cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospects for improved Λ c branching fractions

The experimental uncertainty on the branching fraction $\mathcal{B}({\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})=(5.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.3)%$ has not decreased since 1998, despite a much larger data sample. Uncertainty in this quantity dominates that in many other quantities, including branching fractions of ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}$ to other modes, branching fractions of $b$-flavored baryons, and fragmentation fractions of charmed and bottom quarks. Here we advocate a lattice QCD calculation of the form factors in ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$ (the case $\ensuremath{\ell}={e}^{+}$ is simpler as the mass of the lepton can be neglected). Such a calculation would yield an absolute prediction for the rate for ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$. When combined with the ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}$ lifetime, it could provide a calibration for an improved set of ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}$ branching fractions as long as the accuracy exceeds about 25%.
A case report of Nocardia asteroides of the eye.

The history, progress, and pathological characteristics of a rare case of Nocardiosis of the human eye are described. Culture of the causal organism, identified as Nocardia asteroides, was effected...
Force Analysis of the Roller Compacted Concrete Arch Dam in Bailianya Hydropower Station

Using finite element method,this paper has carried out simulation analysis on roller compacted concrete arch dam in Bailianya Hydropower Station. Respectively the result is compared with that of multi-arch beam method and trial load method,and the advantage and deficiency of using finite element method to analyse arch dam is pointed out. That has provided certain reference for application of finite element method in the arch dam design.
GIS Discharge Ultrasound Multi-channel Positioning System Based on Wireless Communication

This paper analyzes existing problems of present gas insulated switchgear discharge positioning device in power frequency withstand voltage breakdown and lightning surge withstand voltage experiments.On the basis of ultrasound detecting and positioning principle,it introduces development of a set of multi-channel ultrasound discharge positioning system on account of wireless transmission.This system applies multi-channel adaptive amplification technology,log amplification signal trigger technology and multi-channel wireless communication technology to make up existing shortages of present GIS ultrasound positioning system and improve flexibility and extensibility of the system.By using ZF10-126 typed GIS platform and placing conductor spike model,it is able to conduct power frequency withstand voltage breakdown and lightning surge withstand voltage experiments.Result indicates that this system is useful to realize real-time detection for GIS partial discharge signals and correct positioning for defects as well as it is feasible to solve problem of defect positioning in withstand voltage experiments and ensure power grid safety.
Prostatic Recurrences in the Management of Superficial Bladder Tumors

AbstractMitomycin C has proved to be useful as prophylaxis against superficial bladder tumor recurrences. However, there is a significant incidence of prostatic urethral recurrences. Careful followup with urine cytology and cystoscopy, and bladder and prostatic urethral biopsies should be done at regular intervals.
Identification of fungal metabolites from inside Gallus gallus domesticus eggshells by non-invasively detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

The natural porosity of eggshells allows hen eggs to become contaminated with microbes from the nesting material and environment. Those microorganisms can later proliferate due to the humid ambient conditions while stored in refrigerators, causing a potential health hazard to the consumer. The microbes’ volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are released by both fungi and bacteria. We studied mVOCs produced by aging eggs likely contaminated by fungi and fresh eggs using the non-invasive detection method of gas-phase sampling of volatiles followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Two different fungal species (Cladosporium macrocarpum and Botrytis cinerea) and two different bacteria species (Stenotrophomas rhizophila and Pseudomonas argentinensis) were identified inside the studied eggs. Two compounds believed to originate from the fungi themselves were identified. One fungus-specific compound was found in both egg and the fungi: trichloromethane.
Noise exposure levels in stock car auto racing.

Noise-induced hearing loss associated with the workplace has been well described. Far less is known, however, about the risks to hearing from recreational sources of noise. We investigated the popular sport of stock car racing as a potentially significant source of noise exposure, and we conducted a sound-level survey at a National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) event. Noise levels measured during the race ranged from 96.5 to 104 dB(A) at 46 meters (~150 feet) from the track and 99 to 109 dB(A) at 6 meters (~20 feet) from the track. The peak sound pressure level at 6 meters was 109 dB(A). Although significantly less than that associated with an immediate permanent threshold shift, such an exposure could cause a temporary threshold shift. Alhough hearing protection is recommended, particularly for track employees with longer periods of exposure, racing fans with only occasional exposure to such noise levels are unlikely to develop a permanent noise-induced hearing loss.
Is Intra-Articular Steroid Injection to the Temporomandibular Joint for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis More Effective and Efficient When Performed With Image Guidance?

