cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practical applications of multimedia search

Just one decade ago image and video retrieval was a technology looking for applications. Now people are dying to get image and video retrieval technology, but there are no good practical solutions. Advances in devices, processing, and storage have resulted in pervasive use of visual information acquisition and usage, but technology development in this area has not kept pace with the rate of other developments. In this paper, we will present some practical systems that are emerging for image and video search and management. I will also present perspectives on why research in image and video retrieval is becoming irrelevant to real world applications. Finally, I will present my beliefs about how research in image and video retrieval can be on the center stage in visual information management for real applications.
Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy with Osteoid Metaplasia

Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy is a rare and recently described disease which occurs in patients with a history of renal disease and is often associated with hemodialysis or renal transplants. The usual presentation is multiple indurated plaque lesions resembling scleromyxedema on the extremities and trunk. Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy has been described in association with calciphylaxis and metastatic calcification, however, to our knowledge, the occurrence of osteoid metaplasia has not been previously reported. We report a case of nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy with osteoid metaplasia in a 78-year-old female patient with chronic renal failure on dialysis. The patient had a relatively acute onset (a few months) of lesions with irritation and pruritis of the lower extremities. Biopsies showed fibrous thickening of the dermis with islands of osteoid tissue with osteoblastic rimming. Calcification and lamellar bone formation were not seen. An Alcian blue stain demonstrated increased dermal mucin. Elastic stains showed prominent elongated elastic fibers between collagen fibers and within osteoid areas. The differential diagnosis included scleromyxedema and other fibrotic disorders. The pathogenesis of this disorder is unknown. Although rare patients improve with correction of renal abnormalities, currently no effective treatment is available.
Uniaxial ferromagnetism in NiZr F 6 ·6 H 2 O

NiZr${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}6${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O crystallizes in the trigonal NiSn${\mathrm{Cl}}_{6}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}6${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O structure with one trigonally distorted ${[\mathrm{N}\mathrm{i}{({\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O})}_{6}]}^{2+}$ complex per unit cell. We have measured ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ for this salt between 0.05 and 4.2 K and ${C}_{p}$ in zero field and in ${H}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}=2000$ Oe between 0.09 and 4.2 K. The susceptibilities are those of a uniaxial ferromagnet with the easy axis along the trigonal direction and ${T}_{C}\ensuremath{\approx}0.16$ K. ${C}_{p}(H=0)$ exhibits a sharp cooperative peak at ${T}_{C}=0.164\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.002$ K and a Schottky anomaly with $\frac{{C}_{max}}{R}\ensuremath{\approx}0.24$ and ${T}_{max}\ensuremath{\approx}1.5$ K. Thus, the $^{3}A_{2g}$ ground state of ${[\mathrm{N}\mathrm{i}{({\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O})}_{6}]}^{2+}$ is split into a lower doublet and an upper singlet separated by $\ensuremath{\sim}3k$ and the ionic moments are Ising-like near ${T}_{C}$. ${C}_{p}({H}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}=2 \mathrm{kOe})$ shows two overlapping rounded anomalies. The data are well described by an Oguchi model in which pairs of spins are treated exactly and their interaction with the rest of the crystal is represented by a mean field. The pair Hamiltonian is $\mathcal{H}=D({S}_{\mathrm{zi}}^{{}^{2}}+{S}_{\mathrm{zj}}^{{}^{2}})\ensuremath{-}2J{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}_{i}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}_{j}+g{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}({\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}_{i}+{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}_{j})\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ where ${S}_{i}={S}_{j}=1$, ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}}_{\mathrm{eff}}={\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}}_{\mathrm{app}}\ensuremath{-}[\frac{2J(z\ensuremath{-}1)}{{\mathrm{Ng}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}^{2}}]\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{M}}$, $\frac{D}{k}=\ensuremath{-}3.14$ K, $g=2.33$, and $\frac{\mathrm{zJ}}{k}=+0.084$ K. Dipolar coupling accounts for about one-fourth the spin interaction energy in this salt and appears to give it the meanfield-like character of a dipolar Ising ferromagnet.
Effect of scaling on high-frequency switching efficiencies of power MOSFET's

Summary form only given. The two-dimensional nature of junction and MOS capacitances of a power MOSFET is studied in detail as a function of terminal voltages. It is shown that the voltage dependencies of interelectrode capacitances in the near-threshold regime play a critical role in determining the high-frequency switching characteristics of power MOSFETs. Detailed two-dimensional modeling of the on-resistance, avalanche breakdown voltage, and interelectrode capacitances was performed to determine the effect of device scaling and to compare the performances of vertical vs. lateral low-voltage power DMOSFETs for high-voltage discrete and smart-power applications. Theoretical calculations are shown to be in excellent agreement with measured high-frequency switching performances of scaled power MOSFETs fabricated using advanced refractory metallizations. >
A new generation of Rayleigh fade compensated pi /4-QPSK coherent modems

