cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
QUASI-EINSTEIN METRICS

Motivated by Koiso’s work on quasi-Einstein metrics on Fano manifolds, we define (generalized) quasi-Einstein metrics in any Kahler class on any compact complex manifold. It turns out that these metrics are similar to Calabi’s Extremal metrics. Moreover their existence might be studied by a curvature flow in a given Kahler class.
Assessment of congenital hip dislocation with real-time ultrasound: a pictorial essay.

Abstract Real-time ultrasound (US) is the imaging method of choice for diagnosis and follow-up of congenital dislocation of the infant hip (CDH). Clinical aspects and the role of imaging are reviewed. Technique and anatomy, both normal and abnormal, are illustrated, as well as, the use of sonography during treatment with Pavlik harness and Spica cast. Correlation of ultrasound findings with clinical examination, other available imaging studies and long-term patient follow-up shows 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for real-time US diagnosis of CDH.
NEW COLOR REACTION FOR CERTAIN URINARY 17-KETOSTEROIDS1

THE ZIMMERMAN color reaction has been extensively applied to urinary extracts for the quantitative determination of urinary 17-ketosteroids. It has the disadvantage that chromogens other than 17-ketosteroids react with the Zimmerman reagent. The non-ketonic chromogens of the neutral urinary extracts may be discounted by the use of a color correction equation (1, 2) or by direct chemical removal with measurement only of the ketonic extracts (3, 4). If the non-ketonic chromogens vary qualitatively in their reaction with the Zimmerman reagent then the value of applying a color correction equation is questionable. Among the neutral ketonic steroids certain ketones that may be present give atypical colors; thus 3-ketosteroids give a yellow color and 20-ketosteroids a red color clearly different from the typical pink color of the 17-ketosteroids (4, 5, 6).
Proficiency-based laparoscopic simulator training leads to improved operating room skill that is resistant to decay.

The aim of this study was to assess skill retention in the operating room following completion of a proficiency-based laparoscopic skills curriculum. Novices (n = 15) were randomized to a control and a training group that practiced to proficiency on the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery suturing model. The performance of both groups was assessed on the simulator and on a live porcine laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication model at training completion (posttest) and 5 months later (retention test). Training to proficiency required 4.7 ±1.2 hours and 41 ± 10 repetitions. Trained participants outperformed controls, and their performance deteriorated slightly between posttests and retention tests on the simulator (505 ± 22 vs 462 ± 50, respectively; P < .05) but not in operating room (263 ± 138 vs 279 ± 88, respectively; P = .38). Proficiency-based simulator training results in durable improvement in operative skill of trainees even in the absence of practice for up to 5 months. Minute simulator performance ch...
Rendering with concentric mosaics

An image based system and process for rendering novel views of a real or synthesized 3D scene based on a series of concentric mosaics depicting the scene. In one embodiment, each concentric mosaic represents a collection of consecutive slit images of the surrounding 3D scene taken from a different viewpoint tangent to a circle on a plane within the scene. Novel views from viewpoints within circular regions of the aforementioned circle plane defined by the concentric mosaics are rendered using these concentric mosaics. Specifically, a slit image can be identified by a ray originating at its viewpoint on the circle plane and extending toward the longitudinal midline of the slit image. Each of the rays associated with the slit images needed to construct a novel view will either coincide with one of the rays associated with a previously captured slit image, or it will pass between two of the concentric circles on the circle plane. If it coincides, then the previously captured slit image associated with the coinciding ray can be used directly to construct part of the novel view. If the ray passes between two of the concentric circles of the plane, then the needed slit image is interpolated using the two previously captured slit images associated with the rays originating from the adjacent concentric circles that are parallel to the non-coinciding ray. If the objects in the 3D scene are close to the camera, depth correction is applied to reduce image distortion for pixels located above and below the circle plane. In another embodiment, a single camera is used to capture a sequence of images. Each image includes image data that has a ray direction associated therewith. To render an image at a novel viewpoint, multiple ray directions from the novel viewpoint are chosen. Image data is combined from the sequence of images by selecting image data that has a ray direction substantially aligning with the ray direction from the novel viewpoint.
Selective detection of linear features in geological remote sensing data

One of the major problems in the development of computer-assisted systems for geologic mapping is how to individualize the system to meet user needs. Ideally, the system should be responsive to specifications of desired types of output structures. Also, the system should be able to incorporate the user's knowledge of regional characteristics into the feature extraction/selection and classification components. Automatic techniques for classification of remote sensing data typically require relatively large, labeled training sets which are well- organized with respect to the desired mapping between input and output patterns. The present paper focuses on the feature extraction/selection component of the system. Kohonen self- organizing feature maps in conjunction with image processing procedures for linear feature extraction are used for explorative data analysis, feature selection, and construction of exemplar patterns. The results of training Kohonen feature maps with different pattern sets and different feature combinations provide insight into the nature of pattern relationships which enables the user to develop sets of positive and negative training patterns for the classification component.
Quantitative measurements in an unsteady flame using high-speed rainbow schlieren deflectometry

