cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integration testing of object-oriented components using finite state machines: Research Articles

In object-oriented terms, one of the goals of integration testing is to ensure that messages from objects in one class or component are sent and received in the proper order and have the intended effect on the state of the objects that receive the messages. This research extends an existing single-class testing technique to integration testing of multiple classes. The single-class technique models the behaviour of a single class as a finite state machine, transforms the representation into a data flow graph that explicitly identifies the definitions and uses of each state variable of the class, and then applies conventional data flow testing to produce test case specifications that can be used to test the class. This paper extends those ideas to inter-class testing by developing flow graphs, finding paths between pairs of definitions and uses, detecting some infeasible paths and automatically generating tests for an arbitrary number of classes and components. It introduces flexible representations for message sending and receiving among objects and allows concurrency among any or all classes and components. Data flow graphs are stored in a relational database and database queries are used to gather def-use information. This approach is conceptually simple, mathematically precise, quite powerful and general enough to be used for traditional data flow analysis. This testing approach relies on finite state machines, database modelling and processing techniques and algorithms for analysis and traversal of directed graphs. The paper presents empirical results of the approach applied to an automotive system. This work was prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties and is, therefore, a work of the U.S. Government and not subject to copyright. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the U.S.A.
AVALANCHE HAZARD IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: AN EL NIÑO CONNECTION?

Snow avalanches are a cold-season natural hazard in the Glacier National Park (GNP), Montana, region. They are responsible for the closure of critical transportation routes, property damage, and, on occasion, fatalities. This study examined local newspaper reports of avalanches during the period from 1949 to 1997 and found a tendency for El Nino years to be associated with a decrease in snow avalanches in the region. This decrease in frequency may be caused by the below-normal precipitation that occurs in the region during El Nino years. Additional factors, such as primary storm-track direction, and temperature cycling also should be examined. [Key words: snow avalanches, El Nino, Glacier National Park (GNP).]
Evolving to End a Toxic Relationship: ADP Ribosylation in Interbacterial Warfare.

Long before pathogenic interactions with eukaryotic cells evolved, bacteria were competing with one another for limited resources. In this issue, Ting et al. (2018) identify previously unappreciated players in the interbacterial arms race that may be the evolutionary ancestors of eukaryotic cell-targeting ADP-ribosyltransferase toxins.
Patient and provider perceptions of a comprehensive care program for HIV-positive adults over 50 years of age: The formation of the Golden Compass HIV and aging care program in San Francisco

Author(s): Greene, Meredith L; Tan, Judy Y; Weiser, Sheri D; Christopoulos, Katerina; Shiels, Mary; O'Hollaren, Allison; Mureithi, Eva; Meissner, Loren; Havlir, Diane; Gandhi, Monica | Abstract: ObjectivePeople living with HIV (PLWH) are living longer and developing comorbidities and aging-related syndromes. New care models are needed to address the combined burden and complexity of HIV and its comorbidities in this group. The goal of this study is to describe qualitative data from patients and providers that informed the development of a comprehensive care model for older PLWH.MethodsPatient and provider perspectives on the clinical care and service needs of patients living and aging with HIV were explored via surveys and focus groups at a safety net HIV clinic in San Francisco. We surveyed 77 patients and 26 providers and conducted separate focus groups of older patients living with HIV (n = 31) and staff (n = 20). Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes for a care program were additionally explored using findings from the literature on HIV and aging.FindingsThemes from surveys and focus groups emphasized (a) the need for knowledge expertise in HIV and aging, (b) focus on medical conditions and determinants of health of particular import (e.g. marginal housing) among older PLWH, (c) co-locating specialty services (e.g. cardiology, geriatrics) with primary care, and (d) addressing social isolation. Findings informed the design of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary care model for PLWH called the Golden Compass program composed of four "points": Heart and Mind (North), Bones and Strength (East), Network and Navigation (South), and Dental, Hearing, and Vision (West).ConclusionBased on patient and clinic staff perspectives from surveys and focus groups, we designed a multidisciplinary program of integrated primary and specialty care, as well as housing and social support, to address the needs of older PLWH within a safety-net infrastructure. Golden Compass launched in 2017 for PLWH older than 50 years. Future research to evaluate the effectiveness of this care program in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction is ongoing.
Prognosticating Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Elevated Baseline Alpha-fetoprotein Treated with Radioembolization Using a Novel Laboratory Scoring System: Initial Development and Validation

The name of the eleventh author is listed incorrectly in the published article as Nitin Kataraya. The correct name is Nitin Katariya.
Cost-effectiveness of metastasis-directed therapy in the setting of oligometastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

147Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has historically been used as the backbone of treatment in patients with newly-diagnosed hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer. However, rec...
Intra-Prediction Side-Information Reduction Based on Gradient Boundary

Recent developments in intra-prediction show the advantage of increasing the number of prediction directions. This trend can be observed in most previous standards, and should remain in the future. However, increasing the number of intra-prediction directions incurs a non-negligible side-information bit-rate. To reduce this side-information bit-rate, we propose a method to adaptively decide whether to use a larger or smaller set of candidate intra-prediction directions by simply evaluating the maximum gradient magnitude, theoretically motivated by the prediction inaccuracy model. In this scenario, we can achieve most of the gain from using the larger intra-prediction direction set while only requiring a small amount of side-information. This method yields a significant BD-rate reduction on multiple resolutions of images using fixed block-size when implemented in a simplified HEVC-based encoder.
Relationships between Students' Course Perceptions, Engagement, and Learning.

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which college students’ perceptions of a course predicted their engagement and, subsequently, their learning in the course. This study is needed because relatively few studies have examined the relationships between several different class perceptions, engagement, and learning (as opposed to achievement). Understanding which class perceptions are significantly related to engagement and learning could help instructors design interventions to increase those perceptions. Participants included 355 students in a psychology course at a large, public university in the southeastern U.S. Students completed an online survey about their course perceptions, behavioral engagement, and cognitive engagement. In class, students completed a pretest and final exam that was used to calculate a learning score. We tested hypothesized path models that included measures of students’ class perceptions, engagement, and learning and confirmed that students’ class perceptions were not directly related to their learning; but instead, their class perceptions predicted their engagement, which then predicted their learning. Students’ perceptions of empowerment (i.e., their ability to have choices and make decisions) and the extent to which the course content was useful to their goals were particularly important in predicting their cognitive engagement. An implication of these findings is that if instructors want to increase students’ cognitive and behavioral engagement, they could use strategies that would lead to increases in students’ perceptions of empowerment and usefulness.
Remote meta‐C—H Olefination of Phenylacetic Acids Directed by a Versatile U‐Shaped Template.

Meta-C—H olefination of phenylacetic acid derivatives has been achieved using a commercially available nitrile-containing template.
Revision surgery rates in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: meta-analysis of risk factors.

BACKGROUND Wide variations in revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) rates for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) have been reported. It is important to understand expected revision rates and factors that impact the need for revision. METHODS A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed on studies that reported revision surgery data for CRSwNP patients. RESULTS Forty-five studies with 34,220 subjects were meta-analyzed, with an overall revision rate of 18.6% (95% confidence interval, 14.1%-23.6%). Studies with extractable follow-up data reported a mean revision rate of 16.2% over a weighted mean follow-up of 89.6 months. Factors associated with increased revision rates included allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (28.7%), aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (27.2%), asthma (22.6%), prior polypectomy (26.0%), and publication prior to 2008 (22.7%) (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION Although polyps can recur after ESS, reported long-term ESS revision rates are approximately 14% to 24%. Identifying risk factors for revision surgery can help manage patient expectations and determine optimal personalized treatments.
Mohr's circle presentation on an oscilloscope: A simple instrument has been developed for use with an oscilloscope which will instantaneously reduce static and dynamic strain-gage-rosette readings to a form giving Mohr's circle information

An instrument is described which operates from a single three-element rosette strain gage and displays the diameter of Mohr's circle for stress or strain on an oscilloscope with proper length, position and angle for the determination of principal stress or strain magnitudes and direction. The device combines simplicity of construction and calibration with low cost and versatility of operation. Its useful frequency range is from static to a reasonable fraction of the system carrier frequency. The present design employs a-c gage excitation but the basic concept may be extended to d-c excitation for high-frequency work. Recording of dynamic strains is possible by photography of the oscilloscope trace. Uses have included instruction in elasticity as well as conventional stress analysis.
Concomitant atrial fibrillation ablation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass and cardiac valve surgery

Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in conjunction with other cardiac surgery is now a class I guideline recommendation. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the concomitant surgical ablation of AF can be performed safely and effectively during valve and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) resulting in a return to sinus rhythm postoperatively and improved long-term results. However, the surgical ablation of AF at the time of other cardiac surgery is performed less often than it should be, especially in patients undergoing CABG and aortic valve surgery. Randomized-controlled trials designed to determine the effect of treating AF concomitantly with other cardiac surgical procedures have lacked long-term follow up, but multiple, large observational studies have demonstrated an improved quality of life, a decrease in long-term strokes, and improved late survival in patients who undergo AF ablation. However, the potential survival benefit of concomitant AF ablation was not addressed by either the Society of Thoracic Surgery or American Association for Thoracic Surgery guideline committees. Left atrial appendage closure is an important part of the surgical ablation of AF as it significantly reduces the long-term risk of stroke following cardiac surgery and improves the success of AF treatment. In this study, we update the electrophysiology and surgical community on the recommended surgical techniques for AF ablation and its effect on perioperative morbidity, perioperative mortality, as well as its long-term effects on stroke, quality of life, and survival.
Determining the Relative Reactivity of Sulfate, Bisulfate and Organosulfates with Epoxides on Secondary Organic Aerosol

Extensive laboratory and field studies have identified nucleophilic addition reactions of isoprene epoxydiols (IEPOX) as key pathways for the formation of isoprene-derived secondary organic aerosol...
Discriminative Cross-Modal Data Augmentation for Medical Imaging Applications

While deep learning methods have shown great success in medical image analysis, they require a number of medical images to train. Due to data privacy concerns and unavailability of medical annotators, it is oftentimes very difficult to obtain a lot of labeled medical images for model training. In this paper, we study cross-modality data augmentation to mitigate the data deficiency issue in medical imaging domain. We propose a discriminative unpaired image-to-image translation model which translate images in source modality into images in target modality where the translation task is conducted jointly with the downstream prediction task and the translation is guided by the prediction. Experiments on two applications demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Regional Genocide Denial and Contradictory White Selves

This chapter pursues tensions between conflicting regional- and national-insider selves constructed by historian Gary Clayton Anderson as he delivered a public lecture on Minnesota’s U.S.-Dakota War in January 2012. Positioning himself as regional insider, Anderson sought to diminish the importance of genocidal intent among white officials in Minnesota, a discursive move designed to persuade the implied white audience to suspend judgment toward symbolic white ancestors and the genocide they carried out against the Dakota people in the 1860s. Yet, as national-insider who confers with prominent Genocide Studies scholars, Anderson had to account for the importance of genocidal intent, raising contradictions that involved culpability for ancestors closer to heart. The chapter analyzes the lecture as an act of epistemic violence against both indigenous audience members and critical whites in attendance. Ultimately, this chapter provides more ways white justice as fairness diverts citizen-scholars away from critical social justice education on the U.S.-Dakota War.
Creating a culture of quality: our experience with providing feedback to frontline hospitalists

Background One way to provide performance feedback to hospitalists is through the use of dashboards, which deliver data based on agreed-upon standards. Despite the growing trend on feedback performance on quality metrics, there remain limited data on the means, frequency and content of feedback that should be provided to frontline hospitalists. Objective The objective of our research is to report our experience with a comprehensive feedback system for frontline hospitalists, as well as report the change in our quality metrics after implementation. Design, setting and participants This quality improvement project was conducted at a tertiary academic medical centre among our hospitalist group consisting of 46 full-time faculty members. Intervention or exposure A monthly performance feedback report was distributed to provide ongoing feedback to our hospitalist faculty, including an individual dashboard and a peer comparison report, complemented by coaching to incorporate process improvement tactics into providers’ daily workflow. Main outcomes and measures The main outcome of our study is the change in quality metrics after implementation of the monthly performance feedback report Results The dashboard and rank order list were sent to all faculty members every month. An improvement was seen in the following quality metrics: length of stay index, 30-day readmission rate, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, provider component of Healthcare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores, attendance at care coordination rounds and percentage of discharge orders placed by 10:00. Conclusions Implementation of a monthly performance feedback report for hospitalists, complemented by peer comparison and guidance on tactics to achieve these metrics, created a culture of quality and improvement in the quality of care delivered.
High efficiency functionalized hydrophilic cyclofructans as stationary phases in sub/supercritical fluid chromatography.

Abstract Packed column SFC has become very popular for preparative and analytical separations due to the low cost of CO2, its accessible critical temperature, and pressure, with the additional benefit of a low environmental burden. Currently, there is a shortage of new polar stationary phase chemistries for SFC. In this work, two new functionalized cyclofructan columns are introduced and evaluated for their performance in achiral SFC separations for the first time. Cyclofructan (CF6), a macrocyclic oligosaccharide, was covalently linked with benzoic acid (BCF6) and propyl sulfonic acid (SCF6) groups by ether bonds. Superficially porous particles (2.7 μm) bonded with modified CF6 showed markedly different selectivity than native CF6. In SFC, peak shapes of amines and basic compounds are often compromised. We show that small quantities (~5.7% v/v) of water added to the methanol modifier in CO2 improves peak symmetries of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines. Efficiencies as high as 200,000 plates/m (reduced plate height ~ 1.8) were observed for benzamide and amitriptyline on the BCF6 column. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of retention times on BCF6 were about 1.4%, and on SCF6 were less than 1%. Amines on the SCF6 column showed plate counts as high as 170,000 plates/m. Tetramethylammonium acetate is examined as an alternative to water in MeOH. A run time of 36 min with methanol, trifluoroacetic acid, triethylamine mobile phase was reduced to
“Every time I tell my story I learn something new”: Voice and inclusion in research with Black women with histories of substance use and incarceration:

While current ethical procedures aim to minimize risks to imprisoned individuals, there is heightened awareness of the need to protect those who participate in research post-incarceration while und...
Increasing Measurement Precision of PISA Through Multistage Adaptive Testing

Multistage adaptive testing (MST) designs are becoming more common in international large-scale assessments (ILSAs). This study presents what design considerations were made for introducing MST into the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in the 2018 cycle. First, we conducted an experimental study during the field trial to examine the invariance of item parameters by unit order. The results confirmed that unit order effects were negligible, thus, confirming the feasibility of introducing the MST into the main survey. Second, we evaluated item parameter recovery and expected gains in measurement precision based on the PISA 2018 MST design through a simulation study. The simulation study revealed an acceptable level of parameter recovery and improved measurement precision, about 4–5% compared to the non-adaptive realistic benchmark in which students randomly took the same number of units.
Extended Abstract Out of the Ordinary: Common Use Arguments in Legislative Classification

The common-law doctrine of stare decisis tasks the courts with comparing, sorting, and regulating new cases based on established standards of legality, a lineage of thought that seeks continuity between past and future rulings (Scalia 1997, 7). Regardless of this strong desire for stability and consistency, the frustrating reality is that ambiguity is often written—intentionally or accidentally—into legislation, contracts, and policy, questionable phrasing that can severely hinder a court’s ability to determine how new cases relate to previous findings. As the text of a legal document provides the normalized naming around which future cases are considered, statutory interpretation is needed to “determine an instrument’s meaning” (Baude and Sachs 2017, 1086) when subjects deviate too far from or challenge previously defined regulatory categories. This interpretation ensures that a statue is “not only internally consistent, but also compatible with previously enacted laws” (Scalia, 16). Different modalities, discourses, and theories can influence and guide judicial interpretation. Here, I will be focusing on the legal canons of “ordinary meaning,” “plain meaning,” and “common use,” flexible interpretive devices frequently evoked by scholars and judges to clarify ambiguous terminology and manage legislative classifications. Although each is unique and distinct, I argue that appeals to the plain, ordinary, and common can be unified under a singular knowledge organization (KO) theory motivated by a desire for atheoretical meaning and rooted in three unifying characteristics: obfuscation, hegemonic appeal, and autopoietic validation. Each of these attributes provides extremely valuable epistemic opportunities, yet their effective combination creates a mechanism that most readily substantiates, rather than dismantels, oppressive norms.
A GaN Based Four-Port Flying Capacitor Multilevel Converter

In this paper, Flying Capacitor Multilevel converter (FCML) topology is used to develop a novel GaN-based four-port multilevel converter. The proposed four-port converter can be used in a variety of applications such as ACgrid integration with Photovoltaic (PV), Energy Storage (ES), and Electric Vehicle (EV). A 5. 7kW prototype with four ports (three DC ports and an AC port) connected through three 4-level FCML conversion paths (one DC-AC path and two identical DC-DC paths) The DC-AC path is capable of processing power of 1.7 kW and incorporates an unfolder for the DC-AC conversion. The DC-AC path has achieved a maximum efficiency of 98.2% with voltage and current Total Harmonic Distortion of 0.78% and 0.71%, respectively. Each of the other two DC-DC paths are capable of processing power of a 2kW and have achieved a peak efficiency of 99.43%.
From Intersex to DSD: the Disciplining of Sex Development

Drawing on the writings of Michel Foucault, this paper argues that the establishment of a new nomenclature and treatment model for intersexed individuals expands both the number of disciplines and the number of physical elements recognized as involved in (im)proper sex development and further, that the temporalization of these elements works to establish sex development as a discipline . Sex development thus emerges as a field of power/knowledge that allows for the distribution of not just individuals with intersex conditions, but of all individuals, in relation to a norm. Further, while many see this model of treatment as finally acknowledging the calls of intersex activists for patient involvement in decision making, for the delaying of unnecessary surgical and hormonal treatment, and for urging honesty among physicians, patients and parents, this article argues that for some these may be hollow victories, requiring that both the patient and his or her family be disciplined into the right attitudes, behaviours and responses to treatment—and that they themselves discipline others accordingly—in order to enjoy these gains.
Polysubstance Use among Minority Adolescent Males Incarcerated for Serious Offenses

