cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging in Head and Neck Cancer: Techniques and Clinical Applications

In the past decade, dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging has had an increasing role in assessing the microvascular characteristics of various tumors, including head and neck cancer. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging allows noninvasive assessment of permeability and blood flow, both important features of tumor hypoxia, which is a marker for treatment resistance for head and neck cancer. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging has the potential to identify early locoregional recurrence, differentiate metastatic lymph nodes from normal nodes, and predict tumor response to treatment and treatment monitoring in patients with head and neck cancer. Quantitative analysis is in its early stage and standardization and refinement of technique are essential. In this article, we review the techniques of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging data acquisition, analytic methods, current limitations, and clinical applications in head and neck cancer.
Modeling and Flight Testing of Wing Shaping for Autonomous Flight Control

UAV development and usage has increased dramatically in the last 15 years. In this time frame the potential has been realized for deployable UAVs to the extent that a new class of UAV was defined for these systems. Inflatable wing UAVs provide a unique solution for deployable UAVs because they are highly packable (some packing to 5-10% of their deployed volume) and have the potential for the incorporation of wing shaping. In this paper, aileron effectiveness was derived from the equations of motion of aircraft as a necessary parameter for roll control during autonomous flight. A modeling process was then developed to calculate the aileron effectiveness of a wing shaping demonstrator aircraft. Successful autonomous flight tests were performed with the demonstrator aircraft including in-flight aileron doublets to validate the predicted aileron effectiveness, which matched within 8%.
AMP deaminase suppression increases biomass, cold tolerance and oil content in green algae

Abstract The green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , is currently one of the most targeted organisms for renewable biofuel production, yet its growth depends strictly on warm (subtropical) conditions. This requirement makes C. reinhardtii not only susceptible to cold stress, but also unsuitable for culturing large scale algae year round in temperate regions. Using RNAi mediated gene knockdown, we targeted the AMP degradation enzyme, AMP deaminase (AMPD), to reflect psychrophilic-like purine metabolism (purine metabolism in cold adapted organisms) in C. reinhardtii . The engineered C. reinhardtii strains elevated intracellular steady-state ATP levels by more than twofold across their viable temperature range, displayed ~ 3-fold higher growth rate and biomass, and ~ 25% higher lipid/oil accumulation compared to wild-type under both normal and cold growth conditions. Our findings can be extrapolated to engineer plants that grow under cold stress conditions for sustainable agriculture and plant-based biofuel production.
Exceptional adaptability in collegiate coaching

Coaching research has recently focused on the complex nature of coaching. In particular, the layered social interactions and contextual micropolitics of coaching have studied. One way to discover m...
RGP quality control : the results of a national survey

BACKGROUND: Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses have numerous benefits; however, one of the possible problems of RGP lenses is variable quality that can result in reduced initial comfort and an unsuccessful fit. METHODS: A quality control survey was sent to 200 optometrists, selected at random, to provide information on lens usage, verification, use of reused or modified lenses, use of authorized laboratory, and to evaluate important laboratory characteristics. A total of 86 optometrists responded to the survey. RESULTS: The results indicated that most respondents fit between 10-25 percent of their new contact lens patients with RGPs. In addition, although both of these parameters can be extremely important to patient success, only 56 percent of the practitioners verify edge quality and even less, 38 percent, verify center thickness. Sixty-seven percent of the practitioners indicated that poor initial wettability occurred in, at minimum, 5-10 percent of all new lenses. 75 percent of the practitioners indicated that it would matter to them if the supposed new lenses had previously been used or modified. Finally, optical quality and lens parameter accuracy were considered much more important than turnaround time and material cost. CONCLUSIONS: It appears from these results that variance in quality control can result in compromised lens quality and performance. In addition, it can be reduced by more careful lens inspection by the practitioner. If careful attention is devoted to these recommendations, RGP lens use and success could increase accordingly.
Toward understanding the technological development of manos and metates

This paper explores how manos and metates used as food-grinding sets changed as a result of technological improvements. These technological improvements included morphological changes that allowed ...
Extending HKMG scaling on CMOS with FDSOI: Advantages and integration challenges

High-k metal gate (HKMG) has been implemented in production for nearly 10 years. As scaling of HKMG on bulk Si is reaching its limit, alternative device architecture such as FINFETs and FDSOI are being pursued. FDSOI is well suited for applications needing a balanced trade-off among power, performance and cost, such as the Internet of Things (IoTs). Here we show that compared to HKMG on bulk Si, HKMG FDSOI transistors have less VT variation due to its undoped channel. Furthermore, FDSOI unique back-biasing capability offers additional knob to further reduce VT variation. There are, however, a few challenges that must be overcome for successful integration of FDSOI in CMOS. Those challenges such as preventing thin SOI channel erosion, maintaining strain in channel SiGe, preventing oxygen ingress in gatestack, obtaining a low overlap capacitance and growing raised source/drain epi will be discussed.
Endothelial Cellular Responses to Biodegradable Metal Zinc

