cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social contributions to the foraging behavior of young wild golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia): Age‐related changes and partner preferences

In cooperatively breeding species, group members other than the parents contribute to the care of the young. The costs and benefits to caregiving may vary with the type of care provided and with caregiver characteristics such as age, sex, reproductive status, and foraging ability. Here I examine the relative contributions of parents, helpers and same-aged twins to the foraging and feeding activities of the young in a longitudinal study of wild golden lion tamarins, specifically with regard to direct food transfer, tolerance for coforaging or cofeeding by immatures and signaling young as to the location of profitable prey-foraging sites. I found that the type of food-related assistance varied as a function of the age of the immature and among group members. Rates of food transfer steadily declined as immatures aged, while coforaging rates peaked when juveniles were in the middle age group. Mothers and fathers were the most generous in terms of providing food to begging young. Mothers most often directed juveniles to productive foraging sites, and female helpers never did. Older siblings did not vary caregiving effort according to sex or age. Adult and subadult foraging ability was not a strong predictor of the rates at which prey was given to the young or the rates at which caregivers tolerated coforaging by immatures on plant and prey resources. Thus, foraging ability did not appreciably influence generosity to or tolerance of the young.
Bedding-generated particulate matter: implications for rodent studies.

Objectives: Rodents used in scientific research are typically housed in cages containing natural bedding materials. Despite extensive evidence of biological harm from inhaled particulate matter (PM...
A quasi-conformal mapping-based data augmentation technique for brain tumor segmentation

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have been widely used in the medical imaging field. The large and high quality dataset is crucial for the performance of the deep learning models, but the medical data and ground-truth is often insufficient and very expensive in terms of time and human effort on the data collection. However, we can improve the performance of the deep learning model by augmenting the data we already have. In this work, we introduce a novel differential geometry-based quasi conformal (QC) mapping augmentation technique to augment the brain tumor images. The QC method lets the user specify or randomly generate a complex-valued function on the image domain via Beltrami coefficient. By solving the Beltrami equation with given Beltrami coefficient, the QC map, which can further guide the deformation of the image, is able to generate all possible linear and non-linear image warpings and it is flexible to allow the user to fully control the global and local deformations. Our experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and efficacy of the proposed method.
Beyond sectarianism: Intermarriage and social difference in Lebanon

Based on interviews with Lebanese in over 150 mixed-religion marriages and their extended family members, I argue that sect may conceal or stand in for other forms of difference, including ideas about status and hierarchy related to class and regional origin in Lebanon. Because it is the most readily available discourse for understanding social difference, parents often use sectarian rhetoric to describe their concerns about a variety of problems they see in their children's chosen partners. By listening between the lines of parental objections, I suggest that expressions of bias against people of other sects may mask concerns with other forms of social difference, in effect reducing a complex and shifting social field of multiple axes of difference into sect. Rather than assume sectarianism's a priori importance, this approach allows me to bring other discourses of difference and analytic lenses to the foreground.
Evaluating human trafficking service programs: What can be learned from domestic violence service program evaluations

Evaluations of human trafficking service programs are necessary to determine if they are effective and to document how they are working. Yet, human trafficking programs have only recently begun to ...
Autoantibodies Blocking M3 Muscarinic Receptors Cause Postganglionic Cholinergic Dysautonomia.

A 10-year-old girl presented with ileus, urinary retention, dry mouth, lack of tears, fixed dilated pupils, and diffuse anhidrosis 7 days after a febrile illness. We hypothesized that her syndrome was due to autoimmunity against muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, blocking their activation. Using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for all 5 muscarinic receptors (M1 -M5 ), we identified in the patient's serum antibodies that selectively bound to M3 receptors. In vitro functional studies confirmed that these autoantibodies selectively blocked M3 receptor activation. Thus, autoantibodies against M3 acetylcholine receptors cause acute postganglionic cholinergic dysautonomia. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:1237-1243.
Equation of motion coupled-cluster cumulant approach for intrinsic losses in x-ray spectra.