Purpose To compare short-term outcomes and procedure times for intra-articular steroid injection (IASI) to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with and without the use of intraoperative image guidance for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study of children with JIA who underwent TMJ IASI at Boston Children's Hospital (Boston, MA). Patients were divided into groups according to IASI technique: 1) “landmark” group if performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon using an anatomic landmark technique with no intraoperative image guidance or 2) “image-guided” group if performed by an interventional radiologist using intraoperative ultrasound and computed tomography. Predictor variables included IASI technique (landmark vs image guided), age, gender, JIA subtype, category of medications for arthritis, and presence of family history of autoimmune disease. Outcome variables were changes in patient-reported pain, maximal incisal opening (MIO), synovial enhancement ratio (ER), and total procedure time. Results Forty-five patients with 71 injected TMJs were included. Twenty-two patients with 36 injected TMJs were in the landmark group and 23 patients with 35 injected joints were in the image-guided group. There were no relevant differences in age, gender, family history of rheumatologic disease, or disease subtype between groups. There were no differences in resolution of pain (P = 1.00), increase in MIO (P = .975), or decrease in ER (P = .492) between groups, but procedure times averaged 49 minutes longer for the image-guided group (P < .008). Conclusions There were no statistical differences in short-term outcomes, but procedure times were longer for the image-guided group. Although specific indications for the use of image guidance might exist, routine use of this procedure cannot be justified.
Transcutaneous Laryngeal Ultrasonography: Technical Performance and Interpretation

Vocal cord ultrasound (VCUS) has been shown accurate in demonstrating vocal cord paralysis with a sensitivity of 93–100 % and specificity ranging from 97 to 100 % when performed by surgeons. Although flexible laryngoscopy (FL) is considered the gold standard for vocal cord mobility evaluation, laryngeal ultrasonography can substitute FL in most patients requiring preoperative vocal cord function evaluation as long as the vocal folds can be well visualized on cervical ultrasound.
Distributed acoustic emission sensing for large complex air structures

The vast majority of existing work on acoustic emission–based structural health monitoring is for geometrically simple structures with uninterrupted propagation path and constant wave speed. Realis...
Consequences of Participant Inattention with an Application to Carbon Taxes for Meat Products

Despite widespread use in nonmarket valuation, data quality remains an ongoing challenge for survey methods. One key concern is whether participants attentively respond to survey questions or whether they exert less than full effort. To determine the prevalence and consequences of inattention bias in surveys, we estimate how meat demand varies across people who do and do not miss trap questions. Using a split-sample design with discrete choice experiments for meat products, we explore three different trap questions to determine how many potentially inattentive respondents are identified by each method. We find that individuals who miss trap questions respond differently to the choice experiment than individuals who correctly answer the trap question. Inattention generates vastly different compensating variation estimates of a carbon tax, ranging from 3.56 cents per meal choice for the least attentive to 6.13 cents per meal choice for the most attentive.
Chronic Total Occlusions

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is defined as a total occlusion with either known duration of more than 3 months or presence of bridging collaterals. CTO has certain favorable and unfavorable characteristics which should be looked for in detail during angiography.
New Insights into Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Course from the Topographical Model and Functional Reserve

Clinical course in multiple sclerosis (MS) is difficult to predict on group and individual levels. We discuss the topographical model of MS as a new approach to characterizing the clinical course, with the potential to personalize disability progression based on each individual patient's pattern of disease burden (eg, lesion location) and reserve. The dynamic clinical threshold depicted in this visual model may help clinicians to educate patients about clinical phenotype and disease burden, and foster an understanding of the difference between relapses and pseudoexacerbations. There is an emphasis on building reserve against cognitive and physical decline, encouraging agency among patients.
Comment: Has the relationship between ADHD medications and seizures been settled?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be comorbid with epilepsy.1 However, there has been concern that methylphenidate and other stimulants used to treat ADHD may need to be avoided in those with epilepsy. This arises from the Food and Drug Administration-approved methylphenidate package insert describing a risk of provoking seizures, although a literature review2 only yields support from an animal study,3 case reports, and a study of seizures after methylphenidate overdose.
MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly) Intoxication

History, chemical profile Ecstasy exists since 1912. It belongs to the amphetamine family and therefore presents with a sympathomimetic profile. MDMA/Ecstasy distinct from other amphetamines by its intense serotoninergic activity. It makes Ecstasy the drug of empathy and openness. This lead to attempts to use MDMA as a psychotropic adjunct in the 1970s during psychotherapy. But Ecstasy rapidly became a drug of abuse which lead the DEA to label MDMA as a schedule 1 drug in 1985. It has remained since then in the United States and in most countries.
A Concrete Introduction to Higher Algebra. By Lindsay Childs

(1983). A Concrete Introduction to Higher Algebra. By Lindsay Childs. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 90, No. 8, pp. 575-576.
Cauchy Transforms and Univalent Functions

We use a formula of Pommerenke relating the primitives of functions which are the Cauchy transforms of measures on the unit circle to their behavior in the space of functions of bounded mean oscillation. This is a linear process and it has some smoothness. Further, there is a non-linear map from the Cauchy transforms into the normalized univalent functions. We show that for the subspace H 1 of Cauchy transforms the univalent functions so obtained have quasi-conformal extensions to all of the plane.
The Geometry of Symmetry Breaking in Gauge Theories

