cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of surround brightness and short wave components of radiation on dark adaptation

Dark adaptation functions were determined by presenting a 2° square test field in the temporal parafovea, or a 1.3° field in the fovea, against backgrounds or surround luminances varying in brightness from complete darkness to 40 millilamberts. The test field was composed of parallel, equally spaced dark and light vertical bars, and presented in the form of flashes of 0.04 sec. As surround luminance is systematically increased the total extent of adaptation, the relative participation of rods and cones, and the transition from cone to rod function vary as a function of background luminance. Pre-exposure to a light source emitting radiation from 2850 to 4100 angstroms in addition to white light has an inhibitory effect on the sensitivity of the retinal receptors which is evident in higher excitation thresholds as compared with those obtained when the ultraviolet is screened from the pre-exposure source. The ultraviolet action which previously was only shown for the rods is also found in foveal and parafoveal cones, when, owing to the presence of a surround luminance, the rods are prevented from entering into action, and the range of adaptation is limited to levels above threshold for cone excitation.
Plant protoplast fusion and growth of intergeneric hybrid cells.

Interspecific and intergeneric fusions of plant protoplasts were induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1540 or 4000. The frequency of heterokaryocyte formation (or rate of fusion) was much higher when PEG was eluted with a high pH-high Ca2+ solution or a salt solution than when it was eluted with a protoplast culture medium. The frequency of heterokaryocyte formation was also affected by the types of enzymes used for wall degradation, duration of enzyme incubation and molality of the PEG solutions. The maximum frequency of heterokaryocyte formation was 23% for V. hajastana Grossh.-soybean (Glycine max L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)-soybean, 35% for pea (Pisum sativum L.)-soybean, 20% for pea-V. hajastana, 14% for corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean and 10% for V. villosa Roth-V. hajastana. 40% of the barley-soybean, corn-soybean and pea-soybean heterokaryocytes divided at least once. Some divided many times and formed clusters of up to 100 cells in 2 weeks. The heterokaryocytes of soybean-V. hajastana, V. villosa-V. hajastana also divided. Of the PEG-treated protoplasts of N. langsdorffii and N. glauca 13.5% developed into tumor-like calli. The morphology of these calli was very much like that of the tumors produced on amphidiploid plants of N. langsdorffii x glauca. Nuclear staining indicated that heterokaryocytes of V. hajastana-soybean, pea-soybean, corn-soybean and barley-soybean could undergo mitosis. Nuclear divisions in a heterokaryocyte were usually synchronized or almost synchronized. Nuclear fusion and true hybrid formation usually occurred during the first mitotic division after protoplast fusion. A hybrid of barley-soybean in third cell division was observed. The frequency of heterokaryocytes which underwent nuclear fusion has not been determined. Multipole formation and chimeral cell colonies were also observed.
Philip Sunshine Festschrift: a quintessential neonatologist with wit and humor

I first met Phil in 1971 when he was an associate professor and was giving a lecture on ‘Meconium Aspiration Syndrome’ during an outreach community education effort in Salinas. I was at Fort Ord, as a captain and pediatrician in the US Army and was excited to hear/learn from a professor who was a pioneer in neonatology. I was already committed to this career tract and planned to pursue further training following 2 years in military service. Anyone introducing Phil is likely to remark about how incredible it is to have the name ‘Sunshine’, a moniker that suits him well. The lecture was memorable but I suspect Phil will hardly recall that I was in the audience. His Chief of Pediatrics at this time was my former teacher, the late Irving Schulman, who taught me pediatrics as a medical student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. My link to Stanford and Phil was formed and it started the connection for future consultations and referrals of our Fort Ord Silas B Hayes Hospital infants who needed intensive care and pediatric subspecialty consultations. I trained with June Brady at the University of California, Cardiovascular Research Institute and Children's Hospital of San Francisco during 1973 to 1975. I remember Phil's interview (1974) and the first challenge of appreciating and assimilating Phil's humor up close. I had spent most of my career in Illinois and did not know how to respond to ‘…why did you not go anywhere else for your training’. My self-conscious reply was that it was home and I was doing well there. Little did I know then, as who does know these details about the interviewer, but in retrospect it was a matter of the ‘pot calling the kettle black’.
Factors that Influence Attitudes Toward Retirement

A set of older workers 58 to 64 years of age from the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area were followed for two years to explore their attitudes toward retirement. Findings include (1) wor...
Effects of oxygen administration and alteration in arterial PCO2 on ischemic myocardial changes following experimental coronary artery ligation.

