cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overview of the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C/X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) missions

Abstract The Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C/X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR), the most advanced imaging radar system to have flown in Earth orbit, was carried in the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle Endeavour in April and October 1994. SIR-C/X-SAR simultaneously recorded data at three wavelengths (L-, C-, and X-bands; 23.5 cm, 5.8 cm, and 3.1 cm, respectively). In addition, the full polarimetric scattering matrix was obtained at L- and C-band over a variety of terrain and vegetation types. Scientists are using multifrequency, polarimetric SIR-C/X-SAR data in studies of geology, hydrology, ecology, oceanography, and radar remote sensing techniques. The October SIR-C/X-SAR flight also included acquisition of experimental repeat-pass interferometry data which have been used to generate digital elevation models and to detect surface motions in volcanic, tectonic, and glacial terrains. Results from SIR-C/X-SAR clearly show the increased value of using multiparameter and interferometric capabilities to characterize Earth's surface and vegetation cover and to generate geophysical products compared with optical sensors or single-channel radars alone.
A method to assess invasion and intracellular replication of Trypanosoma cruzi based on differential uracil incorporation

Screening of candidate trypanocidal compounds or factors affecting invasion of mammalian cells by the infective stages of Trypanosoma cruzi in tissue culture models has primarily involved labor-intensive microscopic counting of the parasites. A very efficient method for quantitating the inhibitory effect of antimicrobial agents or signaling pathways inhibitors on T. cruzi grown in L6E9 myoblasts was devised. This assay takes advantage of the selective incorporation of [3H]uracil into nucleic acids by replicating T. cruzi amastigotes. L6E9 rat myoblasts are submitted to gamma irradiation to inhibit their replication. Uracil uptake by uninfected cells is considerably decreased by this method. Nifurtimox, benznidazole, fexinidazole, MK-436, and megazol are drugs known to have activity against T. cruzi and were used in growth inhibition assays. The results demonstrated that [3H]uracil incorporation in the presence of different concentrations of nifurtimox and benznidazole closely correlated with the number of amastigotes per 100 myoblasts in Giemsa-stained monolayers under the conditions used. This method also has the advantage to differentiate between the effects of the compounds on the invasion and the replication steps of the infection with T. cruzi, as shown by the inhibitory effect of genistein when added in invasion assays.
On the effect of width of metallic armchair graphene nanoribbons in plasmonic waveguide applications

Graphene demonstrates superior electronic properties that make it a potential candidate for future electronic systems. Graphene, additionally, support surface plasmon oscillations, which in turn makes graphene attractive for optoelectronics because of its planar structure and its conductivity properties. When a graphene layer is confined in one dimension, a graphene nanoribbon arises, with proerties differing from the original two dimensional graphene. In this paper we study the main properties of plasmon oscillations on metallic armchair graphene nanoribbons using the dielectric function obtained through the random phase approximation. We mainly study the effect of the graphene nanoribbon width on the plasmon propagation length using numerical techniques to extract the dispersion relation of graphene nanoribbons and the propagation properties of palsmons on graphene nanoribbons.
Ternary Logic Gates Using Quantum Dot Gate FETs (QDGFETs)

Quantum dot gate FETs (QDGFET) produce one intermediate state between two stable on and off states due to the change in the threshold voltage. A circuit model based on Berkeley Short-channel IGFET Model (BSIM) that accounts for this intermediate state is developed. Different ternary logics such as ternary logic inverter, MAX-MIN functions, multiplier, comparator, etc. can be implemented using QDGFETs. In this work the designs of ternary logic AND and OR gate based on QDGFET is introduced. Increased number of states in three state QDGFETs will increase the number of bit handling capability of this device and will help to handle more bits at a time with less circuit elements.
Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Recognition and Response Hindering the Quorum-Sensing Regulator EsaR

During quorum sensing in the plant pathogen Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii, EsaI, an acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthase, and the transcription factor EsaR coordinately control capsular polysaccharide production. The capsule is expressed only at high cell density when AHL levels are high, leading to inactivation of EsaR. In lieu of detailed structural information, the precise mechanism whereby EsaR recognizes AHL and is hindered by it, in a response opposite to that of most other LuxR homologues, remains unresolved. Hence, a random mutagenesis genetic approach was designed to isolate EsaR* variants that are immune to the effects of AHL. Error-prone PCR was used to generate the desired mutants, which were subsequently screened for their ability to repress transcription in the presence of AHL. Following sequencing, site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate all possible mutations of interest as single, rather than multiple amino acid substitutions. Eight individual amino acids playing a critical role in the AHL-insensitive phenotype have been identified. The ability of EsaR* variants to bind AHL and the effect of individual substitutions on the overall conformation of the protein were examined through in vitro assays. Six EsaR* variants had a decreased ability to bind AHL. Fluorescence anisotropy was used to examine the relative DNA binding affinity of the final two EsaR* variants, which retained some AHL binding capability but remained unresponsive to it, perhaps due to an inability of the N-terminal domain to transduce information to the C-terminal domain.
Age-associated subfertility before entry of embryos into the uterus in mares

