cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence and treatment of chylothorax after cardiac surgery in children: analysis of a large multi-institution database.

Objective There is limited information regarding the true incidence of and risk factors for chylothorax after pediatric cardiac surgery. The objective of this study was to determine, from a large multi-institution database, incidence, associated factors, and treatment strategy in patients undergoing pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods All patients younger than 18 years in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database who underwent congenital heart surgery or heart transplant from 2004 to 2011 were included. Procedure complexity was assessed by Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1. Results In all, 77,777 patients (55% male) of median age 6.7 months were included. Overall incidence of chylothorax was 2.8% (n = 2205), significantly associated with increased procedure complexity, younger age, genetic syndromes, vein thrombosis, and higher annual hospital volume. Patients with multiple congenital procedures had the highest incidence. Incidence increased with time, from 2% in 2004 to 3.7% in 2011 ( P P P Conclusions Chylothorax is a significant problem in pediatric cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality, cost, and length of stay. Strategies should be developed to improve prevention and treatment.
Relativistic Eikonal Approximation

Our earlier claims in support of the eikonal approximation to generalized ladder graph amplitudes are withdrawn---for the case of scalar-scalar interactions. Justification of the eikonal formula is provided, however, for the more interesting situation where the exchanged objects are vector particles.
On the input-output stability of time-varying nonlinear feedback systems Part one: Conditions derived using concepts of loop gain, conicity, and positivity

The object of this paper is to outline a stability theory for input-output problems using functional methods. More particularly, the aim is to derive open loop conditions for the boundedness and continuity of feedback systems, without, at the beginning, placing restrictions on linearity or time invariance. It will be recalled that, in the special case of a linear time invariant feedback system, stability can be assessed using Nyquist's criterion; roughly speaking, stability depends on the mounts by which signals are amplified and delayed in flowing around the loop. An attempt is made here to show that similar considerations govern the behavior of feedback systems in general-that stability of nonlinear time-varying feedback systems can often be assessed from certain gross features of input-output behavior, which are related to amplification and delay. This paper is divided into two parts: Part I contains general theorems, free of restrictions on linearity or time invariance; Part II, which will appear in a later issue, contains applications to a loop with one nonlinear element. There are three main results in Part I, which follow the introduction of concepts of gain, conicity, positivity, and strong positivity: THEOREM 1: If the open loop gain is less than one, then the closed loop is bounded. THEOREM 2: If the open loop can be factored into two, suitably proportioned, conic relations, then the closed loop is bounded. THEOREM 3: If the open loop can be factored into two positive relations, one of which is strongly positive and has finite gain, then the closed loop is bounded. Results analogous to Theorems I-3, but with boundedness replaced by continuity, are also obtained.
Privacy and corrections: A reexamination

The present study is an investigation of inmate values and expectancies for privacy as a function of moving to an environment offering more space per resident and single as opposed to multiple housing assignments. Consistent with previous research, privacy was conceptualized as existing in four states, the values and expectancies for which were assessed via two forcedchoice questionnaires. These instruments along with an instrument designed to assess inmate perceptions o f control were administered to groups of inmates sampled once prior to the move and twice thereafter. The results revealed a significant change in expectancies and to a lesser extent, values, such that with the move to the new environment, expectancies for solitude and intimacy increased, while values for individuation decreased slightly. In addition, an analysis o f the relationship between privacy and control was performed within each test session, and a discussion of the results is presented.
Irradiation induced order-disorder in Ni3Al and NiAl

Abstract Irradiation induced order-disorder phenomena in γ′-Ni3Al and β-NiAl have been investigated by high voltage electron irradiation at temperatures from 10 to 470 K. In Ni[in3]Al, at T $ 190 K irradiation creates a completely disordered structure by 1 dpa. At T − 200–240 K, a residual state of order with St — 0.1–0.15 is created by about 2 dpa and disordering rates are found to be temperature dependent. Irradiation-enhanced re-ordering through an interstitialcy mechanism is a likely explanation in this temperature regime. At T ≳ 250 K, intermediate degrees of order with S ≳ 0.2 are produced by irradiation. The degree of order in Ni3Al increases with increasing irradiation temperature and re-ordering through the migration of vacancies is apparently more effective than the migration of interstitials. NiAl, CoAl and NiGa still maintain partially-ordered states even after irradiation at 10 K (150 K for NiGa) to 3 dpa. By contrast, FeAl and CoFe irradiated at 150 K develop completely disordered states by 1.2 dpa. This is explained by the high ordering energies in NiAl, CoAl and NiGa and the energetically favorable nature of “right” recombinations of radiation-induced interstitials and vacancies. The effect of crystallographic orientation on disordering rates suggests that “wrong” recombination of point defects is the more likely disordering mechanism at lower voltage irradiations and the replacement collision sequence mechanism becomes important at higher voltage irradiations.
Regulatory Environment and Psychotropic Use in Board-and-Care Facilities: Results of a 10-State Study

