cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Topological Approach to Workspace and Motion Planning for a Cable-Controlled Robot in Cluttered Environments

There is a rising demand for multiple-cable controlled robots in stadiums or warehouses due to its low cost, longer operation time, and higher safety standards. In a cluttered environment, the cables can wrap around obstacles, but careful choice needs to be made for the initial cable configurations to ensure that the workspace of the robot is optimized. The presence of cables makes it imperative to consider the homotopy classes of the cables both in the design and motion planning problems. In this letter, we study the problem of workspace planning for multiple-cable controlled robots in an environment with polygonal obstacles. This letter's goal is to establish a relationship between the boundary of the workspace and cable configurations of such robots and solve related optimization and motion planning problems. We first analyze the conditions under which a configuration of a cable-controlled robot can be considered valid, discuss the relationship between cable configuration, the robot's workspace and its motion state, and using graph search based motion planning in h-augmented graph perform workspace optimization and compute optimal paths for the robot. We demonstrated the algorithms in simulations.
Addressing Racial Disparity in Colorectal Cancer Screening With CT Colonography: Experience in an African-American Cohort.

Abstract Background Incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC) are higher among African Americans where CRC screening rates lag behind non-Hispanic whites. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate CT colonography (CTC) performance and outcome measures in an African-American cohort. Materials and Methods This study is an institutional review board-approved and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study. Retrospective evaluation of the African-American cohort from the Atlanta VA Medical Center (Decatur, Georgia) CTC screening program. Colonoscopy referral rates and histologic diagnoses were evaluated. Results CTC studies (n = 2490; mean age, 59.5 years [range, 50-80 years]; 85.5% male; all African American) were performed between 2007 and 2016. The per-patient CTC positive rate was 9.8% for polyps from 6 to 9 mm, 5.4% for polyps from 10 to 29 mm, and 1.3% for masses ≥ 30 mm. Based on CTC findings and patient preference, 13.9% of patients were referred to optical colonoscopy and 2.9% were referred to CTC follow-up. Of patients recommended to undergo colonoscopy, 80.6% completed the procedure and colonic pathology was confirmed in 83.2% thereof. Histologic diagnoses were 221 tubular adenomas (161 6-9 mm; 60 ≥ 10 mm), 59 tubulovillous adenomas/villous adenomas (14 6-9 mm; 45 ≥ 10 mm), 34 hyperplastic-serrated polyps (27 6-9 mm; 7 ≥ 10 mm), 18 adenocarcinomas (all ≥ 10 mm), and 11 adenomas with high-grade dysplasia (all ≥ 10 mm). The per-patient positivity rate for patients who had optical colonoscopy (n = 279) was 71.3% for adenoma, 9.7% for hyperplastic polyp, and 6.1% for adenocarcinoma. Conclusions CTC is an effective screening modality for African-American adults and could potentially improve rates of colorectal screening in this underserved population.
The Biggest Mover: Empowering Students with Intellectual and Developmental Delays and Physical Challenges.

The Biggest Mover Program, an educational program to improve daily exercise and healthy eating was developed to address the learning needs of students with intellectual and developmental disabiliti...
Spatial modeling and prediction under stationary non-geometric range anisotropy

For modeling spatial processes, we propose a rich parametric class of stationary range anisotropic covariance structures that, when applied in R2, greatly increases the scope of variogram contors. Geometric anisotropy, which provides the most common generalization of isotropy within stationarity, is a special case. Our class is built from monotonic isotropic correlation functions and special cases include the Matern and the general exponential functions. As a result, our range anisotropic correlation specification can be attached to a second order stationary spatial process model, unlike ad hoc approaches to range anisotropy in the literature. We adopt a Bayesian perspective to obtain full inference and demonstrate how to fit the resulting model using sampling-based methods. In the presence of measurement error/microscale effect, we can obtain both the usual predictive as well as the noiseless predictive distribution. We analyze a data set of scallop catches under the general exponential range anisotropic model, withholding ten sites to compare the accuracy and precision of the standard and noiseless predictive distributions.
Transcription of adenovirus RNA polymerase III genes.

Eukaryotic RNA polymerase (RNAp) III is responsible for synthesis of abundant, low molecular mass RNA species, including tRNA, 5S rRNA, and U6 snRNA (see Roeder 1976; Geiduschek and Tocchini-Valentini 1988). Although they are noncoding, RNAp III transcripts participate in such essential processes as translation, RNA processing, and protein targeting (see Rich and Raj Bhandary 1976; Guthrie and Patterson 1988; Dreyfuss et al. 1988; Steitz et al. 1988; Wolin and Walter 1991; Young 1991). Transcription of a viral genome by RNAp III was first recognized 20 years ago, when it was established that a small RNA specific to adenovirus-infected cells, virus-associated (VA) RNA (Reich et al. 1966), is synthesized by this enzyme. All adenovirus genomes examined to date encode at least one VA RNA species. Investigation of the organization of the transcriptional control regions of these viral RNAp III genes made an important contribution to the unexpected discovery of the intragenic location of elements of RNAp III promoters. As discussed in this review, the VA RNA I promoter of subgroup C adenoviruses, which is exceptionally active in in vitro systems, has provided an important model for investigation of the mechanism of initiation of transcription by this RNA polymerase. Elucidation of the part played by VA RNA I during adenovirus infection has, moreover, identified a previously unknown mechanism by which viruses can evade cellular defence systems.
Patient Perspectives on Clinical Scribes in Primary Care.

