cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Refining buffer overflow detection via demand-driven path-sensitive analysis

Although static analysis is an important technique for detecting buffer overflow before software deployment, current static tools rely on considerable human effort for annotating code to help analysis, or for diagnosing warnings, many of which are false positives. This paper presents an analysis technique that refines information about the paths that involve a potential buffer overflow to help in the diagnosis and debugging of vulnerabilities. Instead of only reporting a vulnerable buffer or statement in the program, which most tools do, our analysis categorizes paths of a possibly vulnerable statement into five types: Vulnerable, Overflow-User-Independent, Safe, Infeasible and Don't-Know. Thus, safe and infeasible paths can be excluded from being inspected, providing focus on problematic paths. For scalability, we designed and implemented our analysis as an interprocedural, demand-driven path-sensitive analysis. Our experiments demonstrate that various path types do go through a possibly vulnerable buffer statement. The results also indicate that our technique is efficient and practical.
Statistical multiplexing under non-i.i.d packet arrival processes and different priority policies

Abstract In this paper some statistical multiplexing schemes under non-i.i.d. packet arrival processes are considered. Various packet multiplexing policies with priorities are proposed to introduce fairness in the service process, accommodate different packet delay requirements and avoid monopolization of the transmission media by some sources. The per input line packet arrival process is described as a Markov Modulated Generalized Bernoulli Process (MMGBP). The MMGBP can serve as a model for a wide class of complex packet arrival processes present in integrated services digital networks. Furthermore, when certain priority policies are in effect the original MMGBP can be transformed into another MMGBP where the priority policy is properly incorporated. As a result, auxiliary/equivalent FIFO multiplexing systems can be constructed with inputs described by a MMGBP, as well. Finally, the TDM application that is presented in this paper illustrates the appropriateness of the MMGBP in representing the effect of certain policies on the behavior of coupled (in some sense) queues. The above properties of the MMGBP facilitate the analysis of certain multiplexing systems under some dependent packet arrival processes.
Kinetics of Bilirubin Transfer between Serum Albumin and Membrane Vesicles INSIGHT INTO THE MECHANISM OF ORGANIC ANION DELIVERY TO THE HEPATOCYTE PLASMA MEMBRANE

Abstract Unconjugated bilirubin is transported in the plasma bound primarily to serum albumin, from which it is taken up and metabolized by the liver. To better characterize the mechanism of bilirubin delivery to the hepatocyte, stopped-flow techniques were utilized to study the kinetics of bilirubin transfer between serum albumin and both model phospholipid and native hepatocyte plasma membrane vesicles. The transfer process was best described by a single exponential function, with rate constants of 0.93 ± 0.04, 0.61 ± 0.03, and 0.10 ± 0.01 s (±S.D.) at 25°C for human, rat, and bovine serum albumins, respectively. The observed variations in rate with respect to donor and acceptor concentrations provide strong evidence for the diffusional transfer of free bilirubin. Thermodynamic analysis suggests that the binding site on bovine serum albumin demonstrates higher specificity for the bilirubin molecule than that on human or rat serum albumin, which exhibit similar binding characteristics. Kinetic analysis of bilirubin transfer from rat serum albumin to isolated rat basolateral liver plasma membranes indicates that the delivery of albumin-bound bilirubin to the hepatocyte surface occurs via aqueous diffusion, rather than a collisional process, thereby mitigating against the presence of an “albumin receptor.”
Dust generation and drought patterns in Africa from helium-4 in a modern Cape Verde coral

[1] We show that helium-4 (4He) concentrations in a modern Porites coral from Cape Verde provides a robust reconstruction of mineral dust loading over the Eastern Tropical Atlantic from mid-1950's to mid-1990's. The 4He record demonstrates pronounced increases in dust emission from North Africa associated with the severe droughts in the Sahel. Our record provides direct evidence that dust emission rates in the 1950's, prior to the onset of the Sahel droughts, were a factor of nine lower than during 1980–84. This large change in dust emission rate indicates global aerosol contents would have increased by ∼45% over this period, which may have contributed to a reduction in solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface. We find that dust emission from North Africa is most closely related to drought patterns, rather than to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns resulting from climate oscillations, such as North Atlantic Oscillations and El Nino/Southern Oscillation.
Fiske modes in one-dimensional parallel Josephson-junction arrays.