A novel fade estimation and compensation method based on the pilot symbol insertion (PSI) concept is proposed and analyzed for coherent pi /4-QPSK (quadrature phase shift keying) modems. The estimated fade characteristics are used to compensate the random phase modulation caused by the Doppler spread in a fast Rayleigh fading channel so that the signals can be demodulated coherently. The theoretical performance of the fade compensated coherent modem in a frequency-selective fast Rayleigh fading channel corrupted by additive white Gaussian noise and cochannel interference is evaluated. The results show that the fade compensated coherent demodulation achieves the same performance as noncoherent demodulation in a slow fading channel. The main advantage of the proposed technique is that it removes the error floor caused by Doppler spread in a fast fading channel. >
Rich Nonverbal Sensing Technology for Automated Social Skills Training

Automated nonverbal sensing and feedback technologies, such as My Automated Conversation coacH (MACH), can provide a personalized means to better understand, evaluate, and improve human social interaction--for both practical and therapeutic purposes, and to advance future communications research. The first Web extra at http://youtu.be/l3ztu9shfMg discusses My Automated Conversation coacH (MACH), a system for people to practice social interactions in face-to-face scenarios. MACH consists of a 3D character that can see, hear, and make its own decisions in real time. The second Web extra at http://youtu.be/krdwB8bfXLQ discusses software developed at MIT that can be used to help people practice their interpersonal skills until they feel more comfortable with situations such as a job interview or a first date. The software, called MACH (short for My Automated Conversation coacH), uses a computer-generated onscreen face, along with facial, speech, and behavior analysis and synthesis software to simulate face-to-face conversations. It then provides users with feedback on their interactions.
Bioavailability to Rats of Iron in Six Varieties of Wheat Grain Intrinsically Labeled with Radioiron

Bioavailability to anemic rats of iron in six varieties of wheat grain was assessed by a whole-body radioassay procedure. Intrinsically labeled kernels were harvested from plants grown in 59Fe-labeled nutrient solutions. The varieties used were selected from 18 varieties of field-grown wheat grain that were analyzed for iron, protein and phytate content. Concentrations of iron, phytate and protein in grain of field-grown varieties ranged from 34 to 55 ppm, 0.7 to 1.2% dry wt and 11.3 to 15.4% dry wt, respectively. In grain from varieties grown in nutrient solutions, iron, phytate and protein concentrations ranged from 35 to 50 ppm, 1 to 1.2% dry wt, and 13.8 to 16.8% dry wt, respectively. Depending on the variety of intrinsically labeled grain fed in test meals to anemic rats (hemoglobin averaged 5.8 g/dL), absorption of 59Fe ranged from about 62 to 74% of the dose; differences among varieties were not significant (P greater than 0.05). Rats fed 59Fe-labeled FeCl3 absorbed about 71% of the dose, which was similar to the average amount (69% of dose) absorbed by rats fed wheat. We concluded that selection of wheat varieties for increased yield or protein content has not adversely affected the bioavailability of iron in the grain.
An inverse field of values problem

For a given complex matrix A we use methods of geometric computing to find complex unit vectors that map to a given point p inside the field of values of A. This is an inverse problem for the quadratic field of values map We describe and test an algorithm and include computed examples, as well as related questions on the geometric generation of points in the field of values, i.e., on the inner geometry of the field of values.
Incidence of Glenohumeral Instability in Collegiate Athletics

BackgroundGlenohumeral instability is a common injury sustained by young athletes. Surprisingly, little is known regarding the incidence of glenohumeral instability in collegiate athletes or the relevant risk factors for injury. A better understanding of the populations most at risk may be used to develop preventive strategies.HypothesisThe incidence of glenohumeral instability in collegiate athletics is high, and it is affected by sex, sport, type of event, and mechanism of injury.Study DesignDescriptive epidemiologic study.MethodsThe National Collegiate Athletic Association injury database was queried for all glenohumeral instability events occurring between the years 1989 and 2004. An analysis of the injuries was performed by sport, activity (competition versus practice), sex, type of event (primary versus recurrent), mechanism of injury, and time loss from athletic performance. Incidence rates and incidence rate ratios were calculated.ResultsA total of 4080 glenohumeral instability events were documen...
Single-mode fiber-film directional coupler

Directional coupling has been observed both from a single-mode fiber to a single mode planar polymer waveguide and vice versa. The fiber coupler was prepared by polishing. The matching of propagation constants was achieved by using a polymer film only a few hundred nanometers thick.
Random mask encoding of multiplexed phase-only and binary phase-only filters

In the formation of multiplexed filters, the phase-only and binary phase-only operations result in spurious cross terms and a nonlinear scaling. We use complementary random binary patterns having different pattern densities to encode the various functions within the multiplexed function. The orthogonality of these complementary masks permits separability of the phase-only or binary phase-only operations. By changing the pixel density of the random pattern, we can easily change the relative weights of the functions that compose the multiplexed filter. Experimental results are shown that demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Azimuth Determination Using a Low Noise Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Measurement Unit.

