cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel framework for processing forward looking infrared imagery with application to buried threat detection

Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras have recently been studied as a sensing modality for use in buried threat detection systems. FLIR-based detection systems benefit from larger standoff distances and faster rates of advance than other sensing modalities, but they also present significant signal processing challenges. FLIR imagery typically yields multiple looks at each surface area, each of which is obtained from a different relative camera pose and position. This multi-look imagery can be exploited for improved performance, however open questions remain as to the best ways to process and fuse such data. Further, the utility of each look in the multi-look imagery is also unclear: How many looks are needed, from what poses, etc? In this work we propose a general framework for processing FLIR imagery wherein FLIR imagery is partitioned according to the particular relative camera pose from which it was collected. Each partition is then projected into a common spatial coordinate system resulting in several distinct images of the surface area. Buried threat detection algorithms can then be applied to each of these resulting images independently, or in aggregate. The proposed framework is evaluated using several detection algorithms on an FLIR dataset collected at a Western US test site and the results indicate that the framework offers significant improvement over detection in the original FLIR imagery. Further experiments using this framework suggest that multiple looks by the FLIR camera can be used to improve detection performance.
Toward an evolutionary psychology of religion and personality

Evolutionary psychology is an emerging paradigm for the social sciences that offers a powerful metatheoretical framework for personality psychology and, as I attempt to demonstrate in this article, for the psychology of religion as well. I argue that religion is not an evolved adaptation; rather, the diverse range of beliefs, behavior, and experience that we collectively refer to as religion emerge as byproducts of numerous, domain-specific psychological mechanisms that evolved to solve other (mundane) adaptive problems. These include mechanisms for reasoning about the natural world (naive physics and biology), about other people’ minds (naive psychology), and about specific kinds of interpersonal relationships (attachment, kinship, social exchange, coalitions, status hierarchies).
De novo production of antibodies after heart or lung transplantation should be regarded as an early warning system.

c a n i t r t r i g a p p he role of antibodies in graft dysfunction after heart or ung transplantation remains ill-defined, although few ould dispute that they play a role. It is important to istinguish between pre-formed antibodies and de novo roduction of antibodies after transplantation. It is enerally accepted that transplantation of hearts or ungs into patients with pre-formed anti-donor antibodes is contra indicated as it results in rapid deterioration f graft function, and this is now avoided by use of he panel-reactive antibody test. The pathogenic role f antibodies formed post-transplant is less well-dened. Despite the myriad of studies over the last 15 ears, which have reported an association between ong-term production of antibodies and deterioration of raft function, there is no agreement about the best way o detect antibodies, the mechanism of damage and the ssociated pathology. There are 2 particular clinical conditions for which dentification of a damaging antibody response is benficial:
Surface wind response to oceanic fronts

[1] The response of surface winds to ocean fronts characterized by sharp gradients in both sea surface temperature (SST) and ocean currents was analyzed using scatterometer (NSCAT and QuikSCAT) wind data and Gulf Stream path positions in conjunction with simulations made with the Pennsylvania State University (PSU)-National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Mesoscale Model (MM5). All match-ups, between each scatterometer pass and the Gulf Stream path, were visually examined and only those for which the wind field was free of atmospheric fronts or large curvature over a reasonably straight segment of the Gulf Stream were selected. Ten match-ups met these criteria for the period studied from 16 September 1996 to 29 June 1997 for NSCAT and from 24 July 1999 to 31 December 2000 for QuikSCAT. Changes in the modeled surface wind field across the front in each of the ten cases agree well with changes in the observed winds. Our findings suggest that the perturbation pressure gradient resulting from the thermal forcing by the front accounts for the decrease in wind speed when moving from warm to cold water and the increase observed in the converse. In the cases examined, the adjustment of the surface wind to the front occurred as a result of the vertical motion induced by horizontal divergence/convergence and advection in the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL). The dynamical forcing associated with strong surface currents is also shown to modify scatterometer-derived winds. Finally the numerical simulations suggest that the dynamical and thermal effects are very nearly additive.
A new connected device-based Failure Mode and Effects Analysis model

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a well-known design tool used to analyze component failures and identify the resultant effects. Traditional FMEA model requires engineers' input on estimating technical detection difficulty of part failure. Moreover, failure occurrence can only be computed based on historical maintenance data. However, under the IoT based environment, sensors installed on connected devices can transmit continuous signals of device status, which is greatly helpful to make the device failure analytical work more efficient, more objective and more accurate. In this paper, we propose a new FMEA model based on connected device data. A new failure a difficulty creator is proposed to objectively compute detection difficulty. Failure occurrence level is intelligently generated by a new occurrence creator. A house-roof shaped failure correlation creator is designed to mine the correlation of failures. Finally, a new risk RPN estimation method is used to rank the risk of failure.
Rapid activation analysis of trace vanadium in tissue using 3.8-minute vanadium-52

