cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visual and tactile interfaces for bi-directional human robot communication

Seamless integration of unmanned and systems and Soldiers in the operational environment requires robust communication capabilities. Multi-Modal Communication (MMC) facilitates achieving this goal due to redundancy and levels of communication superior to single mode interaction using auditory, visual, and tactile modalities. Visual signaling using arm and hand gestures is a natural method of communication between people. Visual signals standardized within the U.S. Army Field Manual and in use by Soldiers provide a foundation for developing gestures for human to robot communication. Emerging technologies using Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) enable classification of arm and hand gestures for communication with a robot without the requirement of line-of-sight needed by computer vision techniques. These devices improve the robustness of interpreting gestures in noisy environments and are capable of classifying signals relevant to operational tasks. Closing the communication loop between Soldiers and robots necessitates them having the ability to return equivalent messages. Existing visual signals from robots to humans typically require highly anthropomorphic features not present on military vehicles. Tactile displays tap into an unused modality for robot to human communication. Typically used for hands-free navigation and cueing, existing tactile display technologies are used to deliver equivalent visual signals from the U.S. Army Field Manual. This paper describes ongoing research to collaboratively develop tactile communication methods with Soldiers, measure classification accuracy of visual signal interfaces, and provides an integration example including two robotic platforms.
Optical absorption enhancement in disordered vertical silicon nanowire arrays for photovoltaic applications

Optical properties are numerically investigated for vertically aligned silicon nanowire arrays with three types of structural randomness, i.e., random position, diameter, and length. Nanowire arrays with random position show slight absorption enhancement, while those with random diameter or length show significant absorption enhancement, which is attributed to the stronger optical scattering in a random structure. Our results indicate that structural randomness in vertical nanowire arrays will not destroy but rather can further enhance optical absorption compared to ordered nanowire arrays.
How electoral rules matter: voter turnout in Morocco's 2007 parliamentary elections

In 2007, Morocco held parliamentary elections in which voter turnout plunged to a historic low of 37%. Since then, most analyses have attributed the poor showing to popular dissatisfaction with the political establishment despite the fact that the monarchy has initiated a number of political reforms in recent years to promote greater competition in the political system. What factors account then for declining participation in the context of political liberalisation, which ostensibly should foster increased participation? This article explores the relationship between Morocco's electoral system and declining rates of turnout. In particular, I claim that Morocco's peculiar variation of proportional representation produces certain psychological effects on parties' calculus of mobilisation and citizens' calculus of participation. A regression analysis based on official election results confirms that characteristics of the electoral districts within which Moroccan citizens reside affected their predispositions...
A visual debugger for pure Prolog

Abstract This work involves the design and coding of an interpreter for pure Prolog and building a visual debugger for it. Most of the available Prolog interpreters contain some tracing facilities. They do not incorporate, however, a comprehensive visual debugger. The interpreter performs the operations of parsing, unification, resolution, and search in a state-space representation of the Prolog program. The visual debugger incorporates the graphical visualization and the manipulation of the SLD resolution tree. The user visualizes the execution of a pure Prolog program and interacts with the program inside a windowing environment. The program execution may be viewed without interruption or the execution can be stopped at any moment in time. At this point the “snapshot” can be scrutinized with the help of break-points and data displays. This software aims itself to those who wish to observe the actual process of predicate unification, substitution, resolution and goal matching in a Prolog program and to visually interact with the interpreter using a highly friendly and pleasing user interface. An advanced feature, referred to as debugging on the tree, provides the user with the ability to insert break-points directly on the SLD tree, to choose the path of execution, and change the search mode. The resultant search algorithm can be a mixture of depth-first and breadth-first search, avoiding infinite search paths.
Information processing and misperceptions of the implications of feedback in dynamic decision making

Two themes have emerged from research on individuals' decision behavior in dynamic tasks. First, dynamic decision-making situations have features that permit effective decision performance by rather simple decision rules. Second, the existence of simple but effective decision rules does not guarantee that decision makers will use those rules. In fact, decision makers exhibit systematically ineffective performance, apparently because they misperceive the implications of feedback structures for their decision making. Other interpretations of such decision behavior are that it is a rational allocation of cognitive effort, that it reflects the incomplete generation of decision rules, and that it results from faulty mental models of the environment. The discussion emphasizes the importance of studying individuals' information processing behavior in dynamic settings.
Stenting vs above knee polytetrafluoroethylene bypass for TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus-II C and D superficial femoral artery disease.

