantee that the environment light field provides the necessary rays. We benefit from the programmability of existing graphics hardware to efficiently compute the reflected rays and transform them into the appropriate light field index. We also take advantage of the large texture memories and memory bandwidth available in today's graphics card to store and query hardware-compressed light fields.
Noninvasive individual and species identification of jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor) and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Belize, Central America using cross‐species microsatellites and faecal DNA

There is a great need to develop efficient, noninvasive genetic sampling methods to study wild populations of multiple, co-occurring, threatened felids. This is especially important for molecular scatology studies occurring in challenging tropical environments where DNA degrades quickly and the quality of faecal samples varies greatly. We optimized 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor) and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and assessed their utility for cross-species amplification. Additionally, we tested their reliability for species and individual identification using DNA from faeces of wild felids detected by a scat detector dog across Belize in Central America. All microsatellite loci were successfully amplified in the three target species, were polymorphic with average expected heterozygosities of HE = 0.60 ± 0.18 (SD) for jaguars, HE = 0.65 ± 0.21 (SD) for pumas and HE = 0.70 ± 0.13 (SD) for ocelots and had an overall PCR amplification success of 61%. We used this nuclear DNA primer set to successfully identify species and individuals from 49% of 1053 field-collected scat samples. This set of optimized microsatellite multiplexes represents a powerful tool for future efforts to conduct noninvasive studies on multiple, wild Neotropical felids.
Global coordinates with centimeter accuracy in the International Terrestrial Reference Frame using GPS

Using 21 days of Global Positioning System (GPS) data from 21 globally distributed receivers operating during early 1991, we solve for a 7-parameter transformation between a GPS free-network solution and coordinates of 12 stations listed in the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). Standard errors of GPS coordinates are derived by applying an orthogonal projection operator to the free-network covariance. The weighted RMS difference between 33 transformed GPS and ITRF coordinates is 12 mm in the northern hemisphere. Best results are obtained by mapping ITRF coordinates to the epoch of this experiment assuming no vertical site motions. Fixing selected sites in the GPS solution to ITRF'90 does not improve the agreement. We conclude the use of fiducial constraints is unnecessary for global networks.
Evaluation of soil phosphorus tests for flooded rice soils under oxidized and reduced soil conditions

Abstract Soil tests have had limited success in predicting the response of rice (Oryza saliva, L.) to phosphorus (P) fertilizer. Phosphorus soil test methods have been developed under oxidized conditions without any consideration of changes in available P due to flooding of rice soils. To determine the potential of various P test to predict P availability in flooded soils 28 rice soils were incubated under oxidized and reduced soil conditions and extracted for P with Bray 1, Olsen, ammonium acetate‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (AA‐EDTA) (Texas A&M test), resin, and water. Phosphorus response experiments were conducted on 19 soils in the greenhouse and eight soils under field conditions. Soil extractable P, yield, and plant P were determined. Reducing conditions increased the amount of P removed by AA‐EDTA and Bray 1 soil test methods. AA‐EDTA and Bray 1‐extractable soil P were highly correlated. Resin extracted the highest amount of P under oxidized conditions. The AA‐EDTA soil test method overestimate...
Flammability limits for exhaust gas diluted flames

Flammability limits of propane/air (=1.0) flames diluted by exhaust gases have been determined by extrapolating the calculated laminar flame speeds to a minimum flame speed limit as a function of pressure, dilution and unburned gas temperature. The flame speed calculations show an approximately linear decrease in flame speed with dilution. This result compares well with the two available experimental determinations of the functional behavior of the flame speed with dilution. The flammability limits for these diluted flames decrease monotonically, but not linearly with pressure. The limits do, however, increase with unburned gas temperature. A typical dilution limit is 38% by volume of exhaust gases for an unburned mixture temperature of 500 K and a pressure of 4 atmospheres. Length scales based on these laminar flame calculations were also determined. These length scales are an indicator of the turbulent flame structure. The results presented here show that dilution causes a large increase in the flame widths. This large increase in the flame width is sufficient to change the turbulent flame structure from a well defined “wrinkled” flame to a regime which is somewhere between the extremes of a wrinkled flame and the distributed reaction. This means that the turbulent flame structure in a homogeneous-charge, S.I. engine operating with a sufficiently diluted mixture may be much different than that which has been previously assumed.
On the Fracture Toughness Measurement of Thin Film Coated Silicon Wafers

