cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Special feature: Electronic borders: Defining and protecting national networks

It is difficult to draw conclusions from such a short discussion of the issues. The author believes that electronic borders are a viable mechanism for controlling international connections. But the actual implementation of borders requires much more study and experience. There are those who would argue against any controls over the Internet, but that position ignores the crime, oppression, and aggression that already occur in Cyberspace. Borders are a definitional measure for electronic commerce. Border controls can be protective or oppressive, according to the policies of those who implement them. By discussing the basic issues we hope to expand the discussion of mechanisms to improve the security of international computer networks. Most discussions about electronic network protection have failed to arrive at viable alternatives for protection. Human nature seems to prefer separation over uncontrolled interaction. If we cannot somehow manage and control our interactions on the Internet, we may find that members of the global community prefer isolation. This would be more unfortunate than any of the disadvantages exhibited in our discussion of border control. One other thought comes to mind after examining the issues. It appears that most of the arguments for and against electronic borders derive from either a nationalist or globalist view of the Internet. Every nation on earth dislikes some form of activity that occurs on the Internet. In light of these needs for self-protection and self-interest, it is likely that national interests will triumph in the long run.
A bi-stable neuronal model of Gibbs distribution

Abstract In this paper we present a bi-stable neuronal model consistent with the Gibbs distribution. Our approach utilizes a formalism used in stochastic (Boltzmann) machines with a bistable-neuron algorithm in which each neuron can exist in either an ON or an OFF state. The transition between the system’s states is composed of two random processes, the first one decides which state transition should be attempted and the second one decides if the transition is accepted or not. Our model can be easily extended to systems with asymmetrical weight matrices.
SU‐FF‐T‐124: Time‐Resolved Aperture Modulated Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To develop a method to incorporate organ motion into aperture modulated arc therapy treatment plan optimization and evaluate the performance of this method by applying it to prostate cancer cases. Method and Materials: A 36 beams treatment plan was prepared using PLUNC treatment planning system to simulate arc therapy. To take into account the effect of organ motion, a 3D distribution function was supposed to describe the displacement resulted from organ motion at different breathing phases. Doses to voxels were calculated using the displacement information at any phase; the deformed doses could be mapped back to the primary breathing phase which is a deformation free phase. Then an optimization objective function about multileaf collimator leaf positions could be defined based on the mapped doses; and adapted simulated annealing (ASA) approach was employed to minimize the objective function subject to clinical prescription requirements. After optimization, an aperture (leaf positions) optimized treatment plan could be gotten. A conventional IMRTtreatment plan was also designed for comparison. The aperture optimized treatment plan could be exported to Eclipse treatment planning system and recalculated to observe its performance on Varian accelerators. Results: Compared with IMRTtreatment plan, aperture optimized treatment plan can produce more conformal dose distribution around the target and critical structures can be spared more effectively, the delivery time and machine MU are also reduced significantly. Conclusion:Organ motion can be incorporated into the aperture modulated arc therapy treatment plan optimization with the information of displacement information. A more realistic distribution function can be employed conveniently to produce more significant clinical result.
Humorous Bodies and Humorous Minds: Humour within the Social Context of an Infant Child Care Setting.

This study looks at how the environment in an infant child care setting can have an impact on young children's humourous experiences and therefore their learning and development. With the use of mu...
Geographic Influences on Maize Seed Exchange in the Bajío, Mexico*

To document the diversity of geographic (physical and human) influences on seed exchange, an important component of traditional agricultural systems, household surveys were conducted in four villages in the Mexican Bajio. This research reviews and contributes to an understanding of the purpose, structure, and scale of seed exchange and threats to seed movement. Based on the household survey data, the main factors that distinguish seed exchange at the village level include whether or not the same seed was grown the previous year, what farmers look for in a seed source, and where they have acquired their original seed. When the household survey data are analyzed based on gender, rather than village, different results are obtained. We discuss the diversity of possible influences on the current seed systems in four Bajio communities surveyed and address the possible consequences for agrobiodiversity conservation.
A positive intramammary lymph node does not mandate a complete axillary node dissection

Abstract Background We hypothesized that even in the face of a positive intramammary lymph node (IMLN) a negative axillary sentinel lymph node (SLN) reliably stages the axilla and complete axillary lymph node dissection (CALND) can be avoided. Methods A literature search identified 386 publications that included IMLNs and SLN biopsies. Patients with a positive IMLN and negative axillary SLN who underwent a CALND were included. A review of our database was also performed. Results Twenty-one cases in the literature met our criteria. A review of our database resulted in 2 additional cases. Twenty-three patients were identified who had a positive IMLN, negative axillary SLN biopsy, and underwent a CALND. In all cases, the CALND was negative. Conclusions An axillary SLN biopsy accurately represents the disease status of the axilla in cases with a positive IMLN. CALND can be avoided in the setting of a positive IMLN and a negative axillary SLN biopsy.
Adaptability at a protein-DNA interface: re-engineering the engrailed homeodomain to recognize an unnatural nucleotide.

