cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extensions of saddlepoint-based bootstrap inference

We propose two substantive extensions to the saddlepoint-based bootstrap (SPBB) methodology, whereby inference in parametric models is made through a monotone quadratic estimating equation (QEE). These are motivated through the first-order moving average model, where SPBB application is complicated by the fact that the usual estimators, method of moments (MOME), least squares, and maximum likelihood (MLE), all have mixed distributions and tend to be roots of high-order polynomials that violate the monotonicity requirement. A unifying perspective is provided by demonstrating that these estimators can all be cast as roots of appropriate QEEs. The first extension consists of two double saddlepoint-based Monte Carlo algorithms for approximating the Jacobian term appearing in the approximated density function of estimators derived from a non-monotone QEE. The second extension considers inference under QEEs from exponential power families. The methods are demonstrated for the MLE under a Gaussian distribution, and the MOME under a joint Laplace distribution for the process.
The Distributed Pipeline

Due to the crossbar organization of typical multiprocessors, their cost grows as the square of the number of processors. The distributed pipeline (DP) is a concept which allows the construction and operation of very large multiprocessors; an example having 300 CPU's is described. The DP is an extension of the more traditional pipeline which has been used to implement highly concurrent computers. The DP allows increased concurrency, throughput determined by the average processing time, and the ability to operate at reduced size when one of the elements fails. Each element in a DP can implement a range of functions with little concern for speed matching between elements. The DP is therefore somewhat more general in application than the traditional pipeline, and has certain characteristics which are highly desirable in multiprocessors, e. g., potential for fault tolerance and simple throughput prediction.
Therapies Directed Against Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Aerodigestive Carcinomas

ContextMalignancies arising from the aerodigestive epithelium, including lung, head and neck, and esophageal carcinomas, are the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Given the biological importance of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cancer development and progression, EGFR inhibitors have emerged as promising novel therapies.ObjectivesTo summarize the current status of EGFR inhibitors in aerodigestive carcinomas (ADCs), highlight ongoing research designed to optimize their therapeutic effectiveness, and consider the future role of these agents.Evidence AcquisitionSystematic MEDLINE search of English-language literature (1966-April 2007) performed using the terms EGFR, EGFR inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, and EGFR predictive factors. Quality assessment of selected studies included clinical pertinence, with an emphasis on controlled study design, publication in peer-reviewed journals, adequate number of enrolled patients, objectivity of measurements, and techniques used to minimize bias.Evidence SynthesisThe role of EGFR in ADC pathogenesis has been extensively studied, and multiple EGFR inhibition strategies are under evaluation. Erlotinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor used as a single agent, and cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody used in combination with radiation, have conferred survival benefit in 1 trial of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (median survival, 6.7 vs 4.7 months; hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.87; P < .001) and in 1 trial of patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (median survival, 49 vs 29.3 months; hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.57-0.97; P = .03), respectively. However, other trials have not shown these degrees of improvement. EGFR inhibitors toxicities include rash, diarrhea, and hypomagnesemia. Somatic mutations and other molecular tumoral characteristics offer opportunities for treatment individualization and optimal patient selection for anti-EGFR therapy.ConclusionsEGFR is a promising therapeutic target in ADC. Further translational research is needed to optimize ways of inhibiting EGFR using single-agent or combination regimens and to identify patients who benefit the most from these therapies.
Embracing intersectionality in gender and IT career choice research

Results of an examination of with-gender variation in gender stereotypes about the skills and knowledge in the IT profession demonstrates the value of applying an intersectionality perspective in the study of under represented groups in the IT field. Focusing on gender or ethnicity, alone, is insufficient to explain the under representation of women and minorities in IT careers. Rather, we believe that stratifying the population in a more nuanced manner, such as by gender within ethnic group, provides deeper insights into the phenomenon of under representation. Hence, this research approaches the topic of gender and the IT profession from the perspective of intersectionality of gender and ethnicity. Within-gender analysis reveals variation in gender stereotyping by gender-ethnic group. White females and minority males (i.e. Black and Hispanic males) exhibited the most masculine stereotyping of IT skills. In contrast, White males and minority females (i.e. Black and Hispanic females) exhibited the fewest. Three themes emerge from this research. First, the skills that will be increasingly important in the future in distinguishing equivalently credentialed IT professionals were not absorbed into the "masculine" category. Second, hegemonic masculine traits appear to be deeply entrenched in the next generation of IT professionals. Third, when peering more deeply into the gender stereotyping of skills by respondent demographics, what emerges is a pattern that emphasizes the critical role of intersectionality in gender analyses of the IT profession.
Design and implementation of an Internet-based health information resource

