cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral and textural classification of single and multiple band digital images

Abstract Single and multiple band images are classified using supervised algorithms. Two programs, MXTEXT and MXMULT, are presented that use minimum-distance-to-mean or Bayesian, maximum likelihood algorithms for spectral classification (pattern recognition), further allowing classification of image texture based on the local variogram surrounding each image pixel. Classification of texture can be performed independently of the classification of spectral information, or a combined spectral/textural classification can be performed. Combining the classification of texture with that of spectral information is shown to be of particular value for single band radar images. Improved classification accuracy is demonstrated also for multiple band images when variograms and cross-variograms are used to classify texture and spectral information.
Temporal Blood Pressure Patterns in Children

Circadian rhythms of BP are established early in life. The ABPM coupled with an objective measure of activity is a powerful tool for the management of hypertension and is a sensitive tool for the dissection of the determinants of hypertension. The challenge for pediatricians in the future includes such important goals as establishing normal values for the circadian assessment of BP for a growing child, coupling of BP determinations with activity, using the ABPM to better understand BP tracking, studying the rhythms of families using the ABPM, educating the medical and lay communities of the importance of rhythmic phenomena, studying longitudinally patients with varying forms of hypertension, using the ABPM to test and optimize antihypertensive medications, and determining the proper diagnosis of hypertension in children based on end-organ damage rather than surrogate measures.
On estimating streamflow into a tidal estuary

Because standard stream-gaging methods cannot be applied to measure streamflow in a tidal estuary where currents reverse direction with each tidal cycle, other methods are required. Continuous velocity traverses across a section are satisfactory, but this method is laborious and costly. A method for estimating streamflow is described based upon continuous salinity recorder data, tidal data, and current tables. These data, combined with particular correction factors to make the information applicable to an entire channel cross-section, permit streamflow estimates to be prepared rapidly. To illustrate the procedure, streamflows from the Sacramento - San Joaquin Valley, California, entering San Francisco Bay are computed. Errors, applications, and limitations of the method are discussed.
Numerical calculations of spatially localized wave emission from a nonlinear waveguide: two-level saturable media

We investigate parameter trade-offs in spatially localized wave emission from a nonlinear waveguide in which the cladding is modeled as a saturable two-level medium. This model is the simplest example of a resonant medium that displays both saturable refractive index and absorption. Numerical results are presented that show the features of the wave emission, and an approximate scaling law is obtained that greatly reduces the parameter space.
Identification and characterization of a novel endogenous murine parkin mutation

Various mutations in the PARK2 gene which encodes the protein, parkin, are causal of a disease entity-termed autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism. Parkin can function as an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, mediating the ubiquitination of specific targeted proteins and resulting in proteasomal degradation. Parkin is thought to lead to parkinsonism as a consequence of a loss in its function. In this study, immunoblot analyses of brain extracts from Balb/c, C57BL/6, C3H, and 129S mouse strains demonstrated significant variations in immunoreactivity with anti-parkin monoclonal antibodies (PRK8, PRK28, and PRK109). This resulted partly from differences in the steady-state levels of parkin protein across mouse strains. There was also a complete loss of immunoreactivity for PRK8 and PRK28 antibodies in C3H mice due to was because of a homologous nucleotide mutation resulting in an E398Q amino acid substitution. In cultured cells, parkin harboring this mutation had a greater tendency to aggregate, exhibited reduced interaction with the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, UbcH7 and UbcH8, and demonstrated loss-of-function in promoting the proteosomal degradation of a specific putative substrate, synphilin-1. In situ, C3H mice displayed age-dependent increased levels of brain cortical synphilin-1 compared with C57BL/6, suggesting that E398Q parkin in these mice is functionally impaired and that C3H mice may be a suitable model of parkin loss-of-function similar to patients with missense mutations.
The Long-Run Effect of Economic Development Policy on Resident Welfare in a Perfectly Competitive Urban Economy

Abstract This paper argues that evaluations of economic development policy must consider the long-run effect on resident welfare. The paper uses comparative static analysis of a closed, urban economy with an explicit labor market, to investigate the effect of policies that stimulate economic activity. The paper finds that such policies do not necessarily raise resident welfare, because of the competition for land between firms and households. On the other hand, the paper does find that income transfers increase resident welfare. This model assumes, however, that the land, capital, and labor markets are perfectly competitive. Therefore, these results are based on the assumption that an urban economy is efficient.
Soviet agricultural prices, rent and land cadastrest

Abstract Progress toward decentralized agriculture in which entrepreneurial initiative of Soviet farm managers could be given fuller range is impeded by the double function of Soviet agricultural prices: as factors affecting input and output decisions and as extractors of land rent. Claims that the Soviet land cadastre inhibits the setting of uniform marginal-cost prices are here examined and found wanting. The real culprits are special interest opposition, ignorance of the potential role of prices, and inability to achieve the necessary complementary reforms, which can be traced to shortcomings in Soviet agricultural economic research and education.
The Influence of Sentence Novelty and Figurativeness on Brain Activity.

