cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consideration of particle wave diffraction to enhance spacecraft radiation shielding

Abstract Recent advances in atomic microscopy and interferometry have made evident the possibility that the wave-like behavior of Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) particle radiation and its secondary emissions can be exploited by diffraction through passive shielding materials to reduce the harmful impact to humans and equipment traveling in deep space. This research examines an additional physical mechanism to the well accepted “stopping power” and “nuclear collision” processes determined by the Bethe-Bloch and Bradt-Peters equations, in order to enhance shielding effectiveness: that the wave-like behavior of GCR radiation and its secondary emissions can be used to reduce the harmful impact of the radiation. Thus, it is shown theoretically possible to passively alter the path of some GCR particle radiation by diffraction, thereby directing them laterally and presenting the possibility that diffraction “safe zones” could be created behind a shielding material that may enhance its effectiveness. Preliminary analysis indicates the best application may be in shielding dangerous neutron secondary emissions.
Fast-Time Simulation for Evaluating the Impact of Estimated Flight Ready Time Uncertainty on Surface Metering

NASA has been developing and demonstrating new concepts and technologies for Integrated Arrival, Departure, and Surface (IADS) traffic management capabilities under the Airspace Technology Demonstration 2 (ATD-2) project. One of the IADS capabilities in the ATD-2 project is surface metering enabled by a tactical surface scheduler to provide controllers with the pushback advisories for departures at gates. The tactical surface scheduler uses the estimated flight ready times provided by airlines, called Earliest Off-Block Times (EOBTs), as input to calculate the target off-block times for pushback advisories. However, the EOBTs are often inaccurate and deviate from the actual flight ready times, which may reduce the benefits of surface metering. In this paper, a linear regression model is developed to model the EOBT uncertainty distribution over time based on actual EOBT data collected at Charlotte airport. This EOBT model is integrated with a tactical surface scheduler and a fast-time simulation tool. To evaluate the impact of the EOBT accuracy on airport surface operations, fast-time simulations are implemented for selected traffic scenarios under different levels of modelled EOBT accuracy. The simulation results show that the EOBT uncertainty affects several performance metrics related to the surface metering, such as gate hold, taxi time reduction, and target takeoff time predictability, which in turn influences ATD-2’ s scheduler performance.
Variation in value among hospitals performing complex cancer operations.

Abstract Background While variation in outcomes has driven centralization of complex cancer surgery, variation in cost and value remains unexplored. We evaluated outcomes relative to cost among hospitals performing esophageal and pancreatic resection for cancer. Methods Using 100% Medicare claims data, we identified fee-for-service Medicare patients undergoing elective esophagectomy and pancreatectomy for cancer from 2014 to 2016. Risk- and reliability-adjusted, price-standardized payments for the surgical episode from admission through 30 days post discharge, as well as risk- and reliability-adjusted complication rates for each hospital, were calculated. Hospitals were separated into quintiles relative to payments and outcomes. Highest-value hospitals were defined as hospitals in the top 2 quartiles for both cost and outcomes. Results Among 11,586 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent a complex oncologic operation between 2014 and 2016, 66% had a pancreatic neoplasm, while 33% had an esophageal neoplasm. Overall, 31.1% patients underwent an operation at a high-value hospital. Among patients who underwent pancreatectomy, the risk-adjusted postoperative complication rate was 31.4% at the lowest-value hospitals vs 22.7% at highest-value hospitals (odds ratio: 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.70). The esophagectomy, risk-adjusted postoperative complication rate was 48.3% at lowest-value hospitals versus 29.8% at highest-value hospitals (odds ratio: 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.27–0.47). The average difference in episode cost of care for an esophagectomy at lowest- versus highest-value hospitals was $5,617; the difference for pancreatectomy was $2,748. Conclusion There was wide variation in complication rates and average costs among lowest- versus highest-value hospitals performing esophagectomy and pancreatectomy for cancer. Even among highest quality hospitals, wide variation in average episode costs was noted. Surgeons should seek to better understand practice variation to standardize care and decrease variation in outcomes, utilization, and costs.
Innate and Adaptive Immunity: The Immune Response to Foreign Materials

Abstract The immune system is the defense mechanism of the body that is responsible for protecting against damaging foreign pathogens, maintaining components of self and permitting benign commensal microbes. Primary components and functions of innate and adaptive immunity and how the immune system recognizes and eliminates or reacts to foreign bodies at an introductory level are presented in this chapter. Components of the immune system which differentiate between “self” and “non-self” along with mechanisms for elimination of the recognized threat are described. With these basic immunology concepts in mind, the biomaterials scientist can be better prepared to anticipate issues which arise at the biomaterials–tissue interface. Finally, areas of particular interest to biomaterials and biomaterials-centric applications are described.
Early outcomes of single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: lessons learned from the learning-curve experience

