cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Doubly segmented proxy images for multi-scale landscape ecology and ecosystem health

Multi-band remotely sensed image data contain information on landscape pattern and temporal changes that are greatly underutilized in this technological era when monitoring of disturbance and ecological dynamics is increasingly important to address questions regarding sustainability of ecosystem health and climate change. Among the reasons for this loss of analytical opportunity are the inadequacy of methods for systematic extraction of pattern elements, incongruity between information paradigms for remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), and the sheer volume of remotely sensed image data when acquired regularly over time. Long-term cooperative landscape ecological investigations concerning habitat and change detection in conjunction with remote sensing and GIS have yielded a pattern-based approach to progressively segmenting images (PSI) that culminates in a doubly segmented image representation by sets of approximating signal vectors that serve as parsimonious proxies for pixel vectors. The coarser level of segmentation is entirely congruent with raster map structures for GIS, and yet mimics the appearance of an image display by colorization using information on typical spectral properties of segments contained in attribute tables. The components of the coarser representation as spatial segments constitute explicit elements of pattern at several levels. The explicit nature of these pattern elements enables spatial pattern matching for change detection that resolves difficulties with phenological variability and continuity of sensor configurations over time. Conversion to segmented representation can be applied to multi-temporal change indices so as to elicit longer-term patterns of change from temporal sequences of images. The finer level of segmentation for spectral detail enables restoration of image bands in the manner of a low-pass filter for analysis according to the usual paradigms of remote sensing. Mapping of the residuals for the finer detail of image approximation provides further information on exceptional features of landscape ecological pattern.
A significant role for high-energy transitions in the ultraviolet circular dichroism spectra of polypeptides and proteins.

The nπ* and ππ* transitions of polypeptides mix significantly with very high energy transitions in the poly(Pro)II conformation, as evidenced by the strongly nonconservative CD spectrum in the 170–250 nm region. Because of this, the exciton model, the standard quantum mechanical model for predicting absorption and CD spectra of polypeptides, gives poor results for the poly(Pro) II (PII) conformation, although it works well for the α-helix, β-sheet, and β-turns. The exciton theory has been extended to include the effects of mixing of discrete peptide transitions near 200 nm with the large number of uncharacterized transitions in the deep ultraviolet. These latter transitions dominate the polarizability, and their mixing with the discrete transitions can be described via bond and lone-pair polarizability tensors, derivable by ab initio methods. This extended exciton method gives a good description of the CD spectrum of (Ala)n oligomers in the PII conformation. For this conformation, the polarizability contributions lead to a strong negative band near 200 nm that dominates the calculated and observed CD spectrum. The model does not give a good description of the CD of (Pro)n oligomers, probably because of conformational heterogeneity or nonadditive contributions of the Pro side chains. The model improves the calculated CD spectra of α-helical (Ala)n oligomers. Although the high-energy transitions make only a small net contribution to the CD of the α-helix in the 200 nm region, they enhance the negative exciton band at ∼205 nm and largely cancel the negative exciton band near 175 nm, substantially improving agreement with experiment. Chirality, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Whose personality is better, mine or my partner's? Self-enhancement bias in relationships

Previous research has documented self-enhancement and relationship partner-enhancement motivations, but not examined whether individuals view themselves or their partners more favorably, overall. The authors conducted three studies that revealed a general tendency to favor oneself over one's partner in direct self–partner personality comparisons. This illustrated a motivational precedence of self-enhancement over partner-enhancement goals. In Study 1, participants rated self-only traits more favorably than partner-only traits. In Studies 2 and 3, participants rated desirable traits as more characteristic of themselves than their partner, particularly when traits were more relevant to personal than relationship success. The authors also found that this self-favoring bias was weaker (typically nonexistent) among those with higher relationship satisfaction, lower self-esteem, or lower self-deceptive tendencies. The authors discuss practical, theoretical, and methodological implications.
Material flow control in AGV/unit load based production lines

The use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) as transporters and mobile workstations in automated assembly lines is on the increase. This is due in part to the flexibility AGVs introduce in the design of production lines. In this paper, models for the management and control of material flow through AGV based production lines are developed. The use of the models permits the line designer to optimally determine the launch times of successive unit loads of parts into the line to minimize production makespan while balancing between line idleness and the idleness of vehicles employed on the line. The use of the models for AGV based production line design purposes is demonstrated through example problems.
Reactive Identification of Misbehavior in Ad Hoc Networks Based on Random Audits

