cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study on Change Detection of Ship Target Based on Sea-land Segmentation

In this paper,a harbor ship target change detection method is proposed which aimed at high-resolution remote sensing images.First,a new sea-land segmentation approach is adopted to obtain the contours of habor and ships,and XOR operation and mathematical morphology processing are used to realize change detection.In this step,no much attention is paid to the accuracy.Then the feature of ships at high-resolution remote sensing is employed to reject pseu-change,and obtain the final result of change detection.Experimental results of field images show that the method proposed are robust to noise and also more efficient than other approaches.
Firearm Prevalence and Homicides of Law Enforcement Officers in the United States

Objectives. In the United States, state firearm ownership has been correlated with homicide rates. More than 90% of homicides of law enforcement officers (LEOs) are committed with firearms. We examined the relationship between state firearm ownership rates and LEO occupational homicide rates.Methods. We obtained the number LEOs killed from 1996 to 2010 from a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database. We calculated homicide rates per state as the number of officers killed per number of LEOs per state, obtained from another FBI database. We obtained the mean household firearm ownership for each state from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.Results. Using Poisson regression and controlling for factors known to affect homicide rates, we associated firearm ownership with the homicide rates for LEOs (incidence rate ratio = 1.044; P = .005); our results were supported by cross-sectional and longitudinal sensitivity analyses. LEO homicide rates were 3 times higher in states with high firearm own...
Logical Operators for Ontological Modeling

We show that logic has more to offer to ontologists than standard first order and modal operators. We first describe some operators of linear logic which we believe are particularly suitable for ontological modeling, and suggest how to interpret them within an ontological framework. After showing how they can coexist with those of classical logic, we analyze three notions of artifact from the literature to conclude that these linear operators allow for reducing the ontological commitment needed for their formalization, and even simplify their logical formulation.
Multi-scale Observational and Numerical Modeling Studies of the Turbulence Environment

In this chapter, the focus will be on diagnosing multi-scale dynamical and thermodynamical processes that produce a favorable environment for aviation turbulence. In particular, the chapter will describe possible links among circulations at multiple scales of atmospheric motion that likely are favorable for the downscale generation of severe aviation turbulence. The chapter will be composed of three sections: (1) a synoptic/meso-α scale observational analyses of a broad cross section of turbulence accidents and the larger scale flow patterns that likely create a favorable mesoscale environment for the development of the turbulence event, (2) numerical simulations of the downscale dynamic/thermodynamic focusing of a favorable turbulence environment including the interaction of features at the synoptic, meso-α (L = 200–2000 km), and meso-β (L = 20–200 km) scales of motion, and (3) an example of an operational mesoscale numerical model-based turbulence forecasting system and its implications for how it can be employed to determine the processes resulting in an environment which organizes severe aviation turbulence. These three sections are based upon research in Kaplan et al. (Characterizing the severe turbulence environments associated with commercial aviation accidents, 2004; Meteorol. Atmos. Phys. 88:129–152, 2005a; Meteorol. Atmos. Phys. 88:153–175, 2005b; Meteorol. Atmos. Phys. 94:235–270, 2006). We conclude with a summary and synthesis of a multi-scale paradigm for the downscale organization of a favorable aviation turbulence environment.
Confronting Prejudices and Challenges and Celebrating Accomplishments of Persons with Disabilities in the 1989 Wichita State Theatre's Production of "Doin' the Reality Rag" by Lawrence Perkins

Electric wheelchairs, white canes and walkers are not the props one would generally associate with a comic-theatre revue. Nevertheless, individuals with disabilities (36 million in the United States alone), believe that active and full participation in the creative arts is every bit as crucial as equal employment and educational opportunities. In recognition of the need to remove attitudinal barriers toward the disabled in the arts and provide disabled persons with employment opportunities in the theatre, Wichita State University Theatre produced Lawrence Perkins's musical revue "Doin' the Reality Rag," which focused on disability issues in a way that was both humorous and thought-provoking. This paper will examine the process of how the production was produced from auditions to the final performance and how the play impacted the lives of the actors as well as the audience.
FlowSec: DOS Attack Mitigation Strategy on SDN Controller

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) introduces a centralized control logic and separated data plane from the control plane. Controller is the brain of a SDN network. Hence, the SDN make it easier for network engineers to monitor traffic and diagnose threats, insert and change security policies. However, it also creates security challenges which didn't exist before. In this paper, we first describe layers of an SDN structure using layered approach. Then we analyze the effect of DOS attack on controller plane. Finally we proposed a strategy to mitigate DOS attacks on SDN controllers.
Effects of Online Instructional Design Training on TA's Perceptions of Efficacy, Competence, and Knowledge Satisfaction