Abstract : The performance requirements for a ring laser gyro inertial measurement system to achieve sub-arc second azimuth determination capability have been developed. Parallel theoretical studies link these requirements to identifiable laser gyro design parameters and indicate that a feasible design could be implemented within practical constraints. A feasibility system is being assembled which will consist of 3 Raytheon RB-25 multioscillator gyros and 3 Bell Aerospace Model XI accelerometers. The instrument cluster will be mounted on a single-degree-of-freedom rotary fixture. Rotation of the cluster will be used to washout long-term error contributors with a Kalman filter using a pseduo-velocity measurement technique.
The role of NZP additions in plasma-sprayed YSZ: microstructure, thermal conductivity and phase stability effects

A concept for lowering the thermal conductivity of plasma-sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was evaluated by adding a low thermal conductivity secondary phase. Ca_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Zr_4P_6O_(24), a member of the zirconium phosphate or NZP family, was co-sprayed with YSZ using the recently patented small-particle plasma-spray process. The amount of NZP phase in the YSZ varied from 4 to 18 vol.%. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the plasma-sprayed NZP existed as 30-50 nm size grains when sprayed with YSZ. Between 100 and 1200 degrees C, reductions in the thermal conductivity of NZP/VSZ composite coatings compared to YSZ-only coatings were traced to porosity effects. The NZP phase destabilized the t'-ZrO_2 phase of the YSZ, favoring the formation of t-ZrO_2, then m-ZrO_2, a phase with a high-thermal conductivity. Due to this phase change, a large hysteresis was observed in thermal conductivity during the initial heat-up and cool down cycles of the NZP containing samples.
Characterization of acetylene terminated sulfone (ATS) resin. I. Chemical characterization of the resin

An acetylene terminated sulfone resin mixture, prepared under contract for the Air Force, was subjected to a fairly extensive compositional analysis. Monomer, dimer, higher oligomers, solvents, and anomalous side products of synthesis were isolated, identified, and quantified using separatory procedures such as column chromatography and thin film flash distillation, in conjunction with techniques of chemical analysis such as infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and elemental analysis. By these means we were able to precisely characterize the resin mixture and, by so doing, identify some side products of synthesis; most notably, a class of abnormal coupling product able to chelato palladium (a catalyst used in acetylation of the resin) and, therefore, accelerate subsequent acetylene polymerizations in the resin mixture.
Instrumental Variable Estimation in Binary Regression Measurement Error Models

Abstract We describe two approaches to instrumental variable estimation in binary regression measurement error models. The methods entail constructing approximate mean models for the binary response as a function of the measured predictor, the instrument, and any covariates in the model. Estimates are obtained by exploiting relationships between regression parameters, just as in linear instrumental variable estimation. In the course of deriving the approximate mean models, we obtain an alternative characterization of instrumental variable estimation in linear measurement error models.
The rotational spectrum of copper hydride using tunable far-infrared radiation

Abstract We have detected and measured five low-J rotational transitions of 63CuH between 40 and 125 cm−1 using coherent tunable far-infrared radiation. A least-squares fit to the data yields two orders of magnitude improvement in the values for the rotational molecular constants. The frequency of the J = 1 ← 0 transition of astronomical interest is predicted to be 468 652.2 (2) MHz.
Analytic Expressions for Transient Signals in the Optical Pumping of Alkali-Metal Vapors

Rate equations for the optical pumping of alkali-metal vapors simultaneously subject to pumping, relaxation in the excited state, and relaxation in the ground state are shown to yield analytic solutions for the alkali-metal electronic and nuclear-spin polarizations in the limit of weak pumping. Nuclear-spin and hyperfine-interaction effects are properly included. Analysis of the double-exponential form of the pumping transient of the ground-state electronic-spin polarization is shown to yield new methods for the measurement of cross sections for collisional relaxation in both the ground and excited states. Formulas are derived that relate relaxation cross sections to experimentally measurable parameters. Formulas describing the influence of nuclear spin on signals obtained from standard depolarization of resonance-radiation experiments also are provided. Ambiguities in earlier optical-pumping experiments and calculations arising from oversimplified descriptions of relaxation processes are discussed.
Supramolecular aggregation and organization in peripheral nerve myelin

