cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fusion of color and infrared video for moving human detection

We approach the task of human silhouette extraction from color and thermal image sequences using automatic image registration. Image registration between color and thermal images is a challenging problem due to the difficulties associated with finding correspondence. However, the moving people in a static scene provide cues to address this problem. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical scheme to automatically find the correspondence between the preliminary human silhouettes extracted from synchronous color and thermal image sequences for image registration. Next, we discuss strategies for probabilistically combining cues from registered color and thermal images for improved human silhouette detection. It is shown that the proposed approach achieves good results for image registration and human silhouette extraction. Experimental results also show a comparison of various sensor fusion strategies and demonstrate the improvement in performance over non-fused cases for human silhouette extraction.
Flame Diagnostic Using Optoacoustic Laserbeam Deflection And Frequency Modulation Spectroscopy

Two laser-based techniques, Optoacoustic Laserbeam Deflection (OLD) and Frequency Modu-lation (FM) spectroscopy, were introduced for flame diagnostics. Flame temperature was measured by OLD with 1.5% precision and flame temperature profiles were taken. Ground state and excited state sodium within an aspirated flame were detected by FM-spectroscopy. Present limits of sensitivity are absorptions of 1.5 . 10-4 and ground state sodium densi-ties of 3.3 • 106 cm -3.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Twins and child abuse.

An increased incidence of child abuse and neglect has been documented surrounding twin births. Levy 1 wrote about an increased rate of infant mortality and failure to thrive in twins born into the modern Navajo culture. Robarge et al, 2 in a singleton-birth matched control study, showed an increased incidence of abuse in families after the birth of twins, both in siblings of the twins and in the twins. In a related study, Groothuis et al 3 documented that twin births are associated with a high incidence of perinatal complications that also predispose to abuse. When regression analysis was used to control for perinatal complications, twin status itself was found to be a risk factor for subsequent abuse, presumably owing to the many family stresses imposed by twin births. Nelson and Martin 4 found an increased incidence of abuse among twin pairs. Both twins of a pair were abused 60%
Inhibition of platelet and red blood cell accumulation on damaged arterial surfaces with albumin pretreatment.

Abstract Damaged arterial surfaces initiate platelet accumulation which leads to thrombus formation. On artificial surfaces, albumin pretreatment inhibits platelet deposition. To investigate albumin pretreatment on damaged vessel surfaces, 16 carotid arteries were obtained from 8 anesthetized dogs (11–15 kg). Each artery was divided into 2 segments. Each segment was mounted in a perfusion system, distended to 100 mmHg, and the middle section damaged. One segment was perfused with Tyrodes solution plus bovine albumin (5 g/100 ml), while the other segment was perfused only with Tyrodes solution. After 120 mins, both segments were perfused with whole citrated blood containing Indium-111 labeled platelets. Without albumin pretreatment, the proximal section contained 11±8 (x ± SEM) percent of total blood radioactivity, while the damaged section contained 53±11 percent (p .8). Quantitative examination of the scanning electron micrographs demonstrated significantly more platelet and red blood cell coverage of the damaged segments (60±12.8 percent) than of the albumin treated segments (12.9±5 percent). In four additional experiments, we pretreated arterial segments with albumin for varying time intervals. After 15, 30 and 60 mins of albumin pretreatment, each artery was perfused with radiolabeled platelets and whole blood for 5 mins at 100 mm Hg perfusion pressure. Radioactive evidence of platelet deposition on arterial segments treated with albumin for 15, 30, and 60 minutes was also significantly less than control (p
Cloning and characterization of the 5′-flanking region of the rat neuron-specific Class III β-tubulin gene

Abstract The promoter regions of several neuron-specific structural proteins (e.g. neurofilaments, peripherin, Tα1-tubulin) have revealed potential regulatory elements that could contribute to the choice of a neuronal phenotype during development. We initiated study of the 5′-flanking region of the rat Class III neuron-specific β-tubulin gene ( βIII-tubulin ) because this gene is expressed at the time of terminal mitosis only in neurons and thus its promoter should be an excellent tool for studying neuron-specific gene expression during the transition from proliferative progenitor cell to early neuronal differentiation. We identified the minimal promoter region needed to drive expression of the βIII-tubulin gene. This minimal region contains multiple putative binding sites for the transcription factors SP1 and AP2, as well as a central nervous system enhancer regulatory element and an E-box. A primer extension analysis identifies a single transcription start site. We highlight several putative regulatory elements that may modulate the expression of the βIII-tubulin gene in a stage- and tissue-specific manner. In addition, we show that the first 490 bp of the promoter are sufficient to regulate βIII-tubulin gene expression during neuronal differentiation of PCC7 cells.
Integrated CFD and Experiments Real-Time Data Acquisition Development

