cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A near-quadratic algorithm for planning the motion of a polygon in a polygonal environment

We consider the problem of planning the motion of an arbitraryk-sided polygonal robotB, free to translate and rotate in a polygonal environmentV bounded byn edges. We present an algorithm that constructs a single component of the free configuration space ofB in timeO((kn)2+ź), for any ź>0. This algorithm, combined with some standard techniques in motion planning, yields a solution to the underlying motion-planning problem, within the same running time.
The Fragile Families study: social policies and labor markets in seven cities

Abstract An analysis of the welfare, child support, and labor market environments in the first seven Fragile Families cities confirms that, as intended, these cities represent the extremes in terms of their social policies and labor markets. Studying families in cities with extreme environments—generous or stingy welfare policies, strict or lenient child support enforcement, tight or slack labor markets—will allow us to better understand how policies and labor markets interact to affect the living arrangements and wellbeing of families. Based on our theoretical framework, we expect to find more marriage and cohabitation in cities with stingy welfare benefits and policies, strict child support enforcement, and strong labor markets. In contrast, we expect less marriage and cohabitation in cities with generous and accessible welfare benefits, weak child support enforcement, and weak labor markets. In future papers, Fragile Families data in twenty cities will be brought to bear on these predictions.
Effect of Surface Oxygen Groups in Carbons on Hydrogen Storage by Spillover

Hydrogen adsorption properties of two different carbon materials (superactivated carbon, AX-21, and graphite oxide) doped with Pd nanoparticles have been studied. The effect of surface oxygen groups in AX-21 on hydrogen storage was investigated, and the results showed Pd supported on oxygen-modified AX-21 (Pd/AX-21-O) had a higher hydrogen storage capacity than Pd supported on unmodified AX-21 (Pd/AX-21). Overall heats of adsorption were obtained from the temperature dependence of the isotherms, and higher values were shown on the oxygen-modified AX-21 sample than the unmodified one, showing that the surface oxygen groups were favorable for hydrogen adsorption. Furthermore, a sample comprising Pd supported on graphite oxide with more surface oxygen (Pd/graphite oxide) was studied. The hydrogen adsorption on this sample showed a hydrogen storage capacity of 0.95 wt % at 100 atm and 298 K. Normalized by the BET surface area, the Pd/graphite oxide exhibited 2.8× the storage capacity of Pd/AX-21-O and 3.4× th...
ENANTIOMERIC SEPARATION OF AN AMPA ANTAGONIST USING A CHIROBIOTIC T™ COLUMN WITH HPLC AND EVAPORATIVE LIGHT-SCATTERING DETECTION

A Chirobiotic T™ column was used for the direct separation of AMPA receptor antagonist LY293558 and the undesired enantiomer LY293559 in bulk drug substance. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation of the enantiomers was optimized using reversed phase and hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) by varying the organic composition of the mobile phase. Baseline resolution was achieved allowing accurate, trace level quantitation of the undesired enantiomer in the optically pure bulk material. Because the analytes lack a sufficient ultraviolet chromophore, an evaporative light-scattering detector (ELSD) was used to enhance detection. The ELSD was capable of obtaining detection limits as low as 0.1% of the undesired enantiomer. Additional experiments were conducted to assess the linearity, precision, and accuracy of the HPLC-ELSD system.
Brief Analysis of steady-state tracking errors in sampled-data systems with uncertainty

In this paper we study the steady-state tracking properties of sampled-data systems in the presence of structured norm-bounded time-varying uncertainty. Given a linear sampled-data system with uncertainty and a known command input, necessary and sufficient conditions for the output to track the command input to within a prescribed level @e>=0 (referred to here as @e-tracking ) is given. As a result, a worst-case steady-state tracking error measure is developed. The derived measure highlights the impact of time-varying uncertainty on the steady-state tracking properties of a given sampled-data systems, and identifies those aspects of the nominal system which affect the robustness of steady-state tracking to this uncertainty.
Protein quality of some fresh-water algae

At present, the fresh water algae are of no economic value as fertilizer or as a food source for livestock or humans. However, the work of Burlew (4), Williams (18) and Krauss (9) illustrated that the search for fast growing, fresh water algae to be mass cultured in sewage, pulped garbage or other wastes to produce high quality protein and other usable organic compounds may be of primary importance to future generations.
Patterns of intra-word phonological variability during the second year of life.

