cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Joint fusion and detection of mines using hyperspectral and SAR data

This paper describes a new nonlinear joint fusion and anomaly detection technique for mine detection applications using two different types of sensor data (synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and Hyperspectral sensor (HS) data). A well-known anomaly detector so called the RX algorithm is first extended to perform fusion and detection simultaneously at the pixel level by appropriately concatenating the information from the two sensors. This approach is then extended to its nonlinear version. The nonlinear fusion-detection approach is based on the statistical kernel learning theory which explicitly exploits the higher order dependencies (nonlinear relationships) between the two sensor data through an appropriate kernel. Experimental results for detecting anomalies (mines) in hyperspectral imagery are presented for linear and nonlinear joint fusion and detection for a co-registered SAR and HS imagery. The result show that the nonlinear techniques outperform linear versions.© (2008) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of graded hemorrhage on renal blood flow in unanesthetized dogs.

IT HAS been demonstrated that anesthesia has an important effect on renal physiology. 1-7 With the increasing current interest in shock, the influence of this variable on renal blood flow in the hypovolemic animal should be reevaluated. It is the purpose of this report to describe the effect of graded hemorrhage on renal blood flow in both anesthetized and unanesthetized dogs. Method Six healthy mongrel dogs varying in weight from 14.5 to 23.5 kg (32 to 51.6 lb) were studied. Preliminary blood volumes were inferred following plasma volume determinations using either radio-iodinated serum albumin or Evans Blue Dye. The animals were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (25 mg/kg IV). Electromagnetic flowmeter probes * were implanted about the left renal artery after it had been exposed through an incision in the left flank. Extra efforts were made to minimize blood loss during the procedure. With the flowmeters in place and the connectors fixed
Substance Use among a National Sample of Asian/Pacific Islander Men Who Have Sex with Men in the U.S.

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to describe drug use among Asian/Pacific Islander (API) men who have sex with men (MSM) and to examine how nativity (and acculturation as a secondary correlate) predicted such use. A total of 445 self-identified API MSM from seven metropolitan cities participated in a national HIV serological testing and psychosocial and behavioral assessment study. Results indicate clubbing was significantly associated with higher levels of substance use. Additionally, participants who were U.S.-born were more likely to have reported marijuana use and those with higher levels of acculturation reported less marijuana use. Our bivariate findings suggest that foreign-born status and acculturation experience may provide a protective effect against marijuana use among API MSM. These associations largely did not hold in our multivariate models. Future research should more fully examine the role of acculturation and nativity in substance use behaviors.
Increased executive functioning, attention, and cortical thickness in white-collar criminals

Very little is known on white-collar crime and how it differs to other forms of offending. This study tests the hypothesis that white-collar criminals have better executive functioning, enhanced information processing, and structural brain superiorities compared with offender controls. Using a case-control design, executive functioning, orienting, and cortical thickness was assessed in 21 white-collar criminals matched with 21 controls on age, gender, ethnicity, and general level of criminal offending. White-collar criminals had significantly better executive functioning, increased electrodermal orienting, increased arousal, and increased cortical gray matter thickness in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, somatosensory cortex, and the temporal-parietal junction compared with controls. Results, while initial, constitute the first findings on neurobiological characteristics of white-collar criminals. It is hypothesized that white-collar criminals have information-processing and brain superiorities that give them an advantage in perpetrating criminal offenses in occupational settings.
Lipid metabolism in cultured cells: Studies on lipoprotein-catalyzed reverse cholesterol transport in normal and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic skin fibroblasts

Abstract Recent studies indicate that elevations in plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDL) increase the risk of coronary artery disease whereas high-density lipoproteins (HDL) confer protection. In vitro, lipoproteins stimulate reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from cultured cells. In this paper, the relative contributions of isolated lipoproteins to the observed RCT activity of whole serum are compared in normal cells and in cells lacking a receptor for low density lipoproteins. Cultured transformed human lung fibroblasts (VA-4), prelabeled with [3H]cholesterol, were incubated with human HDL or LDL containing [14C]cholesterol. Rates of [3H]cholesterol efflux were stimulated 30-fold by HDL and 15-fold by LDL. Cholesterol efflux with HDL was approximately 3-fold greater than influx whereas with LDL influx and efflux were approximately equal. The intrinsic ability of both lipoprotein fractions to catalyze efflux was confirmed by extensive fractionation and purification on several chromatographic media. Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic skin fibroblasts, which lack a high-affinity LDL receptor, and normal skin fibroblasts were labeled with [3H]cholesterol. Fibroblast monolayers incubated with serum gave linear release kinetics during a 6-h assay period. In the absence of serum, only minor amounts of cholesterol were released. In the presence of 10% whole serum, normal and mutant cells released cholesterol at essentially the same rates. Specific binding of 125I-labeled LDL was decreased 15-fold in mutant cells. Release of [3H]cholesterol to the medium, however, was stimulated to approximately the same extent by LDL in both cell types. Normal and mutant cells bound equivalent amounts of 125I-labeled HDL and the rates of cholesterol release in the presence of HDL were the same. These results show that both HDL and LDL contribute to the observed RCT activity of serum when efflux is measured by loss of radiolabeled cholesterol although only HDL stimulates significant net removal of the sterol. Since normal rates of cholesterol release were observed in familial hypercholesterolemic fibroblasts incubated with either serum or LDL, it is concluded that LDL-catalyzed cholesterol efflux does not require interaction with the high-affinity LDL receptor.
Motor Coordination in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Synthesis and Meta-Analysis

