cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
542 The fate of 100 consecutive resections for carcinoma of the oesophagus and G.O. junctions without hospital mortality

From 01.01.1992 until August 1993, 100 consecutive resections for carcinoma of the thoracic oesophagus and the gastrooesophageal junction were performed in our institution without hospital mortality (83 O – 17 O). Mean age was 62.07 years (42–90 years). There were 34 squamous cell-, 64 adenocarcinomasand 2 leiomyosarcomas. Extensive 3 field Iymphnode dissection was performed in 41 patients, 2 field dissection in 17 patients. A Ro situation was obtained in 81 patients. Mean operation time was 7 hrs (3–11 hrs). Mean blood loss 1540 cc (200–3500). Results Thirty two patients had a completely uneventful postoperative course. Postoperative complications included: pulmonary: 39, cardiac: 15, infectious: 22, phychoneurological: 16. There were two anastomotic fistulae treated conservatively. One thoracic duct leakage was treated conservatively Two patients suffered from recurrent nerve paralysis. Ten patients had to be admitted in ICU with a mean stay of 27 days (2 d.–83 d.). Meanhospital stay forali patients was 21.6 days (8 d–101d). pTNM staging was as follows: stage I: 11, stage II: 24, stage III, 33, stage IV: 32 (Distant LN: 22, liver 4, liver-lung: 2, lung: 3. Overall 3-year actu arial survival is 45% being 51% for the extensive lymphnode dissection group. Median survival is 27 months. Six months and 1 year survival is 89% and 71% respectively. Stage related 3 year actuarial survival was for stage I: 91%, stage II: 50%, stage III: 53% and stage IV: 20%. Late mortality was cancer related in 41 patients: distant metastasis: 23, distant metastasis + locoregional recurrence: 10, locoregional recurrence: 8. Quality of survival of the 55 survivors showed an excellent or good feeding capacity in 49 (89%) patients. Nine patients developed an anas-tomotic stricture treated with a mean of two dilatations. Weight status showed a mean decrease of −7.3 kg (−33 kg to +10 kg) as compared to the preoperative weight and −3. kg (−26 kg to 17 kg) as compared to the patients ideal weight. Final Visick score wasgrade 1:34(61%), II: 11 (20%), III: 7 (12%), IV: 3 (5.4%). Conclusion Today oesophagectomy for carcinoma can be performed with a minimum mortality and acceptable morbidity. Risk factors have to be judged individually especially in relation to radically of associated lymphadenectomies. Survival is as expected stage related but even in distant lymphnode metastasis acceptable prolonged palliation is obtained with excellent to very good functional outcome in the majority of patients justifying resection or primary treatment in absence of gross tumour spread or solid organ metastasis.
Current status of reconfigurable assembly systems

Reconfigurable Manufacturing System (RMS) is one of most promising paradigms that provide an effective solution to changes and uncertainties in a competitive manufacturing environment. A Reconfigurable Assembly System (RAS) is a key component of an RMS. In this paper, our survey on the development of RAS has been summarised. The objectives of this literature survey are to: • clarify the needs and drivers in developing reconfigurable assembly systems • identify both academic and practical issues critical to the development of reconfigurable assembly systems • understand the state of the art of R&D related to the studies on the critical issues
Editing cues for content-based analysis and summarization of motion pictures

This paper introduces techniques that exploit common film editing practices to perform content-based analysis and summarization of video programs. By observing certain editing conventions we determine the intended associations between shots that constitute a coherent sequence, and utilize this information to generate meaningful semantic decompositions of streams. Dynamic composition, shot pacing, motion continuity, and shot transitions are among the editing tools that we consider for high-level analysis. We also develop techniques for detecting establishing shots in a video program, and demonstrate how they can be used for efficient query processing and summary generation. The proposed framework facilitates such queries as finding shots that occur at the same location or within the same time frame; it also provides a powerful tool for semi-automated EDL and script generation.
An online video investigation into the mechanism of elbow dislocation.

Purpose Acute elbow instability leading to dislocation is thought to be a spectrum initiated by an injury to the lateral stabilizing structures of the elbow. Previous cadaveric studies have shown elbow dislocations to occur in flexion. The purpose of this study was to analyze videographic evidence of the deforming forces and upper extremity position during elbow dislocations. We sought to corroborate previous biomechanics studies with in vivo observations. Methods We included 62 YouTube.com videos with a clear videographic view of an elbow dislocation. Three senior elbow surgeons independently evaluated arm position at the time of dislocation, along with the suspected deforming forces at the elbow based on these positions. Results Of the 62 visualized elbow dislocation events, the vast majority (92%) dislocated at or near full extension. The most common arm positions were forearm pronation (68%) with shoulder abduction (97%) and forward flexion (63%). The typical elbow deforming forces were a valgus moment (89%), an axial load (90%), and progressive supination (94%). We identified 4 discrete patterns of arm position and deforming forces. Conclusions Acute elbow dislocations in vivo occur in relative extension irrespective of forearm position, a finding distinct from previous cadaveric studies. The most common mechanism appears to involve a valgus moment to an extended elbow, which suggests a requisite disruption of the medial collateral ligament, the known primary constraint to valgus force. These videographic findings suggest that some acute elbow dislocations may result from acute valgus instability and therefore are distinct in nature and mechanism from posterolateral rotatory instability. This information could lead to improved understanding of the sequence of structural failure, modification of rehabilitation protocols, and overall treatment. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic IV.
Evidence from chromium abundances in mantle rocks for extraction of picrite and komatiite melts