Phonological representation for adult speakers is generally assumed to include sub-lexical information at the level of the phoneme. Some have suggested, however, that young children operate with more holistic lexical representations. If young children use whole-word representation and adults employ phonemic representation, then a component of phonological development includes a transition from holistic to segmental storage of phonological information. The present study addresses the nature of this transition by investigating the prevalence and patterns of intra-word production variability during the first year of lexical acquisition (1;0–2;0). Longitudinal data from four typically developing children were analysed to determine variability at each age. Patterns of variability are discussed in relation to chronological age and productive vocabulary size. Results show high overall rates of variability, as well as a peak in variability corresponding to the onset of combinatorial speech, suggesting that phonological reorganization may commence somewhat later than previously thought.
Coordinating R&D and business planning

In order for US companies to become more competitive they need to improve coordination between their R&D and business planning. This article explanis what is known about coordinating R&D and business palnning, and provides guidance on how to improve it. It examines the development of a technology plan. Before a company can effectively deal with issues related to coordinating R&D and business planning, the R&D organization should understand its own capabilities through developing a technology plan. The intergration of technology planning with business planning is then examined. Two types of business palns are considered in relation to technology planning–product line strategies and a long-range business plan. Finally, the problem of definning on R&D organization's mission clearly is looked at.
National New Teacher Study: Beginning Teachers' Concerns.

This paper presents the results of a national new teacher study which asked first- and second-year teachers to respond to concerns in these four areas: classroom management, time management, commun...
On the H/sup /spl infin// controller design for congestion control in communication networks with a capacity predictor

In this paper we investigate the use of the outgoing link capacity information in the H/sup /spl infin// controller design for rate based flow control in a communication network for the case of a single bottleneck node and a single source. In the previous works in this line of research it was assumed that the controller implemented at the bottleneck node has access to queue length information, and robust controllers were designed for queue management, under time varying time delay uncertainties. Here we assume that, besides the queue information, the controller has access to the outgoing link capacity. On top of the existing robust controller, we use an additional controller term, acting on the capacity information. We investigate optimal ways to design such additional controller term.
Pilot study of a compassion meditation intervention in chronic pain

The emergence of anger as an important predictor of chronic pain outcomes suggests that treatments that target anger may be particularly useful within the context of chronic pain. Eastern traditions prescribe compassion cultivation to treat persistent anger. Compassion cultivation has been shown to influence emotional processing and reduce negativity bias in the contexts of emotional and physical discomfort, thus suggesting it may be beneficial as a dual treatment for pain and anger. Our objective was to conduct a pilot study of a 9-week group compassion cultivation intervention in chronic pain to examine its effect on pain severity, anger, pain acceptance and pain-related interference. We also aimed to describe observer ratings provided by patients’ significant others and secondary effects of the intervention. Pilot clinical trial with repeated measures design that included a within-subjects wait-list control period. Twelve chronic pain patients completed the intervention (F = 10). Data were collected from patients at enrollment, treatment baseline and post-treatment; participant significant others contributed data at the enrollment and post-treatment time points. In this predominantly female sample, patients had significantly reduced pain severity and anger and increased pain acceptance at post-treatment compared to treatment baseline. Significant other qualitative data corroborated patient reports for reductions in pain severity and anger. Compassion meditation may be a useful adjunctive treatment for reducing pain severity and anger, and for increasing chronic pain acceptance. Patient reported reductions in anger were corroborated by their significant others. The significant other corroborations offer a novel contribution to the literature and highlight the observable emotional and behavioral changes in the patient participants that occurred following the compassion intervention. Future studies may further examine how anger reductions impact relationships with self and others within the context of chronic pain.
Households’ Stories of Their Encounters With a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

One way to progress toward greenhouse gas reductions is for people to drive plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Households in this study participated in a 4- to 6-week PHEV driving trial. A n...
Prenatal SSRI Use and Offspring With Autism Spectrum Disorder or Developmental Delay

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between prenatal use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the odds of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other developmental delays (DDs). METHODS: A total of 966 mother-child pairs were evaluated (492 ASD, 154 DD, 320 typical development [TD]) from the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment (CHARGE) Study, a population-based case-control study. Standardized measures confirmed developmental status. Interviews with biological mothers ascertained prenatal SSRI use, maternal mental health history, and sociodemographic information. RESULTS: Overall, prevalence of prenatal SSRI exposure was lowest in TD children (3.4%) but did not differ significantly from ASD (5.9%) or DD (5.2%) children. Among boys, prenatal SSRI exposure was nearly 3 times as likely in children with ASD relative to TD (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–7.93); the strongest association occurred with first-trimester exposure (OR: 3.22; 95% CI: 1.17–8.84). Exposure was also elevated among boys with DD (OR: 3.39; 95% CI: 0.98–11.75) and was strongest in the third trimester (OR: 4.98; 95% CI: 1.20–20.62). Findings were similar among mothers with an anxiety or mood disorder history. CONCLUSIONS: In boys, prenatal exposure to SSRIs may increase susceptibility to ASD or DD. Findings from published studies on SSRIs and ASD continues to be inconsistent. Potential recall bias and residual confounding by indication are concerns. Larger samples are needed to replicate DD results. Because maternal depression itself carries risks for the fetus, the benefits of prenatal SSRI use should be carefully weighed against potential harms.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SURFACTANTS

