cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nutzung von Größenvorteilen im internationalen LKW-Geschäft durch Gleichteilekonzepte – Strategische und operative Herausforderungen bei Daimler Trucks

Intensiver Wettbewerb im globalen LKW Geschaft zwingt die Hersteller zur Realisierung von Grosenvorteilen. International unterschiedliche Anforderungen durch Kunden oder den Gesetzgeber und spezifische Unternehmenssituationen erfordern strategische Konzepte, um dauerhaft profitabel am Markt vertreten zu sein. Das Geschaftsfeld Daimler Trucks der Daimler AG verfolgt im Rahmen seines Programms „Global Excellence“ eine Teilstrategie, die das Ausschopfen von Grosenvorteilen entlang der gesamten Wertschopfungskette der globalen LKW Marken der Daimler AG ermoglichen soll. Die Fallstudie konzentriert sich auf die Bedeutung der Strategie zur Ausschopfung von Grosenvorteilen fur Daimler Trucks im internationalen Kontext und verdeutlicht die Herausforderungen einer solchen Strategie fur einen weltweit vertretenen Hersteller.
Long-Range Mechanical Force Enables Self-Assembly of Epithelial Tubules

Spatiotemporal coordination of cell positioning and differentiation is critical in morphogenesis. Loss of coordination is often a hallmark of tissue abnormality and tumorigenesis. Recent studies indicate the importance of mechanical force in morphogenesis such as tubular pattern formation. However, how cells coordinate mechanical interactions between each other and with extracellular matrix (ECM), to initiate, regulate, or maintain long-range tubular patterns is unclear. Using a two-step process to quantitatively control cell-ECM interaction, we find that epithelial cells, in response to a fine-tuned percentage of type I collagen (COL) in ECM, develop various patterns resembling those observed in tubulo-lobular organs. In contrast with conventional thought, these patterns arise through mechanical interactions between cells, but not through gradients of diffusible biochemical factors. Remarkably, a very large spatial scale of tubular patterns is found by cell-COL self-organization in the liquid phase, leading to the formation of long-range (~1 cm) epithelial tubule. Our results suggest a potential mechanism cells can use to form and coordinate long-range tubular patterns, independent of those controlled by diffusible biochemical factors, and provide a new strategy to engineer/regenerate tubular organs.
Abstract T P37: Cerebral Blood Volume Does Not Differentiate Regions With Persistent Cerebral Hypoperfusion That Infarct From Those That Survive: A DEFUSE 2 Substudy

Background: The optimal Tmax threshold for predicting critically hypoperfused tissue is a delay of >6 seconds. However, persistent Tmax >6s lesions do not invariably progress to infarction. Differences in cerebral blood volume (CBV) may explain why some regions of persistent cerebral hypoperfusion (PCHP) infarct whereas others survive. We hypothesized that CBV is higher in areas of PCHP that survive versus those that infarct. Methods: We included patients that had: 1) a Tmax >6s lesion on baseline and early follow-up MRI perfusion scans, and 2) a FLAIR lesion on the day 5 MRI scan. Regions of PCHP had to meet two criteria: 1) Tmax >6s positive on both baseline and co-registered early follow-up MRI perfusion scans, and 2) DWI negative on the baseline MRI scan. PCHP regions were classified as PCHP-infarct if there was a corresponding lesion on the co-registered 5 day FLAIR and as PCHP-survival if there was no corresponding lesion. Patients with no region of either PCHP-infarct or PCHP-survival were excluded. The study had two parts. In part 1, the paired t-test was used to compare lesion volume, CBV, cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time (MTT), and Tmax between PCHP-infarct and PCHP-survival regions within each patient. In part 2, the 2-sample t-test was used to compare mean volume, CBV, CBF, MTT, and Tmax in PCHP-infarct and PCHP-survival regions for all patients together as a group. Results: 61 patients were included in the analysis. Mean total PCHP volume was 26cc (16cc infarct, 10cc survival) and median total PCHP volume was 15cc (9cc infarct, 6cc survival). For part 1, CBV was not different in PCHP-infarct versus PCHP-survival (P=0.16). CBF was higher (P=0.05) in regions of PCHP-survival, and MTT and Tmax were less prolonged (P=0.03 and P < 0.01). For part 2, mean CBV and MTT did not differ between PCHP-infarct and PCHP-survival (P=0.23 and P=0.40). Mean CBF trended higher (P=0.07) and mean Tmax delays were milder (P= 0.04) in PCHP-survival. Conclusion: CBV does not differ between regions of PCHP-infarct versus PCHP-survival and does not explain why some areas of persistent, severe hypoperfusion survive. Tmax was less severely delayed and CBF values were higher in regions of PCHP-survival, which warrant further study.
Car Transfer and Wheelchair Loading Techniques in Independent Drivers with Paraplegia.