Adolescent juvenile offenders are at high risk for problems associated with drug use, including polysubstance use (i.e., use of a variety of drugs). The combination of juvenile offending and polysubstance use presents a significant public and child health concern. This study explored polysubstance use among a sample of youth incarcerated for serious offenses. We examined several risk factors for substance use and delinquency (i.e., early and frequent substance use, prior history of arrests, school expulsion, Black ethnicity), as well as the association between aggression and polysubstance use. Data were collected via questionnaires from 373 serious male juvenile offenders upon intake into a secure locked facility. Youth were on average 16 years old, and minority youth were overrepresented (28.1 % Black, 53.1 % Latino). Poisson regressions were used to assess the associations between the risk factors, aggression, and polysubstance use. Consistent with the literature, Black youth reported less polysubstance use and later age of drug use onset than White and Latino youth. Findings suggest that Latino juvenile offenders and those with an early and problematic pattern of substance use are at heightened risk for polysubstance use. Aggression was not significantly related to polysubstance use, over and above the risk factors. Given that Latino youth experience low rates of treatment for substance use, the development of culturally-sensitive interventions for these youth is needed. Interventions should also be multifaceted to address the multitude of risk factors associated with polysubstance use among juvenile offenders.
He II λ1640 as a Diagnostic for Assessing the Extent of Rapid Rotation in Be Stars

To look for evidence of a substantial enhancement in the polar temperature of Be stars, which one might expect if these stars were rotating near their critical velocities, the strength of the He II λ1640 absorption line has been investigated in a restricted group of objects (B1.5–B2.5 IV–V). The fact that no correlation between the equivalent width of He II λ1640 and v sin i was found argues against the presence of significant polar brightening. He II λ1640 is variable in an individual star, but does not correlate well with the strength of the wind. It may be a signature of enhanced photospheric activity.
Competencies affecting knowledge sharing in virtual learning teams

This study is designed to identify which competencies have predictive relationship with knowledge sharing in virtual learning team in distance education. The study was conducted with 1,355 distance education students at undergraduate and graduate levels. This study suggests that loyalty, integrity, cooperativeness and trust have statistically significant predictive relationship with knowledge sharing. The results of the study have implications for instructional designers and instructors to design learning environments and to provide instruction in virtual classrooms by taking into consideration the impact of the identified variables on knowledge sharing. https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel.2015.07.020
A Review of the Health Effects of Sexual Assault on African American Women and Adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective To review the research findings for mental and physical health outcomes and health behaviors of African American women and adolescents after sexual assault. Data Sources Searches of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and PubMed from January 2001 through May 2012 using the terms Blacks, African Americans, sexual abuse, sexual offenses , and rape . Study Selection Criteria for inclusion included (a) results of primary research conducted in the United States and published in English, (b) African American females age 13 and older, (c) sexual assault or sexual abuse reported as distinct from other types of abuse, and (d) health status as an outcome variable. Twenty‐one publications met inclusion criteria. Data Extraction Articles were reviewed for the mental and physical health and health behavior outcomes associated with sexual assault of African American women and adolescents. Data Synthesis Sexual assault was associated with increased risk of poor mental and physical health outcomes in the general population of women and adolescents. There was an increased risk of unhealthy behaviors (e.g., drinking, drug use, risky sexual behaviors) for all women and adolescents, with the highest risk reported for African American women and adolescents. Help seeking from family and friends demonstrated conflicting results. Cumulative effects of repeated assaults appear to worsen health outcomes. Conclusion Sexual assault has significant effects on the physical and mental health and health behaviors of women and adolescents in the general population. Less evidence is available for differences among African American women and adolescents. More research is needed to understand the influence of race on women's and adolescents’ responses to assault.
Processing, microstructure and properties of bulk metallic glass composites

A Zr-Nb-Cu-Ni-Al bulk metallic glass was reinforced with up to 80 volume-percent (% Vf) continuous fibers, short fibers or particles. Characterization based on X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, electron microprobe and scanning electron microscopy is presented. The metallic glass matrix remains amorphous after adding reinforcements. Reactions at the matrix/reinforcement interfaces were examined using transmission electron microscopy. A narrow band of crystalline particles typically forms adjacent to the reinforcement. The composites were tested in compression. Compressive strain-to-failure increased by up to factor of 12 compared to the unreinforced bulk metallic glass. The increase in compressive strain-to-failure is due to the particles restricting shear band propagation, promoting the generation of multiple shear bands and additional fracture surface area.
Spring temperatures alter reproductive development in grapevines