Teaching assistants (TAs) in higher education are expected to teach courses in their major subject area with little to no formal instruction in the principles of effective teaching methods. The demands on TAs time are high and there is a need for easy to access, flexible, high quality instruction to provide them with the tools necessary to be effective instructors at the college level. One method of meeting this need is to provide TAs with a “toolbox” of instructional theory and methods based on instructional design principles. In order to be effective, it is important for TAs to understand the interconnected nature of effective educational principles including: instructional design, motivation, learning environments, instructional technologies and assessment. The current study looks at the effects of a self-paced online instruction designed for TAs on their teaching efficacy, perceived teaching competence and satisfaction with knowledge of the delivered instructional concepts using a pre-post, self-report design. Thirteen TAs at a southwestern research university completed both pre and post measures of knowledge and perceptions. Findings indicate that self-paced online training in instructional design concepts significantly increased TAs’ satisfaction with their knowledge of instructional theory and principles, design of learning environments and instructional technology. It further increased the significance and magnitude of their understanding of the interconnected nature of instructional principles and elements of the learning dynamic and led to appreciable knowledge change in key areas. These findings provide evidence of the benefits and utility of flexible, easily accessible training in instructional principles for TAs.
Emotional and behavioral functioning of typically-developing sisters of children with autism spectrum disorder: The roles of ASD severity, parental stress, and marital status

Abstract Background Research has shown varied outcomes for typically-developing (TD) siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suggesting that some emotional and behavioral difficulties may occur only under specific conditions. In addition to characteristics of the children with ASD, family contextual factors may also predict sibling adjustment. Method This study examined parent marital status and parental stress as moderators of the relation between ASD siblings’ symptom severity and emotional and behavioral adjustment in 56 TD sisters via self- and parent-report. Results At moderate and high levels of parental stress, TD sisters with siblings with relatively severe ASD symptomatology and with unmarried parents reported the highest levels of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Yet, TD sisters with siblings with relatively less severe ASD symptomatology and with unmarried parents reported the lowest levels of challenging behaviors and emotional symptoms. Conclusions These findings indicate that clinicians treating families of children with relatively severe ASD and unmarried parents should be particularly cognizant of the functioning of TD sisters.
Gruppe 1925 Notizen und Dokumente

Aus Quellen und Unterlagen wird die Entwicklung der Schriftstellergruppe 1925 von den Grundungsmotiven bis zur Auflosung rekonstruiert. Der heute vollig vergessenen “Gruppe 25” gehorten die bedeutendsten Dichter der 20er Jahre an, und zwar aus burgerlichen und kommunistischen Kreisen. Ihr Kampf gegen Revanchismus und ihr Eintreten fur einen radikalen Pazifismus verband sie
Charging of Proteins in Native Mass Spectrometry

Factors that influence the charging of protein ions formed by electrospray ionization from aqueous solutions in which proteins have native structures and function were investigated. Protein ions ranging in molecular weight from 12.3 to 79.7 kDa and pI values from 5.4 to 9.6 were formed from different solutions and reacted with volatile bases of gas-phase basicities higher than that of ammonia in the cell of a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. The charge-state distribution of cytochrome c ions formed from aqueous ammonium or potassium acetate is the same. Moreover, ions formed from these two solutions do not undergo proton transfer to 2-fluoropyridine, which is 8 kcal/mol more basic than ammonia. These results provide compelling evidence that proton transfer between ammonia and protein ions does not limit protein ion charge in native electrospray ionization. Both circular dichroism and ion mobility measurements indicate that there are differences in conformations of proteins in pure water and aqueous ammonium acetate, and these differences can account for the difference in the extent of charging and proton-transfer reactivities of protein ions formed from these solutions. The extent of proton transfer of the protein ions with higher gas-phase basicity bases trends with how closely the protein ions are charged to the value predicted by the Rayleigh limit for spherical water droplets approximately the same size as the proteins. These results indicate that droplet charge limits protein ion charge in native mass spectrometry and are consistent with these ions being formed by the charged residue mechanism. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
Trends in Youth Development Research Topics: An Integrative Review of Positive Youth Development Research Published in Selected Journals Between 2001-2010

The body of knowledge related to positive youth development has grown in the last two decades, yet there have been few, if any, systematic investigations of the research base in the field. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to identify the trends in research topics and approaches within the field of positive youth development over the last 10 years by examining five top-tier research journals plus one research-to-practice journal. Results revealed that only 19% of the manuscripts published in all of the selected journals had a positive youth development focus, and this was reduced to 13% when just the five top-tier research journals were considered. Analyses of the positive youth development manuscripts pertaining to population characteristics, methodology, research setting, and topical areas provide a snapshot of the trends and gaps in the body of knowledge related to youth development, and have implications for future research efforts in the field.
Poster Abstract: Resource Hunting on the Edge

