cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-complexity high-quality low bit-rate image compression scheme based on wavelets

Hierarchical image decompositions have been widely studied in conjunction with different quantizer for image coding. This paper presented a new approach of compressing still image based on the combination of scalar quantizers, a vector quantizer, variable length coders, and the hierarchical wavelet decomposition. Our simulation results show, with proper choice of quantization threshold, that the proposed scheme can yield higher compression ratio than the previously developed tree-structured quantization scheme. In the mean time, the quality of reproduced image is very competitive and the computational complexity is lower than those schemes. An adaptive algorithm which automatically calculates the quantization step in order to meet the predetermined bit rate is also presented in this paper. Compare with JPEG, this scheme yields better perceptual quality of the reproduced image at very low bit rate.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Some Almost-Ideal Remedies for Healing Land Grant Universities

prospects for sustainability and contribution of the land grant tradition in the twenty-first century. Two topics are addressed in the spirit of institutional reform: (a) fixing administrative structure, titles, and responsibility consistent with a collegial environment of individual faculty entrepreneurs, i.e., a university environment, and (b) fine-tuning faculty incentive mechanisms, i.e., faculty evaluation processes for annual meritsalary increments and promotion and tenure. The centrality and preeminence of the single, coherent mission of educating resident and nonresident students through teaching/learning/discovery is an underlying subtheme. The general pedagogical strategy is to discuss "the way it is," followed by "the way it ought to be-an ideal," and concluding with "a way it might possibly be-an almost ideal." That is, the plan is to conclude each section with suggestions for reform that are hopefully doable-that move us in a positive direction and that stand some chance of gaining acceptance within the academic community. A modest number of ideas are offered that might lead us from where we are toward greater service to society given the fundamental nature and purpose of a university.
The end of the sunscreen and melanoma controversy

Question: What is the strength and consistency of associations between melanoma and sunscreen use in the published literature? Data Sources: A comprehensive MEDLINE search of articles published from 1966 to 2003 that reported information on sunscreen use and melanoma in humans. Study Selection: Analytic studies reporting data on sunscreen use before diagnosis of melanoma. Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers extracted data. Inconsistencies were reviewed until agreement was achieved. When necessary, a third party resolved discrepancies. Data Synthesis: Odds ratios were pooled across studies by using standard meta-analytic techniques. Pooled odds ratios for “ever use” among 18 heterogeneous studies did not support an association between melanoma and sunscreen use. Variation among odds ratios was explained by studies that did not adjust for confounding effects of sun sensitivity. The lack of a dose-response effect with frequency of use (never, sometimes, or always) or years of use provided further evidence of a null association. Authors’ Conclusions: No association was seen between melanoma and sunscreen use. Failure to control for confounding factors may explain previous reports of positive associations linking melanoma to sunscreen use. In addition, it may take decades to detect a protective association between melanoma and use of the newer formulations of sunscreens.
Evaluation of a Team-Building Retreat to Promote Nursing Faculty Cohesion and Job Satisfaction

With the growing global shortage of nursing faculty, there is increased need to develop and evaluate strategies to promote nursing faculty job satisfaction. Using quantitative and qualitative research methods, a team-building faculty retreat including challenge course activities was evaluated to determine its effects on group cohesion and job satisfaction. Mean Job in General scores for the sample (n = 29) at the start of the study were comparable with national norms for employees with graduate degrees. There were statistically significant increases in Job in General scores and group cohesion scores from pretest to posttest on the day of the retreat. However, the positive changes were not maintained at the end of the semester when follow-up data were gathered. Content analysis of the retreat day reflections revealed the following themes: getting to know each other better, seeing commonalities and differences, spending time together, developing trust, and working as a group. Several themes were identified in the end of the semester reflections: getting to know each other, feeling closer as a group, setting a friendlier tone for the semester, and that the retreat was a positive experience. Based on these findings, we recommend the use of a faculty retreat with challenge course activities to promote nursing faculty cohesion and job satisfaction. However, follow-up activities are recommended to maintain positive results over time.
Evolving small GRNs with a top-down approach

Designing genetic regulatory networks (GRNs) to achieve a desired cellular function is one of the main goals of synthetic biology. However, determining minimal GRNs that produce desired time-series behaviors is non-trivial. In this paper, we propose a 'top-down' approach, wherein we start with relatively dense GRNs and then use differential evolution (DE) to evolve interaction coefficients. When the target dynamical behavior is found embedded in a dense GRN, we narrow the focus of the search and begin aggressively pruning out excess interactions at the end of each generation. We first show that the method can quickly rediscover known small GRNs for a toggle switch and an oscillatory circuit. Next we include these GRNs as non-evolvable subnetworks in the subsequent evolution of more complex, modular GRNs. By incorporating aggressive pruning and a penalty term, the DE was able to find minimal or nearly minimal GRNs in all test problems.
Matrix-based higher order spectral analysis for three-wave coupling processes