This together with Sections 3 and 6 of the joint contribution with A. Trautman (this volume, pp. 433 to be referred to as Mayer-Trautman) constitutes a summary of the first two lectures. Much of the material is available elsewhere [1], so only results and some open questions are discussed. The subject matter of the second two lectures is treated in the following contribution (pp. 491).
Development and germination of American chestnut somatic embryos

American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) plants were regenerated from developing ovules through somatic embryogenesis. On an initiation medium containing 18.18 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1.11 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA), 25 out of 1,576 ovules were induced to form proembryogenic masses (PEMs). These PEMs were cultivated on a development medium for 4 weeks. Individual somatic embryos were then grown on a maturation medium for at least one month, until shoot meristems and radicles were developed. Both development and maturation media consisted of Gamborg's B-5 basal medium, 0.5 μM BA, and 0.5 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid, but the former contained 20 g l−1 sucrose and the later contained 60 g l−1 sucrose. A range of 86 to 586 embryos per gram PEMs was observed beyond the cotyledonary stage. These embryos then germinated, resulting in plantlets with a 3.3% conversion rate. An additional 6.3% of the mature embryos produced shoots, which could also result in plantlets by rooting of microcuttings. Proembryogenic masses that were established in continuous culture and maintained on initiation medium for 17 months retained regenerability, though the embryo yield decreased over time. Twenty plantlets were acclimatized and grown in potting mix in a greenhouse. The largest 6 were transplanted, along with seedling controls, into a nursery bed in 1997. As of July, 1999, 4 out of the 6 were surviving.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among US youth with autism spectrum disorder

The purpose of this study was to examine current overweight and obesity prevalence rates among US youth (aged 10–17 years) with and without autism spectrum disorder, based on the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health. Analyses of weight status, derived from parent-reported height and weight measures, were conducted for a weighted sample of 875,963 youth with autism spectrum disorder and 31,913,657 typically developing youth. Controlling for age, race/ethnicity, income, and sex, youth with autism spectrum disorder had significantly higher odds of overweight (odds ratio = 1.48, p = 0.04) and obesity (odds ratio = 1.49, p = 0.02) compared to typically developing youth. Among youth with autism spectrum disorder, 19.4% were overweight and 23.05% were obese. Among typically developing youth, 14.9% were overweight and 15.91% were obese. Higher odds of obesity were reported for youth with severe autism spectrum disorder (odds ratio = 3.35, p < 0.01), compared to those with mild autism spectrum disorder.
Incidence of serious adverse events in bortezomib, lenalidomide and bortezomib plus lenalidomide maintenance for multiple myeloma: Interim analysis of MMRF-CoMMpass study.

e19516Background: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) followed by maintenance therapy is the standard of care for transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Mainten...
THERMAL VALIDATIONS OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURED NON-METALLIC HEAT SPREADING DEVICE FOR HOT SPOT MITIGATION IN POWER MODULES

Abstract As energy demands and power electronics density scale concurrently, reliability of such devices is being challenged. Inadequate thermal management can cause system-wide failures due to the...
Influence of stage of ripening and dietary concentration of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) powder on broiler performance

Phyto-additives in poultry diets enhance growth, feed eciency and product quality and minimise the possible risk of residues from chemical additives. There are reports on the use of noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit powder as phytoadditive in poultry diets but information on the eect of fruit ripening is scanty. Hence, this study compared the eect of unripe and ripe noni fruit owder on broiler performance. A control diet without and 4 diets containing two levels (0.25 and 0.5 %) unripe and ripe fruit powder were fed to 5 replicates containing 6 Cobb500 broilers in a completely randomized design. Data collection was on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass and organ measurements. In the starter (8–21 d), feed intake (FI) reduced on 0.5% unripe powder (p 0:05). Nitrogen retention reduced on 0.25% unripe powder compared to the control and the ripe powder (p < 0:05). Poorer dressing percentage was observed on 0.5%ripe powder (p < 0:05). Breast weight was increased and thigh weight reduced on 0.25% ripe and 0.5% unripe powder (p < 0:05). In conclusion, up to 0.5% noni, fruit powder has no beneficial eect on broiler growth, but the stage of ripening may influences protein digestibility and dressing percentage. We recommend more research into feed processing and diet composition.
Moving more, but closer: Mapping the growing regionalization of global scientific mobility using ORCID

Abstract This article investigates the taken-for-granted notion of scientific mobility as fundamentally “global.” We use self- reported biographical profile data of over a hundred thousand scientists from ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) who received a Ph.D. between the 1980s and 2010s. These data are advantageous over data commonly used to trace scientific mobility like surveys and disambiguated bibliometric data, as ORCID data offer both publication histories and a curriculum vitae itemization of scientists’ education and employment. We find that scientists who do move internationally in their careers increasingly move within the same transnational region. Furthermore, while we find that mobility between countries has remained stagnant since the 1980s as compared to mobility within countries, scientists who move internationally do so more frequently but for shorter distances. European and Asian Ph.D. holders comprise the majority of scientists who are driving these trends.
Recognizing and managing hereditary and acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in infants and children