Evolution at the network's edge provides a variety of resources to host a wide spectrum of applications. In this work, we present an initial attempt to discover available resources on the edge. Unlike prior discovery approaches, we propose a selective approach to discover application hosting resources based on their availability and QoS features. In this work, we present a novel approach to index edge resources and utilize them towards executing applications on the edge. Moreover, we provide a preliminary evaluation to show the feasibility and performance of our approach.
Ethnic performance, language proficiency, and ethnic media use among Indian American immigrants

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on how and why Indian American immigrants engage with movies from their home country in a transnational global context. Existing literature has focused on lack of host language proficiency as the primary reason for ethnic media consumption. We suggest that for Indian Americans, the motivation for consuming Indian films is driven by ethnic performance rather than language proficiency. A survey was conducted with Indian Americans to explore the relationships among Indian movie consumption, acculturation indices, language proficiency, and ethnic performance. Results show that ethnic performance is a stronger predictor of Indian movie consumption than language proficiency and acculturation indices.
A case of right middle cerebral artery ‘tendonectomy’ following mitral valve replacement surgery

Following mechanical mitral valve replacement surgery, a 69-year-old woman had an ischemic stroke in the right middle cerebral artery territory. Mechanical thrombectomy showed the embolus to be a piece of chordae tendineae excised during the valve replacement surgery.
Plain Concrete Cyclic Crack Resistance Curves under Constant and Variable Amplitude Loading

Concrete pavement structures are subjected to a complex combination of environmental and traffic loads which produce a unique distribution of stresses at the critical mid-slab edge. Moreover, the fracture propagation caused by this unique distribution of stresses is a complex process because it is both size and load history dependent. In this study, a series of quasi-static, constant and variable amplitude fatigue tests on simply supported single edge notched beam specimens were conducted. It is shown that variable amplitude testing can providea comprehensive assessment of fatigue life because the R-ratio, peak stress intensity, and load history effects can be assessed. The results of this study also suggest that the fatigue resistance curve under variable amplitude has a similar quality to that under constant amplitude loading; there is a positive decreasing slope that asymptotes to a zero slope condition beyond the critical crack extension. However, the results show the magnitude of the critical crack extension and the maximum fracture resistances are not the same under the two different loading conditions.
Amino Acid Stabilization of Nucleic Acid Secondary Structure: Kinetic Insights from Single-Molecule Studies.

Amino acid and nucleic acid interactions are central in biology and may have played a role in the evolutionary development of protein-based life from an early "RNA Universe." To explore the possible role of single amino acids in promoting nucleic acid folding, single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer experiments have been implemented with a DNA hairpin construct (7 nucleotide double strand with a 40A loop) as a simple model for secondary structure formation. Exposure to positively charged amino acids (arginine and lysine) is found to clearly stabilize the secondary structure. Kinetically, each amino acid promotes folding by generating a large increase in the folding rate with little change in the unfolding rate. From analysis as a function of temperature, arginine and lysine are found to significantly increase the overall exothermicity of folding while imposing only a small entropic penalty on the folding process. Detailed investigations into the kinetics and thermodynamics of this amino acid-induced folding stability reveal arginine and lysine to interact with nucleic acids in a manner reminiscent of monovalent cations. Specifically, these observations are interpreted in the context of an ion atmosphere surrounding the nucleic acid, in which amino acid salts stabilize folding qualitatively like small monovalent cations but also exhibit differences because of the composition of their side chains.
Surgery in the elderly. 1.

The geriatric patient with a remediable surgical lesion should not be denied the benefits of surgery, provided he has a thorough preoperative evaluation and correction of any physiologic imbalances...
Elastic, Agonistic Publics: John Dewey's Call for a Third Party

Analysis of John Dewey's 1931 New Republic series on the need for a new third party demonstrates the value of paying attention to Dewey's public writings. In the four articles making up the series, Dewey shows his commitment to the construction of an “elastic” social imaginary responsive to the rhetorical needs of a public in crisis. Rather than embrace the conversational, dialogic mode he theorized in other contexts—and the mode most communication scholars associate with him—Dewey argues in the New Republic that a new third party must adopt an agonistic style of communication. Finally, in offering a prescription for how a third political party should work, Dewey describes the role of a third party in ways that might prove productive for scholars interested in exploring the intersections between third party politics and counterpublicity.
TCT-5 Is Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Still an Option for Radiation-Induced Aortic Stenosis in the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Era?