Under certain preparative conditions the lipid bilayers of glutaraldehyde-fixed, PNS myelin demonstrate a marked compartmentalization, which can be augmented by lipid extraction following sectioning. The results are interpreted as indicating a supramolecular domain pattern of arrangement centered upon the transmembrane protein (P0) molecules. The latter are thought to be surrounded by annuli of substantially immobilized phospholipids. In the lamellar planes particular lipids are considered to have a nonrandom distribution. The visualization of bilayer compartmentalization was seen only in negatively stained sections obtained from unembedded or glutaraldehyde—urea-embedded myelin. Lipids were unextracted in the basic preparations except in so far as some unfixed, amphipathic molecules escaped at the trough—fluid interface at the time of sectioning, an observed phenomenon which probably aided in the visualization of the compartmentalization. Visualization was also augmented by surface tension expanding section fragments as they floated on the trough fluid. All stages of transition between well-ordered myelin and dispersed globular units were commonly to be found. Deliberately delipidated myelin exposed more sharply defined and smaller globular units in bilayer regions, but even these are regarded as being supramolecular aggregates including residual lipid annuli around the transmembrane proteins. The addition of cadmium ions as a “fixative” for lecithin seemed to improve the preservation of glutaraldehyde—urea-embedded myelin but was not strictly necessary to reveal its domain structure. A secondary tannic acid fixation was required to process unembedded myelin so as to reveal the fundamental compartmentalization of its lipid bilayers.
Topology of the outer membrane usher PapC determined by site-directed fluorescence labeling.

In contrast to typical membrane proteins that span the lipid bilayer via transmembrane α-helices, bacterial outer membrane proteins adopt a β-barrel architecture composed of antiparallel transmembrane β-strands. The topology of outer membrane proteins is difficult to predict accurately using computer algorithms, and topology mapping protocols commonly used for α-helical membrane proteins do not work for β-barrel proteins. We present here the topology of the PapC usher, an outer membrane protein required for assembly and secretion of P pili by the chaperone/usher pathway in uropathogenic Escherichia coli. An initial attempt to map PapC topology by insertion of protease cleavage sites was largely unsuccessful due to lack of cleavage at most sites and the requirement to disrupt the outer membrane to identify periplasmic sites. We therefore adapted a site-directed fluorescence labeling technique to permit topology mapping of outer membrane proteins using small molecule probes in intact bacteria. Using this method, we demonstrated that PapC has the potential to encode up to 32 transmembrane β-strands. Based on experimental evidence, we propose that the usher consists of an N-terminal β-barrel domain comprised of 26 β-strands and that a distinct C-terminal domain is not inserted into the membrane but is located instead within the lumen of the N-terminal β-barrel similar to the plug domains encoded by the outer membrane iron-siderophore uptake proteins.
Sentence comprehension in older adults: evidence for risky processing strategies.

Background/Study Context: Previous research has suggested that older adults compensate for age-related declines in sentence comprehension ability by reading more slowly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that older adults adopt a riskier strategy than younger adults, in which they rely on expectations based on probabilistic cues.Methods: Older and younger adults read late closure sentences in a self-paced reading task (e.g., “When the waiter served the woman the food was still too hot.”). The subordinate verbs varied in whether or not they occurred in ditransitive constructions (served vs. kissed).Results: Older adults showed less evidence of processing disruptions at the ambiguous noun phrase (the food) than younger adults. At the main verb, the older and younger adults showed evidence of processing disruption in the same conditions, but the processing disruptions were greater in older adults.Conclusion: The results are interpreted as support for the hypothesis that older adults...
Treatment technique for chronic wrist cutters

A treatment technique is presented which has been developed to eliminate chronic self-induced wrist cutting behavior. The technique substitutes painful but non-injurious exercises for self-cutting behavior when the urge to self-cut emerges. The rationale for initiating this approach is described.
SEXIE — a microcomputer program for the calculation of coordination shells and geometrics

Abstract We present an easy to use FORTRAN microcomputer program designed to specifically satisfy the needs of the X-ray absorption spectroscopist by providing the shell-by-shell atomic arrangement around a central atom in a form suitable for EXAFS data interpretation. It is easily portable and can be used on PC and Digital Equipment VAX.
"Cost creep due to age creep" phenomenon: pattern analyses of in-patient hospitalization costs for various age brackets in the United States.

Abstract The expectation that aging leads to a progressive deterioration of biological functions leading to higher healthcare costs is known as the healthcare cost creep due to age creep phenomenon. The authors empirically test the validity of this phenomenon in the context of hospitalization costs based on more than 8 million hospital inpatient records from 1,056 hospitals in the United States. The results question the existence of cost creep due to age creep after the age of 65 years as far as average hospitalization costs are concerned. The authors discuss implications for potential knowledge transfer for cost minimization and medical tourism.
Hominin evolution in settings of strong environmental variability

Abstract Investigations into how climate change shaped human evolution have begun to focus on environmental dynamics, i.e., the nature and tempo of climate and landscape variability, an approach that de-emphasizes static reconstructions of early hominin habitats. The interaction among insolation cycles is especially apparent in the paleoenvironmental records of the East African Rift System, where the longest records of human evolution are preserved. However, environmental indicators such as deep-sea oxygen isotopes, terrestrial dust flux, paleosol carbon isotopes, and lake sediments do not point consistently to any simple trend or climate driver of evolutionary change. Comparison of environmental indicators cautions against an exclusive focus on any given end-member of environmental fluctuation (driest or wettest, warmest or coolest), and argues for the impact of the entire range of variability in shaping evolutionary change. A model of alternating high and low climate variability for tropical Africa further implies that specific environmental indicators reflect different aspects of East African environmental dynamics. The model may thus help reconcile some of the conflicting interpretations about the environmental drivers of hominin evolution. First and last appearances of hominin lineages, benchmark biogeographic events, and the emergence of key adaptations and capacities to alter the surroundings are consistently concentrated in the predicted longest intervals of high climate variability. The view that emerges is that important changes in stone technology, sociality, and other aspects of hominin behavior can now be understood as adaptive responses to heightened habitat instability.
Not semantics but just results: The use of linguistic analysis in constitutional interpretation