In support of its institutional mission of community service, the Medical College of Wisconsin created a digital library of health information. This Internet-based resource, named MCW HealthLink, provides health news and information geared to patients, their family members, and the community at large. Information is delivered through a World Wide Web site and an e-mail newsletter. The web and e-mail components are integrated to maximize their utility to readers. This article describes the philosophy, design and implementation of the resource. Ongoing efforts include development of a health information resource tailored to the needs of individual readers.
Survival of Steller sea lions in Alaska: a comparison of increasing and decreasing populations

Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus (Schreber, 1776)) populations have had differing dynamics in different regions of Alaska over the past 30 years. The western population (west of 144°W, near Cape Suckling) declined by approximately 85% between the 1970s and 2000, while the eastern population has increased at a rate of over 3%/year. Past research has indicated that the decline in the western population likely resulted from decreased juvenile survival and smaller declines in adult female survival and reproduction. Based on repeated observations (1987–2003) of sea lions branded as pups at Marmot Island (58.216°N, 151.840°W; western population; branded in 1987–1988) and at the Forrester Island rookery complex (54.859°N, 133.539°W; eastern population; branded in 1994–1995), we used mark–resight analyses to estimate age-specific survival probabilities. Juvenile sea lion survival probability at Marmot Island from 1988 to 1991 was lower than survival estimates at that location in the 1970s (assumed stable popu...
Isolation of Active Subcellular Particles from Avocado Fruit at Various Stages of Ripeness

MANY fruits, including the avocado, exhibit a marked increase in respiration during the ripening process which is known as the ‘climacteric rise’1. An explanation of this phenomenon has been sought by investigating the oxidation and phosphorylation of cytoplasmic particles isolated from fruit at various points during the post-harvest life of the fruit. Particles have been isolated from avocados2, apples3, tomatoes4, bananas5 and papayas6 which proved capable of oxidizing Krebs cycle acids. Only in the case of avocado fruit at the climacteric peak2 has it been shown conclusively that the particles were able to exhibit the phenomenon of ‘respiratory control’7. This communication describes modifications to a method given by Wiskich et al.2 by which particles that show respiratory control and coupled phosphorylation may be isolated from avocado fruit at all stages of ripeness. The revised method has also been successfully applied to sweet potatoes and tomato fruit.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in mentally retarded patients.

Of 283 mildly to profoundly retarded patients, 10 (3.5%) presented with compulsive behavior that significantly interfered with their daily functioning. Compulsions occurred in the context of obvious cerebral dysfunction and in the absence of anxiety or "ego-dystonic" qualities. The interrater reliability of the differential diagnosis between compulsions, stereotypies, and other repetitive behaviors was good (kappa = .82). A severity rating scale for the compulsive behavior yielded total scores with good interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .82). Single items that described observable behaviors had good reliability, while inner resistance and subjective distress were not reliably assessed and contributed little to the total score. The authors suggest that the DSM-III-R diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder be considered in mentally retarded patients, despite the absence of recognizable ego dystonic characteristics. Emphasis should be on the behavioral, externally observable components of the disorder, rather than on inner conflicts and anxiety. Such a diagnostic approach may also benefit nonretarded compulsive patients.
Localization of catecholamines in the buccal ganglia ofAplysia californica

Abstract The distribution of catecholamines and serotonin in the buccal ganglia and buccal nerves ofAplysia californica was examined using glyoxylic acid induced histofluorescence. Three identifiable, medium-sized cell bodies, two paired and one unpaired, and 5 smaller cells fluoresced blue-green indicating the presence of catecholamines. Numerous fluorescent axons were observed in the neuropil and peripheral nerves, including a network of catecholaminergic processes emerging from the esophageal nerve and surrounding the base of the esophagus. The presence of catecholaminergic cells and processes in the buccal system suggests that these transmitters are used in the control of feeding behavior and digestion.
Reactions of CO and CO2 with Gas-Phase Mo+, MoO+, and MoO2+

Guided ion beam mass spectrometry is used to investigate the kinetic energy dependence of the bimolecular reactions of CO2 and CO with Mo+, MoO+, and MoO2+. To obtain a more complete understanding of these systems, we probe MoO2+ and the intermediates, Mo(CO2)+, OMo(CO)+, OMo(CO2)+, and O2Mo(CO)+, by collisional activation experiments with Xe. Thermochemical analyses of the reaction cross sections obtained in this study yield (in eV) D0(Mo+−CO2) = 0.51 ± 0.07, D0(OMo+−CO2) = 0.77 ± 0.03, D0(OMo+−CO) = 0.80 ± 0.08, D0(O2Mo+−CO) = 0.92 ± 0.17, and D0(OMo+−O) = 5.57 ± 0.14 eV. Additional features in some reaction cross sections are assigned to the formation of excited electronic states of the products, thereby allowing a speculative measurement of excitation energies for states of MoO+ and MoO2+.
Gas-phase transient diffusion in droplet ignition