Cardiac surgery for radiation-induced valvular disease is associated with adverse outcomes. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly used in patients with radiation-induced aortic stenosis (RIAS). The aim of this study was to examine outcomes of TAVR compared with surgical
Energy sources for sustainable transportation and urban development

Abstract This chapter reviews the challenges and opportunities presented by the types of energy systems needed to support more sustainable urban development and transport systems. The chapter begins with a brief overview of the current energy picture and then discusses trends and policy interventions, both internationally and in the United States. The Paris Accord and the plans that are emerging in response to it are reviewed and the issues raised are examined. Subnational efforts to redirect energy and emissions policies are then considered, with a special focus on California’s experience implementing a clean economy model in the context of uncertain national policy paths. The implications of rapid growth in distributed energy resources (DERs), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are discussed. Integrated problem-solving in energy and transport can offer innovative policy and technological solutions to underpin the emergence of smart, clean, and prosperous communities around the world.
Politics in the Service of Society: A Response to My Interlocutors:

This article is a response to Hauerwas’s, O’Donovan’s and Muir’s engagements with Christ and the Common Life. Three distinctions that operate in the book are clarified, namely that between formal a...
Can the Use of Video-Based Interventions Increase Public Knowledge About Endocrine Surgeons?

BACKGROUND Endocrine surgery (ES) is a relatively young subspecialty of general surgery, and prior research has shown low public awareness of these specialists' roles. We hypothesized that a video-based intervention could increase public knowledge of the specialty in an effective and efficient manner. METHODS Participants were recruited at three public locations (a farmer's market, a public park, and a university hospital) and were given a three-question survey to assess baseline knowledge of ES. They then watched one of two video-based educational interventions and completed an identical postintervention survey. Two surveyors recruited 80 individuals per site, with 40 participants in each intervention group. Participants' sex and age and whether or not they were on clinical staff at the University of Alabama at Birmingham were recorded. RESULTS A total of 240 participants were recruited; 61.3% female with median age 40 y. Preintervention, only 42.1% of participants could correctly define ES. ES were confused with endocrinologists by 44.6%, which was not different between sites (P = 0.09). Significantly, more participants at all sites could correctly define ES postintervention (67.9% versus 42.1%; P < 0.001). Clinical staff did not perform better than the lay public at any location (P = 0.32). The long video had a significantly greater increase in correct responses compared with the short video overall (32.5% versus 19.1%; P < 0.001) and at each location. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the public's general lack of knowledge about ES and their scope of practice. A video-based intervention was successful in improving knowledge of the practice of ES, with a longer, explanatory video being most effective.
Isolation and characterization human chorion membrane trophoblast and mesenchymal cells.

Abstract Introduction To develop protocols for isolation and culture of human chorionic mesenchymal and trophoblast cells and test their differential responsiveness to oxidative stress. Methods Chorion trophoblast cells (CTC) and chorion mesenchymal cells (CMC) were isolated from term fetal membranes by modifying current protocols. Their purity and characteristics were tested using bright field microscopy and after staining for cytokeratin (CK)-7 and vimentin. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) was used to stimulate cells, and we determined reactive oxygen species (ROS) production using 2′7′-dichlorodihydro-fluorescein assay, stress signaler p38MAPK activation (Western blot) and senescence by flow cytometry. Co-treatment with antioxidant N-acetyl cystine (NAC) either alone or in combination with SB203580 (p38MAPK inhibitor) was used to test oxidative stress (OS)- and p38MAPK-mediated effects. Results The isolation and cell culture protocol used in this study yielded 92% pure CTC and 100% pure CMC. CSE treatment significantly induced ROS production, P-p38MAPK activation, and senescence in both cell types compared to controls. Cotreatment with NAC reduced ROS production and p38MAPK activation, and co-treatment with both NAC and SB203580 reduced senescence. ROS response in CMC was higher than CTC; however, senescence of CTC was 10-fold higher than CMC. Conclusions We introduce approaches for proper isolation and culture of CTC and CMC without any influence or overgrowth of one specific type cell that can confound results. Using this approach, we determined differential effects of CTC and CMC to OS condition seen at term labor. Both CTC and CMC undergo p38MAPK-mediated senescence; however, the rate of senescence is higher in CTC.
Improving the Paragraph Text-Writing Skills of Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Single-Case Design Study

Research suggests that students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) struggle to develop writing skills. Paragraph text writing is a component of written expression and refers to the composition of connected text into multiple, related sentences of appropriate semantics, spelling, syntax, and usage (e.g., capitalization and punctuation). In the present study, we investigated the effects of a multicomponent intervention of explicit instruction and fluency practice on the paragraph text-writing skills of four secondary-aged individuals with IDD. We used a multiple-probe across participants design and measured paragraph text-writing with correct and incorrect writing sequences. Visual analysis and effect sizes revealed mixed results: Three participants showed improvement in the accuracy and/or speed of their paragraph text-writing, but one participant showed no improvement. We discuss the results of the study within the context of the writing intervention literature and instructional procedures for developing writing fluency.
An Analysis of TENZI Using Combinatorics and Markov Chains

TENZI, “the world’s fastest game,” sounds too simple: roll 10 dice until they all match, setting aside the dice you want to keep. How fast is it? That is, on average how many rolls does it take to ...
A Curious Case of Rectal Ejaculation.

