cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laughing at Mistakes: Language Politics, Counter-Hegemonic Actions, and Bilingual Education in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

This article analyzes how minority-language students responded to what they felt to be disrespectful behavior of a mainstream teacher towards their language from a case at an Aotearoa/New Zealand school in 1997–1998. Even when minority language is recognized officially and institutionally, as in Aotearoa/New Zealand, some minority-language speakers still face disrespectful behavior towards their language in daily life. However, previous research on empowering minority language speakers has tended to focus on macrolevel reforms or microlevel survival strategies. By analyzing Māori/English bilingual students' laughing at a mainstream teacher's mispronunciation of Te Reo words, which had loaded effects due to the current cultural politics in Aotearoa/New Zealand, this article explores a microlevel strategy for minority language speakers to effectively challenge hegemonic norms that marginalize their language in daily life.
Cell context-specific effects of the BCR-ABL oncogene monitored in hematopoietic progenitors.

Acute BCR-ABL expression during in vitro hematopoietic development of embryonic stem (ES) cells causes expansion of multipotent and myeloid progenitors with a concomitant reduction in differentiation toward erythroblasts. Progenitor cell expansion is due to a rapid, cell autonomous, suppression of programmed cell death with an increase in expression of the antiapoptotic molecule BCL-XL. Other antiapoptotic effectors, including AKT, STAT5, and BCL-2 are not up-regulated by BCR-ABL in this system. In addition, the proapoptotic p38 mitogen–activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is suppressed by BCR-ABL expression in ES-derived hematopoietic progenitors. Inhibition of p38 MAPK by the small molecule inhibitor SB203580 expanded ES-derived hematopoietic progenitors by an antiapoptotic mechanism and is sufficient to expand ESderived hematopoietic progenitors to levels approaching 80% of that seen following BCR-ABL expression. In the cellular context of ES-derived hematopoietic progenitors, BCR-ABL expression expands cells by suppressing programmed cell death with a set of antiapoptotic pathways distinct from those previously reported in continuous cell line studies. (Blood. 2003;101:4088-4097)
Female breeding experience affects parental care strategies of both parents in a monogamous cichlid fish

Previous breeding experience affects parental care, yet in biparental species it is unclear how the inexperience of only one parent influences parental dynamics and division of labour. Using the biparental convict cichlid, Amatitlania siquia, I assessed how female breeding experience affects male and female parental behaviour. Females that either had bred (experienced) or were virgins (inexperienced) were paired with experienced males. Inexperienced females were less likely to form pairs and took longer to spawn. Female experience also affected parental division of labour between direct offspring care and territory defence. Female behaviour was compared in the presence and absence of their male partners. When males were present, all females divided their time similarly: more time was spent in direct care. When male mates were removed, experienced females divided their time equally between territory defence and direct care, while inexperienced females continued to spend more time in direct care. Males paired to inexperienced females divided their time equally between territory defence and direct care, while males paired to experienced females spent more time in defence. Males were also more aggressive towards experienced females. Overall, experienced females tended to adopt the male-typical role of defence, which probably caused the increased intrapair conflict in these pairs. This aggression helps explain why both experienced and inexperienced females showed similar role choices in the presence of their male partner and supports previous claims that male aggression helps maintain the division of labour in this species. Female inexperience potentially presents a trade-off for males: males paired to inexperienced females engaged in less intrapair conflict, but showed less division of labour between parental roles than is typical and were less likely to pair and spawn. The effect of female experience on division of labour, parental dynamics and pair bonding success probably influences other factors such as mate choice, effectiveness of parental care and overall fitness.
Influence of obesity on sulfonamide disposition in Zucker rats.

The genetically obese Zucker rat was used as a model of obesity and compared to its lean littennate to assess and quantify obesity-altered changes in the in vivo disposition of six sulfonamides. Body composition determination indicated that the obese rats-were twice the weight of lean rats and a distinct trend towards an increase in fat free mass and total body water was observed. The sulfonamide blood concentration was measured by colorimetry after a 7 mg/kg intravenous dose. All sulfonamides exhibited a biexponential decline of blood concentration with time. The volume of distribution and clearance of sulfanilamide in lean and obese rats were similar resulting in similar elimination half-lives. A decrease in clearance coupled with a trend towards an increase in volume of distribution prolonged the elimination half-life of sulfadiazine in obese rats. For sulfapyridine, sulfamerazine, sulfisomidine and sulfisoxazole, increases in the volumes of distribution and clearances resulted in similar elimination half-lives in lean and obese rats. The free fractions of the sulfonamides were significantly increased in the serum of obese rats, the influence of which on the volume of distribution and clearance is discussed.
Contrast, induction, facilitation, suppression, and conservation

Ten rats received all of their water in daily 1-hr sessions. Following a baseline phase in which lever and water spout were freely available throughout each session, subjects were trained to press the lever for water on mixed schedules composed of two alternating components. Each component gave access to water for a fixed cumulation of drinking time every time the rat cumulated a fixed amount of lever-pressing time. Changes in one component produced contrast and induction effects, both positive and negative, with respect to both lever pressing and drinking in the unchanged component. All schedules facilitated lever pressing relative to baseline. All schedules suppressed drinking relative to baseline, even though contingency sessions allowed ample time to perform the baseline amount of drinking. The entire pattern of results was predicted in quantitative detail by assuming that the total amount of a dimension apportioned to lever pressing and drinking is conserved between baseline and contingency sessions. Conservation theory was shown to predict several effects produced by simple fixed-ratio schedules, and was compared favorably with probability-differential (Premack, 1971) and response-deprivation (Timberlake and Allison, 1974) theory.
Inadequate technical performance scores are associated with late mortality and late reintervention.