The predominance of the left hemisphere in language comprehension and production is well established. More recently, the right hemisphere's contribution to language has been examined. Clinical, behavioral, and neuroimaging research support the right hemisphere's involvement in metaphor processing. But, there is disagreement about whether metaphors, in and of themselves, engage the right hemisphere or if other factors that vary between metaphors and literal language elicit right hemisphere engagement. It is important to disambiguate these issues to improve our basic knowledge of figurative language processing, to more precisely define how the right hemisphere supports language, and to facilitate our ability to understand and treat language impairments. Here we investigated the role of the right hemisphere in language comprehension with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) by manipulating familiarity in both literal and metaphoric sentences. In an event-related design, participants viewed English sentences that appeared every 4.5-9s, and to which they made a pleasantness judgment. All sentences elicited activation in traditional language brain regions including left inferior frontal gyrus, left anterior inferior temporal and left posterior middle temporal gyri. Overall, metaphors and novel stimuli elicited activation in bilateral inferior frontal gyri and left temporal regions. Additionally, metaphors elicited greater activation than literal sentences in right temporal pole. Although our results are partially consistent with the graded salience hypothesis and the coarse coding hypothesis, the right hemisphere's sensitivity to familiar metaphors suggests that right hemisphere recruitment is most influenced by semantic integration demands.
Burrow Structure and Burrowing Activity of the Funnel‐feeding Enteropneust Balanoglossus aurantiacus in Bogue Sound, North Carolina, USA

. This study of the enteropneust, Balanoglossus aurantiacus, in Bogue Sound, NC, provides information on the general structure and variability in geometry of its burrow, B. aurantiacus employs a funnel at the anterior end of its burrow to cave in surface sediments. It ingests, processes, then deposits these sediments back on the surface as fecal castings. Measurements made on resin casts of burrows and on photographs of surface features (burrow openings and funnels) revealed a new and consistent pattern of burrow construction. This pattern distinguishes B. aurantiacus burrows from those reported for other funnel feeders and enteropneusts (except, perhaps, forB. clavigerus). Laboratory and field observations revealed that, within its burrow, B. aurantiacus is elongated, can double-back on itself, and can use anterior burrow openings for subsequent fecal castings. Tests for significant changes in location of surface features gave estimates of how frequently individuals in aquaria and field populations abandon old burrow locations and construct new burrows. Field observations showed that B. aurantiacus will reopen a blocked burrow opening.
Measuring Effective Flexure Width by Measuring Comb Drive Capacitance

We measure the effective flexure width of a pair of microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs) by measuring their change in comb drive capacitance upon deflection from applied voltage. This effective width is the value that a corresponding model must have in order to match the performance of the true device. Due to process variations, small changes in width from layout have been shown to increase stiffness by as much as 100%. Existing measurement methods can be costly, have unknown accuracy, are not amenable to industrial-scale batch testing, depend on the measurements of additional quantities, and so on. Our electrical probing method appears to address many of these issues. Our method requires an actuating voltage and capacitance sensing of a pair of MEMS that only differ in layout flexure width. We test our method using a low-cost capacitance meter and compare our results against a high-cost scanning electron microscope technique. We achieve nanometer scale uncertainty.
Evolution of the Pinatubo volcanic aerosol column above Pasadena, California observed with a mid‐infrared backscatter lidar

The evolution of the volcanic debris plume originating from the June 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo has been monitored since its genesis using a ground-based backscatter lidar facility sited at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Both absolute and relative pre- and post-Pinatubo backscatter observations are in accord with Mie scattering projections based on measured aerosol particle size distributions reported in the literature. The post-Pinatubo column-integrated backscatter coefficient peaked approximately 400 days after the eruption, and the observed upper boundary of the aerosol column subsided at a rate of approximately 200 m/mon.
‘Foreigners’, Nationalism and the ‘Colonial Fracture’: Stigmatized Subjects of Historical Memory in France

The riots that shook the French banlieues in 2005, while unique in their geographic extension and political resonance, are but the most recent manifestation of an ongoing escalation of violence and repression that has periodically rocked the economically devastated, socially fractured and highly cosmopolitan cityscape of post-industrial France. The stigmatization of unemployed youths and outcast working-class families as ‘foreign’ is a complex and multi-layered phenomenon. This article traces the history of the so-called ‘immigrant problem’, and of policy responses to it, from the time of the Algerian war to the republican nationalist backlash against multiculturalism over the past two decades. The trauma of decolonization, increased visibility of Maghrebi, West African, Antillian and other communities with origins outside of Europe, fears of ‘islamicization’, and political/ideological controversies over how the nation's history should be remembered and taught to future generations, have weighed heavily o...
D-glucuronyl C5-epimerase acts in dorso-ventral axis formation in zebrafish

