cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feedback in discriminative avoidance learning: Mechanistic versus cognitive views

Presentation of a feedback stimulus, a non-aversive event never paired with shock, following an avoidance response has been found to be an effective reinforcer in avoidance learning. Alternative formulations of the feedback effect, one a version of the traditional S-R mechanistic, two-factor theory and the other a cognitive (informational) theory, were evaluated with a view toward determining which type of formulation provides a more viable explanation of avoidance learning. The conclusion reached, however, was that both informational and fear-reduction positions operationalize their critical concepts in the same manner, and to date there are no empirical grounds for distinguishing these different views.
SU‐FF‐T‐31: A New 4D IMRT Algorithm and Its Performance Analysis

Purpose: Current radiation treatment practice neither detects nor adapts to intrafraction organ motion beyond gating. We develop a simple optimization scheme for 4D IMRT which doesn't rely on gating and simulate its performance in the presence of the anticipated organ motion and unanticipated setup errors and tissue motion. Method and Materials: We wrote MATLAB code modeling treatment of a 2D phantom using the beamlet model. We also used geometry from a lung case. SNOPT (a commercial SQP optimization code) selects beamlet weights minimizing the weighted quadratic deviation from some desired dose. Suppose the beam‐on time is divided into N phases and the prescription dose is D*. For location r in phase i, let Di *(r) be the planned dose;Di (r) the actually delivered dose; and r=Ai (v) the anticipated location of voxel v. Our two baseline algorithms use static plans (Di *=Dj * for any phases i,j) and gating (Di *=0 for phases i≠1). In both cases we choose feasible D 1*+…+DN * minimizing the weighted quadratic deviation from D*. Our 4D algorithm selects (D 1 *,…,D N *)∈ arg min (D1∈ F,…, DN ∈ F) , Σ v α(v)(D1(A 1 (v))+…+DN(A N (v)) − D*(v)) 2 Simulation determines the delivered doseDi from the anticipated doseDi * by adding noise and incorporating setup error (translation and rotation of the patient) and tissue distortion caused by unanticipated small organ motion. For our algorithm and the baseline, we compare the DVH of the cumulative doseD 1+…+DN and the margin needed to achieve a satisfactory cumulative delivered dose.Results: We achieved significant improvement in the objective function (delivering more dose to the tumor and less to the organ) on our test case with 3cm motions. Conclusion: This new paradigm of 4D IMRT holds significant promise for improving the current radiation therapy.
Analysis of mammograms aided by database of images of calcifications and textures

We describe a database-aided system for diagnosing mammograms with automatic selection of features (i.e., attributes of objects or textures in images). A database of digitized images of calcifications and textures assists the diagnosis and reduces the negative biopsy rate. In our system mammograms are filtered to enhance the calcifications and textures; image features are automatically extracted and stored. Genetic selection and visual mapping of features permits global visualization of the entire database or selected portions of the databases for interaction with mammographers. We demonstrate that this system is able to cluster and retrieve visually and diagnostically similar mammograms.
Profile of Eric Betzig, Stefan Hell, and W. E. Moerner, 2014 Nobel Laureates in Chemistry

Scientists once believed that the laws of physics would prevent them from peering into the structures of the cell. The story of the winners of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry is about how three imaginative scientists pioneered ways to work around these supposed limits, transforming microscopy into nanoscopy.
Observation of Earth Eigen Vibrations Possibly Excited by Gravity Waves

In several records of Earth oscillations, the energy content of the even harmonics is greater than that of the odd harmonics. Although it is not yet certain that the result is genuine, Tuman speculates that excitation of the vibrations by gravity waves would have this effect.
Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder among a community sample of adolescent and young adult Afghan refugees.

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders among a community sample of adolescent and young adult refugees from Afghanistan. The study also measured the correlation of their current psychiatric disorders with the number
A temporal cloak at telecommunication data rate

The ‘time cloak’ experiment is extended here using a time analogue of the Talbot effect in optics — in which a plane wave incident on a diffraction grating produces repeated images of the grating at regular distances — to show that almost half of the time axis can be concealed. A pioneering paper published in Nature last year described a 'temporal cloak' that made an isolated event undetectable by creating a temporal gap in an optical signal processing system. Now that concept has been developed further to produce a system that can hide a continuous stream of events at telecommunications data rates. Andrew Weiner and colleagues create a series of 'holes in time' by exploiting a time analogue of the self-imaging Talbot effect in optics, in which a plane wave incident on a diffraction grating produces repeated images of the grating at regular distances. Using standard optical communications components, the authors show that nearly half of the time axis can be concealed, and conceal pseudorandom digital data at rates that could potentially cloak real-world messages in secure applications. Through advances in metamaterials—artificially engineered media with exotic properties, including negative refractive index1,2,3—the once fanciful invisibility cloak has now assumed a prominent place in scientific research4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13. By extending these concepts to the temporal domain14, investigators have recently described a cloak which hides events in time by creating a temporal gap in a probe beam that is subsequently closed up; any interaction which takes place during this hole in time is not detected15. However, these results are limited to isolated events that fill a tiny portion of the temporal period, giving a fractional cloaking window of only about 10−4 per cent at a repetition rate of 41 kilohertz (ref. 15)—which is much too low for applications such as optical communications. Here we demonstrate another technique for temporal cloaking, which operates at telecommunication data rates and, by exploiting temporal self-imaging through the Talbot effect, hides optical data from a receiver. We succeed in cloaking 46 per cent of the entire time axis and conceal pseudorandom digital data at a rate of 12.7 gigabits per second. This potential to cloak real-world messages introduces temporal cloaking into the sphere of practical application, with immediate ramifications in secure communications.
Made sense and remembered sense: Sensemaking through abduction

