cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epilogue: Coordinating actors in complex operations and a third way to study two familiar dualities

The field has traditionally studied civil-military relations in one of two domains: supreme command, where the great questions of war and peace were decided by the top leaders, or society, where the military institutions sought to establish themselves in relations to the broader civilian world. This special edition emphasizes a third domain: the modern battlefield of complex operations. In that setting the lines between civilian and military are even more blurred than in traditional settings (where they were already quite blurred), and concerns about effectiveness cannot be ignored for the sake of the traditional focus on control.
On Lie and associative duals

The dual of the Lie algebra structure defined on a commutative algebra A by a derivation D of A is often the same as the Lie coalgebra structure defined by D on the coalgebra A°. This duality allows the Lie coalgebra structure map on the linearly recursive sequences to be calculated explicitly in terms of the known formula for the coalgebra structure map on those sequences.
A charged and contoured surface on the nucleosome regulates chromatin compaction

Local nucleosome-nucleosome interactions in cis drive chromatin folding, whereas interactions in trans lead to fiber-fiber oligomerization. Here we show that peptides derived from the histone H4 tail and Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus LANA protein can replace the endogenous H4 tail, resulting in array folding and oligomerization. Neutralization of a LANA binding site on the histone surface enhanced rather than abolished nucleosome-nucleosome interactions. We maintain that the contoured nucleosome surface is centrally involved in regulating chromatin condensation.
Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy of labeled plasma proteins adsorbed on polymer surfaces

Abstract The rotational motion of a pyrene sulfonyl group covalently bonded to plasma proteins was studied at the solution/polymer interface by a technique combining total internal reflection (TIR) with time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy. Assuming the time dependence of fluorescence anisotropy to be one exponential decay, the rotational correlation time (φ) was obtained. The values of φ varied with the polymer surfaces, whose hydrophobicities differ. It was presumed that the adsorbed proteins change conformation or orient particularly as if the fragmental motion of the protein molecules became dominant, in addition the interference of the protein rotation due to the surface adhesion
Effect of retinoic acid and interferon alpha on granulocyte-macrophage colony forming cells in chronic myeloid leukemia: Increased inhibition by all-trans- and 13-cis-retinoic acids in advanced stage disease

Abstract Granulocyte-macrophage colony forming units (CFU-GM) from patients with advanced stage chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), i.e. in blastic crisis (BC) or accelerated phase (AP), were inhibited by all- trans -retinoic acid (tRA) approximately 1000-fold more potently than those from chronic phase (CP) CML patients (median ic 50 = 10 −9 M tRA for six CML-AP/BC cases vs > 10 −6 M tRA for seven CML-CP cases). A similar activity pattern was observed for the stereoisomer 13- cis -RA (cRA). There was no apparent correlation of CFU-GM retinoid sensitivity with cloning efficiency or other colony characteristics. Interferon alpha-2a (INFα) alone strongly inhibited CFU-GM growth in all four CML-AP/BC cases ( ic 50 ⩽ 250 IU/ml) and three out of seven CML-CP cases ( ic 50 ⩽ 500 IU/ml), but there was little or no interactive effect between various concentrations of tRA and INFα (50 IU/ml) on CFU-GM from either CML-AP/BC or CML-CP cases. These results suggest that CML-AP/BC CFU-GM have some intrinsic molecular alteration(s) which markedly enhances their responsiveness to tRA and cRA, which may be clinically exploitable.
Carotid Stent-Supported Angioplasty: A Neurovascular Intervention to Prevent Stroke

Obstructive carotid artery disease is responsible for 60% of strokes in the United States and is the third major cause of death. Stent-supported carotid artery angioplasty has the potential to prevent stroke in thousands of patients and offers a number of potential advantages over surgical revascularization (carotid endarterectomy). Results of the prospective observational study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham indicate that carotid stent-supported angioplasty is safe and probably effective in reducing stroke in patients with high-risk cerebrovascular disease. Technical success was achieved in 99% of 146 procedures; 210 stents were placed in 152 vessels, with only 1 instance of stent thrombosis. The rate of major in-hospital complications was unexpectedly low-only 1 death and 2 major strokes. Seven patients suffered minor strokes, but only 2 were left with minor weakness. When compared with a projected complication rate of 6% had these patients undergone carotid endarterectomy, stenting resulted in fewer major events. At 6-month follow-up, 69 of 74 patients were evaluated by angiography or ultrasound, which detected 8 cases of stent deformation and a restenosis rate of < 5%. Because of these instances of stent deformation, use of the Palmaz (biliary) stent was discontinued. Although 1 patient had a transient ischemic attack, no strokes occurred during follow-up. To date, carotid stenting is an investigational procedure. Cardiovascular interventionalists, industry, and the FDA are encouraged to validate this approach through clinical testing. However, improvements in technique, devices, and adjunctive therapies are needed before the method can be tested in randomized trials.
Bifunctional chimeric fusion proteins engineered for DNA delivery: Optimization of the protein to DNA ratio

