cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed coordinated tracking via a variable structure approach - part I: Consensus tracking

This is the first part of a two-part paper on distributed coordinated tracking for a group of autonomous vehicles via a variable structure approach. Here, the term coordinated tracking is used to refer to both consensus tracking and swarm tracking. In the first part of this paper, we focus on the consensus tracking problem where a group of autonomous vehicles can track a (time-varying) virtual leader when the state of the virtual leader is available to only a subset of the group of vehicles. In the case of first-order kinematics, we propose a distributed consensus tracking algorithm without velocity measurements under both fixed and switching network topologies. In particular, we show that distributed consensus tracking can be achieved in finite time. In the case of second-order dynamics, we propose two distributed consensus tracking algorithms without acceleration measurements under, respectively, a fixed and switching network topology. In particular, we show that the proposed algorithms guarantee at least global exponential tracking. For distributed consensus tracking in the case of both first-order kinematics and second-order dynamics, a mild connectivity requirement is proposed by adopting a connectivity maintenance mechanism in which the adjacency matrix is defined in a proper way.
Computational modeling of stress transient and bubble evolution in short-pulse laser irradiated melanosome particles

Objective is to study retinal injury by subnanosecond laser pulses absorbed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. The absorption centers in the RPE cell are melanosomes of order 1 {mu}m radius. Each melanosome includes many melanin particles of 10-15 nm radius, which are the local absorbers of the laser light and generate a discrete structure of hot spots. This work use the hydrodynamic code LATIS (LAser-TISsue interaction modeling) and a water equation of state to first simulate the small melanin particle of 15 nm responsible for initiating the hot spot and the pressure field. A average melanosome of 1 {mu}m scale is next simulated. Supersonic shocks and fast vapor bubbles are generated in both cases: the melanin scale and the melanosome scale. The hot spot induces a shock wave pressure than with a uniform deposition of laser energy. It is found that an absorption coefficient of 6000 -8000 cm{sup -1} can explain the enhanced shock wave emitted by the melanosome. An experimental and theoretical effort should be considered to identify the mechanism for generating shock wave enhancement.
Suicide des jeunes et crise de la famille : la question de l'anomie

Resume Le suicide des jeunes, phenomene nouveau en Occident, coincide avec la crise contemporaine de la famille. Prenant appui sur le concept d'anomie, l'auteur montre que c'est parce que l'institution familiale constituait le rituel par lequel on enterrait sa jeunesse que la « societe domestique » jouait le role anti-anomique identifie par Durkheim. A partir d'entretiens avec les proches de jeunes morts par suicide, cette interpretation est illustree. Il est montre que maints adolescents, perdus dans le trou noir de l'adolescence, developpent une haine de soi qui sera fatale.
Influence of the Thyroids on the Rate of Removal of Recently Deposited Radiocalcium and Radiophosphorus from Bone

The difference in the response of thyroid-intact (TI) and thyroidectomized rats (TX) to a single calcium injection was studied in this report. Four experimental series were included: 1) comparison of TI and TX rats, both groups containing functional parathyroid transplants in the cornea; 2) the same but with prior nephrectomy; 3) comparison between the 2 groups (TX and TI), with the calcium injected 12 hr following parathyroidectomy; and 4) the same except that the rats were maintained on a phosphate-deficient diet 3 days prior to use. Three comparisons were made between TX and TI rats: 1) the effect of calcium challenge on subsequent plasma calcium and phosphate changes; 2) the effect on plasma levels of 32P and 45Ca, the isotopes having been administered 10 days prior to calcium challenge; and 3) the effect on plasma levels of 32P and 45Ca which had been administered only 12 hr prior to use. The following observations were made: 1) Both plasma calcium and phosphate levels rise after calcium injection in...
Optimal placement of capacitors in a radial network using conic and mixed integer linear programming

This paper considers the problem of optimally placing fixed and switched type capacitors in a radial distribution network. The aim of this problem is to minimize the costs associated with capacitor banks, peak power, and energy losses whilst satisfying a pre-specified set of physical and technical constraints. The proposed solution is obtained using a two-phase approach. In phase-I, the problem is formulated as a conic program in which all nodes are candidates for placement of capacitor banks whose sizes are considered as continuous variables. A global solution of the phase-I problem is obtained using an interior-point based conic programming solver. Phase-II seeks a practical optimal solution by considering capacitor sizes as discrete variables. The problem in this phase is formulated as a mixed integer linear program based on minimizing the L1-norm of deviations from the phase-I state variable values. The solution to the phase-II problem is obtained using a mixed integer linear programming solver. The proposed method is validated via extensive comparisons with previously published results.
School Counsel How Appropriate Guidance Affects Educational Equity

