cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric learning for layered segmentation of natural images

We explore recently proposed Bayesian nonparametric models of image partitions, based on spatially dependent Pitman-Yor processes. These models are attractive because they adapt to images of varying complexity, successfully modeling uncertainty in the structure and scale of human segmentations of natural scenes. By developing substantially improved inference and learning algorithms, we achieve performance comparable to state-of-the-art methods. For learning, we show how the Gaussian process (GP) covariance functions underlying these models can be calibrated to accurately match the statistics of example human segmentations. For inference, we develop a stochastic search-based algorithm which is substantially less susceptible to local optima than conventional variational methods. Our approach utilizes the expectation propagation algorithm to approximately marginalize latent GPs, and a low rank covariance representation to improve computational efficiency. Experiments with two benchmark datasets show that our learning and inference innovations substantially improve segmentation accuracy. By hypothesizing multiple partitions for each image, we also take steps towards capturing the variability of human scene interpretations.
Early pathogenesis of equine Streptococcus equi infection (strangles).

Summary Reasons for performing study: Little is known about entry and subsequent multiplication of Streptococcus equi following exposure of a susceptible horse. This information would have value in design of intranasal vaccines and understanding of shedding and protective immune responses. Objectives: To determine entry points and sites of subsequent replication and dispersion of S. equi at different times after intranasal infection or commingling exposure. Methods: Previously unexposed horses and ponies were subjected to euthanasia 1, 3, 20 or 48 h following intranasal inoculation with biotin labelled or unlabelled S. equi CF32. Some ponies were inoculated with suspensions of equal numbers of CF32 and its mutants lacking capsule, S. equi M-like protein or streptolysin S. Others were infected by commingling exposure and subjected to euthanasia after onset of fever. Tonsils and lymph nodes were cultured for S. equi and tissues sectioned for histopathological examination and fluorescent microscopy. Results: Tonsillar tissues of both the oro- and nasopharynx served as portals of entry. Entry was unexpectedly rapid but involved few bacteria. Small numbers of organisms were detected in tonsillar crypts, in adjacent subepithelial follicular tissue and draining lymph nodes 3 h after inoculation. By 48 h, clumps of S. equi were visible in the lamina propria. At onset of fever, tonsillar tissues and one or more mandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes were heavily infiltrated by neutrophils and long chains of extracellular S. equi. Mutant S. equi lacking virulence factors were not seen in draining lymph nodes. Conclusions: Although very small numbers of S. equi entered the lingual and nasopharyngeal tonsils, carriage to regional lymph nodes occurred within hours of inoculation. This observation, together with visual evidence of intracellular and extracellular multiplication of S. equi in tonsillar lymphoid tissue and lymph nodes over the following days, indicates involvement of potent antiphagocytic activity and failure of innate immune defences. Relevance: Future research should logically address the tonsillar immune mechanisms involved including identification of effector cell(s) and antigens.
Extracellular ATP stimulates increases in Na+/K+ pump activity, intracellular pH and uridine uptake in cultures of mammalian cells

Using 3T3 and 3T6 mouse fibroblasts and A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells, we previously observed that extracellular ATP and ADP were mitogens and they synergized with other growth factors (Huang, N., Wang, D. and Heppel, L. A. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86, 7904-7908). We now report that ATP and ADP stimulated Na+ entry, intracellular alkalinization and Na+/K+ pump activity, which are early events that had been proposed to play a central role in DNA synthesis. In addition, ATP, ADP and AMPPNP stimulated uridine uptake by a pathway involving arachidonic acid metabolism. In A431 cells, activation of protein kinase C also contributed to ATP-dependent stimulation of uridine uptake. Concentrations of indomethacin and pertussis toxin which inhibited uridine uptake also blocked arachidonic acid metabolism and DNA synthesis. ATP acted as a competence factor. Interestingly, ATP did not have to be continuously present to stimulate uridine uptake. It was equally effective even when it was washed away after brief treatment of cells.
Use of multivitamins, folic acid and herbal supplements among breast cancer survivors: the black women's health study

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, including herbals and multivitamin supplements, is quite common in the U.S., and has been shown to be highest in breast cancer survivors. However, limited data are currently available for CAM usage among African Americans. Thus, we sought to determine the prevalence of multivitamins, folic acid and herbal supplement usage in African American breast cancer survivors, and to compare the characteristics of users and nonusers. A cohort study of breast cancer survivors, who completed the 1999 Black Women's Health Study questionnaire and self-reported having been diagnosed with breast cancer between 1995 and 1999, comprised the study population. In this study, the intake of natural herbs, multivitamins and folic acid at least three days per week within the past two years was used as a proxy for typical usage of this complimentary alternative medicine (CAM) modality. A total of 998 breast cancer survivors were identified. Overall, 68.2% had used either herbals or multivitamin supplements or both. The three most frequently used herbals were garlic (21.2%), gingko (12.0%), and echinacea (9.4%). The multivariate analysis determined that single marital status (OR = 1.58; 95%CI: 1.04-2.41), and alcohol consumption of 1-3 drinks per week (OR = 1.86, 95%CI: 1.28-2.68) were significantly associated with increased herbal use. Multivitamin use was significantly lower among obese women (OR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.46-0.94) and current smokers (OR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.34-0.82). A significant number of African American breast cancer survivors are using herbals and multivitamins as CAM modality. Additional research is needed to understand the impact of herbals and multivitamins in African American breast cancer survivors.
Why should we study the infant 'near miss for Sudden Infant Death'?

