cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Roman Street: Urban Life and Society in Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Rome

Every day Roman urbanites took to the street for myriad tasks, from hawking vegetables and worshipping local deities to simply loitering and socializing. Hartnett takes readers into this thicket of activity as he repopulates Roman streets with their full range of sensations, participants, and events that stretched far beyond simple movement. As everyone from slave to senator met in this communal space, city dwellers found unparalleled opportunities for self-aggrandizing display and the negotiation of social and political tensions. Hartnett charts how Romans preened and paraded in the street, and how they exploited the street's collective space to lob insults and respond to personal rebukes. Combining textual evidence, comparative historical material, and contemporary urban theory with architectural and art historical analysis, The Roman Street offers a social and cultural history of urban spaces that restores them to their rightful place as primary venues for social performance in the ancient world.
CMA: A Reconfigurable Complex Matching Accelerator for Wire-Speed Network Intrusion Detection

The rapid growth in network bandwidth and the ever more sophisticated network attack techniques pose challenges to current network intrusion detection systems (NIDS). While software-based solutions are incapable of performing wire-speed network traffic monitoring, many hardware-based pattern matching solutions also suffer from capacity limitation and high power consumption. To effectively address these challenges, we propose a reconfigurable complex matching accelerator (CMA) enabled by the emerging nonvolatile memory technology (resistive random access memory) to speed up intrusion detection systems with better energy efficiency. Beyond common equality matching in current NIDS, CMA can be configured to provide a comprehensive set of arithmetic matching functions (e.g., less than), resulting in improved utilization and higher energy efficiency. We evaluate CMA using real-world network security benchmarks. On average, it achieves 84.9 percent area reduction, 97.3 percent energy consumption reduction, and 20 percent improvement in searching speed compared to the SRAM-based Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM) design in state-of-the-art NIDS. It also outperforms emerging RRAM-based TCAM (2.5T1R) design in area, energy and search delay, on the set of evaluated workloads.
Molecular orientation in thin monolayer films by infrared spectroscopy

Abstract Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements have been made on monolayer samples of cadmium arachidate in order to determine orientation and molecular packing on the surface. This was accomplished by using both grazing angle reflection methods, where the polarization of the infrared radiation is very close to being perpendicular to the surface, and transmission methods, where the incident optical electric field is polarized parallel to the surface. Hence these two methods are sensitive to molecular vibrations whose change in dipole moment lies along different directions. Our results showed that independent of the substrate, silver for the reflection experiments and silver bromide for the transmission experiments, the chains of the fatty acid salt (no evidence for any free acid was found) are oriented within a few degrees of the normal to the surface of the substrate. From a detailed analysis of the observed vibrational bands in the two orientations, combined with the known literature values and assignments, we were able to make a “complete assignment” of the observed bands. Our experimental results and conclusions will be presented.
Virtual Surgery for the Nasal Airway: A Preliminary Report on Decision Support and Technology Acceptance

ImportanceNasal airway obstruction (NAO) is a common problem that affects patient quality of life. Surgical success for NAO correction is variable. Virtual surgery planning via computational fluid ...
‘Ya veréis, ¡España es una pasada!’Humor y memoria histórica en Nuevas hazañas bélicas

Dentro de la abundante produccion actual sobre la Guerra Civil espanola, destaca una nutrida obra dentro de la literatura grafica. Este trabajo interpreta la serie Nuevas hazanas belicas dentro del debate de la recuperacion de la memoria historica como proyecto, en la que, ademas del realismo documental, prevalece el humor grotesco y la parodia. Nuevas hazanas belicas materializa la evolucion del referente de la Guerra Civil como producto cultural en la Espana contemporanea, a la vez que establece un dialogo con la historia del comic autoctono de posguerra. Este trabajo se detiene con mas detalle en el analisis de una de las entregas, Las aventuras falangistas del joven Samaranch, que muestra la complejidad multimodal en la que confluye critica politica, humor parodico y autorreferencialidad del comic.
Head and Neck Pathology

Papillary carcinoma features the formation of papillae and unique nuclear features like “Orphan Annie Eye” nuclei and psammoma bodies. Melanoma is characterized by melanin pigment and is S100+, HMB 45+, Melan A+ (melanocytic antigen), Tyrosinase+
AIDS Malignancy Clinical Research: Resources of the National Cancer Institute

Many opportunities to answer research questions raised by AIDS malignancies can be addressed through the programs and resources of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). A description of the NCI and its programs and budget can be found at http://www.cancer.gov and are described in greater detail in this review.
Generating tonal distinctions in Mandarin Chinese using an electrolarynx with preprogrammed tone patterns

