cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient lattice representation and generation.

In large-vocabulary, multi-pass speech recognition systems, it is desirable to generate word lattices incorporating a large number of hypotheses while keeping the lattice sizes small. We describe two new techniques for reducing word lattice sizes without eliminating hypotheses. The first technique is an algorithm to reduce the size of non-deterministic bigram word lattices. The algorithm iteratively combines lattice nodes and transitions if local properties show that this does not change the set of allowed hypotheses. On bigram word lattices generated from Hub4 Broadcast News speech, it reduces lattice sizes by half on average. It was also found to produce smaller lattices than the standard finite state automaton determinization and minimization algorithms. The second technique is an improved algorithm for expanding lattices with trigram language models. Instead of giving all nodes a unique trigram context, this algorithm only creates unique contexts for trigrams that are explicitly represented in the model. Backed-off trigram probabilities are encoded without node duplication by factoring the probabilities into bigram probabilities and backoff weights. Experiments on Broadcast News show that this method reduces trigram lattice sizes by a factor of 6, and reduces expansion time by more than a factor of 10. Compared to conventionally expanded lattices, recognition with the compactly expanded lattices was also found to be 40% faster, without affecting recognition accuracy.1
C-Aryl glycoside inhibitors of SGLT2: Exploration of sugar modifications including C-5 spirocyclization

Modifications to the sugar portion of C-aryl glycoside sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were explored, including systematic deletion and modification of each of the glycoside hydroxyl groups. Based on results showing activity to be quite tolerant of structural change at the C-5 position, a series of novel C-5 spiro analogues was prepared. Some of these analogues exhibit low nanomolar potency versus SGLT2 and promote urinary glucose excretion (UGE) in rats. However, due to sub-optimal pharmacokinetic parameters (in particular half-life), predicted human doses did not meet criteria for further advancement.
Drug therapy in child psychiatry: psychological aspects.

Summary Drug therapy was found to be a safe and useful addition to psychological measures in the outpatient treatment of children whose disorders ranged from severe schizophrenia to mild behavior disorders. Although the underlying pathology was not removed, the quantitative reduction of disorganizing anxiety helped the forces in the child which were striving for re-integration and active mastery. Drugs also promoted more mature patterns of motility, impulse control and attention. These effects enabled many of the children to learn more constructive ways of coping with their interpersonal problems, and to make better use of their schooling. Drug therapy thus facilitated the psychological aspects of treatment, and accelerated the therapy of many of the children. It also provided some help for children who were too disturbed to be candidates for traditional psychotherapy, or who could not participate in such therapy in the absence of drugs. Drugs were generally accepted by parents and children as simply another way in which the doctor was trying to help the child. The physiological effects of drugs did not interfere with the therapeutic relationships between doctor, child and parent. The regulation of medication introduced additional practical problems and transference complications into these interpersonal relationships, but the management of such problems was no different in principle from the similar problems encountered in the absence of, drugs. To this observer, the added problems seemed amply justified by the ability of medication to increase the help available to seriously disturbed children and to accelerate the treatment of many others.
Vaccination with an attenuated Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease strain prevents expression of a virulent agent

Although slow and persistent viruses often escape host defenses infection may be prevented by live vaccines. To determine whether an attenuated “slow” strain of the Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease agent (SY) could block expression of a virulent “fast” strain (FU), outbred CD-1 mice were inoculated intracerebrally with low infectious doses of SY and challenged 80 days later with higher doses of FU. For comparison, the same SY and FU samples were inoculated in two parallel control groups. All 18 superinfected mice showed incubation times identical to those inoculated with only the SY strain, yielding clinical disease >110 days later than predicted for the FU strain. Neurological signs, such as scratching and an extended clinical phase, were also characteristic for SY but not FU infection. Moreover, the widespread cortical pathology of FU was not detectable in superinfected mice. Western blot analyses further showed no strain-specific differences in prion protein (PrP) band profiles for all experimental groups, although there was ∼10-fold more protease-resistant PrP (PrP-res) in FU brains during terminal disease. In contrast, infectivity assays revealed an ∼10,000-fold difference between SY and FU at terminal stages, indicating that PrP-res content does not correlate with infectivity. In summary, an attenuated strain of the Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease agent evokes substantial interference against a virulent agent. Because superinfected mice had little PrP-res just before the onset of clinical disease and retained abundant cellular PrP, cellular PrP was not the factor limiting FU replication. The mechanisms underlying SY interference are not understood but could be based on host recognition of foreign molecular features shared by this class of invasive agents involving antibody production, and possibly involve defective viral particles produced by attenuated variants.
Developmental regulation of juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the ring gland of Drosophila melanogaster.