Abstract In acute myocardial infarction the effect of oxygen administration in modifying infarct size is uncertain. To evaluate this as well as the effects of moderate hypocarbia, four groups of anesthetized dogs were studied experimentally for 2 hours after coronary branch ligation: group I (controls; room air, normal blood gases); group IIA (Flo 2 50%, normal Paco 2 ); group IIB (Flo 2 50%, low Paco 2 ); and group IIC (50% oxygen given after ligation, normal Paco 2 ). In addition to hemodynamics, the effect of differing blood gas patterns on hemoglobin-oxygen affinity (P50) and ischemic alterations of myocardial electrolyte and water content were evaluated. Hemodynamic changes among the four groups included decreases in LV ejection fraction and cardiac output. The latter was more pronounced in the oxygen treated groups with proportionately greater increases in systemic resistance. P50 increased in all groups, indicating decreased hemoglobin-oxygen affinity; in group IIC this increase was significantly greater than in group I. In all groups an analysis of central and border areas of myocardial ischemia showed loss of potassium and gain of sodium and water, but no beneficial effect on this result by oxygen administration pre or post ligation could be demonstrated. On the contrary, among those dogs administered oxygen the ischemic changes appeared more pronounced than in the control group. Moderate hypocarbia did not modify the myocardial electrolyte and water change. The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that oxygen administration can favorably modify the myocardial changes of ischemia, at least early in the course of myocardial infarction.
Scalable Parametric Verification of Secure Systems: How to Verify Reference Monitors without Worrying about Data Structure Size

The security of systems such as operating systems, hypervisors, and web browsers depend critically on reference monitors to correctly enforce their desired security policy in the presence of adversaries. Recent progress in developing reference monitors with small code size and narrow interfaces has made automated formal verification of reference monitors a more tractable goal. However, a significant remaining factor for the complexity of automated verification is the size of the data structures (e.g., access control matrices) over which the programs operate. This paper develops a parametric verification technique that scales even when reference monitors and adversaries operate over unbounded, but finite data structures. Specifically, we develop a parametric guarded command language for modeling reference monitors and adversaries. We also present a parametric temporal specification logic for expressing security policies that the monitor is expected to enforce. The central technical results of the paper are a set of small model theorems. These theorems state that in order to verify that a policy is enforced by a reference monitor with an arbitrarily large data structure, it is sufficient to model check the monitor with just one entry in its data structure. We apply our methodology to verify the designs of two hypervisors, SecVisor and the sHype mandatory-access-control extension to Xen. Our approach is able to prove that sHype and a variant of the original SecVisor design correctly enforces the expected security properties in the presence of powerful adversaries.
Control of attractivity and receptivity in female red-sided garter snakes.

Female red-sided garter snakes emerge from their hibernacula in the spring attractive and receptive to males. Attractivity is communicated by a pheromone released through the female’s skin and is a consequence of ovarian recrudescence the previous summer. Receptivity, on the other hand, is stimulated by ovarian estrogen secretion during emergence itself. Mating renders females both unattractive and unreceptive. Another “mating” pheromone of male origin is important in making females unattractive after mating. To investigate the role of cloacal stimulation in the loss of attractivity and receptivity we injected a local anesthetic (lidocaine or tetracaine) in the cloacal region of females before mating. This does not prevent mating, although it blocks neural transmission of copulatory sensory stimuli. The time course of transition from attractive and receptive states was then observed. Females treated with local anesthetic as well as control females were unattractive within 15 min of mating. However, when retested 2‐3 and 24 h after mating, a significantly higher proportion of treated females regained their attractivity, while mated control females remained unattractive. This restorative effect was transient, though, as treated females retested 48 h after mating were as unattractive as the controls. Both anesthetized and control females were unreceptive when tested following mating and did not regain receptivity with time. Last, the mating-induced surge in circulating concentrations of prostaglandin was diminished in females that received a local anesthetic prior to mating. Taken together these results indicate that the loss of attractivity and receptivity following mating in the redsided garter snake is due to combined effects of a mating pheromone and a physiological, neurally mediated response to the sensation of stimuli associated with the act of mating. © 2001 Academic Press
Viral Load as a Surrogate End Point in HIV Disease

OBJECTIVE:To examine the role of viral load as a surrogate end point for HIV disease progression and death.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search was conducted for the years 1990–March 2001. In addition, relevant articles were cross-referenced to screen for additional information.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Data regarding the validity of viral load as a surrogate end point for disease progression or death are cited. Emphasis was placed on randomized, controlled trials, but descriptive studies are also included.DATA SYNTHESIS:Recently, viral load has emerged as an important biomarker for monitoring HIV disease and antiretroviral therapy. Both baseline viral load and changes in viral load with time predict HIV disease progression and death. In fact, disease progression increases consistently once viral load exceeds 10 000 copies/mL, and AIDS and death primarily occur in patients with viral loads >100 000 copies/mL. Changes that occur in viral load after initiation of antiretroviral therapy, however, do not f...
Molecular Structure, Gating, and Regulation