Objective To describe the crucial factors related to the implementation of the da Vinci single-port (SP) system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA), and the early outcomes after the introduction of this robot for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Patients and methods We prospectively collected data from 50 consecutive patients with prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent RARP using this robot. The median follow-up was 53 days. We performed a transperitoneal technique. The robotic (multiport) trocar was placed on the supra-umbilical midline 20 cm from the pubis and an assistant trocar placed in the right lower quadrant. We report our initial experience describing the intra- and postoperative outcomes associated with this new robot. Also, we report the early functional and oncological outcomes in the follow-up period considered. Continuous variables were described as medians and interquartile ranges, while categorical variables as frequencies and proportions. Results The median total operative time was 118 min, median console time was 80 min, and median estimated blood loss was 50 mL. There were no intraoperative complications or blood transfusions. The final pathology reported 18% Grade Group (GrGp)1, 58% GrGp2, 18% GrGp3, 2% GrGp4, and 4% GrGp5. In all, 40 patients (80%) were pT2 and 20% were ≥pT3a. The overall positive surgical margin rate was 14%. In all, 39 patients (78%) achieved full continence at median of 21 days after RARP. The median pain scale (0-10) score at 8, 12 and 16 h after RARP was 2, 2, and 0, respectively. Conclusion The use of the da Vinci SP robot with an additional assistant port for RARP is technically safe and feasible, with acceptable short-term functional and oncological outcomes. However, there is a technical learning curve for this new platform due to the smaller scope of the operative field and the decreased flexibility and strength of the surgical instruments.
Analysis of Bird Damage Prevention Mechanism for Overhead Transmission Lines

With the continuous development of the power system, 500kV transmission lines have become the backbone of power grid transmission lines. The construction of a large number of transmission lines is intertwined with the activities of birds. Line failures caused by birds have become the main cause of power system trip accidents. First, it seriously threatens the safe operation of the power system, and its degree of damage is second only to lightning strikes and external damage. Through related research and analysis, the bird damage of 500kV transmission line is mainly caused by three aspects: bird droppings, bird body and bird pecking. This paper analyzes the formation mechanism of bird damage on 500kV transmission lines, and provides some guidance for the corresponding prevention measures for the protection of transmission lines from bird damage.
Simulating Collaboration in a Blended Course for Preservice Middle Grades Teachers: Attending to Team, Task, and Time

Collaboration and teamwork are essential aspects of the work of a professional middle level teacher and an integral part of AMLE Standard 5. Preservice teachers typically experience collaborative practices firsthand during field experiences, but the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many schools to shift instruction online thereby limiting the opportunities for teacher candidates to experience daily life in schools. Teacher educators can provide simulated opportunities for candidates to collaborate and engage in teamwork in virtual classroom settings. The author describes ways to simulate teacher collaboration in virtual settings by providing an example of engagements with teacher educators in a middle grades course with an emphasis on three aspects of planning: team, task, and time. The author reflects on the implementation of the simulation and offers recommendation for improvement.
What's in the Literature?

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a recent double-blind placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine along with riluzole showed probable benefit in 42 patients compared with 40 patients who received placebo. Using an electrophysiologic measure devised to differentiate ALS from other neuromuscular conditions, a "splint-hand index" was devised and is reviewed. Analysis of skin in ALS may also be of interest, and there was a report of accumulation of fused in sarcoma protein in the epidermis of ALS patients. With regard to myasthenia gravis, there is another report that early treatment of ocular symptoms with corticosteroids may prevent the development of generalized symptoms. A new study of thymus histopathology in muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) myasthenia gravis is covered and another article on the use of thymectomy. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the best method of administrating corticosteroids is still being debated, and a long-term study of daily versus intermittent prednisolone is reviewed. The study showed less sustained benefit from the intermittent prednisolone but with a better side effect profile. According to 2 recent reports, it seems that titin mutations may be an underrecognized cause of myopathy with early respiratory failure in adults. Keeping with the respiratory failure theme, there was also an interesting article on the long-term benefits and side effects of cyclosporine in patients with interstitial lung disease from antisynthetase syndrome. Finally, the spectrum of small fiber neuropathy may be expanding to include a causative role in some patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and in juveniles with diffuse pain and a possible autoimmune predisposition.
A Scalable Multi-Timescale T&D Co-Simulation Framework using HELICS