Abstract The use of ‘near miss for Sudden Infant Death syndrome’ infants as a model toward understanding the Sudden Infant Death syndrome has been questioned. Although there are numerous problems in delineating this patient population and defining events occurring during sleep, continuous polygraphic monitoring demonstrates potentially life-threatening events.
Buccal mucosa grafting for male urethroplasty: Long-term follow up of patients’ experience with a team approach and primary closure

Abstract There is a paucity of long-term data regarding oral mucosal graft harvesting performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as part of a team approach. We hypothesized low complication rates at the donor site when the harvest is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). This observational study includes chart review of subjects undergoing buccal mucosa grafting and a long-term follow up survey sent to study participants. Forty-eight subjects underwent 58 grafts. Twenty-eight subjects responded to the survey. There were no significant intra- or post-operative complications. Subjects generally did very well long-term in terms of pain, paresthesia, and function. Smoking, increased age, smaller graft size, and partial closure were implicated in decreased functional scores. Our approach and technique show good results with respect to donor site morbidity and patient experience regarding this grafting procedure. Involvement of an OMS in a team approach may be helpful to the reconstructive urologist treating this difficult surgical problem.
Ionization by Penetrating Radiation as a Function of Pressure and Temperature

To account for the experimental fact that the ionization of a gas exposed to $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays or cosmic rays is not proportional to the pressure, but approaches a limiting value for pressures of about 140 atmospheres, the hypothesis is suggested that at these high pressures the initially formed ions may remain so close together that they frequently reunite under their mutual electrostatic attractions. The probability is calculated for the ions to become separated by diffusion, and formulas are thus obtained for the saturation ionization current as a function of pressure. The most satisfactory formula is based upon an arbitrary but reasonable assumption regarding the ranges of the secondary electrons ejected by ionizing beta particles. Knowing the variation of ionization with pressure, this diffusion theory predicts a definite variation of ionization with temperature. Such a temperature variation is experimentally discovered and is in good accord with the theoretical prediction. The temperature coefficient is negligible for pressures less than 10 atmospheres, but at pressures over 100 atmospheres the ionization approaches proportionality to the absolute temperature.
Concerning amino acids in human saliva.

Dans les travaux de divers laboratoires on peut lire que l'acideγ-amino-butyrique (GABA) existe dans la salive humaine. Nos recents examens chromatographiques ont mis en evidence que cet acide avait ete identifie par erreur et qu'il represente en fait l'acideδ-amino-valerique (DAVA), un constituant de la salive provenant de l'action bacterienne.
The nonlinearity of competitive effects in models of competition for essential resources

Abstract This paper investigates the question of whether the linear competitive effects assumed in the Lotka-Volterra model of competition hold for a class of consumer-resource models. The consumers in these models are dependent upon two resources, an adequate supply of each being required for population growth to occur. Simple differential equation models of competition between two consumers for such essential resources usually exhibit nonconstant competition coefficients whose magnitude depends on the parameters of the resource growth model. The equilibrium densities of the two consumer species are generally not linearly related. Constant competition coefficients can occur if the functional responses of a given consumer on the two resources differ by a constant factor. Differences between the conclusions reached by G. D. Tilman (1982, “Resource Competition and Community Structure,” Princeton Univ. Press, Princeton, NJ) and those described above are analyzed.
Backward polarization as a direct experimental measure of peripherality

Striking regularities are observed in πN backward elastic scattering for plab ≳ 1 GeV. The rich structure of the polarization and differential cross section vary rapidly in both angle and energy. For a fixed energy however, the observables approximately satisfy the derivative relation P(θ) dσdθ ∝ ∂t6θ (dσdθ). This empirical relation is shown to be the consequence of the peripheral nature of the interaction at high energies and the dominance of successive partial waves with increasing energy W = √s at lower energies: l = 2,3,4 … for W = 1.68, 1.95, 2.18 … GeV, respectively. “l-dominance” suggests a pattern where N,Δ and Δ,Δ states appear in nearly degenerate pairs with the same l and parity but with J = l + 12 and J = l − 12. The observed regularities are consistent with measurements in the inelastic channel π−p → ΛK0 and could provide a useful tool for an extension of phase-shift analyses to higher energies where no prominent peaks in the total cross section constrain the solution. At the highest energy (plab = 6 GeV/c) a possible deviation from the derivative rule implies the onset of a non-peripheral contribution not present at lower energies.
Effect of inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system on development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (meta-analysis of randomized trials).