Gating of ion channels is the opening response of the channel to a stimulus and its subsequent desensitization or inactivation. For nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, the stimulus is the binding of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to an extracellular domain followed by a sequence of conformational changes resulting in rapid channel opening. In most channels a persistent stimulus invokes a second gating event driving the channel into an inactive, desensitized state that may or may not contribute to the net response. A full understanding of gating requires a correlation of structural changes with the kinetics of channel opening and desensitization; an understanding of how these changes result in rapid, large changes in ion flux through the channel; and how they are terminated. In this article the current structural changes and the current understanding of nicotinic receptor channel kinetics are reviewed and correlated. The analysis necessarily draws on inferences from the larger family of ligand-gated ion channels and related proteins. The focus will be predominantly on the opening event but will also include consideration of desensitization.
Chinese medical doctors' salaries.

The recent letter by Tian, Hua and Chao [1] lamenting the low salaries of Chinese medical doctors deserves some comments. First, it is remarkable to see a letter-to-the-editor from the Second Military Medical University, which is run by the People's Liberation Army, a government organization. Such criticism of the Chinese government by another government organization would be unheard of in old China. Second, the better known specialists inChina can charge the patients if the latter request to be seen by a specific “consultant” doctor. The fees they charge can be sometimes quite exorbitant, especially if they are famous cardiovascular surgeons. Third, in the field of cardiology the foreign pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers often pay for the travel expenses of Chinese cardiologists going overseas to attend international cardiologic meetings. Unlike the United States where such practices are now forbidden, many Chinese cardiologists who otherwise would not be able to afford such international trips on their meager salaries are able to attend these international meetings in both Europe and North America [2]. Fourth, in China it is a common practice for grateful patients to give gifts to their doctors, which may range from a chicken from a farmer to aMercedes Benz automobile from awell-to-do businessman [2].
Sub-typing daily fatigue progression in chronic fatigue syndrome

BackgroundActivity logs involve patients writing down their activities and symptoms over 1 or more days.AimsThis study sought to classify daily fatigue patterns among patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) using activity logs.MethodFatigue intensity was self-reported every 30 min in a sample of 90 patients with CFS over 1 day. A cluster analysis using fatigue intensity, variability and slope was conducted.ResultsThree clusters emerged involving patients with different trajectories. One group evidenced high fatigue intensity, low variability, and fatigue intensity stayed the same over time. A second group had moderate fatigue intensity, high variability, and fatigue intensity decreased over time. A third group had moderate fatigue intensity, high variability, but fatigue intensity increased over time. The three clusters of patients differed on measures of actigraphy, pain and immune functioning.ConclusionsActivity logs can provide investigators and clinicians with valuable sources of data for underst...
Towards science in support of decision making: characterizing the supply of carbon cycle science

As concern about climate change grows, so does interest in deliberately managing the carbon cycle to reduce atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide. Given the scientific and technical nature of knowledge of the carbon cycle, one would expect that carbon science would be directly of use to society in considering this objective. However, carbon science is not currently organized or conducted in such a way that it can be usable to the wide diversity of decision makers who might potentially be involved in managing the carbon cycle. This paper reviews the science policies and actors governing the production or ‘‘supply’’ of carbon cycle science, and suggests alternatives for enabling the supply to better meet demand.
ParB spreading requires DNA bridging

The parABS system is a widely employed mechanism for plasmid partitioning and chromosome segregation in bacteria. ParB binds to parS sites on plasmids and chromosomes and associates with broad regions of adjacent DNA, a phenomenon known as spreading. Although essential for ParB function, the mechanism of spreading remains poorly understood. Using single-molecule approaches, we discovered that Bacillus subtilis ParB (Spo0J) is able to trap DNA loops. Point mutants in Spo0J that disrupt DNA bridging are defective in spreading and recruitment of structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) condensin complexes in vivo. DNA bridging helps to explain how a limited number of Spo0J molecules per parS site (~20) can spread over many kilobases and suggests a mechanism by which ParB proteins could facilitate the loading of SMC complexes. We show that DNA bridging is a property of diverse ParB homologs, suggesting broad evolutionary conservation.
Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors, Multiple and Specific Drug Use, and Needle-Sharing in Male Injection-Drug Users

The authors studied the influences of multiple and specific drug use on needle-sharing in a cohort of male injection drug users (IDUs). Subjects were 294 male IDUs, 41% of whom were HIV-positive. Subjects were given individually administered interviews using questionnaires. The authors used logistic regression analysis and found a relationship between more frequent cocaine and heroin use and needle-sharing behavior. As the total number of drugs used increased, the risk of needle-sharing with both familiar people and strangers increased. This effect of the number of drugs used was modified by family protective factors. Heroin and cocaine use, and multiple-drug use, were identified as risk factors for needle-sharing behavior among male IDUs.
Prophylactic Antiepileptic Drug Use is Associated with Poor Outcome Following ICH

Introduction Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with a risk of early seizure and guidelines recommend consideration of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for some patients, although the utility is uncertain.
Bacterioplankton community shifts in an arctic lake correlate with seasonal changes in organic matter source.

