cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceptually based coding of monochrome and color still images

The authors describe a human visual perception approach and report some results for this problem. The approach is based on the differential quantization of images, in which smooth approximations are subtracted from the image prior to quantization. They consider two such approximations. The first one is an approximation by splines obtained from a sparse and fixed subsampled array of the image. The second one segments the image into piecewise constant regions on the basis of the local activity of the image. Both these approximations result in remainders of residual images where large errors are localized in portions of the image of high activity. Because of visual masking the remainder image can now be coarsely quantized without visual impairment to the reconstructed image. The coarsely quantized remainder is now encoded in an error free manner. In such a perceptually based encoding method the mean square error is now dependent on the activity of the image. >
Increased Water Reduction Efficiency of Polyelectrolyte‐Bound Trimetallic [Ru,Rh,Ru] Photocatalysts in Air‐Saturated Aqueous Solutions

The groundbreaking use of polyelectrolytes to increase the efficiency of supramolecular photocatalysts in solar H2 production schemes under aqueous aerobic conditions is reported. Supramolecular photocatalysts of the architecture [{(TL)2 Ru(BL)}2 RhX2 ](5+) (BL=bridging ligand, TL=terminal ligand, X=halide) demonstrate high efficiencies in deoxygenated organic solvents but do not function in air-saturated aqueous solution because of the quenching of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state under these conditions. The new photocatalytic system incorporates poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) into aqueous solutions containing [{(bpy)2 Ru(dpp)}2 RhCl2 ](5+) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, dpp=2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine). PSS has a profound impact on the photocatalyst efficiency, increasing H2 production over three times that of deoxygenated aqueous solutions alone. H2 photocatalysis proceeds even under aerobic conditions for PSS-containing solutions, an exciting consequence for solar hydrogen-production research.
Variability and discrimination reversal learning in the open field following septal lesions in rats.

Abstract Response variability on a 10 position horizontal response task and a position-habit discrimination followed by 2 reversals was examined in groups of rats with septal damage and operated control rats in the open field. As revealed by the number of positions with responses and the one position with the most responses, the rats with septal damage were reliably less variable in responding than the controls. In addition, the rats with septal damage made a reliably greater number of responses during extinction of the response. In the second experiment, groups of animals were tested for discrimination learning in a 2 part experiment using both a free-ranging and restricted open field. In both parts of the experiment, the rats with septal lesions learned the discrimination and both reversals faster than the controls. Animals tested in the restricted field learned the discrimination slightly faster than those tested in the free-ranging field. The superior discrimination learning for the rats with septal lesions was discussed as a lesion-induced increase in the incentive value of positive reward, producing shorter observed response latencies, resulting in a shorter delay of reinforcement.
Trypsin-induced aggregation of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells cultured on microcarriers

Abstract We studied adherence between ‘luminal’ surfaces of pulmonary artery endothelial cells by standard aggregometry techniques, widely used for measuring aggregation of platelets and granulocytes. Using suspensions of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells cultured on microcarrier beads, in an aggregometer, we found that trypsin caused endothelial aggregation. The aggregation response occurred at trypsin concentrations as low as 0.001%. The degree of trypsin-induced aggregation indicated by the magnitude of the change in light transmission through the endothelial suspensions was related to the trypsin concentration, reaching a maximum level at trypsin concentrations of 0.01%. We conclude that trypsin, even in very low concentrations, causes adherence between ‘luminal’ surfaces of pulmonary endothelial cells probably because the enzyme destroys cell surface proteins which are necessary to prevent intercellular adherence. The method we describe may be useful for studying cell-cell interactions of endothelium.
Interaural time discrimination of envelopes carried on high-frequency tones as a function of level and interaural carrier mismatch.

Objectives—The present study investigated interaural time discrimination for binaurally mismatched carrier frequencies in listeners with normal hearing. One goal of the investigation was to gain insights into binaural hearing in patients with bilateral cochlear implants, where the coding of interaural time differences may be limited by mismatches in the neural populations receiving stimulation on each side. Design—Temporal envelopes were manipulated to present low frequency timing cues to high frequency auditory channels. Carrier frequencies near 4 kHz were amplitude modulated at 128 Hz via multiplication with a half-wave rectified sinusoid, and that modulation was either in-phase across ears or delayed to one ear. Detection thresholds for non-zero interaural time differences were measured for a range of stimulus levels and a range of carrier frequency mismatches. Data were also collected under conditions designed to limit cues based on stimulus spectral spread, including masking and truncation of sidebands associated with modulation. Results—Listeners with normal hearing can detect interaural time differences in the face of substantial mismatches in carrier frequency across ears. Conclusions—The processing of interaural time differences in listeners with normal hearing is likely based on spread of excitation into binaurally matched auditory channels. Sensitivity to interaural time differences in listeners with cochlear implants may depend upon spread of current that results in the stimulation of neural populations that share common tonotopic space bilaterally.
Differences in morphology and habitat use among the native mussel Mytilus trossulus, the non-native M. galloprovincialis, and their hybrids in Puget Sound, Washington