Abstract Submicrogram amounts of vanadium in rat liver tissue have been analyzed by rapid activation analysis. A 5-min radiochemical separation coupled with γ-ray spectrometry permitted utilization of the 3.8-min vanadium-52 radioisotope. With this procedure the lower limit of detection at a thermal neutron flux of 10 12 n/cm 2 /sec was about 3·10 -9 g of vanadium.
BREAKDOWN OF LANDAU FERMI LIQUID IN 2D

We study the paramagnetic phase of the Hubbard model at low density in 2D. In addition to the Landau Fermi liquid phase at small U > 0, in which fk is discontinuous at kF, we find a novel "Quantum Fermi Liquid" (QFL) phase for (≈ 17 ∊F) in which fk is continuous at kF but df/dk|F = −∞. The lifetime of QFL quasiparticles at kF is τ ∝ T−1 (rather than T−2). The phenomenological "Marginal Fermi Liquid" is identified as a special case of the QFL at precisely.
Probabilistic Simulation for Combined Cycle Fatigue in Composites

A methodology to compute probabilistic fatigue life of polymer matrix laminated composites has been developed and demonstrated. Matrix degradation effects caused by long term environmental exposure and mechanical/thermal cyclic loads are accounted for in the simulation process. A unified time-temperature-stress dependent multifactor interaction relationship developed at NASA Glenn Research Center has been used to model the degradation/aging of material properties due to cyclic loads. The fast probability integration method is used to compute probabilistic distribution of response. Sensitivities of fatigue life reliability to uncertainties in the primitive random variables (e.g., constituent properties, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio, ply thickness, etc.) computed and their significance in the reliability-based design for maximum life is discussed. The effect of variation in the thermal cyclic loads on the fatigue reliability for a (0/+/- 45/90)s graphite/epoxy laminate with a ply thickness of 0.127 mm, with respect to impending failure modes has been studied. The results show that, at low mechanical cyclic loads and low thermal cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life for 0.999 reliability is most sensitive to matrix compressive strength, matrix modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, and ply thickness. Whereas at high mechanical cyclic loads and high thermal cyclic amplitudes, fatigue life at 0.999 reliability is more sensitive to the shear strength of matrix, longitudinal fiber modulus, matrix modulus, and ply thickness.
A simple complexity proof for a polynomial-time linear programming algorithm

In this article we propose a polynomial-time algorithm for linear programming. This algorithm augments the objective by a logarithmic penalty function and then solves a sequence of quadratic approximations of this program. This algorithm has a complexity of O(m^1^2 L) iterations and O(m^3^.^5L) arithmetic operations, where m is the number of variables and L is the size of the problem encoding in binary. The novel feature of this algorithm is that it admits a very simple proof of its complexity, which makes it valuable both as a teaching and as a research tool. Moreover, its convergence can be accelerated by performing a line search and the line search stepsize is obtainable in a closed form. This algorithm maintains primal and dual feasibility at all iterations.
Formation of the 7-Oxa-1,4,10-triazatricyclo[8.2.2(5,12)]tetradecane-2,14-dione Ring System: Misrouted Synthesis of a Peptidomimetic.

An attempted synthesis of the tricyclic peptidomimetic 1, designed to imitate a beta-turn tripeptide in tendamistat, afforded instead the 6,6,8-ring system of 2. The key step in the synthesis entailed acylation of the hindered alpha,alpha'-disubstituted morpholine 4.2, which was approached by acylative ring opening of the 3,6-oxazabicyclo[4.2.0]octane 4.3. However, transannular rather than exocyclic cleavage occurred, giving the 1,6-oxazacyclooctane isomer 4.5. Subsequent ring closures to form the bi- and tricyclic intermediates 7.3 and 8.5 were difficult because of the strain being built into the ring systems. After completion of the synthesis, the structures of the intermediates and final product were elucidated by NMR, with three-bond, heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation experiments providing unambiguous evidence for the ring connectivity, and by molecular modeling, which allowed assignment of the stereochemistry. Compound 2 is a modest inhibitor of the target enzyme alpha-amylase (K(i) = 170 mM in 5% DMSO/water), binding with similar affinity to the tripeptide Ac-Trp-Arg-Tyr-OMe. Although the side-chain attachment points in the ring system of 2 correspond closely to the relative Calpha-positions in tendamistat (rmsd = 0.24 A), the alignment of the Calpha-Cbeta bonds is poor, illustrating the importance of side-chain orientation in a peptidomimetic.
Demographic, dietary, and serum factors and parathyroid hormone in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Summary Many determinants of parathyroid hormone (PTH) are unknown. In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), numerous factors not classically associated with calcium–phosphorus homeostasis, such as uric acid and smoking, are independently associated with PTH in adults without chronic kidney disease. Associations between serum phosphorus and PTH may vary by race.
The Strengths Perspective of Case Management: A Promising Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Enhancement