Abstract The existing droplet ignition criterion was obtained by examining the initiation of chemical reaction in the far field under the assumption of gas-phase quasi-steadiness. However, it is precisely in this far field where transient diffusion becomes important. In order to incorporate this effect in an ignition analysis, we consider the simultaneous limits of a small gas-to-liquid density ratio and a large activation energy of the chemical reaction. The ignition dynamics is thus investigated; in particular, ignition delay times and ignitability criteria are obtained. Comparison of the ignition Damkohler number obtained in the present study with that corresponding to the quasi-steady case shows that they may differ significantly, hence demonstrating the qualitative importance of transient diffusion in droplet ignition.
Vertical dimension record: A three dimensional phenomenon. Part I

This article presented data on 92 edentulous patients in the age group of 54 to 84 years. The data describe the changes in vertical dimension of rest observed under different clinical conditions associated with the treatment procedures for construction of complete dentures.
Phase I/II study of thalidomide in combination with interleukin-2 in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to determine, in a Phase I/II study, the efficacy and safety profile of thalidomide with interleukin-2 (IL-2) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC). METHODS Fifteen patients (8 of whom were previously treated) enrolled in Phase I were treated with escalating doses of oral thalidomide (200–600 mg) and a fixed dose of IL-2 (7 mIU/m2) by subcutaneous injection. A course was 6 weeks, with the exception of Course 1, which was 7 weeks. Thirty-seven Phase II patients who had not received prior chemotherapy or immunotherapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) received an initial thalidomide dose of 200 mg at Week 0, which was escalated to 400 mg after 48 hours. Subcutaneous IL-2 was administered at the same fixed daily dose used in Phase I. RESULTS Fifty-one of 52 Phase I/II patients were evaluable. Twenty-seven patients (52%) experienced disease control, including 4 (8%) complete responses, 15 (29%) partial responses, and 8 (15%) cases of stable disease. Disease progression was observed in 24 patients (47%). Survival in the 2 phases ranged from 4 weeks to 45.2+ months. At the time of last follow-up, 2 of 51 patients (4%) remained on maintenance thalidomide therapy and continue to be followed. Three of the 51 patients with CRs (6%) ceased thalidomide therapy at 23–25 months and have maintained their responses to date. One complete responder was lost to follow-up. As of January 2005, 14 of 51 patients (27%) remained alive. Toxicities were mild to moderate, including Grade 1 to 2 somnolence, constipation, neuropathy, rash, flu-like symptoms, fluid retention, hypotension, and hypothyroidism (according to version 2.0 of National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria). In addition, two patients experienced deep venous thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS Thalidomide in combination with IL-2 is tolerable and can produce durable, active responses in patients with MRCC. To evaluate the merits of thalidomide as a valuable agent against MRCC and to more fully determine the efficacy of thalidomide/IL-2 combination therapy, the scrutiny of Phase III testing is required. Further development of thalidomide/IL-2 combination therapy will be the focus of this group. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Diagnosis of a left-sided superior vena cava during placement of a pulmonary artery catheter

We report a case of a left sided superior vena cava (SVC) that was diagnosed during placement of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter. After entering the left internal jugular, the PA catheter passed into the left side of the heart, through the aortic valve, and into the aorta. This was an unusual cause of right-to-left shunting and persistent cyanosis in a patient who had undergone two open cardiac procedures, including repair of an atrial septal defect. Cardiac catheterization and echocardiography also failed to reveal the abnormality. The embryology and physiology of a left sided SVC is reviewed, including an historical perspective. A discussion of the variants of the syndrome is included, as is a review of aberrant placement of central venous catheters.
A HYBRID TWO-PHASE ALGORITHM FOR FACE RECOGNITION

Scientists have developed numerous classifiers in the pattern recognition field, because applying a single classifier is not very conducive to achieve a high recognition rate on face databases. Problems occur when the images of the same person are classified as one class, while they are in fact different in poses, expressions, or lighting conditions. In this paper, we present a hybrid, two-phase face recognition algorithm to achieve high recognition rates on the FERET data set. The first phase is to compress the large class number database size, whereas the second phase is to perform the decision-making. We investigate a variety of combinations of the feature extraction and pattern classification methods. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) are examined and tested using 700 facial images of different poses from FERET database. Experimental results show that the two combinations, LDA+LDA and LDA+SVM, outperform the other types of combinations. Meanwhile, when classifiers are considered in the two-phase face recognition, it is better to adopt the L1 distance in the first phase and the class mean in the second phase.
Mitochondrial protein targets of thiol-reactive electrophiles.

