cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prototype Genomics-Based Keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code Protocol

The evolving nature of the internet will require continual advances in authentication and confidentiality protocols. Nature provides some clues as to how this can be accomplished in a distributed manner through molecular biology. Cryptography and molecular biology share certain aspects and operations that allow for a set of unified principles to be applied to problems in either venue. A DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) inspired hash code system is presented that utilizes concepts from molecular biology. It is a keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code (HMAC) capable of being used in secure mobile Ad hoc networks. It is targeted for applications without an available public key infrastructure. Ad hoc does not mean the users are completely unknown to each other. They could be part of a military unit, police, emergency workers, mobile vendors, or any collection of users in a common geographical area that wish communicate in a region lacking a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Mechanics of creating the HMAC are presented as well as a prototype HMAC protocol architecture.
Empirical Bayes estimation of coefficient of variation in shifted exponential distributions

We study the empirical Bayes estimation for the coefficient of variation γ=θ/(θ+μ) in a shifted exponential distribution having density p(x|θ, μ)=θ−1e −(x−μ)/θ I(x>μ), μ>0, and the parameter θ is in some finite interval [a 1, a 2], where 0<a 1<a 2<∞ are known constants. An empirical Bayes estimator ϕ˜ n is constructed and its associated asymptotic optimality investigated. It is shown that the regret of ˜ ϕ n converges to zero at a rate O((ln n)4/n).
Topological phases of fermions in one dimension

In this paper we show how the classification of topological phases in insulators and superconductors is changed by interactions, in the case of one-dimensional systems. We focus on the time-reversal-invariant Majorana chain (BDI symmetry class).While the band classification yields an integer topological index k, it is known that phases characterized by values of k in the same equivalence class modulo 8 can be adiabatically transformed one to another by adding suitable interaction terms. Here we show that the eight equivalence classes are distinct and exhaustive, and provide a physical interpretation for the interacting invariant modulo 8. The different phases realize different Altland-Zirnbauer classes of the reduced density matrix for an entanglement bipartition into two half chains. We generalize these results to the classification of all one-dimensional gapped phases of fermionic systems with possible antiunitary symmetries, utilizing the algebraic framework of central extensions. We use matrix product state methods to prove our results.
Periodate Titration of Fe(II) in Acid Aqueous Solutions: An Environmentally Friendly Redox Reaction for the Undergraduate Laboratory

An environmentally friendly redox laboratory for the determination of Fe(II) in an acid aqueous medium is presented. This laboratory exercise is an appropriate substitute for the traditional dichromate titration, which is environmentally problematic. This titration method uses the periodate ion as the oxidizing agent and yields results which are as accurate as the dichromate titration. Student success rate in quantitative analysis is better than 80% in two separate laboratory-based trials. This method requires a fairly high degree of operator skill to yield good results, making this a viable laboratory exercise at the sophomore or junior level.
Time-dependent correlations of a self-avoiding polymer chain

Abstract Time-dependent correlation functions of single-polymer-chain conformations are calculated renormalization-group theoretically. The universal functional forms to O(ϵ), ( ϵ ≡ 4− d , d being the spatial dimensionality), but uniformly reliable in time, are given.
Linear complementarity problems and multiple objective programming

An equivalence is demonstrated between solving a linear complementarity problem with general data and finding a certain subset of the efficient points of a multiple objective programming problem. A new multiple objective programming based approach to solving linear complementarity problems is presented. Results on existence, uniqueness and computational complexity are included.
Duplicated Chromosome Segments in Maize (Zea mays L.): Further Evidence from Hexokinase Isozymes

The genetic control of hexokinase isozymes (ATP: d-hexose-6-phosphotransferase, E.C. 2.7.7.1, HEX) in maize (Zea mays L.) was studied by starch gel electrophoresis. Genetic analysis of a large number of inbred lines and crosses indicates that the major isozymes observed are encoded by two nuclear loci, designated Hex1 and Hex2. Five active allozymes and one null variant are associated with Hex1, while Hex2 has nine active alleles in addition to a null variant. Alleles at both loci govern the presence of single bands, with no intragenic or intergenic heteromers visible, suggesting that maize HEX's are active as monomers. Organelle preparations demonstrate that the products of both loci are cytosolic. All alleles, including the nulls, segregate normally in crosses. Vigorous and fertile plants were synthesized that were homozygous for null alleles at both loci, suggesting that other hexosephosphorylating enzymes exist in maize that are undetected with our assay conditions. Linkage analyses and crosses with B-A translocation stocks place Hex1 on the short arm of chromosome 3, 27 centimorgans from Pgd2 (phosphogluconate dehydrogenase) and Hex2 on the long arm of chromosome 6, approximately 45 centimorgans from Pgd1. It is suggested that the parallel linkages among these two pairs of duplicated genes reflects an evolutionary history involving chromosome segment duplication or polyploidy.
Effects of Molecular Entanglements During Electrospray of High Molecular Weight Polymers