ONE of the more important aspects of understanding the geochemical differentiation of the Earth is an accurate knowledge of the compositions of magmas produced by direct melting of the upper mantle, which are called primary magmas1. It is clear that a variety of primary magma compositions can develop within the mantle, depending on the source composition, the presence of volatiles, the extent of melting and the pressure of melt segregation1–4. Proposed primary magma compositions span a wide composition range, from basalts with ∼8–ll% MgO, through picrites with ∼11–20% MgO, to komatiites with ∼20–28% MgO; there is no agreement as to which is the dominant type of primary magma. We suggest here that the abundances of chromium in samples of the Earth's upper mantle indicate that, of the wide variety of possible primary liquids produced in experimental studies of mantle melting, the dominant type of primary liquid actually extracted from the mantle has been picritic to komatiitic, with ≳;15% MgO.
Factors predicting arrest for homeless persons receiving integrated residential treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Background Homeless individuals are at increased risk for health and criminal justice problems. Aims The aim of this study was to examine risk factors affecting arrest rates in a cohort of homeless people with co-occurring psychiatric and substance-abuse disorders. Methods Baseline data were collected from 96 homeless individuals residing in a residential treatment facility for people with co-occurring disorders. Arrest data were obtained for 2 years following treatment intake. Regression analyses were employed to examine interactions between study variables. Results One third of the sample was arrested during the 2-year follow-up period, principally for drug offences. People referred to treatment directly from the criminal justice system were four times more likely to re-offend than those referred from other sources. Participants' perceived need for mental-health services reduced risk of arrest while their perception of medical needs increased this risk. Conclusions The relationship between referral from a criminal justice source and re-arrest after admission to the treatment facility is unsurprising, and consistent with previous literature, but the suggestion of an independently increased risk in the presence of perceived physical health-care needs is worthy of further study. The lower risk of arrest for people who perceive that they have psychological needs is encouraging. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carrots or Sticks? Improving Social and Environmental Compliance at Suppliers Through Incentives and Penalties

Firms are increasingly looking to eradicate social and environmental non-compliances at their suppliers in response to increasing regulations, consumer demand, potential for supply chain disruptions, and to improve their social, environmental, and economic supply chain performance. This study develops a model of the relationship between the buyer's supplier incentives and penalties for the supplier's social and environmental compliance, and the outcomes in terms of reduction in supplier social and environmental violations as well as the buyer's own operating costs. This model is tested empirically through analysis of a dataset of opinion-based survey responses from practitioners at 334 companies across 17 industries. The analysis finds specific penalties and incentives that are positively associated with reduced supplier violations and reduced buyer operating costs. In particular, offering suppliers incentives of increased business and training for improving social and environmental performance is strongly associated with a reduction in both violations and operating costs
The geochemical origin of sepiolite and kerolite at Amboseli, Kenya

A massive white sepiolite deposit at Amboseli precipitated from magnesium and silica released during the ground water dolomitization of an earlier lacustrine sepiolite. Kerolite has since formed in proximity to the massive sepiolite as an alteration product of sepiolite and as a ground water precipitate when the pH is below 8. Authigenic sepiolite also occurs in the overlying younger sediments. Kerolite is likely to occur but has not yet been positively identified. Presently, ground waters within the Amboseli Basin are supersaturated with respect to sepiolite and kerolite. This supersaturation results from the weathering of alkaline olivine basalts on the edge of the basin. The precipitation of sepiolite and/or kerolite does not control ground water compositions in the basin. These reactions are slow compared to other aqueous-mineral reactions such as those maintaining carbonate mineral equilibria. Equilibrium between disordered-dolomite and calcite buffers the log a Mg2+/(a H+)2 as a function of log f CO 2 in ground waters in the proximity of the massive sepiolite. This reaction can help explain the presence of sepiolite associated with dolomites in other near-surface deposits besides Amboseli.
Wiedemann‐Franzsche Zahl, Wärmeleitfähigkeit und thermo‐elektrische Kraft von Tellur