Summary Age-associated changes in the fertility of pony mares were studied in 3 experiments. On Days 1.5 and 3 (Day 0=day of ovulation), respectively, the collection rate of ova (cleaved or uncleaved) per ovulation was significantly lower in old mares (>20 years; 11/20 and 6/9) than in young mares (2–10 years; 17/18 and 9/9). The percentage of cleaved ova was significantly lower for old mares (5/11) than for young mares (15/17) on Day 1.5 but was not different on Day 3. Embryos from old mares had significantly more morphological abnormalities and fewer embryonic cells on Day 3. The transfer of embryos from young or old donors into the oviducts of young or old recipients did not significantly alter embryo development between Days 1.5 and 3.5. On Day 11, significantly fewer pregnancies and smaller embryonic vesicles were present in old mares than in young mares. The pregnancy rate on Day 3 was not different from the pregnancy rate on Day 11 within old mares (6/9 versus 4/9) or within young mares (9/9 versus 8/9). The studies indicated that a high incidence of age-associated defects occurred before the day that an embryo would be expected to enter the uterus.
Performance evaluation of wireless mesh networks using IEEE 802.11s and IEEE 802.11n

With the recent approval of IEEE 802.11n standard and progress on IEEE 802.11s mesh standardization efforts, performance evaluation of such standards has gained acceleration. In particular, several wireless testbeds have been created to form wireless mesh networks (WMNs) in order to test various aspects of these new standards. However, none of these considered multi-hop performance of WMNs when 802.11n based nodes are employed. While IEEE 802.11s is geared for implementing multi-hopping capability among the nodes, current studies still assume IEEE 802.11a/g based nodes. This paper presents a performance evaluation of WMNs using both 802.11s (in conjunction with 802.11a/g) and 802.11n on a real academic testbed. While a draft version of 802.11s has been used for creating a linear WMN using 802.11a/g based routers, the same linear WMN using 802.11n has been created using virtualized interfaces at the IP layer. Using such WMNs, throughput performance of TCP and UDP at both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrums with different number of hops has been examined. The experiment results have shown that multi-hopping significantly degrades the expected performance of IEEE 802.11n.
Producing the solar dynamo

This article is part of a series that investigates topics in space physics and aeronomy. The solar dynamo is the process by which the Sun's magnetic field is generated through the interaction of the field with convection and rotation. In this, it is kin to planetary dynamos and other stellar dynamos. Although the precise mechanism by which the Sun generates its field remains poorly understood despite decades of theoretical and observational work, recent advances suggest that solutions to this solar dynamo problem may be forthcoming.
Accuracy of pubertal Tanner staging self-reporting.

Objectives: Previous studies examining the reliability of self-reported Tanner stages have given conflicting results. We report on the reliability of self-reported Tanner stages in lean healthy children. Methods: Self-reported Tanner staging of 240 children (130 girls, 110 boys) were compared to the ratings of a pediatric endocrinologist who was unaware of the children's self-assessments. The correlation between the two approaches was analyzed using kappa statistics. Results: 40% (kappa coeffcient = 0.49, p <0.001) and 23% (kappa coefficient = 0.68, p <0.001) of the girls rated their breast and pubic Tanner stage incorrectly, respectively; 39% of the boys (kappa coefficient = 0.49, p <0.001) rated their pubic stage incorrectly. The age of the children who self-rated correctly and incorrectly was not different; no independent predictors for correct Tanner staging self-assessment were found. Conclusions: The results of this analysis suggest that self-rated Tanner pubertal staging is not influenced by age and is not a reliable method of assessing Tanner stage.
Healing homophobia: Volunteerism and "sacredness" in AIDS.

That it is impossible to understand the societal response to AIDS, if not the very occurrence of the disease itself, independently of “religiously sustained” homophobia is the starting point and premise of this article. Unlike the reaction of the gay community, the institutional reply of the broader society, especially in the health care industry, has been less than optimal. After overcoming its own internalized and learned sense of shame, guilt, and sin, the gay community in New York was able to organize the most successful support system for People with AIDS nationwide. Through “bearing witness” to PWAs at the Gay Men's Health Crisis, Inc., an AIDS-specific social service agency, gay volunteers were brought into direct face-to-face contact with “the other,” and, therefore, with themselves. This reconciliation and acceptance (healing) made AIDS volunteerism a political event because the sacred was rediscovered in the community as an extension of the self. The power of established religions to define and control gay life was thus ended by the shift of self-adjudication from institutional approval to self-acceptance. This is why volunteerism heals homophobia in AIDS and is radical political and religious activity, and not mere charity or altruism.
Molecular Analysis of Erection Regulatory Factors in Sickle Cell Disease Associated Priapism in the Human Penis