Background Largely unsupervised administration of drugs and the potential for overuse of psychotropic agents in residential care facilities have emerged as major public policy concerns. In a large multistate study, we examined patterns of psychotropic prescription and use by facility licensure status and the extensiveness of state regulations. Methods Descriptive analyses were based on a sample of 2,949 residents from 493 board-and-care facilities in 10 states, drawn via a complex, multistage sampling design. States were purposively selected based on the stringency of their board-and-care regulatory system, and samples of facilities were drawn, stratified by licensure status and home size. Residents were randomly selected within the sampled facilities. Weighted analyses were performed with Software for Survey Data Analysis (SUDAAN), accounting for the complex sampling design. Results Approximately 43% of the residents were prescribed and 41% used at least one psychotropic agent, primarily on a routinely scheduled basis. Antipsychotics were prescribed to 22% and used by 21%; antidepressants were prescribed to 17% and taken by 16%; antimanic agents were prescribed to and used by 4%; and anxiolytics, sedatives, or hypnotics were prescribed to 17% and used by 14%. Among psychotropic users, over 50% had not had mental health services in the prior year; 25% had no psychiatric history. Among licensed facilities, prescription and use of psychotropics, particularly antipsychotics, was significantly higher among residents of homes located in states with limited regulatory systems. Conclusions Results revealed high rates of psychotropic prescription and use, and not inconsequential levels of polypharmacy - within and across therapeutic classes - among board-and-care facility residents. Frequently, psychotropics were not used as an adjunct to alternative treatments, and were not associated with a psychiatric history. Extent of psychotropic use was related to the regulatory environment, suggesting that more extensive regulations and monitoring may reduce psychoactive drug use in board-and-care facilities, and more adequately ensure the appropriateness of such treatment.
Abrikosov string in N=2 supersymmetric QED

We study the Abrikosov-Nielsen-Olesen string in $\mathcal{N}=2$ supersymmetric QED with $(\mathcal{N}=2)$-preserving superpotential, in which case the Abrikosov string is found to be 1/2-BPS saturated. Adding a quadratic small perturbation in the superpotential breaks $\mathcal{N}=2$ supersymmetry to $\mathcal{N}=1$ supersymmetry. Then the Abrikosov string is no longer BPS saturated. The difference between the string tensions for the non-BPS and BPS saturated situation is found to be negative to first order of the perturbation parameter.
Conceptual Model for Landfill Hydrologic Transport Developed Using Chloride Tracer Data and Dual-Domain Modeling

Waste-derived chloride present in a landfill cell was used as a hydrologic tracer in conjunction with a mathematical model to better elucidate landfill hydrologic dynamics for a municipal solid-waste landfill in which the cover material is significantly more permeable than the waste material. Long-term temporal chloride data from a lined landfill cell in Florida were used to calibrate a variably saturated dual-domain model (originally developed for soil-science research) to landfill hydrology and solute transport. The model successfully simulated the chloride temporal trend. The dual-domain processes were needed to simulate the long-term decline in conservative chloride concentrations. However, the temporal variations about the general trend could only be simulated accurately by considering the variations in landfill recharge. The fitted value of Darcy flux (0.274 cm/day) was less than literature values, and the dispersion coefficient (900 cm2/day) was higher than simple estimates based on heterogeneous aquifers. The other fitted parameters, first-order mass transfer coefficient (0.0018/day) and fraction of mobile water (0.22), were within the range of values reported in the literature. Model sensitivity studies were conducted to assess the relative importance of each parameter. The most sensitive parameter was recharge rate to the landfill, a factor that can be measured with the proper instrumentation. Although the model performance was not as sensitive to the values of the dual-domain parameters, inclusion of these parameters was required to accurately simulate the long-term temporal trend.
Forskolin as a novel lipolytic agent.

Abstract Forskolin is a novel lipolytic agent which elevates cAMP and FFA release in rat adipocytes in a manner different from existing lipolytic factors. This effect of Forskolin is potentiated by all lipolytic hormones tested, i.e. epinephrine, ACTH, and glucagon and is also reversible. The same batch of adipocytes can be repeatedly stimulated after washing. The effective concentration of Forskolin is in the micromolar range. Its action is due to an activation of cAMP synthesis by adenylate cyclase. There is no effect on cAMP hydrolysis. In contrast to stimulation by lipolytic hormones, Forskolin-activated membrane adenylate cyclase was not further stimulated by GPP(NH)P. These results suggest that Forskolin may be a useful analytical agent in the study of adenylate cyclase mediated function in intact adipocytes.
What Makes a Narrative Memorable

The relatively unexamined question of what kinds of narratives are memorable as whole units of discourse was addressed by studying memory for 288 children's personal narratives. Each narrative was assigned a structural category in story grammar analysis and Labov's highpoint analysis. Narratives were also rated for the presence or absence of sensational content. An incidental free recall of these narratives was then requested from 116 subjects. As predicted, an analysis of variance of recall frequencies revealed a main effect of sensational content; sensational narratives were recalled more frequently than nonsensational ones. Although there was no main effect of highpoint structure, that variable did interact with sensational content; in the absence of sensational content, highpoint structural sophistication predicted enhanced recall. Contrary to prediction, there were no main effects of highpoint structure or story grammar. The study is interpreted as providing partial validation of highpoint analysis, as well as revealing the independent, dominant contribution of content to memory for others' narratives as whole units.
Categorical Abstract Algebraic Logic: Leibniz Equality and Homomorphism Theorems