Clinical scribes who are medical assistants or nurses may not only relieve the increased administrative burdens electronic health records place on primary care physicians but also bring benefits1, 2 in documentation quality, patient care, and team dynamics3. In our previous qualitative study, patients associated clinical scribes with improved documentation quality and increased attention from their physicians 3. While most were comfortable with the clinical scribe’s presence, a few alluded to situations in which they would be uncomfortable 3. Thus, to describe quantitatively patient opinions, we surveyed patients about their perspectives regarding clinical scribes in primary care.
Changing Trends for Contraception in Women with Epilepsy (P1.124)

Objective: To report changing trends in the use of contraceptive methods by women with epilepsy (WWE) in the community. Background: Interactions between some systemic contraceptive steroids and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), especially lamotrigine and enzyme inducing AEDs, may compromise both contraceptive efficacy and seizure control. This may be prevented by the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs). Design/Methods: We compared the frequencies of use of various methods of contraception by WWE at risk of unintended pregnancy in the community between 2010 (N = 203) versus 2017 (N = 185) using web-based survey data from the Epilepsy Birth Control Registry. We compared the frequencies and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for all methods used in 2010 versus 2017 including none, withdrawal, barrier, systemic hormonal contraception (oral contraceptive pills, vaginal ring, patch, depomedroxyprogesterone, implanted progestins) and IUDs (copper [CIUD], progestin [PIUD]) and whether frequencies and risk ratios varied by AED category (enzyme inducing, glucuronidated [lamotrigine], non-enzyme inducing, enzyme inhibiting [valproate], mixed). Results: While the proportions of WWE using withdrawal and barrier methods did not change significantly between 2010 and 2017, the proportion using IUD increased substantially from 16.8% (95% CI: 11.9–22.1%) to 28.3% (22.0–35.1%), p = 0.007. Specifically, PIUD almost doubled from 11.3% (6.9–16.2%) to 21.6% (16.2–28.1%), p = 0.006 whereas CIUD increased from 5.4% (2.5–8.9%) to 7.0% (3.8–10.8), p = N.S. The use of systemic hormonal contraception declined but not significantly from 45.3% (38.5–52.0%) to 38.4% (31.1–45.2%), p = 0.170. Lamotrigine and enzyme inducing AED use was over represented among WWE on IUD in 2017 (2017: 62.2% v 2010: 50.3%) with a risk ratio of 1.24 (95% CI: 1.03–1.48), p = 0.022. Conclusions: The findings suggest that more WWE at risk of unintended pregnancy in the community are using IUDs for contraception, especially WWE who take AEDs that are known to interact with systemic contraceptive steroids. Study Supported by: Epilepsy Foundation and Lundbeck Disclosure: Dr. Herzog has received research support from Lundbeck. Dr. Mandle has nothing to disclose. Dr. MacEachern has received research support from Lundbeck.
Role of induction chemotherapy in sinonasal malignancies: a systematic review.

Background Cancers of the paranasal sinuses are rare tumors that tend to be aggressive and usually are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Despite being rare, these tumors include a wide spectrum of histological subtypes with different biological behaviors. Choosing the optimal treatment modalities and analyzing the different oncological outcomes is therefore challenging. This study aims to evaluate the role of induction chemotherapy prior to definitive local therapy for sinonasal malignancies. Methods A systematic review of the literature in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted. With the assistance of a medical librarian, data sources including MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, NCBI Bookshelf, National Guideline Clearinghouse, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched using a customized search strategy that yielded 1758 articles. Inclusion criteria used were as follows: (1) the study has a patient population with 3 or more patients with previously untreated sinonasal malignancies; (2) patients underwent induction chemotherapy prior to definitive local therapy; (3) pretreatment staging information was documented; (4) overall survival was reported by histology type either in table or Kaplan-Meier format. Nine studies with 220 patients ultimately met inclusion criteria and were analyzed in groups based on tumor histology. Results For squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the 5-year overall survival was 51%. For neuroendocrine tumors, the 5-year overall survival was 78%. Eighteen percent (18%) of patients with pretreatment orbital involvement ultimately underwent orbital exenteration. Conclusion Induction chemotherapy in the management of sinonasal malignancies has similar overall survival outcomes as other standard treatment modalities and can be offered as an option to patients as part of multimodality therapy.
Cubic-Plus-Chain (CPC). II: Function Behavior of the Chain-Modified Cubic Equation of State