Es wird eine neue Methode beschrieben zur gleichzeitigen Messung der Wiedemann-Franzschen Zahl, der Warmeleitfahigkeit und der thermo-elektrischen Kraft von Metallen. Diese Eigenschaften wurden an Tellur untersucht, das weniger als 0,01% Verunreinigungen enthielt. Das Tellur wurde in Form von Einkristallen und polykristallinen Proben bei Zimmertemperatur und bei der Temperatur des flussigen Sauerstoffs gemessen. Die Wiedemann-Franzsche Zahl wird fur Tellur mehr als hundertmal groser als normal gefunden, aber es last sich zeigen, das die Abweichung nicht als ein Widerspruch gegen die Theorie der elektrischen Leitfahigkeit durch Elektronen aufzufassen ist.
Gas-Mixing Techniques in Thermomagnetic Analysis

Summary A thermomagnetic balance has been constructed which enables gasmixing and continuous monitoring of oxygen fugacity. By means of this system, f(O2)'s can be varied from about 10−3 to 10−28 atmosphere, making it possible to adequately maintain almost all magnetic or potentially magnetic minerals in their stability fields throughout the experiment, or to vary the oxygen fugacity so as to obtain a special result. The system is easy to use and the difficulties inherent in a vacuum system are avoided. Moreover, because of the small sample size, the duration of the experiment is short.
NKG2D signaling is coupled to the interleukin 15 receptor signaling pathway

The effector functions of natural killer cells are regulated by activating receptors, which recognize stress-inducible ligands expressed on target cells and signal through association with signaling adaptors. Here we developed a mouse model in which a fusion of the signaling adaptor DAP10 and ubiquitin efficiently downregulated expression of the activating receptor NKG2D on the surfaces of natural killer cells. With this system, we identified coupling of the signaling pathways triggered by NKG2D and DAP10 to those initiated by the interleukin 15 receptor. We suggest that this coupling of activating receptors to other receptor systems could function more generally to regulate cell type-specific signaling events in distinct physiological contexts.
Exposure and response prevention of morbid ruminations and compulsive avoidance.

Abstract Two patients with morbid ruminations and compulsive avoidance behavior were independently treated by the authors with exposure and response prevention strategies. The patients were quite different with respect to age (23 vs 58), occupational status (student vs civil servant) and length of disorder (2 vs 40 years), although their disorders were quite similar. The present report describes the patients and treatment procedures and reports on dramatic behavioral changes that occurred within brief time periods.
An outer approximation algorithm for the robust shortest path problem

Abstract This paper describes a new algorithm for the stochastic shortest path problem where path costs are a weighted sum of expected cost and cost standard deviation. We allow correlation between link costs, subject to a regularity condition excluding unbounded solutions. The chief complication in this variant is that path costs are not an additive sum of link costs. In this paper, we reformulate this problem as a conic quadratic program, and develop an outer-approximation algorithm based on this formulation. Numerical experiments show that the outer-approximation algorithm significantly outperforms standard integer programming algorithms implemented in solvers.
Afferent Signaling and Forebrain Mechanisms in the Behavioral Control of Extracellular Fluid Volume

The body defends against reduced extracellular fluid volume both by activation of autonomic and endocrine reflexes and by mobilization of behavioral mechanisms. The behaviors that are required to correct an extracellular fluid deficit involve the ingestion of both water and sodium. It is reasonable to hypothesize that afferent neural input from both arterial and cardiopulmonary high pressure and volume receptors, and afferent humoral input in the form of ANG II, are important systemically-generated signals acting as afferent mediators of extracellular depletion-induced thirst and sodium appetite. Neural information from these signals has been shown to converge on forebrain structures located along the lamina terminalis where processing and integration of this input is likely to take place. This paper describes an analysis of the mechanisms of afferent signaling that accompanies a form of rapidly induced sodium appetite. Because volume and pressure-related input in concert with elevated activity of the renin-angiotensin system is likely to be important for generating this form of induced hypertonic sodium chloride and water intake, we have focused on the structures of the lamina terminalis, specifically the SFO, MnPO, and OVLT. Investigations that employ immunocytochemical methods for the detection of the early oncogene, c-fos, indicate that neurons in the lamina terminalis, as well as the SON and PVN, are activated by the composite of systemically derived signals necessary for producing thirst and sodium appetite. So far, there is no thorough understanding of how these visceral signals activate the neural substrates for these motivated behaviors. However, these studies, combining both functional and neuroanatomical approaches, provide a strategy for investigating the neurobiological basis of the behavioral and physiological control systems that maintain fluid balance and cardiovascular homeostasis. This paper describes an analysis of the mechanisms of afferent signaling that accompanies a form of rapidly induced sodium appetite. Because volume and pressure-related input, in concert with elevated activity of the renin-angiotensin system, is likely to be important for generating this form of induced hypertonic sodium chloride and water intake, we have focused on the structures of the lamina terminalis, specifically the SFO, MnPO, and OVLT. Investigations that employ immunocytochemical methods for the detection of the early oncogene, c-fos, indicate that neurons in the lamina terminalis, as well as the SON and PVN, are activated by the composite of systemically derived signals necessary for producing thirst and sodium appetite. So far, there is no thorough understanding of how these visceral sensory-related signals activate the neural substrates for these motivated behaviors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Poisson Effects on X-Ray Diffraction Patterns in Low-Temperature-Carburized Austenitic Stainless Steel