Car transfers and wheelchair (WC) loading are crucial for independent community participation in persons with complete paraplegia from spinal cord injury, but are complex, physically demanding, and known to provoke shoulder pain. This study aimed to describe techniques and factors influencing car transfer and WC loading for individuals with paraplegia driving their own vehicles and using their personal WCs. Sedans were the most common vehicle driven (59%). Just over half (52%) of drivers place their right leg only into the vehicle prior to transfer. Overall, the leading hand was most frequently placed on the driver’s seat (66%) prior to transfer and the trailing hand was most often place on the WC seat (48%). Vehicle height influenced leading hand placement but not leg placement such that driver’s of higher profile vehicles were more likely to place their hand on the driver’s seat than those who drove sedans. Body lift time was negatively correlated with level of injury and age and positively correlated with vehicle height and shoulder abduction strength. Drivers who transferred with their leading hand on the steering wheel had significantly higher levels of shoulder pain than those who placed their hand on the driver’s seat or overhead. The majority of participants used both hands (62%) to load their WC frame and, overall, most loaded their fame into the back (62%) vs. the front seat. Sedan drivers were more likely to load their frame into the front seat than drivers of higher profile vehicles (53% vs. 17%). Average time to load the WC frame (10.7 seconds) was 20% of the total WC loading time and was not related to shoulder strength, frame weight or demographic characteristics. Those who loaded their WC frame into the back seat had significantly weaker right shoulder internal rotators. Understanding car transfers and WC loading in independent drivers is crucial to prevent shoulder pain and injury and preserve community participation.
Outcomes of plasma exchange in patients with transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy based on time of presentation since transplant.

Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a rare clinical syndrome associated with significant mortality. Although the use of plasma exchange (PE) in TA-TMA continues to be explored, evidence for its efficacy is debated. We performed a single institution, retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of PE in treating TA-TMA patients. Special attention was given to efficacy in relation to the timing of presentation with TA-TMA since transplant. Thirty-three patients diagnosed with TA-TMA and treated with PE between January 1999 and December 2010 were included in the study. Clinical improvement was seen in eight patients (24%); four patients achieved complete resolution while the remaining four achieved partial resolution. All-cause day-30 and day-100 mortality was 33 and 55%, respectively. There was a trend toward a better outcome (complete/partial) for those presenting ≥ 100 days after transplantation (42%) vs. < 100 days after transplantation (14%; P-value = 0.15). Similarly, those presenting at ≥ 100 days had better, but not significantly, 30-day and 100-day all-cause mortality rates (17 and 33%, respectively) than those presenting at < 100 days (43 and 67%, respectively) (P-value = 0.25 and 0.08, for 30- and 100-day all-cause mortality, respectively). This is the first study looking at the efficacy of PE while considering the time of presentation since transplantation and is one of the largest single institution series of TA-TMA. The overall efficacy of PE is poor; however, patients who present with TA-TMA ≥100 days after transplant may have better outcome and lower mortality. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:147–153, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Culturally based interventions for substance use and child abuse among native Hawaiians.

OBJECTIVE: This article presents an overview of child abuse among culturally diverse populations in Hawaii, substance use among culturally diverse students in Hawaii, and culturally based interventions for preventing child abuse and substance abuse in Native Hawaiian families. OBSERVATIONS: Native Hawaiians accounted for the largest number of cases of child abuse and neglect in Hawaii between 1996 and 1998. Alcohol and other drugs have increasingly been linked with child maltreatment. Native Hawaiian youths report the highest rate of substance use in Hawaii. Cultural factors such as spirituality, family, and cultural identification and pride are important in interventions with Native Hawaiians. CONCLUSION: Human services should continue to emphasize interventions that integrate "mainstream" and cultural-specific approaches. Language: en
A 22-mW 435 MHz silicon on insulator CMOS high-gain LNA for subsampling receivers

A low-power, high-gain Silicon on Insulator (SOI) CMOS low noise amplifier (LNA) for use as the first stage of a subsampling receiver for space application at UHF frequency is proposed for the first time. The simulated results of +80 dB available gain and 2.1-dB noise figure (NF) with very low power consumption is reported and makes it suitable for subsampling mixer with Track and Hold (T/H) circuit. The LNA contains both tuned and inductorless amplifier stages. The first stage utilizes resonant tank with on-chip capacitors and improved-Q spiral inductors. The following stage is composed of five inductorless amplifiers designed to achieve the high-gain. Both stages apply fully differential architecture with cascoded transistors to achieve high-gain, low-power at high frequencies with reasonable reverse isolation. This is the first high-gain LNA design using SOI CMOS technology.
Late Calcific Mitral Stenosis After MitraClip Procedure in a Dialysis-Dependent Patient

