cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer recognition and extraction of form features: A CAD/CAM link

Abstract The future success of CAD and CAM depends on the ability of these two processes to communicate with each other and with the intermediate manufacturing database. CAD-generated objects can be defined and stored as complete geometric and topologic solids. The elements of CAM, however, cannot make full use of the CAD part description because it exists in terms of low-level faces, edges and vertices or primitive volumes usually unrelated to manufacturing processes. Consequently, manufacturing planning continues to depend upon human interpretation of the part definition according to manufacturing needs. The automatic linking of CAD and CAM involves a computer interpretation of the part database to extract manufacturing-specific semantic knowledg about the part. This knowledge can enable process planning and other CAM operations to proceed automatically without human guidance or intervention. A method has been developed to automatically extract manufacturing information in the form of part features. The procedure consists of searching the part description, recognizing cavity features, extracting those features as solid volumes of material to be removed and arranging them in a feature graph, a high level data structure appropriate for manufacturing process planning. The feature recognition step uses logic programming implemented in PROLOG. Using rules of logic, definitions have been formulated to describe some common features of a part, such as holes and slots. The part is represented as a set of facts in a boundary representation format and these facts are searched to satisfy the feature rules. Multiple feature cavities can be separated into their component feature parts. This work has relevance in the areas of CAD/CAm linking, automated process planning, expert systems and, in fact, the interpretation of any 3-D data.
Sub-nanomol per second flow measurement near atmospheric pressure

We present a measurement technique designed to accurately measure small flow rates near atmospheric pressure, and demonstrate the ability to measure flows on the order of 10-10 mol/sec. The technique is based upon a modification of a constant-volume mass accumulation scheme where the flow rate is measured by monitoring the change in pressure of a known volume of gas. We identify two phenomena, thermally-induced fluctuations and thermodynamically-induced fluctuations, which will affect the resolution and dynamic range of the instrumentation and discuss how the problems associated with them can be mitigated. We estimate the resolution to be approximately 2.0×10-13 mol/s, and the maximum measurable flow rate to be to the order 2×10-9 mol/s.
Anxiolysis with oral midazolam in pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures.

Abstract Background: Pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures often experience high levels of anxiety. Oral midazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine that can ameliorate procedure-related anxiety. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the safety and efficacy of oral midazolam as an adjuvant anxiolytic agent for pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures. Methods: A prospective series of pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures who received oral midazolam were monitored, and efficacy and complications were recorded. Results: Oral midazolam provided good to excellent anxiolytic effects in most pediatric patients undergoing painful dermatologic surgical procedures. Because midazolam does not provide analgesic effects, local anesthesia is necessary. Complications were uncommon and minor. Conclusion: Oral midazolam is an effective anxiolytic agent in pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:105-8.)
Combined affinity and ion pair column chromatographies for the analysis of food folate

Abstract Folate in nature exists in a variety of forms that differ by the state of oxidation, one carbon substitution of the pteridine ring, and by the number of glutamate residues. A method was developed in our laboratory (Selhub, 1989) that uses affinity chromatography followed by ion-pair high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the analysis of folate distribution in tissues with simultaneous information on the structural nature at both ends of the folate molecule. The purpose of this study was to determine if this (affinity/HPLC) method is also suitable for the analysis of food folates. A total of 10 food products were analyzed. The food items were suspended in 10 volumes of 2% ascorbate-10 mmol/L 2-mercaptoethanol at pH 7.8 and heat extracted in an autoclave for 30 min. After centrifugation, folate in the supernatant fraction was purified by affinity chromatography and analyzed by ion-pair reverse HPLC using a diode array UV detector. Results showed variability of folate distribution in the various products ranging from a single derivative of 5-methylH4PteGlu found in egg yolk to more complex mixtures of pentaglutamyl folates in lima beans, a series of methylated tetrahydrofolates in banana, and a multiplicity of forms in yeast extracts. The method appears to be reliable, as the measured variability amounted to an average of 10%, while total folates obtained by integrating the concentration of individual folates were comparable to total folates estimated using the more traditional microbial assay method.
Effects of 1,3-dimethylamylamine and caffeine alone or in combination on heart rate and blood pressure in healthy men and women.

AbstractBackground: The use of 1, 3-dimethylamylamine (geranamine), alone and in combination with caffeine, is becoming widespread within the dietary supplement industry. To our knowledge, no data are available concerning the effects of oral geranamine intake on heart rate (HR) and blood pressure in individuals. Methods: Ten young healthy men and women ingested 1 of 5 conditions on different days using a double-blind, randomized, crossover design. The following were ingested after a 10-hour overnight fast: 250 mg caffeine (C), 50 mg geranamine (G 50 mg), 75 mg geranamine (G 75 mg), 250 mg caffeine + 50 mg geranamine (C + G 50 mg), and 250 mg caffeine + 75 mg geranamine (C + G 75 mg). Heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and rate pressure product (RPP) were measured pre-ingestion and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post-ingestion. Plasma norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) were measured pre-ingestion and at 60 and 120 minutes post-ingestion. Results: Heart rate wa...
Improved spectral selectivity and reduced susceptibility in SSFP using a near zero TE undersampled three-dimensional PR sequence.

