cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of submicron-diameter carbon filaments and conventional carbon fibers as fillers in composite materials

Abstract This review provides a comparison of submicron-diameter carbon filaments and conventional carbon fibers as fillers in composite materials. Carbon filaments (0.1 μm diameter, catalytically grown) are superior to conventional carbon fibers (discontinuous) as a filler in providing polymer–matrix and cement–matrix composites for electromagnetic performance, but are inferior to the fibers as a filler for composites for electrical and mechanical performance. Concerning the electromechanical behavior, the filaments are inferior to the fibers for cement–matrix composites, but are superior to the fibers for polymer–matrix composites.
Structure and Dynamics of Membrane Proteins by Magic Angle Spinning Solid-State NMR

Membrane proteins remain difficult to study by traditional methods. Magic angle spinning solid-state NMR (MAS SSNMR) methods present an important approach for studying membrane proteins of moderate size. Emerging MAS SSNMR methods are based on extensive assignments of the nuclei as a basis for structure determination and characterization of function. These methods have already been used to characterize fibrils and globular proteins and are being increasingly used to study membrane proteins embedded in lipids. This review highlights recent applications to intrinsic membrane proteins and summarizes recent technical advances that will enable these methods to be utilized for more complex membrane protein systems in the near future.
The Evil Eye and the Curse of the Law: Galatians 3.1 Revisited

Paul’s question in Gal. 3.1, ‘Who has cast the evil eye on you?’, echoes the Deuteronomic curse in which starving parents cast the evil eye and devour their own children. This echo anticipates Paul’s presentation of Christ crucified as the antidote to the curse of the law in ch. 3. It also underwrites Paul’s use of parent-child imagery, in ch. 4, to depict his gracious gospel as the free mother who bears children for freedom, but the law-inscribing mission as an enslaved mother whose children will never reach maturity.
Price and maternal obesity influence purchasing of low- and high-energy-dense foods

Background— Price can influence food purchases, which can influence consumption. Limited laboratory research has assessed the effect of price changes on food purchases, and no research on individual differences that may interact with price to influence purchases exists. Objective— We aimed to assess the influence of price changes of low-energy-density (LED) and high-energy-density (HED) foods on mother’s food purchases in a laboratory food-purchasing analogue. Design— Mothers were randomly assigned to price conditions in which the price of either LED or HED foods was manipulated from 75% to 125% of the reference purchase price, whereas the price of the alternative foods was kept at the reference value. Mothers completed purchases for 2 income levels ($15 or $30 per family member). Results— Purchases were reduced when prices of LED (P < 0.01) and HED (P < 0.001) foods were increased. Maternal BMI interacted with price to influence purchases of HED foods when the price of HED foods increased (P = 0.016) and interacted with price to influence purchases of LED foods when the price of HED foods increased (P = 0.008). Conclusion— These results show the relevance of considering price change as a way to influence food purchases of LED compared with HED foods and the possibility that individual differences may influence the own-price elasticity of HED foods and substitution of LED for HED foods.
[International health: a new challenge to nursing education].

A survey was conducted among 110 Schools of Nursing in USA and 5 Schools in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to identify the international health (IH) component in nursing education, practice and research. A significant part of U.S. schools and all 5 LAC schools have international activities, and this interest has started basically in the last 5 to 10 years. There was difference in the structure of IH activities among U.S. and LAC nursing schools, but they were similar in the type of support offered to IH initiatives. IH content in nursing education among U.S. schools was related to culture, health systems and community health; in LAC schools, IH content was related to health promotion, health policy and strategies and nursing perspectives. U.S. and LAC schools with international activities have only 10% of their faculty and students involved with IH initiatives. The nursing schools still lack courses and activities that the Schools of Public Health have implemented to deal with IH. The article observes areas that need to be strengthened so that nursing professionals can expand their leadership roles in research and practice in international health.
Mitral valve surgery: when is it appropriate?

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a frequent complication of end-stage cardiomyopathy. Historically, these patients were managed either medically or with mitral valve replacement, both associated with poor outcomes. We studied 150 patients with cardiomyopathy and severe MR who were managed with mitral reconstruction. One hundred fifty patients with 4+ MR, left ventricular ejection fractions of 8%–24% (mean, 14%), and New York Heart Association class III or IV symptoms were prospectively studied. All patients underwent mitral valve repair with an undersized, flexible annuloplasty ring. There was one intraoperative death and seven 30-day mortalities. Intraoperative echocardiography revealed no residual MR in the majority of patients and mild to trivial MR in seven patients. There were 27 late deaths; three of these patients had progression of the disease and underwent transplantation. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year actuarial survival rates are 82%, 71%, and 57%, respectively. New York Heart Association class has improved for all patients, from a preoperative mean of 3.2±0.2 to 1.8±0.4 postoperatively. At 24-month follow-up, all patients showed improvement in ejection fraction, cardiac output, and enddiastolic volumes, along with a reduction in the sphericity index and regurgitant volume. Mitral valve repair with an undersized, flexible annuloplasty ring is a safe and effective approach to correction of MR, even in cardiomyopathy patients. All observed changes contribute to reverse remodeling and the restoration of the normal left ventricular geometric relationship. Mitral reconstruction provides a new first-line management strategy for patients with MR and end-stage heart failure. (CHF. 2002;8:210–213) ©2002 CHF, Inc.
Prehistoric Coastal Adaptations at Seaside, Oregon: Vertebrate Fauna From the Palmrose and Par-Tee Sites

