cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automatic colonic fold segmentation for computed tomography colonography

Human colon has complex structures mostly because of the haustral folds. Haustral folds are thin flat protrusions on the colon wall, which inherently attached on the colon wall. These structures may complicate the shape analysis for computer-aided detection of colonic polyps (CADpolyp); however, they can serve as solid reference during image interpretation in computed tomographic colonography (CTC). Therefore, in this study, based on a clear model of the haustral fold boundaries, we employ level set method to automatically segment the fold surfaces. We believe the segmented folds have the potential to significantly benefit various post-procedures in CTC, e.g., supine-prone registration, synchronized image interpretation, automatic polyp matching, CADpolyp, teniae coli extraction, etc. For the first time, with assistance from physician experts, we established the ground truth of haustral fold boundaries of 15 real patient data from two medical centers, based on which we evaluated our algorithm. The results demonstrated that about 92.7% of the folds are successfully detected. Furthermore, we explored the segmented area ratio (SAR), i.e., the ratio between the areas of the intersection and the union of the expert-drawn and the automatically-segmented folds, to measure the accuracy of the segmentation algorithm. The averaged result of SAR=86.2% shows a good match between the ground truth and our segmentation results.
Visual Loss After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

A 70-year-old man underwent coronary artery bypass graft complicated postoperatively by visual loss. The diagnosis was nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Possible predisposing factors in this patient were hypotension, anemia, a "disk at risk," and internal carotid artery stenosis. In the postoperative setting, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate may be elevated, as it was in this case and does not by itself suggest a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis.
Cross-strip anodes for microchannel plate imaging detectors

Microchannel plate (MCP), detectors are currently being used with great success on many recent NASA and ESA missions. These include SOHO, ALEXIS, EUVE, ACE, ORFEUS and sounding rocket experiments. Similar devices are in preparation for satellites such as IMAGE, FUSE, COS-HST, and the GALEX mission. For some of these missions we have pioneered the development of planar and multilayer centroid position readout anodes in the form of delay line image readout system for high resolution, large format, photon counting MCP detectors. Derived from these concepts we have devised a new type of readout system, the cross strip anode, for future mission applications which may offer significantly performance advances. Our objective is to provide a highly adaptable sensor for sub-orbital and satellite instruments which combines very high sped photon counting with high spatial resolution, low power, low mass/volume, high sensitivity, low background and high time resolution. The multilayer crossed strip position encoding anode uses two sets of orthogonal strip arrays to collect charge from a microchannel plate stack. Event position centroids are then computed using multichannel high sped electronics. A prototype system is currently under evaluation and we ultimately expect to achieve high resolution at low gain, with low power, high counting rates and low mass for a wide range of adaptable senor formats.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Random arrangement of chromosomes in Uvularia (Liliaceae)

Chromosome arrangement in interphase has been inferred from an analysis of the relative positions of the chromosomes and the chromosome arms in untreated haploid pollen grain metaphases ofUvularia grandiflora. The distances between centromeres forming the smallest possible circle were measured in 43 metaphases. The relative positions of the chromosomes did not differ significantly from randomness. Neither did similar-sized chromosome arms show any tendency to be next to each other. The results thus disagree both with the hypothesis ofComings (1968) that each chromosome occupies a definite position in the interphase nucleus and with the claim ofBennett (1982) that similar-sized chromosome arms lie next to each other.
Emerging techniques in stratified designs and continuous gradients for tissue engineering of interfaces.

Interfacial tissue engineering is an emerging branch of regenerative medicine, where engineers are faced with developing methods for the repair of one or many functional tissue systems simultaneously. Early and recent solutions for complex tissue formation have utilized stratified designs, where scaffold formulations are segregated into two or more layers, with discrete changes in physical or chemical properties, mimicking a corresponding number of interfacing tissue types. This method has brought forth promising results, along with a myriad of regenerative techniques. The latest designs, however, are employing “continuous gradients” in properties, where there is no discrete segregation between scaffold layers. This review compares the methods and applications of recent stratified approaches to emerging continuously graded methods.
The Lagrangian governing equations of a rotating, compressible, viscous atmosphere

In this paper, the Lagrangian equations of motion, thermodynamics, continuity and diffusion of a rotating, compressible, viscous atmosphere are derived. It is shown that the pressure force and Laplacian terms involving velocity, temperature and concentration in the Eulerian system become nonlinear in the Lagrangian system. In the case that these Laplacian terms can be neglected, the governing equations in the Lagrangian system can be greatly simplified, and particle dynamics and dispersion can be investigated.
Peripheral Glia: Schwann Cells in Motion

Neuregulin signaling through ErbB receptors is known to play an essential role in Schwann cell proliferation, survival and myelination. Recent studies in zebrafish provide a peek at living Schwann cells migrating along axons in vivo and suggest that ErbB signaling, while not required for cell movement per se, is required to maintain the directed migration of these cells.
The Experimental Integrated Switched Network - a System-Level Network Test Facility

