cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extracting discriminative color features for face recognition

This paper presents a discriminative color features (DCF) method, which applies a simple yet effective color model, a novel similarity measure, and effective color feature extraction methods, for improving face recognition performance. First, the new color model is constructed according to the principle of Ockham's razor from a number of available models that take advantage of the subtraction of the primary colors for boosting pattern recognition performance. Second, the novel similarity measure integrates both the angular and the distance information for improving upon the broadly applied similarity measures. Finally, the discriminative color features are extracted from a compact color image representation by means of discriminant analysis with enhanced generalization capabilities. Experiments on the Face Recognition Grand Challenge (FRGC) version 2 Experiment 4, which contains 12,776 training images, 16,028 controlled target images, and 8,014 uncontrolled query images, show the feasibility of the proposed method.
Metabolism of α-glyceryl ethers by Tetrahymena pyriformis II. Properties of a cleavage system in vitro

Abstract The biocleavage of glyceryl ethers (especially of chimyl alcohol) in Tetrahymena pyriformis W cell-free preparations was investigated. Tetrahymena crude homogenates or subcellular fractions are 45–70 times more active than has been reported for comparable rat liver preparations. The system is similar to cell-free liver preparations in that the reaction requires molecular O2, NAD+ and an NADPH-generating system as cofactors for maximal activity. However, it was shown that neither a pteridine nor any other low-molecular weight compound soluble in the microsomal supernatant is involved in this reaction. Instead, the enzyme activity is distributed as an independent entity during subcellar fractionation, being principally recovered in the pellet resulting from centrifugation of the microsomal supernatant at 250000 × g. The major product of the glyceryl-ether breakdown was identified as fatty acid produced from the hydrocarbon side chain of the chimyl-alcohol molecule. Two other products were detected, one migrating as fatty aldehyde on thin-layer chromatography and another as fatty alcohol. The formation of the aldehyde-like compound does not seem to precede the formation of the product labeled as “fatty alcohol”, and no particular accumulation of radioactive fatty aldehyde was observed by omitting NAD+ from the reaction mixture or by including in it a bulk quantity of unlabeled palmitaldehyde. It was demonstrated that this ability of Tetrahymena to degrade glyceryl ethers in an in vitro system is not inducible and no significant changes in this enzyme specific activity were observed at various stages of Tetrahymena growth. Finally, the present system was found to possess comparable ability to cleave glyceryl-vinylic and glycol ethers, but not glyceryl-ether phosphatides.
Scattering and absorption of surface electron waves in quantum corrals

STANDING-WAVE patterns in electron density have been seen recently1–4 in images of the surfaces of noble metals obtained with the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). These patterns are due to the scattering of surface electrons off impurities and step edges. By assembling specific enclosed structures of adatoms ('quantum corrals') using the STM, one can generate standing waves of particular geometries3. Here we describe a theory of the scattering process, which allows us to predict the standing-wave patterns of an arbitrary corral geometry with great accuracy. We can use the theory to examine the scattering properties of the atoms in the corral walls. We find that iron atoms assembled on the (111) surface of copper act as 'black dots', soaking up all of the electron wave amplitude impinging on them. A scattered wave is generated nonetheless, but this behaviour means that the corral walls are only 25% reflective. In an acoustic analogy, the corral is therefore a rather quiet chamber.
Rare earth element–SiO 2 systematics of mid-ocean ridge plagiogranites and host gabbros from the Fournier oceanic fragment, New Brunswick, Canada: a field evaluation of some model predictions

The two most commonly invoked processes for generating plagiogranites in mid-ocean ridge environments are extended fractional crystallization of mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) magma and “hydration melting” of hot, dry MOR gabbro initiated by the influx of seawater-derived hydrothermal fluids within localized zones of shear. Brophy (Contrib Mineral Petrol 158:99–111, 2009) has proposed on theoretical grounds that, for liquids greater than ~62 wt. % SiO2, hydration melting should yield, among other features, a negative correlation between rare earth element (REE) abundances and increasing SiO2, while fractional crystallization should yield a positive correlation. If correct, the REE–SiO2 systematics of natural systems might be used to distinguish between the two processes. The Ordovician Fournier oceanic fragment, New Brunswick, Canada, contains MOR gabbro-hosted plagiogranite veins and dikes that are believed to have formed from hydration melting, thus forming an appropriate location for field verification of the proposed REE–SiO2 systematics for such a process. In addition to a negative correlation between liquid SiO2 and REE abundance for liquids in excess of ~62% SiO2, other important model features include the following: (1) relative to a gabbro source rock, the degree of enrichment at liquids of 62 and 75% SiO2 decreases from the LREE to the HREE; (2) the degree of enrichment at 75% SiO2 approaches 1 for the HREE; (3) the rate of change of the degree of enrichment with increasing liquid SiO2 (i.e., the slope) diminishes from the LREE to the HREE. All of these predicted features are observed in the Fournier plagiogranites. Assuming an initial source rock equivalent to the host gabbro, an additional strongly LREE-enriched component must be added prior to melting in order to make the absolute REE abundances agree with the model values. The most likely candidates are the very seawater-derived hydrothermal fluids that triggered hydration melting in the first place.
Starter cultures and cattle feed manipulation enhance conjugated linoleic acid concentrations in Cheddar cheese