Abstract The role of judges is to apply the law in order to decide disputes. In so doing, they are often called upon to interpret statutory and constitutional provisions, and their opinions in such cases may be presented as linguistic analyses. This paper examines the use of linguistic arguments in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller, in which the United States Supreme Court was asked to determine whether a statute severely restricting the right to possess firearms violated the Second Amendment of the federal Constitution. The parties advanced conflicting interpretations of the amendment which the Court resolved on ostensibly semantic grounds, provoking a strong dissent that criticized the majority's interpretation as unfounded. This paper presents an analysis of the Court's majority opinion that seeks to demonstrate the problems that arise when the rules and principles that are used to decide a case are linguistic rather than legal. I argue that the focus of the law is justice and not semantics, and it is therefore inappropriate to limit the analysis of legal questions to linguistic arguments. In so doing, I demonstrate the role of applied pragmatics in exploding an interpretive strategy that has proven to be impervious to legal argument.
Functionalized squaraine donors for nanocrystalline organic photovoltaics.

We study a family of functionalized squaraine (fSQ) donors for absorbing in the near-infrared (NIR) and green spectral regions. The NIR-absorbing materials are the symmetric molecules 2,4-bis[4-(N-phenyl-1-naphthylamino)-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl]squaraine (1-NPSQ), 2,4-bis[4-(N,N-diphenylamino)-2,6 dihydroxyphenyl]squaraine, and 2,4-bis[4-(N,N-dipropylamino)-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl]squaraine. The green light absorbing donors are asymmetric squaraines, namely, 2,4-bis[4-(N,N-diphenylamino)-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl]squaraine and 2-[4-(N,N-diisobutylamino)-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl]-4-diphenylamino]squaraine. Substitution of the arylamine groups enhances intermolecular packing, thereby increasing hole transport and the possibility of forming extended nanocrystalline junctions when annealed. Nanocrystalline solar cells based on fSQ and a C60 acceptor have Voc = 1.0 V and fill factors 0.73 ± 0.01. Solar cells incorporating annealed 1-NPSQ films result in a power conversion efficiency of 5.7 ± 0.6% at 1 sun, AM1.5G illumination.
Copolymers of N‐isopropylacrylamide, HEMA‐lactate and acrylic acid with time‐dependent lower critical solution temperature as a bioresorbable carrier

Copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), 2-hydroxyethyl methacryl lactate (HEMA-lactate) and acrylic acid (AAc) were prepared, with varying mole ratios of monomers, to develop a bioresorbable in-situ-gelling material with a time-dependent lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The synthesized copolymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry. In 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline solution of pH 7.4, these copolymers had an LCST below body temperature. The LCST decreased as the HEMA-lactate content of the copolymers was increased. Furthermore, in these conditions, the LCST of the copolymers exhibited time-dependent properties, due to hydrolysis of the HEMA-lactate. As the HEMA-lactate hydrolyzed, the copolymers became more hydrophilic, thereby leading to an increase in LCST. This hydrophilicity caused copolymers of approximately 6 mol% of AAc to exhibit an LCST above body temperature after hydrolysis. In neutral solution, copolymers with varying mol% of AAc saw their LCST rise above 37 °C within one to ten days, depending upon the HEMA-lactate/NIPAAm ratio, due to the complete hydrolysis of the HEMA-lactate. The above properties indicate that these copolymers would be useful for drug delivery because their variable LCST makes them bioresorbable. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of an oriented monodisperse system of prolate ellipsoids

Human erythrocytes subjected to sufficiently intense shear stress in suspension will deform to shapes approaching those of prolate ellipsoids and align themselves with the direction of flow. Laser diffractometry has been used to follow such shear-induced shape change and orientation. In this paper a theoretical diffraction pattern due to an aligned, monodisperse suspension of ellipsoids is derived.
Long-term trends in the demography of the Allen Cays Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura inornata): Human disturbance and density-dependent effects

