cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observability Properties of Object Pose Estimation

Estimating the pose (position and orientation) of 3D objects solely from images is a challenging task of current relevance to a wide range of robotic and artificial intelligence applications. In this paper, we employ the empirical local observability Gramian as a metric for assessing the quality of image-based pose estimation. We show how the Gramian can be used to describe the local “estimatability” of images of static and dynamic objects. We also show connections between the Gramian matrix and symmetries and near-symmetries of an object, and use this result to characterize the subspace of the pose vector which is unobservable using image data. Results are demonstrated using images constructed in a 3D virtual environment.
Allowing Ethical Dilemmas to Shape and Teach Us

This chapter outlines the ethical concerns raised in previous chapters and addresses them in relationship to Community-Based Participatory Research design, methodologies, and practice. We combine our perspectives, positionalities, and voices and offer examples of each issue and the corresponding insights we gained. We reflect on our initial research questions and explain how we developed the surveys for individuals inside and outside of jail, gathered and analyzed the data, and decided on next steps and how to share our work with the community. The implications for ethics in this and other projects are explored in subsections and highlight co-researchers’ voices.
Selling Your Soul on the Information Superhighway: Consenting to Services in Direct-to-Consumer Tele-Mental Health:

Direct-to-consumer tele-mental health services—therapy delivered by video conference, email, and text message—is a burgeoning model of service delivery. The practice of on-demand digital psychother...
Transcriptional Profiling and Molecular Characterization of the yccT Mutant Link: A Novel STY1099 Protein with the Peroxide Stress Response and Cell Division of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis

Uncharacterized protein STY1099, encoded by the yccT gene, was previously identified as the most altered (i.e., upregulated) protein among the ZnO nanoparticle (NP) stimulon of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. Here we combined various stress response-related assays with functional genetics, global transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to characterize the yccT gene and its STY1099 product. Exposure of S. enterica Enteritidis to H2O2 (i.e., hydrogen peroxide) resulted in a significant (p < 0.0001) upregulation of the yccT gene, whereas exposure to paraquat (i.e., superoxide) did not alter the expression of the yccT gene. The ∆yccT mutant of S. enterica Enteritidis exposed to 0.75 mM H2O2, showed significantly reduced (p < 0.05) viability compared to the wild type strain. Further, comparative transcriptome analyses supported by Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay revealed that STY1099 protein plays a role in redox homeostasis during the peroxide stress assault via involvement in the processes of respiratory nitrate reductase, oxidoreductase activities, cellular uptake and stress response. In addition, we found that the STY1099 protein has the monopolar subcellular location and that it interacts with key cell division proteins, MinD, and FtsH, as well as with a rod shape-determining protein MerB.
Emotional labour, teaching and burnout: Investigating complex relationships

Background: In common with other service-oriented occupations, teaching is a profession that requires employees to engage in emotional labour. In order to perform their day-to-day roles effectively...
Biomolecules as Flame Retardant Additives for Polymers: A Review

Biological molecules can be obtained from natural sources or from commercial waste streams and can serve as effective feedstocks for a wide range of polymer products. From foams to epoxies and composites to bulk plastics, biomolecules show processability, thermal stability, and mechanical adaptations to fulfill current material requirements. This paper summarizes the known bio-sourced (or bio-derived), environmentally safe, thermo-oxidative, and flame retardant (BEST-FR) additives from animal tissues, plant fibers, food waste, and other natural resources. The flammability, flame retardance, and-where available-effects on polymer matrix's mechanical properties of these materials will be presented. Their method of incorporation into the matrix, and the matrices for which the BEST-FR should be applicable will also be made known if reported. Lastly, a review on terminology and testing methodology is provided with comments on future developments in the field.
High fidelity simulation training in pediatric emergency medicine field

High fidelity simulation training is the results of medical education and teaching method reform in recent years.This article focused on the discussion of simulation training significance,teaching model with simulation devices,establishment of simulation center,and the application and value of simulation training in emergency medical education.The training method which includes brief theory lectures of international simulation,separated technology practice,comprehensive simulation drill and video analysis is a development potential in the pediatric emergency medical education. Key words: Simulation education; Emergency medicine; Application
Perioperative Outcomes of Hemiarthroplasty Versus Total Hip Arthroplasty for Geriatric Hip Fracture: The Importance of Studying Matched Populations.