Abstract The purpose of this article is threefold: to present a general framework for investigating processes of reasoning and problem solving in market-related situations that are not transparent, to present some central processes involved in sensemaking, and to present a set of key elements of abductive reasoning. The paper focuses on the processes involved in making sense, on the on-line generation of explanations, and on logics more suitable for on-line and commonsense reasoning than classical logic. Although some of the roots of experts' reasoning must be aleatory (probabilistic), the focus of the paper is epistemic (causal) reasoning in ill-structured domains. The professional decision maker is seen as equipped with a diverse mental toolbox. The on-line making of new sense is a process that we are only beginning to understand. Likewise, the process involved in strategy shift and the changing of mind are not well understood. Nonmonotonic, abductive reasoning is presented as a framework within which we can start to understand, and possibly re-evaluate on-line and creative economic decision making.
Numerical Simulations and Analysis of the Thermal Effects on Silicon Carbide During Ductile Mode Micro-Laser Assisted Machining

Various 2-D numerical simulations were carried out using the commercial software AdvantEdge Versions 5.2 and 5.3 to model ductile mode micro-Laser Assisted Machining (μ-LAM) of Silicon Carbide (4H-SiC). The cutting tool is a single point diamond. The workpiece material (SiC) is heated locally by a laser beam, which passes through the diamond tool tip. The workpiece is heated beyond the thermal softening point in order to study the effect of increased temperature. The cutting and thrust forces are reduced when machining is done above the thermal softening temperature. The simulations were carried out for two cases at different temperatures above and below the thermal softening point to study the effect of μ-LAM on the cutting and thrust forces. In the first case both the tool and workpiece material were heated to study the behavior at elevated temperatures. In the second case, a thermal boundary condition was provided on the top surface of the workpiece to simulate the laser heating effect keeping the tool at room temperature (20° C). In both cases the chip formation was observed and the changes in cutting and thrust forces were evaluated. The simulation results indicate a significant decrease in machining forces if Silicon Carbide is heated beyond the thermal softening temperature thus demonstrating the benefits of μ-LAM process.© 2009 ASME
Gas chromatography plasma-assisted reaction chemical ionization mass spectrometry for quantitative detection of bromine in organic compounds.

We have recently introduced plasma-assisted reaction chemical ionization mass spectrometry (PARCI-MS) for elemental analysis of halogens in organic compounds. Here, we utilize gas chromatography (GC) coupled to PARCI-MS to investigate the mechanism of Br– ion generation from organobromines and to evaluate analytical performance of PARCI for organobromine analysis. Bromine atoms in compounds eluting from GC are converted to HBr in a low-pressure microwave induced helium plasma with trace amounts of hydrogen added as a reaction gas. Ionization is achieved by introducing nitrogen into the afterglow region of the plasma, liberating electrons via penning ionization and leading to formation of negative ions. We demonstrate that N2 largely affects the ionization process, whereas H2 affects both the ionization process and in-plasma reactions. Our investigations also suggest that dissociative electron capture is the main ionization route for formation of Br– ions. Importantly, GC-PARCI-MS shows a uniform response ...
The Mexican-Japanese-US Model for Auto Assembly in Northern Mexico

Abstract The automobile stamping and assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico is world class in productivity and quality. We analyze the process of integrating the Mexican workforce with the Japanese-designed lean production system and the U.S. Fordist management to create a unique collaborative, cross-cultural hybrid organization model. In particular, we examine several cultural attributes of work that necessitated mutual adaptation and cooperation among the workers, and the state of labor relations, gender dynamics, and quality of work life. Finally, we pull together these factors to explore the short and long term implications of the plant as a model for developing countries. Resumen La planta de estampado y ensamblado de automoviles en Hermosillo, Mexico es una operation clase mundial en calidad y productividad. En este articulo estudiamos los procesos que lograron integrar una fuerza de trabajo mexicana, con un sistema de production japones altamente eficiente (lean production), y una administracion esta...
Tunable subpicosecond infrared pulse generation to 4 microm.