We have performed measurements on one-dimensional (1D) arrays of underdamped Josephson junctions connected in parallel by superconducting wires which in a magnetic field show resonances in the current-voltage characteristics. From analytical calculations, we find that the position of the steps is determined by the dispersion relation \ensuremath{\omega}(k) of a 1D discrete, linear transmission line, where the Josephson junction has been replaced by the capacitor and the resistance of the junction. When nearest-neighbor inductances are accounted for, the model agrees well with the measured positions of the steps. Numerical calculations of the full dynamics with inclusion of inductances between all cells support our model. As an example of a system with a more complicated dispersion relation, we have measured 1D arrays with two different junctions per primitive cell. The measured dispersion relation shows an acoustic and an optical branch in agreement with numerical simulations of the full dynamics.
Retro-modeling the Middle Mississippi River

Summary A one-dimensional (1-D) unsteady-flow “retro-model” was developed using historic (c. 1900) hydrologic and geospatial data and implemented using HEC-RAS. The objective of this investigation was to create a 1-D unsteady-flow model for the Middle Mississippi River for the beginning of the 20th century in order to assess the magnitude and types of changes in flood stages associated with 20th century river engineering. The retro-model was constructed from survey data dating to 1888–1889 and hydrologic data from 1900 to 1904. The late 19th century survey data was supplemented by a modern high-resolution DEM used to fill gaps in the historic data. Land-cover data recorded during this historic survey was used to establish floodplain roughness values based on published Manning’s n for the various land-cover types, and these roughness values were then adjusted to calibrate the model. Comparison of the retro-model results with the 2004 Upper Mississippi River System Flow Frequency Study (UMRSFFS) flood stages showed increases in flood stages of 2.3–4.7 m for large events (>50-year recurrence interval). These results confirm previous research results showing large-scale reductions in flood conveyance on the Middle Mississippi during the 20th century. Increased roughness of the floodway coupled with reduction in channel and floodplain area due to wing dike and levee construction are the likely explanation for the observed increases in flood stages. Between 1889 and 1998, channel widths through the study reach decreased ∼40%, and floodplain area for the 100-year flood decreased by ∼60%. In addition, Manning’s n values in the retro-model were lower than the values used in the UMRSFSS, suggesting that (1) the modern floodway is rougher than the historic floodway, (2) this increased roughness is not a result of explicit changes in land cover, but rather (3) the increase is a result of implicit roughness changes such as wing dike construction. The retro-model developed in this investigation provides a framework for modeling hydrodynamic and ecological responses to altered hydrologic regimes during more than a hundred years of channel modification.
Comparison of two cell-centered multigrid schemes for problems with discontinuous coefficients

Two different schemes for constructing coarse-grid operators are implemented in a linear multigrid code. In the first scheme, the construction of the coarse-grid operators is done using a variational approach. Certain conservation properties of the fine-grid matrices are shown to be preserved on the coarser grids by the variational construction. In the second scheme, the diffusion coefficients for the coarse grids are calculated by a simple restriction of the coefficient from the fine grid, using a flux conservation principle. The multigrid codes are then applied to solve the linear equations from an IMPES formulation of a two-phase porous-media flow model. A standard elliptic model problem with jump discontinuous coefficients is also solved using the two multigrid schemes. In simple cases of particular elliptic equations these two schemes are identical. However, in more general cases, such as in reservoir problems, these schemes differ. It is shown that multigrid efficiency typical of the constant coefficient cases is obtained for these problems involving discontinuous coefficients. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A two-layered interface architecture

Abstract The problems of interfacing to external subsystems and using multiple paradigms in a single software system center on resolving the impedance mismatch (the differences in the data models and thought patterns of each paradigm) and how to reflect the differences across the language boundary. One technique is to build an interface between the two paradigms. The interface should strive to resolve the mismatches while providing access to those language features valuable to the problem solution. This means that semantic issues as well as syntactic issues must be addressed. Features of the implementation languages that contribute to the mismatch need to be identified and examined in order to develop a solution. This paper describes a two-layer architecture based upon the idea of abstract interfaces. This architecture appears to provide a basis for interfacing programming languages to object databases which addresses the semantic gap, or impedance mismatch, between the two as well as the syntactic differences.
Histological study of graft failure in AlphaCor transplantation

To report clinical and histopathologic findings in a case of a failed AlphaCor artificial cornea explanted due to corneal stromal melting. We describe the case of a 77-year-old man who received multiple penetrating keratoplasties (PKPs) and subsequent placement of an AlphaCor artificial cornea. Examination showed total corneal infiltration as well as an AlphaCor that was partially dehisced from the host cornea. After explantation, the implant and adjacent host tissue underwent hematoxylin and eosin staining and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). Histopathologic analysis of the specimens revealed infiltration of the skirt pores by reactive corneal fibroblasts. Although the AlphaCor implant is an established method of treating multiple failed PKPs, in this case, HR-SEM imaging strongly suggests that the strength of the interface between the implant and corneal tissue is highly dependent on collagen deposition between the pores found in the implant skirt. Collagen deposition then increases the mechanical strength of the cornea–skirt interface.
On the second eigenvalue and linear expansion of regular graphs