The study of structure systems, an abstraction of the concept of first-order structures, is continued. Structure systems have algebraic systems rather than universal algebras as their algebraic reducts. Moreover, their relational component consists of a collection of relation systems on the underlying functors rather than simply a system of relations on a single set. Congruence systems of structure systems are introduced and the Leibniz congruence system of a structure system is defined. Analogs of the Homomorphism, the Second Isomorphism and the Correspondence Theorems of Universal Algebra are provided in this more abstract context. These results generalize corresponding results of Elgueta for equality-free first-order logic. Finally, a version of Godel’s Completeness Theorem is provided with reference to structure systems.
Metabolic activity of cultured rat brainstem, hippocampal and spinal cord slices.

Abstract The use of cultured brain slices has become an accepted technique for the ex vivo analysis of neural mechanisms, yet the viability of this preparation is not routinely measured. The tetrazolium dye 3-(4,5-dimethlythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) is reduced by active mitochondria to an insoluble purple precipitate which accumulates within living cells and is easily visualized with bright field or phase contrast microscopy. In this study, the MTT assay was used to assess the viability of cultured brainstem, hippocampal and spinal cord slices (150–300 μm) from 0 to 22 day-old neonatal rats at post-explant time points ranging from 2 to 29 days. After 2 weeks, 180–300 μm cultured slices from 4–13 day old rats remained 90–100% viable. Those from 0–1 day old rats had similar viability but displayed peripheral tissue outgrowth. Slices from older 18–22 day rats were no longer viable after 10–14 days. After 4 weeks, the thicker (300 μm) slices of hippocampus and spinal cord retained 75–89% viability, in contrast to the 50–74% viability of the brainstem. Thinner brainstem and hippocampal slices (150–220 μm) slices were less than 50% viable at 4 weeks. Morphologic characteristics of the brain regions gradually degenerated over the 4-week culture period. Slice viability was markedly influenced by tissue thickness, donor age and brain region. Use of the MTT assay provides an inexpensive and expeditious means to assess a significant functional parameter of regional slice viability under variable conditions and enhances the feasibility of this preparation for functional studies, such as those concerned with genetic and protein expression within circumscribed areas of the brain.
Atmospheric Ice Nuclei from Decomposing Vegetation

THE sources and the composition of atmospheric ice nuclei (particles initiating the phase transition to ice at temperatures between 0° C and −40° C) are still largely unidentified, chiefly because they make up an extremely small fraction (perhaps 1 in 106) of the total atmospheric aerosol and because they are a heterogeneous mixture of substances whose only common property is the ability to nucleate ice.
The card game 24 and its application to math education

The card game 24 is a mathematical game that traditionally engages elementary students to practice their mental computational skills. In this paper, we use probability to formulate and explore the game. We create score of difficulty level for solvable card combination set under various setup of game rules. Based on our findings, we create new playing rules and provide suggestions for different levels of players. Our results may serve as guidelines on introducing the game 24 into the practice of math education.
Low energy, high current density ion implantation of materials at elevated temperatures for tribological applications

Low energy, high current density ion implantation at elevated temperatures has been shown to improve significantly the tribological properties of various materials. This paper summarizes the results published previously in this research area and presents some new results. Comparisons of this technique are made with ion nitriding and high energy ion implantation conducted under similar conditions (treatment temperature, treatment time and so on) on austenitic stainless steel and tool steel materials. The microstructural analyses and tribological evaluations presented here show that all three techniques generate almost identical microstructures on each metal studied, but low energy ion implantation produces treated layers with higher nitrogen concentrations and deeper diffusion, leading to higher wear resistance. A physical model is proposed to explore the mechanisms for these advantageous phenomena. The analysis suggests that a high current density is the primary mechanism responsible for the formation of deep nitrogen-containing layers. The ion energy is of secondary importance, as long as it is sufficiently high to overcome certain surface barrier potentials, to allow the removal of native oxide layers, to prevent surface oxidation and to allow the build-up of a high concentration of atomic nitrogen on the top of the treated surface to facilitate subsequent fast diffusion. Some applications and limitations of this technique are also addressed. It seems evident that low energy implantation (slightly higher than for ion nitriding, but much lower than for high energy ion implantation) at high current densities (much higher than those used in both ion nitriding and high energy implantation) generates superior nitrogen-containing layers on many materials, and hence the superior tribological performance compared to the other two techniques.
Prospective Trial of Angiography and Embolization for All Grade III to V Blunt Splenic Injuries: Nonoperative Management Success Rate Is Significantly Improved