High-power, subpicosecond infrared pulses have been generated over the wavelength region of 1.7–4.0 μm. The technique uses difference-frequency generation in a LiNbO3 crystal. The subpicosecond output of an amplified colliding-pulse mode-locked (CPM) ring dye laser provides the two frequencies, one being the CPM fundamental, the other a portion of the subpicosecond continuum generated in an ethanol cell. Pulse width, power, and spectral characteristics are discussed.
Directional decoupling of piezoelectric sheet actuators for shape and vibration control of plate structures

With the advancement of actuator engineering, adaptive optic technology has grown considerably over the past couple of decades. Recently, there has been attention in lightweight adaptive optics where piezoelectric sheet actuators are directly attached on the back of optical mirrors to achieve a high precision surface shape with minimum addition weight[C. Kuo, R. Bruno, '90, '92; C. Liu and N. Hagood, '93; R. Kapania, P. Mohan, et al, 1998]. Philen and Wang [2001] investigated the shape control performance of a large flexible circular plate structure having directly attached thin strip piezoelectric sheet actuators placed in the plate's radial and circumferential directions. It was discovered that the performance of the system could be further improved if the piezoelectric actuator was decoupled in direction, meaning that the circumferential (radial) action of the radial (circumferential) actuators is eliminated while the radial (circumferential) action is maintained. To realize the decoupling effect, the performance of an active stiffener concept for high-precision shape and vibration control has been studied [Philen and Wang, 2002]. The active stiffener configuration consists of an insert (stiffener) placed between the host structure and the piezoelectric sheet actuator, which could produce the required decoupling effect. Similar to the active stiffener, the Active Fiber Composite (AFC) possesses a unique orthotropic actuation and has many advantages over the commonly used piezoceramic sheet actuator, thus providing a potential actuation scheme for the control of optical surfaces. In this paper, analytical investigations into several piezoelectric-type actuation methods for shape and vibration control of plate structures are presented. For the study, a performance comparison of the Active Fiber Composite (AFC), the Active Stiffener (AS), and the Direct Attached (DA) actuators for shape and vibration control of a circular plate structure is carried out. The shape control results demonstrate that the AS and the AFC perform much better (more reduction of surface error) than the DA actuator due to the reduced authority in the decoupled direction, and the AS outperforms the AFC for the majority of the deformation modes investigated. While the AFC is able to achieve a greater reduction in the surface error when correcting for certain deformation modes, the required voltages for the AFC are much higher than the AS and DA for all the deformation modes investigated. Due to the reduction of the authority in the decoupled directions, the vibration control results show that the AS and the AFC both have less spillover of the controller's energy into the higher uncontrolled vibration modes than the DA. Similar to the shape control analysis, the AFCs perform comparably to the AS when controlling vibration, but at the cost of much higher voltages.
Keratins: unraveling the coordinated construction of scaffolds in spermatogenic cells.

Recent work shows that two groups of keratins are expressed during mammalian spermatogenesis. One group, belonging to the classic epidermis-type keratins, is present in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids. A member of this group, Sak57, a keratin 5 homologue, has been shown to co-align with microtubules and provide a scaffolding shell while also strengthening intercellular cytoplasmic bridges conjoining members of spermatogonial and spermatocyte cohorts. The other, keratin 9, is a component of the perinuclear ring of the manchette, a microtubular structure developed during the elongation and condensation of the spermatid nucleus. The second group, the outer dense fiber (Odf) proteins, is expressed preferentially during mammalian spermiogenesis. The family of Odf proteins—Odf1, Odf2, and Odf3—includes an expanding group of proteins co-assembled along the axoneme during the development of the sperm tail. Investigations on the assembly of epidermis-type and Odf sperm tail-targeted keratins are now focused on a group of chaperone-like Odf-binding molecules, designated Spags. Spags appear to drive Odfs to a precise destination. A daunting task is to determine how members of the family of keratins get the signal to produce linear scaffolds in specific spermatogenic cell populations and transport keratins to microtubule-containing structures such as the manchette and axoneme. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 61: 1–2, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Using natural analogues in assessing long term effects of nuclear waste disposal in clays: A case study

Les effets a long terme d'echauffement des barrieres argileuses de dechets nucleaires incluent des changements mineralogiques. On les etudie ici en utilisant les donnees de site d'un analogue naturel dans lequel un depot d'argile a ete soumis a une intrusion de lave chaude. Les differences en composition entre la zone de l'analogie et le champ lointain sont utilisees pour evaluer les changements de la resistance et la preconsolidation apparente en employant le modele thermo-chimio-plastique.
Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid Protein Values from Normal, Neural Tube Defect, and Fetal Demise Pregnancies after Exclusion of Maternal Blood Contamination by Testing for Pregnancy-associated Macroglobulin