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SURFACTANTS I. I NFLUENCE ON THE GROWTH OF ORCHID SEEDLINGS BY ROBERT ERNST, JOSEPH ARDITTI AND PATRICK L. HEALEY Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California 92664, U.S.A. (Received September 1970) SUMMARY Relative phytotoxicity of purified, biodegradable surfactants was determined by observing their effects on the growth of orchid seedlings in 'Vitro. Pronounced phytotoxic effects occurred on culture media containing high concentrations of surfactants. Concentration of ionics above 100 ppm were most damaging and also caused a 90% or greater reduction of interfacial tension. Nonionic ethoxylates reduced growth and viability at lower concentrations than ionics, but larger percentages of seedlings survived at 1000 ppm levels of these agents, which were less efficient in reducing interfacial tension. No correlation was found between biological effects and surface tension data but a coincidence may exist between interfacial tension reduction by ethoxylates and increased phytotoxicity. A number of purification procedures for surface active agents are presented as an Appendix. INTRODUCTION Biodegradable surface active agents (surfactants) were developed for the purpose of reducing residual water pollution (Justice and Lamberti, 1964). They are now widely used for household, agricultural or industrial purposes, and large amounts are released into the environment. Some are used to reduce surface tension in a variety of experimental and applied situations, serving as wetting and penetrating agents. Many are applied with herbicides, defoliants, fungicides or insecticides as emulsifying, dispersing and spreading agents, many times markedly enhancing their effectiveness (Parr and Norman, 1965). In view of this, and because the responses of plants to biodegradable surfactants are of considerable interest, we have undertaken to determine the biological effects of selected detergents at several concentrations on orchid seedlings over extended periods of time (Ernst and Arditti, 1968). Furthermore, previous attempts to correlate phytotoxicity of surfactants with some of their physical or chemical properties have been inconsistent (Buchanan, 1965 ;· Furmidge, 1959a, b; Jansen, 1965; Parr and Norman, 1965; Smith and Foy, 1966). Hence, our aim was to identify possible surfactant properties which could affect growth and viability of orchid seedlings. During our investigations we became aware of the fact that chemical purification procedures for specific surfactants had either not been devised, were implied only through analytical procedures, or were scattered through the literature, often in journals or patents not readily available to plant scientists. On the assumption that others might wish to purify surfactants for use in biological research, this paper includes in an appen- dix procedures to accomplish this end.
Cracking in Walls of a Building Adjacent to a Deep Excavation

A major concern for projects involving deep excavations in urban areas is the response of adjacent buildings and utilities to excavation-related ground movements. Unfortunately, a purely theoretical approach to estimating building response to excavation-related deformations is not possible due to the variability of the many factors that contribute to the response. Consequently, building response must be estimated and evaluated primarily based on empirical observations and various structural approximations. The goal of estimating and evaluating building response is to provide limiting criteria that will safeguard the structure against unacceptable damage. Thus, estimating the extent of the building response and consequently the severity of excavation-related building damage is critical to establishing rational limiting criteria for excavation support system designs. The most common measure of damage severity is the onset and growth of cracks in interior walls of adjacent structures. Although several proced...
Gossypibomas Mimicking Echinococcal Cyst Disease of the Lung

Gossypibomas, masses of retained cotton materials, may produce a variety of postoperative complications. This case report of hemoptysis of 18 months' duration and cavitating chest masses in a 62-year-old man with previous cardiac operations illustrates several salient features about the presentation, differential diagnosis, and management of gossypibomas.
Assessing the validity of the Retrospective Behavioral Self-Control Scale

Although there have been nearly 20 years of research on self-control theory, the measurement problems of the theory’s core construct linger and call into question the efficacy of self-control as a predictor of crime and delinquency. This study assessed the validity of a recently introduced behavioral measure of self-control, the Retrospective Behavioral Self-Control (RBS) measure, which is argued to remedy the conceptual and empirical problems afflicting prior self-control measures. Using a sample of students at a large southern university, this study finds that although a unidimensional and content-valid 18-item RBS measure is not as strong a predictor of crime and delinquency as the original RBS, it has substantially more predictive power than the most commonly used attitudinal measure of self-control, the Grasmick et al. scale. The implications of these findings for empirical tests of self-control theory as well as future directions for the measurement of self-control are discussed.
The Impact of Neuroscience on Philosophy

In the last two decades, neuroscience has profoundly transformed how we understand learning, decision making, self, and social attachment. Consequently, traditional philosophical questions about mind and morality have been steered in new directions.
Dehydroepiandrosterone in follicular fluid is produced locally, and levels correlate negatively with in vitro fertilization outcomes

Follicular fluid DHEA is produced in part within the ovary. Although follicular DHEA correlated with estradiol and testosterone, it correlated negatively with oocyte and embryo quality.
Data Provenance and Security