Concentration-dependent bimodal size distributions (comprised of single-molecule particles and multimolecule clusters) observed by microscopic examination of particles collected during electrospray (ES) of dilute solutions of high molecular weight polymers suggest that chain entanglement can interfere with the droplet subdivisions believed to be intrinsic to the electrospray process. The feasibility of such interference is discussed in the context of the spray model of Kebarle, along with its potential impact on the ES mass spectrometry of macromolecules.
An NF-κB p65-cIAP2 link is necessary for mediating resistance to TNF-α induced cell death in gliomas

Malignant gliomas are diffusively infiltrative and remain among the deadliest of all cancers. NF-κB is a transcription factor that mediates cell growth, migration and invasion, angiogenesis and resistance to apoptosis. Normally, the activity of NF-κB is tightly regulated by numerous mechanisms. However, in many cancers, NF-κB is constitutively activated and may function as a tumor promoter. Herein, we show that in gliomas, NF-κB is constitutively activated and the levels of cIAP2, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Survivin are elevated. These genes are regulated by NF-κB and can inhibit apoptosis. To understand the potential role of NF-κB p65 in suppressing apoptosis, we generated human glioma cell lines that inducibly express shRNA molecules specific for p65. We demonstrate that in the absence of p65, TNF-α induced cIAP2 expression is significantly reduced while the levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Survivin are not affected. These data suggest that of these genes, only cIAP2 is a direct target of p65, which was confirmed using RT-PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. By reducing the levels of p65 and/or cIAP2 levels, we demonstrate that the levels of RIP poly-ubiquitination are reduced, and that p65-deficient glioma cells are more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of TNF-α. Specifically, in the presence of TNF-α glioma cells lacking p65 and/or cIAP2 showed cellular proliferation defects and underwent cell death. These data suggest that NF-κB and/or cIAP2 may be therapeutically relevant targets for the treatment of malignant gliomas.
Multiresolution foveated laparoscope with high resolvability

A key limitation of the state-of-the-art laparoscopes for minimally invasive surgery is the tradeoff between the field of view and spatial resolution in a single-view camera system. As such, surgical procedures are usually performed at a zoomed-in view, which limits the surgeon’s ability to see much outside the immediate focus of interest and causes a situational awareness challenge. We proposed a multiresolution foveated laparoscope (MRFL) aiming to address this limitation. The MRFL is able to simultaneously capture wide-angle overview and high-resolution images in real time; it can scan and engage the high-resolution images to any subregion of the entire surgical field in analogy to the fovea of human eye. The MRFL is able to render equivalently 10 million pixel resolution with a low data bandwidth requirement. The system has a large working distance (WD) from 80 to 180 mm. The spatial resolvability is about 45 μm in the object space at an 80 mm WD, while the resolvability of a conventional laparoscope is about 250 μm at a typically 50 mm surgical distance.
Having new eyes: viewing child sexual abuse as a public health problem.

Imagine a childhood disease that affects one in five girls and one in seven boys before they reach 18 (Finkelhor & Dziuba-Leatherman, 1994): a disease that can cause dramatic mood swings, erratic behavior, and even severe conduct disorders among those exposed; a disease that breeds distrust of adults and undermines the possibility of experiencing normal sexual relationships; a disease that can have profound implications for an individual's future health by increasing the risk of problems such as substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and suicidal behavior (Crowell & Burgess, 1996); a disease that replicates itself by causing some of its victims to expose future generations to its debilitating effects. Imagine what we, as a society, would do if such a disease existed. We would spare no expense. We would invest heavily in basic and applied research. We would devise systems to identify those affected and provide services to treat them. We would develop and broadly implement prevention campaigns to protect our children. Wouldn't we? Such a disease does exist—it's called child sexual abuse. Our response, however, has been far from the full-court press reserved for traditional diseases or health concerns of equal or even lesser magnitude. Perhaps the perception of sexual abuse as a law enforcement problem or our discomfort in confronting sexual issues contributes to our complacency. Whatever the reason, we have severely underestimated the effects of this problem on our children's health and quality of life.
The Provision of Surgical Care by International Organizations in Developing Countries: A Preliminary Report