Summary: To establish normal parameters, we have measured 14 proteins in 120 amniotic fluid samples from normal second trimester pregnancies. Pregnancy-associated macroglobulin (PAM), identified in 15 samples, has served to indicate contamination with maternal blood; this represents the first time that PAM has been used for this purpose. Albumin, transferrin, α-1-antitrypsin, orosomucoid, IgG, and C3 show great variability in individual concentrations but are generally in proportion to each other, particularly transferrin/albumin, α-1-antitrypsin/albumin, and IgG/albumin. The first two ratios are similar to proportions in adult serum, supporting the concept that most amniotic fluid protein is maternal in origin and moves directly across the amnionic membrane. Levels of low density lipoproteine, C4, IgA, IgM, α-2-macroglobulin, and haptoglobin, all low in amniotic fluid, vary independently both of albumin and of each other. α-1-Fetoprotein levels are normal in all samples, suggesting freedom from gross fetal blood contamination. In the presence of maternal blood contamination, 10 of the 15 samples show clear elevation of at least one protein level; C3, IgA, and α-2-macroglobulin are most frequently abnormal. Similar-protein analyses have also been carried out on 11 samples from pregnancies with anencephaly, 5 with spina bifida, and 3 with fetal demise. Results have been compared with normal and blood-contaminated samples. Most protein concentrations are either high normal or abnormally elevated with anencephaly and fetal demise but not with spina bifida. Of all proteins studied, low density lipoprotein is most reliably elevated with neural tube defects and demise and is least affected by blood contamination. IgM and α-2-macroglobulin are also elevated in a significant percentage of uncontaminated samples. Increased IgA and haptoglobin levels correlate with blood contamination but not with neural tube defects. Low density lipoprotein, IgM, and α-2-macroglobulin may be useful adjuncts in the second trimester prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects. Speculation: Well defined normal ranges for second trimester amniotic fluid proteins are a prerequisite for applying such measurements to diagnosing fetal dysfunction and understanding transamniotic interactions between mother and fetus. In defining such parameters, the present study first re-enforces the necessity to identify blood contamination and then establishes low density lipoprotein, IgM, and α-2-macroglobulin measurements as potentially useful ancillary studies for the prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects. Similar testing on samples associated with omphalocele, congenital nephrosis, esophageal atresia, and other major fetal malformations must be carried out to determine whether these measurements may be of further help in second trimester differential diagnosis.
Challenges in Information Fusion Technology Capabilities for Modern Intelligence and Security Problems

Evolutions in both the socio-political dynamics of the World and in Information and Computing Technologies have drastically changed the nature of many intelligence problems in ways that make them much more complex. Information Fusion (IF) technologies, which have historically been among the leading suppliers of information to intelligence analyses and analysts, are now similarly challenged to address these new complexities. This paper offers perspectives on what these challenges entail, and briefly describes some research efforts attempting to deal with some of these challenges. However, there is much more that needs to be done by the IF community, and some of the needed research and development is also described in the paper.
Strength of flexibly connected steel frames

Abstract An analytical study of the strength of flexibly-connected steel frames is presented. A computer program which includes the effects of material and geometric nonlinearities of members and connections is developed, and used in a parametric study which indicates that in most cases, increased connection stiffness leads to an increase of frame strength, but in exceptional cases, it may result in a slight loss of strength.
Sound velocities and elasticity of aluminous MgSiO3 perovskite: Implications for aluminum heterogeneity in Earth's lower mantle

Aluminum has been reported to have a remarkably strong effect on the thermoelastic properties of MgSiO_3 perovskite. However, the sound velocities of aluminous MgSiO_3 perovskite have not been previously measured, even though this phase likely dominates most of the chemistry in Earth's lower mantle. Here we report the first sound velocity measurements on aluminous MgSiO_3 perovskite using Brillouin spectroscopy and obtain the following values for the room-pressure room-temperature adiabatic bulk and shear moduli: K_S = 252 ± 5 GPa and μ = 165 ± 2 GPa, respectively. The presence of 5.1 ± 0.2 wt.% Al_(2)O_3 in MgSiO_3 perovskite decreases the shear modulus by 5.6%. However, within experimental uncertainties, there is no discernable effect of aluminum on the bulk modulus. We find that variations in the aluminum content of MgSiO_3 perovskite may provide an explanation for some observed lateral heterogeneity in Earth's lower mantle.
Analysis of nonlinear electromagnetic problems using time-domain finite element method