The medical model or disease concept approach to substance abuse treatment is practiced in most residential substance abuse treatment programs. Despite wide acceptance, many of the factors inherent in this approach may actually increase patient noncompliance with treatment regimens. These factors are related to the pathology-based nature of substance abuse treatment, an overemphasis on patient denial, and the paternalistic role that treatment staff often take in the treatment of substance abusers. The Strengths Perspective of Case Management/Advocacy has demonstrated usefulness as an adjunct to treatment that remedies these detrimental factors and improves compliance with, and retention in, treatment. The specific activities that lead to this improvement are discussed.
Community Situational Awareness and Resilience through Mobile Applications

Access to social networks via portable devices promises to be especially valuable for public communities. Because smart phones increasingly accompany community members wherever they are, the social network extends into everyday interactions where location-specific, real time interactions are natural and resulting actions can be immediate. Governments and NGOs can leverage the self-organizing, collectively-intelligent community to improve situational awareness and improve the community's resilience. At this time of limited public budgets, static but authoritative data can be combined with dynamic data provided by citizens. This paper reports our experience and challenges in building a mobile app named Yellow Button. We describe the architecture of Yellow Button and our experience in the initial applications to utilities, traffic and transportation.
Thermophysical measurements on transition-metal tungstates I. Heat capacity of zinc tungstate from 5 to 550 K

Abstract Redetermination of the heat capacity of ZnWO 4 after chemical removal of the ZnO phase from a previous sample has provided better values for chemical thermodynamic properties. At 298.15 K C p , S o , and −{G o (T) − H o (0)} T are found to be 27.44, 28.51, and 12.991 cal th K −1 mol −1 .
CXCL12/CXCR4 Protein Signaling Axis Induces Sonic Hedgehog Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Cells via Extracellular Regulated Kinase- and Akt Kinase-mediated Activation of Nuclear Factor κB IMPLICATIONS FOR BIDIRECTIONAL TUMOR-STROMAL INTERACTIONS

Recent evidence suggests a major role of tumor-stromal interactions in pancreatic cancer pathobiology. The chemokine CXCL12 (stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1)), abundantly produced by stromal cells, promotes progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells. On the other hand, pancreatic tumor cell-derived sonic hedgehog (SHH) acts predominantly on stromal cells to induce desmoplasia and, thus, has a paracrine effect on tumorigenesis and therapeutic outcome. In this study, we examined the association between these two proteins of pathological significance in pancreatic cancer. Our data demonstrate that CXCL12 leads to a dose- and time-dependent up-regulation of SHH in pancreatic cancer cells. CXCL12-induced SHH up-regulation is specifically mediated through the receptor CXCR4 and is dependent on the activation of downstream Akt and ERK signaling pathways. Both Akt and ERK cooperatively promote nuclear accumulation of NF-κB by inducing the phosphorylation and destabilization of its inhibitory protein, IκB-α. Using dominant negative IκB-α, a SHH promoter (deletion mutant) reporter, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrate that CXCL12 exposure enhances direct binding of NF-κB to the SHH promoter and that suppression of NF-κB activation abrogates CXCL12-induced SHH expression. Finally, our data demonstrate a strong correlative expression of CXCR4 and SHH in human pancreatic cancer tissues, whereas their expression is not observed in the normal pancreas. Altogether, our data reveal a novel mechanism underlying aberrant SHH expression in pancreatic cancer and identify a molecular link facilitating bidirectional tumor-stromal interactions.
The California Psychological Inventory and the Semantic Differential Dimensions

Summary The feasibility of describing first order factors and scales of the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) by using the factors of the semantic differential and rated adjustment and introversion-extraversion was investigated in samples of 150 male and 80 female college students. Results indicated that both the semantic differential and the ratings significantly overlapped with the CPI, but that the degree of the relationship was not large enough to support the contention that the semantic differential factors are sufficient to describe completely what is being measured by the CPI. The relationships did prove useful, however, in further clarifying the nature of the CPI.
How to prepare tomorrow's technologists for global networks of innovation

University curricula must prepare them to be able to recognize and embrace technologies, components, markets, and customers wherever in the world they happen to be.
Correlation between stimulation of host cell DNA synthesis by human cytomegalovirus and lack of expression of a subset of early virus genes