Purpose To improve the performance of fat/water separation and reduce the sensitivity to susceptibility variation in balanced SSFP sequences. Materials and Methods Decreasing the repetition time (TR) reduces susceptibility artifacts in SSFP imaging. A shorter TR may also improve the spectral selectivity obtained when linearly combining data acquired using different radiofrequency phase cycling schedules. The desired short TR is achieved by using an angularly undersampled three-dimensional radial acquisition sequence that achieves a near zero echo time (TE) and also a short TR. Results Images from human volunteers demonstrate broad coverage of the cervical spine and knee with isotropic resolution. Excellent fat/water separation is achieved in these studies. Conclusion The short TR capability of the proposed sequence greatly improves the fat suppression in SSFP imaging. High-resolution volumetric T2-like contrast imaged with reduced susceptibility artifacts can be obtained from a single acquisition using this technique. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:117–123. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Event horizon deformations in extreme mass-ratio black hole mergers

We study the geometry of the event horizon of a spacetime in which a small compact object plunges into a large Schwarzschild black hole. We first use the Regge-Wheeler and Zerilli formalisms to calculate the metric perturbations induced by this small compact object, then find the new event horizon by propagating null geodesics near the unperturbed horizon. A caustic is shown to exist before the merger. Focusing on the geometry near the caustic, we show that it is determined predominantly by large-l perturbations, which in turn have simple asymptotic forms near the point at which the particle plunges into the horizon. It is therefore possible to obtain an analytic characterization of the geometry that is independent of the details of the plunge. We compute the invariant length of the caustic. We further show that among the leading-order horizon area increase, half arises from generators that enter the horizon through the caustic, and the rest arises from area increase near the caustic, induced by the gravitational field of the compact object.
Superplasticity in ceramic and metal matrix composites and the role of grain size, segregation, interfaces, and second phase morphology

Abstract Structural ceramics and ceramic composites have been shown to exhibit superplasticity in recent times and this discovery has attracted tremendous interest. Although the number of ceramics that have been found to exhibit superplasticity is now quite large, there are considerable gaps in the understanding of the detailed requirements for superplasticity in ceramics. Additionally, superplastic behavior at very high strain rates (1 s−1) in metallic-based materials is an area of increasing research. In this case, the phenomenon has been observed quite extensively in aluminum alloy-based metal matrix composites and mechanically alloyed aluminum- and nickel-based materials. Again, the details of the structural requirements of this phenomenon are not yet understood. In the present paper, experimental results on superplasticity in ceramic-based materials and on high strain rate behavior in metallic-based materials are presented. The roles of grain size, grain boundary and interface chemistry, and second phase morphology and compatibility with the matrix material will be emphasized.
Implantable sensor for blood flow monitoring after transplant surgery.

A limited number of techniques are employed in clinical medicine for regional tissue perfusion assessment. These methods are marginally effective and are not well suited for implantation due to the inability to miniaturize the associated technologies. Consequently, no standardized techniques exist for real-time, continuous monitoring of organ perfusion following transplantation. In this paper, a brief overview of the relevant clinical techniques employed for regional tissue perfusion assessment is given with particular emphasis on post-surgical monitoring of transplanted organs. The ideal characteristics for a perfusion monitoring system are discussed and the development of a new, completely implanted local tissue monitoring system is summarized. In vivo and in vitro data are presented that establish the efficacy of this new technology, which is a photonics-based sensor system uniquely suited for continuous tissue monitoring and real-time data reporting. The suitablity of this sensor technology for miniat...
A Taxonomy of Perfect Domination

AbstractA variety of terminology has been used in the literature to describe a dominating set with the property that each vertex in graph is dominated exactly once (or at most once, depending on the situation). We review the various terminologies related to perfect domination, consider some of the variations of perfect domination studied in the literature, and survey some of the main results.
Cancer Mortality among Asians and Pacific Islanders in New York City, 2001-2010.

