cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An on-line data acquisition system for radiation therapy: external photon and electron beams.

Abstract An on-line data acquisition system for external beam treatment planning has been developed. The hardware consists of a Tektronix 4054 Computer, an SHM Nuclear 3-D scanning water phantom, interfaces for 16 channels of ADC and 32 channels of digital I O , and two detector probes for measuring dose distribution and monitoring fluctuations in machine output. The program to control the movement of the scanning probe and to collect data is written in BASIC. Results of the measurements are plotted in real time on the Tektronix screen. The beam data format consists of a set of percentage depth doses along the central axis and five sets of off-axis ratios at five different depths. In the electron mode, when ionization chambers are used, data points are averages of two measurements, one with positive bias and the other with negative bias. The beam data are stored on disk which can be accessed by the Capintec treatment planning system.
Measurement-based coherency identification and aggregation for power systems

Model reduction techniques are often applied to large-scale complex power systems to increase simulation performance. The bottleneck of existing methods to get a high reduction ratio lies in: (1) Coherency identification is static and conservative. Some coherent generators are not detected when system topology or operating point changes. (2) Solitary generators outside any coherency group are not aggregated regardless of their importance. To overcome the first problem, a measurement-based online coherency identification method was used in this paper. By analyzing post-fault trajectories measured by phasor measurement units (PMUs), coherency generators were identified through principal component analysis. The method can track conherency groups with time-varying system topology and operating points. To address the second problem, sensitivity analysis was employed into model reduction in this paper. The sensitivity of tie-line power flows against injected active power of external system generators was derived. Those generators having minimal impacts on tie-line power flows were replaced with negative impedances. Case studies show that the proposed method can handle well these solitary generators and the reduction ratio can be enhanced. Future work will include generalization of the sensitivity method.
The application of fuzzy logic to the prescription of antithrombotic agents in the elderly.

The prescription of antithrombotic agents in the elderly depends, to certain degree, on the identity of the unique individual elderly patient. This dependence cannot be captured by viewing the patient as belonging to a group, but rather by viewing age in the context of unique individual biology. This context is historical, physiological, psychological, and time- and location-dependent. The group-based approach to patient therapy is found in evidence-based medicine, typified by the large double-blind randomised clinical trial from which clinical recommendations are defined. An alternative approach to capturing the unique context of each patient is based using fuzzy logic and mathematics. In particular, the fuzzy subsethood theorem of Kosko has direct application here. A new measure of clinical efficiency, K, derived from the fuzzy subsethood theorem has redefined the clinical significance of age. In particular, the causal role of age in any one patient’s response to therapy is to unique degree for that patient. This is because the causal measure K accounts for the role of known and unknown contextual factors of the patient, most of which are unknown, in defining clinical effect in any specific patient. Thus, we have shown mathematically why ‘age’, or being ‘elderly’, is only one factor to be taken into consideration when therapeutic decisions regarding antithrombotic therapy are made in any given patient. This is contrary to the group-based approach of evidence-based medicine, where age has the same therapeutic significance for all patients. This is because any hypothesis of evidence-based medicine is group-based and cannot be extrapolated to the individual patient. Such extrapolation has to be personalised through the expertise of the physician. The physician takes into account all the factors not considered in any therapeutic group-based trial which apply to his specific patient. These considerations take into account past experience with that patient. An example of the effect of age on the patient and his/her therapeutic context is provided which shows how age affects different patients to different degree using the fuzzy causal measure K. The purpose of this exercise is to show that there is mathematical support for the argument that individualisation of patient therapy by expert decision has measurable clinical significance. What is different here is that measure stick is not probabilistic but fuzzy-mathematic based.
A three point perspective on pictorial representation: Wartofsky, Goodman and Gibson on seeing pictures

In the philosophical controversy between realism and conventialism, pictorial representation stands as a concrete issue dividing the two positions: is linear perspective an intrinsically realistic mode of representation? or is it a conven? tional system with only apparent realism? Goodman and Wartofsky are the outstanding proponents of the latter view. According to Goodman, realism is a matter of habit and to say that a picture looks like nature often means only that it looks the way nature is usually portrayed. Wartofsky extends Good? man's thesis by arguing that social historical praxis endows representational systems with fidelity. However, while we agree that there are a multiplicity of realistic systems of representation, we do not agree that realism is entirely a matter of habit or social praxis. In this paper we will argue, following Gib? son, that the realism of perspective is due primarily to the visual information it captures.
A Fluorescent Microplate Assay Quantifies Bacterial Efflux and Demonstrates Two Distinct Compound Binding Sites in AcrB