We describe how infants and children with hereditary and acquired autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) initially present and how they can be promptly diagnosed and effectively managed. These are uncommon disorders that are commonly misdiagnosed and can be rapidly fatal. TTP is caused by a severe deficiency of the plasma protease, A disintegrin and Metalloprotease with a ThromboSpondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13). Measurement of ADAMTS13 activity is becoming easily accessible. A common presentation of hereditary TTP is neonatal severe hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia. However, the median age of diagnosis is not until 5.5 years. Plasma is effective treatment for exacerbations and for prophylaxis. Plasma may be replaced by recombinant ADAMTS13 when it becomes available. Acquired TTP is more frequent in older children, in whom it is more common in girls and is commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. For acquired TTP, plasma exchange and immunosuppression are the current treatment for acute episodes; caplacizumab is now commonly used in adults and may replace plasma exchange.
AKT Degradation Selectively Inhibits the Growth of PI3K/PTEN Pathway-Mutant Cancers with Wild-Type KRAS and BRAF by Destabilizing Aurora Kinase B.

Using a panel of cancer cell lines, we characterized a novel degrader of AKT, MS21. In mutant PI3K/PTEN pathway lines, AKT degradation was superior to AKT kinase inhibition for reducing cell growth and sustaining lower signaling over many days. AKT degradation but not kinase inhibition profoundly lowered Aurora kinase B (AURKB) protein, which is known to be essential for cell division, and induced G2/M arrest and hyperploidy. PI3K activated AKT phosphorylation of AURKB on threonine 73, which protected it from proteasome degradation. A mutant of AURKB (T73E) that mimics phosphorylation and blocks degradation rescued cells from growth inhibition. Degrader resistant lines were associated with low AKT phosphorylation, wild type PI3K/PTEN status, and mutation of KRAS/BRAF. Pan-cancer analysis identified that 19% of cases have PI3K/PTEN pathway mutation without RAS pathway mutation, suggesting that these cancer patients could benefit from AKT degrader therapy that leads to loss of AURKB.
The Multifaceted Impact of COVID-19: Health, Emotions, Well-Being, and Risk Assessment

Analyzing diverse and rich data on the COVID-19 pandemic, this issue of the American Behavioral Scientist offers important insights into health and risk assessment in a time of unprecedented crisis...
Practical comparison of aberration detection algorithms for biosurveillance systems

Display Omitted We used syndromic data from 62 VHA hospitals and simulated alerting signals.We compared 7 detection methods on sensitivity and timeliness of alerting.Weekday/weekend stratification improved detection performance.Total visit adjustment increased sensitivity and timeliness.A Poisson regression provided the best sensitivity for high-count data. National syndromic surveillance systems require optimal anomaly detection methods. For method performance comparison, we injected multi-day signals stochastically drawn from lognormal distributions into time series of aggregated daily visit counts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's BioSense syndromic surveillance system. The time series corresponded to three different syndrome groups: rash, upper respiratory infection, and gastrointestinal illness. We included a sample of facilities with data reported every day and with median daily syndromic counts ?1 over the entire study period. We compared anomaly detection methods of five control chart adaptations, a linear regression model and a Poisson regression model. We assessed sensitivity and timeliness of these methods for detection of multi-day signals. At a daily background alert rate of 1% and 2%, the sensitivities and timeliness ranged from 24 to 77% and 3.3 to 6.1days, respectively. The overall sensitivity and timeliness increased substantially after stratification by weekday versus weekend and holiday. Adjusting the baseline syndromic count by the total number of facility visits gave consistently improved sensitivity and timeliness without stratification, but it provided better performance when combined with stratification. The daily syndrome/total-visit proportion method did not improve the performance. In general, alerting based on linear regression outperformed control chart based methods. A Poisson regression model obtained the best sensitivity in the series with high-count data.
The IBM Cleanroom Software Engineering Technology Transfer Program

Cleanroom software engineering is a theory-based, team-oriented process for developing zero-defect software with high probability. Cleanroom places software development under statistical quality control to permit scientific certification of product quality. Technologies applied in Cleanroom include box structure specification of user function and object architecture, function-theoretic design and correctness verification, and statistical usage testing for quality certification. Cleanroom management is based on incremental development of a pipeline of user-function increments that accumulate into the final product. The IBM Cleanroom Software Technology Center (CSTC) provides technology transfer services to IBM product laboratories and customers for initiating Cleanroom team operations. The technology transfer includes education, consultation, and tool development. Consultation support after education is a critical success factor, as are management commitment and team motivation. Experience shows Cleanroom produces remarkable quality results that more than offset the cost of technology transfer.
X-ray diffraction study of a bulk, polycrystalline Ag-9 at. pct Sn alloy deformed in compression

