cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A strategy to implement and validate industrial applications of holonic systems

Classical control systems are based on feedback techniques and models that generally cannot manage computational complexity, nonlinearity and uncertainty. Moreover, classical control cannot adapt well to the variability of the processes under control in a dynamic fashion. However, agent-based control eases combinatorial complexity by enabling a robust partitioning of knowledge and behaviors. It is a difficult challenge to create the infrastructure, development system and validation tools for agent systems. In this paper we discuss fundamental steps to achieve the foundation infrastructure for creating agents but also we address several guidelines to create the agents and the requirements to present this to non-agent specialists.
Total colectomy and the cancer family syndrome: report of a case.

A case is reported of a 47-year-old man with a family history consistent with Cancer Family Syndrome (CFS), who manifested proximal colon carcinoma. On the authors' recommendation, with the knowledge that the colon in CFS shows an inordinate lifelong susceptibility to malignant neoplastic transformation, a total abdominal colectomy was performed. The resected colon was found to contain an additional occult carcinoma distal to the primary lesion. Knowledge of this phenomena is critical to the management of CFS
Designing Parks for the Handicapped

(1978). Designing Parks for the Handicapped. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 49, Including Leisure Today, pp. 24-24.
CRISPR/Cas9-Directed Genome Editing of Cultured Cells

Human genome engineering has been transformed by the introduction of the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas (CRISPR-associated) system found in most bacteria and archaea. Type II CRISPR/Cas systems have been engineered to induce RNA-guided genome editing in human cells, where small RNAs function together with Cas9 nucleases for sequence-specific cleavage of target sequences. Here we describe the protocol for Cas9-mediated human genome engineering, including construct building and transfection methods necessary for delivering Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) into human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and HEK293 cells. Following genome editing, we also describe methods to assess genome editing efficiency using next-generation sequencing and isolate monoclonal hiPSCs with the desired modifications for downstream applications.
Fragmented Memories: Struggling to Be Tai‐Ahom in India

Fragmented Memories: Struggling to Be Tai-Ahom in India. Yasmin Saikia. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2004. 327 pp.
Nonparametric Statistics: Rank-based Methods

From its early beginnings in the early 1900s, nonparametric statistics has been an active area that has stimulated elegant statistical theory and beautiful applications. Its development continues at a vigorous pace today. There are many reasons for the success of the nonparametric approach. Nonparametric methods have wide applicability and typically require only modest assumptions concerning the underlying populations from which the data are drawn. Under these mild assumptions, exact hypothesis tests, exact confidence intervals, exact multiple comparison procedures, and exact confidence bands can be obtained. Nonparametric methods have excellent efficiency properties with respect to their parametric competitors and are also robust in the sense that they are relatively insensitive to outlying observations and departures from the model. This article highlights some classical rank-based nonparametric methods in two- and k-sample location problems. These problems and their generalizations were central to the early development of nonparametric methods and remain extremely useful for data analysis today.
The localization and characteristics of endometrial fibrinolysis

Abstract The relative amounts and localization in the endometrium of the activator and proactivator of the fibrinolytic system were studied using a histologic technique. Proactivator appeared to be present throughout endometrial stroma at all stages of the menstrual cycle. Activator on the other hand was largely confined to the superficial endometrium at about the time of menstruation and was almost absent at midcycle.
Chronic graft-versus-host disease in pediatric patients following hematopoietic cell transplantation

CHRONIC GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS FOLLOWING HEMATOPOIETIC CELL TRANSPLANTATION. N. Treister, S. Woo, Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass. Objective. Many hematological diseases, hematological malignancies, and bone marrow failure syndromes are increasingly being treated with hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Chronic graftversus-host disease (cGVHD), which often affects the oral cavity, is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of allogenic HCT. The authors present their data collected from participation in a multidisciplinary pediatric HCT/cGVHD clinic to characterize oral lesions found in this patient population. Study design. Descriptive statistics were compiled from standardized subjective and objective information recorded on every patient seen at the clinic following HCT from July 2001 through October 2003. Results. Sixty-three patients were seen from July 2001 through October 2003. There were 24 female (38%) and 39 male (62%) patients, with ages ranging from 2 to 22 years (average 11.1). Patients received HCT for 18 different hematological conditions. The average time from HCT was 2.5 years. Forty-one patients (65%) presented with oral lesions, and 31 (49%) required treatment specifically for these lesions. Overall, 59 (94%) had a history of any cGVHD, with 31 (49%) presenting with oral cGVHD. Out of 39 oral cGVHD lesions, 28% were lichenoid, 46% were erythematous, and 26% were ulcerative. Conclusions. A significant number of children treated with HCT will develop oral cGVHD or other oral complications secondary to their treatment and long-term immunosuppression. Oral medicine specialists will play an increasingly critical role in their management as more pediatric patients are treated with HCT and are able to live longer and healthier lives. Funding: NIH grant K16.
Use of general nonlinear material models in beam problems: Application to belts and rubber chains

