cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Avoidable Error in a Posteriori Testing

A note describing an error that may occur in a posteriori testing, particularly when the original analysis of variance produces an F ratio that is just barely significant and the computer print out of the analysis does not provide the means that were used in the program.
Adaptive binary material classification of an unknown object using polarimetric images degraded by atmospheric turbulence

An improved binary material-classification algorithm using passive polarimetric imagery degraded by atmospheric turbulence is presented. The technique implements a modified version of an existing polarimetric blind-deconvolution algorithm in order to remove atmospheric distortion and correctly classify the unknown object. The classification decision, dielectric or metal in this case, is based on degree of linear polarization (DoLP) estimates provided by the blind-deconvolution algorithm augmented by two DoLP priors – one statistically modeling the polarization behavior of metals and the other statistically modeling the polarization behavior of dielectrics. The DoLP estimate which maximizes the log-likelihood function determines the image pixel's classification. The method presented here significantly improves upon a similar published polarimetric classification method by adaptively updating the DoLP priors as more information becomes available about the scene. This new adaptive method significantly extends the range of validity of the existing polarimetric classification technique to near-normal collection geometries where most polarimetric material classifiers perform poorly. In this paper, brief reviews of the polarimetric blind-deconvolution algorithm and the functional forms of the DoLP priors are provided. Also provided is the methodology for making the algorithm adaptive including three techniques for updating the DoLP priors using in-progress DoLP estimates. Lastly, the proposed technique is experimentally validated by comparing classification results of two dielectric and metallic samples obtained using the new method to those obtained using the existing technique.
Characterization of Campylobacter from resident Canada geese in an urban environment.

Waterfowl are natural reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, and abundant resident (nonmigratory) Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in urban and suburban environments pose the potential for transmission of Campylobacter through human contact with fecal deposits and contaminated water. In June 2008 and July 2009, we collected 318 fecal samples from resident Canada Geese at 21 locations in and around Greensboro, North Carolina, to test for Campylobacter. All campylobacter species detected were C. jejuni isolates, and prevalences in 2008 and 2009 were 5.0% and 16.0%, respectively. Prevalence of C. jejuni–positive sampling sites was 21% (3/14) and 40% (6/15) in 2008 and 2009, respectively. All C. jejuni isolates were susceptible to a panel of six antimicrobial agents (tetracycline, streptomycin, erythromycin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, and ciprofloxacin). We used pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and fla-typing to identify several strain types among these isolates. Multilocus sequence typing of representative isola...
A damage model for the percutaneous triple hemisection technique for tendo-achilles lengthening

A full understanding of the mechanisms of action in the percutaneous triple hemisection technique for tendo-achilles lengthening has yet to be acquired and therefore, an accurate prediction of the amount of lengthening that occurs is difficult to make. The purpose of this research was to develop a phenomenological damage model that utilizes both matrix and fiber damage and replicates the observed behavior of the tendon tissue during the lengthening process. Matrix damage was triggered and evolved relative to shear strain and the fiber damage was triggered and evolved relative to fiber stretch. Three examples are given to show the effectiveness of the model. Implementation of the damage model provides a tool for studying this common procedure, and may allow for numerical investigation of alternative surgical approaches that could reduce the incidence rates of severe over-lengthening.
An essay on unmanned aerial systems insurance and risk assessment

UAV technology has begun to integrate into the National Airspace (NAS), at an accelerated rate. Coupled with a high demand for civilian UAS applications and decreasing component prices, more UAS researchers, commercial operators, and manufacturers begin to fly. Despite a lack of government mandated insurance requirements and mission profiles deemed dull, dirty, and dangerous, the UAS industry is gaining momentum. However, as the UAV industry matures, unmanned aircraft will inevitably crash. In anticipation of these growing pains, insurance carriers must be ready. Unmanned aircraft present a unique matrix of risk endemic to the challenges of flight in the NAS. Underwriters and actuaries will be able to provide peace of mind to pilots and bystanders alike. Insurers must design policies to properly allocate liability and provide a safety net. UAS-tailored coverage will identify and quantify the unique characteristics of unmanned aircraft. Underwriters have just begun to adapt insurance products to suit the needs of the nascent sector. This analysis will outline the process of insuring UAS. Further, it will highlight how insurance companies should cope with the dynamic forces within the UAV market.
Effects of organic and inorganic chemical contaminants on fertilization, hatching success, and prolarval survival of striped bass