This paper reports on the effect of residual stress on the microcrack propagation of thin-film coated silicon wafers and the fracture toughness measurement using the micro indentation technique. Two types of silicon nitride films with different stress states, a high tensile vs. a low compressive stress, deposited by a LPCVD method were studied. It is found that a high tensile residual stress in the film leads to longer microcracks and a lower fracture toughness of silicon, while a compressive stress depresses the microcrack propagation and increases the toughness of silicon. To improve the mechanical performance of silicon devices, a slightly compressive stress in the film is suggested.
Impaired keratinocyte function on matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) damaged collagen

Healing of superficial skin wounds depends on the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes at the wound margin. When human epidermal keratinocytes were incubated on polymerized type I collagen, they rapidly attached and spread. The cells underwent a proliferative response and, over the subsequent 6-day period, covered the collagen surface with a monolayer of cells. When keratinocytes were plated on collagen that had been fragmented by exposure to matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1, collagenase-1), the cells attached as readily as to intact collagen but spread more slowly and less completely. Growth was reduced by approximately 50%. Instead of covering the collagen surface, the keratinocytes remained localized to the site of attachment. Keratinocytes on fragmented collagen expressed a more differentiated phenotype as indicated by a higher level of surface E-cadherin. Based on these findings, we suggest that damage to the underlying collagenous matrix may impede efficient keratinocyte function and retard wound closure.
Temporal order memory differences in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia

Determining the order of events is essential for accurate memory recollection: an ability previously linked to both frontal and medial temporal functioning. Frontal-subcortical and medial temporal dysfunction typify vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively. Therefore, we assessed patients' ordering abilities using a novel sequencing task that progressively increased memory load. VaD patients made more errors and selected more previously encountered stimuli than did AD. Curve analysis revealed a general decline in ordering for VaD whereas error production in AD is more dependent on memory load. These findings generally support the role of frontal-subcortical functioning in temporal order memory.
Depolarization of light scattered by gases from rotating analyzer measurements and a ratio method of analysis

Abstract A new method of measuring the depolarization of light scattered by gases is discussed. The method involves photon counting taken at numerous small time intervals during the continuous rotation of the observing analyzer over several cycles at different gas pressures over the range one atmosphere to 1 Torr. A new method of data analysis is introduced which allows determination of the depolarization ratio ρ v from the pressure dependence of the scattering using the vertically polarized scattering I V as a measure of pressure. The depolarization ratio is determined from the linear equation I H I V = ρ v + B H0 I v where I H is the observed horizontal photon count and B H 0 is the constant horizontal background. Rotating analyzer measurements are compared with static measurements and with literature values. New values of 100 ρ v are reported for H 2 , 0.954 0.003; N 2 , 1.08 ± 0.01; and O 2 , 2.882 ± 0.002.
Coalinga Chrysotile: A Short-Fibre, Amphibole-Free, Chrysotile: Part VI - Additional Evidence for Lack of Fibrogenicity

This report describes additional unpublished data that support the notion that Coalinga chrysotile is not fibrogenic. These data are from the same long-term, NTP-NIEHS, chronic chrysotile inhalation study that served as the basis for our earlier publications which concluded that Coalinga chrysotile was not fibrogenic due to its lack of biopersistence. Wagner-scored 12 and 24 month interim sacrifice data from the NTP-NIEHS investigation and an unpublished data set from the comparison MRC study both previously unreported, were recently found in the author’s files. The histology slides and attendant data should have been amongst the materials archived at the NTP but were not present at the time the author reviewed those files in 1995 and 1996. Review of these new materials showed that Coalinga chrysotile did not produce fibrosis either at 12 or 24 months in contrast to the two Canadian preparations which were both fibrogenic even at this early stage of the study. These new data and related testimony greatly ...
EFFECT OF HALOGENATED PYRIMIDINES AND THYMIDINE ON GROWTH OF L-CELLS AND A SUBLINE LACKING THYMIDINE KINASE.