An unanticipated consequence of the Internet age is a pervasive loss of context. Users and organizations receive information in incredible volumes from both internal processes and far-flung, untrusted, and sometimes unknown sources.
Robots, softbots, immobots: The 1997 AAAI Workshop on Theories of Action, Planning and Control

This workshop brought together researchers concerned with fundamental issues of modelling action, those developing automated planning techniques and those attempting to implement autonomous agents acting in the world. In the past, these research communities have been separate from each other to a surprising extent. Researchers interested in theories of action have busied themselves with finding solutions to the frame and ramification problems, for very expressive theories of action. On the other hand, researchers interested in developing planning systems have typically concentrated on efficiency over expressiveness and assumed away the frame and ramification problems by means of the “STRIPS assumption”. Finally, researchers interested in implementing autonomous agents have found their attention occupied by issues of execution monitoring and sensing.
A structured history for command recall

A history function provides users with access to previously used commands. However, existing history functions are very limited in usability. Two different models and implementations of a structured history function were explored and contrasted. A structured history is based on a mental model of users' interaction with a system. This tool consists of a database of commands previously executed by a user, together with methods for storing and recalling these commands. In the first model all commands are stored, eliminating duplicates and short commands. Retrieval is by pattern matching of several different types, frequency, and time. The second model is a parallel distributed processing (PDP) model that presents the user with a list of likely candidates for good matches to an input string. The PDP history allows for misspellings and retrieves a list of related commands. >
Thromboxane A2 receptor-mediated release of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) induces expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by activation of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, CCL2) are known to be upregulated in many tumors. Their roles in tumor invasion and metastasis are being uncovered. How they are related to each other and involved in tumor progression remains to be determined. Earlier it was reported that I-BOP-initiated activation of thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) induced the release of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 from lung cancer A549 cells overexpressing TPα (A549-TPα). Herein it was found that MMP-1, but not MMP-3 or MMP-9, induced the expression of MCP-1 in A549 cells. Conditioned medium (CM) from I-BOP activated, MMP-1 siRNA pretreated A549-TPα cells induced greatly attenuated expression of MCP-1 in A549 cells indicating that MMP-1 in the CM contributed significantly to the expression of MCP-1. MMP-1 was shown to activate protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) instead of commonly assumed PAR1 to increase the expression of MCP-1 in A549 cells. This conclusion was reached from the following findings: (1) expression of MCP-1 induced by trypsin, a PAR2 agonist, and also PAR2 agonist peptide, was inhibited by a PAR2 antagonist; (2) expression of MCP-1 induced by MMP-1 and by CM from I-BOP activated A549-TPα cells was blocked by a PAR2 antagonist but not by other PAR antagonists; (3) expression of MCP-1 induced by MMP-1 and by CM from I-BOP activated A549-TPα cells was attenuated significantly by pretreatment of cells with PAR2-siRNA. These results suggest that PAR2 is a novel MMP-1 target mediating MMP-1-induced signals in A549 lung cancer cells.
LTA recognition by bovine γδ T cells involves CD36

CD36 has recently been shown to facilitate monocyte Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) recognition of lipoteichoic acid (LTA), much like CD14 in TLR4 recognition of lipopolysaccharide. We previously found that bovine gammadelta T cells express CD36 transcripts. Here, we tested whether bovine gammadelta T cells express CD36 protein and if so, whether it functions in a manner similar to the monocyte molecule. CD36 transcripts and internal and cell surface protein could be detected in resting, sorted gammadelta T cells. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin treatment increased CD36 transcript levels (detectable at 4 h) and protein expression (internal and cell surface). Increased surface antigen expression was detectable by 24 h and was maximal at 72 h following PMA/ionomycin stimulation. Anti-CD36 monoclonal antibody inhibited increased macrophage-inflammatory protein-1alpha gene expression in gammadelta T cells activated by LTA. In conclusion, gammadelta T cells express CD36, previously thought to be a myeloid and endothelial cell-restricted surface antigen, and it contributes to responses by these cells to microbial LTA.
Synthesis of supervisors enforcing general linear vector constraints in Petri nets

Considers the problem of enforcing linear constraints containing marking terms, firing vector terms, and Parikh vector terms. Such constraints increase the expressivity power of the linear marking constraints. We show how this new type of constraints can be enforced in Petri nets. In the case of fully controllable and observable Petri nets, we give the construction of a supervisor enforcing such constraints. In the case of Petri nets with uncontrollable and/or unobservable transitions, we reduce the supervisor synthesis problem to enforcing linear marking constraints on a transformed Petri net.
Bags of the Bagworm Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) Protect Diapausing Eggs from Water Loss and Chilling Injury