The cubic-plus-chain (CPC) equation of state framework for nonpolar chain molecules hybridizes the classical cubic equation of state with the chain equation of state from SAFT (Sisco and Abutaqiya ...
Mental Health Outcomes of Discrimination among College Students on a Predominately White Campus: A Prospective Study:

Racial discrimination is a social stressor harmful to mental health. In this paper, we explore the links between mental health and interpersonal discrimination-related social events, exposure to vicarious racism via social media, and rumination on racial injustices using a daily diary design. We utilize data from a racially diverse sample of 149 college students with 1,489 unique time observations at a large predominantly White university. Results show that interpersonal discrimination-related social events predicted greater self-reported anger, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and loneliness both daily and on average over time. Vicarious racism from day-to- day was associated with increased anxiety symptoms. In contrast, rumination was not associated with negative mental health outcomes. These findings document an increased day-to-day mental health burden for minority students arising from frustrating and alienating social encounters experienced individually or learned about vicariously.
Quantifying near fault pulses using generalized Morse wavelets

Recently, a family of analytic wavelets known as generalized Morse wavelets (GMW) has been established in the literature. This versatile wavelet family uses two parameters (γ and β) to adjust its frequency or time domain properties. By varying these two parameters, this wavelet family includes many commonly used analytic wavelets. In this paper, GMW are examined, along with the continuous wavelet transform (CWT), to determine their suitability for extraction of ground motion pulses from a suite of acceleration records. GMW are compared to a popular pulse model that has recently been adapted for wavelet analysis in the literature. It is shown, based on two different metrics, that GMW performs comparably with the other model for this suite of ground motions. Since CWT is repeated with different wavelet parameters for each ground motion, the parameter selection and pulse extraction process are examined. It is shown that using the maximum wavelet coefficient alone does not allow for the extraction of pulses that best match the time series or the spectral response. Alternative criteria are proposed in order to optimize pulse selection using performance-based metrics.
Tidal evolution of eccentric binaries driven by convective turbulent viscosity

Tidal dissipation due to convective turbulent viscosity shapes the evolution of a variety of astrophysical binaries. For example, this type of dissipation determines the rate of orbital circularization in a binary with a post-main sequence star that is evolving toward a common envelope phase. Viscous dissipation can also influence binaries with solar-type stars, or stars with a close-in giant planet. In general, the effective viscosity in a convective stellar envelope depends on the tidal forcing frequency $\omega_{\rm tide}$; when $\omega_{\rm tide}$ is larger than the turnover frequency of convective eddies, the viscosity is reduced. Previous work has focused on binaries in nearly circular orbits. However, for eccentric orbits, the tidal potential has many forcing frequencies. In this paper, we develop a formalism for computing tidal dissipation that captures the effect of frequency-dependent turbulent viscosity and is valid for arbitrary binary eccentricities. We also present an alternative simpler formulation that is suitable for very high eccentricities. We apply our formalisms to a giant branch (GB) star model and a solar-type star model. We find that a range of pseudosynchronous rotation rates are possible for both stellar models, and the pseudosynchronous rate can differ from the prediction of the commonly-used weak tidal friction theory by up to a factor of a few. We also find that tidal decay and circularization due to turbulent viscosity can be a few orders of magnitude faster than predicted by weak tidal friction in GB stars on eccentric, small pericentre orbits, but is suppressed by a few orders of magnitude in solar-type stars due to viscosity reduction.
A Meta-Analysis of Transactional Leadership and Follower Performance: Double-Edged Effects of LMX and Empowerment:

Although transactional leadership is known to be the most common style of leadership in organizations, meta-analytic work has yet to fully uncover the relationship between transactional leadership ...
Coronary Access After TAVR

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of unfavorable coronary access after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using post-implantation computed tomography (CT). Background Real-world data regarding coronary access after TAVR assessed using post-implantation CT are scarce. Methods Post-TAVR CT of 66 patients treated with Evolut R or Evolut PRO valves and 345 patients treated with SAPIEN 3 valves were analyzed. The distance from inflow of the transcatheter heart valve (THV) to the coronary ostia and the overlap between THV commissures and the coronary ostia were assessed. Coronary access was defined as unfavorable if the coronary ostium was below the skirt or in front of the THV commissural posts above the skirt in each coronary artery. Results CT-identified features of unfavorable coronary access were observed in 34.8% (n = 23) for the left coronary artery and 25.8% (n = 17) for the right coronary artery in the Evolut R/Evolut PRO group, while those percentages were 15.7% (n = 54) for the left coronary artery and 8.1% (n = 28) for the right coronary artery in the SAPIEN 3 group. In the Evolut R/Evolut PRO group, 16 coronary engagements were performed after TAVR, while 64 coronary engagements were performed in the SAPIEN 3 group after TAVR. In an engagement-level analysis, the success rates of selective coronary engagement were significantly lower in patients with CT-identified features of unfavorable coronary access compared with those with favorable coronary access in both the Evolut R/Evolut PRO (0.0% vs. 77.8%; p = 0.003) and SAPIEN 3 (33.3% vs. 91.4%; p = 0.003) groups. Conclusions Coronary access may be challenging in a significant proportion of patients after TAVR. THVs with low skirt or commissure height and large open cells that are designed to achieve commissure-to-commissure alignment with the native aortic valve may facilitate future coronary access. (Assessment of Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Bioprosthetic Valve Thrombosis and Its Treatment With Anticoagulation [RESOLVE]; NCT02318342)
Family building preferences among young women with invasive breast cancer.