The Computational Technologies Branch of NASA Lewis Research Center is developing an Integrated CFD and Experiments (ICE) system as part of the Multistage Compressor Flow Physics program. The ICE operating environment software is general and can be configured for different applications where CFD and experimental information must be managed. ICE currently consists of three powerful subsystems. The experiment support subsystem acquires data and uses parallel processing to generate statistical information and on-line graphical displays for flow physics experiments. The simulation subsystem allows the researcher to conveniently setup and run computational fluid dynamic (CFD) codes on different parallel computer architectures. The analysis subsystem provides tools to display and compare experimental data and CFD data. A consistent data management approach is used across all three subsystems. This paper provides an overview of the ICE design philosophy and discusses its significance in reducing experimental turnaround time and increasing the quality of turbomachinery research. The functional capabilities of the experiment support subsystem are then discussed in detail.Copyright © 1993 by ASME
A compressed cloud in the VELA supernova remnant

Strong interstellar absorption lines of C I, arising from the two excited fine-structure levels, are found in IUE observations of HD 72350 (type B4 III). An analysis of the excited-level populations of C I gives local temperature and pressure limits, and auxiliary data on the limit of column density for excited O I and the carbon ionization help to establish that (1) the local temperature is within the limits of 25-100 K, and (2) the pressure/Boltzmann's constant ratio is at least 10 to the 4.3/cu cm K, despite its small size. This high-pressure cloud is discussed in terms of shock compression by the Vela supernova blast wave, along with the relationship of this kind of cloud compression to star formation and to the origin of the characteristic filamentary emission arcs seen in Vela and other supernova remnants
Intestinal slow waves: decrease in propagation velocity along upper small intestine.

Electrical activity was recorded from platinum electrodes permanently implanted on dog small intestine. Dogs were unanesthetized, healthy, and cooperative when studied. Slow waves appeared to decelerate as they passed along the upper small intestine. Their velocity was about 15 cm./sec., 24 cm. above the ligament of Treitz, but only 3 cm./sec., 24 cm. below the ligament of Treitz. This decrease in velocity occurred over a region of upper small intestine in which the frequency of slow waves remained essentially constant.
A new type of modulated normal functions

The modulation described in this article is due to a new generalization of the Hagen theory of elementary errors. While in all previous studies it had been assumed that the numbern of non-zero errors can range between zero and a “fixed” numberk, in the theory here presented this number is assumed to range betweenk and infinity. The modulated functions thus generated (MNF-Type II) have several interesting features of their own and, because they conform to the general law of mixtures, they are also leptokurtic. This leads to the conclusion that no binomial process for generating errors can lead to platykurtic curves (“flatter” than normal).
THE ROLE OF ZOOPLANKTON IN THE NUTRITION OF SOME SCLERACTINIAN CORALS1

Over 15 days of continuous monitoring, the mean nocturnal concentration of drifting net zooplankton in a coral reef community on the Bermuda platform was 0.83 mg m−3. The mean respiration rate of reef-building corals at the study site was calculated to be 6.4 g O2 day−1 m−2 of reef bottom. Using these data we show that the energy requirement of these corals was more than an order of magnitude greater than the energy they could obtain by capturing the sparse zooplankton in the surrounding waters. The question follows, why, if corals can exist in the absence of energetically significant quantities of zooplankton, do their elaborate anatomic modifications for catching zooplankton persist? Evidence indicates that corals cannot obtain their phosphorus requirements from solution. We therefore suggest that relatively small amounts of zooplankton may be important as a source of phosphorus and perhaps of other essential nutrients for both the coral and its algal symbionts.
What Is New in Cytokine Research Related to Trauma/Critical Care:

Cytokines are low molecular weight proteins whose production can be modified by various insults. They have the potential to modify cellular responses to these insults. Recent years have seen a plethora of research in cytokine biology in trauma and critical care.
Phase fluctuations in moderate to strong turbulence

Recently, new theory governing laser beam scintillation was developed for all regimes of optical turbulence. This theory is based on the Rytov approximation but modified with a filter function that eliminates intermediate scale sizes that do not contribute to the refractive and diffractive effects of propagation. This modification extends the validity of the Rytov approximation into moderate to strong regimes as evidenced by the agreement with simulations and experimental data. In this paper we apply this theory to the phase covariance and new expressions governing phase fluctuations are presented. The phase structure function is then compared with previous experimental data.
Pyrolysis chromatography of lipids. I. Mass spectrometric identification of pyrolysis products of hydrocarbons.