An Experimental Integrated Switched Network (EISN) has been developed to provide a system-level testbed for the evaluation of advanced communications networking techniques, including survivable network routing algorithms using a mix of transmission media, for application in the Defense Switched Network (DSN). EISN includes five CONUS sites linked by a wideband demand-assigned satellite channel and by dialed-up terrestrial trunks for alternate satellite/terrestrial routing experiments. Experiments to date have validated techniques for integration of circuit-switched terrestrial systems with the demand-assigned satellite system, and for the establishment of alternate routes over satellite and terrestrial paths. Currently, candidate routing algorithms for application in the DSN are being implemented and tested using external routing/controller processors attached to digital circuit switches at EISN sites. In addition, EISN is also being used to support data communication experiments using DoD standard data protocols in a combined satellite/ terrestrial network environment. Work is ongoing both in system experiments and in testbed developments to include additional capabilities. This paper represents a description and status report on both the testbed and the experimental efforts.
Limits on D0-D0 mixing and bottom particle production cross section from hadronically produced same-sign dimuon events

Abstract The rates for same-sign and opposite-sign dimuon events with missing energy (indicative of final-state neutrinos) have been measured in 278 GeV π − -Fe and 350 GeV proton-Fe collisions. The main source of opposite-sign events is two semi-leptonic decays of hadronically produced charm states. The same-sign events are consistent with background from pion and kaon decays. We obtain a limit of 0.044 (90% CL) on the fraction of D 0 semileptonic decays that result in the wrong-sign muon and conclude that less than 9% (90% CL) of same-sign dimuon events produced in neutrino interactions can be attributed to D 0 - D 0 mixing. The data imply δm −4 eV and δλ λ for the difference in mass and inverse lifetime of the CP eigenstates of the D 0 . Limits on diffractive bottom production cross sections in proton and pion collisions are also presented.
AMYOPLASIA: AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE INHERITANCE IN TWO FAMILIES

Amyoplasia has been previously described as a sporadic congenital form of skeletal muscle dysplasia resulting in arthrogryposis. We presently follow two families in which amyoplasia is not sporadic but is probably inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. In the first family, a 31 year old gravida 5 parity 4 Hispanic mother delivered a female child via cesarean delivery at term. Salient features included arthrogryposis, decreased muscle bulk, decreased movements, bilaterally dislocated hips, moderate hirsutism, nevus flammeus of the forehead and a high arched palate. No central or peripheral nervous system abnormalities were demonstrable and muscle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of amyoplasia. Family history revealed that the parents were first cousins and a sibling of the current patient died at four months of age with similar features. The sibling also failed to demonstrate any central or peripheral nervous system abnormalities and, on review, had a muscle biopsy consistent with the diagnosis of amyoplasia. The second family was referred for counseling after a four year old daughter with decreased muscle mass, arthrogryposis, minimal spontaneous movements, small mouth, long tapered fingers and toes and a nevus flammeus of the forehead was diagnosed as having amyoplasia. Family history revealed that the Hispanic parents were first cousins, once removed. Conclusion: Amyoplasia is a syndrome of heterogenous etiologies and, in ser lected populations, may be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
Structural evolution in graphitization of nanofibers and mats from electrospun polyimide–mesophase pitch blends

Abstract The evolution of structure in multi-step thermal treatment of polyimide–mesophase pitch (PI–pitch) blend nanofiber mats obtained by an electrospinning process is described. The mats were thermally treated at a series of stages up to 3000 °C. The structural transformation of the nanofiber mats consisted of three regimes. First regime corresponds to the removal of the majority of non-carbon elements and the formation of initial residual carbon. Second regime involves slow growth of the graphitic layers and slow improvement of their stacking order. Progressive graphitization occurs in regime three when the fibers become highly graphitic. The addition of pitch was found to give rise to overall enhanced graphitic order in the PI–pitch blend nanofibers as reflected in the smaller inter-layer spacing d002 approaching that of the perfect graphite crystal, and the larger crystal sizes, Lc and La, confirmed by XRD analysis, as well as the higher ratio of graphitic structure revealed by Raman spectroscopy. Development of highly localized oriented domains in these nanofibers were observed by dark field TEM. The addition of pitch led to enhancement of both electrical and thermal conductivity.
STABILIZATION AS A CW APPROXIMATION