Background Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been used to deliver nucleotide-based therapeutics to cells, but this approach has produced mixed results. Ionic interactions and covalent bonds between the CPPs and the cargos may inhibit the effectiveness of the CPPs or interfere with the bioactivity of the cargos.
Towards CST-enhanced summarization

In this paper, we propose to enhance the process of automatic extractive multi-document text summarization by taking into account cross-document structural relationships as posited in Cross-document Structure Theory (CST). An arbitrary multidocument extract can be CST-enhanced by replacing low-salience sentences with other sentences that increase the total number of CST relationships included in the summary. We show that CST-enhanced summaries outperform their unmodified counterparts using the relative utility evaluation metric. We also show that the effect of a CST relationship on an extract depends on its type.
Multi-view clustering

We consider clustering problems in which the available attributes can be split into two independent subsets, such that either subset suffices for learning. Example applications of this multi-view setting include clustering of Web pages which have an intrinsic view (the pages themselves) and an extrinsic view (e.g., anchor texts of inbound hyperlinks); multi-view learning has so far been studied in the context of classification. We develop and study partitioning and agglomerative, hierarchical multi-view clustering algorithms for text data. We find empirically that the multi-view versions of k-means and EM greatly improve on their single-view counterparts. By contrast, we obtain negative results for agglomerative hierarchical multi-view clustering. Our analysis explains this surprising phenomenon.
How to optimize staging in early non-small cell lung cancer.

The topic was discussed by Dr Johan Vansteenkiste, Leuven Belgium. PET is an exciting new imaging modality that has rapidly acquired a prominent position in evaluation of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) and staging of lung cancer. It is based on the principle that cancer cells have a higher rate of glycolysis and an increased cellular uptake of glucose due to increased number of transport proteins than non-neoplastic cells. The PET tracer, 18 fluoro-deoxyglucose (18 FDG) is taken up into cells and metabolically trapped and accumulates. 18 FDG is a positron emitter, and therefore, can be measured. Thus, PET provides evidence of metabolic activity of tumor cells and has opened up the relative new field of ‘molecular imaging’. PET has a sensitivity of approximately 90% and a specificity of 85 /90% for evaluating SPN, but the data available is based on nodules ]/1 cm in size [1]. The resolution limit of PET is thought to be 7 /8 mm. For nodules smaller than 1 cm, the sensitivity and specificity is unknown. The sensitivity and specificity of the CT scan for evaluating mediastinal lymph nodes for metastasis is 60 /70% each [2,3]. This means that 30 /40% of lymph nodes one cm or smaller will have microscopic metastasis (sensitivity) and 30 /40% of lymph nodes /1 cm in size will not contain metastases, but will only be reactive (specificity). In contrast, data presented and a published meta-analysis documents a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 92% for PET evaluation of mediastinal nodes in patients with NSCLC [4]. A limitation of PET is that it lacks precise anatomic details. Studies have shown that the sensitivity and accuracy of PET is significantly improved when it is correlated with the CT scan. New scanners are just coming on the market that fuse the CT and PET images, thus giving better anatomic detail. It is likely that these new CT/PET scanners may replace the current PET scanners. They decrease the PET scan time from 60 to 30 min. False positive PET scans can occur in patients with tuberculosis, other granulomatous disease, sarcoidosis, and anthrasilicosis. Care must be taken to distinguish a malignancy adjacent to mediastinum from adjacent mediastinal nodal metastasis with the current scanners. False negative PET scans may occur in patients with carcinoid tumors and bronchoalveolar cell carcinoma because of the low metabolic activity. PET will also miss microscopic lymph node metastases (resolution size limitation). Dr Vansteenkiste recommended that PET evaluation of mediastinum be used as follows:
Recessive arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia due to novel cryptic splice mutation in PKP2

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a genetic disorder resulting in fibro-fatty replacement of right ventricular myocytes and consequent ventricular arrhythmias. Heterozygous mutations in PKP2 encoding plakophilin-2 have previously been reported to cause dominant ARVD with reduced penetrance. We report the first case of recessive ARVD caused by mutations in PKP2. Candidate gene analysis in a typical proband with this disorder identified a novel homozygous mutation in PKP2 (c.[2484C>T]+[2484C>T]), which is predicted to be translationally silent (p.Gly828). Analysis of the proband's mRNA, however, shows that this mutation causes predominantly cryptic splicing, with a 7-nucleotide deletion in exon 12. The ensuing frame shift disrupts the last 54 amino acids of plakophilin-2 and extends the open reading frame by 145 nucleotides (48 amino acids) into the 3′ untranslated region. Haplotype analysis demonstrates the absence of remote consanguinity. Heterozygous family members produce approximately 60% of properly spliced PKP2 and do not have manifestations of ARVD. Further analysis of PKP2 mRNA sequence revealed two additional alternatively spliced transcripts. The possibility of cryptic or alternative splicing should be considered with identification of apparently synonymous nucleotide substitutions in this gene. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Laser ultrasonics with a single laser for generation and detection

