cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing "Structure from Motion": a general framework for dynamic vision. 2. Implementation and experimental assessment

For pt.1 see ibid., p.933-42 (1998). A number of methods have been proposed in the literature for estimating scene-structure and ego-motion from a sequence of images using dynamical models. Despite the fact that all methods may be derived from a "natural" dynamical model within a unified framework, from an engineering perspective there are a number of trade-offs that lead to different strategies depending upon the applications and the goals one is targeting. We want to characterize and compare the properties of each model such that the engineer may choose the one best suited to the specific application. We analyze the properties of filters derived from each dynamical model under a variety of experimental conditions, assess the accuracy of the estimates, their robustness to measurement noise, sensitivity to initial conditions and visual angle, effects of the bas-relief ambiguity and occlusions, dependence upon the number of image measurements and their sampling rate.
Study of potassium DPAL operation in pulsed and CW mode

This paper presents the results of our experiments on development of the efficient hydrocarbon free Diode Pumped Alkali Laser based on potassium vapor buffered by He gas at 600 Torr. We studied the performance of this laser operating in pulsed mode with pulses up to 5 ms long at different pulse energies and cell temperatures. A slope efficiency of more than 50% was demonstrated with total optical efficiency about 30% for the pump pulses with duration about 30 μs. For the longer pump pulses the DPAL efficiency degraded in time with a characteristic time in the range from 0.5 ms to 4.5 ms depending on the pump pulse energy and cell temperature. The recorded spectrum of the side fluorescence indicates that multi-photon excitation, energy pooling collisions and ionization may be strong candidates for explaining the observed performance degradation.
Genomic stability: Hip-hopping out of control

'Jumping genes' can wreak havoc by hopping about a genome. Some plants can keep them under control by modifying them with certain chemical groups.
Evaluation of methods for approximating shapes used to synthesize 3D solid textures

In modern computer graphics applications, textures play an important role in conveying the appearance of real-world materials. But while surface appearance can often be effectively captured with a photograph, it is difficult to use example imagery to synthesize fully three-dimensional (3D) solid textures that are perceptually similar to their inputs. Specifically, this research focuses on human perception of 3D solid textures composed of aggregate particles in a binding matrix. Holding constant an established algorithm for approximating particle distributions, we examine the problem of estimating particle shape. We consider four methods for approximating plausible particle shapes—including two methods of our own contribution. We compare the performance of these methods under a variety of input conditions using automated, perceptually motivated metrics, as well as a psychophysical experiment. In the course of assessing the relative performance of the four algorithms, we also evaluate the reliability of the automated metrics in predicting the results of the experiment.
Health-Related Philanthropy: Toward Understanding the Relationship Between the Donation of the Body (and Its Parts) and Traditional Forms of Philanthropic Giving:

The academic study of philanthropy has focused on the public good from private action and includes the study of the public good of improving health and studies of the various determinants of giving. Yet one very obvious act of giving in the health field has been largely neglected in philanthropic studies: the donation of the body, such as blood and tissue donation, organ donation, and the donation of one's body for medical research or education. In August 2003, a research team at the Indiana University Center for Bioethics conducted a study of these two aspects of philanthropy as part of a project titled Health Related Philanthropy: The Donation of the Body (and Parts Thereof). This article describes the project and summarizes the results of a national survey conducted as part of that project.
Central venous catheter complications in sarcoma patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy

As part of a prospective randomized study in patients with high grade soft tissue sarcoma (STS), 47 patients received post-operative adjuvant Adriamycin. The method of administration was randomized to intravenous bolus (B) or to continuous 72 hour infusion (CI) via a Silastic right atrial catheter. Both groups received 60 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. There were nine hospital admissions for treatment related complications in four of the 26 CI patients compared to none in the 21 B patients (P = 0.03). All of the admissions related to complications involving the central venous catheter (CVC). This apparent increased risk for hospital admission secondary to treatment related complications in patients treated with CI must be considered in the planning of future therapeutic trials.
Rate constants for the gas‐phase reactions of the OH radical with the cresols and dimethylphenols at 296 ± 2K

Using a relative rate technique, rate constants for the gas-phase reactions of the OH radical with the three cresols and the six dimethylphenols have been determined at 296±2 k and atmospheric pressure. The rate constants for the cresols, which range from 4.3×10 ―11 cm 3 molecule ―1 s ―1 to 6.8×10 ―11 cm 3 molecule ―1 s ―1 , are in good agreement with previous literature data. The rate constants for 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, and 3,4-dimethylphenol are all in the range (6.6-8.1)×10 ―11 cm 3 molecule ―1 s ―1 , with the rate constant for 3,5-diethylphenol being somezhat higher at 1.13×10 ―1 cm 3 molecule ―1 s ―1 . Rate constants estimated from the number, identity, and positions of the substituent groups around the aromatic ring agree to within a factor of approximately 2 with these experimentally determined rate constants
Particle imaging of ignition and devolatilization of pulverized coal during oxy-fuel combustion