This paper describes a peculiar property of the category of S-modules constructed by the author, Kriz, Mandell, and May: the full subcategory of suspension spectra (all of which are S-modules) forms a precise copy of the category of topological spaces. Consequently, the \classical" homotopy category of S-modules with morphisms the actual homotopy classes of maps contains a copy of unstable homotopy theory. Stabilization and stable homotopy are induced by CW approximation as S-modules. One consequence is that CW complexes whose suspension spectra are CW S-modules must be contractible. c 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. MSC: 55P42
Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ Ligands Inhibit Mitogenic Induction of p21Cip1 by Modulating the Protein Kinase Cδ Pathway in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(Cip1) is up-regulated in response to mitogenic stimulation in various cells. PPARgamma ligands troglitazone (TRO, 10 microm) and rosiglitazone (RSG, 10 microm) attenuated the induction of p21(Cip1) protein by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and insulin without affecting cognate mRNA levels in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC). The protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) inhibitor rottlerin also blocked the induction of p21(Cip1) protein, whereas the conventional PKC isotype inhibitor Go 6976 had no effect. Kinetic studies using the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide showed that TRO, RSG, and rottlerin shortened the half-life of p21(Cip1) protein. TRO, RSG, and rottlerin inhibited PDGF-induced expression of p21(Cip1), but they did not affect insulin-induced expression of p21(Cip1). Both ligands inhibited PKCdelta enzymatic activity in PDGF-stimulated RASMC but not in insulin-stimulated cells. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of PKCdelta rescued the down-regulation of p21(Cip1) expression both by TRO and RSG in PDGF-treated RASMC. These data suggested that the PKCdelta pathway plays a critical role in PDGF-induced expression of p21(Cip1) in RASMC and may be the potential target for PPARgamma ligand effects. Src kinase-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of PKCdelta was decreased substantially by TRO and RSG. Tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of c-Src in response to PDGF were unaffected by either PPARgamma ligand. Protein-tyrosine-phosphatase inhibitors sodium orthovanadate and dephostatin prevented PPARgamma ligand effects on PKCdelta tyrosine phosphorylation and enzymatic activity. Both inhibitors also reversed PPARgamma ligand effects on p21(Cip1) expression in PDGF-treated RASMC. PPARgamma ligands enhanced protein-tyrosine-phosphatase activity in RASMC, which may be the mechanism for decreased PKCdelta tyrosine phosphorylation and activity. PPARgamma ligands regulate p21(Cip1) at a post-translational level by blocking PKCdelta signaling and accelerating p21(Cip1) turnover.
Evaluation of Surface and Radar-Estimated Precipitation Data Sources Over the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Plain

The Mississippi River floodplain in northwestern Mississippi and eastern Arkansas, often referred to as the Mississippi Delta, is extremely important for regional economic stability and growth due to the widespread agriculture in the area. Precipitation is often the limiting factor in crop production, and thus knowledge of precipitation variability is essential. The region is unique in currently having three sources of precipitation observations: (1) multi-sensor precipitation estimates from the National Weather Service (NWS) NEXRAD network; (2) surface observations from NWS recording stations; and (3) surface observations from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) recording stations. For meteorological and climatological precipitation research, quantitatively defining the biases associated with available precipitation data sources is critical in selecting which source to use for a given application. Results of this research indicate that the multi-sensor data are in b...
Long-term clinical outcomes after fetal cell transplantation in parkinson disease: implications for the future of cell therapy.

JAMA Neurology Long-term Clinical Outcome of Fetal Cell Transplantation for Parkinson Disease: Two Case Reports Zinovia Kefalopoulou, MD, PhD; Marios Politis, MD, PhD; Paola Piccini, MD, PhD, FRCP; Niccolo Mencacci, MD; Kailash Bhatia, MD, PhD; Marjan Jahanshahi, PhD; Hakan Widner, MD, PhD; Stig Rehncrona, MD, PhD; Patrik Brundin, MD, PhD; Anders Bjorklund, PhD; Olle Lindvall, MD, PhD; Patricia Limousin, MD, PhD; Niall Quinn, MD; Thomas Foltynie, MRCP, PhD Importance: Recent advances in stem cell technologies have rekindled an interest in the use of cell replacement strategies for patients with Parkinson disease. This study reports the very long-term clinical outcomes of fetal cell transplantation in 2 patients with Parkinson disease. Such long-term follow-up data can usefully inform on the potential efficacy of this approach, as well as the design of trials for its further evaluation. Observations: Two patients received intrastriatal grafts of human fetal ventral mesencephalic tissue, rich in dopaminergic neuroblasts, as restorative treatment for their Parkinson disease. To evaluate the very long-term efficacy of the grafts, clinical assessments were performed 18 and 15 years posttransplantation. Motor improvements gained gradually over the first postoperative years were sustained up to 18 years posttransplantation, while both patients have discontinued, and remained free of any, pharmacological dopaminergic therapy. Conclusions and Relevance: The results from these 2 cases indicate that dopaminergic cell transplantation can offer very long-term symptomatic relief in patients with Parkinson disease and provide proof-of-concept support for future clinical trials using fetal or stem cell therapies.
The institutional landscape of interest group politics and school choice

This article provides an updated analysis of the institutional and organizational landscape surrounding the advocacy of and opposition to vouchers and other forms of school choice over the past decade at federal/national, state, and local levels. The politics of choice grew far more complex during the 1990s, with Republican control of Congress and the White House, the growth of the national charter school movement, congressional passage of pilot voucher programs, and the Supreme Court's 2002 Zelman v. Simmons-Harris ruling. Utilizing an Advocacy Coalition Framework, questions about the ideological motivations behind different forms of school choice, the particular programs that certain groups are likely to support or oppose, and the strategies—including the potential alliances and coalitions—that are increasingly employed around school choice policy are explored. A framework for understanding and analyzing policymaking in this area is offered, extending existing thinking on both school choice issues and e...
The Wilms' tumor suppressor Wt1 encodes a transcriptional activator of the class IV POU-domain factor Pou4f2 (Brn-3b).