We present a combined equation of motion coupled-cluster cumulant Green’s function approach for calculating and understanding intrinsic inelastic losses in core level x-ray absorption spectra (XAS) and x-ray photoemission spectra. The method is based on a factorization of the transition amplitude in the time domain, which leads to a convolution of an effective one-body absorption spectrum and the core-hole spectral function. The spectral function characterizes intrinsic losses in terms of shake-up excitations and satellites using a cumulant representation of the core-hole Green’s function that simplifies the interpretation. The one-body spectrum also includes orthogonality corrections that enhance the XAS at the edge.
Aspirin Use Is Associated with a Reduced Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with a growing incidence and poor prognosis. While some recent studies suggest an inverse association between aspirin use and reduced HCC incidence, other data are conflicting. To date, the precise magnitude of risk reduction-and whether there are dose-dependent and duration-dependent associations-remains unclear. To provide an updated and comprehensive assessment of the association between aspirin use and incident HCC risk, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all observational studies published through September 2020. Using random-effects meta-analysis, we calculated the pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between aspirin use and incident HCC risk. Where data were available, we evaluated HCC risk according to the defined daily dose of aspirin use. Among 2,389,019 participants, and 20,479 cases of incident HCC, aspirin use was associated with significantly lower HCC risk (adjusted RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51-0.73; P ≤ 0.001; I2 = 90.4%). In subgroup analyses, the magnitude of benefit associated with aspirin was significantly stronger in studies that adjusted for concurrent statin and/or metformin use (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.64) versus those that did not (P heterogeneity = 0.02), studies that accounted for cirrhosis (RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.45-0.52) versus those that did not (P heterogeneity = 0.02), and studies that confirmed HCC through imaging/biopsy (RR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.15-0.58) compared with billing codes (P heterogeneity < 0.001). In four studies, each defined daily dose was associated with significantly lower HCC risk (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.98), corresponding to an 8.4% risk reduction per year of aspirin use. Conclusion: In this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, aspirin use was associated with a significant reduction in HCC risk. These benefits appeared to increase with increasing dose and duration of aspirin use.
Assessing empirical research in managerial accounting: a value-based management perspective

This paper applies a value-based management framework to critically review empirical research in managerial accounting. This framework enables us to place the exceptionally diverse set of managerial accounting studies from the past several decades into an integrated structure. Our synthesis highlights the many consistent results in prior research, identifies remaining gaps and inconsistencies, discusses common methodological and econometric problems, and suggests fruitful avenues for future managerial accounting research.
Evaluating sub-Saharan Africa’s electrification progress: Guiding principles for pro-poor strategies

Abstract Energy access rates improved significantly in developing nations in the past decade. However, sub-Saharan Africa still remains with the highest percentage of its population in energy poverty. The diversity of technologies and business models available today offer promise to expanding access for the region. Nonetheless, past energy related inequities point to the key role institutional norms and planning standards play in shaping the consequences of electrification efforts beyond the technologies or the business models employed. For the sub-Saharan Africa region, where country budgets are limited, multilateral organizations and their financial resources remain the critical institutions that set the standards that guide the region’s electrification efforts. Through a socio-legal research methodology, the paper applies the energy justice concept as an analytical lens to assess the existing standards and frameworks in the region’s energy access planning and decision-making processes. Using energy sector project finance appraisal documents as case studies, we reveal the equity limitations and gaps in the status quo process. The study finds that, although the presence of development finance institutions plays a role in advancing energy access for all, the standards that guide their actions can perpetuate planning processes that generate inequitable outcomes on people and their capabilities. The study provides guiding principles for a just and informed standard for energy access planning.
Medicare for All vs. Medicare As Is: Eight Key Differences

This article examines eight principal differences between the Medicare-for-All proposal championed by Senator Sanders, inter alia, and the Medicare program as it actually exists. In doing so, the article shows how the current program bears little resemblance to what the Medicare-for-All proponents are trying to enact. Those key differences include: (1) Medicare is a real program, (2) Medicare is only health care financing, (3) Medicare is an earned entitlement, (4) Medicare is not a simple program, (5) Medicare has a significant co-insurance component, (6) Medicare’s financing relies on non-Medicare enrollees, (7) Medicare’s coverage of long-term care is minimal, and (8) Medicare can accommodate expansion without major disruption. The article concludes that the differences between Medicare as it is and Medicare-for-All are too significant to elide and may make the effort to enact Medicare-for All less likely to succeed.
Case report: a 5-year-old with new onset nephrotic syndrome in the setting of COVID-19 infection.

Background This is a case report of an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with new-onset nephrotic syndrome in a pediatric patient. This is the third case of new-onset nephrotic syndrome in children associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, but is the first case report describing a new-onset nephrotic syndrome presentation in a patient who had asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. Case presentation This is a case of a previously healthy 5 year old female who presented with new-onset nephrotic syndrome in the setting of an asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. She presented with progressive edema, and laboratory findings were significant for proteinuria and hypercholesterolemia. She was treated with albumin, diuretics, and corticosteroid therapy, and achieved clinical remission of her nephrotic syndrome within 3 weeks of treatment. Though she was at risk of hypercoagulability due to her COVID-19 infection and nephrotic syndrome, she was not treated with anticoagulation, and did not develop any thrombotic events. Conclusions Our case report indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection could be a trigger for nephrotic syndrome, even in the absence of overt COVID-19 symptoms.
Searching for Sustainability: Interdisciplinary Essays in the Philosophy of Conservation Biology