ABSTRACT A direct assay of efflux by Escherichia coli AcrAB-TolC and related multidrug pumps would have great value in discovery of new Gram-negative antibiotics. The current understanding of how efflux is affected by the chemical structure and physical properties of molecules is extremely limited, derived from antibacterial data for compounds that inhibit growth of wild-type E. coli. We adapted a previously described fluorescent efflux assay to a 96-well microplate format that measured the ability of test compounds to compete for efflux with Nile Red (an environment-sensitive fluor), independent of antibacterial activity. We show that Nile Red and the lipid-sensitive probe DiBAC 4 -(3) [bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)-trimethine oxonol] can quantify efflux competition in E. coli. We extend the previous findings that the tetracyclines compete with Nile Red and show that DiBAC 4 -(3) competes with macrolides. The extent of the competition shows a modest correlation with the effect of the acrB deletion on MICs within the compound sets for both dyes. Crystallographic studies identified at least two substrate binding sites in AcrB, the proximal and distal pockets. High-molecular-mass substrates bound the proximal pocket, while low-mass substrates occupied the distal pocket. As DiBAC 4 -(3) competes with macrolides but not with Nile Red, we propose that DiBAC 4 -(3) binds the proximal pocket and Nile Red likely binds the distal site. In conclusion, competition with fluorescent probes can be used to study the efflux process for diverse chemical structures and may provide information as to the site of binding and, in some cases, enable rank-ordering a series of related compounds by efflux.
The PVT Properties of Water. IV. Liquid Water in the Range 150-350 degrees C, From Saturation to 1 Kbar

The change of density of liquid water has been measured at 25 K intervals from 150 to 350 °C and at 60 bar intervals from near saturation, with the apparatus previously used below 150 °C. The precision falls from ca. 10/10 6 along isotherms at 150 °C to ca. 100/10 6 at 350 °C, because of the uncertainties of the thermal expansion of the vessel, which was measured by a gas-expansion method.
Energy Demand, Diet Quality, and Central Processing Organs in Wild White-Footed Mice (Peromyscus leucopus)

To understand the importance of plasticity of central processing organs (i.e., stomach and intestinal organs) to animals in the wild, field studies of changes in organs and their relationships with variable environmental conditions and energy demands are needed. We determined relationships among diet quality, indicators of energy demand, sizes of central processing organs, and rate of nutrient uptake in free-living white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) in western Kentucky. Moderate winters and dry summers characterized the study site. In contrast to studies conducted in more extreme environments, we found limited differences in the sizes and function of central processing organs among seasons. Masses, but not lengths of intestinal organs or the rate of glucose uptake, differed among seasons. Heart and spleen masses, but not masses of the lungs, kidneys, or liver, also differed among seasons. Differences in the amount of food ingested and percentage of protein in the diet were likely contributors to seasonal differences in intestinal organ masses. Lactation was associated with heavier masses of all central processing organs and increased rate of glucose uptake, but not with heavier masses of vital organs. Greater size and function of intestinal organs during lactation was attributed primarily to high energy demand and secondarily to diet. We postulated that large changes in size and function of central processing organs in free-living mammals occur during intense, but not moderate, changes in energy demand and diet composition and are dependent on the type of energy demand incurred.
Mammary carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells: A study of four cases and a review of literature

Mammary carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (OGCs) is an extremely rare tumor. To the best of our knowledge, only 45 cases have been reported in the literature. Here we report four additional cases of this tumor. The fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed in all four cases, showing an abundance of giant cells and mononucleated stromal cells in intimate association with low- or medium-grade malignant epithelial clusters. Histologically, cribriform patterns predominated in three cases. In one case, OGCs were more pronounced in the vicinity of ductal carcinoma in situ accompanied by marked stromal angiogenesis. This study, as well as review of the literature, underlines the characteristic features of this rare histologic type of carcinoma.
Effective equation of state for a spherically expanding pion plasma

Following a relativistic heavy ion collision, the quark-gluon plasma produced eventually undergoes a chiral phase transition. We assume that during this phase transition one can describe the dynamics of the system by the linear \ensuremath{\sigma} model and that the expansion can be thought of as mostly radial. Because the \ensuremath{\sigma} model is an effective field theory there is an actual momentum cutoff (Landau pole) in the theory at around 1 GeV. Thus it is necessary to find ways of obtaining a covariantly conserved, renormalized energy-momentum tensor when there is a cutoff present (which breaks covariance), in order to identify the effective equation of state of this time evolving system. We show how to solve this technical problem and then determine the energy density and pressure of the system as a function of the proper time. We consider different initial conditions and search for instabilities which can lead to the formation of disoriented chiral condensates. We find that the energy density and pressure both decrease quickly, as is appropriate for a rapidly cooling system, and that the energy is numerically conserved.
"Indeterminate" microvolt T-wave alternans tests predict high risk of death or sustained ventricular arrhythmias in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