Rectal-prostate fistulas are uncommon anatomical connections between the prostatic urethra and rectum that are typically iatrogenic but can also result from other underlying pathology. Here, we present a unique case of a rectal-prostate fistula causing the rectal passage of sperm. A 33-year-old male with a history of illicit drug use presented with five days of testicular pain and a substantial amount of sperm passage from his rectum with ejaculation for the past two years. Computed tomography and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) of the pelvis revealed evidence of a rectal-prostate fistula. He was treated with piperacillin-tazobactam, and a surgical fistula repair was performed. Further investigation divulged a three-week comatose state due to cocaine and phencyclidine intoxication two years prior with documentation suggesting a traumatic Foley catheter placement and strong suspicion for premature balloon dilation in the prostatic urethra. Repeat VCUG revealed resolution of the fistula with mildly reduced antegrade ejaculatory volume. Cases secondary to Foley catheter placement have not been previously reported in the literature. Even though urethral catheters have been shown to be effective tools in healthcare, it is crucial for clinicians to recognize the numerous potential complications that oftentimes become an afterthought to many providers. This case not only highlights a rare complication of catheter use but also emphasizes the importance of provider mindfulness when utilizing seemingly benign therapies such as Foley catheters.
Empathy Among Orthopaedic Surgery Trainees.

Background It has been postulated that the process of-and stresses associated with-medical training may cause a loss of empathy among trainees. Because empathy is considered an important value for clinicians and may even be associated with better patient outcomes, we assessed the empathy of orthopaedic surgery trainees and identified factors associated with empathy. Methods Between June and September 2020, an anonymous survey was distributed electronically to trainees in 23 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited orthopaedic surgery residency programs via the Collaborative Orthopaedic Educational Research Group. The survey comprised the validated Short-Form 8-Item Empathy Quotient (EQ-8) questionnaire-scored on a scale of 0, least empathetic, to 16, most empathetic-and single-item measure of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization derived from the Maslach Burnout Index-scored using a frequency scale. In total, 438 of 605 (72%) trainees completed the survey. The scores were compared via one-way analysis of variance, with Bonferroni correction and Tukey post-hoc testing, α = 0.05. Results The mean (±SD) EQ-8 score among respondents was 11.3 ± 3.3. Women scored significantly higher (mean, 12.2 ± 2.8) than men (mean, 11.2 ± 3.3) (p = 0.02). Mean scores were significantly higher for trainees planning on a career in academic medicine (12.0 ± 2.9) than those intending to pursue private practice (10.9 ± 3.3) or those with a military commitment (10.4 ± 3.4) (p = 0.01). An inverse relationship was found between EQ-8 scores and single-item Maslach Burnout Index measures in depersonalization and emotional exhaustion (both, p < 0.01). No significant differences were found in EQ-8 scores across postgraduate year, program location, primary training setting, intended fellowship, relationship status, or whether they reported having children. Conclusions We found no association between postgraduate year and EQ-8 score. Women and those intending to pursue a career in academic medicine had significantly higher levels of empathy. A significant inverse relationship was found between burnout and empathy. Respondents with higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization had lower levels of empathy.
The SMC Loader Scc2 Promotes ncRNA Biogenesis and Translational Fidelity

The Scc2-Scc4 complex is essential for loading the cohesin complex onto DNA. Cohesin has important roles in chromosome segregation, DSB repair, and chromosome condensation. Here we report that Scc2 is important for gene expression in budding yeast. Scc2 and the transcriptional regulator Paf1 collaborate to promote the production of Box H/ACA snoRNAs which guide pseudouridylation of RNAs including ribosomal RNA. Mutation of SCC2 was associated with defects in the production of ribosomal RNA, ribosome assembly, and splicing. While the scc2 mutant does not have a general defect in protein synthesis, it shows increased frameshifting and reduced cap-independent translation. These findings suggest Scc2 normally promotes a gene expression program that supports translational fidelity. We hypothesize that translational dysfunction may contribute to the human disorder Cornelia de Lange syndrome, which is caused by mutations in NIPBL, the human ortholog of SCC2.
Surface and subsurface cracks and pores with liquid under action of a contact load in the presence of a lubricant