Are motor coordination deficits an underlying cardinal feature of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)? Database searches identified 83 ASD studies focused on motor coordination, arm movements, gait, or postural stability deficits. Data extraction involved between-group comparisons for ASD and typically developing controls (N = 51). Rigorous meta-analysis techniques including random effects models, forest and funnel plots, I (2), publication bias, fail-safe analysis, and moderator variable analyses determined a significant standardized mean difference effect equal to 1.20 (SE = 0.144; p <0.0001; Z = 10.49). This large effect indicated substantial motor coordination deficits in the ASD groups across a wide range of behaviors. The current overall findings portray motor coordination deficits as pervasive across diagnoses, thus, a cardinal feature of ASD.
Association of the μ-opioid receptor gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus in an African American population

African Americans (AA) are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) relative to European Americans. We previously detected linkage of T2DM to 6q24-q27 (LOD 2.26) at 163.5 cM, closest to marker D6S1035, in a genome-wide scan of AA families. The mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) is located within the LOD-1 support interval of this linkage peak. OPRM1 is an attractive positional candidate gene for T2DM susceptibility since agonists of OPRM1 affect glucose-induced insulin release and OPRM1 knockout mice have a more rapid induction of insulin resistance than wild-type. Twenty-two SNPs in this gene, at an average spacing of 3.9 kb, were genotyped in 380 AA T2DM cases and 276 AA controls. In single SNP association analyses, rs648007 demonstrated significant evidence of association with T2DM (P=0.013). Four blocks of high linkage disequilibrium were detected across the OPRM1 gene. Association analyses of haplotypes in each of these blocks revealed two haplotype blocks with significant overall P values (P=0.007 and 0.046). Significant, but rare, risk and protective haplotypes were identified as driving these associations with T2DM (P=0.034-0.047). These associations suggest that the OPRM1 gene plays a role in T2DM susceptibility in African Americans.
Neutron dosimeters employing high-efficiency perforated semiconductor detectors

A technology that makes use of recently developed high-efficiency, low-power semiconductor detectors for neutron dosimetry is described. Silicon semiconductor material is perforated using plasma etching techniques; the surface is then coated and the perforations are filled with neutron reactive material. These perforated detectors appear to be capable of greater than 40% efficiency when used in a sandwich design. Devices incorporating bare and cadmium-filtered perforated semiconductor detectors with micro-controller hardware to process and readout the detectors can be made small enough to function as portable neutron dosimeters. Monte Carlo modeling that relates the detector responses to phantom dose equivalent at various positions on an elliptical water phantom is discussed.
Dimensional changes in grade H-451 nuclear graphite due to electron irradiation

Abstract Porosity plays a very important role in the overall dimensional changes induced by irradiation in many graphitic materials. In the present study, a nuclear grade isotropic graphite, H-451, was irradiated in situ in the electron microscope in regions bordering existing pores. Selected area diffraction patterns of different regions of this material showed that graphite grade H-451 is a well-graphitized, single-phase material whose structure is essentially identical to that of highly oriented pyrolytie graphite (HOPG). Therefore, structural changes in the individual crystallites must be the same as found in HOPG in our previous study. Crystallites having either of the two principal orientations parallel to the direction of the electron beam, viz., the c-crystallographic axis direction parallel or normal to the beam, could easily be found in specimens thinned to electron transparency. Both pore opening and closure were detected during irradiation depending upon the crystalline orientation around the pore. With increasing electron dose, elongated pores bound by crystallites with their c axis normal to the pore surface closed, while pores bound by crystallites with their basal plane in the plane of the pore at the observation surface opened up. These effects are consistent with the dimensional changes observed in HOPG. The present results are compared with the macroscopic changes observed under reactor irradiation.
Nerve stimulator-assisted sciatic nerve block for painful procedures in the ED.