Background and Aims: Climate variation contributes to fluctuations in reproductive output, and spring temperature is thought to influence flower production in grapevines. For 3 years, we studied the influence of temperature from before budswell through to the appearance of individual flowers on reproductive development in field-grown Cabernet Sauvignon while minimising the influence of other microclimatic variables. Methods and Results: Dormant buds and emerging shoots were heated or cooled from before budswell until individual flowers were visible. Flower number per inflorescence was inversely related to pre-budburst temperature. Conversely, flower size, percent fruit set, and berry size increased with higher temperatures. Fruit set also increased as flower size and leaf area per flower increased; fruit set was erratic below 4 cm2 leaf area per flower. Berry mass and sugar content per berry increased with increasing flower size. Although yield per shoot varied threefold among treatments, differences in fruit composition were minor. Conclusions: Variations in early-season temperatures may alter substantially grapevine yield formation. The temperature effect may be a combination of direct effects on floral development and indirect effects arising from differences in shoot growth. Significance of the Study: This study shows that variations in temperature near budburst may be an important cause of large variations in grapevine yield.
Toward interactive scene walkthroughs from images

Interactive walkthrough applications require rendering an observed scene from a continuous range of target viewpoints. Toward this end, a novel approach is introduced that processes a set of input images to produce photorealistic scene reprojections over a wide range of viewpoints. This is achieved by (1) acquiring calibrated input images that are distributed throughout a target range of viewpoints to be modeled, and (2) computing a 3D reconstruction that is consistent in projection with all of the input images. The method avoids image correspondence problems by working in a discretized scene space whose voxels are traversed in a fixed visibility ordering. This strategy takes full account of occlusions and enables reconstructions of panoramic scenes. Promising initial results are presented for a room walkthrough.
Mystery in experimental psychology, aesthetic emotions

What are aesthetic emotions and how can they be measured? We discuss that these are emotions related to knowledge and to satisfaction of instinct for knowledge. Arguments from cognitive and mathematical models are presented that aesthetic emotions motivate us to acquire and improve knowledge. Cognitive functions of the emotions of beauty and music are discussed. Can aesthetic emotions be measured? The paper discusses possible cognitive mechanisms of aesthetic emotions, existing results, difficulties and opportunities.
ADR Gone Wild: Is It Time for a Federal Mediation Exclusionary Rule?

Most people have heard of the video series “Girls Gone Wild.” What remains largely unknown however, is that Joe Francis, America’s best known and most flamboyant purveyor of adult videos, went to jail for his conduct at a court-ordered mediation regarding the Girls Gone Wild videos. This scenario provides a colorful foundation for discussion of an increasingly acute problem in our courts: the erosion of confidentiality in federal, court-ordered mediation. This article examines this question in the context of mediation sanctions motions, a trend tracing back to the passage of the ADR Act in 1998. Filling a gap in current scholarship, the article includes a complete survey of the relevant mediation rules of all U.S. district courts, underscoring the lack of consistency that has lead to the erosion of confidentiality in most federal courts. The article reviews the inevitable consequence of this lack of mediation confidentiality: a growing rash of sanctions motions filed by parties unhappy with the outcome of a mediation, often providing detailed accounts of what transpired during the supposedly confidential negotiations. After analyzing the policy rationales behind mediation confidentiality, the article argues that Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 16 should be amended to prohibit the disclosure of mediation communications in support of motions seeking sanctions for purported violations of the rule.
Studies of the Energy-dependent Uptake of Divalent Metal Ions by Beef Heart Mitochondria