ABSTRACTArchaeological investigations at two sites in Seaside, Oregon, during the 1960s and 1970s produced a substantial coastal faunal assemblage, among the largest ever recovered from western North America. The two sites, Palmrose (35CLT47) and Par-Tee (35CLT20), were occupied between about 2,700 and 800 years ago. Analysis of a sample of the vertebrate fauna indicates differences between the two assemblages despite overlapping ages and close proximity. While there is similarity in the predominance of marine mammals and fish in both samples, the habitats represented by the fauna vary and the fish assemblages are strikingly different. Alternative explanations for the differences in the assemblages are considered including the possibility that the two sites were occupied by different ethnic groups. These data are relevant to broad issues of culture change on the southern Northwest Coast, marine resource exploitation, and hunter-gatherer coastal adaptations and this analysis demonstrates the value of museu...
A Study of a Serrated Ridge Waveguide

The serrated, or periodically slotted ridge produces a periodic loading which retards the phase velocity of the wave in a waveguide. Such structures may be used to provide a variable index of refraction for microwave lenses and as elements in microwave filters. Two approaches are presented in this paper giving the frequency dependence of the index of refraction. One is based on equivalent circuit representations which are qualitatively valid for the effect of the loading. Circuit parameters which determine the shape of the index of refraction curve are calculated from the experimental data. The other approach providing a purely analytic expression of the index of refraction is derived by a field matching method. Calculations show good agreement with test data.
The cartilage protein melanoma inhibitory activity contributes to inflammatory arthritis

OBJECTIVE Melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) is a small chondrocyte-specific protein with unknown function. MIA knockout mice (MIA(-/-)) have a normal phenotype with minor microarchitectural alterations of cartilage. Our previous study demonstrated that immunodominant epitopes of MIA are actively presented in an HLA-DR4-restricted manner in the inflamed RA joint. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential role of MIA as an autoantigen. METHODS Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and anti-collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) were induced in MIA(-/-) mice. Anti-type II collagen (anti-CII) antibodies were measured by ELISA. T cell proliferation and cytokine production were assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS MIA(-/-) mice had a markedly reduced incidence and severity of CIA and CAIA compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Attenuation of disease was not related to defective binding of anti-CII antibodies to cartilage in the absence of MIA. However, MIA(-/-) mice had significantly reduced anti-CII IgG1 and IgG2a antibody levels accompanied by an increase in FoxP3-expressing CD25(+)CD4(+) regulatory T cells. This was paralleled by a significant reduction in CII-specific IFN-γ production by T cells in MIA(-/-) but not WT animals, suggesting a qualitative impact of MIA on the collagen-induced Th1 response. Furthermore, Ag-specific proliferation of T cells after restimulation with MIA in WT but not MIA(-/-) mice indicated the existence of MIA-specific T cells in the context of CIA. CONCLUSION These data support a role for MIA as an autoantigen during arthritis development. Whether MIA can influence the balance of pathogenic vs regulatory responses in human RA remains to be investigated.
Effect of Citric Acid Modification of Aspen Wood on Sorption of Copper Ion

Abstract Milled aspen wood was thermochemically modified with citric acid for the purpose of improving the copper (Cu2+) ion sorption capacity of the wood when tested in 24-hour equilibrium batch tests. The wood-citric acid adducts provided additional carboxyl groups to those in the native wood and substantially increased Cu2+ ion uptake of the modified wood compared with that of the unmodified wood. Sorption capacity (qe) measured with an unbuffered standard solution increased to a maximum of 7.9 mg Cu2+ ion/g of wood (treated) from 1.3 mg Cu2+ ion/g wood (untreated). When measured with a buffered standard solution, the qe increased to a maximum of 13.8 mg Cu2+ ion/g of wood (treated) from 4.1 mg Cu2+ ion/g wood (untreated). The treatment necessary for maximum qe was 2 hours at 130°C. Modification treatments included three time periods (2, 4, 6 hours) and three temperature regimes (110, 120, 130°C). To further evaluate the efficacy of modification treatments, weight change after treatment was monitored a...
Functional imaging of the thalamus in language

Herein, the literature regarding functional imaging of the thalamus during language tasks is reviewed. Fifty studies met criteria for analysis. Two of the most common task paradigms associated with thalamic activation were generative tasks (e.g. word or sentence generation) and naming, though activation was also seen in tasks that involve lexical decision, reading and working memory. Typically, thalamic activation was seen bilaterally, left greater than right, along with activation in frontal and temporal cortical regions. Thalamic activation was seen with perceptually challenging tasks, though few studies rigorously correlated thalamic activation with measures of attention or task difficulty. The peaks of activation loci were seen in virtually all thalamic regions, with a bias towards left-sided and midline activation. These analyses suggest that the thalamus may be involved in processes that involve manipulations of lexical information, but point to the need for more systematic study of the thalamus using language tasks.
A study of roentgenocephalometric bony landmarks.