Abstract Objective Emergency physicians must frequently perform painful procedures on an urgent basis. These are most commonly performed using procedural sedation techniques involving parenteral sedatives and/or analgesics. Popliteal block of the sciatic nerve is a proven and safe technique used extensively in anesthesiology practice for distal lower extremity analgesia. This technique offers the advantage of relative cardiopulmonary safety, dense and prolonged analgesia, and maintenance of normal airway reflexes in patients with increased aspiration risks. The objective of this study was to explore the usefulness of sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa in the emergency department (ED) setting. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of all ED popliteal nerve block cases at our institution from April 2009 to April 2010. Sixteen cases were found where popliteal block was used for pain management during procedures of the leg, ankle, and foot, including fracture reduction, splinting, irrigation, and debridement. Procedural success was defined as successful completion of the technique without the need for additional procedural sedatives, patient satisfaction, and adequate postprocedural analgesia. Results A high degree of satisfaction was seen in our patient population, and all procedures were successfully completed. Tibial nerve rather than common peroneal nerve stimulation correlated with success of the block. Postprocedural analgesia was excellent in all cases and predictably lasted 90 to 120 minutes. Conclusions Although limited by small numbers and its retrospective nature, this review of popliteal nerve block for painful lower extremity procedures in the ED suggests that this technique may be an attractive alternative in selected cases to parenteral procedural sedation.
STATIC STABILITY MEASURES IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Abstract Various measures of static stability in the atmosphere are reviewed and their uses briefly discussed. The mean vertical distribution of nine stability measures is given for 100-mb tropospheric layers and for selected stratospheric layers. The average geographical distribution over the United States is also discussed and illustrated for the measure – Tθ−1δθ/δp. The seasonal differences in stability distribution are discussed from the January and July average data for forty-five United States radiosonde stations.
Learning from high-dimensional noisy data via projections onto multi-dimensional ellipsoids

In this paper, we examine the problem of learning from noise-contaminated data in high-dimensional space. A new learning approach based on projections onto multi-dimensional ellipsoids (POME) is introduced, which is applicable to unsupervised clustering, semi-supervised clustering and classification in high-dimensional noisy data. Unlike the traditional learning techniques, where local information is used for data analysis, the proposed POME-based scheme incorporates a priori information of the data distribution. Experimental results in unsupervised clustering demonstrate the superiority of the proposed POME-based scheme to some well-known clustering algorithms, including the k-means and the hierarchical agglomerative clustering. We also illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed POME-based scheme in semi-supervised learning by simulation.
Monitoring changes of proteins and lipids in laser welded aorta tissue using Raman spectroscopy and basis biochemical component analyses

ABSTRACT The changes of Raman spectra from ex-vivo porcine aorta tissues were studied before and after laser tissue welding (LTW). Raman spectra were measured and compared for normal and welded tissues in both tunica adventitial and intimal sides. The vibrational modes at the peak of 1301 cm -1 and the weak shoulder peak of 1264 cm of amide III for the normal tissue changed to a peak at 1322cm -1 and a relative intense peak at 1264cm -1 , respectively, for the welded tissue. The Raman spectra were analyzed using a linear regression fitting method and compared with characteristic Raman spectra from proteins and lipids compounds. The relative biochemical molecular composition changes of proteins (Collagen types I, III, V and Elastin) and lipids for the laser welded tissue were modeled by basis biochemical component analyses (BBCA) and comp ared with the normal tissue. Keywords : Raman Spectroscopy, BBCA, Laser Tissue Welding INTRODUCTION The salient properties of laser radiation are intensity, wavelengt h, direction, coherence, and polarization, which allow for wide range of medical applications including surgical operations, treatment, and diagnosis (1). Laser tissue welding (LTW) is a potentially new application of laser technology to supplement or replacing suturing. Laser tissue welding utilizes the laser energy to join tissues together. Since the laser tissue welding process is a noncontact and nonmechanical method, it is ideally suited for the cases where suturing and stapling are difficult to use. The first study of laser tissue welding on repair of small blood vessels wi th Nd:YAG laser was reported in late 70s [2]. The CO
Global Studies: Have Catechism, Will Travel

AbstractThis second response to comments on my article ‘What is Global studies?’ (Globalizations 10, 4, 2013) notes that the comments feature research agendas. These provide scaffolding for global studies but not of course a complete building. Among themes that need further attention are political economy and finance, the dimension of time and history, and the dynamics of twenty-first century globalization and the role of emerging economies.
IMPROVED LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION DURING NITROPRUSSIDE INFUSION IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract In 15 patients with acute myocardial infarction intravenous infusion of the potent vasodilator, nitroprusside, produced an average 50% fall in the elevated left ventricular filling pressure and a modest reduction in arterial pressure (average 15·5%) without a change in heart-rate. Careful dose adjustment in several patients resulted in a significant fall in left ventricular filling pressure with little or no change in arterial pressure. Cardiac output consistently rose during nitroprusside infusion in patients with clinical signs of left ventricular failure or shock and a low control cardiac index, whereas output changed little in those patients with normal control cardiac index. A fall in pressure-time per minute as well as the fall in left ventricular filling pressure indicated a reduction in myocardial oxygen consumption during the vasodilator infusion. Drug infusion was usually accompanied by subjective improvement, including relief of dyspnœa and of chest pain, and reduction in ventricular irritability. These data suggest that vaso dilator therapy, by reducing left ventricular afterload, can improve left ventricular performance in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Such treatment may be a rational approach to the management of patients with heart-failure, pulmonary œdema, or early shock.
The role of orbiting collisions in vibrational energy transfer