The power grid is fast changing with the integration of various distributed energy resources (DERs) and it is becoming imperative to model and include these in a correct method. Transmission and Distribution (T &D) co-simulation is an effective tool to accurately consider the DERs and account for the changing power grid for various power system planning and operational studies. We have developed a T&D co-simulation framework with commercial transmission system solvers like PSS/E that can handle largescale transmission networks, and accurate distribution system solver (GridLAB-D) that can model the distribution systems down to the house level and behind-the-meter DERs. PSS/E and GridLAB-D are combined using HELICS environment and are driven using Python to enable multi-timescale T&D co-simulation. This framework is scalable and parallel computing compatible that will enable large-scale system simulations. This framework will enable adoption of T&D co-simulation methodology by the industry and utilities. The scalable multi-timescale T&D co-simulation framework will be instrumental to enable faster integration of DERs by making the various planning and operational studies more accurate.
Left Hemisphere Dominance for Bilateral Kinematic Encoding in the Human Brain

Neurophysiological studies in humans and non-human primates have revealed movement representations in both the contralateral and ipsilateral hemisphere. Inspired by clinical observations, we ask if this bilateral representation differs for the left and right hemispheres. Electrocorticography (ECoG) was recorded in human participants during an instructed-delay reaching task, with movements produced with either the contralateral or ipsilateral arm. Using a cross-validated kinematic encoding model, we found stronger bilateral encoding in the left hemisphere, an effect that was present during preparation and was amplified during execution. Consistent with this asymmetry, we also observed better across-arm generalization in the left hemisphere, indicating similar neural representations for right and left arm movements. Notably, these left hemisphere electrodes were largely located over premotor and parietal regions. The more extensive bilateral encoding in the left hemisphere adds a new perspective to the pervasive neuropsychological finding that the left hemisphere plays a dominant role in praxis.
Inter-Source Interferometry of Seismic Body Waves: Required Conditions and Examples

Seismic interferometry is widely applied to retrieve wavefields propagating between receivers. Another version of seismic interferometry, called inter-source interferometry, uses the principles of seismic reciprocity and expands interferometric applications to retrieve waves that propagate between two seismic sources. Previous studies of inter-source interferometry usually involve surface-wave and coda-wave estimations. We use inter-source interferometry to estimate the P-waves propagating between two sources rather than the estimation of surface waves and coda waves. We show that the recovered arrival times are dependent on the accuracy of the earthquake catalog of the two sources. Using inter-source interferometry, one can recover the waveform of the direct body waves and potentially reconstruct the waveform of coda waves, depending on the source-receiver geometry. The retrieval of these waveforms is accurate only when the wavefield is sampled with approximately 4 receivers per wavelength in the stationary phase zone. We show that using only receivers inside the stationary phase region for inter-source interferometry introduces the phase error of approximately 0.3 radians. In our study, we show an example of the P-wavefield reconstruction between two earthquakes using the seismic records from an array along San Andreas Fault. The retrieved P waves give a qualitative estimation of the thickness of the low-velocity zone of San Andreas Fault of approximately 4 km.
Preisach modeling of imprint on hafnium zirconium oxide ferroelectric capacitors

Imprint, the preferential orientation of the polarization of a ferroelectric device subjected to elevated temperatures, is a primary reliability concern afflicting data retention in ferroelectric RAM. In this paper, we demonstrate Preisach-based hysteresis modeling, which can be used to predict imprint behavior in ferroelectric thin films. A method was developed for capturing imprint in the context of a Preisach model and a numerical approach for evaluating the Preisach distribution was expanded upon. Interpolation and curve fitting were used to make predictions of the Preisach distributions of imprinted ferroelectric hafnium zirconium oxide devices after short-duration bakes at 23–260 °C and long-term bakes at 85 and 125 °C. In the case of long-term bakes, imprint-induced coercive shifts were modeled as shifts in the derivative of the top and bottom hysteretic polarization curves. The shift in the curves is modeled by fitting experimental data to a commonly used empirically logarithmic relationship reported in the literature. Simulations give remanent polarizations and coercive fields within <5.0 μC/cm2 and 0.1 V, respectively, of the raw data average.
The Application of Whole-Body Vibration Training in Knee Osteoarthritis.