Detrimental differences in educational opportunities for students of color continue to exist in the post-Brown United States. This article focuses on inequities in access to higher education by addressing the following question: How do disparities in counseling services affect college access for students of color? Guided by a review of the literature, authors use data from a qualitative case study of high school guidance in an overcrowded school to illustrate the complexity of advising duties, structural constraints on effective guidance, and the effects of insufficient counseling on student perceptions of their support systems with regard to college-going.
Health Care for Immigrants — Implications of Obama's Executive Action

President Obama has announced his intention to grant millions of undocumented immigrants a reprieve from the threat of deportation, along with the possibility of legal employment. If the plan is implemented, it could have substantial effects on the health care system.
The deposition of alkaline earth oxides by organometallic CVD

Abstract A fundamental study on the CVD of thin film oxides of calcium, strontium and barium has been performed. We have synthesized two types of substituted acetyl-acetonate precursors of these elements and determined their volatilities as a function of temperature. Binary oxide films were deposited from both fluorinated reagents and methylated reagents under several oxidizing conditions. These experiments produced films of either the fluoride or carbonate phase of each element. Ternary oxides were deposited using both classes of precursors. Desired phases were deposited and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopic analysis detected impurities.
Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for pediatric recipients: outcomes analysis.

Abstract Objectives To present our outcomes of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for pediatric recipients. Laparoscopic nephrectomy has become the technique of choice for live donor nephrectomy. However, limited data are available regarding the role of this technique for pediatric recipients, who may pose special challenges and considerations, and whose parents need additional information. Methods Since November 1999, we have performed laparoscopic nephrectomy in more than 300 consecutive patients for live donor transplantation. Of these, 20 cases were identified that involved a recipient younger than 18 years of age. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were reviewed to analyze the outcomes of these specific cases. The data were compared with a similar group of pediatric recipients receiving kidneys procured using the traditional open technique. Results The mean donor and recipient age was 40 years (range 26 to 52) and 13 years (range 1.7 to 18), respectively, and 19 cases (95%) involved the left kidney. The mean donor and recipient operative time was 3.3 hours (range 2.5 to 5.2) and 3.9 hours (range 2.4 to 5.1), respectively. The warm and anastomotic time averaged 4 minutes (range 2 to 8) and 30 minutes (range 16 to 41), respectively. Nineteen of the grafts functioned immediately, with a mean creatinine at 24 hours of 2.0 mg/dL (range 0.3 to 6.0). At last follow-up (mean 13.6 months), the mean creatinine was 1.1 mg/dL. Ureteral stricture requiring stent placement occurred in 2 patients (10%). No statistically significant differences were noted in operative parameters, complications, or renal function compared with a contemporary cohort of 26 pediatric patients receiving organs obtained by open donor nephrectomy. Conclusions Our early experience with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for pediatric recipients confirmed that the technique provides quality organs with excellent function. The method yields outcomes comparable to those after traditional open donor nephrectomy and does not require modifications for the recipient operation.
Community development following gamma radiation at a pine–oak forest, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Long Island, New York1

We investigated a unique source of forest disturbance: gamma radiation. While the temporal patterns of ecological succession are well understood for the forests of eastern North America, this is not the case for massively irradiated forests. Our objective was to compare vascular plant community change after irradiation at the five vegetation zones described in 1962 by Woodwell at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Long Island, New York. No follow-up studies have been done since the gamma radiation experiments were terminated in 1978. Ecological successional theory (e.g., Bormann and Likens, 1994, Likens and Bormann, 1995) does not explain long-term forest recovery after radiation damage. Our null hypothesis was that 47 yr after initial gamma ray exposure, the sites would have recovered such that floristic composition would be the same as the pine-oak forest control. This hypothesis was rejected statistically. In 2007/2008, the five concentric zones of vegetation centered about the gamma source retained their floristic heterogeneity as measured by Jaccard coefficients.
Friendly but streamlined: implementing an integrated university computing environment

In August 1986 Indiana University released the prototype of an easy-to-use electronic information service delivery mechanism: the Academic Information Environment (AIE). IU developed the AIE to serve as a scholars' network, providing high-speed, transparent connectivity between IU scholars' workstations and computing and information resources. These resources include, for example, local centralized or departmental computing resources, supercomputers at remote locations, international networks, and local and distant information sources.From the beginning, a goal was to make the AIE friendly enough for computing novices, yet streamlined enough that experienced users would not find it cumbersome. Initially designed for faculty, the AIE now serves staff and students, and is available statewide through the IU Computing Network.This paper follows the history and development of the AIE from its prototype through current plans and projects for migrating from central resources to a distributed workstation environment. Issues discussed include development strategies, implementation phases, management and support, standards, stumbling blocks, ongoing modifications, and adaptations due to the ever-changing state of technology coupled with campus organization and need.
Visual programming for novice programmer teachers