Austenitic stainless steel was carburized at low temperature to generate a hard surface layer. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) revealed that this “case” contained an expanded fcc lattice and significant residual stresses due to the interstitial carbon. The XRD patterns also exhibit consistent variations with crystallographic orientation. Using published elastic constants for austenitic stainless steel and appropriate approximations for the XRD elastic constants, the XRD peak position variations can be accounted for by orientation-dependent Poisson effects due to biaxial residual stresses. The XRD patterns of specimens containing either compressive or tensile residual stresses were consistent with this hypothesis.
Recent polymorphic insertion of an Alu repeat in the baboon lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene

We have identified a polymorphic insertion in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene in a captive baboon colony. Mapping and nucleotide (nt) sequence analysis of the polymorphism showed that it is due to the presence or absence of an Alu repetitive element in intron 7 of the baboon LPL gene. This polymorphic Alu repeat has not been reported in humans, and we did not detect the repeat in a survey of the LPL intron 7 gene region in other non-human primates. Comparison of nt at diagnostic positions in this Alu insertion with different Alu subfamily consensus sequences showed that it most closely resembles the young AluY subfamily. These data suggest that this polymorphic Alu repeat inserted independently in the baboon lineage.
Biogeochemistry and Origin of a Phosphoritized Coprolite from Anoxic Sediment of the Santa Barbara Basin

ABSTRACT We recovered a single, calcite-coated phosphorite nodule, 8-10 cm in diameter, buried 70-80 cm deep in a box core of anoxic, organic-rich, varved sediment from the central Santa Barbara Basin (SBB) off southern California. Varve chronology enables us to assign an age of 240 ± 50 yr to the nodule. On the basis of its preserved pattern of sterol biomarkers, the exclusively small size (< 1 cm long) of fractured fish bones embedded within it, and other evidence, we identify this nodule as a coprolite of possible human origin. Historical sources confirm that native Americans with predominantly marine diets canoed routinely across the SBB from surrounding villages during the 18th Century. If this geologically modern coprolite truly originated as human feces, then it represents the first such fossil ever identified in the marine record. The nodule also provides unique and valuable insight about the initial stages of phosphoritization in an organic-rich microenvironment that acted as a sink for phosphorus. Mineralogically, the coprolite consists mainly of a very poorly crystallized variety of apatite with a carbonate-rich and fluorine-deficient composition similar to that of dahllite, rather than typical marine sedimentary francolite. This substance probably would transform eventually to well-crystallized francolite. We contend that lenticular inclusions of nearly pure francolite in certain ancient sedimentary deposits, such as the Monterey Formation of California, might have originated as coprolites.
Adiponectin Resistance and Proinflammatory Changes in the Visceral Adipose Tissue Induced by Fructose Consumption via Ketohexokinase-Dependent Pathway

An epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes is linked with the increase in consumption of fructose-containing sugars, such as sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup. In mammalian cells, fructose is metabolized predominantly via phosphorylation to fructose-1 phosphate by ketohexokinase (KHK) or by alternative pathways. Here we demonstrate that a KHK-dependent pathway mediates insulin resistance and inflammatory changes in the visceral fat in response to high fructose. We used mice (males, C57BL/6 background) including littermate wild-type control and mice lacking both isoforms of KHK (KHK-null). Fructose diet induced metabolic syndrome, including visceral obesity, insulin resistance, proinflammatory changes in the visceral fat (production of proinflammatory adipokines and macrophage infiltration), the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling, and decrease of the high-molecular weight adiponectin followed by decrease in the downstream signaling. KHK-KO mice consuming the same high-fructose diet remained lean, with normal insulin sensitivity and healthy visceral adipose tissue with normal adiponectin function not distinguishable from the control by any of the tested parameters. This study demonstrates that blocking KHK and redirecting fructose metabolism to alternative pathways is an effective way to prevent visceral obesity and insulin resistance induced by high fructose, a widespread component of Western diets.
Deformation Mechanics Associated with Formation of Ultra-Fine Grained Chips in Machining