An analysis was made of X-ray powder pattern peaks from a bulk, polycrystalline Ag-9at. pct Sn alloy that was plastically deformed by compression. The shapes and positions of all available (hkl) reflections were recorded using the focusing, Bragg-Brentano X-ray geometry. Fourier analysis of the profiles were carried out on (111)–(222), (200)–(400), and (220)–(440) pairs of reflections. The effective particle sizesDe(hkl) decreased rapidly with increasing deformation and reached values ofDe(111)=110A,De(100)=40A, andDe(110)=90A beyond 20 pct reduction in thickness. The anistropy of the particle sizes is interpreted as a consequence of faulting in the deformed alloy. The mean square strains in the [111] direction were of the order of 10−5 after more than 20 pct reduction in thickness. Lattice parameter measurements yield the deformation fault probability (α≈0.02), and the residual stresses. The variation of the true lattice parameterao with increasing deformation indicated that segregation occurred in the deformed alloy. From the ratio of 〈e2〉/α (≈ 6 × 10−4), a nominal stacking fault energy of 6 erg per sq cm was calculated.
Remnants of Reductionism

Central to many issues surrounding reduction in science is the relation between a physical system and its components. In this article we examine how thermodynamic theory relates properties of whole systems to properties of their components. In order to keep the analysis general, we focus our study on universal properties like volume, heat capacity, energy and temperature. In the cases examined we find that scientific explanation requires appeal to properties of “components” that are spatially as extensive as the whole system. We discuss some implications of our study for the purported paradigmatic reductions of heat and temperature to molecular motion. We conclude that while macro systems reduce ontologically to micro components, epistemologically the reduction of theoretical concepts in general fails.
Plasmids of Xylella fastidiosa mulberry-infecting strains share extensive sequence identity and gene complement with pVEIS01 from the earthworm symbiont Verminephrobacter eiseniae

Abstract A ∼25 kbp plasmid was present in each of four Californian strains of Xylella fastidiosa from mulberry affected with leaf scorch disease. Fragments of each plasmid were cloned into Escherichia coli , sequenced, and assembled into circular contigs of 25,105 bp (pXF-RIV11 and pXF-RIV16) or 24,372 bp (pXF-RIV19 and pXF-RIV25). The four plasmids shared >99.8% sequence identity, excluding a 732 bp insertion common to pXF-RIV11 and pXF-RIV16. BLAST searches identified seven regions (totaling 19,252 bp) sharing ≥75% nucleotide sequence identity with pVEIS01, a 31 kbp plasmid from the earthworm symbiont Verminephrobacter eiseniae . Using pXF-RIV11 as a query in BLASTX searches, putative functions of plasmid-encoded open reading frames (ORFs) were identified. Fourteen ORFs were associated with DNA transfer (Type IV secretion), four with plasmid stability (plasmid toxin/anti-toxin addiction), one with protein export (Type II secretion), one with plasmid DNA replication initiation ( trfA ), and the remaining ORFs associated with other or unknown functions. The putative origin of DNA replication ( oriV ) was located adjacent to the trfA ORF and was similar in structure to that of plasmids belonging to the incP-1 incompatibility group. E. coli plasmids bearing fragments of pXF-RIV11 and the nptII gene as a selectable marker were tested for replication in X. fastidiosa strain Temecula1. Only fragments bearing oriV and trfA were competent for replication in X. fastidiosa . Collectively, these results indicate that mulberry strains of X. fastidiosa harbor plasmids encoding genes associated with DNA transfer and plasmid stability not previously identified on the chromosome of sequenced X. fastidiosa strains and that ancestors of distantly related bacterial species occupying different niches appear to have exchanged genetic material.
AN E-RELAXATION METHOD FOR SEPARABLE CONVEX COST GENERALIZED NETWORK FLOW PROBLEMS'

Cover title. "The extended abstract of this article appeared in the proceedings of the 5th International IPCO Conference, Vancouver, June 1996."--P. 1.
Maximum Likelihood Detection

The sections in this article are 1 Visual Object Detection 2 Bayes Decision Rule 3 Probability Models 4 Information-Based Maximum Discrimination 5 Face and Facial Feature Detection and Tracking
An architecture for flexible, evolvable process-driven user-guidance environments

Complex toolsets can be difficult to use. User interfaces can help by guiding users through the alternative choices that might be possible at any given time, but this tends to lock users into the fixed interaction models dictated by the user-interface designers. Alternatively, we propose an approach where the tool utilization model is specified by a process, written in a process definition langauge. Our approach incorporates a user-interface specification that describes how the user-interface is to respond to, or reflect, progress through the execution of the process definition. By not tightly binding the user-guidance process, the associated user-interfaces, and the toolset, it is easy to develop alternative processes that provide widely varying levels and styles of guidance and to be responsive to evolution in the processes, user interfaces, or toolset. In this paper, we describe this approach for developing process-driven user-guidance environments, a lossely coupled architecture for supporting this separation of concerns, and a generator for automatically binding the process and the user interface. We report on a case study using this approach. Although this case study used a specific process definition language and a specific toolset, the approach is applicable to other process definition languages and toolsets, provided they meet some basic, sound software engineering requirements.
The effect of 17β-estradiol-DNA adducts on the replication of exon # 5 of the human suppressor gene p53