Abstract Using a simple model of molecular collisions under a spherically symmetric interaction, it is shown that orbiting collisions can make very large contributions to the inelastic cross sections of non-resonant processes. Calculations for the system HX + CO 2 (001) → HX(υ=1) + CO 2 (000), where X = F, Cl, I show good agreement with experimental results.
Prevention of adenocarcinoma by reversing Barrett's esophagus with mucosal ablation.

The ultimate goal of therapy in patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is to reduce the risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Neither pharmacologic nor surgical therapy has been documented to reduce this risk. There is preliminary evidence that many forms of mucosal ablation combined with acid reduction therapy result in restitution of normal squamous epithelium in patients with BE. Acid reduction can be accomplished with high-dose proton pump inhibitor therapy or antireflux surgery. Endoscopic ablation can be accomplished with photodynamic therapy, laser, multipolar electrocoagulation, a heater probe, and argon plasma coagulation. These techniques require further study so the complication rates can be compared. The success of reversing BE must be evaluated in a standard way utilizing large-capacity biopsy forceps through a therapeutic endoscope. Ideally, patients at high risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus can be treated with ablation therapy and followed to document a reduction in the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. A validated biomarker would help select high risk patients appropriate for reversal therapy. Currently, patients who are at prohibitive risk for surgery or who refuse surgery are candidates for combination therapy including mucosal ablation to reverse their BE. This therapy offers the promise of less morbidity and greater quality of life than resection.
pKa, Log P and MedChem CLOGP Fragment Values of Acidic Heterocyclic Potential Bioisosteres

Log P values have been measured for twenty phenyl and benzyl five membered heterocycles and alicyclic analogs that might function as acidic bioisosteres. pKa's have been measured by potentiometric titration in water and 1:1 dioxane-water. From this experimental data, twelve missing fragmental CLOGP values are derived for use in calculating Log P values according to the Pomona College MedChem program. Log P values of some of the simple benzyl and phenyl heterocycles are compared to those measured for four clinically used drugs containing the same acidic moieties. Sulfonyl urea and acyl sulfonamide moieties have similar pKa and Log P values suggesting that these groups might be explored as bioisosteres.
Quadrant-CCD star tracker

The characteristics of a quadrant-CCD designed for pointing and tracking are discussed with reference to its use in an adaptive optics program. The quadrant-CCD is used to correct stellar image motion proceeding from atmospheric turbulence by means of a system in which a sensor measures the image offset and sends data to a high-speed tip/tilt mirror. The design and control of the device are detailed, including four 100-micron-square pixels, the quadrant architecture, controller electronics, and data acquisition computer and interface. The transfer function is set forth in the x and y directions, and transfer curves are shown. A laboratory simulation of random image motion was conducted to evaluate the performance of the quadrant-CCD as an image motion sensor, and the experimental results are presented. The suitability of the quadrant-CCD for space-based pointing and tracking uses is demonstrated by this test and two earlier theoretical studies. Some future developments which improve performance capabilities are mentioned.
Morphogenetic fate map of prospective adult structures of the honey bee.

Abstract Previously published data on 40 honey-bee gynandromorphs were used to develop a morphogenetic blastoderm fate map indicating the relative locations of several presumptive adult structures. Comparison of honey-bee blastoderm fate map with Drosophilia maps reveals a general similarlity between them.
Poisoned social climate, collective responsibility, and the abuse at Abu Ghraib—Or, the establishment of “rule that is lack of rule”

The authors draw upon the experiences of one of the co-authors as an expert witness in sociology for mitigation at three of the courts-martial pertaining to the abuse at Abu Ghraib that were held at Ft. Hood, Texas in the year 2005 (for Javal Davis, Sabrina Harman, and Lynndie England). In addition, this paper is based upon the thousands of pages of affidavits, testimony, and U.S. Government reports concerning Abu Ghraib. These internal government reports, as well as the Levin-McCain report, point to collective responsibility and the responsibility of individuals high in the chain of command for establishing unlawful techniques. We review the shortcomings of a purely psychological approach for understanding the abuse, and turn to Durkheim's original understanding of anomie as a state of social derangement or rule by lack of rule to introduce the ideas of the social origins of and social responsibility for the abuse. We conclude with sociological suggestions for reforming some of the legal, medical, psychiatric, and other professional complicity in the abuse at Abu Ghraib.
Delayed development of spontaneous seizures and prolonged convulsive state in rats after massed stimulation of the anterior piriform cortex