The problem for a half-plane which contains some straight surface and subsurface cracks and pores with non-compressible liquid is formulated. The half-plane boundary experiences normal and frictional stresses that are transmitted through a lubricant. The half-plane is prestressed by tensile/compressive residual stresses and the shape of cracks and pores containing a liquid changes during the contact load motion along the surface. As a result, some cavities and intervals of contacting edges are created. The cavities can be fully or partially filled with a lubricant or liquid. The boundary conditions are expressed for various configurations of the surface and subsurface cracks and pores (closed and open to lubricant tips of surface cracks, splitting and gathering cavities which are fully or partly filled with a lubricant or liquid). These problems are reduced to systems of integro-differential equations with boundary conditions in the form of alternating equalities and inequalities and solved by means of perturbation and numerical methods.
A Perspective on Probability and Physical Evidence

Evaluating the significance of physical evidence often requires a consideration of the probability of chance occurrence of the evidential properties and an appropriate target population. These are used to calculate the probability of duplication of the properties within the target population, which in turn is used to evaluate the significance of the evidence. The target population chosen for consideration by the expert witness generally cannot be the same as that used by investigators or a jury. This paper discusses the choice of an appropriate target population by the expert and offers a suggestion for aiding the jury in evaluating the expert's opinion with respect to other evidence in a case.
On Vision-Based Orientation Method of a Robot Head in a Dark Cylindrical Pipe

This paper addresses the problem of navigation of an autonomous robot when it moves in a modern concrete sewer. The robot must keep its orientation within mostly cylindrical sewer pipes. This implies a geometrical constraint on the environment in which the robot operates. We present a hybrid vision system that consists of (a) an optical camera and (b) a laser crosshair projector generating a cross pattern in the camera field of view. The camera acquires the laser footprint projected on the pipe surface. The image of the footprint is the two intersecting curves. The shape of the curves depends on (up to the symmetry of the sewer pipe) a particular robot heading. We describe experiments conducted in the straight pipe segment of the dry sewer test-net. We present an algorithm that recovers instantaneous orientation of the laser projector relative to the pipe axis. We give a strategy for robot self-orientation along the sewer pipe axis.
Abstract 3744: High-throughput in vitro screening of glioma stem cell lines: Evaluation of over 350 tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Despite the availability of hundreds of drugs, there is little data on the efficacy of these agents in the extremely heterogeneous populations of tumor cells observed in glioblastoma. A high-throughput compound-screening assay was used to identify drug sensitivities in a panel of glioma stem cell (GSC) lines to 350 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (GSK PKIS1) with varying cellular targets and mechanisms of kinase inhibition. Twelve glioma stem cell lines, which are representative of the classic TCGA molecular subtypes, were screened. Cell lines were screened in 384-well plates at a density of 1000 cells/well with drug concentrations of either 5 or 0.5 µM. Cell viability measurements were taken using Cell-Titer Glo five days after drug treatment and compared to control wells to calculate percentage inhibition. Compounds were defined as highly active (>90 % inhibition at 5µM; > 50% inhibition at 0.5µM), moderately active (>70% inhibition at 5µM; >30% inhibition at 0.5µM), or weakly active (>50% inhibition at 5µM; >15% inhibition at 0.5µM.) We identified three compounds that were highly active against eleven cell lines, three more compounds that were highly effective against at least seven cell lines, and seven additional compounds that were highly effective against at least four cell lines. The compounds in the screen were further analyzed by testing their inhibition efficacy against 220 kinases. A separate set of compounds containing molecularly targeted agents to TGF-beta, STAT3, PI3K and Notch were used for comparison of drug efficacy. Ongoing experiments are being performed to fully characterize the molecular phenotypes of the different GSC9s by analyzing RNAseq, miRNA, the whole exome, the proteome, DNA methylation, and copy number variation. Integrating this information with the kinase and growth inhibition data will allow us to have a complete picture of the underlying mechanisms which drive resistance/sensitivity in GSC9s. After determining which kinases are the most effective targets for the treatment of glioblastoma, promising compounds will be validated in intracranial in vivo xenograft models. Citation Format: Craig Thomas, Ji Liang, Yuji Piao, Nghi Nguyen, Erik Sulman, Clifford Stephan, Alfred Yung, John F. de Groot. High-throughput in vitro screening of glioma stem cell lines: Evaluation of over 350 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3744. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3744
Chapter 11 - Structure and Binding in Object Perception

ABSTRACT This chapter discusses the problem of structure in shape perception and object recognition. This problem, and the characteristics of its solution, provide a powerful set of tools for understanding many properties of human object recognition, including the strengths and limitations of our ability to recognize objects in novel viewpoints, and the role of time and attention in object recognition. Many of the problems surrounding the representation of structure center on the binding problem —the problem of representing what goes with what. Many properties of human object recognition can be understood in terms of the ways the visual system solves the binding problem. The chapter uses two recent models of object recognition to illustrate these points: Hummel and Biederman's (1992) JIM, and Hummel and Stankiewicz's (1996) JIM.2. This chapter is written from a behavioral and computational perspective rather than a neuroscientific one. The emphasis is on the abstract nature of the representations and processes the visual system must bring to bear on the problem of structure, and on the behavioral implications of those representations and processes.
Modeling and control of drug delivery systems using adaptive neural control methods