Heparan sulfate (HS) is an ubiquitous component of the extracellular matrix that binds and modulates the activity of growth factors, cytokines and proteases. Animals with defective HS biosynthesis display major developmental abnormalities however the processes that are affected remain to be defined. D-glucuronyl-C5-epimerase (Glce) is a key HS chain modifying enzyme that catalyses the conversion of glucuronic acid into iduronic acid, a biosynthetic step that enhances HS biological activity. In this study the role of Glce during early zebrafish development has been investigated. Two Glce-like proteins (Glce-A and -B) are expressed in zebrafish at all times. They are the products of two distinct genes that, based on chromosomal mapping, are both orthologues of the same single human gene. Transcripts for both proteins were detected in fertilized zebrafish embryos prior to the onset of zygotic transcription indicating their maternal origin. At later developmental stages the epimerases are expressed widely throughout gastrulation and then become restricted to the hindbrain at 24 h post-fertilization. By monitoring the expression of well characterized marker genes during gastrulation, we have found that misexpression of Glce causes a dose-dependent expansion of the ventral structures, whereas protein knockdown using targeted antisense morpholino oligonucleotides promotes axis dorsalization. The ventralizing activity of Bmp2b is enhanced by Glce overexpression whereas Glce knockdown impairs Bmp2b activity. Glce activity is an important determinant of of dorso-ventral axis formation and patterning in zebrafish. In particular Glce acts during gastrulation by affecting Bmp-mediated cell specification. The results obtained further corroborate the concept that HS encodes information that affect morphogenesis during early vertebrate development.
Context-independent phonetic hidden Markov models for speaker-independent continuous speech recognition

Context-dependent phone models are applied to speaker-independent continuous speech recognition and shown to be effective in this domain. Several previously proposed context-dependent models are evaluated, and two new context-dependent phonetic units are introduced: function-word-dependent phone models, which focus on the most difficult subvocabulary; and generalized triphones, which combine similar triphones on the basis of an information-theoretic measure. The subword clustering procedure used for generalized triphones can find the optimal number of models, given a fixed amount of training data. It is shown that context-dependent modeling reduces the error rate by as much as 60%. >
Human Caco-2 intestinal epithelial motility is associated with tyrosine kinase and cytoskeletal focal adhesion kinase signals.

Intestinal epithelial cells assume a specialized phenotype adapted to motility and mucosal healing during mucosal restitution. Since cell-matrix interactions initiate tyrosine kinase (TK) signals, we hypothesized that the regulation of the intestinal epithelial migratory phenotype may also involve TK signals, particularly via focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Caco-2 cells were seeded simultaneously at 26,000 and 6000 cells/cm2. After 4 days, the first cells were confluent, while cells in the second population were not contact-inhibited and expressed migrating lamellipodia. Cells were fractionated into Triton X-100-soluble (membrane/cytoskeletal) and -insoluble (cytosolic) fractions. TK activity in each fraction was assayed by ELISA using a synthetic substrate. FAK protein was assessed by immunoprecipitation with monoclonal anti-FAK and Western blotting. Because active FAK autophosphorylates, we also measured FAK tyrosine phosphorylation, immunoprecipitating with anti-FAK and then Western blotting for phosphotyrosine. TK activity was increased in both cytosolic and membrane/cytoskeletal fractions of migrating cells by 17.6 +/- 3.6 and 28.9 +/- 4.1%, respectively, compared to static cells (n = 11, P < 0.01). FAK protein increased in the cytosolic fraction by 90.4 +/- 20.0% (n = 5, P = 0.01), but did not change in the membrane/cytoskeletal fraction. Tyrosine phosphorylated FAK increased by 62.8 +/- 21.4% in the cytosolic fraction of migrating cells but also by 46.6 +/- 38.4% in the membrane/cytoskeletal fraction (n = 5, P < 0.05). These data suggest that intestinal epithelial cell migration is associated with increases in both cytosolic and cytoskeletal TK activity and upregulation of cytosolic FAK protein. The increase in cytoskeletal FAK phosphorylation without increased FAK protein suggests autophosphorylation and increased cytoskeletal FAK activity. The migrating intestinal epithelial phenotype may therefore be modulated by TK signals including cytoskeletal FAK activity.
How Celecoxib Could Be Safer, How Valdecoxib Might Have Been

Following the actions of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2005, celecoxib became the only generally available cyclooxygenase-2 inhibiting antiinflammatory drug. The FDA instituted new precautions regarding the use of celecoxib and encouraged the use of “the lowest effective dose.” This dose, as defined by the FDA and the package insert, is 200 mg/day for all patients; 200 mg/day of celecoxib is a strong dosage, equivalent to naproxen 500 mg twice daily. However, many patients receiving naproxen benefit from much lower, safer dosages. With celecoxib, studies have shown that a 50% lower dosage is effective and causes fewer adverse effects. Because nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug–related events involving the gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular systems are dose-related, it is essential to define the very lowest effective dosages of celecoxib and to make these dosages available for use. This article discusses the increasing trend of drug companies to market new drugs with one-size-fit...
Osp/Claudin-11 Forms a Complex with a Novel Member of the Tetraspanin Super Family and β1 Integrin and Regulates Proliferation and Migration of Oligodendrocytes