Background Nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injury is well accepted. Substantial failure rates in higher injury grades remain common, with one large study reporting rates of 19.6%, 33.3%, and 75% for grades III, IV, and V, respectively. Retrospective data show angiography and embolization can increase salvage rates in these severe injuries. We developed a protocol requiring referral of all blunt splenic injuries, grades III to V, without indication for immediate operation for angiography and embolization. We hypothesized that angiography and embolization of high-grade blunt splenic injury would reduce NOM failure rates in this population. Study Design This was a prospective study at our Level I trauma center as part of a performance-improvement project. Demographics, injury characteristics, and outcomes were compared with historic controls. The protocol required all stable patients with grade III to V splenic injuries be referred for angiography and embolization. In historic controls, referral was based on surgeon preference. Results From January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012, there were 168 patients with grades III to V spleen injuries admitted; NOM was undertaken in 113 (67%) patients. The protocol was followed in 97 patients, with a failure rate of 5%. Failure rate in the 16 protocol deviations was 25% (p = 0.02). Historic controls from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009 were compared with the protocol group. One hundred and fifty-three patients with grade III to V injuries were admitted during this period, 80 (52%) patients underwent attempted NOM. Failure rate was significantly higher than for the protocol group (15%, p = 0.04). Conclusions Use of a protocol requiring angiography and embolization for all high-grade spleen injuries slated for NOM leads to a significantly decreased failure rate. We recommend angiography and embolization as an adjunct to NOM for all grade III to V splenic injuries.
Dendrochronology and heavy metal deposition in tree rings of baldcypress

A chronology (1895-present) based on tree-ring increments was constructed for baldcypress (Taxodium distichum L.) trees in Bayou Trepagnier, in southern Louisiana. The best indicator of growth was precipitation in February of the preceding year and October of the 2 previous years. Crossdated cores were used to reconstruct large historical natural environmental perturbations (hurricanes). Heavy metals and organic pollutants from oil refineries and other sources contaminated the bayou commencing in the early 1900s. The Pb and Zn content of 50 trees along Bayou Trepagnier, analyzed in the growth rings of tree cores using x-ray fluorescent spectrometry, produced an historical record of pollution. Highlevels of contamination of Pb, as well as Zn, could be correlated with establishment of petroleum refineries (1916) and dredging (1930-1950) of the area, which created spoil banks containing high levels (ca. 300-1600 mg/kg [ppm] Pb) of heavy metals. Concentrations of Pb, per tree, ranged form 0.6 to 14 mg/kg (ppm). Trees in the upper protion of the bayou (near the refiney) contained an average of 4.5 mg/kg (ppm) Pb; trees in the lower portion averaged 2.2 mg/kg (ppm). Concentrations of Zn per tree ranged from 1.7 to 14.8 mg/kg (ppm), but in contrast with Pb did not correlatemore » with distance from pollution sources; trees averaged 5.5 and 5.4 mg/kg (ppm) Zn in the upper and lower portions, respectively, of Bayou Trepagnier. Levels of Pb and Zn in a control ecosystem, Stinking Bayou, were 1.0 and 5.2 mg/kg (ppm), respectively. 39 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Measurement of process performance and variability in inoculated composting reactors using ANOVA and power analysis

The variability associated with composting can limit the ability to detect statistically significant differences between treatments. This study investigated the effect of a wastewater inoculum on the process dynamics and variability associated with temporal changes in temperature, moisture content, and effluent oxygen concentration, as well as spatial changes in temperature and moisture content. Statistical tests suggested that the inoculum had little effect on the above variables although the statistical power or the ability to detect statistical differences for small, medium, and large differences between treatments for temperature and moisture content was typically below 80% for the differences tested. Comparison of the temperature data showed that the inoculum was able to decrease the experimental variation, but had no positive effect on moisture content variability. Calculation of the statistical power associated with temperature data from a previous study showed that the statistical power found for this study was much higher than typical composting studies because of the decreased variability caused by the inoculum. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Transcytosis of protein through the mammalian cerebral epithelium and endothelium. II. Adsorptive transcytosis of WGA-HRP and the blood-brain and brain-blood barriers.

