cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterizing the Risk of Long-Term Opioid Utilization in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN Single-institution retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To determine whether prescribing practices at discharge are associated with opioid dependence (OD) in patients undergoing discectomy or laminectomy procedures for degenerative indications. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Long-term opioid use in spine surgery is associated with higher healthcare utilization and worse postoperative outcomes. The impact of prescribing practices at discharge within this surgical population is poorly understood. METHODS A query of an administrative database was conducted to identify all patients undergoing discectomy or laminectomy procedures at our high-volume tertiary referral center between 2007 and 2016. For patients included in the analysis, opioid prescription data on admission and discharge were manually abstracted from the electronic health record, including opioid type, frequency, route, and dose, and then converted to daily morphine equivalent dose (MED) values. We defined OD as a consecutive narcotic prescription lasting for at least 90 days within the first 12 months after the index surgical procedure. RESULTS Of the 819 total patients, 499 (60.9%) patients had an active opioid prescription before surgery. Postoperatively, 813 (99.3%) received at least one narcotic prescription within 30 days of index surgery, and 162 (19.8%) continued with sustained opioid use in the 12 months after surgery. In adjusted analysis, patients with OD had a higher incidence of preoperative depression (P = 0.012) and preoperative opioid use (P < 0.001), as well as a higher frequency of preoperative benzodiazepine prescriptions (P = 0.009), and discharge MED value exceeding 120 mg/day (P = 0.013). Postoperative OD was observed in 7.5% of previously opioid-naive patients. CONCLUSION This is the first study to test for an association between MED values prescribed at discharge and sustained opioid use after lumbar spine surgery. In addition to previously reported risk factors, discharge prescription dose exceeding 120 mg/day is independently associated with OD after spine surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
A GPU accelerated parallel heuristic for the 2D knapsack problem with rectangular pieces

The 2D Knapsack Problem is a NP hard problem in combinatorial optimization which can be described easily, but it is very difficult to solve. If we take a rectangular container as well as a set of rectangular pieces into consideration, the two dimensional knapsack problem (2D-KP) consists of packing a subset of the rectangular pieces in the rectangular container in such a way that the sum of the total values of the packed rectangular pieces is maximized. If we consider the value of a rectangular piece by the area, the goal here is to maximizing the covered area of the rectangular container. It is not only very time consuming for Central Processing Units (CPU) but also very difficult to obtain an optimized solution when solving large problem instances. So, parallelism can be a good technique for reducing the time complexity, as well as improving the solution quality. Nowadays Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have evolved supporting general purpose computing. In this paper, we propose GPU accelerated parallel heuristics for 2D Knapsack Problem and our experimental evaluation shows that this optimization algorithm efficiently accelerated on GPUs can provide with higher quality solutions within a reasonable time for 2D-KP.
Black rot of sweetpotato: a comprehensive diagnostic guide.

Black rot of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) has been considered one of the most historically devastating diseases of the crop. The pathogen, Ceratocystis fimbriata (Ellis and Halst), is able to infe...
How Interdisciplinarians Work

Interdisciplinary research requires an approach different from research performed within a specific disciplinary framework. This paper reports on a study that was motivated by a perceived difference between how interdisciplinary research is done by scholars and how it is taught to students. A total of 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted with professional scholars who had presented at one of the Association for Interdisciplinary Studies recent annual conferences with the objective of exploring how professional scholars approach and perform interdisciplinary research. Three themes that arose from these interviews—1) the importance of an exploratory disposition, 2) a lack of concern for interdisciplinary boundaries, and 3) the importance of mentorship and community—have relevance in terms of how we design curriculum and educational experiences to prepare students to research complex, real-world problems that require an interdisciplinary approach.
Anomalous Antimicrobial Susceptibility Trend Identification

Antibiotic resistant bacterial infections are a growing global health crisis. Antibiograms, aggregate antimicrobial resistance reports, are critical for tracking antibiotic susceptibility and prescribing antibiotics. This research leverages fifteen years of the expansive Massachusetts statewide antibiogram dataset curated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Given the lengthy annual antibiogram creation process, data are not timely. Our prior research involved forecasting the current antimicrobial susceptibility given historic antibiograms. The objective for this research is to expand upon this prior work by identifying which antibiotic-bacteria combinations have resistance trends that are not well forecasted. For that, our proposed Previous Year Anomalous Trend Identification (PYATI) strategy employs a cluster driven outlier detection solution to identify the trends to remove before forecasting. Employing PYATI to remove antibiotic-bacteria combinations with anomalous trends statistically significantly reduces the forecasting error for the remaining combinations. As antibiotic resistance is furthered by prescribing ineffective antibiotics, PYATI can be leveraged to improve antibiotic prescribing.
Simultaneous design & control of a reactive distillation system – A parametric optimization & control approach