Abstract The validity of roentgenocephalometric landmark definitions, as well as the way their determination is affected by individual variation in skeletal morphology and by changes associated with growth, has been tested by several studies of sixty-four human skulls and by an analysis of their radiographs. Furthermore, lateral head films of sixty living persons have been analyzed to check the findings obtained from the skeletal material. A number of landmarks deviated from the generally accepted definitions. This was true for prosthion, infradentale, and in a number of cases for menton and gnathion. Individual local variations in skeletal structure played a role in the roentgenocephalometric location of sella, nasion, prosthion, infradentale, menton, gnathion, and especially point A. Several suggestions have been made for improving the standardization of the determination of some of these landmarks. Because of the considerable shortcomings of point A, a new landmark, point L, has been suggested, tested, and found to be superior. On the basis of theoretical considerations, as well as the findings in our material, it is proposed that the anteroposterior length of the maxilla be determined not by means of a midline structure but as the distance between point L and the dorsal outline of the maxillary tuberositas, for which PTM can be used as a substitute.
El filósofo como heredero de los profetas: el racionalismo islámico de Averroes

This essay argues that, underlying the legal framework of Averroes’s Faṣl al-maqāl , there appears to be a genuine desire to reconcile the claims of reason with the demands of faith; then, that Averroes based this reconciliation on the acceptance of a hermeneutical theory that sees the divine Word as addressing all human beings according to their intellectual capacities and that, consequently, he did not exclude the learned from the religious duty of assenting to revealed truth. Finally, and contrary to overstated secularist interpretations of his rationalism, it is suggested that there are grounds to defend the view that Averroes conceived of philosophy in quasi-religious terms, as the noblest work to be carried out in the presence of God, making its practitioners the rightful ‘heirs of the prophets’.
Response to azacitidine (AZA) in patients with secondary myelodysplastic syndrome

6578 Background: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is characterized by maturation defects in hematopoietic progenitor cells that result in ineffective hematopoiesis, various cytopenias and risk of pro...
ALIVE: a multi-relational link prediction environment for the healthcare domain

An underlying assumption of biomedical informatics is that decisions can be more informed when professionals are assisted by analytical systems. For this purpose, we propose ALIVE, a multi-relational link prediction and visualization environment for the healthcare domain. ALIVE combines novel link prediction methods with a simple user interface and intuitive visualization of data to enhance the decision-making process for healthcare professionals. It also includes a novel link prediction algorithm, MRPF, which outperforms many comparable algorithms on multiple networks in the biomedical domain. ALIVE is one of the first attempts to provide an analytical and visual framework for healthcare analytics, promoting collaboration and sharing of data through ease of use and potential extensibility. We encourage the development of similar tools, which can assist in facilitating successful sharing, collaboration, and a vibrant online community.
The Microstructure of Free Association

The author's purpose is threefold: first, to demonstrate the redundancy in the events of the complex life of a patient as told to a psychoanalyst; second, to show two novel ways to represent those events simply; and third, to suggest that the field of psychoanalysis, under assault from philosophers of science and hermeneuticists alike for either not being or for trying to be a science, can in principle be reclaimed for science. It can be done by abandoning a widely held belief that human behavior is simply too complex, too malleable, too rooted in ineffable experience to permit of systematic scientific capture.
Carbon fiber and void detection using high-frequency electromagnetic induction techniques

Ultrawide band electromagnetic induction (EMI) instruments have been traditionally used to detect high electric conductivity discrete targets such as metal unexploded ordnance. The frequencies used for this EMI regime have typically been less than 100 kHz. To detect intermediate conductivity objects like carbon fiber, even less conductive saturated salts, and even voids embedded in conducting soils, higher frequencies up to the low megahertz range are required in order to capture characteristic responses. To predict EMI phenomena at frequencies up to 15 MHz, we first modeled the response of intermediate conductivity targets using a rigorous, first-principles approach, the Method of Auxiliary Sources. A newly fabricated benchtop high-frequency electromagnetic induction instrument produced EMI data at frequencies up to that same high limit. Modeled and measured characteristic relaxation signatures compare favorably and indicate new sensing possibilities in a variety of scenarios.
Design and Application of Virtual Instrument Technology Based Calibration and Detection System for Power Quality Analyzer