e24057Background: The American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines recommend discussing the possibility of infertility in cancer patients of childbearing age being treated with gonadotoxic ther...
Positive or negative vibes: Does mood affect consumer response to controversial advertising?

Mood management theory posits that people try to maintain intensity of good moods and diminish intensity of bad moods. This study uses mood management theory to examine the interplay between mood a...
Against the ban on women’s remarriage: Gendering ui 義 in Song Siyeol’s philosophy

This article investigates the views of Song Siyeol 宋時烈 (1607–1689), a Confucian scholar-official in Joseon Korea, on marriage ritual, with a special focus on the issue of women’s remarriage. Song o...
Methods to purify DNA from extracellular vesicles: Focus on exosomes

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by cells and involved in intercellular communications among close and distant cells. Exosomes encapsulate and carry biomolecules as cargo to the recipient cells. They contain nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, microRNA) proteins and lipids. Each exosomal components may be isolated and be studied by specific techniques. In this chapter, different methods will be described to isolate DNA from exosomes, since it is important in shaping the response of the recipient cells following the exosome uptake in multiple scenarios, including physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, the exosomal DNA may be a novel biomarker for diagnosis, disease progression and patient's treatment response.
20-GS/s 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter and 5-GHz Phase Interpolator for Open-Source Synthesizable High-Speed Link Applications

Using digital standard cells and digital place-and-route (PnR) tools, we created a 20-GS/s, 8-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for use in high-speed serial link applications with an ENOB of 5.6, a DNL of 0.95 LSB, and an INL of 2.39 LSB, which dissipated 175 mW in 0.102 mm2 in a 16-nm technology. The design is entirely described in an HDL so that it can be ported to other processes with minimal effort and shared as open source.
Influence of the Coriolis effect on the properties of scattering resonances in symmetric and asymmetric isotopomers of ozone

Scattering resonances above dissociation threshold are computed for four isotopically substituted ozone species: 16O18O16O, 16O16O18O, 18O16O18O and 16O18O18O, using a variational method with accurate treatment of the rotation-vibration coupling terms (Coriolis effect) for all values of the total angular momentum J from 0 to 4. To make these calculations numerically affordable, a new approach was developed which employs one vibrational basis set optimized for a typical rotational excitation (J,Λ), to run coupled rotation-vibration calculations at several desired values of J. In order to quantify the effect of Coriolis coupling, new data are contrasted with those computed using the symmetric-top rotor approximation, where the rotation-vibration coupling terms are neglected. It is found that, overall, the major properties of scattering resonances (such as their lifetimes, the number of these states, and their cumulative partition function Q) are all influenced by the Coriolis effect and this influence grows as the angular momentum J is raised. However, it is found that the four isotopically substituted ozone molecules are affected roughly equally by the Coriolis coupling. When the ratio η of partition functions for asymmetric over symmetric ozone molecules is computed, the Coriolis effect largely cancels, and this cancelation seems to occur for all values of J. Therefore, it does not seem grounded to attribute any appreciable mass-independent symmetry-driven isotopic fractionation to the Coriolis coupling effect.
A cysteine-based redox switch regulates millisecond dynamics of PDI and controls enzyme activity

Cysteine residues provide enzymes involved in signaling and metabolism with an allosteric mechanism to quickly respond to changes in the surrounding redox environment. Yet how thiol modifications impact enzyme structure and dynamics is poorly understood. Here, we apply single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to study redox-dependent conformational dynamics of a highly flexible oxidoreductase, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), in solution. We demonstrate that PDI toggles in the millisecond timescale between two major conformational ensembles, open and closed, that differ ~20A in length due to relocation of the two catalytic domains, whose equilibrium distribution is modulated by the redox state. While reduced PDI predominantly populates the open ensemble, oxidized PDI visits both ensembles with similar probability. We provide evidence that i) transition from the open to the closed ensemble requires loss of free thiols, not disulfide bonding, as previously thought, and ii) exposure to small molecules that alkylate the catalytic cysteines and mutation of cysteines in the N-terminal active site shift PDI to the closed conformation. Finally, using mutational and kinetic analyses, we show that the fraction of open ensemble at equilibrium positively correlates with the reductase activity of PDI. This work forms the basis of a new dynamic mechanism of PDI regulation by a cysteine-based redox switch in which thiol-controlled equilibrium distribution of the open/closed ensembles dictates function.
Reanalysis of Copernicus Measurements on Interstellar Carbon Monoxide