Mytilus galloprovincialis (Mg), the Mediterranean blue mussel, is sympatric with the native M. trossulus (Mt) throughout much of the north Pacific, likely as the result of human introduction. We investigated the distribution of the two species and their hybrids (Mgt) in Puget Sound, Washington, to determine whether differences occur in habitat preference between the two species and hybrids. In addition, we investigated whether there were consistent size and shape differences between the native and introduced mussels and hybrids. Measurements of over 6,000 mussels from 30 sites, of which 1,460 were genotyped for a species-specific genetic marker, revealed that Mg and Mgt can be found throughout Puget Sound. Mg and Mgt were larger and exhibited a greater height:length ratio than Mt. Frequencies of Mg and Mgt were higher in subtidal habitats, such as docks, than on intertidal rocks, walls or pilings. Within intertidal habitats, Mg and Mgt were more frequent than Mt in the lower reaches of the intertidal. At slightly more than half the sites the frequency of the three genotypes accorded with random mating expectations suggesting no consistent barriers to gene flow between species. The standardized random sampling methods and simple morphometric identification techniques described here can be used to test whether the frequency of invasive mussels changes over time and space in Puget Sound.
Calcined calcium magnesium acetate as a superior SO2 sorbent: I. Thermal decomposition

The reactivity of the calcination product of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) as a possible dry desulfurization agent was evaluated. The first step in the dry desulfurization reaction—the thermal decomposition of CMA—was investigated by determining the decomposition reaction in three steps: 1. the evaporation of water starting at 65°C, 2. the conversion of CMA into CaCO3 and MgO starting at 275°C, and 3. the decomposition of CaCO3 to CaO starting at 580°C. The pseudo-first-order kinetic equation was observed for the CMA decomposition to CaCO3 + MgO, with an activation energy of 165.5 kJ/mol. The decomposition of CaCO3 to CaO also obeyed the pseudo-first-order kinetics, with an activation energy of 200 kJ/mol. As discussed in Part II of this series, the calcination product from CMA is quite reactive due mainly to the large porosity and internal surface area generated on the removal of the acetate group during the decomposition reaction. Furthermore, as will be shown in Parts II and III, the sulfation capacity of the calcined CMA is much greater than that of conventional sorbents because its sulfation rate does not level off until complete conversion and its MgO content is also sulfated at temperatures lower than about 900°C.
THIRTY YEARS OF RESEARCH: INTERPRETATIONS OF ! THE EQUAL SIGN IN CHINA AND THE USA'

This study examined students' conceptions about the equal sign in light of historical findings with an international comparison group. Textbooks for preparation of students as mathematics teachers were examined. Participants were sixth-grade students from the USA (n = 105) and China (n = 145). About 98% of the Chinese children correctly answered all items by providing conceptually accurate explanations, but only 28% of the U.S. sample did. Textbooks for education majors who would teach in the USA rarely discussed the equal sign as equivalence while the Chinese texts introduced the “equal sign” in a context of relationships and discussed it as “balance,” “sameness,” or “equivalence.”
Phospholipase A2 Digestion of Cardiolipin Bound to Bovine Cytochrome c Oxidase Alters Both Activity and Quaternary Structure

Phospholipase A2 from Crotalus atrox hydrolyzes all of the phospholipids that are associated with purified, detergent-solubilized cytochrome c oxidase; less than 0.05 mol cardiolipin (CL)1 remains bound per mol enzyme. Coincident with the hydrolysis of cardiolipin is a reversible decrease of 45−50% in the electron transport activity of the dodecylmaltoside-solubilized enzyme. Full activity is recoverable (90−98%) by addition of exogenous cardiolipin, but not by either phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine. Unexpectedly, cleavage of cardiolipin causes the dissociation of both subunits VIa and VIb from the enzyme. These are the two subunits that form the major protein−protein contacts between the two monomeric units within the dimeric complex. Although hydrolysis of CL by phospholipase A2 and loss of these subunits is linked, the reverse process does not occur, i.e., removal of subunits VIa and VIb does not cause dissociation of the two functionally important, tightly bound cardiolipins. Nor does ...
A Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Computer Code For the Analysis of Complex Structures

Abstract General computational procedures are described with emphasis on FORTRAN based ‘dynamic’ storage allocation and adaptability of specialized input routines for the analysis of complex structures, including pump casings and pipe tees and elbows. A brief discussion is given on the algorithms used in this code for the formation and solution of banded linear equatons. The basic finite element building blocks, including isoparametric tetrahedra, pentahedra, and hexahedra are described. The results of a complex structural analysis, along with sample computer output, is presented.
Profiles in Leadership: Enhancing Learning Through Model and Theory Building —:

In teaching and learning about leadership, instructors and students are faced with an extensive and, at times, very confusing body of literature that illustrates the complexity of the study, practice, and understanding of leadership. No single theory has been able to capture the essence of leadership and / or leadership dynamics. Students often become frustrated at the array and range of somewhat disparate and contradictory theories they encounter. Described within is an assignment that has been very successful in teaching students about leadership, situational analysis, and model and theory building. Moreover, this assignment has been one that students have found enjoyable and enlightening relative to enhancing their understanding of leadership dynamics in both their professional and personal lives.
INTRODUCTION: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND FISCAL STRAIN*

(1981). Introduction: Community Development and Fiscal Strain* Journal of Urban Affairs: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 1-12.
Nano devices and concepts for condition-based maintenance of military systems

There is a continuous need for the Department of Defense (DoD) and its associate weaponry supply organizations to consistently evaluate the usability of weapons that exhibit deteriorative characteristics over a period of time. Along the same lines, enhanced condition-based maintenance evaluation procedures are necessary to mitigate the risk and reduce the cost of catastrophic failure of varying inventories of military systems. One significant area of research is the verification of the existence of sufficient concentrations of propellant stabilizer in the motor of stored missiles. Results from developed apparatuses can help collect degradation information to establish indicators that the missile’s double-based solid propellant is still functional after long-term storage. Other mechanisms are being developed for the assessment of degradation in gun barrel rifling. The research outlined in this paper summarizes the Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, & Engineering Center’s (AMRDEC’s) investigative approaches relative to the use of spectral-optical and acoustical methodologies for detecting deteriorations in both propellant and the apparatus that engages munitions. A spectral-optical sensing approach is presented that is based on distinctive light collecting optical fiber –based developments designed to detect the concentration of propellant ingredients. The use of diagnostic acoustic sensing mechanisms is delineated to include the use of commercially available transducer-based readers to collect information that is indicative of the distance that acoustic waves travel through weaponry components. In collaboration with several AMRDEC industry and academia supporters, this paper outlines sensing methods that are under consideration for implementation onto weapon systems. Conceptional approaches, experimental configurations, and laboratory results are presented for each initiative. Cost-savings and improved weaponry health monitoring capabilities are expected to derive from each sensing mechanisms.
Dissolution and microbial Fe(III) reduction of nontronite (NAu-1)

Abstract We investigated interactions between ferruginous smectite (NAu-1) and facultative dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria, Shewanella oneidensis , in order to determine whether the bacteria are directly respiring structural Fe(III) or respiring Fe(III) after it has been dissolved from the structure of the clay. Anaerobic flow-through experiments were used to facilitate the microbial reduction under controlled solution chemistry and to monitor the time-dependent concentrations of Fe, Al, and Si, which are major structural components of NAu-1. Complimentary batch experiments were conducted to allow for time series examinations of the reacted solid and extensive control experiments. The control experiments revealed that NAu-1 dissolution occurred under anaerobic, aerobic, biotic, and abiotic conditions even when Fe remained oxidized due to the presence of O 2 or the absence of viable bacteria. Thus, this study shows that NAu-1 dissolution precedes microbial reduction of Fe. The dissolution products of this dynamic system are present not only in solution, but also as secondary precipitates and/or adsorbates. Thus, S . oneidensis in our systems are primarily respiring Fe(III) in the aqueous phase or associated with secondary solids, rather than Fe(III) that is still a part of the crystalline NAu-1 structure.
A model for susceptibility artefacts from respiration in functional echo-planar magnetic resonance imaging.

Respiration causes variations in the signals acquired during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and therefore is a significant source of noise in functional brain imaging. A primary component of respiratory noise may arise from variations of bulk susceptibility or air volume in the chest. Here we investigate the nature of the image artefacts that can be caused by such changes. We develop a simple model which attempts to mimic the effects of variations in susceptibility and volume during respiration. Theoretical calculations, computer simulations and imaging experiments with this model show that small variations in susceptibility within the thorax from alterations in the paramagnetism of cavity gas may lead to a shift of the image on the order of 0.1 pixels as well as a shading of the intensity by ±1%. These effects are observed to be predominant in the phase-encoding direction. They may lead to the production of spurious activations in functional MRI and are likely to be of more importance at higher field strengths.
New Financial and Research Models for Pediatric Orphan Drug Development: Focus on the NCATS TRND Program