Rainbow schlieren deflectometry was integrated with a high-speed digital imaging system to quantify the scalar flow structure of flames at a high temporal resolution. The schlieren image data were processed to determine the temperature field across the whole field assuming chemical equilibrium in the flame. First, shapes of steady hydrogen jet diffusion flames estimated from the schlieren technique were compared with those obtained by direct visualization. Next, the schlieren technique was applied to flame experiments at a jet exit Reynolds number of 300, which produced periodic oscillations or flame flicker. Rainbow schlieren images taken at acquisition rates of 30, 60, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 frames per second were analysed to construct the instantaneous temperature distributions across the whole field, the vortex convection velocity profiles, and the mean and root-mean-square temperature profiles. Results demonstrate that high-speed rainbow schlieren deflectometry is effective in quantitatively describing the transient flow structure of unsteady flames.
The albino deletion complex and early postimplantation survival in the mouse

The albino deletion complex in the mouse represents 37 overlapping chromosomal deficiencies that have been arranged into at least twelve complementation groups. Many of the deletions cover regions of chromosome 7 that contain genes necessary for early embryonic development. The work reported here concentrates on two of these deletions (c6H, c11DSD), both of which were known to be lethal around the time of gastrulation when homozygous. A detailed embryological analysis has revealed distinct differences in the lethal phenotype associated with the c6H and c11DSD deletions. c6H homozygous embryos are grossly abnormal at day 7.5 of gestation, whereas c11DSD homozygous embryos appear abnormal at day 8.5 of gestation. There is no development of the extraembryonic ectoderm in c6H homozygotes, whereas extensive development of this tissue type occurs in c11DSD homozygotes. The visceral endoderm is abnormally shaped and the parietal endoderm appears to be overproduced in c6H homozygotes; these structures are not affected in c11DSD homozygotes. The embryonic ectoderm is runted in both types of embryo and it is not possible to obtain homozygous embryo-derived stem-cell lines for either deletion. Mesoderm formation occurs in the c11DSD but not in the c6H homozygotes. The c11DSD deletion chromosome complements the c6H chromosome in that the lethal phenotype of the compound heterozygote is similar to that of the c11DSD homozygote. These results suggest that a gene(s) necessary for normal development of the extraembryonic ectoderm is present in the c11DSD but deficient in the c6H deletion chromosome.
Analysis of Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum Multiple-Access Communication Over Rician Fading Channels

This paper is concerned with the performance of biphase direct-sequence spread-spectrum multiple-access communication for a general class of fading channels. The channels considered are those for which the channel output consists of a strong stable specular signal plus a faded version of this signal. Such channels, which are referred to as Rician fading (or Rice fading) or specular-plus-Rayleigh fading, are the result of a transmission medium which gives rise to a major stable communication path and a number of additional weaker communication paths. The fading channel is modeled as a general wide-sense-stationary uncorrelatedscattering (WSSUS) channel-a model which is general enough to exhibit both time and frequency selectivity and to impose no restrictions on the fading rate. For the general WSSUS model, results are obtained on the average signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver output in terms of the spread-spectrum signature sequences and the covariance function for the fading process. These results are then specialized to each of two important classes of WSSUS channels: time-selective fading channels and frequency-selective fading channels. Numerical evaluations are presented for specific examples of each of these two types of channels. Analytical expressions are derived for a spread-spectrum multiple-access system with random signature sequences, and the use of these expressions in preliminary system design is discussed.
Commissioning of the first drift tube linac module in the Ground Test Accelerator

The Ground Test Accelerator (GTA) has the objective of verifying much of the technology required for producing high-brightness, high-current H/sup -/ beams. GTA commissioning is staged to verify the beam-dynamics design of each major accelerator component as it is brought online. The major components are the 35-keV H/sup -/ injector, the 2.5-MeV radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ), the intertank matching section (IMS), the 3.2 MeV first 2/spl betaspl lambda/ drift tube linac (DTL-1) module, and the 24-MeV GTA with 10 DTL modules. Results from the DTL-1 beam experiments will be presented. >
A comparison of battlefield carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) networks with theoretical CSMA network analysis