Abstract Oxy-fuel combustion of coal is a promising technology for cost-effective power production with carbon capture and sequestration that has ancillary benefits of emission reductions and lower flue gas cleanup costs. To fully understand the results of pilot-scale tests of oxy-fuel combustion and to accurately predict scale-up performance through CFD modeling, fundamental data are needed concerning coal and coal char combustion properties under these unconventional conditions. In the work reported here, the ignition and devolatilization characteristics of both a high-volatile bituminous coal and a Powder River Basin subbituminous coal were analyzed in detail through single-particle imaging at a gas temperature of 1700 K over a range of 12–36 vol % O 2 in both N 2 and CO 2 diluent gases. The bituminous coal images show large, hot soot cloud radiation whose size and shape vary with oxygen concentration and, to a lesser extent, with the use of N 2 versus CO 2 diluent gas. Subbituminous coal images show cooler, smaller emission signals during devolatilization that have the same characteristic size as the coal particles introduced into the flow (nominally 100 μm). The measurements also demonstrate that the use of CO 2 diluent retards the onset of ignition and increases the duration of devolatilization, once initiated. For a given diluent gas, a higher oxygen concentration yields shorter ignition delay and devolatilization times. The effect of CO 2 on coal particle ignition is explained by its higher molar specific heat and its tendency to reduce the local radical pool. The effect of O 2 on coal particle ignition results from its effect on the local mixture reactivity. CO 2 decreases the rate of devolatilization because of the lower mass diffusivity of volatiles in CO 2 mixtures, whereas higher O 2 concentrations increase the mass flux of oxygen to the volatiles flame and thereby increase the rate of devolatilization.
A magnetization-chemisorption study of hydrogen and sulfur dioxide on iron

Magnetization-pressure isotherms are measured for hydrogen and sulfur dioxide on small iron particles. The hydrogen isotherms are shown to relate directly to hydrogen uptake and obey the Temkin isotherm. The bonding of hydrogen to iron surfaces at different temperatures is determined from the data and related to other work. This conclusion is that the bond type of hydrogen on iron changes as a function of temperature. The formation of two hydrogen species on iron and at defects in the iron lattice is related to anomolous hydrogen diffusion in iron and to hydrogen embrittlement. The reactions of SO2 and hydrogen on an iron surface are shown to explain the inhibiting effect SO2 has an hydrogen embrittlement.
Comprehension factors in interpreting memory for abstract and concrete sentences

Three studies are presented which suggest that previously reported evidence ( Begg & Paivio, 1969 ) for different modes of storage of abstract and concrete sentences is more likely to reflect differences in comprehension of the abstract and concrete materials used. In Experiment I, S s hearing concrete sentences were later able to distinguish between meaning-preserving and meaning-distorting sentences, whereas S s hearing abstract sentences did not respond to these two types of sentences significantly differently. Experiments II and III present rating data which indicate that the abstract and concrete materials used in Experiment I and in Begg and Paivio's original experiment were not equivalent in comprehensibility or in the sensitivity of the recognition items.
Management Decentralization: An Historical Analysis

This article deals with development of basic management structures of large American corporations. In general, the problem has been one of growing operational complexity; the solution commonly adopted has been operational decentralization. This solution, however, has raised difficult questions of control, and various administrative answers have been evolved. These have fallen into recognizable patterns, for an examination of case histories graphically illustrates the close connection between the nature of a company's business and its administrative structure. Those firms whose activities cross established industry lines have tended toward product decentralization. Companies producing a relatively restricted line have decentralized on a functional or a geographic basis. Market-oriented firms have tended to decentralize on a geographic basis. Among the fifty companies studied, however, other variations are discernible. Historical analysis of the decentralization trend also suggests the importance of management personalities in governing the timing of structural changes and indicates clearly the reasons why some companies have yet to find decentralization a meaningful answer for their prevailing administrative problems.
Quantitative comparisons of digital chaotic circuits for use in communications

Chaotic spread spectrum communication systems are sought after for their high levels of security, derived from the apparent randomness of the underlying chaotic spreading signal. Traditionally this “randomness” is quantified by the use of Lyupanov exponent(s) that give rates of chaotic state divergence, for continuous-time chaotic circuits. The downside of such continuous-time analog chaotic systems is that they are difficult to synchronize, leading to reduced channel capacity via re-synchronization overhead or compromises in security. These chaotic signals also possess colored spectra, leading to detection and channel utilization disadvantages. Discrete-time and — amplitude systems are simpler to implement, yet more difficult to quantify their “chaotic-ness;” the rate of state divergence is dependent on both computational precision and sampling intervals in sequence generation. Moreover, the existence of a well-defined chaotic attractor is evidence of a failure to meet the desired maximal entropy signal characteristic required for maximum channel capacity throughput. This paper presents comparative simulation measures quantifying the underlying randomness and computational sensitivities for a collection of digital chaotic mappings, qualifying their suitability for use in secure communication systems. Under most measures, the tent map and the logistic map fail to meet the needed performance. The skew tent mapping is found to be better, yet techniques for closed field calculations are found to be superior, without a significant increase in computational resources.
Biomechanic Comparison of 3 Tendon Transfers for Supination of the Forearm

