cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sketch-Level Feasibility Analysis of Commuter Rail Service Between Kannapolis and Charlotte, North Carolina

This paper presents a sketch-level feasibility study for a proposed 28-mi commuter rail line connecting downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, to its fast-growing suburbs. Full-scale feasibility studies can be expensive, especially for cash-strapped local government agencies. A sketch analysis, such as the one presented here, is a low-cost means of determining whether a project merits further study. Ridership for the line is conservatively estimated at 2,010 in 2015 and 2,574 in 2035. Higher-speed service and a greater frequency of midday trains are shown to significantly increase these numbers. Cost-effectiveness depends largely on the actual cost per mile, but conservative estimates place the proposed route in the middle of the pack of new-start commuter rail lines: more cost-effective than the routes of Minneapolis, Minnesota, or Austin, Texas, but slightly less cost-effective than those of Albuquerque, New Mexico, or Nashville, Tennessee. In view of these results, a more comprehensive study appears to be merited.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl induces distinct patterns of gene expression between hepatoma and glioma cells: chromatin remodeling as a mechanism for selective effects.

Abstract Genome-wide oligonucleotide DNA microarrays and real time RT-PCR were used to assess differential gene expression in rat glioma and hepatoma cell lines after exposure to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (penta-CB). Under maximal inducing concentrations for cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells, both H4IIE and C6 rat glioma cells were exposed to sub-micromolar concentrations of penta-CB for 24 h. Differential gene expression for approximately 28,000 gene probes were computationally analyzed and compared. As expected, penta-CB potently activated CYP1A1/2 transcription in liver-derived H4IIE hepatoma cells yet did not do so in brain-derived C6 glioma cells. Additionally, we show that penta-CB causes: (1) distinct patterns of gene expression between tumor cells derived from liver or brain; (2) robust transcriptional activation of select C6 glioma gene ontologies; (3) over-expression of H4IIE hepatoma genes associated with tumor progression in liver; (4) greater than 100-fold over-expression of C6 glioma genes associated with protein processing and programmed cell death and/or metastasis; (5) tissue-selective histone deacetylase inhibition in C6 glioma, but not H4IIE hepatoma cells as signaled by galectin-1 over-expression.
Case-based reasoning vs parametric models for software quality optimization

Background: There are many data mining methods but few comparisons between them. For example, there are at least two ways to build quality optimizers, programs that find project options that change quality measures like defects, development effort (total staff hours), and time (elapsed calendar months). In the first way, we construct a parametric model to represent prior software projects. In the second way, we just apply case-based reasoning to reason directly from historical cases.Aim: To assess case-based reasoning vs parametric modeling for quality optimization.Method: We compared the W case-based reasoner against the SEEWAW parametric modeling tool.Results:W is easy to explain and fast to build. It makes no parametric assumptions and hence can be rapidly applied to project data in many formats. SEESAW is an elaborate tool that can only process project data expressed in a particular ontology (i.e. just the COCOMO attributes). It is also slower to execute than W. In 24 different tests comparing W and SEESAW, W always performs at least as well as SEESAW. In 6 of those tests W performed statistically better (all tests used Mann-Whitney, 95% confidence). Lastly, like any CBR method, it comes with a built-in maintenance strategy (just add more cases).Conclusion: The W case-based reasoning tool is recommended over the SEESAW parametric modeling tool for purposes of quality optimization (except in the case where there is no local data).
Experimental Characterization of Metallic Dampers for Seismic Retrofit of Highway Bridges

The seismic effectiveness of metallic dampers as vibration isolators and energy dissipation devices as well as the dynamic performance of high rocker bearings are investigated experimentally. The scope of the study includes optimizing the metallic dampers for maximum dissipation of energy, characterizing full-scale metallic dampers, and understanding the seismic behavior of a small-scale bridge with dampers. Three fullscale dampers, two of straight and one of linearly tapered rods, were fabricated and tested under a progressive cyclic load. Test results consistently show that the tangential stiffness of the metallic dampers does not degrade significantly as the number of loading cycles increases even though slack in the test fixture exists. For practical applications, a 10 percent damping ratio is recommended for the design of metallic dampers composed of straight rods, although a significantly higher ratio can be used for tapered dampers. Finally, a small-scale damper was fabricated and installed in an a...
A Comparative Investigation of the Sliding Wear of Some FCC Metals

Experimental investigations of the friction and wear of four copper alloys and pure nickel are presented. Measurements of the shape and dimensions of the wear tracks and of the extent of subsurface layers are also reported. The results are discussed in terms of mechanical behavior and possible correlations with conventional mechanical properties are considered. The role of cyclic plastic deformation is emphasized and areas of interest for future research are suggested.
Neurobiological perspectives of free will and freedom of choice