Tactical network designers are faced with difficult protocol choices. A common choice available is a carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) network. For example, in designing the US Army's Lower Tactical Internet (TI), Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) CSMA is often considered for alternative uses. There are many benefits to using CSMA; it generally requires little planning and is efficient for dissemination of multicast or broadcast traffic. Its drawback is network contention leading to access delays and collisions. It also does not guarantee reliability. When making decisions on when and how to employ CSMA style networks, it is easy to rely on theoretical CSMA analysis to estimate performance for different loading levels. However, the assumptions made by these analyses are often inconsistent with the actual implementation of the radio systems and with the nature of battlefield networks. This paper, using EPLRS CSMA networks in the TI, identifies these differences, evaluates the potential impact that using incorrect assumptions may have on network design, and discusses network simulation as an alternative for quantifying these differences.
Treatment Outcome Study: Seventeen Years After Sexual Offender Treatment:

Long-term recidivism rates of 180 male sexual offender treatment completers and almost completers (persons who had been in treatment 2 years plus and had only a few goals to complete) were compared in this study. All men in this study were followed after treatment from 6 months to 17 years by interviews, anonymous questionnaires, and/or criminal record checks. The treatment center, located in Minneapolis, checked all criminal records in Minnesota and surrounding states or country: North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Canada. Seventeen men had reoffended sexually and five others had reoffendedcriminally (theft, DWI, etc.) but notsexually. Only those finishing treatment or nearly finishing treatment were addressed in this study, recognizing that self-selection and program screening may have contributed to the statistical success of this outpatient program. The anonymous questionnaire addressed issues regarding the offender's original offenses and the success or nonsuccess of treatment techniques as judged by them. Data regarding problematic areas still existing in their lives were collected. Of these 180 treated men, 108 men also appeared, or telephoned in, for personal interviews (using a second structured questionnaire, as opposed to the anonymous one mailed to each patient). They were interviewed six times each during the 17 years. The personal interviews yielded other aspects of data used to cross-validate the questionnaires and the criminal record checks. Total sexual recidivism was 9.0%. Data thus indicate that treatment was successful for 91% of these men. The need for more sophisticated research about what constitutes successful treatment is addressed in the discussion.
Education on the Web: a rejoinder

It is an error to over generalize from early Web based education to current standards of practice. The state of the art for distance learning projects is based on the use of Web-centric integrated distributed learning environments (IDLEs). Incorporating the application of sound principles of learning/education and appropriate instructional design, IDLEs support extremely high quality, student centered educational programs for remote learners, making extensive use of the synchronous and asynchronous tools available for Web based communications. Most of them reside on the server, requiring no proprietary applications on the client side. Distant learners may use any Web browser to engage in collaborative online activities.
Treated individuals who progress to action or maintenance for one behavior are more likely to make similar progress on another behavior: Coaction results of a pooled data analysis of three trials

Objective This study compared, in treatment and control groups, the phenomena of coaction, which is the probability that taking effective action on one behavior is related to taking effective action on a second behavior.
RESISTANCE AND RESILIENCE OF ALPINE LAKE FAUNA TO FISH INTRODUCTIONS

This paper reports on the response by amphibians, benthic macroinverte- brates, and zooplankton in naturally fishless alpine lakes to fish introductions and subsequent fish disappearance. We assessed resistance (the degree to which a system is altered when the environment changes) by comparing faunal distribution and abundance in lakes that have never been stocked with fish vs. the distribution and abundance in lakes that have been stocked and still contain fish. We assessed resilience (the degree and rate of a system's return to its previous configuration once the perturbation is removed) by comparing faunal distribution and abundance in lakes that were stocked at one time but have since reverted to a fishless condition (stocked-now-fishless lakes) vs. the distribution and abundance in lakes that have never been stocked. We quantified recovery rates and trajectories by com- paring faunal assemblages of stocked-now-fishless lakes that had been fishless for 5-10, 11-20, and .20 yr. Faunal assemblages in the study lakes had low resistance to fish introductions, but in general showed high resilience. The mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa), con- spicuous benthic macroinvertebrates, and large crustacean zooplankton (.1 mm) were dramatically reduced in distribution and abundance by fish introductions but generally recovered to predisturbance levels after fish disappearance. Inconspicuous benthic inver- tebrate taxa, small crustacean zooplankton (,1 mm), and rotiferan zooplankton (,0.2 mm) were either unaffected by fish or increased in the presence of fish. For both the benthic macroinvertebrate community and the zooplankton community as a whole, fish disappear- ance was followed by a steady change away from the configuration characteristic of fish- containing lakes and toward that of lakes that had never been stocked. Both communities remained markedly different from those in never-stocked lakes 5-10 yr after fish disap- pearance and converged on the configuration of never-stocked lakes only 11-20 yr after fish disappearance. Recovery was likely facilitated by the winged adult stages of many benthic macroin- vertebrates, resting eggs of zooplankton, and nearby source populations of frogs. However, many frog populations have disappeared since the time that lakes in this study reverted to a fishless condition, and the viability of zooplankton egg banks should decline in fish- containing lakes over time. As a result, faunal resilience may be lower in lakes that revert to a fishless condition today than is suggested by the results of our study. These findings have important implications for the restoration of alpine lake ecosystems.
On a functional equation on groups arising from the characterization of stochastic distance measures