Seasonal shifts in bacterioplankton community composition in Toolik Lake, a tundra lake on the North Slope of Alaska, were related to shifts in the source (terrestrial versus phytoplankton) and lability of dissolved organic matter (DOM). A shift in community composition, measured by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rRNA genes, occurred at 4°C in near-surface waters beneath seasonal ice and snow cover in spring. This shift was associated with an annual peak in bacterial productivity ([14C]leucine incorporation) driven by the large influx of labile terrestrial DOM associated with snow meltwater. A second shift occurred after the flux of terrestrial DOM had ended in early summer as ice left the lake and as the phytoplankton community developed. Bacterioplankton communities were composed of persistent populations present throughout the year and transient populations that appeared and disappeared. Most of the transient populations could be divided into those that were advected into the lake with terrestrial DOM in spring and those that grew up from low concentrations during the development of the phytoplankton community in early summer. Sequencing of DNA in DGGE bands demonstrated that most bands represented single ribotypes and that matching bands from different samples represented identical ribotypes. Bacteria were identified as members of globally distributed freshwater phylogenetic clusters within the α- and β-Proteobacteria, the Cytophaga-Flavobacteria-Bacteroides group, and the Actinobacteria.
Advances in robust control design [extended abstract]

Summary form only given, as follows. The author overviews the exciting developments in the field of Robust Multivariable Feedback Control System Design. The philosophy behind these design methodologies is that in addition to a nominal model of the plant, the designer must have quantitative information about the inevitable modeling errors. Two classes of modeling errors occur simultaneously: (a) parameter errors in the state differential equations, with typical upper and lower bounds on the value of each parameter, and (b) unstructured model errors reflecting neglected dynamics in the sensor, actuator and plant subsystems, for which an upper bound on their worst possible size vs. frequency is available. By stability-robustness synthesis he derives a dynamic multivariable compensator that guarantees closed-loop stability for all "legal" parametric and dynamic modeling errors. By robust-performance synthesis we mean to derive a dynamic multivariable compensator that guarantees not only stability-robustness, but guaranteed command-following and disturbance-rejection performance (this is typically quantified by requiring that the maximum singular value of the sensitivity transfer function matrix of the closed-loop system is below a prespecified fequency-depended performance boundary in the frequency domain, from which one can infer RMS errors and response to worst-case sinusoidal disturbances). He overviews the modern H2 and H-infinity design methodologies, with fiequency-dependent weights, for designing the nominal compensators. We then show how one utilizes the structured singular value framework (mu-synthesis and mixed-mu synthesis) together with the H-infinity design methodology to design robustly stable compensators with robust performance guarantees for all "legal" parametric and dynamic model errors. Open questions and future research directions will also be briefly addressed.
Multiple Classifiers Based Incremental Learning Algorithm for Learning in Nonstationary Environments

We describe an incremental learning algorithm designed to learn in challenging non-stationary environments, where the underlying data distribution that governs the classification problem changes at an unknown rate. The algorithm is based on a multiple classifier system that generates a new classifier every time a new dataset becomes available from the changing environment. We consider the particularly challenging form of this problem, where we assume that the previously generated data points are no longer available, even if some of those points may still be relevant in the new environment. The algorithm employs a strategic weighting mechanism to determine the error of each classifier on the current data distribution, and then combines the classifiers using a dynamically weighted majority voting. We describe the implementation details of algorithm, and track its performance as a function of the environment's rate of change. We show that the algorithm is able to track the changing environment, even when the environment changes drastically over a short period of time.
Restorations of real defocused images using blur models based on geometrical and diffraction optics

Out-of-focus blur models that have traditionally been used in image restoration are based on geometrical optics. Continuous-focus blurs based on the principles of diffraction optics are reviewed, and their discrete representation is discussed. Restorations are carried out by using both types of blur models for defocused images blurred in a CCD (charge-coupled-device) camera with pixel resolution equal to 6.8 mu . The differences between the restorations performed by using both types of PSF (point-spread-function) models are not significant. The accuracy of the representation of the PSF generated by using diffraction optics and the resulting restoration quality are linked to the pixel resolution. >
Outside the classroom: Gender differences in extracurricular activities of engineering students