We created an electrolarynx (EL) that generates tonal distinctions in Mandarin.Tones are identified with greater accuracy in the tonal vs. monotone EL condition.Tonal information enhances EL speech intelligibility and acceptability. An electrolarynx (EL) is a valuable rehabilitative option for individuals who have undergone laryngectomy, but current monotone ELs do not support controlled variations in fundamental frequency for producing tonal languages. The present study examined the production and perception of Mandarin Chinese using a customized hand-held EL driven by computer software to generate tonal distinctions (tonal EL). Four native Mandarin speakers were trained to articulate their speech coincidentally with preprogrammed tonal patterns in order to produce mono- and di-syllabic words with a monotone EL and tonal EL. Three native Mandarin speakers later transcribed and rated the speech samples for intelligibility and acceptability. Results indicated that words produced using the tonal EL were significantly more intelligible and acceptable than those produced using the monotone EL.
Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE™) of AZ91E Flake: A Study of Tooling Features and Processing Effects

Charges of melt-spun AZ91E flake were indirectly extruded into tubes using Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE™). The effect of instrument parameters and tool features on densification and microstructural evolution was studied. At a constant extrusion ratio, the tool rotational velocity varied from 75 to 300 rpm and was demonstrated to reduce the forge force by a factor of four. Modification of the extrusion die face with successively more aggressive scrolled features was found to enhance material flow into the extrusion orifice which led to a 30% reduction in spindle torque. Microstructure, texture and hardness are reported for the range of rpm and scroll geometries investigated. It was observed that the ShAPE™ process is able to retain the average grain size of the as-spun flake (2.5-4 μm) while simultaneously imparting strong textural alignment in the resultant tube.
Optimizing the efficacy of dual-costimulation cancer therapy by engaging tumor-unrelated CD4 T cell help (TUM2P.1009)

Tumor escape following immune therapy can be caused by loss of specifically targeted MHC class I-restricted epitopes. It would thus be beneficial to develop therapies that engage multipronged anti-tumor responses. Agonist mAbs to the TNF/TNFR family costimulatory receptors CD134 plus CD137 (dual costimulation) not only elicits CD8 + CTL, but also cytotoxic CD4 Th1 cells that can directly target MHC-II + tumors. Further, dual costimulated cytotoxic CD4 Th1 cells not only provide linked help to CD8 T cells responding to cross-presented antigen, but can also provide non-linked help that programs Th1/Tc1 functions in antigen-non-responding (bystander) T cells. Here we tested whether engagement of tumor-unrelated CD4 help augments dual costimulation-mediated control of established B16 melanoma that can be induced to express both MHC class I and II. Notably, engagement of tumor-unrelated CD4 T cells dramatically enhanced the ability of dual costimulation to control B16 tumor growth, this effect depended upon both CD8 and CD4 cells, and therapeutic efficacy correlated with increased tumor infiltration of GzmB-expressing effector CD8 and CD4 T cells with a concomitant decrease in Foxp3 + CD4 + cells. Interestingly, the dual costimulated tumor-unrelated CD4 helper T cells themselves appear to require help from a CD134-responsive but presumably antigen-non-responding cell to attain their maximal function.
Intersecting Identities and Racial and Ethnic Minority in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Youth

LGBT youth who are also members of non-dominant racial and ethnic groups must develop both their sexual and racial/ethnic identities as they develop their overall adult identity. As members of dually marginalized groups, youth may encounter stigma at multiple levels, which can profoundly influence their identity formation, lived experiences, and life trajectories. Clinicians caring for racial and ethnic minority LGBT youth have the opportunity to create an affirming environment and explore these specific influences with youth in clinical encounters. This chapter offers a closer look at sexual and racial/ethnic identity development as individual, concurrent, and intersecting processes. It examines sexual stigma, racism, and its impact on racial and ethnic minority LGBT populations. Additionally, it proposes a strength-based clinical approach based on emerging research in the area of resiliency that focuses on youths’ strengths as part of an overall strategy to promote youth development and positive outcomes for racial and ethnic minority LGBT youth.
Characterizing robustness and sensitivity of convolutional neural networks for quantitative analysis of mitochondrial morphology

Background Quantitative analysis of mitochondrial morphology plays important roles in studies of mitochondrial biology. The analysis depends critically on segmentation of mitochondria, the image analysis process of extracting mitochondrial morphology from images. The main goal of this study is to characterize the performance of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in segmentation of mitochondria from fluorescence microscopy images. Recently, CNNs have achieved remarkable success in challenging image segmentation tasks in several disciplines. So far, however, our knowledge of their performance in segmenting biological images remains limited. In particular, we know little about their robustness, which defines their capability of segmenting biological images of different conditions, and their sensitivity, which defines their capability of detecting subtle morphological changes of biological objects.
An Analysis of Search and Authentication Strategies for Online Matching Platforms

Compared to offline matching markets, online matching platforms improve search in the matching process but at the same time increase the problem of authenticating the features and credentials of pr...
Case Series of a Hybrid Closed-Loop System Used in Pregnancies in Clinical Practice