The issue of free will and freedom of choice has been debated by countless theologians and philosophers throughout the history of mankind, but only recently have neuroscientists begun to address the subject from a neurobiological perspective. In this paper we explore the potential contributions of neurosciences towards answering the question of whether free will exists in humans and its potential neurobiological correlate. To accomplish this, we discuss the neural mechanisms of free will from two perspectives: that of voluntary movement and the stimulus response paradigm. We also address the role of awareness in free will and propose the existence of an underlying ‘volitional system’ contained within the central nervous system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doubly strained In/sub 0.41/Al/sub 0.59/As/n/sup +/-In/sub 0.65/Ga/sub 0.35/As HFET with high breakdown voltage

An In/sub 0.41/Al/sub 0.59/As/n/sup +/-In/sub 0.65/Ga/sub 0.35/As HFET on InP was designed and fabricated, using the following methodology to enhance device breakdown: a quantum-well channel to introduce electron quantization and increase the effective channel bandgap, a strained In/sub 0.41/Al/sub 0.59/As insulator, and the elimination of parasitic mesa-sidewall gate leakage. The In/sub 0.65/Ga/sub 0.35/As channel is optimally doped to N/sub D/=6*10/sup 18/ cm/sup -3/. The resulting device (L/sub g/=1.9 mu m, W/sub g/=200 mu m) has f/sub t/=14.9 GHz, f/sub max/ in the range of 85 to 101 GHz, MSG=17.6 dB at 12 GHz V/sub B/=12.8 V, and I/sub D(max)/=302 mA/mm. This structure offers the promise of high-voltage applications at high frequencies on InP. >
Characterization of solvent interactions with treated titanium dioxide powders

Abstract Acid/base characteristics of titanium dioxide powders, having surfaces modified with silica and/or alumina, have been studied using inverse gas chromat
The influence of Cu on dislocation motion in Si

Intrinsic silicon specimens are compressed along the (2 11 1) axis and cooled under a high stress. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examinations show that the specimens contain hexagonal dislocation loops and very large stacking faults which are often formed by the trailing partial dislocation being pinned by a sessile jog. An in-situ TEM video recording of a 90° trailing partial moving by double kink nucleation leads to the evaluation of the kink migration energy at 1.2 eV. Hexagonal dislocation loops are found to relax to curved segments at 260 °C in specimens containing Cu compared to 350 °C for intrinsic Si specimens. The interstitial Cu atoms enhance glide motion by reducing the energy barrier heights which the kinks must surmount. The mechanism of reducing bond strength is similar to that proposed for the doping effect and is that which is responsible for low temperature formation of intermetallic compounds. Sessile jogs are found to be present in the specimens containing Cu heat treated at 260 °C, even though the hexagonal loops relaxed. The activation energy for a dislocation containing a sessile jog is higher because it involves motion of dislocation segments in the cross slip planes. Intrinsische Siliziumproben werden in Richtung der (2 11 1)-Achse komprimiert und unter hoher Spannung abgekuhlt. Untersuchungen im Transmissionselektronenmikroskop (TEM) zeigen, das die Proben hexagonale Versetzungsschleifen und sehr grose Stapelfehler zeigen, die oft von der nachschleppenden Teilversetzung gebildet werden und durch einen sessilen Sprung angehaftet werden. Eine in-situ-TEM-Videoaufzeichnung einer nachschleppenden 90°-Teilversetzung, die durch einen Doppelkink-Prozes wandert, fuhrt zur Berechnung der Kinken-Wanderungsenergie von 1,2 eV. Es wird gefunden, das hexagonale Versetzungsschleifen zu gekrummten Segmenten in Proben, die Cu-Atome enthalten, bei 260 °C, gegenuber 350 °C fur intrinsische Si-Proben, relaxieren. Die interstitiellen Cu-Atome erhohen die Gleitung durch Reduzierung der Energiebarrieren-hohe, die die Kinken uberwinden mussen. Der Mechanismus der Reduzierung der Bin-dungsstarke ist dem ahnlich, der fur den Dotierungseffekt vorgeschlagen wird und ist der gleiche, der verantwortlich ist fur die Niedertemperaturbildung der intermetallischen Verbindungen. Sessile Sprunge in den Cu-enthaltenden Proben, die bei 260 °C getempert werden, sind sogar noch nach der Relaxation der hexagonalen Schleifen vorhanden. Die Aktivierungsenergie fur eine Versetzung mit einem sessilen Sprung ist hoher, weil sie die Bewegung von Versetzungssegmenten in den Kreuzgleitebenen einschliest.
Association of plasminogen with bovine milk fat globule membrane.