The EVEREST II trial investigated the MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Menlo Park, CA) in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing surgical procedures. Although mitral stenosis was not reported in this cohort, this trial excluded patients receiving dialysis. We report a case of a 43-year-old HIV-positive, dialysis-dependent patient with nonischemic cardiomyopathy and severe MR, who was considered at high operative risk because of frailty. She was treated with a MitraClip as part of the REALISM high-risk registry. Her symptomatic MR improved but severe symptomatic mitral stenosis developed 28 months after the MitraClip procedure. At that point, she was felt to be a better operative candidate but required open mitral valve replacement. Pathologic examination demonstrated significant calcification of the leaflets around the MitraClip devices.
Photoelectric and Thermionic Investigations of Thoriated Tungsten Surfaces

Photoelectric and thermionic data were obtained over a wide range of temperatures for several activations of a thoriated tungsten filament. The temperature dependence of the thermionic and photoelectric work functions are quite different. It is shown that this is to be expected for a nonuniform surface. The measured current density in either case is $i=(\frac{1}{A})\ensuremath{\int}{s}^{}{i}_{s}\mathrm{ds}$, in which ${i}_{s}$ is given by either the Richardson-Dushman or the Fowler-DuBridge equation and $A$ is the total emitting area. On the basis of a simple patch theory the integrations are carried out and show that (1) the saturation electron emission is independent of the size of the patches; (2) the observed or characteristic thermionic and photoelectric work functions for composite surfaces are different at low temperatures and approach each other at high temperatures; (3) the maximum and minimum values of the work function for a given surface do not vary linearly with temperature.
Viral infections and pediatric liver transplantation

Viral infections remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality following LTx in children. Increasing experience with both 'donor-associated' and 'community-acquired' viruses is leading to improved outcomes and the development of effective preventive strategies. The potential importance of emerging viral pathogens is an area of active research, which hopefully will also lead to effective treatments and potential preventive strategies for these newly recognized pathogens.
A hierarchical approach to continuous gesture analysis for natural multi-modal interaction

I propose a systematic hierarchical approach to continuous gesture analysis using a unifying framework based on abstract hidden Markov models (AHMMs). With this framework, I will develop a gesture-based interactive interface that allows users to do both manipulative and communicative gestures without artificial restrictions, and hence enabling natural interaction.
Control and process-based optimisation of spot-welding in manufacturing systems

This paper documents a research program undertaken by the CIM Centre at the Industrial Research Institute Swinburne (IRIS) in collaboration with a major automotive manufacturer. The objective of the research was to examine potential mechanisms for improvement of the spot-welding process, which is a major component of automotive assembly. In particular, both traditional techniques for improving suboptimal parameters in the process and advanced techniques, based upon digital signal processor (DSP) control of the process (using acoustic-emission feedback), were applied to an industrial spot-welding test-case. This paper documents the outcomes of the two techniques and we demonstrate how significant improvements can be made to the overall spot-welding process through the adaptation of such technologies.
Highlights on new food research.

Abstract The understanding that probiotic foods can have beneficial effects on health has recently led to an increase in consumer demand for such products, thus enhancing their commercial value. Daily intake of probiotic micro-organisms, such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, contributes to maintaining and improving the balance of intestinal microbe populations, and their presence in high numbers largely prevents gastro-intestinal disturbances and improves the well-being of the organism by reinforcing its natural defences. In products destined for human consumption, probiotic bacteria are mainly incorporated in fermented milk products whose consumption may be limited by allergies and intolerances, or by low-cholesterol diets. Research is currently aimed at developing probiotic vegetable products which may ensure a regular assumption of beneficial micro-organisms from foods and beverages which are part of a normal diet, thus overcoming the limitations imposed by the use of milk-based products. This paper provides an overview of probiotic products and recently developed technologies, with some details on vegetable carriers used for delivering probiotic species into the human gastro-intestinal tract.
The role of elliptic flow correlations in the discovery of the sQGP at RHIC

Flow measurements are reviewed with particular emphasis on the hydrodynamic character of elliptic flow at RHIC. Hydrodynamic scaling compatible with the production of highly thermalized matter having a high degree of collective interactions and extremely low viscosity, is observed for a broad selection of the data. These properties suggest the production of a new state of strongly interacting nuclear matter at extremely high density and temperature where the relevant degrees of freedom are the valence quarks, ie. the sQGP.
Temperature‐Dependent Crystal Structures of Ti2AlN and Cr2GeC as Determined from High Temperature Neutron Diffraction

In this work, we report on the temperature-dependent crystal structures of the isostructural, layered hexagonal phases Ti2AlN and Cr2GeC determined by Rietveld analysis of high temperature neutron powder diffraction data of fully dense, polycrystalline, bulk samples in the 100° to 1100°C temperature range. For both phases, the A-group atoms, Al and Ge, vibrate with the highest amplitude and do so anisotropically within the basal plane. All bonds expand linearly with temperature, with the highest relative thermal expansion occurring in the Ti–Al and Cr–Ge bonds. The thermal expansion coefficients in the a- and c-direction are, respectively, 10.3(±0.2) × 10−6 and 9.3(±0.2) × 10−6 K−1 for Ti2AlN and 12.8(±0.3) × 10−6 and 14.6(±0.3) × 10−6 K−1 for Cr2GeC. The unit cell volume expansions observed by HTND are 10.0(±0.2) × 10−6 K−1 for Ti2AlN and 13.4(±0.3) × 10−6 K−1 for Cr2GeC.
IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUCEMIA OF CHILDREN (ALL)