Abstract Allen Cays Rock Iguanas ( Cyclura cychlura inornata ) are native to two small islets (Leaf and U Cay) in the north-central Bahamas. These populations were nearly extirpated in the early 1900s because of heavy hunting pressure (for food), but increased to a total of ca. 150 lizards in 1970, and now number over 500 (not including juveniles). Over the past several decades poaching has declined, but tourist visitation (including nearly daily supplemental feeding of iguanas) has increased. To examine human impacts on the demography of these iguanas, survival, population growth rates, and population sizes for subadult and adult (>25 cm snout-vent length) males and females on the two cays were estimated based on mark–recapture data collected over a 25-year period (1980–2004). As predicted, annual survival probability was higher on U Cay (with less human visitation) than on Leaf Cay, was higher in females than in males (which are bolder), and exhibited a declining trend. Both populations more than doubled during this study, but population growth rates declined to near zero in recent years. These data reflect the importance of human impacts, but also suggest that the populations may be nearing carrying capacity. The rapid population growth observed on these cays, and that seen for several other translocated iguana populations, suggest that if unnatural causes of mortality are reduced or eliminated, island populations of iguanas are capable of rapid recovery. The inexpensive establishment of assurance colonies on undisturbed “islands” should be considered for any comprehensive management plan for endangered species of iguanas.
Elastic scattering of spin−32 particles

Abstract The elastic scattering of spin − 3 2 particles is discussed with particular emphasis on the theoretical interpretation of analyzing power measurements. The observables are analyzed in terms of Hooton-Johnson scattering amplitudes, which provide the most direct link to the tensorial structure of the underlying interaction. Data from 58Ni(7Li, 7Li)58Ni are analyzed and compared with the results of optical model calculations. Explicit formulae are presented whose purpose is to facilitate such optical model calculations.
Atherosclerosis in diabetes: The role of hyperinsulinemia

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) is a major cause of premature morbidity and mortality among adults. Macrovascular disease of coronary and peripheral vessels is the primary cause of death in these patients. Numerous experimental and epidemiologic studies have suggested that hyperinsulinemia accelerates the development of atherosclerosis. In experimental models, insulin promotes diet-induced lesion development and overrides lesion regression and estrogen protection against atherosclerosis. Local hyperinsulinemia induced by selected arterial infusion accelerates atherosclerosis in the perfused artery. Insulin has been shown to stimulate subintimal smooth muscle and fibroblast cells in culture, and to increase the uptake and local synthesis of lipid by these cells. Insulin may also induce inhibition of fibrinolysis. Several prospective studies performed on nondiabetic patients show that either fasting or postprandial insulin levels are a sensitive predictor of the development of coronary disease independent of other risk factors. Two recent studies in NIDDM patients confirm this finding and suggest that glycemic control may not be a significant factor in the development of macrovascular disease. Diseases of carbohydrate tolerance, ie, NIDDM, impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, are frequently associated with elevated circulating insulin levels, either physiologically or secondary to treatment. Given the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in these populations, modifying therapy to minimize hyperinsulinemia should be an important consideration in a treatment program. Use of oral agents such as glipizide or gliclazide, which induce less diurnal hyperinsulinemia, may be advantageous when compared to traditional oral agent or insulin therapy.
THE INFLUENCE OF LEUKOPENIA ON SURVIVAL IN EARLY ONSET GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL SEPSIS

To determine the prognostic significance of leukopenia in early onset neonatal group B streptococcal sepsis, Nursery ICU admissions were reviewed from 1969-1976. 40 cases of blood culture proven Group B streptococcal sepsis were found in infants under 5 days of age. 55% were premature infants. The majority of patients (78%) presented with respiratory distress often associated with apnes. Leukopenia (total WBC < 5000) was found in 48% of the septic infants. Of 21 patients who had lumbar punctures, 12 had Group B streptococcus isolated from the CSF as well as blood. The overall survival of combined term and preterm infants was 70%. Term infants showed no correlation between leukopenia and survival (83% (10/12) of infants with normal TWBC survived versus 83% (5/6) for infants with TWBC < 5000). In premature infants leukopenia seemed to be associated with a decreased survival (78% (7/9) of infants with normal TWBC survived versus 46% (6/13) of infants with TWBC < 5000), however, this difference was found to be insignificant (p=0.15 by the Fisher Exact Test). Currently more cases are being sought to determine if the trend of decreased survival in leukopenic prematures persists but, at this time, it would appear that there is no significant correlation between the level of TWBC and survival in early onset neonatal group B streptoccal sepsis.
Transform-free equations for the stationary waiting time distributions in the queue with poisson arrivals and bulk services

We study a queue with Poisson arrivals and a bulk service rule with two thresholdsN andm on the group sizes. No group of fewer thanN or more thanm customers is served. When the number of available customers is betweenN andm, all customers are served together. The principal results deal with the joint stationary distribution of the waiting time of an arriving customer and of the size of the group in which he is eventually served. After prior computation of the stationary queue length density, the evaluation of the waiting time distribution is reduced to the solution of a system of linear differential equations and a single integral equation. The process describing the waiting time is in general non-Markovian.
Cytometric Analysis of Mammalian Sperm for Induced Morphologic and DNA Content Errors

