cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A method of producing small grain Ru intermediate layers for perpendicular magnetic media

article i nfo Perpendicular magnetic media Ru intermediate layer Small grain size Composite seedlayer NiAl+SiO2 thin films were used as a grain size reducing seedlayer for cobalt alloy granular perpendicular magnetic recording media. The effect of this NiAl+SiO2 seedlayer on the microstructure and crystalline orientation of Ru intermediate layer has been investigated. By co-sputtering the composite NiAl+SiO2 seedlayer, the smallest average grain diameter of NiAl was significantly reduced to about 2.5 nm. The grain size of the subsequent Ru intermediate layer was reduced to about 4 nm. X-ray diffraction results indicate an epitaxial orientation relationship of NiAl (110) // Ru (0002) between the two layers. Moreover, significant improvement of this epitaxial relationship was developed, which produced narrow c-axis distribution of the Ru intermediate layer with small grain size. The addition of the NiAl+SiO2 seedlayer is a very promising approach to reduce the Ru intermediate layer grain size and eventually the magnetic layer grain size for perpendicular magnetic recording media without deterioration of other properties of thin films. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Optimal Control of a Graded Manpower System

We consider a fractional flow model of a graded manpower system and develop algorithms for calculating optimal control policies in four situations: i finite time horizons with no constraints on staff distributions, ii finite time horizon with constraints on final staff distribution, iii infinite horizon with constraints on staff distribution and iv problems with a nonstationary transient stage and an infinite stationary stage. In each case results developed in solving the simpler problems are useful in analyzing more complicated situations. In addition to providing computational procedures we apply the algorithms to a three rank model and discuss the possible uses and limitations of our procedure.
Broadband impurity absorption and luminescence: experiment and line-shape calculations

This paper deals with the problem of comparison between experiment and theory of broadband luminescence and absorption. It attempts to clarify some ambiguities that appear in the literature.
In the FVB/N HER-2/neu transgenic mouse both peripheral and central tolerance limit the immune response targeting HER-2/neu induced by Listeria monocytogenes-based vaccines.

Listeria monocytogenes-based vaccines for HER-2/neu are capable of breaking tolerance in FVB/N rat HER-2/neu transgenic mice. The growth of implanted NT-2 tumors, derived from a spontaneously occurring tumor in the FVB/N HER-2/neu transgenic mouse, was significantly slower in these mice following vaccination with a series of L. monocytogenes-based vaccines for HER-2/neu. Mechanisms of T cell tolerance that exist in these transgenic mice include the absence of functional high avidity anti-HER-2/neu CD8+ T cells and the presence of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. The in vivo depletion of these regulatory T cells resulted in the slowing in growth of tumors even without the treatment of mice with an anti-HER-2/neu vaccine. The average avidities of responsive CD8+ T cells to six of the nine epitopes in HER-2/neu we examined, four of which were identified in this study, are shown here to be of a lower average avidity in the transgenic mice versus wild type FVB/N mice. In contrast, the average avidity of CD8+ T cells to three epitopes that showed the lowest avidity in the wild-type mice did not differ between wild type and transgenic mice. This study demonstrates the ability of L. monocytogenes-based vaccines to impact upon tolerance to HER-2/neu in FVB/N HER-2/neu transgenic mice and further defines some of the aspects of tolerance in these mice.
A fully three-dimensional model of the interaction of driven elastic filaments in a Stokes flow with applications to sperm motility

In many animals, sperm flagella exhibit primarily planar waveforms. An isolated sperm with a planar flagellar beat in a three-dimensional unbounded fluid domain would remain in a plane. However, because sperm must navigate through complex, three-dimensional confined spaces along with other sperm, forces that bend or move the flagellum out of its current beat plane develop. Here we present an extension of previous models of an elastic sperm flagellar filament whose shape change is driven by the pursuit of a preferred curvature wave. In particular, we extend the energy of the generalized elastica to include a term that penalizes out-of-plane motion. We are now able to study the interaction of freeswimmers in a 3D Stokes flow that do not start out beating in the same plane. We demonstrate the three-dimensional nature of swimming behavior as neighboring sperm swim close to each other and affect each others’ trajectories via fluid–structure coupling.
Banking in India - Reforms and Reorganization

The banking industry in India is undergoing a transformation since the beginning of liberalization. Interest rates have declined considerably but there is evidence of under-lending by the banks. The "social" objectives of banking measured in terms of rural credit are, expectedly, taking a back seat. The performance of the banks has improved slightly over time with the public sector banks doing the worst among all banks. The banking sector as a whole and particularly the public sector banks still suffer from considerable NPAs, but the situation has improved over time. New legal developments like the SARFAESI Act provide new options to banks in their struggle against NPAs. The adoption of Basel-II norms however imply new challenges for Indian banks as well as regulators. Over time, the Indian banking industry has become more competitive and less concentrated. The new private sector banks have been the most efficient though the recent collapse of Global Trust bank has raised issues about efficiency and regulatory effectiveness.
In vivo evidence for the generation of a glucocorticoid receptor-heat shock protein-90 complex incapable of binding hormone by the calmodulin antagonist phenoxybenzamine.