Composite linear and quadratic systems produce three-wave coupling when stimulated by random phase input sinusoids. Due to the nonlinearity of the system, the output frequencies are arithmetically related to the input. Using third-order cumulant statistics and their associated bispectrum, techniques are devised based on phase-insensitive matrix structures for detection and frequency estimation of coupling frequencies. The separation of the third-order cumulant series into symmetric and skew-symmetric portions allows one to exploit their characteristic eigendecompositions for frequency estimation. After symmetrization, biphases can be easily extracted as coefficients of the cumulant sequence. Using a generalized eigenvector representation, one can relate symmetric and skew-symmetric bases by a subspace rotation algorithm. Biphases can be estimated directly from generalized eigenvalues of the matrix pencil formed by symmetric and skew-symmetric matrices. The dimensionality of the matrices can be reduced through the use of cumulant projections that yield a slice of the bispectrum. The Radon transform procedure is related to bispectral processing through an isotropic radial-slice Volterra filter. The compact third-order Kronecker product matrix formulation and algorithms for coupling frequency estimation can also be converted for use in biphase estimation. Simulations showing the performance of the above procedures are also presented for both synthetic and biomedical time series. >
Aromatic hydrocarbon 1,2-diacetylbenzene cross-links neurofilament and other proteins

Rats treated with 1,2-diacetylbenzene (1,2-DAB) develop giant proximal axonal swellings packed with 10-nm neurofilaments in lumbar spinal motor neurons (Kim et al. 2001; Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 177, 121–131), an early pathological feature in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This study examines the reactivity of 1,2-DAB with a number of proteins. Incubation of purified bovine serum albumin or ribonuclease with DAB isomers (1–5 mm) revealed the formation of high molecular weight polymers with 1,2-DAB, but not with the non-neurotoxic analog 1,3-DAB. Western blots of rat spinal cord revealed that 1,2-DAB (1–10 mm), but not 1,3-DAB, produces a concentration-dependent decrease in neurofilament proteins with increased high-molecular-weight protein species. Native beta-tubulin was least affected by 1,2-DAB. Western blots of rat sciatic nerves exposed in situ to 1,2-DAB (5–50 mm) showed a decrease of the NF-M band with corresponding increased staining in the high-molecular-weight region. Protein polymerization was not detected with monoclonal antibodies to either NF-L or beta-tubulin. Preliminary results show that 1,2-DAB, but not 1,3-DAB, significantly reduces the levels of other axonal proteins (e.g. microtubule-associated protein, tau and motor proteins kinesin and dynein). In summary, 1,2-DAB reacts differentially with a number of axonal proteins; which reactions underlie the genesis of axonal pathology is unknown. Acknowledgements: Supported by NIEHS grants ES10338 and ES11384, and the State of Oregon's Worker's Benefit Fund.
Basis for sensitive and selective time-delayed luminescence detection of hydroxyl radical by lanthanide complexes.

Molecular probes for the detection of hydroxyl radical (HO•) by time-delayed luminescence spectroscopy directly in water at neutral pH with high sensitivity and selectivity are presented. The bimolecular probes consist of a lanthanide complex with open coordination sites and a reactive pre-antenna composed of an aromatic acid or amide; the latter binds to and sensitizes terbium emission upon hydroxylation by HO•. These probes exhibit long luminescence lifetimes compatible with time-delayed measurements that remove interfering background fluorescence from the sample. Six different reactive pre-antenna (benzoate, benzamide, isophthalate, isophthalamide, trimesate, and trimesamide) and two different terbium complexes [Tb-(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-tris(acetic acid)) (Tb-DO3A) and Tb-(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-bis(acetic acid)) (Tb-DO2A)] were evaluated. Of these the trimesamide/Tb-DO3A system enables the most sensitive detection of HO• with an about 1000-fold increase in metal-centered ti...
Buried bumper syndrome causing rectus abdominis necrosis in a man with tetraplegia

Case report. To enhance the early recognition of buried bumper syndrome in patients with tetraplegia requiring percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Inpatient unit, Massachusetts, USA. A 44 year-old man with C2 American Spinal Injury Association grade A tetraplegia with a relatively recent PEG insertion secondary to poor nutritional intake. Several months after PEG placement, patient became febrile, hypotensive and complained of abdominal pain. Plain films showed a dilated bowel suggestive of ileus. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography with and without contrast revealed PEG tube dislodgement, and a 21 cm × 2.8 cm left anterior abdominal wall collection consisting of air and contrast. Upon surgical intervention, the left rectus abdominis sheath and muscle were found to be necrotic. Buried bumper syndrome is a serious complication related to PEG tubes. For many people with tetraplegia, PEG is a life-saving procedure with minimal risks. However, emergencies do occur, making prompt recognition imperative to prevent a fatal sequela.
Biosynthesis of the epidermal growth factor receptor: Post-translational glycosylation-independent acquisition of tyrosine kinase autophosphorylation activity