Purpose: Priapism is a vasculopathy that occurs in approximately 40% of patients with sickle cell disease. Mouse models suggest that dysregulated nitric oxide synthase and RhoA/ROCK signaling as well as increased oxidative stress may contribute to the mechanisms of sickle cell disease associated priapism. We examined changes in the protein expression of nitric oxide synthase and ROCK signaling pathways, and a source of oxidative stress, NADPH oxidase, in penile erectile tissue from patients with a priapism history etiologically related and unrelated to sickle cell disease.Materials and Methods: Human penile erectile tissue was obtained from 5 patients with sickle cell disease associated priapism and from 6 with priapism of other etiologies during nonemergent penile prosthesis surgery for erectile dysfunction or priapism management and urethroplasty. Tissue was also obtained from 5 control patients without a priapism history during penectomy for penile cancer. Samples were collected, immediately placed in ...
Sympathetic influence on the dynamic lung compliance

Abstract Previous experiments have shown that lethal mechanical head injury decreases lung compliance in monkeys by 50% in the absence of any attendant gross lung pathology of edema; that this compliance decrease can be prevented by pretreatment with symphatholytic agents but not with the airway dilator isoproterenol or atropine; that these changes are absent from saline pressure-volume curve determinations and are associated with changes in the alveolar surfactants. The present experiments were carried out as a further investigation of the possible involvement of the sympathetics in the regulation of lung compliance. Stimulation of the pulmonary sympathetics by electrodes attached to the stellate ganglia in 10 cats pretreated with isoproterenol resulted in a statistically significant 28% decrease in the dynamic lung compliance without altering gross lung appearance or lung weight/body weight ratio from that of shamoperated controls.
A Sharp Nonconvexity Bound for Partition Ranges of Vector Measures with Atoms

A sharp upper bound is given for the degree of nonconvexity of the partition range of a finite-dimensional vector measure, in terms of the maximum (one-dimensional) mass of the atoms of that measure. This upper bound improves on a bound of Hill and Tong (1989, Anal. Stat.17, 1325–1334) by an order of magnitude n. Its proof uses several ideas from graph theory, combinatorics, and convex geometry. Applications are given to optimal-partitioning and fair division problems.
Azido analogs of acridine: photoaffinity probes for frameshift mutagenesis in Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract In order to identify a photoaffinity probe for 9-aminoacridine frameshift mutagenesis, 20 azido analogs of acridine were synthesized and tested in Ames' Salmonella tester strains, TA1535, TA1537, TA1538 and their corresponding excision-repair-proficient strains TA1975, TA1977, and TA1978, to determine their mutagenicity and toxicity relative to 9-aminoacridine. The substituent-mutagenicity patterns observed for these compounds agree very well with those obtained previously for non-azidoacridines. The results presented here show that the 2-azido-analog of 9-aminoacridine demonstrates biological activity similar to 9-aminoacridine prior to photolytic activation. With light activation, however, the 9-amino-2-azido derivative becomes more effective at producing frameshift mutations characteristics of 9-aminoacridine. Furthemore, this photolytic enhancement of mutagenesis appears to be due to the repairable lesion suggesting that covalent attachment of the drug occurs.
Chacterization of Cutting Force Induced Surface Shape Variation Using High-Definition Metrology

High-definition metrology (HDM) systems with fine lateral resolution are capable of capturing the surface shape on a machined part that is beyond the scope of measurement systems employed in manufacturing plants today. Such surface shapes can precisely reflect the impact of cutting processes on surface quality. Understanding the cutting processes and the resultant surface shape is vital to identifying opportunities for high-precision machining process monitoring and control. This paper presents modeling and experiments of a face milling process to extract surface patterns from measured HDM data and correlate these patterns with cutting force variation. A relation is established between instantaneous cutting forces and the observed dominant patterns along the feed and circumferential directions. Potential applications of such relationship in process monitoring, diagnosis, and control are also discussed.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
TO LEAD, LAG, OR MATCH: ESTIMATING THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF PAY LEVEL POLICIES

In this study, the Boudreau and Berger (1985a) retention/acquisition model is modified in order to develop a utility model that can be used to assess the impact of alternative pay level policies. This paper then demonstrates how the model could be used to assess the financial impact of alternative pay level policies for an organization whose current policy is to match the market. In demonstrating this, estimates of the effect of pay level on employee and applicant behaviors are presented. The utility model is then used to translate these effects into financial terms and compare them against the wage costs associated with alternative pay level policies. Finally, break-even analysis is used to suggest how decision makers might use utility results when making decisions about pay level policy. The implications for pay level policy and the role of utility analysis in compensation decision making are discussed.
Using natural stand development patterns in artificial mixtures : A case study with cherrybark oak and sweetgum in east-central Mississippi, USA