Abstract The Wilms’ tumor gene Wt1 encodes a zinc finger protein, which is required for normal formation of the genitourinary system and mesothelial tissues. Our recent findings indicate that Wt1 also plays a critical role in the development of ganglion cells in the vertebrate retina. Here we show that the POU-domain factor Pou4f2 (formerly Brn-3b ), which is necessary for retinal ganglion cell survival, is up-regulated in human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells with stable Wt1 expression. Consistent with our previous observations of increased Pou4f2 mRNA in stably Wt1-transfeced HEK293 cells [EMBO J. 21 (2002) 1398], endogenous Pou4f2 was also elevated at the protein level in the HEK293 transfectants as well as in U2OS osteosarcoma cells that expressed an inducible Wt1 isoform. Transient co-transfection of a Wt1 expression construct activated a Pou4f2 promoter-reporter construct approximately 4-fold. Stimulation of the Pou4f2 promoter required a Wt1 binding element that was similar to a degenerative consensus site previously identified in other Wt1 responsive genes. Double-immunofluorescent labeling revealed co-expression of Pou4f2 and Wt1 in glomerular podocytes of adult kidney and in developing retinal ganglion cells of mouse embryos. Pou4f2 immunoreactivity was absent from the retinas of Wt1 −/− embryos. In conclusion, we identified Pou4f2 as a novel downstream target gene of Wt1. Co-localization of both proteins in glomerular podocytes of the kidney and in developing retinal ganglion cells suggests a role for Wt1-Pou4f2 interaction in these tissues.
Fracture in MoS2 Solid Lubricant Films.

Abstract The fracture properties of sputter-deposited films of MoS2 as a function of the additive-controlled microstructure were assessed using brale indentation contact and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additives were incorporated as either co-sputtered species (Ni, SbOx) or as multilayers (Au-20% Pd, Ni). Undoped films were also examined as references. The undoped films and 3% co-sputtered Ni films (deposited at 2.66 Pa argon background pressure) showed zone 2 columnar plate morphologies with porosity. Co-sputtered films having higher concentrations of Ni or SbOx showed zone 1 dense cauliflower morphologies, while the multilayer films (and pure MoS2 films deposited at 0.266 Pa) exhibited dense, featureless morphologies. The porous zone 2 films generally resisted delamination better than the denser morphologies. High Ni concentrations increased spallation. The presence of SbOx affected fracture propagation and appeared to be more benign than Ni. The presence of multilayers also affected fracture and retarded spallation in dense microstructures. However, many multilayer structures showed significant delamination.
Hydrolysis of particulate tributyrin in a fluidized lipase reactor

Pancreatic lipase has been immobilized onto stainless steel beads by adsorption followed by crosslinking, and onto polyacrylamide by covalent bonding. The activities of the two types of immobilized enzyme toward the particulate substrate, tributyrin emulsion droplets, were determined experimentally, and rate constants based on Michaelis-Menten kinetics were calculated. The activity of the stainless steel-lipase was determined for various flow conditions and for various support sizes by the use of a differential fluidized bed recycle reactor. The rate constants calculated indicate that the experimental reaction rate is free from mass transfer influences, since the observed Michaelis constant does not vary with the fluidization velocity or with the support particle size. In addition, the Michaelis constant of the stainless steel-lipase was found to be equal to that of the free enzyme, suggesting that adsorption and subsequent crosslinking does not alter the enzyme-substrate affinity. The emulsion substrate mass transfer rates, calculated from the filtration theory, indicate that each substrate particle which contact the immobilized enzyme is hydrolyzed to a significant extent. The experimentally determined kinetic rate constants may be used directly to predict the size of integral fluidized bed reactors.
Thyroid hormone receptors mutated in liver cancer function as distorted antimorphs