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ligand-regulated transcription factor whose ability to bind hormone is thought to be dependent on association with the 90-kDa heat shock protein (hsp90). In the present study, we have generated a novel form of the GR, in which the receptor remains complexed to hsp90 but has lost its ability to bind hormone, by treatment of intact cells with the calmodulin (CaM) antagonist phenoxybenzamine (POBA). Treatment of these cells, mouse L929 cells stably transfected with the mouse mammary tumor virus-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (MMTV-CAT) reporter construct, with increasing concentrations of POBA resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of dexamethasone (Dex)-induced CAT gene expression, with 100 PM POBA resulting in approximately 80% inhibition. This inhibitory effect of POBA was markedly reduced if POBA was added after a short incubation with Dex, suggesting that the primary effect of POBA was on hormone-induced transformation of the GR. Using a subcellular fractionation technique, POBA inhibition of CAT gene expression was found to correlate with an inhibition of Dex-induced GR nuclear translocation. However, inhibition of translocation was not the primary effect of POBA on the GR signal pathway, as POBA was found to reduce GR hormone-binding capacity after treatment of intact cells. The inhibitory effect of POBA on hormone-binding function correlated closely with the inhibitory effect of this drug on CAT gene expression and was not due to an oxidation of sulfhydryl groups, a condition known to reduce GR hormone-binding capacity. Incubation of cytosols from untreated cells with POBA did not decrease GR steroid-binding capacity, demonstrating that this inhibitory effect was not the result of a competitive antagonism at the ligand-binding
Use of the pill electrode for transesophageal atrial pacing

The pill electrode, which was developed for esophageal electrocardiography, has found application in transesophageal atrial pacing during procedures such as conversion of tachycardia, electrophysiologic measurement, and acceleration of heart rate to produce stress during cardiac imaging studies. This paper presents theoretical studies that examine the relationship of interelectrode distance, current level, and pulse duration to the achievement of successful capture. Theoretical results agree with our clinical findings, i.e., current levels of 25 mA are effective to sustain capture; increased pulse duration reduces current requirements; and close bipolar spacing combines efficacy with safety. Results of animal studies performed to assess the extent of esophageal burn injury reveal that current levels in excess of 75 mA are required to produce lesions in short-term (under 30 minutes) pacing, and greater than 60 mA in long-term (4 hours) pacing. These results are based on experiments using a pulse duration of 2 ms, and the current levels that produce injury will be considerably lower if longer pulse durations are used. Typical current levels and pulse durations for successful capture are presented for 46 subjects in several new clinical applications. Termination of tachycardia, basic electrophysiologic measurements, and controlled acceleration of heart rate can be performed noninvasively with this technique.
Vertical and Horizontal Price Linkages and Market Concentration in the U.S. Wheat Milling Industry

Increased concentration in the U.S. wheat milling industry has raised concerns that noncompetitive pricing behavior may have affected vertical and spatial price linkages. This investigation uses cointegration testing procedures to assess horizontal and vertical price linkages in the U.S. wheat market. Linkages between wheat and flour prices and among a group of regional wheat prices are evaluated. The results suggest a strong and persistent long-run equilibrium relationship among wheat and flour prices. In addition, the results offer evidence that the vertical linkages have strengthened as the market has become more concentrated.
Formation of Submicron Metastable Phase Structures in Alloys with Focused Electron or Proton Beams

Recent theoretical and experimental studies of radiation-induced segregation in alloys under irradiation with focused charged-particle beams have shown that point-defect currents generated by axial and radial displacement-rate gradients can cause significant redistribution of the alloying elements within the irradiated zone. In the case of irradiation of thin films with highly-focused electron beams, two important features have been established experimentally: (1) the diameter of the local region in which the alloy composition and phase are modified is practically equal to the beam diameter, and (2) the time required to produce a given change in the alloy composition in the center of the irradiated zone decreases rapidly with beam diameter. Our theoretical modeling indicates that these features will also be observed in semi-infinite alloys bombarded with focused proton beams. However, in this case, the spatially-nonuniform defect production in both the axial and radial directions renders the compositional redistribution more complex. The present work shows that the ability to locally modify the alloy composition by focused electron or proton beams may offer a new method for producing local regions of controlled composition and microstructure on a submicron scale. The results of our model calculations and experimental studies will be presented to demonstrate themore » feasibility of this novel technique.« less
Distinct cell types control lymphoid subset development by means of IL-15 and IL-15 receptor α expression