The products of pyrolysis at 600C of normal paraffins C10−C18, 2-methyl octadecane, 4-methyl octadecane, 6-methyl octadecane, cyclohexyl decane, cyclopentyl decane, 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethyl nonane, pristane and phytane were studied by means of a pyrolysis gas chromatograph directly coupled to a mass spectrometer. n-Paraffins yield a homologous series of n-olefins. Branched paraffins yield two homologous series, one of n-olefins and one of branched olefins. The n-olefin corresponding to the position of the branch is not formed. Interpretation of pyrolograms is similar in principle to the interpretation of mass spectra.
Phase Behavior of Chlorinated Solvent + Water + Alcohol Mixtures with Application to Alcohol Flushing

Alcohol flushing is a new in-situ remediation technique for the removal of water-immiscible solvents from contaminated soil and groundwater. Understanding the changes in the physical and chemical properties of chlorinated solvents and the aqueous-phase solution during flushing is prerequisite for the successful application of this technology. The overall objectives of these experiments were to characterize the ternary-phase behavior, interfacial tension, viscosity, and density for mixtures containing a chlorinated solvent, water and alcohol. Two chlorinated solvents were used: tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene. The alcohols studied included methanol, ethanol, and propan-2-ol. Results showed that the single-phase region of the ternary relationships increased as the molecular weight of the alcohol increased. The interfacial tension between the chlorinated solvents and aqueous solutions decreased with increasing alcohol concentration and increasing molecular weight of the alcohol. Changes in the vis...
Comparative studies on the immunogenicity of infective and attenuated sporozoites of Plasmodium berghei

Abstract Experiments to characterize the immune response induced by the inoculation of infective sporozoites were undertaken in an experimental rodent malaria system. Since earlier work had shown that the blood phase of the infection suppresses the humoral anti-sporozoite response, the development of parasitaemia was completely prevented by treating the animals with either chloroquine or primaquine shortly after sporozoite inoculation. The results obtained by immunization with infective Plasmodium berghei sporozoites were compared with those obtained using γ-irradiated sporozoites, by measuring the antibody levels of the immunized mice and determining their degree of protection against challenge. The level of protection in animals immunized with infective sporozoites and submitted to chloroquine treatment was found to be comparable to that induced with irradiated sporozoites. Under both conditions, a single intravenous inoculation of 10 4 sporozoites protected approximately 50% of the immunized mice from challenge with infective sporozoites. When two immunized doses were given, over 90% of the animals from both groups were protected. Immunization of primaquine-treated animals with infective sporozoites resulted in a somewhat lower level of protection. The antibody response to inoculation of infective sporozoites was either comparable to or somewhat greater than that induced by irradiated sporozoites. In vitro incubation of sporozoites with a high concentration of chloroquine abolished their infectivity. These chloroquine-attenuated sporozoites, however, were immunogenic and induced a protective immune response.
Cyclic amp and growth of ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Lack of cyclic amp elevation in nutritionally deprived cells and mechanism of retardation of growth by dibutyryl cyclic amp.

Abstract Cyclic AMP levels in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells changed little after deprivation of cells of essential nutrients, serum, glucose and amino acids, deprival of each of which leads to marked inhibition of growth and protein synthesis. Cyclic AMP levels also changed little after the addition of these nutrients to deprived cells. Thus cyclic AMP is not likely to be the intracellular mediator for growth regulation by these three nutrients. Elevation of cyclic AMP levels for short periods by exposure of cells to choleratoxin or theophylline produced only slight changes in parameters of protein synthesis (polyribosome pattern and rate of [ 3 H]leucine incorporation). An exposure for 1 day to dibutyryl cyclic AMP did not inhibit cell growth. However, prolonged exposure to dibutyryl cyclic AMP inhibited the multiplication of Ehrlich ascites cells both in suspension and in stationary cultures. No morphological effects were evident in the former; in the latter, cells attached firmly to the substratum and formed elongated cytoplasmic processes. Inhibition of cell multiplication by dibutyryl cyclic AMP was related to cell density and to serum concentration. Cells in dibutyryl cyclic AMP-containing media plated at low cell densities multiplied as rapidly as control cells. The final densities cells reached were determined by the serum concentration; in dibutyryl cyclic AMP-containing media these densities were about one-half those of respective control cells. Limitation of cell multiplication by dibutyryl cyclic was AMP reversed by the addition of serum, by resuspending cells at lower densities, or by resuspending cells in media without dibutyryl cyclic AMP. These findings suggested that dibutyryl cyclic AMP may affect the utilization of serum factors by cells. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP did not inactivate serum factors and did not change the rate at which cells depleted the growth medium of serum factors. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP may limit cell multiplication by increasing the cellular requirement for serum factors.
Weathering processes and the composition of inorganic material transported through the orinoco river system, Venezuela and Colombia