The synthesis in vitro of the putative dipteran juvenile hormone (JHB3) by ring glands isolated from third instarDrosophila melanogaster larvae was quantified by a radiochemical assay. The data indicate that JHB3 synthesis is developmentally regulated during the period prior to wandering until after puparium formation. The highest level of basal production occurred during the postfeeding stage, and synthesis declined after pupariation. Similar relative profiles of synthesis were obtained upon the addition of the JHB3 precursor, farnesoic acid, although the absolute levels of production were elevated considerably. Basal JHB3 production by brain-ring gland complexes in vitro was also highest during the postfeeding stage, although the synthetic rates were much lower than displayed by isolated ring glands. Further analysis revealed that methyl farnesoate, a JHB3 precursor, was synthesized by brain-ring gland complexes in significant quantity. A dual mechanism of brain-centered control of JHB3 biosynthesis is proposed.
Research in Religion and Mass Political Behavior in the United States Looking Both Ways After Two Decades of Scholarship

This article attempts to assess the extent of "scientific progress" in the study of religion and political behavior in the United States. Using three models of scientific enterprise, I find that the empirical study of religion and politics has been quite successful in an inductive, cumulative sense and has been moderately successful in providing interpretive, verstehen explanations as well. In general, research in religion and politics has not produced much in the way of "covering laws," "paradigms," or "research programs," in which religious variables are central theoretical concepts. Rather, explanations using religious phenomena are typically special cases of more general theoretical perspectives. I suggest that the last characterization does not reflect intellectual failure on the part of researchers; rather, the phenomena of religious politics appears essentially decentralized, and our best theories of religious behavior help account for the lack of parsimonious explanations in this area.
A Crisis Intervention Team Program: Four-Year Outcomes

Crisis intervention training has become a popular strategy to educate first responders about mental illness and techniques to safely and effectively de-escalate individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This article presents outcomes of the first four years of a Crisis Intervention Team program in St. Louis, Missouri. Findings of this evaluation suggest that the Crisis Intervention Team program is effective in diverting individuals in crisis to treatment.
Hemispheric differences in word meaning processing: Alternative interpretations of current evidence

Current models of hemispheric differences in word semantic processing converge on the hypothesis that the left hemisphere focuses word meanings to their core meanings, whereas the right hemisphere keeps wider representations active. This paper discusses four aspects of studies frequently cited in support of this hypothesis that require further investigation and consideration. Specifically, the paper critiques assumptions about interpretation of lateral prime presentation, priming measures, prime-target association, and aspects of targeted meanings (strength of relatedness versus meaning dominance). The paper proposes further research to clarify these assumptions, and introduces an alternative interpretation of the available data.
Opposing effects of δ- and ζ-protein kinase C isozymes on cardiac fibroblast proliferation: use of isozyme-selective inhibitors

Neonatal primary cardiac fibroblasts in defined medium continue to proliferate. Here, we show that phorbol ester inhibited and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) stimulated this fibroblast proliferation. Cardiac fibroblasts contain six protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes: alpha-, delta-, epsilon-, betaI-, betaII-, and zeta-PKC. To evaluate the effect of different PKC isozymes on the proliferation of these cells, we used isozyme-selective PKC inhibitors. Inhibition of endogenous delta-PKC with deltaV1-1, an isozyme-selective translocation inhibitor, resulted in increased basal thymidine incorporation by 58 +/- 12% of control cells, but did not affect TGFbeta1-induced cell growth. Inhibition of endogenous zeta-PKC in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts with zeta-pseudosubstrate, a selective inhibitor for the atypical PKC isozymes, revealed an opposite effect; this inhibitor reduced basal growth to 45 +/- 11% and TGFbeta1-induced growth to 61 +/- 10%. Other isozyme-specific inhibitors used in this study did not alter basal or TGFbeta1-stimulated fibroblast growth. Taken together, our data provide evidence that delta-PKC inhibits and zeta-PKC stimulates proliferation of neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts.
Microscopic theory for cross-linked macromolecules. II. Replica theory of the transition to the solid state

We investigate the statistical mechanics of a set of randomly cross-linked macromolecules. Using the replica method, we are led to consider a field theory for an order parameter which describes the breaking of the symmetry of independent translations and rotations between replicas. We construct the Landau free energy in this order parameter by systematically integrating out the polymer degrees of freedom. We find that the system can exhibit two transitions. The first corresponds to the collapse of a swollen rubber, while the second is a continuous transition to an equilibrium amorphous solid once the number of crosslinks exceeds a critical value. Very close to the latter transition, the Landau free energy is of the same form as that for the long-range Ising spin glass, enabling us to use Parisi's replica--symmetry-breaking scheme to describe the ordered state.
Isomeric Differentiation of Green Tea Catechins using Gas-Phase Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Reactions