Abstract The stimulation of host cell DNA synthesis was studied in permissive human embryonic lung (HEL) cells and in nonpermissive rabbit kidney (RK) cells infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Host cell DNA synthesis was induced by HCMV infection in resting cells of both types. In permissive cultures the stimulation of cellular DNA synthesis was detectable mainly in those cells which had not become productively infected and in which virus antigens were not detectable. In abortively infected RK cells, on the other hand, stimulation of host cell DNA synthesis and the expression of virus antigens were detected in the same cells. Infection of actively growing permissive HEL cells resulted in a shutdown of cellular DNA synthesis beginning approximately 10 hr postinfection. Shutdown of cellular DNA synthesis also occurred when the infected cells were treated with phosphonoacetic acid and was thus classified as an “early” virus function. In actively growing, abortively infected RK cells, on the other hand, host cell DNA synthesis was not affected, indicating that the early virus function(s) responsible for inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis was not expressed in these cells. Virus-encoded DNA polymerase activity, another early virus gene function, was also not detected in these abortively infected cultures. In RK cells the cellular DNA synthesized as a result of infection was capable of undergoing at least one further round of replication, indicating that the HCMV gene expression which occurred in abortively infected RK cells was not lethal for these cells.
Investigation of bio-ethanol steam reforming over cobalt-based catalysts

Abstract The catalytic performance of cobalt catalysts supported on γ-Al 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 were studied for bio-ethanol steam reforming (BESR) reaction. The supported catalysts (10 wt%Co) were prepared by impregnation and characterized through Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), H 2 chemisorption, laser Raman Spectroscopy, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and temperature-programmed reaction (TPRxn). The metallic cobalt sites were found to correlate with the BESR reaction activity. The reaction and H 2 chemisorption showed that ZrO 2 supported catalyst showed the best dispersion and best catalytic activity. Over the 10% Co/ZrO 2 catalyst, using a H 2 O:EtOH:inert molar ratio of 10:1:75 and a GHSV = 5000 h −1 , 100% ethanol conversion and a yield of 5.5 mol H 2 /mol EtOH were obtained at 550 °C and atmospheric pressure.
Echocardiographic Features of Endocardial Cushion Defects

The echocardiographic features of endocardial cushion defects were defined in 28 patients. Two basic characteristics, common to both complete and incomplete forms of endocardial cushion defects, were found. First, the mitral valve excursion was not seen best in the usual location as defined by intraventricular landmarks. Secondly, the mitral valve echoes in cases where there are dense attachments of the mitral leaflet to the crest of the interventricular septum may be traced to the rightward and anterior border of the left ventricular outflow tract. This is the echocardiographic representation of the characteristic "goose-neck" deformity seen angiographically. Two additional paterns were recognized in patients with complete atrioventricular (A-V) canal. In Pattern I, a large, single, A-V valve was found occupying a central location between the two ventricles. During diastole, the superior segment moved anteriorly into the right ventricle and the inferior segment posteriorly into the left ventricle. In Pattern II, a large single A-V valve moved from the left ventricle in systole into the right ventricle in diastole. This pattern was specific to patients with common A-V valve leaflets.
Railway abandonments, cross-subsidies, and the theory of regulation

It has recently been argued (Barke and Riker, 1982) that the policy of the Interstate Commerce Commission governing petitions by carriers for railway abandonment is at variance with the theory of regulation developed by Stigler (1975) and Peltzman (1976). As this paper will demonstrate, this is not the case. Indeed, the question of railway abandonments provides an opportunity for a demonstration of the usefulness of the Stigler-Peltzman (S-P) approach to regulatory issues. The empirical evidence adduced by Barke and Riker (B-R) turns out to be consistent with rather than contradictory to the S-P model.
Numerical solutions of the Maxwell–Bloch equations for a fiber amplifier

Amplification of ultrashort pulses in fiber amplifiers is discussed within the context of the Maxwell–Bloch equations. The model includes the active medium nonlinear gain and absorption, dispersion and saturation effects through Bloch’s equations and the fiber group-velocity dispersion, higher-order group-velocity dispersion, self-steepening, and stimulated Raman scattering through the phenomenological Maxwell equation. We compare the complete model to the simplified models in the literature and show that a detailed quantitative analysis for femtosecond pulses requires the full Maxwell–Bloch treatment.
Inhibition of angiogenesis as a strategy for tumor growth control

Angiogenesis is a complex sequence of events leading to the formation of new capillaries. Although essential to maturation and wound healing, most angiogenesis in the adult is associated with pathological events, such as the development of solid tumors. One approach to the inhibition of angiogenesis is the antagonism of basic fibroblast growth factor, a major angiogenic protein. Evidence is reviewed to suggest that inhibiting angiogenesis results in the suppression of tumor growth.
Virus removal and transport in saturated and unsaturated sand columns

Abstract The purpose of this research was to determine the role that unsaturated flow conditions play in virus sorption and inactivation during transport through sand columns. Column flow experiments were conducted in Ottawa sand under both saturated and unsaturated flow conditions using two bacteriophages, MS2 and φX174. Input solution containing bromide (Br − ) tracer and the viruses was applied to the column as a step function and samples were collected at the effluent end using a fraction collector. The convection–dispersion equation, partially calibrated with the transport parameters measured from the Br − signal, was used to evaluate the sorption and inactivation characteristics of the viruses. We found that, while removal of both MS2 and φX174 increased significantly under unsaturated flow conditions, the mechanisms responsible for removing the two viruses seemed to be different. The results from elution experiments using beef extract solution revealed that the increased removal of φX174 in the Ottawa sand under unsaturated conditions appeared to be caused by increased sorption whereas the increased removal of MS2 was due to inactivation. The difference in virus removal and transport behavior between saturated and unsaturated conditions was likely caused by additional sorption at the solid surfaces and the presence of the air–water interface (AWI) in the unsaturated system.
Effect of point defects in copper on the anomalous transmission of x-rays