Oligodendrocyte-specific protein (OSP)/claudin-11 is a major component of central nervous system myelin and forms tight junctions (TJs) within myelin sheaths. TJs are essential for forming a paracellular barrier and have been implicated in the regulation of growth and differentiation via signal transduction pathways. We have identified an OSP/claudin-11–associated protein (OAP)1, using a yeast two-hybrid screen. OAP-1 is a novel member of the tetraspanin superfamily, and it is widely expressed in several cell types, including oligodendrocytes. OAP-1, OSP/claudin-11, and β1 integrin form a complex as indicated by coimmunoprecipitation and confocal immunocytochemistry. Overexpression of OSP/claudin-11 or OAP-1 induced proliferation in an oligodendrocyte cell line. Anti–OAP-1, anti–OSP/claudin-11, and anti–β1 integrin antibodies inhibited migration of primary oligodendrocytes, and migration was impaired in OSP/claudin-11–deficient primary oligodendrocytes. These data suggest a role for OSP/claudin-11, OAP-1, and β1 integrin complex in regulating proliferation and migration of oligodendrocytes, a process essential for normal myelination and repair.
Enhanced Collision Resolution via Cooperative Retransmissions

Traditional medium access control protocols are designed to avoid collisions. However, due to the random arrival nature of the network traffic, collisions cannot be completely avoided in a decentralized fashion. Recently a random access protocol for wireless networks was proposed that via cooperation of network nodes can resolve collisions and thus achieve high throughput. In this paper, we provide analytical expressions for the bit-error-rate (BER) performance of that scheme in a Rayleigh flat fading scenario. Our analysis indicates that the spatial diversity introduced by user cooperation enables lower BER than non-cooperative protocols that avoid collisions, such as ALOHA or TDMA. The BER performance shows that the cooperative random access protocol is best suited for variable rate traffic. The analytical results are validated via simulations. We propose a new relay selection scheme and a control scheme on transmission probability, that further enhance performance in terms of BER and throughput.
Positive interactions between herbivores and plant diversity shape forest regeneration

The effects of herbivores and diversity on plant communities have been studied separately but rarely in combination. We conducted two concurrent experiments over 3 years to examine how tree seedling diversity, density and herbivory affected forest regeneration. One experiment factorially manipulated plant diversity (one versus 15 species) and the presence/absence of deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We found that mixtures outperformed monocultures only in the presence of deer. Selective browsing on competitive dominants and associational protection from less palatable species appear responsible for this herbivore-driven diversity effect. The other experiment manipulated monospecific plant density and found little evidence for negative density dependence. Combined, these experiments suggest that the higher performance in mixture was owing to the acquisition of positive interspecific interactions rather than the loss of negative intraspecific interactions. Overall, we emphasize that realistic predictions about the consequences of changing biodiversity will require a deeper understanding of the interaction between plant diversity and higher trophic levels. If we had manipulated only plant diversity, we would have missed an important positive interaction across trophic levels: diverse seedling communities better resist herbivores, and herbivores help to maintain seedling diversity.
Direct tests of the energetic basis of abortive cycling in transcription.

Although the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template is (and must be) a generally very stable process to enable transcription of kilobase transcripts, it has long been known that during initial transcription of the first 8–10 bases of RNA, complexes are relatively unstable, leading to the release of short abortive RNA transcripts. A wealth of structural data in the past decade has led to specific mechanistic models elaborating an earlier “stressed intermediate” model for initial transcription. In this study, we test fundamental predictions of each of these models in the simple model enzyme T7 RNA polymerase. Nicking or gapping the nontranscribed template DNA immediately upstream of the growing hybrid yields no systematic reduction in abortive fall off, demonstrating clearly that compaction or “scrunching” of this DNA is not a source of functional instability. Similarly, transcription on DNA in which the nontemplate strand in the initially transcribed region is either mismatched or removed altogether leads to at most modest reductions in abortive fall off, indicating that expansion or “scrunching” of the bubble is not the primary driving force for abortive cycling. Finally, energetic stress derived from the observed steric clash of the growing hybrid against the N-terminal domain contributes at most mildly to abortive cycling, as the addition of steric bulk (additional RNA bases) at the upstream end of the hybrid does not lead to predicted positional shifts in observed abortive patterns. We conclude that while structural changes (scrunching) clearly occur in initial transcription, stress from these changes is not the primary force driving abortive cycling.
Ovarian ageing and the menopausal transition.