Morphological evidence of the potential for adsorptive transcytosis of protein through the mammalian blood-brain fluid barriers, first reported from this laboratory in the mouse, has been confirmed and expanded upon in rats injected intravenously or into the lateral cerebral ventricle/subarachnoid space with with exogenous lectin wheatgerm agglutinin (WGA) conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Blood-borne WGA-HRP rapidly enters cerebral endothelia by the process of adsorptive endocytosis and labels the vascular tree throughout the CNS. At 3 h post-injection and longer, WGA-HRP occupies the perivascular clefts and labels perivascular cells and basal lamina; this suspected transendothelial transfer of the lectin conjugate from blood to brain involves specific constituents of the endothelial endomembrane system of organelles (e.g., plasmalemma, vesicles, endosomes, Golgi complex). Within 6 h, reaction product is evident in extracellular clefts beyond the perivascular basal lamina and labels endocytic vesicles, endosomes, and dense bodies within cells and processes of the neuropil. Exposure of the abluminal surface of blood-brain barrier endothelia for 1-18 h to WGA-HRP delivered into the cerebral ventricles or subarachnoid space indicates blood-brain barrier endothelia do not engage in demonstrable adsorptive endocytosis at the abluminal surface. In this preparation, no endothelial organelles comparable to those sequestering blood-borne WGA-HRP are labelled with the lectin conjugate; hence, significant adsorptive transcytosis of WGA-HRP through cerebral endothelia from brain to blood is unlikely. The demonstrable difference in membrane internalization of the luminal versus abluminal plasmalemma of blood-brain barrier endothelia suggests the blood-brain barrier is polarized regarding adsorptive endocytosis of WGA-HRP. If adsorptive transcytosis of macromolecules through the blood-brain barrier does occur, the process appears unidirectional, from blood to brain but not from brain to blood. Absence of demonstrable endocytosis at the abluminal front is an enigma in the scheme of transcytosis through the blood-brain barrier from blood to brain insofar as exocytosis and endocytosis are complementary events in the cellular secretory process. This unconventional membrane behavior associated with the abluminal plasmalemma argues against a significant transcytosis of blood-borne protein through blood-brain barrier endothelia. The potential for transcytosis of macromolecules through the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier of choroid plexus epithelia is not as problemmatic as that through blood-brain barrier endothelia; additional evidence is provided to suggest choroid plexus epithelia participate in adsorptive endocytosis circumferentially and adsorptive transcytosis of WGA-HRP bidirectionally between the blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
3-[p-(6-phenyl)-1,3,5-hexatrienyl]phenylpropionic acid (PA-DPH): characterization as a fluorescent membrane probe and binding to fatty acid binding proteins.

The negatively charged fluorophore 3-[p-(6-phenyl)-1,3,5-hexatrienyl]phenylpropionic acid (PA-DPH) was characterized by comparison with its parent compound DPH, and with cationic trimethylammonium-DPH (TMA-DPH). The molar absorption coefficient of PA-DPH (60,000 cm-1.mol-1) as well as its quantum yield (0.7) and fluorescence lifetime (5 ns) in fluid phase membranes are intermediate between DPH and TMA-DPH. Steady-state fluorescence polarization studies show that PA-DPH detects the phase transition of both neutral and anionic bilayers. In fluid phase membranes the absolute values of PA-DPH polarization are considerably higher than DPH and somewhat lower than TMA-DPH. The results suggest that like TMA-DPH, PA-DPH is anchored to the surface of the membrane by its charge, but that it is probing a region somewhat deeper along the bilayer normal. PA-DPH binds to rat hepatic fatty acid binding protein (hFABP) and bovine serum albumin at PA-DPH/protein molar ratios of 1.5:1 and at least 6:1, respectively. Native oleic acid competes with PA-DPH for binding to both proteins, suggesting that the two ligands compete for similar binding sites. The affinity of PA-DPH for hFABP is similar to that of oleic acid. Thus, PA-DPH should be useful both as an anionic fluorescent membrane probe and a long-chain free fatty acid analogue.
Nonlinear dissipative wave equations with space–time dependent potential

Abstract We study the long time behavior of solutions for damped wave equations with absorption. These equations are generally accepted as models of wave propagation in heterogeneous media with space–time dependent friction a ( t , x ) u t and nonlinear absorption | u | p − 1 u (Ikawa (2000) [17] ). We consider 1 p ( n + 2 ) / ( n − 2 ) and separable a ( t , x ) = λ ( x ) η ( t ) with λ ( x ) ∼ ( 1 + | x | ) − α and η ( t ) ∼ ( 1 + t ) − β satisfying conditions (A1) or (A2) which are given. The main results are precise decay estimates for the energy, L 2 and L p + 1 norms of solutions. We also observe the following behavior: if α ∈ [ 0 , 1 ) , β ∈ ( − 1 , 1 ) and 0 α + β 1 , there are three different regions for the decay of solutions depending on p ; if α ∈ ( − ∞ , 0 ) and β ∈ ( − 1 , 1 ) , there are only two different regions for the decay of the solutions depending on p .
THE EFFECT OF DIVERSIFICATION ON FIRM VALUE: A PRE‐ AND POST‐ DIVERSIFICATION ANALYSIS

Although there are theoretical costs and benefits to corporate diversification, there is ample empirical evidence that the stock market views the costs to outweigh the benefits (Lang and Stulz (1994), Berger and Ofek (1995), Servaes (1996), etc.) These studies are cross‐sectional studies which compare diversified firms to specialized firms and examine valuation multiples. The studies find that diversified firms have lower valuation multiples than specialized firms. This is called the diversification discount. In this paper, a sample of U.S. firms which are specialized and then become diversified are examined. We do not find evidence of a long‐term reduction in firm value associated with diversification.
Exploring video content structure for hierarchical summarization