We explore the adaptability at a protein−DNA interface using phage display to re-engineer a homeodomain to specifically recognize a chemically synthesized, unnatural nucleotide. The engineered homeodomain preferentially binds to the modified DNA with affinity and specificity similar to those of natural homeodomains.
Bystander Sexism in the Intergroup Context: The Impact of Cat-calls on Women’s Reactions Towards Men

Despite the fact that sexism is an inherently intergroup phenomenon, women’s group-level responses to sexism have received relatively little empirical attention. We examine the intergroup reactions experienced by 114 female students at a U.S. university in New England who imagined being a bystander to a sexist cat-call remark or control greeting. Results indicate that women experienced greater negative intergroup emotions and motivations towards the outgroup of men after overhearing the cat-call remark. Further, the experience of group-based anger mediated the relationship between the effect of study condition on the motivation to move against, or oppose, men. Results indicate that bystanders can be affected by sexism and highlights how the collective groups of men and women can be implicated in individual instances of sexism.
Sustainability communication tracks in technical communication: Our value in deriving sound, sustainable solutions

Technical communicators need to understand the definition of sustainability for sustainability communication. According to the Brundtland Commission's 1987 report, Our Common Future, if something is sustainable than it considers economics, environment and social equity for sustainable solutions are at the intersection of these three variables. However, according to Michael M. Crow, President of Arizona State University, complications arise because as a society we have immature economic and political tools and there is a need to consider the common good as well as the future. As a profession, technical communication has an important role to play here since its value can be found in helping us to attain innovative and practical solutions for a sound future and be able to communicate them. This paper argues that technical communication is ideal for deriving and communicating sound solutions because of our background in problem solving, logical and creative thinking, technical and business communication, intercultural communication, heuristics, decision-making, cognitive psychology, audience analysis, human factors and usability that enables us to derive a sustainable solution that can be implemented. Therefore, sustainability communication courses should be a track in technical communication programs so students are equipped with the ability to offer practical, realistic and innovative solutions that are understood.
A difference theory for noise propagation in an acoustically lined duct with mean flow.

A finite difference formulation is presented for sound propagation in a two-dimensional straight soft-walled duct with uniform flow. The difference analysis is developed in terms of complex notation. The governing acoustic difference equations and the appropriate displacement boundary conditions associated with uniform flow are presented for the sound attenuation in straight hard and soft-walled ducts. At present the finite Mach number case is solved only for the one-dimensional hard walled duct.
Axisymmetric multifluid simulation of high beta plasmas with anisotropic transport using a moving flux coordinate grid

A method for solving the complete set of multifluid MHD equations is given. The algorithm SLIDE, which is derived from flux-corrected transport methods, is used to solve the fluid equations on a moving 2D axisymmetric coordinate grid in which one set of grid lines represents magnetic flux surfaces while a second set is constructed orthogonally. Preservation of the diagonal form of transport tensors allows accurate representation of anisotropic transport. Results are shown for a problem in theta-pinch geometry and are contrasted to the results of a more conventional (r, z) code.
Experimental evaluation of micro-ion trap mass spectrometer geometries

Abstract We describe a new fabrication method, simulations, and experimental results for micromachined cylindrical ion trap (μ-CIT) arrays for use in miniaturized mass spectrometers. The micromachined μ-CIT arrays were fabricated in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, and a variety of trap geometries were incorporated into a single μ-CIT array chip to allow fast iterative measurements of the differences in the mass spectra from μ-CITs with different ratios of half-axial to half-radial dimensions (z0/r0). The chip dimensions were approximately 1.0 cm × 1.5 cm × 0.1 cm. A series of z0/r0 were chosen in incremental steps of 3% for each array by changing r0 from 308 to 392 μm while keeping z0 fixed at 355 μm, resulting in a range of z0/r0 from 1.16 to 0.92 (nine geometries in total). Simulations were performed in SIMION 7.0 to determine the optimum range of μ-CIT z0/r0 to be fabricated and tested, by producing simulated mass spectra from μ-CITs with a variety of z0/r0 to evaluate predicted mass resolution. Following the simulations, we fabricated the arrays of μ-CIT geometries in SOI wafers using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) to create the cylindrical structures and surface metallization to create ion trap electrodes. Symmetrical arrays of half-CITs were fabricated, diced, and bonded back-to-back to obtain complete μ-CIT array chips containing all nine geometrical ratios (z0/r0), which are referred to in this paper as the “gradient arrays”. The bonding process provided approximately 5-μm alignment accuracy between the two arrays of half-CITs, and the resulting arrays had flat μ-CIT endplate electrodes with
The dynamics of time use: Context and meaning