Mitochondria serve a pivotal role in the regulation of apoptosis or programmed cell death. Recent studies have demonstrated that reactive electrophiles induce mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis. We hypothesize that covalent modification of specific mitochondrial proteins by reactive electrophiles serves as a trigger leading to the initiation of apoptosis. In this study, we identified protein targets of the model biotin-tagged electrophile probes N-iodoacetyl-N-biotinylhexylene-diamine (IAB) and 1-biotinamido-4-(4′-[maleimidoethylcyclohexane]carboxamido)butane (BMCC) in HEK293 cell mitochondrial fractions by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). These electrophiles reproducibly adducted a total of 1693 cysteine residues that mapped to 809 proteins. Protein modifications were selective in that only 438 cysteine sites in 1255 cysteinyl peptide adducts (35%) and 362 of the 809 identified protein targets (45%) were adducted by both electrophiles. Of these, approximately one-third were annot...
Implicit regulatory focus associated with asymmetrical frontal cortical activity.

Regulatory focus theory identifies two separate motivational systems, promotion and prevention, that fulfill different regulatory needs and are differentially related to approach and avoidance. In the psychophysiological literature, approach- and avoidance-related emotions and motivational orientations have been linked to asymmetries in frontal cortical activity. In an effort to synthesize these literatures, we examined the relationship between an implicit assessment of chronic regulatory focus and an electroencephalographic (EEG) index of resting frontal cortical asymmetry. Results supported the hypothesis that promotion regulatory focus would be associated with greater left frontal activity, and prevention regulatory focus would be associated with greater right frontal activity. Discussion highlights how this synthesis may benefit theorizing of the relationship between regulatory focus, motivation, and emotion, and of the function of asymmetrical frontal cortical activity.
Technical Note-Note on Constrained Maximization of a Sum

Use of a Lagrange multiplier in optimization problems often requires a search with the object of finding the multiplier for which some constraint is met. We introduce a technique that, under some severe assumptions, finds the correct multiplier in a finite number of steps.
How have we evaluated software pattern application? A systematic mapping study of research design practices

Abstract Context Software patterns encapsulate expert knowledge for constructing successful solutions to recurring problems. Although a large collection of software patterns is available in literature, empirical evidence on how well various patterns help in problem solving is limited and inconclusive. The context of these empirical findings is also not well understood, limiting applicability and generalizability of the findings. Objective To characterize the research design of empirical studies exploring software pattern application involving human participants. Method We conducted a systematic mapping study to identify and analyze 30 primary empirical studies on software pattern application, including 24 original studies and 6 replications. We characterize the research design in terms of the questions researchers have explored and the context of empirical research efforts. We also classify the studies in terms of measures used for evaluation, and threats to validity considered during study design and execution. Results Use of software patterns in maintenance is the most commonly investigated theme, explored in 16 studies. Object-oriented design patterns are evaluated in 14 studies while 4 studies evaluate architectural patterns. We identified 10 different constructs with 31 associated measures used to evaluate software patterns. Measures for ‘efficiency’ and ‘usability’ are commonly used to evaluate the problem solving process. While measures for ‘completeness’, ‘correctness’ and ‘quality’ are commonly used to evaluate the final artifact. Overall, ‘time to complete a task’ is the most frequently used measure, employed in 15 studies to measure ‘efficiency’. For qualitative measures, studies do not report approaches for minimizing biases 27% of the time. Nine studies do not discuss any threats to validity. Conclusion Subtle differences in study design and execution can limit comparison of findings. Establishing baselines for participants’ experience level, providing appropriate training, standardizing problem sets, and employing commonly used measures to evaluate performance can support replication and comparison of results across studies.
Platinum anticancer agents and antidepressants: desipramine enhances platinum-based cytotoxicity in human colon cancer cells

A unique synergistic effect on platinum drug cytotoxicity is noted in the presence of the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine. Desipramine is used for treating neuropathic pain, particularly in prostate cancer patients. The clinically used drugs cisplatin (cis-[PtCl2(NH3)2]), oxaliplatin [1,2-diaminocyclohexaneoxalatoplatinum(II)], and the cationic trinuclear agent BBR3464 [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2}2-μ-(trans-Pt(NH3)2(H2N(CH2)6NH2)2)]4+, which has undergone evaluation in phase II clinical trials for activity in lung and ovarian cancers, were evaluated. Surprisingly, desipramine greatly augments the cytotoxicity of all the platinum-based chemotherapeutics in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cell lines. Desipramine enhanced cellular accumulation of cisplatin, but had no effect on the accumulation of oxaliplatin or BBR3464, suggesting that enhanced accumulation could not be a consistent means by which desipramine altered the platinum-drug-mediated cytotoxicity. The desipramine/cisplatin combination resulted in increased levels of p53 as well as mitochondrial damage, caspase activation, and poly(ADP ribose) polymerase cleavage, suggesting that desipramine may synergize with cisplatin more than with other platinum chemotherapeutics partly by activating distinct apoptotic pathways. The study argues that desipramine may be a means of enhancing chemoresponsiveness of platinum drugs and the results warrant further investigation. The results emphasize the importance of understanding the differential pharmacological action of adjuvants employed in combinations with cancer chemotherapeutics.
Titration of the in vivo uptake of 16α-[18F]fluoroestradiol by target tissues in the rat: Competition by tamoxifen, and implications for quantitating estrogen receptors in vivo and the use of animal models in receptor-binding radiopharmaceutical development