We address the problem of identifying misbehaving nodes that (selectively) drop packets, in order to degrade the network performance. Such nodes may agree to forward packets by participating in the route discovery process, but refuse to do so once the packets have been received. We propose a reactive approach where the source initiates an audit process if a significant performance degradation is observed. We employ a compact representation of the behavioral proof of a node by adopting Bloom filter structures and show that the misbehaving node can be identified based on random audits. Our approach provides significant energy savings compared to previously proposed methods that rely on reputation systems, or intensive acknowledgment schemes.
The Reproductive and Social Dynamics of Captive Ateles geoffroyi (Black-Handed Spider Monkey)

This project was designed to provide quantitative analyses of the reproductive and social dynamics of a single-male captive colony of Ateles geoffroyi (black-handed spider monkey). Data were collected using focal animal and scan sampling techniques and were subjected to a series of statistical tests which provided quantitative descriptions of group social structure and measures of female secondary sexual behavior cyclicity. Results indicated that the colony is highly social, with tactile and olfactory cues important in their communication process. In addition, only the reproductive female was found to exhibit cyclical secondary sexual behaviors. Greater understanding of the patterns and variability in the social and reproductive behavior of Ateles will require comparative studies of other single-male and multimale populations
Hierarchical automatic behavioral model generation of nonlinear analog circuits based on nonlinear symbolic techniques

We present an extended method of automatic behavioral model generation for nonlinear analog circuits. The focus is on a decrease of simulation time. A procedural model formulation approach is introduced, together with a new simplification method based on the recognition of physical transistor properties of the element models. The simplification process is performed with respect to simulation time, and a hierarchical modeling approach is proposed. The result of these extensions are models with an obvious speed-up in simulation time compared to the simulation of the original netlists.
Abundance and Distribution of Western and Northern Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) and Prevalence of Rotation Resistance in Eastern Iowa

The western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and the northern corn rootworm Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are major pests of corn (Zea mays L.). Historically, crop rotation has been an effective management strategy, but both species have adapted to crop rotation in the Midwest. For both species in eastern Iowa, we measured abundance and prevalence of rotation resistance using sticky traps and emergence cages in fields of corn and soybean (Glycine max L.). Based on currently available data, we calculated the economic thresholds for these pests at two Diabrotica spp. per trap per day in cornfields and 1.5 D. v. virgifera per trap per day in soybean fields. The economic injury level of rotation-resistant D. barberi was determined to be 3.5 adult insects per emergence cage per year. Peak abundance of rootworm adults in cornfields was below economic thresholds in the majority of fields sampled, suggesting that management of rootworm larvae in continuous cornfields may not always be necessary. Rotation-resistant D. barberi was found throughout eastern Iowa using emergence cages in first-year cornfields, however, the abundance was below levels expected to impose economic injury in 14 of 17 fields evaluated. The presence of rotation-resistant D. v. virgifera, as measured by the occurrence of this insect in soybean fields, occurred only in northeastern Iowa and was also below the economic threshold. These data suggests that crop rotation remains a viable pest management strategy in eastern Iowa.
Predictors of Cervical and Recurrent Laryngeal Lymph Node Metastases From Esophageal Cancer

Background Although patients with esophageal cancer (EC) often develop lymph node metastases in the cervical and recurrent laryngeal (CRL) distribution, lymphadenectomy in this field is rarely performed. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with CRL node positivity and to determine the appropriate indications to perform a "three field" lymphadenectomy. Methods In a retrospective review, EC patients who underwent three-field lymphadenectomy were analyzed. Predictors of positive CRL nodes were examined univariately, then selected for inclusion in a multivariate logistic regression model. Results From 1994 to 2009, 185 patients had a three-field lymphadenectomy, of whom 46 patients (24.9%) had positive CRL nodes. Final pathology stages (seventh edition) were I in 24 patients, II in 43, III in 109, and IV in 1 patient. Eight patients had a major pathologic response after induction therapy. On univariate analysis, variables significantly associated with positive CRL nodes included squamous cell histology, proximal location, advanced clinical presentation, the presence of clinical nodal disease, higher pT classification, and higher pN classification. There was no reduction in the rate of positive CRL nodes after induction chemotherapy. On multivariate analysis, higher pN classification (adjusted odds ratio 16.25, 95% confidence interval: 5.40 to 48.87; p Conclusions Complete lymphadenectomy is necessary in esophageal cancer to appropriately stage patients. Low rates of positive CRL nodes are present with early clinical stage, with pT0-2 tumors, and with pN0 classification, particularly in patients with adenocarcinoma and gastroesophageal junction tumors. Dissection of the CRL field should be considered with advanced disease for adenocarcinoma and in all patients with squamous cell cancer.
Crystallographic Mapping in Scanning and Transmission Electron Micrsocopy with Application to Semiconductor Materials