We used archival data acquired with the Copernicus satellite to reexamine CO column densities because self-consistent oscillator strengths are now available. Our focus is on lines of sight containing modest amounts of molecular species. Our resulting column densities are small enough that self-shielding from photodissociation is not occurring in the clouds probed by the observations. While our sample shows that the column densities of CO and H2 are related, no correspondence with the CH column density is evident. The case for the CH+ column density is less clear. Recent chemical models for these sight lines suggest that CH is mainly a by-product of CH+ synthesis in low density gas. The models are most successful in reproducing the amounts of CO in the densest sight lines. Thus, much of the CO absorption must arise from denser clumps along the line of sight to account for the trend with H2.
Addressing disparities in patients' opportunities for and competencies in shared decision making.

In this issue of BMJ Quality & Safety, Birkeland and colleagues1 conducted an online experiment where 6756 male healthcare users in Denmark were randomised to view 1 of 30 case vignettes of possible scenarios they may encounter when making a decision about prostate cancer screening. In this study, 30 case vignettes were created that varied by level of patient involvement in making the decision, screening choice and downstream cancer outcomes.1 Despite using hypothetical scenarios and limiting the sample to men, this study yielded important insights into the impact of shared decision making (SDM) on peoples’ reports of satisfaction with their care.1 2 Birkeland and colleagues1 found that participants were generally more satisfied with scenarios where the doctor was in favour of PSA testing, but greatest levels of satisfaction with their healthcare were observed when there was SDM, use of a decision aid, and dialogue with their doctor. Interestingly, this remained the case even in scenarios where patients had poor outcomes, suggesting that ownership of the decision to screen is important in acceptance of poor clinical outcomes.1 These findings suggest that a high-quality SDM process, supported by the use of decision aids, may be protective against regret for patients who experience poor outcomes following a decision. More research with patients facing difficult, preference-sensitive healthcare decisions is needed to explore this hypothesis. Birkeland and colleague’s1 discussion highlights the prior mixed research regarding associations between SDM and patient satisfaction. Crucially, they suggest that one possible explanation for the mixed findings may have been the ceiling effects for patient satisfaction1; most patients tend to be satisfied with their care even if no SDM is involved. This finding aligns with previous research that found that while patients desired some level of involvement in decision making, they did …
Active Multi-Object Exploration and Recognition via Tactile Whiskers.

Robotic exploration under uncertain environments is challenging when optical information is not available. In this paper, we propose an autonomous solution of exploring an unknown task space based on tactile sensing alone. We first designed a whisker sensor based on MEMS barometer devices. This sensor can acquire contact information by interacting with the environment non-intrusively. This sensor is accompanied by a planning technique to generate exploration trajectories by using mere tactile perception. This technique relies on a hybrid policy for tactile exploration, which includes a proactive informative path planner for object searching, and a reactive Hopf oscillator for contour tracing. Results indicate that the hybrid exploration policy can increase the efficiency of object discovery. Last, scene understanding was facilitated by segmenting objects and classification. A classifier was developed to recognize the object categories based on the geometric features collected by the whisker sensor. Such an approach demonstrates the whisker sensor, together with the tactile intelligence, can provide sufficiently discriminative features to distinguish objects.
Propofol as a Drug of Diversion: Changing Disposal Practices to Reduce Risk.

BACKGROUND Propofol is a drug of diversion because of its high-volume use, lack of prescribed control mechanisms, and accessibility. As a result, intensive care unit nurses and other health care professionals are placed at unnecessary risk. Decreasing the risk of drug diversion can save lives, licenses, and livelihoods. LOCAL PROBLEM Objectives were to reduce the risk of drug diversion and diminish the environmental impact of medication discarded down the sink. Disposing of residual propofol into activated carbon pouches was successful and sustainable in operating rooms at the study institution. Literature findings supported this intervention because of propofol's potential for abuse, ongoing diversion events, ease of access, poor control mechanisms, lack of standardization, excessive waste, and ecological impact. METHODS The intensive care unit with the highest propofol use was selected to replicate the propofol disposal process used in the operating rooms. Activated carbon pouches and bottle cap removal tools were located in each intensive care unit room at the nurses' workstation for ease of use. Audits of unsecured waste bins and staff surveys of institutional policy awareness, disposal processes, barriers, and concerns were completed before and after the intervention. RESULTS Survey results determined significant concern for drug diversion risk. The pilot project displayed success: 44.1% of propofol bottles in waste bins were full before the intervention and 0% were full afterward. CONCLUSION Following institutional approval, this propofol disposal process was replicated in all intensive care units and the emergency department in the study institution.
Planetary Rover Developments Supporting Mars Exploration, Sample Return and Future Human-Robotic Colonization