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a fatty acid (FA) that provides several health benefits to humans. The feeding of fish oil-supplemented diets to dairy cows has been extensively studied as a means to improve the CLA content in milk. Several studies have also been conducted on the ability of many microorganisms to produce CLA by utilizing substrates containing linoleic acid. In the present study, the dietary manipulated milk was used in combination with the CLA-producing culture to manufacture Cheddar cheese. The two diets fed to cattle were control and treatment diets to obtain control and treatment milk, respectively. The treatment diet containing fish oil (0.75% of dry matter) was fed to 32 dairy cows grouped in a pen for 18 d to increase the total CLA content in milk. Treatment milk had a CLA content of 1.60 g/100g of FA compared with 0.58 g/100g of FA in control milk obtained by feeding the control diet. A 2 × 2 factorial design with 3 replicates was used to test the combined effect of the CLA-producing starter culture of Lactococcus lactis (CI4b) versus a commercial CLA nonproducing cheese starter as the control culture, and type of milk (control vs. treatment milk) on CLA content in Cheddar cheese. Chemical composition (moisture, salt, fat, and protein) was not affected by the type of culture used. However, the age of the cheese affected the sensory properties and microbiological counts in the different treatments. Ripening with the CI4b culture was found to be effective in further enhancing the CLA content. The CI4b cheeses made from control milk and treatment milk contained 1.09 and 2.41 (±0.18) g of total CLA/100g of FA after 1 mo of ripening, which increased to 1.44 and 2.61 (±0.18) g of total CLA/100g of FA after 6 mo of ripening, respectively. The use of treatment milk resulted in an increase in the CLA isomers (trans-7,cis-9+cis-9,trans-11, trans-9,cis-11+cis-10,trans-12, trans-10,cis-12, cis-9,cis-11, trans-11,cis-13, cis-11,cis-13, trans-11,trans-13, and trans-9,trans-11). The CI4b culture specifically increased cis-11,cis-13 and trans-10,cis-12 isomers in cheese. The total CLA content in cheese was significantly higher when the CI4b culture was used compared with CLA nonproducing culture cheeses made from control milk and treatment milk after 1 mo [1.09 and 2.14 (±0.18) g of total CLA/100g of FA] and 6 mo [0.99 and 2.05 (±0.18) g of total CLA/100g of FA] of ripening, respectively. The results indicated that the combination of a CLA-producing starter culture and milk from cattle fed fish oil-supplemented diets (0.99 g of CLA/100g of FA) could enhance levels of total CLA in Cheddar cheese by up to 2.6 times compared with cheese made from control milk with CLA nonproducing starter culture (2.61 g of CLA/100g of FA) after 6 mo.
A three-dimensional model of steady flame spread over a thin solid in low-speed concurrent flows

Athree-dimensional model of a steady concurrent flame spread over a thin solid in a low-speed flowtunnel in microgravity has been formulated and numerically solved. The gas-phase combustion model includes the full Navier-Stokes equations for the conservation of mass, momentum, energy and species. The solid is assumed to be a thermally thin, non-charring cellulosic sheet and the solid model consists of continuity and energy equations whose solution provides boundary conditions for the gas phase. The gas-phase reaction is represented by a one-step, second-order, finite-rate Arrhenius kinetics and the solid pyrolysis is approximated by a one-step, zeroth-order decomposition obeying an Arrhenius law. Gas-phase radiation is neglected but solid radiative loss is included in the model. Selected results are presented showing detailed three-dimensional flame structures and flame spread characteristics. In a parametric study, varying the tunnel (solid) widths and the flow velocity, two important three-dimensional e...
The general feedback theorem: a final solution for feedback systems

Design-oriented analysis is a paradigm based on the recognition that design is the reverse of analysis, because the answer to the analysis is the start big point for design. Conventional loop or node analysis leads to a result in the form of a "high entropy expression," which is a ratio of sums of products of the circuit elements. There are many methods of D-OA, some of them little more than shortcuts or tricks. In this paper, the spotlight is on a new approach to analysis and design of feedback systems, based on the general feedback theorem (GFT) is discussed.
Software Connector Classification and Selection for Data-Intensive Systems