The deformation field associated with chip formation in plane strain (2-D) machining has been simulated using the finite element method (FEM), with the objective of developing 2-D machining as an experimental technique for studying very large strain deformation phenomena. The principal machining parameters are the tool rake angle, cutting velocity and the friction at the toolchip interface while the deformation field parameters are strain, strain rate and temperature. The relation between rake angle and the shear strain in the deformation zone is studied for the low-speed cutting of lead. This correspondence is validated by comparison with measurements of the deformation parameters made by applying a Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique to highspeed photographic image sequences of the deformation. It is shown that plastic strains in the range of 1-15 can be realized in a controlled manner by appropriate choice of the rake angle. The unique capabilities offered by 2-D machining for studying micro- and nano- mechanics of large strain deformation, and the creation of ultra-fine grained materials are highlighted in the context of these results.
Exploiting triangulated surface extraction using tetrahedral decomposition

Beginning with digitized volumetric data, we wish to rapidly and efficiently extract and represent surfaces defined as isosurfaces in the interpolated data. The Marching Cubes algorithm is a standard approach to this problem. We instead perform a decomposition of each 8-cell associated with a voxel into five tetrahedra. We guarantee the resulting surface representation to be closed and oriented, defined by a valid triangulation of the surface of the body, which in turn is presented as a collection of tetrahedra. The entire surface is "wrapped" by a collection of triangles, which form a graph structure, and where each triangle is contained within a single tetrahedron. The representation is similar to the homology theory that uses simplices embedded in a manifold to define a closed curve within each tetrahedron. We introduce data structures based upon a new encoding of the tetrahedra that are at least four times more compact than the standard data structures using vertices and triangles. For parallel computing and improved cache performance, the vertex information is stored local to the tetrahedra. We can distribute the vertices in such a way that no tetrahedron ever contains more than one vertex, We give methods to evaluate surface curvatures and principal directions at each vertex, whenever these quantities are defined. Finally, we outline a method for simplifying the surface, that is reducing the vertex count while preserving the geometry. We compare the characteristics of our methods with an 8-cell based method, and show results of surface extractions from CT-scans and MR-scans at full resolution.
How to deal with large models

Mol Syst Biol. 5: 240 The regulatory systems that allow cells to adapt to their environments are exceedingly complex, and although we know a great deal about the intricate mechanistic details of many of these systems, our ability to make accurate predictions about their system‐level behaviors is severely limited. We would like to make such predictions for a number of reasons. How can we reverse dysfunctional molecular changes of these systems that cause disease? More generally, how can we harness and direct cellular activities for beneficial purposes? Our ability to make accurate predictions about a system is also a measure of our fundamental understanding of that system. As evidenced by our mastery of technological systems, a useful understanding of a complex system can often be obtained through the development and analysis of a mathematical model, but predictive modeling of cellular regulatory systems, which necessarily relies on quantitative experimentation, is still in its infancy. There is much that we need to learn before modeling for practical applications becomes routine. In particular, we need to address a number of issues surrounding the large number of parameters that are typically found in a model for a cellular regulatory system. In a recent article published in Molecular Systems Biology , Peter Sorger et al report a significant contribution not only to our system‐level understanding of an important signal‐transduction system but also to our understanding of the methodology needed for developing and testing a large‐scale mathematical model for this type of system (Chen et al , 2009). The power of sensitivity analysis is demonstrated. In this study, to which William Chen, Birgit Schoeberl and Paul Jasper contributed equally, an ordinary differential equation (ODE) model for immediate‐early events in signaling by the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR, which is also called ErbB1) (Schoeberl et …
The origin of prokaryotic C2H2 zinc finger regulators

C2H2 zinc finger bearing proteins are a large superfamily of nucleic acid binding proteins, which constitute a major subset of eukaryotic transcription factors. Although originally thought to occur only in eukaryotes, a novel C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor, Ros, which regulates both prokaryotic and eukaryotic promoters has been found in bacteria. Phylogenically, Ros is distantly related to eukaryotic zinc finger regulators.
Facilitative plasma membrane transporters function during ER transit

Although biochemical studies suggested a high permeability of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane for small molecules, proteomics identified few specialized ER transporters. To test functionality of transporters during ER passage, we tested whether glucose transporters (GLUTs, SGLTs) destined for the plasma membrane are active during ER transit. HepG2 cells were characterized by low-affinity ER transport activity, suggesting that ER uptake is protein mediated. The much-reduced capacity of HEK293T cells to take up glucose across the plasma membrane correlated with low ER transport. Ectopic expression of GLUT1, -2, -4, or -9 induced GLUT isoform-specific ER transport activity in HEK293T cells. In contrast, the Na(+)-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 mediated efficient plasma membrane glucose transport but no detectable ER uptake, probably because of lack of a sufficient sodium gradient across the ER membrane. In conclusion, we demonstrate that GLUTs are sufficient for mediating ER glucose transport en route to the plasma membrane. Because of the low volume of the ER, trace amounts of these uniporters contribute to ER solute import during ER transit, while uniporters and cation-coupled transporters carry out export from the ER, together potentially explaining the low selectivity of ER transport. Expression levels and residence time of transporters in the ER, as well as their coupling mechanisms, could be key determinants of ER permeability.
Neural stem cell response to endothelial-derived extracellular matrix produced by hemodynamically stimulated endothelial cells