Abstract We studied the short- and long-term epileptogenic effects of massed stimulation (MS) of the piriform cortex. Sprague–Dawley rats with electrodes implanted bilaterally in the anterior piriform cortex and the dorsal and ventral hippocampi underwent MS: electrical stimulation of the left piriform cortex every 5 min for 6 h (afterdischarge threshold, 60 Hz, 1 ms, 1 s). Animals were retested (5 stimulations) 3–4 times later at different time points to check for the kindled state. Our data showed that MS resulted in delayed development of severe epilepsy. The interval between MS and the first appearance of convulsive response (2 weeks) was characterized by deep refractoriness to seizure (silent period). Unexpectedly, dramatic seizure activity occurred 4–7 weeks after MS. This was manifested by (1) generalized tonic-clonic convulsions with multiple fallings, which were elicited repeatedly during retest; (2) frequent progression of elicited generalized convulsions into a prolonged (>8 min) postictal convulsive state expressed mainly by continuous partial seizures and even new bouts of generalized seizures, and (3) development of mild spontaneous seizures. We found that epileptiform activity predominated in the ventral hippocampus. Mossy fiber sprouting was also most pronounced in this area. We propose that the MS resulted in formation of pathological circuits which involve both piriform cortex and ventral hippocampus and lead to severe epilepsy. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Dewlap and other variation in the lizards Anolis distichus and A. brevirostris (Reptilia: Iguanidae)

The dewlap of male anoline lizards is an important component of the mate recognition system. Much attention has focussed on the role dewlap colour plays in the interactions between species of Anolis but little has been paid to the effects of intraspecific variability in this feature. Patterns of intrasubspecific variability in this feature are described for several subspecies of Anolis distichus and A. brevirostris. In most cases variability in dewlap colour appears unrelated to the amount of electrophoretic variability and the level of population differentiation, although there is some evidence for large scale geographic subdivision within three of the taxa examined. Female choice and the implications for various species concepts are discussed.
Marrow-derived cells populate scaffolds composed of xenogeneic extracellular matrix.

Abstract Introduction The source of cells that participate in wound repair directly affects outcome. The extracellular matrix (ECM) and other acellular biomaterials have been used as therapeutic scaffolds for cell attachment and proliferation and as templates for tissue repair. The ECM consists of structural and functional proteins that influence cell attachment, gene expression patterns, and the differentiation of cells. Objective The objective of this study was to determine if the composition of acellular matrix scaffolds affects the recruitment of bone marrow–derived cellular elements that populate the scaffolds in vivo. Methods Scaffolds composed of porcine tissue ECM, purified Type I collagen, poly(L)lactic coglycolic acid (PLGA), or a mixture of porcine ECM and PLGA were implanted into subcutaneous pouches on the dorsum of mice. The origin of cells that populated the matrices was determined by first performing bone marrow transplantation to convert the marrow of glucose phosphate isomerase 1b (Gpi-1b) mice to cells expressing glucose phosphate isomerase 1a (Gpi-1a). Results A significant increase in Gpi-1a expressing cells was present in sites implanted with the porcine ECM compared to sites implanted with either Type I collagen or PLGA. Use of recipient mice transplanted with marrow cells that expressed β-galactosidase confirmed that the majority of cells that populated and remodeled the naturally occurring porcine ECM were marrow derived. Addition of porcine ECM to the PLGA scaffold caused a significant increase in the number of marrow-derived cells that became part of the remodeled implant site. Conclusion The composition of bioscaffolds affects the cellular recruitment pattern during tissue repair. ECM scaffolds facilitate the recruitment of marrow-derived cells into sites of remodeling.
Physical Uncertainty and Information

Uncertainties inherent in physical phenomena and structures obscure the physical representation of information. Time-dependent uncertainties in physical parameters are conventionally regarded as noise. Time-independent uncertainties, fixed in the physical structure of the devices used to represent information, although determinable in principle, are in fact unknown to the system designer and play a role in information theory similar to that of conventional noise. Several examples of the way in which power is used in logic and memory devices to overcome the effects of physical uncertainty are presented.
Direct flow visualization of colloidal gels in microfluidic channels.