A virtual instrument technology based automatic calibration and detection system for power quality analyzer is designed and implemented by the programming based on LabVIEW.The designed system is applied to the calibration and detection of multi-kind of power quality analyzers.By means of library function component in virtual instruments software architecture(VISA),standard commands for programmable instruments(SCPI),the self-contained drivers of the instruments and the required hardware interface cards and data bus,the data communication between PC and related instruments is established.The functions of the proposed system include the setup of standard source signal,instrument control and storage and analysis of measured data.Results from experiments and calculation show that the proposed system can perform the calibration and detection of various power quality indices.In actual calibration and detection of power quality analyzers the efficiency of calibration and detection is evidently improved and the personal errors are effectively reduced.
Black and white interlaminar instability failure of asphalt overlay on old cement slab

In order to study the two kinds of instability failures between asphalt overlay and old cement slab such as black and white interlaminar horizontal shear slippage and interfacial bonding instability,the influence rules of vehicle speed,road adhesion coefficient,vertical load,interlaminar contact coefficient,loading rate,temperature and the spraying amount of viscous oil on interlaminar extreme stress and strain,shear strength and pull-out strength were revealed through the elastic theoretical calculation of composite structure,MATLAB programming,interlaminar shear test and pull-out test.The function relationships among interlaminar shear strength and normal stress,shear rate,temperature,and among pull-out strength and pull-out rate,temperature,the spraying amount of viscous oil were established respectively.Analysis result shows that the descending order of pull-out failure interface occurrence probabilities at 15 ℃ is cement slab surface,tack coat,asphalt membrane,the descending order at 45 ℃ is tack coat,cement slab surface,asphalt membrane,and average interlaminar bonding strength increases with the descending of above order.In order to reduce interlaminar instability failure,vehicle speed should be increased appropriately,vehicle axle load should be controlled,the clean and rough surface conditions of old cement slab should be kept,the spraying amount of viscous oil should be chosen appropriately,liquid petroleum asphalt is 0.20-0.40 L·m-2,and emulsified asphalt is 0.48-0.60 L·m-2.The average pull-out strength of core sample and interface failure position are recommended as distinguishinging bases for the construction quality of asphalt overlay.
Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of measles in Yangpu district Shanghai during years 2001-2007

[Objective] To understand the epidemiological characteristics of measles in Yangpu district and provide evidence for specific strategies and measures for measles prevention and control. [Methods] Descriptive analysis was made from the data of measles in Yangpu district from year 2001 to 2007. [Results] 180 cases were reported in the whole Yangpu district from year 2001 to 2007,and no death.The average morbidity in Yangpu district was 2.13/100,000.The measles incidence of floating population was 10.23 times higher than the native population.The peak season appeared from March to August about 81.67%.The rate of male to female morbidity was 1.34∶1.In both groups,patients 15 years was 39.44% and ≥20 years was 53.89%,accounted for the majority of the patients.Cases form local habitants were dominated by the adults and the morbidity was highest in the ≥20 years group(77.78%).Cases from the floating population were dominated by the children and the age peak of morbidity appeared in 15 years group(54.55%).29.44% of the cases had no history of measles immunization and 62.78% had unknown inoculation history. [Conclusion] Actions should be taken to strengthened the administration of the floating population.Every province should guarantee the coverage of 2 doses and timely coverage of the first dose of measles vaccine.Meanwhile,we should put emphasis on measles supervision and expand the range of intensive measles immunity among the adult groups.
Metal-Free Preparation of Linear and Cross-Linked Polydicyclopentadiene.

Metal-free ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) utilizes organic photoredox mediators as alternatives to traditional metal-based ROMP initiators to allow the preparation of polymers without residual metal contamination. Herein we report studies exploring the use of endo-dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), a common ROMP monomer, to form linear polyDCPD and copolymers with norbornene. Subsequent cross-linking of the linear polyDCPD using thiol–ene chemistry allows for a completely metal-free preparation of cross-linked polyDCPD. Furthermore, the examination of a number of structurally related monomers offers insights into mechanistic details of this polymerization and demonstrates new monomers that can be utilized for metal-free ROMP.
Incidence of Discontinuation of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception among Adolescent and Young Adult Women Served by an Urban Primary Care Clinic.