Anomalous x-ray transmission (Borrmann) measurements were made at 4.2 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K on nearly perfect copper single crystals before and after irradiation at 20 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K with 3-MeV electrons (total integrated flux 0.87 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{e}\mathrm{l}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{s}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{2}$). The intensity in the diffracted direction was measured for the (111), (222), (333), and (220) reflecting planes. The measured intensity changes were (1.2 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.4)%, (4.5 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.6)%, (8.9 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.8)%, and (4.1 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.8)%, respectively. The observed intensity changes are consistent with predictions if it is assumed that the damage consists of isolated interstitials and vacancies. Possible configurations of the interstitial are discussed. Measurements after annealing at 80 and 300 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K were made. The measurements are consistent with small defect clusters forming when the irradiated crystals was heated to 80 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, and some clusters remaining after annealing at room temperature.
Nietzsche and the self-destruction of secular religions

Nietzsche's early work is located in the context of the various nineteenth century attempts to found a secular religion. His own attempt, it is argued, was particularly influenced by the work of Richard Wagner and F.A. Lange. It is premised on the claim that the ordinary rational capacities of most human beings are not sufficient for them to arrive at true beliefs. Philosophers do have the required expertise, but in the absence of widespread recognition of this expertise, it can have little effect on popular belief. Nietzsche therefore seeks a means of making philosophical insight popularly effective by harnessing the non-rational, persuasive power of art. However, the project does not turn out to be well-founded; its failure seems to demonstrate that a ‘secular religion’ thus conceived cannot provide us with a coherent conception of intellectual authority.
SU‐E‐J‐138: An IGRT QA Device for Measuring with Tenths‐Millimeter Accuracy KV and MV Isocenter Congruence, Couch Travel and Laser Alignment of Accelerators Used for SRS and SBRT

Purpose: To develop a practical device having sufficient accuracy for daily QA tests of accelerators used for SRS and SBRT. Methods: The UAB (Universal Alignment Ball) consists of a 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) diameter tungsten sphere located concentrically within a 25.4 mm (1 inch) diameter acrylic plastic (PMMA) sphere. The spheres are embedded in polystyrene foam, which, in turn, is surrounded by a cylindrical PMMA shell. The UAB is placed on the couch and aligned with wall lasers according to marks that have known positions in relation to the center of the spheres. Using planar and cone beam images the couch is shifted till the surface of the PMMA sphere matches Eclipse-generated circular contours. Anterior and lateral MV images taken with small MLC openings allow measurement of distance between kV and MV isocenter, laser and MLC alignment. Measurements were taken over a one-month period. Results: Artifacts from the tungsten sphere were confined within the PMMA sphere and did not affect cone beam localization of the sphere boundary, allowing 0.1 mm precise alignment with a computer-generated circle centered at kV isocenter. In tests extending over a one-month period, the distance between kV and MV isocenters along the vertical, longitudinal and lateral directions was 0.125 +/−0.06, 0.19 +/−0.08, and 0.02 +/−0.08 mm, respectively. Laser misalignment along these directions was 0.34 +/- 0.15, 0.74 +/−0.29, and 0.49 +/−0.22 mm. Automated couch shifts moved the spheres to within 0.1 mm of the selected position. The center of a 1cmx1cm MLC-defined field remained within +/−0.2 mm of the tungsten sphere center as the gantry was rotated. Conclusion: The UAB is practical for daily end-to-end QA tests of accelerator alignment. It provides tenths-mm accuracy for measuring agreement of kV and MV isocenters, couch motions, gantry flex and laser alignment.
Grasping Analysis of a Bio-Inspired UAV/MAV Perching Mechanism

This paper presents the grasping analysis of a bio-inspired UAV/MAV perching mechanism designed at New Mexico State University. The mechanism is composed of a cable-driven leg mechanism and two cable-driven underactuated three-digit feet. The mechanical design was based on the analysis of the anatomy of bird legs and feet. In this paper, the grasping stable condition of the mechanical foot is studied through a quasi-static analysis, which models the relationship between the actuated forces of a digit and the contact forces on each phalanx. Using this model, we can understand the foot’s stable grasping configuration regions. Furthermore, the contact behavior between each foot and the perched object is evaluated using the Hertz contact force model on SimMechanics. The static analysis conclusion and the contact analysis show that this paper has given a fundamental contribution for the designed artificial foot used in developing UAV/MAV perching technology.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Does the population density of primate species decline from centre to edge of their geographic ranges