The behavior of colloidal gels under pressure-driven flow in square microchannels is quantified by microscopic particle image velocimetry (μPIV) and compared to predictions of available rheological...
Progress and issues of phase-change erasable optical recording media

Abstract Recent progress in realizing practical media for phase-change reversible optical recording is described. Key attributes required of the media and the material science which underlie them are discussed. These include: (1) the kinetics of crystallization and amorphization, (2) chemical and data stability, (3) reversibility, and (4) readout signal-to-noise ratio. The crystallization kinetics of recording media is discussed using two examples: (GeTe) 0.85 Sn 0.15 and the pseudo-binary InSbGaSb stoichiometric compound system. A discussion of the recorded signal strength, sources of media noise and resulting signal-to-noise ratio is presented. Non-uniform optical index of refraction was shown to increase media noise. Methods to reduce the effect of media noise are presented.
Effects of the epoxide hydrase inhibitor, 1,1,1-trichloropropane-2,3-oxide on the genetic activity of aflatoxin B1 metabolites in in vitro activation test systems.

Abstract The epoxide hydrase inhibitor 1,1,1,-trichloropropane-2,3-oxide (TCPO) was genetically active to cells of S. cerevisiae and conidia of N. crassa . This genetic activity could be eliminated or reduced to near spontaneous levels in the presence of the S-9 fraction of hamster liver homogenate. The addition of TCPO to an in vitro activation system containing aflatoxin B 1 resulted in an increase in the genetic activity of aflatoxin B 1 , and this increase was dependent on the dose of TCPO. These results are discussed in relation to the possible metabolism of the promutagen aflatoxin B 1 .
Response of boron carbide subjected to high-velocity impact

Abstract This article presents an evaluation of the response of boron carbide (B4C) subjected to impact loading under three different conditions. Condition A is produced by plate-impact experiments where the loading condition is uniaxial strain and the stresses and pressures are high. Under plate-impact loading the material fails at the Hugoniot Elastic Limit (HEL) and the failed material undergoes high confining pressures and relatively small inelastic strains. Condition B is produced by projectile impact onto thick targets where the stresses and pressures are dependent on impact velocity, but they are generally lower than those from plate impact. Under thick-target impact/penetration most of the material fails under compression, the inelastic strains are large and the material appears to exhibit more ductility than under condition A. Lastly, condition C is produced by projectile impact and perforation of thin targets where the stresses and pressures are a combination of compression and tension. Under thin-target perforation the material fails in both tension and compression. The Johnson–Holmquist–Beissel (JHB) constitutive model is used to evaluate the material behavior for each of the three conditions, but it is not possible to accurately reproduce the experimental results of the three conditions with a single set of constants. Instead, three different sets of constants are required to accurately model the three impact conditions. These three models/constants are used to provide insight into the complex response of B4C, and to identify possible mechanisms that are not included in the JHB model.
Empirical support for the Baldrige Award framework in U.S. hospitals.

Examined are relationships among constructs in the Baldrige Award Health Care Criteria framework to investigate whether quality management systems are related to organizational results and customer satisfaction in hospitals. Measures for the 19 dimensions of the Baldrige Criteria are obtained from 220 U.S. hospitals. This study provides empirical evidence that focusing on the content addressed in the Baldrige Criteria leads hospitals to improvement on some dimensions of performance.
Branch-and-cut approaches for chance-constrained formulations of reliable network design problems

We study solution approaches for the design of reliably connected networks. Specifically, given a network with arcs that may fail at random, the goal is to select a minimum cost subset of arcs such the probability that a connectivity requirement is satisfied is at least $$1 - \epsilon $$ , where $$\epsilon $$ is a risk tolerance. We consider two types of connectivity requirements. We first study the problem of requiring an $$s$$ - $$t$$ path to exist with high probability in a directed graph. Then we consider undirected graphs, where we require the graph to be fully connected with high probability. We model each problem as a stochastic integer program with a joint chance constraint, and present two formulations that can be solved by a branch-and-cut algorithm. The first formulation uses binary variables to represent whether or not the connectivity requirement is satisfied in each scenario of arc failures and is based on inequalities derived from graph cuts in individual scenarios. We derive additional valid inequalities for this formulation and study their facet-inducing properties. The second formulation is based on probabilistic graph cuts, an extension of graph cuts to graphs with random arc failures. Inequalities corresponding to probabilistic graph cuts are sufficient to define the set of feasible solutions and violated inequalities in this class can be found efficiently at integer solutions, allowing this formulation to be solved by a branch-and-cut algorithm. Computational results demonstrate that the approaches can effectively solve instances on large graphs with many failure scenarios. In addition, we demonstrate that, by varying the risk tolerance, our model yields a rich set of solutions on the efficient frontier of cost and reliability.
Occupation trends and patterns of net mobility in the United States

Las tendencias de ocupacion en los Estados Unidos, son descritas desde dos puntos de vista: (a) como sucesion de cohortes, definiendo el termina como grupos decodates de edad y (b) como cambios entre generaciones, comparando la ocupacion de los encuestados con la de sus padres (como se indago en un survey especial en 1962).
Development of GIS-Based Model to Estimate Relative Reductions in Crop Yield due to Salinity and Waterlogging