IL-15 and the IL-15 receptor (IL-15R)α chain are essential for normal development of naive CD8 T cells, intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), and natural killer (NK)/NK/T cells. However, whether IL-15Rα expression by these subsets is necessary for their production and which cell type needs to produce IL-15 to drive development are unknown. We analyzed the requirements for IL-15 and IL-15Rα expression by bone marrow-derived or parenchymal cells for mediating lymphocyte subset development. Naive CD8 T cell development required IL-15Rα expression by both bone marrow-derived and parenchymal cells, whereas memory-phenotype CD8 T cells required IL-15Rα expression only by hematopoietic cells. In contrast and surprisingly, the development of IEL subsets, particularly CD8ααThy1–Vγ5+ T cell antigen receptor γδ and the CD8αα Thy1– T cell antigen receptor αβ IEL populations, depended completely on parenchymal cell expression of IL-15Rα and IL-15 but not IL-15Rβ. In the case of NK and NK/T cell generation and maturation, expression of IL-15 and IL-15Rα by both parenchymal and hematopoietic cells was important, although the latter played the greatest role. These results demonstrated dichotomous mechanisms by which IL-15 regulated lymphoid development, interacting with distinct cell types depending on the developmental pathway.
Evaluation of immobilized redox indicators as reversible, in situ redox sensors for determining Fe(III)-reducing conditions in environmental samples

An in situ methodology based on immobilized redox indicators has been developed to determine when Fe(III)-reducing conditions exist in environmental systems. The redox indicators thionine (Thi, formal potential at pH 7 (E(7)(0')) equals 66 mV), toluidine blue O (TB, E(7)(0')=31 mV), and cresyl violet (CV, E(7)(0')=-75 mV) have been immobilized to 40-60 mum agarose beads via an amine-aldehyde coupling reaction. These beads were packed into a flow cell to allow spectrophotometric monitoring of the redox state of simple solutions and wastewater slurries pumped from in a bioreactor. Fe(II), a product of microbial activity, at levels observed in real systems reduces both the free (non-immobilized) and immobilized redox indicator to different degrees for samples with pH 6.5 or higher. At pH 7, immobilized Thi and TB are significantly reduced at Fe(II) concentrations greater than 0.1 and 0.3 mM, respectively. CV, with the lowest formal potential, requires Fe(II) levels in excess of 10 mM. The degree of reduction of the indicators (i.e. the fraction of indicator oxidized) observed during titrations can be qualitatively modeled with a simple equilibrium model based on ferrihydrite or lepidocrocite as the Fe(III)-solid phase. The reversibility of Fe(II)-indicator reactions was also demonstrated by showing that the reduced indicator becomes re-oxidized when Fe(II) levels decrease.
Charles Lyell, Radical Actualism, and Theory

This is a theoretical paper. A little theory goes a long way in history, for me; but it is good to collect as much as is feasible in one paper, so that gaps and inconsistencies can be noticed. I use ‘theory’ in the definite sense of a set of hypothetical statements such that deductions can be made and compared with data, facts, or generalizations obtained in some other way than as derivation from theory. Deductions need not always be rigorous, and there may be two or more ‘solutions’ obtainable, of which the scientist may choose one and discard the rest (for example, he may discard all ‘imaginary’ solutions). I am ignoring the differences between propositions, demonstrations, problems, and the like. Actually there must always be several statements, including rules of procedure, in the set; but often many are assumed and only the new or controversial one is stated as ‘the’ hypothesis of Mr X.
The debut of PMC Biophysics.

Welcome to PMC Biophysics, an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal devoted to biological physics in all its myriad forms. The journal has been launched in response to two significant trends in publishing and research.
Molecular circuitry of endocytosis at nerve terminals.

Presynaptic terminals are specialized compartments of neurons responsible for converting electrical signals into secreted chemicals. This selfrenewing process of chemical synaptic transmission is accomplished by the calcium-triggered fusion of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles with the plasma membrane and subsequent retrieval and recycling of vesicle components. Whereas the release of neurotransmitters has been studied for over 50 years, the process of synaptic vesicle endocytosis has remained much more elusive. The advent of imaging techniques suited to monitor membrane retrieval at presynaptic terminals and the discovery of the molecules that orchestrate endocytosis have revolutionized our understanding of this critical trafficking event.
Lorazepam: A Controlled Trial in Patients with Intractable Partial Complex Seizures

Lorazepam was studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in eight patients with frequent partial complex seizures refractory to therapy with a combination of standard anticonvulsant drugs. Concomitant antiepileptic drugs were maintained at therapeutic serum levels throughout the study, and concentrations of lorazepam were monitored. Following an 8-week baseline observation, patients were randomly assigned to placebo or lorazepam (1 mg BID). The dose was increased biweekly until seizures stopped or unacceptable side effects occurred. Eight weeks later, patients were crossed over, and the same escalating dose paradigm was followed. When seizure frequency during the last 2 weeks of each treatment was compared, seven of eight patients had fewer seizures on lorazepam, and the eighth had decreased seizure duration (a significant difference: p less than 0.01, two-tailed sign test). Blood level data suggest a narrow therapeutic window, with seizure improvement occurring at concentrations of 20-30 ng/ml and side effects at greater than 33 ng/ml. Lorazepam appears to be a useful adjunct in refractory partial complex seizure therapy. It should not be stopped abruptly, as an increase in seizure frequency may result.
Electrocatalysis: Powered by porphyrin packing.