Background Hybrid closed-loop (HCL) therapy is rarely studied in pregnancy. We present three cases of women with type 1 diabetes who used the Medtronic 670G HCL system for most or all of gestation. Methods The Medtronic 670G system has a manual mode (no automated insulin delivery) and an auto mode (AM, HCL therapy). Women in this case series used AM off-label in gestation. Results Case 1 started HCL therapy in the second trimester, her sensor glucose time spent 10 mmol/L improved thereafter. Case 1 had average sensor glucose (ASG) levels of 6.4 ± 2.4 mmol/L in the first trimester, 7.0 ± 2.7 mmol/L in the second trimester before HCL use, 7.1 ± 2.1 mmol/L in the second trimester after HCL use, and 6.8 ± 1.9 mmol/L in the third trimester. Case 1 continued AM during operative delivery and post-partum. Cases 2 and 3 used HCL therapy throughout gestation but with inconsistent time in AM. When they increased time in AM their glycaemic indices improved. Case 2 had ASG of 9.5 ± 3.4, 8.6 ± 2.9, and 7.9 ± 2.5 mmol/L in the first through third trimesters, respectively. Case 3 had ASG of 11.1 ± 4.8 and 3.9 to 10 mmol/L in the first and second trimesters, respectively. Case 2 continued HCL therapy post-partum, Case 3 did not. Conclusions CareLink® Clinical Software only reports the non-pregnant time in range. Nonetheless, this represents the first report of HCL therapy in pregnancy with a system approved by the Food and Drug Administration in non-pregnant populations.
Lifestyle risk factor related disparities in oral cancer examination in the U.S: a population-based cross-sectional study

Oral cancers account for 3% of annual U.S. cancer diagnosis, 2 in 5 of which are diagnosed late when prognosis is poor. The purpose of this study was to report the population-level prevalence of oral cancer examination among adult smokers and alcohol drinkers and assess if these modifiable lifestyle factors are associated with receiving an oral cancer examination. Adult participants ≥30 years (n = 9374) of the 2013–2016 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. Oral cancer examination (yes/no), smoking (never, former, current) and alcohol use (abstainers, former, current) were self-reported. Survey-logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ever and past year oral cancer examination adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, income, and time since last dental visit. One third (33%) reported ever been examined for oral cancer, 66% of whom reported an examination in the past year. Adjusted OR (95% CI) of past year examination comparing current and former smokers to non-smokers were 0.51 (0.29, 0.88) and 0.74 (0.53, 1.04) respectively. Similarly, current and former alcohol drinkers relative to abstainers were less likely to report a past year oral cancer examination, OR (95% CI) = 0.84 (0.53, 1.30) and 0.50 (0.30, 0.83) respectively. This study showed that smokers and alcohol users were less likely than abstainers to self-report a past year oral cancer examination. Access to affordable and targeted oral cancer examination within the dental care setting might ensure that these high-risk individuals get timely examinations and earlier diagnosis that might improve prognosis and survival.
The Parabolic Case: Two Coinciding Characteristics

Parabolic partial differential equations have two coinciding characteristics, which makes them less suitable for the application of complex variables, in contrast to elliptical partial differential equations.
Competing Activation and Deactivation Mechanisms in Photodoped Bismuth Oxybromide Nanoplates Probed by Single-Molecule Fluorescence Imaging.

Oxygen vacancies in semiconductor photocatalysts play several competing roles, serving to both enhance light absorption and charge separation of photoexcited carriers as well as act as recombinatio...
The Effect of Banning Prior Authorization for Emergency Medical Services on Treatment Intensity and Health Outcomes

Prior authorization for emergency medical services was a policy imposed by some managed care organizations in the early 1990s to contain health care costs. We examine whether Act 155, passed by Wisconsin in 1997, banning prior authorization requirement for emergency medical services had any effect on treatment intensity and health outcomes. We consider the effect of the law on (1) how long a patient has to wait before a principal procedure is performed (a measure of delay associated with seeking permission before treatment), (2) hospital charges and length of stay (a measure of treatment intensity), (3) interhospital transfer rate (a measure of interference by managed care since a response to seeking authorization could be transfer to a network hospital), and (5) mortality (a consequence of poor quality care associated with seeking prior authorization). We use individual level data on severely injured auto accident victims in Wisconsin from 1994 to 2002. We identify the effect of the law by using a difference-in-difference methodology that compares two groups of patients. We consider patients with managed care health insurance, who are directly affected by the law, and patients with fee-for-service health insurance, who are not directly affected by the law. The estimation controls for observable characteristics such as accident, patient, and hospital characteristics that are likely to be correlated with our outcome variables. We use individual level data on severely injured auto accident victims with managed care or fee-for-service insurance admitted to the hospital via the emergency room in Wisconsin from 1994 to 2002. This is a sample of about 13,142 admissions. In the four years after Act 155 was implemented, waiting time before a principal procedure is performed decreased by about half a day. In addition, inter-hospital transfer rate decreased by 15 percent and thirty-day mortality decreased by about 24 percent. This corresponds to about 40 lives saved in Wisconsin as a result of passing the law. Extrapolating this to the US population implies that the law saved about 2,100 lives. Act 155 did not have a statistically significant effect on overall hospital charges and length of stay. The results indicate in some circumstances, the type of insurance a patient has could have a significant effect on the type of treatment. In addition, it emphasizes the fact that while cost containment might be a worthwhile goal it should not be at the expense of lives.
An 18-month single-center observational study of real-world use of andexanet alfa in patients with factor Xa inhibitor associated intracranial hemorrhage.