Objectives TransAtlantic Society Consensus (TASC)-II recommends bypass for TASC D and low-risk patients with TASC C lesions but does not specify graft types. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty/stenting (PTA/S) and above knee femoropopliteal bypass (AK-FPB) using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for these lesions were compared to determine if graft type should be part of the TASC-II recommendations for the treatment of TASC C lesions. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent AK-FPB with PTFE, or PTA/S for TASC-II C (PTA/S-C) or D (PTA/S-D) SFA lesions between June 2001 and April 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary end points were primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency rates. Results In 127 patients (mean age, 68.7 ± 10.0 years; median, 68; range, 49-97), 139 limbs were treated (46 AK-FPB, 49 PTA/S-C, 44 PTA/S-D). The mean occlusion and stented lengths were 9.9 ± 3.8 and 24.3 ± 6.6 cm (median, 10 and 20 cm) in PTA/S-C, and 26.6 ± 5.5 and 30.0 ± 5.2 cm (median, 26 and 29 cm) in PTA/S-D. Technical success was 84% in PTA/S-D and 100% in other groups. Mean follow-up was 26.4 ± 18.0 months (median, 24). The 12- and 24-month primary patency was 83% ± 6% and 80% ± 7% for PTA/S-C; 54% ± 8% and 28% ± 12% for PTA/S-D; and 81% ± 6% and 75% ± 7% for AK-FPB ( P P P = .003, PTA/S-C vs AK-FPB; and P = .03, PTA/S-D vs AK-FPB). Secondary patency was 98% ± 3% and 98% ± 3% for PTA/S-C; 72 % ± 7% and 54% ± 11% for PTA/S-D, and 81% ± 6% and 78% ± 7% for AK-FPB. Secondary patency was significantly better in PTA/S-C than AK-FPB ( P = .003) and PTA/S-D groups ( P P = .064). Conclusions PTA/S for TASC-II C lesions has a superior midterm patency than AK-FPB using PTFE, and AK-FPB with PTFE has better primary and assisted-primary patency than PTA/S-D. The TASC-II recommendations should be modified to recommend treatment of SFA TASC-II C lesions by PTA/S rather than PTFE bypass for all patients. PTA/S of TASC-II D lesions should only be considered in high-risk patients who cannot tolerate a bypass procedure using PTFE.
Thinking about p24 proteins and how transport vesicles select their cargo.

All cells are divided into distinct subcellular compartments, each with its own defining set of proteins. A fundamental problem in molecular cell biology is to understand how proteins that are synthesized on ribosomes in the cytoplasm reach their proper intracellular address. This process, usually called protein sorting or protein trafficking, is understood to involve information encoded in the protein sequence itself as well as the cellular machinery that decodes this information and delivers the protein to its correct location. Many of the sorting steps in a eukaryotic cell take place along the secretory pathway. At each step in the secretory pathway, carrier vesicles bud from one compartment and then fuse with the membrane of the next compartment allowing the transfer of membranes and proteins between organelles. To sort proteins, transport vesicles must be able to select the appropriate contents, accepting cargo proteins that should advance to the next compartment while excluding compartmental resident proteins that should remain in place. The companion article for this commentary concerns the function of the p24 family of vesicle proteins, which are thought to play an important part in cargo selection (1).
The cerebral etiology of high-altitude cerebral edema and acute mountain sickness.