A model is introduced that utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) to predict relative reductions in crop yield due to salinity and waterlogging at a field-scale by incorporating spatially and temporally variable crop, climatic, and irrigation data to simulate crop yields. This model utilizes soil and water data commonly collected in field-scale studies. The model’s algorithms are integrated into a GIS (ARCVIEW 3.2) as an extension. The result is a model that does not require extraordinary data collection but will provide practical insight into the spatial effects of salinity and waterlogging on crop yields.
New implicit integration method for efficient latency exploitation in circuit simulation

To exploit time-domain latency in circuit simulation using direct methods, an accurate, computationally efficient model for slowly moving, dormant portions of the circuit is required. A new, implicit integration method, the overdetermined polynomial method (ODPM), has been developed which permits the formulation of an accurate latent model. Using the ODPM integration method, the Jacobian of a dormant subcircuit need not be reevaluated over a large number of time steps of varying size. An accurate Norton equivalent circuit that emulates the impedance and current characteristics of the subcircuit can be obtained without reevaluation of the Jacobian or nonlinear charge computations. This new approach for utilizing latency produces significant improvements in circuit simulation speed with no decrease in accuracy or generality. The authors have demonstrated speed gains of 3 to 20 times over TISPICE for several large circuits. >
The Religion Game: Some Family Resemblances

HIS paper is an attempt to analyze the nature of religion in terms of its components and characteristics. In Part One, I adopt Wittgensteinian terminology to develop and justify a new approach to the varieties of religious phenomena and structures. Applying to the study of religion some Wittgensteinian reminders for the replacement of essences with a theory of language-games and family resemblances, I suggest that the search for the illusive essence of religion or of religious traditions should give way to the description of religion and religions in terms of how the religion game is played.' Thus, historical religious traditions and their respective components may be seen as members of the religion family, and qualities, characteristics, or functions which these members share may be viewed as their family resemblances.
The religious adequacy of free-will theism

In this paper I question the claim that the increasingly popular position known as ‘free-will theism’ or ‘the open view of God’ supports a rich religious life. To do this I advance a notion of ‘religious adequacy’, and then argue that free-will theism fails to be religiously adequate with respect to one of the principal practices of the religious life – petitionary prayer. Drawing on current work in libertarian free-will theory, I consider what are likely the only two lines of defence free-will theists might use in response to my argument. I argue that these defences either fail or have features that make them unacceptable to free-will theists. I then suggest that this failure with petitionary prayer is an instance of a larger problem for free-will theism, that the position's distinctive views often differ more dramatically from the common beliefs and practices of most believers than is usually recognized or acknowledged. I conclude that free-will theism can support a rich religious life only for those who make the requisite changes in belief and practice, including changing their expectations about petitionary prayer.
Advanced MRI reconstruction toolbox with accelerating on GPU

In this paper, we present a fast iterative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reconstruction algorithm taking advantage of the prevailing GPGPU programming paradigm. In clinical environment, MRI reconstruction is usually performed via fast Fourier transform (FFT). However, imaging artifacts (i.e. signal loss) resulting from susceptibility-induced magnetic field inhomogeneities degrade the quality of reconstructed images. These artifacts must be addressed using accurate modeling of the physics of the system coupled with iterative reconstruction. We have developed a reconstruction algorithm with improved image quality at the expense of computation time and hence an implementation on GPUs achieving significant speedup. In this work, we extend our previous work on GPU implementation by adding several new features. First, we enable Sensitivity Encoding for Fast MRI (SENSE) reconstruction (from data acquired using a multi-receiver coil array) which can reduce the acquisition time. Besides, we have implemented a GPU-based total variation regularization in our SENSE reconstruction framework. In this paper, we describe the different optimizations employed from levels of algorithm, program code structures, and specific architecture performance tuning, featuring both our MRI reconstruction algorithm and GPU hardware specifics. Results show that the current GPU implementation produces accurate image estimates while significantly accelerating the reconstruction.
Transverse Injection Through Diamond and Circular Ports into a Mach 5.0 Freestream

Sonic transverse gaseous injection into a Mach 5.0 freestream flow was numerically simulated using two-equation and detached-eddy turbulence models. Circular- and diamond-shaped injectors were investigated in this study. The numerical simulations were compared with available experimental results and it was determined that both the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes and detached-eddy simulation models captured the secondary flow structure. A detailed comparison of the secondary structures was performed for both injectors. Two new vortex structures of practical importance were observed in the diamond-injector flowfield. First, a leading-edge mixing mechanism was identified. Second, a trapped lateral counter-rotating vortex pair was produced. These new structures were observed in both Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes and detached-eddy simulation simulations. The detached-eddy simulations indicated that the large-scale structures observed in the plume/wake region of the flowfield were more organized in the diamond-injector test case. To better understand the secondary flow advection mechanism, the magnitudes of the terms in the compressible vorticity transport equation were compared. The diamond-injector structured-grid Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solution was used as a baseline for this study. The inviscid compressibility, vortex-stretching, and baroclinic-torque terms were dominant. Downstream of the barrel-shock region, the baroclinic term was found to diminish when compared with the other inviscid terms. Planar-averaged results for the transport quantities confirmed this behavior. Vortex stretching was found to persist the longest.
An APL permutation routine for computer search operations