Objectives This study tested the hypothesis that an “indeterminate” microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) test, when due to ectopy, unsustained MTWA, or low exercise heart rate (HR), has prognostic significance similar to a positive MTWA test. Background MTWA testing, used to stratify risk of sudden or total mortality in patients with structural heart disease, has been limited by a substantial number of “indeterminate” tests. Indeterminate tests are due to patient factors—excessive ventricular ectopy during exercise, unsustained MTWA, or failure to achieve a HR of 105 beats/min for 1 min—or technical factors such as a noisy recording or an exercise protocol that causes an excessively rapid rise in HR. Methods Patients in sinus rhythm with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤0.40 underwent MTWA exercise tests, analyzed with the spectral method and classified by a computerized interpretation algorithm. The primary end point was all-cause mortality or documented non-fatal sustained ventricular arrhythmia (SVA). “Indeterminate” tests were reviewed jointly by 2 readers blinded to subsequent events to determine the primary reason for indeterminacy. Results Participants (N = 549) were 56 ± 13 years and 71% male; 49% had ischemic cardiomyopathy. There were 40 deaths and 11 non-fatal SVA. Most (94%) indeterminate results were due to patient factors. The 2-year rate for death or SVA was 17.8% in patients with an “indeterminate” MTWA test compared with 12.3% in those with a positive test. Conclusions In patients with left ventricular dysfunction, an “indeterminate” MTWA test due to patient factors predicted death or SVA at least as well as a positive test.
INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION (IMC) AND BRAND IDENTITY AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF BRAND EQUITY STRATEGY: A Conceptual Framework and Research Propositions

This paper presents integrated marketing communication (IMC) and brand identity as critical components of the firm's brand equity strategy. Specifically, the authors provide a brand equity strategy schematic that details (1) the role of IMC in creating and maintaining brand equity, and (2) the role of brand identity in informing, guiding, and helping to develop, nurture, and implement the firm's overall IMC strategy. The authors also present a conceptual framework with testable research propositions toward IMC theory development. Finally, a discussion of implications for academics and practitioners is provided, and opportunities for future qualitative and quantitative research are suggested.
Survival, Growth, and Fecundity of Hatchery-Reared Rainbow Trout after Exposure to Pulsating Direct Current

Abstract Control (or unshocked) and shocked (or test) rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were held through spawning to determine the effects of electrical shock on the survival, growth, and fecundity of two year classes—young of the year of the 1953 year class and yearlings of the 1952 year class—and on the survival of the eggs and of the fry of the exposed fish. The test groups were exposed for 30 sec to one of two sets of electrical conditions—the young of the year to a pulse frequency of 8 pulses/sec, a pulse duration of 40 milliseconds, and a voltage gradient of 1 volt/cm; and the yearlings to a pulse frequency of 5 pulses/sec, a pulse duration of 60 milliseconds, and a voltage gradient of 0.75 volt/cm. The exposure was longer than that usually encountered by fish during either electrical fish guiding or collection with a pulsating direct-current shocker. The survival, growth, and fecundity of the fish apparently were not affected by the electrical shock, nor were the survival and development of their of...
On the specific status of Gossypium lanceolatum Todaro

Gossypium lanceolatum comprises a group of laciniate-leaved commensal cottons from the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. This geographically restricted, morphologically distinct group of perennial cottons has been considered conspecific with G. hirsutum, with which it is sympatric. In addition to its questionable specific status, G. lanceolatum has added importance because it represents the focal point of an hypothesis that New World tetraploid Gossypium have a polyphyletic origin—an hypothesis that conflicts with the more widely accepted view that New World tetraploid Gossypium have a monophyletic origin. To reassess the systematic and genetic relationships between G. lanceolatum and G. hirsutum, historical data were reconsidered in the context of recently published molecular marker based data. Chloroplast and nuclear DNA markers fail to discriminate G. lanceolatum from G. hirsutum, uniting both into a single phylogenetic lineage. A new analysis of allelic variability at 50 allozyme loci in 11 G. lanceolatum and 527 G. hirsutum accessions demonstrates that G. lanceolatum has no unique alleles relative to G. hirsutum. Genetic identity estimates were uniformly high (> 0.96) among G. lanceolatum and geographically adjacent, mainland Mesoamerican groups of G. hirsutum accessions. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that G. lanceolatum is genetically embedded within geographically adjacent populations of G. hirsutum. These data, in conjunction with the complete interfertility between the two taxa and previous evidence for conspecificity, lead to the conclusion that G. lanceolatum does not warrant specific status. Rather, it is more properly recognized as a locally developed, domesticated form of G. hirsutum, i.e., G. hirsutum race ‘palmeri’.
Constructive processing of sentences: A simulation model of encoding and retrieval