The two sister techniques, Electron Backscatter Diffraction and Orientation Imaging Microscopy which operate in a scanning electron microscope, are well established tools for the characterization of polycrystalline materials. Experiment has shown that the limiting resolution for mapping is the order of 0.1 microns. The basic techniques have been extended to include multiphase mapping. Whereas it has been possible to distinguish between phases of different crystal systems easily, it has not been possible to distinguish between phases that differ in lattice parameter by less than 5 %. An equivalent transmission electron microscope procedure has been developed. The technique couples standard hollow cone microscopy procedures with dark field microscopy. All possible dark field images that can be produced by tilting the electron beam are scanned to detect under what settings each crystal is brought into a diffracting condition. Subsequent analysis permits determination of both crystal phase and orientation.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae CTF18 and CTF4 Are Required for Sister Chromatid Cohesion

CTF4 and CTF18 are required for high-fidelity chromosome segregation. Both exhibit genetic and physical ties to replication fork constituents. We find that absence of either CTF4 or CTF18 causes sister chromatid cohesion failure and leads to a preanaphase accumulation of cells that depends on the spindle assembly checkpoint. The physical and genetic interactions between CTF4, CTF18, and core components of replication fork complexes observed in this study and others suggest that both gene products act in association with the replication fork to facilitate sister chromatid cohesion. We find that Ctf18p, an RFC1-like protein, directly interacts with Rfc2p, Rfc3p, Rfc4p, and Rfc5p. However, Ctf18p is not a component of biochemically purified proliferating cell nuclear antigen loading RF-C, suggesting the presence of a discrete complex containing Ctf18p, Rfc2p, Rfc3p, Rfc4p, and Rfc5p. Recent identification and characterization of the budding yeast polymerase kappa, encoded by TRF4, strongly supports a hypothesis that the DNA replication machinery is required for proper sister chromatid cohesion. Analogous to the polymerase switching role of the bacterial and human RF-C complexes, we propose that budding yeast RF-C(CTF18) may be involved in a polymerase switch event that facilities sister chromatid cohesion. The requirement for CTF4 and CTF18 in robust cohesion identifies novel roles for replication accessory proteins in this process.
The B. mycoides N host-virus system. III. Release of phage from the lysogenic strain.

Experiments were performed to determine the mechanism of release of phage from the lysogenic strain of B. mycoides N. The results suggest that qualitatively the same situation obtains as in the phage-carrying cultures of B. megatherium 899 and E. coli Li; i.e., the population consists of two kinds of cells: "lysogenes potentiels" and "producteurs." Quantitatively, however, there are more "producers" in a broth culture of the lysogenic B. mycoides N, at least curing the first 4 to 8 hours after cells have been suspended in fresh medium, suggesting that the interaction between host and parasite is one in which the balance is easily swung in favor of the virus. These conclusions are based upon the following lines of evidence: (1) the slow "growth rate" of the lysogenic culture, (2) the fact that the colony count falls far below the plaque count or the filament count (which correspond) for a well washed suspension, (3) the increase in phage output in a large number of tubes, each containing a small number of lysogenic cells, after a few hours' incubation in nutrient broth at 30 degrees C.
Process control of polymer extrusion. Part II: Feedforward control

A feedforward plus feedback control method (FFC) and an adaptive feedforward plus feedback control method (AFFC) were proposed in this study to control the extrudate thickness of polymer extrusion. They were tested by step changes of screw speed and feedstock, and square wave type of screw speed changes. It is found that these feedforward control methods worked very well for various load disturbances but they required a good process model and accurate on-line measurements of manipulated variables and load variables. The feedback function was necessary to compensate the over- or under-corrections of the feedforward controllers and to handle other disturbances which were not considered in the feedforward model.
Entity structure based design methodology: a LAN protocol example

An application of the system entity structure is illustrated: a frame-like knowledge representation scheme is used to design local area networks (LANs). An entity structure for a data-link-layer protocol that illustrates many possible applications is introduced. The main concepts of the design methodology are illustrated using this example entity structure, and the underlying simulation environment is briefly discussed. The methodology aims to facilitate evaluation of a wide family of design alternatives and component combinations. >
Locomotive Cab Occupant Protection