The underlying cause of the menopausal transition is a dwindling supply of FSH-responsive follicles available for ovulation. Additional factors may include dysregulation of existing follicles and concurrent follicle and oocyte deficits that may be strictly anatomic or consequences of the hormonal milieu. In the early transition, menstrual irregularity is infrequent but cycle length shortens by 1-4 days. Oestrogen production may be overall elevated, even in ovulatory cycles. As anovulatory cycles become more common, and amenorrhoea of greater duration, evidence of impaired hypothalamic-pituitary function is present. Oestradiol has been implicated as an agent responsible for the impaired positive feedback response. A model of the early menopausal transition suggests that the loss of FSH restraint by the inhibins, due to a critically diminished follicle pool, is the early event that precedes overt follicle failure and may initiate intervals of hyperoestrogenaemia. The hormonal fluctuations in the early and late menopausal transition may account for some of the signs and symptoms seen during these phases.
Leiomodin 1, a New Serum Response Factor-dependent Target Gene Expressed Preferentially in Differentiated Smooth Muscle Cells

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation is defined largely by a number of cell-restricted genes governed directly by the serum response factor (SRF)/myocardin (MYOCD) transcriptional switch. Here, we describe a new SRF/MYOCD-dependent, SMC-restricted gene known as Leiomodin 1 (Lmod1). Conventional and quantitative RT-PCRs indicate that Lmod1 mRNA expression is enriched in SMC-containing tissues of the mouse, whereas its two paralogs, Lmod2 and Lmod3, exhibit abundant expression in skeletal and cardiac muscle with very low levels in SMC-containing tissues. Western blotting and immunostaining of various adult and embryonic mouse tissues further confirm SMC-specific expression of the LMOD1 protein. Comparative genomic analysis of the human LMOD1 and LMOD2 genes with their respective mouse and rat orthologs shows high conservation between the three exons and several noncoding sequences, including the immediate 5′ promoter region. Two conserved CArG boxes are present in both the LMOD1 and LMOD2 promoter regions, although LMOD1 displays much higher promoter activity and is more responsive to SRF/MYOCD stimulation. Gel shift assays demonstrate clear binding between SRF and the two CArG boxes in human LMOD1. Although the CArG boxes in LMOD1 and LMOD2 are similar, only LMOD1 displays SRF or MYOCD-dependent activation. Transgenic mouse studies reveal wild type LMOD1 promoter activity in cardiac and vascular SMC. Such activity is abolished upon mutation of both CArG boxes. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Lmod1 is a new SMC-restricted SRF/MYOCD target gene.
Usability testing of web sites designed for communities of practice: tests of the IEEE Professional Communication Society (PCS) web site combining specialized heuristic evaluation and task-based user testing

This paper describes an innovative methodology developed for usability tests of the IEEE PCS Web site that combines heuristic evaluation and task-based testing. Tests conducted on the PCS Web site examined whether the site facilitated members' ability to find information and participate in discussions, as well as developers' ability to find, contribute, and manage administrative content on the site. The unique social characteristics of Communities of Practice (CoPs) provide context for tailoring design heuristics for informational Web sites that serve the needs and interests of CoP members. Discussion focuses on technical communication principles that apply not only to evaluating the effectiveness of the PCS Web site design but also to all user-centered technical communication products and media that increasingly demand user participation.
A new thickness sensor based on the Hall effect

A highly sensitive thickness sensor has been developed which may be used as a continuously recording extensometer for rubbery materials. The application of the sensor for measuring volume changes in dewetting filled rubbers is also discussed. Further possible applications include the determination of Poisson's ratio on plastics.
A computational model for causal and diagnostic reasoning in inference systems

This paper introduces a representation of evidential relationships which permits updating of belief in two simultaneous modes: causal (i. e. top-down) and diagnostic (i.e. bottom-up). It extends the hierarchical tree representation by allowing multiple causes to a given manifestation. We develop an updating scheme that obeys the axioms of probability, is computationally efficient, and is compatible with experts reasoning. The belief parameters of each variable are defined and updated by those of its neighbors in such a way that the impact of each new evidence propagates and settles through the network in a single pass.
Patient care simulations: role playing to enhance clinical understanding.

Abstract Role-play techniques can serve as an effective substitute for, and supplement to, simulation technology when teaching clinical nursing skills. They provide risk-free opportunities to practice clinical skills and develop clinical judgment. A two-phase patient care simulation, performed in real time, is described. Students are presented with a scenario and work cooperatively in role-playing appropriate care, with one student using a prepared script to assume the role of patient. The class functions as a resource for four students who assume the nursing role. Students reported increased understanding of course material as a result of participation in the clinical simulation scenario. Faculty observed a decreased failure rate on the corresponding course examination.
Role Plays--Mini-Case Simulations--Interpersonal Relations

In this case, there are six short scenarios depicting a leader who needs to function in the role of mentor or coach to a junior employee. Students are assigned scenarios and engage in role play with a class mate. Each two-member team is assigned one mini-simulation with one member of the team simulating the employee and the other simulating the manager.
History Declassified: Using U.S. Government Intelligence Documents to Write Left History

