cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Model Predictive Control Approaches for Strategic Platoon Engagement of Heavy-Duty Trucks

For a group of vehicles, collaborative platooning can be valuable in certain situations due to aerodynamic drag reduction, while being detrimental or altogether impractical in others. This paper details a platoon engagement/disengagement controller, which alternates between velocity trajectory optimization (VTO) in isolation and a fused platooning and VTO approach, capable of disengaging a platoon during segments detrimental to fuel savings and rejoining the platoon afterwards without significant energy expenditure. The proposed approach leverages parallel model predictive control (MPC) computations that (i) can identify when a platoon should be engaged/disengaged and (ii) performs the engagement/disengagement in a fuel-optimal manner. Using a medium-fidelity Simulink model furnished by Volvo, two real-world trucking routes, and two different traffic scenarios, the effectiveness of the approach was compared against non-platooning VTO, as well as a baseline controller that uses a PI-based cruise controller that incorporates Gipps car-following model. Results for a two-vehicle platoon using a 1 vehicle following distance reveal a 9.6% to 11.9% decrease in aggregate fuel consumption for both vehicles within the platoon, as compared to the baseline, highlighting the ability to disengage and rejoin a platoon without expending unnecessary fuel consumption. Additionally, the approaches for disengaging a platoon result in a 4-7% decrease in aggregate fuel consumption, as compared to a VTO-only approach.
Can the Fact Walkers Save Us

The tumultuous times in which we live are to a large extent predicted by the social dynamics of group polarization, groupthink, and cascades, which tend to push groups toward dangerous extremes. The Internet has exaggerated the damaging effects of these distortions by making it easier for people to surround themselves with only like thinkers. And the "safe spaces" movement on American college campuses tends to exacerbate the problem further. However, while these dynamics pushing toward divisiveness and extremism are natural, we need not be prisoners of them.
Localization of mRNAs by in situ hybridization.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the localization of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) by in situ hybridization. In situ hybridization helps in distinguishing the cells in a complex tissue that express specific mRNAs and in making semiquantitative estimates of the relative concentration of these in different cell types. Other methods of analysis of RNA isolated from cells, tissues, or organisms—such as RNA blots or solution hybridization—average the content of a specific mRNA over all cell types in the sample. In situ hybridization offers several other potential advantages over solution or filter hybridization methods. The aim and many of the advantages of in situ hybridization are shared with the immunocytochemical detection of the encoded proteins. The basic difference is that they monitor gene expression at different levels. By measuring mRNA concentrations, a more accurate estimate of gene activity is provided because mRNA accumulates before the protein it encodes, and because relatively stable proteins may persist long after the gene is repressed and the mRNA has decayed. The technique described in the chapter employs the hybridization of radiolabeled riboprobes to sections of aldehyde-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue.
Identifying the DHHC palmitoyl acyltransferase responsible for activating the antiviral protein IFITM3 (VIR1P.1008)

Influenza virus poses a significant health threat to the global population. The intrinsic immune factor, interferon inducible transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) has been shown to inhibit the infection efficiency of all tested influenza virus subtypes, and understanding its mechanism of action and post-translational regulation may provide new strategies for combating infections. Palmitoylation represents a post-translational modification that positively affects IFITM3 membrane affinity and is necessary for its complete anti-influenza virus activity. Palmitoylation is generally carried out by palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs) that have conserved DHHC amino acid motifs. Currently, it is not known which PATs are responsible for the palmitoylation of IFITM3. Our preliminary screening, using a PAT overexpression assay and chemical reporters to measure IFITM3 palmitoylation, has implicated four candidate PATs. Quantification of IFITM3 antiviral activity against influenza virus upon PAT overexpression has implicated a single PAT able to increase IFITM3 activity. Confocal imaging of this PAT demonstrated a unique pattern of localization among the other candidates suggesting that the site of IFITM3 palmitoylation is a critical factor in controlling its activity. Identifying the PAT responsible for palmitoylating IFITM3 should promote our understanding of the post-translational regulation, cellular trafficking, and activity of this important antiviral effector.
Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education: Learning Political Competencies for 21st Century Citizenship

This article explores the use of Holocaust, genocide and human rights education to teach political competencies for American students in the 21st century.
A Review of “Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools”

In her latest book, Reign of Error, Diane Ravitch leverages academic and media-based resources to assess the deleterious effects of privatization in the public education sector. She critiques the p...
Aggregated Multicast with Inter-Group Tree Sharing