We previously showed that the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in human A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells undergoes a slow post-translational modification whereby it acquires (t 1/2 = 30–40 min) EGF binding capacity (Slieker, L.J., et . al . (1986) J. Biol. Chem. , 261 , 15233–15241). This activation occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum and requires core N-linked glycosylation. By employing both anti-EGF receptor and anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies to immunoprecipitate receptor pulse-labeled with [ 35 S]methionine, we demonstrate here that the EGF receptor also acquires tyrosine kinase autophosphorylation activity post-translationally (t 1/2 = 10–15 min). The acquisition of tyrosine kinase activity is independent of the acquisition of EGF binding capacity, since it precedes the latter process and does not require N-linked glycosylation.
Effect of fiber surface treatment on the properties of biocomposites from nonwoven industrial hemp fiber mats and unsaturated polyester resin

Biocomposites were made with nonwoven hemp mats and unsaturated polyester resin (UPE). The hemp fiber volume fraction was optimized by mechanical testing. The effect of four surface treatments of industrial hemp fibers on mechanical and thermal properties of biocomposites was studied. The treatments done were alkali treatment, silane treatment, UPE (matrix) treatment, and acrylonitrile treatment. Bending strength, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, tensile modulus, impact strength, storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan δ were evaluated and compared for all composites. The mechanical as well as thermal properties of the biocomposites improved after surface treatments. The properties of the above biocomposites were also compared with E-glass–mat composite. To achieve balance in properties, a hybrid composite of industrial hemp and glass fibers was made. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1055–1068, 2006
Introduction to real-world scene perception.

(2005). Introduction to real-world scene perception. Visual Cognition: Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 849-851.
Proxies, ties and health information seeking realities: Survey results of an african‐American community

The purpose of this research poster is to present preliminary findings from a telephone survey. The goal of the survey was to explore consumer health information (CHI) seeking behavior using Mark Granovetter's (1973) strength of weak ties theory as the conceptual framework. Interviewers asked 216 respondents questions to determine where individuals go to seek CHI and to explore the “closeness” of tie relationships if the respondent sought CHI from an individual and/or if the information seeking was for someone else (proxy searching)(Fisher et al., 2005). Overall, 45.3 percent of respondents sought health information from a health service professional, 14.5 percent from a web site and 9.8 percent from another source. Respondents (n=125) who looked for health information in the past six months (42.4%) sought the information from a health service professional (weak tie) and most (52.8%) identified their relationship with this person as being “somewhat close” (significant tie). Respondents who looked for health information in the past six months were more likely to have sought the information for themselves (76.2%), although 22.2 percent sought health information on behalf of another person (proxy searching), such as a child, parent, another relative or non-relative. Women slightly more often exhibit proxy searching behavior.
Properties and derivation of the fourth and sixth coefficients of the characteristic polynomial of molecular graphs. New graphical invariants

Some previously unknown relationships for determining the a4 and a6 coefficients of the characteristic polynomial for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are presented for the first time. The structural information contained in these coefficients is more fully revealed. The equations derived for a4 and a6 allow one to determine the characteristic polynomial by inspection for many small molecular graphs. Some relationships for a8 and a10 are presented. The set of known graphical invariants (GI) or properties that remain unchanged in isomeric PAH6s is now shown to be GI={a4, a6+n0+2r6, a8c, ds+NIc, Nc, Nh, NIc+NPc, q, r}.
A novel scaling of magnetic field dependencies of critical currents for Ag-sheathed Bi-2223 superconducting tape

Abstract Certain characteristics in magnetic field dependences of critical current densities (Jc) for the Ag-sheathed Bi-2223 superconducting tape have been found. One property regards the direction of the magnetic field applied to the tape. Both Jc values in the field, applied parallel and perpendicular to the tape surface, are on an identical curve when the magnitude of field (B), applied parallel to the tape surface, is multiplied by a characteristic coefficient, which relates to the grain alignment of each tape. Another concerns the relationship between Jc and the magnitude of the field. The Jc is expressed by a simple logarithmic function of B (log(B)) from a very low field to a high field. This relation is applicable within a wide temperature range.
Ultrastructure of chloroplast protuberances in rice leaves preserved by high-pressure freezing

High-pressure freezing and freeze substitution were used to prepare leaves of rice (Oryza sativa L.) for ultrastructural analysis. Under these preparative conditions, plastid-derived stroma-containing protuberances were preserved and described with the electron microscope for the first time. Similar protuberances were observed previously only in living cells examined with the light microscope. Infoldings of the chloroplast inner envelope were a prominent ultrastructural feature of protuberances. Infoldings were also observed in the main body of the chloroplasts and sometimes appeared contiguous with thylakoid membranes. Protuberances also contained infoldings in the form of bifurcated tubules. Apparent interconnection between protuberances of adjacent plastids was observed only in one instance. A distinct gradient in the staining density of thylakoid lumina appeared to be a function of grana position and orientation relative to the cell wall. Immunocytochemistry was used to determine that the stroma within protuberances contained 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase enzyme.
Regulation of the Skeletal Muscle Ryanodine Receptor/Ca2+-release Channel RyR1 by S-Palmitoylation