Abstract 1. 1. β-casein labelled with 125 I and attached to Sepharose 4B was used to show that milk fat globule membrane preparations contain endogenous protease activity. Protelytic activity associated with this membrane was comparable to that of bovine casein on an equivalent protein basis. 2. 2. Auto-proteolysis of milk .fat globule membrane resulted in relatively rapid degradation of a major membrane polypeptide of 70,000 daltons. Slower and more variable degradation of major polypeptides of 155,000 and 34,000 daltons was also observed. Proteolysis was accompanied by accumulation of degradation products with molecular weights of 92,000, 20,000, 18,000, 12,000 and 8500 daltons. 3. 3. Diisopropylfluorophosphate was the most effective inhibitor of proteolysis while phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride was less effective. 4. 4. Plasmin, a proteolytic enzyme normally found in mammalian blood, was shown to be associated with bovine milk fat globule membrane by immunological methods. Plasmin appeared to be the predominant protease of the membrane. 5. 5. Proteolytic activity was associated with milk fat globule membrane despite extensive washing during preparation and could not be extracted with 50 mM lithium diiodosalicylate.
Cellular PSA in benign and malignant prostate

To determine the relationship of carcinoma of the prostate and cellular production of prostate-specific antigen, cytosol levels of PSA were measured in benign and malignant fresh prostate tissue harvested from radical prostatectomy specimens. Wedge biopsies were taken from benign (N = 21) and malignant (N = 74) prostate tissue and were immediately fixed in liquid nitrogen, and then homogenized and differentially centrifuged, and the cytosol fractions extracted. The remaining specimen was sent for routine pathologic assessment. The Hybritech methodology was used to measure the cytosol PSA and standard protein analysis was used for cytosol protein (CP) measurement. There was a significantly greater concentration of PSA in malignant tissue (P = 0.046). Also, when benign and malignant tissue were available from a single prostate (N = 17), these differences in cytosol PSA were even greater (P = 0.002). In addition, there was no significant difference when serum PSAs from the malignant tissue were ranked according to Gleason score and placed into three different histologic grades (i.e., Gleason scores 2-4, 5-6, and 7-10).
Using Pareto fronts to evaluate polyp detection algorithms for CT colonography

We evaluate and improve an existing curvature-based region growing algorithm for colonic polyp detection for our CT colonography (CTC) computer-aided detection (CAD) system by using Pareto fronts. The performance of a polyp detection algorithm involves two conflicting objectives, minimizing both false negative (FN) and false positive (FP) detection rates. This problem does not produce a single optimal solution but a set of solutions known as a Pareto front. Any solution in a Pareto front can only outperform other solutions in one of the two competing objectives. Using evolutionary algorithms to find the Pareto fronts for multi-objective optimization problems has been common practice for years. However, they are rarely investigated in any CTC CAD system because the computation cost is inherently expensive. To circumvent this problem, we have developed a parallel program implemented on a Linux cluster environment. A data set of 56 CTC colon surfaces with 87 proven positive detections of polyps sized 4 to 60 mm is used to evaluate an existing one-step, and derive a new two-step region growing algorithm. We use a popular algorithm, the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEA2), to find the Pareto fronts. The performance differences are evaluated using a statistical approach. The new algorithm outperforms the old one in 81.6% of the sampled Pareto fronts from 20 simulations. When operated at a suitable sensitivity level such as 90.8% (79/87) or 88.5% (77/87), the FP rate is decreased by 24.4% or 45.8% respectively.
Mothers' responses to infant physical appearance

Mothers' responses to slides of infants were assessed. During individual presentations of the slides they showed increases in smiling to infant photographs in general, but showed large skin conductance responses only to pictures of their own infant. They did not look differentially at the photographs. During paired presentations, mothers looked longer at their own infant's photograph. Moreover, they looked longer at unfamiliar infants who they perceived to be high in cuteness. These findings are discussed with reference to the role of infant physical appearance in infant-adult social relations.
Discovering New Biosorbents with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: An Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment

This laboratory experiment provides a unique opportunity for instructors to present atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) in the context of bioremediation. Chemical technology students enrolled in an analytical instrumentation course successfully employed AAS to screen several types of biomass for the removal of copper from simulated wastewater. The experiment met technical course objectives while emphasis was placed on environmental stewardship and awareness.
The 5-methylcytosine content of DNA: tissue specificity.

Using a new technique for the determination of the extent of DNA methylation by comparing the incorporation of radioactivity from deoxycytidine-2-C14 into DNA cytosine and 5-methylcytosine (5MC), the 5MC content of DNA was found to be a tissue specific property in two systems: (1) mouse tissue culture cell lines, in which the level of 5MC varied from 2.97 ± 0.03% conversion of cytosine to 5MC in the DNA of a mouse melanoma line to 4.58 ± 0.18% in a primary teratoma line, and (2) the organs of the developing chick embryo, in which the level of 5MC varied from 3.60 ± 0.04% conversion of cytosine to 5MC in the DNA of the chorioallantoic membrane to 4.19 ± 0.02% in the brain.
Simultaneous concentration and velocity field measurements in a shock-accelerated mixing layer

A novel technique to obtain simultaneous velocity and concentration measurements is applied to the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability. After acceleration by a Mach 2.2 shock wave, the interface between the two gases develops into a turbulent mixing layer. A time-separated pair of acetone planar laser-induced fluorescence images are processed to yield concentration and, through application of the Advection-Corrected Correlation Image Velocimetry technique, velocity fields. This is the first application of this technique to shock-accelerated flows. We show that when applied to numerical simulations, this technique reproduces the velocity field to a similar quality as particle image velocimetry. When applied to the turbulent mixing layer of the experiments, information about the Reynolds number and anisotropy of the flow is obtained.
Digestive and feeding characteristics of the chondrosteans