Purpose Flexion–pronation of the hand and the forearm is a common deformity when the upper extremity is affected by cerebral palsy. Solutions used to improve the pronation deformity and increase supination include transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris to the extensor carpi radialis brevis, pronator teres rerouting, and brachioradialis rerouting. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanic efficacy of these 3 tendon transfers in simulated supination in cadaveric forearms. Methods Ten fresh-frozen adult cadaveric above-elbow upper extremities were used. In each specimen the 3 tendon transfers were performed sequentially in random order and were loaded in increments of 4 N (1 lb) to a maximum of 36 N (8 lb). Measurements were recorded from the starting point of 90° of pronation. Statistical analysis of the data included the Student t test with the Bonferoni correction. Results For all transfers, supination increased in a nonlinear manner as the load was increased in a nonlinear manner. For the flexor carpi ulnaris transfer, the forearm reached its neutral position at a load of 9 N (2 lb). The forearm continued to rotate to up to 84° of supination with 36 N (8 lb) of load. With the brachioradialis transfer, the forearm reached its neutral position at 13 N (3 lb) of load and continued to rotate to up to 33° of supination with 36 N of load. With the pronator teres transfer, the forearm never reached the neutral position. Under a maximum load of 36 N, only 55° of rotation from full pronation was obtained. Conclusions Transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris to the extensor carpi radialis brevis proved to be the most effective transfer for producing supination in cadavers. The brachioradialis transfer was second best. The pronator teres rerouting was the least effective transfer in effecting simulated supination in this experiment.
Three-dimensional structure of yeast phenylalanine transfer RNA at 3. 0Å resolution

At 3A resolution, the electron density map of crystalline tRNA shows the polynucleotide chain as an alternating series of ribose and phosphate peaks. Bases are seen, especially in the double helical stem regions. A complete three-dimensional model of the L-shaped molecule has been built.
Chronic lesions of the gingiva and mucosa.

A 43-year-old man was referred to the Division of Oral Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, for evaluation and treatment of multiple sore oral lesions affecting the gingiva, buccal mucosa and labial mucosa. The patient reported that oral lesions had been present for four months before his initial visit to the lead author (S.S.D.). He reported having mild, but increasing, gastrointestinal pain and distress, including diarrhea. He initially noticed mild soreness and increased bleeding of the gingiva, which gradually progressed to swelling and soreness of the gingiva and buccal mucosa (Figures 1 through 3). The patient’s medical, family and social histories were noncontributory. He was not taking any medications, nor did he report having any drug allergies. A comprehensive review of systems revealed episodic stomach discomfort and diarrhea that were controlled with over-the-counter antidiarrhea medication. The clinical examination revealed no cervical adenopathy or lesions on exposed skin surfaces or conjunctivae. Evaluation of the oral cavity revealed generalized erythema, thickening and “cobblestone” plaques and superficial erosions of the buccal mucosa, as well as edema of the gingiva with multiple yellowish pustules (Figures 1 through 3). Chronic lesions of the gingiva and mucosa
Bilateral congenital Morgagni-Larrey's hernia.

Background Congenital Morgagni-Larrey’s hernia (CMLH) is rare and known to be associated with a high incidence of bilaterality and associated anomalies. This study aimed to review our patients with bilateral CMLH and evaluate their presentation, associated anomalies, diagnostic difficulties and therapy.
In Vitro Supersensitivity of the Anterior Pituitary to Dopamine Inhibition of Prolactin Secretion

The sensitivity of pituitaries from medial basal hypothalamus (MBH)-lesioned rats to the inhibitory effects of dopamine and apomorphine on prolactin (PRL) secretion were studied in vitro. Anterior pituitary halves from ovariectomized control rats or ovariectomized rats lesioned for either 1 or 14 days were incubated in medium 199 and showed a linear release of PRL over the 3-h incubation period. Dopamine (10-6 M) inhibited absolute or percentage of PRL release to the same extent from pituitaries of nonlesioned, 1-, and 14- day-lesioned animals. However, at 10-8 M dopamine, the percent inhibition of PRL release from the pituitaries of the 14-day-lesioned group was significantly greater than from the nonlesioned and 1-day-lesioned groups. Apomorphine (5 × 10-8 M) produced a greater absolute and percentage inhibition of PRL release from pituitaries of the 14-day-than from the pituitaries of 1-day-lesioned animals. No concentration of dopamine had a measurable effect on the concentration of pituitary PRL. How...
Overcast sky luminances and directional luminous reflectances of objects and backgrounds under overcast skies

Two sky luminance distributions are given for overcast sky above snow-covered terrain, and directional luminous reflectance data are presented which were obtained under these skies. Luminous reflectances computed from Krinov spectral reflectance data for a variety of natural terrains measured under overcast are also included.
PID controller synthesis with shifted axis pole assignment for a class of MIMO systems