The effectiveness of fitting a locomotive cab with a passive inflatable restraint system utilizing inflatable structures, and interior padding to protect the operator has been evaluated for the in-line collision scenario. It is a challenge to design a system that increases protection for the locomotive operator within the cab during accidents, while allowing that operator to react to a specific situation by choosing either to leave or remain in the seat or cab. Numerous strategies have been proposed to increase locomotive cab occupant protection; however, most of these proposals have either required an active response from the cab occupants, e.g., getting into a refuge, or inhibited the potential for fleeing the cab, e.g., seatbelts. In this study, the occupant protection of a typical locomotive cab interior with a vertical console-stand style control is compared with the occupant protection of an interior modified with the addition of two tube-shaped inflatable structures for secondary impact injury mitigation. The crashworthiness performances of these two interior arrangements are compared for in-line train-to-train collision scenarios that approximate a locomotive-led train collision with another locomotive or cab car-led train. The analysis uses, as a basis, accident data and information on the crashworthiness performance of the locomotive interior in a train-to-train collision between a standing locomotive-led consist and a moving cab car-led consist conducted on January 31, 2002 at the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado. An analysis model is developed and validated using the full-scale train-to-train test locomotive interior/occupant experiment. The interior/occupant model then serves as a means of interpolating to different crash pulses, and with the alternative protection method using inflatable tube-like structures and interior padding. A range of locomotive operator sizes is investigated, as well as a range of selected initial seating positions for the locomotive operator.
Web page change and persistence---a four-year longitudinal study

Changes in the topography of the Web can be expressed in at least four ways: (1) more sites on more servers in more places, (2) more pages and objects added to existing sites and pages, (3) changes in traffic, and (4) modifications to existing text, graphic, and other Web objects. This article does not address the first three factors (more sites, more pages, more traffic) in the growth of the Web. It focuses instead on changes to an existing set of Web documents. The article documents changes to an aging set of Web pages, first identified and collected in December 1996 and followed weekly thereafter. Results are reported through February 2001. The article addresses two related phenomena: (1) the life cycle of Web objects, and (2) changes to Web objects. These data reaffirm that the half-life of a Web page is approximately 2years. There is variation among Web pages by top-level domain and by page type (navigation, content). Web page content appears to stabilize over time; aging pages change less often than once they did.
Bootstrap-current computations for a stellarator-reactor plasma

Numerical results for the bootstrap current in a stellarator-reactor plasma are presented. The distribution function f is computed numerically from a kinetic equation that is averaged over the helical ripple. The parallel flows and the current are obtained as v‖ moments of f. The physics issues embedded in the code are discussed concisely, concentrating on the justification as to why the bootstrap current can be estimated from an averaged scheme. Results are presented for typical stellarator-reactor parameters. The numerical code FLOCS predicts that the momentum-restoring terms in the collision operator have no significant impact on the value of the bootstrap current (the difference being about 10%). The results obtained are related to the equilibrium flows, and a physical interpretation based on the kinetic picture is presented. Finally, an estimate for the impact of J‖ on the rotational transform is given.
Isolates of Chlamydia trachomatis that occupy nonfusogenic inclusions lack IncA, a protein localized to the inclusion membrane.

ABSTRACT The chlamydiae are obligate intracellular pathogens that occupy a nonacidified vacuole, termed an inclusion, throughout their developmenal cycle. When an epithelial cell is infected with multipleChlamydia trachomatis elementary bodies, they are internalized by endocytosis into individual phagosomal vacuoles that eventually fuse to form a single inclusion. In the course of large-scale serotyping studies in which fluorescent antibody staining of infected cells was used, a minority of strains that had an alternate inclusion morphology were identified. These variants formed multiple nonfusogenic inclusions in infected cells, with the number of independent inclusions per cell varying directly with the multiplicity of infection. Overall the nonfusogenic phenotype was found in 1.5% (176 of 11,440) of independent isolates. Nonfusing variants were seen in C. trachomatis serovars B, D, D−, E, F, G, H, Ia, J, and K. The nonfusing phenotype persisted through repeated serial passage, and the phenotype was consistent in four mammalian host cell lines. Fluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting with antisera directed at proteins in the C. trachomatis inclusion membrane revealed that one such protein, IncA, was not detected in the inclusion membrane in each tested nonfusogenic strain. The distributions of other chlamydial proteins, including one additional Inc protein, were similar in wild-type and variant strains. TheincA coding and upstream regions were amplified and sequenced from the prototype serovar D and two nonfusing serovar D(s) strains. Three nucleotide changes were discovered in the D(s)incA gene, leading to two amino acid changes within the predicted D(s) IncA sequence. These studies demonstrate a subgroup of variant C. trachomatisisolates that form nonfusing inclusions; the variant phenotype is associated with the absence of detectable IncA and with an alteredincA sequence that modifies the characteristic hydrophobic domain of the IncA protein.
The Career Experiences of Male-to-Female Transsexuals