While there are approximately 7,000 identified human diseases considered as ‘rare’ based on population prevalence or incidence, the cumulative impact runs into the millions of patients globally. Although the genetic underpinnings of more than 2,000 rare diseases have been elucidated, there remains a paucity of therapeutic options, frequently due to lack of commercial interest. Development programs suffer high attrition within the so-called ‘Valley of Death,’ in which the risks of scientific failure are still too high to justify the increasing development costs. This problem is common to any drug development campaign, but particularly exacerbated in the rare diseases, many of which arise in childhood. To stimulate development of therapeutics for these otherwise under-served patient populations, a number of regulatory incentives and research initiatives have been established. Extended patent protections, expedited regulatory reviews for qualified drug sponsors, and clinical trial grant support aim to foster interest in completing development programs. To stimulate researchers to embark on rare disease drug development campaigns, earlier-stage preclinical research resources have also been created, such as the Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases (TRND) program at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). TRND is a unique NIH program created to support drug development through formation of public–private partnerships. These partnerships leverage the robust biopharmaceutical industry experience of the TRND staff scientists and the deep disease area expertise of the collaborating partners. Each project adopted into the TRND portfolio aims to satisfy two broad goals: developing a novel therapy for a rare or otherwise neglected disease, and exploring ways to accelerate the drug development process overall so that lessons learned can be disseminated to the wider community undertaking translational research. This article discusses common obstacles and opportunities for therapeutic development, and provides examples of the types of projects TRND has undertaken across a broad range of pediatric rare disorders.
An identified cerebral interneuron initiates different elements of prey capture behavior in the pteropod mollusc,Clione limacina

The prey capture phase of feeding behavior in the pteropod molluscClione limacina consists of an explosive extrusion of buccal cones, specialized oral appendages which are used to catch the prey, and significant acceleration of swimming. Several groups of neurons which control different components of prey capture behavior inClione have been previously identified in the CNS. However, the question of their coordination in order to develop a normal behavioral reaction still remains open. We describe here a cerebral interneuron which has wide-spread excitatory and inhibitory effects on a number of neurons in the cerebral and pedal ganglia, directed toward the initiation of prey capture behavior inClione. This bilaterally symmetrical neuron, designated Cr-PC (Cerebral interneuron initiating Prey Capture), produced monosynaptic activation of Cr-A motoneurons, which control buccal cone extrusion, and inhibition of Cr-B and Cr-L motoneurons, whose spike activities maintain buccal cones in a withdrawn position inside the head in non-feeding animals. In addition, Cr-PC produced monosynaptic activation of a number of swim motoneurons and interneurons of the swim central pattern generator (CPG) in the pedal ganglia, pedal serotonergic Pd-SW neurons involved in a peripheral modulation of swimming and the serotonergic Heart Excitor neuron.
Carcinoma of prostate in men aged fifty and under: therapeutic options.

Abstract We made a retrospective study of 20 men, aged fifty or under, with adenocarcinoma of the prostate to evaluate presenting symptoms, stage, grade, and therapeutic results. Sixty-five percent were found to have extracapsular spread of disease (Stage C or D). The therapy used was one or a combination of three types: radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and hormonal manipulation. Five of 6 patients with Stage B disease and 3 of 6 patients with Stage C disease were treated with radiation therapy. The other Stages B and C patients underwent radical prostatectomy. In all 5 of Stage B patients receiving radiation, therapy failed; the mean time to tumor recurrence was 3.2 years. Two of 3 patients with Stage C disease died of metastatic disease within three years of receiving radiation. The 4 patients (Stages B and C) who underwent radical prostatectomy are free of disease. There was a statistically higher failure rate among the radiation therapy patients with Stages B and C disease than among the surgical patients ( x 2 = 8.4, p
Effects of calibration to visual and haptic feedback on near-field depth perception in an immersive virtual environment

Distances are regularly underestimated in immersive virtual environments (IVEs) [Witmer and Kline 1998; Loomis and Knapp 2003]. Few experiments, however, have examined the ability of calibration to overcome distortions of depth perception in IVEs. This experiment is designed to examine the effect of calibration via haptic and visual feedback on distance estimates in an IVE. Participants provided verbal and physical reach responses to target distances presented during three sessions; a baseline measure without feedback, a calibration session with visual and haptic feedback, and finally a post-calibration session without feedback. Feedback was shown to calibrate distance estimates within an IVE. Discussion focused on the possibility that costly solutions and research endeavors seeking to remedy the compression of distances may become less necessary if users are simply given the opportunity to use manual activity to calibrate to the IVE.
The Evolution of the Moral Sentiments and the Metaphysics of Morals