Abstract We present a detailed dynamic model for a reactive distillation system, based on which we develop design-dependent explicit optimal control strategies. A mixed-integer dynamic optimization formulation is then proposed integrating design, control and operational components, the solution of which allows us to derive explicit closed-loop strategies that maintain stable and operable conditions in the presence of process disturbances. The simultaneous approach is illustrated with the design of a methyl tert-butyl ether reactive distillation system example as a part of the developed model library in the RAPID SYNOPSIS project.
Alterations in the fecal microbiome of lactating dairy cows during experimentally induced heat stress

Heat stress costs the dairy industry over $1.2 billion annually as a result of decreased milk production. Mastitis incidence is higher during the warmer months of the year, presumably due to a seasonal increase in Gram-negative organisms in the bedding of dairy cows. It is currently unknown if the increased environmental load of Gram-negative organisms during warmer months is associated with cows shedding more of these organisms in their feces, which has been documented in laying hens. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of heat stress on the fecal microbiome of lactating dairy cows. We hypothesized there would be a decrease in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and an increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in the feces of dairy cows during heat stress; specifically, an increase in Gram-negative environmental mastitis pathogens.
Provably Near-Optimal Simple Markdown Readjustment Pricing Policies

We consider a canonical revenue management problem wherein a monopolist seller seeks to maximize expected total revenues from selling a fixed inventory of a product to customers who arrive sequentially over time, and the seller is restricted to implement a pricing policy that is non-increasing over time (i.e., markdown pricing). Gallego and van Ryzin (1994) show that the simplest non-increasing price policy, the fixed price policy, is asymptotically optimal in the high-volume regime where both the seller's initial inventory and the length of the selling horizon are proportionally scaled. Specifically, the revenue loss of the fixed price policy is O( k^{1/2}), where k is the system's scaling parameter. In the present paper, we present a novel real-time pricing policy. This policy repeatedly updates the fixed price policy in Gallego and van Ryzin (1994) by taking into account the volatility of the historic sales and forcing the price process to be non-increasing over time. We show that if the seller updates the price for only a single time, then the revenue loss of our policy can be arbitrarily close to O( k^{1/3} \ln k). If the seller updates the prices with a frequency O( \ln k / \ln \ln k ), then the revenue loss of our policy can be arbitrarily close to O( ( \ln k )^3 ). These results are novel and show the power of dynamic pricing in the presence of the markdown restriction.
George Beadle: from genes to proteins

George W. Beadle's life spanned much of the period during which genetics changed from an abstract to a molecular science. Beadle himself catalysed the transition from classical to molecular genetics when, together with Edward Tatum, he discovered that each gene is linked to the production of a protein. This article traces his life from a modest farm to the centre of biology and a principal role in the development of the scientific enterprise.
Exhaust Emissions 1966-1972 Model Year Light Duty Motor Vehicles

This report describes the results of a surveillance study initiated by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to measure gaseous exhaust emissions from 1020 light-duty motor vehicles. Selected privately-owned vehicles, drawn randomly from six metropolitan areas, were tested in as-received condition. The emissions data obtained from these 1966-1972 model-year vehicles are reported in grams per mile of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen while fuel economy is reported in mpg as determined over the Federal Driving Schedule.
4-Amino-4-cyanobutyric Acid as an Intermediate in Glutamate Biosynthesis

A novel compound, 4-amino-4-cyanobutyric acid, was isolated and identified from cultures of an unidentified psychrophilic basidiomycete. Triple labeling experiments in vivo involving the simultaneous administration of K13C15N and succinic semialdehyde-14C to fungus cultures showed that these compounds along with ammonia are precursors of 4-amino-4-cyanobutyric acid. In addition, cell-free extracts were able to catalyze this reaction. That 4-amino-4-cyanobutyric acid is a precursor of glutamate was also established by triple labeling experiments as well as with crude enzyme preparations. In the latter case nitrilase activity was demonstrated. Enzymes involved in glutamate and succinic semialdehyde metabolism were found, and on this basis a cycle involving cyanide detoxification is proposed.
Stress waves in isotropic elastic plate excited by circular transducer

Steady state harmonic stress waves in an isotropic elastic plate excited on one face by a circular transducer are analyzed theoretically. The transmitting transducer transforms an electrical voltage into a uniform normal stress at the top of the plate. To solve the boundary value problem, the radiation into a half-space is considered. The receiving transducer produces an electrical voltage proportional to the average spatially integrated normal stress over its face due to an incident wave. A numerical procedure is given to evaluate the frequency response at a receiving point due to a multiply reflected wave in the near field. Its stability and convergence are discussed. Parameterization plots which determine the particular wave whose frequency response has maximum magnitude compared with other multiple reflected waves are given for a range of values of dimensionless parameters. The effects of changes in the values of the parameters are discussed.
Orientation of IS50 transposase gene and IS50 transposition