Using a PCR technique, exon # 5 of the human tumor suppressor gene p53 was amplified and ligated into the pCRII vector and transformed into Escherichia coli INVαF’ competent cells. The cloned exon # 5 was 184 bp long. Evidence is presented to show that after dimethyldioxirane epoxidation, 17β-estradiol was able to form 17β-estradiol-DNA adducts and to strongly inhibit the replication of the cloned exon # 5 producing smaller sizes of DNA fragments and introducing errors of incorporation at the 3′-end of the terminating DNAs. The errors occurred mainly at the clusters of the complementary ‘G’ and ‘A’ bases on the template strand DNA, presumably, the major sites where the 17β-estradiol-DNA adducts were formed.
Sialidase specificity determined by chemoselective modification of complex sialylated glycans

Sialidases hydrolytically remove sialic acids from sialylated glycoproteins and glycolipids. Sialidases are widely distributed in nature and sialidase-mediated desialylation is implicated in normal and pathological processes. However, mechanisms by which sialidases exert their biological effects remain obscure, in part because sialidase substrate preferences are poorly defined. Here we report the design and implementation of a sialidase substrate specificity assay based on chemoselective labeling of sialosides. We show that this assay identifies components of glycosylated substrates that contribute to sialidase specificity. We demonstrate that specificity of sialidases can depend on structure of the underlying glycan, a characteristic difficult to discern using typical sialidase assays. Moreover, we discovered that Streptococcus pneumoniae sialidase NanC strongly prefers sialosides containing the Neu5Ac form of sialic acid versus those that contain Neu5Gc. We propose using this approach to evaluate sialidase preferences for diverse potential substrates.
A quantitative PCR assay for aerobic, vinyl chloride- and ethene-assimilating microorganisms in groundwater.

Vinyl chloride (VC) is a known human carcinogen that is primarily formed in groundwater via incomplete anaerobic dechlorination of chloroethenes. Aerobic, ethene-degrading bacteria (etheneotrophs), which are capable of both fortuitous and growth-linked VC oxidation, could be important in natural attenuation of VC plumes that escape anaerobic treatment. In this work, we developed a quantitative, real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for etheneotrophs in groundwater. We designed and tested degenerate qPCR primers for two functional genes involved in aerobic, growth-coupled VC- and ethene-oxidation (etnC and etnE). Primer specificity to these target genes was tested by comparison to nucleotide sequence databases, PCR analysis of template DNA extracted from isolates and environmental samples, and sequencing of qPCR products obtained from VC-contaminated groundwater. The assay was made quantitative by constructing standard curves (threshold cycle vs log gene copy number) with DNA amplified from Mycobacterium strain JS60,...
A Modeling Methodology and Environment for Integrated Trim Analysis for a Reusable Booster System

Reusable first stage rocket boosters have to be designed to maintain trim throughout the flight back to the original launch site. Traditionally, trim analysis takes place after initial design decisions have been made. In order to conduct a conceptual-level trim analysis, higher fidelity tools such as Euler CFD must be used at the conceptual level. This analysis is performed on a parametric OML described by 49 parameters, and the aerodynamic coefficients are regressed into surrogate models. Mass properties estimation is performed through the use of parametric mass estimating relationships for the wings and fuselage. Packaging trades also need to be performed to see the possible c.g. spread throughout the vehicle. All of these analyses are integrated into a single environment using Pacelab Suite 5.0.
Nuclear magnetic resonance study of the enhanced ferromagnetic ordering in polycrystalline SrRu1−xCrxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.12)

The ferromagnetic ordering temperature of SrRu1−xCrxO3 increases to 175 and 186 K for x = 0.05 and 0.12, respectively, from 162 K for SrRuO3 (x = 0). 53Cr and 99,101Ru nuclear magnetic resonance reveals that Cr is in a 'valence state' of Cr3+ (), and Ru is in a mixed valence state, namely, Ru4+ () and Ru5+ (). A single Ru NMR signal corresponding to Ru(4+δ)+ is observed, indicating that the spin-down electron in the Ru 4d shell is less localized in SrRu1−xCrxO3 (). This result is consistent with a broadened Ru t2g band and a possible Ru4+(d4)–O2−–Ru5+(d3) as well as Ru4+(d4)–O2−–Cr3+(d3) double-exchange interaction. This exchange interaction involves the Cr3+ in the ferromagnetic ordering and enhances the ordering temperature.
Density Dependence in Growth and Size Structure of NorthernPike Populations