Background We have shown previously that technical performance score (TPS) is strongly associated with early mortality and major postoperative adverse events in a diverse group of patients. We now report evaluation of the validity of TPS in predicting late outcomes in the same group of patients. Methods Patients who underwent surgery between June 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006 were included. The TPS were assigned based on discharge echocardiograms and certain clinical criteria as previously described. Follow-up data for up to 4 years were retrospectively collected. Cox proportional hazards models were used for analysis. Results A total of 679 patients were included in the analysis. One hundred twenty-three (18%) were neonates, 213 (31%) infants, 291 (435) children, and 52 (8%) adults. Four hundred ninety-one (72%) were in low-risk adjustment in congenital heart surgery (RACHS; 1 to 3), 109 (16%) in high risk (4 to 6), and 27 (4%) were less than 18 years and could not be assigned a RACHS score. Three hundred thirty-one (48%) had an optimal TPS, 283 (42%) adequate, 61 (9%) inadequate, and 4 (1%) could not be scored. There were 34 (5%) late deaths and 149 (22%) late unplanned reinterventions. By univariate analysis, age, RACHS-1 categories, and TPS were all significantly associated with late reintervention (p p p = 0.001; HR [hazard ratio] 3.8, CI [confidence interval] 1.7 to 8.4) and late reintervention ( p = 0.002, HR 2.1, CI 1.3 to 3.3) after controlling for RACHS-1 and age. Conclusions The TPS has a strong association with late outcomes across a wide range of age and disease complexity and may serve as a tool to identify patients who are at a higher risk for late reintervention or mortality.
Towards human-centered optimization of mobile sign language video communication

The mainstream adoption of mobile video communication, especially among deaf and hard-of-hearing people, is heavily reliant on cellular network capacity. Video compression lowers the rate at which video content is transmitted; however, intelligibility may be sacrificed. Currently, there is not a standard method to evaluate video intelligibility, or a good communication model on which to base evaluation. I am developing a better theoretical model, the Human Signal Intelligibility (HSI), to evaluate intelligibility of lowered video quality for the purpose of reducing bandwidth consumption and extending cell phone battery duration. The goal of my dissertation is to advance mobile sign language video communication so it does not rely on higher cellular network bandwidth capacities. I will conduct this work by (1) identifying the components in the HSI model that make up intelligibility of a communication signal and separating those from the comprehensibility of a communication signal; and (2) using this model to identify how low video quality can get before the intelligibility of video content is sacrificed. Thus far, I have evaluated the use of mobile video communication among deaf and hard-of-hearing teenagers; developed two new power-saving algorithms; and quantified battery savings and evaluated user perception when those algorithms are applied.
Wavering Sonorities and the Nascent Film Noir Musical Style

Film noir emerged in the early 1940s and remained a potent force in Hollywood filmmaking for nearly two decades. In the groundbreaking article “Notes on Film Noir,” Paul Schrader observes, “Most every dramatic Hollywood film from 1941 to 1953 contains some noir elements.”1 Because of this pervasive influence, film noir has received extensive coverage in both scholarly and popular press. Yet a precise definition of the movement is elusive. Cinema studies offers no consensus as to whether film noir is a genre or just a style, what the defining characteristics are, when the movement began, and which films should be included in its canon. The situation remains much as Schrader described in 1972, “Almost every critic has his own definition of film noir.”2 Unfortunately, most of these definitions do not consider music. Relatively little has been written about music for film noir. Cinema scholars have concentrated on its visual and dramatic qualities,3 and musical scholars have treated the topic within larger contexts or have focused on the singular aspect of jazz.4 Further research into the music of film noir bears significance both to cinema studies, where it can clarify further the notion of “noirness,” and to musicology, where it can illuminate the expanding roles of both popular and modern musical styles in Hollywood films during the 1940s and 50s
EUV masks under exposure: practical considerations

This paper focuses on the practical side of EUV mask metrology and use. Mask metrics such as film thickness, material properties, feature profile, critical feature size, line edge/width roughness (LER/LWR) and defect levels are measured and monitored on the mask. Any variability in mask properties will be transferred to wafer print results. EUV masks have no pellicle and will be cleaned between exposures to extend use. This additional processing creates new opportunity for modifications to the mask after qualification. This paper quantifies mask variability and the induced change to printed wafer critical dimension (CD). The results are compared to the 56nm wafer pitch targets for CD and LER. This EUV-specific effort is required to determine how close EUV masks are to meeting manufacturing requirements and whether there are areas of development that require additional focus from the industry.
Evaluating System for Ground‐Water Contamination Hazards Due to Gas‐Well Drilling on the Glaciated Appalachian Plateau