We developed a construction toolkit for teachers to create visual educational simulation, this work is an effort to support science and inquiry based education. Because teachers are subject matter experts in the classroom, they are excellent candidates to develop educational software that meets their own pedagogical goals. We report an evaluation of nineteen teachers creating educational simulation microworlds for physical science using this environment.
Longitudinal-momentum transfer from thick-target recoil studies of intermediate-energy heavy-ion reactions

Abstract The longitudinal velocity ν | of the composite system formed in intermediate-energy heavy-ion reactions is frequently obtained from the mean forward recoil range, FW , of evaporation residues, a procedure that neglects the effect of evaporation. The validity of this approach is examined with the help of the cascade-evaporation code ISABEL-EVA. The results for 45–90 MeV/nucleon 12 C on copper and silver indicate that ν | is overestimated by at most (6 ± 3)%. The magnitude of this is related to the experimentally observable ratio of forward and backward ranges.
Optical and electrical diagnostics of the effects of conductivity on liuqid phase electrical discharge

In recent years, there is an increasing interest in the application of high voltage electrical discharge plasma in and in contact with liquids (especially water). The presence of water molecules interacting with plasma generates significant amounts of hydroxyl radicals, a highly reactive. It is difficult to quantitatively measure radical species generated in plasma due to their short lifetimes. Chemical probes have been used to quantitatively measure hydroxyl radicals in liquid phase discharge [1] but the disadvantage is that the addition of the probes can change solution properties (i.e. conductivity) and affect other plasma chemical reactions. In the case of emission spectroscopy, another species diagnostic method, some of the radical species in the excited state generated in the liquid phase plasma will go through non-radiative relaxation processes due to effect of solvent conditions and rapid quenching processes. Previous literature has suggested significant changes in the plasma channel length, temperature and UV light emission characteristics when increasing the solution conductivity [2]. Therefore, it is important to develop calibration methods which allow the comparison of the emission intensity resulting from the quantity of radicals under different solution conductivity.
Victim Participation in Intimate Partner Violence Prosecution: Implications for Safety

Are intimate partner violence (IPV) victims safer if they use the criminal justice system? Concerns about perpetrator retaliation, in the face of data that protection orders can reduce future harm, make it important to understand how victim utilization (calling 911, talking to the prosecutor, and proceeding with prosecution) affects subsequent safety. We hypothesized participation would improve victims’ safety, measured by decreases in subsequent IPV-related 911 calls and/or emergency department visits. Findings support contact with the prosecutor’s office was associated with reduction in police-reported IPV, regardless of the victim’s wish to proceed. Policy implications support pro-prosecution strategies coupled with victim contact.
Reynolds-number measurements for low-Prandtl-number turbulent convection of large-aspect-ratio samples

We present experimental results for the Reynolds number ReU based on the horizontal mean-flow velocity U and for ReV based on the root-mean-square horizontal fluctuation velocity V for turbulent Rayleigh‐B´ enard convection in a cylindrical sample of aspect ratio D 10:9 over the Prandtl number range 0:18 6 Pr 6 0:88. The results were derived from space‐time cross-correlation functions of shadowgraph images, using the elliptic approximation of He & Zhang (Phys. Rev. E, vol. 73, 2006, 055303). The data cover the Rayleigh number range from 3 10 5 to 2 10 7 . We find that ReU is nearly two orders of magnitude smaller than the values given by the Grossmann‐Lohse (GL) model (Grossmann & Lohse, Phys. Rev. E, vol. 66, 2002, 016305) for D 1:00 and attribute this difference to averaging caused by lateral random diffusion of the large-scale circulation cells in large- samples. For the fluctuations we found ReVDQ R0Pr Ra , with Q R0D 0:31, D 0:53 0:11 and D 0:45 0:03. That result agrees well with the GL model. The close agreement of the coefficient Q R0 must be regarded as a coincidence because the GL model was for D 1:00 and for a mean-flow velocity U.
Insulin reduces contraction and intracellular calcium concentration in vascular smooth muscle.

Resistance to insulin-induced glucose disposal is associated with hypertension, in accord with recent reports that insulin-induced vasodilation is impaired in men with resistance to insulin-induced glucose disposal. Nevertheless, the mechanism of insulin-induced vasodilation is not known. We wished to determine whether a physiological concentration of insulin inhibits agonist-induced contraction at the level of the individual vascular smooth muscle cell, and if so, how. Dispersed vascular smooth muscle cells from dog femoral artery were grown on collagen gels for 4 to 8 days. Contraction and intracellular Ca2+ concentration of individual cells were measured by photomicroscopy and fura 2 epifluorescence microscopy, respectively. Serotonin and angiotensin II contracted cells in a dose-dependent manner. Preincubation of cells for 20 minutes (short-term) or 7 days (long-term) with insulin (40 microU/mL) inhibited serotonin- and angiotensin II-induced contractions by approximately 50%. Insulin (10 microU/mL) acutely inhibited serotonin-induced contraction by 34%. The maximal effect of high extracellular K(+)-induced contraction was not affected by short-term insulin exposure, but the ED50 for extracellular K(+)-induced contraction was increased from 7.6 +/- 2.5 to 16.0 +/- 3.9 mmol/L (P < .05). Short-term insulin exposure also attenuated the peak rise of the serotonin-induced intracellular Ca2+ transient and increased the rate constant for intracellular Ca2+ decline. Verapamil and ouabain completely blocked the attenuation of agonist-induced contraction by short-term insulin exposure, indicating the importance of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and the Na(+)-K+ pump for this effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Examining the Effects of New York Experience Corps® Program on Young Readers