So-called evolutionary error theorists, such as Michael Ruse and Richard Joyce, have argued that naturalistic accounts of the moral sentiments lead us to adopt an error theory approach to morality. Roughly, the argument is that an appreciation of the etiology of those sentiments undermines any reason to think that they track moral truth and, furthermore, undermines any reason to think that moral truth actually exists. I argue that this approach offers us a false dichotomy between error theory and some form of moral realism. While accepting the presuppositions of the evolutionary error theorist, I argue that contract-based approaches to morality can be sensitive to those presuppositions while still vindicating morality. Invoking Stephen Darwall’s distinction between contractualism and contractarianism, I go on to offer an evolutionary-based contractarianism.
NF-κB inducible genes BCL-X and cyclin E promote immature B-cell proliferation and survival

Abstract B-cell receptor (BCR) ligation induces proliferation and survival in mature B-cells but conversely, can lead to apoptosis in immature B-cells. We have previously shown that c-Rel, a member of the NF-κB transcription factor family, is essential for mature B-cell survival and proliferation via regulation of the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-X and cell cycle genes E2F3a and cyclin E. Here, we report that c-Rel-deficient mature B-cells are rendered sensitive to BCR-induced growth arrest and apoptosis in a manner that strongly resembles the phenotypic response of immature B-cells to BCR signaling. We further demonstrate that BCR-stimulated immature B-cells are defective in NF-κB activation, but that introduction of two downstream c-Rel target genes, Bcl-X and cyclin E, can restore survival and proliferation to these cells. Our studies therefore suggest that specific blockade of NF-κB activation may be responsible for the growth arrest and apoptosis of BCR-activated immature B-cells.
The Bath Refilled: Migration in Archeology Again

Chapman and Dolukhanov have produced a brief criticism of my theoretical stance on migration and a long dissection of the case study I used as an illustrative example. Their criticisms of my specific theory derive largely from misunderstandings, in my view, and therefore do not affect the model I proposed. They also question my basic theoretical premise, which is that uniformitarian models are necessary if we are to understand the archeological record. It is a great irony that in the current climate of anti-uniformitarian particularism, migration (almost a taboo word among processualists) should emerge as a phenomenon that is surprisingly amenable to processual, uniformitarian analysis. Contrary to Chapman and Dolukhanov, uniformitarian arguments have not been falsified as a class. A great many biophysical "laws" are accepted as relatively stable propositions about how the world works, even in archeology, and higher-level uniformitarian approaches, such as evolutionary theory in biology, have been modified over time without being rejected. Generally, it is the ecologicalfunctionalist uniformitarian theories that have been attacked in archeology with the most success, but this does not mean that all uniformitarian approaches are false. Neither do uniformitarian theories necessarily ignore history and local context; evolutionary theory in biology only served to emphasize the importance of local ecological conditions and population dynamics. The model I proposed correlates variables that might be considered ahistorical economic categories (focal as opposed to diffuse subsistence strategies, presence or absence of spatial unevenness in economic development, and cost of available transportation technologies) with contextspecific factors (the nature of social integration in the donor region, change in goal orientations between chronologically successive migrant groups, the importance of kinship linkages in defining the flow of information about the destination region, and the significance of ideology as a complicating factor in identifying proximate causes for migrations). In essence, I have argued that migration tends to be a patterned, structured behavior partially because it reacts to localized patterns in the flow of information about potential routes and destinations. Since so much human behavior
Eye Contact and Distance: A Re-Examination of Measurement Problems

Results supportive of Argyle and Dean's (1965) equilibri um theory prediction, relating eye contact and interpersonal distance, have been questioned on methodological grounds. Specifically, the criticism suggests that eye contact only appears to increase with in creased distance between interacting pairs because the observer dis tance also increases and results in overestimation due to decreased discriminability. An evaluation of the evidence on the measurement artifact itself suggests that it is a concern only in contrived set tings involving programmed directional gaze and not in situations involving visual interaction between naive subjects.
Women and the Making of the American Working Class: A Study of the Proletarianization of Printers

This paper examines the relationship between the development of the working class and changes in the sex-structuring of occupations through a case study of newspaper compositors in the United States from 1850 to 1880. The purposes of this study are to provide data and analysis to aid in the development of a theory of workingclass formation which includes female as well as male workers, and to contribute to the debate about the roots of women's exploitative condition in the labor market. Changes in the sex-structuring of occupations are shaped by the uneven development of capitalism and the strategies developed by capital and labor to define the terms of the class relation. It is mediated by the conjuncture of two sets of contradictions-those located in the process of capital accumulation, and those located in working-class culture. The coexistence of various printing branches and other industries which had been differentially affected by capitalism resulted in divisions among workers who faced different m...
Cytochemical visualization of anions in collagenous and elastic fiber-associated connective tissue matrix in neonatal and adult rat lungs using iron-containing stains.