Abstract The composition of river-borne material in the Orinoco River system is related primarily to erosion regime, which in turn is related to tectonic setting; especially notable is the contrast between material derived from tectonically active mountain belts and that from stable cratonic regions. For a particular morpho-tectonic region, the compositional suites of suspended sediment, bed material, overback deposits, and dissolved phases are fairly uniform are are typically distinct from whose of other regions. For each region, a consistent set of chemical weathering reactions can be formulated to explain the composition of dissolved and solid loads. In developing these formulations, erosion on slopes and storage of solids in soils and alluvial sediments are important considerations. Compositionally verymature sediment is derived from areas of thick soils where erosion is transport limited and from areas where sediments are stored for extended periods of time in alluvial deposits. Compositionally immature sediments are derived from tectonically active mountain belts where erosion is weathering limited. Weathering-limited erosion also is important in the elevated parts of the Guayana Shield within areas of sleep topography. Compared to the mountain belts, sediments derived from elevated parts of the Shield are more mature. A greater degree of chemical weathering seems to be needed to erode the rock types typical of the Shield. The major-element chemistry and mineral composition of sediment delivered by the Orinoco River to the ocean are controlled by rivers that have their headwaters in mountain belts and cross the Llanos, a region of alluvial plains within the foreland basin. The composition of sediments in rivers that drain the Shield seems to be established primarily at the site of soil formation, whereas for rivers that drain the mountain belts, additional weathering occurs during s episodes of storage on alluvial plains as sediments are transported across the Llanos to the main stem of the Orinoco. After mixing into the main stem, there seems to be little subsequent alteration of sediment.
Integrating Religion into the Historical Mainstream: Recent Literature on Religion in the Federal Republic of Germany

Those discovering the growing number of writings on the religious history of the Federal Republic of Germany might be forgiven for thinking that they had entered a parallel universe. To use the terminology popularized by M. Rainer Lepsius, Christian milieus have largely disintegrated and their members been integrated into the mainstream of political and economic life. Yet until recently, research on German Catholicism and Protestantism has remained confined to confessional ghettos that many members of these religious subcultures once sought to escape. The dozens of monographs that have appeared in the last five years have yet to be incorporated into the central narratives that dominate the secular histories of the postwar era. Many have still to be reviewed in non-religious journals. Edited volumes that purport to analyze the many facets of the Federal Republic include few if any chapters on religion.
A 2-colimit characterization of internal categories of torsors☆

Abstract The present work generalizes the classical result classifying isomorphism classes of locally trivial principal fiber bundles with an abelian structure group by means of equivalence classes of Cech cocycles. In the generalization the structure group is replaced by a category object in a Barr-exact category, the locally trivial principal fiber bundles are replaced by locally representable internal presheaves and the first cohomology group is replaced by the 2-dimensional direct limit of a suitable pseudofunctor into CAT.
ATP-dependent interaction of human mismatch repair proteins and dual role of PCNA in mismatch repair

DNA mismatch repair ensures genomic stability by correcting biosynthetic errors and by blocking homologous recombination. MutS-like and MutL-like proteins play important roles in these processes. In Escherichia coli and yeast these two types of proteins form a repair initiation complex that binds to mismatched DNA. However, whether human MutS and MutL homologs interact to form a complex has not been elucidated. Using immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis we show here that human MSH2, MLH1, PMS2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) can be co-immunoprecipitated, suggesting formation of a repair initiation complex among these proteins. Formation of the initiation complex is dependent on ATP hydrolysis and at least functional MSH2 and MLH1 proteins, because the complex could not be detected in tumor cells that produce truncated MLH1 or MSH2 protein. We also demonstrate that PCNA is required in human mismatch repair not only at the step of repair initiation, but also at the step of repair DNA re-synthesis.
A Pin-to-Hole Spark Discharge Plasma Generates Nitric Oxide and Can Be Safely Applied to an Endothelial Cell Monolayer

Endothelial cells line all blood vessels and regulate many homeostatic functions (e.g. platelet aggregation, vascular tone, vascular cell proliferation, leukocyte adhesion) by production of the signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO). NO bioavailability and thus endothelial cell function are compromised in many chronic disease states, including diabetes mellitus and its associated micro- and macrovascular complications (e.g. impaired wound healing and atherosclerosis, respectively) [1]. In the specific case of diabetic wound healing, application of exogenous NO to the diseased tissue may help restore critical NO-mediated processes and could positively impact healing and overall patient health [2]. We have developed a novel pin-to-hole spark discharge plasma device that generates NO and can be applied to cultured endothelial cells with minimal cell injury or death. We propose that this plasma device represents a promising novel method for topical NO application.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Microencapsulated Carbon Black Suspensions for Restoration of Electrical Conductivity

Robust microcapsules are prepared with carbon black suspensions high in solids loading (up to 0.2 g/mL) for electrical conductivity restoration. Oxidized carbon black is rendered more hydrophobic through surface functionalization with octadecylamine by two different methods. Functionalization significantly improves dispersability and suspension stability of carbon black in hydrophobic solvents such as o-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB), enabling encapsulation by in situ emulsion polymerization. Upon crushing, microcapsules containing functionalized carbon black (FCB) suspensions exhibit significant particle release relative to microcapsules filled with unfunctionalized carbon black. Release of carbon black is further enhanced by the addition of two types of core thickeners, epoxy resin or poly 3-hexylthiophene (P3HT). Full conductivity restoration (100% restoration efficiency) of damaged silicon anodes is achieved by crushing microcapsules containing FCB suspensions with P3HT. Hydrophobic surface functionalization of carbon black and the addition of core thickeners are both critical for achieving stable microcapsules capable of significant particle release and efficient conductivity restoration.
Classroom management and consultation: Implications for school psychology