Among the signatures of reproductive toxicity of chemical and physical agents are alterations in morphology and/or DNA content of sperm. Sperm based assays for reproductive effects are attractive because of the potential for obtaining samples for monitoring human populations. Visual analysis of sperm morphology has been used for many years as one component of semen assessment. More recently it has been found that shape abnormalities are induced by exposure of animals to a wide range of agents [27, 28] and there is evidence for elevated levels of abnormally shaped sperm in men exposed to drugs or chemical agents in the work place [29]. Experienced observers are consistent in classifying sperm according to shape but classification criteria may differ among them. Additionally there are important aspects of sperm shape which humans can’t discriminate well. These considerations have led to efforts to develop quantitative morphologic analysis procedures. These procedures lend themselves to automation, so that once their value is established the time required for large numbers of analyses may be greatly reduced.
Formation of O2(1Σg+) by 1-fluoronaphthalene sensitization

Emission from O2(1Σg+) was detected following the flash photolysis of O2 and 1-fluoronaphthalene mixtures in the gas phase, Assignment of the emitting state was confirmed by O2, N2 and C2H4 quenching studies. The rate constant for 1-fluoronaphthalene quenching of O2(1Σg+) was estimated to be (7.6 ± 0.7) × 10g M−1 sec−1.
Wettability Studies at the Pore Level of Saudi Aramco Reservoirs

The wettability of rocks is of critical importance in understanding reservoir dynamics. Several studies of wettability evaluation on Saudi Aramco reservoir rocks were reported, but to our knowledge none of them have attempted to study wettability
Demonstration of 28 GHz ring resonator based electro-optic polymer modulator

We demonstrate a ring resonator based traveling wave electro-optic polymer modulator. Efficient modulation at 28 GHz (FSR of the resonator) with 3 dBe bandwidth of 7 GHz is achieved.
Stridulatory file teeth in crickets: Taxonomic and acoustic implications (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Abstract The file teeth of crickets show pronounced interspecific differences. Twenty-four species, representing eight subfamilies, were examined to determine whether such differences reflect differences in acoustic function. We found no relation between particular tooth structures and particular features of the calling song; however, such structures correlated with the major phyletic divisions of crickets.
Evaluation of an approach used to develop, implement, and monitor a 5-year integrated accounting program

Abstract This article reports on the results of developing, implementing, and monitoring a 5-year (150-hour) integrated accounting program at the University of Missouri. The article discusses how the program was originally developed, what is meant by an integrated program, and what was envisioned as the program administration. The article then discusses the current program as to what worked, what did not work, and what elements of the program were changed, as well as the reasons for the changes. Recommendations to help other schools/departments in their program and curriculum revision processes are also provided.
Research on teaching styles of teachers of the gifted

Various research studies have attempted to compare cognitive learning and teaching styles in terms of learning effectiveness, but results have proven to be inconclusive. However, cognitive styles of teachers are different from teaching strategies with strategies being part of the total teaching profile. To obtain a profile, this study used the Silver and Hanson Teaching Style Inventory with 157 area teachers. The profiles were then used to compute the correlations between the preferred teaching styles and three selected demographic variables. The collected data yielded some statistically significant results about the preferred teaching styles of teachers of gifted students.
MirrorTrack - a vision based multi-touch system for glossy display surfaces

This paper presents a multi-touch system using vision-based algorithms that takes advantage of specular surfaces to detect and track finger locations with multiple cameras. The key innovation of the MirrorTrack approach is that by mounting cameras at a low azimuth to the horizontal display surface, the screen approaches a perfect mirror. Hence, we are able to track the user's fingers together with its mirror reflection in the screen. The advantages of our system are that: 1. It works with any glossy flat panel display; 2. It avoids clumsy setups that require suspension of down-looking cameras with the concomitant screen glare problems; 3. It supports both touch and hover operations; 4. It can be extended to track objects other than fingers; and, 5. It can work with large vertical displays without the usual occlusion problems. We describe our algorithm and implementation in details and present a set of finger gestures interactions.
Influences of neurotrophins on mammalian motoneurons in vivo