The ryanodine receptor/Ca2+-release channels (RyRs) of skeletal and cardiac muscle are essential for Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum that mediates excitation-contraction coupling. It has been shown that RyR activity is regulated by dynamic post-translational modifications of Cys residues, in particular S-nitrosylation and S-oxidation. Here we show that the predominant form of RyR in skeletal muscle, RyR1, is subject to Cys-directed modification by S-palmitoylation. S-Palmitoylation targets 18 Cys within the N-terminal, cytoplasmic region of RyR1, which are clustered in multiple functional domains including those implicated in the activity-governing protein-protein interactions of RyR1 with the L-type Ca2+ channel CaV1.1, calmodulin, and the FK506-binding protein FKBP12, as well as in “hot spot” regions containing sites of mutations implicated in malignant hyperthermia and central core disease. Eight of these Cys have been identified previously as subject to physiological S-nitrosylation or S-oxidation. Diminishing S-palmitoylation directly suppresses RyR1 activity as well as stimulus-coupled Ca2+ release through RyR1. These findings demonstrate functional regulation of RyR1 by a previously unreported post-translational modification and indicate the potential for extensive Cys-based signaling cross-talk. In addition, we identify the sarco/endoplasmic reticular Ca2+-ATPase 1A and the α1S subunit of the L-type Ca2+ channel CaV1.1 as S-palmitoylated proteins, indicating that S-palmitoylation may regulate all principal governors of Ca2+ flux in skeletal muscle that mediates excitation-contraction coupling.
Structure and decompression melting of a novel, high-pressure nanoconfined 2-D ice

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of water confined in nanospaces between layers of talc (system composition Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 + 2H2O) at 300 K and pressures of approximately 0.45 GPa show the presence of a novel 2-D ice structure, and the simulation results at lower pressures provide insight into the mechanisms of its decompression melting. Talc is hydrophobic at ambient pressure and temperature, but weak hydrogen bonding between the talc surface and the water molecules plays an important role in stabilizing the hydrated structure at high pressure. The simulation results suggest that experimentally accessible elevated pressures may cause formation of a wide range of previously unknown water structures in nanoconfinement. In the talc 2-D ice, each water molecule is coordinated by six Ob atoms of one basal siloxane sheet and three water molecules. The water molecules are arranged in a buckled hexagonal array in the a−b crystallographic plane with two sublayers along [001]. Each H2O molecule has four H-bonds...
Electrokinetic Trapping and Concentration Enrichment of DNA in a Microfluidic Channel

We report a simple and efficient method for enriching the concentration of charged analytes within microfluidic channels. The method relies on exerting spatial control over the electrokinetic velocity of an analyte. Specifically, the electroosmotic (eo) velocity of the buffer solution in one region of the microfluidic system opposes the electrophoretic (ep) velocity of the analyte in the other region. This results in ep transport of DNA to the location where the ep and eo velocities are equal and opposite. Accumulation of the analyte occurs at this location. This enrichment method is conceptually distinct from field-amplification stacking, isotachophoresis, micelle sweeping, size exclusion, and other methods that have been previously reported. The method requires no complex microfabricated structures, no special manipulation of the solvent, and the enriched analyte remains in solution rather than being captured on a solid support. A concentration enrichment factor of 800 can be achieved for 20mer DNA in a...
A Magnetic Thin-Film Recording System for Fast Transients in Nuclear Diagnostics

The development of a fast transient recording system is described. A magnetic thin film is used to record an electrical signal in the form of a domain wall. The recorder has a risetime on the order of a nanosecond and a dynamic range of better than 30 dB. Readout of the record is compatible with computer (megabit) cycle times.
What high school biology teachers say about their textbook use: A descriptive study

This article reports the findings from a study that examined how high school biology teachers describe their instructional use of reading and textbooks. In the study, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected—by self-report mail questionnaire and personal interview, respectively. Eighty percent of 184 sampled teachers responded to the questionnaire, and, of these, a subsample of 16 teachers—selected to be broadly representative of the questionnaire sample—were interviewed subsequently with their instructional materials present to increase recall. We found that biology teachers modified their use of textbooks according to the academic level of the biology class that they taught. In lower academic level classes, teachers provided students with many reading activities but expected them to learn biology content in class. In higher academic level classes, teachers expected students to learn from both independent reading and classroom instruction. Biology teachers viewed both reading and inquiry activities as important to learning biology, but they appeared unsure of how to incorporate reading comprehension strategies into their science instruction.
A novel modeling attack resistant PUF design based on non-linear voltage transfer characteristics

Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) circuits are used for chip authentication. PUF designs rely on manufacturing process variations to produce unique response to input challenges. It has been shown that many PUF designs are vulnerable to machine learning (ML) attacks, where a model can be built to predict PUF response to any input after only a few observations. In this work, we propose a ML attack resistant PUF design based on a circuit block to implement a non-linear voltage transfer function. The proposed circuit is simple, exhibits high uniqueness and randomness. Further improvements are proposed to enhance PUF reliability. The proposed circuit was simulated in a 45nm technology process and the results indicate a significant improvement in ML attack resistance in comparison to traditional PUFs. Results on uniqueness and reliability are also presented.
The Role of Peer Relatedness in Late Adolescent Career Development

Abstract The role of close peer relationships in facilitating the resolution of the exploration and commitment tasks of career development in late adolescence was investigated. Measures of environmental and self-exploration, progress in committing to career choices, attachment to peers and parents, mutuality, and intimacy along with relevant demographic information were completed by 147 participants. Canonical correlation analysis indicated that the three peer relatedness variables (i.e., attachment to peers, intimacy, and mutuality) shared a significant and unique amount of variance with the exploration and commitment variables, above and beyond the contribution of parental attachment, age, and gender. Attachment to peers, intimacy, and, to a lesser extent, attachment to mother were positively associated with environmental exploration and progress in committing to career choices. The findings were discussed in light of current assumptions about career development and psychosocial theory.
Action as a Text: Gadamer's Hermeneutics and the Social Scientific Analysis of Action

This paper argues that Gadamer's hermeneutics offers a methodological perspective for social and political theory that overcomes the impasse created by the dichotomy between the positivist and humanist approaches to social action. Both the positivists’attempt to replace the actors’subjective concepts with the objective concepts of the social scientist and the humanists’attempt to describe meaningful action strictly in the social actors’terms have been called into question in contemporary discussions. Gadamer's approach, which is based on the hermeneutical method of textual interpretation, offers an alternative to both the positivist and humanist perspectives. Gadamer argues that understanding a text involves the fusing of the conceptual schemes of author and interpreter. Relying on Ricoeur's analysis of the parallels between actions and texts, it is argued that this understanding of the process of textual interpretation can be profitably applied to the analysis of social action. This application, furthermore, provides a means of analyzing social action that transcends the dichotomy between the positivist and humanist approaches. Gadamer's approach legitimizes the imposition of the observer's conceptual scheme without denying the constitutive role of the social actors’concepts.
CB2 Receptor Agonists Protect Human Dopaminergic Neurons against Damage from HIV-1 gp120

Despite the therapeutic impact of anti-retroviral therapy, HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) remains a serious threat to AIDS patients, and there currently remains no specific therapy for the neurological manifestations of HIV-1. Recent work suggests that the nigrostriatal dopaminergic area is a critical brain region for the neuronal dysfunction and death seen in HAND and that human dopaminergic neurons have a particular sensitivity to gp120-induced damage, manifested as reduced function (decreased dopamine uptake), morphological changes, and reduced viability. Synthetic cannabinoids inhibit HIV-1 expression in human microglia, suppress production of inflammatory mediators in human astrocytes, and there is substantial literature demonstrating the neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids in other neuropathogenic processes. Based on these data, experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that synthetic cannabinoids will protect dopaminergic neurons against the toxic effects of the HIV-1 protein gp120. Using a human mesencephalic neuronal/glial culture model, which contains dopaminergic neurons, microglia, and astrocytes, we were able to show that the CB1/CB2 agonist WIN55,212-2 blunts gp120-induced neuronal damage as measured by dopamine transporter function, apoptosis and lipid peroxidation; these actions were mediated principally by the CB2 receptor. Adding supplementary human microglia to our cultures enhances gp120-induced damage; WIN55,212-2 is able to alleviate this enhanced damage. Additionally, WIN55,212-2 inhibits gp120-induced superoxide production by purified human microglial cells, inhibits migration of human microglia towards supernatants generated from gp120-stimulated human mesencephalic neuronal/glial cultures and reduces chemokine and cytokine production from the human mesencephalic neuronal/glial cultures. These data suggest that synthetic cannabinoids are capable of protecting human dopaminergic neurons from gp120 in a variety of ways, acting principally through the CB2 receptors and microglia.
Distribution and likelihood of lymph node metastasis based on the lobar location of nonsmall-cell lung cancer.

Background Despite the use of integrated positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans in patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer, N2 disease is often missed. Knowledge of the N2 station most likely to be malignant based on the lobar location of the primary may help guide biopsies. Methods A retrospective review of an electronic prospective database of patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer who underwent positron emission tomography and computed tomography clinical staging and had nodal biopsy or resection with complete lymphadenectomy, or both. Results The incidence and location of N2 disease of the 954 patients based on the location of the primary tumor was as follows: for right upper lobe cancers, 27% had N2 disease, most commonly in the 4R (23%); right middle lobe, 15%, most commonly in the 4R (8%) and the 7th station (6%); right lower lobe, 30%, most commonly in the 4R (15%) and the 7th station (14%); left upper lobe, 20%, most commonly in the 6 (16%); and left lower lobe, 22%, most commonly in the 7 (8%). Patients with right middle lobe cancer were more likely to have N1 disease (p = 0.014). Skip metastases (no N1, but N2 disease) was most common with left upper lobe lesions. Patients with right-sided cancers were more likely to have N2 disease compared with patients who had left-sided lesions (27% versus 21%, p = 0.02). Conclusions There is a distinct predilection for the location of N2 disease based on the lobar location of primary nonsmall-cell lung cancer. We recommend the consideration of video-assisted thoracoscopy for biopsy of the 5 and 6 stations for patients with left upper lobe lesions, mediastinoscopy for right upper lobe lesions, and esophageal ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration for right lower lobe, left lower lobe, and right middle lobe lesions. Right-sided lesions are more likely to have N2 disease.
Fuzzy observer design using linear matrix inequalities for fuzzy closed-loop control systems