Self-assembling covalent organic frameworks can boost electrode performance for the catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide.
CARE: extending a digital picture frame with a recommender mode to enhance well-being of elderly people

This contribution addresses the development of technology for the elderly with the aim to improve their general well-being. We report work on a prototype system named CARE that combines the functionality of a digital image frame with an active recommender mode. Recommendations are chosen on the basis of context information acquired by sensors embedded in the user's environment, and a well-being model to carefully decide on at which point in time what kind of activity is most suitable to suggest. We describe conception and implementation of a first CARE prototype that we used for in-situ testing in a senior's home, as well as for gathering feedback on system usage and user appreciation. The paper concludes with some lessons learned from analyzing log file data of the trial period and from conducting a post-trial interview.
Directed partial orders on real quaternions

AbstractIt is shown that a division ring of real quaternions can be made into a partially ordered ring with a directed partial order.
Testability considerations

Single-fault, multi-fault, 0-1 static sensitizable path, and robust path delay fault are often used to measure the testability of a circuit. We explore the relationships among these testabilities. In addition to the relationships discovered before, we prove that 100% single fault testability, 100% 0-1 static sensitizability are equivalent in two-level single-output circuits. We also prove that 100% 0-1 static sensitizability implies 100% multi-fault testability, and that 100% robust path delay fault testability implies 100% multi-fault testability in two-level circuits. Several new conditions for gate merging while keeping 100% single-fault testability are presented. We further prove that the three transformations D/sub 1,1,2/ (J. Rajski and J. Vasudevamurthy, 1992), extraction, De-Morgan keeping 100% single fault testability also preserve 100% multiple-fault testability, 100% multi-fault testability, 100% robust path delay fault testability. We answer the following two open questions: does 100% multi-fault testability in a multiple outputs circuit not require 100% 0-1 static sensitizability? Does 100% multi-fault testability in a single output circuit imply 100% 0-1 static sensitizability?. >
Gli2 functions in FGF signaling during antero-posterior patterning

Patterning along the anteroposterior (A-P) axis involves the interplay of secreted and transcription factors that specify cell fates in the mesoderm and neuroectoderm. While FGF and homeodomain proteins have been shown to play different roles in posterior specification, the network coordinating their effects remains elusive. Here we have analyzed the function of Gli zinc-finger proteins in mesodermal A-P patterning. We find that Gli2 is sufficient to induce ventroposterior development, functioning in the FGF-brachyury regulatory loop. Gli2 directly induces brachyury, a gene required and sufficient for mesodermal development, and Gli2 is in turn induced by FGF signaling. Moreover, the homeobox gene Xhox3, a critical determinant of posterior development, is also directly regulated by Gli2. Gli3, but not Gli1, has an activity similar to that of Gli2 and is expressed in ventroposterior mesoderm after Gli2. These findings uncover a novel function of Gli proteins, previously only known to mediate hedgehog signals, in the maintenance and patterning of the embryonic mesoderm. More generally, our results suggest a molecular basis for an integration of FGF and hedgehog inputs in Gli-expressing cells that respond to these signals.
A Preliminary Investigation of Achievable Motion Cueing in Ground-Based Flight Simulators for Upset Recovery Maneuvers

Using ground-based flight simulators for upset recovery training is appealing due to significant cost saving and safety enhancement. However, difficulty in obtaining acceptable simulation cueing, i.e., motion cues due to large amplitude of airplane’s response, or lack of them, i.e., using fixed-base simulator, poses a question if positive transfer-of-training can be achieved on the ground providing aerodynamics database is improved to correctly address simulated airplane’s response in abnormal flight conditions. This is a preliminary analysis to see if any motion related issues can be identified based on existing experience and known system constraints. Two mild upset and recovery maneuvers were analyzed based on different motion parameters to examine typical motion cueing fidelity issues in ground-based flight simulators.
Thermal Infrared 3-5 Micron Colors of Obscured and Unobscured Active Galactic Nuclei

Thermal infrared photometry in the L and M' bands and L-M' colors of type 1 and type 2 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are presented. After combining our observations with photometric data at similar wavelengths taken from the literature, we find that the excess of L-M' colors of type 2 AGNs (37 sources, 50 data points) relative to type 1 AGNs (27 sources, 36 data points), due to dust extinction, is statistically detectable but very small. We next investigate the L-M' colors of type 2 AGNs by separating less dust obscured type 2 AGNs and highly dust obscured type 2 AGNs. In both cases, the L-M' colors are similar to the intrinsic L-M' color of unobscured AGNs, and the L-M' color excess of the latter highly dust obscured type 2 AGNs, due to dust extinction, is much smaller than that expected from the Galactic dust extinction curve. Contamination from starbursts and the time lag of flux variation are unlikely to explain this small L-M' color excess, which is best explained if the dust extinction curve in the close vicinity of AGNs is fairly flat at 3–5 μm, as a result of a size increase of the absorbing dust grains through coagulation.
Epidemiological Analysis of Measles in Maoming City in 2006

