cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An experimental study of the signal-to-noise ratio in the microwave-induced plasma gas Chromatographie detector

Abstract The noise sources in the gas Chromatographie microwave-induced plasma emission detector have been studied. The sources of noise, their frequency dependence and their relationship with the analytical signal are presented. When the analyte concentration is above the detection limit, the signal-to-noise ratio is limited by analyte emission flicker. The dominant noise at the limit of detection is background flicker, most probably due to column bleed or analyte impurities in the carrier gas.
Inside and outside Italian political culture: Immigrants and diasporic politics in Turin

Immigration has become a leading topic of Italian political discourse and culture over the past decade, but international migrants also play a crucial role in the transformation of political culture at the scale of everyday practices. In the northern Italian industrial city, Turin, migrants from various parts of Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia bring into relief the deconstruction of postwar labor in Italy, and contribute widely to shifting political practices and identities. Contemporary migrants from diverse ethnic backgrounds are discriminated against in similar ways, and are in the historically peculiar position of building diasporic politics. In Turin, first generation migrants have helped lead newcomers toward active participation in local politics, from the shop floors to the labor unions, and to inter-ethnic and feminist associations.
Efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab after unresponsive treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate visual outcomes of eyes with choroidal neovascular membrane secondary to age-related macular degeneration that were initially treated with intravitreal ranibizumab then switched to intravitreal bevacizumab due to treatment failure. Design: Retrospective chart review. Participants: Fifty eyes of 50 patients presenting to the Barnes Retina Institute. Methods: Patients unresponsive to treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab were switched to intravitreal bevacizumab. Main outcome measures included number of intravitreal injections, visual acuity (VA), and resolution of leakage. Mean follow-up was 6 months after the final intravitreal bevacizumab injection. On average, each patient received 3.5 ranibizumab injections and 2.5 bevacizumab injections. Each patient received an average of 6 injections. Results: Resolution of leakage on fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography was achieved in 44 eyes (88%). Initial VA ranged from 20/30 to counting fingers (CF) (median VA 20/125). Final VA ranged from 20/20 to CF (median VA 20/100). Change in VA varied from loss of 2 lines to gain of 4 lines, but overall, remained stable (average gain 0.3 lines). Eighteen eyes (36%) had afinal VA of ≥ 20/50 and 18 eyes (36%) had a final VA of ≤ 20/200. Conclusions: Treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab may be effective, as measured by visual and anatomic criteria, in patients who are unresponsive to treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab.
Botulinum Toxin Type B Improves the Speed of Reaching in Children With Cerebral Palsy and Arm Dystonia: An Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Pilot Study

Seven children between 2 and 15 years of age with cerebral palsy and upper extremity dystonia were enrolled in an open-label, dose-escalation pilot clinical trial of botulinum toxin type B (Myobloc), injected into the biceps and brachioradialis muscles of 1 or both arms. The primary outcome measure was the change in maximum speed of hand movement during attempted forward reaching. Escalating doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 U/kg per muscle were injected at each of 3 visits. Reaching speed improved in response to injection, and dystonia scores on the Burke-Fahn-Marsden dystonia scale, the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale, and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale improved. There was not a dose-related effect on efficacy. There were no serious adverse events. Two children reported transient weakness. These results support the use of botulinum toxin type B as a safe and effective treatment for upper extremity dystonia in children with cerebral palsy. Larger controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
RUGGEDNESS EVALUATION OF THE DYNAMIC ANGLE VALIDATION KIT FOR SUPERPAVE GYRATORY COMPACTORS

Superpaver hot-mix asphalt (HMA) specimens are compacted in the laboratory with the Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC). The SGC compacts specimens through application of pressure and an applied angle of gyration. The original compaction specification for the SGC requires the angle of gyration to be 22 ± 0.35 mrad (1.25° ± 0.02°), measured externally against the compaction mold. Questions about the ability of different compactors to produce HMA specimens of the same mix having the same density led to development of the dynamic angle validation (DAV) kit, which measured the angle of gyration internally (on the inside of the mold). Two task groups were formed independently to develop a standard specification for DAV usage; the groups combined efforts and produced AASHTO PP48, with a companion ASTM specification slated for consideration in the fall of 2003. The specifications did not include a statement of precision and bias. The task groups conducted a ruggedness study using the guidelines contained in ASTM ...
WE-C-P-618-02: NRC Update: Part 35 Training and Experience and Who's ACMUI and Why Should a Medical Physicist Care?