There are hundreds of tutoring programs that utilize community volunteers being implemented across the country; however, there are few rigorous efforts to evaluate their effectiveness. This article presents findings on reading achievement from an evaluation of the New York City Experience Corps®, a program that uses older volunteers to work with students in public elementary schools. Two hundred and eighty-eight first- and second-grade students participated in a pre-test/post-test two group design with randomization to assess the impact of the program on their reading abilities. Reading was assessed using the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) and Early Childhood Literary Assessment System (ECLAS). Results indicate that Experience Corps is effective at improving reading scores. This study provides evidence that older volunteers can be successfully utilized to tutor young readers.
Legal abortion worldwide: incidence and recent trends.

Information on abortion levels and trends can inform research and policies affecting maternal and reproductive health but the incidence of legal abortion has not been assessed in nearly a decade. Statistics on legal abortions in 2003 were compiled for 60 countries in which the procedure is broadly legal and trends were assessed where possible. Data sources included published and unpublished reports from official national reporting systems questionnaires sent to government agencies and nationally representative population surveys. The completeness of country estimates was assessed by officials involved in data collection and by in-country and regional experts. In recent years more countries experienced a decline in legal abortion rates than an increase among those for which statistics are complete and trend data are available. The most dramatic declines were in Eastern Europe and Central Asia where rates remained among the highest in the world. The highest estimated levels were in Armenia Azerbaijan and Georgia where surveys indicate that women will have close to three abortions each on average in their lifetimes. The U.S. abortion rate dropped by 8% between 1996 and 2003 but remained higher than rates in many Northern and Western European countries. Rates increased in the Netherlands and New Zealand. The official abortion rate declined by 21% over seven years in China which accounted for a third of the worlds legal abortions in 1996. Trends in the abortion rate differed across age-groups in some countries. The abortion rate varies widely across the countries in which legal abortion is generally available and has declined in many countries since the mid-1990s. (authors)
Efficient associative memory storage in cortical circuits of inhibitory and excitatory neurons

Many features of synaptic connectivity are ubiquitous among cortical systems. Cortical networks are dominated by excitatory neurons and synapses, are sparsely connected, and function with stereotypically distributed connection weights. We show that these basic structural and functional features of synaptic connectivity arise readily from the requirement of efficient associative memory storage. Our theory makes two fundamental predictions. First, we predict that, despite a large number of neuron classes, functional connections between potentially connected cells must be realized with 50% probability if the presynaptic cell is inhibitory. Second, we establish a unique relation between probability of connection and coefficient of variation in connection weights. These predictions are consistent with a dataset of 74 published experiments reporting connection probabilities and distributions of postsynaptic potential amplitudes in various cortical systems. What is more, our theory explains the shapes of the distributions obtained in these experiments.
A chlamydial type III translocated protein is tyrosine-phosphorylated at the site of entry and associated with recruitment of actin

The obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis rapidly induces its own entry into host cells. Initial attachment is mediated by electrostatic interactions to heparan sulfate moieties on the host cell, followed by irreversible binding to an unknown secondary receptor. This secondary binding leads to the recruitment of actin to the site of attachment, formation of an actin-rich, pedestallike structure, and finally internalization of the bacteria. How chlamydiae induce this process is unknown. We have identified a high-molecular-mass tyrosine-phosphorylated protein that is rapidly phosphorylated on attachment to the host cell. Immunoelectron microscopy studies revealed that this tyrosine-phosphorylated protein is localized to the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane at the site of attachment of surface-associated chlamydiae. The phosphoprotein was isolated by immunoprecipitation with the antiphosphotyrosine antibody 4G10 and identified as the chlamydial protein CT456, a hypothetical protein with unknown function. The chlamydial protein (Tarp) appears to be translocated into the host cell by type III secretion because it is exported in a Yersinia heterologous expression assay. Phosphotyrosine signaling across the plasma membrane preceded the recruitment of actin to the site of chlamydial attachment and may represent the initial signal transduced from pathogen to the host cell. These results suggest that C. trachomatis internalization is mediated by a chlamydial type III-secreted effector protein.
Effect of ploidy in photoreactivation.