Objective This study was designed to find out the epidemiological characteristics of measles and to explore the controlling measures of measles.Methods Statistical analysis was performed on the data obtained from the program of measles surveillance in 2006.Results In 2006,measles was found to occur in sporadic form.The reported incidence of measles was 2.63/100,000.The disease occurred throughout the year and peaked at May to July(75 cases,50.68%).Children aged 0-6 were the predominant group with measles infection(126 cases),accounting for 85.14% of total cases.78.38% of the infected children were scattered children.65.16% of the infected individuals were positive for the anti-measles IgM antibody.Conclusion Scattered children were at high risk of having measles.Program for routine measles immunization should be strengthen.For the disease prevention,it is important to maintain both a high coverage rate and immunization level in the population.
Renal allograft failure due to recurrent dense intramembranous deposit disease

Dense intramembranous deposit disease (DIDD) almost universally recurs in renal allografts. However, the 29 previously reported cases suggest that recurrent DIDD rarely results in graft failure. We studied the clinical course and renal histology of the 6 patients with DIDD who have received renal allografts here since 1967. All patients had characteristic findings of DIDD in their native kidneys by light, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Seven grafts in 4 patients failed and histological evaluation showed that 5 of these allografts in 4 patients were lost due to recurrent disease. They all demonstrated marked mesangial proliferation with crescents but minimal acute interstitial or vascular changes of rejection. Patients with graft failure due to recurrent disease were male and developed recurrent nephrotic syndrome. The 2 patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) in their native kidneys lost the transplanted kidney due to recurrent disease within 1 year. This study suggests that recurrence of DIDD in renal allografts is a more serious problem than previously appreciated, especially in patients with RPGN.
Positive In-111 pentetreotide scintigraphy: pulmonary hamartoma.

A 31-year-old woman with a solitary pulmonary nodule that was thought to represent a carcinoid tumor underwent In-111 pentetreotide scintigraphy. Uptake of the radiopharmaceutical by the nodule was revealed on SPECT images of the chest. Histopathologic analysis indicated that the nodule was a chondroid hamartoma.
A Tuning Technique for Temperature and Process Variation Compensation of Power Amplifiers with Digital Predistortion

Radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers (PAs) are the most power consuming and inefficient devices in RF transceiver systems and are often integrated with performance enhancement techniques such as digital predistortion (DPD). However, the performance of the integrated system (PA with DPD) is significantly impacted by temperature drift and process variations and thus it is essential to have a tuning mechanism that compensates for these variations. This paper presents the idea for a novel tuning technique that incorporates a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in the integrated system (PA with DPD) to utilize the error signal generated by the digital predistortion technique to automatically tune the power amplifier's bias voltage for optimal performance. To evaluate the proposed tuning mechanism, simulation results from a closed-loop system consisting of an inverted Doherty power amplifier with digital predistortion integrated are presented.
Comment: Clinical outcome assessments in transition.

The Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis (REiNS) International Collaboration systematically evaluated existing patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures of pain intensity, pain interference, and physical functioning as potential primary and secondary outcomes for neurofibromatosis trials. On the basis of 4 criteria—patient characteristics, item content, psychometric properties, and feasibility—specific measures were recommended.1 These recommendations are valuable for investigators designing clinical trials and can serve as a basis for developing improved outcome assessments for patients with these disorders.
A genetic analysis of escape behavior in rats.

Three strains of highly inbred rats and their derived F1 hybrid progeny were tested for escape latencies in a novel test situation at three ages. There were very highly significant differences in escape latencies between genotypes and between ages. There was also a very highly significant genotype by age interaction; the inbreds had increasing latencies with increasing age, whereas the hybrids did not. Heterosis was observed, and it was concluded that this behavioral heterosis was consistent with the hypothesis of selection for an intermediate optimum in latency to escape.
Risk Factors Associated with Venous Thromboembolic Events in Patients with Malignancy.

Malignancy is a major risk factor for venous thromboembolic events (VTE), but not all patients with malignancy develop this complication. Who best to aggressively prophylax is thus not well defined. In the current study, 960 consecutive patients, 523 men and 437 women, admitted to the University of Michigan with malignancy between 1992–2000 were identified using ICD-9CM codes. Factors including cancer stage, type, therapy, and patient vital status were obtained from a database maintained prospectively by the University of Michigan Cancer Registry as well as a review of the medical record. Acute VTE, confirmed on radiological or ultrasound studies, occurred in 408 patients and were compared to 552 patients who did not experience any VTE using logistic regression analysis. Factors associated with VTE include solid tumors (Odds Ratio 5.0; 95% confidence interval 1.65–14.9, P =.004), infection (4.9; 1.2–19.8, P =.025), and advanced age (1.05; 1.03–1.08, P
Growing Depth Image Superpixels for Foliage Modeling