Despite normal cerebral oxygenation and normal global cerebral metabolism, vasogenic edema develops in humans (and sheep) who become moderately ill with AMS/ HACE during 24 hr or more of hypoxic exposure. Hypoxic cerebral vasodilatation appears to be a necessary ingredient but does not per se explain the development of brain edema. In addition to mechanical factors, a number of biochemical mediators might play a role in altering the blood-brain barrier. Brain cell swelling (cytotoxic edema) likely has a role only in the later stages of HACE and not in AMS. The hypothesis that AMS is due to cerebral edema appears to be true for moderate-to-severe illness, but whether early AMS, especially the headache, is caused by edema is not known. Other mechanisms for the headache, perhaps similar to those of migraine, need to be explored. New data suggest that the brain swells on ascent to high altitudes regardless of AMS. Whether this is due to edema or engorgement with blood is not yet clear. The "tight fit" hypothesis proposes that individual anatomy of the craniospinal axis determines tolerance to mild brain edema and might help explain individual susceptibility; preliminary studies support this notion. Therapy for AMS and HACE is directed to reducing brain volume and stopping the BBB leak (i.e., oxygenation, diuretics, and steroids) before secondary ischemia develops. New therapies directed specifically toward the defect in BBB permeability are likely to be successful.
Control approach to distributed optimization

In this paper, we propose a novel computation model for solving the distributed optimization problem where the objective function is formed by the sum of convex functions available to individual agent. Our approach differentiates from the existing approach by local convex mixing and gradient searching in that we force the states of the model to the global optimal point by controlling the subgradient of the global optimal function. In this way, the model we proposed does not suffer from the limitation of diminishing step size in gradient searching and allows fast asymptotic convergence. The model also shows robustness to additive noise, which is a main curse for algorithms based on convex mixing or consensus.
A multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method to detect Bcr-Abl kinase activity in CML using a peptide biosensor.

The protein kinase Bcr-Abl plays a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and is the target of the breakthrough drug imatinib (Gleevec™). While most patients respond well to imatinib, approximately 30% never achieve remission or develop resistance within 1–5 years of starting imatinib treatment. Evidence from clinical studies suggests that achieving at least 50% inhibition of a patient’s Bcr-Abl kinase activity (relative to their level at diagnosis) is associated with improved patient outcomes, including reduced occurrence of resistance and longer maintenance of remission. Accordingly, sensitive assays for detecting Bcr-Abl kinase activity compatible with small amounts of patient material are desirable as potential companion diagnostics for imatinib. Here we report the detection of Bcr-Abl activity and inhibition by imatinib in the human CML cell line K562 using a cell-penetrating peptide biosensor and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. MRM enabled reproducible, selective detection of the peptide biosensor at fmol levels from aliquots of cell lysate equivalent to ∼15,000 cells. This degree of sensitivity will facilitate the miniaturization of the entire assay procedure down to cell numbers approaching 15,000, making it practical for translational applications in patient cells in which the limited amount of available patient material often presents a major challenge.
The anatomic distribution of acute cellular rejection in the allograft lung

Abstract Background . Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is used for routine monitoring and diagnosing of acute cellular rejection (ACR) in the lung allograft, and yet the optimal anatomic site for lung biopsy has not been investigated. We examined our clinical data to clarify the distribution of ACR in the lung allograft monitored by TBLB. Methods . A retrospective case-series study was done reviewing the pathology files and slides of TBLB performed on lung allograft recipients. In 73 patients, transbronchial biopsies were taken from more than one lobe. Results . Identical grades of ACR were seen in 33 of 73 (45%) patients, and a single-grade difference in ACR was noted 34 of 73 (47%) patients. Six cases demonstrated two or more grade differences on biopsies taken from two separate lobes. Among cases with different grades of ACR, the "upper" lobes had a higher grade in 35% (14/40) and the "lower" lobes had a higher grade in 65% (26/40). Conclusions . If limitations on the site for transbronchial biopsy exist, biopsies of the lower lobes appear more informative.
The Ventricular-Brain Ratio on Computed Tomography Scans: Validity and Proper Use

The planimetric measurement of the area of the ventricles on a computed tomographic section is a convenient and useful method of assessing ventricular size when more sophisticated techniques are not available. It is commonly reported as a planimetric ventricular-brain ratio or VBR. Ventricular size is related to cranial size in normal adults which provides a rationale for the use of a ratio of areas. The ratio might not be an appropriate measure to use when studying conditions acquired in childhood. Guidelines are suggested for the use of planimetric methods to prevent bias in the experimental results.
The feasibility and validity of a daily diary for the assessment of anxiety in children