In this article, earlier work on the organization of the household day is revisited to bring a sociological perspective to the study of household time. There is much to be gained from elaborating the conceptualization and measurement of time use to acknowledge and the employment of its dynamic qualities and meanings. That is, analysis of household time use must become far more than a longitudinal accounting process. In this article, no roadmap to such a destination can be provided but perhaps movement in a new direction. The practical application of insights from research on household time use requires conceptual frameworks that allow household time to be depicted as it unfolds and as participants experience it. That is, serious attention might be lent not only to studying where time is spent but also to how activities are situated and experienced in time to realize human affairs.
Cytologic features and histologic correlations of microacinar and microtrabecular types of well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma in fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

BACKGROUND Well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is characterized by trabeculae three or more cells thick wrapped by peripheral endothelium. The authors encountered another pattern that did not fulfill these classic criteria for malignancy yet was proven to be HCC in clinical follow-up. The objective of this study was to characterize the cytologic features of this pattern with histologic correlations. METHODS Over a period of 6.5 years, 14 of 123 cases (11.4%) of HCC from 428 liver aspirates showed the unusual pattern. Their cytologic features were compared with 14 cases of nonneoplastic liver on FNA smears that were processed with Ultrafast Papanicolaou stain, and their histologic features were compared on cell blocks with hematoxylin and eosin stain and reticulin stain. RESULTS The unusual type of well differentiated HCC in FNA smears was characterized by numerous, small hepatocytes with minimal nuclear atypia but reduced cytoplasm, grouped together in microacini of five or more cells and microtrabeculae one or more cells thick of irregular thickness with no apparent peripheral endothelium. Transgressing capillaries were found when the smears were inspected carefully. In histology nine cases that were the compact type of HCC, two cases that were the microacinar type of HCC, and three cases that were the microtrabecular type of HCC. All FNAs showed deficient reticulin framework. All 14 cases of nonneoplastic liver aspirate were characterized by the presence of large tissue fragments that were resistant to smearing. CONCLUSIONS Well differentiated HCC may present as microtrabeculae of irregular thickness one or more cells thick with inapparent peripheral endothelium or as microacini mimicking neuroendocrine carcinoma. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2004;102:27–33. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
Pion double charge exchange on 3He and 4He

Abstract We have measured the differential cross section d 2 σ/ d Ω d T for the double charge exchange reactions 4He(π+, π−)4p and 3He(π−, π+)3n at 140, 200 and 295 MeV. By fitting this data with a simple phase-space model we have estimated the integrated cross section d σ/ d Ω and the total cross section. The 4He data agree qualitatively with the predictions of a meson exchange calculation and with one version of the successive single charge exchange model. The 3He cross sections are considerably larger than those of 4He and in some cases the missing mass plot shows a strong enhancement, which resembles a broad three-nucleon resonance.
The Assessment of Taste Acuity in the Elderly

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine the effect of age on recognition taste threshold of persons at congregate feeding sites and senior centers. This study on the effect of age and the loss of taste was undertaken since the loss of taste or taste perversion may determine avoidance of certain foods for some and preference for others, especially the elderly. One hundred and seven elderly males and females, 55 years of age and older, from congregate feeding sites and senior centers in northern Alabama (Madison and Jackson counties) volunteered to participated in this research project. A questionnaire was designed to obtain demographic data and information concerning their dietary pattern and general health. Water solutions of different concentrations for the four basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter) were used to determine taste threshold. Most of the subjects had health problems which were controlled with restricted diets and/or medication. Seventy-seven percent ate two meals a day with snacks and a very light night meal. A decrease in appetite was also indicated by 83 out of 107 participants (78%). Age had a significant (p
Successful Treatment in Children with Hodgkin Lymphoma in Greece; A 20-Year Experience in a Single Institution

During the last 30 years, combined chemotherapy regimens with radiotherapy or not significantly improved the prognosis for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. We retrospectively studied 58 children (35 boys and 23 girls) with Hodgkin lymphoma who were treated at our institution during the period 1987–2006 and we correlated age, sex, stage, histology, and therapy with the outcome of patients. Of our patients, 9 children were 8 years old or younger. Nodular sclerosis was the predominant histology subtype (69%), whereas 26 patients (45%) had advanced disease (stage III or IV). Chemotherapy (CT) with various drug combinations, according to the period of treatment plus low-dose involved field radiation therapy (IFRT), was used in all patients. Five children experienced relapse and in 3 other patients second or third malignancies were documented. The overall survival was found to be 98%. No factors related to the outcome could be detected. The prognosis of children with Hodgkin lymphoma is excellent with CT combined with low dose IFRT but in long-time survivors late effects of the combined modality treatment are still issues of major concern. Longer followup of a greater number of patients is necessary to detect prognostic factors related to the outcome of children with Hodgkin lymphoma and to identify some patients who would be treated without radiation.
Nutritional management of lipids for overweight and obesity: what can we achieve?