Abstract Objective Intracranial hemorrhage is a life threatening complication of factor Xa inhibitors. Except for results of the open-label, single-arm ANNEXA-4 study, published real-world utilization of andexanet alfa is limited. We present our experience with andexanet alfa use in factor Xa inhibitor associated intracranial hemorrhage. The objective of this study was to assess the hemostatic efficacy and safety following early implementation of andexanet alfa use in factor Xa inhibitor associated intracranial hemorrhage. Methods Single center, retrospective, observational study at a large community teaching hospital and Comprehensive Stroke Center. Consecutive patients with factor Xa inhibitor associated intracranial hemorrhage, spontaneous or traumatic, treated with andexanet alfa. Primary outcome was hemostatic efficacy established by categories of hematoma growth between baseline and follow-up head computerized tomography after andexanet alfa treatment. Safety outcomes included inpatient mortality and 30-day readmission due to a thromboembolic event. Consecutive factor Xa inhibitor associated intracranial hemorrhage treated with andexanet alfa presenting between June 2018 and December 2019 were included. Results Thirty-nine patients with mean age of 81.9 years and median baseline Glasgow Coma Score of 14 were evaluated. Median (IQR) baseline intracerebral hematoma volume was 7.1 mL (2.3-28.5), while baseline thickness for subdural hemorrhage was 12.5 mm (8.0-19.3). In 35 of 39 patients with repeat computerized tomography prior to surgical intervention, excellent/good hemostatic efficacy was seen in 29 (82.9%). Excluded from the hemostatic efficacy estimate were four trauma patients who underwent hematoma evacuation prior to repeat head computerized tomography, nevertheless they had excellent hemostatic effectiveness without perioperative complications or rebleeding. Four (10.3%) patients died during hospitalization and two (5.1%) thrombotic events were observed. Conclusions In this cohort of a real-world utilization of andexanet alfa for reversal of factor Xa inhibitors in patients presenting with intracranial hemorrhage, we observed a high excellent/good hemostatic efficacy rate and lower than reported inpatient mortality and 30-day readmission due to thromboembolism consistent with the findings reported in ANNEXA-4 study. Despite the lack of comparative group, our outcomes, most noticeably hemostatic efficacy and inpatient mortality are consistent with those reported in the literature.
Microglia Inhibition Delays Retinal Degeneration Due to MerTK Phagocytosis Receptor Deficiency

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal diseases characterized by progressive loss of rod followed by cone photoreceptors. An especially early onset form of RP with blindness in teenage years is caused by mutations in mertk, the gene encoding the clearance phagocytosis receptor Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK). The cause for blindness in mutant MerTK-associated RP (mutMerTK-RP) is the failure of retinal pigment epithelial cells in diurnal phagocytosis of spent photoreceptor outer segment debris. However, the early onset and very fast progression of degeneration in mutMerTK-RP remains unexplained. Here, we explored the role of microglia in the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model of mutMerTK-RP. We found elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and CD68 microglia activation marker, and more ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) positive microglia in RCS retina when compared to wild-type retina as early as postnatal day 14 (P14). Strikingly, renewal of photoreceptor outer segments in P14 wild-type rat retina is still immature with low levels of RPE phagocytosis implying that at this early age lack of this process in RCS rats is unlikely to distress photoreceptors. Although the total number of Iba-1 positive retinal microglia remains constant from P14 to P30, we observed increasing numbers of microglia in the outer retina from P20 implying migration to the outer retina before onset of photoreceptor cell death at ~P25. Iba-1 and CD68 levels also increase in the retina during this time period suggesting microglia activation. To determine whether microglia affect the degenerative process, we suppressed retinal microglia in vivo using tamoxifen or a combination of tamoxifen and liposomal clodronate. Treatments partly prevented elevation of Iba-1 and CD68 and relocalization of microglia. Moreover, treatments led to partial but significant retention of photoreceptor viability and photoreceptor function. We conclude that loss of the phagocytosis receptor MerTK causes microglia activation and relocalization in the retina before lack of RPE phagocytosis causes overt retinal degeneration, and that microglia activities accelerate loss of photoreceptors in mutMerTK-RP. These results suggest that therapies targeting microglia may delay onset and slow the progression of this blinding disease.
Toward Never-Ending Learner for Malware Analysis (NELMA)

Malware or malicious software poses an increasing threat to sensitive data and network systems. With the advancement of technology and the omnipresence of internet connectivity and online services, this menace is getting more eminent every day. Malware developers are continually inventing new and better malware and are using different techniques to obfuscate their malcode. Therefore, it is imperative to have an efficient and self-sufficient malware detection system. Machine learning models are capable of producing highly accurate malware classifications. However, there is a growing number of unlabeled datasets that the models rely on for classification. In this paper, we use Semi-Supervised Learning models to detect malicious Android apps. We observe that co-training helps improve classifier performance. We focus our analysis on Android malware and try to determine a set of classifiers that, alone or combined, generate highly accurate predictions. Additionally, we incorporate malware sub-classes into co-training and observe the effect on classifier accuracy.
Managing a High Specific Activity Iobenguane Therapy Clinic: From Operations to Reimbursement.

Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG, iobenguane) is a guanethidine analogue that targets the norepinephrine transporter and, when radiolabeled with the beta-emitter I-131, has been used with varying protocols to treat neuroendocrine tumors, including pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) around the globe for more than 35 years. In 2018 a high specific activity formulation (Azedra®) became the first, and currently only, Food and Drug Administration approved drug to treat unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic PPGL. This editorial will discuss the operational aspects of clinical implementation and use of HSA 131I-MIBG in advanced PPGL patients.
Solid state reactive power modulation for enhancement of maximum power transfer and stability in an interconnected power system

An application of a solid-state static VAr compensator (SSSVC) to modulate the reactive power requirement in the system by controlling the voltage profile of the network is shown. The mathematical model for a single-machine infinite bus is developed based on a prior optimized switching pattern for various modulation indexes which, when applied to the inverter to control the output voltage, enhance the power system dynamics. It is demonstrated that the steady-state stability of a power system can be improved by effective modulation of the reactive power in the system. Voltages and power flows are locally measured at the SSSVC location and conditioned for proper utilization as control signals for the SSSVC to improve the damping of interties. >
Proceedings of the Eighth ACM SIGPLAN workshop on Programming languages and analysis for security

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the ACM SIGPLAN Eighth Workshop on Programming Languages and Analysis for Security -- PLAS'13. As in previous years, our workshop continues to provide a unique forum for exploring and evaluating ideas on the use of programming language and program analysis techniques to improve the security of software systems. The call for papers attracted 14 submissions from Asia, Europe, and North America. The program committee accepted 8 papers that cover a variety of topics, including 6 full papers and 2 position papers. We are also very happy to have two invited speakers: Philippa Gardner and David Sands. We hope that these proceedings will make for a vibrant workshop.
Adjustment of the surgical plan in repair of congenital heart disease: The power of cross-sectional imaging and three-dimensional visualization

The purpose of this article is to study the importance of cross-sectional imaging in preoperative evaluation and surgical planning. Echocardiography is the modality of choice to diagnose cardiac diseases. However, in some cases, the data obtained from echocardiogram are insufficient or the image quality is poor. In these cases, additional modalities are being used to provide further information that can aid in guiding medical management of or surgical planning for the patient. Cross-sectional imaging has become widely available in many institutions. These imaging techniques, especially with three-dimensional reconstructions, provide realistic images that have imperative diagnostic values. Moreover, the possibility of sophisticated image-processing techniques provides important hemodynamic characteristics via less invasive methods. In this article, we present three cases in which additional cross-sectional imaging seemed to be a crucial step prior to surgical planning.
Orthonormal bases of bandlimited wavelets with frequency overlap

Motivated by their utility in coding of digital communication signals, numerous examples of orthonormal wavelet sets that are generated from a bandlimited mother wavelet have been constructed. In most of these examples, orthogonality of the replicates at different scales is achieved by ensuring that the frequency domain supports at every scale are disjoint. Given the mother wavelet for such a set, this paper describes how it can be extended to yield a new bandlimited mother wavelet which generates an orthonormal set and whose dilated replicates overlap in the frequency domain. The utility of these wavelets to improve robustness of wavelet-coded communication signals with respect to demodulation by an unintended receiver is also discussed. The possibility of developing a new class of symbols by unitary warping of the frequency axis is also considered, but is shown not to be viable. If used as symbols in a wavelet-based multiple access communication system, these wavelets should improve robustness with respect to demodulation.
The role of orbit determination in satellite altimeter data analysis

The satellite-borne radar altimeters on GEOS 3 and SEASAT produce high-precision measurement of distance from the satellite to the ocean surface. However, the precision of the GEOS 3 altimeter (~50 cm) and especially the forthcoming SEASAT (~10 cm) instrument far exceeds our ability to determine the position of either satellite using conventional electronic or laser-tracking methods. Thus special techniques are required to prevent the uncertainty of the satellite position from degrading the value of the altimeter data. The altimeter data themselves provide a solution to this problem. Using the condition that intersections of passes of altimeter data must measure the same time-invariant part of the sea-surface height, the root-mean-square error of 292 intersections of 47 passes of GEOS 3 altimeter data from the Atlantic Ocean was reduced from 17 m to 44 cm. Simulations of the SEASAT problem also show that altimeter data can aid in determining the satellite orbit, and have their greatest value when radar or laser tracking is sparse.
Effects of Multistage Coupling and Disk Flexibility on Mistuned Bladed Disk Dynamics