Data-intensive systems and applications transfer large volumes of data and metadata to highly distributed users separated by geographic distance and organizational boundaries. An influential element in these large volume data transfers is the selection of the appropriate software connector that satisfies user constraints on the required data distribution scenarios. Currently, this task is typically accomplished by consulting "gurus", who rely on their intuitions, at best backed by anecdotal evidence. In this paper we present a systematic approach for selecting software connectors based on eight key dimensions of data distribution that we use to represent the data distribution scenarios. Our approach, dubbed DISCO, has been implemented as a Java-based framework. The early experience with DISCO indicates good accuracy and scalability.
On the calculation of pKas in proteins

This paper describes a general method to calculate the pKas of ionizable groups in proteins. Electrostatic calculations are carried out using the finite difference Poisson-Boltzmann (FDPB) method. A formal treatment of the calculation of pKas within the framework of the FDPB method is presented. The major change with respect to previous work is the specific incorporation of the complete charge distribution of both the neutral and charged forms of each ionizable group into the formalism. This is extremely important for the treatment of salt bridges. A hybrid statistical mechanical/Tanford-Roxby method, which is found to be significantly faster than previous treatments, is also introduced. This simplifies the problem of summing over the large number of possible ionization states for a complex polyion. Applications to BPTI and serine proteases suggest that the calculations can be quite reliable. However, the necessity of including bound waters in the treatment of the Asp-70... His-31 salt bridge in T4 lysozyme and experience with other proteins suggest that additional factors ultimately need to be considered in a comprehensive treatment of pKas in proteins.
A wireless SiC UV sensor with on-board energy harvesting source and energy conversion circuit

A SiC UV detector integrated with and onboard solar cell and an oscillator circuit is used to monitor UV emission from an acetylene torch that simulates conditions inside a jet engine. UV emission intensity can be used to monitor the efficiency of combustion in jet engines and other related applications and in chemical sensing based on flame analysis. The oscillator circuits converts the UV detectorpsilas output to a 60 MHz signal that is frequency modulated by the detected UV intensity. The signal is then directly transmitted to an external receiver. The wide-spectrum optical emission inside the engine is used to power the wireless sensor using the solar cell. A tunnel diode circuit is developed and is used to shift the voltage levels from 0.6 Volts to 3.1 volts or higher wherever is needed.
Human capital values and returns: Bounds implied by earnings and asset returns data

Abstract We provide theory for calculating bounds on both the value of an individualʼs human capital and the return on an individualʼs human capital, given knowledge of the process governing earnings and financial asset returns. We calculate bounds using U.S. data on male earnings and financial asset returns. The large idiosyncratic component of earnings risk implies that bounds on values and returns are quite loose. However, when aggregate shocks are the only source of earnings risk, both bounds are tight.
Fun learning Stagecast Creator: an exercise in minimalism and collaboration

We are attempting to create a cross-generational learning community who will work together to design, construct, and discuss simulations of community topics. The simulations are built with Stagecast Creator, a state-of-the art visual programming environment. As part of this larger project, we have developed minimalist training materials for middle school students. This paper reports a formative evaluation of these training materials, in which groups of students worked together on two related tutorial modules. In general the students were successful in their work with Creator, needing little aid from the experimenters, and showing evidence of enjoyment. Our aim is to develop materials that will attract participation and enable students to spend their free time and play with this environment, and as a by-product of having fun, learn more about visual programming.
“Tumoral Pseudoblush” Identified within Gliomas at High-Spatial-Resolution Ultrahigh-Field-Strength Gradient-Echo MR Imaging Corresponds to Microvascularity at Stereotactic Biopsy

Increased microvascular density and size identified as a tumoral pseudoblush sign at very high-field-strength high-resolution gradient-echo MR imaging correspond to increased microvascular density and size at histopathologic assessment, and thus it shows promise as a new imaging biomarker for microvascularity without the use of contrast reagent.
The MIMO wiretap channel

We study the MIMO wiretap channel, a MIMO broadcast channel where the transmitter sends some confidential information to one user which is a legitimate receiver, while the other user is an eavesdropper. Perfect secrecy is achieved when the transmitter and the legitimate receiver can communicate at some positive rate, while ensuring that the eavesdropper gets zero bits of information. In this paper, we compute the perfect secrecy capacity of the multiple antenna MIMO broadcast channel, where the number of antennas is arbitrary for both the transmitter and the two receivers. Our technique involves a careful study of a Sato-like upper bound via the solution of a certain algebraic Riccati equation.
Distraction therapy with nature sights and sounds reduces pain during flexible bronchoscopy: a complementary approach to routine analgesia.