Overweight and obesity are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Many cardiovascular disease risk factors are elevated in overweight and obese individuals, including dyslipidemia and inflammation, among others. Current dietary recommendations focus on achieving a healthy body weight and lowering intake of trans and saturated fat, and cholesterol to reduce total cholesterol and LDL-C. Recent advances in our knowledge of lipid responses to specific macronutrient(s) means that it is now possible to individualize diet ‘prescriptions’ on the basis of the presenting clinical lipid/lipoprotein profile. However, these diets may be less effective in overweight, obese individuals who are ‘inflamed’ and insulin resistant. Consequently, there is great interest in identifying strategies for decreasing inflammation and increasing insulin sensitivity to realize the full benefits of a blood cholesterol-lowering diet in overweight or obese individuals.
Dysfunction of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in uremia: role of parathyroid hormone.

Dysfunction of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in uremia: Role of parathyroid hormone. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) from uremic patients have elevated basal levels of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i), reduced calcium signal after activation of Fcγ RIII receptor, and impaired phagocytosis. Chronic excess of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in uremia mediates its effect on PMNL's metabolism and function through the sustained elevation of their [Ca2+]i. Because calcium channel blockers interfere with this effect of PTH on PMNLs, treatment of patients on hemodialysis with verapamil, nifedipine, or amlodipine was associated with an improvement in metabolism and phagocytosis of PMNLs in humans. The therapy with calcium channel blockers should be continued in order to maintain its beneficial effects.
Mouse strain‐dependent hepatic interaction of psychoactive agents with ethanol and biogenic aldehydes metabolizing enzymes

The effect of multiple dose regimens of amantadine, reserpine, chlorpromazine alone or combined on liver alcohol (L-ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (L-ALDH) was studied in three strains of mice. A strain-dependent difference between endogenous specific activity of these enzymes and their sensitivity to the agents studied was determined. The C57BL/6 mice showed most resistance to drug effect and possessed greater activity of mitochondrial L-ALDH isoenzymes and L-ADH than either ICR or BALB/C mouse strains, respectively. Amantadine induced both L-ADH and mitochondrial L-ALDH while reserpine inhibited them also as a function of mouse strain. Both reserpine-and chlorpromazine-mediated inhibition of albino ICR mouse L-ADH and BALB/C mitochondrial L-ALDH was alleviated by pretreatment with amantadine. This indicates antagonism between amantadine and these agents. The results suggest a genotypic sensitivity to drug action which may explain the individual sensitivity to the development of chlorpromazine and reserpine-produced side-effects, and the potency of amantadine in management of such drug-induced adverse reactions.
Posterior representation with a multi-modal likelihood using the gaussian sum filter for localization in a known map

A Gaussian sum filter (GSF) with component extended Kalman filters (EKF) is proposed as an approach to localizing an autonomous vehicle in an urban environment with limited GPS availability. The GSF uses vehicle-relative vision-based measurements of known map features coupled with inertial navigation solutions to accomplish localization in the absence of GPS. The vision-based measurements have multimodal measurement likelihood functions that are well represented as weighted sums of Gaussian densities. The GSF is used because of its ability to represent the posterior distribution of the vehicle pose with better efficiency (fewer terms, less computational complexity) than a corresponding bootstrap particle filter with various numbers of particles because of the interaction with measurement hypothesis tests. The expectation-maximization algorithm is used off line to determine the representational efficiency of the particle filter in terms of an effective number of Gaussian densities. In comparison, the GSF, which uses an iterative condensation procedure after each iteration of the filter to maintain real-time capabilities, is shown through a series of in-depth empirical studies to more accurately maintain a representation of the posterior distribution than the particle filter using 37 min of recorded data from Cornell University's autonomous vehicle driven in an urban environment, including a 32 min GPS blackout. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐Headed Coins or Kandinskys: White Racial Identification

Racial identity means different things to members of different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. However, while the study of race and politics is often the study of White racial attitudes (Dawson & Cohen, 2003), research on racial identity almost always refers to non-White identity. This article addresses this hole in the literature by examining the extent and effects of White identity. We compare White identification and Black identification using National Election Studies data (1972–2000) and examine the relationships between racial identity and racial and political attitudes. This study adds a missing case to the study of racial identity, tests how well the theories about the concept travel across cases, and highlights the need for more frequent studies of the racial identity of all groups.
Binding affinity and reactivity of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase with native lipoproteins.