Abstract Results from a long-term planted mixture of cherrybark oak ( Quercus pagoda Raf.) and sweetgum ( Liquidambar styraciflua L.) showed sweetgum taller in height and larger in diameter than cherrybark oak early in plantation development. By age 17 years, cherrybark oak was similar in height and diameter with sweetgum and by age 21 years was taller in height and larger in diameter than sweetgum depending on the spacing arrangement. The ascendance of cherrybark oak above sweetgum in an intimate plantation mixture confirms results from a stand reconstruction study of cherrybark oak and sweetgum development in natural stands. Afforestation of abandoned agricultural fields and pastures in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) has received much attention in the past 20 years. A common afforestation prescription is to plant oaks on a 3.7 m × 3.7 m spacing. Recently, concern has been expressed about planting only oaks (767 seedlings ha −1 ) and the resulting effects of early intra-specific competition following canopy closure. Recommendations have included planting a greater number of species in intimate mixtures, but little is known about how such stands would develop. Establishment of mixed-species hardwood plantations in the LMAV should be based on known stand development patterns, whether from other plantation trials or documented patterns in natural stands.
Reporting the Revolution: Margaret Fuller, Herman Melville, and the Italian Risorgimento

Margaret Fuller's journalism took a radical new shape when she traveled to Europe to report on the Italian revolution in the late 1840s as foreign correspondent for the New-York Tribune. As America's first woman journalist to report on a major international revolution, Fuller established herself as the primary source of information on the Italian Revolution, a role that grew out of her bold social reform writing for the Tribune that exposed institutional and government corruption. Her compassion for the populist Italian uprising known as the Risorgimento would significantly overlap with that of Herman Melville. Both writers viewed the plight of the Risorgimento as a representation of social progress instructive for an American audience. Unlike their contemporaries, Fuller and Melville did not use the Italian revolution as an opportunity to glorify America's own revolutionary struggle for a republic, but instead measured it against the shortcomings of their nation's democratic ideals.
Civil Society’s Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis in Africa

Shouldering two-thirds of the global HIV/AIDS prevalence of 34 million, sub-Saharan Africa has been the “ground zero” for intense research scrutiny and interventional programming over the last three decades. This programming landscape cannot be characterized without the role of civil society organizations (CSOs), which include a broad spectrum of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations (CBOs). In a context of crises in the sociopolitical economy and deteriorating health indicators in the early 1990s, the rapid growth of CSOs filling in the expanding spaces coincided with the emergence and eventual explosion of HIV/AIDS, subsequently bringing about the rise of AIDS NGOs. The NGOization of HIV/AIDS services would develop not only organically—driven by HIV activists at the grassroots—to fill gaps where governments lacked in response, but also as they were spurred on by large external official and philanthropic donor funds. Throughout Africa, these groups have been responsible for transferring significant proportions of the now about US $10 billion annual global spending to needy persons affected by HIV/AIDS, and have played a leading role in developing and implementing policies, strategies, and programs to mitigate the impact of and to prevent and treat the disease. The response by CSOs has followed the historiography, geography, and patterns of spread often utilizing approaches based in solid scientific evidence but also as dictated by the funders. Despite challenges and criticisms, this effort has helped reduce HIV incidence by 25 % in 22 African countries during 1990–2009 and expand treatment access from just 50,000 persons in 2002 to over 5 million in 2011.
Cumulative distribution function solutions of advection–reaction equations with uncertain parameters

We derive deterministic cumulative distribution function (CDF) equations that govern the evolution of CDFs of state variables whose dynamics are described by the first-order hyperbolic conservation laws with uncertain coefficients that parametrize the advective flux and reactive terms. The CDF equations are subjected to uniquely specified boundary conditions in the phase space, thus obviating one of the major challenges encountered by more commonly used probability density function equations. The computational burden of solving CDF equations is insensitive to the magnitude of the correlation lengths of random input parameters. This is in contrast to both Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs) and direct numerical algorithms, whose computational cost increases as correlation lengths of the input parameters decrease. The CDF equations are, however, not exact because they require a closure approximation. To verify the accuracy and robustness of the large-eddy-diffusivity closure, we conduct a set of numerical experiments which compare the CDFs computed with the CDF equations with those obtained via MCSs. This comparison demonstrates that the CDF equations remain accurate over a wide range of statistical properties of the two input parameters, such as their correlation lengths and variance of the coefficient that parametrizes the advective flux.
Simulations of the gross solar magnetic field during sunspot cycle 21