Study objectives To determine whether distraction therapy with nature sights and sounds during flexible bronchoscopy (FB) reduces pain and anxiety. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Teaching hospital in Baltimore, MD. Patients Consecutive adult patients (n = 80) undergoing FB with conscious sedation. Intervention Nature scene murals were placed at the bedside, and patients were provided a tape of nature sounds to listen to before, during, and after the procedure. Patients assigned to the control group were not offered either the nature scene or the sounds. Measurements and results The primary outcomes were patient ratings of pain control (a 5-point scale ranging from poor to excellent) and anxiety. In a multivariate ordinal logistic regression model, the odds of better pain control were greater in the intervention patients than in the control patients (odds ratio [OR], 4.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35 to 16.7), after adjustment for age, gender, race, education, health status, and dose of narcotic medication. Older patients and patients with better health status reported significantly less pain. There was no difference in patient-reported anxiety between the two groups (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.39 to 1.96). Conclusions Distraction therapy with nature sights and sounds significantly reduces pain in patients undergoing FB. Although the precise mechanism of this beneficial effect requires further investigation, clinicians should consider this nonintrusive strategy in addition to standard analgesic medications in patients undergoing painful, invasive procedures.
Semen retrieval by penile vibratory stimulation in men with spinal cord injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury resulting from car accidents, falls, violence or sport-related activities is a common occurrence throughout the world. Spinal cord injuries occur most often to young men in their parenting years. Among the medical challenges facing many of these men is the inability to ejaculate via sexual intercourse. To achieve biological fatherhood, their semen may be retrieved by methods of assisted ejaculation. This paper discusses the use of penile vibratory stimulation in men with spinal cord injury, and includes the topics: patient selection and management; proper placement and timing of stimulation; appropriate use of low-amplitude, high-amplitude or dual vibrators; and factors influencing ejaculatory success rate. Also summarized are recent data on semen quality in men with spinal cord injury. When performed properly, penile vibratory stimulation is a safe and easy method of obtaining semen from anejaculatory men with spinal cord injury. Semen quality is better when obtained by penile vibratory stimulation compared with electroejaculation, an alternative method of semen retrieval. For these reasons, and because of the low investment of time and money, it is recommended that penile vibratory stimulation be used as the first line of treatment for anejaculation in men with spinal cord injury.
Analysis of molecular profile data using generative and discriminative methods

A modular framework is proposed for modeling and understanding the relationships between molecular profile data and other domain knowledge using a combination of generative (here, graphical models)...
The Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature and Formulation on Pore Size Distribution and Surfacearea of Carbon Aerogels

Recently we reported the chemistry-structure-property relationships of organic aerogels, which are synthesized by the polycondensation of resorcinol and formaldehyde in a slightly basic medium, followed by supercritical drying. These materials can be pyrolyzed in an inert atmosphere to form vitreous carbon aerogels. As measured by gas adsorption techniques, the BET surface area and pore size distributions of micro and meso pores of the carbon aerogels are affected both by the pyrolysis temperature and the formulation. Definite trends are observed in our preliminary measurements; for example, the surface area decreases with increasing pyrolysis temperature until a plateau is reached at about 900°C. This paper explores the effects of pyrolysis temperature and aerogel density on the BET surface area and pore size distributions.
Characterization of Light Transport in Scattering Media at Subdiffusion Length Scales with Low-Coherence Enhanced Backscattering

Low-coherence enhanced backscattering (LEBS) is a technique that has recently shown promise for tissue characterization and the detection of early precancer. Although several Monte Carlo models of LEBS have been described, these models have not been accurate enough to predict all of the experimentally observed LEBS features. We present an appropriate Monte Carlo model to simulate LEBS peak properties from polystyrene microsphere suspensions in water. Results show that the choice of the phase function greatly impacts the accuracy of the simulation when the transport mean free path (ls*) is much greater than the spatial coherence length (LSC). When ls* <; LSC, a diffusion-approximation-based model of LEBS is sufficiently accurate. We also use the Monte Carlo model to validate that LEBS can be used to measure the radial scattering probability distribution (radial point spread function), p(r), at small length scales and demonstrate LEBS measurements of p(r ) from biological tissue. In particular, we show that precancerous and benign mucosal tissues have different small length scale light transport properties.
Digital Transmission Over Analog Networks

Describes the techniques used to adapt telephone and cable channels for the transmission of digital signals Considers the transmission parameters that determine data communication performance over 4-kHz telephone circuits Explains how equalization can be used to correct two critical parameters: attenuation distortion and envelope delay distortion Discusses the use of voice-band modems for digital transmission Covers xDSL and cable television networks, two popular access technologies that offer a greater bandwidth over media that currently exists in most local access lines.
Grandiose Narcissism and Fairness in Social Exchanges