Abstract Reversal of transposase gene orientation with respect to the nonidentical ends of IS50 strongly decreased IS50 transposition in both Dam- and Dam+ hosts. In either orientation, IS50 transposase expression was unaffected. These effects were independent of the surrounding DNA context. This shows that the efficiency of IS50 transposition is dependent on transposase gene orientation. The transposition frequencies of transposons utilizing inverted IS50 inside ends (IE), IE-IE transposons, were lower than either outside end (OE)-IE or OE-OE transposons.
TERATOSPERMIA IN DOMESTIC CATS COMPROMISES PENETRATION OF ZONA-FREE HAMSTER OVA AND CAT ZONAE PELLUCIDAE

The ability of spermatozoa to bind and penetrate zona-free hamster ova and the zonae pellucidae of domestic cat oocytes in vitro was compared between normospermic (greater than 60% structurally normal spermatozoa per ejaculate) and teratospermic (less than 40% normal spermatozoa per ejaculate) domestic cats. The effects of culture media (Biggers, Whitten, Whittingham [BWW] versus modified Krebs Ringer bicarbonate [mKRB]) and simple dilution (DR), ejaculate centrifugation, and either resuspension (NS) or swim-up processing (SU) on penetration also were examined. High percentages of structurally normal spermatozoa were bound to zona-pellucida-free hamster ova regardless of the morphological forms in the inseminant. Mean percent normal spermatozoa bound to ova in DR, NS, and SU sperm aliquots from teratospermic male cats were not different (P greater than 0.05) from similarly treated normospermic aliquots. However, the percent penetration of hamster ova by normospermic ejaculates (10.5%) was superior (P less than 0.05) to that of teratospermic ejaculates (2.8%). Although swim-up processing improved percent sperm motility, progressive motility, and normal morphology in teratospermic ejaculates (P less than 0.05), no difference was observed in ovum penetration among the DR-treated, NS-treated, and SU-treated spermatozoa (P greater than 0.05). Culture medium had no effect on sperm binding in the hamster assay, but ovum penetration rate by spermatozoa in the normospermic ejaculates was enhanced (P less than 0.05) using mKRB (13.5%) when compared with BWW (7.6%) medium. Spermatozoa from teratospermic cats were capable of binding and penetrating cat zonae; however, sperm-zona interaction (defined as percent of oocytes with spermatozoa binding to or penetrating into the zona) was different (P less than 0.05) between normospermic (65.3%) and teratospermic (24.2%) cats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Agricultural districts: The demographics of retaining farmland in New York State

Abstract In 1971, New York State enacted the agricultural districts program to authorize the formation of farmer initiated districts where agriculture is the legally preferred land use. Although New York farmers have committed more land than under any other state farmland preservation program, the demographic/structural conditions underlying district formation have not been studied systematically. This paper begins that study by attempting to outline the demographic, socio-economic, and agricultural characteristics of areas initiating districts. Knowledge of these conditions in conjunction with district formation procedures can assist in developing strategies to retain land in agricultural production.
ESD qualification changes for 45nm and beyond

As the silicon technologies advance further into sub-50 nm feature sizes, the circuit demands for high-speed operation are continually making ESD into a challenging issue. This paper reviews the current perception about ESD and why there must be an immediate paradigm shift for the ESD qualification requirements.
Instabilities and nonlinearities in defect recombination processes

Abstract Several conditions which result in instabilities and nonlinearities in the processes associated with the recombination of point defects are discussed.
MANAGEMENT OF PEDIATRIC DYSPHAGIA

Decisions for management of feeding and swallowing problems in infants and children are likely to be most effective in a professional team approach with caregivers. Optimal management relies on optimal assessment. This article focuses on management strategies that involve "food rules," the position and posture changes, alterations in food and liquid attributes, oral-motor and swallow function, utensil changes, adjustments in feeding schedules and pacing, and behavioral intervention with failure to thrive in the context of global issues for children who are oral and nonoral feeders.
A nonlinear filtering and predication (NFP) method for maneuvering target tracking

A new non-linear filtering and predication (NFP) algorithm with input estimation is proposed for maneuvering target tracking. In the proposed method, the acceleration level is determined by a decision process, where a least squares (LS) estimator plays a major role to detect target maneuvering within a sliding window. In this paper, we first illustrate that the optimal solution to minimize the mean squared error (MSE) must consider a trade-off between the bias and error variance. For the application of target tracking, we then derive the MSE of target positions in a close form by using orthogonal space decompositions. Then we discuss the NFP estimator, and evaluate how well the approach potentially works in the case of given system parameters. Comparing with the traditional unbiased minimum variance filter (UMVF), Kalman filter, and interactive multiple model (IMM) algorithms, numerical results show that the newly proposed NFP method performs comparable or better in all scenarios with less computational requirements.
Changing patterns of placental hexokinase isozymes during the course of gestation.