Robert Justin Goldstein, American Blacklist: The Attorney General’s List of Subversive Organizations (Lawrence: University of Kansas Press, 2008) Ivan Greenberg, The Dangers of Dissent : The FBI and Civil Liberties Since 1965 (New York: Lexington Books, 2010) Tim Wiener, Enemies: A History of the FBI (New York: Random House, 2012)
Extraordinary optical transmission in nanopatterned ultrathin metal films without holes

We experimentally and theoretically demonstrate that a continuous gold film on a periodically textured substrate exhibits extraordinary optical transmission, even though no holes were etched in the film. Our film synthesis started by nanoimprinting a periodic array of nanocups with a period of ∼750 nm on a polystyrene film over a glass substrate. A thin non-conformal gold film was sputter-deposited on the polystyrene by angle-directed deposition. The gold film was continuous with spatial thickness variation, the film being thinnest at the bottom of the nanocup. Measurements revealed an extraordinary transmission peak at a wavelength just smaller than the period, with an enhancement of ∼2.5 compared to the classically expected value. Scattering matrix simulations model well the transmission and reflectance measurements when an ultrathin gold layer (∼5 nm), smaller than the skin depth is retained at the bottom of the nanocups. Electric field intensities are enhanced by >100 within the nanocup, and ∼40 in the ultrathin gold layer causing transmission through it. We show a wavelength red-shift of ∼30 nm in the extraordinary transmission peak when the nanocups are coated with a thin film of a few nanometers, which can be utilized for biosensing. The continuous corrugated metal films are far simpler structures to observe extraordinary transmission, circumventing the difficult process of etching the metal film. Such continuous metal films with ultrathin regions are simple platforms for non-linear optics, plasmonics, and biological and chemical sensing.
A three‐groups model for high‐throughput survival screens

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive deterioration of motor neurons in the cortex and spinal cord. Using an automated robotic microscope platform that enables the longitudinal tracking of thousands of single neurons, we examine the effects a large library of compounds on modulating the survival of primary neurons expressing a mutation known to cause ALS. The goal of our analysis is to identify the few potentially beneficial compounds among the many assayed, the vast majority of which do not extend neuronal survival. This resembles the large-scale simultaneous inference scenario familiar from microarray analysis, but transferred to the survival analysis setting due to the novel experimental setup. We apply a three-component mixture model to censored survival times of thousands of individual neurons subjected to hundreds of different compounds. The shrinkage induced by our model significantly improves performance in simulations relative to performing treatment-wise survival analysis and subsequent multiple testing adjustment. Our analysis identified compounds that provide insight into potential novel therapeutic strategies for ALS.
Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemistry of Lithium Battery Electrodes: xLi2MnO3·(1 − x)LiMn0.333Ni0.333Co0.333O2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7)

Lithium- and manganese-rich layered electrode materials, represented by the general formula xLi2MnO3·(1 − x)LiMO2 in which M is Mn, Ni, and Co, are of interest for both high-power and high-capacity lithium ion cells. In this paper, the synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization of xLi2MnO3·(1 − x)LiMn0.333Ni0.333Co0.333O2 electrodes over a wide compositional range (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) is explored. Changes that occur to the compositional, structural, and electrochemical properties of the electrodes as a function of x and the importance of using a relatively high manganese content and a high charging potential (>4.4 V) to generate high capacity (>200 mAh/g) electrodes are highlighted. Particular attention is given to the electrode composition 0.3Li2MnO3·0.7LiMn0.333Ni0.333Co0.333O2 (x = 0.3) which, if completely delithiated during charge, yields Mn0.533Ni0.233Co0.233O2, in which the manganese ions are tetravalent and, when fully discharged, LiMn0.533Ni0.233Co0.233O2, in which the average manganese ...
Depth Reconstruction from the Defocus Effect of an XSlit Camera

We introduce an physical implementation of the XSlit camera by using a pair of cylindrical lenses. By analyzing the XSlit defocus effect and strategically endcode each slit aperture, a depth reconstruction algorithm is developed.
Race: Constructs and Dilemmas

The concept of race, from a scientific perspective, has such poor construct validity and reliability that there is a growing consensus that the term should be abandoned. It is the premise of this a...
Mechanism of the treatment on infantile hemangioma by intratumoral injection of glucocorticoids