Accurate modeling of many engineering systems requires the integration of multibody system and large deformation finite element algorithms that are based on general constitutive models, account for the coupling between the large rotation and deformation, and allow capturing coupled deformation modes that cannot be captured using beam formulations implemented in existing computational algorithms and computer codes. In this investigation, new three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic rubber chains and belt drives models are developed using the finite element absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) that allows for a straight forward implementation of general linear and nonlinear material models for structural elements such as beams, plates, and shells. Furthermore, this formulation, which is based on a more general kinematic description, can be used to predict the cross section deformation and its coupling with the extension and bending of the belt drives and rubber chains. The ANCF cross section deformation results are validated by comparison with the results obtained using solid finite elements in the case of a simple tension test problem. The effect of the use of different linear and nonlinear constitutive laws in modeling belt drive mechanisms is also examined in this investigation. The finite element formulation presented in this paper is implemented in a general purpose three-dimensional flexible multibody algorithm that allows for developing detailed models of mechanical systems subject to general loading conditions, nonlinear algebraic constraint equations, and arbitrary large displacements that characterize belt drives and tracked vehicle dynamics. The successful integration of large deformation finite element and multibody system algorithms is shown to be necessary in order to be able to study the dynamics of complex tracked vehicles with rubber chains. A computer simulation of a three-dimensional multibody tracked vehicle model that consists of twenty rigid bodies and two flexible rubber chains is used in order to demonstrate the use of the formulations presented in this investigation.
Subcutaneous fat necrosis as the presenting feature of a pancreatic carcinoma: the challenge of differentiating endocrine and acinar pancreatic neoplasms.

AbstractThe association between pancreatic panniculitis and pancreatic disease is well described, but differentiation among the neoplastic causes of the syndrome remains difficult due to substantial overlap in histological and immunohistochemical features. We report a case of subcutaneous fat necros
A review of interventions to reduce tobacco use in colleges and universities.

Background Interventions have been designed to reduce the prevalence of smoking in college/university students. This review presents a summary and synthesis of the interventions published in English from 1980 to the present. Methods Seven databases were searched for relevant published articles, and reference lists were examined for additional published studies. The studies were categorized as (1) individual approaches, such as on-campus cessation programs, and (2) institutional approaches, such as smoke-free policies. The studies were categorized by type of institution and geographic location, study design, sample demographics, and outcomes. Results Fourteen studies were identified; only five received a "satisfactory" rating based on evaluation criteria. Most studies were based on convenience samples, and were conducted in 4-year institutions. Seven studies used comparison groups, and three were multi-institutional. Individual approaches included educational group sessions and/or individual counseling that were conducted on campus mostly by healthcare personnel. None used nicotine replacement or other medications for cessation. The quit rates for both smokeless tobacco and cigarette users varied, depending on definitions and duration of follow-up contact. Institutional interventions focused mainly on campus smoking restrictions, smoke-free policies, antitobacco messages, and cigarette pricing. Results indicated that interventions can have a positive influence on student behavior, specifically by reducing tobacco use (i.e., prevalence of cigarette smoking and use of smokeless products, amount smoked) among college students, and increasing acceptability of smoking policies and campus restrictions among both tobacco users and nonusers. Conclusions While some promising results have been noted, rigorous evaluations of a wider range of programs are needed, along with studies that address cultural and ethnic diversity on campuses.
Allosteric transition of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase.

Abstract Structural changes during the R-to-T transition of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.11) form a hierarchy, in which structural changes at one level are supported by those at the other levels. The quaternary conformational changes involve a 17 degrees rotation between the upper and lower dimers, and a 3.4 degrees rotation between monomers in a dimer. Within monomers, the FBP domain, which remains rigid during the R-to-T transition, rotates 2.3 degrees relative to the AMP domain, which undergoes significant structural reorientations. The most important of these reorientations are the newly identified partially ordered loop residues 55-61 in the T state and reorientations of helices H1, H2, and H3. Supporting these structural changes are numerous readjustments of hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions throughout the entire tetrameric protein. Propagation of structural changes during the R-to-T transition relies primarily on helices H1, H2, H3, and loop 50-72. The change that begins at the AMP site causes reorientation of H1, H2, and H3 and changes of interactions across the C1-C4 (C2-C3) interface. These changes may propagate down H1, H2, H3, and loop 50-72 to affect interactions across the C1-C2 (C3-C4) and C1-C3 (C2-C4) interfaces. AMP inhibition is most probably caused by reduced metal binding affinity due to structural changes of metal ligands (Glu97, Asp118, and Asp121) in the active site. The eight-stranded beta-sheet, particularly the beta-strand B3, which connects Lys112 and Tyr113 of the AMP site with Asp118 and Asp121 of the metal site, may be responsible for communication between the AMP and active sites. Additional structural changes that support such communication include reorientation of the FBP domain and H1, H2, and H3 relative to the eight-stranded beta-sheet, and new conformations of loop 54-72 in the T state as AMP binds.
Effective elimination of cancer stem cells by magnetic hyperthermia.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that have stem cell-like properties and are thought to be responsible for tumor drug resistance and relapse. Therapies that can effectively eliminate CSCs will, therefore, likely inhibit tumor recurrence. The objective of our study was to determine the susceptibility of CSCs to magnetic hyperthermia, a treatment that utilizes superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles placed in an alternating magnetic field to generate localized heat and achieve selective tumor cell kill. SPIO NPs having a magnetite core of 12 nm were used to induce magnetic hyperthermia in A549 and MDA-MB-231 tumor cells. Multiple assays for CSCs, including side population phenotype, aldehyde dehydrogenase expression, mammosphere formation, and in vivo xenotransplantation, indicated that magnetic hyperthermia reduced or, in some cases, eliminated the CSC subpopulation in treated cells. Interestingly, conventional hyperthermia, induced by subjecting cells to elevated temperature...
Rational design of hierarchically structured porous catalysts for autothermal reforming of methane