Linear observers play an important role in modern control theory and practice. A systematic design method of fuzzy observers would be important for fuzzy control as well. The fuzzy observer is designed by solving linear matrix inequalities (LMI) that represent control performance such as disturbance rejection and robust stability. Our approach in designing the fuzzy observer is based on the LMI formulation of the stability conditions for closed-loop Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems, when states are not available for measurement of feedback. We present a new approach, which is to design an observer based on fuzzy implications, with fuzzy sets in the antecedents, and an asymptotic observer in the consequents. Each fuzzy rule is responsible for observing the states of a locally linear subsystem. An example illustrates the design procedure.
Investigating the Connections Between Race, Illicit Drug Markets, and Lethal Violence, 1984-1997

Many scholars have speculated that the dramatic rise of homicide rates in the late 1980s and their subsequent decline in the 1990s was driven by the expansion and contraction of illegal drug markets and/or law enforcement attempts to regulate these markets. However, the empirical evidence to this end is limited in important ways. This analysis extends prior research and provides evidence of the following: (1) Change in drug market indicators are positively associated with change in both Black and White homicide rates in large U.S. cities between 1984 and 1997. (2) This relationship is substantially stronger for Blacks than for Whites. (3) The socioeconomic moderators of the drug-market/violence link vary by race, with racial inequality being especially important for Blacks and resource deprivation being especially important for Whites. The main implications of the analysis are that the drug-market/ lethal violence connection is much more complex than previously thought, and that simplistic theoretical acc...
Surgical treatment of obstruction of the nasolacrimal ducts in patients with anatomical endonasal variants.

The presence of anatomical endonasal variants (concha bullosa, nasal septal deviation, or hypertrophic turbinates) may cause more complications in patients with epiphora who have external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). The purpose of this study was to assess the results of surgical placement of a stent in 28 patients. They were randomised into two groups and had either DCR or placement of a Song's polyurethane stent. They were followed up for 18 months. Twenty-six patients had a good result. The success rate was 13/14 for those who had DCR and 13/14 for those who had a stent. Operating time was significantly less for placing a stent (mean (SD) 15 (2) minutes) compared with 40 (3) minutes for DCR (p<0.01). Placement of a polyurethane stent is an effective and short procedure for nasolacrimal obstruction, which is suitable for patients with unusual intranasal conditions.
Synthesis of (−)‐Okilactomycin by a Prins‐Type Fragment‐Assembly Strategy

Okilactomycin (1a) is a structurally interesting antitumor antibiotic that was isolated from Streptomyces griseoflavus in 1987.[1] In vitro studies have demonstrated that 1a exhibits significant antitumor and antiproliferative activity against both lymphoid leukemia L1210 cells and P388 leukemia cells with IC50 values of 216 nM and 89 nM, respectively.[1b] A closely related compound, chrolactomycin (1b), differs only in structure by the replacement of a methyl group with a methoxy moiety at the pyranone/lactone ring fusion and displays promising telomerase inhibition.[1c,d] In addition to their potent biological activity, these compounds posses a compact and intriguing architecture. The tricyclic core is characterized by a unique 6,5-fused tetrahydropyranone γ-lactone bicycle with a spiro fusion to a highly substituted cyclohexene. A strained deoxygenated dipropionate segment spans this unusual tricycle to generate a highly rigid tetracyclic topology. Despite the biological activity and structural complexity, there have been only limited reports on the synthesis of okilactomycin (1a) over the last two decades, namely from the laboratories of Takeda, Paquette, and Smith.[2] These synthetic efforts culminated in a total synthesis of unnatural enantiomer (−)-1 a and determination of the absolute configuration of the natural product by Smith et al. in 2007.[2d,e] There are no syntheses of chrolactomycin (1b) reported to date. We disclose herein a convergent synthesis of (−)-1 a utilizing a Prins-type Maitland–Japp cyclization strategy of two advanced fragments.
Instant identification of redundant tissue in abdominoplasty with a marking grid.