Emerging data demonstrate that a large fraction of the global burden of disease is amenable to surgical intervention. There is a paucity of data related to delivery of surgical care in low- and middle-income countries, and no aggregate data describe the efforts of international organizations to provide surgical care in these settings. This study was designed to describe the roles and practices of international organizations delivering surgical care in developing nations with regard to surgical types and volume, outcomes tracking, and degree of integration with local health systems. Between October 2008 and December 2008, an Internet-based confidential questionnaire was distributed to 99 international organizations providing humanitarian surgical care to determine their size, scope, involvement in surgical data collection, and integration into local systems. Forty-six international organizations responded (response rate 46%). Findings reveal that a majority of organizations that provide surgery track numbers of cases performed and immediate outcomes, such as mortality. In general, these groups have mechanisms in place to track volume and outcomes, provide for postintervention follow-up, are committed to providing education, and work in conjunction with local health organizations and providers. Whereas most organizations surveyed provided fewer than 500 surgical procedures annually, more than half had the capacity to provide emergency services. In addition, a great diversity of specialized surgical care was provided, including obstetrics, orthopedic, plastic, and ophthalmologic surgery. International organizations providing surgical services are diverse in size and breadth of surgical services provided yet, with consistency, provide rudimentary analysis, postoperative follow-up care, and both education and integration of health services at the local level. The role of international organizations in the delivery of surgery is an important index, worthy of further evaluation.
Pharmacodynamic genes do not influence risk of neutropenia in cancer patients treated with moderately high-dose irinotecan

Aims: A recent study found that variation in camptothecin pharmacodynamic genes (TOP1, PARP1, TDP1 and XRCC1) correlated with efficacy and risk of neutropenia in irinotecan-treated cancer patients (median dose: 180 mg/m2), which suggests that these genes might predict outcomes to irinotecan-based therapies. The present study was conducted to evaluate previous gene associations using an independent sample of patients receiving irinotecan. Materials & methods: DNA was isolated from 85 advanced cancer patients treated with 300 or 350 mg/m2 irinotecan and genotyped for haplotype-tag polymorphisms across TOP1, PARP1, TDP1 and XRCC1. Associations between genotypes and haplotypes and log(absolute neutrophil count nadirs) were assessed by linear regression. Results: No associations were observed. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the genes we tested do not influence toxicity of irinotecan when adminstered at 300–350 mg/m2.
A structured state space approach to computing the likelihood of an ARIMA process and its derivatives

Kohn and Ansley (1984a) define a likelihood for a general nonstationary Gaussian ARIMA process having missing observations anywhere in the series, and obtain a modified Kalman filter algorithm to compute the likelihood.This paper shows how to efficiently implement the modified Kalman filter and its derivatives so as to compute the Kohn and Ansley (1984a) likelihood and its first two derivatives.We do so by demonstrating that most of the computation is done by a set of basic algorithms.
Impact of a Pharmacy Education Concentration on Students' Teaching Knowledge and Attitudes

Objective. To describe the introduction of an education concentration in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program and to evaluate its impact on students' knowledge and attitudes about teaching. Design. A concentration consisting of 3 elective 2-credit didactic courses and an advanced pharmacy practice experience with a teaching focus were developed and implemented into the PharmD curriculum. Assessment. An attitudes survey instrument and knowledge test were administered to students enrolled in the education concentration track at baseline and after completing the 3 didactic education courses. Students' attitudes toward using various assessment tools and instructional strategies improved and knowledge about concepts in higher education and interest in pursuing a career in academia increased. Conclusion. Pharmacy students completing an education concentration were more likely to consider a career in higher education.
Continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea.

A 48-year-old man reports that he snores loudly and falls asleep when sedentary. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is made, and treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is recommended. CPAP has been shown to improve cognitive function and sleep quality, although beneficial effects on survival have not been clearly documented. The patient's tolerance of CPAP is often a limiting factor.
Spin alignment in superdeformed rotational bands

Abstract Many superdeformed bands in different nuclei are found to have virtually identical moments of inertia and alignments that differ from each other by quantized amounts — multiples of 1 2 h . Pseudo spins represent the only source of quantized alignment that has been thought of to date. Additional puzzles in these bands are the absence of other larger effects on the moments of inertia, and a surprising number of alignments of 1 ħ.
Rapid optical variability of the source PKS 1514-24.

THERE are two cases in which radio sources have been identified with optical objects previously known as variable stars: the Seyfert galaxy 3C120 with the star BW Tau (ref. 1) and VRO 42 22 01 with BL Lac (ref. 2). As a systematic search for possible new concidences, 807 variable stars were selected from the General Catalog of Variable Stars3 and its first supplement4 using the following criteria: (i) type given as irregular or unknown; (ii) no spectral type given; and (iii) galactic latitude |bI|>10°. This list was checked for coincidences against A Master List of Radio Sources5 and the fourth instalment of the Ohio survey6. Only two coincidences were found.
Advance Care Planning Beyond Advance Directives: Perspectives From Patients and Surrogates