Asians and Pacific Islanders’ (APIs) leading cause of death is cancer. We compared APIs’ age-adjusted cancer mortality rates to other racial/ethnic groups and by API subgroup (i.e., Chinese, Koreans, Asian Indians, and Filipinos) using New York City (NYC) Mortality data and Census Bureau population estimates for 2001–2010. While other racial/ethnic groups’ overall cancer mortality rates declined in NYC during the last decade, APIs remained stable. APIs overall had the lowest mortality rates for more common cancer types (i.e., lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate), but the highest mortality rates for certain less common cancers (i.e., nasopharyngeal, stomach, and liver). Chinese New Yorkers’ lung cancer death rates were very high compared to other APIs and comparable to non-Hispanic whites (47.1/100,000 versus 49.5/100,000, resp.). Chinese men had much higher nasopharyngeal cancer mortality rates (4.5/100,000 versus 0.3/100,000 for non-Hispanic whites). Korean men had the highest liver and stomach cancer mortality rates (25.3/100,000 and 27.7/100,000, resp., versus 7.9/100,000 and 6.0/100,000 for non-Hispanic whites). Analysis of cancer rates by API subgroup provides the detailed information needed to plan cancer prevention efforts. These findings warrant consideration of targeted cancer mortality prevention efforts for affected subgroups, including hepatitis vaccination, screening, and treatment; smoking cessation; and cancer screening.
The role of chemosensory behavior of Symbiodinium microadriaticum, intermediate hosts, and host behavior in the infection of coelenterates and molluscs with zooxanthellae

Symbiotic dinoflagellates, Symbiodinium microadriaticum (=zooxanthellae), may gain access to aposymbiotic hosts (i.e., those lacking zooxanthellae) by chemosensory attraction of the motile algae by the potential host or via an “intermediate” host. Laboratory experiments showed that motile zooxanthellae were attracted to intact aposymbiotic host animals, but not to starved symbiotic hosts. Fed symbiotic hosts and brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) nauplii also attracted motile zooxanthellae. The attraction of these zooxanthellae was directly correlated with nitrogen levels in the seawater surrounding the hosts; thus ammonia and possibly nitrate could be atractants. Brine shrimp nauplii, acting as “intermediate” hosts actively ingested both motile and non-motile zooxanthellae. the ingested zooxanthellae tended to remain morphologically unaltered during and after passage through the gut of the brine shrimp. Capture and ingestion of brine shrimp containing zooxanthellae by aposymbiotic scyphistomae of the jellyfish Cassiopeia xamachana led to infection of the scyphistomae with zooxanthellae. Zooxanthellae isolated from 17 different species of coelenterates and molluscs could be transferred via brine shrimp to the endodermal cells of the scyphistomae. However only 10 of these isolates persisted to establish a permanent association with C. xamachana. Scyphistomae in suspensions of motile zooxanthellae responded by a classical coelenterate feeding response, which may facilitate ingestion of the potential symbionts and establishment of a symbiosis.
Vascular response to infusions of a nonextravasating hemoglobin polymer

The clinical utility of cross-linked tetrameric hemoglobin solutions is limited by peripheral vasoconstriction thought to be due to scavenging of nitric oxide. In addition, transfusion of crude preparations of hemoglobin polymers can cause arterial hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that eliminating low-molecular-weight components from the polymer solution would prevent extravasation and its associated pressor response. A zero-link polymer of bovine hemoglobin was developed without chemical linkers left between the tetramers. Transfusion of unprocessed preparations of these polymers in rats resulted in appearance of the polymer in the renal hilar lymph. However, eliminating the low-molecular-weight components with a 300-kDa diafiltration resulted in an average hydrodynamic radius of 250 A and in undetectable levels of polymer in hilar lymph. Exchange transfusion in anesthetized rats and cats and in awake cats produced no increase in arterial pressure. In anesthetized cats, exchange transfusion with an albumin solution reduced hematocrit from 30 to 18%, increased cerebral blood flow, and dilated pial arterioles. In contrast, reducing hematocrit by transfusing the diafiltered polymer did not increase cerebral blood flow as pial arterioles constricted. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the increase in arterial pressure associated with cell-free hemoglobin transfusion depends on hemoglobin extravasation. Constriction observed in the cerebrovascular bed with a nonextravasating hemoglobin polymer at low hematocrit is presumably a regulatory response to prevent overoxygenation at low blood viscosity.
Policy implications of Medicare Part D for adults with mental illness: a qualitative exploration.

The Medicare prescription drug benefit, introduced in January 2006, has had a substantial impact on the lives of adults disabled by mental illness. However, few studies have undertaken an exploration of the difference that this benefit has made to beneficiaries' access to medication. This study uses a qualitative approach to examine beneficiaries' experiences with the Medicare Part D benefit, and whether having Medicare prescription drug coverage is perceived as helpful. Twenty-six Medicare beneficiaries with mental illness were interviewed regarding their opinions of the Part D benefit, and the investigator found that most beneficiaries were highly satisfied with their prescription drug coverage. However, they would appreciate more information from the Medicare program about their benefits. In addition, beneficiaries were concerned about the possibility of increased future costs. Overall, however, these participants in the Medicare Part D program who had mental illness felt that their needs for psychotro...
Theoretical and practical comparison of two-phase ejector refrigeration cycles including First and Second Law analysis