The increasing prevalence and costs of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) make strategies to prevent its development vitally important. This analysis was conducted to determine if angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) prevent the development of DM. Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1966 to May 2006) were queried for prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled or active-controlled trials of ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy in adults that reported rates of new-onset diabetes during follow-up. Meta-analyses of summary statistics from individual trials were performed using a random-effects model. Thirteen trials with a total of 93,451 patients were identified. Renin-angiotensin system antagonists reduced the incidence of DM from 9% in nontreated patients to 7.1% in those treated, a 26% reduction in odds (odds ratio [OR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66 to 0.81, p
The input impedance of the dielectric resonator antenna

Dielectric cylinders of very high permittivity have been used in the past as resonant cavities, but since the structure is not enclosed by metallic walls, electromagnetic fields do exist beyond the geometrical boundaries of the structure and part of the power is radiated. Through the proper choice of geometry and permittivity this radiation can become the dominant feature of the structure and become an efficient antenna for use at millimeter wave frequencies. Both experimental and theoretical investigations of a variety of these dielectric resonator antennas have been undertaken. In particular, the input impedance of a probe-fed cylindrical structure was examined in detail and a comparison of theoretical and experimental results was made.
Alkaloid catabolism and mobilization in catharanthus roseus

Abstract The catabolic turnover of vindoline and catharanthine, indole-dihydroindole alkaloids produced by Catharanthus roseus , occurs much more rapidly in apical cuttings than in intact plants. The implication of the results is that such alkaloids may participate actively in the plant's biochemical processes under certain conditions, in contradistinction to the general belief that plant alkaloids are metabolically insignificant.
Synthesis of three potential inhibitors of the biosynthesis of leukotrienes A–E

Abstract Simple synthetic routes are described to 5,6-dehydroarachidonic acid ( 5 ) cis -8-eicosen-5-ynoic acid 6 ) and the thio analog of (±)-leukotriene A ( 7 ), which are of value in the study of inhibition of the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and slow reacting substances.
Estimation of corrosion damage in steel reinforced mortar using waveguides

Corrosion of reinforced concrete is a chronic infrastructure problem, particularly in areas with deicing salt and marine exposure. To maintain structural integrity, a testing method is needed to identify areas of corroding reinforcement. For purposes of rehabilitation, the method must also be able to evaluate the degree, rate and location of damage. Towards the development of a wireless embedded sensor system to monitor and assess corrosion damage in reinforced concrete, reinforced mortar specimens were manufactured with seeded defects to simulate corrosion damage. Taking advantage of waveguide effects of the reinforcing bars, these specimens were then tested using an ultrasonic approach. Using the same ultrasonic approach, specimens without seeded defects were also monitored during accelerated corrosion tests. Both the ultrasonic sending and the receiving transducers were mounted on the steel rebar. Advantage was taken of the lower frequency (<250 kHz) fundamental flexural propagation mode because of its relatively large displacements at the interface between the reinforcing steel and the surrounding concrete. Waveform energy (indicative of attenuation) is presented and discussed in terms of corrosion damage. Current results indicate that the loss of bond strength between the reinforcing steel and the surrounding concrete can be detected and evaluated.
Harmonic generation at high field strengths - Frequency shifts and saturation phenomena

Optical harmonic generation and mixing in the gas phase has been proposed as a technique for the generation of coherent radiation in the vacuum ultraviolet and soft X-ray spectral region. At the high field strengths required by these processes the interaction between atoms and the electromagnetic field shows intensity-dependent resonances. In this paper we modify harmonic generation theory to include the effect of these frequency shifts. Closed-form expressions for generated dipole moment, absorption probability, and coherence length are presented. The most important consequences of frequency shifts on resonantly enhanced processes are that the pump laser must be tuned away from the small-field resonance frequency, that the conversion efficiency may saturate, and that the dispersion of the medium may change sign. As an example, the generation of 198-A radiation by a five-photon mixing process in Li(+) is considered.
The Drums of War Beat in the Unconscious

In 1982 I was a paratrooper in the Israeli army. About eight months into my service the war in Lebanon began and my unit was sent north toward Beirut. That was not something I had anticipated when ...
Leroy D Vandam, MD: an anesthesia journey

Abstract Leroy D Vandam, MD was a remarkable man—an intricate amalgamation of an artist, scientist, and physician. He was a bastion of medical historical knowledge. Dr Vandam became a most influential anesthesiologist, some say, a giant. He was an example of someone who, with resolve, overcame adversity. His artwork is displayed in countless places, and several of his paintings form part of the Wood Library Museum Heritage Series. Dr Vandam was first a surgeon, but he abandoned surgery and pursued a career in anesthesiology under the leadership of Robert Dripps. He completed his residency training at the University of Pennsylvania and joined its staff in 1949. When he arrived at Brigham and Women's Hospital in the 1950s as director of anesthesia, he embarked on one of the most illustrious careers in American anesthesiology. Dr Vandam published more than 250 original articles, chapters, abstracts, and other reports on a wide variety of subjects including history, art, and pharmacology. His classic article on the complications of neuroaxial blocks is a seminal work in anesthesiology. This article describes how an anesthesiologist who shared an interest with Dr Vandam in the history of anesthesiology came to produce a movie based on his career, the evolution of anesthesia equipment, and the transformation of our specialty.
Production and metabolic clearance of calcitriol in acute renal failure.