Abstract The bagworm Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Haworth) is univoltine and overwinters as diapausing eggs within the silken bag from the female moth. We have sought to determine whether selection of this overwintering site protects eggs against desiccation and low temperature injury. Bag-enclosed eggs retained water nearly three times more effectively (net water loss rates were lower) than naked eggs. A similar trend was noted in the ability of eggs to withstand prolonged exposure to subzero temperatures: naked eggs were four times more susceptible to chilling injury compared with those tucked inside a bag. Plastic or tissue paper artificial bags did not mimic the protection against cold. The eggs contained low levels of glycerol and sorbitol, suggesting no major role for these cryoprotectants. Bagworm eggs are not freeze tolerant, and their high water content implies that they have neither been enhanced for water conservation nor cold hardiness. These observations indicate that use of the female bag ...
Part of Speech Induction from Distributional Features: Balancing Vocabulary and Context

Past research on grammar induction has found promising results in predicting parts-of-speech from n-grams using a fixed vocabulary and a fixed context. In this study, we investigated grammar induction whereby we varied vocabulary size and context size. Results indicated that as context increased for a fixed vocabulary, overall accuracy initially increased but then leveled off. Importantly, this increase in accuracy did not occur at the same rate across all syntactic categories. We also address the dynamic relation between context and vocabulary in terms of grammar induction in an unsupervised methodology. We formulate a model that represents a relationship between vocabulary and context for grammar induction. Our results concur with what has been called the word spurt phenomenon in the child language acquisition literature.
Sexual Coercion, Trauma, and Sex Work in Justice-Involved Women with Substance Use Disorders

Sexual victimization is strongly associated with mental health problems, traumatic responses, earlier onset of substance use and criminal justice involvement. It is well known that multiple forms of sexual victimization and aggression have been experienced by most incarcerated women. Two hundred women with a substance use disorder and involvement with the criminal justice system within the previous two years (parole, probation, arrest, or incarceration) were recruited from multiple sites in metropolitan Chicago. We examined whether empowerment moderates the relationship between trauma symptoms, trading sex and the experience of being forced or coerced to have sex. There was a significant three-way interaction between sexual coercion, trading, and empowerment scores on trauma symptoms. For individuals who have not traded sex, lower levels of empowerment were associated with a larger difference in trauma symptomatology between individuals who have been coerced and those who have not been coerced. For individuals who had been coerced to engage in sexual activity, lower levels of empowerment were associated with a larger difference in trauma symptomatology between those who have traded and those who have not traded. The promotion of empowerment beliefs and attitudes in women disproportionately impacted by violence and sexual trauma may reduce the harm that results from being victimized. Furthermore, providing specific interventions that educate women regarding gender roles and cultural values may help women avoid situations that result in exploitation and coercion.
Esophageal obstruction by phytobezoar. Rare complication of gastric bezoar.

We describe a patient in whom a gastric phytobezoar was regurgitated into the esophagus during an episode of vomiting, giving rise to sudden dysphagia. The bezoar remained impacted for 3 days during which time a severe ulcerative esophagitis due to pressure necrosis and secondary infection developed. Healing has been accompanied by esophageal stricture formation which still necessitates esophageal dilatation at intervals.
Material Scaffolds in Numbers and Time

The present article develops a framework for interpreting Upper Palaeolithic artefacts from an analysis of material complexity, numeration systems and timekeeping using cultural categorizations, insights on the emergence of number terms in language, and the astronomy practices of 33 contemporary hunter-gatherer societies. Our key findings suggest that astronomy originates in the ability to estimate and infer contextual relations among natural phenomena and transitions from these natural associations to material representations and cognitive technologies that mediate conceptual apprehensions of time as a substance that can be quantified. Given that artefacts may act as scaffolds for explicit concepts of numbers, and numbers scaffold explicit concepts of time, prehistoric artefacts such as the Blombos Cave beads (c. 75,000 bp), Abri Blanchard and Cellier artefacts (c. 28,000 bp), and plaque from Grotte du Tai (c. 14,000 bp) may represent similar scaffolding and conceptual development in numbers and time. It is proposed that the prehistoric societies making these artefacts possessed, in addition to material complexity, the abilities to express quantities in language and to use material externalization and cognitive technologies. Furthermore, the Abri Blanchard artefact is proposed to represent externalized working memory, a very modern interaction between mind and material culture.
An Excretory Test for Vitamin C Deficiency and Subnutrition