Abstract Study Objective To estimate long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) discontinuation rates. Secondary aims were to determine risk factors for discontinuation, describe reasons for discontinuation, evaluate complications related to placement, and estimate pregnancy rates after discontinuation. Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of LARC method use through review of electronic medical record data. Setting Our program is housed in an academic primary care pediatric and adolescent clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants One hundred sixty women ages 12-24 years who received an intrauterine device or subdermal implant through our program between December 10, 2012 and December 10, 2015. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Complications from LARC insertion, device discontinuation, reason(s) for discontinuation, pregnancies resulting from device failure, and occurrence of pregnancy within 1 year of discontinuation. Results Thirty-five women discontinued their LARC method. The 6-month discontinuation rate was 11.3% and the 12-month rate was 21.9%. Discontinuation was associated with history of sexually transmitted infection (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-6.90). The most common reason for discontinuation was bleeding for the implant and expulsion for the intrauterine device. Conclusion Our results support the safety and low discontinuation rates of LARC provision to adolescents and young adult women in a primary care setting. Discontinuation rates and reasons are consistent with those described in other studies.
Applying Planning and Operational Skills in North Africa and the Pacific

In an effort not to lose sight of the long-term perspective while dealing with short-term problems, Arnold decided to create his own informal group of advisors to help him in long-range thinking. He had found that he was swamped with short-term problem-solving — or putting out brushfires. As he described it: My office organization in Washington contained an Advisory Council, a group of young men, the brightest I could get, who sat in an office close to me, and whose instructions were: “Don’t get mixed up with any routine business. What I want you to do is sit down and think. Think of the problems confronting us. Think of the solutions to those problems. Bring in new ideas. If you bring in one new idea every two or three days I will be satisfied. But don’t get mixed up with the routine operations of this office. Think! Think of the future of the Air Force!” That Advisory Council, made up changeably of anywhere from three to five officers, was invaluable to me. They brought me new ideas; kept me up-to-date, and best of all, made certain that I was very seldom caught off base by higher authority with any new problem before I had been able to give some thought to it.2
Mechanisms of Drug Resistance Against JAK2 Inhibitors

Abstract 1426 The discovery of activating somatic mutations of JAK2 kinase as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) —polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (MF)—prompted the development of JAK2-targeted therapies for these diseases 1–3 . Therapy with JAK2 inhibitors (INCB018424 and TG101348) induces rapid and marked reductions in spleen size and can lead to remarkable improvements in constitutional symptoms and overall quality of life suggesting that therapeutic targeting of JAK2 holds great promise for the treatment of JAK2 mediated disorders. It is likely that these two clinical agents will soon be approved by the FDA for the treatment of these diseases. Given our experience in development of resistance in tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy (TKI) especially in the context of BCR/ABL targeting by Gleevec, we anticipate that resistance to JAK2 inhibitors will develop as well. To understand the mechanism of resistance against JAK2 targeted therapies, we performed mutagenesis studies and in vitro screening for resistance as previously reported for selection of resistance mutation in BCR/ABL (Azam et. al. (2003), Cell and Azam et. al. (2006), PNAS.). We sequenced the resistant clones isolated from INCB018424 resistant screening and identified 125 different amino substitutions spanning across FERM, SH2, pseudokinase and kinase domains. Frequency of resistant mutations demonstrated several major hot-spots clustered in the FERM, pseudokinase and kinase domain. We observed sixty different mutations in the kinase domain that clustered into eight major hot-spots with several minor-spots in regulatory regions including the hinge region, catalytic-loop, activation-loop and in the helical region of c-lobe. Structural modeling of these mutations suggests that the JAK2 kinase, like ABL kinase, is subject to auto-inhibited regulatory mechanisms and selects for drug resistant mutations from allosteric domains (FERM, SH2 and Pseudokinase domain). We anticipate that these results will be valuable in diagnosis of clinical resistance and in the identification and design of next generation small molecule JAK2 inhibitors Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Standardized Markerless Gene Integration for Pathway Engineering in Yarrowia lipolytica

The yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is a promising microbial host due to its native capacity to produce lipid-based chemicals. Engineering stable production strains requires genomic integration of modified genes, avoiding episomal expression that requires specialized media to maintain selective pressures. Here, we develop a CRISPR-Cas9-based tool for targeted, markerless gene integration into the Y. lipolytica genome. A set of genomic loci was screened to identify sites that were accepting of gene integrations without impacting cell growth. Five sites were found to meet these criteria. Expression levels from a GFP expression cassette were consistent when inserted into AXP, XPR2, A08, and D17, with reduced expression from MFE1. The standardized tool is comprised of five pairs of plasmids (one homologous donor plasmid and a CRISPR-Cas9 expression plasmid), with each pair targeting gene integration into one of the characterized sites. To demonstrate the utility of the tool we rapidly engineered a semisynthetic lyc...
Tactile information processing

In this chapter we present an introduction to tactile information processing. We begin by describing the technology and presenting some early work; we then discuss in detail our current work in building a robot haptics system; finally, we introduce the concept of shape from touch and briefly describe two systems which incorporate touch with vision to do object recognition.
An Analysis of Degraded Communication Channels in Human-Robot Teaming and Implications for Dynamic Autonomy Allocation

