cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification of rf transients in space using digital signal processing and neural network techniques

The FORTE' (fast on-orbit recording of transient events) small satellite experiment scheduled for launch in October 1995 will attempt to measure and classify electromagnetic transients as sensed from space. The FORTE' payload will employ an event classifier to perform onboard classification of radio frequency transients from terrestrial sources such as lightning. These transients are often dominated by a constantly changing assortment of man-made `clutter' such as TV, FM, and radar signals. The FORTE' event classifier, or EC, uses specialized hardware to implement various signal processing and neural network algorithms. The resulting system can process and classify digitized records of several thousand samples onboard the spacecraft at rates of about a second per record. In addition to reducing downlink rates, the EC minimizes command uplink data by normally using uploaded algorithm sequences rather than full code modules (although it is possible for full code modules to be uploaded from the ground). The FORTE' event classifier experiment combines science and engineering in an evolutionary step toward useful and robust adaptive processing systems in space.
Synaptic analysis of amacrine cells in the turtle retina which contain tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity.

This study examined amacrine cells in the retina of the turtlePseudemys scripta elegans, which were labelled using an antiserum directed against tyrosine hydroxylase (an enzyme participating in catecholamine synthesis). These cells were investigated using both light and electron microscopy. Labelled somata were located in the inner nuclear layer near the border of the inner plexiform layer. The dendritic arborizations of these neurons were tristratified and arborized in strata 1 and 3 and near the border between strata 4 and 5. Serial tangential sections taken through the entire inner plexiform layer of a 1 mm−2 region in mid-peripheral retina were examined. All of the synapses associated with labelled profiles were counted and classified. The majority (84%) of the synapses involving labelled processes represented output, while the remaining 16% represented synaptic input. The synaptic output of the labelled processes was as follows: 87% onto unlabelled amacrine cells, 4% onto ganglion cells, 9% onto unidentified cell processes. None of the synaptic output from labelled processes was onto bipolar cells. The synaptic input to these labelled cells was from bipolar cells (29%) and from unlabelled amacrine cells (71%). A well labelled amacrine cell was serially sectioned and examined at the ultrastructural level to analyze its synaptic connectivity. Immunoreaction product was located diffusely throughout the cytoplasm and in large vesicles. The synaptic organization of the cell was directed primarily toward output. The labelled processes were postsynaptic and presynaptic to unlabelled amacrine cell processes in strata 1 and 3 and at the border between strata 4 and 5. Synaptic input from bipolar cells was seen exclusively near the border between strata 4 and 5. Labelled processes were presynaptic to ganglion cell processes in stratum 1 and at the border between strata 4 and 5, but not in stratum 3. Quantitative studies suggested that amacrine cell inputs and outputs were evenly distributed across the dendritic arborization, while bipolar cell inputs and outputs to ganglion cells were concentrated on the distal parts of the dendritic arborization. No labelled processes were seen in the outer plexiform layer, indicating that the cells with tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity in the turtle retina were true amacrine cells and not interplexiform cells.
Human plasma converting enzyme.

Abstract Angiotensin-converting enzyme was partially purified from human plasma by ammonium sulfate and Sephadex gel nitration. Some of its kinetic and physiological properties were discussed in comparison with those of hog plasma-converting enzyme. The K m value for human plasma converting enzyme was obtained as 4.5 × 10 −5 m . The S 20,W value (8.2) for the enzyme was obtained by the sucrose density gradient sedimentation technique and the same molecular weight for the converting enzyme in human and hog plasma was estimated to be about 150,000 daltons. The maximum activity of the enzyme in human plasma is about 4.5 units per ml, and the calculated half-time for the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II is about 7 min. This slow rate, as in hog plasma, suggests that there must be more to the “activation” of angiotensin than is immediately obvious.
Fatigue Life Reliability Analysis of Belt Conveyor Driving Drums Based on FEM

Conveyer system security and reliability are related to belt conveyor drum design level .This paper proposes a method of analyzing the belt conveyer drum fatigue life reliability based on FEM, and establishes a real-time dynamic loading model, which can reflect accurately the condition of drum actual work load. This method realize drums fatigue life reliability analysis by applying rain-flow count method for processing stress spectrum that are obtained from FEM, it combines material P-S-N curves and other performance parameters and adopts Miner ruler. By applying the method on a practical project, the results indicate that the method is correct and practical. It poses the ability of avoiding the blindness in the drum structure size design, and it has the vital significance of raising drum design level.
Diurnal variability in turbidity and coral fluorescence on a fringing reef flat: Southern Molokai, Hawaii

Terrigenous sediment in the nearshore environment can pose both acute and chronic stresses to coral reefs. The reef flat off southern Molokai, Hawaii, typically experiences daily turbidity events, in which trade winds and tides combine to resuspend terrigenous sediment and transport it alongshore. These chronic turbidity events could play a role in restricting coral distribution on the reef flat by reducing the light available for photosynthesis. This study describes the effects of these turbidity events on the Hawaiian reef coral Montipora capitata using in situ diurnal measurements of turbidity, light levels, and chlorophyll fluorescence yield via pulse-amplitude-modulated (PAM) fluorometry. Average surface irradiance was similar in the morning and the afternoon, while increased afternoon turbidity resulted in lower subsurface irradiance, higher fluorescence yield (ΔF/Fm′), and lower relative electron transport rates (rETR). Model calculations based on observed light extinction coeffecients suggest that in the absence of turbidity events, afternoon subsurface irradiances would be 1.43 times higher than observed, resulting in rETR for M. capitata that are 1.40 times higher.
Alone Together: A Multiplayer Augmented Reality Online Ball Passing Game

We present Alone Together, an interactive collaborative virtual ball playing environment augmented with three sets of Microsoft Kinect. The play environment attempts to mimic the real world ball-passing exercise (or rehabilitation sessions) except that the players can be miles away from each other, and they interact without a physical ball. Moreover, our system allows each player to see the other two and their physical environment respectively, which is a combination of the physical world where players are situated and the virtual world where they play with each other. Kinect sensors are used to map players' action into a virtual world including the passing of the virtual ball.
Presence of plasma complement regulatory proteins clusterin (Apo J) and vitronectin (S40) on circulating immune complexes (CIC)

The complement regulatory (CR) proteins clusterin and vitronectin bind to the membrane attack complex (MAC) and thus prevent cytolysis. In this report, we demonstrate the presence of both of these CR proteins on MAC bound to circulating immune complexes (CIC). We measured the amount of clusterin and vitronectin on MAC in plasma, also referred to as soluble MAC (SMAC), as well as on MAC bound to CIC (MAC-CIC), using antibody directed to polymerized C9 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We observed a strong correlation among the quantities of SMAC and MAC-CIC. The amount of both clusterin and vitronectin associated with MAC-CIC was two- to threefold higher in comparison to the SMAC. Patients with high levels of clusterin and vitronectin demonstrated renal involvement. We hypothesize that these complement regulatory proteins besides regulating the insertion of MAC play other critical roles, in disease pathogenesis.
How likely is Polya's drunkard to stay in x⩾ y⩾z?

In his celebrated paper, Polya has considered the random walk in the three-dimensional (cubic) lattice and showed that the probability of return to the origin is less than 1. Subsequent authors have shown that the probability is %34.053.... Here we consider the same random walk, with the restriction that the drunkard is only allowed to stay inx⩾y⩾z. It is shown that his probability of returning to the originand staying in the allowed region is %6.4844....
Isotopic and hydrologic responses of small, closed lakes to climate variability: Hydroclimate reconstructions from lake sediment oxygen isotope records and mass balance models

Abstract Hydroclimate sensitivity simulations were conducted with a lake-catchment hydrologic and isotope mass balance model adapted to two small, closed lakes (Castor and Scanlon) located in the Pacific Northwest. Model simulations were designed to investigate the combined influences of persistent disequilibrium, reddening, and equifinality on lake water and sediment (i.e., biogenic and endogenic carbonate mineral) oxygen isotope (δ18O) values and to provide a basis for quantitative, probabilistic climate reconstructions using lake sediment δ18O records. Simulation results indicate that within closed-basin lakes changes in long-term (i.e., multi-decadal) precipitation amounts produce inconsistent responses in lake water and sediment δ18O values that are strongly influenced by lake basin outseepage and morphometry. Simulations of variable initial conditions in which randomly generated monthly climate data (i.e., precipitation, temperature, and relative humidity) were used to force the model during the equilibration period (which precedes the application of instrumental climate data) demonstrate that Castor Lake and Scanlon Lake have a somewhat limited isotopic ‘memory’ of ∼10 years. Additional tests conducted using a Monte Carlo ensemble (in which random climate data were used to force the model) combined with δ18O analyses of water samples collected from 2003 to 2011 AD, indicate that within small, closed lakes in the Pacific Northwest November–February precipitation is the strongest seasonal, climatic control on sediment oxygen-isotope values. Further, a Monte Carlo based reconstruction of 20 year average November–February precipitation amounts strongly correlates (R2 = 0.66) to instrumental values from the 20th century (with all observed values falling within modeled 95% prediction limits), indicating that probabilistic, quantitative paleoclimate interpretations of lake sediment δ18O records are attainable.
Leaf hydraulic conductance declines in coordination with photosynthesis, transpiration and leaf water status as soybean leaves age regardless of soil moisture

Photosynthesis requires sufficient water transport through leaves for stomata to remain open as water transpires from the leaf, allowing CO2 to diffuse into the leaf. The leaf water needs of soybean change over time because of large microenvironment changes over their lifespan, as leaves mature in full sun at the top of the canopy and then become progressively shaded by younger leaves developing above. Leaf hydraulic conductance (K(leaf)), a measure of the leaf's water transport capacity, can often be linked to changes in microenvironment and transpiration demand. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that K(leaf) would decline in coordination with transpiration demand as soybean leaves matured and aged. Photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (g(s)) and leaf water potential (Ψ(leaf)) were also measured at various leaf ages with both field- and chamber-grown soybeans to assess transpiration demand. K(leaf) was found to decrease as soybean leaves aged from maturity to shading to senescence, and this decrease was strongly correlated with midday A. Decreases in K(leaf) were further correlated with decreases in g(s), although the relationship was not as strong as that with A. Separate experiments investigating the response of K(leaf) to drought demonstrated no acclimation of K(leaf) to drought conditions to protect against cavitation or loss of g(s) during drought and confirmed the effect of leaf age in K(leaf) observed in the field. These results suggest that the decline of leaf hydraulic conductance as leaves age keeps hydraulic supply in balance with demand without K(leaf)becoming limiting to transpiration water flux.
Clay Mineral Weathering in Southern Wisconsin Soils Developed in Loess and in Shale-Derived Till*

Loess is the dominant soil parent material covering the western and central portions of southern Wisconsin. Glacial till derived mainly from Devonian shales and Silurian dolomite is the most extensive parent material in extreme southeastern Wisconsin. The soils developed in loess are coarser in texture, leached of carbonates to greater depths and more acid and contain a higher percentage of zirconium in their coarse silt than those developed in the till. The clay of the soils developed in loess contains a higher proportion of minerals of more advanced weathering indices (montmorillonite, “pedogenic” chlorite and kaolinite) formed by weathering. The clay mineralogy was fairly uniform in the four soils developed from loess, but the two Gray-Brown Podzolic soils were found to contain only about one-half as high a percentage of total clay and one-fourth as high a percentage of medium and fine clay in their A horizons (which were also 7 in. less in thickness) than the A horizons of their prairie soil analogues. The Varna soil developed in the till contains clay with a higher proportion of minerals of less-advanced weathering indices (mafic chlorite and dioctahedral mica), largely inherited from the parent material. There has been some transformation of mica and mafic chlorite to expansible layer silicates and amorphous material in the Varna solum and the ratio of ferrous to total iron decreased both with decreasing particle size (from fine silt through fine clay) and with approach to the soil surface (in the whole clay).
Thermal Death of Bacillus subtilis var. niger Spores on Selected Lander Capsule Surfaces

Dry-heat sterilization of planetary lander capsules requires a knowledge of the thermal resistivity of microorganisms in the environment to which they will be subjected during sterilization of the space hardware. The dry-heat resistance of Bacillus subtilis var. niger spores on various lander capsule materials was determined at 125 C. Eight surface materials were evaluated, including a reference material, stainless steel. Survivor curves were computed, and decimal reduction times (D values) were obtained by a linear regression analysis. In four tests on stainless steel, the average value of D at 125 C was 17.07 min. The D values for the other seven materials tested ranged from 18.64 min on magnesium surfaces to 20.83 min on conversion-coated magnesium. Of the materials evaluated, the results indicate that there is only a significant difference in the thermal resistance of B. subtilis var. niger spores on conversion-coated magnesium and conversion-coated aluminum from that on the reference material, stainless steel. The differences in D values for all the test surfaces may be the result of variations in test procedures rather than the effect of the surfaces on the thermal resistivity of the spores.
II. Elizabethan Recusancy Commissions

The Elizabethan religious settlement was meant to secure the unity of England by means of religious uniformity. As a political compromise it brought eighty years of relative peace and prosperity, but as a religious compromise it failed to satisfy either Catholic or Puritan. The problem of enforcing the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity of 1559 was complicated by the lack of adequate administrative machinery. The delay in purging the commissions of the peace, the failure to promote sufficient zeal among the justices of the peace, coupled with the decline of episcopal power and disenchantment with the High Commission and the various diocesan ecclesiastical commissions, led the government in the late 1580s and early 1590s to issue special royal commissions to carefully selected magistrates for dealing with seminary priests and recusant affairs. Thus, the Elizabethan government's policy towards recusants at any given period of time was a reflection not only of the degree of tension in the international situation, but also of the need to devise effective ways of enforcing die penal laws.
Bayesian and Belief‐Functions Formulas for Auditor Independence Risk Assessment

This paper illustrates two formulas for assessing independence risk based on the Bayesian and belief-functions frameworks. These formulas can be used to assess the role of threats to auditor independence as well as the role of threat-mitigating safeguards. Also, these formulas provide a basis for evaluation of an audit firm’s independence risk and a framework to educate stakeholders about the threats faced by the audit firm and the role of effective safeguards in mitigating these risks. The formulas also provide a means for regulators and lawmakers to evaluate whether they have effective safeguards in place given the existence of threats and for auditors to signal to various stakeholders that they have identified significant threats and have effective safeguards in place. To show the potential usefulness of these analytical models, several illustrations addressing increased transparency and the potential impact of regulations are presented. SUMMARY
Biodiversity and biocontrol: emergent impacts of a multi-enemy assemblage on pest suppression and crop yield in an agroecosystem

The suppression of agricultural pests has often been proposed as an important service of natural enemy diversity, but few experiments have tested this assertion. In this study we present empirical evidence that increasing the richness of a particular guild of natural enemies can reduce the density of a widespread group of herbivorous pests and, in turn, increase the yield of an economically important crop. We performed an experiment in large field enclosures where we manipulated the presence/absence of three of the most important natural enemies (the coccinellid beetle Harmonia axyridis, the damsel bug Nabis sp., and the parasitic wasp Aphidius ervi) of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) that feed on alfalfa (Medicago sativa). When all three enemy species were together, the population density of the pea aphid was suppressed more than could be predicted from the summed impact of each enemy species alone. As crop yield was negatively related to pea aphid density, there was a concomitant non-additive increase in the production of alfalfa in enclosures containing the more diverse enemy guild. This trophic cascade appeared to be influenced by an indirect interaction involving a second herbivore inhabiting the system ‐ the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora. Data suggest that high relative densities of cowpea aphids inhibited parasitism of pea aphids by the specialist parasitoid, A. ervi. Therefore, when natural enemies were together and densities of cowpea aphids were reduced by generalist predators, parasitism of pea aphids increased. This interaction modification is similar to other types of indirect interactions among enemy species (e.g. predator‐ predator facilitation) that can enhance the suppression of agricultural pests. Results of our study, and those of others performed in agroecosystems, complement the broader debate over how biodiversity influences ecosystem functioning by specifically focusing on systems that produce goods of immediate relevance to human society.
On the Fixed Point Formula and the Rigidity Theorems of Witten Lectures at Cargése 1987

These lectures are meant as an introduction to the interesting ideas which had their origin on the one hand in some string theoretic considerations of Witten and on the other in the more topological considerations of Landweber, Stong, Ochanine, and others [12]. These two diverse points of view have spawned a subject called “Elliptic cohomology” and so, in a sense, these are introductory lectures to that subject also. However my point of view will be rather different. My aim is - grosso modo - to show how this whole development fits into the framework of an old fixed point theorem which Atiyah and I proved some 25 years ago, and for which I would in any case like to make some propaganda amongst my physicist friends.
EUS-guided tattooing before laparoscopic distal pancreatic resection (with video).

Background Precise localization of small pancreatic tumors during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) can be difficult because of decreased tactile ability of laparoscopy and the homogeneous appearance of the pancreas and surrounding retroperitoneal fat. Precise localization of the lesion is critical to achieving adequate margins of resection and preserving healthy pancreatic tissue. EUS-guided fine-needle tattooing (EUS-FNT) of a pancreatic lesion before LDP has been described in single case reports, but no large series have reported its effectiveness in patients undergoing LDP. Objective To assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of EUS-FNT in consecutive patients undergoing LDP. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary-care referral hospital. Patients This study involved 30 consecutive patients who underwent LDP from 2008 to 2010. Thirteen had EUS-FNT followed by LDP, and 17 had LDP alone. Interventions LDP or EUS-FNT with a sterile carbon-particle tattoo followed by LDP. Main Outcome Measurements The following features were examined: the technical success and complication rates of EUS-FNT, visibility of the tattoo at the time of laparoscopy, durability of the tattoo, and pathologic absence of tumor at the resection margin. Results The final pathology of pancreatic lesions of patients who had EUS-FNT was similar to those who had LDP alone. The median resected tumor size was significantly larger for the LDP-alone patients (median 4.0 cm vs 1.3 cm; P = .03). Thirty-one percent (4/13) of lesions in the EUS-FNT group were not visualized by prior preoperative pancreatic protocol CT. EUS-FNT was feasible in all 13 patients at laparoscopy, with R0 resection and negative final pathology margins in all cases. The tattoo was visible in all 13 EUS-FNT cases, with mean time from EUS-FNT to surgery of 20.3 days (range, 3-69 days). There were no significant complications associated with EUS-FNT. Limitations Small, retrospective, single-center study. Conclusions Preoperative EUS-FNT of lesions was technically feasible and safe, and it assisted in the localization of lesions in patients before LDP. The carbon particle tattoo was durable and visible in all cases.
Sharing of Digital Visual Media: Privacy Concerns and Trust Among Young People

This study compares college students’ attitudes about privacy and trust when sharing digital images or video of themselves with three specific forms of Internet- and cellular-based media: Facebook, other social networking sites, and mobile phones. An increasing popular use of mobile phones is the practice of ‘sexting:’ sending and receiving sexually explicit images. These practices have only recently been introduced to criminological literature. Results indicate that trust in the receiver of images sent via mobile phones was significantly higher than other mediums. Also, females were less likely to trust mobile phones as they age if they reported to have previously engaged in sexting behaviors. This article argues that trust in sharing images or video via mobile phones is perhaps misplaced because there are many ways of losing control through non-consensual use of the digital images (e.g., victimization). Further, future research needs clearer distinctions to be made when defining the term ‘sexting’ and the intentions and purposes of people who engage in it.
Impacts of an interdisciplinary research center on participant publication and collaboration patterns: A case study of the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis

Interdisciplinary research centers are typically viewed as a vehicle for creating opportunities in science where the intricacy of the research problem calls for persistent collaboration across multiple disciplines. This case study analyzed the effects of an interdisciplinary research center on the publication and collaboration behaviors of faculty affiliated with the center. The study also sought to determine through faculty interviews what factors contributed to these effects for participants whose publication and collaboration behaviors were most changed after affiliation. Results of the study indicate that affiliation with the center has a significant positive effect on participant collaboration activities, and a moderate positive effect on publication activities (i.e. publishing in new fields). Factors contributing to success cited by interviewees included organized leadership, a positive atmosphere, breaking into sub-groups, and the ability to collaborate with researchers with whom they would not have interacted outside of the center. This case study may be useful in providing a framework for early evaluation of the effects of interdisciplinary research centers on affiliated participants.
Simulation as a guide for systems redesign in gastrointestinal endoscopy: appointment template redesign

In this era of health care value-based purchasing, health care systems are increasingly focused on maximizing the utilization of their most expensive resources. This trend is evident in gastrointestinal endoscopy which makes up the largest percentage of ambulatory surgical center claims in Medicare. In response to these pressures, the Duke University Health System plans to shift a majority of low-risk, endoscopic procedures to a lower-cost Ambulatory Surgical Center within the next year. In this paper, we describe our efforts partnering with Duke University Health System to develop a discrete event simulation model of this ambulatory surgical center and use the model to predict the impact of this case-shift. Furthermore, we use modeling to help guide systems redesign efforts by focusing on appointment template design. Through modeling, we uncover a number of operationally meaningful findings that are currently under consideration within the health system.
The Impact of Visibility in Innovation Tournaments: Evidence From Field Experiments

Contests have a long history of driving innovation, and web-based information technology has opened up new possibilities for managing tournaments. One such possibility is the visibility of entries – some web-based platforms now allow participants to observe others’ submissions while the contest is live. Seeing other entries could broaden or limit idea exploration, redirect or anchor searches, or inspire or stifle creativity. Using a unique data set from a series of field experiments, we examine whether entry visibility helps or hurts innovation contest outcomes and (in the process) also address the common problem of how to deal with opt-in participation. Our eight contests resulted in 665 contest entries for which we have 11,380 quality ratings. Based on analysis of this data set and additional observational data, we provide evidence that entry visibility influences the outcome of tournaments via two pathways: (1) changing the likelihood of entry from an agent and (2) shifting the quality characteristics of entries. For the first, we show that entry visibility generates more entries by increasing the number of participants. For the second, we find the effect of entry visibility depends on the setting. Seeing other entries results in more similar submissions early in a contest. For single-entry participants, entry quality “ratchets up” with the best entry previously submitted by other contestants if that entry is visible, while moving in the opposite direction if it’s not. However, for participants who submit more than once, those with better prior submissions improve more when they cannot see the work of others. The variance in quality of entries also increases when entries are not visible, usually a desirable property of tournament submissions.
Local founding events as determinants of genetic structure in a plant metapopulation

The genetic structure of a metapopulation of the weedy plant, Silene alba, was quantified by calculating FST, Wright's measure of the among-deme component of genetic variance, for seven polymorphic allozyme loci and a chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) polymorphism. Specifically, FST was estimated separately for 12 recently founded demes and 11 demes that had been established in the same area for at least six years, in order to assess the influence of founding events on genetic structure. The FST value for the recently established populations was the larger of the two estimates for six of the seven allozyme polymorphisms and for the cpDNA polymorphism, showing that the metapopulation dynamics of extinction and colonization enhance genetic structure. Combined with an estimate of k, the size of colonizing groups, the FST values were also used to estimate φ, the probability that two alleles found in a colonizing group originated in the same source population. Information from allozymes and cpDNA resulted in estimates of φ of 0.73 and 0.89, respectively, suggesting that relatively little mixing of individuals from diverse source populations occurs during colonization.
Multisensor raster and vector data fusion based on uncertainty modeling

We propose a new methodology for fusing temporally changing multisensor raster and vector data by developing a spatially and temporally varying uncertainty model of acquired and transformed multisensor measurements. The proposed uncertainty model includes errors due to (1) each sensor by itself, e.g., sensor noise; (2) transformations of measured values to obtain comparable physical entities for data fusion and/or to calibrate sensor measurements; (3) vector data spatial interpolation that is needed to match different spatial resolutions of multisensor data; and (4) temporal interpolation that has to take place if multisensor acquisitions are not accurately synchronized. The proposed methodology was tested using simulated data with varying (a) amount of sensor noise, (b) spatial offset of point sensors generating vector data, and (c) model complexity of the underlying physical phenomenon. We demonstrated the multisensor fusion approach with a data set from a structural health monitoring application domain.
Scaling Relation for Occulter Manufacturing Errors

An external occulter is a spacecraft own along the line-of-sight of a space telescope to suppress starlight and enable high-contrast direct imaging of exoplanets. The shape of an external occulter must be specially designed to optimally suppress starlight and deviations from the ideal shape due to manufacturing errors can result loss of suppression in the shadow. Due to the long separation distances and large dimensions involved for a space occulter, laboratory testing is conducted with scaled versions of occulters etched on silicon wafers. Using numerical simulations for a flight Fresnel occulter design, we show how the suppression performance of an occulter mask scales with the available propagation distance for expected random manufacturing defects along the edge of the occulter petal. We derive an analytical model for predicting performance due to such manufacturing defects across the petal edges of an occulter mask and compare this with the numerical simulations. We discuss the scaling of an extended occulter test-bed.
Evolution of graded refractive index in squid lenses

A lens with a graded refractive index is required for vision in aquatic animals with camera-type eyes. This optical design entails a radial gradient of protein density, with low density in external layers and high density in internal layers. To maintain the optical stability of the eye, different material properties are required for proteins in different regions of the lens. In low-density regions of the lens where slight protein aggregation causes significant light scattering, aggregation must be minimized. Squid lens S-crystallin proteins are evolutionarily derived from the glutathione S-transferase protein family. We used biochemistry, optical modelling and phylogenetics to study the evolution and material properties of S-crystallins. S-crystallins are differentially expressed in a radial gradient, suggesting a role in refractive index. This gradient in S-crystallin expression is correlated with their evolutionary history and biochemistry. S-crystallins have been under positive selection. This selection appears to have resulted in stabilization of derived S-crystallins via mutations in the dimer interface and extended electrostatic fields. These derived S-crystallins probably cause the glassy organization and stability of low refractive index lens layers. Our work elucidates the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the production and maintenance of camera-like optics in squid lenses.
Controlling DPPM through Volume Diagnosis

We propose to achieve and maintain ultra-high quality of digital circuits on a per-design basis by (i) monitoring the type of failures that occur through volume diagnosis, and (ii) changing the test patterns to match the current failure population characteristics. Opposed to the current approach that assumes sufficient quality levels are maintained using the tests developed during the time of design, the methodology described here presupposes that fallout characteristics can change over time but with a time constant that is sufficiently slow, thereby allowing test content to be altered so as to maximize coverage of the failure types actually occurring. Even if this assumption proves to be false, the test content can be tuned to match the characteristics of the fallout population if the fallout characteristics are unchanging. Under either scenario, it should be then possible to minimize DPPM for a given constraint on test costs, or alternatively ensure that DPPM does not exceed some pre-determined threshold. Our approach does not have to cope with situations where fallout characteristics change rapidly (e.g. excursion), since there are existing methods to deal with them. Our methodology uses a diagnosis technique that can extract defect activation conditions, a new model for estimating DPPM, and an efficient test selection method for reducing DPPM based on volume diagnosis results. Circuit-level simulation involving various types of defects shows that DPPM could be reduced by 30% using our methodology. In addition, experiments on a real silicon chip failures show that DPPM can be significantly reduced, without additional test execution cost, by altering the content (but not the size) of the applied test set.
Spin transfer induced noise in CPP read heads

In this paper, spin transfer induced magnetic noise in current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) spin valve heads is investigated via micromagnetic modeling with spin transfer torque included. It is found that there exists of a critical sense current density beyond which the spin transfer effect yields a substantial noise with a pronounced (1/f/sup n/) spectral content at low frequencies. This magnetic noise arises from the essentially chaotic magnetization precessions excited by the spin transfer effect that can effectively acts as energy pumping to the spin system. The onset of the noise occurs when the pumping rate becomes equal to the rate of energy dissipation. The critical current density is found to be proportional to the damping constant /spl alpha/ as well as the longitudinal bias field.
A Model to Predict the Histopathology of Human Stroke Using Diffusion and T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background and Purpose We sought to identify MRI measures that have high probability in a short acquisition time to predict, at early time points after onset of ischemia, the eventual development of cerebral infarction in clinical patients who suffer occlusion of a cerebral artery. Methods We developed an MR tissue signature model based on experimentally derived relationships of the apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADCw) and T2 to ischemic brain tissue histopathology. In eight stroke patients we measured ADCw and T2 intensity using diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging (DW-EPI). Tissue signature regions were defined, and theme maps of the ischemic focus at subacute time points after stroke onset were generated. Results Five MR signatures were identified in human stroke foci: two that may predict either cell recovery or progression to necrosis, one that may mark the transition to cell necrosis, and two that may be markers of established cell necrosis. Conclusions An MR tissue signature model of ischemic histopathology using ADCw and T2 can now be tested for its potential to predict reversible and identify irreversible cellular damage in human ischemic brain regions.
Innate immunity SNPs are associated with risk for severe sepsis after burn injury.

Objective: To analyze allelic association with clinical outcome in a cohort of burn patients. Patients: Two hundred twenty-eight individuals with burns ≥15% total body surface area without significant non-burn related trauma who survived >48 hours post-admission were enrolled. One hundred fifty-nine of these patients were analyzed previously. Methods: Candidate polymorphisms within interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cellular differentiation marker 14 (CD14) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were evaluated by logistic regression analysis for association with increased risk for severe sepsis (sepsis plus organ dysfunction or shock). Results: After adjustment for age, burn size, ethnicity, gender and inhalation injury, alleles at TNF-α (308G, p=0.013), TLR4 (+896G, p=0.027), IL-6 (174C, p=0.040) and CD14 (159C, p=0.047) were significantly associated with an increased risk for severe sepsis. Conclusions: Carriage of variant alleles at immune response genes were associated with increased risk for severe sepsis after burn injury.
New directions: a value-sensitive design approach to augmented reality

In this position paper we bring a new approach — Value-Sensitive Design — to understanding the value implications of augmented reality. We examine seven values: psychological well-being, physical well-being, privacy, deception, informed consent, ownership and property, and trust. In addition, we briefly describe our work where we apply a Value-Sensitive Design approach to augmented reality of the natural world.
Post-chemotherapy gross tumor volume is predictive of survival in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer treated with combined modality therapy.

Summary Purpose To evaluate the influence of clinical covariates, particularly pre-chemotherapy gross tumor volume (GTV), post-chemotherapy GTV, on overall survival in the treatment of stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods and materials We retrospectively analyzed 102 patients who were enrolled on three consecutive clinical trials, which employed the treatment paradigm of two cycles of induction chemotherapy followed by thoracic radiation therapy. The pre-chemotherapy GTV, post-chemotherapy GTV, change in GTV, histology, disease stage, performance status, age, race, treatment with concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone were evaluated to determine their impact on overall survival. The log 10 of the GTV was used to normalize the data and thereby reduce the impact of exceptionally large values. Results Both the log 10 of the post-chemotherapy GTV and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status covariates were highly prognostic for overall survival ( p =0.006 and p =0.008, respectively). Disease stage (at diagnosis) was also significant ( p =0.048). The log 10 pre-chemotherapy GTV covariate was borderline significant ( p =0.067). The strongest prognostic model was the two-covariate model, which contained the log 10 post-chemotherapy GTV and ECOG performance status covariates, (model χ 2 of 18.67, with p =0.001 for each covariate). Conclusions The log 10 post-chemotherapy GTV has significant prognostic survival value when the strategy of induction chemotherapy is employed in the treatment on stage III NSCLC. ECOG performance status and stage were also significant prognostic factors for survival.
Transistor design issues in integrating analog functions with high performance digital CMOS

Pocket or halo designs used in high performance digital CMOS design can degrade analog device performance. A new understanding of this phenomenon is presented using device simulation. The effect of pocket implant parameters on the trade-off between digital and analog performance is studied experimentally. Experimental data showing the beneficial effects of eliminating the pocket selectively from the drain end on analog performance is also shown.
Simple method for prediction of aircraft noise contours

A method for generating noise contours more rapidly and more simply than previously used programs is discussed. The method gives the area, the noise contour, and its extremities for an arbitrarily complex flight path for both takeoffs and landings with relative ease. The analysis reveals the fundamental nature of the contours and how the various factors that influence its size and shape enter into the analysis. It is noted that the effects of ground attenuation and shielding are omitted as they are important only on the initial portion of flight and are highly dependent upon aircraft configuration. However, the analysis shows that these effects could be included. It is emphasized the the single-event contour is an obvious choice for purposes of minimizing noise impact.
A Novel Mechanism of pH Buffering in C. elegans Glia: Bicarbonate Transport via the Voltage-Gated ClC Cl- Channel CLH-1.

An important function of glia is the maintenance of the ionic composition and pH of the synaptic microenvironment. In terms of pH regulation, HCO3− buffering has been shown to be important in both glia and neurons. Here, we used in vivo fluorescent pH imaging and RNA sequencing of the amphid sheath glia of Caenorhabditis elegans to reveal a novel mechanism of cellular HCO3− uptake. While the classical mechanism of HCO3− uptake involves Na+/HCO3− cotransporters, here we demonstrate that the C. elegans ClC Cl− channel CLH-1 is highly permeable to HCO3− and mediates HCO3− uptake into amphid sheath glia. CLH-1 has homology and electrophysiological properties similar to the mammalian ClC-2 Cl− channel. Our data suggest that, in addition to maintaining synaptic Cl− concentration, these channels may also be involved in maintenance of synaptic pH via HCO3− flux. These findings provide an exciting new facet of study regarding how pH is regulated in the brain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Maintenance of pH is essential for the physiological function of the nervous system. HCO3− is crucial for pH regulation and is transported into the cell via ion transporters, including ion channels, the molecular identity of which remains unclear. In this manuscript, we describe our discovery that the C. elegans amphid sheath glia regulate intracellular pH via HCO3− flux through the voltage-gated ClC channel CLH-1. This represents a novel function for ClC channels, which has implications for their possible role in mammalian glial pH regulation. This discovery may also provide a novel therapeutic target for pathologic conditions, such as ischemic stroke where acidosis leads to widespread death of glia and subsequently neurons.
Getrennt aufgewachsene eineiige Zwillinge

Der wahrscheinlich bekannteste Beweis, der die Auffassung unterstutzt, das I.Q.-Werte vererbt werden, stammt von Beobachtungen an getrennt aufgewachsenen eineiigen Zwillingen. Dieser Beweis scheint besonders stark, weil er auf weniger — und einfacheren — willkurlichen Annahmen begrundet ist, als man sie fur die Interpretation andersartiger Daten machen mus. Es gibt zwei grundsatzlich verschiedene Arten von Zwillingen. Wenn ein einziges Spermium ein einziges Ei befruchtet, kommt es manchmal vor, das sich darauf zwei verschiedene Individuen entwickeln. Diese Individuen sind eineiige oder monozygote (MZ) Zwillinge. Sie haben sehr wahrscheinlich identische Gene. Sie haben notwendigerweise dasselbe Geschlecht, und ihre physischen Ahnlichkeiten sind sehr auffallend. Der andere Zwillingstyp kommt dann vor, wenn zwei verschiedene Spermien zwei verschiedene Eizellen etwa zur selben Zeit befruchten. Die Mutter wird in diesem Fall zwei unterschiedliche Individuen gebaren, bekannt als zweieiige oder heterozygote (HZ) Zwillinge. Obwohl sie zur selben Zeit geboren werden, sind diese Individuen einander genetisch nicht ahnlicher als normale Bruder und Schwestern. Sie haben im Durchschnitt nur die Halfte ihrer Gene gemeinsam. Sie konnen gleichen oder verschiedenen Geschlechts sein und konnen einander physisch sehr unahnlich sein.
Hospital triage of acute myocardial infarction: Is admission to the coronary care unit still necessary?

American Heart Journal - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since samedi 5 mars 2016
The Fed's Rough Road Ahead

The Federal Reserve currently has more than $3.3 trillion in assets, which by the way, also makes it the largest bank in the world. This article discusses the reasons for the tremendous growth in the Fed’s balance sheet during the past six years. It also discusses the problem the Fed faces as it unwinds this huge portfolio over the next few years.
Explaining Large-Scale Policy Change in the Turkish Health Care System: Ideas, Institutions, and Political Actors.

Explaining policy change has been one of the major concerns of the health care politics and policy development literature. This article aims to explain the specific dynamics of large-scale reforms introduced within the framework of the Health Transformation Program in Turkey. It argues that confluence of the three streams - problem, policy, and politics - with the exceptional political will of the Justice and Development Party's (JDP) leaders opened up a window of opportunity for a large-scale policy change. The article also underscores the contribution of recent ideational perspectives that help explain "why" political actors in Turkey would focus on health care reform, given that there are a number of issues waiting to be addressed in the policy agenda. Examining how political actors framed problems and policies deepens our understanding of the content of the reform initiatives as well as the construction of the need to reform. The article builds on the insights of both the ideational and institutionalist perspectives when it argues that the interests, aspirations, and fears of the JDP, alongside the peculiar characteristics of the institutional context, have shaped its priorities and determination to carry out this reform initiative.
Generational differences in American students’ reasons for going to college, 1971–2014: The rise of extrinsic motives

We examined generational differences in reasons for attending college among a nationally representative sample of college students (N = 8 million) entering college between 1971-2014. We validated the items on reasons for attending college against an established measure of extrinsic and intrinsic values among college students in 2014 (n = 189). Millennials (in college 2000s-2010s) and Generation X (1980s-1990s) valued extrinsic reasons for going to college ("to make more money") more, and anti-extrinsic reasons ("to gain a general education and appreciation of ideas") less than Boomers when they were the same age in the 1960s-1970s. Extrinsic reasons for going to college were higher in years with more income inequality, college enrollment, and extrinsic values. These results mirror previous research finding generational increases in extrinsic values begun by GenX and continued by Millennials, suggesting that more recent generations are more likely to favor extrinsic values in their decision-making.