Production and metabolic clearance of calcitriol in acute renal failure. Metabolic clearance rate (MCR) and production rate (PR) of calcitriol were studied three and seven days after ischemic acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Creatinine clearance was decreased three days after clamping the renal arteries (0.42 ± 0.03 ml/min/100 g, N=6 in ATN vs. 0.68 ± 0.09, N=7 in sham controls; P
Evolution of the Human Canine Tooth1

This paper examines the evidence for the orthodox view that man evolved from a prehominid ancestor with large maxillary canine teeth. Middle Pleistocene hominids with canines larger than those of modern man provide questionable evidence, since those of earlier hominids were smaller. Available fossil evidence supports the view that claims for a large canine in human ancestry have been exaggerated.
Using Liquid Crystals To Image Reactants and Products of Acid−Base Reactions on Surfaces with Micrometer Resolution

We report that nematic liquid crystals (LCs) of 4-cyano-4‘-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) and p-methoxybenzylidene-p-n-butylaniline (MBBA) can be used to image reactants and products of reversible, acid−base reactions on surfaces with micrometer resolution. When supported on obliquely deposited films of gold, azimuthal orientations of LCs measured on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed from HOOC(CH2)10SH are found to be orthogonal to those measured on SAMs of the corresponding sodium carboxylate salt. Conversion of the carboxylic acid to its sodium salt is amplified into a change in orientation of 104−105 mesogens per surface-confined acid group. The change in orientation of the LC is easily transduced into an optical output by forming twist distortions within the LC upon conversion of the carboxylic acid to its sodium carboxylate salt. The threshold conversion of acid to salt that drives the formation of the twist distortion within the supported LC can be systematically shifted between 8% and 100% by using mix...
Efficient spatial competition

Abstract Game-theoretic models of spatial competition usually assume that firms set prices after their choices of locations. Rather than make this assumption, this paper uses the core to model the competition between the firms. Two conditions are shown to be sufficient for efficient spatial competition. The first is that the firms' location choices satisfy a no-externalities condition. The second is that the second-stage game satisfy a separable-value condition, namely that the value (gains from trade) can be created on a buyer-by-buyer basis. This approach yields two further benefits. First, efficient location can be stable in situations with arbitrary distributions of buyers, arbitrary willingness-to-pay functions, and completely general location spaces. Second, efficiency in location games can be shown to be related to the Second Welfare Theorem.
Larviposition Response of Myiopharus doryphorae (Diptera: Tachinidae) to Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larvae Treated with Lethal and Sublethal Doses of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subsp. tenebrionis

Larviposition response of Myiopharus doryphorae (Riley) toward Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), host larvae fed for periods of 1 or 24 h on lethal and sublethal doses of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subsp. tenebrionis was studied under greenhouse conditions. A significantly shorter delay occurred before the 1st larviposition in hosts fed for 1 h on lethal and sublethal doses of B. thuringiensis compared with the time before larviposition in hosts fed untreated foliage (control). Time before 1st larviposition in hosts fed for 24 h on sublethal doses of B. thuringiensis was also significantly shorter than that for hosts fed lethal doses and control. A substantially lower total number of parasitoid larvae were deposited in hosts fed foliage treated with lethal doses of B. thuringiensis for 24 h than in those fed for 1 h; the lowest rate of parasitization occurred in the hosts fed for 24 h at the lethal dose level. Parasitoid acceptance of sublethally intoxicated Colorado potato beetle larvae and their ability to overcome weaker defensive reactions of these hosts, together with their rejection of lethally infected hosts, indicated that host selection may be based more on manifestations of host vigor and defense than a direct reaction to the presence or absence of B. thuringiensis toxin.
An Integrated Approach to Obesity Care

With over 50% of adult Americans currently categorized as overweight or obese, this chronic disease represents the most significant threat to our nation's health. The new National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Clinical Guidelines provide physicians with a structured framework for the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obese adults. However, successful implementation of obesity care in the office setting poses a more formidable challenge. Factors related to the patient, the physician, and the practice environment may represent potential barriers. In this article, issues of sensitivity, patient counseling, and the practice management of obesity are reviewed. An integrated delivery of care, which utilizes comprehensive support systems and other health care providers, is described.
Walking Pattern of Midfoot and Ankle Disarticulation Amputees