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange reactions in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer are used to differentiate galloylated catechin stereoisomers (catechin gallate and epicatechin gallate; gallocatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate) and the nongalloylated analogs (catechin and epicatechin, gallocatechin and epigallocatechin). Significant differences in the hydrogen/deuterium exchange behavior of the four pairs of deprotonated catechin stereoisomers are observed upon reaction with D2O. Interestingly, the nongalloylated catechins undergo H/D exchange to a much greater extent than the galloylated species, incorporating deuterium at both aromatic/allylic and active phenolic sites. Nongalloylated catechin isomers are virtually indistinguishable by their H/D exchange kinetics over a wide range of reaction times (0.05 to 10 s). Our experimental results are explained using high-level ab initio calculations to elucidate the subtle structural variations in the catechin stereoisomers that lead to their differing H/D exchange kinetics.
Strengthening VA Clinical Research

Jennifer Couzin reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was “shaken” and morale was at “rock bottom” after the announcement that the VA will increase funding for clinical research partly through reduction of laboratory research (“VA shaken by plan to cut grants, cultivate the
End-Point Prediction Modeling for Semibatch Hydroxide Precipitation

An equilibrium solubility model for the accurate prediction of the end point of semibatch hydroxide precipitation reactions in high ionic strength aqueous solutions is presented. We are interested in end-point and solution-pH predictions to determine the amount of base addition necessary to exactly achieve the base hydroxide solubility limit for the removal of heavy metals without excess base addition. Experimental verification of the model predictions is carried out using a chloride, iron, and magnesium system that is a model of the industrial system of interest. As shown by the experimental results, very good end-point predictions are possible even with the incorporation of a number of simplifying assumptions in the activity coefficient models.
American automotive emissions control policy: a review of the reviews

This article reviews five recent studies of the American automotive emissions control policy. The studies are valuable in helping define the problems, estimate costs, estimate benefits, clarify policy alternatives, and encourage the rejection of ineffective policies. The studies also reveal our ignorance concerning many of the crucial parameters surrounding the automotive emissions question.
Role of microRNA deregulation in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level through its sequence complementation with target mRNAs. An individual miRNA species can simultaneously influence the expression of multiple genes and conversely, several miRNAs can synchronously control expression of specific gene product mRNA levels. Thus, miRNAs expression in cells has to be precisely regulated and alterations in miRNA levels may cause an aberrant expression of genes involved in oncogenic pathways and consequently result in cancer development. Indeed, miRNA expression is often deregulated in many cancers, including B-cell lymphomas. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous group of B-cell lymphomas with different genetic backgrounds, morphologic features, and responses to therapy. Over the past decade, miRNAs emerged as a new tool for understanding DLBCL biology, and promising candidate molecular markers in DLBCL classification and treatment. In this review, we will focus on miRNAs aberrantly expressed in DLBCL and discuss the putative mechanisms of this deregulation. Additionally, we will summarize miRNAs’ involvement in the identification of DLBCL subgroups, and their potential role as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers as well as specific therapeutic targets for DLBCL.
Complements to models for noncommuting operators

Abstract This paper develops a dilation theory for two noncommutative operators. Many of the results and techniques in dilation theory for one operator are extended to this setting. This is done by extending the Schaffer construction for one operator to the Fock space setting. A new Wold decomposition for two isometrics with orthogonal range is obtained. This Wold decomposition and the Schaffer construction is used to extend the Sz.-Nagy-Foias lifting theorem and the characteristic function theory to the noncommutative setting. The characteristic function is operator valued and defined in a Fock space.
Room-temperature dispersion equations for cubic zinc sulfide.

Etude des possibilites d'application de l'equation de Sellmeier simplifiee proposee par Li, montrant que cette equation n'est pas satisfaisante dans le cas de mesures precises de l'indice de refraction couvrant un large intervalle de frequences, mais qu'elle reste utilisable dans des domaines particuliers (fenetres IR en ZnS)
Calcofluor white inhibitsNeurospora chitin synthetase activity

Abstract Neurospora crassa chitin synthetase activity was inhibited in vitro by Calcofluor White, an optical whitener. Kinetic analysis revealed that Calcofluor inhibited enzyme activity by decreasing theV max app (noncompetitive type of inhibition with aK i of about 200 μg/ml).
The forces between polyatomic molecules. II. Short-range repulsive forces

The Hellmann-Feynman theorem is used to examine the qualitative behaviour of short-range repulsive forces between closed-shell polyatomic molecules whose electron clouds overlap slightly. It is found that the most important contribution to the repulsive forces arises from a reduction in combined electron density in the region of overlap. Using this result it is possible to show that for two molecules whose electron density is best described by localized orbitals, and for which the orbitals of one molecule do not overlap the orbitals of the other in more than one localized interatomic region, the forces are locally additive over pairs of atoms, one in each of the interacting molecules. However, those molecules which are adequately described by orbitals which extend over the molecular framework and which can overlap opposite orbitals in more than one interatomic region, will not interact in a locally additive way.
Locally almost factorial integral domains