Data from the Academic Pathways Study, a component of the NSF-funded Center for the Advancement of Engineering Education, were used to investigate engineering student involvement in extracurricular activities. The study design used a variety of methods: the results presented here are from longitudinal and cross-sectional surveys of engineering students as well as interviews with graduating seniors. Quantitative data from both surveys suggest that women place higher importance on extracurricular activities than their male counterparts, as well as reporting higher participation in both engineering-related and non-engineering-related extracurricular activities. In addition, the importance of non-engineering extracurricular activities and the level of involvement of engineering-related extracurricular activities increases over four years of engineering education for women. For men, an increase with time was only observed for involvement in engineering-related activities. Results from the interviews corroborate the quantitative findings as well as suggesting some intriguing differences between genders: for example, that women may be more likely to take on leadership roles and men more likely to be involved in activities which involve design or ‘handson’ work.
Computing the small singular values of large matrices

We consider the difficult problem of computing the smallest singular values and corresponding singular vectors of large matrices, matrices of order several hundred to several thousand. We compute these quantities by computing corresponding eigenvalues and eigenvectors of related symmetric matrices. We discuss several mechanisms for accelerating the computations which may also prove useful in other types of computations. A combination singular value algorithm that makes use of two symmetric matrices associated with the singular values of the given matrix is proposed.
Application of distributed ray tracing technique (image processing)

A distributed ray tracing technique which is based on the jittering concept of adding noise to the image is discussed. An octree data structure is used to improve the efficiency of calculation. By distributing the rays in different dimensions-through the solid angle of light sources, over the lens, and in time-the effects of penumbras, depth of field, and motion blur are presented. The distributed ray tracing technique, is used to remove the aliasing error. Other effects, such as gloss and translucency, can also be produced by distributing the rays according to the specular distribution function and by distributing transmitted rays. >
The Washington University broadband terminal

The requirements of broadband asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) audio/video (A/V) transmission systems and the approach used to implement the Washington University broadband terminal (BBT) are discussed. The goal of the project was the development of a system with real-time audio and video capability that fully utilized the capability of the Washington University ATM network. The BBT transmits standard NTSC color video and audio over the local ATM network, using a novel approach. A composite analog A/V signal is digitized at three times the video color burst frequency at the transmitter; at the receiver, a unique frame buffer scheme is used to regenerate the transmitted audio and video signals. >
Staying in the closet versus coming out: Relationships between communication about sexual orientation and work attitudes.

The threat of job discrimination causes many gay men and lesbians to keep their sexual orientation secret at work. This study investigates the relationships between extent of communication about sexual orientation and critical work attitudes. We hypothesize that “closeted” gay workers will experience more negative work attitudes than will either “openly” gay or heterosexual workers. The sample consisted of 900 lesbian, gay, and heterosexual workers identified from the mailing list of a civil rights group focused on homosexual rights. The hypothesis is supported for affective organizational commitment, job satisfaction, belief in support of top management, role ambiguity, role conflict, and conflict between work and home issues, but not for continuance commitment. Although causal relationships are not specified, we conclude that work attitude levels of gay and lesbian workers are predicted in part by the amount of communication about their sexual orientation in which these workers engage.
Improving human-in-the-loop decision making in multi-mode driver assistance systems using hidden mode stochastic hybrid systems

Existing commercial driver assistance systems, including automatic braking systems and lane-keeping systems, may monitor the state of the vehicle or the environment to determine whether the systems should intervene. However, the state of the human driver is not typically included in the decision making process. In this paper, we propose to use hidden mode stochastic hybrid systems to model the interaction between the human driver and the vehicle. We show that by monitoring the human behavior as well as the vehicle state, we can infer the human state and enhance the quality of decision making in a driver assistance system. The resulting control policy is obtained by solving an optimal planning problem of the proposed hidden mode hybrid system. The policy can automatically balance the decision making about when to give warning to the driver and when to actually intervene in the control of the vehicle.
Shall We Sing - Shall We Sing Religious Music in Public Schools

This paper discusses the constitutional arguments surrounding the controversy of singing religious music in public schools in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Bauchman v. West High School
Giant Ferromagnetic Hall Coefficient in La0.5Ca0.5CoO3

We report the studies of the Hall effect and magnetic properties in La0.5Ca0.5CoO3 thin films and ceramics. We use the local Hall probe and SQUID magnetometers to measure the magnetization M of the samples. Both below and above the Curie temperature, the Hall resistivity ρxy(H) is shown to be proportional to M(H) (H is the applied magnetic field). Thus, our results provide convincing evidence for the anomalous Hall effect in these cobaltites. The value of the anomalous Hall coefficient Rs in La0.5Ca0.5CoO3 significantly exceeds those of other known single-phase ferromagnetic metals. We suggest that the coexistence of high- and low-spin configurations in the perovskite cobaltites, which gives rise to magnetic percolation behavior in La1-χCaχCoO3,may be responsible for the giant Rs.
Ultrasonic scattering measurement of air void size distribution in hardened concrete samples