The first step in the reaction of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) with lipoproteins is the interfacial binding of the enzyme to the lipid surfaces. In this study the equilibrium dissociation constants (Kds) for the interaction of pure human plasma LCAT with LDL, HDL2, HDL3, and a reconstituted discoidal HDL (rHDL) were determined by the activity-inhibition method. In addition, enzyme kinetics were measured with each of the lipoprotein substrates. Based on phospholipid concentrations, the Kd values (0.9 x 10(-5) to 4.6 x 10(-5) M) increased in the order rHDL = HDL3 </= HDL2 < LDL while the relative reactivities (app Vmax/app Km) with LCAT were 100, 16, 1, 6%, respectively, for the different lipoproteins. These quantitative measures were used to predict the distribution of LCAT in plasma and to explain cholesterol esterification when HDL are absent or ineffective as substrates.
Pulmonary function status of workers exposed to hardwood or pine dust.

Wood dusts may have substantial health impacts beyond those of nuisance dust. This project reports results linking pulmonary function changes with exposure to maple and pine dust. A cross-sectional-survey of 1157 woodworkers was conducted in 1978 in accordance with NHLBI standards for respiratory epidemiologic surveys. Area dust levels were determined, permitting definition of groups exposed to estimated high, medium or low cumulative levels of dry hardwood or softwood dust. Prevalence of reduced (lower fifth percentile of normal) pulmonary function was ascertained, using prediction equations, for Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC and Maximal Mid-Expiratory Flow Rate (MMEFR). Relationships between pulmonary impairment and dust exposure were examined, adjusting for smoking status by means of the log odds ratio method. The results support an association between dry hardwood or softwood dust exposure and reduced pulmonary flow rates. The odds ratios for reduce...
Salinity and sodicity changes under irrigated alfalfa in the Northern Great Plains

Insufficient water is the greatest limitation to crop production and choice of crops grown in the Northern Great Plains. Supplemental irrigation can overcome this limitation. Uncertainties about the drainage capacity of fine-textured subsoils and the effect of irrigation on soil properties has impeded irrigation development. In this study we quantified salinity changes in soils with fine-textured subsoils receiving a range of irrigation treatments. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was planted in 18 nonweighing lysimeters at two sites having fine-textured subsoils. Irrigation was applied at three levels so that irrigation plus precipitation equaled either one, two, or three times the calculated evapotranspiration rate using two water qualities (electrical conductivity of irrigation water [EC i ] 0.1 S m -1 , sodium adsorption ratio of irrigation water [SAR i ] 4 ; or EC i 0.34 S m -1 , SAR i 16). Changes in the electrical conductivity of saturated soil extracts (EC e ) and the sodium adsorption ratio of saturated soil extracts (SAIL) were determined from soil cores collected to a depth of 1.5 m nine times between the years of 1984 and 1993. Averaged across irrigation levels, the profile-averaged EC e increased from 0.03 to 0.12 S m -1 and the SAR e increased from 1 to 6 in lysimeters receiving the 0.1 S m -1 water. In lysimeters receiving the 0.34 S m -1 water, the profile-averaged EC e increased from 0.03 to 0.23 S m -1 and the SAR e increased from 1 to 11. Salinity exhibited seasonal fluctuations. Changes in sodicity were persistent, exhibiting little seasonal variation. Supplemental irrigation of alfalfa is a viable management option in the Northern Great Plains when irrigation water quality is not a problem.
Building Student Competency to Develop Power and Influence Through Social Capital

The course discussed in this article uses an integrative approach in presenting the concept of social capital and power to Executive MBA students at a large public university in the southwestern United States, where a majority of the students are members of non-dominant racial, gender and ethnicity groups. The article describes the theoretical constructs of social capital, power, and influence; notes how ascribed characteristics such as race and gender affect social capital and power; discusses how the application of these constructs can be understood in the context of organizations; and presents examples of student writings used to assess learning outcomes.
Functional repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation increases motor cortex excitability in survivors of stroke.

Abstract Objective To determine if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the motor cortex with simultaneous voluntary muscle activation, termed functional-rTMS, will promote greater neuronal excitability changes and neural plasticity than passive-rTMS in survivors of stroke. Methods Eighteen stroke survivors were randomized into functional-rTMS (EMG-triggered rTMS) or passive-rTMS (rTMS only; control) conditions. Measures of short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF), force steadiness (coefficient of variation, CV) at 10% of maximum voluntary contraction, and pinch task muscle activity were assessed before and after rTMS. Functional-rTMS required subjects to exceed a muscle activation threshold to trigger each rTMS train; the passive-rTMS group received rTMS while relaxed. Results Significant interactions (time × condition) were observed in abductor pollicis brevis (APB) SICI, APB ICF, CV of force, and APB muscle activity. Functional-rTMS decreased APB SICI ( p p p p Conclusion(s) Functional-rTMS increased motor cortex excitability, i.e., less SICI and more ICF for the APB muscle. Passive stimulation significantly reduced APB muscle activity and improved steadiness. Significance Functional-rTMS promoted greater excitability changes and selectively modulated agonist muscle activity.
Clinical applications of combined EEG/EMG monitoring