This work aims to determine all functions \({f, g, h, k : G \to \mathbb{C}}\) that satisfy the functional equation f(pr, qs) + g(ps, qr) = h(p,q) + k(r,s) for all p, q, r, s ∈G, where G is a group and \({\mathbb{C}}\) is the field of complex numbers.
The influence of complex action knowledge on representations of novel graspable objects: evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging.

The influence of action knowledge associated with novel objects was investigated using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Participants were trained on complex actions associated with novel objects (“tools”) and had experience manipulating other visually similar novel objects (“shapes”). During scanning, participants viewed, imagined grasping, and imagined using the objects. Based on previous neuroimaging and neuropsychological findings, our primary goal was to examine frontal and parietal regions subserving action representations associated with visual objects, namely the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL), the left ventral premotor cortex (VPM) and the presupplementary motor cortex (pre-SMA). We predicted differences between the tool and shape stimuli, modulated also by task demands. In viewing, we found greater effect sizes in the left VPM and IPL for tools versus shapes. In grasping, there was similar activation with both object types. The largest differences existed in using, in which greater effect sizes were found for tools versus shapes in left IPL and pre-SMA, and marginally in the left VPM. We suggest that representations of tools extend beyond classically defined affordances and recruit processing about both graspability and known action plans in tasks involving visual memory, motor imagery, and motor execution. (JINS, 2007, 13, 1009–1020.)
Effects of magnetic tape substrate thickness on lateral tape motion, magnetic performance, and durability

AbstractThe ever increasing demand for greater storage capacity is prompting the development of thinner data storage tapes. As tapes are made thinner than ever, it brings magnetic and physical durability into question. Today's tapes are approximately 9.0 μm thick with next generation tapes being 7.0 μm thick and thinner tapes are in development. These thinner tapes damage more easily, especially near the edges, creating problems as debris from damaged areas finds its way into the head to tape interface. The objective of the current study is to determine the effects a thinner substrate has on a tape's magnetic and tribological performance. Root-mean-square head output and dropouts were monitored to provide a metric of magnetic performance, whereas lateral tape motion was monitored using a dual edge probe methodology to monitor the tracking quality. Coefficient of friction was monitored to gauge the tribological performance. Changes in tape edge quality were quantified using optical microscopy as a measure ...
Viewing the Workload of Vigilance Through the Lenses of the NASA-TLX and the MRQ

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a new index of perceived mental workload, the Multiple Resource Questionnaire (MRQ), with the standard measure of workload used in the study of vigilance, the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX).Background:The NASA-TLX has been used extensively to demonstrate that vigilance tasks impose a high level of workload on observers. However, this instrument does not specify the information-processing resources needed for task performance. The MRQ offers a tool to measure the workload associated with vigilance assignments in which such resources can be identified.Method:Two experiments were performed in which factors known to influence task demand were varied. Included were the detection of stimulus presence or absence, detecting critical signals by means of successive-type (absolute judgment) and simultaneous-type (comparative judgment) discriminations, and operating under multitask vs. single-task conditions.Results:The MRQ paralleled the NASA-TLX i...
Strategic Focus: Why We Do Projects

Projects offer an enormous opportunity for achieving competitive advantage and/or value for the corporation. A project strategy is necessary to take advantage of these opportunities. One of the key elements of a project strategy is to have an appropriate strategic focus. Individual researchers used a standardized case study format to analyze the project strategy of real life projects from within their company. Project strategy helps the project achieve the intent of the strategic stakeholders. The researchers focused on the what, why, how, who, when and where of the project as well as the project's desired strategic results. Four strategic focuses were examined: customer, cost, product, and time. Distinct patterns of behavior were observed some were successful and others were not. We must manage projects more than just tactically or operationally. We must manage projects strategically to take advantage of the enormous opportunities that projects represent. Following the right patterns as part of an explicit project strategy will help corporations to achieve better competitive advantage/value in their projects and achieve the strategic intent that stakeholders expect.
Weight and weight concerns: are they associated with reported depressive symptoms in adolescents?