This paper presents a method for segmenting depth images into superpixels without requiring color images. Typically superpixel methods cluster pixels based on proximity in a multidimensional color space. However, building superpixels from time-of-flight depth images poses a number of new challenges including: pixels do not have color channels for similarity comparisons, the resolution of depth cameras is low compared to color, and there is significant depth noise. To address these we propose a superpixel method that approximates a depth image with set of planar facets. Facets are grown from seed points to cover the scene. Facet boundaries tend to coincide with high curvature regions and depth discontinuities, typically giving an over-segmentation of the scene. This work is motivated by automated foliage modeling, and the data we consider are of dense 3D foliage. Superpixel results are shown on foliage and are quantified using labeled data.
Homeownership and Nontraditional and Subprime Mortgages

AbstractThis article documents the growth and geographic distribution of nontraditional mortgages (NTMs) and subprime mortgages during 2000-2006, and examines the association between these products and homeownership at the county level between 2000 and 2012. It finds a significant relationship between the origination of NTM and subprime mortgages during the boom and changes in the number of homeowners (positive during the 2000-2006 period and negative during the 2006-2012 period) but no significant relationship with the change in the homeownership rate. Looking at specific categories of the population, the results indicate a positive relationship between the presence of NTMs and subprime mortgages and increased numbers of homeowners for young households as well as for low income and minority households, but the relationship is smaller than for the general population. Overall, the relationship between NTMs and homeownership is stronger than the relationship between subprime mortgages and homeownership duri...
Do IMF programs catalyze donor assistance to low-income countries?

This study explores whether IMF-supported programs in low-income countries (LICs) catalyze Official Development Assistance (ODA). Based on a comprehensive set of ODA measures and using the Propensity Score Matching approach to address selection bias, we show that programs addressing policy or exogenous shocks have a significant catalytic impact on both the size and the modality of ODA. Moreover, for gross disbursements the impact is greatest when LICs are faced with substantial macroeconomic imbalances or large shocks. Results indicate a sharp difference between the responsiveness of multilateral and bilateral donors to programs. While multilateral donors significantly raise their gross and net disbursements to program countries, the aid allocation by bilateral donors, on both a gross and net basis, does not seem to be affected by programs.
Non-destructive aboveground biomass estimation of coniferous trees using terrestrial LiDAR

Abstract Global estimates of forest aboveground biomass and carbon storage have major discrepancies linked to limitations in tree-level biomass estimates. Robust allometric equations can improve biomass estimates; however, destructive sampling to measure single-tree biomass is expensive, challenging, and prone to measurement error. We present a method to efficiently and non-destructively estimate single-tree biomass from terrestrial LiDAR scan data and test the approach on 21 destructively-sampled lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta ) trees. The approach estimates branch and foliage volume using voxelization and estimates trunk volume using a method developed in this study called the Outer Hull Model (OHM). The OHM iteratively fits convex hulls, accurately handles noisy scan data, and fits the true shape of the trunk rather than forcing a cylindrical fit. Volume from the LiDAR scans is converted to biomass using density values from the literature and from field sampling to assess model sensitivity to density values. Whole-tree aboveground biomass estimates derived from the LiDAR scans were nearly unbiased and agreed strongly with destructive sampling data (R 2 = 0.98, RMSE = 20.4 kg). Estimation of the trunk component biomass (R 2 = 0.99, RMSE = 12.3 kg) was stronger than foliage and needle component estimates (R 2 = 0.54, RMSE = 21.4 kg). The approach presented in this study accurately and non-destructively estimated the aboveground biomass of needleleaf trees with minimal user input. The promising performance on coniferous trees advances efficient sampling of single-tree biomass.
Brittle to Quasi-Brittle Transition

Abstract. The present study focuses on the kinetic and non-deterministic aspects of the brittle to quasi-brittle transition. A solid is approximated by a lattice formed by the interacting ‘continuum particles’ and the evolution of damage is estimated using particle dynamics. The onset of transition is measured by the rate of the change of correlation length. The proposed method is illustrated on the examples of creep rupture, strain localization and dynamic expansion of a circular void in a ‘brittle’ plate. Sommario. Viene posta l'attenzione sugli aspetti cinetici e non deterministici della transizione dal comportamento fragile a quello quasi-fragile. Un solido viene approssimato da un reticolo formato da particelle interagenti e l'evoluzione del danno viene stimata tramite la dinamica delle particelle. L'inizio della transizione viene misurato tramite la variazione della lunghezza di correlazione. Il metodo proposto viene illustrato su esempi di rottura per ‘creep’, localizzazione della deformazione e l'espansione di un foro circolare in una piastra fragile.
A Nanoindentation Study of the Plastic Deformation and Fracture Mechanisms in Single-Crystalline CaFe 2 As 2

The plastic deformation and fracture mechanisms in single-crystalline CaFe2As2 has been studied using nanoindentation and density functional theory simulations. CaFe2As2 single crystals were grown in a Sn-flux, resulting in homogeneous and nearly defect-free crystals. Nanoindentation along the [001] direction produces strain bursts, radial cracking, and lateral cracking. Ideal cleavage simulations along the [001] and [100] directions using density functional theory calculations revealed that cleavage along the [001] direction requires a much lower stress than cleavage along the [100] direction. This strong anisotropy of cleavage strength implies that CaFe2As2 has an atomic-scale layered structure, which typically exhibits lateral cracking during nanoindentation. This special layered structure results from weak atomic bonding between the (001) Ca and Fe2As2 layers.
The microbiome: more than a gut reaction.