Abstract We have measured in vivo the uptake of 16α-[ 18 F]estradiol (FES) by target tissues in the immature rat at increasing dose levels (obtained by dilution of [ 18 F]FES with unlabeled estradiol). This was done to examine the binding capacity of target tissues in vivo and to determine whether the uptake in receptor-rich tissues was flow limited, as this has implications concerning the appropriateness of using receptor-rich tissues in experimental animals as models for FES uptake by receptor-poor breast tumors in humans. We also wanted to establish the dose level of the anti-estrogen tamoxifen required to block target tissue uptake of FES. We found that in untreated rats, specific uptake in the uterus saturated at c . 180 pmol/g, in the ovary at c . 54 pmol/g and in the muscle at c . 2 pmol/g. At an intermediate dose of tamoxifen (570 μg/kg), uptake saturated at somewhat lower levels, and at a high tamoxifen dose (1710 μg/kg), yet lower specific uptake was evident. In the FES titrations at low dose levels of FES, both the uterus and the ovaries, but not the muscle, showed characteristics of flow-limited uptake, i.e. the uptake-to-dose ratio reached a maximum level. This flow limitation suggests that only when receptor levels are sufficiently low will the FES uptake be related to receptor concentration. While receptor-rich tissues such as the rat uterus will show this flow limitation, the receptor concentration in most primary and metastatic human breast tumors is sufficiently low, so that the uptake should parallel receptor content. In in vivo distribution studies, target tissues (or tumors) with low receptor content will be more fully saturated and ligand more readily displaced. Also, uptake by secondary target tissues (i.e. those with a lower content of estrogen receptor, such as muscle, thymus and kidney) may be better models for assessing the effectiveness of new breast tumor imaging agents than uptake by receptor-rich tissues.
Provenance of Middle Tertiary Nonmarine Deposits, Santa Maria Basin and Vicinity, California: ABSTRACT

Rocks of the middle Tertiary (mostly Oligocene) Sespe and Lospe Formations crop out in the Santa Maria basin and vicinity. Lithofacies are typical of alluvial fan/plain deposits: clast- and matrix-supported conglomerates interbedded with planar to crossbedded sandstones are commonly overlain by sandstone-shale sequences. Although Lospe deposits near San Simeon, in northwestern San Luis Obispo County, and at Point Sal, near Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County, are presently more than 90 km apart on opposite sides of the San Simeon-Hosgri fault zone, they were derived from the same western source consisting partly of silica-carbonate rock and ophiolite terranes. Proximal fan lithofacies near San Simeon and medial to distal facies at Point Sal indicate an easterly draining system in which San Simeon was closer to the source. Point Sal sandstone clasts containing more than 5% detrital potassium-feldspar were probably derived from an Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene sedimentary terrane to the southwest. The middle Tertiary paleogeology of the Santa Maria basin was dominated by an easterly draining, aggrading alluvial fan complex near Point Sal. Displacement along a proto-Hosgri fault probably initially uplifted the highlands west of the fan complex. Lospe alluvial deposition at Point Sal was separate from Sespe-Lospe deposition to the south, southeast and north, with the possible exception of an area 3 km northeast of Santa Maria. End_of_Article - Last_Page 890------------
Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans): A Potential Human Health Threat for Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Tropical Waters

Invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans) have rapidly expanded in the Western Atlantic over the past decade and have had a significant negative impact on reef fish biodiversity, habitat, and community structure, with lionfish out-competing native predators for resources. In an effort to reduce this population explosion, lionfish have been promoted for human consumption in the greater Caribbean region. This study examined whether the geographical expansion of the lionfish into a known ciguatera-endemic region can pose a human health threat for ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP). More than 180 lionfish were collected from waters surrounding the US Virgin Islands throughout 2010 and 2011. Ciguatoxin testing included an in vitro neuroblastoma cytotoxicity assay for composite toxicity assessment of sodium-channel toxins combined with confirmatory liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. A 12% prevalence rate of ciguatoxic lionfish exceeding the FDA guidance level of 0.1 µg/kg C-CTX-1 equivalents was identified in fish from the U.S. Virgin Islands, highlighting a potential consumption risk in this region. This study presents the first evidence that the invasive lionfish, pose a direct human health risk for CFP and highlights the need for awareness and research on this food safety hazard in known endemic areas.
Integrating noninterfering versions of programs