The generation and detection of ultrasound with lasers (laser-ultrasonics) presents several important advantages compared to the conventional approach based on piezoelectric generation and detection.1–4 Among those is the generation and detection without contact and at a distance (10 cm to meters), which allows easy probing of parts at elevated temperature. Also, since generation and detection occur at the surface of the material, parts of complex geometry can be readily tested without any need for transducer orientation. This unique feature is important for numerous industrial applications since parts made of metals, polymers or composites of various kinds have often curved surfaces and complex shapes.
Impact of the 2008 U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommendation on frequency of prostate-specific antigen screening in older men.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the 2008 U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommendation against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in men aged 75 and older on frequency of PSA screening in elderly men. Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis. Setting: Fifteen community primary care practices in western Massachusetts. Participants: Men aged 65 and older with one or more annual physicals between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010. Measurements: PSA testing was determined from the electronic health record. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to model the rate of PSA testing over time for two age groups: 65 to 74, and 75 and older. Results: Of the 7,833 men in this study, 60% were younger than 75. PSA screening rates were consistently lower in men aged 75 and older. Annual rates, adjusted for number of clinic visits, ranged from 12% to 28% in men aged 75 and older, and 37% to 49% in men aged 65 to 74. In the 2 years before the guideline was released, there was already a slow decline in screening rate in men aged 75 and older, whereas the screening rate in men aged 65 to 74 was rising. Compared to 2008, there was a 36% relative reduction in screening rate in 2009 and a 51% relative reduction in 2010 for men aged 75 and older, and a 12% relative reduction in screening rate in 2009 and a 24% relative reduction in 2010 for men aged 65 to 74. Conclusion: The 2008 recommendation appeared to reduce PSA screening rates in older men in 2009 and 2010; there was a substantial reduction in men aged 75 and older and a more modest reduction in men aged 65 to 74.
A 10–67-GHz CMOS Dual-Function Switching Attenuator With Improved Flatness and Large Attenuation Range

A 4-bit CMOS dual-function switching attenuator is designed using new architecture and method to obtain not only fine attenuation flatness and large attenuation range over an extremely wide frequency range, but also switching ability. Specifically, the inherent frequency responses of conventional Pi-, T- and distributed attenuators are utilized along with the transistor's body-floating technique to improve the attenuation flatness and range, as well as lower the insertion loss. The switch constituent of the attenuator is also designed to contribute to extra isolation at low frequencies as well as to produce reflective switching. Analysis for the new attenuator is derived and its performance is verified through simulations and measurements. Over 10-67 GHz, the measured results show the attenuation flatness of 2.4-6.8 dB, attenuation range of 32-42 dB, and isolation of 42-67 dB. The same attenuator could achieve 2- and 3-dB attenuation flatness if the operation frequency is limited to 12.5-37 GHz and 10-43 GHz, respectively. The minimum attenuation is 8.4-15.2 dB across 10-67 GHz. The 1-dB compression power is more than 14 dBm. The attenuator is fabricated using 0.18-μm BiCMOS technology and its size is 1450 μm ×530 μm.
Progovac on polarity

Over the past two decades, much ink has been spilled in the search for an empirically viable and explanatory account of polarity phenomena. While the fundamental question what is the nature of polarity items and of the principles that determine their distribution?-has yet to receive a fully satisfactory answer, the efforts toward a solution have been fruitful in informing our understanding of the interrelationship of configurational syntax, formal semantics, pragmatics, and the lexicon. Building on the insights of earlier scholars on the nature of scalar predication (see Fauconnier I975) and the property of monotonicity within the formal theory of generalized quantifiers (see Barwise & Cooper I98I), Ladusaw (I980) was able to identify the set of environments licensing negative polarity items (NPIs) with the semantic notion of downward entailment, the property of licensing inferences from sets to subsets, from the general to the specific, which itself can be seen as a descendant of the scholastic logicians' Dictum de Nullo and downward ('a superiore ad inferius') inference.1 Ladusaw thus provided content to the [+ affective] feature Klima (I964) was forced to associate arbitrarily with NPI-inducing contexts. Positive polarity items (PPIs), receiving shorter shrift in Ladusaw's work, were regarded as being anti-triggered by the same operators that trigger NPIs.
Mayo Child Family Advocacy Program: from treatment to prevention