Abstract Hexokinase, an enzyme that is capable of regulating the entry of glucose into metabolic sequences, is known to exist in four isozyme forms in a variety of mammalian tissues. Each of these isozymes possesses different kinetic properties, suggesting that they may serve in different regulatory capacities. In addition, the proportions of the four isozymes are characteristically different for various differentiated tissues, presumably reflecting different metabolic capabilities of the tissues. Extracts of rabbit and human placentas from early gestational age and term pregnancies were chromatographed and assayed for hexokinase activity. Four peaks of activity were observed. Elution positions of the four placental hexokinase isozymes were comparable to those from liver; however, the relative proportions were considerably different. In both rabbit and human placentas, the proportion of Type I hexokinase increased during gestation and Type III decreased, while Types II and IV remained essentially unchanged. Implications of the gestational changes for placental carbohydrate metabolism are discussed.
ALGAL VS. MACROPHYTE INPUTS TO FOOD WEBS OF INLAND SALINE WETLANDS

Invertebrate food webs in wetlands were traditionally thought to be fueled mainly by decaying macrophytes, but recently it has been recognized that microalgae may be more important. In particular, the paradigm that shredders of vascular plant litter dominate food web processes may not apply to many wetlands where shredders are rare and microalgae more abundant. This issue is complicated by potential consumption of flocs of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from living plants, and of exopolymer secretions (EPS) from both autotrophic and heterotrophic microbes. In Wyoming, we used gut contents and stable isotopes to investigate organic matter sources for the dominant invertebrates in oligosaline (0.5–5 g/L total dissolved solids) and mesosaline (5–18 g/L) wetlands. We examined the trophic importance of microalgae vs. macrophytes in wetlands with and without emergent vegetation (Scirpus acutus), with different growth forms and species of submersed plants (Chara spp. vs. Potamogeton pectinatus), with do...
Fluoroscopic Method for Localization of the Anteromedial Portal for Use in Ankle Arthoscopy: Technique Tip

Ankle arthroscopy has become a standard surgical technique for the treatment of many ankle pathologies. Over the past 30 years, the technique has undergone modification and standardization in order to improve surgical performance and outcomes. In contrast to the ankle joint, the hip joint is a deep joint, which makes visualization and palpation of the topographical anatomy quite difficult. The use of fluoroscopy has enabled the surgeon to successfully perform hip arthroscopy for the treatment of selective hip pathologies. Fluoroscopy also can improve the localization of the anteromedial portal for use in ankle arthroscopy. This technique is valuable for the less-experienced ankle arthroscopist, in resident education, and for the experienced arthroscopist when surface anatomy palpation and visualization is less than ideal due to soft tissue edema and obesity.
The Effects of Using Graphing Calculators to Enhance College Students' Performance in Precalculus.

This study extended through three academic semesters and involved 710 subjects. It compared the performance of college students taught precalculus using a graphing calculator and a textbook written to be used with a graphing utility, to the performance of students using the traditional approach, a regular textbook, and a scientific calculator. On a comprehensive common final exam, students who were taught precalculus using the graphing calculator had significantly higher scores than those taught by traditional methods.
Validity in Environment/Behavior Research Some Cross-Paradigm Concerns

"Transactional Qualities of Neighborhood Social Networks" (Oxley et al., 1986) provides a thorough analysis of interrelated patterns contributing to neighborhood networks in two seasons. It also provides what appears to be an excellent example of a transactional approach. The authors rightly identify it as a case study. This brief essay raises some questions about the internal and external validity of the Christmas Street study, while also commending the holistic and longitudinal approach that was taken.
Evaluation of Garden Crop Mercury Uptake and Potential Exposure from Consumption of Garden Crops Grown on Floodplain Soils

ABSTRACT This study investigated Hg uptake from soil into garden crops to help assess the significance of human consumption of crops as a potential route of exposure to Hg. Locations for both a floodplain and a control garden were identified within the Augusta Forestry Center near Crimora, VA, USA, which is about 16 river-km downstream from the city of Waynesboro, along the South River. The floodplain garden had measured soil Hg concentrations ranging from 4.2 to 78 mg Hg kg−1 dry weight basis in the surface to 15-cm deep layer. A total of 139 samples from the floodplain garden from 17 different crops were analyzed for Hg. All crop samples (except for nine) had less than 0.1 μg Hg g−1 wet weight basis (ww). Many samples were less than the method detection limit (MDL) of 0.003 μg Hg g−1 ww. Based on the measured Hg concentrations and several conservative assumptions (e.g., Hg assumed present when less than MDL; 100% consumption from the geographical area in which study was conducted; and 100% bioavailable ...
Infra-Red Spectra of Water-soluble Carbonates

INFRA-RED spectra of some carbonates have been reported by Hunt, Wisherd and Bonham1, Underwood, Toribara and Neuman2 and by Miller and Wilkins3. Hunt et al. suggested that the position of the band near 11µ was a function of the atomic weight of the cation, and also pointed out that Miller and Wilkins's work substantiated this suggestion with the exception of lithium carbonate. We have evidence that this is not so. Further, Underwood et al. reported the 11µ band for sodium and potassium at different positions from that reported by Miller and his workers. Although they indicated their results were in general agreement with Miller and Wilkins, no attempt to point out or explain this discrepancy was made. Finally, the role of water in influencing both band positions and broadness appears to have been neglected in interpreting spectra of water-soluble inorganic compounds and this will be discussed here.
Luteal support with intravaginal progesterone increases clinical pregnancy rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome using letrozole for ovulation induction.