Structure and function of the digestive system and feeding characteristics of the chondrosteans are reviewed. Although the group exhibits a wide diversity of feeding habits including piscivory, benthophagy, and planktivory, they are principally carnivores throughout their life history. Examination of digestive system structure reveals the basic structure to be similar among the species with some modification to accomodate the different food types. For the species studied, composition of the adult digestive enzyme complement is consistent with the carnivorous habits with proteases dominating and only low levels of carbohydrase activity. There are three secretory phases during development of the digestive system. Each corresponds with different food habits of the different life-history intervals. Vision is apparently not utilized for feeding in any interval. Instead food is recognized and located primarily by gustation, olfaction, textural qualities, and, possibly, electroreception.
First-principles calculation of intrinsic defect formation volumes in silicon

We present an extensive first-principles study of the pressure dependence of the formation enthalpies of all the known vacancy and self-interstitial configurations in silicon, in each charge state from $\ensuremath{-}2$ through $+2$. The neutral vacancy is found to have a formation volume that varies markedly with pressure, leading to a remarkably large negative value ($\ensuremath{-}0.68$ atomic volumes) for the zero-pressure formation volume of a Frenkel pair $(V+I)$. The interaction of volume and charge was examined, leading to pressure-Fermi level stability diagrams of the defects. Finally, we quantify the anisotropic nature of the lattice relaxation around the neutral defects.
Measuring Similarity Among Various Shapes Based on Geometric Matching

The purpose of this article is to examine how to measure the degree of similarity among various shapes, including for the first time those that are fragmented and perforated, by the overlap-based elongation index. It is argued that complete removal of the effects of position, size, and orientation on shape, which is essential for the calibration of shape similarity, can be achieved by a shape similarity index that varies continuously with changes in shape. After examining the characteristics of shape change, it is demonstrated that the elongation index is sensitive to changes in the shape of two spatial objects only when the centroids of the two objects are coincident. Two related rules of shape similarity are then presented. The applicability of the elongation index is evaluated by comparing several simple and complex shapes. The principal contribution of this article is that for the first time similarity among various shapes, fragmented or perforated, can be identified using the elongation index.
Electronic Communication for Hygienists: Bulletin Board System

The author discusses how electronic bulletin board systems (BBSs) work, hardware and software needs for use with BBSs, and provides a list of BBSs useful to safety/health-environmental professionals.
Silver Nanowire-Based Infrared-Transparent Contacts for Future High-Density Format Focal Plane Arrays

We report the first demonstration of: 1) wide-wavelength range, infrared transparent conductors (ITCs) made of silver nanowires (Ag NWs), and 2) ITC contact-integrated prototype, InAsSb mid-wavelength IR (MWIR) detectors. The Ag NW-based ITCs show optical transmittance ( $T_{\lambda}$ ) of ∼94% in the 0.9–2.5 μm wavelength range with a sheet resistance ( ${\rm R_{s}}$ ) of 19.1 Ω/□. $T_{\lambda}$ of the Ag NW-ITC decreases slowly with increasing wavelength, resulting in $T_{\lambda}$ ∼92%–87% at 2.5–8 μm (MWIR) and $T_{\lambda}$ ∼87%–82% at 8–15 μm (LWIR). The Ag NW-based ITC makes good ohmic contacts on InAsSb-based MWIR detectors with contact resistance of 85% at 4.25 μm and 150 K. The measured external QE remains at the same high level regardless of detector fill factor. These results indicate that Ag NW-ITCs may enable future pixel scaling for front-side illuminated, high-density-format focal plane arrays without compromising QE, responsivity, and detector performance.
Activation of the blood-brain barrier by SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus) requires cell-associated virus and is not restricted to endothelial cell activation.

The primary cell infected during acute HIV neuropathogenesis is the monocyte-derived macrophage. We have demonstrated that there is activation of the BBB (blood–brain barrier) during acute viral infection and at terminal AIDS. However, it has never been determined if there is a requirement for the virus to be carried through the BBB or how these Trojan horses would be induced to cross the BBB. We added SIVmac251-infected (SIV is simian immunodeficiency virus) mononuclear cells (and their supernatants) to the luminal or abluminal compartment of our BBB model. There was activation of both sides of the BBB model, only if viral-infected cells were added to the luminal compartment, as opposed to the addition of cell-free supernatants. This suggests that cell-associated virus is essential for the activation of the BBB. This, in turn, would be expected to lead to further infiltration of cells capable of viral infection. VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) staining revealed, for the first time, that there is an absolute requirement for virally infected cells, and not just the presence of virus for the activation of the BBB.
Ear drainage and the role of sepsis evaluations in the neonatal intensive care unit