The authors investigate the relation between the second eigen-value and the linear expansion of regular graphs. The spectral method is the best currently known technique to prove lower bounds on the expansion. He improves this technique by showing that the expansion coefficient of linear-sized subsets of a k-regular graph G is at least k/2(1- square root max(0,1-/sub lambda 1(G)2//sup 4k-4/))/sup -/ , where lambda /sub 1/(G) is the second largest eigenvalue of the graph. In particular, the linear expansion of Ramanujan graphs, which have the property that the second largest eigenvalue is at most 2 square root k-1, is at least (k/2)/sup -/. This improves upon the best previously known lower bound of 3(k-2)/8. For any integer k such that k-1 is prime, he explicitly constructs an infinite family of k-regular graphs G/sub n/ on n vertices whose linear expansion is k/2 and such that lambda /sub 1/(G/sub n/) >
Predation risk makes bees reject rewarding flowers and reduce foraging activity

In the absence of predators, pollinators can often maximize their foraging success by visiting the most rewarding flowers. However, if predators use those highly rewarding flowers to locate their prey, pollinators may benefit from changing their foraging preferences to accept less rewarding flowers. Previous studies have shown that some predators, such as crab spiders, indeed hunt preferentially on the most pollinator-attractive flowers. In order to determine whether predation risk can alter pollinator preferences, we conducted laboratory experiments on the foraging behavior of bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) when predation risk was associated with a particular reward level (measured here as sugar concentration). Bees foraged in arenas containing a choice of a high-reward and a low-reward artificial flower. On a bee’s first foraging trip, it was either lightly squeezed with forceps, to simulate a crab spider attack, or was allowed to forage safely. The foragers’ subsequent visits were recorded for between 1 and 4 h without any further simulated attacks. Compared to bees that foraged safely, bees that experienced a simulated attack on a low-reward artificial flower had reduced foraging activity. However, bees attacked on a high-reward artificial flower were more likely to visit low-reward artificial flowers on subsequent foraging trips. Forager body size, which is thought to affect vulnerability to capture by predators, did not have an effect on response to an attack. Predation risk can thus alter pollinator foraging behavior in ways that influence the number and reward level of flowers that are visited.
On the theory of stable populations: A new and elementary proof of the theorems under weaker assumptions.

Expositions and elementary proofs are given for the basic theorems of stable population theory: That a population subjected to vital rates (not necessarily constant over time) satisfying certain postulates will eventually “forget” its original age distribution and take on one (not necessarily constant over time) which depends only on its history of agespecific vital rates, a process called “weak ergodicity.” That consequently the subsequent birth, death, and growth rates (none of these necessarily constant over time) depend only on the history of age-specific vital rates and not on the original age distribution. And, in particular, that these results apply to the special case, herein called “classic” stable population theory, in which the age-specific vital rates are constant over time, and in which after the “forgetting” takes place the subsequent age distribution and birth, death, and growth rates all become constant. This formulation of the theory differs from previous ones in two respects: First, the postulates required are weaker, and hence the theorems more general, than previously; in particular, this formulation permits the highest age of childbearing to change from cohort to cohort, which is important for populations practicing contraception. Second, none of the advanced mathematics used in previous formulations is needed; only the manipulation of sums and inequalities from high school algebra and the concept of “limit” from freshman calculus are required.
Crystalline ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase from spinach.

Spinach fraction I protein (ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxy genase, E.C. 4.1.1.39) was crystallized on both an analytical and a preparative scale by vapor diffusion with polyethylene glycol (molecular weight, 6000) used as the precipitant. The identity of the crystalline material with fraction I protein was shown by gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and immunological properties. The carboxylase and oxygenase activities copurify during crystallization, and the crystalline enzyme lacks copper and iron.
Three-dimensional analysis of a slot motor solving directly for flux density

The slot motor is used in high‐power devices to open a circuit when the current exceeds a limiting value. It is critical for the proper functioning of the device, to predict exactly the force produced by the current. In this paper, the three‐dimensional magnetostatic field within the motor is analyzed by solving directly for magnetic flux density and the results are used to predict the forces generated. The results are then verified experimentally. This paper also introduces the concept of the fictitious vector potential for the graphical display of three‐dimensional magnetic fields.
Photoreduction of chloranil by benzhydrol and related compounds. Hydrogen atom abstraction vs sequential electron-proton transfer via quinone triplet radical ion-pairs

The photoreduction of chloranil (Q) to the hydroquinone (QH2) in benzene by benzhydrols and by related arylmethanols has been investigated. The products of photooxidation of the benzhydrols are ben...
A precise Bicoid gradient is nonessential during cycles 11-13 for precise patterning in the Drosophila blastoderm.