Objective To determine the effect of intravaginal micronized P on pregnancy rates in clomiphene citrate and letrozole ovulation induction cycles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design Retrospective chart review. Setting University-based assisted reproductive technology program. Patients Women with PCOS who underwent ovulation induction with either clomiphene citrate (n = 90) or letrozole (n = 31) from January 2002 to December 2008. Intervention(s) Clomiphene citrate (50–250 mg × 5 days) or letrozole (5 mg × 5 days) were used for ovulation induction. After either intercourse or IUI, patients received intravaginal micronized P (200 mg twice daily) according to prescribing physician preference. Main Outcome Measure(s) Clinical pregnancy rate. Result(s) In clomiphene cycles, clinical pregnancies were documented in 15.3% of cycles (19 of 124) in the P group, compared with 12.1% (11 of 91) of the non-P group. In letrozole cycles, clinical pregnancies were documented in 21.1% of cycles (8 of 38) in the P group, compared with none (0 of 13) in the non-P group. Conclusion(s) Women with PCOS who used letrozole for ovulation induction had higher clinical pregnancy rates when using intravaginal P support. Luteal supplementation with P should be strongly considered in women with PCOS, especially in those using letrozole for ovulation induction.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Switching Mechanism of Mixed Polymer Brushes

The inner structure of a polystyrene−poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) brush synthesized via two-step surface-initiated radical polymerization was studied by a combination of step-by-step oxygen ...
Highly Supercooled Cirrus Cloud Water: Confirmation and Climatic Implications

Liquid cloud droplets supercooled to temperatures approaching -40°C have been detected at the base of a cirrostratus cloud through a combination of ground-based, polarization laser radar (lidar) and in situ aircraft measurements, Solar and thermal infrared radiative budget calculations based on these observatoins indicate that significant changes in the atmospheric heating distribution and the surface radiative budget may be attributed to liquid layers in cirrus clouds.
Enhanced high-order harmonic generation from Xe, Kr, and Ar in a capillary discharge

We report the use of a preionized medium created by a capillary discharge to extend the cutoff photon energy in high-order harmonic generation. The observed enhancements result from a combination of reduced ionization energy loss and reduced ionization-induced defocusing of the driving laser. We observe harmonic emission from Xe up to a photon energy of $160\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$, and we extend this technique to other noble gases, observing photons with energies up to $170\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ from Kr and $275\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ from Ar. The discharge plasma also provides a means to spectrally tune the harmonics by tailoring the initial level of ionization of the medium. Our results are interpreted using a hydrodynamic-atomic physics model of the discharge plasma. This work demonstrates that capillary discharges are a versatile and general method for generating harmonics, in particular from ions. Finally, this approach should be scalable to efficiently generate coherent light at much shorter wavelengths, in combination with phase-matching techniques.
Molecular diagnosis of Phytophthora lateralis in trees, water, and foliage baits using multiplex polymerase chain reaction

Un protocole base sur la PCR est decrit pour detecter Phytophthora lateralis dans les tissus vegetaux et l'eau. Des deletions de paires de bases dans chacune des regions ITS de l'ADN ribosomal de P. lateralis ont ete utilisees pour definir des amorces de PCR qui n'amplifient un fragment de 738 paires de bases que si l'ADN de P. lateralis est present dans l'echantillon. Des amorces universelles basees sur des regions conservees de la petite sous-unite de l'ADN ribosomal nucleaire ont ete incluses dans une reaction de PCR multiplex, fournissant ainsi un temoin interne de la reaction. Ces amorces universelles amplifient un fragment de 550 pb qui est commun aux plantes, aux protistes et aux champignons vrais. Ce protocole permet la detection de P. lateralis dans les tiges et dans les racines du Chamaecyparis. Des reactions positives ont ete obtenues avec seulement 200 zoospores de P. lateralis dans l'eau.
A stochastic mixing model for homogeneous, turbulent, tubular reactors

A stochastic mixing model is developed for turbulent flow in homogeneous plug-flow reactors. The model is based on random coalescence and redispersion of fluid elements. Of special significance is its applicability when mixing and reaction rates are comparable, as well as when either rate dominates. The model's parameters may be determined by measuring conversion with instantaneous reactions. Experimental results reported by others are successfully simulated.
Alternative implementations of the Two-Mu algorithm

I describe implementations of the Two-Mu image-restoration algorithm that model the center portion of the convolution of the point-spread function and the original image (this has been done heretofore), as well as those that model the full range of that convolution. The full convolution methods produce processed images of simple, simulated scenes that are comparable in quality with, and often involve computations that are considerably shorter than, those of the center convolution methods. The full convolution methods incur some loss of information near the edge of the scene. However, that loss may not be significant for large images, especially for those in which the important information is far from the edge of the scene.
The Taj and the Raj: Garden imperialism in India