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) finalized the training and experience requirements for Authorized Medical Physicists, Authorized Users and Radiation Safety Officers in March 2005. A brief summary of the changes to the regulations will be presented. The Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI) was established in 1958 to advise NRC staff on policy and technical issues that arise in the regulation of the medical uses of radioactive material in diagnosis and therapy. The ACMUI membership includes health care professionals from various disciplines who comment on changes to NRC regulations and guidance; evaluate certain non-routine uses of radioactive material; provide technical assistance in licensing, inspection, and enforcement cases; and bring key issues to the attention of the Commission for appropriate action. A general description of the ACMUI composition and interactions with NRC will be given. A discussion of the recent activities of the ACMUI and the implication for medical physicists will be presented. Future issues where NRC may have significant impact on the medical physicist will be addressed. Educational Objective: 1. To understand the make-up and responsibilities of the ACMUI and the issues being discussed and their implications on medical physicists.
THE DYNAMICS OF A NON-LINEAR SYSTEM SIMULATING LIQUID SLOSHING IMPACT IN MOVING STRUCTURES

Abstract In this paper the non-linear modal interaction is examined between liquid hydrodynamic impact and an elastic support structure. The liquid impact is modelled based on a phenomenological concept by introducing a power non-linearity with a higher exponent. A special saw-tooth time transformation (STTT) technique is used analytically to describe the in-phase and out-of-phase strongly non-linear periodic regimes. Based on explicit forms of analytical solutions, all basic characteristics of the non-linear free and forced response regimes, such as the time history, the amplitude–frequency dependence and the non-linear parametric resonance curves, are estimated. The response behaviour reveals that a high frequency out-of-phase non-linear mode takes place with a relatively small tank amplitude, and is more stable than the in-phase oscillation mode under small perturbations. The in-phase mode has relatively large tank amplitudes and does not preserve its symmetry under periodic parametric excitation.
Diminished expression of CD19 in B-cell lymphomas.

Background CD19 is expressed on most B-cell lymphomas; however, the frequency and types of B-cell lymphomas with low-level expression of CD19 are not well characterized. Methods We reviewed flow cytometric histograms specifically for decreased CD19 expression on 349 cases analyzed by the Flow Cytometry Laboratory at University Hospitals of Cleveland (Cleveland, Ohio). Results of flow cytometry were correlated with the morphologic diagnosis. Results Of the cases reviewed, 125 (36%) showed a visible decrease in CD19 expression compared with normal B lymphocytes. Decreased CD19 expression was noted in 79% of follicular lymphomas (27 of 34), 36% of small lymphocytic lymphomas/chronic lymphocytic leukemias (82 of 228), 31% of mantle cell lymphomas (4 of 13), 24% of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (8 of 33), and 13% of marginal zone B-cell lymphomas/lymphoplasmacytoid lymphomas (4 of 30) and was not observed in any Burkitt lymphoma (0 of 5) or hairy cell leukemia (0 of 6). Decreased CD19 expression was significantly more frequent in follicular lymphomas than in other lymphoma subtypes (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the frequency of decreased CD19 expression based on histologic grade of follicular lymphoma. Conclusions Diminished expression of CD19 expression occurs frequently in B-cell lymphomas, in particular follicular lymphoma, and may be helpful in identifying B-cell lymphoma cells in complex cell mixtures such as bone marrow specimens. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Neutron source for use with a variable energy cyclotron

Abstract A design for a neutron source, using the d-d reaction is described. This source incorporates a tantalum hemisphere as the exit window and may be operated at a pressure of 10 atm.
Beyond top-down/bottom-up: Village transformation on China’s urban edge

Abstract In describing the rapid transformation of China’s villages, scholars, planners, and policy makers have consistently turned to a single spatial metaphor of transformation: top-down versus bottom-up. While not unique to China, this metaphor has become so pervasive that it now serves as one of the fundamental assumptions in discussions of, and interventions in, China’s peri-urban settlement transition. The top-down/bottom-up framework indexes planning, thereby limiting potential interventions to those originating from within the top-down planning hierarchy and delegitimizing potential alternatives. As a result, top-down/bottom-up has encouraged the rapid homogenization of China’s urban edge, eliminating sources of diversity and dynamism that could prove invaluable for the nation’s future sustainability. As an analytical alternative, I propose four socio-spatial dimensions: scale, territory, networks, and temporality. I then explore the intersection of these dimensions through an ethnographic investigation of three rapidly transforming villages in the municipalities of Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Chongqing. These case studies show that top-down and bottom-up, planned and unplanned, are mutually constituted in all instances of settlement transition. The unique intersections of these initiatives produce the idiosyncratic and indeterminate nature of village transformation. This analysis thus points to the need for planning institutions that are better able to integrate diverse sources of village transformation.
SASIMI: sparsity-aware simulation of interconnect-dominated circuits with non-linear devices

We present a technique for the fast and accurate simulation of large-scale VLSI interconnects with nonlinear devices, called SASIMI. The numerical efficiency of this technique is realized through linear-algebraic techniques that exploit the sparsity and structure of the matrices that are encountered in VLSI structures. Numerical results show that SASIMI is up to 1400 times as fast as commercial-grade SPICE, for moderate-size circuits, with little sacrifice in simulation accuracy.
Available evidence points to low effectiveness of influenza vaccines for older people