Aim To design and implement an intervention to reduce ear drainage and subsequent sepsis evaluation and treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods From 2008 to 2011, we observed an increase in the rates of ear drainage warranting investigation. Data collection was performed from 1991 to 2013 on 50 cases. Preliminary analysis revealed an association between timing of endotracheal tube tape changes and onset of drainage. We speculated that pooling of anti-adhesive solution into the external auditory canal was precipitating an inflammatory process. Unit-wide education was conducted to protect the ears during tape removal. Post-initiative rates of drainage were collected and compared with pre-initiative rates. Results Median gestational age and birthweight were 26 weeks and 754 g, respectively. In 64% of cases, an anti-adhesive solution was used on the face within 48 h of the onset of drainage. Sepsis evaluation was performed in 68% of cases. Rates of ear drainage peaked from 2008 to 2011 at 9.18 per 1000 admissions when a new anti-adhesive product was used, declining to 0.66 post-initiative (rate difference: −8.52; 95% CI: −12.00, −5.03). Conclusion Protecting the ear from anti-adhesive solutions during tape removal may reduce rates of noninfectious ear drainage and limit unnecessary interventions.
Gas-Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Pantothenates and Panthenol

A procedure has been developed for the identification and quantitative determination of the pantothenates and panthenol by GLC. The pantothenate salts were converted to an ethyl ester by treatment with anhydrous ethanolic hydrogen chloride. The acetate derivatives of the pantothenic acid ethyl ester and panthenol were prepared by acetylation of the hydroxyl groups with a pyridineracetic anhydride mixture. The excess reagents were removed and the oily residue was taken up in chloroform and injected on a 2.438-m. (8-ft.) × 4-mm. column packed with 2% neopentyl glycol sebacate (NPGSb). Trimethylsilyl and trifluoroacetate derivatives of the pantothenates and panthenol were also analyzed by gas chromatography. The procedure is very sensitive; as little as 0.25 mcg. can be detected. Structures of the acetate derivatives were confirmed by IR and NMR spectroscopy.
Where's the Rigor in the Field of Usability Analysis?

Usability is a property of devices (interfaces, work methods, software, and so on) but it's also a field-and some would say it's a profession. Here, we examine the concept of usability from the standpoint of human-centered computing. Manifestly, the two should be quite closely related. The principles of HCC that have been explored in this department dictate a prime goal for intelligent technology: It must be useful, understandable ... and usable.
A RE-EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLOSED-END FUND DISCOUNTS AND EXPENSES

In this paper the role of expenses in explaining closed-end fund discounts is re-examined. A present value model is developed to illustrate the relationship between expenses and discounts. Earlier studies find that discounts are not related to management fees. In this paper, using a larger sample over a longer and different period and a better specification of the expense variable consistent with the model developed, discounts are found to be significantly related to expenses. The relationship between expenses and discounts holds in the presence of other control variables.
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition of fish protein hydrolysates prepared from alkaline-aided channel catfish protein isolate

Peptides derived from aquatic animals have been shown to have inhibitory activity against angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which is a key enzyme behind elevated blood pressure. In this study a catfish protein isolate was prepared and hydrolyzed to 5%, 15% and 30% degrees of hydrolysis (% DH) and soluble peptides separated from the total hydrolysate. The hydrolysate and its soluble peptide fraction were studied separately. Increased hydrolysis produced smaller peptides, with the smallest peptides remaining in the soluble fraction. Both hydrolysates and its soluble fraction had high ACE inhibition activities, from 70% to 90.6%, depending on fraction and % DH. Results suggested that there is not a simple relationship between average peptide size and extent of % DH and ACE inactivation, but clearly the soluble fraction of the hydrolysate, containing the smallest peptides, is responsible for most of the ACE inhibition activity of the hydrolysate. Hydrolysates prepared from a pure and uniform catfish protein isolate substrate do therefore show a potential for ACE inhibition and may find use as bioactive ingredients. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Visualization of real-time survivability metrics for mobile networks

In this work12 we suggest real-time cost and performance metrics that are useful for survivability analysis at the radio layer of mobile networks. We demonstrate implementation of two of these metrics, to monitor blocking rates for adaptive admission control (AAC), using our simulation framework, to which we have added a data visualization (DV) layer. The DV layer uses 3-D animation to illustrate the effects of parameter selection on AAC performance, where the parameters of interest are those which control measurement and use of real-time metrics. Examples highlight the usefulness of the metrics to manage the tradeoff between new-call and handover channel requests and the capability of the DV layer to represent the spatial and temporal behavior of the AAC algorithm in a comprehensible form.
CLIMATIC CHANGE AND PERSISTENCE IN WESTERN KANSAS

ABSTRACT Mean climatic conditions in western Kansas, as measured by the Palmer Drought Index, remained unchanged between 1887 and 1968, but the variance and persistence changed considerably. These changes are related to the selfperpetuating nature of drought and to changes in the nature of northern hemispheric circulation.
Automatic human identification based on dental x-ray images