Abstract Context Advance care planning (ACP) has focused on documenting life-sustaining treatment preferences in advance directives (ADs). The ADs alone may be insufficient to prepare diverse patients and surrogates for complex medical decisions. Objectives To understand what steps best prepare patients and surrogates for decision making. Methods We conducted 13 English/Spanish focus groups with participants from a Veterans Affairs and county hospital and the community. Seven groups included patients ( n =38), aged ≥65 years, who reported making serious medical decisions. Six separate groups included surrogates ( n =31), aged ≥18 years, who made decisions for others. Semistructured focus groups asked what activities best prepared the participants for decision making. Two investigators independently coded data and performed thematic content analysis. Disputes were resolved by consensus. Results The mean±SD patient age was 78±8 years, and 61% were nonwhite. The mean±SD surrogate age was 57±10 years, and 91% were nonwhite. Qualitative analysis identified four overarching themes about how to best prepare for decision making: 1) identify values based on past experiences and quality of life, 2) choose surrogates wisely and verify that they understand their role, 3) decide whether to grant leeway in surrogate decision making, and 4) inform other family and friends of one's wishes to prevent conflict. Conclusion Beyond ADs, patients and surrogates recommend several additional steps to prepare for medical decision making including using past experiences to identify values, verifying that the surrogate understands their role, deciding whether to grant surrogates leeway, and informing other family and friends of one's wishes. Future ACP interventions should consider incorporating these additional ACP activities.
Publication of unethical research studies: the importance of informed consent.

Scientific research on human beings has been reported since the 18th century, when prisoners at Newgate were pardoned if they agreed to undergo variola vaccination (1721), and Edward Jenner began a series of cowpox vaccinations in children (1776) [1]. No ethical guidelines existed, however, until Thomas Percival wrote, in 1803: “. . . [I]t is for the public good. . . that new remedies and new methods of chirurgical treatment should be devised [emphasis Percival’s] . . . And no such trials should be instituted without a previous consultation of the physicians or surgeons according to the nature of the case” [2]. Percival did not mention protecting the interests of human subjects. It was not until the 19th century that William Beaumont, writing about his classic experiments on Alexis St. Martin, expressed the view that research should be carried out only on subjects who voluntarily consented [3]. One of the earliest official guidelines for human research that required informed consent was promulgated in 1931: “Innovative therapy should be carried out only
Surface morphology of laser superheated Pb(111)

Abstract The step density on the vicinal Pb(111) surface after laser superheating and melting is investigated using reflection high-energy electron diffraction. The (00) beam profiles parallel and perpendicular to the incident beam are analyzed. For laser heating with ∼100 ps laser pulses, surface superheating does not significantly change the density of the steps and step edge roughness. A sudden increase in the average terrace width is observed after laser surface melting. The average terrace width and the string length at the step edge become as large as those at room temperature. The average terrace width at 573 K changes from 38±15 to 64±19 A after laser surface melting, while the average string length at the step edge changes from 50±12 to 250±38 A.
Open Reduction and Screw Fixation of Mallet Fractures

Twelve patients with mallet fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with small screws were reviewed at an average of 31 months after surgery. The indication for surgery was a fracture involving more than one-third of the distal phalanx articular surface or with subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint. Loss of reduction occurred in one patient and in another one screw loosened slightly without loss of reduction. There were no nail deformities, infections, or secondary procedures. The mean range of motion was from 6° (range, 0–30°) (extensor lag) to 70° (range, 60–90°) flexion. Ten patients had no evidence of degenerative changes, one had minor joint space narrowing and one had significant deformity. Open reduction and screw fixation with small screws can lead to satisfactory outcome in appropriate patients.
10–100 keV electron acceleration and emission from solar flares