Abstract Introduction The primary purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of obesity, perception of weight, and weight management behaviors in a nationwide sample of adolescents. Further, the relationship between these variables and the adolescents' self-reported depressive symptoms was also explored. Method Cross-sectional data from 16- to 18-year-olds who participated in the 1999 (n = 9795) and 2001 (n = 8190) Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System were used for this secondary analysis. Results No relationship was found between depressive symptoms and body mass index. However, perception of weight as either underweight or overweight was related to higher depressive symptoms. The risk profile for reporting depressive sympoms includes use of any weight control strategies, female, and perception of weight. Discussion These findings underscore the importance of addressing adolescents' perceptions of weight in relation to their actual body mass index and psychological well-being.
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disorders

Severe combined immunodeficiency disorders represent pediatric emergencies due to absence of adaptive immune responses to infections. The conditions result from either intrinsic defects in T-cell development (ie, severe combined immunodeficiency disease [SCID]) or congenital athymia (eg, complete DiGeorge anomaly). Hematopoietic stem cell transplant provides the only clinically approved cure for SCID, although gene therapy research trials are showing significant promise. For greatest survival, patients should undergo transplant before 3.5 months of age and before the onset of infections. Newborn screening programs have yielded successful early identification and treatment of infants with SCID and congenital athymia in the United States.
Sensory and response interference by ipsilesional stimuli in tactile extinction.

Extinction is thought to be due to a pathologically limited attentional capacity in which multiple stimuli cannot be processed simultaneously to conscious awareness. Patients with tactile extinction are aware of being touched on a contralesional limb, but seem unaware of similar contralesional touch if touched simultaneously on their ipsilesional limb. The ipsilesional stimulus interferes and competes with the processing of the contralesional stimulus. Most theorists assume that the ipsilesional stimulus affects the sensory processing of the contralesional stimulus, although the precise functional level at which this interference occurs is not clear. We report a series of experiments using signal detection analyses to investigate tactile extinction in one patient (DC). These analyses revealed that ipsilesional stimuli, in addition to interfering with processing of contralateral sensations, also interfere with verbal reports of those sensations. This influence on responses suggests that interference in tactile extinction can occur at a post-perceptual level, further ‘downstream’ than previously thought.
Instrumental and Sensory Evaluation of Textural Properties of Extrudates from Blends of High Starch/High Protein Fractions of Dry Beans

A Wenger X5 single-screw extruder was used to produce bean extrudates from formulations modified by addition of high protein bean fraction or hull. The effect of process temperature was investigated. The higher the process temperature, the lower was the sample stress and the higher the sensory score for crispness. Product processed below 121°C was unacceptable. Crispness was good for samples containing 13–16% protein or 17–21% fiber; outside these ranges the extrudates were too hard. Shear stress increased uniformly with increasing protein or fiber content. A satisfactory correlation was observed between sensory and instrumental test results for texture: the higher the shearing stress, the lower was the sensory score for crispness.
Acute and chronic eggshell temperature manipulations during hatching term influence hatchability, broiler performance, and ascites incidence

Abstract The aim of the current study was to determine how a control temperature and acute and chronic high eggshell temperatures during the last three days of incubation, can affect hatchability, chick quality, and organ development on day of hatch as well as broiler performance and ascites incidence in later life. The eggshell temperature manipulations were applied during hatching term (days 19 to 21) as follows: control EST (37.3 to 38.0°C), acute high eggshell temperature manipulations (38.4- to 39.0°C for three hours daily) and chronic high eggshell temperature manipulations (38.4 to 39.0°C). The lowest hatchability and the highest cull chick rate were in the chronic high eggshell temperature manipulations group. Lower chick quality parameters correlated with lower chick weights and heavier residual yolk sac weights that were in the chronic high eggshell temperature manipulations group depending on hatch time. The live weights on the 1st day of the growing period were higher in the control and acute high eggshell temperature manipulations groups than the chronic high eggshell temperature manipulations group. At 6 wk of age, live weights of broilers were the highest in the control than in the acute and chronic high eggshell temperature manipulations groups. The total mortality was 2.5, 9.2, and 13.3%, the mortality due to ascites was 2.1, 8.3, and 12.9% in the control, acute ,and chronic high eggshell temperature manipulations groups, respectively. The right ventricular/total ventricular ratios for the control, acute and chronic high eggshell temperature manipulations groups were 0.22, 0.28, and 0.30%, respectively. In conclusion, short-term and long-term higher temperatures during the hatching term affect embryo development, incubation results, broiler performance, and ascites incidence. Although the acute high eggshell temperature manipulations did not affect the chick quality parameters at hatch, it negatively affected incubation results and broiler performance, especially mortality due to ascites.
Efficient Inner-product Algorithm for Stabilizer States