For certain classes of linear, time-invariant, multi-input multi-output plants, a systematic synthesis is developed for stabilization using Proportional+Integral+Derivative (PID) controllers, where the closed-loop poles can be assigned to the left of an axis shifted away from the origin. The real-parts of the closed-loop poles can be smaller than the real-part of the largest transmission-zero of the plant. Plant classes that admit PID controllers with this property include stable and unstable multi-input multi-input plants with transmission-zeros in the left-half complex-plane.
Estimating atmospheric turbidity from climate data

Abstract Aerosols have several important influences on the climate system. Among the more important of these are their roles in absorbing and scattering radiation, and as condensation nuclei in cloud-forming processes. Despite their importance, knowledge of their spatial and temporal variability and, in turn, their influence on climate, is incomplete. Constraints associated with conventional approaches to measuring atmospheric turbidity – including the requirements for clear skies and costly equipment – have contributed to a paucity of turbidity data. This paper presents a methodology for estimating atmospheric turbidity from readily available surface-weather data, regardless of cloud cover. Using a high-resolution spectral radiation model, clear-sky beam irradiance is parameterized as a function of atmospheric attenuation processes, including scattering and absorption by aerosols. The model is integrated over the day to obtain an expression for estimating potential daily clear-sky beam irradiation. Turbidity can then be estimated by forcing the model with monthly averaged climate data. The methodology can be applied at any location where the requisite climate data are available and therefore holds promise for a more complete, and possibly global, climatology of aerosols.
110 Incidence of Chronic B-Cell Leukemia in Patients with CTCL

lines show growth inhibition and apoptosis when exposed to AZT. XMRV in cell culture is inhibited by AZT and by raltegravir. The above patient with CLL was therefore treated with AZT and raltegravir. Results: Day 551 from diagnosis, the lymphocyte douling time decreased from 660 days to 325 days. AZT and raltegravir ere started day 899 at which time the ALC was 16,348/mm3 and D19: 11,658, up from 3,303 at diagnosis. Trisomy-12 peaked at ,490 d. 117 if treatment, up from 1,550 at diagnosis. S/P 236 days f treatment the ALC was trending down to 10,586, CD19: 6,172 nd the trisomy-12: 5,293. Infectious virus was no longer detectable n plasma and the cytokine signature improved as did fatigue and usculoskeletal pain. No toxicity occurred. Conclusions: A patient ith CLL and adverse prognostic factors was shown to have XMRV n serum and CLL cells. He showed multiple benefits from treatment ith AZT and raltegravir. Further CLL patients should be studied specially as CLL has been statistically associated with an increased isk for other neoplasia. Questions to be answered are what neolasms are associated with XMRV and will existing anti-retrovirals ave antineoplastic activity in them.
Design and performance of special purpose hardware for time warp

A special purpose simulation engine based on the Time Warp mechanism is proposed to attack large-scale discrete event simulation problems. A key component of this engine is the rollback chip, a hardware component that efficiently implements state saving and rollback functions in Time Warp. The algorithms implemented by the rollback chip are described, as well as mechanisms that allow efficient implementation. Results of simulation studies are presented that show that the rollback chip can virtually eliminate the state saving overhead that plagues current software implementations of Time Warp.
Determining pulsed alternator thyristor converter firing angles to produce a desired launcher current

Proposed electromagnetic launch systems using pulsed alternators usually employ a phase-angle-controlled thyristor converter to supply DC to the railgun launcher. By carefully choosing the firing angles of the individual thyristors, the system designers can control shape of the current pulse delivered to the launcher, thereby controlling projectile acceleration and magnetic energy recovery from the launcher after muzzle exit. This paper describes a simple method for determining the required phase angles for a specified launch current waveform, using a simplified equivalent controlled DC source model for the pulsed alternator and converter system. Once a desired current profile is chosen to deliver the required action to the projectile, the railgun equations are used to determine the required breech voltage profile. The thyristor firing angle vs. time to produce this breech voltage is then calculated from the equivalent DC source model. Improvements to the basic model incorporating field current decay and rotor speed reduction with time are discussed. The method has been embedded in a Mathcad/spl trade/ worksheet. Results from the simplified model show good agreement when compared to a detailed Saber/spl trade/ system simulation.
Lloyd P. Gartner. History of the Jews in Modern Times. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. xi, 468 pp.