As Pecter (1975) has pointed out, one problem associated with computer searches for maximization, goodness of fit, etc. is the limited availability of permutation routines, particularly in convenient languages. If a single ordering of N integers produces an optimal combination (according to whatever criteria), the problem may be stated as that of creating a list of all N! strings to be searched. 'This is an enormous task for any N greater than, say, 4 or 5, and may be a particularly noxious one for researchers limited to APL dial-up facilities rather than local computer support. Function PERMUTATIONS (see Table 1) is executed with the argument SIZE (for N) and calls EXTEND, which contains the algorithm for adding an additional integer to a string of any length. EXTEND may also be used independently for that purpose. The final solution, an N! by N matrix named PERMS, whose rows represent all permutations of the integers 1 to N, is left global to the workspace and available for any searching functions that are performable in APL. Support and Availability. These functions were developed on an IBM 370/128 system, under APL/SV. They are extensively condensed (and, hence, cryptic) for efficiency in light of the large number of line execuTable I
Evolution of blast wave profiles in simulated air blasts: experiment and computational modeling

Shock tubes have been extensively used in the study of blast traumatic brain injury due to increased incidence of blast-induced neurotrauma in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. One of the important aspects in these studies is how to best replicate the field conditions in the laboratory which relies on reproducing blast wave profiles. Evolution of the blast wave profiles along the length of the compression-driven air shock tube is studied using experiments and numerical simulations with emphasis on the shape and magnitude of pressure time profiles. In order to measure dynamic pressures of the blast, a series of sensors are mounted on a cylindrical specimen normal to the flow direction. Our results indicate that the blast wave loading is significantly different for locations inside and outside of the shock tube. Pressure profiles inside the shock tube follow the Friedlander waveform fairly well. Upon approaching exit of the shock tube, an expansion wave released from the shock tube edges significantly degrades the pressure profiles. For tests outside the shock tube, peak pressure and total impulse reduce drastically as we move away from the exit and majority of loading is in the form of subsonic jet wind. In addition, the planarity of the blast wave degrades as blast wave evolves three dimensionally. Numerical results visually and quantitatively confirm the presence of vortices, jet wind and three-dimensional expansion of the planar blast wave near the exit. Pressure profiles at 90° orientation show flow separation. When cylinder is placed inside, this flow separation is not sustained, but when placed outside the shock tube this flow separation is sustained which causes tensile loading on the sides of the cylinder. Friedlander waves formed due to field explosives in the intermediate-to far-field ranges are replicated in a narrow test region located deep inside the shock tube.
Basic Guidelines for Inference from Clinical Trial Data

Matters of judgment arising commonly in applications of statistical inference in clinical trials research include: the intent-to-treat analysis (treated briefly), effective use of multiple comparisons procedures, the nearly universal appropriateness of onesided hypothesis testing, and the extraction of treatment-by-stratum (in preference to treatment-by-center interaction) in the analysis of multicenter clinical trial data. This essay contributes basic guidelines resolving such issues
Addressing La Ville des Dieux: Entry Ceremonies and Urban Audiences in Seventeenth-Century Dijon

This article re-examines the early modern entree, a ceremony staged by towns to welcome monarchs and princes. In contrast with the usual interpretation of entrees as "state ceremonials" that articulated the relationship between prince and city, I argue that entrees were also local political rituals used by municipal elites to negotiate their complex and unstable relationships with the city's middling and popular classes. Through an analysis of two entrees into seventeenth-century Dijon, this article shows how the notables of Dijon's city government used entrees to reinforce vertical ties with artisans, shopkeepers, wine-growers and others whose participation in the civic militia and acceptance of the status-quo were indispensable to preserving order. It examines not only the language and symbolism of the entries themselves but also the roles different social groups played in the ceremonies and the local contexts in which they were staged. The article also analyzes how the entrees' messages were reinforced in patois street plays of Dijon's carnivalesque mere folle troupe. These plays, written and staged by many of the same notables responsible for the entries, translated the ceremonies' classical humanist imagery into terms accessible to the broader populace and reaffirmed the latter's place in the larger urban community.
Sixth-Generation Optical Design: A Keynote Address For The Lens Design Meeting January 14, 1987

Only a few meetings qualify as landmark meetings in the recent history of optical design. Each of these meetings demonstrated the significant issues of the day. The Rochester meeting of 1966 marked an early high point in the development of automated lens-design programs and set the tone for several years in which the principal topics of discussion centered around computers rather than lenses.