The present study explored how the personality variable, grandiose narcissism, was associated with various responses to unfairness such as retaliation, forgiveness and avoidance. Participants completed personality questionnaires and read a series of scenarios that depicted unfair treatment. They then answered questions concerning how they would respond to each scenario. Results revealed that grandiose narcissists were less likely to acquiesce and more likely to engage in revenge toward or avoid the person who treated them unfairly. Grandiose narcissism tended not to be associated with forgiveness in response to specific examples of unfair treatment. The consequences of narcissists’ more negative behavior during social exchanges are discussed, as are suggestions for future studies.
Reaction of (C5Me5)2Yb(ER)(NH3) with Me3Al. Formation of (C5Me5)2Yb(AlMe4) and [(C5Me5)2Yb(ER)(AlMe3)2]2

Addition of 3 molar equiv of AlMe3 to (Me5C5)2Yb(ER)(NH3) gives two types of products depending on the identity of the ER group. When ER is OSiMe3 or TePh, the isolated metallocene is [(Me5C5)2Yb(Me4Al)]2, which exists as an equilibrium between monomeric and dimeric forms in toluene solution. When ER is OCMe3, SPh, S-p-tolyl, or SePh, the isolated metallocenes have the stoichiometry (Me5C5)2Yb(ER)(Me3Al)2. The 1H NMR spectra of these molecules show that several species are present in solution. The crystal structure of the S-p-tolyl derivative shows that two (Me5C5)2Yb fragments are bridged by two Me3Al(S-p-tolyl)AlMe3 units by way of nearly linear Yb···H3C−Al bonds.
Effect of Drift Waves on Plasma Blob Dynamics

Most of the work to date on plasma blobs found in the edge region of magnetic confinement devices is limited to 2D theory and simulations which ignore the variation of blob parameters along the magnetic field line. However, if the 2D convective rate of blobs is on the order of the growth rate of unstable drift waves, then drift wave turbulence can drastically alter the dynamics of blobs from that predicted by 2D theory. The density gradients in the drift plane that characterize the blob are mostly depleted during the nonlinear stage of drift waves resulting in a much more diffuse blob with a greatly reduced radial velocity. Sheath connected plasma blobs driven by effective gravity forces are considered in this Letter and it is found that the effects of resistive drift waves occur at earlier stages in the 2D motion for smaller blobs and in systems with a smaller effective gravity force. These conclusions are supported numerically by a direct comparison of 2D and 3D seeded blob simulations.
Thermally induced transformations of amorphous carbon nanostructures fabricated by electron beam induced deposition.

We studied the thermally induced phase transformations of electron-beam-induced deposited (EBID) amorphous carbon nanostructures by correlating the changes in its morphology with internal microstructure by using combined atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high resolution confocal Raman microscopy. These carbon deposits can be used to create heterogeneous junctions in electronic devices commonly known as carbon−metal interconnects. We compared two basic shapes of EBID deposits: dots/pillars with widths from 50 to 600 nm and heights from 50 to 500 nm and lines with variable heights from 10 to 150 nm but having a constant length of 6 μm. We observed that during thermal annealing, the nanoscale amorphous deposits go through multistage transformation including dehydration and stress-relaxation around 150 °C, dehydrogenation within 150−300 °C, followed by graphitization (>350 °C) and formation of nanocrystalline, highly densified graphitic deposits around 450 °C. The later stage of transformation occurs well bel...
Innovative uses of benzodiazepines in psychiatry.

Au cours des trentes dernieres annees, le domaine de la psychopharmacologie a beaucoup evolue grâce a la meilleure comprehension de la phenomenologie et de l'etiologie des maladies. Cette branche de la medecine doit certes a la recherche de nouvelles substances importantes, mais elle ne cesse de beneficier des innovations touchant aux applications cliniques des agents psychopharmacologiques existants. Par exemple, les benzodiazepines- qui comptent parmi les medicaments les plus utilises- sont efficaces pour le traitement de toute une gamme de syndromes. On examine ici l'emploi des benzodiazepines pour le traitement d'autres troubles que le trouble de panique et la manie, notamment les etats psychotiques et les etats d'agitation, la phobie sociale, le trouble obsessionnel compulsif, les syndromes de douleur, les crises d'epilepsie, le syndrome de manque et les effets secondaires des antidepresseurs et des neuroleptiques
Soil Neighbors I: Traces of Other Organisms in Paleosols. Crustaceans and Earthworms