Lloyd Gartner has written an excellent survey for the serious student and a fine tour d'horizon for the professional historian, delineating long-range historical developments concisely and lucidly, providing apt, fresh illustrations throughout the narrative, and efficiently unpacking terminology and nomenclature that would be obscure to the general reader. His book supersedes previous overviews of modern Jewish history.
Carbohydrate engineering of the recognition motifs in streptococcal co‐aggregation receptor polysaccharides

Summary The cell wall polysaccharides of certain oral strepto- cocci function as receptors for the lectin-like surface adhesins on other members of the oral biofilm com- munity. Recognition of these receptor polysaccha- rides (RPS) depends on the presence of a host-like motif, either GalNAc b 1-3Gal (Gn) or Gal b 1-3GalNAc (G), within the oligosaccharide repeating units of different RPS structural types. Type 2Gn RPS of Streptococcus gordonii 38 and type 2G RPS of Strep- tococcus oralis J22 are composed of heptasaccha- ride repeats that are identical except for their host-like motifs. In the current investigation, the genes for the glycosyltransferases that synthesize these motifs were identified by high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of genetically altered polysaccharides. RPS production was switched from type 2Gn to 2G by replacing wefC and wefD in the type 2Gn gene cluster of S. gordonii 38 with wefF and wefG from the type 2G cluster of S. oralis J22. Disruption of either wefC or wefF abolished cell surface RPS production. In contrast, disruption of wefD in the type 2Gn cluster or wefG in the type 2G cluster eliminated b -GalNAc from the Gn motif or b b b -Gal from the G motif, resulting in mutant polysaccharides with hexa- rather than heptasaccharide subunits. The mutant polysac- charides reacted like wild-type RPS with rabbit antibodies against type 2Gn or 2G RPS but were inactive as co-aggregation receptors. Additional mutant polysaccharides with GalNAc b 1-3GalNAc or Gal b b b 1-3Gal recognition motifs were engineered by replacing wefC in the type 2Gn cluster with wefF or wefF in the type 2G cluster with wefC respectively. The reactions of these genetically modified polysaccha- rides as antigens and receptors provide further insight into the structural basis of RPS function.
Modulation of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell function by Kupffer cells: an example of intercellular communication in the liver.

We tested the hypothesis that Kupffer cells modulate sinusoidal endothelial cell function in the liver. Rats were treated with Kupffer cell–depleting agents (gadolinium chloride and liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate) or with inhibitors of phospholipase A2 or leukotriene A4 synthase (dexamethasone and diethylcarbamazine, respectively). Hyaluronan uptake by the isolated, perfused liver was measured as an index of the functional state of the sinusoidal endothelial cell. Plasma hyaluronan concentration was also determined. Three hours after Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide administration (100 μg/100 gm body wt, intravenously) plasma hyaluronan levels were significantly increased (280 to 320), whereas hepatic hyaluronan uptake was markedly decreased (approximately 76). Pretreatment with gadolinium chloride (0.5 mg/100 gm body wt, intravenously, 21 hr before saline solution or lipopolysaccharide administration), liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate (40 μmol/100 gm body wt, intravenously, 44 hr before saline solution or lipopolysaccharide injection), dexamethasone (40 μg/100 gm body wt, intravenously, 1 hr before saline solution or lipopolysaccharide administration) or diethylcarbamazine (repeated doses, 10 mg/100 gm body wt, intravenously, 1 hr before saline solution or lipopolysaccharide injection) counteracted the lipopolysaccharide inhibitory effect on hepatic hyaluronan uptake. With the exception of gadolinium chloride, all other agents also prevented the lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in plasma hyaluronan concentration. Gadolinium chloride only attenuated the lipopolysaccharide effect on plasma hyaluronan level. Taken together with earlier results from our laboratory, these data indicate that: (a) Kupffer cell activation by lipopolysaccharide results in suppression of hyaluronan uptake by sinusoidal endothelial cells and (b) such modulation of endothelial cell function is likely mediated by products of the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonate metabolism. (Hepatology 1994;19:464–470).
The Acquisition of Modality: Implications for Theories of Semantic Representation

The set of English modal verbs is widely recognized to communicate two broad clusters of meanings: epistemic and root modal meanings. A number of researchers have claimed that root meanings are acquired earlier than epistemic ones; this claim has subsequently been employed in the linguistics literature as an argument for the position that English modal verbs are polysemous (Sweetser, 1990). In this paper I offer an alternative explanation for the later emergence of epistemic interpret- ations by linking them to the development of the child's theory of mind (Wellman, 1990); if correct, this hypothesis might have important implications for the shape of the semantics of modal verbs. It is widely acknowledged in the linguistic literature that modal expressions may be used to communicate at least two broad clusters of meanings: epis- temic modal meanings, which deal with the degree of speaker commitment to the truth of the proposition that forms the complement of the modal, and deontic modal meanings, concerned with the necessity or possibility of acts performed by morally responsible agents, e.g. obligation and permission (Lyons, 1977; Kratzer, 1981; Coates, 1983; Palmer, 1986, 1990; Sweetser, 1990; Bybee and Fleischman, 1995). The utterances in (1) and (2) (on their preferred interpretations) are examples of epistemic and deontic modality respectively:
Lithium Ephedrate-Mediated Addition of a Lithium Acetylide to a Ketone: Solution Structures and Relative Reactivities of Mixed Aggregates Underlying the High Enantioselectivities