Biodegradable zinc (Zn) metals, a new generation of biomaterials, have attracted much attention due to their excellent biodegradability, bioabsorbability, and adaptability to tissue regeneration. Compared with magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe), Zn exhibits better corrosion and mechanical behaviors in orthopedic and stent applications. After implantation, Zn containing material will slowly degrade, and Zn ions (Zn2+) will be released to the surrounding tissue. For stent applications, the local Zn2+concentration near endothelial tissue/cells could be high. However, it is unclear how endothelia will respond to such high concentrations of Zn2+, which is pivotal to vascular remodeling and regeneration. Here, we evaluated the short-term cellular behaviors of primary human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCECs) exposed to a concentration gradient (0–140 μM) of extracellular Zn2+. Zn2+ had an interesting biphasic effect on cell viability, proliferation, spreading, and migration. Generally, low concentrations of Zn2...
Salem, Hay-On-Wye, and Bronydd Baptist Churches

(1995). Salem, Hay-On-Wye, and Bronydd Baptist Churches. Baptist Quarterly: Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 203-203.
On Location Privacy in LTE Networks

Location privacy is an ever increasing concern as the pervasiveness of computing becomes more ubiquitous. This is especially apparent at the intersection of privacy, convenience, and quality of service in cellular networks. In this paper, we show the long term evolution (LTE) signaling plane to be vulnerable to location-based attacks via the timing advance (TA) parameter. To this end, we adapt the Cramer-Rao lower bound for timing advance-based estimation and show the associated estimator to be efficient. The analysis is complemented with numerical studies that feature synthetic and real-world data collected in existing LTE network deployments. Additionally, the Cellular Synchronization Assisted Refinement algorithm, a method of TA-based attack augmentation is examined. We show how it can simultaneously improve location resolution and negate the effects of poor network infrastructure geometry. The analysis and simulation demonstrate that a localization attack can yield resolution as high as 40 m.
Bending Moment-Axial Force-Curvature Interactions for Metal Beam-Column Sections

Abstract A simple numerical method capable of determining the M - P - Φ interaction diagrams of metal beam-columns sections subjected to axial load and bending moment (axial or biaxial) is presented. The effects of residual stresses, strain hardening and local buckling can be included. Tubular beam-columns and other shapes made of steel, aluminum or other metals can be analyzed by dividing the cross section in rectangular segments or in discrete areas. The method is based on the classic Euler-Bernoulli assumption that plane cross sections remain plane after deformations take place. The effects of shear stresses and strains are not taken into account. The maximum bending moment of the moment-curvature relationship for a given level of axial load is used to construct the failure surface for short beam-columns. The proposed model can be easily programmed by end users becoming an alternative to more refined and complex finite element models available in the technical literature and its validity and is verified against experimental results as well as those obtained using other analytical methods available in the technical literature.
Lysine desuccinylase SIRT5 binds to cardiolipin and regulates the electron transport chain

SIRT5 is a lysine desuccinylase known to regulate mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and the urea cycle. Here, SIRT5 was observed to bind to cardiolipin via an amphipathic helix on its N terminus. In vitro, succinyl-CoA was used to succinylate liver mitochondrial membrane proteins. SIRT5 largely reversed the succinyl-CoA-driven lysine succinylation. Quantitative mass spectrometry of SIRT5-treated membrane proteins pointed to the electron transport chain, particularly Complex I, as being highly targeted for desuccinylation by SIRT5. Correspondingly, SIRT5−/− HEK293 cells showed defects in both Complex I- and Complex II-driven respiration. In mouse liver, SIRT5 expression was observed to localize strictly to the periportal hepatocytes. However, homogenates prepared from whole SIRT5−/− liver did show reduced Complex II-driven respiration. The enzymatic activities of Complex II and ATP synthase were also significantly reduced. Three-dimensional modeling of Complex II suggested that several SIRT5-targeted lysine residues lie at the protein-lipid interface of succinate dehydrogenase subunit B. We postulate that succinylation at these sites may disrupt Complex II subunit-subunit interactions and electron transfer. Lastly, SIRT5−/− mice, like humans with Complex II deficiency, were found to have mild lactic acidosis. Our findings suggest that SIRT5 is targeted to protein complexes on the inner mitochondrial membrane via affinity for cardiolipin to promote respiratory chain function.
Giving Context to Non‐self‐marker Theories of Immune Responsiveness

In 2001, long ago by modern standards, Matzinger changed the emphasis of her Danger theory from one that downplayed the self-non-self discrimination to one that concerned itself with the regulation of effector class. This gave her theory a measure of validity that the other non-self-marker theorists have yet to confront. However, precision and clarity are still lacking.
Core Fueling and Edge Particle Flux Analysis in Ohmically and Auxiliary Heated NSTX Plasmas