The use of a daily diary to assess the range and frequency of anxious events in young children was examined. The results indicated that although further modifications in procedure may be necessary to address the child's maturational age, self-monitoring is a feasible assessment strategy for use with anxious children. Furthermore, the findings that anxious children report significantly more emotional distress and more negative behaviors such as crying, somatic complaints or behavioral avoidance provide some initial validity for the use of this assessment format. The results are discussed in terms of the utility and validity of a diary format and its ability to enhance our clinical understanding of childhood anxiety disorders.
Temporal Orientation in Hearing Impaired People.

ABSTRACT This paper reviews various aspects of the temporal dimension. Cultural perspectives, audition and language development are suggested as factors that may be involved in the development and expression of the human concept of time. The author argues that deafness may impact sufficiently on one or more of these factors to affect the development of temporal orientation in deaf people. The implications of this for the deaf population are discussed. Tentative hypotheses are made and a number of avenues of research that might enlighten our understanding in this area are proposed.
Volcanoes of the Solar System

One of the few geological disciplines that can be exported easily to other planets is volcanology. Aside-by-side comparison of volcanic features on these other planets, as is presented in this book, will help to bring both Earth scientists and lay readers up-to-date in this interesting field. The title alone should go a long way toward informing the general public that there are indeed volcanoes on other planets. The author is aware of these needs because he states that his book is meant to fill two niches—a popular text for the general public and a technical text for introductory college courses.
Anthracene reduces reproductive potential is maternally transferred during long-term exposure in fathead minnows

Abstract The long-term effects of anthracene (a phototoxic 3-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) on the reproductive potential of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were examined. Sexually mature adult fish (1 male and 2 females per 18-1 aquarium) were exposed in the absence of solar ultraviolet radiation (SUVR) to 0, 6, or 12 μg anthracene/l for 6 weeks, followed by concentration increases to 12 and 20 μg anthracene/l for the latter 2 treatment groups for 3 wk. Dosing was conducted via a flow through dosing system. Eggs were collected daily, placed into clean water (i.e., no anthracene) and divided into SUVR and no-SUVR exposure groups. Survivorship and development of eggs was followed until 96 h posthatch. Significant bioconcentration of anthracene was observed in the eggs laid, in the gonads and in the carcasses of the spawning fish in all treatments except controls. Decreased reproductive output (number of eggs laid) was observed in all anthracene exposed fish. Maternal exposure to anthracene (in the absence of SUVR) also caused reductions in the survivorship of those eggs (percent hatch) and fry (percent survival to 96 h posthatch) reared under SUVR. Teratogenic effects (internal hemorrhaging, edema, and eye and yolk deformities) were also observed in fry maternally exposed to anthracene with subsequent exposure to SUVR. Decreased survivorship of fry which were maternally exposed to anthracene but had no subsequent exposure to SUVR was also observed. These findings provide evidence that anthracene, previously thought to be non-toxic in the absence of SUVR, may cause reproductive impairment in fish.
Tomographic thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging after intravenous dipyridamole in asymptomatic subjects with quadriplegia

Abstract Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in those with a spinal cord injury (SCI). As a consequence of changes in body composition and level of activity, individuals with a SCI tend to have a high prelevance of multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). In this report, we have demonstrated the usefulness of tomographic thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging after intravenous dipyridamole in six clinically asymptomatic subjects with quadriplegia. The average age of the subjects was 47 ± 2 years, and they had a duration of injury of 15 ± 2 years. On average, the individuals had five risk factors for CAD. After intravenous administration of dipyridamole and mild upper extremity exercise, the subjects reported no adverse symptoms and had no electrocardiographic evidence suggestive of ischemia. By contrast, three of the six subjects had reversible defects noted on thallium scintigraphy, and one additional subject had a fixed defect that was suggestive of infarction. The remaining two subjects had abnormal scans with fixed defects of the inferioposterior region, which may be ascribed to diaphragmatic attenuation, perhaps a result of partial diaphragmatic paralysis. Thus, dipyridamole thallium myocardial imaging is a safe and effective noninvasive method for the detection of myocardial ischemia or infarction in individuals with quadriplegia who are at increased risk for CAD.
Accounting and accountability: bottom lines and basic mistakes