Background: During development, embryos decode maternal morphogen inputs into highly precise zygotic gene expression. The discovery of the morphogen Bicoid and its profound effect on developmental programming in the Drosophila embryo has been a cornerstone in understanding the decoding of maternal inputs. Bicoid has been described as a classical morphogen that forms a concentration gradient along the antero-posterior axis of the embryo by diffusion and initiates expression of target genes in a concentration-dependent manner in the syncytial blastoderm. Recent work has emphasized the stability of the Bicoid gradient as a function of egg length and the role of nuclear dynamics in maintaining the Bicoid gradient. Bicoid and nuclear dynamics were observed but not modulated under the ideal conditions used previously. Therefore, it has not been tested explicitly whether a temporally stable Bicoid gradient prior to cellularization is required for precise patterning. Principal Findings: Here, we modulate both nuclear dynamics and the Bicoid gradient using laminar flows of different temperature in a microfluidic device to determine if stability of the Bicoid gradient prior to cellularization is essential for precise patterning. Dramatic motion of both cytoplasm and nuclei was observed prior to cellularization, and the Bicoid gradient was disrupted by nuclear motion and was highly abnormal as a function of egg length. Despite an abnormal Bicoid gradient during cycles 11–13, Even-skipped patterning in these embryos remained precise. Conclusions: These results indicate that the stability of the Bicoid gradient as a function of egg length is nonessential during syncytial blastoderm stages. Further, presumably no gradient formed by simple diffusion on the scale of egg length could be responsible for the robust antero-posterior patterning observed, as severe cytoplasmic and nuclear motion would disrupt such a gradient. Additional mechanisms for how the embryo could sense its dimensions and interpret the Bicoid gradient are discussed.
A shortcut for multidimensional quantization. The average partial actions method

Abstract A new method for semiclassical quantization is presented. The method estimates the total multidimensional action much before the trajectory returns to its initial point. This is done by evaluating the “average partial actions” for each degree of freedom separately and using their sum to estimate the total multidimensional action.
The generality and consistency of handedness in monkeys

Abstract A sample of 19 rhesus monkeys were tested on a series of six tests which yielded nine measures of hand preference. All of the test-retest correlations were positive and significantly greater than chance. But only three of 19 monkeys showed a significant preference on the maximum number of tests, and the intertest correlations were typically lower than the reliability coefficients. It was concluded that handedness in the rhesus monkey is not a unitary behavioural trait, and is probably the resultant of a complex of genetic, maturational, learning, and other environmental factors.
Possible Newly Recognized Meteorological Phenomenon called Crown Flash

ON July 2, 1970, at about 1945 h EST a thunderstorm cell passed a few miles north of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The column of cumulus cloud towered in the light of the setting Sun, far above the dark mass below, which occasionally flickered with lightning. Thin lamellae of cirriform cloud began to form above the peak of the cumulus column and streamed off to the north-east, in advance of the storm cloud. The cumulus column impinged on these lamellae as it boiled upward, causing the horizontal layers of thin cloud to become somewhat dome-shaped in the region of the rising column (Fig. 1). At and just above the peak of the storm cell the cloud mass seemed to be undergoing sudden changes in brightness lasting for several seconds at a time. J. C. G.'s wife and two children also noticed the effect when it was called to their attention. M. E. G., a meteorologist, also verified the observation. The phenomenon continued to occur repeatedly at intervals of 30–60 s during the next 15 or 20 min, providing the basis for the following description.
A Note about the Effect of Auditor Cognitive Style on Task Performance

Previous research documents variation among auditors in terms of their cognitive style. Auditors have been classified as possessing an intuitive, analytic, or hybrid cognitive style. However, the potential implications of cognitive style upon auditor task performance have received little attention. Building upon the work of Chan (1996), this paper examines the role of “cognitive misfit” on auditor task performance. Cognitive misfit is a lack of fit between a person's cognitive style and task characteristics. Participating auditors were required to perform two judgment tasks and complete a cognitive style questionnaire. Tests for an interactive task performance effect between task type and auditor cognitive characteristics were performed. As expected, auditor cognitive style significantly interacts with the task type. Analytic auditors performed better on the analytic task than the intuitive task. Likewise, intuitive auditors performed better on the intuitive task than on the analytic task. Limitations and...
Interaction of free porphyrins and metalloporphyrins with mouse ferrochelatase. A model for the active site of ferrochelatase.