Abstract The Boundary Physics program of the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) is focusing on optimization of the edge power and particle flows in β t ⩾25% L- and H-mode plasmas of t ⩽0.8 s duration heated by up to 6 MW of high harmonic fast wave and up to 5 MW of neutral beam injection (NBI). Particle balance and core fueling efficiencies of low and high field side gas fueling in L-mode ohmic and NBI-heated plasmas have been compared using an analytical zero-dimensional particle balance model and measured ion and neutral fluxes. Gas fueling efficiencies are in the range of 0.05–0.20 and do not depend on discharge magnetic configuration, density or poloidal location of the injector. The particle balance modeling indicates that the addition of a pseudo-constant high field side (HFS) fueling source results in a reversal of the wall loading rate and higher wall inventories. Initial particle source estimates obtained from neutral pressure and spectroscopic measurements indicate that the recycling flux in the divertor exceeds the main chamber ion and neutral fluxes by over an order of magnitude. Present analysis provides the basis for detailed fluid modeling of edge heat and particle flows using transport models which include both diffusion and convection.
Bio-risk Management Culture: Concept, Model, Assessment

Biorisk Management Culture (BRMC) is a subset of an organizational culture that emphasizes responsible conduct in life sciences, biosafety, and biosecurity. BRMC is further defined as an assembly of beliefs, attitudes, and patterns of behavior of individuals and organizations that can support, complement or enhance operating procedures, rules, and practices as well as professional standards and ethics designed to prevent the loss, theft, misuse, and diversion of biological agents, related materials, technology or equipment, and the unintentional or intentional exposure to (or release from biocontainment of) biological agents. Effective BRMC could also significantly contribute to preventing proliferation of biological weapons as an integral part of a comprehensive WMD non-proliferation strategy including culture. Given the complexity of biosafety/biosecurity oversight systems, the need for evidence-based decision-making (e.g. on staffing, areas for improvement, choice of training programs), and the ability to detect behavioral changes associated with a particular intervention, it is important to periodically assess the strengths and weaknesses of BRMC. The purpose of this paper is to apply the experience in culture assessment and enhancement accumulated in other domains to biorisk management with due regard for its special features. This methodology is not prescriptive and leaves much latitude to its users. With appropriate modifications, the model can be applicable to a wide range of institutions including biological research and public health laboratories, diagnostic facilities, and bioproduction facilities. The BRMC and its systematic assessment (conducted periodically) are critical to understanding inter alia, the role of the human factor, the strengths and weaknesses of the bio-risk management framework, causality of system breakdowns or analysis of incidents, sources of human error or breaches of biosafety/biosecurity, and the effectiveness of training.
Surgical Concepts and Considerations of Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection for Penile Cancer

The pattern of metastasis for penile cancer occurs in a predictable fashion, first spreading to the inguinal lymph nodes (ILN) and then to the pelvic nodes. Paramount to proper patient management is early identification and treatment of metastases, especially in the patient that presents with palpable disease. A proper metastatic workup will assist in determining the best way to move forward with either an ILN dissection or a multimodality approach to provide the most favorable outcomes. Several advances have been made in the surgical techniques that have helped minimize the morbidity associated with an ILN dissection.
Assessment of the Relationship Between Ischemic Damage and Brain Swelling in Frozen Brain Slices

The purpose of the study was to verify a method for the measurement of both cerebral infarction and brain swelling in frozen brain slices for histology. The animals were divided into two groups, sham-operated control (n = 10) and focal cerebral ischemia group (n = 10). Focal cerebral ischemia was produced by permanent occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery. The rats were sacrificed 24 hours postocclusion. The brain was divided into two through the corpus callosum. Each hemisphere was weighed and frozen. Cerebral infarction and brain swelling were each assessed at 8 predetermined coronal planes. The volume of brain swelling was obtained by subtracting the total volume of nonischemic hemisphere from the total volume of the ischemic one.
Iowa City Municipal Airport: Opening the West to Aviation, 1918-2007

Review of: "Iowa City Municipal Airport: Opening the West to Aviation, 1918-2007," by Jan Olive Nash.
Exploring a theoretical model of climate change action for youth

This study explores the influence of cognitive (knowledge and certainty) and psychosocial (social norms and efficacy) variables on youth’s climate change-related behaviour, with the aim to create a...
Post-concussion Syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome is a term used for a concussion that follows a longer than expected time for recovery. There is no consensus definition for this syndrome, making scientific study a challenge. A commonly used term to describe this condition is persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). PPCS is likely caused by a combination of physiologic derangement, neurologic alterations, abnormalities of the vestibulo-ocular system, and psychological factors, among others. Evaluation can be done by examining the different systems contributing to symptoms, and focused treatments can be directed at abnormalities in certain areas. Complications of PPCS may include second impact syndrome, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and depression/suicide, although these are also widely debated.
Release of extracellular vesicle miR-494-3p by ARPE-19 cells with impaired mitochondria.