The effects ofdisk flexibility and multistage coupling on the dynamics of bladed disks with and without blade mistuning are investigated. Both free and forced responses are examined using finite element representations of example single and two-stage rotor models. The reported work demonstrates the importance of proper treatment of interstage (stage-to-stage) boundaries in order to yield adequate capture of disk-blade modal interaction in eigenfrequency veering regions. The modified disk-blade modal interactions resulting from interstage-coupling-induced changes in disk flexibility are found to have a significant impact on (a) tuned responses due to excitations passing through eigenfrequency veering regions, and (b) a design's sensitivity to blade mistuning. Hence, the findings in this paper suggest that multistage analyses may be required when excitations are expected to fall in or near eigenfrequency veering regions or when the sensitivity to blade mistuning is to be accounted for Conversely, the observed sensitivity to disk flexibility also indicates that the severity of unfavorable structural interblade coupling may be reduced significantly by redesigning the disk(s) and stage-to-stage connectivity. The relatively drastic effects of such modifications illustrated in this work indicate that the design modifications required to alleviate veering-related response problems may be less comprehensive than what might have been expected.
Absence of perspective processing in the pigeon

Abstract Pigeons learn no more of the visual projections of a three dimensional object than of an abstract object. They lack the capacity to integrate the transformations of perspective.
Oxidative stress induced by loss of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) or superoxide-generating herbicides causes axonal degeneration in mouse DRG cultures

Axonal degeneration is a common pathologic feature in peripheral neuropathy, neurodegenerative disease, and normal aging. Oxidative stress may be an important mechanism of axonal degeneration, but is underrepresented among current experimental models. To test the effects of loss of the antioxidant enzyme Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) on axon survival, we cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from SOD1 knockout mice. Beginning as early as 48–72 h, we observed striking degeneration of Sod1−/− axons that was prevented by introduction of human SOD1 and was attenuated by antioxidant treatment. To test susceptibility to increased superoxide production, we exposed wild-type DRGs to the redox-cycling herbicides paraquat and diquat (DQ). Dose-dependent axon degeneration was observed, and toxicity of DQ was exacerbated by SOD1 deficiency. MTT staining suggested that DRG axons are more susceptible to injury than their parent cell bodies in both paradigms. Taken together, these data demonstrate susceptibility of DRG axons to oxidative stress-mediated injury due to loss of SOD1 or excess superoxide production. These in vitro models provide a novel means of investigating oxidative stress-mediated injury to axons, to improve our understanding of axonal redox control and dysfunction in peripheral neuropathy.
Cell Encapsulating Biomaterial Regulates Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Differentiation and Macrophage Immunophenotype

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) encapsulation within a biomatrix could improve cellular delivery and extend survival and residence time over conventional intravenous administration. Although MSCs modulate monocyte/macrophage (Mo) immunophenotypic properties, little is known about how such interactions are influenced when MSCs are entrapped within a biomaterial. Furthermore, the impact of the cell-encapsulating matrix on MSC multipotency and on Mos, which infiltrate biomaterials, remains poorly understood. Here we elucidate this three-way interaction. The Mo immunophenotype and MSC differentiation were examined with regard to established and experimental collagen-based biomaterials for MSC entrapment. Tumor necrosis factor-α secretion was acutely inhibited at 4 days. MSCs cocultured with Mos demonstrated attenuated chondrocyte differentiation, whereas osteoblast differentiation was enhanced. Adipocyte differentiation was considerably enhanced for MSCs entrapped within the gelatin/polyethylene glycol-based matrix. A better understanding of the effect of cell encapsulation on differentiation potency and immunomodulation of MSCs is essential for MSC-based, biomaterial-enabled therapies.
Blood pressure following microinjection of somatostatin related peptides into the rat nucleus tractus solitarii

The possible role of medullary somatostatin as a neurotransmitter involved in blood pressure regulation was examined. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured in pentobarbital anesthetized rats while pmol quantities of somatostatin-28 (SS28), SS28-(15–28) (somatostatin-14), SS28-(1–12) or SS28-1(1–10) were injected into the caudal nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Injection of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF; 500 nl/10 s) alone was followed by a small (2 mmHg) statistically insignificant decrease in blood pressure. SS28, SS28-(15–28) or SS28-(1–12) induced an immediate and statistically significant decrease in blood pressure as compared to vehicle alone. SS28-(1–10) had no significant effect. SS28 was tested at three doses. The lowest dose of SS28 (2.5 pmol) induced an 8 mmHg drop in blood pressure, the medium dose (25 pmol), an 11 mmHg drop and the highest dose (250 pmol) a 16 mmHg drop. The other peptide fragments were tested only at the higher 250 pmol dose. SS28-(1–12) induced a significantly (P < 0.01) less drop in blood pressure (10 mmHg) when compared to either SS28 or SS28-(15–28) (18–19 mmHg). The hypotensive and bradycardiac effects of SS28 were prevented by pretreatment with methylscopolamine (5 mg/kg i.p.) 10 min prior to SS28. The cardiovascular effects of intramedullary injected SS28 were also blocked with an ipsilateral NTS injection of yohimbine or tolazoline 10 min prior to SS28. These data indicate that the hypotension and bradycardia following the intramedullary injection of SS28 is mediated through the parasympathetic nervous system and that the C-terminal portion of SS28 and SS28-(15–28) is important for potency, but not obligatory, for efficacy. In addition, because two different adrenergic blocking agents can prevent the cardiovascular effects of somatostatin, central adrenergic mechanisms may be involved.
Acquisition of immunity to the protozoan parasite Eimeria adenoeides in turkey poults and cellular responses to infection