Summary1. The 3-hour urinary excretion of vitamin C before and after an intravenous test dose of 100 mg. of ascorbic acid was studied in a group of 12 normal adults on their usual diet which was adequate in vitamin C, in 3 normal adults on diets low in vitamin C and in 13 cases of scurvy. 2. The 3-hour and 21-hour excretion was studied in the same group after an intravenous test dose of 100 mg. of ascorbic acid. 3. Following the test dose the normal subjects excreted an average of more than 40% of the injected vitamin within 3 hours; the subnutrition cases an average of 11% and the scurvy group an average of 2.6%. 4. These observations support the fact that the 3-hour urinary excretion of vitamin C following an intravenous dose of 100 mg. of ascorbic acid will serve as an index of vitamin C deficiency or subnutrition.
Larger Egg Clutches Following Host Deprivation in Colonized Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) females that had been held without access to an oviposition site (unexposed) and then presented with a host fruit laid larger egg clutches on the first ovi position than did counterparts pre-exposed to a host fruit. Subsequent ovipositions by initially unexposed females resulted in clutches of the same size as those laid by pre-exposed. The history of the host exposure of the female was more important than the number of mature ovarian eggs in determining the clutch size.
Forensic Authentication of Data Bearing Halftones

 Forensic Authentication of Data Bearing Halftones Stephen Pollard, Robert Ulichney, Matthew Gaubatz, Steven Simske
Anesthesia for adrenal-caudate transplant

Summary We have given anesthesia for 18 adrenal-caudate transplants. A controlled trial of 200 patients is anticipated at our center. If this procedure proves to have long-term benefit, it will certainly be performed outside of research centers. To provide optimum services, members of the anesthesia team must understand the basic principles of preoperative management in patients with parkinsonism. Specifically, they need to be familiar with possible interactions that may alter the choice of drugs in the perianesthetic period. Additionally, some of the logistical problems, such as airway availability during stereotaxis and large numbers of people in the operating room, need to be remembered. Our series is instructive for future operations, as well as for the management of the individual with Parkinson’s disease, who has anesthesia for a different surgical procedure.
The Order of Variables, Simulation Noise and Accuracy of Mixed Logit Estimates

The simulated choice probabilities in mixed logit models are usually approximated numerically using Halton or random draws from a multivariate mixing distribution for the random parameters. Theoretically, the order in which the estimated variables enter the model should not matter. However, in practice, simulation “noise” inherent in the numerical procedure leads to differences in the magnitude of the estimated coefficients depending on the arbitrary order in which the random variables are estimated. The problem is exacerbated when a low number of draws are used or if correlation among coefficients is allowed. In particular, the Cholesky factorization procedure, which is used to incorporate correlation into the model, propagates simulation noise in the estimate of one coefficient to estimates of all subsequent coefficients in the model. Ignoring the potential ordering effects in simulated maximum likelihood estimation methods may seriously compromise the ability of replicating the results and can inadvertently influence policy recommendations. We find that better estimation accuracy is achieved with Halton draws using small prime numbers as it is the case for small integrating dimensions; but random draws provide better accuracy than Halton draws from large prime numbers as it is normally the case in high integrating dimensions. With correlation, the standard deviations have very large fluctuations depending on the order of the variables, affecting the conclusions regarding heterogeneity of preferences.
Output-Tracking Quantized Explicit Nonlinear Model Predictive Control Using Multiclass Support Vector Machines

In applications involving digital control, the set of admissible control actions is finite/quantized. Coupled with state constraints and fast dynamics, explicit model predictive control (EMPC) provides an attractive control formalism. However, the design of data-driven EMPCs with finite admissible control sets is a challenging and relatively unexplored problem. In this paper, a systematic data-driven method is proposed for the design of quantized EMPCs (Q-EMPCs) for time-varying output tracking in nonlinear systems. The design involves: 1) sampling the admissible state space using low-discrepancy sequences to provide scalability to higher dimensional nonlinear systems; 2) at each sampled data point, solving for optimal quantized model predictive control actions and determining feasibility of the intrinsic mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem; and 3) constructing the Q-EMPC control surface using multiclass support vector machines (MC-SVMs). In particular, four widely used MC-SVM algorithms are employed to construct the proposed data-driven Q-EMPC. Extensive testing and comparison among the different MC-SVM algorithms is performed on 2-D and 5-D benchmark examples to demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of the proposed methodology.
When clinical trials compete: prioritising study recruitment

It is not uncommon for multiple clinical trials at the same institution to recruit concurrently from the same patient population. When the relevant pool of patients is limited, as it often is, trials essentially compete for participants. There is evidence that such a competition is a predictor of low study accrual, with increased competition tied to increased recruitment shortfalls. But there is no consensus on what steps, if any, institutions should take to approach this issue. In this article, we argue that an institutional policy that prioritises some trials for recruitment ahead of others is ethically permissible and indeed prima facie preferable to alternative means of addressing recruitment competition. We motivate this view by appeal to the ethical importance of minimising the number of studies that begin but do not complete, thereby exposing their participants to unnecessary risks and burdens in the process. We then argue that a policy of prioritisation can be fair to relevant stakeholders, including participants, investigators and funders. Finally, by way of encouraging and helping to frame future debate, we propose some questions that would need to be addressed when identifying substantive ethical criteria for prioritising between studies.
Imaging of two-dimensional nanoplasmonic structures by nanoscopy with contact microlenses and various microscope objectives