Measurements of the vertical component of ground reaction force (ORF) and dynamic center of pressure (COP) were recorded for five subjects with midfoot level amputations and six with Syme's ankle disarticulation amputations. All of the subjects underwent amputation surgery as a consequence of peripheral vascular disease and diabetes. GRF measurement was accomplished with the F-Scan system (Tekscan, Boston, MA). Each group exhibited a consistent, reproducible pattern of gait. Subjects with Syme's ankle disarticulation initiated initial loading response, i.e., heel strike, with a concentration of GRF in the center of the anatomic heel. COP progressed along the midline to the center of the anatomic forefoot, where GRF was concentrated at push-off. Midfoot amputees initiated loading at the lateral-posterior heel. COP progressed medially to the midline, where it progressed distally to the level of the distal residual limb (proximal metatarsal metaphyses). It then shifted medially under the base of the first metatarsal, where a small concentration of GRF occurred at push-off, similar to the normal foot. These findings explain the decreased magnitude of propulsion seen in midfoot level amputees and may explain the seemingly paradoxical increased metabolic cost of walking observed in midfoot amputees as compared with Syme's ankle disarticulation amputees.
Are online auction markets efficient? An empirical study of market liquidity and abnormal returns

Technological advances have facilitated investment in collectibles through online auction markets, where information regarding product characteristics, current and historical prices, and product availability is available to millions of market participants. However, market inefficiencies may still exist, where prices do not reflect market information and where savvy speculators can profit. Using unit root and variance ratio tests, we examine 8538 rare stamp and 56,997 rare coin auctions to evaluate the efficiency of online markets. In particular, we study market liquidity, abnormal returns and weak-form efficiency. We find an inverse relationship between market efficiency and liquidity. Bidder competition intrinsic to liquidity increases the chances that uninformed bidders drive up item prices, leading to the observed market inefficiencies.
Depressive Symptoms in Coronary Artery Disease Patients after Hypertension Treatment

Background:Depression is highly prevalent and frequently recurs in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension. Certain medications used to treat hypertension are alleged to be associated with higher risk of depression.Objective:To compare depressive symptoms before and during treatment with 2 equivalent hypertension treatment strategies in patients with CAD stratified according to a self-reported history of physician-diagnosed depression.Methods:Patients enrolled in a randomized hypertension treatment study were mailed baseline and one year follow-up surveys and stratified according to a self-reported history of depression. Patients (N = 1152) were 50 years old or older with hypertension and clinically stable CAD. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression (CES-D). High risk of depression was defined as a history of physician-diagnosed depression reported by patients on the baseline survey. Depressive symptoms were compared for verapamil susta...
Redox Control of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Plants

Environmental conditions, including light, temperature, water status, and soil salinity, all modify the redox state of plant cells ([Allen et al., 1995][1]). A number of studies have shown that oxidative stress is a common factor that affects plant growth and development under extreme environmental
Nitric oxide mediates hypoxia-induced changes in paracellular permeability of cerebral microvasculature.

Ischemic stroke from a reduction in blood flow to the brain microvasculature results in a subsequent decreased delivery of oxygen (i.e., hypoxia) and vital nutrients to endothelial, neuronal, and g...
Gender, labor status, and political tolerance: New approaches to old issues

This article attempts to clarify previous research by using labor status rather than gender as an index of exposure to sociocultural diversity to test Stouffer's theory of the effects of exposure on attitudes toward political tolerance. Also, I use Sullivan, Pierson, and Marcus's definition and “content‐controlled measure of political tolerance” to enhance the validity of this study. Controlling for age, family income, and gender reveals that labor status is significantly related to political tolerance, but only among women. Moreover, findings support the notion that reduced or limited exposure to social and cultural diversity experienced by women “keeping house” is related to lower levels of political tolerance. However, findings for retired women and those working full‐time were not as hypothesized, and it is less clear whether these results support or refute Stouffer's thesis.
Differential expression of CD14‐dependent and independent pathways for chemokine induction regulates neutrophil trafficking in infection

Previous studies have shown that CD14(-/-) mice are resistant to peritoneal infection with some clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and that this resistance is accompanied by an enhanced ability to clear the bacteria; in contrast, normal mice expressing CD14 fail to clear the bacteria, causing severe sepsis and death. The enhanced clearance in CD14(-/-) mice is dependent on early neutrophil recruitment to the local foci of infection in the PC. The studies described show that neutrophil recruitment in CD14(-/-) mice occurs as a result of the local induction of the CXCL1 and CXCL2 chemokines, KC and MIP-2. Although local induction of these chemokines also occurs in normal mice, their effects on neutrophil recruitment to the PC appear to be counterbalanced by very high levels of these chemokines in the blood of normal, but not CD14(-/-), mice. Neutrophil recruitment to the PC is also inhibited in normal mice in response to LPS, which also induces high chemokine levels in the blood of normal, but not CD14(-/-), mice. However, MPLA, a monophosphorylated derivative of LPS, is able to induce early neutrophil recruitment in normal mice; this is because MPLA, unlike LPS or E. coli, induces MIP-2 and KC in the PC but not in the blood of normal mice. The pretreatment of normal mice with MPLA is able to protect them from a lethal E. coli infection. Thus, stimulation of a local CD14-independent chemokine induction pathway without triggering a systemic CD14-dependent chemokine pathway can protect against severe E. coli infections.
Vortex generation by deep-water breaking waves