Aberrant thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are found in over 70% of the human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) analysed. To better understand the role(s) of these TR mutants in this neoplasia, we analysed a panel of HCC mutant receptors for their molecular properties. Virtually all HCC-associated TR mutants tested retained the ability to repress target genes in the absence of T3, yet were impaired in T3-driven gene activation and functioned as dominant-negative inhibitors of wild-type TR activity. Intriguingly, the HCC TRalpha1 mutants exerted dominant-negative interference at all T3 concentrations tested, whereas the HCC TRbeta1 mutants were dominant-negatives only at low and intermediate T3 concentrations, reverting to transcriptional activators at higher hormone levels. The relative affinity for the SMRT versus N-CoR corepressors was detectably altered for several of the HCC mutant TRs, suggesting changes in corepressor preference and recruitment compared to wild type. Several of the TRalpha HCC mutations also altered the DNA recognition properties of the encoded receptors, indicating that these HCC TR mutants may regulate a distinct set of target genes from those regulated by wild-type TRs. Finally, whereas wild-type TRs interfere with c-Jun/AP-1 function in a T3-dependent fashion and suppress anchorage-independent growth when ectopically expressed in HepG2 cells, at least certain of the HCC mutants did not exert these inhibitory properties. These alterations in transcriptional regulation and DNA recognition appear likely to contribute to oncogenesis by reprogramming the differentiation and proliferative properties of the hepatocytes in which the mutant TRs are expressed.
Precision verification of effective mass theory for shallow donors in GaAs

Abstract The observed Zeeman splitting of 2p-1 and 2po donor states in GaAs in the magnetic field range 20–55 kG is accounted for by the effective mass theory for isolated hydrogenic donors to an accuracy of 0.15 per cent. This is nearly an order of magnitude more precise verification of effective mass theory for donor excited states than has previously been reported in any semiconductor material.
An Objective Aural-Relative in Middlemarch

This essay contends that musical sound—formally described and ideologically inscribed in Schopenhauerian philosophy—offers an alternate mode of realism in a novel traditionally praised for its imagistic precision. It traces George Eliot’s construction of realism as well as her formulation of sympathy in Middlemarch to the decisions she made in 1853 as the co-editor of the Westminster Review. The essay avoids positing the replacement of the optical by the aural, but rather considers how Schopenhauer’s influence on George Eliot complicates the enduring realist connection between seeing and knowing.
Experimental Studies on Traction Concepts: Endurance and Obstacle Testing

This paper presents experimental endurance results of three undergraduate-designed and built soft soil traction concepts. An experimental approach was chosen due to the limitations of current analytical models of traction on soft soils. The use of analytical models requires detailed understanding of the geometry and mechanics of the tread not readily available. Experimental methods do not require this advanced understanding and provide rapid and realistic results. Building on previous research which showed that the use of high density foam and concave geometry increased the traction performance of a tire in sand, three new concepts are prototyped with a focus on exploring endurance and survivability in aggressive testing. These prototypes employed the use of thinner foam than was previously studied, bed liner, and a combination of Kevlar and bed liner (“Kevliner”). The prototypes were tested in a rotating trough filled with sand where each tread prototype was subjected to distance and acceleration tests with and without a rock obstacle. The damage incurred by the prototype and the percentage of slip between the tire and the trough was recorded during each test to assess the performance of each prototype. Analysis of the slip data collected showed that there was little variation in traction between the three prototypes. This was expected as each concept was based on similar working principles for traction. Therefore, more significance was placed on the physical damage sustained by the prototype to evaluate performance than the slip. The Kevliner prototype proved to be the highest performing prototype. It was the only prototype to complete the entire testing suite. The thin foam and bed liner prototypes both sustained severe damage during an acceleration test with the rock obstacle (the fifth of the six tests). The success of the Kevliner prototype can be attributed to the added strength and durability provided by the Kevlar.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
BIPHASIC ACTIVATION OF FYN KINASE UPON FERTILIZATION OF THE SEA URCHIN EGG

Fertilization results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of several egg proteins within minutes of sperm-egg binding and inhibitor studies have shown that tyrosine kinase activity is required for many aspects of egg activation. The present study demonstrates the presence of p59c-fyn kinase in the sea urchin egg and examines the effect of fertilization on the activity of this enzyme. Fertilization had little effect on Fyn kinase activity during the first 2 min after insemination; however, activity had increased approximately eightfold between 5 and 15 min postinsemination. This initial, rapid increase in kinase activity was followed by a period of slightly elevated kinase activity, which was two- to threefold higher than that in the unfertilized egg. Bindin, as well as various parthenogenic agents known to activate the calcium- and pH-mediated pathways of egg activation, failed to elicit any change in enzyme activity, indicating that activation of the kinase required sperm-induced egg activation. However, phorbol ester treatment did induce a slow increase in kinase activity within 30 to 60 min of administration. These findings indicate that the p59fyn kinase is activated within minutes of fertilization and may play a role in the egg activation process.
Materialized Composition of Capital and its Stability in the United States: Findings Stimulated by Paitaridis and Tsoulfidis (2012)

The materialized composition of capital, a concept needing more attention, helps to correctly understand the value or organic composition that Marx discussed. For theoretical clarity, it is actuall...
Pairwise Threshold for Gaussian Mixture Classification and Its Application on Human Tracking Enhancement