Commentary on: T Jefferson, C Di Pietrantonj, LA Al-Ansary, et al.. Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly.Cochrane Database Syst Rev2010;2:CD004876.
Corticosteroids an important cause of hyperglycemia

Our study aimed to characterize the events surrounding medication errors leading to hyperglycemia. The focus was on the preventability of adverse drug events, not adverse effects of particular medications. Our seemingly liberal threshold for hyperglycemia was set to identify only events that could
Analytical fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) for pneumatic systems in robotics and manufacturing automation

Pneumatic systems are often found in manufacturing floors for automation and robotic systems. Early and intelligent faults detection and diagnosis (FDD) of such systems can prevent failure of devices that causes shutdown and loss of precious production time and profits. In this paper, we introduce analytical FDD for pneumatic systems. The diagnosis system presented in this paper focuses on the signal-based approach which employs multi-resolution wavelet decomposition of various sensor signals such as pressure, flow rate, etc., to determine leak configuration. Pattern recognition technique and analytical vectorized maps are developed to diagnose an unknown leakage based on the established FDD information using affine mapping. Experimental studies and analysis are presented to illustrate the FDD system.
Trapping an elusive intermediate in manganese-oxo cubane chemistry.

A new member of the Mn−oxo cubane core complex family [Mn2III,2IV4O4L6] (1), where L = (p-MeOPh)2PO2-, has been synthesized and characterized. Compound 1 possesses structurally inequivalent MnIII and MnIV with clear valence electron localization in the crystal phase, quite unlike the structurally equivalent sites, tetrahedral core symmetry, and delocalized valence of its analogue where L = Ph2PO2-. Compound 1 exhibits appreciable positive shifts (0.1−0.3 V) of both the oxidation and reduction electrochemical potentials, attributable to the remote electron donating p-MeO groups. Reduction of 1 by methanol yields a novel core complex [MnIII4O2(OMe)2(MeOH){(p-MeOPh)2PO2}6] (2). Each MnIII of 2 is tetragonally distorted due to the Jahn−Teller effect with elongated Mn−O bonds that are directed at the two μ3-MeO bridges and neither of the two μ3-oxos. These electronically driven distortions provide a structural rationale for the greater basicity of the former sites and explain why 2 of the 4 corner oxos are pre...
Design of an All-Dielectric Self-Supporting cable System

All Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) cables are installed along with transmission line for the purpose of communication. During installation the outer layer of the cable is hydrophobic and is not prone to dry band arcing. But, these cables becomes less hydrophobic over time and therefore vulnerable to dry band arcing. This loss in hydrophobicity occurs because of the contamination formed on the outer layer due to pollution. This is one of the reasons for cable failure. Considerable amount of losses will be incurred on the occurrence of a cable failure as these cables are leased to other companies. In this paper typical models are shown and their corresponding voltage distribution and current distribution are calculated. This could be used to predict dry band arcing on the models. The method used considers sag, span and pollution on the ADSS cable.
Male Lifestyle and Demographic Variables in Relation to Selection of Clothing for Professional and Social Situations

267 men responded to a questionnaire measuring lifestyle and demographic characteristics in relation to selection of clothing for professional and social situations. For professional situations selection of clothing was based on concern about appearance. In social situations, activities and attitudes toward traditional ideas influenced selection. Demographically as income, profession, education, and age increased selection of clothing became more conservative.
The Menstrual Mark: Menstruation as Social Stigma

In this theoretical paper, we argue that menstruation is a source of social stigma for women. The word stigma refers to any stain or mark that renders the individual’s body or character defective. This stigma is transmitted through powerful socialization agents in popular culture such as advertisements and educational materials. We demonstrate, in our review of the psychological literature concerning attitudes and experiences of predominantly American girls and women, that the stigmatized status of menstruation has important consequences for their health, sexuality, and well-being. We argue that the stigma of menstruation both reflects and contributes to women’s lower social status and conclude with suggestions for ways to resist the stigma.
Sliding mode boundary control for an Euler-Bernoulli beam with boundary disturbances and parameter variations

This work addresses the problem of stability and control of an Euler-Bernoulli beam with sliding-pinned boundary conditions. The control comes in the form of an applied displacement and bending moment on the pinned end. The proposed controller accounts for bounded exogenous disturbances on the pinned end boundary conditions, representing a number of possible practical issues such as model parameter uncertainties or unknown external forces. This controller takes advantage of a technique for stabilizing an Euler-Bernoulli beam through a Schrodinger equation representation and a previously developed integral transformation which provides the opportunity to select arbitrary damping for the system. The contribution of this work is to introduce unknown boundary disturbances into the system boundary terms and the development of a Sliding Mode Controller which effectively drives the system states to an exponentially stable infinite-dimensional sliding surface which then eliminates the system vibration with arbitrary damping. The resulting control efforts developed are continuous functions and therefore do not create a chattering effect on control actuators.
Neighborhood coding of binary images for fast contour following and general binary array processing