Regarding new bipolar magnetic regions as sources of flux, the evolution of the radial component of the solar photospheric magnetic field during 1976-1984 has been simulated with a spatial resolution of about 34,000 km, and the corresponding evolution of its absolute value averaged over the visible disk is derived. For nominal values of the transport parameters, this simulated gross field is in close, though imperfect, agreement with the observed gross field and its associated indices of solar activity. By analyzing the response of the simulated gross field to variations in the transport parameters and the source properties, it is found that the simulated field originates in newly erupted bipolar regions. The lifetimes of these regions are almost always less than three mo. Consequently, the strength of the simulated gross field is a measure of the current level of solar activity, and any recurrent patterns with lifetimes in excess of six mo must reflect the continuing eruption of new flux at 'active longitudes' rather than the persistence of old flux in long-lived magnetic structures.
A taxonomy and evaluation for developing 802.11-based wireless mesh network testbeds

The definition of wireless mesh networks (WMNs) has been used in the literature to connote and epitomize the ideal, ubiquitous, pervasive, and autonomic networking technology. An increasing interest has been emerging on the development of 802.11-based WMN testbeds to test the new ideas and approaches more realistically as opposed to relying solely on simulations. Although the developed testbeds have provided several insights to researchers for furthering the technology, there are still several issues that need to be addressed, particularly, with the approval of new standards, such as IEEE 802.11s, IEEE 802.11n, and IEEE 802.16, and upcoming protocols, such as IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ah, and 802.11af TV White Space efforts. In this paper, our goal is to provide a taxonomy and insightful guidelines for the creation of 802.11-based WMN testbeds as well as to identify several features that future WMN testbeds should possess. Utilizing these features, we evaluate the existing WMN testbeds. Finally, in addition to the existing WMN testbed experiments conducted at several layers of the protocol stack, we provide a list of open future research issues that can benefit from experiments on WMN testbeds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bi- and tri-exponential fitting to TG-43 radial dose functions of brachytherapy sources based on a genetic algorithm.

Abstract Purpose To find the coefficients for bi- and tri-exponential fitting functions to represent the radial dose functions of 16 commercially available brachytherapy sources. Methods and Materials The search for the coefficients was done using a genetic algorithm. Coefficients were encoded into chromosomes, which were subjected to crossover and mutation. After each operation, chromosomes were evaluated according to their fitness and the better ones were chosen with higher probability for the next generation. The best chromosomes obtained after 2000 operations were used for the coefficients. Results For all brachytherapy sources, tri-exponential dose functions agreed with the respective input data within 1.4%. The mean deviation, obtained by averaging absolute deviations of all sources and input data, was Conclusion Tri-exponential functions can accurately represent the radial dose functions of all commercially available brachytherapy sources. For the eight sources where bi-exponential functions provide nearly equally accurate fits, their continued usage is recommended.
Hume's Argument for the Superiority of Natural Instinct*

In book I of the Treatise Hume argues that we have no reason to believe what we do about matters of fact (139, 265); these beliefs are not “just conclusions” (89), nor are they “built on solid reasoning” (90). Therefore, all such beliefs are equally unjustified no matter how they are acquired. One might suppose, then, that he would hold that no ranking of ways of acquiring beliefs is possible; all are on a par, since all the resulting beliefs are unreasonable.
Cytoskeletal changes induced by GRAF, the GTPase regulator associated with focal adhesion kinase, are mediated by Rho.

Graf, the GTPase regulator associated with focal adhesion kinase was previously shown to have GAP activity for Ρ A and Cdc42 in vitro (Hildebrand et al 1996 Mol. Cell Biol. 16: 3169–3178). In this study we sought to determine whether Graf acted at the level of Cdc42, Rho, or both in vivo and whether Graf was a signal terminator or transducer for these proteins. Microinjection of Graf cDNA into subconfluent Swiss 3T3 cells (in the presence of serum) has marked effects on cell shape and actin localization. Graf expression causes clearing of stress fibers followed by formation of long actin based filopodial-like extensions. Similar phenotypes were observed following injection of the Rho-inhibitor, C3 into these cells. The Graf response was dependent on GAP activity, since injection of Graf cDNA containing point mutations in the GAP domain (R236Q or N351V) which block enzymatic activity, does not confer this phenotype. Injection of Graf into Swiss 3T3 cells in which Rho has been down-regulated by serum starvation has no effect on cell morphology. Using this system, we demonstrate that Graf blocks sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP) stimulated (Rho-mediated) stress fiber formation. Conversely, Graf expression does not inhibit bradykinin stimulated (Cdc42-mediated) filopodial extensions. These data indicate that Graf is a GAP for Rho in vivo. To further substantiate these results we examined the effect of Graf over-expression on Rho-mediated neurite retraction in nerve growth factor (NGF)-differentiated PC12 cells. In PC12 cells, which express relatively high levels of endogenous Graf, overexpression of Graf (but not Graf containing the R236Q mutation) enhances SPP-induced neurite retraction. These data indicate the possibility that Graf may be an effector for Rho in certain cell types.
Timing Synchronization in Distributed Mobile MISO Rayleigh Fading Channels