Abstract Background Mitochondrial function in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells and extracellular vesicle (EV) formation/release are related through the lysosomal and exocytotic pathways that process and eliminate intracellular material, including mitochondrial fragments. We propose that RPE cells with impaired mitochondria will release EVs containing mitochondrial miRNAs that reflect the diminished capacity of mitochondria within these cells. Methods We screened ARPE-19 cells for miRNAs that localize to the mitochondria, exhibit biological activity, and are present in EVs released by both untreated cells and cells treated with rotenone to induce mitochondrial injury. EVs were characterized by vesicle size, size distribution, presence of EV biomarkers: CD81, CD63, and syntenin-1, miRNA cargo, and number concentration of EVs released per cell. Results We found that miR-494-3p was enriched in ARPE-19 mitochondria. Knockdown of miR-494-3p in ARPE-19 cells decreased ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner, and decreased basal oxygen consumption rate and maximal respiratory capacity. Increased number of EVs released per cell and elevated levels of miR-494-3p in EVs released from ARPE-19 cells treated with rotenone were also measured. Conclusions ARPE-19 mitochondrial function is regulated by miR-494-3p. Elevated levels of miR-494-3p in EVs released by ARPE-19 cells indicate diminished capacity of the mitochondria within these cells. General significance EV miR-494-3p is a potential biomarker for RPE mitochondrial dysfunction, which plays a central role in non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and may be a diagnostic biomarker for monitoring the spread of degeneration to neighboring RPE cells in the retina.
An Amplitude Stabilization Technique for Nonlinear Optoelectronic Filtering

The nonlinear optoelectronic (NLOE) filter represents a novel class of filters whose filtering operation is based a signal reaching a specific amplitude rather than falling within a specific range of frequencies. This amplitude filtering aspect carries with it a stringent amplitude stability requirement where the input signal must be precisely maintained at a specific level for the signal to be rejected. In many real-world settings, the signal amplitudes are not precisely known or held constant over long periods of time, which greatly inhibits the application of this filter outside the laboratory. We report here a novel amplitude-stabilization scheme that locks the signal amplitude ( 50 dB level of suppression over a period of one hour or more.
Why do CS1 Students Think They're Bad at Programming?: Investigating Self-efficacy and Self-assessments at Three Universities

Undergraduate computer science (CS) programs often suffer from high dropout rates. Recent research suggests that self-efficacy -- an individual's belief in their ability to complete a task -- can influence whether students decide to persist in CS. Studies show that students' self-assessments affect their self-efficacy in many domains, and in CS, researchers have found that students frequently assess their programming ability based on their expectations about the programming process. However, we know little about the specific programming experiences that prompt the negative self-assessments that lead to lower self-efficacy. In this paper, we present findings from a survey study with 214 CS1 students from three universities. We used vignette-style questions to describe thirteen programming moments which may prompt negative self-assessments, such as getting syntax errors and spending time planning. We found that many students across all three universities reported that they negatively self-assess at each of the thirteen moments, despite the differences in curriculum and population. Furthermore, those who report more frequent negative self-assessments tend to have lower self-efficacy. Finally, our findings suggest that students' perceptions of professional programming practice may influence their expectations and negative self-assessments. By reducing the frequency that students self-assess negatively while programming, we may be able to improve self-efficacy and decrease dropout rates in CS.
Sacred spaces and imperial boundaries on Catherine II’s southern frontier

In 1775, Catherine II established the diocese of Slaviansk and Kherson in those territories recently acquired from the Ottoman Empire as a result of the Russo-Turkish War. The Empress christened th...
Demethylation or Sorption? The Fate of Methylmercury in the Presence of Manganese Dioxide

Manganese oxide (MnO2) amendments to mercury (Hg)-contaminated sediment have been shown to decrease methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in sediment porewater. In the absence of solid-phase MeHg mea...
Real world outcomes of combination and timing of immunotherapy with radiotherapy for melanoma with brain metastases

INTRODUCTION Immunotherapy (IT) and radiotherapy (RT) have improved overall survival in patients with melanoma with brain metastasis (MBM). We examined the real-world survival impact of IT and RT combination and timing strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS From the facility-based National Cancer Database (NCDB) data set, 3008 cases of MBM were identified between 2011 and 2015. Six treatment cohorts were identified: stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) + IT, SRS alone, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) + IT, WBRT alone, IT alone, and none. Concurrent therapy was defined as IT given within 28 days before or after RT; nonconcurrent defined as IT administered within 28-90 days of RT. The co-primary outcomes were propensity score-adjusted overall survival by treatment regimen and overall survival by RT and IT timing. RESULTS Median overall survival (mOS) was performed for each treatment category; SRS +IT 15.77 m; (95%CI 12.13-21.29), SRS alone (9.33 m; 95%CI: 8.0-11.3), IT alone (7.29 m; 95%CI: 5.35-12.91), WBRT +IT (4.89 m; 95%CI: 3.65-5.92), No RT or IT (3.29 m; 95%CI: 2.96-3.75), and WBRT alone (3.12 m; 95%CI 2.79-3.52). By propensity score matching, mOS for SRS +IT (15.5 m; 95%CI: 11.5-20.2) was greater than SRS alone (10.1 m; 95%CI: 8.4-11.8) (p = 0.010), and median survival for WBRT +IT (4.6 m; 95%CI: 3.4-5.6) was greater than WBRT alone (2.9 m; 95%CI: 2.5-3.5) (p < 0.001). In the SRS +IT group, 24-month landmark survival was 47% (95%CI; 42-52) for concurrent versus 37% (95%CI; 30-44) for nonconcurrent (p = 0.40). CONCLUSION Those who received IT in addition to WBRT and SRS experienced longer survival compared to RT modalities alone, while those receiving concurrent SRS and IT trended toward improved survival versus nonconcurrent therapy.
Inducements to Advocacy: The Economist as Independent Expert