Abstract This paper compares the standard two-phase ejector refrigeration cycle with a liquid–vapor separator to two alternate, less commonly considered two-phase ejector refrigeration cycles as well as to a conventional cycle with an expansion valve. An analytical comparison of the different ejector cycles' theoretical COP's is presented and used to show that they have the same theoretical COP. Numerical models are used to further compare the cycles in terms of theoretical COP and availability destruction. The results show that the standard two-phase ejector cycle has lower availability destruction and higher Second Law efficiency than the alternate ejector cycles despite having the same theoretical COP. Some advantages and disadvantages of the different ejector cycles that are not accounted for in the theoretical COP are discussed. The potential practical advantages offered by the alternate ejector cycles show that these and other alternate ejector cycles may be worth additional attention in future studies.
Characteristics of [3H]1α, 25-(OH)2D3 binding to nuclear fractions from rat pituitary adenoma GH3 cells

Abstract Specific high affinity binding sites for [ 3 H]1α, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D 3 were observed in nuclear fractions of rat pituitary adenoma GH 3 cells. Crude nuclear (P1) sites demonstrated a pharmacological specificity for vitamin D 3 metabolites and analogues that was in accord with the characteristics of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 receptors in recognized target organs. GH 3 cells grown in serum-containing medium contained significant amounts of 1α, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D 3 in a P1 extract, whereas no 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 was detectable in P1 extracts from cells cultured in the absence of serum. Binding of [ 3 H]1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 to the P1 fraction was unaffected by prior depletion of intracellular 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 , suggesting that association of [ 3 H]1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 to nuclear sites is not attributable to translocation of a cytosolic hormone-receptor complex and molecular exchange. The results support the concept that 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 has a physiological role in mediating pituitary hormone secretion.
Chemical kindling by muscarinic amygdaloid stimulation in the rat

Abstract 507 Holtzman rats received injections, through chemitrodes chronically implanted into the basolateral amygdala, of 0.2–1 μl of sterile isotonic solution containing nanomolar quantities of cholinergic muscarinic agonists and/or antagonists. The bulk of the injected solution diffused only a short distance as judged by autoradiography. Once daily injections of 2.7 nmoles of carbamylcholine, an initially subconvulsive dose, kindled the progressive development of epileptic seizures similar to those seen in electrical amygdaloid kindling. This response was dependent on dose and on interstimulus interval, and once established persisted at least 8 weeks without further stimulation. Spontaneous seizures were observed in some fully kindled animals. No kindling-specific changes were seen by light microscopy. Muscarine (3 nmol) and the active (+), but not the inactive (−), isomer of acetyl-β-methylcholine also kindled seizures. The action of (+)-acetyl-β-methylcholine was potentiated by the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine. The muscarinic antagonists atropine and quinuclidinyl benzylate (QNB) blocked kindling by carbamylcholine or muscarine. Atropine, QBN and scopoamine greatly reduced agonist-induced seizures in previously kindled rats. Highly significant transfer effects were observed between muscarinic agonists, i.e. muscarine-kindled rats had widespread seizures on their first carbamylcholine exposure and vice versa. Kindled animals had a lowered seizure threshold for muscarinic agonists. Dibutyryl cyclic GMP produced seizures but no kindling. Those results demonstrate that in this model the stimulation of a group of muscarinic cholinergic synapses is both necessary and sufficient to induce a kindled state characterized by both evoked and spontaneous seizures, and support the view that epilepsy can be acquired and expressed transsynaptically.
Evaluation of Pervious Concrete Workability Using Gyratory Compaction

Portland cement pervious concrete (PCPC) is increasingly used across the United States, and this has prompted various entities to begin the process of developing standardized test techniques. A major issue with placing PCPC is the inconsistencies in concrete workability between mixtures developed in the laboratory and in the field. It is therefore urgent to properly determine workability of pervious concrete and to ensure that the designed concrete mixtures are suitable for particular compaction methods and field conditions. This paper describes a new test method for characterizing PCPC workability—the gyratory compaction test method. A modified Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC) is employed in the present study. Two PCPC workability parameters are defined from the gyration compaction curve: (1) workability energy index, which describes initial concrete workability and (2) compaction densification index, which describes the resistance of the tested mixture to further compaction. The effects of binder content and water-to-cement ratio as well as effect of concrete mixing time on PCPC workability are studied. Based on the test results, values of the workability parameters for concrete with various degrees of workability are specified.
"WISHFUL THINKING" ON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Summary.-Students' predictions about the 1968 presidentla1 election were related to their desires on the issue. In accord with other invesr~gar~ons, positive correlations were found between prediction of outcomes and des~rab~liry of outcomes. Also, the correlation coefficient was higher for the more uncertain predictions. The question of the rationality or irrationality of human behavior has pervaded the philosophical and psychological literature for many years. In general, psychological studies have dealt wich this issue by empirically investigating some of the functional relacionships between motivation and cognition. Laboratory (2, 3, 4, 6) as well as field (1, 5) research indicates that the desirability of an outcome affects Ss' expectations abouc its occurrence. It has been consistently shown that positive outcomes seem more likely than negacive outcomes. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between individuals' attitudes toward the 1968 presidential candidates and their expectations about the number of votes that the candidates would obtain in the coming elections. In line wich the studies mentioned above, it was hypothesized that there would be a positive relationship between people's attitudes or desires and their predictions of the elecrion ouccomes. In order to tesc the hypothesis, cwo measurement instruments were given to
“Fixing a heart”: the game of electrolytes in anorexia nervosa