The mean integrated amplitude of both EEG and upper facial EMG activities was monitored during varied vigilance states including wakefulness, sleep, anesthesia and coma. Combined monitoring provided more useful information than that available from EEG alone. Drug-free wakefulness was consistently associated with high-amplitude (>10 mcV) EMG and low-amplitude ( >
Measuring and certifying phase noise performance of a low-noise RF source

This paper describes the implementation and verification of a high performance low-cost automated phase noise measurement technique. Development of a ‘state-of-the-art’ low phase noise version of a new signal source instrument for RF and Microwave calibration applications required a measurement solution easily and cost effectively integrated into existing factory and service center calibration systems.
The effect of information overload on consumer choice quality in an on-line environment

As more and more consumers become part of the net population, retailers and manufacturers as well as dot-com storefronts are touting consumers by providing an ever-increasing amount of product information. Their long-term survival and profitability may be determined by how much and how well their product information is presented to and processed by the consumers. By combining both the traditional and structural approaches to the information-overload phenomenon, this study investigates the impact of Web site information on consumer choice and psychological states in an on-line environment. Varying the number of alternatives and attributes (traditional measure) and attribute level distribution across alternatives (structural measure), this study asks subjects to choose the best (dominant) CD player in a given set. Their subjective states such as satisfaction, confidence, and confusion are also measured. Results show that the number of attributes and attribute level distribution are good predictors of the effect of information overload on consumer choice. In addition, the study finds that on-line information overload results in less satisfied, less confident, and more confused consumers. Implications and suggestions for future research are provided. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phagocytic inhibitory activity in serum of cats immunized withPseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide

Sequentially collected sera from cats chronically immunized withPseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS) serotype 5 were assessed for their effect on phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages from nonimmunized cats. Phagocytosis was measured by incubating macrophage monolayers for 20 min in the presence of3H-labeled bacteria and 5% serum from control or immunized animals. Sustained phagocytic inhibitory activity developed in the sera of eight of 11 immunized cats (mean inhibition ranged from 30% to 73%) after 13 weekly immunizations. The activity was specific because phagocytosis ofStaphylococcus aureus andP. aeruginosa of another serotype (type 6) was unimpaired. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed an increase in the amount of LPS-specific IgG in postimmunization sera from the eight cats with inhibitory activity. The IgG appeared to be serotype specific because significantly higher titers were obtained against LPS serotype 5 than LPS serotype 6. The results suggest that phagocytic inhibitory activity in sera from LPS-immunized cats may be due to anti-LPS IgG.
Soviet Cinema: politics and persuasion under Stalin

Soviet Cinema: politics and persuasion under Stalin JAMIE MILLER London and New York, I.B. Tauris, 2009 xv + 222 pp., illus., bibliography, index, $85.00 (cloth), $29.50 (paperback) With the except...
Simulating and Detecting Radiation-Induced Errors for Onboard Machine Learning

Spacecraft processors and memory are subjected to high radiation doses and therefore employ radiation-hardened components. However, these components are orders of magnitude more expensive than typical desktop components, and they lag years behind in terms of speed and size. We have integrated algorithm-based fault tolerance (ABFT) methods into onboard data analysis algorithms to detect radiation-induced errors, which ultimately may permit the use of spacecraft memory that need not be fully hardened, reducing cost and increasing capability at the same time. We have also developed a lightweight software radiation simulator, BITFLIPS, that permits evaluation of error detection strategies in a controlled fashion, including the specification of the radiation rate and selective exposure of individual data structures. Using BITFLIPS, we evaluated our error detection methods when using a support vector machine to analyze data collected by the Mars Odyssey spacecraft. We observed good performance from both an existing ABFT method for matrix multiplication and a novel ABFT method for exponentiation. These techniques bring us a step closer to "rad-hard" machine learning algorithms.
A model-free robust policy iteration algorithm for optimal control of nonlinear systems

An online model-free solution is developed for the infinite-horizon optimal control problem for continuous-time nonlinear systems. A novel actor-critic-identifier (ACI) structure is used to implement the Policy Iteration algorithm, wherein two neural network structures are used - a robust dynamic neural network (DNN) to asymptotically identify the uncertain system with additive disturbances, and a critic NN to approximate the value function. The weight update laws for the critic NN are generated using a gradient-descent method based on a modified temporal difference error, which is independent of the system dynamics. The optimal control law (or the actor) is computed using the critic NN and the identifier DNN. Uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) stability of the closed-loop system is guaranteed. The actor, critic and identifier structures are implemented in real-time, continuously and simultaneously.
Neuroscience and the Detection of Deception