SummaryThe survival fractions of diploid and haploid strains of S. cerevisiae after ultraviolet irradiation (2537 A.U.) have been obtained, compared, and modified by photoreactivation following the initial irradiation. The haploid survival follows a sigmoid curve and is smaller than the diploid at the same dose. The dose reduction principle (which can be successfully applied to the data) yields a reduction factor that appears substantially the same for photoreactivation of both strains. The data appear consistent with the model proposed by Novick and Szilard.
Cropland edge, forest succession, and landscape affect shrubland bird nest predation

ABSTRACT The effects of habitat edges on nest survival of shrubland birds, many of which have experienced significant declines in the eastern United States, have not been thoroughly studied. In 2007 and 2008, we collected data on nests of 5 shrubland passerine species in 12 early successional forest patches in North Carolina, USA. We used model selection methods to assess the effect of distance to cropland and mature forest edge on nest predation rates and additionally accounted for temporal trends, nest stage, vegetation structure, and landscape context. For nests of all species combined, nest predation decreased with increasing distance to cropland edge, by nearly 50% at 250 m from the cropland edge. Nest predation of all species combined also was higher in patches with taller saplings and less understory vegetation, especially in the second year of our study when trees were 4–6 m tall. Predation of field sparrow (Spizella pusilla) nests was lower in landscapes with higher agricultural landcover. Nest p...
Outbreaks of enteric disease associated with animal contact : Not just a foodborne problem anymore

In the past 10 years, an increasing number of outbreaks of enteric disease associated with animals in public settings, such as fairs and petting zoos, have been reported. Fifty-five of these outbreaks that occurred in the United States during 1991-2005 are reviewed in this article. Lessons learned from these outbreaks and recommendations for prevention are also discussed. Physicians should be aware of this important public health problem and play an active role in prevention of human illness associated with animals in public settings.
Finance for Growth: Policy Choices in a Volatile World

The overall impact of financial globalization on the domestic financial sector is profound. Liberalization of capital flows has effectively made domestic financial repression obsolete. The consequences have not been uniformly favorable. Following liberalization, domestic interest rates in developing countries have moved to a premium over industrial country rates, and can surge at times of currency speculation. Heightened interest rate and exchange rate volatility pose practical risk management difficulties for financial intermediaries and reinforce the need for appropriate infrastructures and incentives for risk containment, as well as for good macropolicies. On the other hand, the cost of equity capital has been reduced by allowing foreign investor access to local equity markets and allowing local firms to list abroad. Increased international flows through the equity markets have not been the major contributor to increased international sources of volatility. In addition to opening access to foreign-sourced financial services, more and more countries have been permitting foreign-owned banks and other financial firms to operate locally. Although this can represent a threat to domestic owners of financial firms, the drawback is outweighed by improved service quality. On all three fronts--debt, equity, and services--the costs and risks as well as the benefits of increased financial globalization. knowledges
Mathematics as Information Technologies.

Dans les societes anciennes, la naissance de symboles abstraits pour designer les quantites d'espace et de temps, ainsi que les strategies de calcul, a ete contemporaine de grands changements dans les structures sociales
A Model Dinosaur: Power, Personal Networks, and the Career of Rubén Figueroa

This article explores the career of Ruben Figueroa, who, as governor of Guerrero, came to represent a classic regional boss during the latter part of the PRI regime. It examines how and why upwardly mobile actors built extensive personal networks and it offers a discussion of the nature of political power under the PRI. It advances three arguments: that effective networks were socially and spatially diverse, tying provincial aspirations to Mexico City’s corporatist politics; that these broad networks were important because of the regime’s particular metrics of “political strength;” and that this system articulated a distinctive power that linked capital and province. Este articulo examina la carrera politica de Ruben Figueroa, quien llego a ser visto como un cacique tipico durante el regimen del pri. Explorando por que los aspirantes al poder construyeron redes personales y como esas redes fueron fundamentales para el poder priista, se argumenta: que las redes que fueron efectivas eran diversas tanto en lo social como en lo espacial, y que ligaron las aspiraciones regionales a la politica corporativista de la ciudad de Mexico; que esas redes fueron importantes por la interpretacion singular priista de la “fuerza politica”; y que esos entendimientos iluminan la naturaleza de poder politico bajo el pri.
Darkening of interwell excitons in coupled quantum wells due to a stress-induced direct-to-indirect transition