Abstract Background Geriatric femoral neck fracture is a common injury for which hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be considered in select patients. As prior database studies comparing these have not used propensity matching, which is a robust statistical method of controlling for potentially confounding variables, unmatched and matched methodologies are contrasted in the present study. Methods Patients aged ≥70 years who underwent HA or THA for hip fractures were identified from the 2012-2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement database. Propensity score 1:1 matching was performed. Differences in rates of 30-day postoperative adverse outcomes were compared using multivariate logistic regression for unmatched and matched cohorts. Results In total, 15,558 patients (14,403 HA and 1155 THA) were evaluated. Although multivariate outcomes for the unmatched populations were different for blood transfusion, mortality, minor adverse events, major adverse events, and reoperation, multivariate outcomes for matched populations only differed for blood transfusion (odds ratio 0.6 for HA vs THA, P Conclusion Geriatric patients undergoing HA and THA for hip fracture were compared with and without propensity matching. Once matching was performed, the only differences in outcomes between the two groups were a lower transfusion rate among the HA group and a greater readmission rate due to dislocation among the THA group. This suggests that either procedure can be safely considered if found to be advantageous from a longer-term outcome perspective. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Attentiveness in Elections With Impressionable Voters

We propose a model of attentiveness in elections with impressionable voters under various electoral rules. Voters' behavior is determined by their attentiveness and impressions of candidates. We show that attentiveness is as important as voters' preferences for the outcome of the election. Specifically, we show that candidates benefit from increased voter attention under all rules other than negative plurality. Second, less attentive voters have a larger impact on the election outcome under plurality and negative plurality rules, but not under approval voting. Third, under limited and endogenous attentiveness, a unanimously first-ranked candidate may not win under plurality and approval voting, but he always wins under negative plurality. We finally consider the case of tonality in news coverage and show that under plurality rule and approval voting candidates may benefit from frequent news coverage even if the news is negative.
A Soft Inflatable Wearable Robot for Hip Abductor Assistance: Design and Preliminary Assessment

In this paper, we present the design, characterization and preliminary testing of a soft inflatable wearable device that can apply assistance in parallel with a wearer’s abductor muscles. The device is composed of a three-piece textile suit with and integrated textile-based inflatable hip abduction actuator (HAA) that can produce an assistive torque about the hip in the frontal plane when pressurized. We characterize the torque output of the device at multiple hip obliquity angles and pressures using an instrumented mannequin, and show that the device achieves a maximum torque of $\sim 14$ Nm at 345 kPa. A proof of concept, single subject test was performed to evaluate the ability of the wearable device to assist hip abduction during single leg stance by monitoring abductor muscle activity. At the high assistance $(\approx 14$% of biological hip moment), the device reduced the measured muscle activity in gluteus medius (30%), gluteus maximus (43%) and tensor fasciae latae (37%) compared to a condition without assistance during single leg stance. These results demonstrate potential for the soft inflatable wearable device to provide assistive hip abduction torque during walking in order to improve reduced lateral stability caused by muscle weakness.
Oligorecurrent prostate cancer treated with metastases-directed therapy or standard of care: a single-center experience.

The optimal treatment for oligorecurrent prostate cancer (PCa) is a matter of debate. We aimed to assess oncologic outcomes of patients treated with metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) vs. androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for oligorecurrent PCa. We analyzed data from patients with oligorecurrent PCa treated with ADT (n = 121), salvage lymph node dissection (sLND) (n = 191) or external beam RT (EBRT) (n = 178). Radiological recurrence (RAR) was defined as a positive positron emission tomography imaging after MDT or ADT. Second-line systemic therapies (SST) were defined as any systemic therapy administered for progression. Oncologic outcomes were evaluated separately for patients with node-only or bone metastases. Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess time to RAR, SST, and cancer-specific mortality (CSM). Predictors of RAR, SST, and castration-resistant PCa (CRPCa) were assessed with Cox regression analyses. Overall, 74 (22.6%), 63 (19.2%), and 191 (58.2%) patients were treated with ADT, EBRT, and sLND for lymph node-only recurrence. Both sLND (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33–0.94) and EBRT (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25–0.85) were associated with better RAR than ADT. Similarly, sLND (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.13–0.50) and EBRT (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19–0.87) were associated with longer SST, as compared with ADT. Similar results were found for CRPCa status. Oncologic outcomes were similar between sLND and EBRT. MDT was not associated with survival benefit in patients with bone metastases as compared with ADT. sLND and EBRT were associated with better RAR, SST, and CRPCa-free survival as compared with ADT in patients with oligometastatic PCa nodal recurrence. No difference in survival outcomes was observed between sLND and EBRT. MDT was not associated with survival benefit in patients with bone metastases, as compared with ADT.
Remote monitor and control implementation via an optical digital link

The Single Pixel Feed Receiver (SPFRx) is a Sub-Element of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Dish Element. Its main function is receiving RF signals captured by the SKA-mid Dish (DSH) and pre-amplified by the Single Pixel Feed (SPF) Sub-Element components. The main tasks of the SPFRx hardware, firmware, and software is to perform analog to digital conversion on the incoming RF signals and to send the digital RF samples to the SKA Central Signal Processing (CSP) Element as 100G Ethernet packets. For analog to digital conversion, of SKA-mid Bands 1-3 a 12-bit Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) is used. The ADC and its supporting electronics reside on an electronic board placed within a metal box on the telescope’s indexer. A number of measures are taken to minimize Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) created by the switching elements on the board. One of the major measures is using an optical link for performing monitor and control function of the internal electronics by the Local Monitor Control (LMC) module residing within the telescope’s base.
Defining the Badges and Incidents of Slavery