Abstract The ability of purified mouse ferrochelatase (protoheme ferro-lyase, EC 4.99.1.1) to bind and catalytically utilize a variety of porphyrins has been examined. In all, the k d , K m or K i values for eleven different porphyrins, the K i values for four metalloporphyrins and the k d values for two metalloporphyrins were determined. The data obtained demonstrate that mouse ferrochelatase binds a wide variety of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins with k d values ranging from 6 nM for N -methylprotoporphyrin to 1.08 μM for coproporphyrin III. However, the enzyme shows a degree of catalytic specificity for the substituents at the 2,4 positions and utilizes only proto-, hemato-, meso-, deutero-, 2,4-monohydroxyethylmorovinyl- and 2,4-monohydroxymethylmonovinyl deuteroporphyrin as substrates. The data show that the magnitude of the k d is not an accurate indicator of the ability of the porphyrin to serve as a substrate or inhibitor and, with the exception of N -methylprotoporphyrin, the size of the k d is several orders of magnitude less than that of the K m or K i . Of the metalloporphyrins examined (Fe, Co, Zn and Sn) all inhibited ferrochelatase at micromolar concentrations, although tin protoporphyrin was the least effective. These data are discussed in terms of an active site model for mammalian ferrochelatase.
Genetic analysis of fibre characteristics in adult Targhee ewes and their relationship to breeding value estimates derived from yearling fleeces

Abstract Fleeces from 847 adult (2–7-year-old) Targhee ewes enrolled in the U.S. National Sheep Improvement Program were evaluated using an optical fibre diameter assessment system (OFDA2000; BCS Electronics Pty Ltd., Ardross, WA, Australia). Measurements recorded included the average, S.D. and CV for fibre diameter, comfort factor (percentage of fibre below 30 μm), spinning fineness, staple length, average curvature, and uniformity (S.D.) along the staple. Significant ewe age effects were observed for all measurements except the CV of fibre diameter and uniformity along the staple. Fleeces became coarser as ewes aged, but staple length and curvature were maximized at 2 and 3 years of age, respectively. Heritability estimates ( h 2 ) for OFDA measurements exceeded 0.50 for average fibre diameter, spinning fineness, and average curvature and were below 0.30 only for uniformity along the staple ( h 2 = 0.19). Associations between OFDA measurements of fleece fineness in adult ewes and estimated breeding values (EBV) for average fibre diameter derived from yearling fleeces were very strong. The regression coefficient relating the OFDA average fibre diameter measurement in adult ewes to fibre diameter EBV in yearling fleeces of 1.08 ± 0.07 μm/μm was consistent with its expected value of 1.00 and suggests that selection on yearling fibre diameter EBV would nearly maximize selection response in adult fleeces. The EBV for staple length in yearling fleeces was closely associated with the OFDA measurement of staple length in 2-year-old ewes (regression coefficient of 1.21 mm/mm), but this relationship weakened as ewes aged, perhaps as a result of negative associations between adult staple length and the number of lambs produced, and the regression coefficient averaged 0.65 ± 0.10 mm/mm across all ewe ages. In general, relationships between EBV for growth, maternal, and reproductive traits and OFDA measurements in adult ewes were consistent with those observed in yearling fleeces.
Electron microscopy of cross-linked scallop myosin

The N-terminal regions of the regulatory light chains on the two heads of scallop myosin can be cross-linked to one another. Electron microscopy of cross-linked myosin molecules, and of dimers of myosin subfragment-1 produced by digesting them with papain, shows that the site of cross-linking is very close to the head-rod junction.
Existence and Uniqueness for Stochastic Dynamic Equations

The theory of stochastic dynamic equations extends and unifies the theories of stochastic difference and differential equations. In this paper, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the strong solution of a certain class of stochastic dynamic equations. As a principal tool in the proof, we define and develop the properties of stochastic dynamic integrals with respect to a Brownian motion indexed by a time scale. Finally we illustrate our theory with the examples of stochastic exponential and geometric Brownian motion.
The current mode of pulsed power generation in a moving magnet system

Results of an experimental study of the generation of high-current pulses in a moving magnet system based on an open ferromagnetic circuit design are presented. The magnet was accelerated with the use of a light gas gun. Experimental data are given for the output high current pulses, output voltage, and power delivered in the load for different types of pulse-generating coils. The effect of various pulse-generating windings is given. It has been shown that the Nd/sub 2/Fe/sub 14/B hard ferromagnetic projectile (diameter 2.54 cm and height 1.9 cm) moving with a velocity of 320 m/s is capable to produce in the pulse-generating coil a current pulse with amplitude of 1.4 kA and a full-width at half-maximum 80 /spl mu/s.
Culture as a useful conceptual tool in clinical ethics consultation.