This paper presents an automated system for human identification using dental radiographs. The goal of the system is to automatically archive dental images and enable identification based on shapes of the teeth in bitewing images. During archiving, the system builds the antemortem (AM) database, where it segments the teeth and the bones, separates each tooth into crown and root, and stores the contours of the teeth in the database. During retrieval, given a dental image of a postmortem (PM), the proposed system identifies the person from the AM database by automatically matching extracted teeth contours from the PM image to the teeth contours in the AM database. Experiments on a small database show that our method is effective for teeth segmentation, separation of teeth into crowns and roots, and matching.
A Case Study of Context Effects and Residential Area Evaluation in Hamilton, Canada

Context effects which describe how the characteristics of residential alternatives affect evaluation and residential choices are examined empirically. The extent that people use different criteria to cognize dissimilar residential areas is investigated with survey data from Hamilton, Canada. For nine residential areas, individual differences in cognition and context effects are evaluated by a two-way analysis of variance of attribute ratings. No significant individual differences emerged for fourteen of the sixteen attributes. They are retained in the subsequent derivation of evaluative criteria. These criteria vary among areas, but context effects are comparatively weak. Context effects are reduced by removing individual differences in the cognition of residential area attributes.
A quantitative study of the practical sensitivity limit of a terahertz absorption spectrometer

In gas spectroscopy, chemicals can be identified by the set of frequencies at which their absorption lines occur. The concentration can be quantitatively estimated from the intensity of any of the absorption lines. The sensitivity of the spectrometer, i.e., the minimum detectable concentration, is ideally limited by the ratio of the source power to detector noise-equivalent power. In practice, the sensitivity is usually orders of magnitude worse due to systematic effects. In this work we built a simple gas terahertz transmission spectrometer to analyze how the source output power stability, the detector sensitivity, and atmospheric pressure affect its sensitivity. As a test gas we used methyl chloride in a mixture with air and modifid the widths of the absorption lines by changing partial pressure of air. This demonstration of a simple absorption spectrometer gives us insight into the approach to making a highly sensitive terahertz spectrometer.
Synthesis of 3-aryl-4-isothiazolecarboxylates

A short, convenient route to 3-aryl-4-isothiazolecarboxylates is described in which aryl Grig-nard reagents are added to the magnesium etiolate of ethyl cyanoacetete, and the resultant β-aminocinnamates are converted via a Vilsmeier-Haack reaction, thiation, and oxidation to the isothiazolecarboxylates.
Convection at the melting point: A thermal history of the earth's core

Abstract Higgins and Kennedy (1971) concluded that the Earth's fluid core has a stable stratification if it is at its melting point. Busse (1972) and Elsasser suggested as an alternative that a hydrostatic-isentropic distribution of particulate solid can produce neutral stability in a partially molten core. Here this suggestion is quantified and a determination is made of the efficiency of the production of fluid motion from the heat flux. This is used to establish that macroscopic convection can exist only if the particulate solid is of sufficiently small size. A thermal history of the core compatible with upper mantle heat flux is advanced in which it is suggested that the inner core is a fairly recent feature. The implication of these results for convection-driven and precession-driven dynamos is that both can function for a small enough suspended particulate, that the convection-dynamo will fail for particles greater than one micron in diameter, and that the precession-driven dynamo probably cannot su...
MEASUREMENT OF dσ/dy FOR HIGH MASS DRELL-YAN e+ e- PAIRS AT CDF

We report on the first measurement of the rapidity distribution dσ/dy over nearly the entire kinematic region of rapidity for e+ e- pairs in the Z-boson region of 66 116 GeV/c2. The data sample consists of 108 pb-1 of collisions at taken by the Collider Detector at Fermilab during 1992–1995. The total cross section in the Z-boson region is measured to be 252 ± 11 pb. The measured total cross section and dσ/dy are compared with quantum chromodynamics calculations in leading and higher orders. (CDF Note 5422)
The Naming of the Minor Planet No. 907, Barnardiana

IN NATURE for September 8 last (vol. 108, p. 69), at the end of “Our Astronomical Column,” attention is directed to the naming by Dr. Max Wolf of two of his asteroids in Astronomische Nachrichten, No. 5116. They are No. 834, Burnhamia, and No. 907, Barnardiana. In commenting on these asteroids NATURE infers that they were named after two American astronomers. While it is true that Prof. Burnham's memory is thus honoured, Barnardiana was not named after me, but in memory of Mrs. Rhoda Calvert Barnard, who died on May 25, 1921. This is evident from the following quotation from a letter to me by Dr. Wolf on the subject:—
Structural and phylogenetic analysis of the MotA and MotB families of bacterial flagellar motor proteins