The simpliest, and most important, class of Krull domains are the factorial domains (UFDs), i.e., those Krull domains with trivial divisor class group. Probably the next simpliest class of Krull domains are the Krull domains with torsion divisor class group, i.e., the almost factorial Krull domains [21]. Almost factorial Krull domains occur very frequently: examples include factorial domains, Krull domains with finite divisor class group, and hence any ring of integers of an algebraic number field. Moreover, Goldman [16, Corollary 21 has shown that any Dedekind domain R has an almost factorial overring A with the same unit group as R. The most important property of almost factorial Krull domains is that they are precisely the Krull domains R such that each subintersection of R is a localization of R. Other characterizations of almost factorial Krull domains may be found in [ 131 or [21]. Almost factorial domains have also been called semifactorial [ 191 and prefactorial. Recently there have been several papers on rings each of whose proper localizations or proper overrings satisfy certain ring-theoretic properties, for example [4,5, 8,9]. Following Fossum [ 13, p. 811, in [4] we defined
Use of the Yitzhaki Index as a test of relative deprivation for health outcomes: A review of recent literature

Abstract We reviewed the empirical studies published between 2000 and 2010 that test the relative deprivation (RD) hypothesis in relation to population health. Our review focuses primarily on 14 studies using the Yitzhaki Index and related relative income measures. We summarize their main findings by health outcome, address methodological challenges in measuring RD, and identify several gaps in the literature as well as future directions for research in this area. Gaps in the evidence include the need for longitudinal studies with stronger causal designs – for example, examining changes in RD in relation to changes in health outcomes, with careful control for confounding by individual income and other indicators of socioeconomic position. Defining the appropriate reference group (from which people make social comparisons) poses a major empirical challenge, as evidenced by the fact that the measurement of RD has not materially advanced since Yitzhaki's original formulation in 1979. More innovative approaches to operationalizing RD are needed – including the measurement of RD in dimensions other than income, incorporating inter-generational comparisons; and attempting exogenous manipulation of RD, e.g. through laboratory-based experiments.
Switch-Mode Continuously Variable Transmission With Flywheel Energy Storage

A hybrid drive train significantly improves energy efficiency of ground vehicles. While numerous auxiliary hybrid power sources have been researched, few are capable of the energy and power density of a flywheel coupled with a continuously variable mechanical transmission. The primary challenge of a flywheel hybrid system is a transmission capable of coupling a high speed flywheel to the drive train of the vehicle. A novel solution to this challenge is a switch-mode continuously variable transmission that utilizes a rapidly switching clutch to transmit power. This system, the mechanical analog of a DC-DC boost converter circuit, utilizes a flywheel, a high frequency clutch, an anti-reversing ratchet, and a spring to vary the output torque. The switch-mode continuously variable transmission is demonstrated through an idealized finite difference model, created from the dynamic system of equations. The model is used to demonstrate the system behavior in a passenger car subjected to road loads in various conditions. The output of the model demonstrates pulses in the output torque as a result of the rapidly switching clutch. This output ripple in is smoothed to an acceptable level by the torsion spring. From this preliminary analysis the on-off continuously variable transmission offers an efficient, energy dense, and power dense hybrid vehicle drive train alternative.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The Role of msa in Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen that forms biofilms. The global regulator sarA is essential for biofilm formation. Since the modulator of sarA (msa) is required for full expression of sarA and regulates several virulence factors, we examined the capacity of the msa mutant to form biofilm. Results: We found that mutation of msa results in reduced expression of sarA in biofilm and that the msa mutant formed a weak and unstable biofilm. The msa mutant is able to adhere to surfaces and begins to form biofilm but fails to mature indicating that the defect of the msa mutant biofilm is in the accumulation stage but not in primary adhesion. Conclusion: The msa gene plays an important role in biofilm development which is likely due to its role in modulating the expression of sarA. This finding is significant because it identifies a new gene that plays a role in the development of biofilm.
Naturally occurring play patterns in groups of latency aged children

This study examines the influence of the socialization of aggression among different gender and social class groupings and the influence of psychosocial stage on cognitive developmental play preferences among groups of school aged children. Observations of 143 play groups were coded for play preference (symbolic play, practice play, games with rules) and play performance (cooperative or competitive). Findings of the log-linear data analysis suggest a middle class and masculine bias in Piaget's cognitive model (i.e., that as age increases children prefer more games with rules). This model held only for middle class and affluent boys. Girls (both latency and prepubertal) and lower socioeconomic groups tended to prefer practice play. Girls were more likely to play cooperatively; boys more likely to play competitively. Implications for theory development and clinical practice are explored.
Identifying the sea level signal: Surf's up