The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors by which people interpret life events are what we call culture. More than medical science, culture determines how people react to illness and death. Science may determine which drug or surgery best treats the disease, but culture often determines how the health professional best treats a patient with the disease. Culture influences when the patient believes he is ill, which treatments he accepts, and which results he prefers. Because culture surely affects illness outcomes, health professionals must not ignore it.This project received financial support from the Mexican American Medical Treatment Effectiveness Research Center and the Aging Research and Education Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center and from the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health, San Antonio. Presented in an earlier version at the Seventh Annual David C. Thomasma, Ph.D., Memorial International Bioethics Retreat, Medical Faculty, University of Padova, and Fundazione Lanza, Padova, Italy, 26 June 2004; presented at the Second International Conference on Clinical Ethics Consultation, Basel, Switzerland, 19 March 2005; and accepted for presentation at the national meeting of the Society of General Internal Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, 13 May 2005. Erika Blacksher, John Stone, Susan Bagby, and David J. Doukas thoughtfully critiqued earlier drafts of this article. Andrew K. Diehl and Helen P. Hazuda critiqued a research abstract of the material. I thank all these people for their many helpful suggestions.
Full-thickness skin graft from the groin for coverage of the radial forearm free flap donor site

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the use of a full-thickness skin graft from the groin for coverage of the radial forearm free flap donor site. Our hypothesis is that the use of the full-thickness skin graft decreases morbidity and improves functional and cosmetic outcome at the skin graft donor site while also providing excellent coverage of the forearm donor site. Study design This study used a retrospective chart review design. Materials and methods Patients undergoing radial forearm free flap reconstructions from 1995 to 2005 were included. Forty patients underwent radial forearm free flap reconstruction with closure of the forearm donor site with a full-thickness skin graft harvested from the groin. The inguinal donor site was closed primarily. Medical records including clinic notes, operative reports, and photographs were reviewed. Results There was 1 minor wound dehiscence at the groin site, and there were 5 minor forearm wound dehiscences with 2 cases of tendon exposure; all dehiscences were treated conservatively with local wound care. Both the groin wound and forearm donor sites healed satisfactorily in all cases, with no impairment of function related to the skin graft. All patients expressed satisfaction with the postoperative pain, functional outcome, and cosmetic appearance related to both the skin graft and forearm donor sites. Conclusions Full-thickness skin graft from the groin for coverage of the radial forearm free flap donor site is an effective, safe alternative to the traditional split thickness skin graft.
Theoretical wave modeling of large wave ripples in volcaniclastic sediments, Ordovician Llewelyn Volcanic Group, North Wales

Abstract Volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks of Ordovician age underlying the Garth Tuff member of the Capel Curig Volcanic Formation, North Wales were deposited on a shallow marine shelf. Deposition at the Capel Curig anticline 2 km southwest of Capel Curig was on a high-energy proximal offshore to foreshore. Analysis of large wave ripples and associated sedimentary structures suggests a shallow marine depositional environment, above storm wave base and in water depths of 10–30 m. This estimate of water depth from wave calculations is similar to that estimated by facies analysis.
Cimetidine Disposition in Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Cimetidine disposition was determined in six patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis to ascertain the need for modification of conventional dosing regimens. Blood, dialysis fluid, and urine were collected for 48 hours after administration of a single intravenous dose of cimetidine. The following values were obtained: elimination half-life, 4.3 hours; systemic or total body clearance, 191 +/- 55 ml/min; and dialysis clearance, 4.2 +/- 3.1 ml/min. Approximately 2% of a cimetidine dose is removed by dialysis, indicating that there is no need to adjust the conventional renal failure dosing regimen in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
Distributed control of manufacturing cells

Abstract This paper begins with an introduction to general manufacturing cell control concepts. It describes the research results obtained in the application of these concepts to a CIM cell implemented at North Dakota State University. Distributed control of a manufacturing cell consisting of two machine tools, a robot, an in-process ASRS, and a pallet shuttle is compared with conventional sequential control. The paper also illustrates the use of inexpensive microprocessors to control the individual machine within the cell. A description of the hardware design and the modular menu-driven software is also included. The paper concludes with recommendations for further cell controller research.
Role of early cytokines, including alpha and beta interferons (IFN-alpha/beta), in innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infections.

Innate cytokine responses are important mediators of early defense against infections. Certain of their effects can be delivered directly to activate protective mechanisms in infected cells. Others activate innate immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, to mediate defense. Still others shape adaptive immune responses. The compositions and magnitudes of innate cytokine responses are modulated, by the nature of the infectious agent, to facilitate accessing of the anti-microbial defense functions most beneficial in defense against the particular infection. In the context of viral infections, interferons alpha and beta (IFN-alpha/beta) are induced to high levels, and help to mediate and regulate immune responses most effective against this class of agents. The cytokines induce anti-viral mechanisms in infected cells, negatively regulate interleukin 12 expression, and activate NK cell-mediated lysis. Protective development of adaptive immunity to viral infections includes prominent CD8 T cell expansion and activation, and IFN-alpha/beta can mediate functions with the potential to promote these T cell responses. Together, the characteristics define regulation of unique or unique prominent defense mechanisms in place to fight off viral infections.
How Does the Operative Strategy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism Impact the Findings and Cure Rate? A Comparison of 800 Parathyroidectomies