Most agree that Section Two of the Thirteenth Amendment empowers Congress to legislate regarding the “badges and incidents of slavery.” Few, however, have explored in depth the precise meaning of this concept. The goal of this Article is to provide a historical and conceptual framework for interpreting and identifying the badges and incidents of slavery. It examines the original public meaning of the terms “badge of slavery” and “incident of slavery” as well as how the “badges and incidents” concept has been incorporated into and used in Thirteenth Amendment jurisprudence. It considers several analytical variables from historical, jurisprudential, and policy perspectives, including what populations Congress can protect; what actors Congress can regulate; and what types of conduct Congress can target under its Section Two power. Ultimately, this Article concludes that the best understanding of the “badges and incidents of slavery” refers to public or widespread private action, aimed at any racial group or population that has previously been held in slavery or servitude, that mimics the law of slavery and has significant potential to lead to the de facto reenslavement or legal subjugation of the targeted group. This limited definition will assist Congress in identifying ways in which it can fulfill the Thirteenth Amendment’s promise of universal civil and political freedom. At the same time, it will provide judicially enforceable limits for the exercise of the Section Two power.
On the multivariate components of variance problem

Some general results on the limiting distribution of the roots of the determinantal equation |A(n) — AB(«)| = 0 are given, and their applications to the multivariate covariance component problems are discussed.
Production Frontiers: Indirect Input-Based Efficiency Measurement

Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to extend the radial output-based efficiency measures in Chapter 4, where efficiency of the observed output vector is judged relative to technology with fixed inputs, to the case in which outputs are judged relative to the cost indirect production technology. In this case, inputs are restricted but not fixed, they may vary as long as their cost does not exceed a prespecified target. In contrast, in Chapter 4, inputs are assumed exogenously given and fixed. In Section 6.1, measures of indirect output-based technical efficiency are developed. These measures take input prices and planned cost as given and measure efficiency as proportional expansion of all outputs. The ( C , S ) measure is then decomposed into component measures of scale efficiency, congestion, and purely technical efficiency, all relative to the cost indirect technology. In Section 6.2 we introduce output prices and obtain a cost indirect output revenue efficiency measure. This measure gauges the extent to which a producer succeeds in maximizing output revenue when constrained by output prices, input prices, and an input budget. This cost indirect revenue efficiency measure is then decomposed into technical and allocative components, the technical component being the measure introduced in Section 6.1. In Section 6.3 we present a measure of revenue effectiveness, which shows the ability of a producer to convert an input budget into revenue. In Section 6.4 our artificial data set is used to illustrate some of the cost indirect output efficiency measures developed in this chapter.
Agency, Reciprocal Determinism, and Desistance from Crime: a Reply to Thomas, Pogarsky, and Loughran

In their rejoinder, Thomas, Pogarsky, Loughran come to the defense of Paternoster (2017) and promise to clarify his position. They also promise to elucidate the logical flaws associated with critiques of Paternoster’s position, reveal the fundamental incompatibility between agency and determinism, and advance the case for a teleological criminology. Although the authors help to clarify some aspects of Paternoster’s position, they ultimately fail to deliver on their promises. In this paper, I clarify my own position, challenge the agency/determinism dualism embraced by Thomas and his colleagues, and highlight additional problems with their approach, which appears to assume the existence of an autonomous and decontextualized willpower. In the end, I highlight the superior utility of a sociocognitive conceptualization of agency, which is rooted in the framework of reciprocal determinism. This conceptualization of agency is appealing for a variety of reasons. It lends itself to a humanistic approach as it provides a guide for human empowerment. When applied to criminological issues, such as desistance from crime, it can inspire new lines of inquiry. But most of all, it is rooted in science and is consistent with a large body of empirical evidence.
Uncoupling in intrinsic brain activity.

One of the remarkable discoveries in the history of functional neuroimaging was that a consistent set of brain regions show decreases in blood flow during performance of different tasks when compared to rest (1). The idea that this might be due to quiescence of an activated state during rest (e.g., due to “mind wandering”) was countered by the finding that the resting oxygen extraction fraction in these regions was not elevated (2). Rather, it was argued that organized intrinsic brain activity is present at baseline—a default mode—from which activity could be suppressed in select regions during task engagement (3). Countless studies since using blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) have reproduced this fundamental property of brain activity and, moreover, have shown that these same regions—the default mode network (DMN)—are structurally and functionally connected (4). In vivo intracranial electrophysiology, performed to find a source of a patient’s epilepsy, also shows that high-frequency band electrophysiological activity is reduced in the DMN during tasks (5). So, it comes with some surprise that, in PNAS, Stiernman et al. (6) report a different result with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Imaging of human brain activity is currently dominated by two techniques: FDG-PET and BOLD-fMRI. FDG-PET provides a method to estimate the regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose, whereas BOLD-fMRI relies on the phenomenon of blood flow increasing beyond changes in oxygen … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: goyalm{at}wustl.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Decision-making support among racial and ethnic minorities diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer: A systematic review of the literature.