The quality of the communication channel between human-robot teammates critically influences the team’s ability to perform a task safely and effectively. In this paper, we present a nine person pilot study that investigates the effects of different degradations of that communication channel, and within three shared-autonomy paradigms that differ according to how and at what level control is partitioned between the human and the autonomy. Accordingly, the rate and granularity of the human input differs for each shared-autonomy paradigm. We refer to each paradigm according to the input expected from the user, namely high-level, mid-level and low-level control paradigms. We find three primary insights. First, interruptions in the signal transmission (dropped signals) decrease safety and performance in modes where continuous and high-bandwidth inputs from the human are expected. Second, decreased transmission frequency offers a trade-off between safety and performance for low-level and mid-level control paradigms. Lastly, noise alters the safety of high-level input since the user is not continually correcting the signal. These insights inform us when to shift autonomy levels depending on the quality of the communication channel, which can vary with time. Knowing the ground truth of how the signal was degraded, we evaluate a recurrent neural network’s ability to classify whether the communication channel is experiencing lowered transmission frequency, dropped signals or noise, and we find an accuracy of 90% when operating with low-level commands. Combined with the key insights, our results indicate that a framework to dynamically allocate autonomy between the user and robot could improve overall performance.
Common-path phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography provides enhanced phase stability and detection sensitivity for dynamic elastography

Phase-sensitive optical coherence elastography (PhS-OCE) is an emerging optical technique to quantify soft-tissue biomechanical properties. We implemented a common-path OCT design to enhance displacement sensitivity and optical phase stability for dynamic elastography imaging. The background phase stability was greater in common-path PhS-OCE (0.24 ± 0.07nm) than conventional PhS-OCE (1.60 ± 0.11μm). The coefficient of variation for surface displacement measurements using conventional PhS-OCE averaged 11% versus 2% for common-path PhS-OCE. Young’s modulus estimates showed good precision (95% CIs) for tissue phantoms: 24.96 ± 2.18kPa (1% agar), 49.69 ± 4.87kPa (1.5% agar), and 116.08 ± 12.14kPa (2% agar), respectively. Common-path PhS-OCE effectively reduced the amplitude of background dynamic optical phase instability to a sub-nanometer level, which provided a larger dynamic detection range and higher detection sensitivity for surface displacement measurements than conventional PhS-OCE.
Masters of War: Military Dissent and Politics in the Vietnam Era

1. Introduction 2. Prologue to tragedy: US military opposition to intervention in Vietnam, 1950-1954 3. Preparing for and avoiding war: military affairs and politics in Vietnam and the United States, 1955-1960 4. Pinning down the president: JFK, the military, and political manoeuvering over Vietnam, January-October 1961 5. The best and worst of times: the US war against Vietnam, October 1961-November 1963 6. 'Seeing things through Vietnam': LBJ, the military, and the growing U.S. commitment to Vietnam, November 1963-December 1964 7. Hope for the best, expect the worst: US ground troops enter the war in Vietnam, January-July 1965 8. War on three fronts: US forces vs. the VC, Westmoreland vs. the marine, and the military leaders vs. the White House, July 1965-December 1966 9. 'The platform of false prophets is crowded': public hope and private despair in Vietnam, 1967 10. The myth of the Tet: military failure and the politics of war 11. Conclusion: bringing it all back home Epilogue Notes Bibliography.
Nanoscopic Hybrid Materials: The Synthesis, Structure and Properties of Peapods, Cats and Kin

The mechanism for the formation of encapsulated C60 chains is now apparent, and we have successfully synthesized them in large fractions of the tubes that comprise our samples. In contrast to prior studies showing the uptake of liquid into large diameter MWNTs, the mechanism involves transport in the vapor phase or the surface diffusion of individual molecules. SWNTs with small interior diameters are completely filled over long lengths. The extent of filling argues for the entrance of C60 through sidewall defects as well as open ends. A minimum temperature must be achieved in order to promote exterior C60 to enter the tubes. Annealing at too high a temperature will limit the residence time of C60 on the SWNT as well as cause the healing of the nanotubes walls, thereby eliminating access to the nanotube interiors. There is thus a critical temperature window required for the formation of bucky-peapods. The ability to synthesize these unique hybrid materials in bulk will now permit scaled-up empirical study. Interestingly, there is no obvious physical reason why SWNTs could not be filled with any appropriately-sized molecule with an affinity for nanotubes, and present in the gas phase or highly mobile at temperatures within the critical temperature window. Thus, the present work opens the possibility for the general functionalizing of the particular diameter SWNTs produced at highest concentration by PLV and CA methods.
Analysis of the process of encoding guidelines: a comparison of GLIF2 and GLIF3.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the use of a modified version of the Guideline Interchange Format (GLIF), GLIF3, in the translation of clinical practice guidelines into an electronically encoded form such that they may be shared among various clinical institutions and settings. Methods: Based on theories and methods from cognitive science, the encoding of two clinical practice guidelines into two guideline modeling methods (GLIF3 and an earlier version, GLIF2) by two medical informaticians was captured on video and transcribed and annotated for analysis. Results: Differing in both content and structure, the representations developed in GLIF3 were found to contain a greater level of representational detail and less ambiguity than those developed in GLIF2. Conclusions: The use of GLIF3 in the encoding of clinical guidelines offers significant improvements due to its greater formality as compared to earlier versions of GLIF.
Stochastische Prozesse und Modelle