A 25-year-old woman with chronic anorexia nervosa and depression presented with sudden weakness and fatigue. Psychosocial history was notable for binge-starve cycles over the past year and a decline in overall well-being. Vitals on presentation were notable for hypothermia, hypotension, and bradycardia. Initial exam was significant for emaciation, lethargy, and lower extremity edema. Laboratory work-up revealed markedly elevated LFTs, hypoglycemia, thrombocytopenia and elevated INR and lipase. ECG showed sinus bradycardia with prolonged QTc. Ultrasound revealed normal liver and biliary tree. Serum acetaminophen, alcohol level, and urinary toxicology were unremarkable. Work up for infectious, autoimmune, and genetic causes of hepatitis was negative. Echocardiogram revealed left ventricular hypokinesis and EF 10-15%. Nutritional support was begun slowly, however electrolyte derangements began to manifest on hospital day 2, with hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia. Multiple medical and psychiatric disciplines were consulted, and aggressive electrolyte monitoring and repletion were done. The patient’s overall clinical status improved slowly during her hospital course. Her liver enzymes trended down, and her QTc interval eventually returned toward the normal range. Repeat echocardiogram following treatment revealed improvement of her EF to 40%. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extremely low body weight, fear of gaining weight or distorted perception of body image, and amenorrhea. Anorexia can lead to life threatening medical complications, and thus constitutes a major challenge to manage. Central to the pathogenesis of the refeeding syndrome is a weakened cardiopulmonary system, electrolytes abnormalities, hepatic dysfunction, liver hypoperfusion and failure. Given the clinical presentation, this patient likely presented on the brink of developing frank refeeding syndrome, with cardiac dysfunction and hypovolemia, leading to hepatic hypoperfusion and ischemic hepatitis. Subsequently, she developed electrolyte disturbances characteristic of refeeding syndrome, which were managed without major complication. Her hospital course is encouraging not only for her recovery, but for the collaboration of the different teams involved in her care, and it highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients with the potential dire complications of a complex psychiatric illness.
Time-dependent solution of a premixed laminar flame

Abstract The one-dimensional, time-dependent, multicomponent premixed laminar flame is solved via a highly accurate method of lines approach. The neglect of pressure variations and viscous dissipation and the use of a Lagrangian spatial coordinate reduce the problem to a system of parabolic partial differential equations for the species concentrations and the temperature. Introducing an appropriate B-spline (finite element) basis for the spatial variation and imposing collocation and boundary conditions on the time-dependent coefficients produce a stiff ordinary initial value problem which can be solved by standard techniques. Physical results of special interest include the transient and steady-state profiles of fluid velocity, temperature, and species concentrations through the reaction zone and the upstream velocity (flame speed) of the combustible mixture required to asymptotically stabilize the flame. The analysis is illustrated for the case of an ozone decomposition flame and a comparison with other theoretical predictions shows that the use of less accurate methods can result in significant errors in the predicted values of minor species profiles and the flame speed.
Response of frictional receding contact problems to cyclic loading

Dundurs [Properties of elastic bodies in contact. In: de Pater AD, Kalker JJ, editors. The mechanics of the contact between deformable bodies. Delft: Delft University Press; 1975. p. 54–66] has shown that if the contact area in a frictionless elastic system under load is equal to or smaller than that before loading (i.e. the contact is receding), the extent of the contact area is load-independent and the stress field varies linearly with load. Similar results apply to problems with Coulomb friction as long as the loading is monotonic, but otherwise non-linearities and variation in the contact area occur. In this paper, we examine this effect for the simple case of an elastic block pressed against a frictional rigid plane. During unloading there is continuous variation of both contact and slip/stick boundaries. For the important case where the loading contains a mean and a periodic component, the system approaches a steady periodic state relatively slowly and in this final state there is continuous variation of the contact area, with the minimum (i.e. the maximum amount of separation) occurring at the minimum applied load. & 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Hepatic Basolateral Efflux Contributes Significantly to Rosuvastatin Disposition I: Characterization of Basolateral Versus Biliary Clearance Using a Novel Protocol in Sandwich-Cultured Hepatocytes