Large-scale quantum computation is likely to require massive quantum error correction (QEC). QEC codes and circuits are described via the stabilizer formalism, which represents stabilizer states by keeping track of the operators that preserve them. Such states are obtained by stabilizer circuits (consisting of CNOT, Hadamard and Phase only) and can be represented compactly on conventional computers using Omega(n^2) bits, where n is the number of qubits. Although techniques for the efficient simulation of stabilizer circuits have been studied extensively, techniques for efficient manipulation of stabilizer states are not currently available. To this end, we design new algorithms for: (i) obtaining canonical generators for stabilizer states, (ii) obtaining canonical stabilizer circuits, and (iii) computing the inner product between stabilizer states. Our inner-product algorithm takes O(n^3) time in general, but observes quadratic behavior for many practical instances relevant to QECC (e.g., GHZ states). We prove that each n-qubit stabilizer state has exactly 4(2^n - 1) nearest-neighbor stabilizer states, and verify this claim experimentally using our algorithms. We design techniques for representing arbitrary quantum states using stabilizer frames and generalize our algorithms to compute the inner product between two such frames.
Approximating the Obstacle Number for a Graph Drawing Efficiently.

An obstacle representation for a (straight-line) graph drawing consists of the positions of the graph vertices together with a set of polygonal obstacles such that every line segment between a pair of non-adjacent vertices intersects some obstacle, while the vertices and edges of the drawing avoid all the obstacles. The obstacle number obs(D) for a graph drawing D is the least number of obstacles in an obstacle representation for it. We present an ecient algorithm for computing the obstacle number for a given graph drawing D with approximation ratio O(logobs(D)). This is achieved by showing that the V-C dimension is bounded for the family of hypergraphs of the underlying transversal problem, and using results from epsilon net theory.
Recursive ICA

Independent Component Analysis (ICA) is a popular method for extracting independent features from visual data. However, as a fundamentally linear technique, there is always nonlinear residual redundancy that is not captured by ICA. Hence there have been many attempts to try to create a hierarchical version of ICA, but so far none of the approaches have a natural way to apply them more than once. Here we show that there is a relatively simple technique that transforms the absolute values of the outputs of a previous application of ICA into a normal distribution, to which ICA maybe applied again. This results in a recursive ICA algorithm that may be applied any number of times in order to extract higher order structure from previous layers.
Heterodera glycines cysts contain an extensive array of endoproteases as well as inhibitors of proteases in H. glycines and Meloidogyne incognita infective juvenile stages

Heterodera glycines cysts contain proteases, and inhibitors of protease activities in various nematode species. In this investigation, proteases in H. glycines cysts were identified using a commercially available FRET-peptide library comprising 512 peptide pools qualified to detect up to four endoprotease types (aspartic, cysteine, metallo- and serine). Native cyst content (nHglCE) digested peptides in over 96% of the pools with all four protease types identified. Serine and metalloproteases represented nearly 70% of all proteases detected and were examined further. Trypsin (serine) and matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activities were compared among nHglCE, and H. glycines second-stage juvenile (J2) and Meloidogyne incognita J2 extracts. The relative levels of activity were different for all three enzyme sources. Trypsin activity was up to 60-fold greater in M. incognita than in either H. glycines source, while MMP activity was highest in nHglCE and lowest in M. incognita J2. Heat-denatured cyst content (hHglCE) inhibited proteases in all three nematode preparations and was generally greater in M. incognita than in H. glycines . Largest differences (5.2- to 6.4-fold) were observed between M. incognita and nHglCE trypsin and MMP inhibition. In infective juveniles, hHglCE inhibited M. incognita J2 trypsin (IC 50 = 0.64 hHglCEeq reaction −1 ) and MMP (IC 50 = 0.54) more potently than either H. glycines trypsin (IC 50 = 1.34) or MMP (IC 50 = 1.84). Use of three MMP substrates (73, 74 and 80) revealed clear species differences as well as complex associations between activity and inhibition. MMP73 digestion rates were the same in H. glycines and M. incognita but responses to hHglCE inhibition were different. MMP80 digestion rates were different but inhibition was the same. MMP74 digestion rates and inhibition levels were each different between species. These experiments provide further evidence that the H. glycines cyst should be examined as a source of compounds useful for developing nematode control methods.
Validity and reliability of the NAB Naming Test

AbstractObjective: Confrontation naming is commonly assessed in neuropsychological practice, but few standardized measures of naming exist and those that do are susceptible to the effects of education and culture. The Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB) Naming Test is a 31-item measure used to assess confrontation naming. Despite adequate psychometric information provided by the test publisher, there has been limited independent validation of the test. Method: In this study, we investigated the convergent and discriminant validity, internal consistency, and alternate forms reliability of the NAB Naming Test in a sample of adults (Form 1: n = 247, Form 2: n = 151) clinically referred for neuropsychological evaluation. Results: Results indicate adequate-to-good internal consistency and alternate forms reliability. We also found strong convergent validity as demonstrated by relationships with other neurocognitive measures. We found preliminary evidence that the NAB Naming Test demonstrates a more pro...
Localization of a heparin-binding protein to distinct regions of bovine sperm