The importance of classroom management to the consultation role in school psychology is explored. Approaches to classroom misbehavior by classroom teachers and graduate students completing their training in school psychology were analyzed, using the induction-sensitization model of socialization. Significant differences in overall approach to classroom management were noted, with teachers displaying a more sensitizing (punitive) approach to classroom management. A significant gender-profession interaction was found. Further analysis revealed a significant difference between male and female teachers in their approach to classroom management. These results are discussed and programs of consultation (group and individual) are outlined, utilizing the results of the study.
Progressive Enlightenment: The Origins of the Gaslight Industry, 1780–1820

The word ‘gaslight’ normally recalls a mid-nineteenth-century era of Victorian urban culture; for decades, however, the question of its origins in a much earlier period has suffered undeserved scho...
Comparison of hemodynamic responses to pipecuronium and doxacurium in patients undergoing valvular surgery while anesthetized with fentanyl

Hemodynamic responses to pipecuronium bromide or doxacurium chloride were compared in patients undergoing valvular heart surgery. Thirty ASA class III-IV patients of either sex, mean age 62 +/- 3 years (+/- SD), weight 70 +/- 3 kg, were randomly selected to receive either doxacurium (0.08 mg/kg) or pipecuronium (0.15 mg/kg). Hemodynamic parameters were determined at preinduction, induction, 2 minutes and 6 minutes following administration of the muscle relaxant. Anesthetic induction consisted of midazolam, 0.10 mg/kg, followed by fentanyl, 5 micrograms/kg. Measured or calculated parameters were as follows: mean arterial pressure, heart rate, cardiac index, mean pulmonary artery pressure, systemic vascular resistance index, central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, stroke volume index, left and right stroke work indices, and pulmonary vascular resistance index. Awake patients who had been randomly assigned to the pipecuronium group had significantly higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (22 +/- 2 v 15 +/- 2 mmHg; P < 0.05) and heart rates (86 +/- 3 v 64 +/- 5 beats/min; P < 0.05) than awake patients in the doxacurium group. Following induction, both wedge pressure and heart rate were not significantly different between the two groups. Compared to hemodynamics at induction, there were no clinically significant changes following administration of pipecuronium or doxacurium.
Crystal structure of a deprotonated tungstenacyclobutadiene complex, (η5-C5H5)W[C3(CMe3)2]Cl; characterization of an η3-RCCCR ligand

Abstract The complex (η5-C5H5)W[C3(CMe3)2]Cl has been subjected to an X-ray diffraction study. This complex crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group Pna21 [C2v9; No. 33] with a 12.6810(14), b 15.3730(26), c 8.7771(13) A, V 1711.0(4) A3 and Z = 4. Diffraction data for 2θ = 4.5–50.0° (Mo-Kα radiation) were collected on a Syntex P21 automated four-circle diffractometer and the structure was solved and refined to RF = 4.2% and RwF= 3.1% for all 3021 point-group independent reflections (RF= 3.1%, RwF = 2.9% for those 2638 data with |F0| > 3σ(|F0|)). The molecule may be considered as derived by dehydrohalogenation of the tungstenacyclobutadiene complex (η5-C5H5) W[C(CMe 3 )C(H)C (CMe3)]Cl2. The resulting molecule contains a W[C3(CMe3)2] moiety in which the WC3 core is approximately planar [C(1)WC(3)/C(1)C(2)C(3) 4.17°] with WC(1) 1.929(6), WC(2) 2.049(8) and WC(3) 1.919(8) A.
Acute Myocardial Infarction in Sickle Cell Anemia

Cardiovascular dysfunction consistent with ischemia has been observed during episodes of painful crisis and following periods of heavy physical exertion in individuals with sickle cell disease. Similar findings have been observed in other individuals while taking the alpha-adrenergic agonist pseudoephedrine. However, acute myocardial infarction is extremely rare. The authors describe a case of sudden death in a child with sickle cell disease due to acute myocardial infarction and suggest that heavy exertional stress and use of pseudoephedrine may have precipitated the event.
Nitrate reduction and assimilation in Chlorella