Abstract The size distribution of air voids in concrete has significant impacts on freeze-thaw damage. This study presented a non-destructive ultrasonic scattering technique to determine the air void size distribution in hardened concrete samples. The ultrasonic scattering theory was applied to calculate the theoretical attenuation of concrete by including the effects of the viscoelastic matrix and different sizes of air voids and aggregates. The air void size distribution was determined by using an inverse analysis to minimize the difference between theoretical and experimental attenuation of concrete. The logarithm normal distribution for large-size air voids and normal distribution for small-size air voids were selected to better represent the air void size distribution in concrete. Both the large-size range and small-size air void distributions were obtained with ultrasonic scattering techniques for hardened concrete specimens. These results were favorably compared with the petrography-based ASTM C 457 method. The comparisons indicated that the developed ultrasonic scattering technique can measure the size distribution of air voids in concrete for the evaluation of freeze-thaw durability.
K-Ar Age Constraints on the Origin of Micaceous Minerals in Savannah River Site Soils, South Carolina, USA

K-Ar measurements were used in this study of upland Savannah River Site soils to distinguish between sorbed K and the K remaining in remnants of primary minerals. Study of sorbed K contributes to understanding further the interaction of alkali metals (Cs in particular) with the soils. Primary mineral K and the associated radiogenic Ar were studied to characterize soil mica with respect to its provenance and its relationship to hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite. K-Ar age values of Na-saturated clay fractions from five samples of these soils range in age from 270 to 370 Ma. After a moderate acid treatment (6% HNO3 v/v, ~1 mol dm-3, 3 h, 80°C) of the clay fractions, K-Ar age values (270-325 Ma) were little changed on the whole, but they were more closely grouped near 300 Ma. Earlier work had shown that most of the K in these soils is found in material resistant to moderate acid extraction. The K-Ar age values show that this acid-resistant material is much older than any pedogenic minerals could be, even much older than the sedimentary parent rocks from which the soils were derived. These observations support earlier inferences by others that the K in these well leached soils is largely in remnants of primary muscovite from the parent sediments. Age values near 300 Ma suggest that the muscovite is largely from proximal Piedmont terranes of the Appalachian orogen, where the K-Ar relationship in most micas was set by Alleghanian tectonic processes late in the Paleozoic Era. The structural location of the K within mica, shown by the retention of the associated radiogenic Ar, is in contrast to the sorption-dominated behavior of the Cs and most of the Rb in these soils during pedogenesis. Stronger acid treatment (~6 mol dm-3 HNO3, 3 h, 100°C) extracted substantial fractions of both the K and the radiogenic Ar from bulk-soil portions, indicating destruction of some of the primary mica. K-Ar age values for the sand-rich bulk soils were not useful for this study because the sand contains excess radiogenic Ar, probably in sand-sized vein quartz.
At your service: The meanings and practices of contemporary bartenders:

Focusing on the differences between the devices and dispositions of cocktail and neighborhood bartenders, this article examines how service industry jobs become cultural intermediaries. Unlike othe...
β-Tricalcium Phosphate Coating on Alumina Ceramic

A bioactive β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) coating onto alumina ceramic was studied. It is shown that the β-TCP adhered to the surface of an alumina ceramic by the use of anorthite, which was formed by a thermal treatment of a mixture of β-TCP, alumina and silica, as an intermediate layer.
Multi-Task Feature Interaction Learning

One major limitation of linear models is the lack of capability to capture predictive information from interactions between features. While introducing high-order feature interaction terms can overcome this limitation, this approach tremendously increases the model complexity and imposes significant challenges in the learning against overfitting. In this paper, we proposed a novel Multi-Task feature Interaction Learning~(MTIL) framework to exploit the task relatedness from high-order feature interactions, which provides better generalization performance by inductive transfer among tasks via shared representations of feature interactions. We formulate two concrete approaches under this framework and provide efficient algorithms: the shared interaction approach and the embedded interaction approach. The former assumes tasks share the same set of interactions, and the latter assumes feature interactions from multiple tasks come from a shared subspace. We have provided efficient algorithms for solving the two approaches. Extensive empirical studies on both synthetic and real datasets have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
The relationship between accelerated pulmonary maturity and accelerated neurological maturity in certain chronically stressed pregnancies

Two studies were done. In the first, 51 infants from high-risk pregnancies were evaluated for accelerated clinical neurological maturation. Eight infants had accelerated neurological maturation 3 or more weeks in excess of gestational age. In the second study, a sample of 25 infants with documented acceleration of pulmonary surfactant (lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio ⋝ 2 at gestational age ⋜ 32 weeks) all infants showed accelerated neurological maturation (range 3 to 8 weeks) with the conditions studied associated with accelerated pulmonary maturation (for instance, retroplacental bleeding, prolonged rupture of membranes, placental infarction, severe toxemia, hypertensive disease, circumvallation, and amnionitis). Chronic retroplacental bleeding was associated with the most dramatic pulmonary and neurological accelerations.
Mechanisms of Recurrent Chromosomal Translocations