MotA and MotB are two well-characterized proteins in Escherichia coli which are believed to function as the proton channel and the anchor, respectively, of the motor component of the bacterial flagellum. We have identified and analysed all currently sequenced members of the MotA and MotB families. Members of these families include (1) these E. coli proteins, (2) their pmf-interacting motor homologues in other bacteria, (3) two ORFs which map downstream of the gene encoding the catabolite repression-mediating CepA protein in Bacillus species and (4) unidentified open reading frames. With one exception (the MotB protein of Rhodobactec sphaeroides), members of the MotB family exhibit a C-terminal domain that is homologous to peptidoglycan-interaction domains of numerous sequenced lipoproteins and outer membrane proteins. Multiple alignments, average hydropathy and similarity plots, and phylogenetic trees have allowed (1) identification of regions of relative conservation, (2) definition of signature sequences for these protein families and (3) determination of relative phylogenetic distances relating all members of each family. The phylogenies of these proteins do not follow those of the organisms from which they were isolated, suggesting the presence of divergent isoforms in many bacteria. Phylogenetic analyses of the peptidoglycan-interaction domains of MotB proteins indicated that, except for MotB of R. sphaeroides, these domains became associated with the MotB proteins early during evolutionary history, before members of the MotB family or members of the outer membrane protein family diverged from each other.
Comparative analysis of chemical reaction mechanisms for photochemical smog

Abstract Six chemical reaction mechanisms for photochemical smog are analyzed to determine why, under identical conditions, they predict different maximum ozone concentrations. Answers to previously inaccessible questions such as the relative contributions of individual organic species to photochemical ozone formation are obtained. Based on the results of the analysis we have identified specific aspects of each mechanism that are responsible for the discrepancies with other mechanisms and with an explicit mechanism based on the latest understanding of atmospheric chemistry. For each mechanism critical areas are identified that when altered bring the predictions of the various mechanisms into much closer agreement. Thus, we identify why the predictions of the mechanisms are different, and have recommended research efforts that are needed to eliminate many of the discrepancies.
Movement-related cortical potentials in primary lateral sclerosis.

Objective Some patients with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) have a clinical course suggestive of a length-dependent dying-back of corticospinal axons. We measured movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) in these patients to determine whether cortical functions that are generated through short, intracortical connections were preserved when functions conducted by longer corticospinal projections were impaired. Methods An electroencephalogram was recorded from scalp electrodes of 10 PLS patients and 7 age-matched healthy control subjects as they made individual finger-tap movements on a keypad. MRCPs were derived from back-averaging the electroencephalogram to the movement. Results MRCPs produced by finger taps were markedly reduced in PLS patients, including components generated by premotor areas of the cortex as well as the primary motor cortex. In contrast, the β-band event-related desynchronization from the motor cortex was preserved. Interpretation These findings suggest that impairment in PLS is not limited to the distal axons of corticospinal neurons, but also affects neurons within the primary motor cortex and premotor cortical areas. The loss of the MRCP may serve as a useful marker of upper motor neuron dysfunction. Preservation of event-related desynchronization suggests that the cells of origin differ from the large pyramidal cells that generate the MRCP. Ann Neurol 2006;59:682–690
Understanding lens aberration and influences to lithographic imaging

Lithographic imaging in the presence of lens aberration result sin unique effects, depending on feature type, size, phase, illumination, and pupil use. As higher demands are placed on optical lithography tools, a better understanding of the influence of lens aberration is required. The goal of this paper is to develop some fundamental relationships and to address issues regarding the importance, influence, and interdependence of imaging parameters and aberration.
Efficacy of the lateral view mammogram in the detection of breast malignancy

Previous studies suggest that single-view lateral mammography alone results in a small decrease in detection of malignancies. Detection rates for lateral view only and two-view examinations in 200 cases (100 malignant, 100 nonmalignant) were compared. Four to six per cent of cases originally found positive were reinterpreted as negative in both situations. Preliminary findings suggest that the lateral view alone is sufficient, provided a second view is requested in suspicious cases.
Use Mobile Devices to Wirelessly Operate Computers

Mobile computing devices, such as tablets, smartphones, PDAs, and game remote controllers, become very popular in our daily life. This article discusses how to turn these devices, more specifically smartphones and Nintendo Wii remotes (in short as Wiimote), into computer remote controllers. In the smartphone-based system, a smartphone is extended to be the computerâ€™s wireless keyboard and mouse. The smartphone and the computer talk to each other through either wireless Ad Hoc or Wi-Fi access point network. In the Wiimote-based system, a Wiimote is turned into computerâ€™s mouse, where the user moves the mouse cursor by waving the Wiimote in air, and generates mouse events through Wiimote buttons. The Wiimote communicates with the computer through Bluetooth. These systems can be used in conference rooms, classrooms, project seminar rooms, and even peopleâ€™s living rooms, where a projector screen or a big-screen TV serves as the computer monitor.
Integration of Construction As-Built Data Via Laser Scanning with Geotechnical Monitoring of Urban Excavation

The demand for urban underground space has been increasing in the past decades to create living space and to avoid traffic congestion. A critical concern during the design and development of the underground space is the influence of construction-related ground movements on neighboring facilities and utilities. Currently, engineers can estimate ground movements using a combination of semiempirical methods and numerical model simulation. However, these advanced analyses require accurate as-built construction staging data, which most projects lack. The traditional approach of collecting construction-staging data is both labor intensive and time consuming. This paper explores the use of three-dimensional laser scanning technology to accurately capture construction activities during development of an urban excavation. The paper describes the planning, execution, and data processing phases of collecting accurate construction as-built staging information over a period of 4 months at an urban excavation site in E...
Typology of violence derived from ratings of severity and provocation