Recent drilling for natural gas in the Glaciated Appalachian Plateau area of northwestern Pennsylvania has caused limited, but increasing ground-water contamination. By evaluating hydrogeologic parameters at a proposed gas well site, such as the ground-water flow system, permeability of surficial sediments, and the presence of fracture zones, the contamination hazard of the site can be assessed. Three case studies document that the most hazardous sites are generally located on or near valley walls of major drainageways. The relatively steep hydraulic gradient, the frequent presence of highly permeable surficial sediments, and the low to moderate dilution of contaminants along the intermediate-length flow paths at these sites all contribute to a relatively high pollution hazard. In addition to locating gas wells in high-hazard hydrogeologic zones, allowing the annulus of gas wells to become pressurized is the other major factor contributing to aquifer contamination.
Curvature of the universe and the dark energy potential

The flatness of an accelerating universe model (characterized by a dark energy scalar field $\ensuremath{\chi})$ is mimicked from a curved model that is filled with, apart from the cold dark matter component, a quintessencelike scalar field Q. In this process, we characterize the original scalar potential $V(Q)$ and the mimicked scalar potential $V(\ensuremath{\chi})$ associated with the scalar fields Q and $\ensuremath{\chi},$ respectively. The parameters of the original model are fixed through the mimicked quantities that we relate to the present astronomical data, such as the equation of state parameter ${w}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}$ and the dark energy density parameter ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}.$
Hemodynamic characteristics of midazolam, propofol, and dexmedetomidine in healthy volunteers

Study Objective To study the effect of intravenous (IV) sedation on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and respiratory rates (RR) to determine if IV sedatives differ with respect to their effect on BP, HR, and RR.
Dietary and sex-specific factors regulate hypothalamic neurogenesis in young adult mice

The hypothalamus is the central regulator of a broad range of homeostatic and instinctive physiological processes, such as the sleep-wake cycle, food intake, and sexually dimorphic behaviors. These behaviors can be modified by various environmental and physiological cues, although the molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate these effects remain poorly understood. Recently, it has become clear that both the juvenile and adult hypothalamus exhibit ongoing neurogenesis, which serve to modify homeostatic neural circuitry. In this report, we share new findings on the contributions of sex-specific and dietary factors to regulating neurogenesis in the hypothalamic mediobasal hypothalamus, a recently identified neurogenic niche. We report that high fat diet (HFD) selectively activates neurogenesis in the median eminence (ME) of young adult female but not male mice, and that focal irradiation of the ME in HFD-fed mice reduces weight gain in females but not males. These results suggest that some physiological effects of high fat diet are mediated by the stimulation of ME neurogenesis in a sexually dimorphic manner. We discuss these results in the context of recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate neurogenesis in postnatal and adult hypothalamus.
Feasibility of intermittent biological treatment for hazardous wastes

During an investigation and evaluation of a former hazardous waste facility, groundwater underlying the site was found to be highly contaminated by a variety of hazardous organic substances. An intermittently biological treatment process coupled with activated carbon adsorption was identified as a promising on-site alternative. Because the operating constraints and degree of treatment achieved by biological processes subjected to very infrequent operation were unknown, a pilot study was initiated to assess the technical feasibility of the proposed process. Based on the findings of the experimental study, intermittent biological treatment can achieve significant removal of waste pollutants. The rate of COD removal was found to be adversely affected by decreases in operation frequency and decreased operating temperatures. However, all biodegradable COD was removed within a react period of 24 hrs., despite lag periods as long as three weeks between operation. Addition of powdered activated carbon was tested under one operating scenario and is hypothesized to be advantageous in reducing aeration times for conditions of low temperature and extended lag periods.
Attenuation of allergic airway inflammation and associated pulmonary functions by mycobacterial antigens is independent of IgE in a mouse model of asthma