Abstract With the gradual increase of the aging population in Chinese society, the incidence of knee osteoarthritis showed an increasing trend. However, there are very few practical solutions for it. As a novel neuromuscular training technique, whole-body vibration training has become a candidate for treating knee osteoarthritis. In this review, we firstly elaborated on the mode of action and influence factors of the whole-body vibration training. Next, we summarized its effects in knee osteoarthritis, including improving knee function and some uncertain muscle function and proprioception effects. Next, we also summarized its possible mechanisms, including improving bone microstructure, delaying articular cartilage degeneration, modulating inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors. Then, we summarized the clinical effectiveness of whole-body vibration training by analyzing some clinical randomized controlled trials. Finally, based on the above summary, we analyzed and listed the limitations of whole-body vibration training in treating knee osteoarthritis and found the shortcomings in the existing studies. This review provides ideas for the future application of whole-body vibration training in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Community informatics and human development

A global crisis in human development and prosperity exists Its constituents include extreme poverty, illiteracy, gender imbalances, and armed conflict One response has been the creation of the Millennium Development Goals The recent United Nations World Summit on the Information Society affirmed support for linking the further development of the global information society to these goals This paper argues that community informatics has a specific role to play in contributing to the realization of the Millennium Development goals and the improvement of human development in general.
Constricting Keywords: Rhetoric and Literacy in our History Writing

As a composition historian working with nineteenth-century American literacy artifacts, I have become increasingly aware of how particular keywords have come to dominate our histories. Specifically, I have noticed how the keyword that most resonates with my research—literacy—has been eclipsed and to some extent erased by the dominance of the keyword “rhetoric” in our history writing over the last decade. Why has this happened? How does this trend affect the materials historians look for and the questions they ask? How do our keywords modulate the voices of our artifacts? How do our keywords determine the uses we claim for history? I have surveyed book-length American composition histories published between 1999 and 2010 in order to describe the major trends shaping the kinds of histories we are producing to see if we can identify gaps and fissures, the roads not taken, in relation to these major trends. The preliminary thesis I put before you is that we are in danger of closing off certain types of materials and questions because our histories are increasingly dominated by the keyword “rhetoric.”
Statistical Experimental Design

A designed experiment is a test or series of tests which involve purposeful changes to these variables in order to observe the effect of the changes on that process or product. Statistical experimental design is an efficient approach for systematically varying these controllable process variables and ultimately determining their impact on process/product quality. Statistical process control and experimental design are closely interrelated. However, SPC is a passive approach in which a process is monitored and data is collected, whereas experimental design requires active intervention in performing tests on the process under different conditions. Overall, experimental design is a powerful engineering tool for improving a manufacturing process. This chapter illustrates the use of experimental design methods in semiconductor manufacturing.
Abstract 1748: Novel Ig1 inhibitors of the Axl tyrosine kinase that block Gas6-inducible receptor activation

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Tyro-3, Axl, and Mer (abbreviated TAMs) are a family of three homologous receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) expressed predominantly on myeloid-derived hematopoietic cells and epithelial cells that function as inhibitory receptors that dampen inflammatory responses and maintain tissue tolerance. Both TAMs and their ligands (vitamin K activated proteins that consist of Gas6 and Protein S) are overexpressed in many human malignancies and expression is associated with more aggressive cancer staging, drug resistance, and poorer patient survival. Based on their clinical importance, there has been considerable effort to generate anti-TAM cancer therapeutics in the form of small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and soluble receptor traps that capture TAM ligands and prevent receptor activation. However, whereas several tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been reported, the high degree of sequence conservation in the TAM kinase domain is associated with lack of specificity and off target effects. To generate more selective inhibitors of TAMs, we have targeted the Ig1 domain of Axl, a ligand-binding region in the extracellular domain that gives TAMs their unique structural features. From the X-ray crystallographic structure of Gas6 in complex with the human Axl ectodomain (PDB 2c5d), two unique sites were targeted that include (i) the major binding pocket around Glu59 in Axl that interacts with Arg310 and Lys312 in Gas6, and (ii) the main hydrophobic interface between the Ig1 and the Lg1 that is required for Gas6-inducible dimerization. Virtual screening of the ZINC molecular data base was performed, and several drug-like compounds were selected based on ligand-Gas6 docking. We report on the characterization of two novel types of Axl inhibitors that include a triazolo pyridazine compound that targets the Ig1 binding pocket, and a 3-cyanocoumarin compound that targets the Ig1-Lg1 interface. Both compounds show activity on human Axl reporter lines, and therefore may represent a new class of Axl inhibitors with potential applications for anticancer therapy. Citation Format: William J. Welsh, Vladyslav Kholodovych, Raymond Birge, Tom Comollo, Stanley Kimani, Kamal Singh. Novel Ig1 inhibitors of the Axl tyrosine kinase that block Gas6-inducible receptor activation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1748. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1748
Interconnect Synthesis for Reconfigurable Multi-FPGA Architectures

Most reconfigurable multi-FPGA architectures have a programmable interconnection network that can be reconfigured to implement different interconnection patterns between the FPGAs and memory devices on the board. Partitioning tools for such architectures must produce the necessary pin-assignments and interconnect configuration stream that correctly implement the partitioned design. We call this process Interconnect Synthesis for reconfigurable architectures.
Logarithmic-Time Complete Visibility for Robots with Lights