This review will outline the evolution of one centre's child advocacy programme. As the recognition of abuse in the USA has increased, its incidence has increased as well. The economic impact of abuse is beginning to be understood, and this has created the need for more extensive medical student and physician education. Additionally, primary prevention of abuse has become a priority.
Responsiveness of Accessory Glands of Adult Mice to Testosterone: Priming with Neonatal Injections

Mice were castrated on the day of their birth, given injections of testosterone propionate or oil on either days 2 and 4 or on days 22 and 24 of life, and then given TP or radiolabeled testosterone as adults. Seminal vesicles of early oil- and early TP-injected animals were similar in weight and in DNA and RNA content before any TP treatment in adulthood. RNA synthesis and rate of growth in response to adult treatment with TP, however, were considerably more rapid in males that had received hormone on days 2 and 4 of life. Other tissues examined were either unaffected by such early hormone treatment (submaxillary and preputial glands) or showed residual weight increases due to the early injection of TP (levator ani muscle). Seminal vesicles, levator ani, and the preputial and submaxillary glands of mice given TP on days 22 and 24 of life all showed residual weight increases 80–90 days later. Relatively pure biochemical priming, unaccompanied by any overt changes in weight or in DNA or RNA content, then, w...
Prediction of interaction sites from apo 3D structures when the holo conformation is different

The predictability of catalytic and binding sites from apo structures is addressed for proteins that undergo significant conformational change upon binding. Theoretical microscopic titration curves (THEMATICS), an electrostatics-based method for the prediction of functional sites, is performed on a test set of 24 proteins with both apo and holo structures available. For 23 of these 24 proteins (96%), THEMATICS predicts the correct catalytic or binding site for both the apo and holo forms. For only one of the 24 proteins, THEMATICS makes the correct prediction for the holo structure but fails for the apo structure. The metrics used by THEMATICS to identify functional residues generally are larger in absolute value for the functional residues in the holo forms compared to the corresponding residues in the apo forms. However, even in the apo forms, these identifying metrics are still statistically significantly larger for functional residues than for residues not involved in catalysis or binding. This indicates that some of the unusual electrostatic properties of functional residues are preserved in the apo conformation. Evidence is presented that certain residues immediately surrounding the active catalytic and binding residues impart functionally important chemical and electrostatic properties to the active residues. At least parts of these microenvironments exist in the unbound conformations, such that THEMATICS is able to distinguish the functional residues even in the apo structures.
A full-featured, error-resilient, scalable wavelet video codec based on the set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) algorithm

Compressed video bitstreams require protection from channel errors in a wireless channel. The 3-D set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) coder has proved its efficiency and its real-time capability in the compression of video. A forward-error-correcting (FEC) channel (RCPC) code combined with a single automatic-repeat request (ARQ) proved to be an effective means for protecting the bitstream. There were two problems with this scheme: (1) the noiseless reverse channel ARQ may not be feasible in practice and (2) in the absence of channel coding and ARQ, the decoded sequence was hopelessly corrupted even for relatively clean channels. We eliminate the need for ARQ by making the 3-D SPIHT bitstream more robust and resistant to channel errors. We first break the wavelet transform into a number of spatio-temporal tree blocks which can be encoded and decoded independently by the 3-D SPIHT algorithm. This procedure brings the added benefit of parallelization of the compression and decompression algorithms, and enables implementation of region-based coding. We demonstrate the packetization of the bitstream and the reorganization of these packets to achieve scalability in bit rate and/or resolution in addition to robustness. Then we encode each packet with a channel code. Not only does this protect the integrity of the packets in most cases, but it also allows detection of packet-decoding failures, so that only the cleanly recovered packets are reconstructed. In extensive comparative tests, the reconstructed video is shown to be superior to that of MPEG-2, with the margin of superiority growing substantially as the channel becomes noisier. Furthermore, the parallelization makes possible real-time implementation in hardware and software.
Defect inspection sampling plans-which one is right for me?

Most wafer fabrication lines now employ some form of defect inspection plan to identify killer defect types on its wafers and thus protect and predict die sort yields. Although often viewed as a nonvalue added process step, defect inspection is typically incorporated into the process flow at a number of points. However, as with all process steps, there is an associated cost, and oversampling can add more to the wafer manufacturing cost than the cost of field loss that might otherwise have been recovered. It is therefore imperative that the sampling methodology used in the fab is cost effective, i.e. that the benefits gained far outweigh inspection cost. As a minimum, the plan must be able to detect excursions that will ultimately result in probe yield loss. Also, excursion detection must be timely to ensure that the product at risk from excursions is minimized. In summary, the plan must be consistent with the acceptable excursion yield loss in the fab. This paper looks at plans used in two very different fabs on the same site. The first is a 4" line with >1 /spl mu/m geometries. The second is a 6" line with <0.5 /spl mu/m geometries. The same overall structure governs both fabs and the equipment set in both areas is largely similar. However, the sampling strategy used in the two areas is different, as each area plan is tailored specifically to meet its needs in relation to yield objectives. This paper describes the two plans used, and looks at how inspection sensitivity must be tailored to meet the needs of the plan. We look at various defect types, and how some must be sieved out to ensure that the inspection data generated is meaningful.
Gene–environment interactions and health inequalities: views of underserved communities