To understand the career experiences of adult transsexual women, we conducted a qualitative study on a sample of 9 predominately White male-to-female (MTF) transsexuals who were mostly middle-aged (M = 33.8, SD = 15.4) and had been on hormone therapy for an average of 20.7 months (SD = 22.5). Results of the interview data highlighted participants’ initial choice of traditionally male-dominated occupations in an attempt to prove or reinforce a masculine persona. Following their decision to transition, participants expressed interest in furthering their education and pursuing careers that are female dominated or in the helping profession. Implications for counseling are discussed.
Transport of colloids in unsaturated porous media: Explaining large-scale behavior based on pore-scale mechanisms

[1] We conducted column-scale experiments to study the transport of colloids (latex particles and bacteriophage MS2) under water-unsaturated conditions. The objective was to draw connections between observations at the pore scale and the results obtained from column-scale experiments. The same system had been previously operated under saturated conditions to determine colloid collision efficiency. Breakthrough of colloids was first evaluated under unsaturated but steady water content conditions, with constant trickling flow. After monitoring the steady breakthrough of the colloids, the column was flushed with water at higher flow rate to increase the water content up to a saturated condition. Colloid breakthrough was monitored during the entire experiment, as water content increased. Colloid removal increases significantly with decreasing initial water saturation, reflecting retention at the air-water interface and straining in thin-water films. Colloid breakthrough occurs earlier than a conservative tracer even under unsaturated conditions, although the colloid concentrations are much lower than the tracer. After flushing at similar flow rates, there is increased colloid retention under unsaturated conditions even as the system approaches water saturation, indicating that additional removal is occurring, due possibly to the formation of colloidal clusters. These results can be explained to a great extent by pore-scale observations of retention and remobilization mechanisms.
The Pediatric Sedation Unit: A Mechanism for Pediatric Sedation

Objectives. We have created a pediatric sedation unit (PSU) in response to the need for uniform, safe, and appropriately monitored sedation and/or analgesia for children undergoing invasive and noninvasive studies or procedures in a large tertiary care medical center. The operational characteristics of the PSU are described in this report, as is our clinical experience in the first 8 months of operation. Methods. A retrospective review of quality assurance data was performed. These data included patient demographics and chronic medical diagnoses, procedure, or study performed; sedative or analgesic medication given; complications (defined prospectively); and sedation and monitoring time. Patient-specific medical records related to the procedure and sedation were reviewed if a complication was noted in the quality assurance data. Results. Briefly, the PSU was staffed with an intensivist and pediatric intensive care unit nurses. Patients were admitted to the PSU and assessed medically for risk factors during sedation. Continuous heart rate, respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry monitoring were used, and blood pressure was determined every 5 minutes. After sedation and stabilization, with monitoring continued, the patient was transported to the site to undergo the procedure or study. The pediatric intensive care unit nurse remained with the patient at all times. All necessary emergency equipment was transported with the patient. After the procedure or study was completed, the patient was returned to the PSU for recovery to predetermined parameters. We were able to analyze 458 episodes of sedation for this review. Procedures and studies included radiologic examinations, cardiac catheterization, orthopedic manipulations, solid organ and bone marrow biopsy, gastrointestinal endoscopy, bronchoscopy, evoked potential measurements, and others. Patients were 2 weeks to 32 years of age. The average time from initiation of sedation to last dose of medication administered was 84 minutes. The average time from initiation of sedation to full recovery was 120 minutes. Sedative and analgesia medications use was not standardized; however, the majority of children needing sedation received propofol or midazolam. For patients requiring analgesia, ketamine or fentanyl was added. In 79 of 458 (12%) sedation episodes, complications were documented. Mild hypotension (4.4%), pulse oximetry Conclusions. Many children require sedation or analgesia during procedures or studies. Safe sedation is best ensured by appropriate presedation risk assessment and with monitoring by a care provider trained in resuscitative measures who is not involved in performing the procedure itself. Uniformity of care in a large institution is a standard met by the creation of a centralized service, with active input from the department of anesthesiology. We present the PSU as a model for achieving these goals.
Dual Promoters Are Responsible for Transcription Initiation of the fla/che Operon in Bacillus subtilis