Summary form only given. Many materials in the nature or fabricated in laboratories exhibit nonlinear behavior where the permittivity and/or permeability is a function of the magnitude of the electric or magnetic field intensity. Such nonlinearity results in a nonlinear system of Maxwell's equations, which are more challenging to solve. Generally speaking, there are two kinds of methods commonly adopted to solve nonlinear problems. The first kind of methods solves the linearized versions of the original problems, while the second kind of methods deals with the nonlinear problems directly. Although more difficult to solve with a high efficiency, the second kind of methods is more desirable in order to capture the nonlinear phenomenon more accurately. Among various nonlinear solvers developed in the applied mathematics community, the Newton-Raphson method is widely used due to its second-order convergence, if started from an initial guess sufficiently close to the true solution. However, in a real application, there is no straightforward way to choose a good initial guess. As a result, the Newton-Raphson method could be unstable or divergent in solving complicated problems. Another difficulty of applying the Newton-Raphson method is that the Jacobian matrix needs to be updated and solved in every Newton iteration, which could be very time consuming for solving large problems. When the nonlinear electromagnetic problems are formulated and solved with the finite element method in time domain (J. M. Jin, The Finite Element Method in Electromagnetics, Second Edition. New York: Wiley, 2002), the numerical solution at a previous time step can be used as a natural choice for the initial guess of the Newton iteration at the successive time step. The convergent of the Newton-Raphson method can be achieved if the time step is small enough such that the solutions of two successive time steps are sufficiently close. In this presentation, we employ the time-domain finite element method (TDFEM) combined with the Newton-Raphson method and its variations to solve nonlinear electromagnetic problems. We first study the TDFEM formulation of nonlinear problems, and then show how it can be solved with Newton(-like) methods. We demonstrate and compare the performance of different nonlinear solvers including the basic Newton-Raphson method and its variations through a number of numerical examples.
Resonant four-wave parametric interactions: Adiabatic formulation.

The density-matrix approach, in the quasistatic or adiabatic limit, is applied to the case of resonant four-wave interactions in four-level systems resulting in explicit analytical expressions for the nonlinear optical parametric and nonparametric polarizations, including ac Stark effects. The results are applicable to any closed-linkage diagram of this type but are applied only to the specific case of resonant frequency tripling. The results revealed the presence of up to six Stark-shifted nonparametric resonances and the presence of saturation and interference effects on the parametric susceptibility. In particular, the third-order susceptibility is shown to saturate to a very small value under high-field conditions which restricts the range of useful pump intensities. Under near-resonant to resonant conditions, these imply that because of either nonparametric loss present at the pump or harmonic frequencies or power-dependent dispersive and saturation effects, conversion efficiencies higher than 25% may be difficult to realize in practice.
Dendritic cells reach out in different directions

In this issue, Li and colleagues describe the growth and characterization of a specific subpopulation of dendritic cells with the ability to support the expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro and induce immune tolerance in vivo.
Analysis of Zipf's law: an index approach

Abstract A rigorous analysis of Zipf's law is made using an index for the sequence of observed values of the variables in a Zipf-type relationship. Three important properties relating rank, count, and frequency are identified. Using this approach, the shape of Zipf-type curves can be described in terms of three distinct regions and two parameters of the Mandelbrot-Zipf law. This result has considerable practical significance, since it provides rigorous foundations for the application of Zipf's law.
Beauty and Boredom in The Legend of Good Women

AbstractExploring the links between beauty and boredom in the Legend of Good Women, this essay argues for a reconsideration of the apparent opposition between the affective and the social, embodiment and symbolization, aestheticism and historicism.
Incremental SVD for Insight into Wind Generation

In this paper, we formulate the problem of predicting wind generation as one of streaming data analysis. We want to understand if it is possible to use the weather data in a time window just before the current time to gain insight into how the wind generation might behave in a time interval just after the current time. Specifically, we use a singular value decomposition of the weather data, and how that the number of singular values and the largest singular value can be used to predict the magnitude of the change in the generation in the near future. The analysis uses an incremental algorithm based on a sliding window for reduced computational costs.
Combustor performance enhancement through direct shear layer excitation

Abstract Previous studies of turbulent nonreacting shear flows have shown that flow excitation can provide enhance entrainment and mixing. In the present study, the effects of periodic flow excitation on the performance of a two-dimensional dump combustor were investigated for lean premixed conditions. The flow excitation was in the form of a sinusoidal cross-stream velocity perturbation applied just upstream of the flow separation. The forcing frequencies, chosen such that they corresponded to resonant and off-resonant vortex shedding frequencies indentified in unforced combustion, ranged from 35 to 400 Hz. The effect of forcing on both nonreacting and reacting flowfields was to modulate the formation of vortex structures just downstream of the flow separation. In the nonreacting flowfield, the shear layer spreading rate increased when forcing was applied. In the reacting flow, forcing caused a modulation of the flame structure. Forcing increased the mean CH emission intensity from the flame, which is related to mean volumetric energy release, up to 15%, reduced the rms pressure fluctuation level by up to 30%, and reduced the equivalence ratio at the lean blowoff limit up to 6%. NOx emissions were reduced by up to 20% with forcing. The forcing location and excitation frequency and amplitude are important parameters in gaining effective combustion control. Performance improvements generally increased with increasing excitation amplitude and increasing frequency within the operating constraints of the excitation system. The mean CH emission intensity was found to be proportional to the mean flame surface area, which increased with forcing, suggesting that the observed increase in volumetric energy release was due to an increase in flame area with forcing. The coupling of heat release and the pressure field was investigated using Rayleigh's criterion, and the analysis showed decreased flame driving of the dominant low-frequency modes with forcing applied, resulting in a reduction of the magnitude of rms pressure fluctuations.
Altitude-acclimatization: Its effect on hypoxia-induced performance decrements