The cytochemical reactivity of pulmonary connective tissue matrix components in neonatal and adult rat was evaluated using high iron diamine (HID) to detect sulfate ester end groups and dialyzed iron (DI) to detect sulfated and carboxylated end groups of complex carbohydrates, including glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans at the ultrastructural level. The HID reaction product, in the form of discrete 5–12 nm silver particles following appropriate intensification with thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate, was found associated with cell surfaces, the elastin component of elastic fibers, and at regular intervals along the length of collagen fibers in large airways and deep lung interstitium. Staining was similar in adult and neonatal rats, except in areas where connective tissues were presumably still rapidly developing in the neonatal animals. Here large gaps or spaces cointaining reactive filamentous structures were observed between collagen and elastic fibers. The distribution of DI-reactive sites was similar to that seen with HID with the exception of elastic fibers in which only the microfibrillar portion stained. The collagen-associated reaction was not regularly disposed like that stained with HID, but rather it formed a tight continuous density around the fiber. These results indicated the presence and location of glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans in connective tissue ground substance regions prior to the full development of elastic and collagenous elements in neonatal pulmonary airways and parenchyma. They also demonstrate cytochemically the presence of a sulfate ester-containing complex sugar found associated with the elastin component of elastic fibers in the lung.
Low power robust signal processing

Voltage scaling has proven to be very effective in reducing the power consumption of digital systems. However, voltage overscaling, ie., reducing the voltage below the critical voltage, introduces errors which have to be compensated by additional computations. In this paper, we propose the use of radix-2 redundant binary arithmetic (RBR) as an alternative for designing low power robust systems. We show that for large data widths, such systems have superior energy-delay product (EDP) and error performance compared to 2's complement based systems. However, for smaller data widths, the 2's complement system has better EDP performance, and in such cases, we propose a low complexity prediction technique to compensate for voltage overscaled errors. We evaluate the performance of the RBR system and the 2's complement system for two image processing kernels, namely, the Gaussian filter and DCT/IDCT. We show that the RBR system is the low power design choice for the Gaussian filter with 16 bits precision while the 2's complement system with most significant bit prediction is the low power design choice for the IDCT kernel.
The Campaign Against CAM and the Notion of “Evidence-Based”

Since quite some time, at least in the United Kingdom, a campaign against complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments and training courses has been happening. Given some prominence in the media, this campaign seems to aim at having CAM courses scrutinized, CAM treatments taken off reimbursement schemes, and brandishing doctors and academics dealing with CAM as quacks. The buzzword used is "evidence-based," with the presupposition that, while conventional medicine is "evidence-based," CAM is not. It is worthwhile to examine the notion of "evidence" used in this discussion. I argue that it is a rather unwholesome type of evidence that is referred to here, namely only the difference between an active treatment and a sham treatment. For several reasons this is too restricted and not sound, as it creates several paradoxes, for instance the efficacy paradox. This consists in what is now empirically documented, whereas a CAM placebo can be actually more effective than a conventional, supposedly evidence-based, treatment. This shows that the discussion is really about something completely different: CAM has become a real player in the health services field, threatening revenues of the pharmaceutical industry. Taken together with a series of events this suggests that this campaign is carefully staged. It requires that we take the question of what "evidence" means to the heart of the methodological discussion, also for the sake of a broader, more wholesome notion of what counts as evidence. It also requires that we keep producing good data with a broad enough outlook comparing CAM treatments with conventional ones, and not just with placebo.
INTERSECTIONS OF CURVES ON SURFACES WITH DISK FAMILIES IN HANDLEBODIES

For a surface F bounding a handlebody H, we look at simple closed curves on F which intersect every disk in the handlebody, at least n times (called n-closed curves). We give a finite criterion for a curve to be n-closed. Using this, we derive a sufficiency condition for a Heegaard splitting to be strongly irreducible. We then look at further intersection properties of curves with disk families in H. In particular, we look at the effects of Dehn twists on n-closed curves, and using a finite fixed disk collection as a coordinate system, give heuristics and a counting formula for measuring the number of intersections of the resulting curves, with disks in H. In a certain instance, this yields a partial "grading" on the Dehn twist quandle with respect to the degree of n-closedness.
Structural monitoring of filamentary composites using embedded fiber optics

The feasibility of monitoring overall integrity of structural components made of filamentary composites, by embedding optical fibers between lamina of a composite beam, is investigated using a beam constructed of Kevlar/epoxy cloth with embedded optical fibers aligned with the longitudinal axis of the beam. Phase changes were monitored in three different optical fibers as the composite beam was subjected to pure bending, and the strain response of the fibers was compared to the strain gage readings taken at the surface, showing a strong correlation between the phase change and the applied deformation.
Conducting polymer actuators as engineering materials