ABSTRACT Background Since the observation that Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccination in children correlates with a decreased prevalence of asthma, several investigators have been attempting to reproduce this effect experimentally in mouse models of asthma. While these reports have agreed in some areas, uncertainty has remained as to the effect of BCG on IgE and asthmatic response in general. Furthermore, the effect of mycobacterial antigens on the early allergic response and the release of bronchoconstrictory mediators have not been examined. In the present study, we have aimed to more completely describe the effect of BCG and Mycobacterium vaccae on early and late allergic responses (EAR and LAR, respectively), airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and broncho-constrictory mediators in the mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. Methods Using BALB/c mice sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and treated twice with either BCG or M. vaccae (1 × 10 5 CFU, intranasally), we investigated airway resistance of both the EAR and LAR, AHR to methacholine, serum total and antigen-specific IgE, cysteinyl leukotrienes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (10 min following challenge), a complete cell differential of the BAL (24 h post-challenge), BAL and serum cytokines and lung histology. Results Neither BCG nor M. vaccae were able to attenuate the EAR, yet both were able to abrogate the parameters used to evaluate the LAR. Interestingly, in neither case were serum or OVA-specific IgE levels reduced after treatment with mycobacterial antigens and type 1/type 2 T cell cytokine skewing, based on cytokine levels in BAL and serum, was incomplete. Conclusions These results have led us to conclude that the mycobacterial antigens elicit potential anti-asthmatic effects independent of changes in IgE levels. We speculate that mycobacteria likely directly or indirectly suppress eosinophil effector function via attenuation of type 2 T cell-mediated immune responses.
The Micropolitics of Fascism in Carson McCullers's The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter and Sinclair Lewis's It Can't Happen Here

Malcolm Cowley's claim that American literature has never dealt with the question of fascism is a key moment in the separation of literary studies and politics. Arguing that politics is too ideological and crude to grapple with the nuances of the text, Cowley cites Carson McCullers's The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1940) as a primary example of what politics cannot express. This essay takes up McCullers's novel as a case study, contrasting it with Sinclair Lewis's antifascist It Can't Happen Here (1935). Rather than treating fascism as an ideologically monolithic phenomenon, however, I draw on recent research that has turned to the private concerns of everyday life, or micropolitics, under fascist regimes. McCullers's emphasis on the micropolitical dimension of small-town American life echoes these recent insights in fascism studies, demonstrating the evident transatlantic context of American life at the everyday level and the pervasive concerns about fascism in the 1930s. In contrast to Lewis's crudely political novel, micropolitical literature like McCullers's novel is in a special position to provide insights into the quotidian struggle to characterize and respond to large-scale political developments, providing new avenues for investigating the commonplace dynamics that eventually well up into official history and ideologically driven politics.
In Situ Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Investigation of the Kinetics and Mechanisms of Reactions between Phenyl Glycidyl Ether (PGE) and Multifunctional Aromatic Amines

Accurate models of epoxy resin cure reactions are essential for intelligent processing of polymer matrix composites. In this study, two model systems for epoxy−amine reactions, phenyl glycidyl ether with aniline and with m-phenylenediamine, were studied via in situ near-infrared spectroscopy. The quality of the near-IR spectra enables concentrations of individual chemical species to be obtained in real time. A mechanistic model was proposed, and the corresponding kinetic parameters were evaluated. Excellent agreement was observed between the proposed mechanistic model and the experimental results. Substitution effects were found insignificant with both systems studied.
Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of Smad3 results in adaptive remodeling following arterial balloon injury

Abstract Introduction: Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-b1) has been implicated in injury induced arterial remodeling. Previously, we found that over-expression of Smad3 (a TGF-b1 signaling protein) alters smooth muscle cell behavior in vitro. Here, we explore the role of Smad3 in arterial injury. Methods: AdNull or Smad3 expressing adenoviruses (AdSmad3) were created. Forty-four rats underwent carotid balloon injury receiving either no virus, AdNull or AdSmad3. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed with anti-Smad3, PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and alpha-actin antibodies. Results: We first determined the temporal expression of Smad3 following arterial injury. Using IHC, we found Smad3 levels significantly increased at 7 and 14 days following injury, a time frame associated with arterial remodeling (Table1A). We next explored whether AdSmad3 might affect the injury response. Intra-arterial delivery of AdSmad3 (2.5 × 109pfu) resulted in high levels of Smad3 expression in the media at 3 and 7 days post-injury. Despite increased neointimal thickening, AdSmad3 infected vessels showed an increase in lumen area, consistent with adaptive remodeling (Table1B). To understand the mechanism of Smad3-induced remodeling, we investigated the effect of AdSmad3 on cell proliferation and collagen deposition, events known to contribute to remodeling. AdSmad3 increased cell proliferation and collagen deposition in all vessel layers, however, these effect were most prominent in the adventitia. Moreover, AdSmad3 induced a phenotypic shift in adventitial fibroblasts, reflected by an increase in alpha-actin positive cells. Table 1A . Temporal expression of Smad3 following arterial injury (n = 4/group) Un-injured 3 days post-injury 7 days post-injury 14 days post-injury 28 days post-injury Smad3 Expression (% arterial cells expressing Smad3) 5.8 7.2 29.9 49.1 10.1 ANOVA: p Table 1B . Morphometrics; 14 days post-injury, indexed to no virus control (n = 4/group) Vessel size Adventitia size Adventitia collagen content External elastic lamina length Media area Neointima area Lumen area No virus 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 AdNull 1.02 1.2 1.15 1.07 1.81 1.16 1.07 AdSmad3 1.27 1.61 1.7 1.27 2.09 1.52 1.22 p Value (AdSmad 3 versus AdNull) NS Conclusions: Despite reversing TGF-b’s inhibitory effect on proliferation, Smad3 gene transfer leads to vessel and lumen enlargement implicating Smad3 as a mediator of adaptive arterial remodeling.
Resistance to transforming growth factor-beta occurs in the presence of normal Smad activation.