General introduction: an interdisciplinary experiment. Part I. Pragmatism as an Environmental Philosophy: 1. The constancy of Leopold's land ethic 2. Thoreau and Leopold on science and values 3. Integration or reduction: two approaches to environmental values 4. Convergence corroborated: a comment on Arne Naess on wolf policies 5. Pragmatism, adaptive management, and sustainability Part II. Science, Policy, and Policy Science: 6. What is a conservation biologist? 7. Biological resources and endangered species: history, values, and policy 8. Leopold as practical moralist and pragmatic policy analyst 9. Improving ecological communication Part III. Economics and Environmental Sustainability: 10. Sustainability, human welfare, and ecosystem health 11. Economists' preferences and the preferences of economists 12. Evaluating ecosystem states: two competing paradigms 13. The evolution of preferences: Why 'sovereign' preferences may not lead to sustainable policies and what to do about it 14. Sustainability: ecological and economic perspectives Part IV. Scaling Sustainability: Ecology as if Humans Mattered: 15. Context and hierarchy in Aldo Leopold's theory of environmental management 16. Scale and biodiversity: a hierarchical approach 17. Ecological integrity and social values: at what scale 18. Change, constancy, and creativity: the new ecology and some old problems 19. Democracy and sense of place values Part V. Some Elements of a Philosophy of Sustainable Living: 20. Caring for nature: a broader look at animal stewardship 21. Can there be a universal earth ethic? Reflections on the earth charter 22. Intergenerational equity and sustainability Part VI. Valuing Sustainability: Toward a More Comprehensive Approach to Environmental Evaluation: 23. Commodity, amenity, and morality: the limits of quantification in valuing biodiversity 24. The cultural approach to conservation biology 25. Evaluation and ecosystem management: new directions needed? 26. What do we owe the future? An argument for introducing wolves into Adirondack Park 27. Environmental values and adaptive management.
Subcellular distribution of superoxide dismutases in rat liver.

Publisher Summary Investigation of the distribution of superoxide dismutases (SOD) among various cells and tissues has inevitably led to probing the intracellular location of these enzymes. Eukaryotic cells contain two superoxide dismutases, which have no apparent biochemical similarities except their abilities to catalyze the dismutation of superoxide anion. The manganese-containing enzyme (Mn-SOD) appears to be exclusively located in the soluble matrix of the mitochondria, whereas the copper, zinc-containing enzyme (Cu, Zn-SOD) is primarily located in the cytosol. The problems encountered in subcellular fractionation are not new to cell biology and still pose a major hurdle in practical experimental procedures. Differential centrifugation has been the classic approach to subcellular fractionation, but this procedure is not adequate in resolving certain organelles, such as mitochondria, peroxisomes, and lysosomes. Isopycnic gradient centrifugation has been combined with differential centrifugation to successfully resolve certain organelles. A variety of these methods are used for fractionating rat liver cells to distinguish lysosomal and mitochondrial superoxide dismutases.
Enhancing Context-Aware Applications Accuracy with Position Discovery

Detecting user context with high accuracy using smartphone sensors is a difficult task. A key challenge is dealing with the impact of different smartphone positions on sensor values. Users carry their smartphones in different positions such as holding in their hand or keeping inside their pants or jacket pocket, and each of these smartphone positions affects various sensor values in different ways. This paper addresses the issue of poor accuracy in detecting user context due to varying smartphone positions. It describes the design and prototype development of a smartphone position discovery service that accurately detects a smartphone position, and then demonstrates that the accuracy of an existing context aware application is significantly enhanced when run in conjunction with this proposed smartphone position discovery service.
Improving Drug Sensitivity Prediction Using Different Types of Data

The algorithms and models used to address the two subchallenges that are part of the NCI-DREAM (Dialogue for Reverse Engineering Assessments and Methods) Drug Sensitivity Prediction Challenge (2012) are presented. In subchallenge 1, a bidirectional search algorithm is introduced and optimized using an ensemble scheme and a nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) is then applied to predict the effects of the drug compounds on breast cancer cell lines. In subchallenge 2, a weighted Euclidean distance method is introduced to predict and rank the drug combinations from the most to the least effective in reducing the viability of a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell line.
Detection and Isolation of Plant Failures in Dynamic Systems