This paper proposes a novel acquisition technique to improve single-antenna receiver detection performance of signals from multiple transmitters that are distributed spatially. We assume that the distributed transmissions occur simultaneously, but the start time of each of the respective transmissions are not synchronous due to imperfect coordination and non-synchronized clocks across distributed transmitters. First, we propose a robust combining method in mobile channels when there is no feedback or channel knowledge between the receiver and the distributed transmitters. Next, we propose a power control technique, given feedback (and partial channel knowledge) between the receiver and distributed transmitters, to improve the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) performance when re-acquiring multiple distributed transmitters. The ROC performance improvements are demonstrated for multiple distributed transmitter signal detection in a mobile Rayleigh fading channel. Analytical solutions are derived to predict the ROC performance when no channel knowledge is assumed, which is corroborated via simulation. For the power control method, simulation is used to demonstrate performance improvement (over the no feedback case) when the channel is estimated with error and feedback latency. The probability of missed detection is improved by at least a factor of 10 and 100, respectively.
Information fusion and decision cascading for audio-visual speaker recognition based on time-varying stream reliability prediction

We examine the techniques for multi-modal biometric information fusion for verification and identification of speakers, where the reliability of each data stream, either audio of video, is modeled with parameters that are time-varying and depend on the context created by its local behavior. The complementary nature and the time dependent relative reliability of audio and video data is studied in the context of verification and identification, on data collected during a user's interaction with an automated system. Of significance is that this data is not corrupted artificially. Particular focus is directed to verification and its ability to refine identification decisions, by indicating a level of confidence in the system decisions. Results show more striking effects for verification, when using time-dependent fusion, than for identification.
Human Simulations in Behavior Analysis (1987-2010): Facilitating Research in Complex Human Behavior

The authors reviewed human empirical studies from 1987-2010 in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB), Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA), Journal of Organizational Behavior Management (JOBM), and Psychological Record (PR). Out of 2286 empirical studies, the authors classified 45 as simulation research, which fell into 4 main categories including organizational, gambling, financial, and other. JOBM contained over half of the simulations, while JEAB contained two. A subsequent citation analysis found that the original simulations informed 15 service delivery articles, across five journals. In addition, the original articles also informed 35 other behavioral simulations across 19 journals. Simulation research could be ideally placed between theory and application to facilitate empirical research and applications in complex human behavior and the development of an empirically validated, comprehensive, system of behavior analysis.
Illusory inferences about probabilities

Abstract The mental model theory postulates that reasoners build models of the situations described in premises. A conclusion is possible if it holds in at least one model of the premises; it is probable if it holds in most of the models; and it is necessary if it holds in all of the models. The theory also postulates that reasoners represent as little information as possible in explicit models and, in particular, that they represent only information about what is true. One unexpected consequence of this assumption is that there should be a category of illusory inferences: they will have conclusions that seem obvious, but that are wholly erroneous. Experiment 1 established the existence of such illusory inferences about probabilities. Overall, 88% of the intelligent adult subjects chose as more probable an outcome that was impossible for at least one of the illusory problems. Experiment 2 corroborated the phenomenon and showed that illusory inferences include a wide variety of problems. Finally, the paper argues that current theories based on formal rules of inference are unlikely to be able to explain the illusions.
Evidence for Dopaminergic Stimulation of Growth Velocity in Some Hypopituitary Children

The purpose of this study was to determine if endogenous hGH release, hence growth, in hypopituitary children could be potentiated by therapy with dopaminergic (DA) drugs namely, L-dopa or bromocriptine. The effect of DA therapy on other endocrine function was also examined. Subjects were nine prepubertal children (four girls and five boys) with bone ages (BA) ranging from 1.5−9.5 yr. They were diagnosed as having idiopathic GH deficiency on the basis of: 1) failure to grow at normal rates 2) lack of GH response to two provocative stimuli (oral L-dopa, and insulin-induced hypoglycemia) and 3) low somatomedin-C concentrations for sex and age. They were divided into two groups. Group I (n = 4) received L-dopa (15 mg/kg, orally, every 6 h) for 6 months. Group II (n = 5) received bromocriptine (1.25 mg, orally, every 12 h) for 6 months. At the end of 6 months of DA therapy, both groups received human GH (hGH) im (0.1 IU/kg, thrice weekly) for 6 months. The growth rate in group I increased to 5.7 ± 0.6 (_SE) c...
Controls on the spatial pattern of wildfire ignitions in Southern California