1. Nitrate reduction and assimilation have been studied in Chlorella pyrenoidosa under growth conditions by observing effects on the CO(2)/O(2) gas exchange quotient. 2. During assimilation of glucose in the dark, nitrate reduction is noted as an increase in the R.Q. to about 1.6 caused by an increased rate of carbon dioxide production. 3. During photosynthesis at low light intensity nitrate reduction is evidenced by a reduction in the CO(2)O(2) quotient to about 0.7 caused by a decreased rate of carbon dioxide uptake. 4. Chlorella will assimilate nitrogen from either nitrate or ammonia. When both sources are supplied, only ammonia is utilized and no nitrate reduction occurs. It is inferred that under the usual conditions of growth nitrate is reduced only at a rate required for subsequent cellular syntheses. The effect of nitrate reduction on the CO(2)O(2) quotient therefore provides a measure of the relative rate of nitrogen assimilation. 5. Over-all photosynthetic metabolism may be described from elementary analysis of the cells since excretory products are negligible. The gas exchange predicted in this way is in good agreement with the observed CO(2)/O(2) quotients.
A characterization of flat spaces in a finite geometry and the uniqueness of the hamming and the MacDonald codes

Abstract Let PG(k−1, q) be the projective geometry of dimension k−1 over the finite field GF(q) where q is a prime power. The flat spaces of PG(k−1, q) may be characterized by the following Theorem . If F is a set of points in PG(k−1, q) which has a non-empty intersection with every v-flat, then the number of points in F is greater than or equal to (qk−v−1)/(q−1). Equality holds if, and only if, F is a (k−v, −1)-flat. It may be shown from this theorem that the Hamming codes which maximize n for a given redundancy r, q=2, and minimum distance d=4, are unique. An extension of the theorem shows that the MacDonald codes with d=qk−1−qu (u=0, 1, …, k−2) are unique.
MicroRNA-21 regulates the self-renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem cells

MicroRNAs (miRs) play a key role in the control of gene expression in a wide array of tissue systems, where their functions include the regulation of self-renewal, cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. However, the functional importance of individual miRs in controlling spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) homeostasis has not been investigated. Using high-throughput sequencing, we profiled the expression of miRs in the Thy1+ testis cell population, which is highly enriched for SSCs, and the Thy1− cell population, composed primarily of testis somatic cells. In addition, we profiled the global expression of miRs in cultured germ cells, also enriched for SSCs. Our results demonstrate that miR-21, along with miR-34c, -182, -183, and -146a, are preferentially expressed in the Thy1+ SSC-enriched population, compared with Thy1− somatic cells. Importantly, we demonstrate that transient inhibition of miR-21 in SSC-enriched germ cell cultures increased the number of germ cells undergoing apoptosis and significantly reduced the number of donor-derived colonies of spermatogenesis formed from transplanted treated cells in recipient mouse testes, indicating that miR-21 is important in maintaining the SSC population. Moreover, we show that in SSC-enriched germ cell cultures, miR-21 is regulated by the transcription factor ETV5, known to be critical for SSC self-renewal.
Global existence for a class of triangular parabolic systems on domains of arbitrary dimension

A class of triangular parabolic systems given on bounded domains of R n with arbitrary n is investigated. Sufficient conditions on the structure of the systems are found to assure that weak solutions exist globally.
Working Memory Demands of Aided Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

When speech is not functional to meet some or all of an individual's communication needs, aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems are often implemented. Although aided AAC systems offer some advantages over speech, they also impose some unique demands, especially on working memory, which is commonly defined as the cognitive system by which individuals maintain and manipulate information while completing tasks. For instance, the presence of an external aided AAC device containing arrays of symbols, not all of which are visible simultaneously, presents multiple working memory demands: individuals must maintain the target concepts in mind, all the while (a) navigating through multiple pages, (b) remembering the appropriate or most efficient navigation path, (c) locating the target symbols within the array once the host page has been located, and (d) inhibiting responses to potentially interesting distracters throughout the process. Each of these task demands involves one or more working memory operations that have been identified and studied extensively in research in the cognitive sciences. Failure to acknowledge or understand how working memory might interact with AAC use may place unintentional barriers to effective AAC interventions. This paper explores current information about working memory operations and highlights some of the most relevant issues that warrant further direct study.
Hydrogen use: synfuels

Abstract The role of hydrogen in the processing of alternate energy sources to produce synthetic fuels is reviewed. The differences among oil shale, coal, tar sands and petroleum are discussed and related to the utilization of hydrogen in the processing technology.
Approximate block coordinate descent for large scale hierarchical classification

In real world, we often encounter hierarchical classification problems with large number of categories and deep hierarchies. In addition, majority of the categories do not have sufficient examples for training classifiers with good generalization performance. Usually, the feature space is also large, and especially so for text classification problems. Binary, multi-class, or multi-label classification approaches that treat the hierarchical classification as a flat classification problem, disregarding the hierarchical relationships, fail to leverage the relatedness of the categories in the learning process and, consequently, perform poorly. Several approaches for hierarchical classification have been proposed in literature, but a majority of them are not sufficiently scalable to address large scale classification problems. In this paper, we study a hierarchical classification method that addresses large scale classification problem within regularized risk minimization framework. Specifically, the method studied here exploits hierarchical relationships between categories by imposing the constraint that the learned model vectors for a category should be similar to its parent category. We study and analyze an approximate block coordinate descent procedure and compare its performance to a previously proposed exact coordinate descent method for this problem. We further examine the performance of this method on various aspects of the hierarchical classification problem on large hierarchical text classification datasets.
Radioactive Iodine and Krypton Control for Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Facilities