Abstract It is shown that the performance of a commercial, meso-macroporous catalyst for the autothermal reforming of methane on Ni/Al2O3 could be improved significantly by optimizing the macroporosity and the size of the macropores. The commercial catalyst, taken as a base case, contains macropores with an average diameter of 2 μm and mesopores with an average diameter of 20 nm. The kinetics of Xu and Froment (1989a) for steam reforming and the water gas shift reaction were employed, in combination with kinetics for the total oxidation of methane. Multicomponent molecular diffusion, Knudsen diffusion and viscous flow were accounted for in the modeling of transport in the macropores. At typical reaction conditions, Knudsen diffusion dominates transport in the mesopores; the effect of pore surface roughness on Knudsen diffusion was included in the simulations. Both the macropore size and the macroporosity influence the overall conversion; increases of up to 40–300% with respect to a commercial catalyst are possible. A larger macroporosity typically favors a lower CO/H2 ratio, that is, a higher selectivity toward hydrogen, when the reverse reaction of the water gas shift reaction dominates, and vice versa. Temperature gradients in the catalyst increase with macroporosity, as a result of the lower thermal conductivity of the solid porous material, but the maximum temperature in the catalyst was around 10 K above that at the outer surface at the investigated operating conditions.
Challenges and solutions to ultra-high-throughput screening assay miniaturization: Submicroliter fluid handling

Abstract The miniaturization of HTS assays is an important objective in the pharmaceutical industry. The ability to perform primary screening assays in high-density micro-well plates at volumes of 1–2 ml will accelerate the early stages of drug discovery and reduce costs. Ultra-HTS (uHTS) assays require an accurate and reliable means of fluid handling in the submicroliter volume range. This relates to the design of instrumentation for dispensing fluids, as well as assay plates. Fluid handling has been a major obstacle to the full implementation of miniaturized assays. This report focusses on current approaches to submicroliter fluid handling in high-density multi-well plates.
Ubiquitination of histone H2B by Rad6 is required for efficient Dot1-mediated methylation of histone H3 lysine 79

Dot1 is a non-SET domain protein that methylates histone H3 at lysine 79, a surface-exposed residue that lies within the globular domain. In the context of a nucleosome, H3 lysine 79 is located in close proximity with lysine 123 of histone H2B, a major site for ubiquitination by Rad6. Here we show that Rad6-mediated ubiquitination of H2B lysine 123 is important for efficient methylation of lysine 79, but not lysine 36, of histone H3. In contrast, lysine 79 methylation of H3 is not required for ubiquitination of H2B. Our study provides a new example of trans-histone regulation between modifications on different histones. In addition, it suggests that Rad6 affects telomeric silencing, at least in part, by influencing methylation of histone H3.
Small amplitude, long period outbreaks in seasonally driven epidemics

It is now documented that childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, and chickenpox exhibit a wide range of recurrent behavior (periodic as well as chaotic) in large population centers in the first world. Mathematical models used in the past (such as the SEIR model with seasonal forcing) have been able to predict the onset of both periodic and chaotic sustained epidemics using parameters of childhood diseases. Although these models possess stable solutions which appear to have the correct frequency content, the corresponding outbreaks require extremely large populations to support the epidemic. This paper shows that by relaxing the assumption of uniformity in the supply of susceptibles, simple models predict stable long period oscillatory epidemics having small amplitude. Both coupled and single population models are considered.
Teaching Spanish preK-16 in the US: then, now, and in the future