The energy-dependent uptake of calcium and magnesium by beef heart mitochondria was investigated using a combination of direct measurement of metal cation uptake and the interaction of divalent metal cations with the membrane-associated chelate probe, chlorotetracycline. Maximal rates of calcium and magnesium uptake in energized heart mitochondria were observed when the incubations contained a permeant anion. However, maximal changes in the chlorotetracycline-associated fluorescence were observed during divalent cation uptake in the absence of a permeant counter ion. Following rapid energy-dependent calcium or magnesium uptake by the mitochondrial membranes in the absence of a permeant anion, the addition of uncoupler or EDTA caused a release of the divalent metal ions from the membrane. Also, after the initial association of the divalent metal ions with the membrane, the addition of a permeant anion caused not only a dramatic decrease in the chlorotetracycline-associated fluorescence of the mitochondrial suspension but also an enhanced uptake of the metal ion. When phosphate was added as the permeant anion, the chlorotetracycline-associated fluorescence decrease was prevented by the inclusion of mersalyl, an inhibitor of phosphate transport in isolated mitochondria. Increasing the potassium concentration of the reaction medium caused a significant decrease in the fluorescence change during the energized uptake of either magnesium or calcium by the mitochondria. However, potassium was without effect on the initial base-line fluorescence prior to substrate addition. Furthermore, the addition of the ionophorous antibiotic, A23187, to deplete the mitochondrial membranes of their divalent metal ions, resulted in a complete prevention of the chlorotetracycline-associated fluorescence changes which occurred upon energization of the membranes. These observations indicate that calcium and magnesium transport across mitochondrial membranes consists of at least three phases: (a) an energy-independent binding of the divalent metal to the surface of the membrane, (b) an energy-dependent movement of the metal ion in or on the membrane to a site which is accessible to the membrane-associated chelate probe, chlorotetracycline, and (c) an anion-dependent transfer of the metal ion from the membrane into the matrix space.
TU-CD-BRB-01: Normal Lung CT Texture Features Improve Predictive Models for Radiation Pneumonitis

Purpose: Existing normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models for radiation pneumonitis (RP) traditionally rely on dosimetric and clinical data but are limited in terms of performance and generalizability. Extraction of pre-treatment image features provides a potential new category of data that can improve NTCP models for RP. We consider quantitative measures of total lung CT intensity and texture in a framework for prediction of RP. Methods: Available clinical and dosimetric data was collected for 198 NSCLC patients treated with definitive radiotherapy. Intensity- and texture-based image features were extracted from the T50 phase of the 4D-CT acquired for treatment planning. A total of 3888 features (15 clinical, 175 dosimetric, and 3698 image features) were gathered and considered candidate predictors for modeling of RP grade≥3. A baseline logistic regression model with mean lung dose (MLD) was first considered. Additionally, a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was applied to the set of clinical and dosimetric features, and subsequently to the full set of clinical, dosimetric, and image features. Model performance was assessed by comparing area under the curve (AUC). Results: A simple logistic fit of MLD was an inadequate model of the data (AUC∼0.5). Including clinical and dosimetric parameters within the framework of the LASSO resulted in improved performance (AUC=0.648). Analysis of the full cohort of clinical, dosimetric, and image features provided further and significant improvement in model performance (AUC=0.727). Conclusions: To achieve significant gains in predictive modeling of RP, new categories of data should be considered in addition to clinical and dosimetric features. We have successfully incorporated CT image features into a framework for modeling RP and have demonstrated improved predictive performance. Validation and further investigation of CT image features in the context of RP NTCP modeling is warranted. This work was supported by the Rosalie B. Hite Fellowship in Cancer research awarded to SPK
Purification and Characterization of the Two 6-Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase Species from Pseudomonas multivorans

The two species of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.43) from Pseudomonas multivorans were resolved from extracts of gluconate-grown bacteria and purified to homogeneity. Each enzyme comprised between 0.1 and 0.2% of the total cellular protein. Separation of the two enzymes, one which is specific for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and the other which is active with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate was facilitated by the marked difference in their respective isoelectric points, which were at pH 5.0 and 6.9. Comparison of the subunit compositions of the two enzymes indicated that they do not share common peptide chains. The enzyme active with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide was composed of two subunits of about 40,000 molecular weight, and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-specific enzyme was composed of two subunits of about 60,000 molecular weight. Immunological studies indicated that the two enzymes do not share common antigenic determinants. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate strongly inhibited the 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase active with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide by decreasing its affinity for 6-phosphogluconate. Guanosine-5'-triphosphate had a similar influence on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-specific 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. These results in conjunction with other data indicating that reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate stimulates the conversion of 6-phosphogluconate to pyruvate by crude bacterial extracts suggest that in P. multivorans, the relative distribution of 6-phosphogluconate into the pentose phosphate and Entner-Doudoroff pathways might be determined by the intracellular concentrations of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and purine nucleotides.
The diet of Ophiosparte gigas (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) along the Antarctic Peninsula, with comments on its taxonomic status