A computer simulation that tests some of the recent proposals of semantic networks and spreading activation models of human memory is presented. In this model, a sentence is encoded by building a working memory structure from the words of the sentence and from semantic memory concepts that are related to the meaning of the sentence. Retrieval processes then use a cue word or sentence to locate one of these working memory structures. The model simultaneously produces estimates of three dependent variables that can be compared to experimental data. Simulations of sentence encoding, verification, and recall are presented.
Patterns of polypeptide synthesis in mouse oocytes during germinal vesicle breakdown and during maintenance of the germinal vesicle stage by dibutyryl cAMP

Mouse oocytes undergo spontaneous meiotic maturation when cultured in vitro in the absence, but not in the presence, of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (cAMP). Furthermore, the inhibition by dibutyryl cAMP is reversible. Oocytes synthesize stage-specific polypeptides (i.e., developmental polypeptides) during meiotic maturation. Dibutyryl cAMP affects the synthesis of four of these developmental polypeptides by reversibly inhibiting the synthesis of one polypeptide, and irreversibly inhibiting the synthesis of three other polypeptides. Dibutyryl cAMP also reversibly inhibits the synthesis of at least two specific nondevelopmental polypeptides.
Pet Imaging Of The Chemistry Of The Brain

Advances in neurobiology today are as important as the advances in atomic physics at the turn of the century and molecular genetics in the 1950's. Positron-emission tomography is participating in these advances by making it possible for the first time to measure the chemistry of the living human brain in health and disease and to relate the changes at the molecular level to the functioning of the human mind. The amount of data generated requires modern data processing, display, and archiving capabilities. To achieve maximum benefit from the PET imaging and the derived quantitative measurements, the data must be combined with information, usually of a structural nature, from other imaging modalities, chiefly computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Perinatal outcomes among different Asian-American subgroups.

Objective The objective of the study was to investigate the differences in perinatal outcomes between various Asian ethnic subgroups at a national level. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of all non-Hispanic Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Korean, Vietnamese, Samoan, Guamanian, and Hawaiian women whose deliveries were recorded by US birth certificates within the year 2003. Perinatal outcomes were compared between groups and potential confounders controlled for with multivariable logistic regression. Results We found significant differences ( P Conclusion Our study demonstrates significant differences in preterm labor, primary cesarean delivery, pregnancy-associated hypertension, eclampsia, diabetes in pregnancy, low birthweight, macrosomia, and cephalopelvic disproportion among Asian subgroups at a national level, affirming the importance of examining these subgroups separately.
Reconstruction of the cranial musculature and masticatory function of the Pleistocene panamerican ground sloth Eremotherium laurillardi (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Megatheriidae)

Cranial musculature, dental function and mandibular movement patterns in Eremotherium laurillardi were reconstructed from the examination of crania and dentitions. Size, shape and pattern of muscle divisions were reconstructed from the examination of bony rugosities indicating muscle attachments. Details of masticatory muscle structure and function were based on dissections of the tree sloths Bradypus and Choloepus. Among sloths, masticatory muscles in E. laurillardi demonstrate a different synergist–antagonist pattern, reflecting greater emphasis on mediolateral mandibular movements. Eight cranial character complexes (anterior facial, zygomatic arch, superficial masseter, deep masseter–zygomaticomandibularis, pterygoid, temporal, occipital and occlusal) determined by interrelated contributions of each component made to group functions were identified. An elongate anterior face and predental spout in E. laurillardi allowed protrusion of a long narrow tongue at small degrees of gape, reflecting a probably ...
Pulsewidth-dependence of nonlinear energy deposition and redistribution in Si, GaAs and Ge during 1 μm picosecond irradiation

Abstract We have used 1 μm pulses ranging in duration from 4–260 ps to measure the pulsewidth dependence of the nonlinear absorption, melting threshold, and resolidification morphologies of Si, GaAs, and Ge. With these materials, we have been able to quantify a variety of nonlinear absorption processes with a single excitation wavelength. We find that the fluence required to melt Si and GaAs is roughly proportional to the square root of the pulsewidth while that required for Ge is nearly pulsewidth independent. A crystalline-to-amorphous transition is observed in Si for pulses less than 10 ps and in GaAs for all pulsewidths, but no such transition is observed in Ge. These observations are shown to be consistent with the various energy deposition and redistribution mechanisms present in each material. Finally, we have used the active nonlinearities in Si and GaAs to construct optical limiters designed to protect sensitive optical components from intense 1 μm radiation.
An Empirical Activity Model for WLAN Users

Understanding user behavior in wireless environments is useful for a variety of reasons ranging from the design of better sleep algorithms for components of mobile devices to appropriately provisioning the wireless network itself to better serve the user. Our work goes in a different direction from prior work on WLAN modeling and attempts to undersand the protocol independent behavior of users by developing packet-level models for user activity using diverse training data. Additionally we validate the derived model using a stochastic similarity metric adapted from human control strategy modeling and present a novel way to compare traces using this metric.
An Experimental Study on the Control of Pullorum Disease