AIM: To study the mechanism underlying the treatment on infantile hemangioma by intratumoral injection of glucocorticoids. METHODS: Apoptosis versus proliferation of vascular endothelia cell (VEC) in 50 specimens from 3 groups of infantile hemangioma (18 cases from effective group; 17 cases from noneffective group; 15 cases from untreated group), and 16 normal skin tissues were analyzed. TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptotic cells. Secondly, we still measured the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the expressions of bcl-2 and c-myc in VEC through IHC method. Moreover, in morphlogical observation, light microscope was used for all of the specimens and transmission electron microscope was used for one involuting case after treatment. RESULTS: The frequency of apoptosis was high in 18 involuting hemangiomas after intralesional glucocorticoid therapy, and was much lower in other groups (effective group: 47.86±3.14, noneffective group: 22.05±3.93, untreated group: 19.20±2.82, normal skin: 35.51±3.81, P0.01). While the proliferation of VEC showed a totally reverse tendency (10.25±3.89, 44.33±5.01, 56.32±4.12, 17.91±3.76, P0.01). As expected, the expressions of bcl-2 and c-myc in VEC appeared a similar behavior that was high in proliferative cases and low in involuting ones (bcl-2: 21.28±4.70, 49.96±5.33, 52.51±7.69, P0.01; c-myc: 25.20±5.01, 51.81±5.68, 56.28±6.92, P0.01). No sign of inflammation or necrosis was found in morphologic observation in all of the cases. CONCLUSION: (1) Glucocorticoid may promote the involution of hemangioma by inducing the apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferation of VEC. (2) Glucocorticoid's role of inducing VEC apoptosis may be related to the down-regulation of bcl-2 and c-myc expressions in VEC.
Surgical correction of congenital left coronary artery-main pulmonary artery fistula in association with anomalous right coronary artery.

The association of a left coronary artery-main pulmonary artery fistula and an anomalous right coronary artery originating from the main pulmonary artery is the subject of this report. This unique combination of congenital cardiac anomalies establishes a double coronary steal from the left coronary artery, which hemodynamically represents the sole source of myocardial perfusion. The left coronary artery-main pulmonary artery fistula was closed and the coexisting anomalous right coronary artery reimplanted into the anterior aspect of the ascending aorta. A dual coronary supply was therefore established and thus eliminated the potential threat of total myocardial ischemia should the left coronary artery become critically compromised. Patency of both the left coronary artery and the transplanted right coronary artery was documented 1 year postoperatively by aortic root angiography.
Changing Role of Wholesaling

As the pressure on the supply chain to increase cost effectiveness and provide more value to consumers intensified over the past ten years, the role of wholesaling changed. No longer are warehouses expected to be “holders” of merchandise for long periods of time; no longer is bulk-breaking a primary function; no longer is wholesaling reactive. The emphasis now is on turns, cycle time, data analysis, replenishment, and speedy movement of goods.
Development and Initial Application of a Real Time Thermal Control System for Laser Tissue Welding

AbstractThe ability to sense and control continuously surface temperatures of a tissue being exposed to laser radiation could standardize parameters and eliminate subjective interpretation of results during laser tissue repair. We describe the development and testing of a control system that enables the operator to maintain relatively specific tissue temperatures for the purpose of laser welding. After initial development, the infrared thermal control system combined with an argon laser was used to repair urethral defects in 45 adult male rats. Repairs were completed using various predetermined temperatures of 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90C. The integrity of each weld was quantitatively determined by measuring intraluminal bursting pressure immediately after repair.In all temperature groups bursting pressures were in excess of 85mm. Hg. Those performed at 80C produced the strongest weld (analysis of variance p=0.0001). However, welding temperatures above 70C sacrificed the integrity of the underlying urothelium pr...
A transnational feminist policy analysis of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act

A transnational feminist policy analysis of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act: Noyori-Corbett C., Moxley D.P. A transnational feminist policy analysis of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act Although originally the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) sought to prosecute traffickers, protect victims, and prevent trafficking, the most essential aim of the act involving prevention, especially in victims’ countries of origin, has not been dominant in combating trafficking. The authors used a transnational feminist framework of policy analysis to reveal the TVPA's limitations in addressing the diminished status of poor women in the developing world. Using five key questions emanating from transnational feminism, the authors illuminate the extent to which the act is unresponsive to the economic realities that make women in developing countries vulnerable to human trafficking. Based on their analysis, the authors offer considerations for the future re-authorization of the Act, emphasizing a shift from a paradigm involving the criminalization of victims to one embodying prevention.
Higher Molecular Mass Organic Matter Molecules Compete with Orthophosphate for Adsorption to Iron (Oxy)hydroxide.

The competition between orthophosphate and water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) for adsorption to iron (oxy)hydroxide mineral surfaces is an important factor in determining the plant bioavailability of P in soils. Chemical force spectroscopy was used to determine the binding force between orthophosphate and iron (oxy)hydroxide that was coated onto atomic force microscopy (AFM) tips and adsorbed with WEOM. The force measurements were conducted at pH 4.65 and 0.02 M ionic strength which are representative of typical acid soil solutions. The chemical composition of the WEOM was determined by ultrahigh resolution electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry. The results indicate a correlation between aromatic WEOM molecules that are greater than 600 Da and the reduced binding force of orthophosphate to WEOM-adsorbed iron (oxy)hydroxide AFM tips suggesting that the molecular mass of aromatic WEOM molecules plays a critical role in regulating the WEOM-P interactions with surface ...
Correlations between pathogen concentration and fecal indicator marker genes in beach environments