The connection between wave dissipation by breaking deep-water surface gravity waves and the resulting turbulence and mixing is crucial for an improved understanding of air–sea interaction processes. Starting with the ensemble-averaged Euler equations, governing the evolution of the mean flow, we model the forcing, associated with the breaking-induced Reynolds shear stresses, as a body force describing the bulk scale effects of a breaking deep-water surface gravity wave on the water column. From this, we derive an equation describing the generation of circulation, , of the ensemble-average velocity field, due to the body force. By examining the relationship between a breaking wave and an impulsively forced fluid, we propose a functional form for the body force, allowing us to build upon the classical work on vortex ring phenomena to both quantify the circulation generated by a breaking wave and describe the vortex structure of the induced motion. Using scaling arguments, we show that , where ( ) represent a characteristic speed, height and wavenumber of the breaking wave, respectively, is the acceleration due to gravity and is a constant. This then allows us to find a direct relationship between the circulation and the wave energy dissipation rate per unit crest length due to breaking, . Finally, we compare our model and the available experimental data.
TEM Characterization of Crept and Irradiated Nano-structured Ferritic Alloys

The past ten years or so have seen the development of an exciting new class of mechanically alloyed (MA) nano-structured ferritic alloys (NFA) with outstanding mechanical properties that are mostly due to the presence of high concentrations (>10 23 m -3 ) of Ti-, Y-, and O-enriched nano-clusters (NC). Because NC may promote point defect recombination and trap transmutation-produced He in small clusters, NFA have the potential to be highly resistant to radiation damage in fission and fusion environments [1,2], and thus are being characterized following neutron and ion irradiation. Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) performed at 300 kV on a LaB6 Philips CM30 equipped with a Gatan imaging filter (GIF) has been especially beneficial for imaging NC. In particular, Fe-M jump-ratio images produced from component images recorded with 10-eV slits at energy losses of 46 and 62 eV reliably reveal NC in dark contrast. Such images are insensitive to surface oxide films or modest surface contamination and for sufficiently thin regions (<50 nm) 2-nm diameter NC are visible [3]. Additional EFTEM elemental mapping (e.g. O, Ti-L23, Cr-L23) has also been usefully applied to NFA, and focused-ion-beam (FIB) lift-out specimens have been used to good advantage [2]. Fabrication of an Fe-14.2wt.%Cr-1.95%W-0.22%Ti-0.25%Y2O3 NFA, designated 14YWT, has been described elsewhere, as have the contributions of TEM to help optimize material processing parameters [3,4]. It was also previously shown that NC in 14YWT are not detectably changed by tensile testing at 25 and 700°C with total strains of up to 39% [5] and that in MA957 (an INCO-patented Fe-14wt%Cr-1%Ti-0.3%Mo-0.27%Y2O3 NFA) neutron irradiated at 500°C to 9 displacements per atom (dpa) and with ~380 appm He, the diameter (~3 nm) and concentration (~4 x 10 23 m -3 ) of the NC differ little from those of unirradiated MA957 [1,2].
Harnessing the Information Ecosystem with Wiki-based Visualization Dashboards

We describe the design and deployment of Dashiki, a public Website where users may collaboratively build visualization dashboards through a combination of a wiki-like syntax and interactive editors. Our goals are to extend existing research on social data analysis into presentation and organization of data from multiple sources, explore new metaphors for these activities, and participate more fully in the Web's information ecology by providing tighter integration with real-time data. To support these goals, our design includes novel and low-barrier mechanisms for editing and layout of dashboard pages and visualizations, connection to data sources, and coordinating interaction between visualizations. In addition to describing these technologies, we provide a preliminary report on the public launch of a prototype based on this design, including a description of the activities of our users derived from observation and interviews.
Local Integration and Eurasian Analogies: Structuring Southeast Asian History, c. 1350—c. 1830

The historiography of precolonial Southeast Asia remains remarkably fragmented and inaccessible, even by the standards of that variegated region. We have a limited number of country monographs. But no systematic overview of Southeast Asian political or economic history has been attempted for all, or even part, of the period between the waning of the classical states in the fourteenth century and the onset of high colonialism in the early nineteenth. Scholarly surveys, like the magisterial and still standard magnum opus of D. G. E. Hall, make discretion the better part of valor by providing separate country chapters without integrative theme or comment.
DO SUTURE ZONES EXIST