This paper presents a method of distinguishign between actuator failures and changes in the system dynamics. The method is based upon exploitation of the system input. In particular, a class of control laws are derived that when used with conventional estimators/observers, enable isolation of actuator calibration changes from shifts in the plant dynamics. It is assumed that any calibration change or shift in the plant dynamics is detected by some form of detection scheme (e.g., a Beard-Jones Detection Filter). This paper demonstrates the subsequent procedure for distinguishing between these two events. Theorems are presented for the existence and characterization of these special inputs, referred to as designed inputs. Other issues, such as operator freedom and robustness to system noise and errors, are analyzed and discussed. To illustrate this method, an example is presented involving failures in an automobile having 4-wheel electronically controlled steering. For this example, a designed input is constructed to isolate rear wheel actuator failures from changes in the tire cornering force parameter.
Recent trend in industry and expectation to DA research

In 1970s and early 1980s, functional verification in semiconductor design mean gate level logic simulation. Equivalence check between logic circuits and layout design had been done with human eyes and colored pencils. Layout rule checkers helped to point out layout errors, ex. spacing rule errors.
Helicon waves in uniform plasmas. II. High m numbers

Helicons are whistler modes with azimuthal wave numbers. They have been studied in solids and plasmas where boundaries play a role. The present work shows that very similar modes exist in unbounded gaseous plasmas. Instead of boundaries, the antenna properties determine the topology of the wave packets. The simplest antenna is a magnetic loop which excites m = 0 or m = 1 helicons depending on whether the dipole moment is aligned parallel or perpendicular to the ambient background magnetic field B0. While these low order helicons have been described by J. M. Urrutia and R. L. Stenzel [“Helicon modes in uniform plasmas. I. Low m modes,” Phys. Plasmas 22, 092111 (2015)], the present work focuses on high order modes up to m = 8. These are excited by antenna arrays forming magnetic multipoles. Their wave magnetic field has been measured in space and time in a large and uniform laboratory plasma free of boundary effects. The observed wave topology exhibits m pairs of unique field line spirals which may have ins...
Metabolic effects of added dietary sucrose in individuals with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Abstract This study addresses the metabolic effects of sucrose in the diets of 11 individuals with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Each of two dietary periods were 15 days in length, and contained 50% of the calories as carbohydrate, 30% as fat, and 20% as protein. The only variable between the two periods was the percentage of total calories as sucrose, 16% v 1%. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for plasma glucose and insulin as well as total plasma VLDL-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. In addition, postprandial blood samples were obtained for the measurement of plasma glucose, insulin and triglyceride concentrations. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and day-long insulin concentrations were similar between the two diets. However, the addition of sucrose in amounts comparable to those typically consumed by the general population resulted in significantly elevated day-long glucose (P
Successful Treatment of Coccidioidal Meningitis with Voriconazole

A previously healthy 47-year-old man with coccidioidal meningitis had fluconazole treatment failure and developed severe symptoms, multiple cranial nerve palsies, and brain-stem inflammation visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). High-dose voriconazole therapy resulted in gradual resolution of almost all signs and symptoms, normalization of cerebrospinal fluid, and clearing of brain-stem edema seen on MRI. The patient had photosensitivity after 10 weeks of treatment, but this improved when the voriconazole dose was lowered. Continuous voriconazole therapy kept coccidioidal meningitis in complete remission in this patient for >2 years.
The Han-Eberhart-Phillips model and integrated flow modeling

An integrated flow model combines the capabilities of a traditional flow simulator with a petrophysical algorithm (Fanchi, 2000a,b; Fanchi and Batzle, 2000). The petrophysical algorithm computes seismic attributes in a forward modeling procedure that is tightly coupled to output from the traditional flow simulator. The integrated flow model ensures consistency of data between the calculation of fluid flow and seismic attributes. Seismic attributes from forward modeling are used to understand changes in seismic variables as a function of time, such as time-lapse (4D) seismology. The emergence of 4D seismology as a high-resolution, dynamic reservoir imaging technology has expanded the role of seismic analysis to include estimation of fluid types, flow patterns, and rock properties over the extent of the reservoir (Jack, 1998; Fanchi et al., 1999; Pagano et al., 2000).
A Lotus 1-2-3-based system for recording and maintaining body weight of laboratory animals