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that a higher frequency of multigland disease and higher cure rate would result if routine four-gland exploration (4GL) was used as compared with focused parathyroidectomy (FP) for treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. STUDY DESIGN: During a 5-year period, data from two academic endocrine surgical practices were retrospectively reviewed for patients having an operation for primary hyperparathyroidism. Three hundred ninety-five consecutive patients underwent 4GL at one institution (A), and 405 consecutive patients underwent FP with selective use of 4GL at the other institution (B). The main outcomes measures were gender, preoperative imaging, surgical findings, gland weight, and operative success. RESULTS: Three hundred ten (78%) patients at institution A were women, and 292 (72%) at institution B were women (p < 0.05). Routine 4GL strategy at institution A yielded a 16.5% frequency of multigland disease; and an FP strategy at institution B yielded 11.1% multigland disease (p = 0.028). At both institutions, single adenomas weighed more than multigland disease. Gland weights were not significantly different between the two institutions. Nine of 395 (2.3%) patients at institution A remained hypercalcemic postoperatively compared with 15 of 405 (3.7%) at B (p = 0.24; not significant). CONCLUSIONS: A greater frequency of multigland disease was found with routine 4GL. There was no statistically significant difference in operative success between the two approaches. Sound surgical technique and intraoperative judgment, including interpretation of intraoperative parathyroid hormone values, will result in a high success rate, regardless of the operative strategy chosen for primary hyperparathyroidism.
Synthesis of high-order nonlinear control systems with ramp input

Unsymmetrical half periods exist in a system with static and kinetic dry friction. The time duration under kinetic and viscous friction is much shorter than that under static friction alone. The condition of sustained oscillation is formulated and determined by a modified describing function method. The accuracy of this mothod is evaluated by comparison to an exact analysis.
The Role of Galanin and Its Receptor in the Feedback Regulation of Growth Hormone Secretion

GH controls its own secretion through a mechanism involving short-loop feedback regulation of the synthesis and release of GHreleasing hormone (GHRH). GHRH neurons coexpress the peptide galanin, but the functional significance of this coexpression is un-. known. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that 1) galanin gene expression in GHRH neurons is regulated by GH and 2) somatostatin (SS) or GHRH neurons are a target for the action of galanin in the hypothalamus. First, we compared levels of galanin messenger RNA (mRNA) in GHRH neurons between normal male rats and Lewis dwarf rats, which have markedly reduced blood levels of GH. The brains of normal and dwarf animals were processed for detection of galanin mRNA and GHRH mRNA by double-label in situ hybridization. We observed that Lewis dwarf rats had significantly reduced levels of galanin mRNA in their GHRH neurons (P < 0.05). Next, we tested the hypothesis that GH regulates galanin gene expression in GHRH neurons by experimentally altering circulating levels of GH. Three groups of adult male rats were used: 1) intact rats (n = 7); 2) hypophysectomized (hypox) rats (n = 7); and 3) hypox rats treated with 1.5 mg of rat GH (rGH) over a 3-day period (n = 6). At the end of the treatment period, the animals were killed, and their brains were collected and processed for double-label in su-whereas, the levels of galanin mRNA signal in GHRH neurons did not differ sianificantlv between the group; of intact and rGH-treated hypox rats. Fynally, to determine whether SS or GHRH neurons are targets for galanin, we used doublelabel in s&u hybridization to determine whether either of these populations of neurons express galanin receptor mRNA. A subset of SS neurons in the PeN appeared to express the galanin receptor mRNA, whereas few, if any, GHRH neurons appeared to do so. We conclude that galanin, like its cotransmitter GHRH, is a target for GH action, and we infer that galanin may play a role in the feedback control of GH secretion by exerting a direct effect on SS neurons. (Endocrinology 137: 5303-5310, 1996)
High dynamic range imaging of non-static scenes

A well-known technique in high dynamic range (HDR) imaging is to take multiple photographs, each one with a different exposure time, and then combine them to produce an HDR image. Unless the scene is static and the camera position is fixed, this process creates the so-called "ghosting" artifacts. In order to handle non-static scenes or moving camera, images have to be spatially registered. This is a challenging problem because most optical flow estimation algorithm depends on the constant brightness assumption, which is obviously not the case in HDR imaging. In this paper, we present an algorithm to estimate the dense motion field in image sequences with photometric variations. In an alternating optimization scheme, the algorithm estimates both the dense motion field and the photometric mapping. As a latent information, the occluded regions are extracted and excluded from the photometric mapping estimation. We include experiments with both synthetic and real imagery to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. We show that the ghosting artifacts are reduced significantly in HDR imaging of non-static scenes.
Two dimensional dynamic focusing and optical switching of laser light by ferroelectric devices

Two dimensional dynamic focusing is demonstrated by using lens-shaped ferroelectric domain stacks. The devices were fabricated on lithium tantalate and tested at 633 nm. Novel designs and numerical simulations are presented for optical switching applications.
A Prospective, Randomized Platelet-Function Study of Heparinized Oxygenators and Cardiotomy Suction