The detection of deception is among the most important and pressing requirements faced by federal agencies with national security responsibilities. The polygraph is insufficient in its present state of development for meeting the needs of national security. While some neuroscience-based alternatives to the polygraph have been proposed (e.g., EEG and fMRI), there are significant problems with these techniques and consideration of their operational use is premature. The development of a more effective means for detecting deception will require substantial conceptual advances in the science of deception, in particular the establishment of a sound theoretical basis on which to design such a system. Neuroscience and related fields can make significant contributions toward the development of a theory of deception, given sufficient government support and commitment to such an effort. However, even a sound theory of deception cannot guarantee success; it is vital that the associated policy, legal, and ethical implications of such a system be taken into account.
Metabolism of Isomers of 3-Hydroxykynurenine-C14 to Quinolinic Acid, Niacin Metabolites and Carbon Dioxide.∗:

SummaryDL-hydroxykynurenine-keto-C14 was synthesized and resolved into the D- and L-isomers. These were administered to rats and mice by intraperitoneal injection and urinary and respiratory radioa...
Human Health-Related Ecosystem Services of Avian-Dense Coastal Wetlands Adjacent to a Western Lake Erie Swimming Beach

Wetlands provide many valuable ecosystem services, including water quality improvement to protect downstream aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, and estuaries. However, their ability to improve water quality to safe levels for direct human exposure while largely surrounded by agricultural lands and hosting large wildlife populations remains unknown. Our aim was to examine the ecosystem service capabilities of an avian-dense coastal wetland surrounded by agricultural lands along the southwestern shore of Lake Erie in Ohio by assessing the quality of water as it flows through the wetland (Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR)) and into Lake Erie beach waters. Our study used total phosphorus and fecal indicator (Escherichia coli) concentrations as water quality metrics across the wetland and at an adjacent Lake Erie swimming beach during the 2012 summer swim season. E. coli and total P levels were consistently highest at the site, where water enters the ONWR (mean E. coli = 507 CFU/100 mL; mean total P = 535 μg/L), and steadily decreased as water flowed through the wetland and into the adjacent beach (mean E. coli = 10 CFU/100 mL; mean total P = 41 μg/L). E. coli and total P showed statistically significant (α = 0.01) correlations with phycocyanin, chlorophyll-a, turbidity, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and pH; total P was also significantly correlated with total N. The results suggest that this wetland may be contributing to improving water quality, which is beneficial for human health as well as to downstream ecosystem health (e.g., limiting eutrophication promoting conditions, etc.).
Regional Myocardial Blood Flow in Lambs with Concentric Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

Chronically hypertrophied right ventricles function normally under high systolic pressures, whereas normal right ventricles fail when they are acutely subjected to similar pressures. This phenomenon may be partly due to adaptation of the coronary circulation as well as to hypertrophy. Knowledge of the magnitude and distribution of coronary blood flow and the degree of coronary vascular reserve are important in understanding the function of hypertrophied myocardium. We studied these variables in 16 awake, 5-12-week-old, tranquilized lambs; 9 of the lambs had had their main pulmonary artery banded at 2 days of age. Pressures, cardiac output, and coronary blood flow (radioactive microsphere method) were measured at rest and during two stress states--isoproterenol and dextran infusion. Ventricular function was similar in control and banded lambs. We found significant right ventricular hypertension and both right ventricular and septal hypertrophy in the banded lambs. Total coronary blood flow per gram was sli...
Implementing high availability memory with a duplication cache

High availability systems typically rely on redundant components and functionality to achieve fault detection, isolation and fail over. In the future, increases in error rates will make high availability important even in the commodity and volume market. Systems will be built out of chip multiprocessors (CMPs) with multiple identical components that can be configured to provide redundancy for high availability. However, the 100% overhead of making all components redundant is going to be unacceptable for the commodity market, especially when all applications might not require high availability. In particular, duplicating the entire memory like the current high availability systems (e.g. NonStop and Stratus) do is particularly problematic given the fact that system costs are going to be dominated by the cost of memory. In this paper, we propose a novel technique called a duplication cache to reduce the overhead of memory duplication in CMP-based high availability systems. A duplication cache is a reserved area of main memory that holds copies of pages belonging to the current write working set (set of actively modified pages) of running processes. All other pages are marked as read-only and are kept only as a single, shared copy. The size of the duplication cache can be configured dynamically at runtime and allows system designers to trade off the cost of memory duplication with minor performance overhead. We extensively analyze the effectiveness of our duplication cache technique and show that for a range of benchmarks memory duplication can be reduced by 60-90% with performance degradation ranging from 1-12%. On average, a duplication cache can reduce memory duplication by 60% for a performance overhead of 4% and by 90% for a performance overhead of 5%.
Segmentation and description based on perceptual organization