Transporters responsible for hepatic uptake and biliary clearance (CLBile) of rosuvastatin (RSV) have been well characterized. However, the contribution of basolateral efflux clearance (CLBL) to hepatic and systemic exposure of RSV is unknown. Additionally, the appropriate design of in vitro hepatocyte efflux experiments to estimate CLBile versus CLBL remains to be established. A novel uptake and efflux protocol was developed in sandwich-cultured hepatocytes (SCH) to achieve desired tight junction modulation while maintaining cell viability. Subsequently, studies were conducted to determine the role of CLBL in the hepatic disposition of RSV using SCH from wild-type (WT) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2)-deficient (TR−) rats in the absence and presence of the P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) inhibitor elacridar (GF120918). RSV CLBile was nearly ablated by GF120918 in TR− SCH, confirming that Mrp2 and Bcrp are responsible for the majority of RSV CLBile. Pharmacokinetic modeling revealed that CLBL and CLBile represent alternative elimination routes with quantitatively similar contributions to the overall hepatocellular excretion of RSV in rat SCH under baseline conditions (WT SCH in the absence of GF120918) and also in human SCH. Membrane vesicle experiments revealed that RSV is a substrate of MRP4 (Km = 21 ± 7 µM, Vmax = 1140 ± 210 pmol/min per milligram of protein). Alterations in MRP4-mediated RSV CLBL due to drug-drug interactions, genetic polymorphisms, or disease states may lead to changes in hepatic and systemic exposure of RSV, with implications for the safety and efficacy of this commonly used medication.
Scheduling parallelizable jobs on multiprocessors

The effect of parallel execution on the complexity of scheduling hard real time jobs on multiprocessors is analyzed. Studied is the scheduling problem in which a job may be parallelized and executed on any number of processors concurrently. In hard real-time systems, each job must be completed before a deadline. Parallelization gives a scheduler the flexibility to allocate more processors to a job whose deadline is near. Unfortunately, with this flexibility some of the multiprocessor scheduling problems are very difficult. The NP-hardness of scheduling parallelizable jobs where each job has a fixed priority is proved. A heuristic algorithm is proposed for finding an approximate job partition on two processors. Simulation results show that the heuristic algorithm usually has a very good performance. >
Two-stage model for human enamel demineralization as determined by scanning electron microscope analysis

Scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to observe the effects of various treatments on human enamel surfaces. A two-stage model, ie, one stage concerned with the initiation of attack and another stage to describe the directionality of the spread of attack, is presented to explain the effects of the various demineralization treatments.
Regional Variation Exaggerates Ecological Divergence in Niche Models

Traditionally, the goal of systematics has been to produce classifications that are both strongly supported and biologically meaningful. In recent years several authors have advocated complementing phylogenetic analyses with measures of another form of evolutionary change, ecological divergence. These analyses frequently rely on ecological niche models to determine if species have comparable environmental requirements, but it has heretofore been difficult to test the accuracy of these inferences. To address this problem, I simulate the geographic distributions of allopatric species with identical environmental requirements. I then test whether existing analyses based on geographic distributions will correctly infer that the 2 species' requirements are identical. This work demonstrates that when taxa disperse to different environments, many analyses can erroneously infer changes in environmental requirements, but the severity of the problem depends on the method used. As this could exaggerate the number of ecologically distinct taxa in a clade, I suggest diagnostics to mitigate this problem.
Naïve bayes classifier based watermark detection in wavelet transform

Robustness is the one of the essential properties of watermarking schemes. It is the ability to detect the watermark after attacks. A DWT-based semi-blind image watermarking scheme leaves out the low pass band, and embeds a pseudo random number (PRN) sequence (i.e., the watermark) in the other three bands into the coefficients that are higher than a given threshold T1. During watermark detection, all the high pass coefficients above another threshold T2 (T2 ≥ T1) are used in correlation with the original watermark. In this paper, we embed a PRN sequence using the same procedure. In detection, however, we apply the Naive Bayes Classifier, which can predict class membership probabilities, such as the probability that a given image belongs to class “Watermark Present” or “Watermark Absent”. Experimental results show that the Naive Bayes Classifier gives very promising results for gray scale images in the wavelet domain watermark detection.
Preservice music teachers' and therapists' nonverbal behaviors and their relationship to perceived rapport:

The purpose of the two studies reported in the article was to determine whether or not a relationship exists between preservice music therapists' and teachers' nonverbal behaviors and their perceived rapport. In study 1, evaluators (N = 56) viewed a stimulus tape consisting of 15 45-second segments of 15 preservice music therapists leading songs appropriate for various groups of music therapy clientele. Evaluators then judged the preservice therapists for perceived client rapport under one of three conditions: video-only, audio-only, and audio/ video, and then provided comments regarding their evaluations. Two trained observers also viewed the stimulus tape and simultaneously recorded the preservice music therapists' use of the following nonverbal behaviors: proximity, gestures, facial affect and eye contact. Results of the data analyses and evaluator comments indicated that: (1) nonverbal behaviors most important to rapport ratings and client engagement were eye contact and the use of gestures; and (2) r...
Simple pulse asynchronous state machines

Pulse computation is a hybrid of conventional analog and digital techniques which encodes and processes information in the time domain. In this paper we present a new technique for pulse computation with simple pulse-driven, asynchronous finite state machines. Asynchronous FSMs are robust and timescale-independent, and can be used as building blocks for constructing complex pulse processors. The notion of state within such processors is considerably simpler than in previous (neuromorphic) pulse computation elements. We describe two simple state machines, pulse matchers and pulse differencers, which we have implemented in CMOS 2 /spl mu/m VLSI. Finally, we discuss some simple image-processing applications to which these devices may be applied.
AVOIDING CURRENT OVERSIGHTS IN MARINE RESERVE DESIGN