Addition of lithium cyclopropylacetylide (RLi) to ArCOCF3 mediated by 1(R),2(S)-R2NCH(CH3)CH(Ph)OLi (ROLi; R2N = pyrrolidino) occurs with 50:1 enantioselectivity (Thompson, A. S. et al. Tetrahedron. Lett. 1995, 36, 8937). Low-temperature 6Li and 13C NMR spectroscopies reveal lithium cyclopropylacetylide in THF to be a dimer−tetramer mixture and the lithium alkoxide to be a complex mixture of oligomers. Mixtures of RLi and ROLi in THF afford stoichiometry-dependent mixtures of 3:1, 2:2, and 1:3 mixed tetramers. The dramatic improvements in the stereochemistry of 1,2-additions caused by aging the reaction at ambient temperatures are shown to coincide with unusually slow aggregate equilibrations. ReactIR studies showed that the previously detected requirement for 2 equiv of lithium acetylide per ketone stems from autoinhibition rather than from a proton abstraction of an NH moiety in the substrate. Semiempirical (MNDO) computational studies support a stereochemical model based upon 1,2-addition via a C2 symm...
Correlation of symptoms with degree of pelvic organ support in a general population of women: what is pelvic organ prolapse?

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and the stage of support as determined by the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system. STUDY DESIGN: Four hundred ninety-seven women who were seen for annual gynecologic examinations were recruited. Subjects underwent a pelvic examination and their degree of pelvic support was described according to the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system. They also completed a seven-question questionnaire regarding common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. Trend analysis was accomplished with linear regression. RESULTS: Only 477 subjects correctly responded to the questionnaire. They were aged 18 to 82 years (mean age, 44 years). Forty-seven percent were white, 52% were African American, and 1% were of another racial group. The number of subjects with the various pelvic organ prolapse quantification stages were stage 0 (18 subjects), stage I (214 subjects), stage II (231 subjects), and stage III (14 subjects). No subject had stage IV prolapse. The average number of positive responses per subject for the symptoms was 0.27 for stage 0, 0.55 for stage I, 0.77 for stage II, and 2.1 for stage III. This trend did not attain statistical significance. The correlation of symptoms with the leading edge of the prolapse revealed that the average number of symptoms that were reported per subject increased from 1 when the leading edge of the prolapse extended beyond the hymenal remnants. This trend was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Women with pelvic organ prolapse with the leading edge of the prolapse beyond the hymenal remnants (some stage II and all stage III) have increased symptoms, which may help define symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.
Is computerized diagnosis possible

Abstract Many mathematical approaches to medical diagnosis have been tested in the past fifteen years. These approaches all have a similar mathematical basis—namely, that of pattern recognition through the use of discriminant functions. When the ten most commonly used mathematical diagnostic models are applied to the same large set of data, their diagnostic accuracy is more sensitive to variations between the diseases than variations between the mathematical models. This is not surprising given the models' close mathematical relationships. The result of the theoretical and empirical comparisons of the models suggests that in the future researchers should take a new direction—not continue experiments with increasingly sophisticated mathematical techniques. Future research should tackle the real obstacles to practical computer-aided medical diagnosis: 1. 1. lack of standard medical definitions, 2. 2. lack of large, reliable medical data bases, and 3. 3. lack of acceptance of computer-aided diagnosis by the medical profession. The author suggests the formation of a liaison group from organizations involved in operations research, computer science, information systems, and medicine to attack these problems on a national level.
A New Paradigm for Earth's Core-Mantle Boundary

Understanding the boundary between Earth9s rock mantle and the molten core is one of the key challenges in geoscience. In his Perspective, Garnero discusses recent geophysical discoveries that are forcing the adoption of a new paradigm for studying the core-mantle boundary. Long thought to be a simple division between solid silicate rock and liquid iron alloy, the core-mantle boundary is now emerging as an active, complex, and heterogeneous region of Earth9s interior.
Seismic moments of major earthquakes and the rate of shortening across the Tien Shan

Three Twentieth Century earthquakes that Richter assigned M ≥ 8 and two of comparable magnitude in the Nineteenth Century imply rapid deformation within the Tien Shan. Seismic moment tensors of major earthquakes in this century suggest an average shortening rate of 7 (± 2) mm yr−1 across the Tien Shan. In the western part, however, where three of the five largest earthquakes occurred, the calculated rate is consistent with the value of ∼20 mm yr−1 measured using GPS in that area by Abdrakhmatov et al. As Avouac et al. suggested, the high rate in the western part apparently is a manifestation of counter-clockwise rotation of the Tarim Basin relative to Eurasia about an axis near the east end of the Tien Shan.
Aortoesophageal fistula: Report of a successfully managed case and review of the literature