Heparin-binding proteins (HBP) in bull seminal fluid bind to epididymal sperm membranes at ejaculation. Peptides recognized by a monoclonal antibody (M1) correspond to proteins identified in complexes that have the greatest affinity for heparin and are present on sperm from bulls with higher fertility. Presence of specific HBP on sperm regulates the ability of sperm to bind heparin, and heparin binding to sperm correlates with the fertility potential of a bull. In these studies, the interaction of HBP with sperm from 10 bulls of proven fertility was analyzed by immunofluorescence of M1 to determine the localization of heparin-binding proteins during capacitation, and the fluorescent binding patterns were compared to bull nonreturn rates. Immunofluorescent localization of M1 binding sites revealed the existence of specific membrane domains containing HBP in acrosomal and postacrosomal regions of ejaculated but not in epididymal sperm. Monoclonal antibody recognition of HBP localized on membranes of sperm revealed variable binding patterns of M1 to the acrosomal region in sperm from bulls of known fertility. Regression analysis indicated a negative relationship between sperm displaying exclusively acrosomal fluorescence and bull nonreturn rate. These data indicate that HBP bind to sperm in distinct patterns, one of which differed among bulls of varying fertility, and indicate no apparent relocalization of these sites during cellular changes that occur in preparation for fertilization.
Oil well task dynamic report design and management system based on three-tier C/S mode

According to the oil extraction of daqing oil field current service demand,adopting three-tier C/S mode,using Chinese Windows 2000 Advanced Server Operating System platform、Oracle database、C++ Builder 6 and others tools,we designed and developed Dynamic Report Designing and Management System based on Intranet multi-tier distributed construction.The system can implement complex report template design and seeing about dynamic data,filling in data and updating data,updating report on time and issue report.The field application showed that the efficiency and management of production was greatly improved.
Effects of Fertilization Level on Rice Yield and Quality

To solve the inefficient fertilization problem in most country,we designed the research on the different fertilization level and discussed its effects on the rice yield,quality and economic benefit.Results indicated that,excessive fertilizer did not lead to high yield but reduced quality and inefficient fertilizer utilization,while appropriate organic fertilizer could improve rice quality and field conditions.
Youre my only hope

In the face of crises and risks, emergency responders are often faced with challenges in terms of reaching audiences in treacherous locations, or that are unreachable due to infrastructure failure. Social robots offer one solution for delivering information cornering risks under these circumstances. An exploratory study examined the responses of individuals to risk messages disseminated through robotic delivery platforms. The results suggest that risk messages delivered through robots may engender equal knowledge acquisition as those delivered through legacy media, though sex differences are noted for high involvement events. The findings are discussed in terms of implications for emergency management.
Numerical simulation of hydrogen-air boundary layer flows augmented by catalytic surface reactions

Catalytic combustion of hydrogen-air boundary layers involves the adsorption of hydrogen and oxygen into a platinum coated surface, chemical reactions of the adsorbed species and the desorption of the resulting products. Re-adsorption of some produced gases is also possible. The catalytic reactions can be beneficial in porous burners and catalytic reactors that use low equivalence ratios. In this case the porous burner flame can be stabilized at low temperatures to prevent any substantial gas emissions, such as nitrogen oxides. The present paper is concerned with the numerical computation of heat transfer and chemical reactions in hydrogen-air mixture boundary layers that flow over platinum coated hot plates. Chemical reactions are included in the gas phase as well as on the solid platinum surface. In the gas phase, eight species are involved in 26 elementary reactions. On the platinum hot surface, additional surface species are included that are involved in 14 additional surface chemical reactions. The platinum surface temperature is fixed, while the properties of the reacting flow are computed. The flow configuration investigated in the present paper is that of a parallel boundary layer. Finite-volume equations are obtained by formal integration over control volumes surrounding each grid node. Hybrid differencing is used to ensure that the finite-difference coefficients are always positive or equal to zero to reflect the real effect of neighboring nodes on a typical central node. The finite-volume equations are solved, iteratively, for the reacting gas flow properties. On the platinum surface, surface species balance equations, under steady-state conditions, are solved numerically. A non-uniform computational grid is used, concentrating most of the nodes in the boundary sub-layer adjoining the catalytic surface. The computed OH concentration is compared with experimental and numerical data of similar geometry. The obtained agreement is fairly good, with differences observed for the location of the peak value of OH. Surface temperature of 1170 K caused fast reactions on the catalytic surface in a very small part at the leading edge of the catalytic flat plate. The computational results for heat and mass transfer and chemical surface reactions at the gas-surface interface are correlated by non-dimensional relations.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Project Me: Understanding Social Identities through Social Media.