Abstract Background. Resistance to the growth inhibitory actions of transforming growth factor–beta (TGF-β) is common in human cancers. This resistance can be a result of decreased expression of TGF-β receptors. Downregulation of c-Myc by TGF-β is critical for TGF-β-mediated growth inhibition. In this study we hypothesized that decreased TGF-β receptor expression leads to reduced Smad signaling and overexpression of c-Myc in intestinal epithelial (RIE) and transformed intestinal epithelial cells (RIE-Tr) cells. Methods. RIE (TGF-β-sensitive) and RIE-Tr (TGF-β-resistant) cells were treated with and without fetal bovine serum and TGF-β. Western blot analysis was performed to detect levels of c-Myc, Smad2, Smad4, and phosphorylated Smad2 in RIE and RIE-Tr cells. Smad complex formation was analyzed by immunoprecipitation-coupled Western blotting. Results. c-Myc is overexpressed in RIE-Tr cells. TGF-β-mediated downregulation of c-Myc is abrogated in RIE-Tr cells. Smad expression and activation is normal in RIE-Tr cells. We found that Smad2, Smad4, and Smad6 expression remained constant in RIE and RIE-Tr cells with or without serum or TGF-β treatment. In addition, TGF-β induced similar Smad2 phosphorylation and Smad complex formation in both RIE and RIE-Tr cells. Conclusions. Our data demonstrate that Smad signaling is preserved in the face of decreased TGF-β receptor levels. We also demonstrate that Smad signaling is not sufficient for TGF-β-mediated c-Myc repression. (Surgery 2002;132:310-6.)
Randomized Controlled Trial of an Energy Conservation Course for Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: To assess the short-term efficacy and effectiveness of a six-week energy conservation course on fatigue impact, quality of life and self-efficacy for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned 169 persons with MS to an immediate intervention group or a delayed control group using a crossover design. The outcome measures: Fatigue Impact Scale, SF-36 Health Survey and Self-Efficacy for Performing Energy Conservation Strategies were measured before and after courses and no intervention control periods. We performed intent-to-treat analysis and compliers-only analyses using mixed effects analysis of variance models. Results: Taking the energy conservation course had significant effects on reducing the physical and social subscales of Fatigue Impact Scale and on increasing the Vitality subscale of the SF-36 scores compared with not taking the course. Additional subscales were significant depending on methods of analyses. Self-Efficacy for...
Contemporary Thinking About Causation in Evaluation: A Dialogue With Tom Cook and Michael Scriven:

Legitimate knowledge claims about causation have been a central concern among evaluators and applied researchers for several decades and often have been the subject of heated debates. In recent yea...
Effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure on edema in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract Background and purpose Previous research has identified an association between idiopathic edema and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in women, but a causal relationship between OSA and edema has not been established. This study was undertaken to determine whether nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) lessens edema in patients with idiopathic edema and OSA. Patients and methods This was a case-series study that enrolled eight ambulatory, obese, adults with bilateral, pitting pre-tibial edema and OSA from an inner city family practice and a suburban family practice from July 1995 until March 2003. Enrollees underwent subjective and physical examination assessment of changes in edema after initiation of nasal CPAP. Results All but one of the subjects had severe OSA. The edema was typically 1+ to 2+, and the duration of the edema ranged from 6 months to more than 20 years. Seven of the eight subjects experienced a reduction in the amount of edema following nasal CPAP ( P =0.04). Conclusions In subjects with OSA and idiopathic edema, nasal CPAP reduces the amount of edema. If valid, these results indicate that OSA can cause edema.
Geographic Information Systems in Weather, Climate, and Impacts

Abstract The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) held its first workshop on the Geographic Information System (GIS) in atmospheric sciences, “GIS in Weather, Climate and Impacts.” The meeting was a forum for researchers, engineers, providers of weather and climate data and services, commercial GIS vendors, and educators to discuss the benefits and limitations of current GIS technology, develop strategies for incorporating GIS into atmospheric science research, and improve understanding of the value of spatial data and geographic methods of spatial analysis in meteorology and climatology. The workshop presentations and discussions centered upon scientific applications of GIS; state-of-theart GIS and remote sensing technology; and topics involving data, visualization, and interoperability. More than 70 workshop participants developed a coherent set of recommendations and addressed the issue of partnerships in GIS between academia, the government, and the private sector. *National Center for Atmo...
Estimating Changes in Speech Metrics Indicative of Fatigue Levels