Abstract Objective To describe the types of decision-making support interventions offered to racial and ethnic minority adults diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer and to draw any associations between these interventions and patient-reported quality of life (QoL) outcomes. Methods We conducted literature searches in five bibliographic databases. Studies were screened through independent review and assessed for quality. Results were analyzed using inductive qualitative methods to determine thematic commonalities and synthesized in narrative form. Results Searches across five databases yielded 2496 records, which were screened by title/abstract and full-text to identify 10 studies meeting inclusion criteria. The use of decision aids (DAs), trained personnel, delivery models and frameworks, and educational materials were notable decision-making support interventions. Analysis revealed six thematic areas: 1) Personalized reports; 2) Effective communication; 3) Involvement in decision-making; 4) Health literacy; 5) Social support; and 6) Feasibility in clinical setting. Conclusion Evidence suggests decision-making support interventions are associated with positive outcomes of racial and ethnic minorities with patient-reported factors like improved patient engagement, less decisional regret, higher satisfaction, improved communication, awareness of health literacy and cultural competence. Practice implications Future decision-making interventions for racial and ethnic minority cancer patients should focus on social determinants of health, social support systems, and clinical outcomes like QoL and survival.
Astrometry of the Dynamical Ejection of the Becklin-Neugebauer Object from theta^1 Ori C

We show that the proper motion of the Becklin-Neugebauer (BN) object is consistent with its dynamical ejection from the theta^1 Ori C binary, contrary to recent claims by Gomez et al. Continued radio observations of BN and future precise astrometric observations of theta^1 Ori C with SIM and the Orion Nebula Cluster with GAIA can constrain the properties of this ejection event, with implications for theories of how the nearest example of massive star formation is proceeding.
Catalytic properties of streptococcal NADH oxidase containing artificial flavins.

The flavoprotein NADH oxidase from Streptococcus faecalis 10C1, which catalyzes the tetravalent reduction of O2–>2H2O, has been purified as the apoenzyme to allow reconstitution studies with both native and artificial flavins. Turnover numbers for the enzyme containing 1-deaza-, 2-thio-, and 4-thio-FAD range from 51 to 4% of that of the native FAD enzyme; these reconstituted oxidases also catalyze the four-electron reduction of oxygen. Dithionite and NADH titrations of the native FAD oxidase require 1.7 eq of reductant/FAD and follow spectral courses very similar to those previously reported for the purified holoenzyme. Azide is a linear mixed-type inhibitor with respect to NADH, and dithionite titrations in the presence of azide yield significant stabilization of the neutral blue semiquinone. Redox stoichiometries for the oxidase containing modified flavins range from 1.1 to 1.4 eq of reductant/FAD. Spectrally distinct reduced enzyme.NAD+ complexes result with all but the 2-thio-FAD enzyme on titration with NADH. The reduced 4-thio-FAD oxidase shows little or no evidence of desulfurization to native FAD on reduction and reoxidation. Both the 8-mercapto- (E'o = -290 mV) and 8-hydroxy-FAD (E'o = -335 mV) oxidase are readily reduced by excess NADH. These results offer a further basis for analysis of the active-site structure and oxygen reactivity of this unique flavoprotein oxidase.
Analytical techniques for cell fractions. XXVIII. Dissection of complex antigenic mixtures using monoclonal antibodies and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Abstract Disposable microimmunoadsorbent columns containing Staphylococcus Protein A and monoclonal antibodies were used to bind antigenic proteins from a mixture. Eluates from these columns were directly analyzed by electrophoresis on two-dimensional (2-D) gels. In this way, biochemical and biophysical information on the bound antigen and on the specific antibody can be obtained simultaneously. The microimmunoadsorbents are easy to handle and in conjunction with multiple 2-D gel systems provide a means for screening large numbers of myeloma hybrids for specificity to antigens in complex mixtures.
PASTEL: pattern-driven adaptive simulations

We propose a new kind of learning environment called an adaptive simulation that more deeply explores and exploits the potential of simulations as pedagogical and explanatory tools. In an adaptive simulation, the simulation configuration is not fixed but rather can be modified by an instructional agent for optimal pedagogical effect. Types of adaptations include manipulations of simulation time and state, changes in representation to facilitate explanations and/or task performance, and adjustments in simulation complexity by the addition and/or removal of components. We briefly describe a system we are developing called PASTEL that is designed to enable these kinds of adaptations. Open research issues include precisely how to perform these adaptations and when to employ them for optimal effect.
A congestion control mechanism for interconnected high-speed networks