Abstract Aortoesophageal fistula is a rare, frequently fatal cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Although several causes have been described, it appears that the most common cause is rupture of a thoracic aortic aneurysm into the esophagus, occurring in approximately 12% of thoracic aneurysm ruptures. Although the entity was originally described in 1818, the diagnosis has rarely been made before death, and until 1983 no one survived surgery for aneurysm-associated aortoesophageal fistulas. Since that report of two cases, only two other survivors, including this patient, have been reported. Included herein is the report of a successfully managed case, along with a discussion of the causes, clinical features, and diagnostic approach to the disease, as well as the management of both the aortic and esophageal components of the fistula. (J Vasc Surg 1992;16:90–5.)
Group Modelling and Integration of Multiple Perspectives in the Functional Selection of a New Technology: The Case of a Next‐generation Electronic Portfolio System

Using a group decision-making structured approach as the discussion framework, this study focuses on an 18-month long development of a model for the selection of a next-generation electronic portfolio at a higher-education institution. Emphasis is given to the group decision-making process that led to the development of a next-generation ePortfolio selection model and how analytic hierarchy process methodology, implemented in the Decision Lens™ software (Decision Lens Inc. 4250 North Fairfax Dr. Suite 1410, Arlington, VA 22203), allowed the development and integration of decision-making models from the perspective of each of the stakeholders: faculty, administration and students. The group decision-making process described in this paper can be applied to the functional selection of any new technology where different organizational perspectives are present. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactivation of hepatitis B in a patient with spondyloarthritis after the suspension of methotrexate and efficacy of treatment with antivirals in association to adalimumab

Abstract We report the case of a male chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier with HLA-B27 spondyloarthrititis who developed fulminant hepatitis after discontinuation of methotrexate (MTX). Full recovery after therapy with lamivudine and adefovir allowed treatment with adalimumab which was well tolerated. Reactivation of hepatitis B after MTX withdrawal is a very rare complication, which can also occur in association with anti-TNF agents. In patients with positive serology for HBV prophylactic antiviral therapy is recommended.
Route Design for Lean Production Systems

We consider the problem of routing a fleet of vehicles to pick up components from a network of suppliers and to deliver them to a fixed depot in a lean production system. The pursuit of low work-in-process inventory and production smoothing throughout the system introduces complicating side constraints, creating an enriched case of the vehicle routing problem with time windows and split deliveries. We present a two-phase routing and scheduling approach to address this problem. The routing phase consists of a nested tabu search heuristic that iterates between determining the suppliers' visit frequencies and developing vehicle routes. Given a routing plan, the scheduling phase determines the timing of supplier visits using a binary integer program designed to promote production leveling. Through computational testing on real-world data sets, we compare our solutions to those in the literature and those used by practitioners in the industry.
Nigeria Versus Creditors: Who Really Owes Whom?

By current international standards, Nigeria is Africa’s largest debtor, and indeed, one of the world’s most debt-depressed. In view of that reputation and the stigma normally attached to it, the title of this paper- understandably so- might sound illusory, and may be even ridiculous to many. But even as unbelievable or fanciful as it might sound, there are solid, credible facts and figures that justify its relevance and validity. Conventionally speaking, Nigeria is by all means a huge debtor. In fact, its debt is so huge that hopes for repayment are beginning to fade. But viewed from a more comprehensive standpoint, facts and figures sharply contradict the overwhelming perception of indebtedness. The study, taking a more comprehensive approach, provides a reassessment of Nigeria’s external debt amount, and compares its findings with creditors’ figures. The findings are startling. In contrast to conventional wisdom, Nigeria is actually a net creditor vis-a-vis the rest of the world, with positive net credit ranging from estimates of $51.9 billion to approximately $117.8 billion. The paper concludes with findings that will further intensify the divide between the two sides of the debt debate: those in favor of forgiveness, and those against. The mere prospect of a possible obliteration of the detrimental stigma of indebtedness symbolizes a promise of new possibilities and hopes for Nigeria and other debt-depressed sub-Saharan African countries.
Oligopoly Is Not Pluralism

There are four basic types of church-state relations: eradication, monopoly, oligopoly, and pluralism. State regulations may ban all religions, protect only one religion, allow for several religions, or treat all religions equally. The existing literature has focused almost exclusively on monopoly and pluralism. However, the most prevalent type in the world today is neither monopoly nor pluralism but oligopoly. This Chapter argues that it is necessary to distinguish between oligopoly and pluralism in order to understand better the changing dynamics of church-state relations in the modern world. It is also necessary to distinguish between pluralism and plurality in theoretical construction. Moreover, these distinctions necessitate a definition of religion, a duty that social scientists of religion can no longer evade.
Winning Friends and Influencing People: Legislative Power

How do legislators accumulate power and influence when their time in office is limited? Other scholars argue that politically ambitious legislators accumulate influence over time by building friendships or demonstrating their expertise. Legislative term limits truncate this pathway to power. So what makes someone influential in a term-limited legislature? Using network analysis, we explore how patterns of influence, friendship, and substantive expertise evolved over the implementation of term limits in the Michigan legislature. We gathered data for these analyses in 370 face-to-face interviews across 13 years of research.Our data include colleagues named as influential, those named as especially good friends, and those listed as sources of information on two specific substantive issues. These data allow us to portray the size and configuration of the influence, friendship and consulting networks within each of the chamber and to compare the structure of these relationships between chambers as well as before and after term limits. We find that term limits have profound effects on the structure of friendships, on the factors that contribute to influence, and on role of issue specific expertise on influence. Additionally, we find that some of term limits effects are more dramatic in the upper rather than the lower chamber. This underscores the extent to the effects of term limits extend beyond the changes in experience and permeate the institutional structure of legislative chambers.
Superficial Dorsal Horn Neurons Identified by Intracutaneous Histamine: Chemonociceptive Responses and Modulation by Morphine