The fla/che region contains more than 30 genes required for flagellar synthesis and chemotaxis in Bacillus subtilis, including the gene for the flagellum-specific ςD factor, sigD. Sequence and primer extension data demonstrate that a PA promoter immediately upstream of flgB, henceforth referred to as the fla/che PA, and the PD-3 promoter are active in vivo. Transcription from the PD-3 element is dependent on ςD activity and is regulated by the flagellum-specific negative regulator, FlgM. In a strain containing a deletion of fla/che PA (PAΔ), ςD protein was not detected, demonstrating that the fla/che PA is necessary for wild-type expression of the sigD gene. Thus, sigD is part of the >26-kb fla/che operon. Consistent with a lack of detectable ςD protein, the PAΔ strain grows as long filaments and does not express a ςD-dependent hag::lacZ reporter construct. These phenotypes are indicative of a lack of sigD expression or complete inhibition of ςD activity by FlgM. However, ςD activity is found in a double mutant containing the PAΔ and a null mutation in flgM. The double mutant no longer grows as long filaments, and expression of hag::lacZ is partially restored. These data demonstrate that a low level of ςD activity does exist in the PAΔ mutant but can be detected only in the presence of a null mutation in flgM. Therefore, normal expression of sigD may also involve another promoter(s) within the fla/che operon.
Online Strategy Instruction for Integrating Dictionary Skills and Language Awareness

Jim Ranalli, Iowa State University This paper explores the feasibility of an automated, online form of L2 strategy instruction (SI) as an alternative to conventional, classroom-based forms that rely primarily on teachers. Feasibility was evaluated by studying the effectiveness, both actual and perceived, of a five-week, online SI course designed to teach web-based dictionary skills integrated with knowledge of lexical patterns (involving grammatical collocation, complementation, and transitivity). Sixty-four learners in a US university ESL composition course were matched for vocabulary size and then randomly assigned to treatment and comparison groups in a learning management system. The SI treatment comprised multimedia presentations and a variety of practice activities with immediate, specific feedback, while the comparison condition involved recurrent use of dictionaries for referencing vocabulary usage features but no instruction. Performance data showed significant gains among the SI group in contrast to the comparison group, as well as a clear need for such training, while perception data indicated that participants felt the instruction was effective and relevant. The findings point to the as yet untapped potential of this form of instruction to address long-standing cost-benefit concerns about SI, as well as to help learners make more strategic use of CALL resources.
Perceived agency mediates the link between the narcissistic subtypes and self-esteem

Abstract Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism share some core features (e.g., entitlement, self-absorption) but differ in other important ways (e.g., self-esteem). To reconcile these differing characteristics, we predicted that differences in perceived agency mediate the association between narcissistic subtypes and differences in self-esteem. One hundred college students completed self-report measures of grandiose narcissism, vulnerable narcissism, explicit global self-esteem, and perceived agency. As predicted, grandiose narcissism was positively associated with agency and self-esteem, whereas vulnerable narcissism was negatively associated with agency and self-esteem. Perceived agency also mediated the associations between each narcissistic subtype and self-esteem. Furthermore, a partial correlation showed that when controlling for agency, the previously null correlation between measures of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism became significantly positive. These findings indicate that agency serves as a primary differentiator between the narcissistic subtypes.
Optical sensing techniques for temperature measurement.

Temperature is an important parameter that needs accurate measurement. Theoretical descriptions of the fluorescence ratio method, fluorescence lifetime sensing, and interferometric methods for temperature measurement are given. Fluorescence lifetime sensing calibration plots have been developed for temperature measurement from 20°C to 600°C using Er3+-doped glass, and from 20°C to 90°C using Sm3+-doped CaF2. Lifetime sensing results of Pr3+-doped YAG and Ho3+-doped fluoride crystals for temperature measurement are also summarized. Mach–Zehnder interferometer measurements revealed that the passage of a 300 mW laser beam of 915 nm changed the temperature of the Yb3+-doped YAG crystal by 7.1°C. The interferometer technique is useful for measuring absolute temperature changes in laser cooling studies.
Ice formation in the left mainstem bronchus during cryoballoon ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Figure 1 Intraprocedural fluoroscopy during cryoballoon ablation showing the mainstem bronchus. This figure shows the right anterior oblique (R) and left anter LSPV. The transseptal sheath (hatched arrow) crosses from the right to the left atriu PV ostium contains an Achieve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) catheter (thin black the left mainstem bronchus (dashed black line). Additional structures in view in echocardiography catheter (solid white arrow), and a coronary sinus catheter (das
Adaptive Mesh Refinement using General Elements

In this paper, we describe two strategies to generate solution adaptive meshes via refinement: a face-based isotropic approach and an edge-based anisotropic approach. Both employ general polyhedral elements locally to limit the propagation of mesh refinement and are applicable to a baseline mesh with arbitrary connectivity. We discuss the basic algorithms as well as a few implementation issues. We include results from four simulations that demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the mesh refinement strategies. In general, the face-based isotropic refinement strategy produces good results provided an appropriate trigger is employed. The anisotropic refinement strategy produces good results provided cell edges are oriented in the direction of refinement.
Analysis on the Function of Technical Barriers to Trade