Two exploratory studies examined ratings of the severity of violence of several behaviors. In Study 1, a very consistent ordering of the behaviors by severity was obtained from two groups of participants. The stated justification for the behaviors was manipulated, and both mitigation and aggravation effects were observed. Study 2 found that essentially the same ordering of behaviors could be obtained in a provocation-rating task, and that both the severity ratings and the provocation ratings yielded four interpretable types of violence upon factor analysis: more severe physical (V1), less severe physical (V2), more severe nonphysical (V3), and less severe nonphysical (V4). Individual profiles of severity ratings across these four types yielded two interpretable groupings of participants upon cluster analysis: a violence-sensitive group and a violence-tolerant group. The violence-tolerant group had lower severity ratings for three of the four types of violence. These empirical distinctions help to illuminate what appear to be different meanings of the term violent for different behavior categories and for different individuals.
Outcome assessment for carpal tunnel surgery: The relative responsiveness of generic, arthritis-specific, disease-specific, and physical examination measures

Clinical evaluation of outcome after treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome has not been standardized. To assess the value of various clinical and questionnaire measures for the assessment of outcome after carpal tunnel surgery, we surveyed 22 patients 1 day before and 3 months after carpal tunnel release with the following measures: the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short form health survey, the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale, the Brigham and Women's Hospital carpal tunnel questionnaire, wrist range of motion, power pinch, grip strength, pressure sensibility, and dexterity. Significant changes, all in the direction of improved health status postoperatively, were noted in the following scales or measures: the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale pain, satisfaction, health perception, arthritis impact, and symptom scales; the Brigham and Women's Hospital symptom and function scales; the short form health survey's physical role, emotional role, and bodily pain scales; and the measurement of dexterity. In this study, standardized questionnaires were more sensitive to the clinical change produced by carpal tunnel surgery than many commonly performed physical measures of outcome. The condition-specific questionnaire was more sensitive to change than were more generic questionnaires.
The bigger they come, the harder they fall: The paradoxical effect of regulatory depletion on attitude change

Abstract The present research explores a new effect of regulatory resource depletion on persuasion by proposing that the experience of depletion can increase or decrease openness to attitude change by undermining perceived counterargument strength. Ironically, this openness is hypothesized to be strongest for individuals holding attitudes with high (versus low) certainty, as individuals should expect high certainty attitudes to be more resistant—an expectation the experience of depletion is hypothesized to violate. Supporting the hypotheses, three studies demonstrate that individuals expect high certainty attitudes to be stable (Study 1), the experience of resource depletion violates this expectancy and increases the openness to counterattack (Study 2), and this openness is driven by decreased perceptions of counterargument strength (Study 3). By augmenting (attenuating) the effect of argument quality for high (low) certainty attitudes, the experience of depletion on perceived counterargument performance offers insight into novel means by which resource depletion can influence persuasion.
Getting real in the academy

To say an issue is academic can mean it doesn't really matter, not in the real world, anyway. Gary Brown takes a critical look at how higher education has become unreal for many students and what we might do to help re-engage our institutions with the world.
Congressional Response to Statements of Administration Policy and Presidential Signing Statements

We explore the sensitivity of Congress to statements of administration policy (SAPs) and signing statements in the struggle with the executive over policy. We hypothesize that the nature and use of objections contained in these presidential communications generates additional congressional oversight. To test whether this happens, we developed a dataset with all SAPs, signing statements, and congressional oversight hearings from 1997 through 2007. The results indicate that the type and number of objections raised in presidential communications affects congressional oversight activity.
Preferences for fertility in women with pelvic inflammatory disease

Abstract Objective To identify the value that women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) assign to the health impact of future infertility. Design Cross-sectional observations on patient preferences. Setting Participants in an existing multicenter clinical trial of PID treatment options. Patient(s) Five hundred thirty-two women with signs and symptoms of PID who were identified from emergency departments and sexually transmitted disease clinics. Intervention(s) Women were asked to rate whether life with future infertility was more or less meaningful than life with each of seven chronic health conditions: sinus congestion, insomnia, chronic headache, asthma, incontinence, dialysis, and paralysis. Main outcome measure(s) Preferences regarding future infertility. Result(s) Most respondents rated future infertility as being worse than sinus congestion and asthma but better than the health impact of incontinence, dialysis, and paralysis. There was a wide range of opinion, with 18% viewing future infertility as minor (better than all conditions) and 5% viewing it as extremely important (worse than all conditions). Future infertility ratings were influenced by race, parity, difficulty in conceiving, and views on the importance of future pregnancy. Conclusion(s) The majority of women with PID rate future infertility as a significant issue. Optimizing access to infertility treatment may affect the quality of life for such women.