Summary The effects of bromodeoxyuridine (BUDr), iododeoxyuridine (IUDr), thymidine (TDr), fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDr), and fluorouracil (FU), on the growth of mouse fibroblasts (Strain L-M) and on a bromodeoxyuridine resistant subline [Stain L-M (TK−)] have been compared. The growth of L-M cells was grossly inhibited by 25 μg/ml BUDr and 50 μg/ml IUDr while L-M (TK−) cells grew for at least 5 generations in 1 mg/ml BUDr or 200 μg/ml IUDr. High concentrations (100 to 200 μg/ml) of TDr inhibited the growth of L-M cells, but L-M (TK−) cells were insensitive to these TDr concentrations. The L-M cells were approximately 250-fold more sensitive than L-M (TK−) cells to fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDr). The inhibitory effects of FUDr (0.01 μg/ml) on the growth of L-M cells was reversed by TDr (10 μg/ml), even when the TDr was added 24 hr after the addition of FUDr. However, TDr (100 μg/ml) did not prevent the inhibition by FUDr (2.5 μg/ml) of L-M (TK−) cell growth. The growth of either cell line was inhibited by 5-fluorouracil. The relationships of these results to the finding that thymidine kinase activity is deleted from L-M (TK−) cells are discussed.
Progression of trophoblast into the endometrium during implantation in the western spotted skunk.

Background In mustelid carnivores, several blastocysts become implanted either ∼12 days following fertilization or after a delay of implantation. In the western spotted skunk, implantation occurs following a long period of delayed implantation and a brief activation stage. Within each implantation chamber, a large number of trophoblastic plaques form, and the syncytial trophoblast of these plaques adheres to and penetrates into the uterine luminal epithelium. The presence of multiple attachment sites was used to analyse the way in which trophoblast adheres to, penetrates, and removes uterine epithelium and its subsequent association with the subepithelial vascular plexus. Methods Implantation chambers from 18 western spotted skunks were collected during the first week postimplantation and the tissue prepared for light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Results A series of trophoblastic plaques, which form a ring peripheral to the embryonic shield, attach to and penetrate the uterine epithelium. As new trophoblastic plaques are forming, the initial plaques enlarge and spread along the basal lamina of the luminal epithelium, and trophoblastic processes project through this basal lamina. Subsequently there is a stage of consolidation in which cytotrophoblast increases greatly in amount, attachment sites coalesce, and the luminal epithelium is eliminated. Syncytial trophoblast intrudes into endometrial gland lumina and surrounds subepithelial capillaries. Conclusions It is suggested that the affinity of syncytial trophoblast for apical junctional complexes of uterine epithelial cells facilitates intrusion of syncytial trophoblast between cells, possibly guided by the marginal ridges of the uterine cells. The trophoblast shows no tendency to adhere to or invade maternal capillaries. This lack of adhesion to endothelial cells suggests either a change in adhesive properties of trophoblast following epithelial penetration or differences in adhesive properties between surface epithelial cells and endothelial cells. Although trophoblast differentiation appears to be chronologically regulated, it could be responding to maternally derived factors. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
American Based Biker Gangs: International Organized Crime

