cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic Compatibility lecture and laboratory course for undergraduate and graduate students

The goal of this project was to reactivate and update a very popular course on Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) for engineering undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno. The paper describes the course topics, hands-on laboratory experiments, a numerical modeling exercise, and guest lectures by EMC experts from industry. A discussion of feedback from students who took the course is also provided and plans for improvement.
Reliability block diagram extensions for non-parametric probabilistic analysis

Multi-Valued Reliability Block Diagrams (MVRBD) are introduced as a generalization of classical reliability block diagrams (RBD) commonly used in system analysis. MVRBD offer the advantage of allowing systems and subsystem components to be modeled with arbitrary hazard failure rate relationships. MVRBD are based upon a multiple-valued discrete switching algebra that is functionally complete with constants thereby affording a corresponding model to be formulated for any system that is capable of being modeled in a reliability block diagram form. The utility of this new model is that system failure and reliability analysis can be performed without restricting component hazard rate relationships to the binary case of either "failure" or "fully operational." The incorporation of any desired number of "degraded" states into the MVRBD model allows for non-parametric probability mass functions (pmf) to be used. Any arbitrary number of intermediate system states of "degraded" may be incorporated into the MVRBD model without significant increase in the complexity of the analyses methodologies.
No sweat: African American adolescent girls’ opinions of hairstyle choices and physical activity

Obesity prevalence is higher among African American adolescent (AAA) girls than among non-black girls. Lower levels of physical activity (PA) likely contribute to this disparity; this may be impacted by hairstyle concerns.
TECHNICAL METHODS AND APPARATUS

This chapter describes methods for studying the digestive tract. About the only conceivable method by which one could record and correlate what goes on simultaneously in the many parts of the stomach or gut would be to obtain roentgenocinematographic films and then plot distances between moving points as measured in the successive frames. There are two main methods of getting cinematic roentgenograms: (1) the direct method, and (2) the indirect method. Auer found that he could observe the movements of the bowel of rabbits by shaving off the hair and watching the rippling movements under the thin abdominal wall. Thiry studied the intestinal juices by closing off one end of a segment of bowel and sewing the other to an opening in the abdominal wall. Vella brought both ends into the skin incision so as to be able to study the progress of balloons and bits of food through the loop. Others made fistulas into various parts of the intestine to study the pyloric function and the succus entericus.
SNAPIN is critical for lysosomal acidification and autophagosome maturation in macrophages

We previously observed that SNAPIN, which is an adaptor protein in the SNARE core complex, was highly expressed in rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue macrophages, but its role in macrophages and autoimmunity is unknown. To identify SNAPIN's role in these cells, we employed siRNA to silence the expression of SNAPIN in primary human macrophages. Silencing SNAPIN resulted in swollen lysosomes with impaired CTSD (cathepsin D) activation, although total CTSD was not reduced. Neither endosome cargo delivery nor lysosomal fusion with endosomes or autophagosomes was inhibited following the forced silencing of SNAPIN. The acidification of lysosomes and accumulation of autolysosomes in SNAPIN-silenced cells was inhibited, resulting in incomplete lysosomal hydrolysis and impaired macroautophagy/autophagy flux. Mechanistic studies employing ratiometric color fluorescence on living cells demonstrated that the reduction of SNAPIN resulted in a modest reduction of H+ pump activity; however, the more critical mechanism was a lysosomal proton leak. Overall, our results demonstrate that SNAPIN is critical in the maintenance of healthy lysosomes and autophagy through its role in lysosome acidification and autophagosome maturation in macrophages largely through preventing proton leak. These observations suggest an important role for SNAPIN and autophagy in the homeostasis of macrophages, particularly long-lived tissue resident macrophages.
Back to the Future: Glomerular Hyperfiltration and the Diabetic Kidney

Observations that early changes in renal hemodynamics beget later kidney damage was a seminal scientific discovery that ultimately led to development of the only class of agents, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system (ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers), approved by regulatory agencies for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) (1,2). The first drugs in this class were approved more than two decades ago, and the concept of glomerular hyperfiltration as a targetable mechanism for DKD goes back almost four decades. It is rather ironic that looking backward in this direction may move the field forward in the future. Despite tremendous efforts of the clinical and translational research community and enormous amounts of scientific evidence discovered about various disease mechanisms, no others have successfully translated to a new treatment for DKD. Processes like fibrosis and inflammation undoubtedly contribute in major ways to the pathogenesis of DKD, but many attempts to translate these mechanisms to therapeutic targets have not yet succeeded (3–7). This consequence is likely due to a number of issues in the design and conduct of clinical trials, lack of validated DKD biomarkers, and barriers in the regulatory and business domains (8). Interest has resurged in renal hemodynamics because this DKD mechanism is targetable by strategies already in hand. In addition to the effects of renin-angiotensin system inhibition to decompress the glomerulus by releasing efferent arteriolar vasoconstriction, the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor class of oral hypoglycemic agents may reduce glomerular hyperfiltration by another mechanism. These agents increase distal tubular delivery of solute, specifically sodium chloride to the macula densa, and thereby reduce afferent arteriolar vasodilation via tubuloglomerular feedback (Fig. 1) (9 …
Effects of Warning Signal Duration on Free-Operant Avoidance