Background: It is generally believed that continuous or discontinuous undermining of an abdominoplasty flap is necessary for its advancement, but it is also recognized that such undermining may increase the risk of ischemic complications. Objective: The author describes a grid-marking system to quickly identify the redundant tissue in abdominoplasty, making the procedure simpler, safer, and more consistent. Methods: A standardized grid was preoperatively marked on 35 consecutive female abdominoplasty patients to determine the exact pattern and extent of skin resection at the beginning of the procedure. This allowed resection of redundant tissue while confining proximal flap undermining to the minimum amount necessary for diastasis repair and umbilical repositioning. Results: The 35 patients who underwent abdominoplasty with the author’s technique were followed from three months to 2.5 years. Of these, 12 underwent simultaneous liposuction. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia in an accredited office operating facility. Overall results were excellent, with no flap ischemia or other complications directly related to wound tension or to limited undermining. Conclusions: A standardized grid system allows identification of redundant abdominoplasty tissue before any incisions are made, which limits undermining to the area over the medial rectus abdominis muscles, the minimum amount necessary for diastasis repair and umbilical repositioning. Simultaneous liposuction can be performed with relative safety, although it is not required for flap advancement.
MICOO (multimodal interactive cubes for object orientation): a tangible user interface for the blind and visually impaired

This paper presents the development of Multimodal Interactive Cubes for Object Orientation (MICOO) manipulatives. This system provides a multimodal tangible user interface (TUI), enabling people with visual impairments to create, modify and naturally interact with diagrams and graphs on a multitouch surface. The system supports a novel notion of active orientation and proximity tracking of manipulatives against diagram and graph components. If the orientation of a MICOO matches a component, then a user is allowed to modify that component by moving the MICOO. Conversely, if a MICOO does not match orientation or is far from a component, audio feedback is activated to help the user reach that component. This will lessen the need for manual intervention, enable independent discovery on the part of the user, and offers dynamic behavior, whereas the representation interacts and provides feedback to the user. The platform has been developed and it is undergoing formal evaluation (e.g., browse, modify and construct graphs on a Cartesian plot and diagrams).
Current Results of Proton Beam Irradiation of Uveal Melanomas

Abstract Proton beam irradiation has been used for the treatment of 241 uveal melanomas over the past 7 1/2 years. Twelve melanomas (5%) were small, 99 (41 %) medium, 103 (43%) large and 27 (1%) extra-large melanomas. The mean length of follow-up was 21 months and the median 15 months. Ninety-four percent of the treated lesions with a follow-up more than two years and 65% of tumors with shorter follow-up showed regression. The most recent visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 47% and 20/100 or better in 66%. Ten eyes were enucleated because of complications (9) or continued tumor growth (1). Thirteen patients developed metastases from 4 to 50 months of treatment. Our data indicate that proton irradiation can be used to treat melanomas of various sizes and in a variety of locations, and preliminary results suggest that proton therapy has no deleterious effect on the likelihood of the development of metastases.
Implementation of a two-state Viterbi decoder with embedded decision feedback

Reduced-state Viterbi decoding with embedded decision feedback (RVEDF) is a novel signal-processing technique for reliably estimating the transmitted data sequence in the receiver of data communication systems. The authors present the implementation for an input signal consisting of a binary dicode partial-response signal corrupted by postcursor intersymbol interference and noise. A simplified version of the decoding algorithm is developed by the application of the difference-metric concept. A digital hardware implementation is given that is capable of operating at high signaling rates. >
Interatrial shunt for chronic pulmonary hypertension: differential impact of low-flow vs. high-flow shunting

The purpose of the present study was to determine for the first time the qualitative and quantitative impact of varying degrees of interatrial shunting on right heart dynamics and systemic perfusio...
MASS PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH EFFECTIVELY CLOSED SETS

The study of mass problems and Muchnik degrees was originally motivated by Kolmogorov’s non-rigorous 1932 interpretation of intuitionism as a calculus of problems. The purpose of this paper is to summarize recent investigations into the lattice of Muchnik degrees of nonempty effectively closed sets in Euclidean space. Let Ew be this lattice. We show that Ew provides an elegant and useful framework for the classification of certain foundationally interesting problems which are algorithmically unsolvable. We exhibit some specific degrees in Ew which are associated with such problems. In addition, we present some structural results concerning the lattice Ew. One of these results answers a question which arises naturally from the Kolmogorov interpretation. Finally, we show how Ew can be applied in symbolic dynamics, toward the classification of tiling problems and Z d -subshifts of finite type.
Some Cautions on the Employment of the Spectral Technique to Describe the Waves of the Sea and the Response Thereto of Oceanic Systems