This article examines the beliefs and experiences of individuals living in underserved ethnically diverse communities in Cleveland, Ohio, regarding the influence of genetic, social, and environmental factors on health and health inequalities. Using a community-engaged methodological approach, 13 focus groups were conducted with African American, Hispanic, and White individuals residing in the Cleveland area to explore attitudes and beliefs about genetics, genetic research, and health disparities and inequalities. Results of this study highlight the range of meanings that individuals attach to genetic variation, genomic research, and gene–environment interactions, and their implications for addressing health inequalities. The majority of participants in all focus groups reported that social and environmental factors were more important than genetics in contributing to health inequalities. Most participants were unfamiliar with genetic research. These data have implications for how genetic information and research might be applied in conjunction with addressing social determinants of health to improve prevention strategies in underserved communities and ultimately reduce health inequalities.
Guidelines to identify abnormalities after childhood urinary tract infections: a prospective audit

Objective To compare the childhood urinary tract infection (UTI) guidelines from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in 1991 and from National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (CG54) in 2007 by measuring their efficiency at detecting urinary tract abnormalities. Design Children with UTIs within the Newcastle Primary Care Trust (population 70 800 children) were referred and imaged according to the RCP guidelines during 2008, and these were compared to the activity that would have been undertaken if we had implemented the CG54 guidelines, including following them through 2011 to identify those with recurrent UTIs. Main outcome measures The numbers of children imaged, the imaging burden and efficiency, and urinary tract abnormalities detected by each guideline. Results Fewer children would have been imaged by CG54 than RCP (150 vs 427), but its sensitivity was lower, at 44% for detecting scarring, 10% for identifying vesicoureteric reflux and 40% for other abnormalities. Overall, it would have only detected one-quarter of the abnormal cases (8 vs 32) and would have missed five of nine children with scarring, including three with multiple lesions and one with renal impairment. Imposing an age restriction of Interpretation The CG54 guidelines do not alter the imaging efficiency compared to the RCP guidelines, but they are considerably less sensitive.
Approximate solution of the equations for aerosol agglomeration

Abstract The integrodifferential equation for the agglomeration and settling of aerosols is reduced to a set of ordinary nonlinear equations for the moments. In general these equations do not form a closed set. By choosing a specific functional form for the distribution of particle volumes, the parameters of which are functions of time, the system is closed since all the moments are expressible directly in terms of the chosen parameters, and an n-parameter function then leads to a set of n ordinary differential equations. The specific case of a log-normal distribution for particle sizes is discussed in detail. For the case of pure Brownian agglomeration analytic solutions are obtained and the asymptotic distribution is explored. When gravitational settling and agglomeration are included, the system may be readily solved numerically.
FPGA placement and routing using particle swarm optimization

Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are becoming increasingly important implementation platforms for digital circuits. One of the necessary requirements to effectively utilize the FPGA's fixed resources is an efficient placement and routing mechanism. This paper presents particle swarm optimization (PSO) for FPGA placement and routing. Preliminary results for the implementation of an arithmetic logic unit on a Xilinx FPGA show that PSO is a potential technique for solving the placement and routing problem.
Multi-image focus of attention for rapid site model construction

A multi-image focus of attention mechanism has been developed that can quickly distinguish raised objects like buildings from structured background clutter typical to many aerial image scenarios. The underlying approach is the space-sweep stereo method, in which features from multiple images are backprojected onto a virtual, horizontal plane that is methodically swept through the scene. Back-projected gradient orientations from multiple images are highly correlated when they come from scene locations containing structural edges that are roughly horizontal, like building roofs and terrain; otherwise, they tend to be uniformly distributed. These observations are used to define a structural salience measure that can determine whether a given volume of space contains a statistically significant number of structural edges, without first performing precise reconstruction of those edges. The utility of structural salience for computing focus of attention regions is illustrated on sample data from Ft. Hood, Texas.
Predictors of sexual behaviour among church-going youths in Nairobi, Kenya: a cross-denominational study