Acquisition and maintenance of free-operant lever-press avoidance was studied in domesticated rats as a function of 10-, 20-, and 30-sec warning signals. Acquisition occurred most rapidly and lower shock rates developed in the presence of the longest warning signal. Overall response rates showed no systematic relationship to signal duration, although exposure to the brief (10-sec) signal did result in much lower response rates throughout the experiment, in comparison to initial exposure to the 30-sec signal. Stimulus control of responding by the warning signal was relatively weak and the animals made progessively less use of their increased opportunity to respond as signal duration increased. Consistent warm-up effects were observed but they were not differentially influenced by signal duration.
The zone-based dynamic facility layout problem

The dynamic facility layout problem (DFLP) is to decide the locations of the departments in a facility over multiple planning periods. The main challenge in the DFLP is that there are two conflicti...
Structural and electronic properties of copper-doped chalcogenide glasses

Using ab initio molecular dynamics based on density functional theory, we study the atomic and electronic structure, and transport properties of copper-doped germanium-based chalcogenide glasses. These mixed ionic-electronic conductor materials exhibit resistance or threshold switching under external electric field depending on slight variations of chemical composition. Understanding the origin of the transport character is essential for the functionalization of glassy chalcogenides for nanoelectronics applications. To this end, we generated atomic structures for ${\mathrm{GeX}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{GeX}}_{6}$ (X = S, Se, Te) at different copper concentrations and characterized the atomic origin of electronic states responsible for transport and the tendency of copper clustering as a function of metal concentration. Our results show that copper dissolution energies explain the tendency of copper to agglomerate in telluride glasses, consistent with filamentary conduction. In contrast, copper is less prone to cluster in sulfides and selenides leading to hysteresisless threshold switching where the nature of transport is dominated by electronic midgap defects derived from polar chalcogen bonds and copper atoms. Simulated $I\ensuremath{-}V$ curves show that at least 35% by weight of copper is required to achieve the current demands of threshold-based devices for memory applications.
Tough love: accommodating intracellular bacteria through directed secretion of antimicrobial peptides during the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis

The symbiosis formed by nitrogen-fixing bacteria with plant hosts mainly in the legume family involves a very intimate interaction. Within the symbiotic organ (the nodule) the bacteria are fully internalized by the host cell to become an intracellular organelle surrounded by a host-derived membrane. This arrangement is probably necessary for the efficient provision of energy and the sequestration of free oxygen molecules, two conditions required for sustained nitrogen fixation. Recent advances made in model legume species, such as Medicago truncatula, are beginning to uncover the genetic components allowing rhizobia to access the host cytoplasm and establish chronic intracellular infections without overt detrimental effects. It is now known that the rhizobial compartment in M. truncatula cells, the symbiosome, retains some features of the extracellular space as the target for a redirected host protein secretory pathway. A set of vesicle trafficking proteins function specifically in symbiotic cells to ensure the faithful delivery of secretory proteins to the intracellular bacteria, or bacteroid. This system is co-opted from the more ancient association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi found in most land plants, highlighting the evolutionary origin of the legume-rhizobia symbiosis. In some legume lineages, this heightened capability to process secretory proteins is needed to deliver a large number of symbiosis-specific antimicrobial peptides to the bacteria. Known as NCR peptides, these molecules transform bacteroids into a state of terminal differentiation, where the microbe loses its ability to proliferate outside their host. Numbering in their hundreds, these peptides manipulate various aspects of rhizobial biology, and affect the outcome of this symbiosis in complex ways. The extreme size of the NCR peptide family seems to be the result of an evolutionary conflict between the two partners to extract maximum benefit from each other.
Robotran: evolution of an undergraduate software project

Student software projects occasionally evolve into useful, long-lasting applications, but are seldom documented well, making maintenance by later students and faculty extremely difficult. Dealing with this type of legacy code poses challenges but presents interesting opportunities for students to learn in a deep way why software engineering is important. Skills of structure discovery can be taught and will be useful in a student's future career in the software industry.
DNA Databases: Uses and Issues