The problem of computing 3 × 3 neighborhood functions of binary images can be subdivided into that of accessing the eight neighbors of a pixel and assembling them into a compact 8-bit code, and then of computing the desired neighborhood function (s) by simple table-lookup on the code. When the task is looked at in this way, it is apparent that much, if not most, of the computational effort on a serial computer goes into the accessing and assembling of the neighbors of a pixel. We propose a simple hardware encoder to handle this part of the task, and thus allow for significant speedup of the overall computation. We shrew in particular how this coding and encoder can be applied to the problem of boundary contour following, and suggest other areas of application.
Effects of growth hormone releasing factor on pancreatic secretion in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract Growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), a 44-residue peptide originally isolated from human pancreatic tumors, shows structural similarities to the members of the secretin-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) peptides. This study was designed to determine the effects of human GRF (hGRF-(1–44)) on pancreatic secretion in vivo in conscious dogs and in vitro in dispersed rat pancreatic acini. GRF given i.v. in graded doses in dogs caused a small but significant stimulation of pancreatic HCO 3 − and protein outputs and potentiated secretin- and cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced pancreatic HCO 3 − but not protein secretion. When given together with somatostatin, GRF failed to reverse the inhibitory action of this peptide on HCO 3 − and protein responses to secretin plus CCK in dogs. Studies in vitro dispersed rat pancreatic acini showed that GRF added to the incubation medium of these acini caused an increase in basal amylase release and shifted to the left the amylase dose-response curve to caerulein and urecholine but failed to affect the amylase response to VIP. This study indicates that GRF in vivo stimulates basal and augments secretin- or CCK-induced pancreatic HCO 3 − secretion and that this is probably due to direct stimulatory action of the peptide on pancreatic secretory cells.
Statins and cognitive function in the elderly: The Cardiovascular Health Study

Objective: To examine the association of statin drug use on cognitive and MRI change in older adults. Methods: Participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a longitudinal study of people age 65 or older, were classified into three groups determined by whether they were taking statin drugs on a continuous basis, intermittently, or not at all. The untreated group was further divided into categories based on National Cholesterol Education Program recommendations for lipid-lowering treatment. Participants with prevalent or incident clinical TIA or stroke or with baseline Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) scores at or below 80 were excluded. Outcomes examined included rate of change on the 3MS over an average observational period of 7 years, along with changes in MRI white matter grade and measures of atrophy. Results: Three thousand three hundred thirty-four participants had adequate data for analysis. At baseline, the untreated group in which lipid-lowering drug treatment was recommended were slightly older, less likely to be on estrogen replacement, and had higher serum cholesterol and lower 3MS scores than the statin-treated group. The rate of decline on the 3MS was 0.48 point/year less in those taking statins compared with the untreated group for which treatment was recommended ( p = 0.069) and 0.49 point/year less in statin users compared with the group in which lipid-lowering treatment was not recommended ( p = 0.009). This effect remained after controlling for serum cholesterol levels. One thousand seven hundred thirty participants with baseline 3MS scores of >80 underwent cranial MRI scans on two occasions separated by 5 years. There was no significant difference in white matter grade change or atrophy measures between groups. Conclusion: Statin drug use was associated with a slight reduction in cognitive decline in an elderly population. This relationship could not be completely explained by the effect of statins on lowering of serum cholesterol.
Sensitivity of the Ocean State to the Vertical Distribution of Internal-Tide-Driven Mixing

AbstractThe ocean interior stratification and meridional overturning circulation are largely sustained by diapycnal mixing. The breaking of internal tides is a major source of diapycnal mixing. Many recent climate models parameterize internal-tide breaking using the scheme of St. Laurent et al. While this parameterization dynamically accounts for internal-tide generation, the vertical distribution of the resultant mixing is ad hoc, prescribing energy dissipation to decay exponentially above the ocean bottom with a fixed-length scale. Recently, Polzin formulated a dynamically based parameterization, in which the vertical profile of dissipation decays algebraically with a varying decay scale, accounting for variable stratification using Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) stretching. This study compares two simulations using the St. Laurent and Polzin formulations in the Climate Model, version 2G (CM2G), ocean–ice–atmosphere coupled model, with the same formulation for internal-tide energy input. Focusing mainl...
A part load factor for a heat pump derived from laboratory measurements