Political leaders in the United States and Great Britain over the past several decades have been denigrating the performance of public managers and focusing the reform agenda on emulating the efficiency and cost-savings techniques of business. Recently, however, the English have been taking up another set of problems--those flowing from lack of clarity as to the proper relationship between politics and administration. This article will argue that it is now time for Americans to follow suit and to put the politics-administration relationship at the forefront of the public administration agenda in order to promote a more ethical, more effective, and more attractive public service profession.
Absorption edge shift in ZnO thin films at high carrier densities

The optical absorption edge has been measured as a function of carrier concentration for thin films of zinc oxide prepared by organometallic chemical vapour deposition and reactive R.F. magnetron sputtering. Large shifts of the absorption edge have been observed which are only a function of the carrier concentration. Below n = 3 × 1019 cm-3 the shifts are well described by the Burstein-Moss model. For carrier concentrations between 3–5 ×1019cm-3, the shift decreases very rapidly, finally increasing again with further increases in the carrier density. These effects are consistent with a merging of the donor band with the conduction band following a semiconductor-metal transition.
Some Digenetic Trematodes of Marine Fishes from the Barrier Reef and Reef Lagoon of Belize

A total of 200 marine fishes (36 species) from the Caribbean Sea off Belize were examined for digenetic trematodes and 163 (81.5%) harbored at least one species. Five species are described as new: Lasiotocus asymmetricus (Monorchiidae) from Haemulon flavolineatum; Stephanostomum belizense (Acanthocolpidae) from Caranx bartholomaei; Neolepidapedon belizense (Lepocreadiidae) from Sphyraena barracuda; Opecoeloides belizensis (Opecoelidae) from Priacanthus arenatus; Saturnius belizensis (Hemiuridae) from Mugil curema. 72 previously known species were identified, and all represent new geographical distribution records while many are recorded from new hosts. Their zoogeographical affinities are very strongly with the tropical western Atlantic, although some also occur in the eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indo-Pacific regions.
Observation of Anomalous Zeeman Effect in Infrared Transitions of Σ 1 C O 2 and N 2 O Molecules

The Zeeman effect in $^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma} {\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$O molecules arising from small rotational magnetic moments is observed in several infrared rotation-vibration bands using Doppler-free resonances in gas samples subjected to a magnetic field. Utilizing entire rotation-vibration bands allows measurements of the excited-state molecular $g$ factors and a precise determination of the small dependence [(1-2)%] of the $g$ factors on vibrational states which gives rise to an anomalous Zeeman effect. The signs of the $g$ factors are also determined.
The product formula in cohomological Hall algebras

This is an expository article. It gives a detailed explanation of the product formula of Cohomological Hall algebra.
BDNF Interacts with Endocannabinoids to Regulate Cocaine-Induced Synaptic Plasticity in Mouse Midbrain Dopamine Neurons

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and endocannabinoids (eCBs) have been individually implicated in behavioral effects of cocaine. The present study examined how BDNF-eCB interaction regulates cocaine-induced synaptic plasticity in the ventral tegmental area and behavioral effects. We report that BDNF and selective tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF) activated the TrkB receptor to facilitate two forms of eCB-mediated synaptic depression, depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), and long-term depression (I-LTD) of IPSCs in ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons in mouse midbrain slices. The facilitation appears to be mediated by an increase in eCB production via phospholipase Cγ pathway, but not by an increase in CB1 receptor responsiveness or a decrease in eCB hydrolysis. Using Cre-loxP technology to specifically delete BDNF in dopamine neurons, we showed that eCB-mediated I-LTD, cocaine-induced reduction of GABAergic inhibition, and potentiation of glutamatergic excitation remained intact in wild-type control mice, but were impaired in BDNF conditional knock-out mice. We also showed that cocaine-induced conditioned place preference was attenuated in BDNF conditional knock-out mice, in vivo pretreatments with DHF before place conditioning restored cocaine conditioned place preference in these mice, and the behavioral effect of DHF was blocked by a CB1 receptor antagonist. Together, these results suggest that BDNF in dopamine neurons regulates eCB responses, cocaine-induced synaptic plasticity, and associative learning.
Submerged aquatic vegetation habitat product development: On-screen digitizing and spatial analysis of Core Sound