In this paper, we describe Object Pixel Mixture Classifiers (OPMCs) which classify an object not only apart from background but also from other objects based on Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) classification. The proposed OPMC is different from general GMM based classifiers in the respect that novel pairwise threshold is applied for final classification. Pairwise thresholds are different thresholds depending on predicted mixture component index combination by a positive and a negative GMMs. We train the pairwise threshold using discriminative model so that generative GMM can take advantage from it. We demonstrate that OPMCs are robust to noise in train data and can keep tracking objects after missing tracks even with occlusion. Also, we show that OPMCs can generate meaningful blob of object, and can separate the region of objects from merged blobs.
How the Manner of Presentation of Data Influences Older Patients in Determining Their Treatment Preferences

Objective: To assess how the manner of presentation of graphic data to older patients influences their treatment preferences. Design: Cross-sectional structured interviews with patients. Setting: A university-based Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Patients: One hundred sixty-six consecutive patients (mean age = 64.8 years, range of ages 29–82) seen in a Department of Veterans Affairs general medicine clinic. Measurements: Five pairs of 5-year survival curves were presented to patients. Each pair was composed of two survival curves for alternative unidentified treatments for an unidentified medical condition. Curve A (LT = better long-term, worse short-term survival) was fixed throughout all curve pairs. Curve B (ST = better short-term, worse long-term survival) changed in each curve pair, showing incrementally better chances of short-term survival across the five curve pairs. Patients were randomly assigned to view the curve pairs in forward (increasing short-term survival) or backward (decreasing short-term survival) order. Results: Order is a significant predictor of patients' initial preferences for the short-term survival curve (P = 0.0004) as well as their willingness to shift preferences during presentation of the five curve pairs. Patients ≥65 were more likely to initially choose the ST curve in forward order presentation than patients <65. More educated patients generally were less likely to prefer the ST curve under both elicitation orders. Conclusions: The data indicate that the method of eliciting patients' preferences strongly influenced their expressed preferences, and that these preferences may have predictable relationships with demographic characteristics such as age.
Transcriptome Profiling of microRNA by Next-Gen Deep Sequencing Reveals Known and Novel miRNA Species in the Lipid Fraction of Human Breast Milk

While breast milk has unique health advantages for infants, the mechanisms by which it regulates the physiology of newborns are incompletely understood. miRNAs have been described as functioning transcellularly, and have been previously isolated in cell-free and exosomal form from bodily liquids (serum, saliva, urine) and tissues, including mammary tissue. We hypothesized that breast milk in general, and milk fat globules in particular, contain significant numbers of known and limited novel miRNA species detectable with massively parallel sequencing. Extracted RNA from lactating mothers before and following short-term treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) was smRNA-enriched. smRNA-Seq was performed to generate 124,110,646 36-nt reads. Of these, 31,102,927 (25%) exactly matched known human miRNAs; with relaxing of stringency, 74,716,151 (60%) matched known miRNAs including 308 of the 1018 (29%) mature miRNAs (miRBase 16.0). These miRNAs are predicted to target 9074 genes; the 10 most abundant of these predicted to target 2691 genes with enrichment for transcriptional regulation of metabolic and immune responses. We identified 21 putative novel miRNAs, of which 12 were confirmed in a large validation set that included cohorts of lactating women consuming enriched diets. Of particular interest, we observed that expression of several novel miRNAs were altered by the perturbed maternal diet, notably following a high-fat intake (p<0.05). Our findings suggest that known and novel miRNAs are enriched in breast milk fat globules, and expression of several novel miRNA species is regulated by maternal diet. Based on robust pathway mapping, our data supports the notion that these maternally secreted miRNAs (stable in the milk fat globules) play a regulatory role in the infant and account in part for the health benefits of breast milk. We further speculate that regulation of these miRNA by a high fat maternal diet enables modulation of fetal metabolism to accommodate significant dietary challenges.
Coordinate-independent Angle-gathers For Wave Equation Migration

We formulate angle decomposition, during and after wavefield extrapolation, independent of the choice of coordinate systems. The key idea is to describe the source-receiver separation during wavefield extrapolation as a vector quantity. This formulation links the reflection angle to the magnitude of the offset vector, thus reducing the cost and storage associated with angle decomposition. This coordinate-independent formulation eliminates the difficulties encountered by traditional angle decompositions for steeply dipping reflectors, and it can also be used for extrapolation techniques in general, non-Cartesian coordinate systems.
Effect of inorganic lead exposure on myelination in the rat