Trial for immunological classification of ALL of children as well as for evaluation of the immune status during and after the ALL treatment was done. We studied sixteen children aged two to twelve years old. T and B lymphocytes were measured (per cent and absolute number) of the peripheral blood. Before any treatment the per cent of both T and B lymphocytes was very low. Most of the children had less than 15% T and 5% B lymphocytes respectively. At the beginning of the induction therapy T and B lymphocytes (per cent and absolute numbers) were very low,but progressively they show an intention to increased. During the reinduction periods, that lasted two years, T and B lymphocytes increased. After the radiation of the skull all the children showed a decrease of T lymphocytes. We followed up two children for about two years after they had finished ALL treatment. Six months later they still had low numbers of T lymphocytes. At the end of the year their per cent and absolute numbers of T lymphocytes had normal values that persisted for about 2 yrs.
Forearm Transplantation Osteosynthesis Using Modified Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy Technique

One of the challenges of forearm-level hand transplantation surgery is the achievement of osseous union of the ulna given the substantial soft tissue dissection, the use of immune modulating medications, and the diaphyseal level of osseous coaptation. Modification of the conventional surgical technique for an elective ulnar shortening osteotomy provides the advantages of precise osteotomy alignment, a large contact surface oblique osteotomy, and lag screw and compression plating technique. A step-by-step description of the developed modification is provided with a case example.
Sample Collection, Preparation, and Quantitation in the Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Electrophoresis of Gunshot Residues

Abstract Application of micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis (MECE) to gunshot residue (GSR) analysis was accomplished by developing appropriate sample collection and handling techniques. Masking adhesive-tape particle collection was used to minimize analyte losses and coextraction of sample matrix interferences associated with solvent swabbing collection methods. In addition, ethylene glycol (EG) was added to the extraction solvent to prevent analyte loss during evaporative preconcentration. β-naphthol, used as an internal standard, improved quantitative precision when EG was used in the MECE analysis of GSR's. Gunshot residues were collected from the hands of individuals who had discharged a firearm and analyzed by MECE using these sample collection and preparation techniques. Detection of gunpowder constituents, characteristic of the unfired gunpowder was obtained.
ARE COVARIATION BIASES ATTRIBUTABLE TO A PRIORI EXPECTANCY BIASES

Illusory correlation experiments indicate that people overestimate the association between random presentations of snake slides and shock, but do not overestimate the association between random presentations of slides of damaged and exposed electric outlets (DEEOs) and shock. To investigate whether reports of covariation biases might be attributable to expectancy biases, we had Ss rate the a priori probabilities with which they would expect slides of snakes (or DEEOs), flowers, and mushrooms to be paired with shock, a tone, or nothing. In Study 1, Ss reported a pattern of a priori slide/outcome probability estimates that is nearly identical to that reported by Ss who have just undergone an illusory correlation procedure involving phylogenetic fear-relevant stimuli (e.g. snakes). Therefore, postexperimental estimates of covariation involving such stimuli appear at least partly attributable to pre-experimental expectancy biases rather than solely attributable to on-line processing biases. Study 2 revealed that Ss also display inflated a priori probability estimates for DEEO slides and shock, unlike Ss who have just undergone an illusory correlation procedure involving such stimuli. Taken together, these studies suggest that random slide/outcome pairings easily abolish pre-experimental expectancy biases for ontogenetic, but not phylogenetic, fear-relevant stimuli.
Structural Engineering: Seeing the Big Picture

The state-of-the-art of progress of structural engineering over the last 50 years is examined in three areas: (1) The spatial idealization of structural elements in the form of kinematical assumptions; (2) The constitutive idealization of materials in the form of generalized stresses and generalized strains relations; and (3) The computational implications of solution strategy in the form of closed form, approximate, and numerical procedures on the structural level.
G3(MP2) Calculations of Enthalpies of Hydrogenation, Isomerization, and Formation of Bi- and Tricyclic C8 and C10 Hydrocarbons. The Bicyclo[3.3.0]octenes and Triquinacenes

We have calculated the enthalpies of hydrogenation, isomerization, and formation in the gaseous state (ΔhydH,298 ΔisomH,298 and ΔfH298) of cyclopentenes, bicyclo[3.3.0]octenes, and triquinacenes by the G3(MP2) procedure. Comparison with combustion and hydrogenation thermochemical results shows that agreement between G3(MP2) calculations and experiment remains well within the target interval of 1 to 2 kcal mol-1 for those cases in which experimental results exist. The sole exception is our earlier study on the hydrogenation of triquinacene to perhydrotriquinacene, which deviates from both calculation and a more recent combustion study.
Web-based oil immersion whole slide imaging increases efficiency and clinical team satisfaction in hematopathology tumor board