We overview our recent research on planetary mobility. Products of this effort include the Field Integrated Design & Operations rover (FIDO), Sample Return Rover (SRR), reconfigurable rover units that function as an All Terrain Explorer (ATE), and a multi-Robot Work Crew of closely cooperating rovers (RWC). FIDO rover is an advanced technology prototypes its design and field testing support NASA's development of long range, in situ Mars surface science missions. Complementing this, SRR implements autonomous visual recognition, navigation, rendezvous, and manipulation functions enabling small object pick-up, handling, and precision terminal docking to a Mars ascent vehicle for future Mars Sample Return. ATE implements on-board reconfiguration of rover geometry and control for adaptive response to adverse and changing terrain, e.g., traversal of steep, sandy slopes. RWC implements coordinated control of two rovers under closed loop kinematics and force constraints, e.g., transport of large payloads, as would occur in robotic colonies at future Mars outposts. RWC is based in a new extensible architecture for decentralized control of, and collective state estimation by multiple heterogeneous robotic platforms—CAMPOUTs we overview the key architectural features. We have conducted experiments with all these new rover system concepts over variable natural terrain. For each of the above developments, we summarize our approach, some of our key experimental results to date, and our future directions of planned development.
Timing of cord ligation and newborn respiratory distress

Abstract A comparison between early and late ligation of the umbilical cord of 190 premature infants, held on their mother's abdomen after birth, showed no statistically significant differences in the two groups studied with regard to the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome or mortality from hyaline membrane disease. We have concluded from this study that factors other than those proposed by Bound, Harvey, and Bagshaw, 1 Moss, Duffie, and Fagan, 3 and Taylor, Bright, and Birchard 5 must play a more significant role in the pathogenesis of respiratory distress syndrome and the development of pulmonary hyaline membranes in newborn infants.
Regulation of stem cell self-renewal versus differentiation by a support cell niche: Lessons from the Drosophila male germ line

This chapter reviews genetic experiments and results of mutant screens that have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell self-renewal and differentiation in this system. In addition to the many existing mutants and sequenced genome, a variety of genetic tools developed for Drosophila have allowed analysis of male GSC behavior at the molecular level. Using these approaches, several genes, molecular pathways, and mechanisms have been identified that play an instructive role either in male GSC self-renewal or in stem cell daughter differentiation. Most importantly, the ability to identify and study Drosophila male GSCs in vivo has allowed contributions of the support cell microenvironment, or the stem cell niche, toward regulating stem cell behavior to be assessed. In Drosophila, as in mammalian spermatogenesis, cytokinesis is incomplete and the spermatogonia derived from a single gonial blast remain interconnected by cytoplasmic bridges, providing a convenient marker to distinguish spermatogonia from gonialblasts and stem cells, which both exist and divide as single cells. Intercellular communication through gap junctions appears to play an important role in the survival and differentiation of early germ cells in Drosophila.
On “I Know It When I See It”

My subject is one of the most famous phrases in the entire history of Supreme Court opinions: "I know it when I see it." The phrase appears in Justice Potter Stewart's concurring opinion in Jacobellis v. Ohio,1 a pornography case decided by the Court in 1964. Although many people have appropriated the phrase?some approvingly, some not?no one has ever examined it in any way commensurate with its fame. But the phrase repays reflection. Aside from its provocative place in the history of pornography regulation, "I know it when I see it" invites us to reappraise the role of nonrational elements in judicial decisionmaking, which I think deserve both more attention and more acceptance than they typically enjoy. Such a reappraisal is my underlying purpose here. Jacobellis v. Ohio involved a theater owner who had been convicted for
Hydraulics of Wells in Unconfined Aquifers

Numerical solution for assumed relationship between transmissibility and head of water; curves are presented showing head of water in homogeneous aquifer as function of radial distance from well and time elapsed after water level in well is lowered to and maintained at given level; curves are suitable for predicting water levels near well and for determining hydraulic characteristics of unconfined aquifers from properly devised aquifer tests.
Secrecy and the Sense of an Ending: Narrative, Time, and Everyday Millenarianism in Papua New Guinea and in Christian Fundamentalism

Among the many unexpected lessons that await the reader of James Mooney's (1991 [1986]) classic account of the Ghost Dance, none is more striking than the one contained in his description of his first meeting with Jack Wilson, the Paiute man also known as Wovoka the messiah. By the time Mooney recounts this meeting, the reader is prepared to encounter a sacred personage of awesome stature. After all, this is the man whose millenarian teachings of the return of the dead and of the lifeways of the past had spread across the West and Midwest and had been blamed for the “Sioux Outbreak” that led to the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee. It was that massacre that set Mooney to investigating the Ghost Dance, and it was because of Wovoka's alleged role in fomenting the “outbreak” that Mooney found himself on New Year's Day 1892 in Mason Valley, Nevada looking to meet the messiah.
Low rank approach in system identification using higher-order statistics