Abstract The density of northern pike Esox lucius was estimated using mark–recapture techniques and compared with measures of growth and population size structure among 12 north-central Minnesota lakes. The relationships between density and either proportional stock density (PSD, a length-frequency index) or mean back-calculated length were negative and nonlinear. Regression of loge density and PSD explained 63% of the variation in PSD, and regressions of loge density and mean back-calculated length by sex for ages 2–5 explained 47% to 67% of the variation in growth rates among lakes. The relationships remained consistent when data from 17 northern Wisconsin lakes were pooled with those from the 12 Minnesota lakes (although the R 2 was reduced). The fastest growth rates and highest PSDs were observed at northern pike densities of less than 12–14 fish/ha. Inclusion of variables related to the productivity of the lakes only marginally improved the predictive capabilities of the relationship between loge den...
Effect of cerebral blood flow generated during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in dogs on maintenance versus recovery of ATP and pH.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation with external chest compression generates low perfusion pressures that may be inadequate for restoring cerebral metabolism and may worsen intracellular pH. We tested the hypothesis that cerebral reperfusion with a low perfusion pressure after arrest restores brain adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and pH to levels attained at the same perfusion pressure without preceding complete ischemia.Brain ATP and intracellular pH were measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cerebral blood flow was measured with microspheres in anesthetized dogs. External chest compressions were begun in group A (n = 6) immediately after the onset of arrest (ie, arrest time zero) and in group B (n = 10) after 6 minutes of arrest (ie, arrest time 6 minutes). In both groups, mean cerebral perfusion pressure was regulated at 30 mm Hg for 70 minutes by adjustment of inflation pressure of a pneumatic thoracic vest.At 12 minutes of resuscitation, cerebral blood flow was 27 +/- 4 mL/min per 100 g in group A...
IBM zEnterprise TM energy efficient 5.2Ghz processor chip

The IBM zEnterprise z196 processor chip is an energy efficient high-frequency, high-performance design that implements 4 processor cores optimized for maximum single-thread performance. Chip energy efficiency is improved by 25% compared to the previous 65nm design, which enables the processor chip to run at product frequency of 5.2 GHz, providing a significant performance boost for the z196 system. This paper discusses the enablement of a high frequency and high performance design with a focus on energy consumption challenges and solutions. Design tradeoffs for processor speed, performance and energy consumption were optimized during project concept phase and practiced through detailed implementation stages on all aspects of the processor design. Various high speed circuit techniques were deployed to achieve the high frequency goal and improve overall energy efficiency. A comprehensive power methodology was developed to calculate leakage and dynamic power dissipation at various workloads. Sustained thermal power as well as instantaneous peak power was analyzed and worked on throughout the entire design process. The final design stays within the system power constraints and achieves a 5.2Ghz product frequency.
Alveolar bone turnover in male rats: site- and age-specific changes.

Background: This study compares alveolar bone turnover adjacent to distally drifting maxillary first molar teeth of rapidly and slowly growing rats. Methods: Two groups of forty male rats (1 and 3 months) were sacrificed. Sera were analyzed for acid (AcP), alkaline (AlkP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Bone histomorphometry was done on parasagittal sections of maxillary molars. Molar drift was quantified cephalometrically. Results: Distal surfaces contained more osteoclasts and higher osteoclast percents than mesials at both ages (P<0.001). There were also more osteoclasts on the distals of the older rats as compared to the young (P<0.001). Osteoblast percents were higher (P<0.001) in the older rats on both surfaces. Mesials had higher doublelabeled surface, MAR and BFR than distals in the younger rats (P<0.001). The younger rats had higher (P<0.001) AlkP, AcP, and TRAP. There were no age-specific differences in rat of molar drift. A model of rate of molar drift (P<0.0015) containing bone formation measures accounts for 54.9% of the variability. Conclusions: We conclude that the bone turnover dynamics adjacent to maxillary first molars represent predominantly remodeling on the distal in both groups and modeling on the mesial only in the young rats, that distal molar tooth drift reflects alveolar bone turnover, and that alveolar bone manifests the marked reduction in bone cell activity that occurs in the rat skeleton after 8 weeks but that this reduction is compensated by recruiment or maintenance of more bone cells at these sites. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Terfenol-D elastomagnetic properties under varied operating conditions using hysteresis loop analysis

This paper presents an experimental study of the effects of varied magnetic bias, AC magnetic field amplitude and frequency on the characteristics of hysteresis loops produced in a magnetostrictive transducer. The study uses a magnetostrictive transducer designed at Iowa State University that utilizes an 11.5 cm (4.54 in) long by 1.27 cm (0.5 in) diameter cylindrical Terfenol-D rod. This transducer allows controlled variation of the following operating conditions: mechanical prestress, magnitude and frequency of AC magnetic field, and magnetic bias. By performing extensive experimental tests, material property trends can be developed for use in the optimization of transducer design parameters for different applications. For the results presented, the magnetic bias, the AC magnetic field amplitude, and the frequency of excitation were independently varied while temperature, mass load and prestress were kept constant. The minor hysteresis loops of the strain versus applied magnetic field, flux density versus applied magnetic field, and magnetization versus applied magnetic field are presented and compared. Material property trends identified from the minor loops are presented for the axial strain coefficient, permeability, susceptibility, and energy losses.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The biopsychosocial effects of restless legs syndrome (RLS)

The symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) are associated with reductions in patients' quality of life (QoL) and mental heath. Sleep disturbance, which is often the most troublesome symptom of RLS, may have a negative impact on patients' daytime cognitive abilities. Research has established a relationship between the symptoms of RLS and mood symptoms, but causality is unclear. Some studies have indicated that the symptoms of RLS precede those of depression or anxiety, and others relate the severity of mood symptoms to the severity of RLS symptoms. Associations between the sleep disturbance produced by RLS and patients' mood symptoms have also been demonstrated. The impact of RLS symptoms and their treatment on QoL, mental health, and cognition are reviewed herein.
The evolution of the welfare state: Shifting rights and responsibilities for the old

This paper juxtaposes discussion of pressures impinging on the contemporary welfare state with material highlighting remarkable changes taking place in the condition of aged populations in industrial nations. Toward acknowledging both the pressures and the new exigencies facing many who are now old, I suggest a means for reassessing how we weigh and address different risks facing the old. Universalism and adequacy are taken as bedrock concerns, but how and where those principles are applied is opened to new exploration.
Linear log-likelihood ratio (L 3 R) algorithm for spectral target detection

The potential of a new class of detection algorithms is demonstrated on an object of practical interest. The continuum fusion (CF) [1] methodology is applied to a linear subspace model. A new algorithm results from first invoking a fusion interpretation of a conventional GLR test and then modifying it with CF methods. Usual performance is enhanced in two ways. First the Gaussian clutter model is replaced by a Laplacian distribution, which is not only more realistic in its tail behavior but, when used in a hypothesis test, also creates decision surfaces more selective than the hyperplanes associated with linear matched filters. Second, a fusion flavor is devised that generalizes the adaptive coherence estimator (ACE) [2, 3] algorithm but has more design flexibility. An IDL/ENVI user interface has been developed and will be described.
Development and field testing of the FootFall planning system for the ATHLETE robots

The FootFall Planning System is a ground-based planning and decision support system designed to facilitate the control of walking activities for the ATHLETE (All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer) family of robots. ATHLETE was developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is a large, six-legged robot designed to serve multiple roles during manned and unmanned missions to the moon; its roles include transportation, construction, and exploration. Over the 4 years from 2006 through 2010 the FootFall Planning System was developed and adapted to two generations of the ATHLETE robots and tested at two analog field sites [the Human Robotic Systems Project's Integrated Field Test at Moses Lake, Washington, June 2008, and the Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS), held at Black Point Lava Flow in Arizona, September 2010]. Having 42 degrees of kinematic freedom, standing to a maximum height of just over 4 m, and having a payload capacity of 450 kg in Earth gravity, the current version of the ATHLETE robot is a uniquely complex system. A central challenge to this work was the compliance of the high-degree-of-freedom robot, especially the compliance of the wheels, which affected many aspects of statically stable walking. This paper reviews the history of the development of the FootFall system, sharing design decisions, field test experiences, and the lessons learned concerning compliance and self-awareness. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postoperative cardiothoracic infection: Diagnostic value of indium-111 white blood cell imaging

Abstract During a 6.5-year period, 50 indium 111-labeled white blood cell scans were obtained in 49 selected patients who had undergone sternotomy. Retrospectively, six sternal wounds and eight cardiovascular prostheses were found to be infected in 13 patients. For Cardiothoracic surgical sites, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of indium-111-labeled white blood cell scintigraphy were 86%, 97%, and 95%, respectively. Whole-body imaging identified the presence of major extramediastinal sites of infection in 10 patients. In patients with complicated Cardiothoracic conditions, indium-111-labeled white blood cell imaging provides valuable diagnostic information regarding a variety of postoperative infections.
The Rate of Formation of Negative Ions by Electron Attachment

By a new method, the fraction $h$ of the collisions between electrons and molecules which result in the attachment of the electron to form a negative ion has been measured in air and oxygen as a function of the average electron energy, the gas pressure, and the moisture content. In oxygen $h$ had a minimum at 0.9 volts average electron energy, and increased with either increase or decrease of the energy from this value. In air $h$ increased as the average electron energy was reduced below 0.9 volts. The absolute value was about 0.4 of that predicted from the value in ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ assuming simple additivity, but this difference is possibly within the limits of error. The variation with electron energy and the order of magnitude of $h$ are in agreement with Bailey's results for air. On the other hand, a rapid increase in $h$ with increase in pressure at constant electron energy was found at low energy, while Bailey's results, which seem more reliable, show no variation with pressure. In ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O $h$ is of the same order of magnitude as in ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, but in mixtures of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ $h$ is much larger than in either alone, showing that here at least the attachment process is complex.