Abstract An expression for the part load factor (PLF) of a heat pump operating in the cooling mode was developed based on a series of experimental tests conducted according to the standard heat pump test procedures. The tests included: cycling rates from 0.8 to 10 cycles per hour, fraction ON-times of 0.2 to 0.9, indoor dry-bulb temperatures between 22.2 °C and 26.7 °C (72–80 °F), indoor relative humidities between 20% and 67%, and outdoor temperatures between 27.8 °C and 37.8 °C (82–100 °F). The expression was based on the functional relationship of each independent variable (fraction ON-time, cycling rate, indoor dew-point and dry-bulb temperatures, and outdoor temperature) with the dependent variable (PLF). The PLF evaluated from the expression compared well with the PLFs from the experimental tests. Finally, the seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) estimated from evaluating the PLF from the developed expression was compared with SCOP a based on the ASHRAE/DOE test procedure. SCOP a was about 7% higher. SCOP for several climatic regions was computed and compared with the SCOP a . The difference between SCOP and SCOP a was between 6% and 20%.
Effect of aerobic exercise on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.

Purpose Physical activity has been associated with reduced blood pressure in observational epidemiologic studies and individual clinical trials. This meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials was conducted to determine the effect of aerobic exercise on blood pressure. Data sources English-language articles published before September 2001. Study selection 54 randomized, controlled trials (2419 participants) whose intervention and control groups differed only in aerobic exercise. Data extraction Using a standardized protocol and data extraction form, three of the investigators independently abstracted data on study design, sample size, participant characteristics, type of intervention, follow-up duration, and treatment outcomes. Data synthesis In a random-effects model, data from each trial were pooled and weighted by the inverse of the total variance. Aerobic exercise was associated with a significant reduction in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (-3.84 mm Hg [95% CI, -4.97 to -2.72 mm Hg] and -2.58 mm Hg [CI, -3.35 to -1.81 mm Hg], respectively). A reduction in blood pressure was associated with aerobic exercise in hypertensive participants and normotensive participants and in overweight participants and normal-weight participants. Conclusions Aerobic exercise reduces blood pressure in both hypertensive and normotensive persons. An increase in aerobic physical activity should be considered an important component of lifestyle modification for prevention and treatment of high blood pressure.
Negative Affect and Somatically Focused Anxiety in Young Women Reporting Pain With Intercourse

After a long history of privileging psychosexual etiological factors over pain and physiological processes, dyspareunia has enjoyed 1 decade of pointed research focused on the presenting problem of pain. Although it is generally acknowledged that certain affective and cognitive styles may play a role in an individual's experience of pain in general, investigations into these questions specifically as they pertain to pain that occurs during sex are relatively scarce. To add to this growing body of knowledge, 759 women aged 18 to 29 completed questionnaires about current sexual functioning, gynecologic history, expectations about intercourse, and various personality and health-related anxiety measures. One-hundred-one women (14% of the sample) reported pain during intercourse on at least 50% of attempts. This group of women significantly differed from 536 women reporting pain on less than 10% of intercourse attempts on personality constructs related to emotional and relational well-being (e.g., neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness), as well as anxiety sensitivity, anxiety related to physical health concerns, and the amplification of somatosensory experiences. This affective and cognitive profile is consistent with previous studies that have found an attentional hypervigilance to health and pain-related information in women with dyspareunia, all of which could prove germane to cognitive-behavioral treatments targeting this disorder.
Relationship between peripheral vascular disease and high plantar pressures in diabetic neuro-ischaemic patients.

Summary Background It has been shown that high foot pressure in diabetic patients plays a crucial role in plantar ulcer development. The purpose of the study is to analyze the relationship between foot arterial pressures and plantar pressures in diabetic patients with both peripheral neuropathy vascular disease. Methods We have evaluated the relationship between foot arterial pressures and plantar pressure parameters (Peak Plantar Pressure, Foot-Floor Contact and Plantar Pressure Integral) in eleven diabetic patients with both peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral neuropathy was defined as a tuning fork score st , 3 rd and 5 th metatarsal heads as well as under the heel and big toe of both feet. The Plantar Pressure Integral (PPI) was defined by the integral of the pressure over the time. Results We have found significant relationship between plantar pressure parameters (PPP, FFC, and PPI) under the first metatarsal heads and Doppler arterial pressures of both tibial posterior and dorsalis pedis artery. However, there was no relationship between Doppler arterial pressures and plantar pressure parameters (PPP, FFC, PPI) under 3 rd and 5 th metatarsal heads or under both the heel and the big toe. Conclusion According to our results, the peripheral vascular disease could contribute to the elevation of plantar pressures and to the prolonged duration of foot floor contact at each step in diabetic patients with both peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. In such patients, severe ischaemia could lead to an increased risk of foot ulceration and consecutive lower extremity amputation.
Electrical Design of a Small Solid State Energy Discharge Power Supply

The construction of a solid state, voltage regulated energy discharge power supply with a dual output is briefly described. Each output operates at about 1800 V dc, and 7800 A peak. Charging voltage regulation, and set level, are obtained by means of a solid state relay at the primary site of the single phase high voltage rectifier transformer. This method yields a relatively inexpensive, simple system since it does not require phase control circuitry.
Texture classification using features derived from random field models