Body-weight maintenance is required in a variety of behavioral and physiological studies. A PC-based animal-weighing system is described; it features automated data collection and allows for accurate control of body weight in test animals via manipulation of food intake. Major system components are a PC XT-compatible computer, Lotus 1-2-3 and National Instruments Measure software, and a digital electronic balance. The system is controlled by Lotus macros, which present menus to the user. Menus provide for the basic operations of the system, including establishing new data files, collecting weight data, printing, and transferring files to a laboratory minicomputer. The optional weight-maintenance algorithm calculates the amount of food necessary to maintain target body weights. Some important aspects of this algorithm, including maintenance-feeding and gain parameters, can be manipulated to reduce weight oscillation in test animals or to accommodate the maintenance of body weight of different animal species. The system facilitates acquisition and recording of weight data, minimizes the frequency of error, and reduces variability both within and across animals when body-weight maintenance is required.
Interpreting indicators of iron status during an acute phase response – lessons from malaria and human immunodeficiency virus:

Iron status is influenced by inflammation when the normal control of iron metabolism is reorganized by the primary mediators of the acute phase response, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1. The objective of this review is to show how indices of iron status, particularly haemoglobin, serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor concentrations relate to changes in the acute phase proteins during inflammation. The pattern of acute phase response after elective surgery, not preceded by infection, is used to demonstrate the time course of stimulation of the acute phase proteins. The changes in the concentrations of serum acute phase protein and markers of iron status during treatment for infection are used to demonstrate inter-relationships between the indicators. In many developing countries, asymptomatic malaria and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are common and may affect the interpretation of iron indicators during population assessments. Malaria produces an acute phase response and relationships between acute phase protein and indices of iron status indicate an influence of inflammation in both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria, except when the parasitaemia is less than 1000/microL of blood when ferritin appears to be unaffected. HIV-1 impacts on haemopoiesis and anaemia. Anaemia increases in severity as the disease progresses and it is often a negative prognostic indicator. However, in individuals infected with HIV there may be an atypical acute phase response in the absence of opportunistic infections. Tentative conclusions are drawn concerning the inter-relationships between ferritin and the acute phase proteins, C-reactive protein and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein during an acute phase response.
Mechanical recanalization of acute carotid terminus occlusion from traumatic arterial dissection

In the setting of an acute stroke caused by arterial dissection, navigating a microcatheter and microguidewire past the dissected artery to gain access to the distal thromboembolic lesion may exacerbate the underlying pathology. We review a case report whereby successful recanalization of an acute carotid terminus occlusion due to intimal-media dissection in the cervical carotid artery emphasizing the importance of aggressive proximal guide catheter aspiration in conjunction with flow arrest from the carotid bulb proximal to the dissection. We discuss the strengths and limitations of this approach and underscore the importance of a pathology-based approach to acute stroke therapy.
A statistical test for demonstrating a presynaptic site of action for a modulator of synaptic amplitude

A statistical technique for demonstrating a presynaptic site of action for a modulator of synaptic amplitude was developed and tested. It requires that multiple measurements of peak synaptic amplitude be made under control and test conditions. The ratio of the coefficients of variation (CV) obtained under test and control conditions is calculated. A method was developed for determining the confidence interval for the CV ratio (CVR) statistic based on the null hypothesis that the synaptic modulation is purely postsynaptic. If the measured CVR falls outside the confidence interval, this implies that the modulator of synaptic amplitude is, at least in part, acting at a presynaptic site. The effectiveness of the technique and its limitations were investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. It was found to be sensitive and reliable under a variety of realistic recording conditions. The test was effective even in the presence of simulated presynaptic rundown of the synaptic response. Conventional deconvolution analysis was also applied to the Monte Carlo simulations and was found to be an inadequate indicator of the site of synaptic modulation when the discrete amplitude components were not well resolved. The CVR technique was applied to excitatory postsynaptic currents (epsc) recorded between pairs of cultured hippocampal neurones in control and test media containing 1 mM Ca2+ and 2 mM Ca2+, respectively. Test conditions increased the average synaptic amplitude, and the statistical analysis indicated that this modulation was produced by an action at a presynaptic site.
Prevention of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation using electrical current.

A technique for the prevention of staphylococcal adhesion by electrical current exposure was investigated. Teflon coupons were exposed to a continuous flow of 103 cfu/ml Staphylococcus epidermidis ...
Codesign Challenges for Exascale Systems: Performance, Power, and Reliability

The complexity of large-scale parallel systems necessitates the simultaneous optimization of multiple hardware and software components to meet performance, efficiency, and fault-tolerance goals. A codesign methodology using modeling can benefit systems on the path to exascale computing.
Glass transition and crystallite melting in natural organic matter