Abstract Newly hatched turkey poults were infected with 102 oocysts of Eimeria adenoeides and subsequently reinfected with 103 and 104 oocysts at 6 and 12 d of age, respectively. Three peaks in oocyst production were observed in the feces of poults following this series of infections. A second group of poults given the same dosing regimen was challenged with 5 × 104 oocysts/poult at different times to evaluate the acquisition of immunity. Judging by weight gain and mortality, no protection had been acquired at 6 d of age, but partial protection was observed by 12 and 18 d of age. A third group of poults were also infected with 102 oocysts and subsequently reinfected with 103 and 104 oocysts at 6 and 12 d of age to evaluate cellular immune responses to infection. Sections of ceca from infected poults showed a significantly higher leukocyte infiltration on d 6, 10, 12, 16, and 18 after infection than uninfected controls. The percent area occupied by CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the ceca, as assessed by immunohistochemistry, was significantly elevated in infected poults on d 12, 16, and 18. The relative expression of chemokine CXCLi2, and cytokines IL1β, IFNγ, IL10, IL13, IL2, IL12b, and IL18 was measured by real-time reverse-transcription PCR. The expression of CXCLi2 and IL10 was found to be elevated on d 12, and IFNγ on d 10, 12, and 16. Expression of IL13 and IL18 was increased on d 10 and IL2 on d 10 and 16, and that of IL12b on d 16 in infected poults. Increase in the infiltration of leukocytes, percent area occupied by CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, and changes in the relative expression of cytokines in the ceca characterize the dynamics of immune responses in turkey poults infected with E. adenoeides early in life.
Exploring Personal History: A Case Study of an Italian Immigrant Woman

This paper is a study of an Italian immigrant woman based on interviews conducted with my grandmother in 1996. Her testimony alongside traditional conceptual frameworks shows that interpreting oral history is a work that must be handled with care. With this article, I have tried to give validity and context to the uniqueness of the experience of an Italian-American immigrant woman. I also argue against Virignia Yans-McLaughlin's interpretation of interviews and the basis of her comparative work. Following Jurgen Habermas's call for self-knowledge in Knowledge and Human Interests (1968), this paper is a work of personal discovery as well as an attempt to liberate and take responsibility for the ways in which interpretation of immigrant testimony can enforce presuppositions and suppress careful and interested dialogue about gender difference and ethnic diversity.
Reflection and professional identity in teachers' future-oriented discourse

Abstract Educational researchers have recently suggested that Schon's influential model of the ‘reflective practitioner’ lacks a prospective, or future, dimension. In this study, we examine instances of future-oriented talk produced by novice English as-a-second-language (ESL) teachers during mentoring meetings in one North American university setting. Context-specific functions of future-oriented discourse (e.g., planning, prediction) are investigated in relation to reflective thinking and teacher identity. We illustrate how teacher mentoring meetings represent discursive spaces in which novice teachers have an opportunity to verbalize plans, predict outcomes, consider possibilities, and reflect on their evolving pedagogical practices. We argue that teacher mentors should become aware of these important functions, and encourage prospective reflection in novice teachers.
A 0.18μm CMOS Distributed Transversal Filter with Binary-Weighted Gain Cell Design

In this paper, we introduce binary-weighted digital control into the gain cell design of a distributed transversal filter (DTF) to demonstrate the benefits of digitally-assisted RF circuits. By effectively integrating a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) into the gain cell, the new design can improve gain cell's linearity and hence DTF's dynamic range. A 5-tap DTF prototype was designed and implemented in a standard 0.18μm digital CMOS technology, using LC artificial transmission lines with on-chip spiral inductors, and gain cells with a quasi-differential amplifier design. 3-bit digital control and analog tuning are both implemented for gain control in each gain cell. The new design achieves a dynamic range of 13 dB. UWB waveforms are generated using the DTF prototype.
Business Cycles, Seasonal Cycles, and Common Trends

Abstract This paper examines the econometric implications of real business cycle models at long-run and seasonal frequencies using U.S. data. It finds little support for the hypothesis that consumption, investment, and output are driven by a common long-run trend, despite previous results to the contrary based on seasonally adjusted data. There is evidence of a strong seasonal cycle in these variables, but these seasonal patterns change over time and are therefore not deterministic. Consumption and investment appear to be cointegrated with output at seasonal frequencies, indicating that these variables share a common seasonal stochastic trend.
MAXLOG: A computer program for the estimation of the parameters of a multidimensional logistic model