This study demonstrates that adult neural stem cells (NSC) exhibit a differential response to endothelial cell (EC) derived extracellular matrix (ECM) produced under hemodynamic flow compared to statically produced ECM. In vivo, NSC reside in close proximity to blood vessels, suggesting that EC-produced factors may influence NSC fate. In vitro, it has been demonstrated that soluble factors released by EC stimulate self-renewal and inhibit differentiation of embryonic NSC [1]. However, NSC response to EC derived products produced under hemodynamic stimulation has not been explored In this work, we examined NSC response to EC produced extracellular matrix. Briefly, confluent mouse brain microvascular EC were cultured dynamically (exposed to shear stress (10 dynes/cm2)) or statically and the cells were chemically-lysed to isolate the EC derived ECM. Thick ECM substrates were generated for subsequent NSC fate studies. Adult primary murine NSC were isolated from the sub-ventricular zone, cultured as neurospheres, and dissociated onto the ECM substrates. NSC attached, spread, and infiltrated the dynamically produced ECM, while the statically produced ECM generated only small neurospheres at the ECM surface. This work will generate a better understanding of the NSC response to physiologically relevant EC derived ECM cues.
Adaptive pulselength correction (APLECORR): a strategy for waveform optimization in ultrawideband active sonar

This paper describes adaptive pulselength correction (APLECORR), an environmentally adaptive technique for optimizing the detection performance in wide-band active sonars in so-called doubly spread channels. It works by allocating available transmit energy to frequency bands according to the in situ measured reverberation and ambient noise spectra. It optimizes the waveform and the detection processor at the same time. It is appealing in its simplicity and achieves significant gains whenever the reverberation-to-noise ratio is not constant across frequency, thus its applicability to wide-band systems. The method extends easily to PRN and other non-FM waveforms. The paper includes a proof that time spreading and frequency-spreading distortion have an approximately equivalent effect if the waveform is linear or hyperbolic frequency modulation.
Learning to Pass Expectation Propagation Messages

Expectation Propagation (EP) is a popular approximate posterior inference algorithm that often provides a fast and accurate alternative to sampling-based methods. However, while the EP framework in theory allows for complex non-Gaussian factors, there is still a significant practical barrier to using them within EP, because doing so requires the implementation of message update operators, which can be difficult and require hand-crafted approximations. In this work, we study the question of whether it is possible to automatically derive fast and accurate EP updates by learning a discriminative model (e.g., a neural network or random forest) to map EP message inputs to EP message outputs. We address the practical concerns that arise in the process, and we provide empirical analysis on several challenging and diverse factors, indicating that there is a space of factors where this approach appears promising.
Maturity Distribution in Commercially Sized Florunner Peanuts

Abstract Quality, as measured by roast color, flavor and storability, is variable within and among peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) lots of the same commercial size. Because maturity is significantly related to many quality characteristics, the variability in maturity distributions (percentage of various maturity classes) was examined within sized peanut lots from twenty random samples, an irrigation study, a harvest date study, and a soil temperature study. Pods from each source were separated into hull scrape maturity classes, dried, shelled, and screened to obtain seed size distributions. Using the weight of each maturity class in each commercial size, the percentage weight contribution of each maturity class in each commercial size category was calculated. Seed size distribution for maturity classes from different treatments in each study varied widely. The data indicated that each commercial size category contained peanuts from each maturity class. Treatments within the studies generally produced signifi...
An RSCL3 tutor for debugging Pascal programs

A fundamental problem encountered in the implementation of computer programs is that of debugging. In particular, we address the question as to the best methodology for debugging Pascal programs. It is argued that this task is best suited to design automation, since the algorithmic languages, such as Pascal, can not embed the programmers intentions. The use of design automation implies a limited capability for program debugging in the current context. Ideally, this limited capability serves to educate the programmer, who in turn can extend this capability. This defines a tutoring system. The RSCL3 algorithm is used to amplify the knowledge of a rule-based system. That is, it extrapolates a basis set of rules through the use of domain symmetries. It is an inductive technique, which creates new knowledge that is open under deduction. It is expected that this technology will ultimately reduce the cost of expert system applications. >
Generating vegetation leaf area index Earth system data record from multiple sensors. Part 2: Implementation, analysis and validation