Analyses of stomach contents of 121 adult Ophiosparte gigas Koehler 1922, collected along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula in 1981–1983, show that this species is an active predator and scavenger whose diet consists of representatives of at least 10 phyla. The top five prey groups are sponges, ophiuroids, bivalves, polychaetes and crustaceans by percentage frequency of occurrence, and ophiuroids, bivalves, polychaetes, amphipods and sponges by fullness relative volume. Rankings of prey by various frequency and volume measures vary among different sites suggesting that Ophiosparte gigas is an opportunistic feeder. Significant differences in diet, feeding behavior and morphological characteristics related to feeding, and others, including composition of the integument and structure of the oral and dental plates, show the conventional placement of the monotypic genus Ophiosparte in the Ophiacanthidae is not justified. We suggest placement in the Ophiomyxidae but formal designation within a subfamily must await a thorough revision of the suborder Ophiomyxina.
Computer method for investigating the inherent accuracy of centreless grinding

Abstract A method is described for simulating the centreless grinding problem on a digital computer taking into account the geometrical considerations and making an assumption for the elastic deflexion of the machine. Theoretical and experimental results are compared to show the errors produced on work by a sudden infeed. It is also shown that in the case of a uniform infeed, there may be a tendency for regeneration of a waviness to occur with larger values of the included tangents angle β. Without this regeneration the errors produced with a uniform infeed are shown to be extremely small.
Dose-response effects of peripheral nerve stimulation and motor training in stroke: Preliminary data

Stroke is one of the most devastating and prevalent diseases. However, efforts to limit tissue damage in acute stroke have met with only minimal success. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to establish effective therapies for use during long-term stages of recovery. Such therapy can capitalize on neuroplastic change (brain reorganization), which has been associated with recovery of function after brain lesions. Intensive, repetitive motor training is a therapeutic intervention that has been shown to support neuroplastic change and improve motor performance after stroke. Likewise, sensory input in the form of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been shown to upregulate neuroplasticity and improve motor performance after stroke. However, no studies have evaluated how pairing intensive motor training with various PNS intensities and times may affect motor performance, particularly for subjects with severe upper extremity (UE) hemiparesis after stroke. Here, we describe our ongoing study of whether various intensities and times of delivery of PNS relative to motor training will yield differential effects on UE motor function in subjects with chronic, severe motor deficit after stroke. Our results will facilitate development of a dose-response model for PNS paired with intensive, repetitive motor training, which will help optimize this combinatory intervention for stroke survivors with highest need.
Compensation of higher-order frequency-dependent phase terms in chirped-pulse amplification systems.

We have developed a system that provides monotonic tuning of the higher-order frequency-dependent phase of ultrashort laser pulses. This technique utilizes geometric aberrations that arise from adjustments to the relative alignment of the elements of an air-spaced doublet lens. In a system such as a diffraction-grating stretcher, the spectral components of the optical pulses are spatially dispersed, and lens aberrations introduce frequency-dependent phase shifts. A numerical model of a general chirped-pulsed amplification system has been developed and verified by comparison with experimental and analytical results. Numerical results indicating that higher-order phase terms can be compensated by a properly adjusted air-spaced doublet design within the pulse stretcher are presented.
Effect of prior β-grain size on the hot deformation behavior of Ti-6Al-4V: Coarse vs coarser

The hot deformation behavior of extra low interstitial (ELI) grade Ti-6Al-4V with a transformed β-preform microstructure was studied in coarse (0.5 to 1 mm) and coarser (2 to 3 mm) (prior β) grained materials using hot compression testing in the temperature range of 750 to 1100 °C and a strain rate range of 0.001 to 100 s−1. Processing maps were developed on the basis of the flow stress data as a function of temperature and strain rate. The maps revealed that the domain of globularization of the lamellar structure and region of large grained superplasticity of β were not influenced by the prior β-grain size. However, the regimes of cracking at the prior β-grain boundaries occurring at lower temperatures and strain rates and the flow instability occurring at lower temperatures and higher strain rates were both wider for the coarse grained material than the coarser grained material. The β-instability regime, however, was more pronounced in the coarser grained material. From the hot workability viewpoint, the present results show that there is no remarkable benefit in refining the prior β-grain size. On the contrary, it will somewhat restrict the workability domain by widening the adjacent regimes, causing microstructural damage.
Structure of Unitary Scattering Amplitudes. II

A representation for the scattering amplitude $A(s, t, u)$ is developed that satisfies elastic unitarity in the $s$ channel. The representation has the structure of the Mandelstam representation so it can be analytically continued to the crossed channels to impose the constraints of crossing symmetry. The development utilizes the flexibility of the $\frac{N}{D}$ representation for unitary partial-wave amplitudes and summation techniques for a class of Legendre sums to construct the unitary amplitude. Methods for incorporating inelastic unitarity and difficulties with crossing symmetry are discussed.