In this paper, we propose a hierarchical video summarization strategy that explores video content structure to provide the users with a scalable, multilevel video summary. First, video-shot- segmentation and keyframe-extraction algorithms are applied to parse video sequences into physical shots and discrete keyframes. Next, an affinity (self-correlation) matrix is constructed to merge visually similar shots into clusters (supergroups). Since video shots with high similarities do not necessarily imply that they belong to the same story unit, temporal information is adopted by merging temporally adjacent shots (within a specified distance) from the supergroup into each video group. A video-scene-detection algorithm is thus proposed to merge temporally or spatially correlated video groups into scenario units. This is followed by a scene-clustering algorithm that eliminates visual redundancy among the units. A hierarchical video content structure with increasing granularity is constructed from the clustered scenes, video scenes, and video groups to keyframes. Finally, we introduce a hierarchical video summarization scheme by executing various approaches at different levels of the video content hierarchy to statically or dynamically construct the video summary. Extensive experiments based on real-world videos have been performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A comparative study of prenatal development in the olfactory bulb, neocortex and hippocampal region of the precocial mouse Acomys cahirinus and rat

Unlike the remainder of the rodent subfamily Muridae, Acomys cahirinus (the 'spiny' mouse) is born in a precocial state after a long (39 day) gestation. In this paper, the development of the olfactory bulb, neocortex and hippocampal formation of Acomys from prenatal days 14-34 was examined and the rate of maturation compared with that of its cousin, the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus). At the earliest stages examined, Acomys was approximately 2 days less mature than the same post-conception aged rat. The difference between the two species increased: Acomys at 28 days postconception resembled the 22-day rat. By the end of gestation, Acomys and the rat were in a relatively similar developmental state. Therefore, Acomys exhibits a quite different timetable of early maturation which includes a protracted period of relatively slow growth during mid-gestation. As such, it offers many benefits as a subject for studies of both early ontogenesis and the mechanisms which result in species differences.
LOCAL IDENTIFIABILITY OF THE FACTOR ANALYSIS AND MEASUREMENT ERROR MODEL PARAMETER

Abstract Measurement error regression models are factor analysis models, the latent ‘correct’ regressors are the factors. There is however no common statistical method between the factor analysis and the regression model, because the covariance elements that are known identifying constituents of the former model are unknown in the latter. Instead, the idea that the data come from the same regression model, as with panel data, but can be grouped in two or more groups, each group having its own different regrressor generating process, is shown to supply credible restrictions. We generalize and compare relevant identifiability criteria and corresponding asymptotically efficient estimators that are recursive in the number of overidentifying restrictions.
Cell parameters and infrared absorption of synthetic high to low albites

Unit cell parameters and infrared absorption data were obtained to provide much needed information for the important alkali feldspar series high albite-low albite, and to substantiate earlier claims of the direct hydrothermal synthesis of ordered albite. The two independent quantitative means of characterization prove that ordered albite has indeed been synthesized, having an estimated 95.3 atomic percent Al in the T1O site. The data agree well with published data on ordered and disordered albites, but they raise questions concerning lack of agreement with existing data on natural structurally intermediate albites.
The Partisan Mentality and Regime Change: An Analysis of Partisanship in the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan Wars

This article presents the results of an analysis of partisan attitudes towards war for the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan Wars. In total, 85 surveys conducted by the Gallup Organization starting in August 1950 (near the beginning of the Korean War) and ending May 2011 (recent events from the Afghanistan War) were analyzed. Previous research of public opinion during wartime indicates how powerful the influence of political party affiliation is in the United States on individuals’ war attitudes, with several scholars suggesting that most people follow the cues provided by their most salient political reference group—their own party. Therefore, they are inclined to follow their President's lead no matter the Administration's policy on foreign affairs. There has been evidence to suggest that the earlier wars in modern America, the wars in Korea and Vietnam, that this was in fact true. In the later wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, two wars closely linked to the “War on Terror,” this did not occur. During ...
Marketing strategies of small industrial manufacturers

Abstract Many small industrial marketers must market their products and services with limited resources. Thus, they must utilize economical marketing techniques to successfully achieve their goals. This article presents the results of a survey of small manufacturers' perceptions, attitudes, and actual experiences in using selected low-cost marketing strategies.
Simultaneous transfer of tumorigenic and metastatic phenotypes by transfection with genomic DNA from a human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

High-molecular-weight genomic DNA isolated from a human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (AS) was assayed for its ability to induce tumorigenic transformation of NIH 3T3 cells. Subcutaneous injection of NIH 3T3 cells cotransfected with DNAs from AS tumor and pSV2-neo plasmid not only induced tumors at the site of injection, but also metastasized spontaneously to the lungs in 100% of nude mice injected. DNA isolated from a representative primary tumor and a metastasis was again used in a second round of transfection. Injection of secondary transfectants into nude mice again resulted in induction of both subcutaneous tumors and spontaneous long metastases. Southern blot hybridization with ras-specific probes revealed that DNA from both primary tumors and metastases induced by AS tumor DNA contained highly amplified Ha-ras oncogene. Furthermore, DNAs from secondary tumors and metastases induced by DNA from a primary tumor and a metastasis also contained similar highly amplified Ha-ras oncogene. These results suggest that the amplified Ha-ras oncogene may be responsible for induction of both tumorigenic and metastatic phenotypes in NIH 3T3 cells transfected with DNA from AS tumor.
Reproducibility and validity of the secondary level School-Based Nutrition Monitoring student questionnaire