Abstract The presence of (CH 2 ) n crystalline components in lipid extracts from soil and peat was detected by solid-state NMR and X-ray diffraction. The lipid fractions were extracted from geosorbents including the IHSS Pahokee peat and leonardite, a second peat and its humic acid. The existence of two peaks in the 30–33 ppm NMR shift region demonstrates the presence of semicrystalline carbon in the lipid fraction, presumably in long aliphatic chains. X-ray diffraction patterns of the lipid fractions are similar to polyethylene, with the strongest reflections at 4.13 and 3.72 A. The melting temperatures of the lipid fractions vary among the geosorbents and are in the same temperature interval with the glass transition reported in the literature for the IHSS peat and leonardite. After removing the fraction containing the crystalline components, the leonardite and Guanella Pass peat humic acid do not show any thermal events in their respective DSC thermograms. This finding suggests that, at least for the systems studied, the reported glass transition was actually the melting of the crystallites present in the lipid fraction.
Valid Machine Tool Setup for Helical Groove Machining

An investigation is reported on identifying valid machine tool setup conditions for grinding or milling of helical grooves using profiled disc-type cutting tools. When using existing analytical models to design cutter profiles for helical groove machining, it is often found that no valid solution can be found if the machine setup is not properly selected. In the present investigation, the criteria for obtaining a valid cutter profile are established and applied to finding the range of allowable setup conditions for both smooth workpiece profiles and profiles with one or more singular points. These results are illustrated using a CAD/CAM software package for helical groove machining.
E. coli lipopolysaccharide attenuates adenosine A1 receptor-mediated increase in plasma exudation from the hamster cheek pouch

Objective and design To determine whether exposure to E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modulates adenosine A1 receptor-induced increase in plasma exudation from the intact hamster cheek pouch microcirculation.
Network reliability and the factoring theorem

In network reliability analysis, an important problem is to determine the probability that a specified subset of vertices in an undirected graph is connected. It is well known that, by using Moskowitz's factoring theorem, the reliability of a graph can be expressed in terms of the reliabilities of a graph with one fewer vertex and another with one fewer edge. The theorem can be applied recursively on the reduced graphs. The computations involved in this recursion can be represented by a binary structure such that its leaves correspond to reduced graphs whose reliabilities can be readily evaluated. In general, as the recursion progresses, series and parallel edges are created which can be reduced by using series and parallel rules of reliability assuming edges fail independently of each other. The computational complexity is a function of the number of leaves in the binary structure, and for a given graph, an optimal binary structure is the one with minimal number of leaves. In this article, a combinatorial invariant of a graph, called the domination, is established. Several important properties of the domination with regard to the topology of the graph are investigated. It is shown that for a given graph, the number of leaves in the optimal binary structure is equal to the domination of the graph and recursive application of the factoring theorem yields an optimal structure if and only if at each step the reduced graphs generated have nonzero dominations. Finally, an algorithm is presented that guarantees optimal binary structure generation and therefore an efficient implementation of the factoring theorem to compute the network reliability.
The Surgical Treatment of Traumatic Hematoma of the Auricle

Background.The auricular hematoma occurs secondary to trauma and can present a therapeutic dilemma for clinicians. Early intervention can be limited to simple incision and drainage. Delay in treatment may allow the growth of ectopic fibroneocartilage derived from the damaged perichondrium. Removal o
Molecular Mechanisms of Contractility-Based Cellular Mechanosensing

Mechanosensing is fundamental to numerous cellular functions, and myosin II is a core component of this mechanosensory machinery. Given the importance of successful cell division for maintaining genomic integrity, we reasoned that myosin II-mediated mechanosensing would be a significant factor in ensuring successful cytokinesis. We found that dividing cells are exquisitely sensitive to mechanical stress inputs, relocating myosin II to sites of the externally imposed stress. This system has the hallmark of a soft mechanical check-point, slowing cytokinesis until the deformation is corrected. The myosin II-based mechanosensing is performed by a three-part sensor, including force amplification through the myosin II lever arm, myosin bipolar thick filament (BTF) assembly, and actin filament anchoring by cortexillin I. Multi-scale modeling demonstrates how myosin II force-sensing and cooperative actin-binding couples to BTF assembly and quantitatively accounts for the amounts and kinetics of myosin mechanosensitive accumulation. Furthermore, forces are shared between myosin and different actin crosslinkers with myosin having potentiating or inhibitory effects on certain crosslinkers. Additionally, different types of cell deformations elicit distinct responses: myosin and α-actinin respond to dilation while filamin mainly reacts to shear. This myosin II-based mechanosensory system is part of a larger control system that tunes myosin accumulation at the cleavage furrow under diverse mechanical constraints. In this context, cortexillin I not only anchors the actin filaments, but also links to signal transduction proteins. These signaling proteins, including IQGAPs and the chromosomal passenger complex proteins, reinforce 'normal' signals that emanate from the mitotic spindle to direct myosin II accumulation. Overall, this control system demonstrates how mechanical inputs can be converted to signaling outputs in a manner analogous to chemical signal transduction.
An Estimation-Theoretic Approach For Imaging Diffuse Radar-Targets