Many American based motorcycle clubs have evolved into biker gangs involved in organized crime nationally and internationally. Using the information contained on the national websites of seven biker gangs—Hells Angels, Outlaws, Bandidos, Mongols, Warlocks, Sons of Silence and the Vagos, this article provides a listing of the gangs by chapter in the United States and internationally. These gangs have exported organized crime to the world as they have formed criminal networks with new chapters established outside the Continental United States.
Impact of a Comprehensive Supportive Care Team on Management of Hopelessly III Patients with Multiple Organ Failure

We developed a supportive care team for hopelessly ill patients in an urban emergency/trauma hospital. The team includes a clinical nurse specialist and a faculty physician as well as a chaplain and social worker. The supportive care team provides an alternative to intensive care or conventional ward management of hopelessly ill patients and concentrates on the physical and psychosocial comfort needs of patients and their families. We describe our experience with 20 hopelessly ill patients with multiple organ failure vs a similar group treated before the development of the supportive care team. Although there was no difference in mortality (100 percent), the length of stay in the medical ICU for patients with multiple organ failure decreased by 12 days to 6 days. Additionally, there were 50 percent fewer therapeutic interventions provided by the supportive care team vs intensive care or conventional ward treatment of multiple organ failure patients. We describe the methods that the supportive care team uses in an attempt to meet the physical and psychosocial comfort needs of hopelessly ill multiple organ failure patients and their families. This multidisciplinary approach to the care of the hopelessly ill may have applications in other institutions facing the ethical, medical, and administrative challenges raised by these patients. (Chest 1989; 96:353–156) CSCT = comprehensive supportive care team: MOF = multiple organ failure; LOS = length of stay; TISS = Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System; APACHE II acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II
(18O)quinolinic acid: Its esterification without back exchange for use as internal standard in the quantification of brain and CSF quinolinic acid

In the process of developing a high-sensitivity negative chemical ionization gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric assay for brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of quinolinic acid (QUIN, 2,3-pyridine dicarboxylic acid), (18O4)QUIN was prepared. Its properties as an internal standard were compared with those of the structural isomer 2,4-pyridine decarboxylic acid (2,4-PDC) previously used by others. All oxygen atoms in QUIN were labeled by heating in 3 N HCl/(18O)water for 48 h at 80 degrees C. Back-exchange of (18O4)QUIN was prevented during derivatization to an electron-capturing dihexafluoropropanol ester by using trifluoroacetylimidazole as catalyst instead of perfluroacyl anhydrides. When mixtures of QUIN and (18O4)QUIN and/or 2,4-PDC were followed through a procedure to isolate and quantify brain and CSF QUIN, the variability in the ratio of QUIN:2,4-PDC was greater than for QUIN: (18O)QUIN. We conclude that (18O)QUIN is the preferred internal standard in gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric quantification of brain and CSF QUIN, and that (18O)-labeled carboxylic acids may be esterified effectively without back-exchange using acylimidazole reagents.
Fundamental Symmetries and Conservation Laws

Abstract I discuss recent progress in low-energy tests of symmetries and conservation laws, including parity nonconservation in atoms and nuclei, electric dipole moment tests of time-reversal invariance, β -decay correlation studies, and decays violating separate (family) and total lepton number.
Thermodynamic properties of the double oxides of Na2O with the oxides of Cr, Ni and Fe

Abstract EMF data obtained from cells with solid electrolytes and literature data were combined to obtain the following free energy relations for the temperature range 700–1100 K: ΔG°( NaCrO 2 ) = (−208.9 + 49.97 × 10 −3 T) ± 2.0 kcal mol −1 ; ΔG° ( Na 2 FeO 2 ) = (−185.6 + 49.67 × 10 −3 T) ± 5.0 kcal mol −1 ; ΔG° ( NaFeO 2 ) = (−167.6 + 45.25 × 10 −3 T) ± 5.0 kcal mol −1 ; ΔG°( Na 4 FeO 3 ) = (−290.4 + 81.85 × 10 −3 T) ± 3.0 kcal mol −1 . These data and literature data were employed to explain the observed corrosion behavior of Fe-Cr-Ni alloys exposed to oxygen containing sodium.