The aim of including trace fossils of other organisms in paleosols in this and the next chapter is to provide necessary information to identify insect trace fossils. First step for the identification is to check the similarity of the trace fossil with an extant insect trace, and the second to discard that it is not also similar to that of other organism. This chapter deals with extant and fossil traces of crustaceans and earthworms in soils and paleosols. The different types of extant crayfish burrows and their relationships with the water table are reviewed. Marine crabs belonging to Gecarcinidae, Coenobitidae, Grapsidae, Varunidae, Ocypodidae, among other families, show different degrees of terrestrial adaptations and can burrow in soils near the beach. Freshwater crabs belonging to Trichodactylidae may also burrow in soils. The surface morphology of these burrows is described. Crayfish fossil burrows are included in Camborygma, Loloichnus and Lunilichnus, whereas some ichnospecies of Cellicalichnus and Dagnichnus may represent recruitment structures or nests. The evolutionary significance and possible interpretations of these nests is discussed. Burrows of epigeic, endogeic, and anecic earthworms are described, along with aestivation chambers. The trace fossil record of earthworms including Edaphichnium lumbricatum, burrows filled with pellets, Castrichnus incolumis, aestivation chambers connected to meniscate burrows, and diffuse boxworks is reviewed. Earthworm trace fossils and false termite nests. Blueprint-style plates concentrate significant traces produced by crustaceans and earthworms. Color plates of extant producers and their traces, type material, morphological details and representative cases of trace fossils are provided.
Chapter 53 – Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Cerebrovascular Disease

The three arms of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways (i.e., ERK, p38, and JNK) regulate cellular functioning from the cell membrane into the cytoplasm and nucleus. Although this regulation can include survival, growth, differentiation, stress, inflammation, and cell death via specific linear paths within these three signaling arms, the identified nonlinear cross talk between these arms indicates that these MAPK components are part of larger signaling networks. This chapter provides a concise summary of current known MAPK activation and interactions, and the use of selective MAPK path inhibition to improve outcome in animal models of cerebrovascular disease. The focus here is on acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. We can expect that greater understanding of multiple MAPK and target protein changes on brain and vascular cell functioning and inflammation in relation to post-stroke brain injury and functioning will provide new opportunities for stroke intervention in the future.
Binding affinity between small molecules in solvent and polymer film using molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract Quantifying the binding affinity of small molecules to a polymeric film is very important in understanding the adsorption phenomenon in food industry. Here we present a model based on molecular dynamics simulations in conjunction with the Metadynamics method to reconstruct the free energy barrier for desorption of small molecules from a polymer surface. We use this technique to find the binding affinity of five small binder molecules (C8, C9, C10, Eugenol and d -limonene) to a polymeric film in water solvent that is primarily due to the van der Waals, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. It is found that the small molecule binding is a spontaneous process, the binding affinity is affected by their molecular structure and polarity, the aldehydes (C8, C9, C10) have much higher affinity than the Eugenol and the d -limonene, the binding affinity increases with a rise in temperature, and the aldehydes show higher temperature sensitivity than the Eugenol and the d -limonene. These findings suggest the possibility of using the binding affinity, especially the binding free energy, to guide the design and selection of polymeric barrier materials.
Biographical Lexicon of Medical Informatics, Third Edition

...It is with pleasure I commend to you our colleagues and friends your impressive effort in putting together the third edition of your book Biographical Lexicon of Medical Informatics, that document the lives and accomplishments of so many of our colleagues and friends around the world.
VMM + WTA Embedded Classifiers Learning Algorithm Implementable on SoC FPAA Devices

This paper presents a learning algorithm for a vector-matrix multiplier (VMM) + k-winner-take-all (WTA) classifier one-layer architecture on a large-scale field programmable analog array (FPAA). The technique enables opportunities for embedded, ultra-low power machine learning, techniques typically considered for large servers. To develop this training algorithm, this paper starts by understanding fundamental equivalent transformations for the VMM + WTA classifier networks. A VMM+ WTA structure can exactly compute a self-organizing map (SOM) or vector quantization (VQ) operation, in addition to other transformations. SOM, VQ, and Gaussian mixture models learning concepts are utilized for the training algorithm of this single one-layer network. An on-chip clustering step determines the initial weight set for ideal target and background values. Null symbols are important for the algorithm and are set from midpoints of the target values. The results are shown both as numerical simulation of the VMM+WTA learning network, illustrating some numerical differential equation simulation limitations for this problem, as well as experimental measurements implemented on an system on chip FPAA device.
Magnetic properties and magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Nd 2 Fe 17 , Nd 2 Fe 17 X 3 , and related compounds

The electronic and magnetic properties of Nd2Fe17 and Nd2Fe17X3 (X = C or N) compounds have been calculated using the first-principles density functional calculations. Among these, the nitrogen and carbon interstitial compounds exhibit all of the required properties such as a saturation moment of 1.6 T, Curie temperature of 700–750 K, however easy magnetic axis lies in the planar direction making them less attractive for permanent magnet applications. The calculated magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy is found to be −2.7 MJ/m3 for Nd2Fe17C3 and −4.7 MJ/m3 for Nd2Fe17N3. We further explored the possibility of changing the easy axis direction through La/Ce alloying at Nd site. Although the MAE is found to be smaller in magnitude for all the La/Ce alloys it still maintains planar direction.
Early Management of Infants With Robin Sequence: An International Survey and Algorithm.