Abstract In the opening years of the twentieth century, Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, oversaw a vast project of restoring monuments throughout the length and breadth of the sub-continent. The centerpiece in his program was Agra and above all the Taj Mahal (figure I). In this essay I propose to focus on the Taj and specifically on its gardens as restored by Curzon with several questions in mind.
Electrophysiologic findings in Fabry's disease with a short PR interval

Fabry’s disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of a-galactosidase-A that results in an accumulation of intracellular glycolipid in the heart and other organs. l Several electrocardiographic changes have been described in affected patients, including varying degrees of atrioventricular block, ST and T-wave changes, and a short PR interval.24 These changes are thought to be due to glycosphingolipid deposition involving the myocardial fibers and conduction system.24 However, the etiology of a short PR interval in Fabry’s disease is not completely understood. We report a patient with heterozygous Fabry’s disease who presented with palpitations and a short PR interval, and underwent detailed electrophysiologic testing. A 43-year-old white woman with a well-documented history of a carrier state for Fabry’s disease (based on decreased levels of a-galactosidase)presented with palpitations and dyspnea. On examination, her pulse was irregular, with a rate of 150 beats1 min. An initial electrocardiogram demonstrated atrialBbrillation, with an average ventricular response of approximately 150 beatslmin and shortest RR interval of 350 ms. A total of 0.75 mg of digoxin was administered in sequential doses, followed by conversion to normal sinus rhythm. Further digoxin dosing was held. An electrocardiogram recorded during sinus rhythm (Figure 1) showed a short PR interval of 110 ms, with a normal QRS duration and no evidence of preexcitation. The echocardiogram was normal. To assess the etiology of the short PR interval, an electrophysiologic
Things as They are: New Directions in Phenomenological Anthropology

Things as They Are: New Directions In Phenomenological Anthropology. MICHAEL JACKSON, ed. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1996. x + 287 pp., notes, references, contributors.
A field map estimation strategy without the noise-bandwidth tradeoff

We propose a joint acquisition-processing solution to the problem of field map estimation. Our acquisition method captures data at three echo times carefully chosen to yield optimal field map estimation using the corresponding algorithm. We show that, over an arbitrary spectral range of inhomogeneity values, our method is not subject to the traditional noise-bandwidth tradeoff. The resulting implications include: improved robustness, enhanced spectral estimation and eliminating the need for spatial phase unwrapping. Our simulations show factors of improvement in the quality of field map estimates, as compared to existing methods. Our phantom data confirms these impressive gains.
Production of antibodies against murine class II antigens using unconjugated synthetic peptides of the β chain region 63-78

Abstract Synthetic peptides corresponding to residues 63–78 of the first domain of the β chain of murine I-A/I-E class II antigens were used in the unconjugated rather than the traditional protein-conjugated form to immunize (129J × B6)F1 mice. The sequences made represented the four haplotypes; A β k , A β d , A β bm−12 and E β d . These sequences were selected on the basis of computer algorithms used to predict surface accessibility and main-chain flexibility profiles, and by reported hypervriability and site-directed mutagenesis experiments of these regions. Factors such as the use of complete Freund's adjuvant, a continuous immunization regime, and the sex of the mice used were found to influence the amount of anti-peptide antibody produced when unconjugated peptide was used as the immunogen. Antibodies produced were shown by FACS analysis to react with I-A/I-E class II antigens expressed on the lymphocyte surface. These findings indicate that the use of unconjugated synthetic peptides representing sequences of proteins which are in close proximity to disulfide bonds may be an advantage over conventional methods of peptide conjugation to proteins.
Prepubertal testosterone treatment of female rats: defeminization of behavioral and endocrine function in adulthood.

Abstract This study assesed the capacity of testosterone (T) administered well after the neonatal “critical” period to permanently sexually differentiate reproductive function. Females received T filled or empty Silastic capsules during days 15–30 of age and vaginal cyclicity, ovarian weight and. appearance, lordosis and proceptive behaviors, mounting behavior, and the gonadotropin response to estrogen and progesterone were measured in adulthood. T-treated females (plasma levels of 0.66 ng T/ml) showed constant vaginal estrus from the day of vaginal opening and small, polyfollicular ovaries. Proceptive behaviors were dramatically reduced whether or not the ovaries were present after day 15 of age, but lordosis behavior was not affected. Exposure to T for 5–6 h was ineffective. Compared to controls, T-treated females had dramatically reduced plasma FSH and LH surges. No effects were observed on mounting behavior, phallus size, or body weights. These results suggest that androgen at approximately male levels can act on neural substrates well beyond the neonatal period to permanently defeminize endocrine and behavioral function in the female rat.
Reduced somatostatin in subgenual anterior cingulate cortex in major depression.