An overview is presented of the spectral technique for describing, analyzing and predicting the characteristics of seawaves. The author explicitly identifies the conditions that must be observed for the analysis to be proper and the predictions to be accurate. The nature of the errors that are introduced if these conditions are ignored is further discussed. The author points out that when the sea state is light, it can be validly described, (in principle) by the spectral distribution of its variance or energy but that empirical formulations of the shape of the spectrum are not fully satisfactory. However, it is indicated that there is a strong convergence toward a definite basic shape. When the seas grow to moderate intensity, the variance spectrum begins to lose validity, although adjustment can be made so that it remains usable but with lessened confidence. When the seas grow to great intensity, the variance spectrum cannot be depended upon to describe the sea. Prediction of the extreme characteristics of seawaves suffers from serious uncertainty.
Capillariasis of the anal sacs of raccoons (Procyon lotor) and a possible association with anal-sac impaction

illoma with viral replication in a dog. J Vet Med Sci 54:387– 389. 8. Shimada A, Shinya K, Awakura T, et al.: 1993, Cutaneous papillomatosis associated with papillomavirus infection in a dog. J Comp Pathol 108:103–107. 9. Sundberg JP, O’Banion K, Schmidt-Didier E, Reichmann ME: 1986, Cloning and characterization of a canine oral papillomavirus. Am J Vet Res 47:1142–1144. 10. Sundberg JP, Smith EK, Herron AJ, et al.: 1994, Involvement of canine oral papillomavirus in generalized oral and cutaneous verrucosis in a Chinese shar pei dog. Vet Pathol 31:183– 187. 11. Tokita H, Konishi S-I: 1975, Studies on canine oral papillomatosis. II. Oncogenicity of canine oral papilloma virus to various tissues of dog with special reference to eye tumor. Jpn J Vet Sci 37:109–120.
A method and program for estimating graphical models for linkage disequilibrium that scale linearly with the number of loci, and their application to gene drop simulation

Motivation: Efficient models for genetic linkage disequilibrium (LD) are needed to enable appropriate statistical analysis of the dense, genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism assays currently available. Results: Estimation of graphical models for LD within a restricted class of decomposable models is shown to be possible using computer time and storage that scale linearly with the number of loci. Programs for estimation and for simulating from these models on a whole-genome basis are described and provided. Availability: Java classes and source code for IntervalLD and GeneDrops are freely available over the internet at http://bioinformatics.med.utah.edu/~alun. Contact: alun@genepi.med.utah.edu
Ovarian hormones and cognition in the aged female rat: I. Long-term, but not short-term, ovariectomy enhances spatial performance.

Although research suggests that ovariectomy (ovx) is detrimental to spatial cognition in young rats, little work has evaluated the cognitive effects of ovx in aged rats. The authors investigated the effects of ovx in aged rats using the water radial-arm maze. In Study 1, young rats and aged rats receiving ovx 1.5 months before testing outperformed aged rats receiving sham surgery or ovx 21 days before testing. In Study 2, young rats and aged rats receiving ovx 2.0 or 6.0 months before testing outperformed aged sham rats. Aged rats exhibited estradiol and elevated progesterone levels comparable to those of young rats. The findings suggest that 1.5-6.0 months, but not 21 days, of ovx improves spatial memory in aged rats. The hypothesis that long-term ovarian hormone loss is detrimental to spatial memory in aged rats was not supported. The authors hypothesize that removal of elevated progesterone levels is related to the ovx-induced cognitive enhancement.
Experimental Study on Surface Quality in Micro-Milling of Single Crystal Superalloy

Single crystal Ni3Al-based superalloy has excellent comprehensive performance.To study the micro-milling surface quality of Ni3Al-based superalloy, this article used two-edged carbide alloy micro-milling tool with 0.8mm diameter, then orthogonal experiment of three factors and five levels was implemented to the micro-milling of typical single crystal Ni3Al-based superalloy IC10. The primary and secondary factors of the impact on the micro-milling surface quality were found from spindle speed, feed rate, milling depth by range analysis, and the ideal cutting process parameters combination was optimized and obtained, then its cutting mechanism and the reason of affecting the surface quality were analyzed. The experiment result has certain guiding significance to the micro-milling mechanism of single crystal superalloy.
Gauge Fixing Degeneracies, Confinement and Other Problems for Non-Abelian Gauge Theories

During the last year there have been several nev developments in the quantum theory of gauge fields which I will review here. First is the discovery that in non-abelian gauge theories the usual gauge fixing conditions fail to uniquely specify the gauge. There are, in general, many fields, all gauge equivalent, satisfying the same gauge condition. I will describe this observation of V.N. Gribov’s1 along with some general results of I.M. Singer. This degeneracy poses a problem for the quantum theory since one must fix the gauge to quantize the field. Consequently, at present a consistent formulation of quantized gauge fields does not exist.
Cautionary Comments Concerning the Use of Profiles of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Pah) for Source Apportionment

Although there are some indications that relative concentrations or profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) may be useful in source apportionment for environmental receptor modelling, there are reasons for skepticism and caution in their application. Some putative PAH indicators such as cyclopenta[cd]pyrene are extremely reactive under ambient environmental conditions. Furthermore, this specific compound is more widespread than previously thought. The suggestion by some authors that PAH source apportionment may be applicable in winter is not very useful since, in the USA at least, woodsmoke is the dominant winter contributor and PAH emissions from wood combustion are extremely variable in composition.