The authors present a description framework, motivated by perceptual organization, which consists of representations of the geometrical organizations of intensity discontinuities. The descriptors in this framework are called collated features, and are groupings identified by perceptual organization. The processes that operate on the image to obtain these descriptors and the visual processes that utilize them are discussed. The detection of collated features is robust to local problems. The structural information encoded in them aids various visual tasks such as object segmentation, correspondence processes (stereo, motion, and model matching), and shape inferences. Two primary grouping processes, cocurvilinearity and symmetry are applied to intensity edge contours to generate the collated features, including curves, symmetries, and ribbons. These collations can be used to segment into visible surfaces of objects and to describe the 2D shapes of those surfaces. >
Estimation of Submergent Plant Bed Biovolume using Acoustic Range Information

Acoustic measurements of the distance between the water surface, top of the aquatic plants, and bottom of the water column were made using chart recording echosounders. The vertical cross sectional area (m2), height (m), biovolume (m3), of aquatic plant beds and variances were computed for three surveys of Devils Lake, Oregon, in May, July, and September, 1986 when coefficients of variation for the plant bed biovolume estimates were 0.18, 0.05, and 0.06, respectively (n = 14). Coefficients of variation for plant biomass estimates (g/m2) computed from SCUBA quadrat samples collected concurrently with the acoustic surveys, were 0.98 (n = 48), 0.81 (n = 90), and 1.05 (n = 90), respectively. The higher precision of the biovolume estimates allow for a 5- to 18-fold greater capability to detect a change in the mean. The lower costs of the biovolume estimates allow for a 10- to 33-fold greater precision-for-cost. The plant bed biovolume variable contains ecologically different information than the biomass variab...
Cellular models of hibernating myocardium: implications for future research.

See article by Dispersyn et al. [1] (pages 230–240) in this issue. In the current issue of Cardiovascular Research , Dispersyn and colleagues [1] describe a novel in vitro model of cardiomyocyte de-differentiation similar to that seen in hibernating myocardium. By co-culturing adult rabbit cardiomyocytes with cardiac fibroblasts, ultrastructural changes including sarcomere depletion and disalignment, appearance of aberrantly shaped mini-mitochondria, and progressive dispersion of nuclear heterochromatin were seen within the cardiomyocytes beginning several days after their establishment of cell–cell apposition with fibroblasts. These ultrastructural findings are nearly identical to those seen in both large animals [2] and humans [3] with hibernating myocardium with the one exception being that the cultured cells did not demonstrate a significant increase in glycogen content within the regions of sarcomere loss, a change typically considered among the hallmarks of hibernating myocardium [4]. In addition to the ultrastructural alterations, Dispersyn and colleagues also demonstrated changes in the pattern of expression of the structural proteins titin, desmin, cardiotin, α-actinin, and α-smooth muscle actin characteristic of de-differentiation and similar to that described previously in myocardial tissue from patients with chronic hibernating myocardium [4]. As outlined below, this and other in vitro cellular models may prove helpful in identifying those mechanisms involved in the development and progression of the hibernating phenotype as well as therapeutic strategies aimed at halting the progression and speeding reversal following revascularization. Consensus exists that myocardial hibernation describes chronic, reversible left ventricular dysfunction at rest due to coronary artery disease [4,5]. However, intense controversy surrounds the underlying pathophysiology of the condition, as has been well-publicized in several recent reviews [6–8]. As originally described [9], hibernating myocardium was felt to result from a chronic reduction in myocardial blood flow at rest to the dysfunctional yet viable regions with the affected segments … *Tel.: +1-919-684-3235; fax: +1-919-681-7524
The Black Family and Mass Incarceration

Released in 1965, the Moynihan Report traced the severe social and economic distress of poor urban African Americans to high rates of single-parenthood. Against Moynihan's calls for social investment in poor inner-city communities, politics moved in a punitive direction, driving massive growth in the prison population. The authors document the emergence of mass incarceration and describe its significance for African American family life. The era of mass incarceration can be understood as a new stage in the history of American racial inequality. Because of its recent arrival, the social impact of mass incarceration remains poorly understood. The authors conclude by posing several key research questions that can illuminate the effects of dramatic growth in the American penal system.
Oversight of Presidential Funds by the Appropriations Committees Learning from the Watergate Crisis

This article examines congressional oversight of presidential funds during the Watergate crisis. During the crisis it became clear members of the Appropriations Committees of Congress were reluctant to look into the use of presidential funds. When they did, it was apparent that these funds were virtually uncontrolled. Three problems are examined here: the use of the Special Projects fund, the lack of distinction between it and the Emergency Fundfor the President, and the absence of authorization for the White House Office, Salaries, and Expensesfund. The relevance of theories of legislative oversight to presidentialfunding are evaluated. Though some lessons were learned about oversight of executivefunds as a result of the Watergate experience, other more basic lessons have been ignored.