IP multicast suffers from scalability problems for large numbers of multicast groups, since each router keeps forwarding state proportional to the number of multicast tree passing through it. In this paper, we present and evaluate aggregated multicast, an approach to reduce multicast state. In aggregated multicast, multiple groups are forced to share a single delivery tree. At the expense of some bandwidth wastage, this approach can reduce multicast state and tree management overhead at transit routers. It may also simplify and facilitate the provisioning of QoS guarantee for multicast in future aggregated-flow-based QoS networks. We formulate the tree sharing problem and propose a simple intuitive algorithm. We study this algorithm and evaluate the trade-off of aggregation vs. bandwidth overhead using simulations. Simulation results show that significant aggregation is achieved while at the same time bandwidth overhead can be reasonably controlled.
Protein Recommendations for Older Adults with Cirrhosis: A Review

Protein intake has a key role in liver cirrhosis in older adults. However, types and amounts of protein intake in cirrhosis have been controversial. The aim of this paper is to investigate the optimal protein intake for management of cirrhosis and prevention of hepatic encephalopathy in older adults. Protein restriction of 0.6 g/kg/d has traditionally been used as medical nutrition therapy in liver cirrhosis. However, recent evidence has shown that protein restrictions have many negative consequences for older adults with cirrhosis. Current research indicates protein intakes of 1.2-1.5 g/kg/d in liver cirrhosis; however, many older adults do not consume this amount. Strategies to help increase protein intake and manage cirrhosis include ensuring adequate protein at every meal through either regular intake or supplementation, protein supplementation prior to bedtime or overnight, and supplementation with branched-chain amino acids. An emphasis on vegetable protein versus animal protein is probably not an advantageous treatment option because of lack of conclusive evidence regarding benefits and potential negative side effects.
Nuclear Techniques in National Security Studies on Contraband Detection

The Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC) is authorized by the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan to coordinate all off-site radiological response assistance to state and local governments, in the event of a major radiological emergency in the United States. The FRMAC is established by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, to coordinate all Federal assets involved in conducting a comprehensive program of radiological environmental monitoring, sampling, radioanalysis, quality assurance, and dose assessment. During an emergency response, the initial analytical data is provided by portable field instrumentation. As incident responders scale up their response based on the seriousness of the incident, local analytical assets and mobile laboratories add additional capability and capacity. During the intermediate phase of the response, data quality objectives and measurement quality objectives are more rigorous. These higher objectives will require the use of larger laboratories, with greater capacity and enhanced capabilities. These labs may be geographically distant from the incident, which will increase sample management challenges. This paper addresses emergency radioanalytical capability and capacity and its utilization during FRMAC operations.
Defining the Spatial and Average Intensity of the Louisville Urban Heat Island

The urban heat island (UHI) effect, a phenomenon where the urban area will be warmer than the rural surroundings, may adversely impact human health and energy consumption via heat waves and rolling blackouts. A quantitative assessment of the UHI in Louisville, Kentucky was conducted through climatological analysis of five observation stations over a 5-year period from 2009 –2013. Results indicate the presence of a large UHI extending beyond 40 km, with an average intensity of 4.84°C between the most rural station and the urban control. By analyzing the temperature differences between all stations based on time and meteorological conditions, it was found that the UHI is especially amplified during the nighttime hours of 2300-0700 LST and in the presence of weak winds (< 3.0 ms -1 ), little to no cloud cover, and no precipitation. This study indicated the necessity of more observing stations in this region, given the poor spatial resolution of the existing network.
Higher Retail Prices of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages 3 Months After Implementation of an Excise Tax in Berkeley, California.

Objectives. We assessed the short-term ability to increase retail prices of the first US 1-cent-per-ounce excise tax on the distribution of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), which was implemented in March 2015 by Berkeley, California.Methods. In 2014 and 2015, we examined pre- to posttax price changes of SSBs and non-SSBs in a variety of retailers in Berkeley and in the comparison cities Oakland and San Francisco, California. We examined price changes by beverage, brand, size, and retailer type.Results. For smaller beverages (≤ 33.8 oz), price increases (cents/oz) in Berkeley relative to those in comparison cities were 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36, 1.03) for soda, 0.47 (95% CI = 0.08, 0.87) for fruit-flavored beverages, and 0.47 (95% CI = 0.25, 0.69) for SSBs overall. For 2-liter bottles and multipacks of soda, relative price increases were 0.46 (95% CI = 0.03, 0.89) and 0.49 (95% CI = 0.21, 0.77). We observed no relative price increases for nontaxed beverages overall.Conclusions. Approximate...
Takayasu arteritis—advances in diagnosis and management

Takayasu arteritis, a rare granulomatous vasculitis affecting young people, is associated with considerable morbidity and premature mortality. In most patients the diagnosis is delayed until after the development of substantial arterial injury. Studies of noninvasive imaging techniques suggest that these approaches might facilitate earlier diagnosis and have a role in monitoring disease progress; however, they remain limited in their ability to accurately quantify inflammatory disease activity in the arterial wall. A lack of controlled clinical trial data complicates the choice of therapy for Takayasu arteritis, and clinical indices for monitoring disease activity are currently suboptimal. Increasing knowledge of the pathogenesis of the large vessel vasculitides might eventually lead to novel targeted therapies. Preliminary data from open-label trials of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy are encouraging, but there is an urgent need for controlled clinical trials to establish optimum therapeutic approaches for this disease. These trials should include a prospective assessment of the use of noninvasive imaging modalities in the diagnosis and subsequent management of Takayasu arteritis.
Bis[hydrotris(pyrazol-1-yl)borato]titanium(II): a stable Tp2M complex of singular reactivity