The need to integrate several versions of a program into a common one arises frequently, but it is a tedious and time consuming task to integrate programs by hand. To date, the only available tools for assisting with program integration are variants of text-based differential file comparators; these are of limited utility because one has no guarantees about how the program that is the product of an integration behaves compared to the programs that were integrated.This paper concerns the design of a semantics-based tool for automatically integrating program versions. The main contribution of the paper is an algorithm that takes as input three programs A, B, and Base, where A and B are two variants of Base. Whenever the changes made to Base to create A and B do not “interfere” (in a sense defined in the paper), the algorithm produces a program M that integrates A and B. The algorithm is predicated on the assumption that differences in the behavior of the variant programs from that of Base, rather than differences in the text, are significant and must be preserved in M. Although it is undecidable whether a program modification actually leads to such a difference, it is possible to determine a safe approximation by comparing each of the variants with Base. To determine this information, the integration algorithm employs a program representation that is similar (although not identical) to the dependence graphs that have been used previously in vectorizing and parallelizing compilers. The algorithm also makes use of the notion of a program slice to find just those statements of a program that determine the values of potentially affected variables.The program-integration problem has not been formalized previously. It should be noted, however, that the integration problem examined here is a greatly simplified one; in particular, we assume that expressions contain only scalar variables and constants, and that the only statements used in programs are assignment statements, conditional statements, and while-loops.
Microbial composition of carbonate petroleum reservoir fluids

Abstract Production fluids from four single‐zone completion wells in carbonate petroleum reservoirs were examined chemically and microbiologically to investigate the potential for microbially enhanced oil recovery in carbonate reservoirs. The water analysis indicated a lack of soluble nitrogen and phosphorus in these reservoir fluids. Three of the wells were highly saline, as expected, but one produced water containing <0.5% sodium chloride. Microorganisms with metabolisms useful for microbially enhanced oil recovery were enriched from the highly saline water produced from these three wells. A small, but metabolically diverse, microbial community was detected in each of the produced water samples. Although reservoir temperatures ranged from 44 to 63 °C, the highest viable counts were obtained at mesophilic temperatures. The results from this study are consistent with a hypothesis that, physical conditions permitting, carbonate petroleum reservoirs contain microbial populations that could be stimulated for...
Incidental detection of premature centromere separation in amniocytes associated with a mild form of Roberts syndrome

Premature centromere separation (PCS) was detected in amniocytes after an amniocentesis was done because of markedly elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein values in a healthy primiparous young woman. PCS has been associated with the Roberts-SC phocomelia syndrome (RS). By 23 weeks' gestation, ultrasonic evaluations did not reveal abnormal fetal development. The pregnancy continued and a male infant was born with mild manifestations of RS. PCS was confirmed in cord blood lymphocytes. This case illustrates that PCS, when detected in amniotic fluid cell cultures, requires a thorough evaluation.
High‐yield nitration of benzene in the synthesis of 15N‐labelled nitrobenzene, acetanilide, and diphenylamine

Labelled H15NO3 was used as the least-cost source of nitrogen label to prepare nitrobenzene by reaction of acetyl nitrate with excess benzene. This labelled product was subsequently converted to acetanilide-15N and diphenylamine-15N.
Use of Epstein-Barr virus-transformed, autologous B-lymphoblastoid cells as antigen-presenting cells for establishment and maintenance of dengue virus-specific, human cytotoxic T lymphocyte clones

We have been maintaining dengue virus specific CD8+ cytoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones by repeated stimulation using autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as antigen presenting cells (APCs). In the present study, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed autologous lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) were compared with autologous PBMC as APCs for long term culture of a dengue virus-specific, HLA class I-restricted CD8+ CTL clone CB2.8. We substituted autologous LCL for autologous PBMC and maintained CB2.8 for several months. CB2.8 cultured using LCL as APCs maintained antigen specific cytolytic activity. No demonstrable difference in the specificity or in the level of cytolytic activity against a panel of target cells was noted between the CB2.8 maintained with LCL and those maintained with PBMC. Lysis of the target cells was blocked by the anti-HLA-class I antibody indicating that HLA class I-restriction was also maintained. We then compared autologous LCL with autologous PBMC in the establishment of CD4 + CTL clones from the PBMC of a dengue-1 immune donor. Dengue 1-specific clones were derived from limiting dilution cultures using either type of APCs. Similar numbers of dengue virus-specific CD4+ CTL clones were established using LCL or PBMC as APCs. These results indicate that autologous LCL act as APCs for long term culture of virus-specific CTL clones and represent a cost effective alternative to repeated collection of PBMC.
Nonlinear optical properties of suspensions of microparticles: electrostrictive effect and enhanced backscatter