The pun in the above title reflects two points. First, marine life cycles com- monly include a dispersive juvenile stage that is moved about by ocean currents. This stage often is the predominant, or only, means of dispersal that connects spatially disjunct pop- ulations. As a consequence, details of dispersal likely play a critical role in determining the effectiveness of marine reserves as a management and conservation tool. Curiously, however (and this is the second point of the title), although dozens of models for marine reserves now exist, few actually account explicitly for larval dispersal. Moreover, those that do include dispersal, do so almost exclusively by considering it to be a nondirectional spreading process (diffusion), ignoring the effects of directional transport by currents (ad- vection). Here we develop a population dynamical model for marine organisms with rel- atively sedentary adults whose larvae are transported in a simple flow field with both diffusive spreading and directional characteristics. We find that advection can play a dom- inant role in determining the effectiveness of different reserve configurations. Two of the most important consequences are: (1) with strong currents, multiple reserves can be mark- edly more effective than single reserves of equivalent total size; and (2) in the presence of strong currents, reserves can significantly outperform traditional, effort-based manage- ment strategies in terms of fisheries yield, and do so with less risk. These results suggest that successful reserve design may require considerable new efforts to examine explicitly the role of dispersal of young.
Tools and techniques for the development of Common Lisp applications across heterogeneous machines

A set of tools and techniques useful in the development of Common Lisp software in a heterogeneous machine environment is described. The set of tools includes a test manager, a system builder, and a librarian facility. These tools are implemented in Common Lisp and the Common Lisp Object System (CLOS) utilizing a machine-independent file path construct. These tools are compared with their counterparts in conventional programming environments from a software engineering perspective. How this set of tools can be extended by integrating it with an intelligent data dictionary is discussed. >
Efficacy and tolerability of gatifloxacin in community treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Abstract Background: Recognizing acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) and selecting appropriate antibiotic treatment for patients who would benefit most is a challenge for community-based physicians. Objective: The Tequin Clinical Experience Study, an open-label, noncomparative, post-marketing trial, assessed the efficacy and tolerability of gatifloxacin, an 8-methoxy fluoroquinolone, in the treatment of AECB in the community-practice setting. Methods: Consecutive patients with respiratory tract infections in community-based settings were eligible for participation. Treated patients (N = 2512) included 1107 men (44.1%) and 1405 women (55.9%) aged ≥18 years with a clinical diagnosis of chronic bronchitis. All participants received oral gatifloxacin 400 mg once daily for 7 to 10 days. Clinical response was determined via telephone contact conducted by the investigator or study coordinator using case-report forms or during an office visit after the last dose. The investigator or coordinator collected expectorated or induced sputum specimens that were then smeared on a microscope slide, stored in a tube, and transported to a central reference laboratory for Gram-staining and culture. Of 1388 pretreatment sputum specimens submitted, pathogens were isolated from 424. Results: The most frequently detected pathogens were Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis , and Streptococcus pneumoniae . All H influenzae and 99% of S pneumoniae isolates tested were susceptible to gatifloxacin. Of the 2267 patients with a determinable clinical response, 2084 (91.9% [95% CI, 90.8%–93.0%]) were cured (all acute symptoms improved or returned to baseline level, no new symptoms present, no additional antibiotic required). The 95.8% cure rate in 166 patients with H influenzae included 100% of those with beta-lactamase-positive strains. Overall, 89.2% of 111 patients with M catarrhalis were cured; rates were similar regardless of beta-lactamase production. The clinical cure rate in 74 patients with S pneumoniae was 98.6% and was independent of the degree of penicillin resistance (minimum inhibitory concentration ≥2.0 μg/mL). All 6 patients infected with S pneumoniae fully resistant to penicillin were cured. Gatifloxacin was generally well tolerated, and the majority of adverse events were mild to moderate; only 11 drug-related adverse events in 10 patients (0.4%) were serious. Drug-related nausea (3.0%), dizziness (1.5%), diarrhea (1.2%), and vomiting (0.9%) were the most common adverse events. Conclusions: The high clinical cure rate and favorable tolerability support gatifloxacin as a rational choice for the treatment of AECB in patients such as those in this community-based study.
Serial Images Demonstrating Proximal Extension of an Aortic Intramural Hematoma

A 73-year-old woman with history of hypertension presented to our institution with short-term onset of severe back pain. On physical examination, her pulse was 110 bpm and blood pressure was 134/77 mm Hg, equal in both arms. Examination of the heart revealed a 1/6 diastolic murmur heard at the base. ECG showed sinus tachycardia with no evidence of ischemia. A computed tomography scan was performed to rule out aortic dissection. A type B intramural hematoma (IMH) was found, originating just distal to the left subclavian artery and extending to the superior mesenteric artery (Figure 1A). Four hours after the …
The Nonuniform Syntax of Postverbal Elements in SOV Languages: Hindi, Bangla, and the Rightward Scrambling Debate