The effect of defined lead burdens on myelination of the central and peripheral nervous systems was studied in neonatal Long-Evans rats. Pups were exposed to inorganic lead (100 or 400 mg Pb as lead acetate/kg body wt/day by gastric intubation) from day 2 following birth to 30 days of age. Accumulation of myelin in forebrain was not affected by the 100-mg dosage, but at the 400 mg/kg dosage level, myelin accumulation was reduced by approximately 42% on a per gram forebrain basis relative to vehicle-intubated animals. The deficit was over 50% on a per forebrain basis, since there was also a slight reduction in brain weight. This lead effect was observed at both 15 and 30 days of age. Accumulation of myelin in optic nerve (determined on the basis of proteolipid protein concentration) was also reduced by 30% relative to controls by this dosage level. However, myelination in sciatic nerve (determined on the basis of P0 protein concentration) was not affected by this exposure regimen. Myelin deficits were greater than could be accounted for by undernutrition arising secondary to lead exposure and were not due to a developmental delay in the onset of myelination.
1071 VARICELLA (VAR) INFECTION IN DAYCARE CENTERS (DCC)

There are no published data on the epidemiology or economic consequences of VAR infections in DCC. We investigated the VAR attack rate and financial burden due to VAR infection on families of children attending DCC. We administered a retrospective questionnaire to parents of children attending four of the largest DCC in Mobile during the winter/spring of 1983/84. At that time VAR was epidemic in the community. Data from 307 enrollees showed that 71 (42%) of 171 reportedly susceptible children developed clinical disease. The mean (range) number of days lost per child from the DCC was 5.4 (2-14). Forty-one (78%) of the 55 families affected lost a mean (range) of 3.9 (0-15) days of work. This included a total of 90 days of sick leave, 49 days off without pay, 18 days off with pay and 9 vacation days. Sixteen (29%) of the families lost a mean (range) of $146.00 ($35-400.00) in wages, not including ongoing DCC enrollment fees. Additional medical bills/babysitting costs for 41 children totaled $1258.00 (mean=$31.00/child). These data suggest that VAR infections in DCC have a significant financial impact on families. Immunization of susceptible DCC enrollees with live attenuated varicella vaccine, if found to be safe in the daycare setting, may prevent the spread of infection and reduce the financial strain on families.
Recovery of left ventricular function after surgical correction of mitral regurgitation caused by leaflet prolapse

Objective Recovery of ventricular function after surgical correction of mitral regurgitation is often incomplete. We studied clinical and echocardiographic factors influencing return of normal left ventricular ejection fraction after mitral valve repair or replacement for mitral regurgitation caused by leaflet prolapse. Methods We evaluated 1063 patients who had mitral valve repair or replacement between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2000. A total of 2488 echocardiograms with follow-up ejection fractions were available for analysis. Results Of the patients, 761 were men, 924 had valve repair, and 85% underwent surgery during the study's second decade. Compared with patients who had the operation in the 1980s, patients who had surgery in the 1990s had significantly smaller preoperative left heart dimensions and a 2.4-fold greater likelihood of an ejection fraction more than 60% during follow-up. Factors independently associated with higher ejection fraction at follow-up included valve repair (vs replacement), freedom from preoperative myocardial infarction, operation in the 1990s, greater preoperative ejection fraction, and smaller left ventricular dimensions. Patients with an ejection fraction of less than 50% at discharge were 3.5-fold less likely to recover normal ejection fraction during long-term follow-up (P Conclusion Early repair of mitral regurgitation caused by leaflet prolapse, before deterioration in left heart size or function, increases the likelihood of subsequent normalization of left ventricular ejection fraction.
Expression of human CD46 has no effect on porcine circovirus type 2 infection and shedding in the experimental pig model

Xenotransplantation of tissues from transgenic pigs with desired genetic modifications such as CD46 expression help minimize xenograft rejections. However, CD46 is a known receptor for some viruses. In this study, pigs transgenic for human CD46 (CD46-TG) and appropriate non-transgenic (non-TG) control pigs were utilized to determine possible differences in the level of replication and shedding of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Non-TG and CD46-TG were blocked by transgenic status and randomly divided into three groups: Non-TG negative controls (n = 3), non-TG-PCV2 (n = 10; PCV2a = 5, PCV2b = 5), and CD46-TG-PCV2 (n = 6; PCV2a = 3, PCV2b = 3). Blood, oral, nasal and fecal swabs were collected at regular intervals from the day of arrival until 70 days post inoculation (DPI). All samples were tested by quantitative real-time PCR for the presence of PCV2 DNA and serum was tested for presence of PCV2 antibodies by ELISA. Overall, the main effects “transgenic status” and “PCV2 subtype” had no influence on degree of PCV2 viremia and shedding or the anti-PCV2 humoral immune response in CD46-TG-PCV2 pigs compared to non-TG-PCV2 pigs. Differences in PCV2 concentrations between non-TG-PCV2 and CD46-TG-PCV2 pigs were minimal and limited to DPI 35 in sera, DPI 7 in fecal swabs and DPI 5 in nasal swabs when CD46-TG-PCV2 pigs had significantly higher concentrations of PCV2 DNA. At DPI 1, CD46-TG-PCV2 pigs had significantly lower concentrations of PCV2 DNA in oral swabs. Under the study conditions, the presence of human CD46 in transgenic pigs had no effect on PCV2 infection in otherwise healthy pigs capable of a normal immune response.
Natural-scene geometry predicts the perception of angles and line orientation