Suspensions of microparticles in either a liquid or solid host medium are known to possess very large optical nonlinearities (large (chi) 3), while also exhibiting the unusual phenomenon of enhanced backscattering. The authors have experimentally studied the relationship between these two effects using wavelength scale latex spheres in aqueous solutions. The results are presented along with a possible explanation.
Electrical test structure for overlay metrology referenced to absolute length standards

This test structure is based on the voltage-dividing potentiometer principle and was originally replicated in a single lithography cycle to evaluate feature placement by a primary pattern generator. A new test structure has now been developed from the single-cycle version and has been used for measuring the overlay of features defined by two different exposures with a stepping projection aligner. The as-measured overlay values are processed by an algorithm that minimizes the effects of nominal random pattern imperfections. The algorithm further partitions measurements of overlay into contributions that derive, respectively, from misregistration of the image fields projected by the two masks and from the drawn misplacement of features on the masks. The numerical estimates of these contributions so obtained from the electrical measurements were compared with those extracted from the same features by the NIST line scale interferometer, providing traceability to absolute length standards. The two sets of measurements were found to agree to within the several-nanometer uncertainty cited for the line scale interferometer's readings alone.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Integrated Review of the Association of Cytokines with Fibromyalgia and Fibromyalgia Core Symptoms

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fatigue syndrome that affects three to six million adults in the United States. Core symptoms of FMS include pain, fatigue, and mood and sleep disturbances. To date, consensus has not been reached among researchers regarding the pathogenesis of FMS nor the specific role of cytokine activation on the neuroendocrine-immune response patterns in persons with FMS. The purpose of this article is to describe and synthesize the results of research studies focused on the relationship between cytokines and FMS and among cytokines and core symptoms of FMS. There is some support in the literature for relationships among FMS symptoms and cytokines; however, there are discrepant findings related to whether proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are elevated or reduced in persons with FMS and whether their levels correlate with the core symptoms of this disorder. Although the use of cytokine biomarkers must be considered exploratory at this time due to the lack of consistent empirical findings, biobehavioral research focused on understanding the relationship of FMS with cytokines may lead to a better understanding of this complex syndrome. This knowledge may ultimately contribute to the development of interventions for symptom management that address not only the symptom manifestation but also a biological mediator of symptoms.
The influence of payer mix on electronic health record adoption by physicians.

Background: Numerous studies have examined the relationship between physician practice characteristics and electronic health record (EHR) adoption. Little is known about how payer mix influences physicians‘ decisions to implement EHR systems. Purpose: This study examines how different proportions of Medicare, Medicaid, and privately insured patients in physicians‘ practices influence EHR adoption. Methodology: Data from a large-scale survey of physician‘s use of information technologies in Florida were analyzed. Physicians were categorized based on their responses to questions regarding the proportion of patients in their practice that use Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance products. The binary dependent variable if interest was EHR adoption among physicians. Adjusted odd ratios (ORs) were computed using logistic regression modeling techniques. The model examined the effect of changes in each payer type on EHR adoption, controlling for various practice characteristics. Findings: Physicians with the highest percentage of Medicaid patients in their practices were significantly less likely to indicate using EHR system when compared with those in the low-volume Medicaid group (OR = 0.690; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50-0.95). No differences in EHR adoption were detected among physicians in the low, median, and high Medicare volume classifications. Among the private payer classifications, physicians whose practices were in the median group indicated significantly greater EHR use than those with relatively low levels of privately insured patients (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.16-2.27). Those in the high-volume private payer group were also more likely than the low-volume group to have an EHR system, but this trend did not reach statistical significance (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 0.96-2.16). Practice Implications: Governmental insurance programs are either not influencing or negatively influencing EHR adoption among physicians in Florida. Given the quality and cost benefits associated with EHR use (particularly for health care payers), policymakers should consider strategies to incentivize or reward EHR adoption among doctors who care for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
High-definition 3D display for training applications

In this paper, we report on the development of a high definition stereoscopic liquid crystal display for use in training applications. The display technology provides full spatial and temporal resolution on a liquid crystal display panel consisting of 1920×1200 pixels at 60 frames per second. Display content can include mixed 2D and 3D data. Source data can be 3D video from cameras, computer generated imagery, or fused data from a variety of sensor modalities. Discussion of the use of this display technology in military and medical industries will be included. Examples of use in simulation and training for robot tele-operation, helicopter landing, surgical procedures, and vehicle repair, as well as for DoD mission rehearsal will be presented.
Responses to the Stigmatized: Disjunctions in Affect, Cognitions, and Behavior