The appropriate role of the economic expert in antitrust litigation is to seek the truth, whereas the role for the attorneys is to seek the best possible outcome possible for the client. Yet the attorneys hire the economic experts, and the experts often work closely in many aspects of researching and developing the client's case. Can an expert economist provide an independent, professionally respectable opinion in this setting fraught with advocacy? We discuss the inducements to advocacy faced by economists who testify in antitrust proceedings, and ways in which a practicing economic expert might counter these inducements. We discuss two cases in which we have been involved to illustrate some of the important issues.
Beyond Negation: Paradoxical Affirmation in Whitman’s Third Edition

Negative rhetoric can clear a space in discourse for cultural and intellectual transformation. By saying no to prevailing orthodoxies, negative gestures, as Budick and Iser describe them, have a way of ‘allowing the unsayable to speak for itself’ (xi). This aspect of negative rhetoric was especially important for Walt Whitman, as C. Carroll Hollis has shown in characterizing what he calls Whitman’s “platform poetry” of the first three editions (125–26, 136–145). Whitman’s democratic poetics endeavors to equalize that which Western culture has tended to regard as antithetical: body and soul, self and others, the many and the one, God and humanity. He creates an argumentative context for these radical claims through rhetorical negation: I have said that the soul is not more than the body And I have said that the body is not more than the soul, And nothing, not God, is greater to one than one’s self is.1
Reconsidering urban design: Thoughts about its definition and status as a field or profession

Abstract Since its emergence and rise to significance over the fast 30 years urban design has been loosely defined. In this regard, its definition can be grouped into categories of being cursory, qualitative and prescriptive, historic, proprietary and process oriented. A practical definition, i.e. with regard to its status as a field, sees urban design as being form‐giving to built environments as a primary activity involving the professions of architecture, landscape architecture and planning. In addition, ‘thresholds of scale’ factor into a practical definition whereby interrelationships of building site, neighbourhoods and districts, the city, metro region and ‘corridors’ are building blocks of design intervention. Quality of life, the public realm and process are significant aspects of the thresholds of scale.
Action of restriction endonucleases on transforming DNA of Haemophilus influenzae.

Cleavage of DNA from Haemophilus influenzae with restriction endonucleases caused inactivation of transforming ability to an extent that depended on the genetic marker and the enzyme. The rate of inactivation, but not the final level of survival, depended on the concentration of enzyme in the restriction digest. In general, the greatest extent of inactivation of transforming activity was obtained with endonucleases that are known to produce the shortest fragments. We electrophoresed restriction digests of H. influenzae DNA in agarose gels and assayed transforming activity of DNA extracted from gel slices. In this way, we determined the lengths of restriction fragments that contain genetic markers of H. influenzae. For the marker that we studied most thoroughly (nov), the shortest restriction fragment that possessed detectable transforming activity was a 0.9-kilobase pair fragment produced by endonuclease R . PstI. The shortest marker-bearing restriction fragment that retained substantial transforming activity (50% of value for undigested DNA) was a 2.1-kilobase pair EcoRI fragment bearing the kan marker. Among marker-bearing restriction fragments 1 to 4 kilobase pairs in length, survival of transforming activity varied 10,000-fold. We relate these observations to the recent findings by Sisco and Smith (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 76:972-976, 1979) that efficient entry of DNA into competent H. influenzae cells appears to require the presence of a recognition sequence that is scattered throughout the Haemophilus genome in many more copies than in unrelated genomes.
CYBERSECURITY AT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEVEL: BALANCING DEMANDS FOR TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY RIGHTS

ABSTRACT:Cybersecurity demands are forcing public officials across the globe to focus on two core values that often conflict—transparency (the public good) and privacy (citizen and private sector c...
MODSIM II-a modular, object-oriented language

MODSIM II, an object-oriented, general-purpose programming language designed to work with both sequential and parallel processors, is a compiled language which is available for most systems. A research version has been developed for use on parallel processors. The syntax and structure of MODSIM II are based on those of Modula-2. It has additional constructs for object types and simulation. The built-in object-oriented constructs of MOSDIM II include single and multiple inheritance, dynamic binding of objects, polymorphism, data abstraction, and information hiding. These capabilities are reinforced, by the modular program development environment. MODSIM II supports automated separate compilation and importation of code from modules and libraries. This makes it ideal for large projects. Its built-in interactive, dynamic graphics allows convenient display and manipulation of menus, charts, graphs; and animated results. The graphics editor allows users to interactively design their own input and control menus, icons, and charts without programming. >
Optical-to-electrical frequency conversion with attosecond timing

