cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure and function of the non-classical major histocompatibility complex molecule MR1

Polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules play a central role in the vertebrate adaptive immune system. By presenting short peptides derived from pathogen-derived proteins, these "classical" MHC molecules can alert the T cell branch of the immune system of infected cells and clear the pathogen. There exist other "non-classical" MHC molecules, which while similar in structure to classical MHC proteins, are contrasted by their limited polymorphism. While the functions of many class Ib MHC molecules have still to be elucidated, the nature and diversity of antigens (if any) that some of them might present to the immune system is expected to be more restricted and might function as another approach to distinguish self from non-self. The MHC-related 1 (MR1) molecule is a member of this family of non-classical MHC proteins. It was recently shown to present unique antigens in the form of vitamin metabolites found in certain microbes. MR1 is strongly conserved genetically, structurally, and functionally through mammalian evolution, indicating its necessity in ensuring an effective immune system for members of this class. Although MR1 will be celebrating 21 years this year since its discovery, most of our understanding of how this molecule functions has only been uncovered in the past decade. Herein, we discuss where MR1 is expressed, how it selectively is able to bind to its appropriate antigens and how it, then, is able to specifically activate a distinct population of T cells.
Pigments: Iron and Friends

Iron, particularly hemosiderin, is a commonly observed pigment in cytology. Many pigments appear green to blue to black, making differentiation of pigment types difficult. While cytologic clues such as erythrophagia can help determine whether pigment is iron, Perl's Prussian Blue stain is used to highlight iron when these clues are not present. Other special stains can identify similar pigments such as copper. Identification of pigments is important as it directs cytologic interpretation, thus directly influencing patient diagnosis. This paper also presents basic iron metabolism, iron disorders in small animals, and laboratory assessment of iron disorders.
Exploring socio-demographics, mobility, and living arrangement as risk factors for academic performance among children experiencing homelessness

ABSTRACTHomeless children usually experience high mobility. Yet, it is not clear if the degree of mobility among homeless children is associated with their academic performance. Furthermore, an emerging body of literature is beginning to examine the impact of specific living arrangements (e.g., living with families or friends) on homeless family and child outcomes. This research aimed to examine the effects of demographic risk factors, as well as mobility and type of living arrangement, on the academic performance of homeless children receiving educational support through the McKinney-Vento Act. Although neither mobility or living arrangement were associated with standardized test achievement, minority status, gender, special learning needs, and absenteeism still presented as risk factors for academic achievement in this sample of children experiencing homelessness. Recommendations for teacher practices and classroom instructions are presented.
Nanophotonic atomic-frequency-comb quantum memory based on a rare-earth doped photonic crystal cavity

We demonstrate an efficient atomic frequency comb quantum memory based on an impedance-matched nanophotonic cavity fabricated in an Nd doped YVO crystal. Storage of time-bin qubits with 97% fidelity is achieved.
Time-dependent spectrum of a single photon and its positive-operator-valued measure

Suppose we measure the time-dependent spectrum of a single photon. That is, we first send the photon through a set of frequency filters (which we assume to have different filter frequencies but the same finite bandwidth $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$) and then record at what time (with some finite precision $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}t$ and some finite efficiency $\ensuremath{\eta}$) and after passing what filter the photon is detected. What is the positive-operator-valued measure (POVM), the most general description of a quantum measurement, corresponding to such a measurement? We show how to construct the POVM in various cases, with special interest in the case $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}t\ensuremath{\ll}1$ (time-frequency uncertainty still holds, even in that limit). One application of the formalism is to heralding single photons. We also find a Hong-Ou-Mandel type of interference effect with two photons entering a frequency filter.
Accountability Studies on Air Pollution and Health: the HEI Experience

Assessing health effects of air quality interventions is of ever-increasing interest. Given the prominent role Health Effects Institute (HEI) has played in accountability research, this review focuses on HEI’s recent experiences, the challenges it has encountered, and provides possible directions for future research. Most accountability studies to date have focused on effects of relatively short-term, local-scale, and sometimes temporary interventions. Only a few recent accountability studies have sought to investigate large-scale, multiyear regulatory programs. Common challenges encountered include lack of statistical power, how to account appropriately for background trends in air quality and health, and difficulties in direct attribution of changes in air pollution and health to a single intervention among many regulatory actions. New methods have been developed for accountability research that has shown promise addressing some of those challenges, including use of causal inference methods. These and other approaches that would enhance the attribution of changes in air quality and health directly to an intervention should continue to be further explored. In addition, integration of social and behavioral sciences in accountability research is warranted, and climate related co-benefits and dis-benefits may be considered.
Paralleling 650 V/ 60 A GaN HEMTs for high power high efficiency applications

In this paper, the design and operation of two 650 V/ 60 A Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices in parallel is discussed in detail, further, the challenges faced and the trade-offs required for paralleling high speed GaN devices are also examined. The dynamic characterization of two devices in parallel is presented in detail. The phase leg design requires both power loops and gate loops to be as small and as identical as possible for the two devices as for high speed GaN devices, even a small parasitic inductance or capacitance added due to the layout causes high overshoot in device voltage and current. The Double pulse tester (DPTer) design required for dynamic characterization of devices in parallel is slightly different from the phase leg design. Each device current is measured separately using a current shunt connected in series with the device. The shunts also add parasitic inductances in series with each device which limits the performance of the DPTer. Dynamic characterization performed includes characterization of a single device till 400 V, 60 A which then goes on to discuss characterization for paralleled devices. The major challenge faced in paralleling is the issue of circulating current between the two devices during turn-on transient which is discussed in detail, its causes and ways to mitigate the circulating current are also presented. This paper also examines two designs-the first one is the recommended design from GaN Systems[1] which uses the same split off-state and split on-state gate resistors, thus using only one resistor to control circulating current, turn-off speed and the Miller effect. The second design presented is the improved version of the recommended design which has completely different split on-state and split off-state gate resistors, thus using different gate resistors to control circulating current and turn-off speed. The performance of both the designs is compared from Double Pulse Test (DPT) results.
Species, tree size, and overstory environment affect likelihood of ice storm damage to understory trees in a mature Douglas-fir forest

Abstract Glaze events (i.e., ice storms) are a potential source of disturbance whose effects have not been heavily researched in forests in the Pacific Northwest. This study examines the effects of species, size, and overstory environment on occurrence, source, and severity of damage sustained by planted understory trees in a mature Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) forest as a result of the glaze event that struck the central Oregon Coast Range in November 2014. Understory tree species were Douglas-fir, grand fir ( Abies grandis (Douglas ex D. Don) Lindl.), western hemlock ( Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), and western redcedar ( Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don). Overall, western redcedar was damaged least frequently, and western hemlock was damaged most frequently. Redcedar was less susceptible to crown damage and more susceptible to bending damage than the other three species, while hemlock showed the opposite trend. We found significantly lower (P
The Wadden Sea Wetlands: A Multi-jurisdictional Challenge

This is a story of a very large coastal wetland complex bordering the North Sea plus three countries in Europe. Intertwined with a multi-jurisdictional management issues is the role of several NGOs most notably the Society for the Preservation of the Wadden Sea. This case study will present the wetland resource, the various threats to the resource, a three-country institutional context, and finally the role and history of the NGOs involved.
Queering Isabella: The ‘She-Wolf of France’ in Film and Television

Queen Isabella, wife of Edward II of England, is an archetypal symbol of troubling female authority from the Middle Ages. The reputation of Isabella as the ‘She Wolf of France’ has been reproduced in modern times in television and film. Isabella’s image is considered through five films or TV series: televisual adaptations in 1972–1973 and 2005 of Maurice Druon’s series Les Rois maudits; Derek Jarman’s Edward II (1991, based on the play by Marlowe); Mel Gibson’s Braveheart (1995); and the 2012 television miniseries adaptation of Ken Follett’s novel World Without End.
On edge correction of conditional and intrinsic autoregressions

SUMMARYThis paper discusses edge correction for a large class of conditional and intrinsic autoregressions on two-dimensional finite regular arrays. The proposed method includes a novel reparameterization, retains the simple neighbourhood structure, ensures the nonnegative definiteness of the precision matrix, and enables scalable matrix-free statistical computation. The edge correction provides new insight into how higher-order differencing enters into the precision matrix of a conditional autoregression.
Why the power theory has a limited contribution to studies on the supply and loading quality

Studies on the power theory and studies on the supply quality and the loading quality refer to the same object, namely, to systems with nonsinusoidal and asymmetrical voltages and current, but from a different perspective and with different objectives. One would expect that the power theory, focused on power properties of electrical systems, will provide theoretical fundamentals for studies on the supply quality and the loading quality. It has occurred, that these studies were not supported substantially by the power theory, however. A major lag in the development of the power theory over the whole XX century was the main cause of it. Even worse than that, a number of misconceptions regarding power properties of electrical systems were disseminated in the electrical engineering community. An overview of such misconceptions that could have a detrimental effect on studies on the supply quality and loading quality in electrical systems is presented in this paper. A draft of the Currents' Physical Components (CPC) - based power theory of electrical systems, which provides interpretation of powers related physical phenomena, is presented as well.
Higher Stages? Some Cautions for Christian Integration with Kohlberg's Theory

This essay examines the broad spectrum of Christian responses to Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning and urges caution when integrating Kohlberg's theory with Christian Scripture. The past integra...
Estimating individual-tree aboveground biomass of tree species in the western U.S.A.

Using a large dataset compiled from studies over the years covering 23 tree species, we developed methods to estimate total and components (stem, bark, branch, and foliage) of aboveground live tree...
Update in rheumatology: evidence published in 2010.

This Update summarizes studies published in 2010 that the author considers highly relevant to the practice of rheumatology. Topics include osteoporosis, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associat...
Data providing detailed county level information for eWIC rollout in Ohio.

Abstract By October 2020, states across the nation must deliver benefits for the WIC program via electronic benefits transfer, also referred to as eWIC. The state of Ohio made the transition from 2014 to 2015 and staggered implementation across counties. In this article, we present county-level data on the specific dates Ohio counties changed to eWIC. We also present detailed demographic data for the counties included in each roll-out date.
Unilateral segmental Darier's disease associated with neuropsychiatric disorders

Unilateral segmental Darier's disease (DD) is a rare variant of DD that presents with erythematic lesions in a unilateral distribution without other associated features of DD. Although diagnosis is challenging, unilateral segmental DD should be considered for an acantholytic dermatosis in a unilateral distribution and a history of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Papillomavirus DNA not detected in canine lobular orbital adenoma and normal conjunctival tissue

Canine lobular orbital adenomas are benign tumors that arise from orbital glandular tissue and extend into the orbit, conjunctiva, and third eyelid. Surgical excision is challenging and recurrence rates are high following excision alone. Enucleation and exenteration reduces the likelihood of recurrence, but is a radical therapeutic option for an otherwise visual and comfortable eye. Human papillomavirus causes 4.5% of worldwide cancers in people and has been identified in up to 23% of benign salivary gland tumors. To date, the etiology of canine lobular orbital adenomas has not been established and it is reasonable to consider canine papillomaviruses as an associative agent with benign glandular tumors in dogs. Identification of the underlying etiology of these tumors may help establish treatment or preventative measures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate conjunctival and orbital tissue of phenotypically normal dogs and tissue from canine lobular orbital adenomas for the presence of papillomavirus DNA. Thirty seven canine lobular orbital adenoma samples (36 formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from 33 dogs and one freshly collected sample) were evaluated via polymerase chain reaction for the presence of papillomavirus DNA. Conjunctival tissue samples, from 10 dogs with normal ocular examinations, excised immediately following euthanasia, were used as phenotypically normal controls. Three FFPE and one freshly collected tissue samples previously confirmed to be positive for papillomavirus DNA were used as positive controls. PCR products verified positive controls. Papillomavirus DNA was not detected in fresh conjunctival tissue of the phenotypically normal control dogs or in samples of fresh or FFPE canine lobular orbital adenoma tissue. An association between papillomavirus and the development of canine lobular orbital adenomas is unlikely. Further research is needed to evaluate if other viruses play a role in the pathogenesis of canine lobular orbital adenomas.
Open world assistive grasping using laser selection

Many people with motor disabilities are unable to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) without assistance. This paper describes a complete robotic system developed to provide mobile grasping assistance for ADLs. The system is comprised of a robot arm from a Rethink Robotics Baxter robot mounted to an assistive mobility device, a control system for that arm, and a user interface with a variety of access methods for selecting desired objects. The system uses grasp detection to allow previously unseen objects to be picked up by the system. The grasp detection algorithms also allow for objects to be grasped in cluttered environments. We evaluate our system in a number of experiments on a large variety of objects. Overall, we achieve an object selection success rate of 88% and a grasp detection success rate of 90% in a non-mobile scenario, and success rates of 89% and 72% in a mobile scenario.
Emotional Development: Cultural Influences on Young Children’s Emotional Competence

Children’s emotional development follows a complex trajectory, characterized by the interaction of nature and nurture. Although emotional development occurs across the lifespan, basic emotions appear at birth, and secondary or self-conscious emotions appear soon afterward. Children’s emotion socialization often begins with parents, but many others, including peers and teachers, serve as agents of socialization. The goal of emotion socialization is to develop emotional competence in children, setting them up for success within their cultural context. Interactions with parents, other family members, and peers teach children to recognize and understand their own and others’ emotions. Children also quickly learn culturally acceptable ways to express and regulate their emotions. Parental ethnotheories reflect cultural beliefs about emotions and subsequently influence the ways parents respond to and reminisce about emotional behaviors and events with their children. Though gender and socioeconomic differences also affect the emotion socialization of children, culture has a pervasive influence on emotional competence. Simply put, the study of emotional development cannot be separated from culture.
Worker centers: labor policy as a carrot, not a stick

Worker centers empower communities of workers that are challenging for labor unions to organize. This includes immigrant workers and other vulnerable workers in high turnover jobs. These centers often organize workers that fall within the definition of “employee” under the Depression-era laws designed to protect some forms of collective worker activity from employer retaliation. Although employees associated with these centers can benefit from labor law’s carrot, worker centers are not “labor organizations” subject to labor law’s vast reporting requirements and restrictions on associational behavior (labor law’s stick). We use an original study of worker centers’ filings to the Internal Revenue Service to reveal that worker centers are more similar to nonprofits, than labor organizations. Both First Amendment and labor law principles affirm the characterization of worker centers as organizations that are not subject to labor law’s stick. Providing worker centers access to labor law’s carrot, but not its stick, is particularly compelling given that they are operating at a historical moment when income inequality parallels New Deal levels and hostility to worker organizations and workers’ rights is pervasive. Our carrot-but-not-a-stick approach has implications for the vitality of American labor policy. It opens up space for emerging worker centers to expand their efforts to amplify employee voice and improve the working lives of the growing low-wage workforce.
Research on Intergovernmental Lobbying in the United States: Assessing the Benefits of Accumulated Knowledge

In the last 15 years, there has been a growing accumulation of research on lobbyists and lobbying offices that represent state and local governments in either Washington or in state capitals. This essay seeks to cumulate the scope of these and earlier efforts, and assess where our knowledge is deepest and where significant unanswered questions remain. In general, we know more about lobbyists who represent governors and more about lobbying in the federal arena. We know less about lobbying by those representing other types of public officials and less about lobbying in state capitals. Recent research on local government lobbying, however, has led to significant gains in our ability to measure the financial benefits of intergovernmental lobbying.
Presentation Attack Detection Framework

Biometric-based authentication systems are becoming the preferred choice to replace password-based authentication systems. Among several variations of biometrics (e.g., face, eye, fingerprint), iris-based authentication is commonly used in every day applications. In iris-based authentication systems, iris images from legitimate users are captured and certain features are extracted to be used for matching during the authentication process. Literature works suggest that iris-based authentication systems can be subject to presentation attacks where an attacker obtains printed copy of the victim’s eye image and displays it in front of an authentication system to gain unauthorized access. Such attacks can be performed by displaying static eye images on mobile devices or iPad (known as screen attacks). As iris features are not changed, once an iris feature is compromised, it is hard to avoid this type of attack. Existing approaches relying on static features of the iris are not suitable to prevent presentation attacks. Feature from live Iris (or liveness detection) is a promising approach. Further, additional layer of security from iris feature can enable hardening the security of authentication system that existing works do not address. To address these limitations, this chapter introduces iris signature generation based on the area between the pupil and the cornea. Our approach relies on capturing iris images using near infrared light. We train two classifiers to capture the area between the pupil and the cornea. The image of iris is then stored in the database. This approach generates a QR code from the iris. The code acts as a password (additional layer of security) and a user is required to provide it during authentication. The approach has been tested using samples obtained from publicly available iris database. The initial results show that the proposed approach has lower false positive and false negative rates.
Remediation and Remembrance: 'Dancing Auschwitz' Collective Memory and New Media

A new generation is changing the face of Holocaust remembrance, a morally laden subject that continues to captivate public imagination, spark controversy and generate dialogue, now by using social media. In summer 2010, controversy erupted worldwide as 'Dancing Auschwitz,' a YouTube video of a Jewish family dancing at various Holocaust remembrance sites, defied the existing cultural narrative through a novel expression of Holocaust remembrance. The artifact exemplifies the larger debate whether technology aids memory as successfully as we believe or whether by freeing us from the burden encourages us to forget. We argue that virtual memorials can fulfill roles left vacant by more traditional forms of remembrance and open new avenues of communication and expression that allow participants, especially Germans and Jews, to re-mediate their identities. Virtual memorials can enhance the remembrance experience by cultivating fluid, interactive and creative spaces that encourage high degrees of participation, collaboration and self-expression. In the case study, YouTube users implemented three forms of remediation: role switching, redefinition, and disassociation. Despite the obstacles (e.g., destructive identity forces, commercial culture, and temporalities of social media trends), technology ultimately act as an aid to humanity’s deep-seated desire to remember.
Food security, obesity, and meat-derived carcinogen exposure in US adults

Abstract Risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) is increased in adults with poor diet quality, low socioeconomic status, and increased body mass index (BMI). Cooked meats contain high contents of mutagenic compounds related to CRC risk. To explore differences in meat-based carcinogen exposure, a 99-item Qualtrics survey was issued to 1648 US adults. Average monthly serving size, degree of doneness, and cooking methods of meat products were obtained. The National Cancer Institute CHARRED database was used to quantify exposure to HCAs, PAHs, and Ames Predicted and Estimated mutagenicity. Questions from validated instruments assessed food security status (FSS) and demographic variables, while height and weight were self-reported to calculate BMI. Sex, FSS and obesity status (BMI > 30 kg/m2) were compared using two-sample t-tests and multivariate regression models to determine differences in meat intake and carcinogen exposure. Statistical significance was set at P
Local Soft Tissue Rearrangement: The Random V–Y Flap, Rhomboid Flap, Random Rotational Flap, and Z-Plasty

Local soft tissue rearrangement involves a wide array of local flaps that can be utilized to close soft defects in the extremities. While local random flaps are relatively easy to perform, their utility is limited in traumatic or chronic wounds. The traumatic zone of injury and chronic soft tissue changes limits the effectiveness of small random soft tissue flaps. The random V–Y flap, rhomboid flap, and rotational flaps that are discussed in this chapter are good options for reconstructing small acute iatrogenic wounds. Lengthening of a scar and scar contractures is often addressed by the use of Z-plasties; however, occasionally, an adjacent soft tissue transfer is appropriate.
Monochromatic X-rays: The future of breast imaging

Abstract Purpose To present details about the innovative and disruptive technology of monochromatic X-rays and its application to breast imaging. Methods To analyze results of studies done using a prototype system for breast imaging that generates monochromatic X-rays through fluorescence emission. To assess signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a measure of image quality at different doses in breast phantoms of different sizes and review the comparison of parameters with a standard mammography system. Results Monochromatic X-rays reduce the radiation dose per mammogram by a factor of 5 to 10 times. For phantom simulating thick breast (9 cm), the SNR for monochromatic system was 2.6 times higher and the dose 4.2 times lower than the respective values obtained with the conventional system within the same 5 mm × 5 mm square area of the 100% glandular step wedge. For the conventional broadband system to equal the SNR of the monochromatic system, it would require a dose of 19 mGy, 29 times higher than the dose delivered by the monochromatic system. Contrast-enhanced digital mammography with monochromatic X-rays is shown to provide a simpler and more effective technique at substantially lower radiation dose. Conclusions Lowering radiation dose by a factor of 5 to 10 while maintaining image quality implies a major reduction in total exposure from breast cancer screening and dramatically less risk of radiation-induced cancers in at-risk women. The high SNRs for very thick breast phantoms provide strong evidence that screening with lower breast compression is possible while maintaining image quality.
Self-Perceived Independent Living Skills and Self-Determination as a Method of Evaluating a Residential Program in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Prior research shows that employment programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) fail to address ASD as a heterogeneous disorder and focus on specific ASD traits associated with difficulty in obtaining and maintaining employment. This study provides descriptive evidence that self-perceptions of self-determination improve in young adults with ASD who participate in a residential program that promotes Wehmeyer and Schalock's essential characteristics of self-determined behavior: behavioral autonomy, self-regulated behavior, acting in a psychologically empowered manner, and self-realization. Qualitative surveys were administered to 60 participants (17-28 years old) on perceptions of self-determination, confidence in independent living skills, and program effectiveness regarding case management and sustainable employment. One-sided t-tests using pre- and post-program responses were assessed. Post- versus pre-program means were significantly higher in participants feeling confident to live alone (p = 0.0059). Findings suggest that programs adopting self-determined behavior may be more effective in increasing self-confidence for individuals with ASD. However, these findings warrant long-term analysis to assess the continuity of program success and sustained employment.
Ab initio valence-bond calculations of H2O

A new technique for the determination of atomic valence states and their energies has been developed and applied to the water molecule and hydroxyl radical. This method is applicable to valence-bond studies involving a large number of resonance structures rather than simply a one structure perfect pairing approach. The original basis of resonance structures is transformed into a basis of approximate composite functions which are orthogonal and non-interacting for the separated atoms. The equilibrium molecular eigenfunction is analyzed in terms of the composite functions by means of structure projections. A description of the valence states and the promotional energies of each of the component atoms in H2O and OH is obtained.
Growth in adulthood after liver transplantation for glycogen storage disease type I

Continuation of linear growth late into the third decade of life is rarely observed. This report describes a 27-year-old man with delayed growth and sexual maturation secondary to glycogen storage disease type I who grew 5.3 cm after orthotopic liver transplantation. Sequential improvement in selected measures of metabolic control (blood glucose, lactate, and bicarbonate concentrations) and growth-promoting peptides (testosterone and insulinlike growth factor I) were documented after transplantation and before the increase in height. Potential increases in final stature may be present in adult patients with underlying metabolic disease and delayed skeletal maturation.
Fires Involving Appliance Housings— Is There a Clear and Present Danger?

In the past couple years, worldwide attention has been focused on the fire hazard potentially posed by the housings or casings of several types of equipment. This paper addresses the narrow question of whether there is a clear and present danger in the US with regard to the fire hazard posed by the appliance housings of certain types of equipment, based on the fire loss record relevant to these issues. The best available fire loss statistics indicate that the appliance housing fire problem in the USA may be large enough to justify some attention but would not normally be regarded as large enough to justify urgent or priority attention. The paper also asks whether there are other reasons that would justify urgent action and discusses several candidate reasons.
Multicandidate Equilibrium in American Elections

The United States presidential election of 1992 is anexample of a multicandidate contest involving bothDemocratic and Republican candidates. Using a spatialmodelling approach, I analyze candidate policystrategy for such elections, under the assumption thatvoters choose according to the multivariate votingmodel of behavioral research. This model representsvoters' decisions as probabilistic functions of theirpolicy preferences and political partisanship. Isuggest reasons why partisan voting motivatescandidates to locate near their party's partisans inthe policy space, and illustrate this argument withrespect to the 1992 presidential election. The resultsof computer simulations suggest that these motivationslead to multicandidate spatial equilibria, which arerobust to changes in the model's parameters.Partisanship appears to be an important source ofstability in multicandidate electoral competition.
Detection of focal points in speech prosody

Signal processing tools are developed to help automatically detect significant events or focal points in the speech and gesture traces of audio-visual data and investigate their temporal correlation as part of a multi-disciplinary effort to assemble the computational resources for facilitating research in gesture and speech interaction. One key task in this research is to determine focal points in the speech signal by analyzing its acoustic-prosodic features. This task requires processing and analysis of an immense amount of data. In order to make the task efficient and less time consuming, algorithms for speech processing are developed to perform automatic feature extraction, parametric representation, and detection of focal points that are usually painstakingly marked by hand. In this paper a method for detecting the focal points in speech prosody is presented and the results are compared with focal points hand-marked by experts. The method produces a high rate of successful detection.
Predicted and Measured Resilient Response of Track

Field measurements were made at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) research track in Pueblo, Colorado to determine the magnitude of resilient or elastic stresses, strains and deflections in the ballast, subballast and subgrade resulting from train loading. These data were analyzed statistically to determine significant trends. A computer model, GEOTRACK, was used to predict the results measured at FAST for comparison with the experimental data. Then the influence of variations in the parameters on track response was demonstrated with GEOTRACK calculations. In general, the strains and deflections did not differ significantly with changes in ballast thickness and ballast type and tie type, compared to the variations within one test section. However, the ballast strains were much larger in the wood tie sections than in the concrete tie sections, apparently because of tie spring-up. The subgrade stress in the concrete tie section was larger than in the wood tie section. This appears to be a result of more uniform pressure distribution beneath the wood ties in the field, because the GEOTRACK model did not indicate such differences for homogeneous ballast layers. The GEOTRACK model showed that the most important parameters influencing track response were ballast depth, tie spacing and tie stiffness.
Towards a methodology for evaluation of fire protection systems in appalachia

Abstract The methodology was developed to aid in the provision of better public service systems for Appalachia, a developing area of the United States, although it could be applied elsewhere. A conceptual model is proposed within which a county or similar political jurisdiction can evaluate its fire protection facilities and which allows local decision makers to have an impact on resource allocation. The problem of evaluating the level of fire protection is a recurring one because of changing land use patterns, and the rapidly rising costs of providing the service. To evaluate the effectiveness of a fire protection system, it is necessary to compare the response capabilities of the fire department(s) with the demand requirements of the environment for fire protection. The measure of response can be considered a function of manpower, equipment and response time. This describes the capabilities of the fire department(s) alone. The demand for fire protection can be considered a measure of the probabilistic requirements for service and the potential damage that could occur at all locations within a service area. By combining measures of each, a single effectiveness scale can be constructed. Given this quantitative measure, decision makers can select a level of effectiveness according to public concern, the political climate and organizational/monetary constraints.
Prognostic significance of single chromosome abnormalities in preleukemic states

Clinical outcome was evaluated in 43 patients with a myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloproliferative disorder and a bone marrow clone containing a single chromosome abnormality: monosomy 7/del(7q), trisomy 8, i(17q), del(5q), del(20q), or a t(2;11). Those with one of the first three abnormalities (22 patients) had shorter survival, more frequent progression to leukemia, and less response to treatment with 13-Cis-retinoic acid than did those in the latter three groups (21 patients). Additional data on these subgroups of preleukemic patients may confirm the prognostic value of such karyotypic information.
Comment on “absorbance-time relationship at optically transparent electrode”

Abstract A recently published equation for the absorbance in transmission-mode spectroelectrochemistry for a simple electron transfer reaction under constant current conditions has been corrected. For the case of a reversible homogeneous chemical reaction following the electrode reaction, routes to the previously derived results have been pointed out.
Sex Disaggregated Trajectories of Status Offenders: Does CINS/FINS Status Prevent Male and Female Youth From Becoming Labeled Delinquent?

This study sought to provide a more recent and longitudinal examination of the effect of formal processing on status offenders’ subsequent delinquency using data from a large sample of first-time referral status offenders in the state of Florida. Results from semi-parametric group-based trajectory models suggested that roughly half of the status offenders subsequently accumulated delinquent arrests in adolescence following their initial referral for a status offense. Furthermore, the number and type of trajectory groups were more similar than different across sex. Study limitations and policy implications are also discussed.
Compact Multiwire Proportional Chambers and Electronics for the Crystal Ball Detector

A double gap of cylindrical proportional chambers has been designed and built for use with a large solid angle, modular NaI(Tl) array (The Crystal Ball). The chambers are constructed of three coaxial foam-epoxy shells, covered with an aluminum-mylar laminate. One of the high voltage cathodes in each chamber has been photo-etched to produce a pattern of stripes and precise position measurements of tracks passing transverse to the chamber axis are found by pulse height analyzing the shaped and amplified induced strip signals. Performance of the chamber using both the strip signals and the sense wire readout is presented. The design of both the signal handling electronics and the digital portions of the systems is discussed.
Beam Spoiling Correction for Spaceborne Microwave Radiometers Using the Two-Point Vicarious Calibration Method

The vicarious warm and cold calibration techniques are combined to provide an end-to-end two point calibration method for spaceborne microwave radiometers. The method uses stable external calibration sources to permit an end-to-end calibration of the complete radiometer, including its primary antenna. Both gain and offset corrections to the radiometer calibration can be computed since vicarious reference points at both the cold and warm ends of the measurement range are available. The method is demonstrated using the WindSat radiometer. Calibration errors are found which vary with azimuthal scan position in a manner that suggests that the cause is beam spoiling from on-board spacecraft obstructions. The impact on gain and offset calibration errors of the on-board obstructions can be determined from the vicarious calibration. This information is used to characterize the beam spoiling-specifically to determine the decrease in the antenna's beam efficiency and the mean brightness temperature entering the far sidelobes of the antenna, both as functions of azimuthal scan position. With this characterization available, a calibration correction algorithm can be constructed that is based on the root cause of the problem.
The 2003 Nicolas Andry Award. Orthopaedic gene therapy.

We review progress in the field of orthopaedic gene therapy since the concept of using gene transfer to address orthopaedic problems was initiated approximately 15 years ago. The original target, arthritis, has been the subject of two successful Phase I clinical trials, and additional human studies
An RF-powered, wireless CMOS temperature sensor

We present a wireless, fully integrated CMOS temperature sensor that recovers power from a radio frequency (RF) signal, and returns data as a frequency-modulated 2.3-GHz signal to a base station. Power is recovered from a 450-MHz incident signal with the help of a low-threshold, high-efficiency, voltage rectifier-multiplier circuit. This technique decreases the minimum incident RF power required, compared to state-of-the-art wirelessly powered telemetry systems. The rectifier-multiplier can collect energy from a base station placed up to 18 m away. To further increase the range from the base, the device collects energy in a low power standby/charging mode. A mode selector circuit monitors the amount stored energy and decides if the system is transmitting data or is in the standby/charging mode. A bootstrapped reference generates a complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT) voltage with an R-squared regression of 0.9995 to a linear fit. This reference is used as the temperature sensor of the system, controlling a low-power, integrated, voltage-controlled LC oscillator (VCO). The oscillation frequency of the VCO is modulated by ambient temperature changes. The modulated carrier is transmitted by a fully integrated power amplifier. A temperature sensitivity of 126 ppm/degC is achieved and the entire sensor consumes 1.1 mA while transmitting data
Integrated System for Wireless Radiation Detection and Tracking

This paper reports on an integrated system of wirelessly linked radiation detectors. A small radiation detector is combined with a pulse counting circuit to record radiation pulses in the area of the detector. Multiple sensors are mesh networked together using wireless radios. Mesh networking allows for a large network of battery powered nodes with only one receiving hub. Radiation data is communicated to a central location where it is compared to the location of the node and its relative position to the other nodes. This information is used to locate and track a radiation source.
Lighting Up the Stressed ER

Balancing the capacity for protein maturation with changes in protein flux through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial for maintaining ER homeostasis. In this issue, Merksamer et al. (2008) exploit a redox-sensitive fluorescent protein to monitor the environment inside the ER of living yeast, illuminating how this organelle responds to different perturbations.
Cleavage of naturally occurring folates to unsubstituted p-aminobenzoylpoly-γ-glutamates

Abstract A method is described for the quantitative conversion of all naturally occurring folates to unsubstituted p-aminobenzoylpoly-γ-glutamates. The procedure involves acid treatment in the presence of mercaptoethanol to convert 5-formyl- and 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate to 5,10-methenyl-tetrahydrofolate, addition of NaBH4 to reduce 5,10-methenyl-tetrahydrofolate to 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate, treatment with HgCl2 to remove mercaptoethanol and base-catalyzed oxidation of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate to 5-methyl-dihydrofolate. A further acid treatment quantitatively converts 5-methyl-dihydrofolate and tetrahydrofolate to p-aminobenzoylglutamate, 10-Formyl-folate is deformylated to folate during the base treatment step. Zn is added to the final acidified extract to convert any remaining oxidized folate to p-aminobenzoylglutamate. The described method allows the quantitative conversion of folates to a homologous series of unsubstituted p-aminobenzoylpoly-γ-glutamates, which can be separated by ion-exchange chromatography, or by gel chromatography following derivatization. No detectable hydrolysis of the polyglutamate chain of [3H]pteroyl-heptaglutamate occurred under the described cleavage conditions.
Population movement studied at microscale: experience and extrapolation.

The context for this paper is the nature of generalization deriving from the study of particular cases of human behaviour. With specific reference to field research on population movement conducted amongst individuals, households, small groups, and village communities in third world societies, it challenges the convention that both generalization and extrapolation are based inevitably and exclusively on the number of cases or events subject to examination. An evaluation is made of the methodological aspects of four different studies of population mobility at microscale, undertaken between 1965 and 1977 in the Solomon Islands and northwest Thailand. On this basis, integrated field designs that incorporate a range of intersecting instruments are favoured for their technical flexibility and logical strength. With case studies of third world villages, market centres, and urban neighbourhoods, generalization and extrapolation is based on depth of understanding and the power of theoretical connections.
Technology Insight: cardiac CT angiography

An accurate, noninvasive method of imaging the heart and coronary arteries has long been elusive. Multidetector row CT, however, seems a likely candidate to fill this gap. This modality can be safely used to obtain high-quality images in seconds. Michael Poon provides an update on the advances in the development of this technology.
SAPling: a Scan-Add-Print barcoding database system to label and track asexual organisms

We have developed a ‘Scan-Add-Print’ database system, SAPling, to track and monitor asexually reproducing organisms. Using barcodes to uniquely identify each animal, we can record information on the life of the individual in a computerized database containing its entire family tree. SAPling has enabled us to carry out large-scale population dynamics experiments with thousands of planarians and keep track of each individual. The database stores information such as family connections, birth date, division date and generation. We show that SAPling can be easily adapted to other asexually reproducing organisms and has a strong potential for use in large-scale and/or long-term population and senescence studies as well as studies of clonal diversity. The software is platform-independent, designed for reliability and ease of use, and provided open source from our webpage to allow project-specific customization.
Avoiding treatment of leiomyosarcomas: the role of magnetic resonance in focused ultrasound surgery.

Objective To report early diagnosis of a uterine leiomyosarcoma during screening for magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) for leiomyomas. Design Case report. Setting University hospital conducting an institutional review board–approved clinical trial. Patient(s) A 47-year-old premenopausal woman with presumed symptomatic leiomyomas for 5 years and minimal interval growth. Intervention(s) Magnetic resonance imaging screening protocol used as a routine part of MRgFUS treatment protocol. Main Outcome Measure(s) Surgical pathology report. Result(s) The diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was suspected at the time of screening, and inadvertent treatment of a leiomyosarcoma was avoided. The patient underwent hysterectomy performed by her referring physician and confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. Conclusion(s) The possibility of inadvertent treatment of malignant disease and thus delayed diagnosis exists with all non-excisional therapies for uterine leiomyomas. The pretreatment imaging before MRgFUS in this case led to an expedited diagnosis of malignancy. Although this did not lead to a change in prognosis for this patient, careful review of magnetic resonance imaging before MRgFUS may allow early diagnosis for uterine malignancies.
Dosage compensation rox

Recent advances in our understanding of dosage compensation in flies have centered on characterizing its sex-specificity, identifying the structural RNAs involved in the process, and determining how dosage compensation is targeted to particular sites on the X chromosome.