Conducting polymer actuators were first proposed more than ten years ago. Reported performance has improved dramatically, particularly in the past few years, due to changes in synthesis methods, better characterization and an understanding of the underlying mechanisms. These actuators are able to displace large loads (up to 100x greater than mammalian skeletal muscle), with moderate displacements (typically 2 %), and with power to mass ratios similar to that of muscle, while powered using potentials of no more than a few volts. Unlike electric motors and muscle, these actuators exhibit a catch state, enabling them to maintain force without consuming energy. Despite the impressive performance, commercial applications are at an early stage. One reason is the need to carefully consider the details of the actuator construction, including the thickness and surface area of the polymer, the electrolyte conductivity and geometry, the counter electrode spacing, the shape of the input voltage and the means of electrical contact to the polymer, in designing effective actuators. A set of design guidelines is presented that assist the device designer in determining the optimum actuator configuration. These are derived from extensive characterization and modeling of hexafluorophosphate-doped polypyrrole actuators. The set of design tools helps transform conducting polymer actuators into engineering materials that can be selected and designed for particular applications based on rational criteria. Most of the underlying physical principles used in determining these rules also underlie other conducting polymer actuators, polymer devices such as electrochromic displays, supercapacitors and batteries, carbon nanotube actuators, and electrochemically driven devices that involve volumetric charge storage.
Neural correlates of cognitive intervention in persons at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Cognitive training is an emergent approach that has begun to receive increased attention in recent years as a non-pharmacological, cost-effective intervention for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There has been increasing behavioral evidence regarding training-related improvement in cognitive performance in early stages of AD. Although these studies provide important insight about the efficacy of cognitive training, neuroimaging studies are crucial to pinpoint changes in brain structure and function associated with training and to examine their overlap with pathology in AD. In this study, we reviewed the existing neuroimaging studies on cognitive training in persons at risk of developing AD to provide an overview of the overlap between neural networks rehabilitated by the current training methods and those affected in AD. The data suggest a consistent training-related increase in brain activity in medial temporal, prefrontal, and posterior default mode networks, as well as increase in gray matter structure in frontoparietal and entorhinal regions. This pattern differs from the observed pattern in healthy older adults that shows a combination of increased and decreased activity in response to training. Detailed investigation of the data suggests that training in persons at risk of developing AD mainly improves compensatory mechanisms and partly restores the affected functions. While current neuroimaging studies are quite helpful in identifying the mechanisms underlying cognitive training, the data calls for future multi-modal neuroimaging studies with focus on multi-domain cognitive training, network level connectivity, and individual differences in response to training.
A Nursing Process Approach to Epidural Analgesia

Epidural narcotics are finding increasing favor in management of postcesarean birth pain. Effective pain relief coupled with minimal side effects often make this technique the method of choice. To provide comprehensive and safe nursing care for the mother using epidural narcotics, nurses must be knowledgeable about the technique, drugs, and associated patient responses. Nursing management using a care plan with nursing diagnosis and expected patient outcomes will help nurses plan their care of these patients.
Evaporative cooling at low trap depth

A quantitative, analytic model of evaporative cooling covering both the small- $(l4)$ and large- $(g4)$ $\ensuremath{\eta}$ regimes is presented. $\ensuremath{\eta}$ is the dimensionless parameter defined as the trap depth divided by the temperature of the trapped sample. Although some of the same general properties present at large $\ensuremath{\eta}$ are also present at small $\ensuremath{\eta}$, there are significant quantitative differences. These differences must be taken into account in order to accurately extract from the trapping data quantitative measurements of, for example, collisional atomic cross sections.
Chaos and certainty in development

Abstract Only partially obscured by the mountain of paper the development business generates, a striking tension is materializing. On the one hand, for most observers the world seems ever more uncertain. At the same time, development decision makers insist on ever higher levels of certainty before they will release funds and undertake programs. Within this tension, the conjunction of development funding and research casts research in a particular role. Claimed research findings become the required language for proposing and evaluating development projects. Approved methods delimit the legitimate participants in the research process and the legitimate interventions in development discussions. The research deemed acceptable legitimizes particular courses of action and obscures the politics of excluding others. At the same time, although a vast amount of research is undertaken in this setting, the research that fulfills this role is limited in perspective and approach and little subject to critical review by people with relevant expertise. This combination displaces the healthy skepticism of inquiry and the increasing recognition of discontinuities and uncertainty in favor of a frequently unqualified certainty. Both research and development are poorly served.
Phenotypic Masking and Streptomycin Dependence

In attempting to define the role of ribosomes in the mechanism of streptomycin dependence, a new phenomenon has been discovered. Analysis of this phenomenon—called phenotypic masking—leads to the conclusion that "streptomycin dependent" mutants are actually "drug dependent" because their dependence is equally satisfied by several drugs. These drugs, some of which are totally unrelated chemically, act on the ribosome and induce misreading in vitro and suppression in vivo.
Television, Japan, and Globalization