This article chronicles the teaching and learning of Spanish in the United States (US) preschool through college (preK-16) from the 1800s to the present day and beyond. National and local policies, initiatives, and practices are reviewed as well as program and curricular models and methodologies at each educational level: pre-kindergarten through elementary school; junior high, middle, and high school; college and university. From the 1800s until the 1980s, teaching and learning Spanish was steeped in tradition, incorporating predominantly grammar translation and reading great works of literature. Some exceptions to instruction included the Berlitz method and the audiolingual methods. An enrollment crisis in the 1970s propelled change in instructional delivery. These innovations were guided by research that then informed the creation of local, state, and national policies and initiatives. More research needs to be conducted to understand how diverse types of learners can become proficient in Spanish. In a...
Query-based test generation for database applications

This paper describes a new approach to generating inputs to database applications. The goal is to generate inputs that satisfy certain properties specified by the tester and that also cause queries to return non-empty result sets and cause updates and inserts to execute without violating uniqueness or referential integrity constraints. Based on the SQL statements in the application, test generation queries are generated; execution of these queries yields test inputs with the desired properties. The test generation algorithm is described and illustrated by an example. The technique has been implemented and experimental evaluation is in progress.
Coverage-based treatment planning to accommodate deformable organ variations in prostate cancer treatment

Purpose: To compare two coverage-based planning (CP) techniques with standard fixed margin-based planning (FM), considering the dosimetric impact of interfraction deformable organ motion exclusively for high-risk prostate treatments. Methods: Nineteen prostate cancer patients with 8–13 prostate CT images of each patient were used to model patient-specific interfraction deformable organ changes. The model was based on the principal component analysis (PCA) method and was used to predict the patient geometries for virtual treatment course simulation. For each patient, an IMRT plan using zero margin on target structures, prostate (CTVprostate) and seminal vesicles (CTVSV), were created, then evaluated by simulating 1000 30-fraction virtual treatment courses. Each fraction was prostate centroid aligned. Patients whose D 98 failed to achieve 95% coverage probability objective D 98,95 ≥ 78 Gy (CTVprostate) or D 98,95 ≥ 66 Gy (CTVSV) were replanned using planning techniques: (1) FM (PTVprostate = CTVprostate + 5 mm, PTVSV = CTVSV + 8 mm), (2) CP OM which optimized uniform PTV margins for CTVprostate and CTVSV to meet the coverage probability objective, and (3) CPCOP which directly optimized coverage probability objectives for all structures of interest. These plans were intercompared by computing probabilistic metrics, including 5% and 95% percentile DVHs (pDVH) and TCP/NTCP distributions. Results: All patients were replanned using FM and two CP techniques. The selected margins used in FM failed to ensure target coverage for 8/19 patients. Twelve CP OM plans and seven CPCOP plans were favored over the other plans by achieving desirable D 98,95 while sparing more normal tissues. Conclusions: Coverage-based treatment planning techniques can produce better plans than FM, while relative advantages of CP OM and CPCOP are patient-specific.
ENERGY LOSS PER ION PAIR FOR PROTONS IN VARIOUS GASES

Values of $w$ for protons in A, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, dry air, and "tissue-equivalent" gas were measured as 26.66\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.26, 36.68\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.34, 34.37\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.33, 35.18\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.42, and 30.03\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.29 ev/ion pair, respectively. A 2-Mev positive-ion accelerator was used as the source of protons. The energy of the protons was determined with a precision gaussmeter that was calibrated by the $\mathrm{Li}(p, n)$ and $\mathrm{T}(p, n)$ threshold reactions. These protons were scattered from a gold foil into a parallel plate ionization chamber. The fast-electron pulses were collected on one electrode, amplified, and counted. The positive-ion charge was collected on the other electrode and measured by means of a standard capacitor that was connected between the input and feedback terminals of a vibrating-reed electrometer.
Efficient parallel genetic algorithms: theory and practice

Abstract Parallel genetic algorithms (GAs) are complex programs that are controlled by many parameters, which affect their search quality and their efficiency. The goal of this paper is to provide guidelines to choose those parameters rationally. The investigation centers on the sizing of populations, because previous studies show that there is a crucial relation between solution quality and population size. As a first step, the paper shows how to size a simple GA to reach a solution of a desired quality. The simple GA is then parallelized, and its execution time is optimized. The rest of the paper deals with parallel GAs with multiple populations. Two bounding cases of the migration rate and topology are analyzed, and the case that yields good speedups is optimized. Later, the models are specialized to consider sparse topologies and migration rates that are more likely to be used by practitioners. The paper also presents the additional advantages of combining multi- and single-population parallel GAs. The results of this work are simple models that practitioners may use to design efficient and competent parallel GAs.
Mediastinal hematoma causing compression of the right ventricular outflow tract--the role of transthoracic echocardiography in diagnosis.