A new formulation of the problem of high-resolution radar-imaging is given. We consider a diffuse radar-target for which the reflectivity is modeled as a complex-valued Gaussian ran-dom-process with a mean of zero and an unknown covariance function. Delay-doppler measurements containing additive noise are made by illuminating the target with a sequence of pulses of arbitrary shape. An algorithm for estimating the target's scattering function from these measurements is derived using the method of maximum-likelihood estimation and the concept of an incomplete/complete data-model. The reflectivity process is also estimated.
Error resilient MIMO detector for memory-dominated wireless communication systems

In current broadband MIMO-OFDM systems such as 3GPP LTE, embedded buffering memories occupy a large portion of chip area and a significant amount of power consumption. Due to the dense structure of memories, they are especially vulnerable to scaling effects such as process variation. These effects (hardware errors) become more pronounced when aggressive voltage scaling is used due to the reduced voltage overhead. To address this issue, we present an error resilient MIMO detector. First, we derive a combined distribution of the received data in a MIMO-OFDM receiver that includes both the noise incurred by the wireless channel and errors introduced at the receiver buffering memory due to aggressive voltage scaling. Using the derived distribution, a modified MIMO detection algorithm based on the tree-searching structure is presented. A case study is presented showing that the proposed approach can achieve near-optimal performance in the presence of both channel noise and memory error, while 40% to 50% of memory power savings are realized.
Democracy and trade conflict

The record of formal disputes in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) is largely one of conflict among democracies. I develop a theoretical argument to explain the prevalence of democratic states in the GATT's dispute process. Democracies face stronger pressures to initiate disputes; they are more attractive as dispute targets due to the political influence enjoyed by interest groups; they share norms of juridical dispute resolution; and they are more likely to uphold their policy commitments than nondemocracies. I develop an empirical model of the incidence of disputes among GATT members, finding that democracies are more likely to participate in disputes than nondemocratic states. I also find that democratic dyads are more likely to resolve their disputes cooperatively.
Multiframe Image Restoration with Wavelet Domain Regularization

We present a novel method for obtaining an object estimate from multiple blurred and noisy low-resolution images. We incorporate wavelet domain priors in a regularized-restoration framework that uses L-curve technique to find optimal regularization parameters.
Graded approach to establish QA requirements for type B and fissile material transportation packagings

AbstractThe essence of the graded approach is the establishment of applicable quality assurance (QA) requirements to an extent consistent with the importance to safety of an item, component, system or activity. The genesis of the graded approach is a study conducted by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the US Congress in 1987 to assess the effectiveness of QA activities. That study demonstrated the need to improve the application of QA requirements for the nuclear industry in general. The conclusion of the study indicated that a graded approach for establishing QA requirements is the most viable method to satisfy federal safety standards that result in protecting public health and safety. The application of QA requirements for type B and fissile material transportation packagings is not based solely on importance to safety or safety related considerations. The operability of items, components, systems and activities is considered to be equally important. The nuclear industry, along with regul...
Factors indicative of long-term survival after lung transplantation: A review of 836 10-year survivors

Introduction Despite 20 years of lung transplantation (LTx), factors influencing long-term survival remain largely unknown. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data set provides an opportunity to examine long-term LTx survivors. Methods We conducted a case-control study embedded within the prospectively collected UNOS LTx cohort to identify 836 adults from 1987 to 1997 who survived ≥10 years after first LTx. LTx patients within the same era and surviving 1 to 5 years served as controls. Multivariable logistic regression with incorporation of spline terms evaluated the odds of being a 10-year survivor. Two separate models were constructed. Model A incorporated pre-operative, operative, and donor-specific factors. Model B incorporated the factors used in Model A with post-operative covariates. Additional outcomes evaluated included hospitalizations for infection, rejection, and bronchiolitis obliterans. Results Of 4,818 LTx patients from 1987 to 1997, 836 (17.3%) survived ≥10 years with a mean follow-up of 148.8 ± 21.6 months. Mean follow-up for 1,657 controls was 34.0 ± 13.9 months. The distribution of 10-year survivors by disease was cystic fibrosis, 170 (20%); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 254 (30%); and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 92 (11%). On multivariable logistic regression, significant factors influencing 10-year survival included age ≤35 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.11; p = 0.01), bilateral LTx (OR. 1.71; 95% CI, 1.25–2.34; p = 0.001), and hospitalizations for infections (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.27–1.54; p p Conclusions Examination of a cohort of long-term LTx survivors in the UNOS data set indicates that bilateral LTx and fewer hospitalizations for rejection may portend improved long-term survival after LTx.
Phase Diagram Studies of ZnS Systems