Background: Whole slide imaging (WSI) is widely used for education and research, but is increasingly being used to streamline clinical workflow. We present our experience with regard to satisfaction and time utilization using oil immersion WSI for presentation of blood/marrow aspirate smears, core biopsies, and tissue sections in hematology/oncology tumor board/treatment planning conferences (TPC). Methods: Lymph nodes and bone marrow core biopsies were scanned at ×20 magnification and blood/marrow smears at 83X under oil immersion and uploaded to an online library with areas of interest to be displayed annotated digitally via web browser. Pathologist time required to prepare slides for scanning was compared to that required to prepare for microscope projection (MP). Time required to present cases during TPC was also compared. A 10-point evaluation survey was used to assess clinician satisfaction with each presentation method. Results: There was no significant difference in hematopathologist preparation time between WSI and MP. However, presentation time was significantly less for WSI compared to MP as selection and annotation of slides was done prior to TPC with WSI, enabling more efficient use of TPC presentation time. Survey results showed a significant increase in satisfaction by clinical attendees with regard to image quality, efficiency of presentation of pertinent findings, aid in clinical decision-making, and overall satisfaction regarding pathology presentation. A majority of respondents also noted decreased motion sickness with WSI. Conclusions: Whole slide imaging, particularly with the ability to use oil scanning, provides higher quality images compared to MP and significantly increases clinician satisfaction. WSI streamlines preparation for TPC by permitting prior slide selection, resulting in greater efficiency during TPC presentation.
The launching of surface waves by a magnetic line source

The paper deals with the idealized problem of the excitation of surface waves along two infinite, identical, separate and parallel dielectric slabs by a magnetic line source (slot). The problem is reduced to a superposition of simpler ones, namely two parallel slabs with symmetrical excitation and two parallel slabs with antisymmetrical excitation. The simplified problems are solved by the modal-analysis approach, and the synthesis of the modal components is carried out to obtain the far fields excited by the magnetic line. Radiation pattern, total power of the surface waves, total radiation loss and the efficiency of launching the surface wave are derived and computed numerically for various thicknesses of the slabs, various air-gaps between the slabs and different positions of the magnetic line source. The theoretical results indicate that, for each thickness of the slabs, high efficiency is obtained with an optimum location of the source and an optimum air-gap. Moreover, the thicker the slabs, the higher is the maximum efficiency. The thickness of the slabs and the air-gap are ultimately limited by the requirement that only one surface wave should exist for the structure.
Case Report: Aortic Dissection and Cystic Medial Degeneration in a 24-Year-Old Without Marfan Syndrome:

The effective management of aortic dissection relies heavily on a high index of suspicion followed by timely definitive diagnosis. Young adults without a history of blunt trauma who are not at risk for atherosclerotic disease may lower this suspicion. We present a 24-year-old patient with complaints of chest pain who presented in multiple urgent care clinics and emergency departments. With a normal chest radiograph, he was repeatedly discharged home on analgesics until a loud murmur was heard. An echocardiogram revealed a dilated aortic root with an intimal flap consistent with a type II dissection. After surgical aortic repair with a Bentall procedure, he was discharged with complete relief of symptoms. Histologic reports revealed cystic medial degeneration. Physical examinations did not demonstrate the phenotypic manifestations of Marfan syndrome. This case illustrates the importance of cardiac auscultation when assessing an individual with chest pain, even with a low likelihood for alteration in arterial structure, and the maintenance of a high index of clinical suspicion despite a normal chest radiograph. We consider this case to be of interest because of its rarity in a 24-year-old.
Following the North Star: Radial Marker Lines Help Preserve Anatomic Landmarks After Local Injection of Anesthetic

Injection of local anesthetic can result in distortion of local anatomic architecture. "Following the North Star" is a technique that uses radial markings to aid in better preservation of surgical landmarks.
The Role of Causality in Judgment Under Uncertainty

Leading accounts of judgment under uncertainty evaluate performance within purely statistical frameworks, holding people to the standards of classical Bayesian (A. Tversky & D. Kahneman, 1974) or frequentist (G. Gigerenzer & U. Hoffrage, 1995) norms. The authors argue that these frameworks have limited ability to explain the success and flexibility of people's real-world judgments and propose an alternative normative framework based on Bayesian inferences over causal models. Deviations from traditional norms of judgment, such as base-rate neglect, may then be explained in terms of a mismatch between the statistics given to people and the causal models they intuitively construct to support probabilistic reasoning. Four experiments show that when a clear mapping can be established from given statistics to the parameters of an intuitive causal model, people are more likely to use the statistics appropriately, and that when the classical and causal Bayesian norms differ in their prescriptions, people's judgments are more consistent with causal Bayesian norms.
Preparation and hyperfiltration properties of a polyacrylate–cellophane membrane