Remington (1968) argued that 13 suture zones exist in North America. Remington defined a suture zone as, ''a band of geographic overlap between major biotic assemblages, including some pairs of species or semispecies which hybridize in the zone'' (p. 322). Although initially controversial, the idea that suture zones exist has picked up momentum over the past decade, due largely to the phylogeographic work of Hewitt, Avise, and their colleagues. Nevertheless, the reality of suture zones has not yet been subjected to rigorous analysis using statistical and geographic information system (GIS) approaches. To test for the existence of Remington's suture zones, we first identified 117 terrestrial hybrid zones in Canada and the United States through a literature search for the key words ''cline,'' ''contact zone,'' ''hybrid zone,'' and ''hybridization'' in articles published between 1970 and 2002. The 117 hybrid zones were mapped using a GIS approach and compared with a digitized version of Remington's original suture zone map. Overall, there does appear to be an association between hybrid zones and suture zones, but this association is largely attributable to clustering of hybrid zones in only two of the 13 suture zones recognized by Remington. The results suggest that evolutionary biologists should retain some skepticism toward Remington's suture zones.
THE HDJ-2/HSC70 CHAPERONE PAIR FACILITATES EARLY STEPS IN CFTR BIOGENESIS

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a chloride ion channel constructed from two membrane-spanning domains (MSDs), two nucleotide-binding domains (NBD) and a regulatory (R) domain. The NBDs and R-domain are cytosolic and how they are assembled with the MSDs to achieve the native CFTR structure is not clear. Human DnaJ 2 (Hdj-2) is a co-chaperone of heat shock cognate 70 (Hsc70) which is localized to the cytosolic face of the ER. Whether Hdj-2 directs Hsc70 to facilitate the assembly of cytosolic regions on CFTR was investigated. We report that immature ER forms of CFTR and DeltaF508 CFTR can be isolated in complexes with Hdj-2 and Hsc70. The DeltaF508 mutation is localized in NBD1 and causes the CFTR to misfold. Levels of complex formation between DeltaF508 CFTR and Hdj-2/Hsp70 were approximately 2-fold higher than those with CFTR. The earliest stage at which Hdj-2/Hsc70 could bind CFTR translation intermediates coincided with the expression of NBD1 in the cytosol. Interestingly, complex formation between Hdj-2 and nascent CFTR was greatly reduced after expression of the R-domain. In experiments with purified components, Hdj-2 and Hsc70 acted synergistically to suppress NBD1 aggregation. Collectively, these data suggest that Hdj-2 and Hsc70 facilitate early steps in CFTR assembly. A putative step in the CFTR folding pathway catalyzed by Hdj-2/Hsc70 is the formation of an intramolecular NBD1-R-domain complex. Whether this step is defective in the biogenesis of DeltaF508 CFTR will be discussed.
Frequent migraine and migraine status without tension‐type headaches: an unusual presentation of rebound headaches

Rebound headaches usually present as daily or almost daily, prolonged, generalized tension-type headaches with superimposed migraine-like attacks. The latter are more frequent, more intense, and longer than any episodic migraine that the patient might have experienced prior to the development of the chronic daily headaches. Rebound presenting as migraine without tension-type pain has been mentioned in a few previous articles on chronic daily headache, but there have been no previous articles stressing that frequent migraine might relate to the analgesics that are being used. These case histories are presented to illustrate that frequent migraine and migraine status without tension-type headaches may be manifestations of rebound and improve when the offending analgesic agents are stopped. If the clinician fails to recognize this unusual presentation of rebound headache, the patient might be placed on unnecessary and often ineffective medications for prophylaxis instead of stopping the offending pain relief medications.
Formation of orientation-ordered superlattices of magnetite magnetic nanocrystals from shape-segregated self-assemblies.

Magnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanocrystals have been synthesized by combining nonhydrolytic reaction with seed-mediated growth. The shape of these magnetite nanocrystals can be controlled either as pure spheres or a mixture of mainly faceted nanocrystals. Faceted magnetite nanocrystals consist of truncated tetrahedral platelets (TTPs), truncated octahedrons (TOs), and octahedrons (OTs). Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicates that the faceted nanocrystal mixture tends to self-segregate based upon the shape in a self-assembly process, and each shape forms its own distinct crystallographic orientation-ordered superlattice assemblies. Self-assemblies of the Fe3O4 nanocrystals in the shapes of TTP, TO, and OT show hexagonal, primitive cubic, and distorted body-centered cubic (bcc) superlattice structures, respectively. The possible mechanism for the formation of different superstructures is attributed to van der Waals interactions. Nanocrystals with different shapes provide diverse building blocks fo...
The Pol32 Subunit of DNA Polymerase δ Contains Separable Domains for Processive Replication and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) Binding

The Pol32 subunit of DNA polymerase delta contains separable domains for processive replication and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) binding.
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED 2-D CELLULAR STRUCTURES: A FINITE ELEMENT STUDY