The removal of volatile radionuclides generated during used nuclear fuel reprocessing in the US is almost certain to be necessary for the licensing of a reprocessing facility in the US. Various control technologies have been developed, tested, or used over the past 50 years for control of volatile radionuclide emissions from used fuel reprocessing plants. The US DOE has sponsored, since 2009, an Off-gas Sigma Team to perform research and development focused on the most pressing volatile radionuclide control and immobilization problems. In this paper, we focus on the control requirements and methodologies for 85Kr and 129I. Numerous candidate technologies have been studied and developed at laboratory and pilot-plant scales in an effort to meet the need for high iodine control efficiency and to advance alternatives to cryogenic separations for krypton control. Several of these show promising results. Iodine decontamination factors as high as 105, iodine loading capacities, and other adsorption parameters including adsorption rates have been demonstrated under some conditions for both silver zeolite (AgZ) and Ag-functionalized aerogel. Sorbents, including an engineered form of AgZ and selected metal organic framework materials (MOFs), have been successfully demonstrated to capture Kr and Xe without the need for separations at cryogenic temperatures.
THE AGGLOMERATION AND AGING OF TEREPHTHALIC ACID PARTICLES IN LIQUID SOLUTION

(1983). THE AGGLOMERATION AND AGING OF TEREPHTHALIC ACID PARTICLES IN LIQUID SOLUTION. Particulate Science and Technology: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 409-417.
Analytic structure of the two- and four-point function in a soluble many-fermion model

Abstract The analytic properties in the energy variables of the one- and two-particle propagator are investigated on the basis of an exact solution of an N-particle model with a simplified and separable two-body potential.
Group Communication and Decision-Making Performance: A Continued Test of the Functional Perspective.

The purpose of this investigation was to demonstrate that group decision-making performance is contingent on the effective or ineffective satisfaction of important decisional functions. The investigation involved three related studies. In the first study, an attempt was made to confirm the existence of systematic relationships between the quality of group decisions and the satisfaction of four functional requirements. The results supported the existence of significant positive relationships between group decision-making performance and the satisfaction of these decisional functions. In the second study, an attempt was made to establish the independent main effects of each of those four functions. Using a three-dimensional interaction coding scheme, it was found that variations in group decision quality can be independently accounted for by the quality of interaction in regards to three functions—problem analysis, evaluation of positive qualities, and evaluation of negative qualities. In the third study, an attempt was made to demonstrate that the quality of group decisions can be traced to the effective or ineffective satisfaction of decisional functions. The results provide conclusive evidence (at least at the level of primary reasoning), that the quality of a group's decision is a direct result of the group's ability (or inability) to perform important decisional functions. Taken as a whole, the studies thus offer continued support for the functional perspective.
Pilot Trial of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Gefitinib Plus Carboplatin and Paclitaxel in Patients With Stage IIIB or IV Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: Gefitinib is an oral agent that inhibits the tyrosine kinase of the epidermal growth factor receptor. In phase I trials gefitinib was well tolerated and antitumor activity was seen in pretreated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Preclinical studies indicated enhanced effects when gefitnib was added to carboplatin or paclitaxel. This pilot trial combined gefitinib with carboplatin and paclitaxel to define the toxicities of the combination and assess drug-drug interactions in untreated advanced NSCLC patients. Patients and Methods: Initially (part 1) patients were randomly assigned to receive intermittent gefitinib with cycle 1 or 2 of chemotherapy. Thereafter (part 2), the highest dose of gefitinib that was given without dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) from part 1 was administered continuously beginning with the first cycle of chemotherapy. Three sequentially enrolled cohorts received gefitinib 250 and 500 mg (intermittently) and 500 mg (continuously). Results: We treated 24 patients; nine...
On virtual thermodynamic forces on defects and cracks

The concept of a virtual thermodynamic force on a defect or set of defects is reviewed and vector forms for such forces presented. Cases are considered where such forces do or do not directly relate to the rate of dissipation of free energy as the defect or defect set moves. Some consequences are discussed for crack propagation and for motion of an array of dislocations.
Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Unusual Approaches for Correction

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) results from ischemic left ventricular distortion with tethering of the mitral leaflets. The standard surgical therapy for ischemic MR is mitral ring annuloplasty, often performed at the time of coronary artery bypass surgery. However, ring annuloplasty is associated with an up to 30% recurrence rate of MR, as it does not directly address ventricular distortion and tethering of the mitral leaflets and there is often further ventricular remodeling following bypass surgery. This article reviews the background and mechanism of ischemic MR and unusual approaches to this important yet difficult to treat valvular problem.
Subjective social status moderates cortisol responses to social threat