Chromosomal translocations frequently involve fusion of the ends of two separate DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) at distinct genomic locations. Recurrent chromosomal translocations are found in various cancers. Recently developed high-throughput approaches to clone genome-wide translocations that involve site-specific DSBs have provided new insights into mechanisms of chromosomal translocations. Such studies confirmed that, beyond cellular selection forces, basic mechanistic factors, including DSB frequency and persistence, as well as aspects of three dimensional genome organization, can contribute to recurrent translocations in a cell population. This review discusses our current view of the contribution of such mechanistic factors to recurrent chromosomal translocations.
NetBricks: taking the V out of NFV

The move from hardware middleboxes to software network functions, as advocated by NFV, has proven more challenging than expected. Developing new NFs remains a tedious process, requiring that developers repeatedly rediscover and reapply the same set of optimizations, while current techniques for providing isolation between NFs (using VMs or containers) incur high performance overheads. In this paper we describe NetBricks, a new NFV framework that tackles both these problems. For building NFs we take inspiration from modern data analytics frameworks (e.g., Spark and Dryad) and build a small set of customizable network processing elements. We also embrace type checking and safe runtimes to provide isolation in software, rather than rely on hardware isolation. NetBricks provides the same memory isolation as containers and VMs, without incurring the same performance penalties. To improve I/O efficiency, we introduce a novel technique called zero-copy software isolation.
Loss of natural killer T cells promotes pancreatic cancer in LSL‐KrasG12D/+ mice

The role of the unique T-cell population, natural killer T (NKT) cells, which have similar functions to NK cells in pancreatic cancer (PC), is not yet evaluated. To address the regulatory roles of NKT cells on tumour progression through tumour-associated macrophages (TAM) and their production of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in (Kras)-driven pancreatic tumour (KPT) progression, we crossed CD1d-/- mice deficient in both invariant and variant NKT cells with the KrasG12D mice. Loss of NKT cells significantly increased pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions and also increased 5-LOX and mPGES-1 expression in M2-type macrophages and cancer stem-like cells in pancreatic tumours. Pharmacological inhibition of mPGES-1 and 5-LOX in M2 macrophages with specific inhibitor YS-121 in KPT-CD1d-/- mice decreased PanIN lesions and suppressed tumour growth in association with elevated levels of active CD8a cells. Hence, NKT cells regulate PC by modulating TAMs (M2) through mPGES-1 and 5-LOX; and the absence of NKT cells leads to aggressive development of PC.
A decomposition based hybrid heuristic algorithm for the joint passenger and freight train scheduling problem

Abstract We study the joint problem of scheduling passenger and freight trains for complex railway networks, where the objective is to minimize the tardiness of passenger trains at station stops and the delay of freight trains. We model the problem as a mixed integer program and propose a two-step decomposition heuristic to solve the problem. The heuristic first vertically decomposes the train schedules into a passenger train scheduling phase and then a freight train scheduling phase. In the freight train scheduling phase, we use a train-based decomposition to iteratively schedule each freight train. Experimental results show the efficiency and quality of the proposed heuristic algorithm on real world size problems.
The MG II Line of Nova Puppis 1991 on Day 150

While line strengths are integrated measures of line formation over geometry and kinematics, high resolution line profiles encode the density and ionization structure of a shell in their shapes. The extent at which fitting of line profiles can be used in conjunction with photoionization models to disclose the spatial structure of a shell is the subject of an ongoing investigation.
How we read pediatric PET/CT: indications and strategies for image acquisition, interpretation and reporting

PET/CT plays an important role in the diagnosis, staging and management of many pediatric malignancies. The techniques for performing PET/CT examinations in children have evolved, with increasing attention focused on reducing patient exposure to ionizing radiation dose whenever possible and minimizing scan duration and sedation times, with a goal toward optimizing the overall patient experience. This review outlines our approach to performing PET/CT, including a discussion of the indications for a PET/CT exam, approaches for optimizing the exam protocol, and a review of different approaches for acquiring the CT portion of the PET/CT exam. Strategies for PACS integration, image display, interpretation and reporting are also provided. Most practices will develop a strategy for performing PET/CT that best meets their respective needs. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview for radiologists who are new to pediatric PET/CT, and also to provide experienced PET/CT practitioners with an update on state-of-the art CT techniques that we have incorporated into our protocols and that have enabled us to make considerable improvements to our PET/CT practice.
Integrating text planning and production in generation

While the task of language generation seems to separate quite naturally into the two aspects of language generation (text planning and text production), it is necessary to have the planning and the production interact at generator decision points in such a way that the former need not contain explicit syntactic knowledge, and that the latter need not contain explicit goal-related information. This paper describes the decision points, the types of plans that are used in making the decisions, and a process that performs the task. These ideas are embodied in a program.
Ethical Practices and Parental Participation in Rural Special Education