DNA databases in many cases enable successful conclusion to forensic cases without initial suspects and connection of serial crimes involving biological evidence. Two primary indices exist with forensic DNA databases that are searched against one another: (1) DNA profiles from offenders who have been convicted or in some cases arrested for a crime, and (2) DNA profiles from crime scene evidence. The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is comprised of three levels: the Local DNA Index System (LDIS), the State DNA Index System (SDIS), and the National DNA Index System (NDIS). The U.S. CODIS system utilizes 13 core STR markers while many other national DNA databases use some of the same loci and some additional ones. Privacy concerns surrounding the rapid expansion of DNA databases are also reviewed.
Naturalists as Conservationists: American Scientists, Social Responsibility, and Political Activism before the Bomb

American naturalists have long served key roles in conservation causes. This paper presents case studies of three prominent scientists whose lives and careers demonstrate this pervasive, yet historically neglected phenomenon: the ichthyologist David Starr Jordan, the ornithologist Frank Michler Chapman, and the ecologist Victor Shelford. Their stories reveal a deep, abiding commitment to conservation within the American natural history community, a commitment that is not only important in its own right but also challenges the prevailing view that an interest in social responsibility and political activism in science was a product of the atomic age.
Role of North Indian Ocean Air–Sea Interaction in Summer Monsoon Intraseasonal Oscillation

AbstractAir–sea coupling processes over the north Indian Ocean associated with the Indian summer monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (MISO) are investigated. Observations show that MISO convection an...
Safety and Feasibility of Balloon-Assisted Embolization with Onyx of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations Revisited: Personal Experience with the Scepter XC Balloon Microcatheter.

Background/objective Compliant dual-lumen balloon microcatheters have been used to perform balloon-assisted embolization (BAE) of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx). However, vessel rupture and microcatheter retention have been reported from BAE using these microcatheters. Using an extra-compliant balloon microcatheter (Scepter XC; Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA) could help avoid pial vessel rupture during BAE. We herein report our experience using this balloon microcatheter for BAE. Methods This retrospective study included patients who underwent BAE of brain AVMs at our institution between June 2012 and March 2017. Results The extra-compliant Scepter XC balloon microcatheter was used for BAE of brain AVMs in 23 patients aged 44.3 ± 16.7 years (range 0-65 years). A total of 40 intracranial vessels (39 pial arteries and 1 pial vein) were catheterized and embolized during 30 separate sessions. In all instances, the balloon microcatheter could be successfully advanced to the AVM nidus. A mean volume of 2.4 ± 1.7 mL (range 0.65-4.6 mL) of Onyx was injected per session. There were no instances of vessel rupture, microcatheter retention, or stroke. Conclusion Utilization of the extra-compliant balloon microcatheter results in safe and effective BAE, which adds to the growing experience with BAE for AVM treatment.
A Parametric Amplifier Slot Antenna

Parametric amplifier utilizes nonlinear and/or time variant properties of reactive elements (capacitors and/or inductors) to amplify radio frequency signals. A new hybrid topology containing a parametric amplifier and an antenna is presented. A pair of varactor diodes, as nonlinear reactors, are incorporated in the structure of a slot antenna on the side wall of a rectangular cavity resonator to amplify the received signal. A hybrid simulation (full wave simulation by (HFSS) and circuit simulation by (ADS) software packages) is used to simulate the entire antenna structure including radiating element and nonlinear amplifying elements. The simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed parametric antenna.
Complement Deposition on the Surface of RBC After Trauma Serves a Biomarker of Moderate Trauma Severity: A Prospective Study.

ABSTRACTBackground:Activation of the complement system and complement deposition on red blood cells (RBCs) contribute to organ damage in trauma. We conducted a prospective study in subjects with traumatic injuries to determine the pattern of complement deposition on RBC and whether they are associat
After-hours telephone calls to general and subspecialty internists: an observational study.

Objective: To study the after-hours telephone calls received by practicing general and subspecialty internists.
Psychotherapy — The Transformation of Meanings: Discussion Paper:

This paper presents the hypothesis that psychotherapy seeks to produce changes in attitudes and behaviour through transformation of meanings. Patients come to psychotherapy because they are demoralized by the menacing meanings of their symptoms. The psychotherapist collaborates with the patient in formulating a plausible story that makes the meanings of the symptoms more benign and provides procedures for combating them, thereby enabling the patient to regain his morale. As a result, he feels better and functions more effectively, leading to progressive improvement. Various implications and limitations of this hypothesis are explored.
Global Updates on Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Trends and Attribution of Traditional Risk Factors