The use of contact microlenses attracted a great deal of attention recently because in the case of imaging nanoplasmonic structures it showed the resolution values exceeding the classical diffraction limit. The mechanisms that allow for this type of imaging are presently still debated in the literature; these range from photonic nanojets, plasmon-polaritons, localized surface plasmon resonances and coherent modal excitation in metallic objects, as well as optical resonances in microsphereical lenses. The system of interest is metallic nanoobjects coupled to a dielectric microsphere and is considered as a directional antenna. In this work, we performed preliminary studies of how the resolution of this method depends on the numerical aperture of the microscope objective. We used 2D periodic nanoplasmonic arrays. Based on assumption of incoherent imaging, we demonstrated that the resolution is reduced from ∼λ/7 to ∼λ/4 for a reduction of NA from 0.95 to 0.60. In future work, we plan to test the main conclusions of this work using standalone and long-period structures.
Rhizosphere engineering: Enhancing sustainable plant ecosystem productivity

Abstract The rhizosphere is arguably the most complex microbial habitat on earth, comprising an integrated network of plant roots, soil and a diverse microbial consortium of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and microeukaryotes. Understanding, predicting and controlling the structure and function of the rhizosphere will allow us to harness plant-microbe interactions and other rhizosphere activities as a means to increase or restore plant ecosystem productivity, improve plant responses to a wide range of environmental perturbations, and mitigate effects of climate change by designing ecosystems for long-term soil carbon storage. Here, we review critical knowledge gaps in rhizosphere science, and how mechanistic understanding of rhizosphere interactions can be leveraged in rhizosphere engineering efforts with the goal of maintaining sustainable plant ecosystem services for food and bioenergy production in an ever changing global climate.
Lyapunov-based controller synthesis and stability analysis for the execution of high-speed multi-flip quadrotor maneuvers

We present a method for the synthesis and stability analysis of automatic controllers capable of autonomously flying a 19-gram quadrotor during the execution of high-speed multi-flip maneuvers. The discussed approach for design and analysis is based on Lyapunov's direct method, numerical results and experimental data. Here, the resulting real-time closed-loop scheme employs a linear time-invariant (LTI) controller that stabilizes the nonlinear unstable dynamics of the open-loop system while enabling high performance during aggressive flight. In this approach, we define a parameterized quadratic proto-Lyapunov function associated with the nonautonomous closed-loop flyer's dynamics that, for a set of feasible parameters, becomes Lyapunov. This parameterization allows for the synthesis and selection of stabilizing controllers which are tested through numerical simulation, employing an open-loop plant model obtained from first principles and simple system identification experiments. The suitability of the proposed method is empirically demonstrated through several aggressive autonomous flight experiments that include single, double and triple flips about two different axes of the flyer.
Bilateral empyema thoracis due to Lactobacillus gasseri. Has anything changed since Hippocrates

Introduction Lactobacilli are common commensal bacteria found in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract. Although they are usually thought to be non-pathogenic, there have been few reported cases that showcase severe infections caused by these microorganisms. This is the first reported case of a bilateral empyema with bacterial cultures growing only Lactobacillus gasseri in the setting of undiagnosed type 2 DM. Case description Previously healthy 49-year-old male, presented to the emergency room with a 3 month history of a productive cough and worsening fatigue that was associated with a 30 pound weight loss and bilateral lower extremity edema. He denied any smoking history, history of recent or recurrent pneumonia or sick contacts. Upon presentation, he was hypoxic and tachycardic. On physical examination patient appeared cachectic, right lung sounds were diminished and lower extremities showed 2 to 3+ pitting edema. Results and conclusions White count was 23.8x10(9)/L, Hemoglobin A1c is 14.7%. HIV test negative. CT-chest showed a large right sided pleural effusion containing pockets of gas consistent with empyema, along with focal airspace disease within the lingual and left lower lobe. Patient underwent a right sided VATS procedure and two chest tubes were placed. Intraoperatively 1300mL of gray foul-smelling material was drained. Repeated CT-chest showed left lung consolidation and effusion and a chest tube was placed on hospital day 8. Cultures were positive for Lactobacillus gasseri from both lungs. Patient was treated with Ampicillin/Sulbactam followed by a course of Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Take-home message Lactobacillus gasseri is an unusual cause of empyema. Management requires adequate drainage.
Demo: LiShield: Create a Capture-Resistant Environment Against Photographing

The ubiquity of mobile camera devices has been triggering an outcry of privacy concerns. In this demo, we introduce LiShield, which automatically protects a physical scene against photographing, by illuminating it with smart LEDs flickering in specialized waveform. We have also designed mechanisms to unblock authorized cameras and enable graceful degradation under strong ambient light interference.
Tutorial: Photonic infrared detectors technologies

There has been significant advancement in photonic infrared (IR) detector technology in the past decade. In this tutorial, I will cover the basics of photonic IR detectors including the detection mechanisms and figures of merit. I will end with a survey of a few current technologies. Infrared imaging (3–25μm) has been an important technological tool for the past 60 years since the first report of infrared detectors in 1950s. In this tutorial, we will classify the detectors based on the wavelength range of interest, namely short wave infrared (SWIR, 1.5–3 microns), mid wave infrared (MWIR, 3–5 microns) and long wave infrared (LWIR, 8–12 microns). We will describe the physics and the technological challenges and will end with a survey of the technology landscape. Audience participation and discussion will be highly encouraged.
Klein-Nishina electronic cross-section, Compton cross sections, and buildup factor of wax for radiation shielding and protection.