Abstract Objective To evaluate the reproducibility and validity of the School-Based Nutrition Monitoring (SBNM) secondary level student questionnaire. Design Reproducibility was evaluated using a test-retest study design by administering the questionnaire on the same day (morning and afternoon, n=254) and, when appropriate, 9 to 14 days apart (n=259). Validity was assessed by comparing foods selected on the questionnaire with foods reported from a single 24-hour recall covering the same referent period (yesterday) in 209 students. Subjects/setting Eighth grade students in middle schools from central Texas were used: male and female, approximately 75% white, for the reproducibility study, with 15% Hispanic, 6% African American; for the validation study, approximately 38% white, 41% Hispanic, and 17% African American. Statistical analysis Spearman rank order correlation, κ statistic, and percentage agreement were used for both reproducibility and the validation. Results For the reproducibility study, agreement for questions about food intake ″yesterday" were 70% to 98%, with κ statistics ranging from 0.54 to 0.93 and correlations between 0.66 and 0.97. Questions on recent physical activity had high agreement (66% to 89%) as did ″usual" physical activity items, weight loss, and food selection behaviors. Nutrition knowledge items showed relatively weaker reliability: agreements ranged from 47% to 92%, with κ statistics between 0.30 and 0.56. Attitude questions had weaker agreement (50% to 87%), κ statistics (0.27 to 0.52), and correlations (0.33 to 0.63). For the validation study, correlation coefficients ranged from 0.32 for breads to 0.68 for milk and beans. Percentage agreement ranged from 38% for breads to 89% for gravy. Applications/conclusions Most questions on the SBNM secondary questionnaire were found to have acceptable reproducibility, whereas validation of food choice behaviors showed results similar to or better than other dietary assessment instruments for this age group. This questionnaire is a useful epidemiologic tool for surveillance, assessing broad intervention effects among groups or providing needs assessment data on selected nutrition and physical activity-related constructs. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:186-194.
On wavewise entropy inequalities for high-resolution schemes. I: the semidiscrete case

We develop a new approach, the method of wavewise entropy inequalities for the numerical analysis of hyperbolic conservation laws. The method is based on a new extremum tracking theory and Vol'pert's theory of BV solutions. The method yields a sharp convergence criterion which is used to prove the convergence of generalized MUSCL schemes and a class of schemes using flux limiters previously discussed in 1984 by Sweby.
Contrast-enhanced MRI of carotid atherosclerosis: Dependence on contrast agent

Purpose To investigate the dependence of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque on the use of gadobenate dimeglumine versus gadodiamide. Materials and Methods Fifteen subjects with carotid atherosclerotic plaque were imaged with 0.1 mmol/kg of each agent. For arteries with interpretable images, the areas of the lumen, wall, and necrotic core and overlying fibrous cap (when present) were measured, as were the percent enhancement and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). A kinetic model was applied to dynamic imaging results to determine the fractional plasma volume, vp, and contrast agent transfer constant, Ktrans. Results For 12 subjects with interpretable images, the agent used did not significantly impact any area measurements or the presence or absence of necrotic core (P > 0.1 for all). However, the percent enhancement was greater for the fibrous cap (72% vs. 54%; P < 0.05) necrotic core (51% vs. 42%; P = 0.12), and lumen (42% vs. 63%; P < 0.05) when using gadobenate dimeglumine, although no apparent difference in CNR was found. Additionally, Ktrans was lower when using gadobenate dimeglumine (0.0846 min−1 vs. 0.101 min−1; P < 0.01), although vp showed no difference (9.5% vs. 10.1%; P = 0.39). Conclusion Plaque morphology measurements are similar with either contrast agent, but quantitative enhancement characteristics, such as percent enhancement and Ktrans, differ. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:35–40. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Low-Power Multifunctional CMOS Sensor Node for an Electronic Facade

In this paper, a low-power, multifunctional CMOS smart sensor node is designed for an electronic facade, which provides an alternative solution to the concept of energy-efficient responsive buildings. Various sensing capabilities, including light intensity sensing, temperature sensing, motion tracking, and compressive image acquisition, are implemented on the sensor node. An 80 × 80 image pixel array is employed for motion tracking and compressive image acquisition. Various operational modes are realized, including: 1) event generation mode; 2) motion tracking mode; and 3) video output mode in full-resolution or compressed by the region of interest (ROI). A low-power, high-throughput motion detection algorithm is proposed in this paper. The power consumption of the proposed work is modeled, analyzed, and compared with traditional motion detection methods. According to numerical analysis, the throughput can be increased by 45% while using the proposed design instead of traditional temporal differential motion tracking methods with simislar power consumption. The proposed algorithm is realized by a pixel-level focal-plane motion detection unit, consisting of switched-capacitor circuit, analog memory, and dual-threshold comparator. The proposed design was fabricated in 0.5 μm 3M2P standard CMOS technology, occupying 3×3 mm 2 silicon area. The total power consumption is 17 μW, while the pixel array is performing motion tracking with a frame rate of 30 fps and a supply voltage of 3.3 V.
Leptomeningeal sarcomata and gliomata induced in rabbits by Rous sarcoma virus.