The last 2–3 decades have witnessed a decline in age-standardized cardiovascular mortality rates in high-income regions, whereas this has only slightly decreased or even increased in most of the low- and middle-income countries. A systematic comparison of global CVD mortality by regions attributable to various modifiable risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, poor diet, and physical inactivity is not available. We present a summary of time trends and heterogeneity in the distribution of global CVD mortality and the attribution of risk factors between 1990 and 2017 using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 study. Globally, an estimated ~ 17.8 million (233.1 per 100,000) people died of CVD in 2017. The rate of CVD death was decreased in high-income countries (1990: 271.8 (95% UI (uncertainty interval), 270.9–273.5); 2017: 128.5 (95% UI, 126.4–130.7) per 100,000)) whereas it remained the same in lower- and middle-income countries (1990: 368.2 (95% UI, 335.6–383.3); 2017: 316.9 (95% UI, 307.0–325.5) per 100,000). Among the various traditional risk factors, high systolic blood pressure, unhealthy diet, high fasting plasma glucose, and high low-density lipoprotein levels were attributed to most of the CVD death and disability-adjusted life year lost. We also observed gender variations in tobacco and increased alcohol consumption. In addition to the traditional risk factors, poor air quality is associated with increased CVD burden in developing countries. Surveillance, country-specific guidelines, evidence-based policies, reinforcement of multisectoral health systems, and innovative solutions are urgently needed in resource-challenged settings to curb CVD risk factors and overall burden.
A Survey of Community Detection Algorithms Based On Analysis-Intent

There has been a significant amount of research dedicated to identifying community structures within graphs. Most of these studies have focused on partitioning techniques and the resultant quality of discovered groupings (communities) without regard for the intent of the analysis being conducted (analysis-intent). In many cases, a given network community can be composed of significantly different elements depending upon the context in which a partitioning technique is used or applied. Moreover, the number of communities within a network will vary greatly depending on the analysis-intent and thus the discretion quality and performance of algorithms will similarly vary. In this survey we review several algorithms from the literature developed to discover community structure within networks. We review these approaches from two analysis perspectives: role/process focused (category-based methods) and topological structure or connection focused (event-based methods). We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm and provide suggestions on the algorithms’ use depending on analysis context.
A comparison study of methods for estimation of a burn surface area: Lund and Browder, e-burn and Mersey Burns.

Abstract Introduction One of the greatest challenges in burn care is the estimation of a total burn surface area (TBSA). It is especially challenging and needs to take into account the growing proportions and the age of a paediatric patient. The aims of this study is to: (1) assess the reliability of the three modalities (LB, MB, and EB) in calculating the extent of burn injuries and fluid resuscitation, and (2) compare the features in terms of usability and efficacy. Methods Participants were recruited from Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH), South Australia’s surgical and emergency department. Participants were introduced to LB, MB and EB, and then commenced calculation of TBSA on two simulated paediatric (patient A: 12 months, patient B: 4 years) burns. The participants were categorized into three groups; (1) Burns-naive, (2) Burns-experienced, and (3) Burns-expert. Results A total of 45 participants took part in this validation study: doctors (49%), nurses (33%), nursing students (11%) and medical students (7%). The burns-naive group demonstrated higher means in both patients and has greater variance, TBSA mean 28.8%, range 14–40.5% and mean 37.4%, range 20–52.3% in patient A and B respectively. Two-way ANOVA analysis shows a statistically significant interaction between the effects of level of experience and use of applications on estimation of TBSA in larger burns. Conclusion Innovative software and mobile applications demonstrate a high potential as clinical adjuncts in achieving better health outcomes in any health care system. Both Mersey Burns and e-burn reduced the risk of human error particularly from untrained or non-specialised clinicians, however, e-burn proved to be more favourable in our study. Technology-aided models are the future of burns assessment, and further studies are warranted to determine their impact on overall clinical outcome.
Recent advances in devices for minimally invasive aortic valve replacement

Introduction: Aortic valve disease is the most common valvular heart disease. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the treatment of choice for aortic valve stenosis (AS). Multiple options have been developed to treat AS, corresponding to the steadily growing AVR case volume. The increased adoption of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR) techniques, despite being technically challenging, is reflected in its advantageous outcomes. Continuous device development can add a critical value to the technical expertise and advance the proficiency of mini-AVR.Areas covered: The literature related to Mini-AVR is reviewed for the current state-of-the-art approach to treating valvular diseases. The latest technologies to treat AS were reviewed and compared with outcomes. A brief expert review of the current state of structural heart and valvular surgery programs is discussed to address collaboration and future challenges.Expert commentary: The treatment of aortic valve disease has evolved in a manner which cardiac surgeons and cardiologists would have never imagined. Advances in surgical techniques and increased training courses have improved adoption of minimally invasive aortic valve procedures. In addition, the recent development of facilitating devices has significantly improved the exposure necessary to perform an expeditious and safe operation.
Removal of Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid in Water by Combining Zerovalent Iron Particles with Common Oxidants