We consider the problem of designing low-rank estimators of higher-order statistics (HOS). In general, low rank estimators have smaller variance than the corresponding full rank estimators at the expense of increased bias. We propose a method for choosing the rank that minimizes the mean squared error associated with the low-rank HOS estimates, and derive analytical expressions for the mean squared error. We present simulation results of system reconstruction based on "best rank" low-rank HOS estimates of the system output, that indicate significant reduction in variance, when compared to the corresponding full-rank result. We also demonstrate that the full-rank mean-square error corresponding to some data length N can be attained by a low-rank estimator corresponding to a length significantly smaller than N.
Immobilization of quantum dots in the photo-cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel

An inorganic/organic composite hybrid nano-system has been successfully synthesized in which nanocrystalline quantum dots (QDs) were effectively immobilized within a photo-cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel. The immobilization of 3.5−6.0 nm CdTe and 2.0−3.5 nm CdSe QDs within the PEG hydrogel network has been shown to be effective through utilization of physical trapping. These QD-immobilized gel systems demonstrated luminescence characteristics unique to semiconductor QD nanocrystals. Controlled particle extraction from the PEG hydrogel matrix may be possible via a photocleavage process. The solubility property of QDs was controlled through surface functionalization. It is envisioned that the unique photophysical properties of this new material can be utilized as a convenient signal transducer for chemo-/bio-sensing. A promising application of the described QD/PEG-NC hybrid system may be in the fields of fluoroimmunoassay and as a monitoring system for drug delivery and wound healing.
New evidence for the Early Devonian age of the Jauf Formation in northern Saudi Arabia

Abstract Well-preserved Early Devonian continental and sparse marine palynomorph assemblages recovered from an exploration borehole located in northern Saudi Arabia are reported here and add to the understanding of Arabian Devonian stratigraphy. The units examined are the conventionally cored lower Murayr, upper Hammamiyat and Sha’iba Members of the Jauf Formation. A comparison with data sets from elsewhere on the Arabian Plate suggests that the units examined are Emsian in age. The age of the Murayr and Hammamiyat boundary interval is revised, based on the occurrence of Dibolisporites eifeliensis in northern Saudi Arabia, and placed in the Rhabdosporites minutus (Min) Interval Zone of the Emphanisporites foveolatus-Verrucosisporites dubia (FD) Oppel Zone. A new miospore, Apiculiretusispora densa with distinctive interradial thickenings, is described.
Response to commentaries on "Patient autonomy for the management of chronic conditions: a two-component re-conceptualization".

The ethical concept of autonomy in modern bioethics has evolved with the healthcare system. The historical prominence of acute medical conditions and hospital-based medical care has strongly influe...
Accumulation and depuration of organic contaminants by the American oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

Abstract Oysters and other bivalves are widely used to assess the levels of environmental contamination; however, very little actual field calibration of bivalves has been done. The purpose of this research, therefore, has been to evaluate the uptake and depuration of selected PCBs and PAHs in transplanted American oysters, Crassostrea virginica , under field conditions in Galveston Bay, Texas. Transplanted oyster were found to bioaccumulate contaminants and reach concentrations nearly equal to those of indigenous oysters for PAHs and low molecular weight PCBs within 30–48 days. In contrast, high molecular weight PCBs did not reach equivalent concentrations. When returned to a clean environment, oysters significantly depurated PAHs and low molecular weight PCBs. There were, however, differences in depuration rates when newly contaminated oysters were compared to chronically contaminated oysters. Oysters are useful tools in biomonitoring studies but have their limitations. Transplant studies help to establish these limitations on the use of oysters as sentinel organisms to avoid misleading interpretation of the oyster contaminant concentrations.
Optical Techniques for Detecting and Identifying Biological-Warfare Agents

Rapid and accurate detection and identification of biological agents is an objective of various national security programs. Detection in general is difficult owing to natural clutter and anticipated low concentrations of subject material. Typical detection architectures comprise a nonspecific trigger, a rapid identifier, and a confirming step, often in a laboratory. High-confidence identification must be made prior to taking action, though this must be traded against regrets stemming from delay. Sensing requirements are best established by positing plausible scenarios, two of which are suggested herein. Modern technologies include the use of elastic scatter and ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence for triggering and standoff detection. Optical and nonoptical techniques are used routinely in analyzing clinical samples used to confirm infection and illness resulting from a biological attack. Today, environmental sensing serves at best as an alert to medical authorities for possible action, which would include sample collection and detailed analysis. This paper surveys the state of the art of sensing at all levels.
Identification of RNA molecules which contain 5 S ribosomal RNA and transfer RNA in an RNAase E-RNAase P- double mutant strain of Escherichia coli.