Bisher wurden in Wirtschafttheorie meist “exakte” mathematische Gleichungen benutzt um die Zusammenhange zwischen den einzelnen Grosen zu charakterisieren. Da wir das okonomische Geschehen nicht ernsthaft als einen deterministischen Ablauf betrachten konnen, mussen wir zufallige Bestandteile in unsere Modelle einfuhren. Dies konnen wir sinnvoll dadurch erreichen, das wir das Wirtschaftsgeschehen als “stochastischen Prozess” auffassen.
Observatories in earth orbit and beyond

The present volume on observations in earth orbit and beyond discusses current and future missions, launch vehicles, the relative merits of various observatories, and long-term future issues. Attention is given to the Granat automatic spacecraft, the prospects of the Hipparcos mission, EUV and FUV astronomy from Voyagers 1 and 2, and the X-ray Timing Explorer. Topics addressed include the SAX mission for X-ray astronomy, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility, the Ulysses mission in the high-latitude heliosphere, and science operations for future space astrophysics missions. Also discussed are science observations with the IUE using the one-gyro mode, new methods of determining spacecraft attitude, cryogenic testing of optics for ISOCAM, and the stellar X-ray polarimeter for the Spectrum-X-Gamma mission.
The Spruce Budworm in Eastern North America

The spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) was first described from specimens collected in Virginia,17 but this native insect occurs primarily in the northern boreal forest from Newfoundland west to the McKenzie River near 66°N.53 The most extensive and destructive outbreaks have occurred in the maritime provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland), Quebec, Ontario, Maine, and the Great Lakes states. This defoliator feeds primarily on the new growth of balsam fir (Abies balsamea), red spruce (Picea rubens), white spruce (Picea glauca), and black spruce (Picea mariana). Sometimes it feeds on other conifers, such as eastern larch (Larix lancina), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), and eastern white pine (Pinus strobus).28,47
Hypothyroidism Presenting with Dysarthria and Intermittent Weakness of the Extremities (P4.047)

Objective: To describe a rare case of hypothyroidism presenting with dysarthria and extremity weakness. Background: Uncontrolled hypothyroidism can affect the central and peripheral nervous systems causing a range of neurological symptoms. This report demonstrates the importance of evaluating for hypothyroidism in patients presenting with dysarthria and extremity weakness. Design/Methods: A case report. Results: The patient was a 56 year-old right-handed male with carotid stenosis, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea who presented with dysarthria. He reported the gradual development of slurred speech two weeks prior to admission. Within a week, he developed intermittent weakness of his left hand followed by intermittent weakness of both legs. On admission, he endorsed persistent dysarthria, generalized fatigue and improvement in extremity weakness. General examination was notable for bradycardia and lack of edema. Neurologic examination was remarkable for moderate dysarthria and distal sensory loss in all extremities. Labwork revealed a CK of 2314 U/L which was treated with fluids. Imaging of brain structure and vessels with MRI and CTA was unremarkable. Telemetry revealed asymptomatic bradycardia in the 30s during sleep prompting a Cardiology consultation. Serologies were remarkable for TSH of 126 U/ml and undetectable free thyroxine. The patient noted that he had exhausted his levothyroxine supply a month previously and had not called for a refill. The Endocrinology service recommended physiologic dosing of levothyroxine and stress dose steroids. On the third day of admission, his fatigue and dysarthria had improved. He was discharged home with physiologic dosed steroids and levothyroxine. After three months on levothyroxine, his TSH was within normal range. His dysarthria and fatigue had resolved. Stocking-and-glove sensory loss persisted. Conclusions: Hypothyroidism has been sparsely described as presenting with dysarthria, with two reported cases to date. This case illuminates the importance of evaluating for reversible causes of dysarthria and weakness, including endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism. Disclosure: Dr. Parker has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alobaidy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tajuddin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kakkar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nguyen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pacheco has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lu has nothing to disclose.
A Novel Motion Artifact Detection Algorithm Based on Recurrence Plot Processing of Photoplethysmogram Signal

In this study, we propose a novel procedure "RepMA" based on image processing of recurrence plots to detect motion artifacts (MA) in PPG signals. The idea is by using recurrence plots we convert the signal into a binary image that can be processed later for distortion and corruption. The algorithm runs on each 4 sec segments of the signal and the recurrence plot (image) of each segment is then preprocessed and analyzed to determine if the segment is clean or corrupted by noise. The MAs change the signal recurrence behavior and their irregular recurrence patterns that can be utilized to distinguish between clean and corrupted PPG segment. We used the lab controlled PPG recordings from forehead and finger pulse oximeter sensors with random movements for evaluating of RepMA performance. The results of RepMA algorithm were compared to two different algorithms known for their alleged competency in MA detection: the Hjorth and Shannon entropy. The proposed detection method outperforms the two other methods in terms of accuracy, run-time, specificity and sensitivity. Moreover, our algorithm is able to be implemented in real-time.
Exploring Food Decision Processes of Latino Families in California’s Central Valley