We surveyed church-going youths in Nairobi, Kenya, to investigate denominational differences in their sexual behaviour and to identify factors related to those differences. In comparison with youths attending mainline churches, the youths surveyed at Pentecostal/evangelical churches were less likely to have ever had sex. Furthermore, although male youths in the mainline churches were more likely than their female counterparts to have ever had sex, no such difference emerged between the male and female youths attending Pentecostal/evangelical churches. For youths from both types of churches, not only individual religious commitment (being ‘born again’) but also contextual religiosity (i.e. the extent of socialisation in their faith communities) explained the variations in their sexual behaviour and attitudes. Finally, the effect of denomination on one's intention to have sex in the next 12 months was mediated by the frequency of talk about spiritual issues with church confidants.
Soil Mercury and its Response to atmospheric Mercury Deposition across the Northeastern United States

Terrestrial soil is a large reservoir of atmospherically deposited mercury (Hg). However, few studies have evaluated the accumulation of Hg in terrestrial ecosystems in the northeastern United States, a region which is sensitive to atmospheric Hg deposition. We characterized Hg and organic matter in soil profiles from 139 sampling sites for five subregions across the northeastern United States and estimated atmospheric Hg deposition to these sites by combining numerical modeling with experimental data from the literature. We did not observe any significant relationships between current net atmospheric Hg deposition and soil Hg concentrations or pools, even though soils are a net sink for Hg inputs. Soil Hg appears to be preserved relative to organic carbon (OC) and/or nitrogen (N) in the soil matrix, as a significant negative relationship was observed between the ratios of Hg/OC and OC/N (r = 0.54, P < 0.0001) that shapes the horizonal distribution patterns. We estimated that atmospheric Hg deposition since 1850 (3.97 mg/m2) accounts for 102% of the Hg pool in the organic horizons (3.88 mg/m2) and 19% of the total soil Hg pool (21.32 mg/m2), except for the southern New England (SNE) subregion. The mean residence time for soil Hg was estimated to be 1800 years, except SNE which was 800 years. These patterns suggest that in addition to atmospheric deposition, the accumulation of soil Hg is linked to the mineral diagenetic and soil development processes in the region.
Fidelity of Implementation and Instructional Alignment in Response to Intervention Research

In this review, we explore the extent to which researchers evaluating the efficacy of Tier 2 elementary reading interventions within the framework of Response to Intervention reported on fidelity of implementation and alignment of instruction between tiers. A literature search identified 22 empirical studies from which conclusions were drawn. Results suggest that fidelity of implementation is typically monitored at Tier 2 and that alignment between tiers of intervention is often apparent yet not explicitly stated. However, researchers frequently neglect to report on fidelity of intervention in Tier 1, potentially limiting claims that can be made about the efficacy of subsequent Tier 2 intervention. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Altered activity patterns and reduced abundance of native mammals in sites with feral dogs in the high Andes

Abstract Negative impacts of some introduced carnivores like feral cats are well documented, widespread, and significant. Comparatively, the effects of feral dogs (individuals that are not associated with people or human settlements) on native wildlife are poorly known, even though feral dogs occur worldwide. We assessed the density of feral dogs and compared relative abundance, activity patterns and habitat use of 10 species of mammals in areas with and without feral dogs in Cayambe-Coca National Park in the northern Ecuadorian Andes using line transect surveys, camera traps, and track and sign surveys. In areas where feral dogs were present, four native mammals were absent: mountain coati (Nasuella olivacea), mountain paca (Cuniculus taczanowskii), long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), and northern pudu (Pudu mephistophiles). Relative abundances of six species were lower compared to areas without feral dogs: puma (Puma concolor), Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus), Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus), mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), and little red brocket deer (Mazama rufina). Three species significantly altered activity patterns where feral dogs were present (Andean bear, mountain tapir, and little red brocket deer). In contrast, none of the native mammal species exhibited shifts in habitat use in areas with feral dogs. Dogs used all habitat types according to availability. Our results point to feral dogs as a significant problem for the native mammal community of this Andean region, and highlight the need to consider feral dogs as a potential threat to wildlife in other regions where anthropogenic effects appear to be low but feral dogs are present, particularly natural areas that contain endangered and endemic species.
Nox4 NADPH oxidase: emerging from the veil of darkness

In Greek and Roman mythology, the Primordial goddess Nox, born out of Chaos, is the goddess of the night. This allegory linking chaos to darkness characterizes our understanding of the Nox4 NADPH oxidase. In the vasculature, the NADPH oxidases are recognized as the predominant source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which act as second messengers in redox signalling and contribute to the ‘oxidative stress’ in disease. Of the seven Nox isoforms, only Nox1, Nox2, Nox4, and Nox5 are expressed in the blood vessel, and each differs in cell-specific expression, mode of activation, intracellular location, and function.1 Although there is strong evidence of increased expression of the Nox isoforms in human atherosclerosis, the change in expression does not necessarily indicate a contribution to disease development. Recently, the availability of genetically modified mice has facilitated the process of defining the role of the specific Nox isoforms in atherosclerosis. Studies with knockout mice have identified distinct functional roles for Nox1 and Nox2 in atherogenesis. In the hypercholesterolaemic ApoE–/– mouse, Nox1 deficiency decreases atherosclerotic lesion size in addition to reducing collagen content and the …
Describable visual attributes for face images