Klein–Nishina scattering cross-sections, Compton scattering, mass attenuation and energy transfer cross-sections, linear attenuation coefficient and buildup factor of 99.99% pure paraffin wax (Carbon = 85.14%, Hydrogen = 14.86%). are calculated using 0.662, 0.835, 1.17 and 1.33 MeV γ-rays. The mentioned γ-rays were obtained from Cs-137, Mn-54 and Co-60 radioisotopes. Gamma rays obtained from these radioisotopes were passed through circular shaped wax slices and allowed to fall on a NaI detector. The thickness of wax slices were 0.33–2.9 cm with 6 cm diameter. Lead collimator of 1 cm diameter hole in the middle was used to obtain a collimated beam for narrow beam geometry. Broad beam geometry was used by removing the collimator to investigate buildup factor. Results show that Klein–Nishina electronic cross-section, Compton mass attenuation coefficient and Compton energy transfer coefficient all decrease with increasing photon energy. Linear attenuation coefficients μ = 0.0532 cm−1 for 1.17 MeV beam and μ = 0.0419 cm−1 for 1.33 MeV γ-rays were obtained for wax. Variations in buildup factors are observed with increasing thickness of wax for 1.17 and 1.33 MeV beams.
Carbon Dioxide Transport

We learned yesterday of the healthy sexual effect of CO2 on the hydra, converting the creature from homosexuality, or reproduction by sporting, into heterosexuality. Perhaps the CO2 effect was put in its true perspective best by Piet Hein in his book called Hint and Suggestion: “The human spirit sublimates the impulses it thwarts. A healthy sex life mitigates the lust for other sports.” I suppose that’s a CO2 transport of delight.
Inner Product Spaces

So far we have seen that the definition of an abstract vector space captures the fundamental geometric notion of dimension. There remain, however, at least two other basic geometric ideas that we have not yet addressed: length and angle. To encompass them in the abstract we need to introduce a bit more structure, and in consequence we shall require that our ground field manifest some notion of order. Hence we no longer operate over some abstract field k but rather, for the most part, over the field R of real numbers. In the final section we shall generalize the results to the complex numbers C.
A handbook for tax simplification

The purpose of this handbook is to provide policy makers with a framework to assess a tax system in its entirety, measure its various parameters and how it is administered, and defines best practices for tax policy and administration that will yield a tax system that is simple and predictable and does not create an undue burden on private enterprise. This handbook is primarily designed for policy makers and tax practitioners. The goal is to analyze the impact of income tax, the value added tax (VAT), and other local taxes that are imposed on business. This handbook does not analyze the effects of trade and labor taxes such as social security. The administration of the customs duty is unique and has been addressed extensively in the literature on customs modernization. Labor taxes primarily imposed on salaried individuals are not covered by this handbook, even though their incidence affects business. VAT has been included even though it is a tax on consumption because the administrative burden to comply with it is primarily on business.
Hypovolemic models of acute tubular necrosis in the rat kidney.

Studies were undertaken to determine whether a hypotensive episode under variable conditions is capable of inducing experimental acute renal failure in rats. Animals were subjected to hypovolemic shock by withdrawing volumes of blood necessary to maintain a systolic pressure of 30–40 mm Hg for 105–110 min. The blood was then reinfused and the animal was allowed to recover for 48 h prior to sacrifice. In an attempt to increase the injury, a second group of animals was salt-depleted prior to injury, a third group was volume-depleted by being deprived of H2O for 72 h prior to injury, a fourth group received 7.5 mg/kg indomethacin 30 min prior to injury, and a fifth group had 30% of the blood which was removed to produce shock hemolyzed and returned following the injury. In all groups examined, light microscopy revealed a moderate to severe acute tubular necrosis localized mainly in the outer stripe of the outer zone as defined by Peter (1909). Tubular damage was confined to the medullary pars recta of the proximal tubule and only in the most severe cases did injury involve the cortical pars recta and pars convoluta. Casts were present in the distal tubules and collecting ducts. Despite these significant histologic alterations, BUN values from all experimental groups remained within control levels. These studies clearly show that extensive necrosis of the medullary pars recta can be dissociated from the development of acute renal failure.