Tp2Ti [Tp = hydrotris(pyrazol-1-yl)borate] is a stable hard donor complex of divalent titanium that shows controlled reaction chemistry with simple chalcogen oxidants.
Agricultural Justice, Abnormal Justice? An Analysis of Fair Trade's Plantation Problem

A debate has arisen in the fair trade community regarding the certification of plantation crops. On one side of this debate is Fair Trade USA, which supports plantation certification. On the other is the retailer Equal Exchange, whose leaders fear that fair trade's longstanding commitment to small farmer cooperatives may be in jeopardy. Drawing on the two organizations’ experiences with tea plantations and cooperatives in Darjeeling, India, as well as my own ethnographic research, I explore how advocates in the global North identify who counts as a legitimate laboring subject of agricultural justice. This debate underscores that social justice in global agriculture is fundamentally multiple—in Nancy Fraser's terms, “abnormal”. The seeming intractability of this debate shows that while the agricultural justice movement has attended to questions of economic distribution and cultural recognition, it must do more to address problems of political representation at national and international scales.
Large-Scale Geospatial Processing on Multi-Core and Many-Core Processors: Evaluations on CPUs, GPUs and MICs.

Geospatial Processing, such as queries based on point-to-polyline shortest distance and point-in-polygon test, are fundamental to many scientific and engineering applications, including post-processing large-scale environmental and climate model outputs and analyzing traffic and travel patterns from massive GPS collections in transportation engineering and urban studies. Commodity parallel hardware, such as multi-core CPUs, many-core GPUs and Intel MIC accelerators, provide enormous computing power which can potentially achieve significant speedups on existing geospatial processing and open the opportunities for new applications. However, the realizable potential for geospatial processing on these new hardware devices is largely unknown due to the complexity in porting serial algorithms to diverse parallel hardware platforms. In this study, we aim at experimenting our data-parallel designs and implementations of point-to-polyline shortest distance computation (P2P) and point-in-polygon topological test (PIP) on different commodity hardware using real large-scale geospatial data, comparing their performance and discussing important factors that may significantly affect the performance. Our experiments have shown that, while GPUs can be several times faster than multi-core CPUs without utilizing the increasingly available SIMD computing power on Vector Processing Units (VPUs) that come with multi-core CPUs and MICs, multi-core CPUs and MICs can be several times faster than GPUs when VPUs are utilized. By adopting a Domain Specific Language (DSL) approach to exploiting the VPU computing power in geospatial processing, we are free from programming SIMD intrinsic functions directly which makes the new approach more effective, portable and scalable. Our designs, implementations and experiments can serve as case studies for parallel geospatial computing on modern commodity parallel hardware.
Portability scenarios for intelligent robotic control agent software

Portability scenarios are critical in ensuring that a piece of AI control software will run effectively across the collection of craft that it is required to control. This paper presents scenarios for control software that is designed to control multiple craft with heterogeneous movement and functional characteristics. For each prospective target-craft type, its capabilities, mission function, location, communications capabilities and power profile are presented and performance characteristics are reviewed. This work will inform future work related to decision making related to software capabilities, hardware control capabilities and processing requirements.
The zona incerta: Another source of centrifugal fibers to the main olfactory bulb

Neurons in the ipsilateral anteropolar division of the zona incerta were retrogradely labeled following injections of horseradish peroxidase in the main olfactory bulb. In addition, labeled cell bodies were found in the dorsal hypothalamus. Fewer and less densely labeled neuron cell bodies were seen in the contralateral zona incerta and dorsal hypothalamus. Most of the cells had a characteristic fusiform shaped soma, but a small number of the hypothalamic cells had spherical or conical shaped cell bodies.
Effectiveness of a spanish language clinic for Hispanic youth with type 1 diabetes.