This paper analyzed the economic,political and social function of technical barriers to trade.Based on these analysis,it gives the measure for avoiding the bad effect of technical barriers and providing suggestions for the building of global technical barriers for protection system.
Study on Synthesis and Aging Resistance of Acrylic Resin/LDH Nano-composites

LDH was synthesized and modified by using the methods of nucleation and crystallization separation,and acrylic resin/LDH nanocomposite emulsion polmerization was polymerized by the method of emulsion polymerization.The structure and mechanical property were characterized by FTIR,SEM and materials testing machine.Optimal condition was found to be 80 ℃,2.5 h,and 0.2 g of catalytic agent,acrylic resin/LDH nanocomposite were combined successfully.With the content of LDH added,the speed of forming membrane,the transparency of membrane and the aging resistance were improved,While the content of LDH exceeded a certain value,its various performances were dropped.Optimal condition was found when 3%LDH was added.
Surgical management of secondary neoplastic fractures about the hip.

Summary Surgical treatment for neoplastic fractures about the hip is only palliative. It is designed primarily to mobilize the patient and facilitate his general medical and personal care. Relief of pain is a gratifying secondary benefit. Unless treated surgically, patients with fractures about the hip become bedridden, thus complicating further medical treatment and greatly magnifying nursing care for hospital personnel or the family. After surgical stabilization, radiotherapy is the most effective ancillary therapy available for the control of secondary neoplastic disease about the hip. The majority of neoplastic fractures in the hip region develop as the result of metastasis from carcinoma of the breast. These fractures respond favorably to surgical treatment. Ancillary methods of treatment for the patient's general disease are continued following the operation. The availability of polymethylmethacrylate has not altered the basic principles of surgical treatment for neoplastic fractures. By use of this adjunct, however, the orthopedist is afforded more latitude in the selection of patients who can be benefited by such procedures.
Cultural Competence and Ethical Decision Making for Health Care Professionals

Cultural competence and ethical decision making are two separate, yet intrinsically related concepts which are central to services rendered by all health care professionals. Cultural competence is based on ethical principles and informs ethical decision making. In spite of this important connection, the interrelationship of these two concepts does not receive the attention it deserves in the literature. This issue is addressed by appraising the training and assessment of cultural competence and ethical decision making in the health care professions. The integrated relationship of these two concepts is illustrated within the broader contexts of higher education, research and clinical practice. Health care professionals who incorporate cultural competence and ethical decision making will be empowered to provide the best services to their clients/ patients in multicultural contexts to ensure optimum outcomes.
Median Stable Distributions

When i.i.d. data follows a stable distribution the sample mean has the same distribution as the rescaled data. The normal with a scaling factor of \(\sqrt{n}\), and the Cauchy with scaling factor of 1 are well known examples of mean stable distributions. This idea is extended to median stable distributions by requiring that the sampling distribution of the median be identical to the distribution of the rescaled data. The median’s sampling distribution is a functional of the data’s cdf so that the analysis of median stability involves solutions to functional equations (as opposed to sums of random variables). A few properties of median stable distributions are presented including their relation to the limiting distribution of the remedian.
Abstracting About "Abstract Idea"

How to precisely define “abstract idea” in patent law has long puzzled judges, scholars, and practitioners. Frankly, “no one understands what makes an idea ‘abstract.’”Efforts hitherto have failed because, in short, they have inevitably used either “equally abstract” or “overly narrow” terms. Defining “abstract idea” with equally difficult-to-define terms “only perpetuates the problem.” Ergo, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly declined “to delimit the precise contours of the ‘abstract ideas’ category.”Yet “abstract idea” is, by definition, too abstract for a concrete definition. As the Federal Circuit succinctly put: “The problem with articulating a single, universal definition of ‘abstract idea’ is that it is difficult to fashion a workable definition to be applied to as-yet-unknown cases with as-yet-unknown inventions.”Perhaps one could, should, and ought to think more abstractly about “abstract idea” to conceptualize, understand, and appreciate what “abstract idea” means. Put simply, concretizing “abstract idea” necessarily requires abstracting about “abstract idea.” Indeed, “the idea which we abstract [about] . . . will always be abstracted.”
A Balanced Approach to Adaptive Probability Density Estimation.