In previous studies, an inhomogeneous strain field was used as a trapping mechanism for interwell excitons in coupled GaAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{0.45}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.55}\mathrm{As}$ quantum wells. Photoluminescence measurements in this system demonstrated the presence of a dark population of excitons at trap center in the low-temperature, high-stress, high-density regime. The dramatic appearance of this effect at low temperature and high density initially suggested that it may be indicative of a Bose-Einstein condensation phase transition. Further experiments revealed that this effect appears more readily in wider quantum wells and occurs at strain values near the heavy-hole/light-hole crossover point. In this paper, it will be shown that this effect occurs in a regime where the heavy-hole valence band maximum shifts away from ${k}_{||}=0$, which is expected to strongly suppress the recombination rate at low temperatures. Simulations based on this assumption will be shown to match the experimentally observed behavior, without requiring the appearance of a Bose-Einstein condensate.
A plethora of open problems in particle flow research for nonlinear filters, Bayesian decisions, Bayesian learning, and transport

We describe many open problems for research in particle flows to compute Bayes’ rule for nonlinear filters, Bayesian decisions and Bayesian learning as well as transport. Particle flow mitigates particle degeneracy, which is the main cause of the curse of dimensionality for particle filters. Particle flow filters are many orders of magnitude faster to compute in real time compared with standard particle filters for the same accuracy for difficult high dimensional problems.
Ephedrine as a marker of intravascular injection in laboring parturients.

Thirty healthy laboring parturients were randomly chosen to receive either normal saline (NS), ephedrine 10 mg (EPH-10), or ephedrine 15 mg (EPH-15) intravenously. Changes in maternal heart rate and blood pressure and fetal heart rate were monitored. A clinically useful and statistically significant (
The evaluation of verbal performance in multiply handicapped blind children.

The procedures, personnel, and facilities for the evaluation of verbal skills in multiply handicapped blind children which have been utilized at the Syracuse University Center for the Development of Blind Children are reported.
Masks of the Universe: Introducing the Masks

The theme of this book is that the universe in which we live, or think we live, is mostly a thing of our own making. The underlying idea is the distinction between Universe and universes . It is a simple idea having many consequences. The Universe is everything. What it is, in its own right, independent of our changing opinions, we never fully know. It is all-inclusive and includes us as conscious beings. We are a part or an aspect of the Universe experiencing and thinking about itself. What is the Universe? Seeking an answer is the endless quest. I can think of no better reply than the admission by Socrates: “all that I know is that I know nothing.” David Hume, a Scottish philosopher in the eighteenth century, in reply to a similar question, said “it admits of no answer” for absolute truth is inaccessible to the human mind. Logan Smith, an expatriate American living in London, expressed his reply in a witty essay Trivia (1902), “I awoke this morning … into the daylight, the furniture of my bedroom – in fact, into the well-known, often-discussed, but to my mind as yet unexplained Universe.” The universes are our models of the Universe. They are great schemes of intricate thought – grand belief systems – that rationalize the human experience.
Intelligent switching between multiple model-based adaptive controllers using data-driven control theory

Adaptive control theory is a promising technology to improve the performance and stability of nominal controllers in the presence of system uncertainties. However, conventional model reference adaptive control schemes are not robust in the presence of unmodeled dynamics, actuator constraints etc. To overcome the above limitations, recently various new adaptive control schemes are proposed in the literature. Since the underlying mathematical constructs of these schemes are different, each adaptive scheme might be efficient in handling a particular class of unanticipated disturbance. Instead of depending on a single scheme to provide robustness, the best strategy will be to run all the adaptive schemes parallel and optimally switch between them depending on the current state of the system. This paper proposes a stable data-driven supervisory algorithm to switch between various model-based adaptive control schemes. The optimal switching is achieved using a data-driven control concept called ‘Unfalsified adaptive control’. The resulting data-driven collaborative adaptive controller greatly improves the performance and robustness of the nominal controller compared to independent adaptive schemes. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm.
The Character of Harms: Operational Challenges in Control

How should we deal with societal ills such as crime, poverty, pollution, terrorism, and corruption? The Character of Harms argues that control or mitigation of 'bad' things involves distinctive patterns of thought and action which turn out to be broadly applicable across a range of human endeavors, and which need to be better understood. Malcolm Sparrow demonstrates that an explicit focus on the bads, rather than on the countervailing goods (safety, prosperity, environmental stewardship, etc.) can provide rich opportunities for surgically efficient and effective interventions - an operational approach which he terms 'the sabotage of harms'. The book explores the institutional arrangements and decision-frameworks necessary to support this emerging operational model. Written for reflective practitioners charged with risk-control responsibilities across the public, private, and non-governmental sectors, The Character of Harms makes a powerful case for a new approach to tackling the complex problems facing society.
A differential proteomics approach to identify proteins involved in lung carcinogenesis induced by a mixture of 4-(methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and chemoprevention of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) in A/J mice.