The development of infrared-transmitting ZnS-based ceramics with a combination of high strength, hardness and toughness over a range of temperatures is highly desirable. The approach we are currently pursuing is a familiar one to metallurgists, namely the exploitation of thermal, and possibly mechanical, processing of ZnS-base "alloys". Knowledge of the phase equilibria of various ZnS-rich systems is essential to achieve our objectives. Unfortunately, the literature on this subject is sparse, and we have had to undertake such investigations ourselves. This paper describes the results of our initial studies of the solid-state phase equilibria in the ZnS-CdS and ZnS-Ga2S3 phase diagrams. We also discuss possible processing routes to achieve hard and tough ceramics utilizing the phase diagrams established.
The range of the tangential Cauchy-Riemann operator over a small ball

In this paPer we study the closed range property of tangential Cauchy-Riemann equations of an abstract CR structure over a small ball. Let D be the set {x E R*“’ 1 1x1 4, Kuranishi [ 141 and Akahori [ 11 have studied the L* theory
A polyimide-etalon thin film structure for all-optical high-frequency ultrasound transduction

In this work, we have designed, fabricated, and tested an all-optical ultrasound transducer by integrating a photoabsorptive polyimide thin film into a Fabry-Perot (etalon) high-frequency receiver. A 5-ns UV pulse was used for thermoelastic ultrasound generation in the polyimide film, and the transmission had a maximum amplitude of 4.3 MPa centered at 27 MHz with a fractional bandwidth of 107%. The device attained a noise-equivalent pressure of 1.3 Pa/ Hz in receive-only mode. When used in pulse-echo mode, the -6-dB upper cutoff frequency of the transmit/receive response reached 47 MHz. Basic imaging capabilities were also investigated by scanning the near-infrared probe beam across the device to create a 2 × 2 mm synthetic aperture. The imaging of targets placed at depths of 1.8 and 5.2 mm yielded estimates of 71 and 145 μm, respectively, for the lateral resolution and 35 and 38 μm, respectively, for the axial resolution. Finally, a design concept for a forward-viewing intravascular imager is presented that entails the coupling of light to a rotating, linear array of optical fibers on top of which are deposited polyimide- etalon transducers. Such a design would allow for a flexible and compact high-resolution imager well-suited for intravascular applications, such as guidance of treatment in the case of chronic total occlusion.
Recent theoretical results for an rf-linac-driven XUV free electron laser

Abstract We present new theoretical results for the characteristics and performance of an rf-linac-driven XUV free electron laser. These results fall into two categories: (1) the dependence of the small-signal gain upon the transverse phase-space distribution of the electron beam and the geometry of the optical resonator, and (2) the optical spectral bandwidth. Concerning (1) we discuss, and present 3-D numerical calculations of, the small-signal gains expected for different phase-space distributions. The gain also varies substantially with the Rayleigh range of the optical resonator. Thus, for maximum small-signal gain, the design of the resonator is coupled to the electron beam characteristics. Concerning (2), we discuss conditions under which there is a spectral broadening of the optical pulse due to the development of sidebands. The basis of these studies are 1-D finite pulse, and 3-D periodic boundary condition, numerical computer codes.
Verb Semantics for English-Chinese Translation

A common practice in operational Machine Translation (MT) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) systems is to assume that a verb has a fixed number of senses and rely on a precompiled lexicon to achieve large coverage. This paper demonstrates that this assumption is too weak to cope with the similar problems of lexical divergences between languages and unexpected uses of words that give rise to cases outside of the pre-compiled lexicon coverage. We first examine the lexical divergences between English verbs and Chinese verbs. We then focus on a specific lexical selection problem—translating Englishchange-of-state verbs into Chinese verb compounds. We show that an accurate translation depends not only on information about the participants, but also on contextual information. Therefore, selectional restrictions on verb arguments lack the necessary power for accurate lexical selection. Second, we examine verb representation theories and practices in MT systems and show that under the fixed sense assumption, the existing representation schemes are not adequate for handling these lexical divergences and extending existing verb senses to unexpected usages. We then propose a method of verb representation based on conceptual lattices which allows the similarities among different verbs in different languages to be quantitatively measured. A prototype system UNICON implements this theory and performs more accurate MT lexical selection for our chosen set of verbs. An additional lexical module for UNICON is also provided that handles sense extension.
269 EFFECTS OF MATERNAL IRON STATUS ON THE SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY IN THE INFANT

269 EFFECTS OF MATERNAL IRON STATUS ON THE SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY IN THE INFANT