In this paper, we are presenting a novel approach to estimate fatigue levels of train conductors, by analyzing the speech signal. An independent neural network joined with a Markov Model, will output the probability density, which illustrates the likelihood of the result of the first step to be accurate. Vigilance research has shown that, for most operators engaged in attention-intensive and monotonous tasks, retaining a constant level of alertness is almost impossible. Sleeping disorders, reduced hours of rest and disrupted circadian rhythms amplify this effect and lead to significantly increased fatigue levels. Increased fatigue levels manifest themselves in alterations of speech metrics, as compared to alert states of mind. To make a decision about the level of fatigue, we are proposing an alertness estimation system which uses speech metrics to generate a fatigue quotient indicative of the fatigue level. A speech pre-processor extracts metrics such as speech duration, word production rate and speech intensity from a continuous speech signal and uses a Fuzzy Logic algorithm to generate the fatigue quotient at any moment in time when speech is present. However, the nature of human interaction introduces levels of uncertainty, which make fatigue level recognition difficult. In other words, even with a perfectly trained neural network and Fuzzy Logic algorithm, we cannot make definite conclusions about the level of alertness. The reason being, that there is no guarantee that the estimated level of alertness is robust for a certain amount of time and didn’t come from drinking half a cup of coffee. Moreover, coming up with a perfect model of speech-fatigue (i.e. input-output) for humans, to train the Fuzzy algorithm is almost impossible. For this reason the study of “Risk and Uncertainty” is an integral part of this research. Motivated by the distinction between “risk” (randomness that can be fully captured by probability and statistics) and “uncertainty” (all other types of randomness), we propose a fine taxonomy: fully reducible, partially reducible, and irreducible uncertainty, that can explain some of the key differences between long term alertness and a short term change of state that makes the operator alert. An experimental study is conducted where a hyper articulated speech signal with three different levels of simulated fatigue is analyzed by the algorithm and a probability density function is assigned to the fatigue quotient to take the risk and uncertainty into account and make the overall result more reliable.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Noninvasive intraoperative angiography for reconstruction of head and neck defects

Reconstruction of head and neck defects after cancer resection involves the use of local, pedicled musculocutaneous, and free flaps. Flap failure is often caused by vascular insufficiency, and it is associated with the presence of cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease, a history of smoking, and previous radiation and/or surgery. Failure rates may be reduced by the use of indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence laser angiography, which detects perfusion deficits intraoperatively. Although this technology has been validated in other fields, there is limited experience in the head and neck region. We present 3 cases in which different head and neck flaps were used along with this technology in patients at high risk for flap failure. All flaps were successfully implanted without perioperative or long-term complications. The increasing complexity, age, and comorbidities of the head and neck cancer population pose significant reconstructive challenges. This report demonstrates the feasibility of employing intraoperative angiography for local, pedicled, and free flaps. This noninvasive tool optimizes intraoperative planning and assesses viability, potentially lowering failure rates in high-risk patients. Identification of patients who most benefit from this technology warrants further investigation.
The synthesis of novel polycyclic heterocyclic ring systems via photocyclization. 19†‡. Thieno[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[2,3-c]-naphtho[1,2-f]quinoline, thieno[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[2,3-c]naphtho-[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoline and thieno[3′,2′:4,5]-thieno[2,3-c]naphtho[1,2-f]tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline

Photocyclization of 3-chloro-N-(3-phenanthryl)thieno[2,3-b]thiophene-2-carboxamide (5) yielded only one of the two possible structural isomers, thieno[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[2,3-c]naphtho[1,2-f]quinolin-6(5H)-one (6), which was further elaborated to afford the unsubstituted ring system 10, its triazole 11 and tetrazole 12. The structural confirmation of 10 was achieved by the total assignment of its 1H and 13C nmr spectra by the concerted utilization of two-dimensional nmr spectroscopic methods.
Chronic nicotine exposure inhibits estrogen-mediated synaptic functions in hippocampus of female rats.

a b s t r a c t Nicotine, the addictive agent in cigarettes, reduces circulating estradiol-17 (E2) and inhibits E2-mediated intracellular signaling in hippocampus of female rats. In hippocampus, E2-signaling regulates synaptic plasticity by phosphorylation of the N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor subunit NR2B and cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (pCREB). Therefore, we hypothesized that chronic nicotine exposure induces synaptic dysfunction in hippocampus of female rats. Female rats were exposed to nicotine or saline for 16 days followed by electrophysiological analysis of hippocampus. Briefly, population measurements of excitatory post-synaptic field potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded from stratum radiatum of the CA1 hippocampal slice subfield. A strict software-controlled protocol was used which recorded 30 min of baseline data (stimulation rate of 1/min), a paired-pulse stimulation sequence followed by tetanic stimulation, and 1 h of post-tetanus recording. EPSP amplitude and the initial EPSP slope were measured off-line. We then investigated by Western blot analysis the effects of nicotine on hippocampal estrogen receptor-beta (ER-), NR2B and pCREB. The results demonstrated significantly decreased post-tetanic potentiation and paired-pulse facilitation at the 40, and 80 ms interval in nicotine-exposed rats compared to the saline group. Western blot analysis revealed that nicotine decreased protein levels of ER-, NR2B, and pCREB. We also confirmed the role of E2 in regulating NR2B and pCREB phosphorylation by performing Western blots in hippocapmal tissue obtained from E2-treated ovariectomized rats. In conclusion, chronic nicotine exposure attenuates short-term synaptic plasticity, and the observed synaptic defects might be a consequence of loss of estradiol-17-signaling. However, determining the exact molecular mechanisms of chronic nicotine exposure on synaptic plasticity specific to the female brain require further investigation. © 2012 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Modeling and analysis of nonlinearities and mismatches in AC-coupled direct-conversion receiver