ABSTRACT Objective A pilot study was undertaken to determine whether establishment of a Spanish Language Diabetes Clinic (SLDC) for Spanish-speaking families conducted by a team of Spanish-speaking, Hispanic and nonHispanic clinicians provides a means to improve control of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods The first 21 Hispanic pediatric patients with T1D who enrolled in the SLDC were matched to 21 Hispanic patients treated in the English Language Diabetes Clinic (ELDC) based on age and duration of diabetes. The two groups did not differ significantly with respect to gender, body mass index (BMI), or glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc). Patients in both groups were followed for 12 months. Results The mean (± standard deviation) baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level in the SLDC group (8.4 ± 1.0%) was similar to that in the ELDC group (8.6 ± 1.4%, P = .83). HbA1c levels fell by 0.5 ± 1.0% (P = .01) during the year following enrollment in the SLDC but did not change significantly from baseline during the year of follow-up in the ELDC group (decrease of 0.2 ± 0.9%, P = .1). At the start of the study, only 5 patients (23%) in the SLDC group and 7 patients (33%) in the ELDC group met the ≤7.5% target HbAlc level. After 1 year, 10 of the SLDC patients (48%) and 4 of ELDC patients (19%) had HbAlc levels ≤7.5% (P = .01). Conclusion Our preliminary findings support the hypothesis that overcoming language barriers by the establishment of a SLDC can be an effective means of improving metabolic control in youth with T1D in Hispanic families with limited English language skills. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:800-804)
Computing 3D saliency from a 2D image

A saliency map is a model of visual selective attention using purely bottom-up features of an image like color, intensity and orientation. Another bottom-up feature of visual input is depth, the distance between eye (or sensor) and objects in the visual field. In this report we study the effect of depth on saliency. Different from previous work, we do not use measured depth (disparity) information but, instead, compute a 3D depth map from the 2D image using a depth learning algorithm. This computed depth is then added as an additional feature channel to the 2D saliency map, and all feature channels are linearly combined with equal weights to obtain a 3-dimensional saliency map. We compare the efficacy of saliency maps (2D and 3D) in predicting human eye fixations using three different performance measures. The 3D saliency map outperforms its 2D counterpart in predicting human eye fixations on all measures. Perhaps surprisingly, our 3D saliency map computed from a 2D image performs better than an existing 3D saliency model that uses explicit depth information.
Intracellular recordings from serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons: pacemaker potentials and the effects of LSD

Intracellular recordings in vivo from serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons of the rat brain reveal that these cells undergo a pronounced postspike hyperpolarization followed by a gradual interspike depolarization leading to the succeeding spike. Such repetitive cycles of interspike hyperpolarization and depolarization, which can be termed "pacemaker potentials', can account for the automaticity of these cells. When serotonergic neuronal firing is inhibited by LSD, such pacemaker potentials no longer occur and the cells remain in an hyperpolarized state.
Effect of obstetrics-gynecology clerkship duration on medical student examination performance.

Objective: To compare medical student performance on the obstetrics and gynecology national board subject examination during two different clerkship rotation formats. Methods: We compared medical student performance on the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) subject examination in obstetrics and gynecology for 2 years before and 2 years after the length of the clerkship at the University of Florida was decreased from 8 to 6 weeks. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) step 1 and step 2 scores were used to assess comparability between groups. Student t test and χ2 analysis were used as appropriate. Results: Medical school classes were similar with respect to MCAT and USMLE step 1 and step 2 scores. Collectively, 231 students who completed the 8-week clerkship scored significantly higher on the subject examination than 239 who completed the 6-week clerkship (618.6 versus 593.5, P = .001). When analyzed by semester, students who completed the clerkship in the second half of the academic year scored similarly regardless of clerkship length (630.6 versus 616.7, P = .11); however, students who completed the clerkship during the first half of the academic year scored significantly higher with the 8-week than the 6-week clerkship (607.3 versus 569.7, P < .001). Students who took the clerkship in the last half of the academic year scored higher than students who took the clerkship in the first half for both the 8-week (630.6 versus 607.3; P = .02) and 6-week (616.7 versus 569.7; P < .001) formats. Those differences persisted on examination letter grade assignment. Conclusion: Decreasing the duration of the obstetrics-gynecology medical student clerkship resulted in lower subject examination scores, especially for students who matriculated in the first half of the academic year.
The effect of thio‐TEPA on developing and established mammalian bladder tumors

The inhibitory effect of thio-TEPA on both developing and established mammalian bladder cancer was tested in the FANFT model system using female C3H/He mice. This model allows the histologic evaluation of the entire target organ, a major advantage over clinical trials, which have relied largely on endoscopic appearance for determination of response. A powerful carcinogen, FANFT is known to cause bladder carcinoma in at least 90% of these animals within 12 months. The tumors develop through a spectrum of morphologic changes including hyperplasia, dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ. Animals were divided into equally sized control and test groups and either thio-TEPA or saline was administered on a schedule designed to correspond to that used in clinical trials. Bladders from 159 mice were evaluated grossly, microscopically and in some instances, ultrastructurally, for the presence of tumor or other intraepithelial lesions. When compared to controls, thio-TEPA had no statistically significant inhibitory effect on either developing or established bladder tumors. The drug did, however, cause a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of high-grade, high-stage lesions when given during tumor development and may retard the evolution of such neoplasms from low-grade noninvasive carcinomas. The correlation of these experimental findings with the reportedly beneficial results of clinical trials is discussed.
Preparing the Pharmacy Information Technology (IT) Workforce for the Future