The concentrations of several potential pathogens were measured using a microfluidic quantitative PCR (MFQPCR) platform in beach water, sand, and sediment samples collected in Duluth, MN. Among the 19 pathogen marker genes examined, eaeA from Escherichia coli and plc from Clostridium perfringens were most frequently detected in all samples. In beach water and wastewater samples, positive correlations were observed between quantities of potential pathogens and most of the fecal indicator genetic markers. Such correlations, however, were not frequently observed in sand and sediment samples. Our results suggest that the behavior of potential pathogens and FIB may vary by sample type and source of contamination. Consequently, appropriate FIB marker genes need to be chosen for reliable water/sand quality monitoring.
Drug therapy management in a pharmacist-run stroke prevention clinic

Temple University Hospital (TUH) is a large, urban tertiary care hospital that cares for more than 700 patients with strokes annually. TUH has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and is certified as a primary stroke center by
Nature, Nurture or Interacting Developmental Systems? Endophenotypes for learning systems bridge genes, language and development.

In the following article, Lee and Tomblin (2015) present an innovative picture of language. Their exploratory study integrates the genetics and structural neuroscience of the procedural learning sy...
The Influence of the Sleeve Elastic Deformations on the Wave Bearing Performance in Heavy Loaded Transmissions

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of the elastic deformations of the planet/star gear on the performance of a wave bearing supporting an elastic planet/star gear. An iterative algorithm that takes into consideration the responses of both the wave bearing and gear was developed. The turbulence effects and the influence of the temperature on the oil viscosity were also introduced in the computations. The numerical simulations showed that the elastic sleeve deformations have an important effect on the bearing performance by increasing the minimum film thickness and the safety limit margins.
State trajectory analysis for modular multilevel converter

For the future of sustainable energy, renewable energy will need to significantly penetrate existing utility grids. While various renewable energy sources are networked with high-voltage DC grids, integration between these high-voltage DC grids and the existing AC grids is a significant technical challenge. Among the limited choices available, the modular multi-level converter (MMC) is the most prominent interface converter used between the DC and AC grids. This subject has been widely pursued in recent years. One of the important design challenges when using an MMC is to reduce the capacitor size associated with each module. Currently, a rather large capacitor bank is required to store a certain amount of line-frequency related circulating energy. Several control strategies have been introduced to reduce the capacitor voltage ripples by injecting certain harmonic current. Most of these strategies were developed using trial and error and there is a lack of a systematic means to address this issue. Most recently, the authors of this paper have proposed to control the modulation index in order to reduce capacitor ripples. The total elimination of the unwanted circulating power associated with both the fundamental line frequency and the second-order harmonic was demonstrated, and this resulted in a dramatic reduction in capacitor size. To gain a better understanding of the intricate operation of the MMC, the authors propose a state-space analysis technique in the present paper. Combining the power flow analysis with the state trajectory portrayed on a set of two-dimensional state plans, it clearly delineates the desired power transfer from the unwanted circulating energy, thus leading to an ultimate reduction in the circulation energy and therefore the required capacitor volume.
Conductivity Relaxations in the Electron Glass

There is increased recognition 1,2 of the importance in studying the insulator phase on the insulating side of the transition. For example, the donor susceptibility is found to diverge as the transition is approached from the insulator side and can be related to a diverging localization length. Coulomb interactions are expected to play a significant role in the insulator phase. Efros3 have pointed out a Coulomb gap at T=0. The ground state is complicated and it is recognized to resemble 4,5 that of a glass or spin glass. The analogy with the glassy state arises from competition between the 1/r long-range Coulomb interactions and the randomness of site energies. For these reasons, the system on the localized side is called an electron glass. 4,5 Experimentally the slow relaxation behavior in the ac conductivity5 bears a strong resemblance to magnetization relaxation in spin glasses and dielectric or mechanical relaxations in glasses.6,7 In the critical region and at low temperatures, a conductance dependence σ(ω)=Kωs) with s=0.9 has been found5 from 105 to 102 Hz. The measured donor capacitance C has the frequency dependence ωs−1. Hence the dielectric relaxation function e* ≡e′−ie″ exhibit the dependence ωs−1 (a negative small-power law) in both its real and imaginary parts as ω→0. This “infrared divergence” behavior5,6 of e’ and e” is commonly observed in glasses. In spin-glasses, the spin susceptibility behaves in a similar way. 7 This study of low frequency relaxation in the electron glass ruled out the noninteracting Fermi glass model, and confirmed the importance of Coulomb interactions.5 Calculation of the ac conductivity of the electron glass at zero on finite temperature are restricted to the two-site or pair approximation.3 In our view if ħω≪kT, as is the case in all2,5 low-frequency measurements, a relaxation description of the entire assembly is more appropriate. This is particularly relevant in the critical region.