The frequent occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the water environment is a recent global concern. Because of their extraordinarily strong chemical stability caused by the m...
Is Biopharma Ready for the Standards Wars

This symposium contribution sheds new light on Momenta v. Amphastar, a recent federal case in which issues relating to standardization and patent disclosure that have previously been observed in the semiconductor, computing and telecommunications sectors found their way into a dispute between two biosimilar manufacturers. One such manufacturer, Momenta, participated in the development of a standard for testing the purity of generic enoxaparin under the auspices of the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, but failed to disclose that it had applied for a patent on the testing method. When Momenta later sued Amphastar for infringement based on its use of that testing method, Amphastar raised defenses of waiver and equitable estoppel, then brought antitrust claims against Momenta and its distribution partner Sandoz. Amphastar prevailed at the district court on all three theories, obtaining a ruling that Momenta's patent was unenforceable. This case demonstrates that issues surrounding the acquisition and disclosure of patents on standardized technologies have more salience in the biopharma sector than commonly believed. As such, standards organizations operating in this sector should ensure that their policies and procedures are robust enough to delineate clearly the obligations of participants with respect to patents covering standardized technologies, and organizations that participate in biopharma standards-development should heed the valuable lessons offered by more than three decades of litigation and policy making in the technology sector.
Aging and thriving with HIV: a photovoice project with long-term HIV survivors in Miami, Florida

Long-term survivors of HIV in Miami, Florida are facing critical health and social issues as they age with this disease. Using PhotoVoice methodology, nine Latino/a activist-artists were recruited ...
Two-stage simulation–optimization profit maximization model

Companies are interested in maximizing profit, which happens at the individual product level. We introduce a two-stage model which uses both simulation and optimization to maximize the profit of an individual product. We utilize the concept of consumer margin, benefits minus price, as a way for consumers to determine which product within a competitive set to purchase (if any). The purpose of the stage 1 model is to find the consumer margins and standard deviation that will give the most accurate model. Next, the consumer margins and standard deviation are used in the stage 2 model to find the price that will maximize the profit of a given product. The model is illustrated through a case study involving the top 10 selling sedans in the United States in 2019. In short, this paper will help companies to maximize the profit of a given product through using this two-stage simulation–optimization model to find the optimal price for the product.
Migraine variants

The term "migrant variant" is not used in the headache classification of the International Headache Society (IHS), but it includes those forms of migraine that are not typical of migraine with or without aura. Headaches that do not quite fulfill all of the IHS criteria are termed "migrainous disorder." Migraine associated with auras arising from unusual sites includes basilar migraine, retinal migraine, and ophthalmoplegic migraine.
A perspective on transition temperature and K{sub Jc} data characterization

Proper identification of the transition temperature and the shape of the lower-bound (K{sub Ic}) fracture toughness curve in the transition range has been a long-term objective of work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A past practice has been to test a large number of specimens of varying sizes, from 1/2 to 8T compacts, in expectation that size effects and statistical variability of K{sub Jc} could be resolved empirically. Recently, statistical and constraint-based models have been developed that purport to explain much of what has been seen. Weakest-link theory has been successfully used to predict specimen size effects for the lower part of the transition curve. Constraint-based models of {beta}{sub c}-{beta}{sub Ic} and J{sub ssy} (small-scale yield) also can model size effects, but these tend to conflict among themselves with regard to the prediction of full constraint K{sub Jc}. All lack potential for defining the absolute lower bound of fracture toughness. Statistically based models have the benefit of quantifying data scatter characteristics and provide a basis for making lower-bound toughness estimates with assigned error estimates. The appropriate characterization of transition temperature is of value in industrial problems and is of particular importance to the nuclear industry where safety issues are involved.more » Here the K{sub Jc} data are obtained from small specimens, the size of which is dictated by volume limitations of surveillance capsule size. A basis has been explored for establishing a lower-envelope curve from such data.« less
The Evolution of Natural Resource Conservation Capacity on the U.S.–Mexico Border: Bilateral and Trilateral Environmental Agreements since La Paz

This article traces the development of natural resources conservation policy capacity along the U.S.–Mexico border with emphasis on the post-La Paz Agreement period. The study focuses on the content of bilateral and multilateral agreements affecting natural resources management along the U.S.–Mexico border, what Janicke (2002) identifies as the structural/contextual dimension of environmental capacity consisting of institutional context, informational context, and economic context for policy implementation. Using this approach, it is evident that considerable progress was made in strengthening binational natural resources management capacity after the La Paz Agreement was signed, boosted further by institutional gains following the North American Free Trade Agreement. While most of these gains endure, efforts to strengthen binational capacity for sustainable management of natural resources have faltered since 2001 in the face of changing government priorities, diminished financial support for border programs, and the new challenge presented by heightened attention to border security.
Regulatory Monitoring Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