Purpose There is no widely accepted protocol for management of infants with Robin sequence (RS) who present with airway obstruction and feeding impairment. The purposes of this study were to evaluate diagnostic and treatment preferences of clinicians from the United States and non-US countries and to use these data to propose an algorithm for early management of infants with RS. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was implemented using a survey, which was distributed to craniofacial surgeons and non-surgeon physicians involved in management of infants with RS. Predictor variables were nationality, specialty, and surgical volume. Outcome variables included survey responses regarding preferences for evaluation and early treatment of patients with RS. A diagnostic and early treatment algorithm was proposed based on the most common survey responses. Descriptive and analytic statistics were calculated and a P less than .05 was considered significant. Results A total of 275 responses were received and 82 were excluded, leaving a final sample of 193 participants: 155 (80%) surgeons and 38 (20%) non-surgeon physicians. Thirty-seven US states were represented by 143 (74%) respondents and 50 (26%) participants were from 19 non-US countries. There were 96 (50%) low-volume and 97 (50%) high-volume respondents. There was general agreement in methods for evaluation and early treatment among respondents; the only significant differences were 1) US surgeons operate earlier to address airway obstruction than those from other countries (P = .001), 2) high-volume providers tend to operate earlier (P = .017) and to choose mandibular distraction more frequently (P = .003) than low-volume respondents, and 3) mandibular distraction is the preferred operation in the United States, but several operations for airway improvement are used equally in non-US countries (P Conclusion Despite variation in the evaluation and treatment of infants with RS, this international and multispecialty survey showed trends that could represent best practices. An algorithm based on these findings is proposed.
Synthesis and antimicrobial studies of hydrazone derivatives of 4-[3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-4-formyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzoic acid and 4-[3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-4-formyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzoic acid.

Abstract Microbial resistance to antibiotics is an unresolved global concern, which needs urgent and coordinated action. One of the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) to combat antibiotic resistance is the development of new antibiotics to treat drug-resistant bacteria. In our effort to find new antibiotics, we report the synthesis and antimicrobial studies of 30 new pyrazole derivatives. These novel molecules have been synthesized by using readily available starting materials and benign reaction conditions. Some of these molecules have shown activity with MIC values as low as 0.78 µg/mL against four bacterial strains; Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Furthermore, active molecules are non-toxic to mammalian cell line.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine

The body continuously changes, and this is controlled primarily by genetic factors. The same genomic program that brings the fertilized egg through a series of multiplication and differentiation changes to bring about the birth of a complete, multi-tissued organism also controls the continuous changes through neonatal, juvenile, and teen sta g es, and all of adulthood. T en-, 30-, 50-, 70- and 90- year-olds exemplify this continuous genetic and distinctive process of change. Importantly, the later stage of this process, referred to as aging, is not a disease state, but rather part of this genomically controlled continuum. The central feature of change is that progenitor cells divide and their progeny differentiate in a sequence of site-specific changes to both expand the dimensions of tissues and replace cells that naturally expire. Every cell in the body has a lifespan measured in minutes, weeks, or, in some rare cases, years. With only a few exceptions, the end-stage differentiated cells die within a fixed timeframe. The progenitor cells for that expired cell must replace the expired cells; the rate of replacement controls whether the tissue will increase in size, be maintained, or experience atrophy as seen in old age.
Violation of Hudson's theorem in relativistic quantum mechanics

In nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, Hudson's theorem states that a Gaussian wave function is the only pure state corresponding to a positive Wigner function (WF). We explicitly construct non-Gaussian Dirac spinors with positive relativistic WFs. These pure relativistic states are coherent superpositions of particles and antiparticles, while the existence of positive WFs exclusive composed of particles is conjectured. These observations may open new directions in relativistic quantum information theory.
“No Input, No Output” Logic

The approach to free logic I advocate here is not so much new as out of fashion, something that belongs to the era of Schock (1968), Smiley (1960), and Ebbinghaus (1969) rather than to the age of van Fraassen (1966a), (1966b) and his disciples. Its semantic basis is valuational, not supervaluational. In my view, while (i) interpretations should represent the possibilities given by cases of reference-failure, (ii) we should then accept as logical truths, valid arguments and the like whatever standard semantic characterizations of these notions deliver.
The historical role of fire on the Bitterroot National Forest