We present an analysis of spacecraft observations of non-thermal X-rays and escaping electrons for 5 selected small solar flares in 1967. OSO-3 multi-channel energetic X-ray measurements during the non-thermal component of the solar flare X-ray bursts are used to derive the parent electron spectrum and emission measure. IMP-4 and Explorer-35 observations of > 22 keV and > 45 keV electrons in the interplanetary medium after the flares provide a measure of the total number and spectrum of the escaping particles. The ratio of electron energy loss due to collisions with the ambient solar flare gas to the energy loss due to bremsstrahlung is derived. The total energy loss due to collisions is then computed from the integrated bremsstrahlung energy loss during the non-thermal X-ray burst. For > 22 keV flare electrons the total energy loss due to collisions is found to be ∼ 104 times greater than the bremsstrahlung energy loss and ∼ 102 times greater than the energy loss due to escaping electrons. Therefore the escape of electrons into the interplanetary medium is a negligible energetic electron loss mechanism and cannot be a substantial factor in the observed decay of the non-thermal X-ray burst for these solar flares. We present a picture of electron acceleration, energy loss and escape consistent with previous observations of an inverse relationship between rise and decay times of the non-thermal X-ray burst and X-ray energy. In this picture the acceleration of electrons occurs throughout the 10–100 sec duration of the non-thermal X-ray burst and determines the time profile of the burst. The average energy of the accelerated electrons first rises and then falls through the burst. Collisions with the ambient gas provide the dominant energetic electron loss mechanism with a loss time of ≲ 1 sec. This picture is consistent with the ratio of the total number of energetic electrons accelerated in the flare to the maximum instantaneous number of electrons in the flare region. Typical values for the parameters derived from the X-ray and electron observations are: total energy in > 22 keV electrons ≈ total energy lost by collisions = ∼ 1028–29 erg, total number of electrons accelerated above 22 keV = ∼ 1036, total energy lost by non-thermal bremsstrahlung = ∼ 1024erg, total energy lost in escaping > 22 keV electrons = ∼ 1026erg, total number of > 22 keV electrons escaping = ∼ 1033–34. The total energy in electrons accelerated above 22 keV is comparable to the energy in the optical or quasi-thermal flare, implying a flare mechanism with particle acceleration as one of the dominant modes of energy dissipation. The overall efficiency for electron escape into the interplanetary medium is ∼ 0.1–1% for these flares, and the spectrum of escaping electrons is found to be substantially harder than the X-ray producing electrons.
Air bag-associated ocular trauma in children

Abstract Objective To describe a series of children with ocular injuries related to air bag deployment. Design Retrospective, observational case series. Participants Seven patients with ocular injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents in which air bags were deployed. Methods Review of medical records. Results All patients had periocular contusions. Minor injuries included corneal abrasions (n = 5), superficial eyelid laceration (n = 1), and traumatic iritis (n = 2). Serious injuries included corneal edema (n = 1) and a traumatic hyphema with secondary glaucoma and cataract (n = 1). The latter patient required surgery. All other injuries resolved with medical therapy. All patients recovered normal visual acuity. Conclusions Serious ocular injuries in children may result from air bag deployment. Most such injuries are minor and resolve without sequela. It is recommended that infants and children travel in the rear seat of automobiles to minimize their risk of injury.
Photoselective determination of the magnetic axes of pyrazine

Abstract By photoselective excitation of pyrazine molecules randomly oriented in rigid glassy solvents and magnetoselective optical detection of their triplet state EPR, we have confirmed an earlier assignment of the principal axes of the magnetic fine structure tensor.
Transplantation of eyes to the adult rat brain: histological findings and light-evoked potential response.

Abstract Entire eyes were transplanted from fetal rats into the brains of blind adults. In most cases, grafts placed deep within the brain grew and differentiated, and were found to contain retinal cells when examined histologically. Grafts placed within the cerebral cortex infrequently survived. The grafts were found to be sensitive to light, in that electrical potentials similar to electroretinograms (ERGs) or partial ERGs were evoked by flashes of light. It is concluded that fetal eyes can develop a form of light sensitivity when transplanted to the adult rat brain.
Individual and Contextual Influences on Sentence Lengths: Examining Political Conservatism:

This study examined the impact of legal, extralegal, and contextual variables on prison sentence lengths for violent felons sentenced in Georgia from 1981 to 1989. Multiple linear regression analys...
Material properties in Si-Ge/Ge quantum wells for silicon-integrated electro-absorption devices

The quantum-confined Stark effect demonstrated in Si-Ge/Ge quantum wells promises integration of optics with silicon ICs. Using photocurrent, tunneling resonance and nonparabolicity, we propose more accurate values of key parameters for device design.
Effects of acute selective pudendal nerve electrical stimulation after simulated childbirth injury

During childbirth, a combinatorial injury occurs and can result in stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Simulated childbirth injury, consisting of vaginal distension (VD) and pudendal nerve crush (PNC), results in slowed recovery of continence, as well as decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a regenerative cytokine. Electrical stimulation has been shown to upregulate BDNF in motor neurons and facilitate axon regrowth through the increase of β(II)-tubulin expression after injury. In this study, female rats underwent selective pudendal nerve motor branch (PNMB) stimulation after simulated childbirth injury or sham injury to determine whether such stimulation affects bladder and anal function after injury and whether the stimulation increases BDNF expression in Onuf's nucleus after injury. Rats received 4 h of VD followed by bilateral PNC and 1 h of subthreshold electrical stimulation of the left PNMB and sham stimulation of the right PNMB. Rats underwent filling cystometry and anal pressure recording before, during, and after the stimulation. Bladder and anal contractile function were partially disrupted after injury. PNMB stimulation temporarily inhibited bladder contraction after injury. Two days and 1 wk after injury, BDNF expression in Onuf's nucleus of the stimulated side was significantly increased compared with the sham-stimulated side, whereas β(II)-tubulin expression in Onuf's nucleus of the stimulated side was significantly increased only 1 wk after injury. Acute electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve proximal to the crush site upregulates BDNF and β(II)-tubulin in Onuf's nucleus after simulated childbirth injury, which could be a potential preventive option for SUI after childbirth injury.
Poster 145 Visuomotor Reaching Behavior to Virtual and Real Targets Depends on Postural Requirements in Healthy Elders