This paper presents a new feature extraction method for classifying a texture image into one of the l possible classes C"i, i=1,...,l. It is assumed that the given M x M image characterized by a set of intensity levels, {y(s"1,S"2), [email protected]?s"s,s"[email protected]?M-1}, is a realization of an underlying random field model, known as the Simultaneous Autoregressive Model (SAR). This model is characterized by a set of parameters @f whose probability density function p"i(@f), depends on the class to which the image belongs. First it is shown that the maximum likelihood estimate (M.L.E.) @f^*, of @f is an appropriate feature vector for classification purposes. The optimum Bayes classifier which minimizes the average probability of classification error, is then designed using @f^*. Finally the efficiency of the feature vector is demonstrated through experimental results obtained with some natural texture data and a simpler quadratic mean classifier.
Central cone dysfunction in autosomal dominant vitreoretino choroidopathy (ADVIRC).

Purpose To describe a patient with clinically documented autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy who has had 11 years of progression from initial description and now demonstrates evidence of central cone dysfunction. Design Case report. Methods The patient is a member of a pedigree described in the literature. This is a case report format that follows standard clinical studies. Results The patient had normal full field electroretinography results but focally reduced multifocal electroretinography results and evidence of macular atrophy on optical coherence tomography. Conclusion Autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy may result in central cone dysfunction because of macular atrophy late in the course of the disease, although electroretinography and visual fields remain stable over extended follow-up periods.
Fitness Profiles and Activity Patterns of Entering College Students

Abstract Fitness levels of American youth have shown a marked decline in the last decade, according to recent studies. To determine whether such a tendency persists for entering college students, the authors evaluated 115 male and 143 female students for performance on the following fitness-related variables: (1) maximal oxygen consumption (estimated from Astrand cycling protocol), (2) body composition (skin-fold techniques), (3) muscle endurance (sit-up protocol), (4) muscle strength (bench-press protocol), and (5) joint flexibility (upper and lower body protocols). Although neither men nor women exhibited high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, the women in the study showed higher relative levels than their male counterparts. Both groups showed excellent levels of muscle strength (compared with normative standards), but they achieved only an average standard for muscle endurance. Findings of relatively low levels of cardiovascular fitness compared with levels of muscle strength, particularly in men, s...
Mechanical joints and large components for pathfinder in-space assembly and construction

This paper summarizes the background of the Pathfinder Project, In-Space Assembly, and Construction activity for fiscal year 1989. Work is presented on high strength mechanical truss joints and the definition of typical large components that might be required for assembly on-orbit and use on interplanetary space missions. Several mechanical joints were designed, and the most promising early design is presented in detail. The primary design drivers were the ability for robot assembly, the correction of up to a + or - 0.020 inch axial misalignment, and an axial load in the vicinity of + or - 100,000 lb. The most promising joint uses axisymmetric grooves to correct the misalignment and to transfer the load in a smooth path.
Infection, mimics, and autoimmune disease

The observation that infection can precipitate an autoimmune disease dates back more than a century. The first human autoimmune disease described, paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria, was thought of as a late consequence of syphilis, and rheumatic fever is still associated with preceding streptococcal infection. In modern times, these associations have been attributed to molecular mimicry. In its simplest form, the concept of molecular mimicry states that antigenic determinants of infectious microorganisms resemble structures in the tissues of the host but differ enough to be recognized as foreign by the host’s immune system. It is now clear that mimicry on the molecular level is a common phenomenon; that is, many sequential and structural determinants of infectious agents simulate epitopes of host tissues (1). But, as Mackay and I remarked recently, “There are, as yet, no firm instances of molecular mimicry by microorganisms serving as initiating agents of human autoimmune disease…” (2).
Ambivalence and Power: Mediums in Ga Traditional Religion1)

Among the roles frequently played by women around the world, mediumship has received considerable attention 2). Recently in the anthropological literature, the association between spirit possession and femininity has been variously attributed to structural conflict either between the sexes or among women, especially co-wives 3). Although I think that these sociological explanations need not be mutually exclusive and may have considerable validity, they fail to account fully for the epidemeology of mediumship in at least one West African society. Among the Ga people of south-eastern Ghana, mediumship represents the most powerful and one of the most prestigious occupations open to women. Through mediumship, capable and ambitious Ga women are enabled to resolve certain psycho-social ambivalences arising from their inferior biosocial and socio-economic status and to achieve prestige and influence in contemporary Ga society. My discussion of Ga mediumship is based upon research in Central Accra, the oldest settlement within the modern capital of Ghana. Originating as a Ga fishing village or villages more than three hundred years ago, Central Accra today comprises a predominantly but by
Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration elicited by a bacterial metabolite in a C. elegans Parkinson's model