Research has demonstrated a robust relationship between social status, physiology and health in humans and animals. However, perceptions of social status within a specific social group have rarely been studied in this area and may provide additional relevant information. The current investigation examines subjective perceptions of social status as a moderator of cognitive, emotional and cortisol responses to stressor tasks characterized by social-evaluative threat or its absence. As part of a larger study, 81 college students living in a residential dormitory completed a measure of their subjective perceptions of their social status within their dormitory floor. They were randomly assigned to undergo a standard performance stressor task either with or without social evaluation. It was hypothesized that individuals who perceived that they were of low status within their dorm group would show greater increases in negative self-evaluative emotions (i.e., shame) and cognitions (low social self-esteem) and greater cortisol responses to the stressor under conditions of social-evaluative threat. Subjective social status moderated cortisol responses to the social-evaluative stressor, but in a direction opposite that hypothesized. Individuals who perceived themselves to be of high status showed sizable and significant cortisol increases (both peak and recovery), while those who perceived themselves to be of low status did not mount a significant cortisol response to the stressor. Both groups showed increased negative self-evaluative responses to the tasks. A discussion of the possible health implications of the robust cortisol responses of high status individuals and the hyporesponsive cortisol reactions of low status individuals is provided.
Cyclic GMP and cell movement.

THE movement of mammalian cells can be inhibited by agents which mimic or produce increases in the intracellular levels of cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP)1,2. Goldberg and coworkers3,4 have proposed that in a number of cell types cyclic 3′,5′-guanosine monophosphate (cyclic GMP) promotes cellular events that are antagonistic to those believed to be mediated by cyclic AMP. One method of testing this hypothesis would be to examine the effects on leukocyte chemotaxis of agents that should stimulate an increase in cellular cyclic GMP concentration. Both phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)5 and acetylcholine (Ach)3 seem to produce such an effect on more than one cell type and these compounds were therefore used to investigate the possibility that cyclic GMP may play a role in modulating cell movement.
Density-Dependent Phase Polyphenism in Nonmodel Locusts: A Minireview

Although the specific mechanisms of locust phase transformation are wellunderstood for model locust species such as the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria and the migratory locust Locusta migratoria, the expressions of density-dependent phase polyphenism in other nonmodel locust species are not wellknown. The present paper is an attempt to review and synthesize what we know about these nonmodel locusts. Based on all available data, I find that locust phase polyphenism is expressed in many different ways in different locust species and identify a pattern that locust species often belong to large taxonomic groups which contain mostly nonswarming grasshopper species. Although locust phase polyphenism has evolved multiple times within Acrididae, I argue that its evolution should be studied from a phylogenetic perspective because I find similar density-dependent phenotypic plasticity among closely related species. Finally, I emphasize the importance of comparative analyses in understanding the evolution of locust phase and propose a phylogeny-based research framework.
Optimising control of invasive crayfish using life-history information

SUMMARY 1. Optimisation of control methods of invasive species using life-history information may increase probability that techniques will be effective at reducing impacts of nuisance species. 2. The northern crayfish, Orconectes virilis, has negatively affected native flora and fauna throughout the world in areas where it is non-native. Yet, life history of invasive populations has rarely been studied. 3. We investigated the life history of three introduced populations of O. virilis within Arizona streams using mark–recapture methods and a laboratory investigation of reproduction to identify times and techniques to maximise effects of mechanical control. 4. We show the most effective time to implement crayfish control efforts is in autumn during their mating season, prior to onset of colder temperatures, at which time the majority of O. virilis become inactive. To improve crayfish survival, recapture and population density estimates, we suggest a mark–recapture programme using a robust sampling approach concentrated during spring and autumn. 5. Identification of vulnerable points in the life history of nuisance species may aid in control efforts.
Follicular-fluid neurotrophin levels in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology for different etiologies of infertility

Objective To determine follicular-fluid neurotrophin levels in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques for different etiologies of infertility. Design Prospective observational study. Setting Academically affiliated assisted reproductive techniques unit. Patient(s) One hundred six patients undergoing an IVF cycle for different etiologies of infertility. Intervention(s) Assessment of follicular fluid for neurotrophins. Main Outcome Measure(s) Follicular-fluid neurotrophin concentrations. Result(s) Women with a history of endometriosis have significantly lower follicular-fluid brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels compared with women with male-factor (control) infertility. Women with diminished ovarian reserve have significantly higher levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) compared with women with male-factor infertility. Follicular-fluid BDNF levels tend to be lower in patients with endometriosis and diminished ovarian reserve and to be higher in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Interestingly, NGF concentrations follow the opposite trend. Finally, follicular-fluid NT-3 concentrations are similar in women with different etiologies of infertility. Conclusion(s) Endometriosis is associated with low follicular-fluid BDNF levels, and diminished ovarian reserve is associated with increased follicular-fluid NGF levels.