In this issue of Blood , Haak et al describe an association between the abundance of butyrate-producing intestinal bacteria early after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and the subsequent occurrence of lower respiratory tract viral infections during the first 6 months after transplant. 1
Glycosylated Lipids of Flagellates

Protozoan glycobiology is the most rapidly developing part of protozoology, due primarily to the simultaneous efforts of protozoologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, geneticists, and immunologists.
(Invited) Wide-Bandgap Semiconductor Based Power Electronic Devices for Energy Efficiency

Wide-bandgap power semiconductor devices offer enormous improvements in energy efficiency gains for a wide range of applications in an ever increasingly electrified world. Fast switching power semiconductor devices are key to increasing the efficiency and reducing the size of power electronic systems. However, silicon based power semiconductor devices are fast approaching their performance limits. Wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as gallium nitride, with their superior electrical properties are likely candidates to replace silicon in the near future. The ARPA-E SWITCHES program identified the lack of a viable selective area doping processes as a major barrier to fabricating vertical GaN power electronic devices. To address this challenge ARPA-E launched the PNDIODES program to develop transformational advances and mechanistic understanding in the selective area doping process for group III-Nitride wide-bandgap semiconductor material systems. The progress and challenges of selective area doping is reviewed along with the mechanistic understanding being developed under the PNDIODES program.
Study of the jigging process using a laboratory-scale Baum jig

A laboratory study of the jigging process with Pittsburgh seam coal has been conducted. The laboratory-scale Baum jig used in this study was a McNally-Norton LO30X Right Hand Model Baum jig with an effective screen area of 0.186 m2. Feed material was prepared by selecting a size range from 6 mesh to 1.91 cm. Solid feed rates were 27.2 kg/min and 32.7 kg/min. Water flow rates were varied from 37.9 to 94.6 L/min. It has been found that smaller particles give higher values of density of separation and lower efficiency of separation. Increasing water flow rate increases the discharge rate of clean coal at a constant solid feed rate. It appears that the efficiency of separation increases by increasing water flow rate up to a certain value, and then levels off upon increasing the flow rate further.
The Past and the Future of The Counseling Psychologist

In this article, I describe the development of The Counseling Psychologist since its founding in 1969 and the ways in which counseling psychologists can further promote the future growth of TCP. Al...
1 kilometer atmospheric propagation studies of a 5 TW ultrashort pulse laser

Field testing of the Mobile Ultrafast High-Energy Laser Facility is presented. This facility is located on a 1 km test range on Merritt Island and is equipped with a full suite of atmospheric diagnostic equipment.
Conquering the Last Frontier in the Digital Invasion: The Home Front

As digital technology conquers new territory and there is ubiquitous use of technology, the last frontier has fallen in the digital invasion and the digital activity hub has come home. It is almost a paradox that as more technological activities have come home to make the lives of millions of people easier and more enjoyable, the threat to their core personal security is directly under attack. Since the early 1950s as digital technology become pervious, the main activity and locus of technological activities invaded the workplace first as the need for improvement in production become paramount. Millions of people took on the task of learning the new technologies as a way to prevent job losses as these new technologies entered the workplace to improve production and hence improve profitability. There were cries of “computers invading the workplace and eating jobs.” After a while, we all got used to these new invaders and we became comfortable to work with the job skills they provided. Production skyrocketed and new jobs were created as old olds disappeared and the fear of job losses was overcome and confidence increased among young workers as they entered the workplace with ever-increasing new skills promising enormous fortunes. We saw new technology giants springing up every other day and making millions. With little fanfare and unknowingly, we become members of social networks as we linked up with colleagues and relatives and a million other people we never and we will never know.
Automatic Evaluation of Cancer Treatment Texts for Gist Inferences and Comprehension

Background. It is difficult to write about cancer for laypeople such that everyone understands. One common approach to readability is the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). However, FKGL has been s...
Building Holistic Defense: The Design and Evaluation of a Social Work Centric Model of Public Defense:

Holistic defense is a model of public defense rooted in the early 20th century recognition that lawyers and social workers should cooperate to advocate with and for individuals and communities in n...
Nurses' heart failure discharge planning part I: The impact of interdisciplinary relationships and patient behaviors.