This paper examines the economic relevance of the factors set forth under Section 408 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to guide the enhanced regulatory scrutiny of public company financial disclosures, as required under the Act. We interpret two of the factors, volatility and firm size, as predictors of a public company's relative risk of non-compliance or the prospective loss to investors, conditional upon non-compliance. We use disclosures of material weaknesses in internal controls under Section 404 as indicators of the potential for non-compliance. Our evidence is that the Section 408 factors that we associate with a relatively high risk of non-compliance - high stock-price volatility, and whether a company is emerging with a disparate PE ratio - are good predictors of reported material weaknesses in internal controls. In addition, while Section 408 calls for enhanced review of large firms - those with high market capitalization and a material affect on the economy - we find that relatively few large firms have disclosed material weaknesses in internal controls. The large firms that have disclosed material weaknesses, however, comprise 92% of the market capitalization of all companies disclosing a material weakness. In contrast with the focus of the public debate on the compliance problems of smaller public companies, our evidence points to high volatility as a stronger predictor of compliance problems under the Act than small firm size. Finally, we discuss alternate explanations for our findings and the potential for unintended consequences for shareholders.
3-D Motion Estimation for Positioning from 2-D Acoustic Video Imagery

We address the problem of estimating 3-D motion from acoustic images acquired by high-frequency 2-D imaging sonars deployed in underwater. Utilizing a planar approximation to scene surfaces, two-view homography is the basis of a nonlinear optimization method for estimating the motion parameters. There is no scale factor ambiguity, unlike the case of monocular motion vision for optical images. Experiments with real images demonstrate the potential in a range of applications, including target-based positioning in search and inspection operations.
Developing an integrated technology roadmapping process to meet regional technology planning needs: The e-Bike pilot study

Smart grid is a promising class of new technologies offering many potential benefits for electric utility systems, including possibilities for smart appliances which can communicate with power systems and help to better match supply and demand. Additional services include the ability to better integrate growing supplies of renewable energy and perform a variety of value-added services on the grid. However, a number of challenges exist in order to achieving these benefits. Many utility systems have substantial regulatory structures that make business processes and technology innovation substantially different than in other industries. Due to complex histories regarding regulatory and deregulatory efforts, and due to what some economists consider natural monopoly characteristics in the industry, such regulatory structures are unlikely to change in the immediate future. Therefore, innovation within these industries, including the development of smart grid, will require an understanding of such regulatory and policy frameworks, development of appropriate business models, and adaptation of technologies to fit these emerging requirements. Technology Roadmapping may be a useful method of planning this type of future development within the smart grid sector, but such technology roadmaps would require a high level of integrated thinking regarding technology, business, and regulatory and policy considerations. This research provides an initial examination of the process for creating such a type of integrated technology roadmapping and assessment process. This research proposes to build upon previous research in the Pacific Northwest and create a more robust technology planning process that will allow key variables to be tested and different pathways to be explored.
Aberrations of holographic toroidal grating systems.

Expressions are derived for the sixteen wave front aberration coefficients of a single grating. These give the wave aberrations to the fourth order for a plane symmetric grating system. The contributions from each mirror and grating can be added to give the aberrations in the final image. Problems encountered with intermediate astigmatic images are overcome by defining the wave front aberration with respect to an astigmatic reference surface. There is one field variable describing displacement of the object point from the symmetry plane. The aperture stop may be placed anywhere in the system, and equations are given for the aberration changes produced by sifting this position.
Models for intramolecular triplet exciton migration applied to vinyl aromatic polymers

Abstract Models for intramolecular triplet exciton migration have been developed for vinyl aromatic polymers. A one-dimensional model which allows only neighbor-to-neighbor migrations yields frequencies which are several orders of magnitude smaller than those predicted either by exchange or dipole-dipole mechanisms. An intramolecular model permitting three translational degrees of freedom predicts triplet exciton hop frequencies on the order of 10 4 s − in reasonable agreement with either exchange or dipole-dipole mechanisms.
INCORPORATION of MILK PROTEINS HARVESTED BY DIRECT ACIDIFICATION INTO PROCESS CHEESE PRODUCTS

Casein curd, a 5:1 combination of casein curd and lactalbumin, traditional coprecipitate curd, and Hiddink's coprecipitate curd were each used to replace varying amounts of natural cheese protein in a process cheese product. Traditional coprecipitate was used successfully to replace up to 40%, and Hiddink's coprecipitate up to 50%, of natural cheese protein in an experimental product. At higher levels of replacement, the product mixtures would not become homogeneous. Casein, and the combination of casein and lactalbumin, were used to replace up to 80% of natural cheese protein in an experimental product. Experimental products were compared rheologically to a group of similar use commercial products. Stress-strain, stress relaxation, and creep behavior indicated that the experimental products were generally more rigid than the commercial products. the meltability of all the experimental products was similar to that of the commercial products.
Some estimates of action constants and related parameters