P r e s e n t s frequencies, intensities, and influences of f i r e on stand s t ruc ture and composition on the Bi t terroot National F o r e s t i n westc e n t r a l Montana. Three study a r e a s w e r e established, each having a wide range of elevations and f o r e s t types. Findings a r e based upon study of near ly 900 individual f i r e s c a r s on living t r e e s , and on agec l a s s e s of shade-intolerant t r e e s attributable to f i re . During the period f r o m 1600 to 1900 f i r e s w e r e frequent in mos t Biologists have long recognized that fire historically has had strong influence on the ecology of Northern Rocky Mountain forests (Intermountain Fire Research Council 1970; Habeck and Mutch 1973). However, there is little data on frequency and severity of fires in the various forest types before organized fire suppression evolved in the early 1900's. Thus, questions and conjecture have arisen about the patterns and types of fires that occurred: highly destructive crown fires at long intervals or creeping ground fires at short intervals. Confounding this problem are great differences among the types of forests found in this region (R. and J. Daubenmire 1968; Pfister and others, in press) and probably among their respective "fire ecologies." A review of the literature dealing with fire in the Northern Rocky Mountains is provided by Wellner (1970) and is updated by Arno. The present study was developed to provide detailed information on historical fire in one small portion of the Northern Rockies. Specifically, the goal was to determine historical frequencies, intensities, and influences of fire on stand structure and composition in various forest types found on the Bitterroot National Forest in west-central Montana. A knowledge of the workings and results of the historical fire regime is an essential element in describing forest ecosystems, development of management alternatives, and planning subsequent programs and projects. l~rno, Stephen F. Investigation of fire history in the Bitterroot Range, Montana. (In preparation)
The Pig as a Model for Cutaneous Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

The pig has been a well accepted model for cutaneous absorption and toxicity studies because the integument is morphologically and functionally similar to human skin. We will review how the pig is utilized in this field, with particular reference to studies conducted in our laboratory. There has been considerable debate as to whether the topical effect of an antiinflammatory drug is due to direct penetration or is secondary to systemic absorption and recirculation. We addressed this question by studying the mechanism of topical penetration of piroxicam, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, in the pig. The pivotal role of the cutaneous vasculature on absorption will be further discussed and contrasted to in vitro systems. Pigs have been accepted as a model for studying iontophoretic drug delivery in humans. Transdermal delivery permits administration of therapeutic compounds that would not normally penetrate the skin. The pig is a principal animal model used in this field. The pathway a drug follows during delivery has been controversial and is of toxicological significance. We have defined the precise anatomical pathway which mercuric chloride traverses the stratum corneum during iontophoresis. In addition, new research methodologies have been applied in cutaneous toxicology, partly because of the driving force to replace in vivo animal models, with more humane in vitro approaches. The isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF), developed in our laboratory, is a perfused skin model which allows for in vitro cutaneous pharmacology and toxicology studies to be conducted in a viable system that has a morphological and functional microcirculation. A porcine skin model developed for use in phototoxicology will be characterized. Finally, studies involving use of this preparation to assess the toxicity of chemical vesicants will be discussed. These examples are illustrative of the dominant role of the pig as an animal model for human skin biology.
Effectiveness of Ciclosporin on Sight-threatening Endogenous Uveitis

The term intra-ocular inflammatory disease or uveitis is a generalized term that in no way reflects the location, duration, etiology, or severity of a particular case. Indeed, the potential visual compromise resulting from uveitis is quite variable. Uveitis is the cause of about 10% of visual handicap in the U.S. [18], with an estimated cost of $ 10 million for the care of uveitis patients per year [19]. Though initially theorized as being due to infections, such as syphilis and tuberculosis, the causes of these intra-ocular inflammations are very varied, sometimes depending on a subtle yet complex combination of exogenous trigger mechanisms and endogenous immune dysregulation.
Immigration and Labor Markets in the United States

This chapter presents an overview of theory and research about interrelationships between international migration and labor markets, focusing on the case of the United States.1 In recent years, the United States has received more immigrants than any other country in the world. Legal immigration has averaged over 1 million persons per year during the 1990s, with levels of unauthorized migration adding an estimated 250,000–300,000 net persons per year to this figure (Bean et al. 1999; U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service 1997). In absolute numbers, U.S. immigration totals are as large as they have ever been, although the percentage of the population that is foreign-born is not currently as high as previously, during earlier periods of substantial immigration (Bean et al. 1997; Fix and Passel 1994). Such statistics imply important interdependencies between immigration and labor market dynamics. Even more compellingly the fact that recent immigrants are just as likely as natives to have graduated from college but at the same time are much less likely to have completed high school suggests that immigrants and natives are likely to play different labor market roles. If the foreign and native-born populations were similar in their backgrounds and human capital characteristics, there would be less reason to think that increasing numbers of immigrants might exert substantial effects (either positive or negative) on labor markets beyond, perhaps, the effect of increasing the size of those markets (Smith and Edmonston 1997).
Endovascular retrieval of contraceptive implant embolized to pulmonary artery

Embolization of subdermally implanted contraceptive devices is a rare but potentially serious event. Timely removal of the embolized foreign body should be considered to prevent possible hemodynamic, respiratory, or hormonal complications. We present a case of a 22-year-old woman with a contraceptive implant embolized to her right lower lobar pulmonary artery, which was successfully managed by endovascular retrieval.