Of all the dire consequences of the greenhouse effect, global sea level rise is potentially the most destructive to human life and property. But the processes that increase the volume of the oceans are so poorly understood that theoreticians are taking their lead from scientists trying to actually measure current changes in sea level that might be caused by the greenhouse effect. As with surface temperature, precipitation, and other measures of climate change, identifying the greenhouse signal is a daunting problem. Climate models that predict mean temperature increases around the world of up to several degrees C in the next 50–100 years in response to human-induced global warming have given rise to a scientific consensus that mountain glaciers and ice sheets will begin to melt and the water in oceans will slightly expand, raising sea level. Such increases would inundate some of the most densely populated and highly cultivated areas on the planet, displacing and endangering many millions of people at a devastating economic and social cost.
Effects of Methotrexate on Intestinal Transit in Rats

Abstract A study was designed to determine the effects of methotrexate (MTX) on rat intestinal transit. Adult male rats were implanted with indwelling cannulas in the proximal duodenum 5 to 7 days prior to experimentation. After recovery from surgery, groups of animals were treated with either saline (1.0 ml/kg/day) or MTX at 0.5, 1.25, 3.125, or 7.8 mg/kg/day (ip) for 3 consecutive days (Days 1–3). On each of the next 5 consecutive days (Days 4–8) weight and intestinal transit determinations were made in animals from each test group following a 24-hr fast. Intestinal transit was determined by measuring the progression of an intraduodenally administered bolus of radioactive chromium (Na251CrO4, 0.5 μCi) through the small intestine. When compared with saline-treated controls, intestinal transit was significantly (p
High power, low frequency components of cardiac, renal, splenic and vertebral sympathetic nerve activities are uniformly reduced by spinal cord transection.

Abstract Others have reported that spinal cord transection non-uniformly affects the activities of the cardiac, renal and splenic nerves. We were unable to confirm this finding while recording the wide band (1–1000 Hz) discharges of these sympathetic nerves in baroreceptor-denervated, chloralose-anesthetized cats. Most of the power in nerve discharges was below 6 Hz. There was high coherence between the low frequency discharges of different nerves, and power below 15 Hz was essentially eliminated by spinal transection. Evidence is presented that the disparities between this and past studies are, in part, due to the use of a 30-Hz high-pass filter in the earlier studies.
Digital reconstruction by free microvascular transfer of two fingers as a unit from the contralateral paralyzed hand.

The ideal reconstruction for damaged or missing fingers has yet to be achieved. While toe transfer offers an excellent option for reconstruction of the thumb, this type of reconstruction often falls short in replacement of other digits of the hand. Microsurgical transfer of a finger or fingers from the opposite hand offers an option, but is rarely performed due to the morbidity in the donor hand. The case of a patient with a paralyzed, but otherwise normal, opposite hand presents a unique opportunity to repair the contralateral damaged but innervated hand. This case report deals with such a patient in whom two fingers were moved from a paralyzed hand to replace two traumatically missing digits in his previously normal hand. Technical considerations will be discussed and the result at 33 months will be presented. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Function and friction at work: a multidimensional analysis of work outcomes in cancer survivors

Objectives Cancer survivors can experience difficulties returning to and/or remaining at work. Sociodemographic, health and well-being, symptom burden, functional limitations in relation to work demands, work environment, and various work policies and procedures can be related to work function.
What's So New about the Project Approach?

(1993). What's So New about the Project Approach? Childhood Education: Vol. 70, No. 1, pp. 25-28.
Inverse-Compton Gamma-Rays from Plerions

Young pulsars surrounded by supernova remnants can power synchrotron nebulae through the injection of relativistic particles. Inverse Compton scattering by the high-energy electrons and positrons can produce TeV gamma-ray emission strong enough to be detectable by ground-based telescopes. The Crab nebula is the archetypical example of a gamma-ray plerion and was the first detected TeV source. The observed spectrum is consistent with predictions of synchrotron-self Compton models. This paper will review such models for the Crab and other plerions. Inverse-Compton scattering on other soft photon sources, particularly the 2.7K microwave background, may also be detectable in older remnants.
Cigarette smoking status in pathological gamblers: Association with impulsivity and cognitive flexibility

Background While the majority of pathological gamblers are current cigarette smokers (CS), some have quit smoking (former smokers, FS) while others never smoked (never smokers, NS). The reasons for elevated smoking rates in pathological gambling are not known, but gamblers may use nicotine as a putative cognitive enhancer. This study evaluated impulsivity and cognitive flexibility in a sample of pathological gamblers with differing smoking status.
Silicon based optical pulse shaping and characterization