Last month we introduced a new, broader focus for our column-shifting from a primary focus on portable technology to a more global look at health care automation and technology as it affects institutional systems in general and pharmacies specifically. In that regard, this month's column addresses a broad need related to health care automation and technology, which many of our readers likely have experienced. Although we are not evaluating a specific technology, this topic encompasses all automation and technology used within a pharmacy.
Determination of cure of diallyl phthalate using differential scanning calorimetry

Kinetic parameters (reaction rate constant, activation energy, and frequency factor) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry using a linearly rising temperature program for the polymerization of diallyl phthalate monomer catalyzed with dicumyl peroxide. Cure times for specific degrees of cure at constant temperature were calculated and found to agree with the degree of cure measured by infrared spectroscopy. The relationship between non-isothermal and isothermal cure cycles is discussed.
Osmotic Pressure Regulation of Prolactin and Growth Hormone Release from Bovine Secretory Granules

PRL and GH are stored in bovine pituitary secretory granules in part as intermolecular disulfide-linked multimers (as many as 50 monomers/oligomer). In vitro incubation of granules with reduced glutathione (GSH) results in the production of monomeric hormones and increased hormone release. We tested the hypothesis that increases in intragranular osmolality due to conversion of oligomers to lower mol wt forms are key to granule rupture. Hormone release was measured after granule incubations in medium made hyperosmotic by the addition of raffinose or sucrose. PRL release at pH 7.8 with 0.7 M raffinose was reduced to 43.5% of the control value, whereas GH release ranged from 70-100% of the control value. Augmented release stimulated by 2 mM GSH was also diminished by raffinose, to 17.9% (PRL) and 75.6% (GH) of control values. The IC50 for raffinose inhibition of PRL release was 0.62 M; this shifted to 0.38 M in the presence of 2 mM GSH. Raffinose also blunted the granule response to GSH at all other GSH concentrations tested and decreased stimulated release at pH 9 as well as at 7.8. Interference with the ability to maintain an osmotic gradient, a maneuver accomplished by partial disruption of granule membranes with 0.5% deoxycholate treatment, reduced or abolished the raffinose inhibition. Molecular sizing of granule fractions on Superose-6 (Pharmacia) indicated that PRL monomers remaining in the pelletable granule fraction increased with raffinose about 2-fold under both basal and GSH-stimulated conditions. These data support the concept that thiol:disulfide equilibria may be important in PRL and GH storage and secretion by their influence on intragranular osmolality. In exocytosis in vivo, osmotically mediated granule rupture may be triggered by thiols during granule:plasma membrane fusion.
Measurement issues in the use of the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory with Navajo women.

In this article the authors describe the measurement error associated with the Coopersmith Self‐Esteem Inventory when used with a population of Navajo women. This instrument was used with 29 Navajo women to determine if the questions were culturally acceptable. The results showed that this instrument has some content validity issues when used with Navajo women. More research is needed using this instrument as well as other psychometrically sound self‐esteem measures with cultural and racial groups other than whites.
Traveling-wave electrode design for a directional-coupler-based polymeric electro-optical modulator

In order to find the optimal traveling-wave electrode formation for directional-coupler-based polymeric modulators, four electrode structures are evaluated by simulating the modulator's driving voltages and bandwidths, and by experimentally measuring their driving voltages. First, the characteristic parameters of these four structures are analyzed. Then, the driving votlages for modulators using these four structures are computed using beam propagation method, and their bandwidths are obtained using small-signal analysis. Finally modulators are fabricated using DR1/PMMA and CLD1/APC respectively, and their driving voltages for different electode structures are measured.
The primary mode of action of acifluorfen-Na in intact seedlings is not via tetrapyrrole accumulation during the first dark period following treatment

Abstract Substituted diphenyl ethers are important commercial herbicides whose mode of action is not completely understood. It has been suggested that these compounds owe their herbicidal properties to the dark and light accumulation of protoporphyrin IX, which in the light is believed to photosensitize the formation of destructive singlet oxygen. In this work it is shown that treatment of intact seedlings at field rate with acifluorfen-Na resulted in a modest level of tetrapyrrole accumulation in darkness. The nature of the accumulated tetrapyrrole depended on the plant species. This dark induction of tetrapyrrole accumulation did not appear, however, to be responsible for photodynamic injury in the light. This conclusion is mainly based on the observation that when acifluorfen-Na sprays are applied to intact seedlings in darkness, no correlation is observed between tetrapyrrole accumulation that takes place during the dark incubation period and photodynamic damage that takes place when the treated plants are exposed to light.
On the function of letters in word identification: Some data and a preliminary model