The most frequency-stable electromagnetic radiation is produced optically, with lasers locked to passive reference cavities reaching a fractional frequency instability of 10−16, and optical clock instabilities approaching 10−18 at 104 s. These references can find new utility when their stability is transferred to the electronic domain, such as in microwave spectroscopy, radar, and synchronization at kilometer-scale scientific facilities, such as free-electron lasers and phasedarray telescopes. High fidelity optical-to-electrical conversion is achieved by locking an optical frequency comb (OFC) to an ultrastable optical reference, transferring the frequency stability to the pulse repetition rate. Direct detection of the ultrashort optical pulse train from the OFC then generates ultrastable electrical signals at the pulse repetition rate and harmonics thereof. Using this technique, 10 GHz microwave signals have been generated with instability at one second of 8×10−16, matching the stability of the optical reference (T. Fortier, et al, Nat. Photon., 5, 2011, p. 425). With continued improvements to the stability of optical frequency references, extremely high fidelity photodetection across timescales ranging from less than a microsecond to hours will be required. Here we report optical-to-electrical conversion performance using modified uni-traveling carrier (MUTC) photodetectors for frequency transfer of current state-of-the-art and next-generation optical references. Our work demonstrates residual fractional frequency instability at 1 second averaging of 1.4×10−17 (F. Baynes et al., arXiv:1410.7461), and photocurrent timing noise spectral density reaching 25 zeptoseconds/√Hz (F. Quinlan, et al, Nat. Photon., 7, 2013, p. 290).
Polymorphisms of the acid sensing histidine kinase gene arsS in Helicobacter pylori populations from anatomically distinct gastric sites.

Phase variation is frequently utilized by bacterial species to affect gene expression such that phenotypic variants are maintained within populations, ensuring survival as environmental or host conditions change. Unusual among Helicobacter pylori phase variable or contingency genes is arsS, encoding a sensory histidine kinase involved in the acid acclimation of the organism. The presence of a 3′ homopolymeric cytosine tract of variable length in arsS among Helicobacter pylori strains allows for the expression of various functional ArsS isoforms, differing in carboxy-terminal protein domains. In this study, we analyzed this 3′ arsS region via amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and sequencing analyses for H. pylori populations from 3 different gastric sites of 12 patients. Our data indicate the presence of multiple arsS alleles within each population of H. pylori derived from the gastric antrum, cardia, or corpus of these patients. We also show that H. pylori, derived from the same anatomical site and patient, are predicted to express multiple ArsS isoforms in each population investigated. Furthermore, we identify a polymorphic deletion within arsS that generates another alternate ArsS C-terminal end. These findings suggest that four C-terminal variations of ArsS adds to the complexity of the ArsRS acid adaptation mechanism as a whole and may influence the ability of H. pylori to persist in the gastric niche for decades.
GENDER AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED STATES: DOES GENDER MATTER?

The importance of gender in community development has been a neglected issue in U.S. community development. This study analyzed the extent to which male and female respondents differed in their willingness to support community services. Using data from needs assessments conducted in eight rural counties in Illinois, the authors tested the hypothesis that certain community services are more likely to be supported by women than by men, since women are more affected by them. Tests of significance showed virtually no differences between men and women in terms of the type of services they were willing to support. Several implications of the findings are discussed.
Moving Forward Looking Backward: An Exercise in Recursive Thinking and Writing

The link between writing and thought is well established (Hylton and Allen 1993; Thompson 1994; Hillocks 1995; Grauerholz 1999; Bean 2001; Reichenbach, 2001; Halpern, 2003). The process of writing en ables us to critique, adjust and develop our reasoning (Bean 2001). As writing parallels thinking and understanding, written assign ments can elaborate not only what students think, but also how their reasoning evolves, and whether course materials influence their knowledge, beliefs and behavior. A well structured writing assignment can also be used as a window to assess student compre hension, and where necessary, correct mis conceptions that arise during the learning process (Zissner 1988). Students bring a set of "pre understandings" (McNeil 1988:12) to their assignments. These "pre-understandings " are the places from which they begin to process the course materials we provide. Bourdieu (1972) has used the term habitus to describe the complex set of innate values and beliefs through which our attitudes are defined; the subjective lens through which we mediate objective experiences. The habitus essentially becomes the lens through which our students observe and interpret course content much as it influences their daily actions and ways of being. The work we assign must teach students to observe their observations, to understand that their insights are always selective, adapted within the context of their subjective experience and that their comprehension of course con tent is guided by the ways in which they relate to and process it (Berthoff 1988). In order to encourage students to become aware of the "pre-understandings" they bring to the learning experience, faculty must construct assignments that require stu dents to confront them.
Government Social Responsibility in Public Diplomacy: Russia's strategic use of advertorials