A 57-year-old man presented with acute coronary syndrome for which he was initially treated medically with a regimen that included acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel and heparin. Later, he was found to have two-vessel coronary artery disease requiring coronary artery bypass grafting. His postoperative period was complicated by hypotension and excessive bleeding, requiring multiple transfusions of blood products. His continued hemodynamic instability led to the suspicion of a mechanical complication. A transthoracic left parasternal short-axis view at the mitral valve level showed an anterior mediastinal hematoma compressing the right ventricular outflow tract (Figure 1). Figure 1) Transthoracic left parasternal short-axis view showing an anterior mediastinal hematoma (MH) compressing the right ventricular outflow tract. LV Left ventricle; RV Right ventricle The hematoma was also compressing the main pulmonary artery with its bifurcation, as well as the aorta, as shown by the transthoracic high right parasternal short-axis view (Figure 2). Figure 2) Transthoracic high right parasternal short-axis view showing the mediastinal hematoma (MH) compressing the aorta (Ao), as well as the main pulmonary artery with its bifurcation. LMPA Left main pulmonary artery The patient was taken back to the operating room, where the hematoma was evacuated. He did very well after that and left the hospital five days later (1).
A practical extension to the VORD model

This paper describes an extension to the VORD model and attempts to resolve its lack of direct support for viewpoint interaction. Supporting the viewpoint interaction provides a useful tool for analyzing requirements changes and automating systems. It can also be used to indicate when multiple requirements are specified as a single requirement. The extension is demonstrated with the bank auto-teller system that was part of the original VORD proposal.
Ontogeny of regulation of gill and lung ventilation in the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana.

Abstract Gill and lung ventilatory frequencies at 20–23°C were recorded in five different larval stages and in the adults of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana (n = 101, body mass 40 mg–90 g). Ventilatory frequencies in unanesthetized, unrestrained animals were determined (1) after normoxic acclimation, (2) during acute hypoxic and hyperoxic exposure, and (3) after brief but intense activity. Gill ventilation frequency (f g ) under normoxic, resting conditions was 110–120 cycles · min−1 immediately after hatching, but fell to and remained at 40–50 cycles · min−1 for the remainder of larval development. Activity caused a sharp decrease in f g in newly hatched larvae, a sharp increase in larvae between stages IV–;XIV, and no change in f g in all older larval states. Hypoxia increased f g in younger larvae up to developmental stage XIV, but had no effect upon f g in older larvae. Lung ventilation was rare in normoxic, resting larvae up to stage X. Thereafter until metamorphosis lung ventilation frequency ( fl ) was 2–6 breaths · h−1, with fl in adults being much higher at 1–3 breaths · min−1. Activity did not affect fl in any larval stage, but markedly increased fl in adults. Hypoxia had no significant effect on mean fL in larvae below stage XX. Mean values of fl increased during acute hypoxic exposure in most adults, but these changes were not significant. Collectively, these data indicate that progressive larval development is accompanied by a decline in reflex regulation of branchial ventilation frequency well before reabsorption of gills occured. At the same time, respiratory responses are ‘transferred’ to the lung prior to metamorphosis and the attendant increasing dependence on air breathing.
The Prolonged Use of an Oral Mercurial Diuretic in Ambulatory Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Tablets of an oral mercurial diuretic were utilized in the management of patients with severe congestive failure over a prolonged period of time. The need for parenteral mercurial diuretics was eliminated or greatly decreased by this therapy. The individual dosage was established by clinical trial. Minor toxic effects were encountered in several patients but in all instances it was possible to resume the therapy. Severe toxicity was not seen and there were no symptoms of salt depletion. Ease of administration, a more sustained diuresis, and good patient cooperation are advantages of this type of therapy.
Build-1: A disaggregate model of the U.S. electric utility industry

Abstract We present a linear programming model of the U.S. electric utility industry which explicitly represents each of the nation's 300 electric utilities and the options each has for meeting demand for electric energy. The model has been designed to estimate how the utility industry would respond to changes in policy or energy markets, especially in the present period of slow growth in demand and limited opportunities for expansion. By estimating the use, upgrading, retrofitting, and retirement of individual generating facilities with known geographical coordinates, the model provides the geographically detailed results needed by models of pollutant transport and other regional environmental impacts.
ISEE 3 observations of plasmoids with flux rope magnectic topologies

This paper reports new evidence for the existence of plasmoids with force-free flux rope magnetic topologies. Motivated by the fact that force-free magnetic flux ropes have intense axial fields at their centers, the ISEE 3 observations have been searched for plasma sheet intervals in which the magnetic field intensity exceeds that in the lobes by ≥10% for a minute or longer. A total of 39 “high field regions” were found which met this simple criterion. Further examination showed that they nearly always correspond to the core regions of plasmoids; i.e, intervals of bipolar Bz with durations of minutes, fast tailward flows and clear substorm associations. A new, more realistic plasmoid magnetic field model which represents the core region as a non-linear force-free flux rope was developed and validated using these events. Finally, observations suggesting that plasmoids evolve toward quasi-force-free flux rope configurations as they move down the tail are presented.
Object Recognition Based On Dempster-Shafer Reasoning