The effects of hypoxia on performance of altitude-acclimatized and non-acclimatized rats were tested in three experiments. The first experiment tested acclimatized and non-acclimatized animals in either 20% O2, 10% O2 or 5% O2 atmospheres in (1) an open field, (2) a Lashley III water maze, and (3) a discrimination apparatus. The second experiment compared acclimatized and non-acclimatized rats in the performance of an already learned task (the water maze) in either 20% O2 or 5% O2 atmospheres. The third experiment tested the performance of non-acclimatized animals in a 5% O2 atmosphere on an overlearned task in the water maze.
Periorbital edema as an initial presentation of rosacea

Rosacea is a common dermatosis with a variety of clinical manifestations. The eyes are often affected. The most frequent ocular findings are blepharitis and conjunctivitis. We describe three patients with rosacea in whom periorbital edema was the initial presentation. This symptom may be confused with other dermatoses and may be refractory to conventional treatments for rosacea.
Transient response of cadmium telluride modules to light exposure

Commercial cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) modules from three different manufacturers were monitored for performance changes during indoor and outdoor light-exposure. Short-term transients in V oc were recorded on some modules, with characteristic times of ∼1.1 hours. Outdoor performance data shows a similar drop in V oc after early morning light exposure. Preliminary analysis of FF changes show light-induced changes on multiple time scales, including a long time scale. Multiple methods of measuring βV oc resulted in a range of values on the same CdTe PV module between −0.25%/C and −0.4%/C, possibly due to concurrent light-induced V oc transients and temperature changes. This paper highlights the need for rapid performance measurement of PV samples following light exposure and the possibility of incorrect results when using outdoor light exposure to collect values of βV oc for CdTe modules.
The Crystal Structure of Human E-cadherin Domains 1 and 2, and Comparison with other Cadherins in the Context of Adhesion Mechanism

Cell adhesion mediated by type I cadherins involves homophilic "trans" interactions that are thought to be brought about by a strand exchange mechanism involving the N-terminal extracellular domain. Here, we present the high-resolution crystal structure of the N-terminal two domains of human E-cadherin. Comparison of this structure with other type I cadherin structures reveals features that are likely to be critical to facilitate dimerization by strand exchange as well as dimer flexibility. We integrate this structural knowledge to provide a model for type I cadherin adhesive interactions. Intra-molecular docking of the conserved N-terminal "adhesion arm" into the acceptor pocket in monomeric E-cadherin appears largely identical to inter-molecular docking of the adhesion arm in adhesive trans dimers. A strained conformation of the adhesion arm in the monomer, however, may create an equilibrium between "open" and "closed" forms that primes the cadherin for formation of adhesive interactions, which are then stabilized by additional dimer-specific contacts. By contrast, in type II cadherins, strain in the adhesion arm appears absent and a much larger surface area is involved in trans adhesion, which may compensate the activation energy required to peel off the intra-molecularly docked arm. It seems that evolution has selected slightly different adhesion mechanisms for type I and type II cadherins.
Frequency dependencies of power noise

In this paper, frequency dependencies of delta-I noise caused by variations of the on-chip switching activity have been analyzed by simulations for a complex computer system board with multi-chip module, especially the impact of coincidences with resonances of the power distribution system. The switching frequency and the noise source waveform have been varied in case of a single delta-I step. For repeated delta-I steps the power noise dependencies on the repetition frequency, the duty cycle and the damping of the resonant loop have been analyzed. Simulations using switching current sources for on-chip switching have been confirmed by simulations with switching resistors plus de voltage source. Mid-frequency noise simulations using SPEED2000 and noise voltage measurements yield the same results within 6% for the first and second voltage droops and overshoots, if the real resistance of power/ground vias and module pins are included in the simulation.
Post-ictal depression transiently inhibits induction of LTP in area CA1 of the rat hippocampal slice

Abstract We tested the effects of electrographic seizures (EGSs) elicited in a remote site (area CA3) on the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in area CA1 of the rat hippocampal slice. Induction of LTP was inhibited only when the LTP-inducing stimulus was delivered during the period of post-ictal depression (5–10 min period of field response depression) following an evoked EGS. It was not inhibited during the tonic firing phase of the EGS. The time course for the recovery of the ability to induce LTP after an EGS matched the recovery of field responses from post-ictal depression. Moreover, the magnitude of LTP was inversely proportional to the duration of post-ictal depression. Delaying the onset of depression with the adenosine A 1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT) permitted LTP induction at a time point when it would normally be suppressed. Finally, the inhibitory effects of post-ictal depression on LTP induction were not restricted to electrically evoked EGSs, as LTP could not be induced during the depressed phase following a spontaneous EGS elicited in 10 mM K + medium. These results demonstrate that the inhibition of LTP induction following epileptiform activity in vitro is in part a consequence of post-ictal depression of responses.
Apples to Oranges: Evaluating Image Annotations from Natural Language Processing Systems