Abstract ANTIBIOTIC agents have received limited application in the control of pullorum disease. This is in contrast to the sulfonamides which have been used with moderate frequency (Bottorf and Kiser, 1947; Anderson et al., 1948; Dickinson and Stoddard, 1949). The ultimate value of sulfonamides remains questionable and especially with reference to eradication of the carrier condition among infected birds. Streptomycin is one of the few antibiotics which has been employed to any appreciable extent in the control of pullorum infection (Benson, 1947; Gwatkin, 1950). The results obtained with streptomycin are not too encouraging, since the carrier condition does not appear to be eliminated. In addition, it is also known that organisms rapidly develop resistance to this antibiotic. These factors may preclude further consideration of streptomycin as a therapeutic agent in pullorum disease control. Experimental data concerning the use of other antibiotics have primarily been confined to a small number of in …
Stock-Versus-Flow Distinctions, Information, and the Role of Inventory

A framework is presented that distinguishes commodities by their stock-versus-flow orientations. Specifically, the responsiveness of commodities to macroeconomic news is assessed while conditioning on the mediating role of inventories. Such responses are expected to differ based on commodity orientation. Results for gold, silver, and copper are reported. With standard responsiveness tests, gold and silver, our ex-ante stock-oriented commodities, exhibit only weak stock orientation, whereas copper exhibits a flow orientation. However, when responses are conditioned on daily movements and concentration of local inventories among traders, the stock orientation of gold and silver becomes evident, while copper also exhibits a sporadic stock orientation. The findings indicate the viability of simple statistical tools in uncovering stock-versus-flow orientations for commodities. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:1003–1025, 2015
The Obama Victory, Asset‐Based Development and the Re‐Politicization of Community Organizing

Abstract: In this commentary, I argue that Obama's victory in the recent Democratic primary was largely a consequence of his early experiences as an Alinsky-style community organizer in Chicago. I compare the nature of the broad-based organizing that Obama was trained in to a newer model of “community building” called Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). ABCD promotes the belief that communities suffering the effects of economic restructuring, such as abandoned housing, crime, and deindustrialization among others, can “heal themselves” by looking within for resources—or “assets”—rather than by making demands on the state, a stance its proponents stigmatize as evidence of a “client” mentality. I argue that however chimerical its promises of redemption are, ABCD illustrates an important shift in contemporary understandings of citizenship, away from the possibilities for collective action that characterize Alinsky-style organizing and toward a view that is both radically neoliberal and potentially totalitarian in its homogenizing notions of its two key concepts—”community” and “assets.” I suggest that the grassroots nature of the Obama campaign may have the potential to reanimate an interest in broad-based organizing toward the end of creating a more just distribution of resources.
First Report of Permethrin-Resistant Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) Collected Within the United States

Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) (Acari: Ixodidae), collected in Hidalgo County, TX, were determined to be resistant to permethrin. Discriminating dose (DD) tests at the LC99 and 2 the LC99 of susceptible ticks yielded lower than expected mortalities for permethrin but not for coumaphos or amitraz acaricides. Initial bioassay results conÞrmed the pyrethroid resis- tance detected in the DD assays. Two generations of selection with permethrin at a rate 60% increased the measured resistance ratios from 9.5 (7.9 Ð11.5) to 263 (217Ð320). Synergist studies suggested that metabolic enzymes were involved in permethrin resistance. Native gel electro- phoresis veriÞed that the CZS9 esterase was not involved in resistance to permethrin. Polymerase chain reaction examination revealed the presence of a mutation of the sodium channel gene (Phe(arrow)Ile amino acid substitution in the S6 trans-membrane segment of domain III), in the resistant B&H population. The frequency of this mutation increased after selection with per- methrin and concurrent increase in estimated resistance ratios. The B&H population was erad- icated from the United States by the U.S. Department of AgricultureOs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services, Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program through the use of the organophosphate acaricide coumaphos.
Identification and description of the momentum effect in studies of learning: An abstract science concept

Several studies of the validity of the intensive time series design have revealed a post-intervention increase in the level of achievement data. This so called “momentum effect” has not been demonstrated through the application of an appropriate analysis technique. The purpose of this study was to identify and apply a technique that would adequately represent and describe such an effect if indeed it does occur, and to use that technique to study the momentum effect as it is observed in several data sets on the learning of the concept of plate tectonics. Subsequent to trials of several different analyses, a segmented straight line regression analysis was chosen and used on three different data sets. Each set revealed similar patterns of inflection points between lines with similar time intervals between inflections for those data from students with formal cognitive tendencies. These results seem to indicate that this method will indeed be useful in representing and identifying the presence and duration of the momentum effect in time series data on achievement. Since the momentum effect could be described in each of the data sets and since its presence seems a function of similar circumstances, support is given for its presence in the learning of abstract scientific concepts for formal cognitive tendency students. The results indicate that the duration of the momentum effect is related to the level of student understanding tested and the cognitive level of the learners.
Fuzzy rule base classifier fusion for protein mass spectra based ovarian cancer diagnosis