We consider the problem of repositioning N autonomous robots on a plane so that each robot is visible to all others (the Complete Visibility problem), a robot cannot see another robot if there Isa third robot positioned between them on the straight line joining them. Robots communicate using collared lights. The computation is synchronous and each robot performs a look-compute-move during a round. Specifically, during a round a robot is permitted to observe the light and position of every robot visible to it. It may also perform an internal computation based on the observed lights and positions(including deciding on a new-collar for its own light), and possibly moving to a new position at the end of the round. The challenge posed by this model of computation stems from the fact that each robot has only a constant number of colours for its lights(symbols for communication) and no memory(except for the persistence of lights) between rounds. In this paper we first show that the best previously known algorithm for the complete visibility problem on this model runs in linear time in the worst case. We then present the first logarithmic time complexity algorithm for Complete Visibility. The model we assume use sterility, is fully-synchronous and allows robot paths to cross.
The excited states of 107Ag and 109Ag

Abstract The decay schemes for the low-lying states of 107Ag and 109Ag have been studied and revised. States of both nuclei were populated by Coulomb excitation with oxygen ions. The states of 107Ag were also populated through the β+-EC decay of 107Cd. De-excitation γ-rays were studied with Ge(Li) detectors of active volume 5.6 cm3 and 25 cm3. The B(E2) values were extracted from the Coulomb excitation data. The proposed level schemes are discussed in terms of a vibrational model for 107Ag and 109Ag, in which it is assumed that most of the negative parity states arise from the coupling of a p 1 2 proton to the vibrational states of the neighbouring doubly-even core nuclei.
An SCF partitioning scheme for the hydrogen bond

The total energy of hydrogen bonding is divided into electrostatic and delocalization contributions.
Response probability estimation for randomly excited quasi-linear systems using a neural network approach

A quasi-linear system is referred to as a system linear in properties and subjected to multiplicative random excitations appearing also in the linear terms. It is known that exact solutions for the stationary moments can be obtained analytically for such a quasi-linear system if the excitations are Gaussian white noises. However, the exact response probability, which is non-Gaussian, is not obtainable analytically. In this paper, a neural network approach is proposed to evaluate the stationary response probability for quasi-linear systems under both additive and multiplicative excitations of Gaussian white noises based on the obtained exact statistical moments. Numerical examples show that the procedure yields accurate results if an appropriate form is assumed for the probability density function. The accuracy of the results is substantiated by comparing them with those obtained from Monte Carlo simulations.
Pancreatic resection for ductal adenocarcinoma: Total pancreatectomy versus partial pancreatectomy

The controversy regarding total versus partial pancreatectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head remains unsettled. Proponents of total pancreatectomy claim wider margins of resection, avoidance of a troublesome pancreaticoenterostomy, and removal of a potentially multicentric disease. Advocates of partial pancreatectomy highlight the retention of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function, the maintenance of splenic function, and a lower risk of marginal ulceration without sacrificing curative potential. Analysis of the current surgical literature with focus on the facets of each procedure that may differ (operative mortality, long-term survival, and the six factors mentioned above), may help to resolve the controversy. The data reviewed would suggest that 1) wider resection margins have not transferred into longer postoperative survival, 2) the risk of multicen-tricity is probably low and of questionable significance, and 3) the morbidity and mortality of pancreaticoenterostomy is currently less problematic. The additional benefits of retaining pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function, maintaining splenic immune competence, and a lower risk of marginal ulceration convinces us to advocate partial pancreatectomy over total pancreatectomy for the majority of patients with a resectable ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sulindac and polyp regression

Sulindac is useful in regression of adenomatous polyps. In addition to orally administered sulindac, rectal preparations also appear to be efficacious [32]. However, further studies are necessary to determine whether regression of adenomas, the precursor of colorectal cancer, will cause decrease in colorectal cancer risk in both FAP and non FAP patients. Moreover, clinical studies are needed to test the application of this potential chemopreventative drug in several other patient populations. Several interesting observations have been made concerning the use of sulindac. Indomethacin, a related NSAID to sulindac, did not cause polyp regression. Also, upper gastrointestinal tract polyps in the stomach and duodenum appear not to be affected by sulindac therapy. These observations might be explained by the metabolism of sulindac in which the pharmacologically active sulfide metabolite is generated and distributed in the large intestine. Also, investigators noted that after discontinuation of sulindac adenomas recurred. Sulindac treatment was well tolerated at the usual clinical doses. Although some investigators have speculated on the effect of prostaglandin inhibition sulindac on cAMP-dependent mechanisms which control cellular proliferation [33], the cause of adenoma regression is unknown. There is evidence that colorectal endogenous prostaglandin levels decrease with sulindac. Evaluation of colorectal mucosal cellular proliferation in patients treated with sulindac has revealed a decrease in labelling index by bromodeoxyuridine labeling in one study [28] but no change in labelling index by [3H]thymidine incorporation in another investigation [34]. Also, ki 67 labelling index, another measure of cellular proliferation, was not affected in the colorectal mucosa of patients taking sulindac.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Environment and Inheritance: Opposing Forces?