METHODS DISCUSSION Objective: There has been much enthusiasm for the use of virtual environments in rehabilitation settings1,2,3. However, little is known of how rehabilitative outcomes (motoric or cognitive) of virtual reality (VR) compare to those of traditional exercises1. We investigated behavioral and cognitive performance differences in adults as they performed goaldirected arm reaches under two exposure conditions using virtual and real targets, and under varied dynamic balance demands. To determine meaningful differences in performance between target exposures, we would need to hold reaching distances constant across the two exposures. Here, we validate our ability to control for reaching distance through analysis of participant performance across exposures.
Early goal-directed hemodynamic optimization combined with therapeutic hypothermia in comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract Background Comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have high in-hospital mortality due to a complex pathophysiology that includes cardiovascular dysfunction, inflammation, coagulopathy, brain injury and persistence of the precipitating pathology. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the only intervention that has been shown to improve outcomes in this patient population. Due to the similarities between the post-cardiac arrest state and severe sepsis, it has been postulated that early goal-directed hemodyamic optimization (EGDHO) combined with TH would improve outcome of comatose cardiac arrest survivors. Objective We examined the feasibility of establishing an integrated post-cardiac arrest resuscitation (PCAR) algorithm combining TH and EGDHO within 6h of emergency department (ED) presentation. Methods In May, 2005 we began prospectively identifying comatose (Glasgow Motor Score Results Between May, 2005 and January, 2008, 18/20 (90%) eligible patients were enrolled in the PCAR protocol. They were compared to historic controls from 2001 to 2005, during which time 18 patients met inclusion criteria for the PCAR protocol. Mean time from initiation of TH to target temperature (33°C) was 2.8h (range 0.8–23.2; SD=h); 78% (14/18) had interventions based upon EGDHO parameters; 72% (13/18) of patients achieved their EGDHO goals within 6h of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Mortality for historic controls who qualified for the PCAR protocol was 78% (14/18); mortality for those treated with the PCAR protocol was 50% (9/18) ( p =0.15). Conclusions In patients with ROSC after OHCA, EGDHO and TH can be implemented simultaneously.
Trustworthy Service Selection and Composition

We consider Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) environments. Such environments are populated with services that stand proxy for a variety of information resources. A fundamental challenge in SOC is to select and compose services, to support specified user needs directly or by providing additional services. Existing approaches for service selection either fail to capture the dynamic relationships between services or assume that the environment is fully observable. In practical situations, however, consumers are often not aware of how the services are implemented. We propose two distributed trust-aware service selection approaches: one based on Bayesian networks and the other on a beta-mixture model. We experimentally validate our approach through a simulation study. Our results show that both approaches accurately punish and reward services in terms of the qualities they offer, and further that the approaches are effective despite incomplete observations regarding the services under consideration.
Modern strain localization in the central Walker Lane, western United States: Implications for the evolution of intraplate deformation in transtensional settings

Abstract Approximately 25% of the differential motion between the Pacific and North American plates occurs in the Walker Lane, a zone of dextral motion within the western margin of the Basin and Range province. At the latitude of Lake Tahoe, the central Walker Lane has been considered a zone of transtension, with strain accommodated by dip-slip, strike-slip, and oblique-slip faults. Geologic data indicate that extension and strike-slip motion are partitioned across the central Walker Lane, with dip-slip motion resulting in E–W to ESE–WNW extension along the present-day western margin of the central Walker Lane since approximately 15 Ma, and dextral strike-slip motion across a zone further east since as early as 24 Ma. GPS velocity data suggest that present-day strain continues to be strongly partitioned and localized across the same regions established by geologic data. Velocity data across the central Walker Lane suggest a minimum of 2 mm/yr extensional strain focused along the western margin of the belt, with very little extension across either the central or eastern portions of the Walker Lane. These data indicate very little dextral motion across the central and western portions of the domain, with dextral motion of 3–5 mm/yr presently focused along a discrete zone of the eastern part of the central Walker Lane, coincident with existing, mapped strike-slip faults. Historic seismic data reveal little seismic activity in areas of Late Holocene dip-slip motion in the west or dextral motion in the east, suggesting a period of quiescence in the earthquake cycle and the likelihood of future activity in both areas. Based on this and previous studies, it is likely that a combination of pre-Cenozoic crustal structure, a relatively weak lithosphere beneath the Walker Lane, and long-term low stress ratios in the crust have permitted the long-term partitioning of dextral and extensional strain exhibited across the central Walker Lane. The present-day location of dextral strain in the central Walker Lane is subparallel with dextral deformation documented in the northern Walker Lane, suggesting that as strain continues to accumulate, these two discrete zones could become a continuous strike-slip system which will play a more important role in the future accommodation of relative Pacific–North American plate motion.
Parecoxib for Parenteral Analgesia in Postsurgical Patients