Television, Japan, and Globalization MITSUHIRO YOSHIMOTO, EVA TSAI AND JUNGBONG CHOI (Eds) Ann Arbor, University of Michigan Press, 2010 vii+289 pp., illus., bibliography and index, $70.00 (cloth),...
Effect of Pelvic Lymph Node Irradiation in Salvage Therapy for Patients with Prostate Cancer with a Biochemical Relapse Following Radical Prostatectomy

Radiation therapy (RT) as salvage treatment for a biochemical relapse following prostatectomy has been shown to be of benefit measured by serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) control. However, identifying a target volume for RT has not been well established in this setting. In this study, the results of postoperative RT delivered to extended fields (EFs), prostatic fossa, and pelvic lymph nodes encompassing at least the obturator lymph nodes are compared with treatment of limited fields (LFs), prostatic fossa only, as salvage treatment for patients with a biochemical relapse. Between 1987 and 1999, 68 patients were referred for postprostatectomy RT. Of these patients, 46 were treated for salvage intent by RT alone without adjuvant hormones, 21 patients were treated to EFs and 25 treated to LFs. All patients were treated using 4-field plans. The mean field sizes measured 15 x 14 cm (AP/PA fields) and 12 x 14 cm LFs for the EFs and 10 x 10 cm (AP/PA fields) and 10 x 10 cm (lateral fields) for the LFs. The mean total doses for the EFs and LFs were 6300 and 6200 cGy, respectively, using 180-cGy daily increments. All patients treated to the EFs received boost doses to the prostatic fossa after 4500 cGy total dose to the pelvis. The 10-year actuarial biochemical disease-free survival (DFS) rates for the EF and LF groups were 52% and 47%, respectively (P = 0.523). The distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates were 77% and 78% (P = 0.925), and overall survival (OS) rates were 88% and 68% (P = 0.615) for the EF and LF group, respectively. A subset analysis of patients with adverse pathologic features (including tumor-involved surgical margins, lymph node involvement, seminal vesicle involvement, extracapsular extension, and/or perineural invasion) showed biochemical DFS rates of 57% and 44% (P = 0.217) for the EF and LF groups, respectively. The DMFS rates were 84% and 72% (P = 0.423), and OS rates 92% and 61% (P = 0.366) for the EF and LF groups, respectively. For patients with increasing PSA levels after a radical prostatectomy, salvage irradiation is a viable option for biochemical control. Our results suggest that EF radiation with coverage of pelvic lymph nodes shows a trend toward better PSA control in those with adverse pathologic features, although statistical significance was not achieved because of the limited number of patients who satisfied the restricted criteria excluding use of adjuvant hormones.
Milling optimisation of removal rate and accuracy with uncertainty: Part 1: parameter selection

Milling models provide tools for estimating stability and surface location error. Existing models are deterministic, though inherent variations in the model inputs propagate to uncertainty in the model outputs. In this paper the experimental procedures used to estimate the model parameters are presented. The effect of correlation between parameters is addressed. The variability of the stability boundary and surface location errors are determined using Latin Hypercube sampling. It is seen that including the correlation between parameters reduced the output variability by as much as 55% with a minimum reduction of 10%. Comparisons between mean model predictions and experimental results are provided.
A parallel programming framework with Markovian messaging for LC-MS peptide detection

In this poster, we present our initial results on designing a parallel programing framework to support advanced signal processing algorithms for peak detection in Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) data. We propose the PAMM programming model and implement a parallel LC-MS peak detection algorithm (BPDA2d) that requires Gibbs sampling. Our initial measurements show that the parallel code is able to achieve significant speedup while offering fault tolerance.
Wolves and lynx: Plausible ideas make for testable hypotheses

We recently wrote an opinion piece (Ripple et al. 2011) hypothesizing that the presence of wolves (Canis lupus) could indirectly benefit Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) by suppressing competition with coyotes (Canis latrans). Subsequent comments by Hodges (2012) and Squires et al. (2012) raise several issues regarding our essay. In our reply, we 1) emphasize that many valid hypotheses precede rather than follow data collection, 2) provide additional evidence showing negative effects of wolves on coyotes and an inverse relationship between wolf and coyote abundance, 3) indicate that wolves could increase the availability of hares to lynx by reducing not only hare predation by coyotes but also potential impacts on hare habitat by ungulates, and 4) reject the notion that our expressed views conflict in any way with existing conservation and recovery goals for lynx in the continental United States. We conclude by reaffirming our support for opinion pieces in professional journals, whether or not they are buttressed by large amounts of data, as vehicles for new ideas and catalysts for scientific debate and discussion. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.