This paper analyzes the effects of circuit nonlinearities and mismatches on the performance of an AC-coupled direct-conversion receiver (DCR). An analytical solution is necessary, since quantifying the DCR performance by simulation can be prohibitively slow. Our analysis approach first transforms the receiver front end to an equivalent baseband continuous-time receiver model with all of the noise sources referred to just before the sampler. Accurate approximations were made throughout this process to make the analysis tractable. The baseband continuous-time model can be further simplified and combined with the baseband equivalent propagation channel model. The resulting model allows the end-to-end performance of an ac-coupled DCR to be quickly and accurately quantified.
Materialism and Affect: The Role of Self-Presentational Concerns

Abstract Previous research has established an inverse relationship between materialism and psychological well-being (e.g., Belk, 1984). To test the hypothesis that the link between materialism and affect is due in part to an individual's level of self-presentational concern, American college students ( N = 297) completed the Richins and Dawson (1992) measure of materialism, the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE), the Social (SAI) and Personal (PAI) Identity Subscales of the Aspects of Identity Questionnaire, and the Brief Measures of Positive and Negative Affect Scales. Results indicated that the significant relationship between materialism and negative affect disappeared when FNE or SAI were statistically controlled, and that the significant relationship between materialism and positive affect disappeared when FNE was statistically controlled. Results are discussed in relation to other research that has explored reasons why materialism is related to lower level of psychological well-being.
History and the Status of Electric Ship Propulsion, Integrated Power Systems, and Future Trends in the U.S. Navy

While electric propulsion for warships has existed for nearly a century, it has only been since the end of the Cold War that modern integrated power systems have been developed and implemented on U.S. Navy warships. The principal enablers have been the products of research and development for rotating machines (generators and propulsion motors), power electronics (power conversion and motor drives), energy storage, and controls. The U.S. Navy has implemented this advanced technology incrementally. Notably, DDG 1000 with its integrated propulsion system and CVN 78 with its electromagnetic aircraft launch system will soon join the fleet and mark another important advance to the electric warship. In the future, the integration of electric weapons such as railguns, high power radars, and lasers will result in the final achievement of the electric warship.
Evolutionary constraints on visual cortex architecture from the dynamics of hallucinations.

In the cat or primate primary visual cortex (V1), normal vision corresponds to a state where neural excitation patterns are driven by external visual stimuli. A spectacular failure mode of V1 occurs when such patterns are overwhelmed by spontaneously generated spatially self-organized patterns of neural excitation. These are experienced as geometric visual hallucinations. The problem of identifying the mechanisms by which V1 avoids this failure is made acute by recent advances in the statistical mechanics of pattern formation, which suggest that the hallucinatory state should be very robust. Here, we report how incorporating physiologically realistic long-range connections between inhibitory neurons changes the behavior of a model of V1. We find that the sparsity of long-range inhibition in V1 plays a previously unrecognized but key functional role in preserving the normal vision state. Surprisingly, it also contributes to the observed regularity of geometric visual hallucinations. Our results provide an explanation for the observed sparsity of long-range inhibition in V1—this generic architectural feature is an evolutionary adaptation that tunes V1 to the normal vision state. In addition, it has been shown that exactly the same long-range connections play a key role in the development of orientation preference maps. Thus V1’s most striking long-range features—patchy excitatory connections and sparse inhibitory connections—are strongly constrained by two requirements: the need for the visual state to be robust and the developmental requirements of the orientational preference map.
Real-time 3D image registration for functional MRI.

Subject head movements are one of the main practical difficulties with brain functional MRI. A fast, accurate method for rotating and shifting a three-dimensional (3D) image using a shear factorization of the rotation matrix is described. Combined with gradient descent (repeated linearization) on a least squares objective function, 3D image realignment for small movements can be computed as rapidly as whole brain images can be acquired on current scanners. Magn Reson Med 42:1014-1018, 1999.
Characterization of ryanodine receptor and Ca2+-ATPase isoforms in the thermogenic heater organ of blue marlin (Makaira nigricans).