We introduce the use of describable visual attributes for face images. Describable visual attributes are labels that can be given to an image to describe its appearance. This thesis focuses mostly on images of faces and the attributes used to describe them, although the concepts also apply to other domains. Examples of face attributes include gender, age, jaw shape, nose size, etc. The advantages of an attribute-based representation for vision tasks are manifold: they can be composed to create descriptions at various levels of specificity; they are generalizable, as they can be learned once and then applied to recognize new objects or categories without any further training; and they are efficient, possibly requiring exponentially fewer attributes (and training data) than explicitly naming each category. We show how one can create and label large datasets of real-world images to train classifiers which measure the presence, absence, or degree to which an attribute is expressed in images. These classifiers can then automatically label new images. We demonstrate the current effectiveness and explore the future potential of using attributes for image search, automatic face replacement in images, and face verification, via both human and computational experiments. To aid other researchers in studying these problems, we introduce two new large face datasets, named FaceTracer and PubFig, with labeled attributes and identities, respectively. Finally, we also show the effectiveness of visual attributes in a completely different domain: plant species identification. To this end, we have developed and publicly released the Leafsnap system, which has been downloaded by almost half a million users. The mobile phone application is a flexible electronic field guide with high-quality images of the tree species in the Northeast US. It also gives users instant access to our automatic recognition system, greatly simplifying the identification process.
Silicon Wafer Integrated Fan-out Technology

The tremendous growth in the mobile handset, tablet, and networking markets has been fueled by consumer demand for increased mobility, functionality, and ease of use. This, in turn, has been drivin...
Wearable Upper Body Suit for Assisting Human Load Carriage

This paper presents a wearable upper body suit designed to assist in human load carriage. The two functions of the suit are: (i) load distribution between the shoulders and the waist, and (ii) reduction of the dynamic load on the waist during walking. These are achieved through two cable driven modules — passive and active — within a custom fitted shirt integrated with motion/force sensors, actuators, and a real time controller. The load distribution between the shoulders and the waist is achieved through the load bearing columns connecting the shoulder pads and the waist belt whose load bearing capacity is modulated by a nominal cable tension in the passive module via a ratchet mechanism. The dynamic load is reduced in addition in the active module by modulating the cable tension via external actuator. Mathematical model of the system is presented and a state feedback controller is designed. Simulation study was performed to investigate the system response under different disturbance conditions as a result of vertical motion of the waist during human walking. Experiment evaluation of the suit was performed with a subject walking on a treadmill while carrying a backpack load. The results show that the developed suit can transfer the load from the shoulders to the waist as well as reduce the dynamic load induced during human walking. This can potentially reduce the energy expenditure and the risk of musculoskeletal injuries associated with human load carriage.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Near infrared rubidium 62P3/2,1/2→62S1/2 laser

Abstract An optically pumped near infrared rubidium (Rb) pulsed, mirrorless laser has been demonstrated in a heat pipe along both the 6 2 P 3/2 –6 2 S 1/2 transition at 2.73 µm and the 6 2 P 1/2 –6 2 S 1/2 transition at 2.79 µm. The bleached limit, slope efficiency, and maximum laser output energy of the near infrared Rb laser scale linearly with increasing Rb density, contrary to prior results. Previously, a maximum output energy of ~5 nJ had been observed before a rollover occurred in the scaling of output energy with rubidium concentration. In this experiment, the maximum laser output energy observed was ~100 nJ, with no indication of any scaling limitation. A maximum slope efficiency of 1.7×10 −4 was observed. A small percentage of the pump photons were absorbed even at the maximum Rb density attainable in the heat pipe, indicating that laser efficiency could be scaled to near the quantum efficiency. Additionally, the hyperfine structure and absorption spectral profile of the 5 2 S 1/2 –6 2 P 1/2 and 5 2 S 1/2 –6 2 P 3/2 (blue) pump transitions were studied using a cw pump source.
Analysis of hotel indoor air quality by comprehensive assessment method in Zhongshan from 2010 to 2012