We examine evaluation methods for systems that automatically annotate images using co-occurring text. We compare previous datasets for this task using a series of baseline measures inspired by those used in information retrieval, computer vision, and extractive summarization. Some of our baselines match or exceed the best published scores for those datasets. These results illuminate incorrect assumptions and improper practices regarding preprocessing, evaluation metrics, and the collection of gold image annotations. We conclude with a list of recommended practices for future research combining language and vision processing techniques.
Solving Bilevel Linear Programs Using Multiple Objective Linear Programming

We present an algorithm for solving bilevel linear programs that uses simplex pivots on an expanded tableau. The algorithm uses the relationship between multiple objective linear programs and bilevel linear programs along with results for minimizing a linear objective over the efficient set for a multiple objective problem. Results in multiple objective programming needed are presented. We report computational experience demonstrating that this approach is more effective than a standard branch-and-bound algorithm when the number of leader variables is small.
A CLICK BEETLE LARVA (COLEOPTERA: ELATERIDAE) PREYING UPON AN ANTLION LARVA (NEUROPTERA: MYRMELEONTIDAE) 1

The snake-like larvae of Cardiophorinae, commonly called wireworms, aresoil-dwelling or live in rotten decaying wood. They are elongate and smooth witha rather well-developed head with a prominentfrontoclypeus and peculiar, exter-nally toothed mandibles (Klausnitzer 1991-1999; Klausnitzer et al., 2000). Theyare highly mobile, moving with considerable speed through substrate. Some lar-valCardiophorinae are voracious predators, feeding on soil-dwelling insects andearthworms, although little is known about the specific insects upon which theyfeed. Antlion larvae are sand-dwelling insects and this paper documents the firstcase of a Cardiophorinae larva feeding on an antlion larva (Neu roptera: My r me -leontidae).Our knowledge of predation on both adult and larval antlions is limited, al -though adult antlions are considered to be prey for reptiles, birds, mammals, andmany invertebrates, including scorpions, spiders, and insects (Gepp and Holzel,1996; Gepp, 2010). Adults are also known to be consumed by robber flies anddragonflies, and predators with raptorial forelegs, such as mantids (Man todea)and mantidflies (Neuroptera: Mantispidae), have been observed to catch and eatadult antlions (Devetak, unpublished). Larval antlions in dry sandy habitats havebeen reported to be eaten by lizards, birds and hedgehogs (Gepp and Holzel,1996; Gepp and Klausnitzer, 2005; Gepp, 2010). Until now, stiletto fly (Diptera:Therevidae) larvae are the only recorded insect predator of larval antlions, asreported by Gepp and Klausnitzer (2005) on larvae of the European antlion,
Loss of PTEN Expression Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas

Purpose: Previously, we reported PIK3CA gene mutations in high-grade intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). However, the contribution of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase pathway (PI3K) dysregulation to pancreatic carcinogenesis is not fully understood and its prognostic value unknown. We investigated the dysregulation of the PI3K signaling pathway in IPMN and its clinical implication. Experimental Design: Thirty-six IPMN specimens were examined by novel mutant-enriched sequencing methods for hot-spot mutations in the PIK3CA and AKT1 genes. PIK3CA and AKT1 gene amplifications and loss of heterozygosity at the PTEN locus were also evaluated. In addition, the expression levels of PDPK1/PDK1, PTEN, and Ki67 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Three cases carrying the E17K mutation in the AKT1 gene and one case harboring the H1047R mutation in the PIK3CA gene were detected among the 36 cases. PDK1 was significantly overexpressed in the high-grade IPMN versus low-grade IPMN ( P = 0.034) and in pancreatic and intestinal-type of IPMN versus gastric-type of IPMN ( P = 0.020). Loss of PTEN expression was strongly associated with presence of invasive carcinoma and poor survival in these IPMN patients ( P = 0.014). Conclusion: This is the first report of AKT1 mutations in IPMN. Our data indicate that oncogenic activation of the PI3K pathway can contribute to the progression of IPMN, in particular loss of PTEN expression. This finding suggests the potential employment of PI3K pathway-targeted therapies for IPMN patients. The incorporation of PTEN expression status in making surgical decisions may also benefit IPMN patients and should warrant further investigation. Clin Cancer Res; 19(24); 6830–41. ©2013 AACR .
Informed Consent in International Health Research

Informed consent is universally recognized as a central component of ethical conduct in scientific research. Investigators working with diverse populations throughout the world face myriad challenges. The application of standards for informed consent can be daunting for researchers when they face the pragmatic constraints of the field and the reality of cultural beliefs about consent that may be in direct conflict with regulatory requirements. This paper explores cultural and social factors underlying informed consent for health research with diverse populations in international settings. Sociocultural influences on comprehension of information, perceptions of risk, and beliefs regarding decisional authority are reviewed. The implications of power inequities between study sponsors, researchers and participants are also considered. Issues associated with the development and preparation of consent forms, including translation and documentation are highlighted. Recommendations for good practices are outlined...
Sensitivity studies for space-based measurement of atmospheric total column carbon dioxide by reflected sunlight