Wildfireignitionrequiresacombinationofanopenspark,andsuitableweatherandfuelconditions.Modelsof fire occurrence and burned area provide a good understanding of the physical and climatic factors that constrain and promote fire spread and recurrence, but information on how humans influence ignition patterns is still lacking at a scale compatible with integrated fire management.We investigated the relative importance of the physical, climatic andhuman factors regulating ignition probability across Southern California's National Forests. A 30-year exploratory analysis of one-way relationships indicated that distance to a road, distance to housing and topographic slope were the major determinants of ignition frequency. We used logistic and Poisson regression analyses to model ignition occurrence and frequency as a function of the dominant covariates. The resulting models explained ,70% of the spatial variability in ignition likelihood and 45% of the variability in ignition frequency. In turn, predicted ignition probability contributed to some of the spatial variability in burned area, particularly for summer fires. These models may enable estimates of fire ignition risk for the broader domain of Southern California and how this risk may change with future population and housing development. Our spatially explicit predictions may also be useful for strategic fire management in the region. Additional keywords: biophysical drivers, fire frequency, fire ignition, human influence, Mediterranean ecosystems, spatial regression model, wildland fire risk.
On the Relation between Bayes and Fuzzy Classifiers

A comparison of Bayesian and fuzzy classifiers requires a framework in which a fuzzy set can be related to a probability distribution. This study describes such a framework in which the Bayesian classifier corresponds to a particular choice of the fuzzy classifier. The proposed framework and related concepts is illustrated on a specific classification problem on a well known data set.
The Effects of General Social Support and Social Support for Racial Discrimination on African American Women’s Well-Being

The present longitudinal study examined the role of general and tailored social support in mitigating the deleterious impact of racial discrimination on depressive symptoms and optimism in a large sample of African American women. Participants were 590 African American women who completed measures assessing racial discrimination, general social support, tailored social support for racial discrimination, depressive symptoms, and optimism at two time points (2001-2002 and 2003-2004). Our results indicated that higher levels of general and tailored social support predicted optimism one year later; changes in both types of support also predicted changes in optimism over time. Although initial levels of neither measure of social support predicted depressive symptoms over time, changes in tailored support predicted changes in depressive symptoms. We also sought to determine whether general and tailored social support "buffer" or diminish the negative effects of racial discrimination on depressive symptoms and optimism. Our results revealed a classic buffering effect of tailored social support, but not general support on depressive symptoms for women experiencing high levels of discrimination.
Regularity as a Form of Constraint

Regularity theories of causation are guided by the idea that causes are collectively sufficient for their effects. Following Mackie [1974], that idea is typically refined to distinguish collections that include redundant members from those that do not. Causes must be collectively sufficient for their effects without redundancy. While Mackie was surely right that the regularity theory must distinguish collections that are in some sense minimally sufficient for an effect from those that include unnecessary hangers-on, I believe that redundancy is the wrong mark of that distinction. I propose a way to develop the regularity theory without it. Instead of distinguishing minimal from mere sufficiency in terms of redundancy, we should look to the influence that events have in the world. Causes, so construed, must have just enough collective influence to ensure that an effect occurs. I argue that such an account provides a uniform solution to the problem of epiphenomena and to a pair of related problems that aris...
Characterization of supercapacitor models for analyzing supercapacitors connected to constant power elements

Abstract Understanding the power and energy performance of supercapacitors connected to constant power elements is important for many applications. This paper proposes a characterization method for two supercapacitor models that are used to analyze the power and energy behavior of supercapacitors connected to constant power elements: linear capacitance model and constant capacitance model. The linear or constant capacitance is determined by conducting a constant power experiment. A set of constant power experiments is designed. The proposed method can reduce the error in estimating the constant power experiment time for a variety of supercapacitor samples with different rated capacitance and voltage. The accuracy of using the linear capacitance model and the constant capacitance model is approximately equal. Moreover, the performance evaluation results suggest that using the linear or constant capacitance fitted through a low power discharge experiment can minimize the error, which can serve as a guideline to design the constant power experiment.
(Z)-2-(Thio­phen-2-ylmethyl­ene)-1-aza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octan-3-one

Crystals of the title compound, C12H13NOS, were prepared by base-catalyzed reaction of thio­phene-2-carboxaldehyde with 1-aza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octan-3-one and subsequent crystallization of the product from ethyl acetate. The olefinic bond connecting the 2-thienyl and 1-aza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octan-3-one moieties has Z geometry. No thienyl ring flip is observed.
Unidentified Growth Factors for the Chick in Vegetable Oils and Fatty Acid Concentrates

Abstract RESEARCH concerning the fat and fatty acid requirements of chicks has been limited and controversial. The early work using diets which had been solvent extracted to remove fat demonstrated that the chick’s requirement for fat was negligible or nonexistent. Later work with crystalline vitamins and semi-purified diets has indicated that the chick requires fat or substances contained in fat for normal growth and livability. Russell, Taylor and Polskin (1940) stated that extracting an all-mash starter with diethyl ether until the diet contained 0.1 percent or less of ether extractables did not retard chick growth significantly up to 14 weeks of age. Davis and Upp (1941) reported that extraction of an all-mash ration for 30 hours with isopropyl ether decreased the growth of chicks but that this slight difference disappeared by the time the pullets reached maturity. Reiser (1950a) demonstrated that a fat-free semipurified ration produced poor livability and growth and …
Operations for infertility.