High risk of schizophrenia requires high genetic predisposition to develop schizophrenia, plus an environmental trigger. A schizophrenic family environment is commonly believed to represent this trigger. The hypothesis is presented here that, on the contrary, a high predisposition to schizophrenia in significant others protects against overt illness. The trigger may be the predominance around the index individual of significant others with low predisposition to develop schizophrenia.
Cultural Values Driven Segmentation in Social Marketing

ABSTRACT This article examines the role of cultural values in segmentation in social marketing, with a special focus on minority and immigrant groups. It offers a framework for values driven segmentation in social marketing. Since social marketing seeks to create behavior change, it needs to refocus on modalities that can bring about the desired behavioral change. Cultural values that distinguish and define cultural groups are perhaps the most critical, especially in multicultural environments. The values of various subcultures, their ethnic identities and cultural heritage have become important driving forces for social marketers in their quest to bring about behavioral change. Though the article focuses on social marketing to minority and immigrant subcultures, the values driven segmentation model can be validly applied to other cultural groups as well.
Preliminary crystallographic data for Escherichia coli β-lactamase

Abstract The β-lactamase (penicillinase) from Escherichia coli W3310 has been crystallized from 25% saturated ammonium sulfate solution at pH 6.9. An X-ray examination of the monoclinic crystals shows the space group is C 2, with unit cell dimensions a = 47.2 A , b = 76.9 A , c = 73.3 A and β = 98.6°. With Z = 4 and the molecular weight = 22,000 (Melling & Scott, 1972), the A 3 /dalton ratio is 2.98. The crystals are suitable for structure analysis to at least 2.4 A resolution.
Forest fire detection using the normalized multi-band drought index (NMDI) with satellite measurements

This study focuses on investigating the ability of selected satellite-derived indices, the normalized multi-band drought index (NMDI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), and the normalized burn ratio (NBR), for detecting forest fires burning in southern Georgia, USA and southern Greece in 2007. Index performance is evaluated using MODIS fire products. Satellite images generated from each index are compared with the active fire map provided by the MODIS rapid response team. Performance measures extracted from the statistical analyses using the confusion matrices are used to verify the capacity of the indices for active fire detection. For each test case, NMDI has strong signals corresponding to active fires and pinpoints the active fire spots accurately. Both, performance evaluations by image comparison and statistical analyses, indicate that active fire detection using NMDI is quite accurate. NMDI reveals the highest overall performance and discrimination power compared to NDWI and NBR. The successful application of NMDI for detecting fires in different areas proves that NMDI is not site-specific and is expected to be applicable to different areas for active fire detection. Such a capacity can help monitor large-scale fire hazards and is therefore useful to carry out regional and global studies.
Nonspecular reflection of bounded acoustic beams from the liquid-solid interface of two elastic layers on a halfspace under water

Abstract The plane wave reflection coefficient is derived for a layered halfspace with an arbitrary number of layers, and it is compared to previously published results of others. The structure is then specialized to silver and nickel layers on a copper substrate, and the reflection coefficient is studied numerically for changing layer thicknesses and frequency. Dispersion curves for the lowest Rayleigh mode are presented, and the nonspecular reflection of bounded acoustic beams from the water-silver interface is studied.
Quantum vibrational eigenstates from classical origins

Abstract An efficient method for obtaining molecular vibrational eigenstates using a basis set made up of semiclassical eigenstates is presented. The semiclassical basis functions are constructed from a set of Gaussian functions distributed uniformly on the invariant N -torus defined by a single quasiperiodic classical trajectory. A uniform distribution of Gaussians is achieved by mapping a uniform grid of points in the Hamilton-Jacobi angle variables (which parametrize the surface of the N -torus) onto phase space of means of a Fourier series representation of the classical dynamics. These Gaussians are used to construct the semiclassical basis states via Fourier transform in a manner analogous to the spectral quantization method of DeLeon and Heller (J. Chem. Phys. 81 (1984) 5957). Since the basis set is well-adapted to the molecular system, small matrix diagonalizations are sufficient to obtain eigenvalues “converged” to 4–5 significant figures. Such small diagonalizations need not include the ground vibrational state and thus can be used to find accurate eigenstates in select regions of the eigenvalue spectrum. Companion programs PANDORA and DEMETER which create the semiclassical basis and diagonalize it, respectively, are described in detail.
D10S1423 identifies a susceptibility locus for Alzheimer's disease (AD7) in a prospective, longitudinal, double-blind study of asymptomatic individuals: results at 14 years.