MUCH has been written in recent years about the ability of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) to induce malignant neoplasms in mammals.
Antitumor and modeling studies of a penetratin-peptide that targets E2F-1 in small cell lung cancer

E2F-1, a key transcription factor necessary for cell growth, DNA repair, and differentiation, is an attractive target for development of anticancer drugs in tumors that are E2F “oncogene addicted”. We identified a peptide isolated from phage clones that bound tightly to the E2F-1 promoter consensus sequence. The peptide was coupled to penetratin to enhance cellular uptake. Modeling of the penetratin-peptide (PEP) binding to the DNA E2F-1 promoter demonstrated favorable interactions that also involved the participation of most of the penetratin sequence. The penetratin-peptide (PEP) demonstrated potent in vitro cytotoxic effects against a range of cancer cell lines, particularly against Burkitt lymphoma cells and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. Further studies in the H-69 SCLC cell line showed that the PEP inhibited transcription of E2F-1 and also several important E2F-regulated enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, namely, thymidylate synthase, thymidine kinase, and ribonucleotide reductase. As the PEP was found to be relatively unstable in serum, it was encapsulated in PEGylated liposomes for in vivo studies. Treatment of mice bearing the human small cell lung carcinoma H-69 with the PEP encapsulated in PEGylated liposomes (PL-PEP) caused tumor regression without significant toxicity. The liposome encapsulated PEP has promise as an antitumor agent, alone or in combination with inhibitors of DNA synthesis.
Does high body mass index obviate the need for oral contrast in emergency department patients

Introduction: High body mass index (BMI) values generally correlate with a large proportion of intra-peritoneal adipose tissue. Because intra-peritoneal infectious and inflammatory conditions manifest with abnormalities of the adipose tissue adjacent to the inflamed organ, it is presumed that with a larger percentage of adipose surrounding a given organ, visualization of the inflammatory changes would be more readily apparent. Do higher BMI values sufficiently enhance the ability of a radiologist to read a computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis, so that the need for oral contrast to be given is precluded? Methods: Forty six patients were included in the study: twenty seven females, and nineteen males. They underwent abdominal/pelvic CTs without oral or intravenous contrast in the emergency department. Two board certified radiologists reviewed their CTs, and assessed them for radiographic evidence of intra-abdominal pathology. The patients were then placed into one of four groups based on their body mass index. Kappa analysis was performed on the CT reads for each group to determine whether there was significant inter-rater agreement regarding contrast use for the patient in question. Results: There was increasingly significant agreement between radiologists, regarding contrast use, as the study subject’s BMI increased. In addition, there was an advancing tendency of the radiologists to state that there was no need for oral or intravenous contrast in patients with higher body mass indices, as the larger quantity of intra-peritoneal adipose allowed greater visualization and inspection of intra-abdominal organs. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it appears that there is a decreasing need for oral contrast in emergency department patients undergoing abdominal/pelvic CT, as a patient’s BMI increases. Specifically, there was statistically significant agreement, between radiologists, regarding contrast use in patients who had a BMI greater than twenty-five. [West J Emerg Med.2013;14(6):595–597.]
Evaluation of Hbr (MITE) markers for assessment of genetic relationships among maize ( Zea mays L.) inbred lines.

Recently, a new type of molecular marker has been developed that is based on the presence or absence of the miniature inverted repeat transposable element (MITE) family Heartbreaker (Hbr) in the maize genome. These so-called Hbr markers have been shown to be stable, highly polymorphic, easily mapped, and evenly distributed throughout the maize genome. In this work, we used Hbr-derived markers for genetic characterization of a set of maize inbred lines belonging to Stiff Stalk (SS) and Non-Stiff Stalk (NSS) heterotic groups. In total, 111 markers were evaluated across 62 SS and NSS lines. Seventy six markers (68%) were shared between the two groups, and 25 of the common markers occurred at fairly low frequency (≤0.20). Only two markers (3%) were monomorphic in all samples. Although DNA sequencing indicated that 5.5% of same-sized DNA fragments were non-homologous, this result did not affect the cluster analyses (i.e., relationships obtained from the Hbr data were congruent with those derived from pedigree information). Distance matrices generated from Hbr markers were significantly correlated (p<0.001) with those obtained from pedigree (r=0.782), RFLPs (r=0.747), and SSRs (r=0.719). Overall, these results indicated that Hbr markers could be used in conjunction with other molecular markers for genotyping and relationship studies of related maize inbred lines.