The effects of an organic-inorganic chemical contaminant mixture were evaluated on percent fertilization, percent hatch, and prolarval survival of striped bass. All dilutions of the mixture simulated concentrations of various organic and inorganic contaminants found in striped bass spawning habitats. The organic contaminants were Aroclors® 1248, 1254, 1260, chlordane, DDE, chlordecone (kepone), toxaphene, anthracene, benzo(a)anthrene, chrysene, fluoranthrene, fluorene, perylene, pyrene, and phenanthrene; inorganic contaminants were arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and selenium. Percent fertilization (24-hr exposure) and percent hatch (48-hr exposure) were not significantly affected by exposure to various dilutions of the contaminant mixture. The full-strength contaminant mixture (all chemicals as listed in Table 2) significantly reduced survival of striped bass prolarvae after 144 hr continuous exposure from the time of spawn. A masked effect may have occurred during initial embryo development that was later observed in the prolarvae.
The radial arm maze as a tool in behavioral pharmacology

This paper will review briefly the use of the radial arm maze as a tool to examine the neural systems that are involved in memory, and the influence of pharmacological compounds on memory. Of particular interest is the question of task validity, which is assessed by reference to four different criteria: operational, psychological, ethological, and neural (see also Walsh, this issue; [45, 53, 70, 75]). Each of these types of validity is reviewed below.
Children and the Stability of Cohabiting Couples

Theory and empirical evidence generally credit children with creating stability in their parents’ marriages, but whether children have a similar effect on cohabiting unions has not been previously investigated in the United States. This article uses the National Survey of Family Growth (N = 2,716) to evaluate the effects of children on the stability of couples who cohabit. The article distinguishes between conceptions and births because the two have different implications for union stability. The results indicate that children conceived during cohabitation are associated with greater stability of their parents’ relationship, particularly for Whites and Latinos, whereas children conceived and born during cohabitation are not. In addition, the effect of children on couple stability depends on whether the couple is cohabiting or has transitioned into marriage.
Radion phenomenology in realistic warped space models

We investigate the phenomenology of the Randall-Sundrum (RS) radion in realistic models of electroweak symmetry breaking with bulk gauge and fermion fields, since the radion may turn out to be the lightest particle in such models. We calculate the coupling of the radion in such scenarios to bulk fermion and gauge modes. Special attention needs to be devoted to the coupling to massless gauge fields (photon, gluon), since it is well known that loop effects may be important for these fields. We also present a detailed explanation of these couplings from the conformal field theory interpretation. We then use these couplings to determine the radion branching fractions and discuss some of the discovery potential of the LHC for the radion. We find that the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ signal is enhanced over most of the range of the radion mass over the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ signal of a standard model Higgs boson, as long as the RS scale is sufficiently low. However, the signal significance depends strongly on free parameters that characterize the magnitude of bare brane-localized kinetic terms for the massless gauge fields. In the absence of such terms, the signal can be enhanced over the traditional RS1 models (where all standard model fields are localized on the IR brane), but the signal can also be reduced compared to RS1 if the brane-localized terms are sizeable. We also show that for larger radion masses, where the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ signal is no longer significant, one can use the usual 4 lepton signal to discover the radion.
Physical occlusion controlling epidermal mitosis.

Relatively recent work has indicated that occlusion of psoriasis with various dressings results in some improvement of the lesion in terms of depressing mitotic activity and also enzyme activity. Earlier work had indicated that occlusion would also inhibit the mitotic activity of stripped normal skin. The present work confirms this finding and also suggests that complete occlusion is not necessary for this inhibition influence. It is suggested that part of the hyperproliferative activity found in psoriasis may be due to the lack of a normal barrier between the epidermis and the environment; and that this could be corrected by the application of a synthetic material, which need not be occlusive, to the lesion.
Thermal performance and operational attributes of the startup characteristics of flat-shaped heat pipes using nanofluids

Abstract Thermal performance, transient behavior and operational start-up characteristics of flat-shaped heat pipes using nanofluids are analyzed in this work. Three different primary nanofluids namely, CuO, Al2O3, and TiO2 were utilized in our analysis. A comprehensive analytical model, which accounts in detail the heat transfer characteristics within the pipe wall and the wick within the condensation and evaporation sections, was utilized. The results illustrate enhancement in the heat pipe performance while achieving a reduction in the thermal resistance for both flat-plate and disk-shaped heat pipes throughout the transient process. It was shown that a higher concentration of nanoparticles increases the thermal performance of either the flat-plate or disk-shaped heat pipes. We have also established that for the same heat load a smaller size flat-shaped heat pipe can be utilized when using nanofluids.
Cation requirement for insolubility of fibrin in monochloroacetic acid.

Abstract Strontium and manganous ions in a reducing environment will replace calcium in the formation of monochloroacetic acid-insoluble fibrin. The reducing environment can be supplied by cysteine, glutathione, or the nonorganic reducing agent, sodium hydrosulfite; however, sodium hydrosulfite does not substitute for cysteine or glutathione in the activation of potentially active fibrin-stabilizing factor.
Molecular Genetic, Biochemical, and Clinical Implications of Gonadotropin Receptor Mutations

Human reproductive function is regulated mainly by luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Mutations of the human LH/ chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHR) and the FSH receptor (FSHR) leading to either constitutive activation or inactivation of the receptors have been identified. All activating mutations of the LHR and the FSHR are located within the exon encoding the transmembrane domain while the inactivating mutations are scattered throughout the coding sequence. A number of activating and inactivating mutations of the LHR have been found while only one activating and three inactivating mutations of the FSHR are known. Activating mutations of the LHR cause familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP) while that of the FSHR has been shown to restore the reproductive capability of a hypophysectomized male. Inactivating mutations of the LHR cause Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH) in males while that of the FSHR causes hereditary hypergonadotropic ovarian dysgenesis (ODG) in females. Activating mutations of both receptors are dominant while inactivating mutations are recessive. Genotype-phenotype correlation is best established for the inactivating mutations of LHR. Severity of clinical phenotype in LCH correlates with the amount of residual activity of the mutated LHR. Comparison of the clinical impact of the activating and the inactivating mutations of the receptors indicates that male reproductive capacity depends primarily on LH while female reproductive capacity depends primarily on FSH.
Quantized long-wavelength optical phonon modes in graphene nanoribbon in the elastic continuum model

Abstract This paper presents an analytical displacements and dispersion relations for optical phonons of a graphene sheet. These results are used to derive the optical deformation potential interactions for graphene as well as to obtain descriptions of the confined optical phonons for graphene.
High reproducibility using sodium hydroxide-stripped long oligonucleotide DNA microarrays.

Recently, long oligonucleotide (60- to 70-mer) microarrays for two-color experiments have been developed and are gaining widespread use. In addition, when there is limited availability of mRNA from...
Evolution of Surface Morphology During Cu(TMVS)(hfac) Sourced Copper CVD

In this paper, we describe an experimental study of the nucleation and growth stages during Cu(TMVS)(hfac) sourced Cu CVD on TaN substrates. In particular, we have investigated the effects of water vapor as a co-reactant on evolving surface morphology. The results of short (less than 10 s) depositions without/with water vapor indicate that water vapor helps to reduce the incubation time and to enhance the nuclei formation, uniformity, and adhesion (based on AFM analysis). Introducing water vapor during only the initial stage of deposition results in lower roughnesses, larger grain sizes, and lower short-range roughnesses as compared to the films deposited without water vapor. From this study, we conclude that water vapor enhances Cu nucleation and that a relatively small amount of water vapor before or during the initial stage of deposition improves surface morphology in terms of roughness and grain size.
Development of a SCAR marker linked to the I gene in common bean

Two 24-mer SCAR primers (SW 13) were developed from a previously identified 10-mer RAPD primer (OW13,,,) linked to the I gene, which conditions resistance to bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) in common bean. Linkage between SW 13 and the I gene was tested in three F, populations segregating for both SW13 and the I gene: N84004lMichelite (1.0 5 0.7 cM), SeafarerIUI-114 (1.3 5 0.8 cM), and G9120llAlpine (5.0 5 2.2 cM). SW 13 proved to be more specific and reproducible than the OW 13,,, RAPD marker. Using different heat-stable DNA polymerases, SW13 amplified a single 690-bp fragment linked to the I gene that more consistently permitted the identification of resistant plants. In additiqn, the presence of the I gene was detected using SW13 in genotypes originating from different gene pools of Phaseolus vulgaris L., indicating a broad utility of this marker for bean breeding programs.
Crystal Structures of a High-affinity Macrocyclic Peptide Mimetic in Complex with the Grb2 SH2 Domain.

The high-affinity binding of the growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) SH2 domain to tyrosine-phosphorylated cytosolic domains of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in many types of cancer. We report here two crystal forms of a complex between the Grb2 SH2 domain and a potent non-phosphorus-containing macrocyclic peptide mimetic that exhibits significant anti-proliferative effects against erbB-2-dependent breast cancers. This agent represents a "second generation" inhibitor with greatly improved binding affinity and bio-availability compared to its open-chain counterpart. The structures were determined at 2.0A and 1.8A with one and two domain-swapped dimers per asymmetric unit, respectively. The mode of binding and specific interactions between the protein and the inhibitor provide insight into the high potency of this class of macrocylic compounds and may aid in further optimization as part of the iterative rational drug design process.
Three-dimensional structure of an anti-steroid Fab' and progesterone-Fab' complex.

Abstract The monoclonal anti-progesterone antibody DB3 binds progesterone with nanomolar affinity (K a ∼10 9 M -1 ), suggesting high specificity. However, DB3 also cross-reacts with similar affinity with a subgroup of structurally distinct, progesterone-like steroids. Crystals of the unliganded Fab′ and various steroid-Fab′ complexes are isomorphous and belong to the hexagonal space group, P 6 4 22, with unit cell dimensions of a = b = 135 A, c = 124 A. Structures of free and progesterone-bound Fab′ have been determined by X-ray crystallography at 2·7 A resolution using molecular replacement techniques. Progesterone is bound in a hydrophobic pocket formed mainly by the interaction of three complementarity determining regions L1, H2 and H3. The orientation of the ligand in the binding site was aided by both crystallographic and biochemical analyses of substituted steroids. The indole side-chain of Trp H100 of the DB3 has two different conformations, inter-converting "open" and "closed" forms of the antibody combining site. The Trp H100 indole thus appears to be acting as an antibody-derived surrogate ligand for its own hydrophobic binding pocket. These structures provide the first atomic view of how a steroid interacts with a protein and offer a structural explanation for the restriction of the anti-progesterone response to the VGAM3.8 family of V H genes.
The Political Theory of Organizations and Business Ethics

L'A. mesure les consequences morales de la theorie politique des organisations sur la pratique de l'autorite directoriale, en particulier, et sur les principes de l'ethique des affaires, en general. S'appuyant sur l'exemple des droits des actionnaires, l'A. definit un cas de desaccord raisonnable entre employes et dirigeants
Quality Assessment for Crowdsourced Object Annotations

As computer vision datasets grow larger the community is increasingly relying on crowdsourced annotations to train and test our algorithms. Due to the heterogeneous and unpredictable capability of online annotators, various strategies have been proposed to “clean” crowdsourced annotations. However, these strategies typically involve getting more annotations, perhaps different types of annotations (e.g. a grading task), rather than computationally assessing the annotation or image content. In this paper we propose and evaluate several strategies for automatically estimating the quality of a spatial object annotation. We show that one can significantly outperform simple baselines, such as that used by LabelMe, by combining multiple image-based annotation assessment strategies.
Differential expression of growth hormone messenger ribonucleic acid by somatotropes and gonadotropes in male and cycling female rats.

Past studies have reported the appearance of cells sharing phenotypic characteristics of gonadotropes and GH cells. During diestrus and early proestrus, a subset of somatotropes (40–60%) expressed both GH antigens and gonadotropin (LH-β, LHβ, or FSH-β) messenger RNAs (mRNAs) or GnRH receptors. More recently, we reported that subsets of gonadotropes identified by LHβ or FSHβ antigens expressed GH- releasing hormone (GHRH) binding sites. The present studies were designed to learn if these putative multipotential cells also expressed GH mRNA. Biotinylated sense and antisense oligonucleotide probes were developed and cytochemical in situ hybridization tests were optimized for the detection of GH mRNA with GH, LHβ, and FSHβ antigens. RNase protection assays were developed with a complementary RNA probe that detected a 380-bp region at the 5′ end of the GH mRNA. Both the in situ hybridization and RNase protection assays detected changes in expression of GH mRNA during the estrous cycle with the lowest expressio...
Monocyte-specific Bcl-2 expression attenuates inflammation and heart failure in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)-induced cardiomyopathy.

Objective: Infiltrating inflammatory cells within the myocardium have been shown to be apoptotic, but the significance of apoptotic inflammatory cells to the development of cardiomyopathy remains undefined. Transgenic mice with cardiac-specific expression of MCP-1 exhibit extensive apoptosis of infiltrating mononuclear cells and develop heart failure. Here, we tested the hypothesis that in vivo selective inhibition of apoptosis of infiltrating mononuclear cells would preserve cardiac structure and function and improve survival in this murine model. Methods: Mice with cardiac-specific expression of MCP-1 and monocyte-specific expression of Bcl-2 were generated by cross-breeding MCP-1 transgenic mice with hMRP8-Bcl-2 mice that over-express Bcl-2 in the monocytes. Structural and functional parameters and the inflammatory response of the heart were evaluated and compared between the wild-type and transgenic mice. Results: Expression of Bcl-2 in monocytes results in superior preservation of myocardial structure, cardiac function and a significant prolongation of survival of MCP-1 transgenic mice. The beneficial effects of monocyte-specific Bcl-2 expression are associated with inhibition of apoptosis of infiltrating mononuclear cells, normalization of circulating C-reactive protein levels, attenuation of cellular infiltrates, macrophage activation and production of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a), interleukin (IL)-1h and IL-6 in the hearts. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that apoptosis of infiltrating mononuclear cells plays a detrimental role in the development of heart failure in this murine model, suggesting that modulation of apoptosis of infiltrating mononuclear cells may be of clinical benefit in heart failure.
Within- and between-species DNA sequence variation and the 'footprint' of natural selection.

Extensive DNA data emerging from genome-sequencing projects have revitalized interest in the mechanisms of molecular evolution. Although the contribution of natural selection at the molecular level has been debated for over 30 years, the relevant data and appropriate statistical methods to address this issue have only begun to emerge. This paper will first present the predominant models of neutral, nearly neutral, and adaptive molecular evolution. Then, a method to identify the role of natural selection in molecular evolution by comparing within- and between-species DNA sequence variation will be presented. Computer simulations show that such methods are powerful for detecting even very weak selection. Examination of DNA variation data within and between Drosophila species suggests that ‘silent’ sites evolve under a balance between weak selection and genetic drift. Simulated data also show that sequence comparisons are a powerful method to detect adaptive protein evolution, even when selection is weak or aVects a small fraction of nucleotide sites. In the Drosophila data examined, positive selection appears to be a predominant force in protein evolution. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Molecular genetics of oligodendrogliomas: a model for improved clinical management in the field of neurooncology

Over the last several years, oligodendroglial tumors have become a model for the positive role of molecular genetics in improved treatment of patients with brain tumors. Oligodendrogliomas, in contrast to astrocytic gliomas, frequently respond to chemotherapy and have a better overall prognosis. Combined loss of chromosomes 1p and 19q has proven to be a powerful predictor of chemotherapeutic response and survival in oligodendrogliomas. In contrast, other genetic alterations, such as TP53 and PTEN mutations, EGFR amplification, and homozygous deletion of CDKN2A have been correlated with worse outcome in these tumors. Furthermore, 1p/19q loss has been shown to correlate with unequivocal oligodendroglial tumor histology, location and growth pattern of tumors within the brain, and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics. Although much is also known about the molecular pathological characteristics of astrocytic gliomas, the significance of this information to clinical management in patients with these tumors has not been as striking as has been the case for oligodendrogliomas; possible reasons for this are discussed. In this paper the author will summarize these advances, thus attempting to highlight the molecular genetic study of oligodendrogliomas as a model for improved clinical management in the field of neurooncology.
Online query refinement on information retrieval systems: a process model of searcher/system interactions

This article reports findings of empirical research that investigated information searchers' online query refinement process. Prior studies have recognized the information specialists' role in helping searchers articulate and refine queries. Using a semantic network and a Problem Behavior Graph to represent the online search process, our study revealed that searchers also refined their own queries in an online task environment. The information retrieval system played a passive role in assisting online query refinement, which was, however, or that confirmed Taylor's four-level query formulation model. Based on our empirical findings, we proposed using a process model to facilitate and improve query refinement in an online environment. We believe incorporating this model into retrieval systems can result in the design of more “intelligent” and useful information retrieval systems.
Efficacy of doxycycline and sodium tetradecyl sulfate sclerotherapy in pediatric head and neck lymphatic malformations

Abstract Objectives Lymphatic malformations are congenital vascular anomalies that occur from abnormal development of the lymphatic channels. Studies have shown that sclerotherapy can be a reliable alternative to surgery. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous sclerotherapy with doxycycline and 3% Sotradecol as primary treatment for pediatric head and neck LMs, and to assess outcomes based on lesion classification, location and sclerosant used. Study design This study was a single center, retrospective, case series study. Materials and methods The medical records of 38 children who underwent percutaneous sclerotherapy of LMs in the head and neck region at our tertiary care center between 1/1/2006 and 1/31/2011 were reviewed. A mean average of 2.9 (range 1–10) sclerotherapy sessions per child were performed. LMs involved primarily the face (61.3%), posterior neck (48.4%), submental area (45.2%), and anterior neck (35.5%). Results Twenty-nine subjects had adequate follow-up data, with 51.7% demonstrating complete resolution, 27.6% moderate improvement, and 20.7% no response. There was no significant difference in the outcome based on the sclerosant agent used or location of the lesion. Lesion type did affect outcome and macrocystic lesions were found to have a significantly higher resolution rate (95.2%) than microcystic or mixed lesions (p Conclusion Our results indicate that percutaneous therapy with doxycycline and Sotradecol is safe and effective for children with LMs of the head and neck. Better outcomes were observed with macrocystic LMs. Level of evidence 4.
Structured extracurricular activities among adolescents: Findings and implications for school psychologists

One factor that contributes to adolescent positive mental health is active engagement. Engagement is defined as any activity that is initiated to attain an outcome. In general, two forms of activities exist that correspond with engagement: solitary, non-structured, and non-cooperative pursuits, often without adult supervision (e.g., playing video games, watching television) and highly structured, collaborative activities that are under the guidance of a competent set of adults (i.e., structured extracurricular activities, or SEAs). Although large amounts of time spent in unstructured activities is related to negative psychosocial outcomes, participation in SEAs has been related to a variety of positive outcomes for students. This paper reviews current research regarding adolescent participation in SEAs and its effects on academic and personal-social variables (i.e., self-concept, life satisfaction), as well as potential preventive effects for youths considered to be “at-risk” for negative developmental outcomes. The paper also examines research investigating the potential benefits and shortcomings of different types of SEAs. Finally, suggestions for future research and school-based preventive intervention are presented. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 31–41, 2004.
Resilience to Loss and Potential Trauma

Initial research on loss and potentially traumatic events (PTEs) has been dominated by either a psychopathological approach emphasizing individual dysfunction or an event approach emphasizing average differences between exposed and nonexposed groups. We consider the limitations of these approaches and review more recent research that has focused on the heterogeneity of outcomes following aversive events. Using both traditional analytic tools and sophisticated latent trajectory modeling, this research has identified a set of prototypical outcome patterns. Typically, the most common outcome following PTEs is a stable trajectory of healthy functioning or resilience. We review research showing that resilience is not the result of a few dominant factors, but rather that there are multiple independent predictors of resilient outcomes. Finally, we critically evaluate the question of whether resilience-building interventions can actually make people more resilient, and we close with suggestions for future researc...
Characteristics of Degree of Observability Measure for Nonlinear Power Systems

The concept of developing a measure that evaluates the degree of system observability for nonlinear power systems modeled as DAEs has been introduced by the authors in the past with an emphasis on the dependence of this measure to the available measurement sets and changes in the inherent differentiation indices. This work extends this analysis by investigating the sensitivity of the observability measure to system initial conditions and dynamic parameter variations. In particular, the sensitivity of the measure to the generator parameters (inertia and damping) and variations in the system load trajectories (PV-curves) is investigated. The presented results indicate that the degree of observability is robust to small deviations of the system initial conditions, and dependent on the generator damping and inertia coefficients.
Characterization of the Velocity Skin Effect in the Surface Layer of a Railgun Sliding Contact

We present a characterization of contact velocity skin effect (VSEC), which is a major velocity- and efficiency-limiting effect at a railgun's sliding contact. Despite enormous contact forces, the armature remains separated from the rail by a thin layer, 4 to 12 A thick. Evidence suggests VSEC is also the primary mechanism responsible for the contact voltage drop. VSEC effects are seen in both electromagnetic launcher (EML) efficiency and breech voltage. We compare theoretical predictions of system efficiency and breech voltage to experimental measurements for both a conventional and an augmented railgun. The characterization of VSEC extends our previous theoretical work in this area and provides new insights into the physics of EML operation, especially with regards to the armature and sliding contact. VSEC is a significant energy loss mechanism and heat source, possibly contributing to contact erosion and transition. We propose a similar VSEC mechanism to explain velocity saturation and efficiency roll-off in plasma and hybrid armature railguns, as well as arc restrike.
Error Probablity for Optimal and Suboptimal Quadratic Receivers in Rapid Rayleigh Fading Channels

The exact performance of optimal and suboptimal quadratic receivers in a binary hypothesis test between jointly distributed zero mean complex Gaussian variates is derived. The probability of error is given as a function of the characteristic values of a generalized eigenvalue problem set up in terms of the covariance matrix of the received signal-plus-noise and in the matrix of the quadratic form of the receiver. The results include the exact performance of various types of suboptimal receivers including those previously derived for the envelope matched filter for MFSK and the noncoherent DBPSK receiver in rapid Rayleigh fading, nonfrequency-selective channels. Also, the performance of near-optimal stationary process-long observation time [SPLOT] receivers, "energy detectors," and other approximately optimal receivers may be calculated for noncoherent signaling in the same channel.
Studies on renin. I. Purification of dog renin and micromethod for the determination of renin in dog serum and tissues.

Dog renin was produced with a yield of 1.1 Goldblatt units (GU)/g renal tissue and with a specific activity of 1.3 GU/mg protein, i.e., a specific activity 10-16 times higher than that of previous preparations. This renin, free of angiotensinase and of anaphylactoid substances, was used to study the effects of prolonged infusion of renin in normal conscious dogs and as a standard for the bioassay of renin. A simplified method was designed for the indirect assay of canine renin. After prolonged incubation, the angiotensin produced was determined by bioassay in the rat, and the final estimate was expressed as the concentration of renin, in terms of GU, with an accuracy of ± 12.8%. The lower sensitivity of the assay is 1.0 x 10-5 GU/ml; this limit permits an estimate of the endogenous renin in 0.1 ml of normal dog serum or in 0.005 mg of normal canine renal tissue. The sensitivity of this bioassay is, therefore, within the range found in seven radioimmunoassays (0.26 x 10-5 GU/ml to 6.2 x 10-5 GU/ml), and co...
The Break-Up of the Poor Laws— German Style: Progressivism and the Origins of the Welfare State, 1900–1918

While the 1834 New Poor Law and the controversies over its reform represent one of the central threads in every narrative of the history of modern Britain, the same can hardly be said of the German poor laws, whose history is far less known. This is due in large part to a historiographical tradition that sees the Bismarckian social insurance programs as the fons et origo of the German welfare state and thus marginalizes all forms of social assistance that can not be neatly fitted into the narrative pre-history or subsequent development of these programs. This contrasts with a British tradition where, as E. P. Hennock has recently argued, national insurance was primarily conceived as a means of poor law reform, and where the poor laws figure prominently in the historiography of the welfare state. On the other hand, this insurance-centered approach to the welfare state is not entirely to blame because, for their part, historians of poor relief have not been able to establish any positive connections between individualized, subsidiary, deterrent relief and social insurance or social security systems based on rights deriving from either contributions or citizenship.
Effects of cleft lip and palate on the nasal airway in children.

• Clefts of the lip and palate often produce significant nasal deformities and reduced nasal airway size. The purpose of this study was to assess how type of cleft affects nasal cross-sectional area and mode of breathing. The pressure-flow technique was used to estimate nasal airway size and modified inductive plethysmography was used to determine percent of nasal breathing in 60 children with cleft lip and palate aged 6 to 15 years. Ninety-five normal children served as controls. The data demonstrate that nasal size decreased among cleft types as follows: children with bilateral cleft lip and palate had largest airway, followed by unilateral cleft lip, cleft of the hard and soft palate, cleft of the soft palate, and unilateral cleft lip and palate. The data also indicated that most subjects with cleft were mouth breathers. Results of otolaryngologic examinations suggest that septal deformities affecting nasal valve function are responsible for much of the impairment, especially in the group with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The differences among groups appear to relate to developmental differences associated with the original defect and the surgical procedures used in primary repair. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1988;114:987-992)
Optimal control parameterization for displacement and acceleration demands, and local post-yield constitutive responses

Abstract This paper uses a COntroller Optimal Parameterization algorithm, as developed herein, to control displacement and acceleration responses in otherwise highly nonlinear steel shear-frame buildings using Displacement-Optimization (DO) and Acceleration-Optimization (AO) sub-routines. Optimal weighing parameters are used to converge the global and local constitutive responses to prescribed elastic performance levels in order that structural damage – measured in terms of post-yield global displacements, local post-yield strains, and plastic spread lengths – does not occur. The CO-OP routine is embedded into an existing nonlinear time-history analysis that is applied to inelastic structures in order to subsequently enable these structures to displace elastically and to respond at lower accelerations. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate the ability of CO-OP to reduce the maximum calculated displacement and acceleration in steel shear frames subjected to the El Centro earthquake by 92% and 19%, respectively, and by 98% and 75%, respectively, under the Hyogo-ken Nambu earthquake in comparison to an uncontrolled nonlinear frame. When the CO-OP method is tuned to reducing the peak acceleration in an elastic frame, the peak demands are substantially smaller than those of the uncontrolled frame. Finally, analyses of SDOF and MDOF structures show significant reduction of displacements (up to 62% and 27%, respectively) in comparison to a time-varying LQR (TVLQR) method, and significant reduction in accelerations and control energy (35% and 33%, respectively) in comparison to a published approach that utilizes additional parameters and a constraining control force.
Serum-Induced Phosphorylation of the Serum Response Factor Coactivator MKL1 by the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Pathway Inhibits Its Nuclear Localization

Megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 (MKL1) is a myocardin-related coactivator of the serum response factor (SRF) transcription factor, which has an integral role in differentiation, migration, and proliferation. Serum induces RhoA-dependent translocation of MKL1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and also causes a rapid increase in MKL1 phosphorylation. We have mapped a serum-inducible phosphorylation site and found, surprisingly, that its mutation causes constitutive localization to the nucleus, suggesting that phosphorylation of MKL1 inhibits its serum-induced nuclear localization. The key site, serine 454, resembles a mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation site, and its modification was blocked by the MEK1 inhibitor U0126, implying that extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) is the serum-inducible kinase that phosphorylates MKL1. Previous results indicated that G-actin binding to MKL1 promotes its nuclear export, and we found that MKL1 phosphorylation is required for its binding to actin, explaining its effect on localization. We propose a model in which serum induction initially stimulates MKL1 nuclear localization due to a decrease in G-actin levels, but MKL1 is then downregulated by nuclear export due to ERK1/2 phosphorylation.
FIXED POINTS OF ANALYTIC SELF-MAPPINGS OF RIEMANN SURFACES

The existence of fixed points for an analytic self-mapping of a Riemann surface often permits strong conclusions about the mapping. For hyperbolic Riemann surfaces fixed point conditions that imply an analytic self-mapping is actually a conformal automorphism are given. For instance, an analytic self-mapping of a hyperbolic Riemann surface with two fixed points must be a conformal automorphism of finite order. On the other hand, for surfaces of finite genus estimates of the order of a conformal automorphism are obtained from fixed point information. For example, on a Riemann surface of genus g a conformal automorphism with 2g+3 fixed points is the identity.
Superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of neuroinflammation in a rat model of radicular pain.