This paper presents algorithms that identify objects in simple and complex images. The scene may contain objects that may touch or overlap giving rise to partial occlusion, objects in noisy environments, and objects from different domain giving potential to a general-purpose multi-domain object recognition. The algorithms are based on the idea of aggregating the total evidence for each object in the image utilizing Dempster-Shafer reasoning. The outline of the proposed approach consists of three processes: prepro-cessing, feature extraction, and understanding. As a step of the understanding process, the evidences related to each object in the image with corresponding models from the image domain are evaluated based on Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence. For this purpose, mass of evidence functions are derived and implemented. The algorithms are either bottom-down or bottom-up control. The later control makes the approach attractive in applications where the time is an important consideration such as robot vision, part inspection, and military target recognition. Experimental results are presented for simple and complex images.
How Escherichia coli Tolerates Profuse Hydrogen Peroxide Formation by a Catabolic Pathway

When Escherichia coli grows on conventional substrates, it continuously generates 10 to 15 μM/s intracellular H2O2 through the accidental autoxidation of redox enzymes. Dosimetric analyses indicate that scavenging enzymes barely keep this H2O2 below toxic levels. Therefore, it seemed potentially problematic that E. coli can synthesize a catabolic phenylethylamine oxidase that stoichiometrically generates H2O2. This study was undertaken to understand how E. coli tolerates the oxidative stress that must ensue. Measurements indicated that phenylethylamine-fed cells generate H2O2 at 30 times the rate of glucose-fed cells. Two tolerance mechanisms were identified. First, in enclosed laboratory cultures, growth on phenylethylamine triggered induction of the OxyR H2O2 stress response. Null mutants (ΔoxyR) that could not induce that response were unable to grow. This is the first demonstration that OxyR plays a role in protecting cells against endogenous H2O2. The critical element of the OxyR response was the induction of H2O2 scavenging enzymes, since mutants that lacked NADH peroxidase (Ahp) grew poorly, and those that additionally lacked catalase did not grow at all. Other OxyR-controlled genes were expendable. Second, phenylethylamine oxidase is an unusual catabolic enzyme in that it is localized in the periplasm. Calculations showed that when cells grow in an open environment, virtually all of the oxidase-generated H2O2 will diffuse across the outer membrane and be lost to the external world, rather than enter the cytoplasm where H2O2-sensitive enzymes are located. In this respect, the periplasmic compartmentalization of phenylethylamine oxidase serves the same purpose as the peroxisomal compartmentalization of oxidases in eukaryotic cells.
An evaluation of equivalent-single-layer and layerwise theories of composite laminates

Abstract A review of equivalent-single-layer and layerwise laminate theories is presented and their computational models are discussed. The layerwise theory advanced by the author is reviewed and a variable displacement finite element model and the mesh superposition techniques are described. The variable displacement finite elements contain several different types of assumed displacement fields. By choosing appropriate terms from the multiple displacement field, an entire array of elements with different orders of kinematic refinement can be formed. The variable kinematic finite elements can be conveniently connected together in a single domain for global-local analyses, where the local regions are modeled with refined kinematic elements. In the finite element mesh superposition technique an independent overlay mesh is superimposed on a global mesh to provide localized refinement for regions of interest regardless of the original global mesh topology. Integration of these two ideas yields a very robust and economical computational tool for global-local analysis to determine three-dimensional effects (e.g. stresses) within localized regions of interest in practical laminated composite structures.
Organizational and Leadership Virtues and the Role of Forgiveness

The investigation of virtues in organizational life has been neglected. Systematic studies of the development and demonstration of virtue have been all but absent in the organizational sciences. This article highlights the potential impact of virtues in organizations, particularly the power of forgiveness to affect individual and collective outcomes. Under conditions of organizational injury and trauma, such as when organizations downsize, leaders have an especially important role to play in demonstrating virtuous behaviors. In this paper, we describe some early research findings that explore the effects of organizational virtues, and we highlight the role of one particularly misunderstood virtue--organizational forgiveness--and its role in the leadership of effective organizations.
Ultraviolet observations of 3C 273 by the ANS.

Five-band spectrophotometry between rest wavelengths of 1340 A and 2850 A is presented. The 2200-A absorption feature seems to be present in 3C 273 with a depth appropriate for an internal reddening of E(B-V) = 0.13. The dereddened ultraviolet flux distribution can be described by a power law of spectral index 1.21. This power law can account for the observed flux in X-rays. It provides more photons than needed to excite the observed H-beta by photoionization and Fe II lines by resonance fluorescence. The emission-line flux ratios, Ly-alpha/C IV/ semiforbidden C III/H-beta are 100/80/60/10.
Saphenous vein autograft arteriovenous fistula for extended hemodialysis in children.