Background and Purpose: Latino children are more likely to be overweight than non-Latino whites. Family food context research is relevant to the prevention of overweight. The purpose of the study was to identify patterns in Latino family food decisions related to the dinner routine. Methods: In 2013-2014, thirty-four in-depth interviews were conducted with twenty-two Latina mothers with children age 5-10 in California’s Central Valley. Previously published research informed the semi-structured interview guide. A grounded theory methodology was used to identify themes. Results: Four salient food decision approaches emerged. Families exhibited six combinations of these approaches. Mothers’ explicit health goals guide the health approach. The traditional approach emphasizes eating favorite recipes. In the developmental approach, parents modify the main meal for children based on the belief children will develop an adult’s taste over time. The path of least resistance favors expediency over other concerns. Conclusion: While the path of least resistance and health approaches have previously been observed among other populations, this paper provides findings on these categories among Latinos. Additionally, our findings on the developmental and traditional approaches expand the body of knowledge on food decisions. The guiding approaches provide a framework that can be sensitive to diverse food schemas.
3D-rendered Electromechanical Wave Imaging for Localization of Accessory Pathways in Wolff-Parkinson-White Minors *

Arrhythmia localization prior to catheter ablation is critical for clinical decision making and treatment planning. The current standard lies in 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, but this method is non-specific and anatomically limited. Accurate localization requires intracardiac catheter mapping prior to ablation. Electromechanical Wave Imaging (EWI) is a high frame-rate ultrasound modality capable of non-invasively mapping the electromechanical activation in all cardiac chambers in vivo. In this study, we evaluate 3D-rendered EWI as a technique for consistently localizing the accessory pathway (AP) in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pediatric patients. A 2000 Hz EWI diverging sequence was used to transthoracically image 13 patients with evidence of ECG pre-excitation, immediately prior to catheter ablation and after successful ablation whenever possible. 3D-rendered activation maps were generated by co-registering and interpolating the 4 resulting multi-2D isochrones. A blinded electrophysiologist predicted the AP location on 12-lead ECG prior to ablation. Double-blinded EWI isochrones and clinician assessments were compared to the successful ablation site as confirmed by intracardiac mapping using a segmented template of the heart with 19 ventricular regions. 3D-rendered EWI was shown capable of consistently localizing AP in all the WPW cases. Clinical ECG interpretation correctly predicted the origin with an accuracy of 53.8%, respectively 84.6% when considering predictions in immediately adjacent segments correct. Our method was also capable of assessing the difference in activation pattern from before to after successful ablation on the same patient. These findings indicate that EWI could inform current diagnosis and expedite treatment planning of WPW ablation procedures.
Phorbol myristate acetate and dioctanoylglycerol inhibit transport in rabbit proximal convoluted tubule

The present in vitro microperfusion study examined the effect of protein kinase C activation on transport in the rabbit proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). PCT were perfused with an ultrafiltrate-like solution and were bathed in a serumlike albumin solution. Addition of 5 x 10(-8) and 5 x 10(-7) M bath phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, inhibited volume absorption from 1.06 +/- 0.10 to 0.77 +/- 0.07 nl.mm-1.min-1 (P less than 0.05) and 0.76 +/- 0.14 to 0.48 +/- 0.08 nl.mm-1.min-1 (P less than 0.01), respectively. Bath phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (5 x 10(-9) M) had no effect on volume absorption (Jv, 0.82 +/- 0.13 to 0.81 +/- 0.12 nl.mm-1.min-1). In contrast, 5 x 10(-8) M bath 4 alpha-phorbol, an inactive phorbol that does not activate protein kinase C, had no effect on Jv (0.95 +/- 0.14 to 0.94 +/- 0.11 nl.mm-1.min-1). Bath L-alpha-dioctanoylglycerol (10(-4) M), another known activator of protein kinase C, inhibited volume absorption from 0.96 +/- 0.08 to 0.71 +/- 0.08 nl.mm-1.min-1 (P less than 0.001). A 10-fold lower concentration of L-alpha-dioctanoylglycerol (10(-5) M) had no effect on Jv (0.81 +/- 0.18 to 0.78 +/- 0.17 nl.mm-1.min-1). Both 5 x 10(-8) M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and 10(-4) M L-alpha-dioctanoylglycerol inhibited glucose, bicarbonate, and chloride transport in the PCT. These data are consistent with protein kinase C activation playing a role in the modulation of proximal tubular transport.
A dynamic Modelling of Labor Productivity Impacts Arising from Change Orders in Road Projects

It is vital to investigate the system dynamics (SD) between the change orders and labor productivity to identify the causes of the productivity loss of the construction projects. Most productivity ...