Abstract Converging evidence suggests a central role for dysfunction of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Underlying mechanisms may include altered GABAergic function. Expression of somatostatin (SST), an inhibitory neuropeptide localized to a subset of GABA neurons, has been shown to be lower in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of male MDD subjects. Here, to investigate whether alterations in SST may contribute to sgACC dysfunction in MDD, and whether the alterations display sex-specificity, we measured sgACC SST at the mRNA and precursor peptide levels in a large cohort of subjects with MDD. SST mRNA levels were analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in the postmortem sgACC from male (n = 26) and female (n = 25) subjects with MDD and sex-matched subjects with no psychiatric diagnosis (n = 51). Prepro-SST protein levels were assessed in a subset of subjects (n = 42 pairs) by semi-quantitative Western blot. The mRNA expression of SST was significantly reduced by 38% in female subjects and by 27% in male subjects with MDD. The characteristic age-related decline in SST expression was observed in control (Pearson R = − 0.357, p = 0.005) but not MDD (R = − 0.104, p = 0.234) subjects, as low expression was detected across ages in MDD subjects. Protein expression was similarly reduced by 19% in both MDD groups, and findings were more robust in female (p = 0.0056) than in males (p = 0.0373) compared to respective controls. In conclusion, low SST represents a robust pathological finding in MDD. Specifically, alterations in SST signaling and/or SST-bearing GABA neurons may represent a critical pathophysiological entity that contributes to sgACC dysfunction and that matches to the high female vulnerability to develop MDD.
The metabolism of D- and L-3-hydroxybutyrate in developing rat brain.

Abstract The incorporation of l - and d -3-hydroxybutyrate into rat brain protein, lipid, and amino acids during development was studied. l -3-Hydroxybutyrate was found to label brain protein and amino acids in addition to sterols and fatty acids throughout the first 32 postnatal days. Age related changes in l - and d -3-hydroxybutyrate labeling of protein and amino acids were similar. Whereas l -3-hydroxybutyrate incorporation into brain lipids rose sharply between 6–15 days of age, d -3-HOB incorporation into the lipid fraction gradually increased from birth through the age of 15 days. Incorporation by both isomers into lipid was greatest during the third week of suckling and then declined when the animals were weaned. At 15 days of age, the distribution of l -3-hydroxybutyrate into glutamate, glutamine + aspartate, and γ-aminobutyrate was similar to that obtained with d -3-hydroxybutyrate. l -3-Hydroxybutyrate was poorly oxidized to CO 2 by brain slices and mitochondria. Oxidation capacity was maximal from 15–21 days of age for both isomers. The activity of l -3-hydroxybutyrl-CoA ligase increased between 6–28 days of age, and its increase is well correlated with the developmental pattern of l -3-hydroxybutyrate incorporation and mitochondrial oxidation. l -3-Hydroxybutyrate was not detected in the blood of palmitate-injected pups or fasted adult animals. These results suggest that although l -3-hydroxybutyrate can be utilized for the synthesis of brain components during development, its negligible blood concentration precludes a significant contribution to either tissue synthesis or energy balance during the suckling period.
Weighted estimators in regression with multicollinearity

When dealing with highly correlated data, the ordinary least squares estimator is often unsuitable because of its iarge mean square error. This paper introduces an estimator, WPC, which is the weighted sum of the ordinary least squares estimator and the principal component estimator. WPC is compared with the ordinary least squares estimator and another weighted estimator recently introduced for use with highly correlated data. WPC is shown to have smaller mean square error under conditions that commonly occur in econometric studies
Lasofoxifene (CP‐336,156) Protects Against the Age‐Related Changes in Bone Mass, Bone Strength, and Total Serum Cholesterol in Intact Aged Male Rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if long-term (6 months) treatment with lasofoxifene (LAS), a new selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), can protect against age-related changes in bone mass and bone strength in intact aged male rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats at 15 months of age were treated (daily oral gavage) with either vehicle (n = 12) or LAS at 0.01 mg/kg per day (n = 12) or 0.1 mg/kg per day (n = 11) for 6 months. A group of 15 rats was necropsied at 15 months of age and served as basal controls. No significant change was found in body weight between basal and vehicle controls. However, an age-related increase in fat body mass (+42%) and decrease in lean body mass (-8.5%) was observed in controls. Compared with vehicle controls, LAS at both doses significantly decreased body weight and fat body mass but did not affect lean body mass. No significant difference was found in prostate wet weight among all groups. Total serum cholesterol was significantly decreased in all LAS-treated rats compared with both the basal and the vehicle controls. Both doses of LAS treatment completely prevented the age-related increase in serum osteocalcin. Peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT) analysis at the distal femoral metaphysis indicated that the age-related decrease in total density, trabecular density, and cortical thickness was completely prevented by treatment with LAS at 0.01 mg/kg per day or 0.1 mg/kg per day. Histomorphometric analysis of proximal tibial cancellous bone showed an age-related decrease in trabecular bone volume (TBV; -46%), trabecular number (Tb.N), wall thickness (W.Th), mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate-tissue area referent. Moreover, an age-related increase in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and eroded surface was observed. LAS at 0.01 mg/kg per day or 0.1 mg/kg per day completely prevented these age-related changes in bone mass, bone structure, and bone turnover. Similarly, the age-related decrease in TBV and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and the age-related increase in osteoclast number (Oc.N) and osteoclast surface (Oc.S) in the third lumbar vertebral cancellous bone were completely prevented by treatment with LAS at both doses. Further, LAS at both doses completely prevented the age-related decrease in ultimate strength (-47%) and stiffness (-37%) of the fifth lumbar vertebral body. These results show that treatment with LAS for 6 months in male rats completely prevents the age-related decreases in bone mass and bone strength by inhibiting the increased bone resorption and bone turnover associated with aging. Further, LAS reduced total serum cholesterol and did not affect the prostate weight in these rats. Our data support the potential use of a SERM for protecting against the age-related changes in bone and serum cholesterol in elderly men.
THE RADIAL DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION IN LIQUID HELIUM