Les auteurs presentent le programme MAXLOG permettant de realiser une estimation de la probabilite maximale des parametres d'un modele fonde sur la theorie du trait latent mais applicable a des tests multidimensionnels
Applications of high-resolution spatial discretization scheme and Jacobian-free Newton–Krylov method in two-phase flow problems

The majority of the existing reactor system analysis codes were developed using low-order numerical schemes in both space and time. In many nuclear thermal–hydraulics applications, it is desirable to use higher-order numerical schemes to reduce numerical errors. High-resolution spatial discretization schemes provide high order spatial accuracy in smooth regions and capture sharp spatial discontinuity without nonphysical spatial oscillations. In this work, we adapted an existing high-resolution spatial discretization scheme on staggered grids in two-phase flow applications. Fully implicit time integration schemes were also implemented to reduce numerical errors from operator-splitting types of time integration schemes. The resulting nonlinear system has been successfully solved using the Jacobian-free Newton–Krylov (JFNK) method. The high-resolution spatial discretization and high-order fully implicit time integration numerical schemes were tested and numerically verified for several two-phase test problems, including a two-phase advection problem, a two-phase advection with phase appearance/disappearance problem, and the water faucet problem. Numerical results clearly demonstrated the advantages of using such high-resolution spatial and high-order temporal numerical schemes to significantly reduce numerical diffusion and therefore improve accuracy. Our study also demonstrated that the JFNK method is stable and robust in solving two-phase flow problems, even when phase appearance/disappearance exists.
Intracellular recording from cat spinal interneurons during acute asphyxiation

Summary Changes in membrane and action potentials of spinal interneurons in the cat were recorded intracellularly during acute asphyxiation. A correction had to be made for the spinal asphyxial potential which develops in the first 2–3 min of asphyxiation and which interferes with the membrane potential record. After making this correction a gradual drop in membrane potential at a rate of 3–4 mV/min was found, beginning within a fraction of a minute after asphyxiation.
The effects of subjects' level of assertiveness, sex, and legitimacy of request on assertion-relevant cognitions: An analysis by postperformance videotape reconstruction

Male and female college students were classified into assertive and nonassertive groups on the basis of self-report and behavioral criteria. Each subject then role-played a series of situations in which the role-play partner made requests of varying degrees of unreasonableness. Utilizing Meichenbaum's postperformance videotape reconstruction procedure, subjects viewed videotaped recordings of their role-play performances and provided audiotaped recordings of the cognitions they experienced while role-playing. In contrast to the findings of previous investigations that have studied assertion-relevant cognitions through the use of structured self-statement questionnaires, few differences occurred between assertive and nonassertive subjects. However, several significant findings occurred as a function of the rated legitimacy of the requests. Implications of these data for both cognitive assessment and understanding of assertive behavior are discussed.
Usability issues with 3D user interfaces for adolescents with high functioning autism

Most literature on the usability of 3D user interfaces (3DUI) in ASD therapy consists of a series of case studies based on games for rehabilitation. These games have been largely successful. However, it is difficult to generalize the results of these specific case studies. The usability of atomic 3DUI interactions (e.g., rotation, translation) with respect to adolescents with ASD has not yet been evaluated. Adolescents with ASD often have enhanced spatial cognitive abilities and less efficient hand-eye coordination. Our main research question is "Do adolescents with ASD perform 3DUI tasks differently than typically developed adolescents and if so, why?" To address this question, we present a matched pair user study including adolescents without ASD (i.e. as controls) paired with adolescents who had a high ASD severity score, but were still considered high functioning. Our results give insight into the usability of 3DUI for adolescents with ASD and provide generalizable guidelines for future 3DUI applications for children with autism.
Variable temperature 127I MAS NMR of βAgI. Sensitivity of the 127I MAS linewidth to Ag+ diffusion

Abstract Variable temperature 127 I MAS NMR of βAgI powder, measured from 123 to 413 K is sensitive to Ag + diffusion through the iodine lattice. In low temperature spectra, the iodine ions appear to be in nearly static environments in agreement with the low temperature crystal structure. However, at higher temperatures, substantial broadening of the central transition occurs along with the disappearance of spinning sidebands. The temperature dependence of the central transition linewidth is consistent with the presence of two types of Ag + diffusion with activation energies of 0.17 and 0.0080 eV.
Gail Model Risk Assessment and Risk Perceptions

Patients can benefit from accessible breast cancer risk information. The Gail model is a well-known means of providing risk information to patients and for guiding clinical decisions. Risk presentation often includes 5-year and lifetime percent chances for a woman to develop breast cancer. How do women perceive their risks after Gail model risk assessment? This exploratory study used a randomized clinical trial design to address this question among women not previously selected for breast cancer risk. Results suggest a brief risk assessment intervention changes quantitative and comparative risk perceptions and improves accuracy. This study improves our understanding of risk perceptions by evaluating an intervention in a population not previously selected for high-risk status and measuring perceptions in a variety of formats.