It has long been suggested that species might exhibit their highest densities at the centre of their geographic range and decline in density towards their range limits. If true, this pattern would have important implications for ecological theory and for conservation management. However, empirical support for this pattern remains equivocal. Furthermore, most research on this topic has emphasized temperate taxa, as is true of much of ecology. Therefore, we here test for a decline in population density from centre to edge of the geographic range of a tropical taxon, primates. In the literature we found data on 30 species and 27 genera from a total of 115 studies with duration of at least 3 mo. Mixed-effects linear models and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests indicated no centre-edge gradient in primate densities. However, densities were significantly lower in more disturbed sites, independent of position in the geographic range.
Disability prevalence among healthy weight, overweight, and obese adults

Objective: Obesity is associated with adverse health outcomes in people with and without disabilities. However, little is known about disability prevalence among people who are obese. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and type of disability among adults who are obese. Design and Methods: Pooled data from the 2003-2009 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed to obtain national prevalence estimates of disability, disability type and obesity. The disability prevalence was stratified by body mass index (BMI): healthy weight (BMI 18.5-<25.0), overweight (BMI 25.0-<30.0), and obese (BMI ≥ 30.0). Results: In this pooled sample, among the 25.4% of US adults who were obese, 41.7% reported a disability. In contrast, 26.7% of those with a healthy weight and 28.5% of those who were overweight reported a disability. The most common disabilities among respondents with obesity were movement difficulty (32.5%) and work limitation (16.6%). Conclusions: This research contributes to the literature on obesity by including disability as a demographic in assessing the burden of obesity. Because of the high prevalence of disability among those who are obese, public health programs should consider the needs of those with disabilities when designing obesity prevention and treatment programs.
A Pluggable Framework for Parallel Pairwise Sequence Search

The current and near future of the computing industry is one of multi-core and multi-processor technology. Most existing sequence-search tools have been designed with a focus on single-core, single-processor systems. This discrepancy between software design and hardware architecture substantially hinders sequence-search performance by not allowing full utilization of the hardware. This paper presents a novel framework that will aid the conversion of serial sequence-search tools into a parallel version that can take full advantage of the available hardware. The framework, which is based on a software architecture called mixin layers with refined roles, enables modules to be plugged into the framework with minimal effort. The inherent modular design improves maintenance and extensibility, thus opening up a plethora of opportunities for advanced algorithmic features to be developed and incorporated while routine maintenance of the codebase persists.
San Andreas Fault Zone Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Physical Properties from SAFOD Cuttings and Core

by John G. Solum, Stephen Hickman, David A. Lockner, Sheryl Tembe, Jim P. Evans, Sarah D. Draper, D.C. Barton, David L. Kirschner, Judith S. Chester, FrederickM.Chester,BenA.vanderPluijm,AnjaM.Schleicher,DianeE.Moore, M. Chester, Ben A. van der Pluijm, Anja M. Schleicher, DianeE.Moore, E. Moore, Carolyn Morrow, Kelly Bradbury, Wendy M. Calvin, and Teng-fong Wong
Revolution in the Countryside: Rural Conflict and Agrarian Reform in Guatemala, 1944-1954

Although most discussions of the Guatemalan "revolution" of 1944-54 focus on international and national politics, Revolution in the Countryside presents a more complex and integrated picture of this decade. Jim Handy examines the rural poor, both Maya and Ladino, as key players who had a decisive impact on the nature of change in Guatemala. He looks at the ways in which ethnic and class relations affected government policy and identifies the conflict generated in the countryside by new economic and social policies. Handy provides the most detailed discussion yet of the Guatemalan agrarian reform, and he shows how peasant organizations extended its impact by using it to lay claim to land, despite attempts by agrarian officials and the president to apply the law strictly. By focusing on changes in rural communities, and by detailing the coercive measures used to reverse the "revolution in the countryside" following the overthrow of President Jacobo Arbenz Guzman, Handy provides a framework for interpreting more recent events in Guatemala, especially the continuing struggle for land and democracy.
Expression of Heme Oxygenase-1 Mediated by A Protein Transduction Domain Protects Insulin Producing Cells from Cytokine- Induced Cytotoxicity.