Functionally graded cellular structures such as bioinspired functionally graded materials for manufacturing implants or bone replacement, are a class of materials with low densities and novel physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical and acoustic properties. A gradual increase in cell size distribution, can impart many improved properties which may not be achieved by having a uniform cellular structure. The material properties of functionally graded cellular structures as a function of density gradient have not been exclusively addressed within the literature. In this study, the finite element method is used to investigate the compressive uniaxial and biaxial behavior of functionally graded Voronoi structures. Furthermore, the effect of missing cell walls on its overall mechanical (elastic, plastic, and creep) properties is investigated. The finite element analysis showed that the overall effective elastic modulus and yield strength of structures increased by increasing the density gradient. However, the overall elastic modulus of functionally graded structures was more sensitive to density gradient than the overall yield strength. The study also showed that the functionally graded structures with different density gradient had similar sensitivity
Implementation of a rapid whole blood D-dimer test in the emergency department of an urban academic medical center: impact on ED length of stay and ancillary test utilization.

Overcrowding and prolonged patient length-of-stay (LOS) in emergency departments (EDs) are growing problems. We evaluated the impact of implementing a rapid whole blood quantitative D-dimer test (Biosite Triage, Biosite Diagnostics, San Diego, CA) in our ED satellite laboratory on 252 patients before vs 211 patients after implementation. All patients also underwent testing with the existing central laboratory method (VIDAS D-dimer, bioMerieux, Durham, NC). D-dimer turnaround time (from blood draw to result) decreased approximately 79% (approximately 2 hours vs 25 minutes). The mean ED LOS declined from 8.46 to 7.14 hours (P = .016). Hospital admissions decreased 13.8%, ED discharges increased 7.3%, and the number of patients admitted for observation increased 6.4% (P = .005). No difference in the utilization of radiologic studies was observed (P = .86). At 3 months' follow-up, none of the after-implementation patients with negative D-dimer results were admitted for subsequent venous thromboembolic disease. The rapid D-dimer test was associated with a shorter ED LOS and fewer hospital admissions.
Downregulation of KRC Induces Proliferation, Anchorage Independence, and Mitotic Cell Death in HeLa Cells

Abstract The large zinc finger protein KRC regulates transcription of target genes via the κB gene enhancer element. As an attempt to investigate the cellular function of KRC, we have established cell lines stably transfected with KRC expression vectors. Introduction of a vector directing expression of a transcript antisense to KRC mRNAs in several mammalian cell lines resulted in accelerated proliferation. Furthermore, in HeLa cells, downregulation of KRC conferred anchorage-independent growth and promoted cell cycle progression without an intervening cytokinesis, culminating in the formation of multinucleated giant cells. Ultimately these cells died.
A time-varying iterative learning control scheme

This paper presents an iterative learning control scheme that uses a time-varying Q-filter. The purpose of the time-varying Q-filter is to utilize the enhanced robustness given by a low bandwidth filter, while taking advantage of the superior performance properties of a high bandwidth Q-filter where needed. Simulations are provided to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed scheme. In addition, stability and convergence issues involved with using a time-varying filter are investigated. Finally the ILC algorithm developed here is implemented on a microscale robotic deposition (/spl mu/RD) system to provide experimental verification.
Estimates of Location Based on Rank Tests

A serious objection to many of the classical statistical methods based on linear models or normality assumptions is their vulnerability to gross errors. For certain testing problems this difficulty is suc-cessfully overcome by rank tests such as the two Wilcoxon tests or the Kruskal- Wallis H-test. Their power is more robust against gross errors than that of the t- and F-tests, and their efficiency loss is quite small even in the rare case in which the suspicion of the possibility of gross errors is unfounded.
Using Perceptual Texture Masking for Efficient Image Synthesis

Texture mapping has become indispensable in image synthesis as an inexpensive source of rich visual detail. Less obvious, but just as useful, is its ability to mask image errors due to inaccuracies in geometry or lighting. This ability can be used to substantially accelerate rendering by eliminating computations when the resulting errors will be perceptually insignificant. Our new method precomputes the masking ability of textures using aspects of the JPEG image compression standard. This extra information is stored as threshold elevation factors in the texture’s mip-map and interpolated at image generation time as part of the normal texture lookup process. Any algorithm which uses error tolerances or visibility thresholds can then take advantage of texture masking. Applications to adaptive shadow testing, irradiance caching, and path tracing are demonstrated. Unlike prior methods, our approach does not require that initial images be computed before masking can be exploited and incurs only negligible runtime computational overhead. Thus, it is much easier to integrate with existing rendering systems for both static and dynamic scenes and yields computational savings even when only small amounts of texture masking are present.
Patterning of Pain and Power With Guided Imagery

Using Martha Rogers' science of unitary human beings, changes in pain and power among 42 patients were examined in relation to the use of a guided imagery modality. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups and repeated measures MANCOVA was used to detect differences in pain and power over a 4-day period of time. The treatment group's pain decreased during the last 2 days of the study. No differences in power emerged. Guided imagery appeared to have potential as a useful nursing modality for chronic pain sufferers.