The field of special education has a historical precedent for establishing ethical practices for professionals. These practices have evolved through legal mandates, scientific inquiry, professional...
An elderly patient presenting with a primary spinal multifocal intradural extramedullary pilocytic astrocytoma: a case report and review of the literature

Pilocytic astrocytoma is a low-grade central nervous system tumor most commonly seen in children. Dissemination from a primary intracranial tumor along the neuroaxis has been described at both presentation and disease progression. However, the development of an intradural extramedullary pilocytic astrocytoma independent of a primary intraparenchymal tumor in an adult patient with no history of pilocytic astrocytoma has rarely been reported. A 69-year-old woman presented with progressive myelopathic symptoms and thoracic radicular pain. MRI imaging of the whole spine showed an enhancing intradural extramedullary lesion extending from the cervical cord to T11 causing cord compression. Laminectomies were performed for surgical decompression and histopathology was consistent with pilocytic astrocytoma. Complete staging was done that included imaging of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid cytology. No other tumor was found by these methods. Postoperatively the patient was treated with large field spinal radiation and concurrent chemotherapy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. She has thus far been clinically and radiographically stable. This is a rare case of an adult with multiple spinal pilocytic astrocytomas in an intradural extramedullary location, typically the result of cerebrospinal fluid dissemination of neoplastic cells from a primary intracranial tumor site (i.e. drop metastasis). No conventional primary tumor was identified in this patient, suggesting these tumors may arise from heterotopic gliomas.
Isoscalar giant resonances in Ca 48

The giant resonance region from 9.5 MeV ${E}_{x}$ 40 MeV in $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$ has been studied with inelastic scattering of 240-MeV $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles at small angles, including 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. ${95}_{\ensuremath{-}15}^{+11}$% of $E$0 energy-weighted sum rule (EWSR), ${83}_{\ensuremath{-}16}^{+10}%$ of $E$2 EWSR, and 137 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 20% of $E$1 EWSR were located below ${E}_{x}=40$ MeV. A comparison of the experimental data with calculated results for the isoscalar giant monopole resonance, obtained within the mean-field-based random-phase approximation, is also given.
Annular Slot Biomedical Antenna for Combined Microwave Heating and Infrared Thermography of the Tissue

A previously introduced annular slot antenna (ASA), utilized for combined microwave heating and radiometry for blood perfusion measurement of tissues, is modified to replace microwave radiometry with infrared thermography. Infrared (IR) thermography is a more convenient and cost effective alternative to microwave radiometry for skin/superficial and small animal (such as mice and rat) applications. An area with removed metallization is introduced around the central axis of the circular shape ASA, used for heating at 2.4 GHz. The S 11 resonance frequency and/or depth change with the size of this area. Moreover, a hole at the middle of this area, made across the antenna, from top to bottom, allows the infrared beam to reach the skin. Simulations and measurement show that the presence of this hole has minimal impact on the performance of the ASA in terms of S 11 and specific absorption rate (SAR) profile. In addition, the preliminary result of an IR camera captured images for a heating episode (2 W, at 2.45 GHz), conducted on a tissue phantom, is reported. Temperature rise of 5.7°C after 1 minute is observed at the center of the hole.
Comparison of Adhesion of Gutta Percha/AH Plus® and Resilon/Epiphany® SE™ After a Final Rinse with Different Concentrations of Ethanol

COMPARISON OF ADHESION OF GUTTA PERCHA/AH PLUS® AND RESILON/EPIPHANY® SETM AFTER A FINAL RINSE WITH DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS OF ETHANOL By Suren Paravyan MD, DMD A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Director: Karan J. Replogle, DDS, MS Department Chair, Department of Endodontics The purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of final rinse of ethanol on bond strength in teeth obturated with Gutta Percha (GP)/AH Plus or Resilon/EpiphanySE. Thirty-two extracted human anterior teeth were shaped to size 30, 0.06 taper and subjected to an identical irrigation protocol. Specimens were randomly divided into eight groups according to final irrigating solution (saline, 70%, 95%, 100% ethanol) and obturation material. Two millimeter thick slices were obtained by sectioning each obturated root. Bond strength was determined using micropush-out assay. Data was analyzed using Student’s t-test. Obturation with GP/AH Plus formed a statistically significant stronger bond than Resilon/EpiphanySE. A final rinse with ethanol (irrespective of ethanol concentration) did not enhance push-out bond strength with GP/AH Plus. Push-out bond strength of Resilon/EpiphanySE decreases with increased ethanol concentration with Resilon/EpiphanySE. Among Resilon/EpiphanySE groups, 70% ethanol resulted in strongest bond strength.