Genetic and idiopathic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are characterized by loss of dopamine (DA) neurons and typically the formation of protein inclusions containing the alpha-synuclein (α-syn) protein. Environmental contributors to PD remain largely unresolved but toxins, such as paraquat or rotenone, represent well-studied enhancers of susceptibility. Previously, we reported that a bacterial metabolite produced by Streptomyces venezuelae caused age- and dose-dependent DA neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans and human SH-SY5Y neurons. We hypothesized that this metabolite from a common soil bacterium could enhance neurodegeneration in combination with PD susceptibility gene mutations or toxicants. Here, we report that exposure to the metabolite in C. elegans DA neurons expressing human α-syn or LRRK2 G2019S exacerbates neurodegeneration. Using the PD toxin models 6-hydroxydopamine and rotenone, we demonstrate that exposure to more than one environmental risk factor has an additive effect in eliciting DA neurodegeneration. Evidence suggests that PD-related toxicants cause mitochondrial dysfunction, thus we examined the impact of the metabolite on mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress. An ex vivo assay of C. elegans extracts revealed that this metabolite causes excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Likewise, enhanced expression of a superoxide dismutase reporter was observed in vivo. The anti-oxidant probucol fully rescued metabolite-induced DA neurodegeneration, as well. Interestingly, the stress-responsive FOXO transcription factor DAF-16 was activated following exposure to the metabolite. Through further mechanistic analysis, we discerned the mitochondrial defects associated with metabolite exposure included adenosine triphosphate impairment and upregulation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response. Metabolite-induced toxicity in DA neurons was rescued by complex I activators. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of mitochondrial complex I subunits resulted in rescue of metabolite-induced toxicity in DA neurons. Taken together, our characterization of cellular responses to the S. venezuelae metabolite indicates that this putative environmental trigger of neurotoxicity may cause cell death, in part, through mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
Improved H.263 Video Codec with Motion-based Frame Interpolation

A fast block-based motion frame interpolation (FMCI) and an adaptive frame skipping scheme (AFS) are proposed for the H.263/H.263+ decoder and encoder, respectively, in this research. The proposed FMCI decoder can successfully interpolate non-coded frames so that a video clip with skipped frames can be played without jerkiness. In the FMCI decoder, the block-based motion fields from the encoder are directly utilized to generate interpolated frames without performing further motion search. Thus, the computational complexity of the interpolation operation is significantly saved. With AFS, the encoder can adaptively choose the frame skip number based on the prediction result of the embedded FMCI. AFS generates a bit stream with a variable frame rate, which can increase the coding efficiency and enhance the performance of the FMCI interpolation at the decoder. FMCI works with any bit stream generated by the standard H.263/H.263+ encoder with or without incorporating AFS.
Can aqueous hydrogen peroxide be used as a stand-alone energy source?

A novel electrochemical scheme to convert a stand-alone supply of aqueous hydrogen peroxide into a fuel cell-ready stream of hydrogen gas plus aqueous hydrogen peroxide is described. The electrochemical cell, consisting of a solid base and solid acid electrocatalyst, together with a proton exchange membrane, comprise the system that converts aqueous hydrogen peroxide into separate gas streams of oxygen and hydrogen. Aqueous hydrogen peroxide is contained in the anode compartment only and exists in the region where oxygen gas is formed, whereas the cathode compartment is where hydrogen gas is generated and therefore exists in a reduced state. A near zero theoretical over-potential can be achieved by the choice of basicity and acidity of the electrode materials. The primary cost of the electrochemical cell is electrode construction and the aqueous hydrogen peroxide energy storage compound. Additional research effort is required to experimentally validate the concept and explore the full economic impact should initial studies, based on the design presented here, prove promising.
Long-term hormone replacement therapy does not cause increased platelet activation.

Background Observational studies have shown apparently lower ischemic coronary disease risk in postmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, several recent studies have shown an increase in ischemic cardiac events when HRT is initiated in postmenopausal women with known coronary artery disease. It is postulated that estrogen may result in increased platelet aggregation. Methods We evaluated platelet activation, as measured by flow cytometric analysis using P selectin and PAC1 as activation markers, and aggregation, as measured by standard platelet aggregation using platelet-rich plasma, in 27 postmenopausal women (17 HRT, 10 placebo) who were participants in 2 placebo-controlled randomized angiographic trials evaluating the effect of HRT on coronary atherosclerosis or saphenous vein graft disease. All women had received HRT or placebo for >2 years and were on aspirin therapy. The estrogen component was either conjugated equine estrogen or 17β-estradiol. Results Patients on HRT and those on placebo had comparable degrees of platelet aggregation when measured using various doses of agonists (adenosine diphosphate and epinephrine). There were no significant differences in levels of platelet activation measured by flow cytometry. Conclusion We conclude that long-term HRT does not appear to cause increased platelet activation and aggregation in women with coronary artery disease. There may be increased platelet activation in the early period after HRT initiation; however, this was not assessed in this study.
Changes in free amino acid production and intracellular amino acid pools of Bacillus licheniformis as a function of culture age and growth media