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if substitution of a heparin-coated oxygenator and salvaged autologous blood for cardiotomy suction would improve platelet function. Design: A prospective, randomized trial. Setting: A large academic medical center. Participants: Sixty adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Interventions: Patients were randomized into 1 of 4 groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design by oxygenator (heparinized v nonheparinized) and blood salvage during CPB (cardiotomy suction v salvaged autologous blood). Measurements and Main Results: Primary outcome measures were platelet function, glass-bead retention, platelet dense-body adenosine triphosphate secretion, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) aggregometry, Plateletworks platelet-function analyzer (Helena Laboratories Corp, Allen Park, MI), and platelet count. Secondary outcome measures were chest-tube drainage and allogeneic blood transfusion requirements. All platelet-function tests except thrombin-receptor activator peptide-induced PRP aggregometry showed a reduction in platelet function during and immediately after CPB (all p < 0.05). The only statistically significant difference in platelet-function tests between the groups was the glass-bead assay at 5 minutes before discontinuation of CPB (p < 0.05). This difference resolved 10 minutes after protamine administration. There were no differences between the groups in the amount of blood transfused, chest-tube drainage, and routine laboratory test results. Conclusions: The authors concluded that the effects of these changes to the CPB circuit were small and inconsequential in this cohort of patients.
Solving stiff Lyapunov differential equations

We propose a method based on the matrix generalization of the backward differentiation formula for solving stiff Lyapunov differential equations. This method turns a Lyapunov differential equation into an algebraic Lyapunov equation so that the structure of the original equation can be exploited. The Hessenberg-Schur method can be used to obtain the numerical solution of the algebraic equation. This approach is applied to several stiff Lyapunov differential equations with known closed-form solutions. The computed solution is compared with the closed-form solution and the relative error of the computed solution is small in each of the cases.
Enamel loss associated with orthodontic adhesive removal on teeth with white spot lesions: An in vitro study

Abstract Teeth with white spot lesions (WSL) might be more prone to enamel loss during bracket debonding. This in vitro study compared enamel loss from teeth with (n = 14) and without (n = 14) WSL after polishing with low-speed finishing burs or disks (Sof-Lex, 3M ESPE, St Paul, Minn). Debonded surfaces were analyzed with a contact stylus profilometer, and digitized data were compared with baseline readings by using AnSur NT software (Regents, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn). Specimen surfaces were also examined with a scanning electron microscope. Two-way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the data. In teeth without WSL, the volume losses were 0.16 mm 3 for the bur group and 0.10 mm 3 for the disk group; the mean maximum depths were 47.7 μm for the bur group and 54.3 μm for the disk group. In teeth with WSL, the volume losses were 0.06 and 0.17 mm 3 , and the mean maximum depths were 35.1 and 48.7 μm for the bur and disk groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in enamel loss between the 2 groups of teeth without WSL ( P = .12). However, in teeth with WSL, the burs removed less enamel than the disks ( P = 0.006). Scanning electron microscope examination showed that any damage on the enamel surface was usually located in the cervical third of the teeth. On most specimens, even though tooth surfaces appeared resin-free to the naked eye, there were remnants of it. The differences between groups were so small that they might be clinically insignificant.
Using impedance controlled robots for simulating manipulation tasks occurring in a gravityless environment

The use of impedance-controlled robots for simulating inertial loading effects is investigated. This is specifically of interest for replicating manipulation tasks occurring in a gravityless environment on the ground where gravitational forces exist. Results based on a simplified linear robot model are obtained. A description is given of some of the limitations as well as some necessary conditions for maintaining stability during manipulative interactions between a robot carrying out a task and a robot providing inertial response on a manipulated payload. >
MECHANISMS OF PHOTOELIMINATION REACTIONS OF ALKYL BENZOHYDROXAMATES

Photolysis at 254 nm of alkyl benzohydroxamates [C 6 H 5 CONHOR: R=CH 3 , CH 2 CH 3 , CH(CH 3 ) 2 , CH 2 C 6 H 5 , CH(CH 3 )C 2 H 5 , CH(CH 3 )-n-C 6 H 13 ] in acetonitrile or hydrocarbon solvents gives benzamide. These reactions can be sensitized by benzophenone (at ca. 350 nm) and are quenched by cis-piperylene. Racemization occurred when 2-octyl (+)-benzohydroxamate was irradiated in cyclohexane. These results are consistent with a mechanism involving a triplet biradical. Photolysis of phenyl benzohydroxamate [C 6 H 5 CONHOC 6 H 5 ] and benzyl N-methylbenzohydroxamate [C 6 H 5 CON-(CH 3 )OCH 2 C 6 H 5 ] cannot be quenched with cis-piperylene and appear to be singlet reactions