A novel congestion control mechanism is proposed for a system consisting of a high-speed backbone network connecting low-speed LANs (local area networks). The main goal has been to define a fair and simple congestion control mechanism. A performance study of this control mechanism is carried out. The authors are mainly interested in evaluating the packet loss probability and delay as a function of the offered load. This mechanism is suitable for use in an environment requiring one to control the amount of traffic generated by a specific source LAN. This aspect has been demonstrated by the fact that the mechanism directly penalizes the traffic which is increasingly requesting more bandwidth, leading to a fair and independent control for other traffic. >
Optical pattern recognition in the presence of spatially disjoint signal and scene noise

In this paper, the limitations of the conventional SNR as a measure of the matched filter performance for spatially disjoint target and scene noise will be discussed. We show that for this class of problems the matched filter expressions and the optimum processors derived under overlapping input signal and scene noise assumption may not perform well in the presence of spatially disjoint input signal and scene noise. >
Timing of present and future snowmelt from high elevations in northwest Montana

[1] The sensitivity of snowmelt-driven water supply to climate variability and change is difficult to assess in the mountain west, where strong climatic gradients coupled with complex topography are sampled by sparse ground measurements. We developed a model which ingests daily satellite imagery and meteorological data and is suitable for areas >1000 km2, yet captures spatial variability of snow accumulation and melt in steep mountain terrain. We applied the model for the years 2000–2008 to a 2900 km2 snowmelt-dominated watershed in NW Montana. We found that >25% of the basin's snow water equivalent (SWE) accumulates above the highest measurement station and >70% accumulates above the mean elevation of surrounding SNOTEL stations. Consequently, scaling point measurements of SWE to describe basin conditions could lead to significant misrepresentation of basin snow. Simulations imply that present-day temperature variability causes measures of snowmelt timing to vary by over 4 weeks from year-to-year. Temperature variability causes a larger spread in snowmelt timing in a warmer climate. On average, snowmelt timing occurs 3 weeks earlier in late 21st century projections, with about 25% of future conditions observed today.
2,6-DIAMINO-4-HEXYNOIC ACID, A LYSINE ANALOG.

The reaction of 1,4-dichloro-2-butyne with potassium phthalimide yielded N -(4-chloro-2-butynyl)phthalimide, which was subsequently condensed with ethyl acetamidomalonate. Acid hydrolysis of the condensation product gave 2,6-diamino-4-hexynoic acid. Growth inhibition of Leuconostoc dextranicum 8086 by 2,6-diamino-4-hexynoic acid is reversed in a competitive manner by lysine over a hundredfold range of increasing concentrations with an inhibition index of about 10.
Factor market structure and technology choice in the Colombian brick industry

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between factor markets and an industry structure such that capital-intensity is correlated with size, and firms of different sizes coexist in the long run. Empirical evidence shows that wages vary positively with firm size after correcting for education, experience, turnover and firm location. Secondary source evidence suggests that capital access differs across entrepreneurs, according to their positions in Colombian society. These assumptions are combined in a model which can generate the industry structure observed. The alternative hypothesis that capital access improves over a firm's lifetime, so that industry structure represents a growth path, is examined and rejected.
Dimensions and perceived helpfulness of student speech criticism

Written criticism of peers’ speeches by students in a college public speaking class was analyzed according to (1) type of criticism given, (2) perceptions of the criticism's helpfulness in preparing future speeches, and (3) sex of speaker and rater. Results were compared with previous research of teachers’ evaluations of students’ speeches and students’ perceptions of helpfulness of criticism given in a hypothetical situation.
Analysis of tryptic peptides from the C-terminal region of alpha-crystallin from cataractous and normal human lenses.

Abstract Antisera have been made to synthetic peptides corresponding to the expected tryptic fragments from the C-terminal region of human αA2 crystallin (T19 corresponds to residues 158–163; T20 corresponds to residues 164–173). These antisera were used in conjunction with a sensitive radioimmunoassay, to identify the elution times of peptides resolved on a C18 column from a tryptic digest of water soluble and water insoluble proteins from the human lens. Isolation and purification of the peptides reactive with the anti-peptide sera, followed by the use of tandem mass spectrometry to determine the amino acid sequences in the peptides, demonstrated that the antisera reacted specifically with the T19 and T20 sequences. Using the antisera specific for the T19 sequence, analysis of the peptides resolved from tryptic digests of individual lenses demonstrated no major differences between the elution profiles of five normal vs. ten cataractous lenses, while analysis of the same digests with the antiserum to the T20 sequence demonstrated major changes in reactivity and/or elution time of tryptic peptides from eight of the cataractous lenses analyzed. Together, these studies strongly suggest that during human cataract formation, covalent changes occur in the C-terminal region of the αA2 molecule. In addition, these studies provide the general methodology, whereby antisera specific for known sequences of a polypeptide chain, can be used to locate the sequences involved in covalent modification during the process of senile cataractogenesis of the human lens.
Stability experiments on MEMS aluminum nitride RF resonators