INTRODUCTION. Microsomal Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been identified as a ubiquitous stress protein induced in many cell types by various stimulants such as hemolysis, inflammatory agents, oxidative stress, heat shock, and growth factors[1]. HO-1 is the enzyme that controls the degradation pathway of heme by catalyzing its oxidation into biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and iron. Although the role of HO-1 induction in oxidative stress is not completely understood, it has been shown that induction of HO-1 expression results in protection from cytokine-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in in vitro cell culture and in various animal models, including pancreatic islet transplantation[2]. Thus, expression of HO-1 through gene therapy protocols might prove useful to reduce the deleterious effects of oxidative stress in islet isolation as well as to prevent damage in the peri-transplant period. However, viral vectors or other transfection methods available for transduction of genes into islets have limited efficacy and the presence of viral antigens (especially adenovirus) may potentially induce immunological responses against the transfected islets. Moreover, the long-term effects of genetic manipulations of islets, in particular those affecting apoptosis, may have undesirable long-term effects such as impaired mitochondrial signals regulating insulin secretion. Proteins can be directly transferred to cells when they are linked to protein transduction domains (PTDs), small peptide domains that can freely cross cell membranes[3]. In particular, proteins fused to an 11-amino acid protein transduction domain (PTD) from the human immunodeficiency virus transactivator of transcription (TAT) protein, readily transduce many cell types including pancreatic islets[4]. In this study we have characterized a functional HO-1 protein fused to a PTD METHODS. Cloning and Related Techniques. The recombinant TAT antiapoptotic fusion proteins were generated by subcloning the coding region of the murine HO-1 gene in frame with the TAT leader peptide (amino acids 47-58 YGRKKRRQRRR) in a bacterial expression generously provided by Steven Dowdy from Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis. A 6xHis-affinity tag allowed the purification of the fusion protein through affinity chromatography.
Distribution automation experiments with generic software

Design experiments demonstrating that low-cost, simple, effective distribution energy management systems (EMSs) may be implemented with a minimum of vendor software are described. The experiments provide a relational database solution to distribution automation and define the database procedures necessary to generate a power flow database. The description of the database for the equipment as well as the database for each application is maintained within one database. Since the database selected (PARADOX) supports a distributed network, the database does not have to reside within one large database engine (mainframe). The experiments also solve power flow equations for the distribution system as implemented with a generalized spreadsheet program. Present spreadsheet programs can solve systems of equations as well as generalized optimization problems. The user full-graphic interface is most easily implemented with a package such as AutoCAD, currently used by many electric utilities. Such an interface is easy to implement with very little training. >
The effect of pyrvate on cyclic oxidations by heart sarcosomes

Abstract 1. The stoichiometry of oxidation of pyruvate and glutamate by heart mitochondria has been reinvestigated. 2. The inhibition by pyruvate of its own oxidation and that of glutamate is shown to be due not to a side reaction, but to a trace amount of contaminant (probably parapyruvate) which inhibits reversibly the reoxidation of cyclicly generated α-oxoglutarate. 3. Enzymatically generated pyruvate and purified pyruvate are oxidised at a constant rate by heart mitochondria in the absence of added malate without significant accumulation of intermediates, whereas crystalline sodium pyruvate is very poorly oxidised, and causes the accumulation of α-oxoglutarate. 4. Glutamate oxidation is optimal without addition of malate. In the presence of endogenous substrates or very low concentration of malate, glutamate stimulates pyruvate disappearance. These observations are explained by a very slow net synthesis of circulating intermediates from glutamate.
Amikacin synergism with β-lactam antibiotics against selected nosocomial pathogens

The synergistic interaction between amikacin and several investigational antibiotics against seven different genera of nosocomial pathogens was assessed using the microtitre checkerboard technique. The greatest percentage of tests showing synergy was when amikacin was used in combination with apalcillin and azlocillin particularly against Serratia marcescens and Proteus spp. When amikacin was combined with several new semi-synthetic cephalosporins, synergy was present in a variable percentage of tests. No antagonism was found in any of the tested combinations.
Cell splitting using dynamic programming

Cell detection and segmentation is an essential step in many biological studies. Unfortunately, automatic splitting of merged cells continues to be one of the most challenging problems. We present an algorithm for splitting two adjacent cells using geometric analysis as well as a dynamic programming approach to find the optimum path. The algorithm is compared with Al-Kohafi's algorithm, which uses a graph-cut method to split the merged cells, and Dzyubachyk's algorithm which uses a three dimensional Radon transform. The performance was analyzed using images from Dzyubachyk's dataset. The results show a mean improvement of 27.2% versus the other two methods.
1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4‐Nonafluoro‐6‐(methane‐ sulfinyl)hexane

[357604-65-0] C7H7F9OS (MW 310.18) InChI = 1S/C7H7F9OS/c1-18(17)3-2-4(8,9)5(10,11)6(12,13)7(14,15)16/h2-3H2,1H3 InChIKey = WJDLEZALBASYOV-UHFFFAOYSA-N (the title reagent is best suited as an alternative to DMSO for the oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes, secondary alcohols to ketones, and lactols to lactones to avoid the malodorous DMS. Another advantage of this reagent is that it can be recycled)1, 2 Alternate Name: fluorous DMSO. Physical Data: white crystals, mp 46 °C. Solubility: soluble in CH2Cl2, perfluorohexanes (FC-72). Form Supplied in: pure compound, commercially available. Analysis of Reagent Purity: NMR, elemental analysis, mp. Preparative Methods: for information on methods of preparation, see refs 1 and 2. Purification: liquid/liquid extraction. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: avoid contact with skin; store in a cool and dry place; keep container closed when not in use. Keep away from heat, moisture, and incompatible materials (for example, acyl halides).
Spondylometaphyseal Dysplasia with Cone-Rod Dystrophy

Purpose: To report on the clinical ophthalmologic and radiographic findings in spondylometaphyseal dysplasia with cone-rod dystrophy.Background: The spondylometaphyseal dysplasias are a rare and heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by skeletal abnormalities of the spine and the metaphyses of long bones. In rare instances, spondylometaphyseal dysplasia can occur concomitantly with ocular abnormalities including a retinal degeneration of the cone-rod dystrophy type.Methods: Retrospective review of affected twin females with serial radiographic imaging, comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, fundus photography, and electroretinography.Results: The major radiographic findings involved bony abnormalities of the spine, metaphyses of the long bones and a distinctive shape to the bony pelvis. Both twins had a fine nystagmus that was present by 10 months of age. Dilated ocular fundus examination revealed similar appearing bilateral, large, excavated, well-circumscribed oval areas of chorioretinal atro...
Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes occurs worldwide and can appear at any age. The genetic susceptibility is strongly associated with HLA-DQ and DR on chromosome 6, but genetic factors on other chromosomes such as the insulin gene on chromosome 11 and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen gene on chromosome 2 may modulate disease risk. Numerous studies further support the view that environmental factors are important. Gestational infections may contribute to initiation, whereas later infections may accelerate islet beta-cell autoimmunity. The pathogenesis is strongly related to autoimmunity against the islet beta cells. Markers of autoimmunity include autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase, insulin, and islet cell antigen-2, a tyrosine phosphatase-like protein. Molecular techniques are used to establish reproducible and precise autoantibody assays, which have been subject to worldwide standardization. The diagnostic sensitivity (40-80%) and specificity (99%) of all three autoantibodies for type 1 diabetes are high, and double or triple positivity among first-degree relatives predicts disease. Combined genetic and antibody testing improved prediction in the general population despite the transient nature of these autoantibodies. Classification of diabetes has also been improved by autoantibody testing and may be used in type 2 diabetes to predict secondary failure and insulin requirement. Islet autoantibodies do not seem to be related to late complications but rather to metabolic control, perhaps because the presence of islet cell autoantibodies marks different residual beta-cell function. Combined genetic and autoantibody screening permit rational approaches to identify subjects for secondary and tertiary intervention trials.
China and the Global Financial Crisis: Assessing the Impacts and Policy Responses

The present paper explores the role of China in the creation of the current global financial crisis and the impacts of the crisis on its economy. It argues against the view that the “saving glut” in China (along with other Asian emerging economies) played a significant causal role in the crisis. The global financial crisis did not engender much damage in China's financial structure, thanks to the relatively closed, bank-centered financial system. However, the impacts on the “real” side of the Chinese economy were hard felt. Growth and employment have fallen, largely due to the decline in exports and foreign direct investment. The crisis reveals the vulnerability of the export-dependent growth pattern. Policy responses of the Chinese Government, including monetary, fiscal and social policies, have helped to stem the downfall of the economy in the immediate term, but some of the policies have not addressed the structural problems of the Chinese economy and might well aggravate such problems over time. The present paper proposes a tentative reform blueprint to rebalance the economy and to sustain long-term growth.
Factors Influencing Rat Survival in a Warm Renal Ischemia Model: Time to Adapt the Protocols

Abstract Introduction Survival in warm renal ischemia models is not only dependent on the treatment or surgical technique being evaluated, but also on factors inherent to the model itself. Use of rats of various strains in previous studies makes interstudy comparison difficult when trying to design an appropriate model control that would yield intermediate survival. In this study, impact of rat strain on survival after prolonged warm renal ischemia in the setting of delivery-controlled inhalational anesthesia was evaluated. Materials and methods Under general delivery-controlled inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane, Dahl salt-sensitive, Wistar-Furth, Sprague-Dawley, and spontaneously hypertensive rats (n = 66 rats) were subjected to 150 minutes of unilateral renal warm ischemia time, subsequent reperfusion, and contralateral nephrectomy. Animals were followed up for 1 month, after which survivors were euthanized and morphologic changes in kidneys were scored. Results Thirty-day survival was: Dahl salt sensitive, 78%; Wistar-Furth, 67%; Sprague-Dawley, 55%; and spontaneously hypertensive rats, 0% ( P P Conclusion Our data strongly suggest that rat strain is a major factor influencing survival and that strain and warm ischemia time selections must be considered together when designing a model control yielding intermediate survival. Further study is warranted in order to compare the effect of delivery-controlled inhalational versus historical anesthesia methods on animal survival.