Typical forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) appear to be influenced by multiple susceptibility loci. This report describes the prospective, longitudinal, double-blind assessment of the age-specific risk of AD encountered by 325 asymptomatic first-degree relatives of AD probands who carried the D10S1423 (AD7) 234 bp allele, the APOE E4 allele, or both, after 14 years of systematic follow-up. A total of 30 incident cases of AD were detected during the first 3752 subject-years of surveillance. The effects of carrying either or both of the D10S1423 234 bp and APOE E4 alleles on the age-specific risk of developing AD were determined using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. The risk of developing AD was the greatest for individuals who carried both alleles (Mantel–Cox statistic = 16.46, df = 3, P = 0.0009; Breslow statistic = 13.38, df = 3, P = 0.004). Cox proportional hazards models were developed to estimate the risk ratios for each genotype, controlling for the potential effects of age at recruitment, sex, and years of education. Only individuals who carried both risk alleles exhibited a risk ratio that differed significantly from 1 (risk ratio = 7.5, P = 0.002, 95% CI = 2.1–27.0). Neither age at recruitment, sex, nor years of education made significant contributions to the model, although women tended to be at greater risk (P = 0.06). Recent evidence that D10S1423 resides within open reading frame C10orf112, whose predicted product resembles a low-density lipoprotein receptor, suggests a molecular mechanism for this gene–gene interaction. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Data structures for picture processing: A survey

Abstract A variety of algorithms have been invented for use in picture processing. An important aspect of the algorithms is the data structure(s) employed. A data structure may be chosen to represent a particular structural relationship, to save space, or to allow for fast access to data. This paper surveys four major classes of data structures used in current picture processing research and gives several examples of the use of each type of structure in particular algorithms or systems. The structures surveyed are linear lists hierarchic structures, graph structures, and recursive structures.
Irrigation cooling effect: Regional climate forcing by land-use change

[1] Regional detection of a greenhouse warming signal relies on extensive, long-term measurements of temperature. The potentially confounding impact of land-cover and land-use change on trends in temperature records has mostly focused on the influence of urban heat islands. Here we use a regional climate model to show that a regional irrigation cooling effect (ICE) exists, opposite in sign to urban heat island effects. The magnitude of the ICE has strong seasonal variability, causing large dry-season decreases in monthly mean and maximum temperatures, but little change in rainy-season temperatures. Our model produced a negligible effect on monthly minimum temperature. In California, the modeled regional ICE is of similar magnitude, but opposite sign, to predictions for future regional warming from greenhouse gases. Given our results for California and the global importance of irrigated agriculture, past expansion of irrigated land has likely affected observations of surface temperature, potentially masking the full warming signal caused by greenhouse gas increases.
Assessing benthic community condition in Chesapeake Bay: does the use of different benthic indices matter?

Federal and state environmental agencies conduct several programs to characterize the environmental condition of Chesapeake Bay. These programs use different benthic indices and survey designs, and have produced assessments that differ in the estimate of the extent of benthic community degradation in Chesapeake Bay. Provided that the survey designs are unbiased, differences may exist in the ability of these indices to identify environmental degradation. In this study we compared the results of three indices calculated on the same data, and the assessments of two programs: the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Mid-Atlantic Integrated Assessment (MAIA). We examined the level of agreement of index results using site-based measures of agreement, evaluated sampling designs and statistical estimation methods, and tested for significant differences in assessments. Comparison of ratings of individual sites was done within separate categories of water and sediment quality to identify which indices summarize best pollution problems in Chesapeake Bay. The use of different benthic indices by these programs produced assessments that differed significantly in the estimate of degradation. A larger fraction of poor sites was classified as good by the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program’s Virginian Province and MAIA benthic indices compared to the Chesapeake Bay benthic index of biotic integrity, although overall classification efficiencies were similar for all indices. Differences in survey design also contributed to differences in assessments. The relative difference between the indices remained the same when they were applied to an independent dataset, suggesting that the indices can be calibrated to produce consistent results.
A robust backpropagation learning algorithm for function approximation