Much debate in recent years has focused on whether postverbal elements (PVEs) in SOV Hindi are derived via leftward movement compatible with the Linear Correspondence Axiom (Mahajan 1997a,b, 2003) or whether they must be assumed to result from some kind of rightward non-antisymmetric movement (Bhatt and Dayal 2007, Manetta 2012). A second phenomenon, scope restrictions on wh-in- situ elements in postverbal CPs, is often linked to the syntactic analysis of PVEs. Comparing Hindi with Bangla, this article shows that PVEs in Indic languages are not derived in a uniform way and that the wh-scope restriction needs to be considered independently of the syntax of nonclausal PVEs.
Regarding biocultural heritage: in situ political ecology of agricultural biodiversity in the Peruvian Andes

This paper emerges from and aims to contribute to conversations on agricultural biodiversity loss, value, and renewal. Standard international responses to the crisis of agrobiodiversity erosion focus mostly on ex situ pres- ervation of germplasm, with little financial and strategic support for in situ cultivation. Yet, one agrarian collective in the Peruvian Andes—the Parque de la Papa (Parque)— has repatriated a thousand native potatoes from the gene bank in Lima so as to catalyze in situ regeneration of lost agricultural biodiversity in the region. Drawing on partic- ipant action research and observation, this paper engages with the projects underway at the Parque—as well as ''indigenous biocultural heritage'' (IBCH), the original action-framework guiding the Parque's work. IBCH grounds the ecology of successful crop diversity within the Andean cosmovision, or worldview—which is included, but marginalized, in mainstream agrobiodiversity conser- vation policies. The IBCH concept counters apolitical renderings of agrobiodiversity erosion, arguing that this disregard of biocultural heritage perpetuates colonialist devaluations of efficacious ''traditional ecological knowl- edge'' and epistemologies. Accordingly, this paper discerns here an on-site, or in situ, political ecology of agricultural biodiversity conservation.
High-Sensitivity MEMS Based On-Chip Fluorescence Detection System: Measurement and Analysis of Ultimate Sensitivity Limits

This paper discusses the concentration to detected photocurrent relationship of a high-sensitivity MEMS based on-chip fluorescence detection system consisting of a light source, sample chamber, and detector all integrated into a set of 3"xl" glass slides. A green organic light-emitting diode (OLED) has been used as the excitation source and organic photodiode (OPD) has been used as the fluorescence detector. A novel integrated cross-polarization scheme was used to filter out excitation light from the fluorescent dye emission spectrum. Two commonly used dyes in biotechnology applications, Rhodamine 6G and Fluorescein, have been detected down to ten's of nanomole which is several order of magnitude improvement in detection limits over existing literature using OPD. A theoretical model has been developed to study fluorescence signal variation with dye concentration for this particular system. A theoretical curve fitting has been performed based on the model. The theoretical fit matches closely with experimental data. Future modifications of the detection system have been suggested based upon results obtained from modeling.
Integrated Quadrature Couplers and Their Application in Image-Reject Receivers

Several fully-integrated multi-stage lumped-element quadrature hybrids that enhance bandwidth, amplitude and phase accuracies, and robustness are presented, and a fully-integrated double-quadrature heterodyne receiver front-end that uses two-stage Lange/Lange couplers is described. The Lange/Lange cascade exploits the inherent wide bandwidth characteristic of the Lange hybrid and enables a robust design using a relatively low transformer coupling coefficient. The measured image-rejection ratio is > 55 dB over a 200 MHz bandwidth centered around 5.25 GHz without any tuning, trimming, or calibration; the front-end features 23.5 dB gain, -79 dBm sensitivity, 5.6 dB SSB NF,-7 dBm IIP3, -18 dB S11 and a 1 mm times 2 mm die area in 0.18 mum CMOS.
Two size-selective mechanisms specifically trap bacteria-sized food particles in Caenorhabditis elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans is a filter feeder: it draws bacteria suspended in liquid into its pharynx, traps the bacteria, and ejects the liquid. How pharyngeal pumping simultaneously transports and filters food particles has been poorly understood. Here, we use high-speed video microscopy to define the detailed workings of pharyngeal mechanics. The buccal cavity and metastomal flaps regulate the flow of dense bacterial suspensions and exclude excessively large particles from entering the pharynx. A complex sequence of contractions and relaxations transports food particles in two successive trap stages before passage into the terminal bulb and intestine. Filtering occurs at each trap as bacteria are concentrated in the central lumen while fluids are expelled radially through three apical channels. Experiments with microspheres show that the C. elegans pharynx, in combination with the buccal cavity, is tuned to specifically catch and transport particles of a size range corresponding to most soil bacteria.