A model of word perception was presented which assumes that words are processed as single-unit patterns and that individual letters are not identified prior to word identification. Three experiments are reported which demonstrate that subjects can identify a word faster than a letter within a word, but that words and single letters in isolation are identified equally fast. In addition, word identification time was unrelated to word length. The model was then elaborated to reconcile these results with those typically obtained using tachistoscopic threshold procedures.
Truman and Korea: Rhetoric in the pursuit of victory

Truman's defense of Korean military action was premised on a pre‐existent rhetorical vision which accepted the potency of the victory theme. In the aftermath of the Chinese intervention, a new theme, premised on an objectively real military situation, emerged in the form of a rhetoric of limited warfare. The dismissal of MacArthur brought these competing themes, and the divergent social realities they depicted, into sharp relief and crystallized the paradox present in the President's rhetoric.
Preliminary results from the Pioneer Venus Orbiter infrared radiometer: Temperature and dynamics in the upper atmosphere

Data from the infrared radiometer aboard the Pioneer Venus Orbiter are examined and interpreted within the context of zonally averaged temperatures and circulation in the upper atmosphere of Venus. Surprisingly, the northern hemisphere pole is warmer than the equator throughout most of the region sampled. This implies both a rapid decrease with height of the 100 m/s cloud top winds previously observed, and the probable existence of large (50 to 100 m/s) meridional winds.
Visualising property crime in Gauteng: Applying GIS to crime pattern theory

While the high rate of crime in South Africa has received much international attention, mainly focused on violent crime, the vast majority of offences reported to the South African Police Service concern property and other non-violent offences. The present study explores the relationship between one of the most frequently reported property crimes (thefts out of motor vehicles) and the environment in which they occur, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Utilising the framework of crime pattern theory, crime generators and attractors are visually examined in order to determine whether they can explain concentrations of crime. We argue that when used in conjunction with relevant social theory aimed at the examination of the determinants of crime and criminality, GIS can be a powerful practical tool in the presentation of crime data.
Differential theophylline inhibition of alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase of bovine milk fat globule membranes.

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of theophylline (1,3-dimethylxanthine) on alkaline phosphatase and 5′-nucleotidase activities of bovine milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) were examined. 2. 2. Theophylline inhibited MFGM alkaline phosphatase in a concentration-dependent manner with 50% inhibition produced by 99 ± 28 μM theophylline. 3. 3. The 5′-nucleotidase activity was resistant to theophylline inhibition with 50% inhibition produced by 33.9 ± 3.1 mM theophylline. 4. 4. Theophylline was an uncompetitive inhibitor of MFGM alkaline phosphatase with a Ki of 126 ± 15μM. 5. 5. The extent of theophylline inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity was independent of the substrate utilized in the assay. 6. 6. The effect of theophylline on bovine MFGM alkaline phosphatase was similar to theophylline effects on other mammalian alkaline phosphatases of liver/bone isoenzyme origin.
Imaging experimental data from optical tomography by the elliptic systems method

The authors have recently introduced a novel imaging algorithm which they call the Elliptic Systems Method (ESM). The performance of the ESM for experimental data using only one source and seven detectors is discussed in this paper. Two cases are considered: one in which the background medium is known, and one in which there is an error of 30%.
On the Linear Stability of a Circular Drop Translating in a Hele–Shaw Cell

Abstract For the buoyancy-driven motion of a drop in a Hele–Shaw cell, a circle is an exact solution for the shape of the drop. The stability of the shape of a circular drop translating in a Hele–Shaw cell under the action of gravity is investigated. It is shown that for nonzero interfacial tension, the circular shape is linearly stable.
Adenosine 5'-triphosphate release from the normoxic and hypoxic in vivo rat cerebral cortex

Abstract The release of adenine nucleotides and adenosine from the in vivo rat cerebral cortex has been measured in the presence of dl -α-glycerophosphate (10 −2 M), an inhibitor of non-specific phosphatases. In normoxic brains, the superfusate concentrations of adenosine and its nucleotides (in nM) were: adenosine 38.9 ± 10.9; AMP 13.9 ± 1.6; ADP 12.4 ± 2.3; ATP 17.7 ± 2.1. During 10 min episodes of hypoxia (8% oxygen inhalation) superfusate levels of adenosine doubled, but the release of nucleotides was unaltered. These findings indicate that extracellular levels of TAP in the cerebral cortex are in the range at which this compound dilates cerebral blood vessels, and that ATP may be an endogenous regulator of regional cerebral blood flow. The absence of any increase in nucleotide levels during hypoxic episodes implies that adenosine is released into the extracellular space as the nucleoside, and not as a nucleotide which would then be hydrolyzed to adenosine.
Immune reconstitution following high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue in patients with advanced breast cancer