The evaluation of a new global monthly leaf area index (LAI) data set for the period July 1981 to December 2006 derived from AVHRR Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data is described. The physically based algorithm is detailed in the first of the two part series. Here, the implementation, production and evaluation of the data set are described. The data set is evaluated both by direct comparisons to ground data and indirectly through inter-comparisons with similar data sets. This indirect validation showed satisfactory agreement with existing LAI products, importantly MODIS, at a range of spatial scales, and significant correlations with key climate variables in areas where temperature and precipitation limit plant growth. The data set successfully reproduced well-documented spatio-temporal trends and inter-annual variations in vegetation activity in the northern latitudes and semi-arid tropics. Comparison with plot scale field measurements over homogeneous vegetation patches indicated a 7% underestimation when all major vegetation types are taken into account. The error in mean values obtained from distributions of AVHRR LAI and high-resolution field LAI maps for different biomes is within 0.5 LAI for six out of the ten selected sites. These validation exercises though limited by the amount of field data, and thus less than comprehensive, indicated satisfactory agreement between the LAI product and field measurements. Overall, the inter-comparison with short-term LAI data sets, evaluation of long term trends with known variations in climate variables, and validation with field measurements together build confidence in the utility of this new 26 year LAI record for long term vegetation monitoring and modeling studies.
Redox equilibria of iron and silicate melt structure: Implications for olivine/melt element partitioning

Abstract Olivine/melt partitioning of ΣFe, Fe2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ has been determined in the systems CaO–MgO–FeO–Fe2O3–SiO2 (FD) and CaO–MgO–FeO–Fe2O3–Al2O3–SiO2 (FDA3) as a function of oxygen fugacity ( f O 2 ) at 0.1 MPa pressure. Total iron oxide content of the starting materials was ∼20 wt%. The f O 2 was to used to control the Fe3+/ΣFe (ΣFe: total iron) of the melts. The Fe3+/ΣFe and structural roles of Fe2+ and Fe3+ were determined with 57Fe resonant absorption Mossbauer spectroscopy. Changes in melt polymerization, NBO/T, as a function of f O 2 was estimated from the Mossbauer data and existing melt structure information. It varies by ∼100% in melts coexisting with olivine in the FDA3 system and by about 300% in the FD system in the Fe3+/ΣFe range of the experiments (0.805–0.092). The partition coefficients ( D i ol - melt = wt % in olivine/wt% in melt) are systematic functions of f O 2 and, therefore, NBO/T of the melt. There is a D i ol - melt -minimum in the FDA3 system at NBO/T-values corresponding to intermediate Fe3+/ΣFe (0.34–0.44). In the Al-free system, FD, where the NBO/T values of melts range between ∼1 and ∼2.9, the partition coefficients are positively correlated with NBO/T (decreasing Fe3+/ΣFe). These relationships are explained by consideration of solution behavior in the melts governed by Qn-unit distribution and structural changes of the divalent cations in the melts (coordination number, complexing with Fe3+, and distortion of the polyhedra).
A sufficient condition for voting rules to be frequently manipulable

The Gibbard-Satterthwaite Theorem states that (in unrestricted settings) any reasonable voting rule is manipulable. Recently, a quantitative version of this theorem was proved by Ehud Friedgut, Gil Kalai, and Noam Nisan: when the number of alternatives is three, for any neutral voting rule that is far from any dictatorship, there exists a voter such that a random manipulation---that is, the true preferences and the strategic vote are all drawn i.i.d., uniformly at random---will succeed with a probability of Ω(1/n), where n is the number of voters. However, it seems that the techniques used to prove this theorem can not be fully extended to more than three alternatives. In this paper, we give a more limited result that does apply to four or more alternatives. We give a sufficient condition for a voting rule to be randomly manipulable with a probability of Ω(1/n) for at least one voter, when the number of alternatives is held fixed. Specifically, our theorem states that if a voting rule r satisfies 1. homogeneity, 2. anonymity, 3. non-imposition, 4. a canceling-out condition, and 5. there exists a stable profile that is still stable after one given alternative is uniformly moved to different positions; then there exists a voter such that a random manipulation for that voter will succeed with a probability of Ω(1/n). We show that many common voting rules satisfy these conditions, for example any positional scoring rule, Copeland, STV, maximin, and ranked pairs.
Energy-optimal Batching Periods for Asynchronous Multistage Data Processing on Sensor Nodes: Foundations and an mPlatform Case Study

This paper derives energy-optimal batching periodsfor asynchronous multistage data processing on sensor nodes in the sense of minimizing energy consumption while meeting end-to-end deadlines. Batching the processing of (sensor) data maximizes processor sleep periods, hence minimizing the wakeup frequency and the corresponding overhead. The algorithm is evaluated on mPlatform, a next-generation heterogeneous sensor node platform equipped with both a low-end microcontroller(MSP430) and a higher-end embedded systems processor (ARM). Experimental results show that the total energy consumption of mPlatform, when processing data flowsat their optimal batching periods, is up to 35% lower than that for uniform period assignment. Moreover, processing data at the appropriate processor can use as much as 80% less energy than running the same task set on the ARM alone and 25% less energy than running the taskset on the MSP430 alone.
New Practices for Administering and Analyzing the Results of Concept Inventories

Concept inventories can be refined and honed into informative assessment tools to serve instruction. The present paper suggests new practices for administering and analyzing the results of concept inventories. Web-based administration enables broader participation across universities and colleges, and ensures the retention of the full set of data necessary to conduct other analyses. Issues related to the provision of meaningful concept level information are addressed, as are the benefits of making direct comparisons with other measures of performance. The value of administering inventories as pre-tests is examined, and the potential for offering misconception diagnosis based on inventories is explored.
An outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia associated with contamination of albuterol and nasal spray.