It is pointed out that the Ornstein-Zernike-Gibbs formula, which is commonly used to connect the intensity of coherent scattering of radiation in a liquid with the thermodynamic functions, is not valid for liquid helium. Alternative formulas involving the radial distribution function are discussed.
Rigid ion model of lattice dynamics - A re-evaluation

Abstract A rigid ion model using an effective ionic charge gives reasonable agreement with phonon dispersion of crystals with NaCl, CsCl and zinc-blende structures. Model parameters are obtained from three elastic constants and two long-wavelength optic phonon frequencies. If the pressure dependence of these quantities is also available, the model may be readily used for the evaluation of mode Gruneisen parameters, Gruneisen constant and coefficient of thermal expansion.
Comparing enfant and PowerDiva sweep visual evoked potential (sVEP) acuity estimates

Many studies have examined different variables that affect the outcome of sVEP estimated acuity. However, no studies have compared the estimated sVEP acuity between different instruments. The primary purpose of this study was to compare sVEP acuity estimates obtained with two different sVEP systems: the Enfant and the PowerDiva. Twenty-five normal adults with monocular acuities of 0.10 logMAR or better took part in this study. The sVEP acuities were determined with the two instruments in a single visit with the same electrode placement. For both systems, the stimuli were horizontal sine wave gratings of 80 % contrast, counterphased at 7.5 Hz, with a screen mean luminance of 100 cd/m2. The sweep presented spatial frequencies from 3 to 36 cpd with each spatial frequency presented for 1 s. Ten presentations of the stimuli were averaged together for one acuity measurement. The acuity estimate was made with the specific instruments standard software. Two acuity measurements were made for each system and averaged together for further comparison. The acuity estimates were compared using an ANOVA, paired t tests, and Bland–Altman plots. The average estimated logMAR acuities with the Enfant (0.064 ± 0.069 logMAR) and PowerDiva (0.065 ± 0.115 logMAR) were not significantly different (t = 0.04, p = 0.97). Consistent with previous studies, the logMAR chart acuity (−0.086 ± 0.089 logMAR) was significantly different from the Enfant (t = 8.10, p < 0.001) and PowerDiva (t = 5.77, p < 0.001) acuity estimates. The Bland–Altman analysis for the two instruments did not indicate a bias (−0.001), and the limit of agreement was 0.227 logMAR. Acuity estimates with the Enfant and PowerDiva are not significantly different for patients with normal acuity. Thus, direct comparisons between the two instruments can be made for patients with normal acuity.
The bottomland hardwood forest of the southern United States

Abstract Bottomland hardwood forests are valued for timber production, water storage, enhanced water quality, nutrient cycling, erosion control and wildlife habitat. However, the majority of southern bottomland stands, 90% of which are in private ownership, are occupied by a degraded mixture of tree species, caused largely by repeated, incomplete harvests. They can be naturally regenerated to a stand of favorable species composition by removing the residual stand of merchantable and non-merchantable trees. For timber production, these systems respond best to even-aged management such as clearcutting, shelterwood cutting and patch clearcutting. Plant succession under such systems allows shade intolerant species to occupy the site, followed by species of increasing shade tolerance. Uneven-aged systems, such as individual-tree selection and group selection, are also viable regeneration methods, but they require great attention to detail and frequent stand entry. In areas of high sensitivity to timber harvesting, a two-aged system such as a leave-tree is recommended. Stand disturbance, either planned or unplanned, is needed to keep southern hardwood forest stands viable.
Low-frequency intensity fluctuations in external cavity semiconductor lasers

The fact that semiconductor lasers subject to external optical feedback are extremely prone to low-frequency instabilities has been known for more than two decades. However the rich variety of low-frequency intensity fluctuations ranging from purely stochastic phenomena to examples of deterministic chaos is not generally appreciated. Here we describe a few examples of this variety: undamped relaxation oscillations (self-pulsing) coherence collapse staircase fluctuations and the onset of mode beating noise self-pulsations subharmonic cascades and chaos. Apart from their significance to the fundamental science of nonlinear dynamics these phenomena are important because of the widespread application of diode lasers to optical communication and data storage.