Courses: Intercultural Communication, Communication and Identity, Interpersonal CommunicationObjectives: After completing this semester-long activity, students should be able to (1) discuss and apply the concepts of social identities; (2) analyze the influence of self-identities on online communication practices of self to others and others to self; and (3) create critical, informational, and respectful online content that promotes conversations and learning about social identities.
Introduction: Epenow's Lessons

Epenow's pulse must have quickened when he caught the first scent of pine forest drifting eastward from a land still out of view but foremost on his mind. Just days later the vessel carrying him from England approached the Maine shoreline and then plied southward past Massachusetts Bay into waters that crashed against the sand dune frame of his Wampanoag people's territory. The power of the moment would have unleashed pent up heartache and fury in a weaker man, but mastering his emotions had brought Epenow this far and he was not about to abandon the course. Patiently, he endured the long last stage of his journey around Cape Cod and the treacherous Nantucket shoals, and finally toward the island of Noepe, his home. It had been three years since a fateful day in 1611 when Captain Edward Harlow abducted Epenow from the New England coast and carried him across the ocean into an adventure bordering on the surreal. Once in London, Epenow's captors shuttled him from place to place exhibiting him as “a wonder” before gawking crowds, a humiliation suffered by dozens and perhaps hundreds of other kidnapped Indians during the previous century. For Epenow, however, the city was on show with its throngs of people and livestock jamming the streets, the abject poor begging at the heels of their ornately clad “betters,” and a whirling commerce in goods from nearly every corner of the globe, all in the shadow of mighty architecture sponsored by England's church and state.
PROGNOSTIC INDICATORS OF LYMPH NODE METASTASIS IN

Pelvic lymph node dissection is a critical component of radical cystectomy for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Although lymph node involvement is often associated with a poor prognosis, some patients may experience long-term survival when treated with an appropriate lymphadenectomy with and without systemic chemotherapy. Several lymph node variables have been identified that may provide insight to survivorship of patients with both node-positive and node-negative disease. These variables include lymph node yield, extent of LND, number of positive nodes, location of positive nodes, pathologic stage of the primary tumor, presence of extracapsular nodal extension, size of lymph node metastasis, and lymph node density. These factors may be utilized when counseling patients and directing adjuvant therapy. Herein, we review the literature regarding several lymph node prognostic variables for patients undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial bladder cancer
Long-Term Chamomile Therapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled Trial.

Background: Anxiety symptoms are among the most common reasons for consumers to use Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy. Although many botanicals have been proposed as putative remedies for anxiety symptoms, there has been a paucity of controlled trials of these remedies. A preliminary study of the anxiolytic effect of Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) in humans suggests that chamomile may have anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. We now seek to conduct a 5-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-substitution study to examine the short and longterm safety and efficacy of chamomile extract in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Methods/Design: 180 subjects with moderate to severe GAD will receive initial open-label pharmaceutical-grade chamomile extract 500-1,500 mg daily for 8 weeks. Responders to treatment who remain well for an additional 4 weeks of consolidation therapy, will be randomized to double-blind continuation therapy with either chamomile extract 500-1,500 mg daily or placebo for an additional 26 weeks. The primary outcome will be the time to relapse during study continuation therapy in each treatment condition. Secondary outcomes will include the proportion of subjects in each treatment condition who relapse, as well as the proportion of subjects with treatment-emergent adverse events. Quality of life ratings will also be compared between treatment conditions during short and long-term therapy. Discussion: Many individuals with mental disorders decline conventional therapy and seek CAM therapies for their symptoms. Thus, the identification of effective CAM therapy is of relevance to reducing the burden of mental illness. This study builds upon our prior findings of significant superiority of chamomile versus placebo in reducing GAD symptoms. We now extend these preliminary findings by conducting a randomized long-term safety and efficacy study of chamomile in GAD. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Trials Register NCT01072344.
Intraerythrocytic crystalloid bodies in cats.

Rectangular-shaped crystalloid bodies (C.B.) were demonstrated within the erythrocytes of intact and splenectomized cats and after incubation in hypertonic NaCl. The morphologic appearance of the C.B. is strikingly similar to that of crystals present in the erythrocytes of individuals with hemoglobin C.
On Modeling for Robust Control

Abstract We propose a new approach to identification which is based on the assumption that an upper bound on the norm of the perturbation affecting the data is a priori known. As a consequence, an uncertain family of systems is obtained with norm bounded uncertainty. Under mild assumptions, this family contains the system which generated the data. The parametrization is suitable for applying robust control methods, both in the conventional and in the behavioral frameworks.