The high-index contrast between the silicon core and silica cladding enable low cost chip-scale demonstration of all-optical nonlinear functional devices at relatively low pump powers due to strong optical confinement the in silicon waveguides. So far, broad ranges of applications from Raman lasers to wavelength converters have been presented. This presentation will highlight the recent developments on ultrafast pulse shaping and pulse characterization techniques utilizing the strong nonlinear effects in silicon. In particular, pulse compression due to two photon absorption and dual wavelength lasing and ultrafast pulse characterization based on XPM FROG measurement will be highlighted.
Parallel processing for computer vision

It has been estimated that processor speeds on the order of 1 to 100 billion operations per second will be required to solve some of the current problems in computer vision. This paper overviews the use of parallel processing techniques for various vision tasks using a parallel processing computer architecture known as PASM (partitionable SIMD/MIMD machine). PASM is a large-scale multimicroprocessor system being designed for image processing and pattern recognition. It can be dynamically reconfigured to operate as one or more independent SIMD (single instruction stream-multiple data stream) and/or MIMD (multiple instruction stream-multiple data stream) machines. This paper begins with a discussion of the computational capabilities required for com-puter vision. It is then shown how parallel processing, and in particular PASM, can be used to meet these needs.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Functional analysis of activation of porcine oocytes by spermatozoa, calcium ionophore, and electrical pulse.

The present study was conducted to examine differences in the activation of pig oocytes induced by sperm penetration or the artificial stimulators calcium ionophore A23187 and electrical pulse. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were cultured in NCSU 23 medium supplemented with 10% pig follicular fluid and 0.57 mM cysteine for 44 hr and then freed from cumulus and corona cells prior to activation with A23187 or an electrical pulse or inseminated with frozen-thawed ejaculated semen. Cortical granule (CG) exocytosis, zona reaction, nuclear activation, and developmental ability were examined after treatment. A23187 and electrical pulse induced 75.7% and 76.9% of CGs to be released from oocytes. Sperm penetration induced 86.3% of CGs to be released from the oocytes, which was significantly higher (P 0.05) from that in control oocytes (87%). Electrical pulse induced 87% of the oocytes to form a pronucleus(ei), with 53% failing to release the second polar body. A23187 induced 62% of oocytes to form a pronucleus(ei), and 81% of these oocytes released the second polar body. Sperm penetration induced 98-100% of the oocytes to release the second polar body and form a female pronucleus, and 88-89% of sperm penetrated oocytes formed a male pronucleus(ei). Blastocyst formation of oocytes exposed to spermatozoa, electrical pulse, and A23187 was 27%, 10%, and 4% at Day 6 and 28%, 11%, and 5% at Day 7, respectively (P < 0.05). More nuclei were observed in the blastocysts derived from in vitro fertilization (32.3 +/- 12.9) than artificial stimulators. These results indicate that different and possibly overlapping mechanisms may be involved in the activation of pig oocytes by spermatozoa, electrical pulse, and A23187.
Object-discrimination learning set and hypothesis behavior in the northern bluejay (Cynaocitta cristata)

Four bluejays received 700 problems of object-discrimination learning set. Acquisition of the task was shown by an average performance level of 72% correct for Trial 2 on the last 100 problems of the experiment. This figure is superior to asymptotic Trial 2 levels for many subprimate mammalian species and comparable to the marmoset (Warren, 1965). A detailed analysis of the data for “hypothesis behavior” (Levine, 1965) revealed several important features of the Ss’ responding, many of potential comparative significance. In particular, consistent decreases in responding due to stimulus preferences and third trial learning, a dramatic drop in random responding, and steady increases in WSLS-object (maximum strategy) coincided with increasing proficiency.
Mining high-speed data streams

Many organizations today have more than very large databases; they have databases that grow without limit at a rate of several million records per day. Mining these continuous data streams brings unique opportunities, but also new challenges. This paper describes and evaluates VFDT, an anytime system that builds decision trees using constant memory and constant time per example. VFDT can incorporate tens of thousands of examples per second using off-the-shelf hardware. It uses Hoeffding bounds to guarantee that its output is asymptotically nearly identical to that of a conventional learner. We study VFDT's properties and demonstrate its utility through an extensive set of experiments on synthetic data. We apply VFDT to mining the continuous stream of Web access data from the whole University of Washington main campus.
The effects of gender and drinking experience on alcohol expectancies about self and male versus female other

Two questionnaire studies evaluated the effects of gender and drinking experience on dose-related alcohol expectancies. In Study 1, the Southwick et al. (1981) expectancy measure was administered to 173 students and no gender differences were found. Consistent with earlier work, increased drinking experience was associated with expectation of more stimulation and pleasure from a moderate alcohol dose. A moderate dose was associated with expectation of more stimulation, more pleasure, and less impairment than a high dose. In Study 2 (n = 174), the instrument was modified to assess alcohol expectancies about a male or female target person. Expectancies about alcohol?s effect on the target were determined by both gender of subject and gender of target. Female subjects expected alcohol to produce more stimulation and pleasure for the target person than male subjects expected. The female target was viewed by all subjects as experiencing less stimulation. Male and female subjects disagreed in their perceptions of how much pleasure the female target derives from drinking. As with self expectancies, subjects perceived that alcohol has biphasic effects on others. Implications for social drinking interactions are discussed.
Time of flight renal MR angiography: Utility in patients with renal insufficiency