Fuzzy rule base classification systems have been the focus of increased attention in recent years, due to their unique capability of providing human experts with outcomes by means of linguistic rules. In the same time period classifier fusion approaches have been shown to enhance the performance of pattern recognition systems. In the present study we applied a hybrid random subspace fusion scheme that constructs a set of different fuzzy classifiers utilizing different subsets of both the feature space and the sample domain, combining the results of these classifiers using appropriate decision functions. Experimental results using two protein mass spectra datasets of ovarian cancer demonstrate the usefulness of this approach in comparison to other classifier fusion approaches.
Meso-scale manipulation: System, modeling, planning and control

Manipulation and assembly tasks are typically characterized by many nominally rigid bodies coming into frictional contacts, possibly involving impacts. Manipulation tasks are difficult to model because uncertainties associated with friction and assembly tasks are particularly hard to analyze because of the interplay between process tolerance and geometric uncertainties due to manufacturing errors. Manipulation at the meso (hundred microns to millimeters) and micro (several microns to tens of microns) scale is even harder for several reasons. It is difficult to measure forces at the micro-netwon level reliably using off-the-shelf force sensors and good force-feedback control schemes have not proved successful. It is hard to manufacture general-purpose end effectors at this scale and it is even more difficult to grasp and manipulate parts at the micro and meso level than it is at the macro level. Finally, the lack of good models of the mechanics of contact interactions at this scale means that model-based approaches to planning and control are difficult.
The Anatomic Substrate

The nineteenth century is considered the great age of cellular biology because it witnessed fundamental insights gained from detailed studies of life processes and the underlying structural elements on which they rest. The names of Johannes Muller and Theodor Schwann are prominent here, representing the Continental scientists who were endeavoring to answer specific questions about the basic form of both plant and animal tissues. Great progress in knowledge of the macroanatomy of the nervous system had been made, yet there was no understanding of its basic structural elements, that is, the neural tissue (histology), and more specifically the nerve cell itself (cytology). Progress in the study of fiber-tracts and pathways coursing to and from the main motor and sensory regions in the brain depended on the development of new knowledge at the microanatomic level and histological description became the research focus for investigators such as Meynert in Vienna and Betz in Russia during the midcentury. With the introduction of the compound microscope and microtome and improved fixation (hardening) and staining techniques, those histological approaches prompted great refinements in cytological research and forecast our present reductionist era of molecular biology.
The solar wind interaction with Mars revisited

No consensus has yet been reached on the nature of the solar wind interaction with Mars, especially with respect to the existence of a small, intrinsic field magnetosphere at Mars, as opposed to a Venus-like ionospheric interaction. An attempt is made to resolve this question through an improved determination of effective obstacle altitude and shape having as its basis the Spreiter and Stahara (1980) catalog of gasdynamic flow solutions. It is also shown that the Martian ionosphere cannot support a Venus-like ionopause at the obstacle altitudes inferred through bow wave observation modelling, even when maximal induced ionospheric magnetic fields and solar maximum EUV levels are assumed. Finally, a search of Mars and Mariner radio occultation measurements has produced no evidence for the existence of an ionopause. It is concluded that Mars probably possesses a small, intrinsic field magnetosphere.
Biosecurity: Progress and Challenges

Bioscience facilities are essential to the efforts to combat both naturally occurring infectious diseases and bioterrorism. But both the general public and policy makers are questioning how bioscie...
Post-fabrication Voltage Controlled Resonance Tuning of Nanoscale Plasmonic Antennas

Voltage controlled wavelength tuning of the localized surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles on an aluminum film is demonstrated in single particle microscopy and spectroscopy measurements. Anodization of the Al film after nanoparticle deposition forms an aluminum oxide spacer layer between the gold particles and the Al film, modifying the particle-substrate interaction. Darkfield microscopy reveals ring-shaped scattering images from individual Au nanoparticles, indicative of plasmon resonances with a dipole moment normal to the substrate. Single particle scattering spectra show narrow plasmon resonances that can be tuned from ~580 to ~550 nm as the anodization voltage increases to 12 V. All observed experimental trends could be reproduced in numerical simulations. The presented approach could be used as a general postfabrication resonance optimization step of plasmonic nanoantennas and devices.
Function of the N-terminal segment of the RecA-dependent nuclease Ref

The bacteriophage P1 Ref (recombination enhancement function) protein is a RecA-dependent, HNH endonuclease. It can be directed to create targeted double-strand breaks within a displacement loop formed by RecA. The 76 amino acid N-terminal region of Ref is positively charged (25/76 amino acid residues) and inherently unstructured in solution. Our investigation of N-terminal truncation variants shows this region is required for DNA binding, contains a Cys involved in incidental dimerization and is necessary for efficient Ref-mediated DNA cleavage. Specifically, Ref N-terminal truncation variants lacking between 21 and 47 amino acids are more effective RecA-mediated targeting nucleases. We propose a more refined set of options for the Ref-mediated cleavage mechanism, featuring the N-terminal region as an anchor for at least one of the DNA strand cleavage events.
Technology Assessment of NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation Advanced Vehicle Concepts

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project is conducting research at an integrated system level on promising concepts and technologies expected to mature in the N+2 time frame. ERA has a need to perform a systems level analysis of these concepts and technologies to estimate and track performance towards ERA’s goal of simultaneously achieving improvement in metrics for fuel burn reduction, noise margin, and LTO NOx emissions reduction. This paper describes work done for the system level comparison of tube and wing versus hybrid wing body airframe configurations using both advance ultra high bypass ratio direct drive and geared turbofan engines. The results focus on the interdependencies between the ERA fuel burn and noise metrics.
Marked disruption and aberrant regulation of elastic fibres in early striae gravidarum

SummaryBackground Striae gravidarum (SG), or ‘stretch marks’ of pregnancy, begin as erythematous streaks, and mature over months to years to become permanent scar-like bands that may be hypopigmented, atrophic and lax. Objectives To investigate early molecular alterations that may promote laxity of mature SG, we investigated the dermal elastic fibre network, which provides human skin with elastic properties. Methods We obtained skin samples of newly developed, erythematous abdominal SG in healthy pregnant women. The elastic fibre network was examined by Verhoeff elastic staining and immunofluorescence staining of skin sections. Gene expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The normal elastic fibre network appeared markedly disrupted in SG, compared with perilesional abdominal skin or control (normal-appearing hip skin). This disruption was accompanied by the emergence of short, disorganized, thin, thread-like ‘fibrils’, which were observed prominently in the mid-to-deep dermis. These fibrils were rich in tropoelastin (the main component of normal elastic fibres), and persisted into the postpartum period without forming normal-appearing elastic fibres. The emergence of these fibrils was accompanied by increased gene expression of tropoelastin and fibrillin-1, but not other elastic fibre components, including fibrillin-2 and fibulin-1, -2 or -5. Conclusions In early SG, the elastic fibre network appears markedly disrupted, and newly synthesized tropoelastin-rich fibrils emerge, likely as a result of uncoordinated synthesis of elastic fibre components. Because they are thin and disorganized, tropoelastin-rich fibrils likely do not function as normal elastic fibres do. These observations provide the foundations for elucidating pathogenic mechanisms by which laxity may develop in SG.
Central Neuropeptide Y Signaling Ameliorates N(ω)-Nitro-l-Arginine Methyl Ester Hypertension in the Rat Through a Y1 Receptor Mechanism

Neuropeptide Y is a potent inhibitory neurotransmitter expressed in the central neurons that control blood pressure. NO also serves as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and its deficit causes sympathetic overactivity, which then contributes to hypertension. This study tested the hypothesis that neuropeptide Y functions as a central neurotransmitter to lower blood pressure, therefore its increased signaling ameliorates hypertension induced by NO deficiency. Conscious neuropeptide Y transgenic male rats, overexpressing the peptide under its natural promoter, and nontransgenic littermates (controls) were used in this study. Neuropeptide Y, Y1 receptor antagonist BIBP3226, or vehicle (saline) were administered continuously for 14 days into the cerebral lateral ventricle in unrestrained animals using osmotic pumps. Blood pressure was measured by radiotelemetry. Compared with control animals, transgenic overexpression of neuropeptide Y significantly ameliorated (by 9.7±1.5 mm Hg) NO deficiency hypertension (induced by administration of N (ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester in the drinking water). This hypotensive effect of neuropeptide Y upregulation was associated with reduced proteinuria and cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Central administration of neuropeptide Y in nontransgenic rats also reduced (by 10.2±1.6 mm Hg) the NO deficiency hypertension, whereas a neuropeptide Y1 receptor antagonist centrally administered in the transgenic subjects during NO deficiency hypertension completely attenuated the depressor effect of neuropeptide Y upregulation. Thus, acting at the level of the central nervous system distinctively via a Y1 receptor–mediated mechanism, endogenous neuropeptide Y exerted a potent antihypertensive function, and its enhanced signaling ameliorated NO deficiency hypertension.
Non-interactive localization of cognitive radios based on dynamic signal strength mapping