Summary Twenty-two saphenous vein autograft arterio-venous (A-V) fistulas were constructed in 21 patients aged 6 9/12 to 20 8/12 years. Clotting resulted in fistula failure in 4 instances, 16 fistulas have been utilized for repetitive hemo-dialysis for 1 to 11 months, 2 fistulas have functioned for 4 1/2 to 15 1/2 months but have not as yet been utilized for dialysis, and 1 patient died suddenly shortly after the fistula was created. The advantages of the internal fistula for pediatric patients was the absence of infection, rarity of clotting episodes and freedom of arm movement. Despite the lack of complications and the advantages of the subcutaneous A-V fistula in comparison with the external cannula, general acceptance was not uniform in the younger children because of the requirement for repeated venipunctures.
Predictors of stricture formation after photodynamic therapy for high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus

Background Stricture formation is the leading cause of long-term morbidity after photodynamic therapy (PDT). Risk factors for stricture formation have not been studied. Objective To assess risk factors for stricture formation in patients undergoing PDT for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia (HGD). Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Barrett's Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Methods Records of patients undergoing PDT for HGD were reviewed. Patients underwent PDT by using either bare cylindrical diffusing fibers (2.5-5.0 cm in length) or balloon diffusers with 5- to 7-cm windows. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for stricture formation. Main Outcome Measurement Esophageal stricture formation. Results Thirty-five of 131 patients (27%) developed strictures. On multivariate analysis, statistically significant predictors of stricture formation were the following: EMR before PDT was odds ratio (OR) 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-6.59; a prior history of esophageal stricture was OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.15-6.47; and the number of PDT applications was OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.22-4.12. The OR for stricture formation in patients when centering balloons were used was 0.41, 95% CI 0.11-1.46, P = .168, indicating that centering balloons did not significantly decrease the risk of stricture formation. Limitations Retrospective single-center study; small proportion of patients treated with centering balloons. Conclusions Risk factors for development of strictures after PDT included history of a prior esophageal stricture, performance of EMR before PDT, and more than 1 PDT application in 1 treatment session. The use of centering balloons was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of stricture formation.
Acetabular fractures: A systematic approach to classification

The classification of acetabular fractures is important for preoperative planning; interpretation of imaging studies, however, is often difficult. Plain radiography is the primary method for evaluation of these injuries, and computed tomography is now commonplace for the preoperative classification of patients with acetabular fractures. We have developed a systematic approach that aids in the classification of these fractures.
Research partnerships between academic institutions and American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations: effective strategies and lessons learned in a multisite CTN study.

Background: Community Based and Tribally Based Participatory Research (CBPR/TPR) are approaches that can be successful for developing ethical and effective research partnerships between academic institutions and Tribes and Native organizations. Objectives: The NIDA Clinical Trials Network funded a multi-site, exploratory study using CBPR/TPR to begin to better understand substance abuse issues of concern to some Tribes and Native organizations as well as strengths and resources that exist in these communities to address these concerns. Attention was paid to the development and maintenance of research partnerships in each of the sites. Methods: Each of the five partnerships is briefly described and common as well as unique challenges and successes are identified. Results: A summary of the common themes for developing these collaborative research efforts is provided. Conclusion: True, collaborative research partnerships require a great deal of time and effort in order to develop mutual trust, understanding,...
Heel Ultrasound Can Assess Maintenance of Bone Mass in Women With Breast Cancer

Abstract Postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer are at increased risk for bone loss and fractures. Bisphosphonates can prevent bone loss, but little data are available on changes in bone mass assessed by heel quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Our objectives were to determine if (1) heel QUS would provide a reliable and accessible method for evaluation of changes in bone mass in women with breast cancer when compared with the current standard of bone mass measurement, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and (2) oral risedronate could affect these changes. Eighty-six newly postmenopausal (up to 8yr) women with nonmetastatic breast cancer were randomized to risedronate, 35mg once weekly or placebo. Outcomes were changes in heel QUS bone mass measurements and conventional DXA-derived bone mineral density (BMD). Over 2yr, bone mass assessed by heel QUS remained stable in women on risedronate, whereas women on placebo had a 5.2% decrease ( p ≤0.05) in heel QUS bone mass. Both total hip BMD and femoral neck BMD assessed by DXA decreased by 1.6% ( p ≤0.05) in the placebo group and remained stable with risedronate. Spine BMD remained stable in both groups. Heel QUS was moderately associated with BMD measured by DXA at the total hip ( r =0.50), femoral neck ( r =0.40), and spine ( r =0.46) at baseline (all p ≤0.001). In conclusion, risedronate helps to maintain skeletal integrity as assessed by heel QUS for women with early stage breast cancer. Heel QUS is associated with DXA-derived BMD at other major axial sites and may be used to follow skeletal health and bone mass changes in these women.
IR polarimetry using compact circular polarized IR antennas integrated with InGaAsSb Nano-load