Abstract In this paper, we continue investigation of an action constant λ A ( V ) introduced in [1–3]. In particular, we show that, if n is the dimension of V , then λ A ( V ) ≤ θ ( A )√ n , which is the generalization of the well-known estimate λ I ( V ) ≤ √ n . We then proceed to compare the estimates for λ A ( V ) and λ I ( V ) for a variety of two-dimensional spaces. These estimates are obtained with the extensive use of computer interaction.
Does spatial configuration matter? Understanding the effects of land cover pattern on land surface temperature in urban landscapes

Abstract The effects of land cover composition on land surface temperature (LST) have been extensively documented. Few studies, however, have examined the effects of land cover configuration. This paper investigates the effects of both the composition and configuration of land cover features on LST in Baltimore, MD, USA, using correlation analyses and multiple linear regressions. Landsat ETM + image data were used to estimate LST. The composition and configuration of land cover features were measured by a series of landscape metrics, which were calculated based on a high-resolution land cover map with an overall accuracy of 92.3%. We found that the composition of land cover features is more important in determining LST than their configuration. The land cover feature that most significantly affects the magnitude of LST is the percent cover of buildings. In contrast, percent cover of woody vegetation is the most important factor mitigating UHI effects. However, the configuration of land cover features also matters. Holding composition constant, LST can be significantly increased or decreased by different spatial arrangements of land cover features. These results suggest that the impact of urbanization on UHI can be mitigated not only by balancing the relative amounts of various land cover features, but also by optimizing their spatial configuration. This research expands our scientific understanding of the effects of land cover pattern on UHI by explicitly quantifying the effects of configuration. In addition, it may provide important insights for urban planners and natural resources managers on mitigating the impact of urban development on UHI.
Influenza immunization during pregnancy reduced influenza in infants and respiratory illness in mothers

Source Citation Zaman K, Roy E, Arifeen SE, et al. Effectiveness of maternal influenza immunization in mothers and infants. N Engl J Med. 2008;359:1555-64. 18799552
Structure of a weakly ionized gas-discharge plasma

Analysis of the properties of weakly ionized plasmas suggests that strong collective interactions exist in them in spite of the large distance between particles. Arguments supporting this view are presented. First among these is the existence of “hidden” mass, which is observed in experimental measurements of the aerodynamic drag forces. The hidden mass causes an increase in the amplitude of sound waves in a plasma in comparison with an un-ionized gas at identical values of the gas parameters. Analysis of the experimental results shows that gas-discharge plasmas contain previously unknown structural formations that are specific to a plasma and are of a standard type for each species of gas, independent of the pressure and temperature of the plasma. The concentration of particles making up the structure in the plasma of a gas discharge in air is 0.22×1017 cm−3.
Systems Integration Processes for NASA's Crew Launch Vehicle

NASA's Exploration Initiative will require development of many new elements to constitute a robust system of systems. New launch vehicles are needed to place cargo and crew in stable Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This paper examines the systems integration processes NASA is utilizing to ensure integration and control of propulsion and nonpropulsion elements within NASA's Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV), now known as the Ares I. The objective of the Ares I is to provide the transportation capabilities to meet the Constellation Program requirements for delivering a Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) or other payload to LEO in support of the lunar and Mars missions. The Ares I must successfully provide this capability within cost and schedule, and with an acceptable risk approach. This paper will describe the systems engineering management processes that will be applied to assure Ares I Project success through complete and efficient technical integration. Discussion of technical review and management processes for requirements development and verification, integrated design and analysis, integrated simulation and testing, and the integration of reliability, maintainability and supportability (RMS) into the design will also be included. The Ares I Project is logically divided into elements by the major hardware groupings, and associated management, system engineering, and integration functions. The processes to be described herein are designed to integrate within these Ares I elements and among the other Constellation projects. Also discussed is launch vehicle stack integration (Ares I to CEV, and Ground and Flight Operations integration) throughout the life cycle, including integrated vehicle performance through orbital insertion, recovery of the first stage, and reentry of the upper stage. The processes for decomposing requirements to the elements and ensuring that requirements have been correctly validated, decomposed, and allocated, and that the verification requirements are properly defined to ensure that the system design meets requirements, will be discussed.
Effect of purified rat and hamster hepatic glutathione S-transferases on the microsome mediated binding of aflatoxin B1 to DNA