Visual stimuli that entail the intersection of two or more straight lines elicit a variety of well known perceptual anomalies. Preeminent among these anomalies are the systematic overestimation of acute angles, the underestimation of obtuse angles, and the misperceptions of line orientation exemplified in the classical tilt, Zollner, and Hering illusions. Here we show that the probability distributions of the possible real-world sources of projected lines and angles derived from a range-image database of natural scenes accurately predict each of these perceptual peculiarities. These findings imply that the perception of angles and oriented lines is determined by the statistical relationship between geometrical stimuli and their physical sources in typical visual environments.
Age-Related Changes in Activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascades by Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is thought to play a critical role in aging and the pathogenesis of human disease. Molecular studies of both the physiologic function of oxidants and the deleterious consequences of exposure to oxidative stress have suggested that signal transduction cascades may be targeted by oxidants. Here, we review recent studies from this laboratory examining the molecular basis for the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by oxidative stress and the influence of these pathways on cellular fate. We examine the association between constitutive activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cancer, and discuss how such mechanisms may contribute to oxidant-induced skin carcinogenesis. We also address the relationship between a decline in activation of this same pathway and the aged phenotype. In this regard, we review evidence that a decrease in activation of ERK by growth factor correlates with a reduced proliferative capacity in the isolated rathepatocyte model, and we provide new data indicating that the activation of the ERK pathway in response to oxidant stimuli is also decreased with age. Further evidence demonstrates that this alteration is associated with both a reduced mitogenic response and a decline in hepatocyte cell survival in response to oxidative stress. Finally, we provide perspective on how modulations in ERK signaling may interplay with other changes in signal transduction cascades in the aging process. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings 3:23–27, 1998
Genetic variation in the mangrove periwinkle Littorina angulifera

Twenty populatios of Littorina angulifera, inhabiting islands composed of the mangrove tree Rhizophora mangle, were assayed at an esterase locus to determine whether genetic differentiation was associated with distance between populations. It was predicted, on the basis of larval dispersal in this species, that genetic differentiation between populations on islands separated by long distances should be greater than those on islands located near each other. A chi0square test of homogeneity revealed significant differences in esterase gene frequencies among the 20 island populations. However, there was no association of distance between islands and genetic heterogeneity. In addition, a cline in gene frequency was found to be assiciated with latitude. Factors responsible for the observed pattern of heterogeneity at the esterase locus are discussed.
A study in contrasts: measures of racial disparity in rates of sexually transmitted disease.

Background: Although relative measures are commonly used to express health disparities, absolute measures could have more value in public health decision-making. Goal: The goal of this study was to examine how associations between county-level variables and black-white racial disparity in gonorrhea rates varied by the measure of disparity used. Study Design: We studied correlations of 10 population-level variables with the incidence rate difference (RD) and incidence rate ratio (RR) of gonorrhea in North Carolina (NC) counties. Results: Nine of the 10 variables correlated more strongly with the RD than the RR. The RD was highly correlated with incidence rates of gonorrhea among blacks (r >0.99). Conclusion: Several county-level variables were correlated with absolute, but not with relative, racial disparity in gonorrhea in NC. Disease rates were so disparate that the RD essentially reflected rates in the black population. The RD should be preferentially used in planning and evaluating interventions aimed at eliminating racial disparities in gonorrhea in NC.
Polylogarithmic-round interactive proofs for coNP collapse the exponential hierarchy

It is known (Boppana et a;., 1987) that if every language in coNP has a constant-round interactive proof system, then the polynomial hierarchy collapses. On the other hand, Lund et al. (1992) have shown that #SAT, the #P-complete function that outputs the number of satisfying assignments of a Boolean formula, can be computed by a linear-round interactive protocol. As a consequence, the coNP-complete set SAT has a proof system with linear rounds of interaction. We show that if every set in coNP has a polylogarithmic-round interactive protocol then the exponential hierarchy collapses to the third level. In order to prove this, we obtain an exponential version of Yap's result (1983), and improve upon an exponential version of the Karp-Lipton theorem (1980), obtained first by Buhrman and Homer (1992).
Spectral analysis of ground penetrating radar response to thin sedimentary layers

[1] Ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems utilized in studies of sedimentary deposits generate wavelengths (tens of centimeters) that are commonly much longer than the thickness of bedding (often millimeters to centimeters) within the target strata. Where this is the case, radar profiles represent interference patterns. Simple models of radar response to sequences of thin beds such as those found in coastal deposits show potentially detectable spectral shifts toward higher frequencies in radar returns. Spectral analysis of radar data over barrier beach deposits at Waites Island, South Carolina, shows that returns from packages with heavy mineral laminations are shifted toward higher frequencies relative to returns from more isolated contacts. Such spectral shifts may be useful as an indicator of fine-scale layering on radar profiles.