Several recently reported investigations have shown that a member of the neurotrophin family of neuronal growth factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supports motoneurons in vitro and rescues motoneurons from naturally occurring and axotomy-induced cell death (Oppenheim et al., 1992b; Sendtner et al., 1992b; Yan et al., 1992; Koliatsos et al., 1993; Henderson et al., 1993). In the current study, we have explored the issue of whether BDNF and other neurotrophins act to regulate motoneuron survival during development and asked whether synthesis of motoneuron transmitter enzymes is also regulated. We first examined whether spinal motoneurons in newborn animals could retrogradely transport iodinated neurotrophins from their targets in a specific, receptor-mediated manner. We found that motoneurons readily transported NGF, BDNF, and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). The retrograde transport of one factor could be completely or largely blocked by excess of unlabeled homologous factor, but only partially blocked by excess of unlabeled heterologous factors. Since previous studies have shown that these three neurotrophins bind to the low-affinity NGF receptor, p75NGFR, with similar affinity, our data suggest that the retrograde transport of neurotrophins by motoneurons may be mediated by additional components, such as the trk family of proto-oncogenes. Consistent with this hypothesis, we demonstrate here that motoneurons express mRNA for two members of the trk family, trkB and trkC. Furthermore, both trkB and trkC were expressed by E13, consistent with a role for BDNF and NT-3 in regulating important developmental events involving motoneurons such as naturally occurring cell death. In order to determine which members of the neurotrophin family influence motoneuron survival and to assess the generality of their effects, we evaluated the abilities of NGF, BDNF, and NT-3 to save both spinal and cranial motoneurons after neonatal axotomy. Locally applied BDNF saved 40–70% of motoneurons which would ordinarily die after axotomy in lumbar and cranial motor pools, depending on the treatment protocol employed. NT-3 also exhibited some ability to rescue motoneurons and saved 20–25% of motoneurons which would die in the absence of treatment. Finally, we asked whether neurotrophins could influence synthesis of transmitter enzymes by motoneurons as well as their survival after axotomy. Locally applied BDNF and NT-3 could partially prevent the decrease of protein contents in L4 and L5 ventral roots which normally follows sciatic nerve transection. However, treatment with these neurotrophins did not prevent the decrease in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in L4 and L5 ventral roots which results from this procedure. These results suggest that BDNF and NT-3 are among the growth factors that regulate motoneuron development in vivo, but that their actions may be more restricted than those of the prototypical factor, NGF, on its responsive neurons. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Learner-Learner Interaction during Pair and Small Group Activities in a Thai EFL Context.

Abstract The use of pair and small group activities in the second language (L2) classroom has been supported by both theoretical and pedagogical arguments. However, L2 researchers and practitioners have expressed concerns about their use in some instructional contexts. This small-scale study explored instructors' and learners' perceptions about the use of pair and small group activities in a Thai EFL context, and examined whether the learning opportunities theoretically attributed to pair and small group activities occurred in an intact classroom. It also investigated whether learners who actively participated during the pair and small group activities showed improved production of the target forms. Sixteen Thai EFL learners completed the pair and small group activities as part of their regularly scheduled English classes at a large public university in Northern Thailand. The results indicated that learners who had more participation during the pair and small group activities demonstrated improved production of the target forms, even though they did not perceive the activities as useful for learning language. Issues in the use of pair and small group activities in L2 classrooms are discussed.
Thermodynamic modeling of the Nb–Hf–Si ternary system

Abstract A thermodynamic description of the Nb–Si–Ti ternary system is developed by modeling the Gibbs energies of the individual phases in the system. Due to insufficient experimental data, the ternary description is obtained primarily by extrapolation based on the descriptions of the constituent binary systems, i.e. Nb–Si obtained in this study, Ti–Si and Nb–Ti available in the literature. Nevertheless, the calculated ternary phase equilibria using the thermodynamic description so obtained agree very well with available experimental data, which suggests that the ternary description is reasonable. Although there might be large uncertainties involved in this description for alloy compositions far away from the Nb–Ti boundary binary, it can be very useful, in the absence of experimental data, as a guide for alloy design and processing development. Moreover, it can be used with great advantages in planning phase equilibrium measurements in the future and thus reduce the effort to be expended.
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INSULIN AUGMENTATION PHENOMENON.

Abstract A serum protein fraction possessing the capacity to augment insulin action on adipose tissue in vitro has been isolated and studied. Factors responsible for augmentation have been found to be nondialyzable and susceptible to destruction by ethanol, alkali and heat. The augmentation phenomenon is probably dependent upon the presence of a protein moiety.
Caffeinated coffee blunts the myocardial protective effects of statins against ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat.

Purpose We asked whether caffeinated coffee (CC) blunts the infarct size (IS)-limiting effects of atorvastatin (ATV).
MARINE RESERVE DESIGN AND THE EVOLUTION OF SIZE AT MATURATION IN HARVESTED FISH

By significantly changing size-dependent mortality, fisheries can cause rapid evolution toward earlier maturation in harvested species. Because earlier maturation neg- atively affects biomass yield and sustainability, ignoring evolutionary changes could sig- nificantly reduce the success of fisheries management policy. With a quantitative genetic model of size at maturation that incorporates phenotype plasticity, we examine the impact of different management strategies including traditional effort control and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). After verifying the model's accuracy, using historical trajectories for size at maturation in cod (Gadus morhua), we test model predictions under different management schemes with life history parameters for red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) and two rockfish species (Sebastes paucispinis and S. ruberrimus). The model results show that no- take MPAs can protect against strong fisheries-based selection for earlier maturation. The potential to protect against anthropogenic selection declines with increasing fragmentation of reserves to networks of small reserves. Accounting for the evolution of size at maturation increases the predicted biomass contribution from MPA populations to harvested popula- tions. Traditional management approaches, such as adjustments to harvest rate and maxi- mum size limits, can lead to equivalent protection against anthropogenic selection and equivalent or greater long-term biomass yield than establishing MPAs; however, the pro- tection and yield from establishing no-take MPAs appears more robust to uncertainty.