Abstract The current study analyzes Russia's use of the advertorial as a tool of direct communication with readers of the Washington Post and The Times of India. The study introduces the concept of government social responsibility (GSR) and discusses its role in government to foreign citizen public diplomacy.
Zonal flows and transient dynamics of the L-H transition

We elucidate the role of zonal flows in transient phenomena observed during L-H transition by studying a simple L-H transition model which contains the evolution of zonal flows, mean ExB flows, and the ion pressure gradient. Zonal flows are shown to trigger the L-H transition and cause time-transient behavior through the self-regulation of turbulence before a mean shearing, due to a steep pressure profile, secures a quiescent H mode. Surprisingly, this self-regulation lowers the power threshold for the ultimate transition to a quiescent H-mode state.
Scanning tunneling microscopy of step bunching on vicinal GaAs(100) annealed at high temperatures

Step bunching and terrace widening are observed with scanning tunneling microscopy on GaAs(100), tilted 2° toward [110] and [110], after annealing in ultrahigh vacuum at 600 °C. The resulting surface consists of two separate phases, c(8×2) reconstructed terraces and a bunched step region that is either amorphous or (2×6) reconstructed. Average terrace widths increase to 2 or 4 times the nominal average terrace width for a 2° miscut and steps are correspondingly compressed by 40% or 75% depending on the misorientation direction. The observed step bunching is explained by a thermodynamic instability against facetting resulting from a high step energy on c(8×2) reconstructed surfaces.
Advanced sensors fly on Landsat 6

New systems to sense ocean color and temperature and to acquire data in thermal infrared wavelengths will form part of a 6000-pound (∼2700-kg) payload on Landsat 6, due to be launched in early 1991. The new remote sensing satellite will carry the Sea Wide Field Sensor (Sea-WiFS) and a thermal infrared (TIR) capability, in addition to the Enhanced Thematic Mapper now used on Landsats 4 and 5. The color and temperature data from Sea-WiFS will provide information on currents, weather, and the global distribution of phytoplankton and fish that feed on them. TIR applications include measurement and evaluation of vegetation patterns, groundwater resources, snow cover, and crop yield.
Influence of dietary sodium and potassium bicarbonate and total potassium on heat-stressed lactating dairy cows.

Abstract Objectives were to study effects of heat stress, 0 or .85% sodium bicarbonate, 0 or 1.0% potassium bicarbonate, and 1.0 or 1.5% total dietary potassium on production and physiological responses of dairy cows. Eighteen lactating Holsteins were assigned to shade (control) or no shade (heat stress) lots continuously for three consecutive 35-day periods and to different dietary treatments each period. Basal diet was 25% cottonseed hulls and 75% concentrate. Daytime and nighttime feed intake and production were measured the last 2 wk of each period, and milk and blood were sampled the final day of each period. Black globe temperature, rectal temperature, respiration rate, and blood pH were higher in no shade. Daytime intake was 132% greater in shade, nighttime intake was not different between environments. Milk production was about 19% greater for evening and morning milkings in shade. Daytime intake, daytime and nighttime milk production were higher with sodium bicarbonate. Potassium bicarbonate reduced intake and production. Higher total dietary potassium increased total daily milk production. Lactating cows appear adept at withstanding environmental and dietary challenges to acid-base homeostasis. Supplementation of sodium bicarbonate and 1.5% dietary potassium, but not potassium bicarbonate, were beneficial to lactating dairy cows.
Night Vision modeling; historical perspective

Abstract This is a technical historical chronicle of the past and on-going development of performance models for electro-opticalsensors carried out by the U.S. Army CECOM NVESD, the original Night Vision Laboratory. The emphasis has been onthermal imaging models and is also the focus ofthis paper. The origin ofthe Johnson criteria is shown and the resultingmodels that have evolved from the original concept proposed by John Johnson. The present formulations ofthe models aredetailed and the newest developments are introduced. The force that drives the various improvements in the models is thedevelopment ofmore sophisticated thermal imagers whose performance must be described and predicted. Backgroundsupporting developments in laboratory measurements and field validation are indicated.Keywords: FLIR modeling; thermal imagers; Johnson criteria; Minimum resolvable temperature; Mmimum detectabletemperature; detection; recognition; identification. 1. Introduction The development and fielding ofthermal imaging, or Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), systems by the U.S. Army over thelast 30 years has been led by the development and exercise ofvalidated performance models. These models were and still arebeing improved by the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) Research, Development &Engineering Center's (RDEC) Night Vision & Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) at Ft. Belvoir, VA. This modelingapproach has been adopted by the other services, NATO and industry to optimize designs, predict operational performance,select contractor proposals and generate performance specifications. The modeling approach is based upon the uniqueconcept ofJohn Johnson ofNVESD that relates a laboratory measurement of"resolvable cycles across a target" to targetacquisition performance in the field. This innovative concept when coupled with extensive validation data from thelaboratory and the field has provided a powerful tool for the infrared and thermal imaging community. Models have alsobeen developed based on this same principle for otherelectro-optical imaging systems, such as image intensifiers andtelevision. This paper will concentrate primarily on the FLIR modeling.
Weight-based victimization toward overweight adolescents: observations and reactions of peers.