The openness of the lower-layer protocol stacks in cognitive radios increases the flexibility of dynamic spectrum access and promotes spectrally-efficient communications. To ensure the effectiveness of spectrum sharing, it is desirable to locate primary users, secondary users, and unauthorized users in a non-interactive fashion based on limited measurement data at receivers. In this work, we present two range-free localization algorithms based on dynamic mapping of received signal strength (RSS) to perform non-interactive localization that does not require the cooperation from the cognitive device to be located. A fine-grained signal strength map across the surveillance area is constructed dynamically through interpolation. By making use of this signal map, the proposed schemes can achieve higher accuracy of location estimation than existing non-interactive and RSS based methods in most channel variation conditions. Both our simulation results as well as testbed evaluations have demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed algorithms.
Does airway closure affect lung sound generation

Summary. The purpose of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that airway closure impedes the production of lung sounds at low lung volume. We recorded breath sounds in three healthy men during inspiratory vital capacity manoeuvres in upright, head-down and lateral decubitus postures. We then compared the rate of increase of breath sound intensity (BSI) between the dependent and non-dependent lung zones. Closing volumes, measured separately, were normal in the upright but increased in the head-down postures. The data revealed no consistent lag in the rate of increase of BSI over the dependent lung zones in any of the postures. Our data suggest that airway closure does not influence lung sound generation. If true, this implies that lung sounds are produced proximally to the site of physiologic airway closure.
Sleep and dreaming: induction and mediation of REM sleep by cholinergic mechanisms

The most important recent work on the neurobiology of sleep has focused on the precise cellular and biochemical mechanisms of rapid eye movement sleep mediation. Direct and indirect evidence implicates acetylcholine-containing neurons in the peribrachial pons as critical in the triggering and maintenance of rapid eye movement sleep. Other new studies provide support for the hypothesis that the cholinergic generator system is gated during waking by serotonergic and noradrenergic influences. A growing consensus regarding the basic neurobiology has stimulated new thinking about the brain basis of consciousness during waking and dreaming.
Desensitized halfband interpolation filters

A new structure for implementing halfband filters is presented. It is shown to yield simpler interpolation systems for which the filter's sensitivity to filter-tap coefficients is reduced from that possessed by conventional implementations.
A Review of “Warrior's Rage: The Great Tank Battle of 73 Easting”

On the late afternoon of February 26, 1991, in the Iraqi desert, about thirty miles west of the Kuwaiti border, the U.S. Seventh Army Corps had finally found part of Saddam Hussein's Republican Gua...
Knowledge Infrastructure, Service Sector, And Economic Growth In Africa

Economic theory and studies have theoretical and empirical evidence suggesting that countries which remain underdeveloped have consistently low levels of human capital, and a large agricultural sector. Of equal importance are the roles of the information technology and service sectors in improving economic growth and stability. This paper examined the extent to which non-industrial factors, such as information technology, knowledge infrastructure, and the service sectors activities helped contribute to the economy of African nations. The results from the analysis of 38 African nations indicate the information infrastructure for index public expenditures on education and personal computers per 1,000 capita contributed significantly to economic productivity.
Discussion of The Effects of Financial Reporting on Bank Loan Contracting in Global Markets: Evidence from Mandatory IFRS Adoption

ABSTRACT: This discussion is written for “The Effect of Financial Reporting on Bank Loan Contracting in Global Markets: Evidence from Mandatory IFRS Adoption” by Chen, Chin, Wang, and Yao (2015). I begin with the research question and a brief summary of the main findings of this study and subsequently discuss the strengths and some potential limitations of the study. This study seeks to contribute to the literature by investigating the effect of mandatory IFRS adoption in 18 countries on price and non-price contract terms. The evidence provided in this study suggests that mandatory IFRS adoption increases information asymmetry between firms and loan providers, which leads to trade-offs between contract terms.
Redirecting pedicle screws: a revision spinal fusion strategy using three-dimensional image guidance.

Background Pedicle screws are a preferred method for spinal fixation because of their three-column support and rigid posterior stabilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients requiring pedicle screw redirection, and to describe a technique using cone-beam computed tomography (cbCT). Methods A retrospective review of 30 patients undergoing revision spinal fusion with redirection of pedicle screws was performed. Fifty pedicle screws were redirected in these patients using cbCT-based 3D image guidance. They were graded pre- and post-operatively using an established grading system. Results No complications occurred in this study as a result of redirection. No pedicle breach was noted in all of the redirected pedicle screws. Conclusion Redirection of misplaced pedicle screws using cbCT-based 3D image guidance seems to be safe and accurate in our experience. Further studies are needed to establish its safety, accuracy, fusion rate, and clinical outcome compared with other methods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.