We report on long-term stability experiments on a novel MEMS radio frequency (RF) resonator fabricated in Aluminum Nitride technology. The AlN fabrication process allows for the realization of resonators, filters, and resonant sensors operating over the frequency range from 500 kHz to in excess of 10 GHz using CMOS compatible materials. The 100 MHz resonators used in these experiments were a ring design with 140-micron outer diameter and 100-micron inner diameter. Electrodes on the top and bottom of this AlN ring enable measurement of resonance. Wafer sections were stored in air and vacuum and tested daily. We observed a steady degradation in the resonant frequency (600 ppm over the 800 hours) for the devices stored in a vacuum. Small degradation was observed in the air experiment (50 ppm over 1200 hours). Failure analysis using secondary emission microscopy (SEM) revealed no differences between control devices and devices on test. However, subsequent investigation of blank wafer sections by Time-of-Flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) found small levels of silicone surface contamination from vacuum chamber exposure. This contamination added enough mass to shift the resonant frequency. These experiments demonstrate the need for clean environments for future wafer-level testing and also packaging for these small-mass resonators.
Minority Groups in Textbooks

(1970). Minority Groups in Textbooks. Improving College and University Teaching: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 129-132.
On the Compactification of a Stein Surface

Let M and S be complex manifolds of the same dimension, with M open and S compact. We shall say that S is a compactification of M if S contains a closed complex analytic subvariety F such that S-F is biholomorphically equivalent to M. It seems natural to ask what manifolds can occur as compactifications if various conditions are imposed on M. In particular, if M is a Stein manifold, what conclusions may be drawn concerning S? As a small first step toward answering this question, we take up the case of dimension two, and prove the following: Theorem. Let S be a compact, complex analytic surface, and let F be a closed subvariety of S such that S - F is a Stein manifold. Then either (i) S is an algebraic surface, or (if) the first Betti number bl(S)= 1 and S admits no nonconstant merornorphic function. The proof, which is a simple application of KODAIRA'S theory of surfaces ([4], [5]), will be given in the next section. First, however, we will show by an example that alternative (if) above does indeed occur. To this end, let W = C 2 - (0, 0), and let g : W-+ W be the mapping
Control of craving by the prefrontal cortex.

Craving is what makes addiction to drugs so difficult to overcome. The intense craving that follows a cue that has been previously associated with the drug, combined with a stressful state or a dysphoric state, represents an unstoppable force that leads to drug intake and relapse for most addicted individuals. However, although difficult, some people successfully control this craving, but the brain mechanisms responsible for this self-control are largely unknown. In the paper by Hayashi et al. (1), the authors unveil some of the neuropsychological mechanisms responsible for self-control by demonstrating that inactivation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) decreases the craving that a smoker experiences when told that he will be able to smoke a cigarette a few minutes later, through inhibition of the process of valuation of drug-related stimuli mediated by the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and ventral striatum (VS). A two-stage process of cue reactivity is proposed by Hayashi et al., in which the mOFC tracks the subjective value of the drug, indexed by craving self-reports, and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) incorporates intertemporal availability and cue information to modulate the presumed mOFC value signal. This is a compelling conceptual advance consistent with existing models of frontal decision-making circuitry.
Upper extremity biomechanical model for evaluation of pediatric joint demands during wheelchair mobility

Current methods for evaluating upper extremity (UE) dynamics during pediatric wheelchair use are limited. We propose a new model to characterize UE joint kinematics and kinetics during pediatric wheelchair mobility. The bilateral model is comprised of the thorax, clavicle, scapula, upper arm, forearm, and hand segments. The modeled joints include: sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, elbow and wrist. The model is complete and is currently undergoing pilot studies for clinical application. Results may provide considerable quantitative insight into pediatric UE joint dynamics to improve wheelchair prescription, training and long term care of children with orthopaedic disabilities.
Lower Paleozoic host rocks in the Getchell gold belt: Several distinct allochthons or a sequence of continuous sedimentation?

The lower Paleozoic rocks that host gold deposits along the Getchell gold belt in Humboldt County, Nevada, represent several allochthonous terranes rather than a sequence of continuous deposition. The term "terrane" is used only in a descriptive sense. Evidence for allochthonous terranes in this area includes fault boundaries and differences in age, lithology, and structural style among several rock sequences. The two most widespread and distinct terranes in the area are (1) the Osgood terrane, which consists of intensely deformed, regionally metamorphosed, marine rocks (Lower Cambrian Osgood Mountain Quartzite, Lower Cambrian to Lower Ordovician Preble Formation, and some rocks currently mapped as Comus Formation) and (2) the Getchell terrane, which consists of less deformed chert, clastic sedimentary rocks, and volcanic rocks (rocks mapped as Valmy and Vinini Formations, including Lower and Upper Ordovician and Lower Silurian strata in this region). Osgood-terrane bedding and foliation dip predominantly eastward, and folds verge westward. Getchell-terrane folds verge southeastward. The Comus Formation, which is Middle Ordovician at its type locality on Edna Mountain, represents a third terrane (Iron Point terrane) situated structurally between the Osgood and Getchell terranes. Use of the unit name Comus Formation outside the type locality has created confusion and needs reexamination. Some of the rocks currently mapped as Comus Formation might really be part of the other terranes.
A bio-plausible design for visual pose stabilization