BACKGROUND: Weight-based victimization has become increasingly reported among overweight youth, but little is known about adolescents’ perceptions and observations of weight-based teasing and bullying. This study examined adolescents’ observations of and reactions to weight-based victimization toward overweight students at school. METHODS: Adolescents (N = 1555) at 2 high schools in central Connecticut completed a questionnaire that examined their perceptions of how common weight-based victimization is compared to other forms of teasing at school, what types of weight-based teasing are frequently observed, who typical perpetrators of weight-based victimization are, and their own reactions to observed teasing incidents. Participants also completed the Fat Phobia Scale. RESULTS: Participants perceived being overweight as a primary reason that peers are victimized at school. At least 84% of participants observed overweight students being teased in a mean way and teased during physical activities, and 65% to 77% of students observed overweight and obese peers being ignored, avoided, excluded from social activities, having negative rumors spread about them, and being teased in the cafeteria. Most students also observed verbal threats and physical harassment toward overweight and obese students. Although the majority of participants felt comfortable stepping in to help an overweight peer who has been teased, many remain passive bystanders following these incidents. CONCLUSION: Youth perceive frequent and multiple forms of weight-based victimization. Schools’ efforts to address weight bias and assist overweight and obese students are important.
Modeling intelligence information: multi-source fusion

We discuss the inherent imprecision and uncertainty associated with much of the information available to intelligence analyst. We indicate how fuzzy sets can provide an appropriate method for representing this type of information. We briefly describe some concepts from the fuzzy sets based theory of approximate reasoning. We then suggest a method for fusing multi-source information based on a conjunction of fuzzy sets. We particularly deal with the situation in the information being fused may be conflicting
Important role of carotid chemoreceptor afferents in control of breathing of adult and neonatal mammals

This review provides a summary and prospective on the importance of carotid/peripheral chemoreceptors to the control of breathing during physiologic conditions. For several days after carotid body denervation (CBD), adult mammals hypoventilate (+10 mmHg increase in Pa(CO(2))) at rest and during exercise and CO(2) sensitivity is attenuated by about 60%. In addition, if the rostral ventrolateral medulla is cooled during NREM sleep after CBD, a sustained apnea is observed. Eventually, days or weeks after CBD, a peripheral ventilatory chemoreflex redevelops and there is a normalization of breathing (rest and exercise) and CO(2) sensitivity. The site (s) of the regained chemosensitivity has not been established. This plasticity/redundancy after CBD appears greater in neonates than in adult mammals. These data suggest the carotid and other peripheral chemoreceptors provide an important excitatory input to medullary respiratory neurons that is essential for breathing when wakeful stimuli and central chemoreceptors are absent.
Relative Efficacy of Left Ventricular Venting and Venous Drainage Techniques Commonly Used during Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Abstract Sixty patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass graft operation were prospectively randomized into one of six equal groups based on the intraoperative method of left ventricular venting and venous drainage. Group 1 had bicaval venous drainage without snaring and left ventricular venting through the superior pulmonary vein; Group 2, two-stage venous drainage and venting as in Group 1; Group 3, bicaval venous drainage without snaring and no left ventricular vent; Group 4, two-stage venous drainage and no left ventricular vent; Group 5, bicaval venous drainage without snaring and with ascending aortic venting through a catheter; and Group 6, two-stage venous drainage and venting as in Group 5. Left ventricular performance was determined by radionuclide ventriculography from which global ejection fraction and regional wall motion were determined. Cardiac output was obtained by the thermodilution technique. Myocardial temperature was assessed by a needle thermistor during aortic cross-clamping. Serial electrocardiograms and levels of myocardial-specific isoenzymes (serum CPK-MB) were also analyzed. Each of the techniques tested was equally effective as determined by an analysis of intraoperative myocardial cooling and postoperative hemodynamic profiles, radionuclide ventriculography, and ECG or enzymatic evidence of myocardial damage. However, we maintain that this conclusion is valid only if adequate ventricular decompression is provided intraoperatively.
Two Measures of Loneliness: A Comparison:

Researchers have long neglected the topic of loneliness. One reason has been the lack of adequate measures. Recently, however, several scales have been developed which seem promising. The present research compares two such scales, the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Belcher Extended Loneliness Scale. 151 male and 107 female undergraduates filled out both scales in a random order. The analyses showed that both scales are highly internally consistent. Also, both scales produce scores which are significantly correlated with self-reported loneliness. The inclusion of the sociological concepts of alienation and anomie in the Belcher scale, however, do not greatly increase its validity over the UCLA scale. In comparison with the multidimensional Belcher, the unidimensional UCLA scale specifically identified loneliness due to a lack of social interaction. More research on loneliness is recommended using valid and reliable scales such as these.