Fifth AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, Nov 12-15, 2006 A66 Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the USA and worldwide. Although primary prevention through cessation of smoking and prevention of smoking initiation is the best approach to reduce lung cancer mortality, secondary prevention using chemopreventive agents could also prevent or reverse the carcinogenesis process. The first step in identifying chemopreventive agents is thorough understanding of the molecular events that take place during carcinogenesis. To assess carcinogen-induced alteration in protein expression and possible modulation of the effect by the chemopreventive agent indole-3-carbinol (I3C), groups of A/J mice were given eight weekly doses of a mixture of B[ a ]P plus NNK (2 µmol each) in 0.1ml cottonseed oil, cottonseed oil only or the carcinogens and I3C (112 µmol/g diet beginning 50% of carcinogen treatment until sacrifice). Mice were sacrificed 19 weeks after the last dose of carcinogen and tumor incidence and multiplicity were determined. Compared to the group treated with the carcinogens only, tumor multiplicity in the carcinogens plus I3C group was reduced by 77%; no effect was found on tumor incidence. In order to identify proteins that could be differentially expressed, lung homogenates were prepared from pooled lungs (five lungs/group) of each of the three groups (untreated control, carcinogen-treated and carcinogens plus I3C-treated) and processed using the novel proteomics technique, isobaric technique for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). In each of the three iTRAQ runs with the same pooled sample, we identified and quantified at least 256 proteins with more than one peptide and > 95% confidence. Treatment with a mixture of NNK plus BaP up-regulated the expression of fatty acid synthase, transketolase, L-plastin, annexin A1, haptoglobin and pulmonary surfactant protein C whereas transferrin, alpha-1-antitrypsin precursor and apolpoprotein A-1 were down-regulated. Interestingly, dietary administration of I3C to carcinogen-treated mice decreased the expression of L-plastin, annexin A1, haptoglobin and pulmonary surfactant protein C to the level of the untreated control. We verified these results using Western immunoblotting. Expression of cytochrome P450 2F and glutathione S-transferase mu 1 was up-regulated in the group treated with I3C. Overall, we showed that (1) I3C chemoprevents lung carcinogenesis induced by a mixture of NNK plus BaP, (2) the expression level of nine proteins was altered upon treatment with the carcinogens and (3) dietary feeding of I3C reduced carcinogen-induced up-regulation of L-plastin, annexin A1, haptoglobin and pulmonary surfactant protein C. The chemopreventive effect of I3C might be explained, at least partly, by its effect on these proteins.
Elevated IgA Plasmablast Levels in Subjects at Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective The disease process in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) starts years before the clinical diagnosis is made, and elevated levels of disease-specific autoantibodies can be detected during this period. Early responses to known or novel autoantigens likely drive the eventual production of pathogenic autoimmunity. Importantly, the presence of disease-specific autoantibodies can identify individuals who are at high risk of developing RA but who do not currently have arthritis. The goal of the current study was to characterize plasmablasts from individuals at risk of developing RA. Methods We investigated antibody-secreting plasmablasts derived from a well-characterized cohort of individuals who were at risk of developing RA, based on RA-related serum autoantibody positivity, as compared to patients with early (<1 year) seropositive RA as well as healthy control subjects. The plasmablast antibody repertoires of at-risk subjects were analyzed using DNA barcode–based methods with paired heavy- and light-chain gene sequencing. Cells were single-cell sorted, the cell- and plate-specific DNA barcodes were sequentially added, and next-generation sequencing was performed. Results Total plasmablast levels were similar in the antibody-positive (1%) and control (0.4–1.6%) groups. However, increased frequencies of IgA+ versus IgG+ plasmablasts were observed in the antibody-positive group (39% IgA+ and 37% IgG+) as compared to other groups (1–9% IgA+ and 71-87% IgG+). Paired antibody sequences from antibody-positive subjects revealed cross-isotype clonal families and similar sequence characteristics in the IgA and IgG plasmablast repertoires. Antibody-positive individuals also demonstrated elevated serum levels of IgA isotype anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 3 antibodies. Conclusion The IgA plasmablast dominance in these antibody-positive individuals suggests that a subset of RA-related autoantibodies may arise from mucosal immune responses and may be involved in early disease pathogenesis in individuals who are at risk of developing RA.
Complete regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces, fatigue and recovery

Modern technology has taken great strides to restore motion to amputees with prostheses. A key limitation in many cases is lack of a reliable controlling interface to the prosthetic devices. To address this issue, our lab has developed the Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI). RPNIs transduce signals between residual peripheral nerves, muscle grafts, and prosthetic devices. Prior to this study, RPNI's signal production was primarily evaluated during single evoked maximal action potential. The purpose of this study was to characterize RPNI function during and after repeated submaximal use. RPNIs (n=5) were constructed in a rat model by transferring the EDL muscle from the lower hind limb to the hip region and implanting the transected peroneal nerve into the muscle. Control EDL muscles (n=8) were left in the native location. The muscles were evaluated at least five months postoperatively in terms of maximum evoked compound muscle action potentials, force production, force production during repeated use, and post-fatigue force production. There was a strong correlation between maximum compound muscle action potential amplitude and maximum contractile force (r=0.83 p < 0.01); thus, force was an indication of signaling. RPNI and Control muscles both fatigued as exponential regressions. Percent post fatigue force production did not differ significantly between the groups, with Controls recovering to 85% of initial maximum force and RPNIs recovering to 60%. RPNIs produce and recover signals in the same relative manner as Controls indicating RPNIs are prime candidates as controlling interfaces for myoelectric prosthetic devices.
Virtual Water and an EKC for Water Pollution