Abstract We studied the renal arteries prospectively in 16 patients with renal insufficiency using a combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional time of flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Results were compared with conventional angiography. All renal arteries were identified by MRA. Accuracy for classifying renal arteries into patent, moderately (30–70%) stenotic, severely (>70%) stenotic, or occluded was 91%. With regard to the presence or absence of severe occlusive disease (>70% stenosis or occlusion) the sensitivity was 100%, with a specificity of 93%.
Upper and Lower Bounds for the Frequencies of Rectangular Clamped Plates

Eine neuentwickelte Methode fur untere Schranken und das Rayleigh-Ritzverfahren fur obere Schranken werden von den Verfassern dazu angewandt, die Eigenfrequenzen der Schwingungen von dunnen gleichformigen, rechteckigen Platten mit freien Randern abzuschatzen. Die Anwendbarkeit des Verfahrens fur untere Schranken wird hervorgehoben, und es werden Berechnungen fur eine Symmetrieklasse von rechteckigen sowie fur eine Unterklasse von quadratischen Platten angegeben. Die dadurch entstehenden Schranken fuhren zu einer Verbesserung bisher veroffentlichter Resultate und weisen auf die Brauchbarkeit der Methode fur untere Schranken hin.
Pregnenolone synthesis stimulation in the large particles from bovine adrenal cortex and bovine corpus luteum.

Pregnenolone2 synthesis in the large particles (mitochondrial fractions) from bovine adrenal cortex and bovine corpus luteum is stimulated by calcium, fatty acids, lauryl sulfate and the proteolytic enzyme, pronase. The stimulation of pregnenolone synthesis by these agents is inhibited by ATP in the preparations from both tissues. These findings are essentially the same as those obtained previously with the rat adrenal and indicate that the stimulation of pregnenolone synthesis in the large particles from various steroidogenic tissues occurs by a common mechanism. It is suggested that changes in mitochondrial permeability may have a key role in such a mechanism. (Endocrinology 78: 165, 1966)
Timing and Area Optimization of CMOS Combinational-Logic Circuits Accounting for Total-Dose Radiation Effects

An algorithm for optimMOL VLSI' NX1SI combinational logic circuits for operation in total-dose environments is presented. The width-to-length ratios of the MOS transistors are determined which allow the circuit to meet specified timing requirements while minimizing circuit area. The logic circuit is modeled by an equivalent resistor-capacitor (RC) network, where the resistors and capacitors are functions of transistor width-to-length ratios. The total-dose radiation dependence is modeled as a variation in the resistors. The algorithm has been implemented and tested on example circuits, and the results have been verified using SPICE.
Evaluation of ocular irrtancy potential: Intralaboratory variability and effect of dosage volume☆

Abstract A series of 7 compounds was evaluated for ocular irritancy potential m the rabbit eye when applied at volumes of 100 μl (1 material) or 10 /sml (7 materials). All of the materials had been rated for ocular irritancy in previous tests and ranged in efficacy from mild to corrosive. Eyes were examined by two independent readers for up to 21 days post-dosing and evaluated by the Draize system. Only differences among rabbits were found to contribute to the observed variability of the scores obtained. Also, a dose-effect relationship was clearly discernable in terms of both duration of effect and maximal score. When these materials were tested at 10 μl, the rank correlation of severity was not changed. Therefore, reducing the volume of test material instilled into the rabbit eye moderates the response without compromising test sensitivity.
Plasmodium gallinaceum: cloning and characterization of dihydrofolate reductase/thymidylate synthase.

Abstract Peterson, D. S. 2001. Plasmodium gallinaceum: Cloning and characterization of dihydrofolate reductase/thymidylate synthase. Experimental Parasitology 99, 111–114.
Genetic Components of Days Open Under Heat Stress