Our development of a Fast (Mutual) Information Matching (FIM) of molecular dynamics time series data led us to the general problem of how to accurately estimate the probability density function of a random variable, especially in cases of very uneven samples. Here, we propose a novel Balanced Adaptive Density Estimation (BADE) method that effectively optimizes the amount of smoothing at each point. To do this, BADE relies on an efficient nearest-neighbor search which results in good scaling for large data sizes. Our tests on simulated data show that BADE exhibits equal or better accuracy than existing methods, and visual tests on univariate and bivariate experimental data show that the results are also aesthetically pleasing. This is due in part to the use of a visual criterion for setting the smoothing level of the density estimate. Our results suggest that BADE offers an attractive new take on the fundamental density estimation problem in statistics. We have applied it in the accompanying paper on molecular dynamics simulations of membrane pore formation. We also expect BADE to be generally useful for low-dimensional applications in other statistical application domains such as bioinformatics, signal processing and econometrics.
Use of Diagnostic Laparoscopy for Identification of Bilateral Noncommunicating Hydroceles in an Infant with Right-Sided Abdominoscrotal Mass and Left-Sided Scrotal Mass

Infantile abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is a rare condition characterized by a dumbbell-shaped cystic mass extending from the scrotum to the abdomen. We present the case of a 4-month-old infant who presented with progressively enlarging bilateral scrotal swelling and a tense, ballotable right-sided abdominal mass with extension into the scrotum. Scrotal ultrasound revealed bilateral hydroceles but exam and ultrasound could not rule out communication. At the time of planned hydrocelectomy, initial diagnostic laparoscopy was used to identify a massive right-sided ASH extending from the internal ring to the umbilicus and a large noncommunicating left-sided hydrocele that was visible with application of pressure to the left side of the scrotum. Following confirmation of anatomy with diagnostic laparoscopy, a scrotal approach to hydrocelectomy was performed as well as bilateral orchidopexy.
Payments and Utilization of Immunization Services Among Children Enrolled in Fee-for-Service Medicaid

Objective:To examine the association between state Medicaid vaccine administration fees and children’s receipt of immunization services.Methods:The study used the 2008–2012 Medicaid Analytic eXtract data and included children aged 0–17 years and continuously enrolled in a Medicaid fee-for-service pl
IL-10 Deficiency Reveals a Role for TLR2-Dependent Bystander Activation of T Cells in Lyme Arthritis

T cells predominate the immune responses in the synovial fluid of patients with persistent Lyme arthritis; however, their role in Lyme disease remains poorly defined. Using a murine model of persistent Lyme arthritis, we observed that bystander activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells leads to arthritis-promoting IFN-γ, similar to the inflammatory environment seen in the synovial tissue of patients with posttreatment Lyme disease. TCR transgenic mice containing monoclonal specificity toward non-Borrelia epitopes confirmed that bystander T cell activation was responsible for disease development. The microbial pattern recognition receptor TLR2 was upregulated on T cells following infection, implicating it as marker of bystander T cell activation. In fact, T cell-intrinsic expression of TLR2 contributed to IFN-γ production and arthritis, providing a mechanism for microbial-induced bystander T cell activation during infection. The IL-10-deficient mouse reveals a novel TLR2-intrinsic role for T cells in Lyme arthritis, with potentially broad application to immune pathogenesis.
Implications of Regulatory Drought for farmer Use of Climate Information in the Klamath Basin

AbstractDespite the risk of climate variability to agriculture, farmer use of climate information in agricultural decision-making generally remains low. Research has suggested that where farmers al...
Artificial Hearts and Cardiac Assist Devices: Performance, Control, and Power Delivery

Organ transplantation is a medical therapy that poses persistent risks of tissue rejection that are managed on a continual basis by immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine, prednisone, and azathioprine. However, despite the effectiveness of these antirejection medications widespread application of this technology has been, and continues to be, severely limited by the shortage of suitable donor organs. Artificial organ systems constructed by man-made materials have an advantage over tissue-based therapies insofar as they are not subject to rejection problems or limited by organ availability. Still, the development and use of these synthetic devices present its own unique set of challenges that have yet to be completely overcome. The reason is simple. The heart, liver, kidney, and other internal organs perform functions that are not fully understood by modern science. Artificial organs for implant therefore provide, at best, an incomplete solution to a complex medical problem. While the use of artificial organs can be satisfactory in many cases, these interventions generally involve the implantation of nonbiological elements within the body, raising issues of biocompatibility, and requiring stringent sterilization protocols. Moreover, the use of implanted man-made structures that contact with circulating blood (e.g., heart valves) has been associated with an increased incidence of thromboembolic events. This article considers the energy requirements and sensor/control aspects of artificial hearts and ventricular assist devices designed to augment blood flow and tissue perfusion levels provided by the failing heart. Keywords: artificial heart; control; energy; power; ventricular assist device