Abstract Rat and hamster liver cytosolic glutathione (GSH) S-transferases purified by GSH-affinity chromatography have been examined for their effects on the microsome mediated binding of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to DNA and on the conjugation of AFB1 -2,3-epoxide with GSH. Like previous studies with cytoslic preparations (Raj et al. (1984) Carcinogenesis 5, 879), our present study with purified GSH S-transferases showed 2–3-fold more inhibitory activity of AFB1-DNA binding with hamster than that with the rat. Concomitant with the inhibition of AFB1-DNA binding, increase in AFB1-GSH conjugation occurred. Subunit compositions of GSH S-transferases indicate preponderance of Yb and Ya subunits in the hamster and rat, respectively. The role of GSH S-transferases in modulating AFB1-DNA binding and AFB1 induced hepatocarcinogenesis is discussed.
The fluid dynamics of an attic space

This paper reports a fundamental study of the fluid dynamics inside a triangular (attic-shaped) enclosure with cold upper wall and warm horizontal bottom wall. The study was undertaken in three distinct parts. In the first part, the flow and temperature fields in the cavity are determined theoretically on the basis of an asymptotic analysis valid for shallow spaces (H/L → 0, where H and L are the attic height and length). It is shown that in the H/L → 0 limit the circulation consists of a single elongated cell driven by the cold upper wall. The net heat transfer in this limit is dominated by pure conduction. In the second part of the study, the transient behaviour of the attic fluid is examined, based on a scaling analysis. The transient phenomenon begins with the sudden cooling of the upper sloped wall. It is shown that both walls develop thermal and viscous layers whose thicknesses increase towards steady-state values. The criterion for the existence of distinct thermal layers in the steady state is (H/L)½RaH¼ > 1, where RaH is the Rayleigh number based on attic height. The corresponding criterion for distinct viscous wall jets is (H/L)½RaH¼ Pr−½ > 1, where Pr is the Prandtl number. The third phase of this study focused on a complete sequence of transient numerical simulations covering the ranges H/L = 0.2, 0.4, 1; RaH/Pr = 10, 103, 105; Pr = 0.72, 6. The numerical experiments verify the flow features described theoretically in the first two parts of the study. The effect of thermal convection on the net heat transfer between the bottom and top walls is illustrated numerically. Finally, the transient numerical experiments show that in the present parametric domain the single-cell circulation pattern is stable with respect to the Benard instability expected in fluid layers heated from below.
Color contrast induction

We report the results of psychophysical experiments on the intensive, spatial, temporal and chromatic properties of color contrast induction. Modulating the contrast of an annulus induces an apparent modulation of the color contrast of a central disk, at isoluminance. Results of varying the size of the annulus suggest that mechanisms which control contrast gain are spatially localized. Results of varying the orientations of disk and annulus patterns, with peak spatial frequencies at about 2 c/deg, suggest that the mechanisms are spatially isotropic. Results of varying the rate at which annulus contrast is modulated shows that mechanisms which mediate contrast induction have a low-pass temporal sensitivity that cuts off at about 8 Hz. Results of an experiment on the interocular transfer of color contrast induction suggest that the induction has a cortical locus. Finally, the results of varying the chromatic properties of disk and annulus suggest that the underlying mechanisms are partially, but not fully, chromatically selective.
A chemist contemplates models of intermolecular collisions: A game of billiards or a demolition derby

The kinetic molecular theory is one of the major triumphs of the physical sciences. In the following essay, we trace its current quantitative formulation, which was derived from concepts introduced during the early decades of the 19th century. Its evolution incorporated a sequence of refinements of models and of detailed mathematical analyses. Remarkably, it bridges measurable macroscopic properties and molecular parameters. However, for chemical kinetics applications it is incomplete, and its intrinsic conceptual simplifications should not be overlooked when using the theoretically derived relations. Consideration should be given to limits of applicability, and to be cognizant of features that are not fully compatible with other molecular models that are derived from diverse sources. In some measure, quantum mechanical formulations of molecular encounters bypass some of the inadequacies of the classical treatment. Herein, the designation “molecular models” refers not only to the postulated shapes, sizes, and interaction potentials of the elementary particles but also to the underlying mathematical analyses that lead to relations between observable quantities. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 191–200, 2005
Scophedal (SEE) was it a fad or a miracle drug

The German firm E. Merck released in 1928, an injectable mixture of scopolamine, oxycodone, and ephedrine under the name SEE. This drug, renamed Scophedal in 1942 caused deep and prolonged analgesia, sedation, euphoria and amnesia without significant respiratory or circulatory depression. Used extensively by the German and Central European surgeons in the 1930s, Scophedal enjoyed immense popularity with the Wehrmacht's medical officers treating frontline mass casualties during World War II. The use of Scophedal declined after 1945, and its production was discontinued in 1987. Despite the clinical enthusiasm it raised, SEE was never critically investigated. This drug may deserve a rigorous re-evaluation.