The feasibility of making space-based carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements for global and regional carbon-cycle studies is explored. With the proposed detection method, we use absorption of reflected sunlight near 1.58 μm. The results indicate that the small (∼1%) changes in CO2 near the Earth’s surface are detectable provided that an adequate sensor signal-to-noise ratio and spectral resolution are achievable. Modification of the sunlight path by scattering of aerosols and cirrus clouds could, however, lead to systematic errors in the CO2 column retrieval; therefore ancillary aerosol and cloud data are important to reduce errors. Precise measurement of surface pressure and good knowledge of the atmospheric temperature profile are also required.
Regulation of neuronal pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide expression during culture of guinea-pig cardiac ganglia

The trophic neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) increases in many different neuron types following injury; a response postulated to support cell survival and regeneration. In acutely isolated cardiac ganglia, approximately 1% of the cardiac neurons exhibited PACAP immunoreactivity whereas after 72 h in culture, approximately 25% of the neurons were PACAP immunoreactive. In contrast, there was no increase in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-immunoreactive (IR) cells. Using a combination of immunocytochemical and molecular techniques, we have quantified PACAP expression, during explant culture of guinea-pig cardiac ganglia. Using real time polymerase chain reaction, PACAP transcript levels increased progressively up to 48 h in culture with no further increase after 72 h. PACAP transcript levels were reduced by neurturin at 48 h in culture but not after 24 or 72 h in culture. In addition, neurturin partially suppressed the percentage of PACAP-IR neurons after 72 h in culture, an effect mediated by activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. The addition of different known regulatory molecules, including ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), interleukin-1 beta (Il-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), fibroblast growth factor basic (bFGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and nerve growth factor (NGF) did not increase the percentage of PACAP-IR neurons after 24 h in culture; a result indicating that the generation and secretion of these factors did not stimulate PACAP expression. The presence of 20 nM PACAP or 10 muM forskolin increased the percentage of PACAP-IR cardiac neurons in 24 h cultures, but not in 72 h cultures. Neither treatment enhanced the number of VIP-IR neurons. The addition of the PACAP selective receptor (PAC(1)) receptor antagonist, M65 (100 nM) suppressed the 20 nM PACAP-induced increase in percentage of PACAP-IR cells in 24 h cultures indicating the effect of PACAP was mediated through the PAC(1) receptor. However, 100 nM M65 had no effect on the percentage of PACAP-IR cells in either 24 or 48 h cultures not treated with exogenous PACAP, suggesting that endogenous release of PACAP likely did not contribute to the enhanced peptide expression. We postulate that the enhanced PACAP expression, which occurs in response to injury is facilitated in the explant cultured cardiac ganglia by the loss of a target-derived inhibitory factor, very likely neurturin. In intact tissues the presence of neurturin would normally suppress PACAP expression. Lastly, our results indicate that many common trophic factors do not enhance PACAP expression in the cultured cardiac neurons. However, the stimulatory role of an, as yet, unidentified factor cannot be excluded.
Surface Passivation of Gaas-Based Phemt by Hydrogen Ion Irradiation

Surface passivation is a key issue in compound semiconductor device technology. The high density of surface states on unpassivated surfaces can lead to excessive non-radiative recombination at the surface, affecting optical devices, or provide leakage and low-field breakdown in electronic devices. Our previous studies on low energy, low-dose hydrogen ion treatment carried out at room temperature showed long-term improvement in the optical properties of near surface quantum wells. We have accordingly applied this process to GaAs-based pseudomorphic HEMTs (PHEMT) in order to improve their power performance. Although our process is designed so that the hydrogen reactions are confined to the surface of the substrate, a critical factor in the success of this treatment is the extent of in-diffusion of the hydrogen, and the possibility of dopant passivation. PHEMT structures were hydrogenated at various conditions and both Hall mobility and carrier density were monitored. For a low hydrogen ion dose (3 × 1016 cm−2) at 80 eV energy, some degradation of Hall mobility and carrier density was noted after the treatment, but full recovery of both parameters was achieved after a 400°C thermal anneal. Much higher hydrogen doses resulted in severe degradation of mobility and carrier density, which were only partially recovered after thermal anneal. Measurements on actual PHEMT devices showed an approximately 15% decrease in the transconductance, and in addition, a 60% decrease in the gate-to-drain leakage current after irradiation with 80 eV hydrogen ions at a dose of 3 × 1016 cm−2. The decrease of the leakage current indicates that passivation is taking place. The decrease of the transconductance suggests that hydrogen may be diffusing into the regions of the dopants. Optimization of the hydrogenation parameters should allow leakage reduction without sacrifice of transconductance.