In many clinical cases of radicular pain, no noticeable neuropathology is detected by conventional medical imaging strategies. Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles were evaluated as magnetic resonance contrast agents to specifically detect neuroinflammation at sites of painful injury in a rat model of cervical nerve root compression. Two separate groups of rats were used: an injury group that underwent controlled transient compression of the dorsal root and a sham group that received the same surgical procedures but no injury. Precontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed 6 days after surgery, followed by administration of SPIO via tail vein injection. After 24 hours, T2*-weighted imaging at the site of root injury revealed a postcontrast enhancement of 72.9 6 31%. This was significantly greater than that of injured animals prior to SPIO administration (5.3 6 12.9%). SPIO did not generate any significant postcontrast enhancement in the nerve roots of the sham group. Histology confirmed colocalization of SPIO with macrophage at the injury site. These findings suggest that SPIO-enhanced MRI may be a valuable tool to identify otherwise undetectable nerve root compression and enable improved patient management.
Unstructured tree search on SIMD parallel computers

We present new methods for load balancing of unstructured tree computations on large-scale SIMD machines, and analyze the scalability of these and other existing schemes. An efficient formulation of tree search on an SIMD machine consists of two major components: a triggering mechanism, which determines when the search space redistribution must occur to balance the search space over processors, and a scheme to redistribute the search space. We have devised a new redistribution mechanism and a new triggering mechanism. Either of these can be used in conjunction with triggering and redistribution mechanisms developed by other researchers. We analyze the scalability of these mechanisms and verify the results experimentally. The analysis and experiments show that our new load-balancing methods are highly scalable on SIMD architectures. Their scalability is shown to he no worse than that of the best load-balancing schemes on MIMD architectures. We verify our theoretical results by implementing the 15-puzzle problem on a CM-2 SIMD parallel computer. >
Model Studies of the Beam-Filling Error for Rain-Rate Retrieval with Microwave Radiometers

Low-frequency (less than 20 GHz) single-channel microwave retrievals of rain rate encounter the problem of beam-filling error. This error stems from the fact that the relationship between microwave brightness temperature and rain rate is nonlinear, coupled with the fact that the field of view is large or comparable to important scales of variability of the rain field. This means that one may not simply insert the area average of the brightness temperature into the formula for rain rate without incurring both bias and random error. The statistical heterogeneity of the rain-rate field in the footprint of the instrument is key to determining the nature of these errors. This paper makes use of a series of random rain-rate fields to study the size of the bias and random error associated with beam filling. A number of examples are analyzed in detail: the binomially distributed field, the gamma, the Gaussian, the mixed gamma, the lognormal, and the mixed lognormal ('mixed' here means there is a finite probability of no rain rate at a point of space-time). Of particular interest are the applicability of a simple error formula due to Chiu and collaborators and a formula that might hold in the large field of view limit. It is found that the simple formula holds for Gaussian rain-rate fields but begins to fail for highly skewed fields such as the mixed lognormal. While not conclusively demonstrated here, it is suggested that the notionof climatologically adjusting the retrievals to remove the beam-filling bias is a reasonable proposition.
Regulation of lipoprotein lipase in adipose and muscle tissues during fasting

The purpose of this work was to determine the relationship between lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and LPL mRNA in muscle and adipose tissue in fed and fasted rats. In control animals, the correl...
Primary angiitis of the central nervous system: avoiding misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of a rare disease

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is an extremely rare condition, defined as a vasculitis limited to the CNS with no identifiable cause. Its presentation is non-specific and includes headache, cognitive dysfunction and focal neurological signs. Laboratory studies, neuroimaging and angiography are neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific for diagnosis; a definitive diagnosis requires brain biopsy. As a result, PACNS is commonly misdiagnosed. Here, we review its clinical, laboratory and radiological features, and focus on avoiding common diagnostic pitfalls.
Where we are now: A 2015 snapshot of assessment personnel and practices in US Schools and Colleges of pharmacy

Abstract Purpose To describe infrastructures and personnel of US schools and colleges of pharmacy (S/COPs) assigned to coordinate and administer programmatic and curricular assessment. Methods A web-based survey instrument consisting of 23 standardized questions was administered using Qualtrics TM , Provo, Utah . An invitation to participate was sent to 128 deans via e-mail with an embedded link to the survey instrument. A follow-up e-mail reminder was sent to non-responders after two weeks, then weekly for another month. The survey was closed after two months. Conclusions The final response rate was 47% ( N = 60), with respondents comprising a representative cross-section of US S/COPs. Most US S/COPs have a written plan of programmatic assessment, stand-alone assessment committees with representative membership, and either a dean-level or faculty administrator responsible for leading assessment activities. On a sliding scale from 0% to100%, most respondents report their programs have achieved a culture of assessment in the 70–99% range. Considerable progress has been made in 15 years since assessment personnel in the US S/COPs were last formally documented.