This paper investigates the use of adaptive neural network techniques for modeling and control of mean arterial pressure through the intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside. A model reference based adaptive nonlinear control scheme with neural networks replacing the unknown nonlinearities is developed. In this formulation nonlinear estimators are used to augment the linear control law for improved performance. Computer simulations illustrate the ability of radial basis function (RBF) networks to model the unknown nonlinearities and improve the closed-loop system characteristics.
An Empire of Small Places: Mapping the Southeastern Anglo-Indian Trade, 1732–1795

Those expecting early American life to be contained within the borders of tidy jurisdictions will be surprised by this new spatial history of the North American Southeast in the eighteenth century....
Treating medical and surgical patients with activated protein C: a preliminary comparison

Sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the critically ill patient. Drotrecogin alfa (activated) (APC) has been shown to significantly decrease mortality in patients with severe sepsis, although surgical patients constituted the minority in the initial multicenter trial. In our initial experience with APC, we sought to determine whether surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients have the same rate of bleeding complications as medical ICU patients. We hypothesized that surgical patients are more apt to bleed following APC administration, but have higher survival rates than medical patients.
Characterization of particulate emissions from in-use gasoline-fueled motor vehicles

Particulate emissions from 20 light-duty gasoline passenger cars and trucks were characterized using the Federal Test Procedure and Highway Fuel Economy Test driving cycles. Emission patterns were examined with 4 of the vehicles using three additional driving cycles, the hot start Federal Test Procedure, the Congested Urban Expressway and the New York City cycles. The test fleet consisted of 4 noncatalyst vehicles operated with leaded gasoline and 16 catalyst-equipped vehicles operated with unleaded gasoline. The vehicles, obtained from local rental agencies, dealers, and residents, ranged in age from model year 1970 through 1981 and in mileage accumulation from about 300 to 81,000 miles.
Shear alfven resonances in Tokapole II

It has been suggested that efficient heating can occur by coupling energy through the shear Alfven resonance that is predicted to occur at particular locations within inhomogeneous plasmas. This heating mechanism should be applicable to tokamaks; however, the existence of the resonances in tokamaks has not yet been established experimentally. We present here direct observations of localized enhancement in the driven wave magnetic field which are compatible with theoretical predictions for the shear Alfven resonance in tokamak geometry. These resonance studies at low absorbed power will be followed by higher power heating (approx. 1 MW) presently being developed.
Electronic Properties, Junctions, and Defects of Carbon Nanotubes

The nanometer dimensions of the carbon nanotubes together with the unique electronic structure of a graphene sheet make the electronic properties of these one-dimensional structures highly unusual. This chapter reviews some theoretical work on the relation between the atomic structure and the electronic and transport properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes. In addition to the ideal tubes, results on the quantum conductance of nanotube junctions and tubes with defects will be discussed. On-tube metal-semiconductor, semiconductor-semiconductor, and metal-metal junctions have been studied. Other defects such as substitutional impurities and pentagon-heptagon defect pairs on tube walls are shown to produce interesting effects on the conductance. The effects of static external perturbations on the transport properties of metallic nanotubes and doped semiconducting nanotubes are examined, with the metallic tubes being much less affected by long-range disorder. The structure and properties of crossed nanotube junctions and ropes of nanotubes have also been studied. The rich interplay between the structural and the electronic properties of carbon nanotubes gives rise to new phenomena and the possibility of nanoscale device applications.
A computer program that periodically monitors the ability to interpret the antinuclear antibody test

Our laboratory has been developing computer programs that help medical technologists improve their performance of the microscope-based immunofluorescence assay for antinuclear antibodies (ANA). This image-based laboratory test has been associated with poor reproducibility. We have previously described our first program, ANA-Tutor, which systematically teaches the ANA test by using approximately 150 processed digital images of ANA test results. The program we describe here, Pattern Plus Auditor, is a logical extension to ANA-Tutor. Pattern Plus Auditor tests the ability of laboratory personnel to interpret the ANA test, and tracks individual and laboratory performance over time. The program consists of image-based questions that test a variety of ANA staining patterns, including homogeneous, speckled, centromere, nucleolar, mixed patterns, and rare patterns. For each question, the program provides correct answers with explanations and color overlays that highlight key image features. By entering the proper password, users gain access to exam results for individuals and for the laboratory as a whole. Results are available for the current exam, any previous exam, or cumulatively on all exams to date. Intralaboratory testing with computer programs such as Pattern Plus Auditor might be a useful part of quality-assurance procedures for many image-based laboratory tests.
Possible pathogenic pathways in the adverse clinical events seen following ivermectin administration to onchocerciasis patients.

