cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SOIL TEMPERATURE AND ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DURING DIURNAL AND SEASONAL FREEZE-THAW

Abstract Combined measurements of soil temperature and electric potential in the upper 15 cm of a glacial sandy-loam soil were made during the winters of 1986–1987 and 19871988 at the University of Michigan Botanical Gardens using an electronic data acquisition system at frequencies varying from 10 min to daily (midnight). Most of the data was collected at hourly intervals. Analysis of temperature-potential time series at two locations with probes at (0, 3, 6, 9) and (0, 5, 10, 15) cm depths indicated that the variation of electric potential relative to the potential of a 1.5 m ground spike could be interpreted as the response of an electrolytic concentration cell without transference formed by a probe and the ground spike. As the electrolyte concentration is much greater at the ground spike, and electric potential varies inversely with concentration, the potentials at the soil probes varied over the range of approximately 300–700 mV in a manner consistent with the behavior of a concentration cell. The rapid and systematic pattern of potential variation during freeze-thaw events demonstrates that the effects of electrolyte concentration and dilution are products of evaporation-distillation, the melting of frost-purified ice, soil water advection to the freezing-evaporating region, concentrated electrolyte expulsion from the freezing region and the infiltration of rain and snow melt waters.
Calculation of cranial nerve complication probability for acoustic neuroma radiosurgery.

Abstract Purpose: Estimations of complications from stereotactic radiosurgery usually rely simply on dose-volume or dose-diameter isoeffect curves. Due to the sparse clinical data available, these curves have typically not considered the target location in the brain, target histology, or treatment plan conformality as parameters in the calculation. In this study, a predictive model was generated to estimate the probability of cranial neuropathies as a result of acoustic schwannoma radiosurgery. Methods and Materials: The dose-volume histogram reduction scheme was used to calculate the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) from brainstem dose-volume histograms. The model's fitting parameters were optimized to provide the best fit to the observed complication data for acoustic neuroma patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery at the University of Florida. The calculation was then applied to the remainder of the patients in the database. Results: The best fit to our clinical data was obtained using n = 0.04, m = 0.15, and α/β = 2.1 Gy −1 . Although the fitting parameter m is relatively consistent with ranges found in the literature, both the volume parameter, n , and α/β are much smaller than the values quoted in the literature. The fit to our clinical data indicates that brainstem, or possibly a specific portion of the brainstem, is more radiosensitive than the parameters in the literature indicate, and that there is very little volume effect; in other words, irradiation of a small fraction of the brainstem yields NTCPs that are nearly as high as those calculated for entire volume irradiation. These new fitting parameters are specific to acoustic neuroma radiosurgery, and the small volume effect that we observe may be an artifact of the fixed relationship of acoustic tumors to specific regions of the brainstem. Applying the model to our patient database, we calculate an average NTCP of 7.2% for patients who had no cranial nerve complications, and the average NTCP for was 66% for patients who sustained a cranial neuropathy. For the entire patient population, the actual percentage of patients suffering either facial or trigeminal neuropathy was 14.7%, whereas the calculated average NTCP was 14.8%. Discussion: NTCP calculations using brainstem dose-volume histograms can be used to estimate the rate of cranial neuropathies from acoustic neuroma radiosurgery. More clinical data and further study will lead to refinement of the model with time.
Fracture properties of konjac mannan gel: effect of gel temperature

Abstract Fracture properties of 2% konjac mannan (KM) gels were determined by torsion testing at several temperatures. Two treatments were evaluated: 3:1 and 2:1 ratios of alkali:KM (v/w). Capstan geometry gels were equilibrated to 5, 20, 35, 50, 65 or 80°C. Shear stress at fracture was invariant with test temperature. This response suggests a permanently bonded network. However, there were no covalent links believed to be present in stabilization of KM gels. Shear strain at failure decreased linearly with increasing temperature, a typical response of entropy elastic gels. It is observed that the ‘total’ strain at fracture, the sum of mechanically produced strain and internal thermal motion strain, remains constant throughout the range of test temperatures. Total strain was estimated at ~3.4 by extrapolation to absolute zero. KM gels, although probably not covalent in nature, respond to mechanical deformation as permanently bonded systems during the short stress times involved in the present study.
A back-propagation neural network predicts absorption maxima of chimeric human red/green visual pigments

Abstract The absorption spectra of human red and green visual pigments have peak wavelengths, λ max, that differ by 31 nm, yet the opsins differ in only 15 amino acids. Mutagenesis studies have demonstrated that seven of the 15 amino acids determine the spectral shift. We trained neural networks to predict the λ max of any red/green chimeric protein. Seven mutants were excluded from the original training set. The trained networks were able to predict the λ max for the excluded mutants. As an additional test, five new chimeric pigments were constructed and λ max determined. The neural networks correctly predicted the λ max of all five mutants. The use of neural networks is a novel approach to the problem of wavelength modulation in visual pigments.
Lifelogging: Archival and retrieval of continuously recorded audio using wearable devices

We propose a complete system for lifelogging where audio is continuously recorded using a smartphone or a wearable recorder. Recorded audio includes speech, music and environmental sounds. First, we describe a feature-based segmentation algorithm for breaking down a long piece of audio into smaller clips. In order to archive clips into a large database, we present methods for automatically indexing and annotating audio with relevant acoustic and semantic tags. Retrieval is performed using a Query-By-Example based approach. To support our claims, the results are demonstrated via a smart-phone application on the popular Android platform. Finally, we also propose a novel virtualization-based design framework to rapidly develop and test such systems for signal processing.
ENLISTED PERSONNEL SELECTION FOR THE U. S. NAVY

Recently, over 33% of the new male enlistees were prematurely separated from the Navy (i.e., prior to the expiration of active duty obligation). The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a new screening tool, designed to estimate an applicant's chances of completing the first two years of service. Essentially all nonprior service males enlisting during 1973 were included in the study (N = 68,616). Predictors used were: (1) years school completed, (2) mental group, based upon aptitude level, (3) age, and (4) number of dependents. The dichotomous criterion was survival (72%) vs. loss (28%), after a median two years of service. The model developed on the total sample evidenced a multiple point-biserial validity of .31. Double cross-validation evidence showed that the model will produce reasonably accurate and stable predictions. Management-oriented information was prepared to illustrate the various consequences of employing alternative cutting scores. This permitted examination of the tradeoffs involved in raising or lowering standards in the light of the current supply and demand picture for nonprior service enlisted male applicants.
Left ventricular pacing in neonates and infants with isolated congenital complete or advanced atrioventricular block: short- and medium-term outcome

Aims Right ventricular (RV) pacing may induce left ventricular (LV) dysfunction: neonates and infants with isolated congenital complete/advanced atrioventricular block (CCAVB) are at high risk of developing RV pacing-induced LV dyssynchrony, remodelling, and dysfunction. We prospectively investigated whether LV pacing results in normal LV function and good clinical status in the short/medium term. Methods and results In this single-centre, prospective study, 10 consecutive patients with CCAVB (median age 4 months, range: 0.1–16) underwent pacemaker implantation (4 VVIR, 6 DDD) using epicardial leads (on the LV apex in 8, on the LV free wall in 2). Data were collected at implantation and at 1- and 12-month follow-up. Echocardiographic evaluation included two-dimensional/three-dimensional assessment of LV dimensions, function (ejection fraction, EF), and ventricular synchrony (interventricular and intraventricular dyssynchrony). Prior to pacemaker implantation, EF was normal in six patients, 50% in two, ≤40% in two. All patients showed good clinical status and normal LV dimensions at follow-up. Patients with LV dilatation and impaired EF at implantation showed LV reverse remodelling and enhanced LV function. Normal LV function and synchrony were observed in most patients (one patient with EF 53% and three patients with mild dyssynchrony at 12-month follow-up). Paced QRS complex tended to be wider than native QRS complexes ( P = 0.07); QTc duration of paced complexes was within normal limits or only slightly prolonged, without significant differences compared with QTc interval of native complexes. Conclusion At short- and medium-term follow-up, LV pacing results in satisfactory LV electromechanical function and synchrony in neonates and infants with CCAVB.
Involving private practitioners and chest physicians in the control of tuberculosis.

Abstract Setting: Private practitioners including chest physicians are often an important obstacle to having a successful National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) in low- and middle-income countries. This complicated situation has been present in most of the Latin American countries for many years. Objective: To design an intervention model to obtain collaboration and integration of specialist physicians in the actions of the NTP. Design: In 1998, the IUATLD designed a special interactive model of training courses, to be held in an important number of Latin American countries. This intensive (25 h in 3 days) course was named ‘Importance of the role of chest physicians and their integration in NTP strategies’. At the end of each course, the participants were invited to sign a series of agreements concerning controversial topics that had blocked collaboration in the past. Results: This course, adapted to the situation of the different countries, has been held 17 times in 9 different countries. So far, nearly 600 specialist physicians have been trained with this special model, and all of them have signed important agreements on future collaboration. Conclusion: There has been an important improvement in integrating these specialist physicians into the actions of the NTPs. This intervention has contributed to a substantial improvement of tuberculosis control in the last 4 years in Latin America.
Use of interactive theater for faculty development in multicultural medical education

Background: The development of critical consciousness, anchored in principles of social justice, is an essential component of medical education.Aim: In order to assist faculty instructors in facilitating small-group discussions on potentially contentious issues involving race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic class, a faculty development workshop was created.Methods: The workshop used ‘Forum Theater’ techniques in which the audience was directly involved in determining the course of a simulated classroom discussion and conflict. We assessed the workshop's impact on the instructors’ attitudes regarding facilitation of small-group discussions through two surveys: one to gauge immediate impressions, and another, 9–15 months later, to assess impact over time.Results: Immediately after the workshop, participants reported that the topics covered in the sketch and in the discussion were highly relevant. In the follow-up survey, the instructors agreed that the workshop had raised their awareness of t...
Can Storage Coefficient Be Neglected in the Estimation of Unconfined Aquifer Parameters

Unlike the Neuman solution (1974), the Dagan solution (1967) neglects elastic storage of unconfined aquifers. Whereas theformer has been commonly used in the analysis of aquifer pumpingtests, application of the latter to determination of aquiferparameters are rare. This article evaluates the reliabilityof the Dagan solution (1967) for the determination of the horizontaland vertical hydraulic conductivity Kr and Kz and specific yieldSy by neglecting the role of aquifer storage coefficient S.To be consistent in the analysis of aquifer test data, the Dagansolution was combined with an inverse computational procedureso that Kr, Kz, and Sy can be automatically calculated. Computationsconverge relatively fast because evaluation of the Dagan solutionis mathematically simpler than is the Neuman solution. Datafrom three pumping tests conducted in alluvial aquifers in thePlatte and Republican River valleys, Nebraska, were analyzed.Earlytime drawdown data from the site in the Platte River valleyare scarce, but plenty of early-time drawdowns were collectedfrom the two sites in the Republican River valley. Comparisonof the results from the Dagan and the Neuman solution indicatesthat the Dagan solution provides aquifer parameter values veryclose to those of the Neuman solution in most situations. Formost practical purposes, the Dagan solution is as good as theNeuman solution for aquifer test analysis.
Non-invasive and selective measurement of the arterial input function using a PET Wrist Scanner

Kinetic modeling permits quantification of radiotracer dynamics in tissue by using the amount of radioactivity in blood as an input function to a kinetic model. This usually requires obtaining multiple blood samples during dynamic PET scans. As this procedure is considered a health risk for the patient and medical personnel, a wrist scanner has been devised that can be used to obtain an input function with minimum discomfort to the patient and without drawing arterial blood. A prototype using two detector pairs has been evaluated. The spatial resolution, sensitivity and the masking of the arterial signal by the surrounding wrist tissue radioactivity are determined. The results show that the detector was able to discriminate the arterial and venous flows from each other using planar coincidence images. MicroPET images of the wrist show that the radioactivity from the tissue does not interfere with the arterial signal. Minimization of venous and tissue interference, optimal number and placement of the detectors are being evaluated. The two detector pair prototype was used in a routine PET study.
Consistency of attenuation across multiple fittings of custom and non-custom earplugs

Hearing protection devices (HPDs) play a significant role in protecting workers from occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Individual HPD fit-testing estimates the amount of protection, or attenuation, that an individual achieves from a given HPD as it is worn. Results from a single fit-test may not be representative of real-world HPD performance over time, however, due to inconsistency in how the individual fits the HPD from time to time. In this study, the effects of HPD type and user training on the consistency of attenuation achieved across multiple fittings were evaluated in a within-subjects design. Attenuation measurements using a real-ear attenuation at threshold procedure were obtained on 30 participants wearing custom-molded and non-custom earplugs. The subjects were initially naive to proper earplug insertion techniques and later received one-on-one training for the second half of the attenuation measurements. Consistency, or reliability, of fit was assessed using (i) the standard deviation of the 'distance to ear mean attenuation', a measure of fitting uncertainty, and (ii) the standard deviation of the attenuation values across multiple fit-tests for each subject. The custom earplug provided statistically significantly better consistency of attenuation than the non-custom earplug at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. Training effects were statistically significant at 250, 500, and 1000 Hz and at the Personal Attenuation Rating. No interactions were statistically significant. These results indicate that, in general, subjects obtained more consistent attenuation with the custom earplugs than with the non-custom earplugs and that consistency improved with training for both earplug types.
Quaternary glacial history of Mount Olympus, Greece

Erosional and depositional evidence on Mount Olympus, Greece, and across the adjacent piedmont provides clear indication that the mountain was more extensively glaciated over a longer period of time than has been previously reported. The stratigraphic record of Pleistocene–Holocene events on Mount Olympus is most clearly documented on the eastern piedmont, where three discrete sedimentary packages (units 1–3), each capped by a distinctive soil, reflect glacial and nonglacial activity in the Mount Olympus region. A working stratigraphic framework for sediments and soils is proposed and is tentatively correlated with a dated alluvial succession south of Mount Olympus. We suggest that the oldest sedimentary package (unit 1) predates 200 ka (isotope stage 8?). Lithologic and pedologic equivalents of the piedmont stratigraphy are found within major valleys draining Mount Olympus, as well as within cirque basins and on the summit plateau surface. These deposits can be clearly tied to three stages of cirque development on the upland and at valley heads. Taken together, upland and piedmont glacial features and deposits indicate the following general scenario: (1) earliest glaciation (isotope stage 8?) produced upland ice and valley glaciers that extended as piedmont lobes east, north, and west of Mount Olympus; (2) nonglacial (interglacial) conditions (isotope stage 7?) were accompanied by extensive erosion and subsequent pedogenesis; (3) a second glaciation (isotope stage 6?) involved production of upland ice and valley glaciers that did not reach the piedmont; (4) interglacial (interstadial) conditions (isotope stage 5?) provided time for stream erosion and substantial pedogenesis; (5) final(?) glaciation (isotope stages 4–2?) was restricted to valley heads (no upland ice) and glaciers that extended to mid-valley positions; (6) nonglacial conditions (isotope stage 1?) were associated with additional pedogenesis and stream incision. The largest cirque on the mountain (Megali Kazania) may contain depositional evidence for neoglaciation. Study of the neotectonic history of the Mount Olympus region indicates that uplift has persisted throughout the mid-Pleistocene and Holocene at a rate of about 1.6 m/k.y.; the total uplift since deposition of unit 2 is approximately 200 m.
Ultracold-neutron production in a pulsed-neutron beam line

We present the results of an Ultracold neutron (UCN) production experiment in a pulsed neutron beam line at the Los Alamos Neutron Scattering Center. The experimental apparatus allows for a comprehensive set of measurements of UCN production as a function of target temperature, incident neutron energy, target volume, and applied magnetic field. However, the low counting statistics of the UCN signal expected can be overwhelmed by the large background associated with the scattering of the primary cold neutron flux that is required for UCN production. We have developed a background subtraction technique that takes advantage of the very different time-of-flight profiles between the UCN and the cold neutrons, in the pulsed beam. Using the unique timing structure, we can reliably extract the UCN signal. Solid ortho-D2 is used to calibrate UCN transmission through the apparatus, which is designed primarily for studies of UCN production in solid O2. In addition to setting the overall detection efficiency in the apparatus,UCN production data using solid D2 suggest that the UCN upscattering cross-section is smaller than previous estimates, indicating the deficiency of the incoherent approximation widely used to estimate inelastic cross-sections in the thermal and cold regimes.
PROGRESS AND PROBLEMS IN INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH EFFORTS TO REDUCE TOBACCO USAGE

The use of tobacco, whether by smoking, chewing, or sniffing, has been shown to cause untimely death and disability from cancer, heart disease, and pulmonary disease, not only in the user, but also in those who are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (50, 53). The total amount of death and disease caused by smoking is considerable. In the United States, there were an estimated 390,000 smoking-attributable deaths in 1985 (40), which makes up almost 25% of all deaths among men and over 10% of all deaths among women. If tobacco were discovered today, it is hard to imagine a single country in which it would be legal to grow it, refine it, advertise it, or sell it. Neverthe­ less, with the exception of advertising in a few countries, it is legal to do all these things in every country of the world. Why has the public health movement in every country failed to make tobacco illegal and thus protect the public from such a potent carcinogen?
Numerical modeling of nonlinear elastic components of mooring systems

This paper deals with the finite-element analysis of compliant structures containing nonlinear elastic components and subjected to loading by waves and currents. An efficient procedure to model such components is developed and implemented in a computer program. It can be applied to analyze nonlinear elastic ropes, rubber tethers, risers, and hoses. The elastic modulus is assumed to depend on the amount of strain in a component. The Newton-Raphson iteration scheme is modified to account for the change of elastic properties on each step of time integration procedure. The approach is applied to develop feed buoy mooring systems for the University of New Hampshire Open Ocean Aquaculture site. The complex nonlinear and viscoelastic load-elongation behavior of suitable high stretch mooring elements for this application is modeled to obtain realistic numerical predictions at sea conditions. Various designs and environmental loading scenarios are considered. Numerical simulations provide predictions of the overall dynamics of the system and maximum values of tensions in critical components.
Individual Differences in Lexical Processing at 18 Months Predict Vocabulary Growth in Typically Developing and Late-Talking Toddlers.

Using online measures of familiar word recognition in the looking-while-listening procedure, this prospective longitudinal study revealed robust links between processing efficiency and vocabulary growth from 18 to 30 months in children classified as typically developing (n = 46) and as "late talkers" (n = 36) at 18 months. Those late talkers who were more efficient in word recognition at 18 months were also more likely to "bloom," showing more accelerated vocabulary growth over the following year, compared with late talkers less efficient in early speech processing. Such findings support the emerging view that early differences in processing efficiency evident in infancy have cascading consequences for later learning and may be continuous with individual differences in language proficiency observed in older children and adults.
Perception of oral diadochokinetic performances in elderly adults

Abstract Twenty speech-language pathologists judged the adequacy of oral diadochokinetic performances by ten normal young adult speakers, ten normal geriatric speakers, and four dysarthric speakers (foils) for the purpose of investigating age-related changes in speech. Listeners rated each speaker according to 11 perceptual dimensions. Significant differences in ratings were found among the three subject groups for 10 of the 11 perceptual dimensions. The performances of elderly normal adult speakers were rated farther from the “normal” endpoint of a seven-point continuum than those of the young normal adults. The listeners also reported lesser degrees of confidence in their ratings of the geriatrics in comparison with both young adult and dysarthric groups. Perceptual characteristics associated with oral diadochokinetic performance appear to be altered with advanced age. Further analysis of clinicians' judgements suggest support for Ryan and Burk's (1974) proposal that the speech of aged adults may fall at the “mild end of a dysarthric continuum.” Results emphasized the need for development of clinical standards of speech normality for the geriatric population.
Limitation of marine phytoplankton reproductive rates by zinc, manganese, and iron1

The reproductive rates of 21 species of marine phytoplankton were measured in media in which free zinc, manganese, and iron ion activities were controlled at different levels using EDTA-trace metal ion buffer systems. In general, the reproductive rates of neritic species were limited by zinc activities below 1O-11.5 M, while those of oceanic species were either not limited or only slightly limited at the lowest zinc activity attained in the experiment, ca. lo-l3 M. The reproductive rates of oceanic coccolithophores were either not limited or only slightly limited by the lowest manganese ion activity attained, ca. 10-l’ M, but those of a neritic coccolithophore and all diatoms, both neritic and oceanic, were limited below a manganese activity of 10-l” M. Neritic species had reduced reproductive rates in media containing clod7 M iron while oceanic species reproduced at maximal or close to maximal rates in the media with the lowest iron concentrations, ca. IO+’ M. The habitat-related patterns in zinc, manganese, and iron requirements of oceanic and neritic species are consistent with the oceanic-neritic distributions of concentrations of these metals. This similarity in requirement and distributional patterns provides evidence that Zn, Mn, and Fe availability have been important selective forces on marine phytoplankton populations and communities. The nutrients most frequently considered to limit the reproductive rates of phytoplankton in the ocean are the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon. The possibility that trace metal micronutrients can be of significance in the ecology of phytoplankton has been considered occasionally (Harvey 1947; Ryther and Guillard 1959; Ryther and Kramer 1961; Barber and Ryther 1969), but they have not received the attention and quantitative analysis that macronutrients
Microbial transformation of kawain and methysticin.

The styryl α-pyrones, d-kawain (1) and d-methysticin (2) are two of the major kavalactone constituents of the anxiolytic herb Piper methysticum, commonly known as kava. The use of fungal models to mimic the mammalian metabolism of 1 resulted in the production of 4'-hydroxykawain (1a) from the culture broth of Cunning-hamella elegans (ATCC 9245), the same metabolite identified in rat urine. The fungus Torulopsis petrophilum (ATCC 20225) biotransformed 2 to 3'-hydroxy-4'-methoxykawain (2c) which is analogous, but not identical, to a known rat metabolite of methysticin.
The Dispersion Relation of Short Wind Waves from Space–Time Wave Measurements*

Abstract To study the dispersion relation of short wind waves, a linear wave gauge array (WGA) is configured and mounted on a wave-following buoy to conduct in situ space–time measurements of short gravity waves. Results from two field deployments of the WGA buoy in growing seas are presented. The two-dimensional (2D) wavenumber–frequency spectra derived from the space–time measurements provide a direct examination on the relation of wave frequency and wavenumber of short waves in the along-wind direction. Both wavenumber-based and frequency-based phase velocities are extracted from the 2D spectra. The effect of higher harmonics resulting from the Fourier decomposition of nonlinear wave profiles is more prominent to the frequency-based phase velocity than the wavenumber-based phase velocity. The wavenumber-based phase velocity is consistent with that according to the linear dispersion relation, while the frequency-based phase velocity becomes larger due to the higher harmonics.
Operation and Monitoring of the CMS Regional Calorimeter Trigger Hardware

The electronics for the Regional Calorimeter Trigger (RCT) of the Compact Muon Solenoid Experiment (CMS) have been produced, tested, and installed. The RCT hardware consists of one clock distribution crate and 18 double-sided crates containing custom boards, ASICs, and backplanes. The RCT receives 8-bit energies and a data quality bit from the HCAL and ECAL Trigger Primitive Generators (TPGs) and sends it to the CMS Global Calorimeter Trigger (GCT) after processing. Integration tests with the TPG and GCT subsystems have been successful. Installation is complete and the RCT is integrated into the Level-1 Trigger chain. Data taking has begun using detector noise, cosmic rays, proton-beam debris, and beamhalo muons [1]. The operation and configuration of the RCT is a completely automated process. The tools to monitor, operate, and debug the RCT are mature and will be described in detail, as well as the results from data taking with the RCT.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Intercorporate Investments (B)

This case can be used as a supplement to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. -- Intercorporate Investments (A) (UVA-C-2240). Students are presented with hypothetical data related to one of Berkshire Hathaway's investments and asked to compare the financial statement impacts of the investment if it is classified as an available-for-sale security with the impacts if classified as a trading security.
Farm Tenure under the Strain of War

HE war puts our institutions to an acid test. Where they block the way to full mobilization of our economy for the war effort, they must be changed; where they facilitate the mobilizing of our resources, they must be strengthened. Habits of life and thought are being reoriented toward the moral principle of humanitarian democracy of, for, and by the common people, and toward the economic principle of maximizing the use of our productive resources. The institution of land tenure does not escape this test in the present struggle. I. Orientation of the Problem
Biomarkers in Scleroderma: Progressing from Association to Clinical Utility

Scleroderma is a heterogenous disease characterized by autoimmunity, a characteristic vasculopathy, and often widely varying extents of deep organ fibrosis. Recent advances in the understanding of scleroderma's evolution have improved the ability to identify subgroups of patients with similar prognosis in order to improve risk stratification, enrich clinical trials for patients likely to benefit from specific therapies, and identify promising therapeutic targets for intervention. High-throughput technologies have recently identified fibrotic and inflammatory effectors in scleroderma that exhibit strong prognostic ability and may be tied to disease evolution. Increasingly, the use of collections of assayed circulating proteins and patterns of gene expression in tissue has replaced single-marker investigations in understanding the evolution of scleroderma and in objectively characterizing disease extent. Lastly, identification of shared patterns of disease evolution has allowed classification of patients into latent disease subtypes, which may allow rapid clinical prognostication and targeted management in both clinical and research settings. The concept of biomarkers in scleroderma is expanding to include nontraditional measures of aggregate protein signatures and disease evolution. This review examines the recent advances in biomarkers with a focus on those approaches poised to guide prospective management or themselves serve as quantitative surrogate disease outcomes.
Interlace and Progressive Scan Comparisons Based on Visual Perception Data

Progressive scan is favored over interlace by the computer industry and many proponents of video transmission systems because of the artifacts present in interlaced displays. Visibility of interlaced artifacts depends on the acquisition method, display, and viewing conditions. Perceived sharpness of an image is considerably less for an interlaced image than for a progressive image. The reasons for this will be explained based on visual perception data, and the differences in perceived sharpness will be quantified. All of the advantages of progressive scans can be realized with receiver signal processing of a standard interlaced transmission system provided the originating camera and final display are in progressive format. In that case, all interlaced artifacts will be removed, however, the vertical resolution will be slightly lower than with a progressive camera or film scanner.
Electron, ion and x-ray beams produced by wakes and shocks in high- power laser plasma interactions

When powerful but short laser pulses propagate through plasmas they can excite shocks and wakes. Electric fields associated with these wakes and shocks are used to generate high-energy ion, electron, and x-ray beams.
Growth Kinetics and Morphological Evolution of ZnO Precipitated from Solution

This work characterizes the nucleation and growth kinetics of zinc oxide (ZnO) precipitated from aqueous hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) zinc nitrate (Zn(NO3)2) solutions observed by in situ and ex situ transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative comparisons between in situ beam-induced precipitation, in situ thermally activated precipitation, ex situ thermally activated precipitation, and ex situ electrochemistry provide insights into the rate limiting mechanism and the chemistry governing the reactions. All experiments indicate that isotropic ZnO precipitates directly from solution. These particles begin to aggregate and grow anisotropically shortly after nucleation. The conversion to anisotropic growth does not rely on coalescence despite the fact that the two are often observed to occur in concert. The results indicate that the reaction pathway for in situ beam-induced growth more closely mimics ex situ electrochemistry than ex situ chemistry. In situ and ex situ thermally activated growth processes ...
Activity Standardization of Technical Preparations of Douglas-fir Tussock Moth Baculovirus

Polyhedron counts are the most commonly used “measure” of the potency of technical nucleopolyhedrosis virus preparations. The actual potency of such preparations, however, can be determined only by bioassay. If the bioassay is standardized, it provides a frame of reference for comparisons among microbial products and among results of field applications. We describe an activity standardization procedure based on the stability of the response of an inbred strain of Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough). The response of strain CL-1 is the reference standard currently accepted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and by the U.S. Forest Service for activity titrations of industrial preparations of Douglas-fir tussock moth Baculovirus . Tests covering a 2yr span and 3 generations of GL-I larvae show that the procedure is highly reproducible.
FRI0309 A Phase I Pharmacokinetics TRIAL Comparing PF-05280586 (A Potential Biosimilar) and Rituximab in Subjects with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis with Active Disease in TNF Failures (Reflections B328-01)

Background PF-05280586, a proposed biosimilar to rituximab, has the same primary amino acid sequence as rituximab with similar physicochemical and in vitro functional properties. Objectives This study was designed to demonstrate pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity of PF-05280586 to rituximab sourced from the US (rituximab-US) and EU (rituximab-EU), and between rituximab-US and rituximab-EU. Safety was also evaluated. Methods In this double-blind trial (NCT01526057), 220 subjects with active rheumatoid arthritis on a background of methotrexate who had an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies were randomized 1:1:1 to one course of IV PF-05280586, rituximab-US or rituximab-EU 1000 mg on Days 1 and 15 (with stable background regimen of methotrexate). The primary analysis was the PK similarity testing using full PK profiling. PK similarity for a given test-to-reference comparison was considered demonstrated if the 90% CI of the test-to-reference ratio of the AUC from time 0 to infinity (AUC0–∞) and maximum concentration (Cmax) were within 80.00–125.00%. Results Baseline demographics for 198 subjects evaluable for PK were similar among 3 treatment arms. The 3 study drugs exhibited similar disposition profiles and PK parameters. The 90% CI for the ratios of Cmax, AUC from time 0 to 2 weeks (AUC0–2wk) and to the last measurable time point (AUCT), and AUC0–∞ were within 80.00–125.00% for the comparisons of PF-05280586 to rituximab-US and rituximab-EU, and rituximab-EU to rituximab-US. A similar number of subjects discontinued for safety reason. 8 subjects reported serious adverse events of which 2 were considered treatment-related (rituximab-US: grade 2 atrial flutter [resolved]; rituximab-EU: grade 2 thrombocytopenic purpura [resolved although the subject was permanently discontinued from the study]). Conclusions This study demonstrates PK similarity of PF-05280586 to both rituximab-US and rituximab-EU and rituximab-EU to rituximab-US. All 3 treatments were generally well tolerated, with a low incidence of treatment-related AEs and discontinuations due to AEs. Disclosure of Interest D. Yin Employee of: Pfizer Inc., J.-C. Becker Employee of: Pfizer Inc., L. Melia Employee of: Pfizer Inc., R. Li Employee of: Pfizer Inc., B. Gumbiner Employee of: Pfizer Inc., D. Thomas Employee of: Pfizer Inc., G. Spencer-Green Employee of: Pfizer Inc., X. Meng Employee of: Pfizer Inc. DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.5444
Adaptive Disturbance Rejection Guidance Law for Visual Tracking of a Maneuvering Target

This paper presents an adaptive disturbance rejection control architecture for a ∞ying vehicle to track a maneuvering target using a monocular camera as a visual sensor. The kinematic equations of relative motion are formulated in the body frame of the tracking vehicle, in which the target velocity is viewed as a time-varying disturbance. Under the assumption that the change in the target velocity has a bounded integral, the derived guidance law guarantees asymptotic tracking of the target in the presence of an intelligent excitation signal in the reference input. Implementation of the guidance law is done via conventional adaptive backstepping. Simulations of the guidance law illustrate the beneflts of the method.
Influence of Organic Acids on Thermal Aging and Frequency Domain Dielectric Spectroscopy Characteristics of Oil-paper Insulation

We investigated the influence of organic acids on thermal aging and frequency domain spectroscopy(FDS) of oil-paper insulation through experiments. Firstly, we added formic acid and stearic acid into two sets of insulation oil samples until their acidity both reached 0.3×10-3. Then, we placed insulating papers with initial mass fractions of water(σmc) of 0.2% and 0.3% into the insulation oil samples, respectively, and measured the distribution characteristics(featured by dissolution property and dissolution characteristic of acid) of organic acids between oil and paper at different temperatures. After the organic acids reached steady state, we made FDS tests of the samples at 20 ℃ and 70 ℃ and analyzed the variation of real part( e') and imaginary part( e'') of the samples' complex permittivity. Then we put forward accelerated thermal aging test of the samples at 70 ℃ and 100 ℃, and analyzed the variation and aging mechanism of the degree of polymerization(DP) of the insulating papers during their aging processes. The results show that the formic acid and stearic acid dissolve easily in paper and oil, respectively. This dissolution in oil-paper insulation is hardly affected by temperature and σmc, except being accelerated by temperature rise. Formic acid significantly affects the aging of insulating paper, but stearic acid barely does. Moreover, formic acid has significant effects on e' and e'' at low temperatures, while stearic acid only has visible influence on e'' of dry insulating paper. However, formic acid and stearic acid affects e'' and e' greatly at high temperature, respectively. Therefore, when FDS is used to estimate σmc in oil-paper insulation, the influence of acid should be fully taken into consideration.
Analysis of rabies vaccination and rabies outbreaks from 2005 to 2008 in Huadu District,Guangzhou

Objective To describe the epidemiologic characteristics of exposure to rabies and the effect of vaccines in Huadu District in order to provide a scientific basis for rabies control.Methods Excel was used to sort and analyze records of rabies outbreaks in Huadu District from 2006 to 2011.Results From 2006 to 2011,there were 77,333 total cases of rabies exposure registered with clinics in the Huadu district.Most were due to dog bites,which accounted for 80.34% of the cases(62,130).Men accounted for 55.00% of patients(42,530 cases)while women accounted for 45.00%(34,803 cases).The populations most affected were 0-1 year old(25.32%,19,578 cases) and 30+ years old(26.61%,20,580 cases).The area of the bite was mostly on the arms or legs(84.72%,65,515 cases).The average number of individuals exposed each month was slightly higher in July to October than in other months.Of those individuals who were exposed,94.07% were seen promptly and treated correctly.The rate of vaccination was 100%.There was 1 case of rabies in both 2006 and 2008.Neither individual was treated correctly,and neither individual was vaccinated.Conclusion Most people are exposed to rabies via dog bites.Correct treatment of the wound in a prompt manner and vaccination are effective at preventing and controlling rabies.
Placement Model for First-Time Freshmen in Calculus I (Math 131): University of Northern Colorado:

Two approaches, Linear Discriminant Analysis, and Logistic Regression are used and compared to predict success or failure for first-time freshmen in the first calculus course at a medium-sized publ...
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

The pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right heart dysfunction that results from chronic thromboembolic involvement of the pulmonary vascular bed is potentially curable with surgical endarterectomy. Over the past several decades, growing clinical experience has brought about increased recognition of this treatable form of PH. Moreover, advances in cardiothoracic surgical techniques have given an increasing number of patients with chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH) a surgical remedy with decreasing perioperative morbidity and mortality risks. The availability of pulmonary hypertensive—specific medical therapy for CTEPH patients with surgically inaccessible disease also has been a positive therapeutic advance over the past several years. However, despite this progress, chronic thromboembolic disease as a sequela of acute pulmonary emboli continues to be underappreciated. Furthermore, even if CTEPH has been appropriately diagnosed, misinterpretation of diagnostic information may lead to the inappropriate exclusion of patients from surgical consideration. This may result in the prescription of pulmonary hypertensive medical therapy in CTEPH patients with potentially surgically correctable disease. This difficulty arises from a lack of objective criteria as to what constitutes surgical chronic thromboembolic disease, which primarily is a result of the variability in surgical experience in specialty centers in the United States. Consequently, clinicians must be wary about using pulmonary hypertensive medications in CTEPH patients. Before prescription, it is important to exclude patients from surgical consideration by consulting a specialized center with expertise in this discipline.
Discovery and characterization of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 light-entrained promoters in diurnal light:dark cycles

Abstract Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria employed for production of valuable chemicals using sunlight and atmospheric carbon dioxide as substrates. Industrial production in outdoor facilities exposes cyanobacteria to daily light:dark (LD) cycles of sunlight availability. Strain engineers need genetic tools suited for diurnal LD cycles to maximize production in these conditions, but tools for engineering in diurnal LD cycles are extremely limited. Here, we discover native Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 promoters which provide light-entrained expression in 12-hour light:12-hour dark (12:12) LD cycles. Promoters were characterized using bacterial luciferase bioluminescent promoter probes and RT-qPCR. PhliC, Prbp1, Pslr0006, and PsigA provide light-entrained expression in 12:12 LD cycles when expressed from the slr0168 chromosomal neutral site. None of the promoters provided free-running oscillations in continuous light (CL) following diurnal LD entrainment, but growth in CL resulted in constant mid-level bioluminescence. Transcripts from Prbp1, Pslr0006, and PsigA increased significantly following the onset of light, whereas transcripts from PhliC exhibited no oscillations in 12:12 LD cycles. Furthermore, PhliC bioluminescence induction at the onset of light increased at higher light intensities. Overall, our work provides additional genetic engineering tools for cyanobacterial strains for chemical production in diurnal LD cycles.
Using block play to enhance preschool children’s mathematics and executive functioning: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract The current study investigated the extent to which a semi-structured block play intervention supported growth in mathematics and executive functioning for preschool children using a randomized controlled design. A secondary aim was to explore whether differential intervention effects emerged for children from various socioeconomic backgrounds, indicated by parental education level. Participants included 59 preschool children. Children ranged in age from 38 to 69 months (M = 55.20, SD = 7.17), and 56% were female. Results from regression models indicated that, although not statistically significant, children who participated in the intervention demonstrated greater gains in three mathematics skills (numeracy, shape recognition, and mathematical language) and two indicators of executive functioning (cognitive flexibility and a measure of global executive functioning) compared to children in a control group. Further, three significant interactions were found, suggesting that for numeracy, cognitive flexibility, and global executive functioning, children of parents with low educational attainment benefited the most from intervention participation. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of a semi-structured block play intervention for improving children’s school readiness and have implications for including intentional instruction using blocks in preschool classrooms.
Routledge Handbook of Military Ethics, edited by George Lucas

General Martin E. Dempsey, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, prefaces the Routledge Handbook of Military Ethics with a motivational description of military service in the foreword: “We ...
In Honor of Angelo Miele

It is always a privilege to be invited to make the opening remarks at a meeting held in honor of a distinguished colleague. When that individual is also a dear friend, then the privilege is further enhanced and becomes a rare pleasure. And so it is this morning when we meet to honor Angelo Miele on the occasion of his upcoming 70th birthday.