We consider the problem of purely visual pose stabilization (also known as servoing) of a second-order rigid-body system with six degrees of freedom: how to choose forces and torques, based on the current view and a memorized goal image, to steer the pose towards a desired one. Emphasis has been given to the bio-plausibility of the computation, in the sense that the control laws could be in principle implemented on the neural substrate of simple insects. We show that stabilizing laws can be realized by bilinear/quadratic operations on the visual input. This particular computational structure has several numerically favorable characteristics (sparse, local, and parallel), and thus permits an efficient engineering implementation. We show results of the control law tested on an indoor helicopter platform.
Comparison of bioimpedance versus thermodilution cardiac output during cardiac surgery: Evaluation of a second-generation bioimpedance device

Objective: To compare a second-generation thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) hemodynamic monitoring system with the clinically used pulmonary artery catheter thermodilution (TD-PAC) system. Design: Blinded, simultaneous measurements at specified key time points during surgery. Setting: University teaching hospital cardiac surgical operating rooms. Participants: Forty-seven patients undergoing primary elective coronary artery bypass surgery. Interventions: Timed cardiac output measurements by thermodilution and continuous monitoring of bioimpedance were performed. Measurements and Main Results: Cardiac index (TEB and TD-PAC) and other hemodynamic parameters were measured at 4 time points: (1) after anesthesia induction, (2) with the mediastinum open, (3) immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass, and (4) at the end of the case. Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman analysis were carried out. Cardiac index by TEB and TD-PAC had an overall correlation of r = 0.71 (p < 0.0001). The Bland-Altman statistics showed a mean difference of −0.28 L/min/m2 and precision of 0.67 L/min/m2. The best correlation was at time 1, and the lowest correlation was at time 4. Mediastinal opening and cardiopulmonary bypass had little or no effect on the correlation between technologies. Conclusion: TEB reporting of cardiac index during coronary artery surgery generally agreed with TD-PAC cardiac index except at the end of the case (time 4). Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Delineation of myocardial ischemia in an isolated blood-perfused rabbit heart preparation☆

Abstract Isolated perfused heart preparations provide controlled conditions for the study of myocardial respiration and metabolism. Most studies utilize a hemoglobin-free perfusate which requires high arterial oxygen tension and high coronary perfusion rate. A blood-perfused rabbit heart preparation using an “assist” rabbit to maintain blood homeostasis has been developed which is suitable for respiratory, metabolic, and spectroscopic studies of myocardial function under controlled conditions. Flourescence emission of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) from the surface of blood-perfused rabbit heart was photographed to delineate areas of myocardial ischemia detectable as NADH fluorescence from reduced mitochondria. Blood reperfusion of ischemic myocardium resulted in disappearance of NADH fluorescence. Reocclusion of the coronary artery resulted in the same pattern and amplitude of NADH fluorescence.
Point-guided modeling and segmentation of myocardium for low dose cardiac CT images

Cardiac CT is emerging as a preferable modality to detect myocardial stress/rest perfusion; however the insufficient contrast of myocardium on CT image makes its segmentation difficult. In this paper, we present a point-guided modeling and deformable model-based segmentation method. This method first builds a triangular surface model of myocardium through Bezier contour fitting based on a few points selected by clinicians. Then, a deformable model-based segmentation method is developed to refine the segmentation result. The experiments on 8 cases show the accuracy of the segmentation in terms of true positive volume fraction, false positive volume fractions, and average surface distance can reach 91.0%, 0.3%, and 0.6mm, respectively. The comparison between the proposed method and a graph cut-based method is performed. The results demonstrate that this method is effective in improving the accuracy further.
Sex Differences in the Effects of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Social Organization on Rural Adolescents’ Aggression Trajectories

We determined whether effects of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage on trajectories of aggression were moderated or mediated by neighborhood social organization and examined sex differences in neighborhood effects for rural adolescents. We used five waves of survey data collected over 2.5 years linked with neighborhood data from interviews with parents and the US Census. The sample (N = 5,118) was 50.1% female, 52.0% white and 38.3% African–American; average age at baseline was 13.1 years. Multilevel growth curve models for both girls and boys showed no significant interactions between neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and indicators of social organization. Neither sample showed evidence of mediated effects. In main effects models, neighborhood disadvantage was associated with the average aggression trajectory for girls. For boys, the effects of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and social disorganization appeared to be confounded with each other. Neighborhood disadvantage is detrimental for rural girls regardless of the level of social organization.
Translation initiation and viral tricks