The imaging polarimetry can measure the polarization status of the scene in addition to the intensity and color which the traditional imager can detect. The polarization information can show the surface roughness and shading of target material and the distinct contrast image which is uncorrelated with intensity and color (J. S. Tyo, D. L. Goldstein, D. B. Chenault, and J. Straw, Appl. Opt, 45, 5453–5469). Detecting the circular polarization (CP) is a key factor for the IR imaging polarimetry. The traditional IR imagers to detect CP have implemented a quarter-wave plate integrated with a linear polarizer (K. A. Bachman, J. J. Peltzer, P. D. Flammer, T. E. Furtak, R. T. Collins, and R. E. Hollingsworth, Opt. Express, 20(2), 1308–1319). Instead of the traditional polarization plates, antennas with different polarizations loaded with the IR detectors can be used to measure the polarization of the received IR signals. The spiral antenna has been introduced as a typical antenna structure for CP in IR frequency regime (F. J. Gonzalez, B. Ilic, J. Alda, and G. D. Boreman, IEEE J. Sel. Topics Quantum Electron., 11, 117–120). However the structure requires the multiple circular or rectangular turns and thus it would require much space within a polarimetric detector cell.
Phase Relations and Structures in the System PbO–Fe2O3

A detailed study of the system PbO-Fe2O3, largely by X-ray diffraction analysis, has been made. The results indicate the existence of three intermediate phases: (1) a phase (beta) extending from PbO·5Fe2O3 to PbO·6Fe2O3, (2) a phase (gamma) extending from PbO - 2Fe2O3 to PbO -21/2Fe2O3, and (3) a phase (delta) 2PbO·– Fe2O3. Structures are proposed for the beta and gamma phases that explain their solubility limits, magnetic properties, and very great similarity in structure and in lattice dimensions.
The case for an international commission for the conservation and management of sharks (ICCMS)

Abstract The current rate of shark global exploitation and mortality is arguably so high under current management regimes that unless a renewed initiative is undertaken some species of shark will become effectively extinct. Current efforts to sustainably manage shark mortality are driven primarily by domestic laws in a few countries, big international non-governmental organizations (BINGOs) promoting environmental laws in the countries or regions where they exist, a handful of regional fisheries management organizations (e.g., IATTC and ICCAT), and inter-governmental organizations such as CITES. The absence of enforcement capability is often argued as the critical component in the failure to protect sharks from overexploitation. The remedy advanced here goes far beyond the need for stepped up enforcement, and calls for the creation of an entirely new international management regime, the International Commission for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (ICCMS). Such an agency could learn from the experiences of management bodies tasked with conservation of species biologically similar to sharks, such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC), to improve its efficacy. Critics have identified many organizational flaws that reduced the IWC’s effectiveness during its earliest years. Some of those flaws are examined here and remedies are suggested that an ICCMS could use to create a more effective management regime. The life histories of elasmobranches and large whales are compared to illustrate their similarities as a biological foundation for the selection of the IWC as a model.
The nature of oceanic lower crust and shallow mantle emplaced at low spreading rates

Abstract Thermal calculations indicate that at sea floor spreading rates too low to sustain a steady-state magma chamber, most of the upwelling melt still freezes within ∼10 km of the sea floor beneath a mid-ocean ridge. A thickened lower crustal section containing crust-mantle mix is thus predicted. Reduced melting in the source region is an expected effect of low spreading rates. However, cooling from the surface limits the degree to which mafic crustal material is separated from mantle at spreading rates higher than those at which reduced melting becomes important. Evidence for ultramafic contributions to the crust at low spreading rates includes a distinct seismic velocity profile for crust from very slow ridges, evidence of aging of the lower crust, spreading-rate-dependent differences in reflection seismic structure and character, and seismic crustal thicknesses apparently greater than adiabatic crustal thicknesses. Crustal structure inferred from the thermal results agrees with the model of Cannat [Cannat, M., 1993. Emplacement of mantle rocks in the seafloor at mid-ocean ridges. J. Geophys. Res. 98, 4163–4172], which includes a lower crust of mixed composition achieved without the requirement of gross tectonic rearrangement of an originally stratified crustal section.
Effect of presynaptic α-adrenoceptor blockade on responses to cardiac nerve stimulation in anesthetized dogs

Abstract Phentolamine caused significant potentiation of chronotropic responses to cardioaccelerator nerve stimulation (CANS) in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs without impairing neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine. In a separate group of dogs, desipramine produced slight augmentation of CANS responses which were potentiated further by phentolamine administration. These results provide support for the hypothesis that presynaptic α-adrenergic receptors play an inhibitory role in sympathetic neurotransmission and demonstrate that this mechanism is also functioning during stimulation of the cardioaccelerator nerve in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs.