cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Maneuver Dynamics in Air Traffic Conflict Resolution

Much of the previous literature on conflict resolution is based on instantaneous maneuver models, in which speed and/or heading change dynamics are unmodeled. The effects of the actual maneuver dynamics on the resulting minimum separation are analyzed, and a simple numerical algorithm is presented to compensate for those effects. The focus is on level flight in the horizontal plane. Speed changes are modeled as periods of constant along-track acceleration or deceleration, and heading changes are modeled as steady turns of constant rate and radius. These simple kinematic (constrained point-mass) models improve on the resolution accuracy that results from modeling speed and heading changes as instantaneous, but they yield much simpler solutions than general point-mass dynamic models. The accuracy improvement is minor for most heading-change maneuvers, but it is substantial for most speed-change maneuvers. An important operational benefit of the algorithm is that it detects immediately if a conflict is too close to be resolved by a particular maneuver. A method is also outlined for determining the optimal combination of speed and heading change to resolve conflicts. With minor adaptation, the algorithms can also make use of an existing conflict probability estimation algorithm to determine maneuvers for strategic conflict probability reduction.
How size matters: The United States, China and asymmetry

(2001). How size matters: The United States, China and asymmetry. Journal of Strategic Studies: Vol. 24, Future Trends in East Asian International Relations, pp. 123-150.
Determining the significance of threshold values uncertainty in rule-based classification models

Ecological models not only represent a tool for studying ecosystems, but also function as a key source for informing environmental policy. As such, these models are expected to present and convey information and uncertainty as accurately as possible. As the complexity of these models increases, the resultant output also becomes more complex and difficult to interpret. However, understanding model output is not limited to interpreting complex dynamics; scientists must also contend with the possibility of model error and uncertainty. It is the uncertainty associated with the output that provides information about the reliability of model predictions, and therefore plays a pivotal role in model evaluation and interpretation. Despite its importance, uncertainty frequently is ignored. We present a methodology to determine the significance of uncertainty in rule-based classification models. This is a stepwise methodology that, using a genetic algorithm, determines the effects of uncertainty in model output and identifies the most likely alternative results. It also computes a measure of confidence to help the modeler evaluate how the predictions are affected by uncertainties. We present a case study applying the methodology to the global vegetation model Mapped Atmosphere-Plant-Soil System (MAPSS) where the measure of confidence contains information about the dissimilarity between alternative outcome classes, and their spatial configuration on the landscape. Fuzzy sets are used to portray most likely alternative results as integral part of model output in a spatially explicit format.
Collapse of the coherence gap in Kondo semiconductors

Kondo semiconductors exhibit a gap in their low-temperature excitation spectra, and can be modeled by the Anderson lattice model at half filling which shows a hybridization gap. The mixed-valent Kondo semiconductor ${\mathrm{SmB}}_{6}$ also shows in-gap magnetic excitations that exhibit the temperature dependence and dispersion that are expected from magnetic excitons. The gaps measured in the Kondo semiconductors are extremely sensitive to doping in which the f ions are substituted by non-$f$ ions. Recent measurements on ${\mathrm{YbB}}_{12}$ shows a feature similar to that of the magnetic exciton in ${\mathrm{SmB}}_{6}.$ Furthermore, the concentration dependence of the features observed in inelastic neutron-scattering spectra of doped ${\mathrm{YbB}}_{12}$ is different from the concentration dependence found in measurements of thermodynamic and transport properties. The impurity concentration dependence of the gap and the spin-exciton features are investigated. The spectroscopic properties are calculated for the Anderson lattice model at half filling, in which the disorder is treated in the coherent potential approximation. The results are compared with the recent experiments.
Enriched environment delays the onset of hippocampal damage after global cerebral ischemia in rats.

Abstract An enriched environment has been shown to improve cognitive, behavioral and histopathological outcome after focal cerebral ischemia and head trauma. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an enriched environment on histopathology following global cerebral ischemia. Wistar rats (21 weeks of age) were placed in different environments [standard cages (SC) or enriched environment (EE) cages] for 2 months before and either 6 days or 2 months after ischemia. Rats underwent 10 min of global ischemia by bilateral carotid artery occlusions plus hypotension. Five groups (n=4–5 in each group) were studied: (1) rats kept in SC before and 2 months after ischemia; (2) rats kept in SC before ischemia but transferred to an EE for 2 months after ischemia; (3) rats kept in EE before and after ischemia for 2 months; (4) rats kept in SC before and 6 days after ischemia; (5) rats kept in EE before and 6 days after ischemia. At 7 days or 2 months after ischemia, brains were perfusion-fixed, and ischemic injury was assessed by counting numbers of normal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 sector. Physiological variables showed no inter-group differences. Rats housed in EE for 2 months before and for 6 days (but not 2 months) after global ischemia showed significantly better preservation of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area when compared to control animals (middle CA1, 20.5±5.4 vs. 2.8±0.6; lateral CA1, 31.5±7.2 vs. 2.6±0.6, respectively). The present data suggest that housing in EE for 2 months before and 6 days after ischemia can delay the onset of damage to hippocampal pyramidal neurons, which eventually occurs despite 2-month EE.
In Scott-Strachey style denotational semantics, parallelism implies nondeterminism

A minimum algebraic structure needed in Scott-Strachey style denotational semantics for parallel programs is developed. Some elementary algebra shows that nondeterministic semantics is inherently and uniquely present. Conversely, any simple nondeterministic semantics provides uniquely a semantics for a minimal parallel computation capability.
Enhanced Regional Deformation at the Anterior Papillary Muscle Insertion Site After Chordal Transsection

Background Clinical and experimental studies of mitral valve replacement have shown a depression of ventricular function after chordal transsection; most recent studies have proposed that this is secondary to a depression of local function near the papillary muscle insertion site. However, there is no direct experimental evidence for changes in local fiber shortening in the wall of the left ventricle overlying the papillary muscle. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of chordal transsection on left ventricular shape and on three-dimensional regional deformation of the myocardium near the insertion of the anterior papillary muscle. Methods and Results In six open-chest dogs, two sets of three transmural columns of radiopaque markers were implanted in the anterior wall, one set at the tip of the papillary muscle (basal) and one at the site of papillary muscle fiber insertion (apical). A Bjork-Shiley mitral valve was placed in the left atrium adjacent to the native valve. Markers were then tracked with ...
A statistical evaluation of the relationship between cranberry yield in New Jersey and meteorological factors

Abstract The relationship between meteorological variables and cranberry yield was statistically evaluated using a variety of techniques including χ 2 , principal component and multiple regression analyses. The analyses were performed on overlapping 3-week periods during the harvest year, defined here as April 5 of the year prior to harvest through October 31 of the crop year, and on overlapping accumulations of 84°C growing degree days (GDD) throughout the critical development periods, May 10–June 30 of each harvest year. As a result of the dramatic increases in cranberry production after 1949, which were apparently due to non-meteorological factors, three periods were analyzed. These periods include the full length of record, 1906–1984, and the periods 1906–1949 and 1950–1984. Temperature and sunshine appear to have the greatest effect on cranberry growth and production. Precipitation, snow cover, estimates of potential evapotranspiration, and available soil moisture are apparently of little importance. Increased berry production is associated with warm temperatures during mid-May to late June and mid-October to mid-November of the year prior to harvest. Cold temperatures during early February to late March and sunny conditions from early May to mid-June also favor above-normal yields. Excessive heat from mid-June to early August and between the accumulation of 392 and 504°C GDD correspond to below-normal production. Physiological bases for these findings are discussed.
A transactional approach to social anxiety and the genesis of interpersonal closeness: Self, partner, and social context *

It remains unclear whether social anxiety interferes with the generation of closeness during initial encounters. We addressed the question of whether perceived closeness between strangers differs as a function of dyad characteristics (i.e., self and partner levels of social anxiety) and social context. We conducted an experiment with 90 participants randomly assigned to either a 45-minute personal disclosure or small-talk dyadic conversation. Multilevel modeling results yielded a 3-way interaction, such that the effect of social anxiety on closeness generated during the interaction was moderated by social anxiety reported by interaction partners and social context. In the personal disclosure condition, perceived closeness was greatest when the most socially anxious individuals interacted with each other. In the small-talk condition, perceived closeness was greatest when the least socially anxious individuals interacted with each other. Across conditions, partners with substantial differences in social anxiety (i.e., mixed dyads) reported relatively less closeness than partners with similar levels of social anxiety. Social anxiety effects were not attributable to depressive symptoms or physical attraction to partners. These findings suggest that neglecting specific qualities of interaction partners and social situational factors may lead to spurious conclusions in understanding interpersonal outcomes related to social anxiety.
Politically generated uncertainty and currency crises: Theory, tests, and forecasts

Abstract While it is widely acknowledged that political factors contribute to currency crises there have been few efforts at using political variables to improve crisis forecasts. We discuss ways in which political factors can be incorporated into theoretical models of crises, and develop testable hypotheses relating variations in political variables to variations in the probability of a currency crisis. We show that the incorporation of political variables into diverse crisis models substantially improves their out-of-sample predictive performance.
A Computational Model for Drilled Cutting Transport in Air (or Gas) Drilling Operations

The hydrodynamics of isothermal, one-dimensional gas-solids suspension is theoretically analyzed. A computational model is developed. The model is applied in predicting the pressure drop distribution in air-sandstone mixture flows through a vertical annular space (simulating the flow stream between a bore hole and a drill pipe). The model can be applied to any isothermal, one-dimensional flow of gas-solid suspension. The numerical results are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data collected from studies done on drilled cutting carrying capacity of air in air-drilling operations.
Power and linearity characteristics of field-plated recessed-gate AlGaN-GaN HEMTs

Record power density and high-efficiency operation with AlGaN-GaN high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) devices have been achieved by adopting a field-plated gate-recessed structure. Devices grown on SiC substrate yielded very high power density (18.8 W/mm with 43% power-added efficiency (PAE) as well as high efficiency (74% with 6 W/mm) under single-tone continuous-wave testing at 4 GHz. Devices also showed excellent linearity characteristics when measured under two-tone continuous-wave signals at 4 GHz. When biased in deep-class AB (33 mA/mm, 3% I/sub max/) device maintained a carrier to third-order intermodulation ratio of 30 dBc up to a power level of 2.4 W/mm with 53% PAE; increasing bias current to 66 mA/mm (6% I/sub max/) allowed high linear operation (45 dBc) up to a power level of 1.4 W/mm with 38% PAE.
High-throughput Pipelined Mergesort

We present an implementation of a high-throughput cryptosorter, capable of sorting an encrypted database of eight megabytes in .15 seconds; 1102 times faster than a software implementation.
Effects of image-based and text-based activities on student learning outcomes

Research on benefits of visual learning has relied primarily on lecture-based pedagogy, not accounting for the processing time students need to make sense of both visual and verbal material[8]. In this study, we investigate the potential differential effects of text-based and image-based student learning activities on student learning outcomes in a functional anatomy course. When controlling for demographics and prior GPA, participation in in-class image-based activities is significantly correlated with performance on associated exam questions, while text-based engagement is not. Additionally, students rated activities as helpful for seeing images of key ideas and as being significantly less mentally taxing than text-based activities.
Rockfish sounds and their potential use for population monitoring in the Southern California Bight

Sirovic, A., Cutter, G. R., Butler, J. L., and Demer, D. A. 2009. Rockfish sounds and their potential use for population monitoring in the Southern California Bight. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 981-990.Non-lethal methods are being developed to assess and monitor the depleted rockfish stocks off southern California. For example, data from multifrequency echosounders and underwater cameras have been combined to map the dispersions and estimate the abundances of rockfish at the historical fishing sites within this region. From August to October 2007, this ship-based technique was augmented with two passive-acoustic moored recorders. One collected data at the 43 Fathom Bank for 46 days, while the other was serially deployed at 13 locations for shorter periods (1-8 d). Passive-acoustic data were analysed for the presence of rockfish sounds. Potential sources of five pulsing sounds were identified from the optically estimated species compositions at each location, as well as from known rockfish recordings collected in aquaria. All sounds had a low frequency (<900 Hz). Some were short, individual pulses (≤0.1 s), others were repetitive. A repetitive pulsing from bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis) was the most commonly recorded sound and it occurred mainly at night. The daily calling rates at each site were quantitatively compared with the rockfish abundance estimates obtained from the active-acoustic survey, and they were positively correlated. The feasibility of using passive-acoustic tools to monitor changes in rockfish populations efficiently is discussed.
Closed Bases and Closure Semantics II

One might think that a closure space version of model theory would focus entirely on maximally consistent sets, since the satisfaction relation of a sound and complete logic induces a natural pairing between these sets and elementary equivalence classes of the more usual model structures. (Recall, also, the desirable properties of correct valuations uncovered in ch. 4.) To a great extent, however, maximally consistent sets behave like models because they have topological properties more abstract than maximal consistency itself. We shall explore one of these more abstract properties — namely, membership in a closed basis.
Extracellular enzyme activity and microbial diversity measured on seafloor exposed basalts from Loihi seamount indicate the importance of basalts to global biogeochemical cycling.

ABSTRACT Seafloor basalts are widely distributed and host diverse prokaryotic communities, but no data exist concerning the metabolic rates of the resident microbial communities. We present here potential extracellular enzyme activities of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) measured on basalt samples from different locations on Loihi Seamount, HI, coupled with analysis of prokaryotic biomass and pyrosequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The community maximum potential enzyme activity (Vmax) of LAP ranged from 0.47 to 0.90 nmol (g rock)−1 h−1; the Vmax for AP was 28 to 60 nmol (g rock)−1 h−1. The Km of LAP ranged from 26 to 33 μM, while the Km for AP was 2 to 7 μM. Bacterial communities on Loihi basalts were comprised primarily of Alpha-, Delta-, andGammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Planctomycetes. The putative ability to produce LAP is evenly distributed across the most commonly detected bacterial orders, but the ability to produce AP is likely dominated by bacteria in the orders Xanthomonadales, Flavobacteriales, and Planctomycetales. The enzyme activities on Loihi basalts were compared to those of other marine environments that have been studied and were found to be similar in magnitude to those from continental shelf sediments and orders of magnitude higher than any measured in the water column, demonstrating that the potential for exposed basalts to transform organic matter is substantial. We propose that microbial communities on basaltic rock play a significant, quantifiable role in benthic biogeochemical processes.
Challenges in Urdu stemming: a progress report

This paper explains the challenges pertaining to Urdu stemming and presents a rule-based prototype with a few rules implemented for Urdu to motivate the intricacies. It shows that Urdu stemming is quite challenging because of Urdu's diverse nature and because Arabic and Farsi stemmers cannot be used for Urdu. Dictionary-based error-correcting schemes used by other stemmers cannot be applied to Urdu because of the lack of machine-readable resources. There has not been any work published regarding Urdu stemming or morphological analysis in the IR community even though interest in Urdu is growing. The goal of this paper is to show the challenges in writing an Urdu stemmer, not to present a stemmer.
Applying Systems Thinking to Sustainable Golf Tourism

This article examines the issues and criticisms concerning golf, tourism, and the environment and considers how golf—tourism—environment relationships might achieve economic well-being for a region while avoiding vicious cycles of destruction to local environments and the quality of life of local residents. The examination proposes the use of systems thinking, cause mapping, and system dynamics modeling and simulations of golf, tourism, and environmental relationships to help achieve workable solutions agreeable to all stakeholders. Sustainable relationships that include golf, tourism, and environmental objectives require crafting government policies via stakeholder participation of all parties that such relationships affect—recognizing and enabling this requirement needs to be done explicitly—to reduce conflicts among stakeholders and avoid system failures.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Novel Heterocyclic Compounds via Tandem Reactions.

The title compounds (III), (V), (VII) are obtained by a tandem oxy-Cope rearrangement/SN displacement reaction, a tandem dianionic oxy-Cope rearrangement/nucleophilic substitution at carbonyl carbon, and a tandem anionic oxy-Cope rearrangement/transannular reaction, respectively.
Unitary giant synapses embracing a single neuron at the convergent site of time-coding pathways of an electric fish, Gymnarchus niloticus

Phase-locking neurons in the electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL) of a weakly electric fish, Gymnarchus niloticus, fire an action potential in response to each cycle of the sinusoidal electrosensory signal (350 –500 Hz) created by the fish’s own electric organ. The exact firing times of the phase-locking neurons are altered (time-shifted) by capacitance of electrolocation objects or by electric organ discharges of other individuals. The magnitude of the time shifts depends on the location of the neurons’ receptive field on the skin; thus, time disparities arise between the firing of phase-locking neurons. To compute these disparities, there should be a site where these phase-locking neurons converge. In this study we morphologically identified a novel cell type, which we named the “ovoidal cell”, that receives the convergent projections of phase-locking neurons in the inner cell layer (ICL) of the ELL. We labeled these neurons with biocytin and examined them by light and electron microscopy. The giant cells and the S-type primary afferents, two types of phase-locking neurons, respectively terminate on the soma via chemical synapses and on the dendrite of the ovoidal cells via mixed synapses. Each terminal of the giant cells embraces the soma of an ovoidal cell, covering as much as 84% of the somatic membrane. The giant cell terminals and ovoidal cell somata were immunoreactive to SV2, a synaptic vesicle protein, but the S-afferent terminals were not, even though they contain numerous synaptic vesicles. The dendrite of the ovoidal cells also contacts the pyramidal cells of the ICL, which are known to be sensitive to time disparities. The anatomical connections of the phase-locking neurons to the ovoidal cells strongly suggest that they are involved in computing time disparity. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:140 –155, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Linear Time Algorithms for Exact Distance Transform

In 2003, Maurer et al. (IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell. 25:265---270, 2003) published a paper describing an algorithm that computes the exact distance transform in linear time (with respect to image size) for the rectangular binary images in the k-dimensional space ? k and distance measured with respect to L p -metric for 1?p??, which includes Euclidean distance L 2. In this paper we discuss this algorithm from theoretical and practical points of view. On the practical side, we concentrate on its Euclidean distance version, discuss the possible ways of implementing it as signed distance transform, and experimentally compare implemented algorithms. We also describe the parallelization of these algorithms and discuss the computational time savings associated with them. All these implementations will be made available as a part of the CAVASS software system developed and maintained in our group (Grevera et al. in J. Digit. Imaging 20:101---118, 2007). On the theoretical side, we prove that our version of the signed distance transform algorithm, GBDT, returns the exact value of the distance from the geometrically defined object boundary. We provide a complete proof (which was not given of Maurer et al. (IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell. 25:265---270, 2003) that all these algorithms work correctly for L p -metric with 1<p<?. We also point out that the precise form of the algorithm from Maurer et al. (IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell. 25:265---270, 2003) is not well defined for L 1 and L ? metrics. In addition, we show that the algorithm can be used to find, in linear time, the exact value of the diameter of an object, that is, the largest possible distance between any two of its elements.
Model reduction of nonreversible Markov chains

In many uncertain complex systems it is observed that the system trajectories cluster in several subsets of the state space. In this paper we model the system behavior as a Markov process and consider the problem of finding a low dimensional approximation of the process that captures the clustering phenomena. Furthermore, we concentrate on Markov chain approximations on a finite state space of large dimension. The problem of finding an approximate low dimensional operator is much simpler when the Markov chain is reversible and several solution approaches have been developed for this case. Most of these approaches rely on spectral properties of the Markov chain. In this paper we consider the general nonreversible case. Our approach is based on a reversibilization procedure, spectral methods for the identification of the dominant components and constrained projection of the original system onto the low dimensional space.
Performance Evaluation of MIMO OFDM Systems in On-Ship Below-Deck Environments

Below-deck compartments on naval vessels provide a challenging environment for wireless networks. The metallic walls of the compartments produce multiple reflections that can degrade signal integrity. Between compartments, the metal bulkheads impede the propagation of electromagnetic waves, limiting network connectivity. Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is proposed to mitigate the effects of intersymbol interference (ISI) caused by multiple reflections. Additionally, the use of multiple antennas for channel diversity has shown to improve communications reliability and capacity. Single and multiantenna OFDM physical layers were tested within several below-deck spaces aboard Thomas S. Gates (CG 51), a decommissioned Ticonderoga-class US Navy cruiser. Measurements were taken with four OFDM-based schemes typical of current-generation Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technologies. The performance of multiantenna signaling techniques, including 2 × 2 Alamouti space-time coding and 2 × 2 multiple-input-multiple-output spatial multiplexing (MIMO-SM), were compared to the performances of 1 × 2 maximal ratio combining (MRC) and a conventional single-input-single-output (SISO) system. Results indicate that the tested MIMO techniques can approximately double the channel capacity. Throughput as high as 36 Mb/s was achieved in conventional situations where SISO links only admitted rates of 18 Mb/s.
THE ACTIONS OF THE N=1 AND N=2 SPINNING STRINGS AS CONFORMAL SUPERGRAVITIES

The action of the N=1 spinning string is shown to be the action of simple conformal supergravity in two dimensions. The constraints read R(P)=R(M)=R(D)=R(Q)=0 and τντµϕν= fμν - ½ gμν f = 0, where ϕμ and fμm are the conformal gravitino and boost field. In the N=2 theory, a new gauge field is found which is needed to close the gauge algebra.
Comment: Neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring in “low-risk” spine surgeries

Neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring (IOM) is used during surgeries in which there is risk of injury to the nervous system. Many neurophysiologic modalities, including EEG, EMG, nerve conduction, and brainstem auditory evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), and motor evoked potentials (MEP), are routinely used for IOM. A recent guideline on IOM noted that SEP and MEP monitoring in spinal surgeries is effective in predicting an increased risk of neurologic complications.1 However, there remains concern that IOM is overused, not necessary, and adds to expense of surgery.2
Climatic Impacts of Parameterized Local and Remote Tidal Mixing

AbstractTurbulent mixing driven by breaking internal tides plays a primary role in the meridional overturning and oceanic heat budget. Most current climate models explicitly parameterize only the local dissipation of internal tides at the generation sites, representing the remote dissipation of low-mode internal tides that propagate away through a uniform background diffusivity. In this study, a simple energetically consistent parameterization of the low-mode internal-tide dissipation is derived and implemented in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Earth System Model with GOLD component (GFDL-ESM2G). The impact of remote and local internal-tide dissipation on the ocean state is examined using a series of simulations with the same total amount of energy input for mixing, but with different scalings of the vertical profile of dissipation with the stratification and with different idealized scenarios for the distribution of the low-mode internal-tide energy dissipation: uniformly over ocean basins, co...
The effect of intravitreal injection of vehicle solutions on form deprivation myopia in tree shrews.

lntravitreal injection of substances dissolved in a vehicle solution is a common tool used to assess retinal function. We examined the effect of injection procedures (three groups) and vehicle solutions (four groups) on the development of form deprivation myopia (FDM) in juvenile tree shrews, mammals closely related to primates, starting at 24 days of visual experience (about 45 days of age). In seven groups (n = 7 per group), the myopia produced by monocular form deprivation (FD) was measured daily for 12 days during an 11-day treatment period. The FD eye was randomly selected; the contralateral eye served as an untreated control. The refractive state of both eyes was measured daily, starting just before FD began (day 1); axial component dimensions were measured on day 1 and after eleven days of treatment (day 12). Procedure groups: the myopia (treated eye - control eye refraction) in the FD group was the reference. The sham group only underwent brief daily anesthesia and opening of the conjunctiva to expose the sclera. The puncture group, in addition, had a pipette inserted daily into the vitreous. In four vehicle groups, 5 μL of vehicle was injected daily. The NaCl group received 0.85% NaCl. In the NaCl + ascorbic acid group, 1 mg/mL of ascorbic acid was added. The water group received sterile water. The water + ascorbic acid group received water with ascorbic acid (1 mg/mL). We found that the procedures associated with intravitreal injections (anesthesia, opening of the conjunctiva, and puncture of the sclera) did not significantly affect the development of FDM. However, injecting 5 μL of any of the four vehicle solutions slowed the development of FDM. NaCl had a small effect; myopia development in the last 6 days (-0.15 ± 0.08 D/day) was significantly less than in the FD group (-0.55 ± 0.06 D/day). NaCl + Ascorbic acid further slowed the development of FDM on several treatment days. H2O (-0.09 ± 0.05 D/day) and H2O + ascorbic acid (-0.08 ± 0.05 D/day) both almost completely blocked myopia development. The treated eye vitreous chamber elongation, compared with the control eye, in all groups was consistent with the amount of myopia. When FD continued (days 12-16) without injections in the water and water + ascorbic acid groups, the rate of myopia development quickly increased. Thus, it appears the vehicles affected retinal signaling rather than causing damage. The effect of water and water + ascorbic acid may be due to reduced osmolality or ionic concentration near the tip of the injection pipette. The effect of ascorbic acid, compared to NaCl alone, may be due to its reported dopaminergic activity.
Weakly Supervised Slot Tagging with Partially Labeled Sequences from Web Search Click Logs

In this paper, we apply a weakly-supervised learning approach for slot tagging using conditional random fields by exploiting web search click logs. We extend the constrained lattice training of T¨¨ om et al. (2013) to non-linear conditional random fields in which latent variables mediate between observations and labels. When combined with a novel initialization scheme that leverages unlabeled data, we show that our method gives significant improvement over strong supervised and weakly-supervised baselines.
The relationship of structure to properties in surfactants: VII. Synthesis and properties of some sodium 1,4-and 2,6-alkoxynaphthalenesulfonates

A number of surface-active alkoxynaphthalenesulfonates, ROC10H6SO3Na, have been synthesized, and some of their surface properties determined. The synthesis involved a Williamson reaction of an alkyl halide with the disodium salt of a naphtholsulfonic acid. The Krafft points, surface tension-log concentration curves, critical micelle concentrations, and areas/ molecule at the air/liquid interface of the purified and characterized alkoxynaphthalenesulfonates have been determined. Their surface areas/molecule indicate that the oxynaphthalenesulfonate portion of these compounds is lying flat in the air/liquid interface with the alkyl group vertical to the plane of the naphthalene. Their surface tension reduction efficiencies and critical micelle concentrations indicate that an α- or β-naphthoxy gruop in the hydrophobic portion of the molecule at 60 C is equivalent to about eight carbons in a straight alkyl chain and about six carbons at 25 C. These compounds, in contrast to other surfactants without an aryl ether linkage in the molecule, show greater efficiency and effectiveness in surface tension reduction with increase in temperature.
High Energy and Power Optical Waveform Synthesizers

We report on recent progress in high-energy optical waveform synthesis with optical parametric amplifiers pumped by high-energy Ti:Sapphire and Yb-based lasers delivering more than 2-octave spanning sub-cycle waveforms with multi-mJ energy.
Computational neuroscience and localized neural function

In this paper I criticize a view of functional localization in neuroscience, which I call “computational absolutism” (CA). “Absolutism” in general is the view that each part of the brain should be given a single, univocal function ascription. Traditional varieties of absolutism posit that each part of the brain processes a particular type of information and/or performs a specific task. These function attributions are currently beset by physiological evidence which seems to suggest that brain areas are multifunctional—that they process distinct information and perform different tasks depending on context. Many theorists take this contextual variation as inimical to successful localization, and claim that we can avoid it by changing our functional descriptions to computational descriptions. The idea is that we can have highly generalizable and predictive functional theories if we can discover a single computation performed by each area regardless of the specific context in which it operates. I argue, drawing on computational models of perceptual area MT, that this computational version of absolutism fails to come through on its promises. In MT, the modeling field has not produced a univocal computational description, but instead a plurality of models analyzing different aspects of MT function. Moreover, CA cannot appeal to theoretical unification to solve this problem, since highly general models, on their own, neither explain nor predict what MT does in any particular context. I close by offering a perspective on neural modeling inspired by Nancy Cartwright’s and Margaret Morrison’s views of modeling in the physical sciences.
Iterative epidural blood patch for recurrent spontaneous intracranial hypotension during pregnancy

A 30-year-old woman at 28 weeks presented with sudden onset of intense headache, epigastric pain, hot flushes, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed pathognonomic signs of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Epidural blood patch was performed 2 times during pregnancy for symptoms relief in spite of medical treatments. No other recurrence was noted until the spontaneous delivery. SIH is a rare entity during pregnancy which may be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging. Iterative Epidural blood patch should be proposed to patients with SIH during pregnancy because it allowed faster symptoms improvement and patient relief with complete recovery than medical treatment only.
GENE TRANSFORMATION BY PARTICLE BOM-BARDMENT IN INDICA RICE AND INHERITANCE OF THE FOREIGN GENE IN HOST RICE PLANT

Embryogenic calli induced from mature seeds and cell suspensions were used as explants for particle bombardment.Plasmid p ILTAB2 2 7containing hph gene and gus gene under the control of Ca MV35 S was introduced into different varieties of Indica rice.Resistant plants of Indica rice varieties Basmati- 1 ,Qingyouzhan,Xinshanzhan2 9,Shengyou2 ,Minghui63were obtained.Tissue histochemical staining analysis of gus gene and Southern blot analysis of DNA isolated from leaves of T0 plants dis- played the presence of gus and hph genes in the rice genome.We chose Basmati- 1 as a model and evalu- ated the expression of hph gene in T1,T2 and T3generations in order to provide us to study further the expression,regulation and control of other important agronomically genes in rice.The segregation ratio of3∶ 1 ( positive∶ negative for transgene) was found common in the T1progeny,itindicated that inheri- tance of transgene was in accordance with Mendelian rule of dominant gene with one locus.In addition, the selfed progeny of some independent plants show the segregation ratio of1∶ 1 .Itwas assumed that the aberrant ratio of1∶ 1 resulted from gene suppression of female gamete or male gamete.Mendelian fashion of hph gene was further confirmed and homozygotes for hph gene were identified in the T2 and T3lines.Meanwhile,the suppression and activation of foreign gene in the progeny of transgenic plants was put forward to discussion.
Rebels and Flâneuses

My focus on women-based travel narratives and their displacement in uncharted territories is featured in this chapter. The mobility of strong female characters points to possible danger zones based on gender. I appropriate the term ‘flâneuse’, which I feminize in the context of my approach to establish a distinction between male and female travelers. New territories and geographies are explored. My corpus examines first Ella Maillart and Anne-Marie Schwarzenbach’s trip to Afghanistan in 1939 in Journey to Kafiristan (Dubini brothers 2001). Maillart and Schwarzenbach are early (20th century) French-Swiss travel writers and photographers. I turn next to La Salamandre (1971) by Alain Tanner, a francophone Swiss director who projects a woman rebelling against the system, a woman in movement, as found in his subsequent road movie Messidor (1979). The mid-section reconsiders Chantal Akerman’s film Les Rendez-vous d’Anna (1978), a European travelogue that frames Akerman’s own story of a filmmaker on tour to present her film, and her encounter with people in Germany and Belgium. Although the film covers spatial displacement, it looks back at the history of World War II, the displacement of people, and its aftermath.
Straight Baseline Claims of States

Since 1951, eighty states have opted to draw straight baselines along all or a portion of their coasts. Some of these straight baseline exercises are in substantial conformity with the authoritative formulas of 1951, 1958, and 1982. Many are not.
Communication without Words

Generally, 90% or more of all communication is conveyed by means other than language, in a culture's nonverbal messages. The percentage may not be that high in communication in the sciences, but in any communication effort, the transfer of information without, or in addition to, the words must be recognized. This chapter discusses these unspoken means of communication that influence the semantic environment. In speech, every gesture and every facial expression add dimension to what is being said. With written and visual media, language beyond words is used. Symbols, spacing, colors, and other embellishments can be as important as words in written and visual communication. In speech, physical circumstances, body language, and listening habits contribute to success or failure of information exchange. Conventional symbols for organization include the placement and size of headings that constitute guideposts to lead a reader from one section of a paper to another. A great deal of variety can be accomplished with type font and other nonverbal elements in communication without color. Color simply adds another dimension to communication. The setting and body language is also an important area of concern. Listening, as well as the more tangible elements in communication without words, is crucial to the clear understanding.
A Structural Profile of Basic Title VII (Spanishenglish) Bilingual Bicultural Education Programs

This study presents a macro-level perspective of basic Title VII programs in the United States. Following a precedent established by Gaarder (1970), this study is an examination of selected “salient features” which constitute these programs. Organized around structural characteristics, the results of this study feature a profile of the “typical” Title VII (Spanish English) bilingual program. These “salient features” include: (1) grade levels served by the Title VH program, (2) enrollment characteristics of Title VII programs, (3) staff experience, and (4) technological features of bilingual programs.
Tie-2 Activation Is Required for Regeneration of Marrow Vasculature, Supporting Hematopoietic Reconstitution.

Abstract Accumulating evidence from our lab (Nature Med. 2004; 10(1): 64–71) and others have shown that myelosuppression not only results in apoptosis of the hematopoietic cells but also in regression of bone marrow (BM) sinusoidal vessels. Remarkably, we have shown that restoration of hematopoiesis is dependent on the regeneration of BM sinusoidal neo-vessels. However, the mechanism whereby vascular reconstitution is regulated is unknown. Because Tie2/Angiopoietins are critical in the remodeling of neo-vessels, we hypothesized that activation of Tie2 plays a role in regeneration of sinusoidal neo-vessels and restoration of hematopoiesis. To this end, we took advantage of transgenic mice where the Tie2 promoter drives the expression of beta-galactosidase (LacZ) in order to follow the expression of Tie2 in hematopoietic progenitor cells after myelosuppression. Under steady-state conditions, only few LacZ/Tie-2+ cells were localized in the endosteal/osteoblastic region, without any expression within the BM sinusoidal neo-vessels. However, after a myelosuppressive dose of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) there was a robust expression of Tie2 expression in the regenerating BM sinusoidal neo-vessels. The expression of Tie2 on the regenerating neo-vasculature reached a maximum at day 10 and reverted back to steady-state by day 20 post 5-FU, the time in which the majority of the neo-vessels were functionally assembled. Blocking angiopoietin/Tie2 signaling with the soluble decoy-receptor, Tie2Fc, after 5-FU inhibited platelet recovery as well as vascular reconstitution. There was a paradoxical accumulation of megakaryocytes in the bone-marrow during the prolonged thrombocytopenic phase, which we have previously shown to be due to vascular niche disruption and inability of megakaryocytes to release platelets. To examine the possibility that Tie2+ progenitors can reconstitute BM sinusoids in the recipient mice, lethally irradiated wildtype mice were transplanted with the BM of Tie2-lacZ knock-in mice. After full recovery, the chimeric mice were challenged with a myelosuppressive dose of 5-FU and Tie2+ neo-vessels were detected histologically on day 5, 10, and 14 by LacZ staining. Remarkably, the reconstituted bone marrow showed the presence of Tie2+ vessels, which unambiguously demonstrates the contribution of donor-derived endothelial progenitors to the reconstitution of the regressed vasculature. Together, our data support the hypothesis that Tie2/angiopoietin signaling is essential for functional regeneration of BM sinusoidal neo-vessels and contributes to the reconstitution of hematopoiesis, specifically to thrombopoiesis. In addition, the use of Tie2-LacZ mice provides an invaluable model to quantify the number of regenerating BM neo-vessels. Angiopoietins may be used in clinical setting in conjunction with other lineage specific cytokines to enhance hematopoiesis after myelosuppression.
Probing cosmic chemical evolution with GRBs

Abstract The association of long-duration Gamma Ray Bursts with the final stages of the evolution of massive stars has been established with photometry, via late “bumps” in their optical afterglows, and several cases of direct spectroscopic evidence. The link to massive stars offers their bright afterglow emission as a perfect tool for absorption line spectroscopy of their host galaxy environments and any material along their lines of sight. With typical redshifts of z ∼ 2, and a present record of z = 6.3, it is clear that their afterglows offer a very powerful tool to probe cosmic chemical evolution, to the earliest epochs of star formation, to the epoch of reionization by population III stars and accretion onto rapidly growing black holes. Fast afterglow decline does require a rapid response with very sensitive spectrometers on large aperture telescopes, which is a challenge for current astronomical resources – but rewards are correspondingly high.
Deciduous premolars of Eocene Equidae and their phylogenetic significance

The deciduous premolars of early Eocene Equidae from North America, conventionally attributed to ‘Hyracotherium’, are described and compared, based primarily on a sample of >60 specimens from the e...
Continuing professional development of engineers: from theory to practice in a public limited company

As a newly privatised company, National Grid Company plc needed to establish a framework for training its predominantly engineering workforce to operate effectively in a competitive commercial environment. The framework would reflect the considerable advice and guidance offered during the past decade on the education and training of engineers. All categories of engineer would have access to the system, which should be characterised by through–life training provision and facility for upward progression between categories. This paper describes the translation of accepted good practice into the reality of implementation. It recounts the systematic development of an integrated framework for the continuing education and training of engineers firmly based on the needs of the new company.
Metal Imaging in the Brain

Abstract Paramagnetic metals including gadolinium, manganese, and iron play an important role as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents that improve clinical assessment of human neurologic disease. Brain MRI provides important insights into the role metals play in neurological disease and allows for longitudinal studies of patients with occupational and environmental exposures to certain metals. Brain MRI is also used to assess the effectiveness of chelation in the management of metal neurotoxicity and occupational control measures. Brain MRI can help distinguish the clinically similar extrapyramidal syndromes seen with copper, iron, and manganese. This chapter focuses on brain MRI changes seen in people following exposure to manganese, iron, copper, and gadolinium.
Repression of Montagnards: Seeking Respect and Dignity

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam prevailed in wars against major powers such as France, the United States, China, and Cambodia. It has also undergone huge economic changes over the last three decades while at the same time corruption is so ingrained that one has to wonder if it will ever come under control (Martini 2012). Vietnam’s score, on the 2014 Corruption Perception Index, (scaled 0–10, with 10 being highly clean, was 3.1. According to the International Federation for Human Rights (IFHR 2014), Vietnam has the largest number of political prisoners (212) of any country in Southeast Asia. Finally, it is a collection of tribal and political groups which for centuries have operated in competition with one another for dominance in the country.