Abstract Aim The purpose of this interpretive descriptive study was to understand bedside nurses' motivation and decision-making during discharge planning for adult patients with HF on a 48-bed telemetry step-down unit. Background Heart failure (HF) discharge planning interventions have largely excluded the contributions of bedside nurses. Methods Fifteen bedside nurses were interviewed. Coding was done using NVivo and thematic analysis was completed. Results This paper is the first in a two-part series which presents separate results of the interpretive descriptive study delineating the factors that impact bedside nurses' motivation and decision-making during HF discharge planning. This paper presents the major finding of nurses' high levels of motivation to do effective discharge planning despite many barriers, such as poor physician-nurse communication and patient behaviors. These nurses described being motivated when they had good communication from the interdisciplinary team and time to establish a personal connection with patients. Conclusions Overall, findings of this study emphasized a need for interdisciplinary relationship-building between bedside nurses, patients, and physicians to be factored into the organizational culture.
Automatic Messaging System for Vehicle Tracking and Accident Detection

This paper facilitates realtime pursuit of an automobile and seeks to minimize the possibility of deaths by delay in the arrival of aid by alerting the concerned people about the mishap of the vehicle. According to a government survey, drowsiness and drunk driving constitute to 22 and 33 percent of accidents respectively in India. The number of lives lost can be diminished if the assistance can be procured at the earliest. To develop such a system which can notify the concerned people about the mishap, GPS module, GSM module, accelerometer is interfaced with Arduino uno which acts as the controller. The accelerometer detects the accident by a change in preset value of the vehicle orientation and sends the location through GPS module to registered sim card via GSM module without any indulgence of the driver or passengers. The planned system aims to cut back deaths in road accidents by quite nine p.c.
Effects of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulator on BDNF, NKCC1 and KCC2 Expression in the Hippocampus following Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Allodynia and Hyperalgesia in a Mouse Model of Inflammatory Pain.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Hyperalgesia and allodynia are frequent symptoms of inflammatory pain. Neuronal excitability induced by the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)-tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) cascade has a role in the modulation of inflammatory pain. The effects of 3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-4-(1-naphthalenyl)-3H-cyclopentan[c]quinoline-8-sulfonamide (TQS), an α7 nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulator (nAChR PAM), on hippocampal BDNF, cation-chloride cotransporters, NKCC1 and KCC2, expression in inflammatory pain are not known. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of TQS on BDNF, NKCC1, and KCC2 expression in the hippocampus following lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia in a mouse model of inflammatory pain. METHODS Mice were treated with TQS followed by LPS (1 mg/kg, ip) administration. The effects of TQS on mRNA and BDNF in the hippocampus were examined using qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Immunoreactivity of BDNF, NKCC1, and KCC2 in the hippocampus was measured after LPS administration using immunofluorescence assay. Allodynia and hyperalgesia were determined using von Frey filaments and hot plate, respectively. RESULTS The LPS (1 mg/kg) upregulates mRNA of BDNF and downregulates mRNA of KCC2 in the hippocampus and pretreatment of TQS (4 mg/kg) reversed the effects induced by LPS. In addition, the TQS decreased LPS-induced upregulation of BDNF and p-NKCC1 immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus and CA1 region of the hippocampus. BDNF receptor (TrkB) antagonist, ANA12 (0.50 mg/kg), and NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide (30 mg/kg) reduced LPS-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia. Blockade of TrkB with ANA12 (0.25 mg/kg) enhanced the effects of TQS (1 mg/kg) against LPS-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia. Similarly, bumetanide (10 mg/kg) enhanced the effects of TQS (1 mg/kg) against allodynia and hyperalgesia. CONCLUSION These results suggest that antinociceptive effects of α7 nAChR PAM are associated with downregulation of hippocampal BDNF and p-NKCC1 and upregulation of KCC2 in a mouse model of inflammatory pain.
Winding strings and AdS 3 black holes

We start a systematic study of string theory in AdS3 black hole backgrounds. Firstly, we analyse in detail the geodesic structure of the BTZ black hole, including spacelike geodesics. Secondly, we study the spectrum for massive and massless scalar flelds, paying particular attention to the connection between Sl(2; R) subgroups, the theory of special functions and global properties of the BTZ black holes. We construct classical strings that wind the black holes. Finally, we apply the general formalism to the vacuum black hole background, and formulate the boundary spacetime Virasoro algebra in terms of worldsheet operators. We moreover establish the link between a proposal for a ghost free spectrum for Sl(2; R) string propagation and the massless black hole background, thereby claryflng aspects of the AdS3=CFT correspondence.
Stock Loan Lotteries and Individual Investor Welfare

I propose and model stock loan lotteries, a financial innovation that improves the welfare of individual investors. Stock loan lotteries are prize-linked payoffs using net rebates from securities lending. Stock loan lotteries motivate individual investors with prospect theory preferences to buy and hold risky assets with high expected returns. Stock loan lotteries provide the greatest welfare benefit to poor investors and have greater welfare benefits in a model with realistic market frictions. I propose a method for exchanges to bypass legal and regulatory hurdles by structuring stock loan lottery tickets as derivative securities.