Reactions are commonly associated with the chemotherapy of onchocerciasis. However unmanageable reactions are uncommon when ivermectin (Mectizan®) is used for the treatment of this infection, and this drug has proved to be a great improvement over previously used agents. Serious adverse events (SAE) nevertheless have occurred, and there is considerable concern about the negative effect such events may have on mass drug administration programs. This paper reviews the basic pathogenic mechanisms that can be involved in the destruction of microfilaria by chemotherapeutic agents. A central challenge to filarial chemotherapy is the need to remove parasites from biologically sensitive tissues, a more difficult medical challenge than eliminating nematodes from the gastrointestinal tract. Explanations for the etiology of the serious adverse reactions occurring with ivermectin treatment in specific geographic areas where there is coincident heavy Loa loa infections are hampered by a lack of specific pathological case material. Ways to investigate these possibilities are reviewed. Possible pathogenic mechanisms include embolic vascular pathology accompanied by local inflammation, blood brain barrier mdr1 abnormalities, and genetic predisposition to excessive inflammatory responses. It is important to keep ivermectin, and all its associated adverse clinical events, in perspective with the many other chemotherapeutic agents in general use – many of which produce serious adverse events even more frequently than does ivermectin. Currently available evidence indicates that the pathogenesis of the Loa-associated adverse reactions are probably related to inflammatory responses to microfilariae in specific tissues. However, the possibility of genetic predispositions to pathology should also be considered.
Approximate Primal Solutions and Rate Analysis for Dual Subgradient Methods

In this paper, we study methods for generating approximate primal solutions as a byproduct of subgradient methods applied to the Lagrangian dual of a primal convex (possibly nondifferentiable) constrained optimization problem. Our work is motivated by constrained primal problems with a favorable dual problem structure that leads to efficient implementation of dual subgradient methods, such as the recent resource allocation problems in large-scale networks. For such problems, we propose and analyze dual subgradient methods that use averaging schemes to generate approximate primal optimal solutions. These algorithms use a constant stepsize in view of its simplicity and practical significance. We provide estimates on the primal infeasibility and primal suboptimality of the generated approximate primal solutions. These estimates are given per iteration, thus providing a basis for analyzing the trade-offs between the desired level of error and the selection of the stepsize value. Our analysis relies on the Slater condition and the inherited boundedness properties of the dual problem under this condition. It also relies on the boundedness of subgradients, which is ensured by assuming the compactness of the constraint set.
Influence of Milk Ultrafiltration on Bacteriophages of Lactic Acid Bacteria

Abstract Bacteriophages added to whole milk were partially concentrated during ultra-filtration. At 4:1 retentate, phage had concentrated 2.4:1. Thermal destruction at 54°C followed first order kinetics up to 6% protein, whereafter it deviated. When allowed to grow in retentate in the presence of appropriate host, 3.5 generations of phage appeared after 12h at 22°C compared with four generations in skim milk. In the presence of phage, lactic acid bacteria population increased to only 10 7 cfu/ml compared with 3×10 9 in their absence. Retentate starter prepared in the presence of phage was as active as skim milk starter prepared in the presence of phage.
Realization of Rotman's concepts of beamformer lenses and artificial dielectric materials

The Rotman lens as a passive beam former for antenna arrays and the artificial dielectric material, referred to recently as metamaterial, are two of the key concepts that Walter Rotman proposed. They made significant impact in the areas of antenna arrays and antenna and microwave components. This paper goes into the details of the realizations of the Rotman lens over the years, going from the waveguide-based to the printed-circuit configurations. The paper also discusses the results of some of the metamaterial implementations and features of antenna designs that use such materials.
Long term effects of arterialization of the portal vein stump in dogs with Eck's fistula.

This study investigates the possibility of avoiding the sequelae of Eck's fistula in dogs by preserving the hepatic blood flow with an autologous vein graft inserted between the infrarenal aorta and the transected stump of the portal vein at its entrance into the liver. Ten dogs with such experimental preparation were observed for signs of encephalopathy; the patency of the grafts was assessed by periodic arteriograms. The signs of encephalopathy and general deterioration usually observed in dogs with Eck's fistula were prevented; however, marked dilatation of the intrahepatic branches of the portal vein leading sometimes to spontaneous rupture of the liver or to thrombosis of the venous graft was observed. Thus, this technique does not appear to be a satisfactory long term solution for preventing the deleterious effects of Eck's fistula in dogs.