OBJECTIVETo review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety studies, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosage and administration of parecoxib sodium, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor.DATA SOURCESInformation was obtained from MEDLINE searches of the English-language literature (1996—May 2003). Search terms included parecoxib, parecoxib sodium, SC-69124A, and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTIONWe reviewed available literature, which included abstracts, clinical trials, and data on file with the manufacturer.DATA SYNTHESISParecoxib sodium is a novel selective COX-2 inhibitor under development for parenteral administration. It has produced efficacious analgesia following dental, gynecologic, and orthopedic surgery. The adverse effect profile has been compared with that of ketorolac; no statistically significant differences were identified. There are no documented drug interactions when parecoxib is coadministered with midazolam, ...
Azores mantle blob: Rare-earth evidence

Abstract Rare earths (RE) in basalts erupted within the rift of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge show a progressive change from light-RE enriched to depleted patterns from the Azores Platform (40°N) down to 33°30′N. South, the pattern remains light-RE depleted as along other “normal ridge” segments. A progressive increase in chemical variability of the basalts towards the Azores is also noted. The latitudinal RE profile and corresponding ΣFeO/ΣFeO + MgO variations, together, indicate that the origin of these basalts cannot be accounted for simply by considering variable extents of partial melting of a single mantle source and subsequent fractional crystallization during the ascent of the magmas. These two processes produce only second-order effects on the RE patterns. The data requires the presence of a distinct, light-RE richer, mantle source beneath the Azores Platform relative to that of south of 33°30′N and an intermediate zone where both mantle types mix. The relative contribution of the Azores mantle source to the mix appears to decrease fairly regularly southward along the ridge and becomes negligible at 33°30′N. Increasing chemical variability of the basalts towards the Azores is probably caused by correspondingly larger extent of fractional crystallization at shallow depth, and/or greater variability in the extent of partial melting, apparently subsequent to, and superimposed on the mixing of the two mantle sources. The combined morphological, geophysical and RE evidence along the profile are consistent with a model suggesting upwelling of a major blob (plume) under the Azores Plateau; and reveal the present extent of the blob's overflow and mixing with the asthenosphere depleted in large ionic lithophile trace elements. The influence of the Azores blob is geochemically detectable up to 1000 km southwestward beneath the ridge axis.
Robust feature-based object tracking

Object tracking is an important component of many computer vision systems. It is widely used in video surveillance, robotics, 3D image reconstruction, medical imaging, and human computer interface. In this paper, we focus on unsupervised object tracking, i.e., without prior knowledge about the object to be tracked. To address this problem, we take a feature-based approach, i.e., using feature points (or landmark points) to represent objects. Feature-based object tracking consists of feature extraction and feature correspondence. Feature correspondence is particularly challenging since a feature point in one image may have many similar points in another image, resulting in ambiguity in feature correspondence. To resolve the ambiguity, algorithms, which use exhaustive search and correlation over a large neighborhood, have been proposed. However, these algorithms incur high computational complexity, which is not suitable for real-time tracking. In contrast, Tomasi and Kanade's tracking algorithm only searches corresponding points in a small candidate set, which significantly reduces computational complexity; but the algorithm may lose track of feature points in a long image sequence. To mitigate the limitations of the aforementioned algorithms, this paper proposes an efficient and robust feature-based tracking algorithm. The key idea of our algorithm is as below. For a given target feature point in one frame, we first find a corresponding point in the next frame, which minimizes the sum-of-squared-difference (SSD) between the two points; then we test whether the corresponding point gives large value under the so-called Harris criterion. If not, we further identify a candidate set of feature points in a small neighborhood of the target point; then find a corresponding point from the candidate set, which minimizes the SSD between the two points. The algorithm may output no corresponding point due to disappearance of the target point. Our algorithm is capable of tracking feature points and detecting occlusions/uncovered regions. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm over the existing methods.
Heuristic approaches to solve the U-shaped line balancing problem augmented by genetic algorithms