The present study examines the nature of humoral and cellular immune reconstitution in 28 patients with advanced breast cancer following high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue. Patients underwent testing of T, B, NK and dendritic cell function at serial time points until 1 year post transplant or until the time of disease progression. Abnormalities in T cell phenotype and function were observed following high-dose chemotherapy that persisted for at least 6-12 months. The vast majority of patients experienced an inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio and demonstrated an anergic response to candida antigen. Mean T cell proliferation in response to PHA and to co-culture with allogeneic monocytes was significantly compromised. In contrast, mean IgG and IgA levels were normal 6 months post transplant and NK cell yields and function were transiently elevated following high-dose chemotherapy. Dendritic cells generated from peripheral blood progenitors displayed a characteristic phenotype and were potent inducers of allogeneic T cell proliferation in the post-transplant period. The study demonstrates that patients undergoing autologous transplantation for breast cancer experience a prolonged period of T cell dysfunction. In contrast, B, NK, and DC recover more rapidly. These findings carry significant implications for the design of post-transplant immunotherapy.
Measurement and characterization of voltage- and current-induced degradation of thin-film photovoltaic modules

Abstract A number of important degradation mechanisms that determine the life of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules are driven by voltages and currents, either internal to the module, or between the module and its external mounting environment. Two important mechanisms are electromigration and electrochemical corrosion. Electromigration is current-induced diffusion of electrical conductors, such as the cell back metallization, at high current densities approaching 10 6 A cm −2 of conductor cross-section. Electrochemical corrosion is the transport of ionic elements in the presence of applied electric field, and in the case of PV modules is generally associated with corrosion of internal cell materials as a result of leakage currents from the cell string to the module exterior. This paper reviews the status of JPL's research into these mechanisms as they affect thin-film modules of amorphous silicon (a-Si) and CdTe.
3D laser scanner and profiler for application to border security

Securing national borders is an important and difficult task. Long and often remote borders make surveillance challenging and expensive. Remotely deployed devices can improve border security by detecting movement across the border. Such devices must be low power, low cost, and easily installed. This paper describes a test bed for a simple laser triangulation system capable of creating 2D and 3D images of moving objects. The 2D and 3D data can be used by classification algorithms to determine if something crossing the border is a threat.
Continuous decoding of finger position from surface EMG signals for the control of powered prostheses

As development toward multi-fingered dexterous prosthetic hands continues, there is a growing need for more flexible and intuitive control schemes. Through the use of generalized electrode placement and well-established methods of pattern recognition, we have developed a basis for asynchronous decoding of finger positions. With the present method, correlations as large as 0.91 and mean overall decoding errors of ∼11% have been achieved with average decoding errors of between decoded and actual conformation of the metacarpophalangeal joints of individual fingers. It is hoped that these results will serve as a foundation from which to encourage further investigation into more intuitive methods of myoelectric control of powered upper limb prostheses.
Chamber dynamic research with pulsed power

In Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE), Target Chamber Dynamics (TCD) is an integral part of the target chamber design and performance. TCD includes target output deposition of target x-rays, ions and neutrons in target chamber gases and structures, vaporization and melting of target chamber materials, radiation-hydrodynamics in target chamber vapors and gases, and chamber conditions at the time of target and beam injections. Pulsed power provides a unique environment for IFE-TCD validation experiments in two important ways: they do not require the very clean conditions which lasers need and they currently provide large x-ray and ion energies.
Sol-gel-derived PZT fibers: development and limitations

Fine scale lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fibers were fabricated from sol-gel processed viscous 'sol' using spinning methodology developed for the continuous production of glass and carbon fibers. Subsequent drying and firing at temperatures above 700 degrees Celsius resulted in phase pure perovskite fibers with diameters ranging from 30 to 70 micrometers. The dense fibers were comprised of sub-micron grains at sintering temperatures below 1000 degrees Celsius, growing to 2 - 3 micrometers at 1200 degrees Celsius. The dielectric properties of the sol-gel derived fibers were comparable with that of bulk ceramics for both undoped and modified PZT compositions. Relevant to mechanical properties, however, the fine scale PZT fibers exhibited fracture strengths on the order of 50 MPa, well below that of structural fiber materials, e.g. Al2O3, limiting their potential use in active structural composites.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The U.S.-Indian Nuclear Agreement: Balancing Energy Needs and Nonproliferation Goals

Abstract President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India signed a statement of intent in 2005 to allow India access to civilian nuclear technology, despite its not being a signatory to the Nonproliferation Treaty. This deal would reverse decades of U.S. nonproliferation policy, since India was the source for much of U.S. law on this count. It would require Congress to amend that law to create special exceptions for India. Rationales and critiques of the proposed deal have focused on its impact on the future exercise of U.S. authority on nonproliferation policy worldwide. But the broader impact may be felt internally, since nonproliferation decisions have been inextricably linked to national security imperatives. In acknowledging an economic justification for allowing India access to nuclear energy, the deal has also created a new dependency between U.S. national security policy and the energy profile of emerging powers.
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ON WATERSHED HYDROLOGY: A COMPARISON OF THREE APPROACHES