This paper includes country level virtual water data in an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) for water pollution. Virtual water accounts for the total amount of water required to produce a good in all stages of production. This paper constructs a water independence index, defined as the water required in domestic production divided by the amount of water required for all imported goods. Results suggest an increase in trade openness and importing water intensive goods may lower water pollution levels.
Forensic Entomology and the Effect of Ortho Pesticide on Decomposition in Sunny Conditions

A study of the effects of the use and type of insecticide on decomposition was conducted at the Rangeland Science Park in College Station, TX. A treated and a control chicken cadaver were laid out in the field in sunny conditions to observe decomposition and insect-cadaver interactions. We hypothesized that the use of insecticide would decrease the rate of decomposition compared to non-treated organisms and, specifically, that organisms treated with Ortho brand insecticide would have less insect activity than those treated with Spectracide. Results showed that the control cadaver was heavily decomposed while the treated cadaver was still in the early stages of decomposition. Both cadavers had insect activity, but fly larvae were more active on the control while adult flies were more active on the treated cadaver. Knowledge of factors that can affect decomposition is important because it can, consequently, affect post mortem interval estimates.
Analysis of Craniofacial Skeletal and Soft Tissue Anatomy of the eye in Relation to Reduced Visual Acuity in Humans

Hydroxyapatite has long been recognized for its biocompatible properties. Because a modified form of this substance is found in up to 80% of human bone, the human immune system does not recognize it as foreign and therefore does not initiate an immune system attack. Hydroxyapatite has been used as scaffolding for bone repair, as well as for coating metallic implants. Additionally, hydroxyapatite has the ability to promote bone growth without dissolving in the human system. This substance presents great potential for treatment and repair applications in a physiological system. Although hydroxyapatite has been demonstrated to have great biological applications, these applications all require a substrate for administration. Electrospinning technique provides technology for creating such a substrate. Electrospinning has been used to create drug delivery systems and scaffolds for tissue regeneration. The electrospinner manufactures tiny nano- or micro-sized fibers and when these nanofibers are layered, a thick nanofiber mesh results. This nanofiber mesh provides a surface for hydroxyapatite nanoparticle attachment. In addition to electrospinning technique, the electrospinner also has the capabilities to “electrospray,” or to create individual nanoparticles laid down on a metal collector plate. In my research, I intend to electrospin a fiber mesh, and then use electrospraying to decorate the mesh with iron-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. This endeavor involves the development and characterization of fabrication techniques for biomedical applications.
From SNOMED CT to Uberon: Transferability of evaluation methodology between similarly structured ontologies.

Abstract Objective To examine whether disjoint partial-area taxonomy, a semantically-based evaluation methodology that has been successfully tested in SNOMED CT, will perform with similar effectiveness on Uberon, an anatomical ontology that belongs to a structurally similar family of ontologies as SNOMED CT. Method A disjoint partial-area taxonomy was generated for Uberon. One hundred randomly selected test concepts that overlap between partial-areas were matched to a same size control sample of non-overlapping concepts. The samples were blindly inspected for non-critical issues and presumptive errors first by a general domain expert whose results were then confirmed or rejected by a highly experienced anatomical ontology domain expert. Reported issues were subsequently reviewed by Uberon's curators. Results Overlapping concepts in Uberon's disjoint partial-area taxonomy exhibited a significantly higher rate of all issues. Clear-cut presumptive errors trended similarly but did not reach statistical significance. A sub-analysis of overlapping concepts with three or more relationship types indicated a much higher rate of issues. Conclusions Overlapping concepts from Uberon's disjoint abstraction network are quite likely (up to 28.9%) to exhibit issues. The results suggest that the methodology can transfer well between same family ontologies. Although Uberon exhibited relatively few overlapping concepts, the methodology can be combined with other semantic indicators to expand the process to other concepts within the ontology that will generate high yields of discovered issues.
Eppur si muove, and yet it moves: Patchy (phoretic) swimmers☆

Abstract Advances in colloidal synthesis allow for the design of particles with controlled patches. This article reviews routes towards colloidal locomotion, where energy is consumed and converted into motion, and its implementation with active patchy particles. A special emphasis is given to phoretic swimmers, where the self-propulsion originates from an interfacial phenomenon, raising experimental challenges and opening up opportunities for particles with controlled anisotropic surface chemistry and novel behaviors.