U-shaped production line can be described as a special type of cellular manufacturing used in just-in-time (JIT) and lean manufacturing. The U-line arranges machines around a U-shaped line in the order in which production operations are performed. Operators work inside the U-line. We address the Type 1 U-LBP using heuristic rules adapted from the simple LBP. Then these heuristic approaches are compared with the optimal solutions obtained from the previous published research work. Finally the heuristic rules are used as genes to find optimal or near optimal solutions using a genetic algorithm adapted from the simple LBP genetic algorithm proposed by Ponnam-balam, Aravindan, and Mogilesswar (2000). The results showed that some very simple heuristic rules produced optimal or near optimal solutions. Then with the simple implementation of a genetic algorithm it is possible to some times obtain optimal solutions in the first iteration
Structured Forests for Fast Edge Detection

Edge detection is a critical component of many vision systems, including object detectors and image segmentation algorithms. Patches of edges exhibit well-known forms of local structure, such as straight lines or T-junctions. In this paper we take advantage of the structure present in local image patches to learn both an accurate and computationally efficient edge detector. We formulate the problem of predicting local edge masks in a structured learning framework applied to random decision forests. Our novel approach to learning decision trees robustly maps the structured labels to a discrete space on which standard information gain measures may be evaluated. The result is an approach that obtains real time performance that is orders of magnitude faster than many competing state-of-the-art approaches, while also achieving state-of-the-art edge detection results on the BSDS500 Segmentation dataset and NYU Depth dataset. Finally, we show the potential of our approach as a general purpose edge detector by showing our learned edge models generalize well across datasets.
Coexpression of neuronatin splice forms promotes medulloblastoma growth.

Medulloblastomas (MBs) are the most common pediatric solid tumor malignancy; however, the current therapeutic regimen involves radiation therapy, which can damage the developing brain. Therapies that target the genes involved in tumor formation might provide the means to enhance therapy for MBs without radiation, and perhaps increase survival while decreasing the debilitating side effects of treatment. Genetic alterations known to give rise to MBs include MYC and MYCN amplification, as well as PTCH mutations,1 which occur in 5%–15% of patients. Recently, genomic amplification of NOTCH2 and OTX2 in MBs has been reported.2,3 Despite these very important advances in understanding the pathological basis of MB growth, the known oncogenes are generally expressed in only a small percentage of MBs. This presents difficulties in developing a molecular target for most MBs. To identify commonly overexpressed MB genes and to gain insight into MB growth, we performed large-scale gene expression analyses and functionally evaluated candidate MB-related genes. Evidence, by in vitro functional assays and an in vivo model, supports our main hypothesis presented here that neuronatin (NNAT) stimulates malignant growth when both of its splice forms are expressed in MB.
Distributed assembly with online workload balancing and visual error detection and correction

We consider the assembly of a three-dimensional (3D) structure by a team of heterogeneous robots capable of online sensing and error correction during the assembly process. We build on our previous work and address the partitioning of the assembly task to maximize parallelization of the assembly process. Specifically, we consider 3D structures that can be assembled from a fixed collection of heterogeneous tiles that vary in shapes and sizes. Given a desired 3D structure, we first compute the partition of the assembly strategy into Na subcomponents that can be executed in parallel by a team of Na assembly robots. The assembly robots then perform online workload balancing during construction to minimize assembly time. To enable online error detection and correction during the assembly process, mobile robots equipped with visual depth sensors are tasked to scan, identify, and track the state of the structure. The result is a cooperative assembly framework where assembly robots can balance their individual workloads online by trading assembly components while scanning robots detect and reassign missing assembly components online. We present the integration of the planning, sensing, and control strategies employed in our framework and report on the experimental validation of the strategy using our multi-robot testbed.
A theorem of real analysis and its application to free boundary problems

In this note we show how comparison theorems for solutions to equations with non-smooth coefficients yield in a very simple fashion some free boundary regularity theorems in cases where there is a priori geometrical information, for instance, when one knows that the solution, u, is monotone in some given direction.
Differential inactivation of the “L” and “Ly+” amino acid transport systems by a sulphydryl reagent and a photo-affinity probe

Using a substrate-stimulated amino acid efflux system, it has been shown that the "Ly+" and "L" amino acid transport systems of mouse embryo cells in culture are differentially inhibited by parachloromercuribenzene sulfonate (PCMB-S) and the photoaffinity probe 4-fluoro-3-nitrophenylazide (FNPA). Three types of evidence support the conclusion that these transport systems are mediated by separate carrier proteins. (1) The specificity of substrate-stimulated efflux is high for each system; (2) PCMB-S inhibits L-phenylalanine and L-leucine stimulated L-[3H]phenylalanine efflux with no effect on L-lysine stimulated L-[3H]lysine efflux, and (3) the photo-affinity probe FNPA inhibits L-lysine efflux with little effect on the L-phenylalanine-stimulated efflux.