This study examined affective, cognitive, and behavioral responses to members of a stigmatized group – homosexual men. Male participants were placed in a situation in which they anticipated interacting with a gray or a non-stigmatized conversation partner. The topic of the impending conversation was either potentially threatening or non-threatening. Participants in the gay conversation partner condition sat either farther away from the conversation partner (in the threat condition) or closer to the conversation partner (in the no-threat condition) than they did from non-stigmatized conversation partners. There were no differences in attitudes toward the conversation partner as a function of experimental condition. The results were interpreted in terms of predictions based on ambivalenceamplification theory, aversive racism theory, and the integrated threat theory. Responses to people who are stigmatized are complex and nuanced. Although stigmatized people may be avoided in some situations, they are treated with sympathy and concern in others. In some instances, the treatment they receive may be unrelated to the thoughts and feelings of the people who are interacting with them. Thus, there may be a disjunction between the overt messages stigmatized people receive from others and more covert behaviors (e.g., nonverbal behaviors) that are directed toward them. The present study is an attempt to untangle some of these complexities as they apply to homosexual men (hereafter referred to more informally as gays). By most criteria, gay men can be considered a stigmatized group. According to Jones et al. (1984), social groups whose members are devalued, spoiled, or flawed in the eyes of others are considered to be stigmatized. Similarly, Goffman (1963) defined stigma as a perceived blemish of character.
The Influence of Neck Kinematics on Brain Pressures and Strains Under Blast Loading

Strains and pressures in the brain are known to be influenced by rotation of the head in response to loading. This brain rotation is governed by the motion of the head, as permitted by the neck, due to loading conditions. In order to better understand the effect neck characteristics have on pressures and strains in the brain, a human head finite element model (HHFEM) was attached to two neck FEMs: a standard, well characterized Hybrid III Anthropometric Test Device neck FEM; and a high fidelity parametric probabilistic human FEM neck that has been hierarchically validated. The Hybrid III neck is well-established in automotive injury prevention studies, but is known to be much stiffer than in vivo human necks. The parametric FEM is based on CT scans and anatomic data, and the components of the model are validated against biomechanical tests at the component and system level. Both integrated head-neck models were loaded using pressure histories based on shock tube exposures. The shock tube loading applied to these head models were obtained using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the HHFEM surface in front of a 6 inch diameter shock tube. The calculated pressure-time histories were then applied to the head-neck models. The global head rotations, pressures, brain displacements, and brain strains of both head-neck models were compared for shock tube driver pressures from 517 to 862 kPa. The intracranial pressure response occurred in the first 1 to 5 msec, after blast impact, prior to a significant kinematic response, and was very similar between the two models. The global head rotations and the strains in the brain occurred at 20 to 100 msec after blast impact, and both were approximately two times higher in the model using the head parametric probabilistic neck FEM (H2PN), as compared to the model using the head Hybrid III neck FEM (H3N). It was also discovered that the H2PN exhibited an initial backward and small downward motion in the first 10 ms not seen in the H3N. The increased displacements and strains were the primary difference between the two combined models, indicating that neck constraints are a significant factor in the strains induced by blast loading to the head. Therefore neck constraints should be carefully controlled in studies of brain strain due to blast, but neck constraints are less important if pressure response is the only response parameter of primary interest.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A Quantitative Measure of the Risk Factor in Investment Decisions

Abstract Investment theory has traditionally divided risk into two parts: (1) the risk of business failure and (2) the uncertainty associated with cash flow prediction. Analysis then proceeds to disregard attrition as a variable and to focus on cash flow forecasting. Though high attrition may be typical in the pattern of industry growth, it is certainly an attribute of structural development that has not been investigated extensively. This article explores the character of attrition and develops an analytical device that may be used to adjust separately estimated cash flows for the risk of failure.
Superoxide anion is the intermediate in the oxygen reduction reaction on platinum electrodes

We identified the superoxide anion as the intermediate in the oxygen (O2) reduction reaction on a platinum (Pt) electrode in alkaline solution (pH = 11) using a surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy technique with an attenuated total reflection mode. Spectral and voltammetry data, together with the vibrational frequencies calculated using the density functional theory, provide evidence for the formation of O2-. The supporting evidence includes similar spectra that we obtained for O2 reduction on Pt in acetonitrile solutions and a lack of spectra in the absence of O2 or its reduction. The appearance of O2- means that the series reaction pathway operates during O2 reduction on Pt electrodes in alkaline solutions and very likely also in acid solutions. This finding opens up the possibility of formulating a detailed reaction mechanism on surfaces supporting a four-electron reduction, which is critical in completely understanding the kinetics of O2 reduction, thus resolving dilemmas in the theoretical treatment of its kinetics and the design of new electrocatalysts.