To find causes of infertility in women, patients are examined under anesthesia, culdoscopy is done, and the uterus is curetted. With the information gained, fertility can sometimes be restored by resecting an endometrioma, establishing fallopian tube patency, correcting a congenital anomaly, resecting wedges from polycystic ovaries, or removing a myoma.
Prioritizing road network connectivity information for disaster response

Information plays an important role in disaster response. In the past, there has been a lack of up-to-date information following major disasters due to the limited means of communication. This situation has changed substantially in recent years. With the ubiquity of mobile devices, people experiencing emergency events may still be able to share information via social media and peer-to-peer networks. Meanwhile, volunteers throughout the world are remotely convened by humanitarian organizations to digitize satellite images for the impacted area. These processes produce rich information which presents a new challenge for decision makers who have to interpret large amount of heterogeneous information within limited time. This short paper discusses this problem and outlines a potential solution to prioritizing information in emergency situations. Specifically, we focus on information about road network connectivity, i.e., whether a road segment is still accessible after a disaster. We propose to integrate information value theory with graph theory, and prioritize information items based on their contributions to the successes of potential rescue tasks and to the more accurate estimation of road network connectivity. Finally, we point out directions for future work.
Hoping, Possibility, Desirability, and Belief

The cognitional side of hoping may include imagining, but it must include assessments of possibility and, I argue, desirability. Hoping thus involves beliefs about the possibility and the worth of what is hoped for.
An Introduction to Surface Diffusion Measurements

A brief overview of the contents of the book is attempted as a guide to the diverse topics discussed. Starting from the basic definition of surface diffusion, different coefficients (i.e. tracer vs. collective) are defined, how diffusion currents are generated (i.e. from equilibrium or non-equilibrium driving forces) is discussed and the relation between atomistic and collective processes measured in different experiments is emphasized. A table listing the currently used methods to study surface diffusion is presented.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ADHERENT SPLENIC SUPPRESSOR CELLS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the characterization of the adherent splenic suppressor cells. In a study described in the chapter, inbred Lewis rat spleen cells were separated into adherent (Adh) and non-adherent (NAd) cells on nylon wool columns. Aliquote of the Adh cells were submitted to depletion techniques: EA rosette forming Adh cells and EAC rosette forming Adh cells were sedimented through a Ficoll–Hypaque barrier. Adherent cells were incubated for 45 min at 37°C with carbonyl iron, and the phagocytic cells were then removed with a magnet. A hundred and six of these cell populations were plated in microplates containing 0.75/μg/ml of PHA for 48 h. 3HTdR uptake was quantitated after a 4 h pulse label period. The interaction of various cell populations in response to PHA was assessed by cell mixing. It was found that Lew Adh spleen cells suppress the proliferative response of NAd cells to PHA. Lew Adh spleen cells, however, lose this suppressive effect after depletion of EA rosette-forming cells.
The Application of Liquid Nitrogen Spray Cryotherapy in Treatment of Bronchial Stenosis.

ObjectiveSpray cryotherapy (SCT), the application of liquid nitrogen in a noncontact form, has been demonstrated to have efficacy in treating various types of pathologic lesions of the airway when ...
Epac1 agonist decreased inflammatory proteins in retinal endothelial cells, and loss of Epac1 increased inflammatory proteins in the retinal vasculature of mice.

PURPOSE Increased inflammatory mediator levels are reported in diabetic retinopathy. We previously reported that β-adrenergic receptor agonists reduced inflammatory mediators in the diabetic retina; however, these agents cannot be given systemically. Here, we investigated whether Epac1 is key to the protective effects of β-adrenergic receptor agonists. METHODS We cultured primary human retinal endothelial cells (RECs) in normal (5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose and treated them with an Epac1-specific agonist. Additionally, we generated Epac1 conditional vascular endothelial cell knockout mice by breeding Epac1 floxed mice with Cdh5 Cre mice to investigate the role of Epac1 in the retinal levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκB), and inhibitor of kappa beta (IκB). Confocal microscopy was performed to localize Epac1 in the mouse retina. RESULTS Data showed that high glucose increased the TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the RECs, which were reduced cells treated with the Epac1 agonist. The loss of Epac1 in the retinas of the conditional knockout mice resulted in statistically significantly increased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as NFκB. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that Epac1 may be protective to the retina through inhibition of key inflammatory mediators.
Sex Education in Mainland China

Abstract During four decades of Communist rule, China has moved from a policy of regarding sex education as an indicator of western bourgeois decadence to establishing it as a high priority in national policy. This article gives a brief overview of the history of sex education in China from 1949 to 1988, outlines reasons for the many changes, and lists various texts that have been used.