A variety of viral strategies are utilized for dominance of the host-cell protein synthetic machinery, optimization of viral mRNA translation and evasion of host-cell antiviral responses that act at the translational level. Many viruses exploit regulated steps in the initiation of cellular protein synthesis to their own advantage. They have developed some rather unconventional means for mRNA translation, which were probably adapted from specialized cellular mRNA translation systems. Regardless of the type of translational tricks exploited, viruses typically ensure efficient viral translation, often at the expense of host-cell protein synthesis.
Some evidence concerning the physiological basis of the periphery effect in the cat's retina.

Peripheral regions of retinal ganglion cell receptive fields were investigated in cerveau isole cats using automatically presented moving stimuli. By presenting appropriate stimulus configurations it was shown that the excitatory response to peripherally moving objects (the periphery effect) is not due to an extension of receptive field surround properties into the periphery. The differential effects of solid and striped stimuli indicated that the effectiveness of an object in eliciting the periphery effect is related to the amount of moving edge which it presents. Arguments are presented that the periphery effect results from interactions between spatially separated receptive field organizations. Certain difficulties which these findings raise with respect to the current definition of receptive field are discussed.
Central Connections of the Lingual- Tonsillar Branch of the Glossopharyngeal Nerve and the Superior Laryngeal Nerve in Lamb

Afferent and efferent central connections of the lingual-tonsillar branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (LT-IX) and the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) in the lamb were traced with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) histochemistry. After entering the brainstem, most LT-IX and SLN afferent fibers turned caudally in the solitary tract (ST). Some afferent fibers of LT-IX terminated in the medial nucleus of the solitary tract slightly caudal to their level of entry. The remaining fibers projected to the dorsolateral, ventrolateral, and interstitial areas of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) at the level of the area postrema. Superior laryngeal nerve afferent fibers terminated extensively in the medial and ventral NST at levels near the rostral pole of the area postrema. Further caudal, near the level of obex, SLN afferent terminations were concentrated in the region ventrolateral to the ST and in the interstitial NST. The caudal extent of LT-IX and the rostral extent of SLN terminals projected to similar levels of the NST, but only a relatively small proportion of the total projections overlapped. Lingualtonsillar and SLN fibers also coursed rostrally to terminate in the caudal pons within and medial to the dorsomedial principal sensory trigeminal nucleus. Other labeled afferent fibers traveled caudally in the dorsal spinal trigeminal tract to terminate in the dorsal two-thirds of the spinal trigeminal nucleus at the level of obex. Large numbers of labeled cells with fibers in the LT-IX or SLN were located in the ipsilateral rostral nucleus ambiguus and surrounding reticular formation. Fewer labeled cells were observed in the inferior salivatory nucleus following HRP application to either the LTIX or SLN. The LT-IX and SLN projections to areas of the NST associated with upper airway functions, like swallowing and respiration, suggest an important role for these two nerves in the initiation and control of airway reflexes. The posterior oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx are important reflexogenic areas. A number of supportive and protective reflexes can be initiated by stimulation of the mucosal receptors in these areas, which include free nerve endings and taste buds, supplied by branches of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves (Bradley et al., '83; Feindel, '56; Miller, '82; Pomerenke, '28; Sinclair, '70; Storey and Johnson, '75).
Internal deletions in the tryptophan operon of Escherichia coli.

Abstract A large collection of deletions which lie entirely within the tryptophan ( trp ) operon of Escherichia coli was obtained by a procedure that selects for relief of the polarity generated by various strongly polar trp operon nonsense mutations. All the deletions were mapped by tests for recombination with trp point mutant sites. The resulting genetic maps show that the location of an internal deletion in the trp operon is determined by the position of the parental polar mutation. In the deletion mutants isolated, the trpB and trpA genes are placed in different positions relative to the trp operon regulatory sites and to other genes in the operon. It was found that the steady-state constitutive levels of trpB and trpA polypeptide products synthesized do not depend to any large extent on the proximity of trpB and trpA to the operator end of the trp operon. Likewise, changes in the position of trpB and trpA in the operon do not alter the non-co-ordinate pattern of synthesis of trpB and trpA polypeptides when cells are starved for tryptophan. Since trpB and trpA enzyme synthesis is regulated normally by tryptophan and the product of the trp repressor gene in strains which have trpE , trpD and trpC deleted, the intact polypeptide products of these genes are not necessary for repression regulation of the operon. There is no evidence to indicate that any region within the operon is deleted more often than any other. No deletions fusing trp genes to another operon were found. Comparison of deletions selected in different polar point mutant strains suggests that some constraint operates to limit the extent of deletions into the operator-proximal region of the first gene of the operon.