Background Species within the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) can contaminate medications and disinfectants and cause severe pneumonia in critically ill patients or persons with cystic fibrosis. In March 2004, we investigated a hospital outbreak of Bcc possibly associated with a contaminated nasal spray. Methods We conducted a matched case-control study, environmental sampling, and observations of infection control practices. Case patients had infection or colonization with Bcc, and control patients had sputum culture not yielding Bcc. Isolates from patients and environmental samples were compared by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results Bcc was recovered from sputum in 18 patients. Compared with matched control patients (n = 18), case patients were more likely to be receiving mechanical ventilation (p = 0.01), to have been hospitalized > 6 days (p = 0.01), and to have received antimicrobial treatment within 7 days before sputum collection (p = 0.03). Bcc was cultured from opened, but not unopened, multidose albuterol bottles, a nebulizer attached to a ventilator, and opened and unopened nasal spray bottles from contaminated lots. PFGE showed that isolates from albuterol samples and from patients were indistinguishable but unrelated to the nasal spray strain. Observations revealed improper aseptic techniques during respiratory therapy procedures and inadequate nebulizer cleaning. Conclusions Despite a temporal association with use of a contaminated nasal spray, this outbreak was caused by extrinsic contamination of multidose albuterol used for nebulization treatments and lack of adherence to infection control precautions. Implementation and re-enforcement of infection control measures successfully terminated the outbreak.
Investigations of Humidity Skewness and Variance Profiles in the Convective Boundary Layer and Comparison of the Latter with Large Eddy Simulation Results

Abstract Differential absorption lidar (DIAL) measurements of humidity variance and skewness profiles are presented. A detailed error analysis demonstrates that measurements throughout the convective boundary layer can be performed with an accuracy that is mainly limited by sampling errors due to turbulent statistics. The water vapor variance profiles are compared with results from a large eddy simulation (LES) model to estimate surface and entrainment latent heat fluxes. A promising agreement with surface latent heat fluxes derived by the bulk formula is achieved, but a strong deviation of the variance profiles from the LES results is found in the entrainment zone. Reasons for these discrepancies are discussed. A new approach for the investigation of top–down variance functions using the measured variance profiles is introduced. It is investigated whether the skewness profiles give further information on the turbulent transport of water vapor. This is accomplished by the analysis of the skewness budget e...
A Panel Discussion of Simultaneity by Slow Clock Transport in the Special and General Theories of Relativity

In his famous 1905 paper on the special theory of relativity (STR), before the subject of the relativity of simultaneity in systems in relative motion is even broached, Einstein enunciates explicitly his doctrine of the definitional character of simultaneity in a single “stationary” system ([2], p. 40). Subsequent interpreters, most notably Reichenbach, have maintained that Einstein was correctly claiming the relation of simultaneity in a single inertial system to be conventional in a significant and nontrivial sense ([4], p. 127). Einstein there describes a method of synchronizing clocks located at different places in the stationary system by a signalling process. Suppose two clocks U A and U B are located at places A and B respectively. Let a light signal be sent from A to B, where it is immediately reflected back to A. Let t 1 be the time at which the signal departs from A, and let t 3 be the time of its return to A after reflection at B, both times measured on U A. Einstein establishes a synchrony between U A and U B by stipulating that the time taken for the signal to travel from A to B equals the time it takes to return from B to A.
The Logic of A Co-Operative Economy and Democracy 2.0: Recovering the Possibilities for Autonomy, Creativity, Solidarity, and Common Purpose

Over the past 30 years, the collectivist-democratic form of organization has presented a growing alternative to the bureaucratic form, and it has proliferated, here and around the world. This form is manifest, for example, within micro-credit groups, workers' co-operatives, nongovernmental organizations, advocacy groups, self-help groups, community and municipal initiatives, social movement organizations, and in many nonprofit groups in general. It is most visible in the civil society sector, but demands for deeper participation are also evident in communities and cities, and the search for more involving and less bureaucratic structures has spread into many for-profit firms as well. Building on research on this form of organization, this article develops a model of the decisional processes utilized in such organizations and contrasts these “Democracy 2.0” standards for decision making from the Democracy 1.0 (representative and formal) standards that previously prevailed. Drawing on a new generation of re...