A reaction norm approach was used to estimate the genetic parameters of days open (DO) with a model that accounted for heat stress. Data included DO records for Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina in the Southeastern United States. A fixed effect model included herd-year, month of calving (MOC), age of cow, and a regression on 305-d milk yield. The reaction norm model additionally included the effect of animal with random regression on a heat stress index (HI), calculated as the standardized solutions to MOC derived from the fixed effect model; the residual variance was assumed to be a function of the HI. The shape of the distribution of the HI was close to a sinusoidal function with the highest value in March/April and the lowest value in September. Genetic and residual variances and heritabilities were highest for spring calvings and lowest for fall calvings. The variance associated with the random regression of the highest level of HI was 33% of the genetic variance of the regular animal genetic effect. Genetic correlation between these effects was 0.67. As a validation, DO data were grouped into 4 seasons of calving and treated as different traits. A 4-trait mixed linear model that included the fixed effects listed above except MOC, was used to analyze the grouped data. In general, the estimates of genetic and residual variances of the multiple trait analyses followed those of the reaction norm model. Genetic correlations of spring with summer, and fall with winter were both 0.90. Genetic correlations between spring/summer and fall/winter were around 0.80. The reaction norm model for DO allows inexpensive genetic evaluation of fertility under heat stress. Results of such an evaluation may strongly depend on editing criteria and model specifications.
RF-amplifier-free coupled optoelectronic oscillator (COEO)

We report the first demonstration of a RF-amplifier-free 10 GHz coupled optoelectronic oscillator (COEO) through use of high-power slab-coupled optical waveguide (SCOW) amplifier and photodiode components.
Cultivation conditions and the diffusion of oxygen into culture media: The rationale for the flask-to-medium ratio in microbiology

Bacterial cultivation requires consideration of three things: The bacterial strain, cultivation medium, and cultivation conditions. Most microbiologists dutifully report their choice of strains and cultivation media in manuscripts; however, these same microbiologists often overlook reporting cultivation conditions. Without this information, it is difficult to determine if cultures were grown aerobically, microaerobically, or anaerobically. To cultivate bacteria aerobically, it is necessary to understand that oxygen does not readily diffuse into culture media; it needs help to get in. Microbiologists can do this by altering the flask-to-medium ratio, rpm of agitation, and/or the concentration of atmospheric oxygen, or by using baffled flasks.
Rapid automated three-dimensional tracing of neurons from confocal image stacks

Algorithms are presented for fully automatic three-dimensional (3D) tracing of neurons that are imaged by fluorescence confocal microscopy. Unlike previous voxel-based skeletonization methods, the present approach works by recursively following the neuronal topology, using a set of 4 /spl times/ N/sup 2/ directional kernels (e.g., N = 32), guided by a generalized 3D cylinder model. This method extends our prior work on exploratory tracing of retinal vasculature to 3D space. Since the centerlines are of primary interest, the 3D extension can be accomplished by four rather than six sets of kernels. Additional modifications, such as dynamic adaptation of the correlation kernels, and adaptive step size estimation, were introduced for achieving robustness to photon noise, varying contrast, and apparent discontinuity and/or hollowness of structures. The end product is a labeling of all somas present, graph-theoretic representations of all dendritic/axonal structures, and image statistics such as soma volume and centroid, soma interconnectivity, the longest branch, and lengths of all graph branches originating from a soma. This method is able to work directly with unprocessed confocal images, without expensive deconvolution or other preprocessing. It is much faster that skeletonization, typically consuming less than a minute to trace a 70 MB image on a 500 MHz computer. These properties make it attractive for large-scale automated tissue studies that require rapid on-line image analysis, such as high-throughput neurobiology/angiogenesis assays, and initiatives such as the Human Brain Project.
A nonlinear diffusion model for discontinuous disparity and half-occlusions in stereo

Most stereo algorithms do not take into account discontinuities in disparity and the fact that there are half-occlusions consisting of areas seen by one eye but not the other. Very few are formulated using the framework of energy functionals. A formulation that lies within such a framework and addresses the discontinuities and half-occlusions is presented. The formulation follows directly from the assumption that, when matching the left and right images, the order of points must be preserved. A model consisting of two coupled energy functions, corresponding to the two eyes, is presented. They are coupled in the sense that the discontinuity locus determined by one eye also determines the occluded area in the image seen by the other eye. A nonlinear system of diffusion equations is derived by simultaneously applying gradient descent to these functionals. The diffusion equations are implemented by a finite-difference scheme. >
Prenatal Representations of Coparenting Among Unmarried First‐Time African American Mothers

Results of semistructured interviews with 45 pregnant unmarried first-time African American mothers indicated a wide range of expectancies concerning the coparenting relationship they would develop with others once their baby arrived. Most common coparenting systems projected by respondents involved maternal grandmothers and/or the babies' fathers, though other caregivers were explicitly anticipated in a smaller number of cases. Multiperson coparenting systems were the norm, and only 2 of 45 respondents anticipated that they would be entirely on their own with no coparental system whatsoever. Qualitative analyses of mothers' narratives about postbaby coparenting systems revealed five main constructions: having thought about and anticipating coparenting, positive in outlook; having thought about and anticipating coparenting, but with mild concerns (conflict, unreliability); having thought about coparenting and anticipating limited or no support; having thought about coparenting and anticipating significant conflict and nonsupport; and having not thought much about coparenting, being neither focused on nor worried about this issue. Illustrations of each of these types are provided, and directions for family science and practice are discussed.