Objective To understand the sanitation of indoor air quality in 1~2 star hotels in Zhongshan city and determine the main factors which influence the quality of indoor air in hotels. Methods Comprehensive evaluation method of health quality index was applied; data was selected from records of monitoring of indoor air quality in 1~2 star hotels in Zhongshan city during 2010-2012. Results Sanitary quality of formaldehyde, inhalable particles, total bacterial and carbon monoxide were better than that of carbon dioxide,illumination, temperature, air humidity and noise from 2010 to 2012(P0.05). The P value of calculation from the quality of indoor air in 1~2 star hotels in Zhongshan city from 2010 to 2012 were 0.842 6, 0.770 7and 0.753 0, respectively. The quality of indoor air in 2011 and 2012 were better than that in 2010(P0.05), however, there was no significant difference of the quality of indoor air between 2011 and 2012. Conclusion The overall sanitation quality of indoor air in 1~2 star hotels in Zhongshan city was in good condition. And the main factors that influenced the quality of indoor air of the 1~2 star hotel industry were temperature, air humidity, illumination and noise.
Grief Communication and Privacy Rules: Examining the Communication of Individuals Bereaved by the Death of a Family Member

ABSTRACTCommunication about one’s grief is both essential and complicated. We employ communication privacy management theory to examine how bereaved individuals manage the revelation and concealment of private information about the death of a parent or sibling. In-depth interviews (N = 21) with the bereaved indicate that (a) they conceptualize information surrounding the death and their grief as private, (b) they create rules to govern their private information, and (c) violations of those rules result in turbulence. Specifically, individuals employ selectivity, avoidance, and positivity rules that dictate what and with whom they share. We discuss the implications of our findings on grief communication scholarship, CPM theory, and practical issues for helping bereaved individuals and their loved ones navigate discussions about death and the deceased.
Characterization, evaluation, and interpretation of well data

Abstract Measurements in wells are the only direct way to quantity the parameters required to understand the properties of the reservoir, to forecast its future performance, and to design a strategy to develop the resource. This chapter focuses on methodologies of making wellbore measurements and interpreting the data that are recorded. The most prevalent measurements used in geothermal wells are temperature, pressure, and flow rate, both as functions of depth and as functions of time. Pressure and temperature logs are used to infer the locations of the feed zones at which fluids enter or leave the well and provide estimates of reservoir pressure and temperature at specific depths. Injectivity testing, discharge testing, and pressure transient analysis are used to infer reservoir flow properties, as ways of determining how many wells will be required for the project and how they may decline over time.
Recurrent Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome: A Case Report.

Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is a rare cause of digital ischemia and pain caused from repetitive trauma to the palm. Often related to occupational practices, thrombosis and embolization can occur. Treatment is often surgical and involves excision with or without reconstruction. We describe a 55 year-old, male pipe fitter previously diagnosed and treated for HHS with excision and repair using a reversed interpositional vein graft in the mid-1980’s. He continued to work in the profession, which he regularly used his palm as a hammer and returned approximately 30 years later with recurrent symptoms of cold intolerance and pain. Angiography confirmed occlusion of the ulnar artery with emboli present distally. The patient was again treated with excision and reconstruction. HHS is an uncommon cause of digital ischemia. Its recurrence is even more rare. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of diagnosed and treated recurrent HHS.
Landscape-scale survey of non-native fishes near ornamental aquaculture facilities in Florida, USA

The Tampa Bay region of Florida exhibits the highest concentration of ornamental aquaculture facilities in the USA. Because of the diversity of aquaculture products (~800 species and varieties) and extensive production history (began in the 1930s and 1940s), this region could be a hotspot for escaped ornamental fish. We evaluated the scope of ornamental fish invasions in this region by examining (1) escape vectors and (2) the distribution of escaped fish. We investigated potential pathways of fish escape including theft/vandalism, fish transport, bird carry-off, and through effluent discharge. Fish were sampled at the effluent discharge and continued into the surrounding environment. The dominant escape vector was through farm effluents; there was no evidence that theft/vandalism, fish transport, or bird carry-off contributed to fish escape. Most captured fish were natives, especially the ubiquitous Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). Ornamental species and varieties were also captured, especially cichlids and poeciliids such as the Green Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) and Southern Platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus). Ornamental fish were often found in the immediate vicinity of fish farms but were rarely captured in the surrounding environment. Catch per unit effort and ornamental fish diversity declined when moving away from the aquaculture facility effluent and was reduced at sites with a detention pond. The observed fish distribution might be due to relatively cold water in sub-tropical Florida, predatory fish in the environment, and additional factors related to the physical or biological habitat. Ultimately, few ornamental fishes have established in this region despite a long period of extensive culture.
Treatment and Outcome of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Current Reconstructive Surgery

Abstract Surgical treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia has undergone dramatic evolution over the past 30 years. This chapter will explore current reconstructive techniques and historic as well as current surgical outcomes. A brief description of surgical technique and its evolution will be described, followed by an analysis of surgical outcomes. The chapter will conclude with a discussion regarding current controversies regarding timing and technique of surgical correction.