Preparation of a carboxylic ion-exchange membrane by grafting poly(acrylic acid) onto cellophane is described. This membrane filters appreciable fractions of dissolved salt from solutions 1M and less in NaCl; flow rates through the membrane at 2500 psi are 0.5 cm./hr. and higher. Comparison is made of salt rejection properties and flow rates with a film of cellulose acetate in which rejection does not depend on fixed ionizable groups. Rejections of salts having ions of different charges are presented. Experimental apparatus for hyperfiltration is described.
Completing a block diagonal matrix with a partially prescribed inverse

Abstract A complete solution of the matrix completion problem A ? ? B −1 = ? C D ? is obtained in terms of solutions of a Riccati-type matrix equation. Several special cases are described in detail.
Λ -proton elastic scattering from 1 to 17 GeV/ c

The $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-proton elastic scattering cross section has been measured between 1 and 17 GeV/c in a bubble chamber experiment. These are the first measurements of the elastic cross section for ${p}_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}g5$ GeV/c. The $\ensuremath{\Lambda}'\mathrm{s}$ were produced by 25-GeV/c proton interactions in a platinum target. The cross section falls from 22 to 4 mb over the region. No significant polarization is observed.
The String Method as a Dynamical System

This paper is devoted to the theoretical analysis of the zero-temperature string method, a scheme for identifying minimum energy paths (MEPs) on a given energy landscape. By definition, MEPs are curves connecting critical points on the energy landscape which are everywhere tangent to the gradient of the potential except possibly at critical points. In practice, MEPs are mountain pass curves that play a special role, e.g., in the context of rare reactive events that occur when one considers a steepest descent dynamics on the potential perturbed by a small random noise. The string method aims to identify MEPs by moving each point of the curve by steepest descent on the energy landscape. Here we address the question of whether such a curve evolution necessarily converges to an MEP. Surprisingly, the answer is no, for an interesting reason: MEPs may not be isolated, in the sense that there may be families of them that can be continuously deformed into one another. This degeneracy is related to the presence of critical points of Morse index 2 or higher along the MEP. In this paper, we elucidate this issue and completely characterize the limit set of a curve evolving by the string method. We establish rigorously that the limit set of such a curve is again a curve when the MEPs are isolated. We also show under the same hypothesis that the string evolution converges to an MEP. However, we identify and classify situations where the limit set is not a curve and may contain higher dimensional parts. We present a collection of examples where the limit set of a path contains a 2D region, a 2D surface, or a region of an arbitrary dimension up to the dimension of the space. In some of our examples the evolving path wanders around without converging to its limit set. In other examples it fills a region, converging to its limit set, which is not an MEP.
Impulse impedance tests on laboratory model ground electrodes

Impulse impedance of vertical rods embedded in several soil types was determined by laboratory tests under four temperatures and four soil moisture contents with three different waveshapes of the applied impulse voltage. To avoid errors due to current spikes caused by soil ionisation, it is proposed that the impulse impedance be defined as the ratio between the average voltage and average current during the application of the impulse current. With this definition, the impulse impedance is a nonlinear function of the injected impulse current Z/sub avg/=kI/sub P//sup /spl alpha// where k and /spl alpha/ are parameters that are functions of the soil characteristics and the grounding electrode configuration. It was also found that the impulse impedance is a function of the waveshape of the applied impulse voltage, higher for steeper wavefront of the applied impulse voltage.
Theory of defects in Abelian topological states

The structure of extrinsic defects in topologically ordered states of matter is host to a rich set of universal physics. Extrinsic defects in $2+1$-dimensional topological states include linelike defects, such as boundaries between topologically distinct states, and pointlike defects, such as junctions between different line defects. Gapped boundaries in particular can themselves be topologically distinct, and the junctions between them can localize topologically protected zero modes, giving rise to topological ground-state degeneracies and projective non-Abelian statistics. In this paper, we develop a general theory of point defects and gapped line defects in $2+1$-dimensional Abelian topological states. We derive a classification of topologically distinct gapped boundaries in terms of certain maximal subgroups of quasiparticles with mutually bosonic statistics, called Lagrangian subgroups. The junctions between different gapped boundaries provide a general classification of point defects in topological states, including as a special case the twist defects considered in previous works. We derive a general formula for the quantum dimension of these point defects and a general understanding of their localized ``parafermion'' zero modes and we define a notion of projective non-Abelian statistics for them. The critical phenomena between topologically distinct gapped boundaries can be understood in terms of a general class of quantum spin chains or, equivalently, ``generalized parafermion'' chains. This provides a way of realizing exotic $1+1\mathrm{D}$ generalized parafermion conformal field theories in condensed-matter systems.
Changes in Bone Mineral Density and Mechanical Properties Due to Alcohol and Ovariectomy in Trabecular Bone of Female Rats