We have investigated whether neurons in superficial laminae of the spinal dorsal horn respond to intracutaneous (ic) delivery of histamine and other irritant chemicals, and thus might be involved in signaling sensations of itch or chemogenic pain. Single-unit recordings were made from superficial lumbar dorsal horn neurons in pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized rats. Chemoresponsive units were identified using ic microinjection of histamine (3%, 1 microl) into the hindpaw as a search stimulus. All superficial units so identified [9 nociceptive-specific (NS), 26 wide-dynamic-range (WDR)] responded to subsequent ic histamine. A comparison group of histamine-responsive deep dorsal horn neurons (n = 16) was similarly identified. The mean histamine-evoked discharge decayed to 50% of the maximal rate significantly more slowly for the superficial (92.2 s +/- 65.5, mean +/- SD) compared with deep dorsal horn neurons (28. 2 s +/- 11.6). In addition to responding to histamine, most superficial dorsal horn neurons were also excited by ic nicotine (22/25 units), capsaicin (21/22), topical mustard oil (5/6), noxious heat (26/30), and noxious and/or innocuous mechanical stimuli (except for 1 unit that did not have a mechanosensitive receptive field). Application of a brief noxious heat stimulus during the response to ic histamine evoked an additive response in all but two cases, followed by transient depression of firing in 11/20 units. Intrathecal (IT) administration of morphine had mixed effects on superficial dorsal horn neuronal responses to ic histamine and noxious heat. Low morphine concentrations (100 nM to 1 microM) facilitated histamine-evoked responses (to >130% of control) in 9/24 units, depressed the responses (by >70%) in 11/24, and had no effect in 4. Naloxone reversed morphine-induced effects in some but not all cases. A higher morphine concentration (10 microM) had a largely depressant, naloxone-reversible effect on histamine responses. Responses of the same superficial neurons to noxious heat were facilitated (15/25), reduced (8/25), or unaffected (2/25) by low morphine concentrations and were depressed by the higher morphine concentration. In contrast, deep dorsal horn neuronal responses to both histamine and noxious heat were primarily depressed by low concentrations of morphine in a naloxone-reversible manner. These results indicate that superficial dorsal horn neurons respond to both pruritic and algesic chemical stimuli and thus might participate in transmitting sensations of itch and/or chemogenic pain. The facilitation of superficial neuronal responses to histamine by low concentrations of morphine, coupled with inhibition of deep dorsal horn neurons, might underlie the development of pruritus that is often observed after epidural morphine.
The Reappearance of Harmolita Grandis and Harmolita Vaginicola in Utah

The wheat straw worm and the wheat sheath worm, both of which were destructively abundant in Utah in 1914 and 1915, have been much less abundant during the past ten years, but in 1926 they again appeared in sufficient numbers to destroy some fields and to seriously affect others.
Osteomyelitis: a complication of pulpless teeth. Report of a case.

Abstract A case of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible, with symptoms noticed over a 6-year period, related to an untreated pulpless molar, is presented. Initially, a disappointing relapse resulted when antimicrobial therapy with local incision and drainage alone were used. The infection was effectively eliminated by combining routine endodontic therapy with antimicrobial therapy and surgical curettage.
Power-Optimal Steering of a Space Robotic System Driven by Control-Moment Gyroscopes

Control-moment gyroscopes (CMGs) are power-e‐cient attitude-control actuators that produce high torques on spacecraft. In this study, a method is investigated for maneuvering robotic arm segments in a spacecraft-mounted, CMG-actuated agile imaging payload with minimal power usage. A real-time optimization method is presented that includes null motion in a closed-loop end-efiector tracking problem. The proposed approach involves flrst establishing kinematic relationships between the end-efiector attitude coordinates and joint coordinates. These transformations are used to track a two-coordinate end-efiector attitude command by simultaneously controlling three joint degrees of freedom. With the redundant degree of freedom, there are multiple joint-angle solutions corresponding to a given boresight attitude command. While tracking this command, null motion is added to the commanded joint angles. The augmented joint-angle command causes a change in the body and gimbal motion that ultimately reduces power consumption. The null-angle component is determined by computing the null projection of the cost gradient with respect to the joint angles. A quadratic cost function is deflned, which is the sum of the squares of power for each CMG gimbal. Simulation results demonstrate that the power consumption of the system, when measured by the integral of non-recoverable power, is reduced by up to 42% when a certain amount of null motion is included in the feedback loop.