Abstract Mutant strains defective in the two processing enzymes RNAase E and RNAase P were constructed. In such strains an 11 S molecule was found from which it was possible to process in vitro precursor 5 S ribosomal RNA as well as tRNA 1 Asp and tRNA 3 Gly . From another somewhat more slowly migrating molecule precursor 5 S rRNA, tRNA 1 Asp , and tRNA Trp were processed. These molecules correspond to the distal parts of rRNA operons. We conclude that some tRNAs which are distal to rRNA genes are cotranscribed from the same promoters as rRNAs, and are processed by ribonuclease P.
Noncontact high-speed waveform measurements with the picosecond photoelectron scanning electron microscope

The authors have replaced the electron gun and beam blanking system of a conventional voltage contrast scanning electron microscope by a pulse-laser/photocathode combination, resulting in a source producing electron pulses of order 1 ps in duration at a 100 MHz repetition rate and with a peak brightness of 3 10/sup 8/ A/cm/sup 2/ sr at 1.8 keV. This novel instrument has demonstrated stroboscopic noncontact waveform measurements on metal interconnect lines in different environments with a temporal resolution between than 5 ps, a voltage resolution of 3 mV/(Hz)/sup 1/2/, and a spatial resolution of 0.1 mu m. These measurements are achieved with extraction fields above the sample of about 1 kV/mm. >
Loss Aversion Is an Affective Forecasting Error

Loss aversion occurs because people expect losses to have greater hedonic impact than gains of equal magnitude. In two studies, people predicted that losses in a gambling task would have greater hedonic impact than would gains of equal magnitude, but when people actually gambled, losses did not have as much of an emotional impact as they predicted. People overestimated the hedonic impact of losses because they underestimated their tendency to rationalize losses and overestimated their tendency to dwell on losses. The asymmetrical impact of losses and gains was thus more a property of affective forecasts than a property of affective experience.
Fineblanking of high strength steels: Control of material properties for tool life

Abstract In order to assess the possibility of fineblanking high strength steels while preserving acceptable tool lifetimes, materials with a wide range of ultimate tensile strengths (200–1500 MPa) were fineblanked experimentally and simulated with finite element modeling. Good agreement was achieved and a refined relationship between cutting force and material strength was discovered. The strain at which the cutting force is maximized was shown to be several times greater than the uniform tensile strain, suggesting the concept of manipulating material strain hardening properties to increase material strengths markedly while maintaining acceptable tool stress levels and thus lifetimes. The concept was shown viable using finite element simulations. The results show the need for steels optimized for fineblanking applications. They will have almost opposite properties of advanced high strength steels, which are optimized for sheet formability by increasing their strain hardening at large strains.
Effect of heating milk on the time which the curds remain in the abomasum of calves.

Summary 1. Using a modification of the Hill technique it was found that boiling of skim milk for 3 minutes in an open container on an oil bath lowered the curd tension about 80 per cent. Pasteurizing skim milk at 142° F. for 30 minutes in a vat pasteurizer reduced the curd tension about 20 per cent. Autoclaving at 242° F. for 15 minutes reduced the curd tension to zero. Plain condensed skim milk when diluted to the specific gravity of average skim milk gave a curd tension near that of boiled milk. 2. The rate at which these milks leave the stomach was then studied by palpating the curd mass in the abomasum through the wall of the rumen. Two liters of raw skim milk usually left the abomasum in about 12 to 18 hours when fed by stomach tube. The evacuation time of the same quantity of boiled milk was usually 8 to 12 hours. Equivalent amounts of boiled and autoclaved milk remained in the stomach about the same length of time. 3. At varying intervals of time, curd was removed through a gastric fistula from the stomach of calves. The data indicate that equal amounts of raw and boiled milk are liquefied at much the same rate during the first 3 to 6 hours. After this the boiled milk liquefies at a faster rate. 4. Measurements of the total acid, free acid and hydrogen-ion concentration were made upon the gastric contents of calves which had been fed test meals of equivalent quantities of raw and heat treated milk. Boiled milk and autoclaved milk leave the stomach more quickly than raw milk. This is not because the gastric juice varies in acidity when these milks were fed, but more likely because the effect of heat lowers the curd tension and thus permits the curd to break up more easily. The breaking up of the curd furnishes a greater surface for the gastric juice to attack. 5. Raw milk coagulates in the stomach of the calf in from 1 to 10 minutes. Boiled and autoclaved milk coagulate more slowly in the stomach— usually requiring 8 to 15 minutes. 6. The variability of the results obtained with the same type of test meal fed under as nearly identical conditions as possible are probably due to fatigue, individuality and the state of health of the animal.
A multiple-level examination of job activities and employee outcomes

Prior research has investigated relationships between job activities and employee outcomes, but multiple levels of analysis considerations often have been overlooked. In a study of a police organization, three theoretical perspectives were examined, and multiple levels of analysis were considered conceptually and empirically, to better specify and test associations between activities and outcomes. Results from Within and Between Analysis (WABA) suggested that relationships between law enforcement and resource control job activitiesand employee outcomes of attention, latitude, and involvement operated at multiple levels of analysis. The associations were based on differences between individuals, work groups, and job-based collectives (job families). Implications for future research and practice are discussed.