SUMMARY A thermogenic organ is found beneath the brain of billfishes (Istiophoridae), swordfish (Xiphiidae) and the butterfly mackerel (Scombridae). The heater organ has been shown to warm the brain and eyes up to 14°C above ambient water temperature. Heater cells are derived from extraocular muscle fibers and express a modified muscle phenotype with an extensive transverse-tubule (T-tubule) network and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) enriched in Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA) pumps and ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Heater cells have a high mitochondria content but have lost most of the contractile myofilaments. Thermogenesis has been hypothesized to be associated with release and reuptake of Ca 2+ . In this study, Ca 2+ fluxes in heater SR vesicles derived from blue marlin ( Makaira nigricans ) were measured using fura-2 fluorescence. Upon the addition of MgATP, heater SR vesicles rapidly sequestered Ca 2+ . Uptake of Ca 2+ was thapsigargin sensitive, and maximum loading ranged between 0.8 μmol Ca 2+ mg -1 protein and 1.0μ mol Ca 2+ mg -1 protein. Upon the addition of 10 mmol l -1 caffeine or 350 μmol l -1 ryanodine, heater SR vesicles released only a small fraction of the loaded Ca 2+ . However, ryanodine could elicit a much larger Ca 2+ release event when the activity of the SERCA pumps was reduced. RNase protection assays revealed that heater tissue expresses an RyR isoform that is also expressed in fish slow-twitch skeletal muscle but is distinct from the RyR expressed in fish fast-twitch skeletal muscle. The heater and slow-twitch muscle RyR isoform has unique physiological properties. In the presence of adenine nucleotides, this RyR remains open even though cytoplasmic Ca 2+ is elevated, a condition that normally closes RyRs. The fast Ca 2+ sequestration by the heater SR, coupled with a physiologically unique RyR, is hypothesized to promote Ca 2+ cycling, ATP turnover and heat generation. A branch of the oculomotor nerve innervates heater organs, and, in this paper, we demonstrate that heater cells contain large `endplate-like9 clusters of acetylcholine receptors that appear to provide a mechanism for nervous control of thermogenesis.
Environmental factors influencing Pyrenophora semeniperda-caused seed mortality in Bromus tectorum

Temperature and water potential strongly influence seed dormancy status and germination of Bromus tectorum. As seeds of this plant can be killed by the ascomycete fungus Pyrenophora semeniperda, this study was conducted to learn how water potential and temperature influence mortality levels in this pathosystem. Separate experiments were conducted to determine: (1) if P. semeniperda can kill dormant or non-dormant seeds across a range of water potentials (0 to − 2 MPa) at constant temperature (20°C); and (2) how temperature (5–20°C) and duration at reduced water potentials (0–28 days) affect the outcome. When inoculated with the fungus at 20°C, all dormant seeds were killed, but fungal stromata appeared more quickly at higher water potentials. For non-dormant seeds, decreasing water potentials led to reduced germination and greater seed mortality. Results were similar at 10 and 15°C. Incubation at 5°C prevented stromatal development on both non-dormant and dormant seeds regardless of water potential, but when seeds were transferred to 20°C, dormant seeds evidenced high mortality. For non-dormant seeds, exposure to low water potential at 5°C resulted in secondary dormancy and increased seed mortality. Increasing incubation temperature, decreasing water potential and increasing duration at negative water potentials all led to increased mortality for non-dormant seeds. The results are consistent with field observations that pathogen-caused mortality is greatest when dormant seeds imbibe, or when non-dormant seeds experience prolonged or repeated exposure to low water potentials. We propose a conceptual model to explain the annual cycle of interaction in the Bromus tectorum–Pyrenophora semeniperda pathosystem.
Cellular Automaton Fluids 1: Basic Theory

Continuum equations are derived for the large-scale behavior of a class of cellular automaton models for fluids. The cellular automata are discrete analogues of molecular dynamics, in which particles with discrete velocities populate the links of a fixed array of sites. Kinetic equations for microscopic particle distributions are constructed. Hydrodynamic equations are then derived using the Chapman-Enskog expansion. Slightly modified Navier-Stokes equations are obtained in two and three dimensions with certain lattices. Viscosities and other transport coefficients are calculated using the Boltzmann transport equation approximation. Some corrections to the equations of motion for cellular automaton fluids beyond the Navier-Stokes order are given.
Sybil attack detection through global topology pattern visualization

We present a robust intrusion detection approach for wireless networks based on a new multi-matrix visualization method with a set of pattern generation, evaluation, organization and interaction functions. Our approach concentrates on assisting users to analyze statistical network topology patterns that could expose significant attack features. Specifically, we investigate Sybil attacks that have severe impacts on the fundamental operations of wireless networks. We have analyzed the features of network topologies under various Sybil attacks and, consequently, designed several matrix reordering algorithms to generate statistical patterns. These topology patterns are automatically evaluated and classified through the measured structural similarities to the signature attack patterns. We have also designed a new time-series analysis method to identify attack durations with a time histogram generation and an automatic segmentation method. To handle complex Sybil attacks, we have integrated our pattern generation, evaluation and organization methods to construct a prototype detection system, in which specialized interaction functions are provided to assist the analysis and comparison of network data. Simulation results show that this approach can effectively locate Sybil attacks under different combinations of network parameters. Our multi-matrix visualization method provides a flexible framework to handle the intricacies and implications from building a complex visual analytics system, which can be extended to defend against a wide range of attacks. Information Visualization (2011) 10, 32-46. doi:lO. 1057/ivs.2010. I; published online 2 September 2010