Changes in the endogenous intracellular amino acid pool and total free amino acid production in Bacillus licheniformis grown in minimal media were investigated. The total intracellular pool increased during exponential growth and then decreased rapidly after the end of growth. Most of the amino acids were present at low concentrations, but glutamate and alanine comprised 60 to 90% of the total intracellular free amino acid at most times during the growth cycle. It was concluded that, in addition to providing monomers for protein synthesis, the intracellular amino acid pool may be maintained for the storage of energy-providing metabolic intermediates and possibly as a balance to the ionic strength of the medium. The total free amino acid production by the cell was found to be dependent upon the composition of the salts medium as well as the culture age under conditions in which the carbon and nitrogen sources were the same. A 10-fold increase in extracellular amino acid was observed as the cells changed from vegetative to sporulation metabolism, mostly due to the extrusion of intracellular amino acid. The impact of this increase upon amino acid uptake and pulse-labeling studies using unwashed cells is discussed.
Comparison of air-displacement plethysmography with hydrostatic weighing and bioelectrical impedance analysis for the assessment of body composition in healthy adults

Background: Over the past decade, considerable attention has been paid to accurately measuring body composition in diverse populations. Recently, the use of air-displacement plethysmography (AP) was proposed as an accurate, comfortable, and accessible method of body-composition analysis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare measurements of percentage body fat (%BF) by AP and 2 other established techniques, hydrostatic weighing (HW) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), in adults. Design: The sample consisted of healthy men (n = 23) and women (n = 24). %BF was measured by AP, HW, and BIA. Results: In the total group, %BFAP (25.0 ∠ 8.9%) was not significantly different from %BF HW (25.1 ∠ 7.7%) or %BFBIA (23.9 ∠ 7.7%), and %BFAP was significantly correlated with %BFHW (r = 0.944, P < 0.001) and with %BFBIA (r = 0.859, P < 0.01). Compared with HW, AP underestimated %BF in men (by 21.24 ∠ 3.12%) but overestimated %BF in women (by 1.02 ∠ 2.48%), indicating a significant sex effect (P < 0.05). The differences in estimation between AP and BIA and between BIA and HW were not significantly different between the sexes. Conclusion: AP is an accurate method for assessing body composition in healthy adults. Future studies should assess further the cause of the individual variations with this new method. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:898‐903.
Measurement of Nitrogen Mustard Degradation Products by Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Microchip Electrophoresis with Contactless Conductivity Detection

A poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic device with contactless conductivity detection for the determination of nitrogen mustard degradation products is reported. Three alkyl ethanolamines: N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), N-ethyldiethanolamine (EDEA), and triethanolamine (TEA), (degradation/ precursor products of HN-1, HN-2 and HN-3 blister agents) were analyzed by microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE). The original PDMS channel was coated by poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) to improve the separation of three ethanolamines. Experimental conditions for the separation and detection processes have been optimized to yield well defined separation and high sensitivity. The response times for the three ethanolamines were less than 5 min., the detection limits were 2.0–4.0 mg L−1 and the relative standard derivations for the migration times and peak heights were 1.6–2.3% and 4.1–5.7%, respectively. The linearity of calibration for each of the compounds was as follows: MDEA, r2=0.970; EDEA, r2=0.994; TEA, r2=0.988. Applicability of this method for natural (lake and tap) water samples was also demonstrated. Compared to conventional analytical methods, this miniaturized system offers promise for on-site monitoring of degradation products of the nitrogen mustard class of chemical warfare agents, with advantages of cost-effective construction, simple operation, portability, and small required sample volumes.
SUMOylation of the small GTPase ARL-13 promotes ciliary targeting of sensory receptors.

Primary cilia serve as cellular antenna for various sensory signaling pathways. However, how the sensory receptors are properly targeted to the ciliary surface remains poorly understood. Here, we show that UBC-9, the sole E2 small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-conjugating enzyme, physically interacts with and SUMOylates the C terminus of small GTPase ARL-13, the worm orthologue of ARL13B that mutated in ciliopathy Joubert syndrome. Mutations that totally abolish the SUMOylation of ARL-13 do not affect its established role in ciliogenesis, but fail to regulate the proper ciliary targeting of various sensory receptors and consequently compromise the corresponding sensory functions. Conversely, constitutively SUMOylated ARL-13 fully rescues all ciliary defects of arl-13–null animals. Furthermore, SUMOylation modification of human ARL13B is required for the ciliary entry of polycystin-2, the protein mutated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Our data reveal a novel but conserved role for the SUMOylation modification of ciliary small GTPase ARL13B in specifically regulating the proper ciliary targeting of various sensory receptors.