Several methods of impact assessment have been developed over the years which basically incorporate future climate projections of atmospheric-ocean cir culation based climate models into the simulation o f land surface hydrological processes. This study attempte d to evaluate three methods of climate change impac t assessment: (a) Frequency perturbation method, (b) direct method and (c) delta change method. A wellcalibrated hydrologic model, Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), was used in watershed simulation for climate projections of mid-century by ten Globa l Climate Models (GCMs). The frequency perturbation method found precipitation decrease by 17% and reduction in temperature by 0.43°C on an average annual basis. The changes when applied through the simulat ion model resulted in 13% reduction in Evapotranspiration (ET) and 25% reduction in water yield. Other two methods produced different set of results. It’s not conclusive to say which method pe rformed better. The frequency perturbation method produced most extreme changes while direct method had the least magnitude of changes projected for the mid-century. Changes in ET and water yield due to c hanges in future climate are likely to have severe implications for the water availability. However, m ore research is needed to evaluate several other im pact assessment methods for more reliable analysis.
Devil′s advocacy and dialectical inquiry effects on face-to-face and computer-mediated group decision making

Abstract For more than 20 years, researchers have investigated the effects of cognitive conflict techniques on the decision making performance of groups and individuals. Past research on two techniques, devil′s advocacy and dialectical inquiry, has shown that both techniques improve group performance over nonconflictual, expert-based approaches. More recently, researchers have begun to investigate how advanced decision and communication technologies can be used to enhance group processing and outcomes. In this paper, we extend both streams of research by reporting the results of a laboratory experiment on the effects devil′s advocacy and dialectical inquiry within face-to-face and computer-mediated groups. The results suggest that groups given the devil′s advocacy treatment developed and considered more alternative solutions to a case problem and selected a higher quality recommendation than those in the dialectical inquiry and expert-based treatments. Computer-mediated groups developed and considered more solution alternatives but required more voting rounds to reach agreement than did face-to-face groups. Computer-mediated groups were more satisfied with the process than face-to-face groups; no differences were found in satisfaction with decision outcome. The implications of the results for future research and practice are discussed.
Development of a Bio-Inspired Artificial Fish Using Flexible Matrix Composite Actuators

A bio-inspired prototype fish using the flexible matrix composite (FMC) muscle technology is developed for fin and body actuation. Flexible matrix composite actuators are pressure driven muscle-like actuators capable of large displacements as well as large block forces. An analytical model of the artificial fish using FMC actuators is developed and analysis results are presented. An experimental prototype of the artificial fish having FMC artificial muscles has been completed and tested. Constant mean thrusts have been achieved in the laboratory for a stationary fish for different undulation frequencies around 1 Hz. The experimental results demonstrate that a constant thrust can be achieved through tuning of excitation frequency. Free-swimming results show that the prototype can swim at approximately 0.9 m/s.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Essential clinical and legal issues when working with the suicidal patient.

Abstract The legal and clinical literatures on the standards of care for adult suicidal patients are reviewed. We discuss the components of an effective risk management approach that balances the need, for high-quality care by a reasonable and prudent practitioner with the requirements of court-determined and statutory standards. Through a review of legal theories and an overview of the clinical literature, we detail the essential pipelines, for sound assessment, intervention, and postvention procedures.
Inhibition Kinetics and Emodin Cocrystal Structure of a Type II Polyketide Ketoreductase

Type II polyketides are a class of natural products that include pharmaceutically important aromatic compounds such as the antibiotic tetracycline and antitumor compound doxorubicin. The type II polyketide synthase (PKS) is a complex consisting of 5-10 standalone domains homologous to fatty acid synthase (FAS). Polyketide ketoreductase (KR) provides regio- and stereochemical diversity during the reduction. How the type II polyketide KR specifically reduces only the C9 carbonyl group is not well understood. The cocrystal structures of actinorhodin polyketide ketoreductase (actKR) bound with NADPH or NADP+ and the inhibitor emodin were solved with the wild type and P94L mutant of actKR, revealing the first observation of a bent p-quinone in an enzyme active site. Molecular dynamics simulation help explain the origin of the bent geometry. Extensive screening for in vitro substrates shows that unlike FAS KR, the actKR prefers bicyclic substrates. Inhibition kinetics indicate that actKR follows an ordered Bi Bi mechanism. Together with docking simulations that identified a potential phosphopantetheine binding groove, the structural and functional studies reveal that the C9 specificity is a result of active site geometry and substrate ring constraints. The results lay the foundation for the design of novel aromatic polyketide natural products with different reduction patterns.