Alcohol consumption is a known risk factor exacerbating postmenopausal osteoporosis [1,2]. The current study was undertaken to investigate these effects using the rat animal model. Recent studies with rats have shown deleterious effects due to alcohol [3,4], but no significant effects when combined estrogen deficiency induced by ovariectomy (OVX) [5]. This last study did not report mechanical properties, however. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of alcohol and OVX on trabecular bone mechanical properties and bone mineral density (BMD) in adult female rats. An important issue in evaluating osteoporosis and related bone maladies clinically is the relation between bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk or incidence. Thus, an additional goal of the current study was to examine the relationships (correlations) between trabecular bone BMD and mechanical properties.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Effects of teriparatide in Japanese and non-Japanese populations: bridging findings on pharmacokinetics and efficacy

Teriparatide is an anabolic therapy for osteoporosis approved in the United States since 2002 and European Union since 2003; however, approval in Japan lagged significantly. This report describes analyses based on International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) E-5 guidelines that support bridging between Japanese studies and the large Fracture Prevention Trial (FPT). We analyzed data from single teriparatide doses in healthy Japanese and Caucasian postmenopausal women (J-PK) and from studies of 6 months [Phase 2, dose ranging (J-Ph2)] and 12 months [Phase 3, efficacy and safety (J-Ph3)] of randomized, placebo-controlled, once-daily treatment in Japanese subjects with osteoporosis. In J-PK, apparent teriparatide area-under-the-curve (AUC) and peak concentration (C max) were up to 40% higher in Japanese versus Caucasian women; however, body weight-adjusted values were comparable between populations; these findings were supported by population pharmacokinetic analyses. Between the FPT and Japanese studies, baseline demographic characteristics were similar but bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine (L1–L4) and body weight were lower for Japanese subjects. With teriparatide 20 μg/day, significant increases in BMD were observed compared to placebo at 12 months in both the FPT and J-Ph3 study, and percent change and actual change in BMD were comparable between studies. Dose response at 6 months was also comparable across populations. No novel safety signals were identified in Japanese subjects. These analyses show that teriparatide clinical data met ICH E-5 criteria for bridging. Findings from foreign trials such as the FPT can thus be extrapolated to Japanese subjects treated with teriparatide 20 μg/day.
Chromogenic cross-linker for the characterization of protein structure by infrared multiphoton dissociation mass spectrometry.

We have developed a new IR chromogenic cross-linker (IRCX) to aid in rapidly distinguishing cross-linked peptides from unmodified species in complex mixtures. By incorporating a phosphate functional group into the cross-linker, one can take advantage of its unique IR absorption properties, affording selective infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) of the cross-linked peptides. In a mock mixture of unmodified peptides and IRCX-cross-linked peptides (intramolecularly and intermolecularly cross-linked), only the peptides containing the IRCX modification were shown to dissociate upon exposure to 50 ms of 10.6-μm radiation. LC-IRMPD-MS proved to be an effective method to distinguish the cross-linked peptides in a tryptic digest of IRCX-cross-linked ubiquitin. A total of four intermolecular cross-links and two dead-end modifications were identified using IRCX and LC-IRMPD-MS. IRMPD of these cross-linked peptides resulted in secondary dissociation of all primary fragment ions containing the chromophore, produ...
The Reduction of Silica with Carbon and Silicon Carbide

In the presence of carbon or silicon carbide, silica can be reacted to form a vapor of silicon monoxide. The rates of these reactions were explored at 1300° to 1550°C. For mixtures of carbon and silica, evidence supported a two-step reaction: silicon carbide formed prior to reaction between silicon carbide and silica.
Profiles in Patient Safety: Misplaced Femoral Line Guidewire and Multiple Failures to Detect the Foreign Body on Chest Radiography

This article uses a case report and discussion to demonstrate the concept of active and latent failures, and the "systems approach" to the reduction of adverse events in medicine. The case involves an inadvertently misplaced and retained guidewire during femoral vein catheterization using the Seldinger technique, and the subsequent failure to identify the guidewire in the chest despite several chest radiographs and a computed tomography (CT) scan read by radiologists, emergency physicians, and intensivists. This event reveals active failures in the performance of the Seldinger technique, latent failures in the design of the catheter kit, and problems with the current system of interpretation of radiographs. The authors conclude that the design of the catheter kit and the Seldinger technique should be critically examined from a human factors standpoint and that radiographic interpretation is still heavily subject to human error.
Absorption of x-rays by impurities in semiconductors☆

Abstract When X-rays are absorbed by impurity core electrons in a semiconductor, the final state may be a Bloch state in the conduction-band continuum or a localized state below the conduction band edge. The latter form a unique and novel set of states which resemble both excitons and impurity states and are here called impuritons. Theoretical predictions are made for a variety of distinct cases and the possibility of experimental verification is discussed.
Heard but not seen: an acoustic survey of the African forest elephant population at Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana

This study, designed to survey forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) at Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana, is the first to apply acoustic methods to elephant abundance estimation and to compare results with independent survey estimates. Nine acoustic sensors gathered sound continuously for 38 days. Low-frequency calling rates have been established as useful elephant abundance indices at a Namibian watering hole and a central African forest clearing. In this study, we estimated elephant population size by applying an abundance index model and detection function developed in central Africa to data from simultaneous sampling periods on Kakum sensors. The sensor array recorded an average of 1.81 calls per 20-min sampling period from an effective detection area averaging 10.27 km2. The resulting estimate of 294 elephants (95% CI: 259–329) falls within confidence bounds of recent dung-based surveys. An extended acoustic model, estimating the frequency with which elephants are silent when present, yields an estimate of 350 elephants (95% CI: 315–384). Acoustic survey confidence intervals are at least half as wide as those from dung-based surveys. This study demonstrates that acoustic surveying is a valuable tool for estimating elephant abundance, as well as for detecting other vocal species and anthropogenic noises that may be associated with poaching. Resume Cette etude, concue pour etudier les elephants de foret (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) de l’Aire de conservation de Kakum, au Ghana, est la premiere qui applique des methodes acoustiques pour l’estimation de l’abondance des elephants et qui compare les resultats avec des estimations independantes. Pendant 38 jours, neuf senseurs acoustiques ont recolte les sons en continu. Le rythme des appels a basse frequence est un indice utile de l’abondance des elephants que l’on a pu etablir a un point d’eau en Namibie et dans une clairiere d’une foret d’Afrique centrale. Ici, nous estimons la taille d’une population d’elephants en appliquant un modele d’indice d’abondance et une fonction de detection mis au point en Afrique centrale a des donnees provenant des senseurs de Kakum pour des periodes d’echantillonnage simultanees. La batterie de senseurs a enregistre une moyenne de 1.81 appel par 20 min, pour une superficie de detection reelle de 10.27 km² en moyenne. L’estimation qui en resulte, qui est de 294 elephants (95% IC 259–329), tombe dans les limites de confiance de recentes etudes basees sur les crottes. Un modele acoustique etendu, qui estime aussi la frequence a laquelle les elephants sont silencieux pendant leur presence, donne une estimation de 350 elephants (95% IC 315–384). Les intervalles de confiance d’une etude acoustique sont au moins la moitie de ceux des etudes par les crottes. Cette etude montre que l’etude acoustique est un outil interessant pour estimer l’abondance des elephants et aussi pour detecter d’autres especes bruyantes et les bruits d’origine anthropique qui pourraient etre associes au braconnage.
Statistical shape model generation using nonrigid deformation of a template mesh

Active shape models (ASMs) have been studied extensively for the statistical analysis of three-dimensional shapes. These models can be used as prior information for segmentation and other image analysis tasks. In order to create an ASM, correspondence between surface points on the training shapes must be provided. Various groups have previously investigated methods that attempted to provide correspondences between points on pre-segmented shapes. This requires a time-consuming segmentation stage before the statistical analysis can be performed. This paper presents a method of ASM generation that requires as input only a single segmented template shape obtained from a mean grayscale image across the training set. The triangulated mesh representing this template shape is then propagated to the other shapes in the training set by a nonrigid transformation. The appropriate transformation is determined by intensity-based nonrigid registration of the corresponding grayscale images. Following the transformation of the template, the mesh is treated as an active surface, and evolves towards the image edges while preserving certain curvature constraints. This process results in automatic segmentation of each shape, but more importantly also provides an automatic correspondence between the points on each shape. The resulting meshes are aligned using Procrustes analysis, and a principal component analysis is performed to produce the statistical model. For demonstration, a model of the lower cervical vertebrae (C6 and C7) was created. The resulting model is evaluated for accuracy, compactness, and generalization ability.
A theory of sentience

1. QUALITY SPACE 2. QUALITIES AND THEIR PLACES 3. PLACES PHENOMENAL AND REAL 4. SENSING AND REFERENCE 5. THE FEATURE-PLACING HYPOTHESIS 6. TRUE THEORIES, FALSE COLOURS REFERENCES INDEX
Building and evaluating a k-resilient mobile distributed file system resistant to device compromise

Deploying mobile devices to frontline troops presents many potential benefits, e.g. situational awareness, enhanced communication capabilities, etc. However, security remains an impediment to realizing such capability. In this research, we develop and evaluate an approach to securing the non-volatile storage of a collection of mobile devices. Our technique relies on well-established cryptographic primitives, combining them in a unique way to meet military mission specific security and resiliency requirements. Specifically, we create MDFS, a distributed mobile file system using erasure coding, Shamir's threshold secret sharing, and the symmetric AES block cipher. The resulting system provides two important properties: (1) data at rest is protected even after total compromise of up to k devices, and (2) data is replicated within an infrastructureless ad hoc network and, as such, resilient to device outages. We implement MDFS on Android mobile devices and achieve ≃10Mbps throughput in real-world performance experiments, suggesting that MDFS is suitable for a variety of practical workloads.
Authorship and Credits for Other Contributions

Excerpt To the editor: Fotion and Conrad (1) have made some worthwhile points about authors who have not sat down to actually write multiauthored papers. They propose a method of distinguishing wri...