The backpropagation (BP) algorithm allows multilayer feedforward neural networks to learn input-output mappings from training samples. Due to the nonlinear modeling power of such networks, the learned mapping may interpolate all the training points. When erroneous training data are employed, the learned mapping can oscillate badly between data points. In this paper we derive a robust BP learning algorithm that is resistant to the noise effects and is capable of rejecting gross errors during the approximation process. The spirit of this algorithm comes from the pioneering work in robust statistics by Huber and Hampel. Our work is different from that of M-estimators in two aspects: 1) the shape of the objective function changes with the iteration time; and 2) the parametric form of the functional approximator is a nonlinear cascade of affine transformations. In contrast to the conventional BP algorithm, three advantages of the robust BP algorithm are: 1) it approximates an underlying mapping rather than interpolating training samples; 2) it is robust against gross errors; and 3) its rate of convergence is improved since the influence of incorrect samples is gracefully suppressed. >
New directions and dimensions in the treatment of allergic rhinitis

Abstract Physicians who treat patients with allergic rhinitis have a number of therapeutic options, including antihistamines, decongestants, cromolyn, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy. Antihistamines are widely used for the treatment of mild allergic rhinitis and are often effective, although more severe cases will require other medications. The newer antihistamines may induce less drowsiness, which is the most prominent side effect of the older antihistamines. Topical nasal decongestants give fast relief from nasal congestion, but their overuse may result in rebound congestion. Because their efficacy in allergic rhinitis is variable, oral decongestants are usually used in combination with antihistamines. Nasal cromolyn is effective for many patients with allergic rhinitis, but its effect is variable and it is not useful in severe allergic rhinitis.
OCULAR PATHOLOGY AND “PATHOLOGICAL CHAIN”

: “Pathological chain,” as determined by eight tests in routine analytical visual examination, and ophthalmoscopic ocular pathology of 37 clinical patients and 34 students were analyzed for independence of association. Results showed significant relationship between pathological chain and ocular pathology for the patients, students, and total, meaning that pathological chain may be used to help practitioners in suspecting, checking, and detecting ocular pathology.
Error Specification For Stereo Imaging

Stereo vision measurement is useful for applications in inspection and could lead to the integration of the inspection task into the manufacturing process, resulting in an improvement in product quality. In this paper, an analysis for an inspection cell using single-image stereo vision is described and the practical problems and error sources are discussed. This paper also presents the error specifications for designing a system accurate to within .001 inch.
ASSESSING COGNITIVE ACHIEVEMENT GROWTH DURING THE KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE YEARS

This study attempts to identify different patterns of cognitive growth in kindergarten and first grade associated with selected subpopulations. The results are based upon a nationally representative sample of fall kindergartners who were retested in the spring of their kindergarten year and then again in the fall and spring of their first grade year. Of special interest here is the estimation of the growth rates of subpopulations of children that are often considered to be at risk, educationally and/or economically. This study also investigates whether or not the absence of formal schooling during the summer differentially impacts subpopulations who are “at risk” because they may lack a strong educational support system in the home.
Model-based decision support for optimal brochure pricing: applying advanced analytics in the tour operating industry

The research presented in this paper is motivated by an industry project conducted with TUI Deutschland, Germany's leading tour operator. We consider the decision problem of optimally determining hotel room prices to be published in the tour operator's brochure, which is usually valid for a half-year period. In practice, this task is performed manually by a large number of pricing specialists, each of whom is in charge of setting up to 100,000 prices. In this paper, we develop an advanced analytics approach to provide decision support for this task. More precisely, we propose a mixed integer linear programming-based approach, involving state-of-the-art methods from data analysis and optimization. In this context, we formally introduce the brochure pricing problem as a new optimization problem and present several alternative mathematical model formulations. The problem incorporates demand-side behavior by including a general attraction model whose parameters can be obtained from past booking data. Furthermore, we present different real-world scenarios of model-based decision support, showing how the brochure pricing problem and some variants thereof can be integrated into the manual decision making process, given the requirement of using standard optimization software. For example, the model-based approach can help the pricing specialist balance the objective of profit maximization and the disadvantage of a very complicated pricing structure.
Non-feminizing estrogens: A novel neuroprotective therapy

While the conflict between basic science evidence for estrogen neuroprotection and the lack of effectiveness in clinical trials is only now being resolved, it is clear that strategies for estrogen neuroprotection that avoid activation of ERs have the potential for clinical application. Herein we review the evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies that describe high potency neuroprotection with non-feminizing estrogens. We have characterized many of the essential chemical features of non-feminizing estrogens that eliminate or reduce ER binding while maintaining or enhancing neuroprotection. Additionally, we provide evidence that these non-feminizing estrogens have efficacy in protecting the brain from AD neuropathology and traumatic brain injury. In conclusion, it appears that the non-feminizing estrogen strategy for neuroprotection is a viable option to achieve the beneficial neuroprotective effects of estrogens while eliminating the toxic off-target effects of chronic estrogen administration.