A hydrophyte of high relevance, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is of great importance to estuarine environments. SAV helps improve water quality, provides food and shelter for waterfowl, fish, and shellfish, as well as protects shorelines from erosion. In coastal bays most SAV was eliminated by disease in the 1930's. In the late 1960's and 1970's a dramatic decline of all SAV species was correlated with increasing nutrient and sediment inputs from development of surrounding watersheds (MDNP et. al 2004). Currently state programs work to protect and restore existing wetlands, however, increasing development and population pressure continue to degrade and destroy both tidal and non-tidal wetlands and hinder overall development of SAV growth.
The value of harmful algal bloom predictions to the nearshore commercial shellfish fishery in the Gulf of Maine

In this study, we develop a framework for measuring the value of harmful algal bloom (HAB) predictions. The framework captures the effects of both private and public responses to HABs. Using data from the New England nearshore commercial shellfish fishery and impact estimates for a large-scale HAB event in 2005, we illustrate how the potential value of HAB forecasts may be estimated. The results of our study suggest that the long-term value of a HAB prediction and tracking system for the Gulf of Maine is sensitive to the frequency of HAB events, the accuracy of predictions, the choice of HAB impact measures, and the effectiveness of public and private responses.
In situ hybridization analysis of the expression of the type II collagen gene in the developing chicken limb bud.

Abstract In situ hybridization with 32 P- or 31 S-labeled double-stranded DNA or single-strandedRNA probes was used to investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of cartilage-characteristic type II collagen mRNA during embryonic chick limb development and cartilage differentiation in vivo . When the type II collagen probes were hybridized to sections through embryonic limb buds at the earliest stages of their development (stages 18–25), an accumulation of silver grains representing type II collagen mRNA first became detectable in the proximal central core of the limb coincident with the prechondrogenic condensation of mesenchymal cells that characterizes the onset of cartilage differentiation. At later stages of development (stage 32; 7 days) intense hybridization signals with the type II collagen probes were localized over the well differentiated cartilage rudiments, whereas few or no silver grains above background were observed over the non-chondrogenic tissues. In contrast, sections hybridized with a probe complementary to mRNA for the α1 chain of type I collagen exhibited an intense hybridization signal over the perichondrium and little or no signal over the cartilage primordia. At all stages of development examined, 32 P-labeled double-stranded DNA probes or single-stranded RNA probes labeled with either 32 P or 35 S provided adequate hybridization signals. Several experimental protocols were employed to control for the potential cross-hybridization and non-specific hybridization of the type II collagen probes. These included the utilization of labeled noncomplementary “sensestrand” type II collagen RNA as a control probe for nonspecific background, and prehybridization with a large excess of appropriate unlabeled RNA to block sequences in heterologous collagen RNAs that might cross-hybridize to the specific labeled probe.
The Effect of Task and Tool Experience on Maintenance CASE Tool Usage

Computer-aided software engineering CASE tools have been advocated for improving maintainer productivity and the quality of maintained software. While there is evidence that such benefits can accrue to organizations adopting maintenance-oriented CASE tools, a key problem in achieving the desired benefits from CASE tools is low usage of these tools by programmers. The previously tested Maintenance Tool Utilization Model was a first step in investigating the factors that affect whether maintainers choose to use CASE tools during maintenance projects. We test the addition of experience with software maintenance tools and with the software maintenance task to the Maintenance Tool Utilization Model. The role of experience is important because managers can provide training to increase experience and they can ensure that project teams have some members experienced with the tools or with the task. Data for the test are collected from software maintainers working on their organization's normal maintenance project backlog. Tool experience is significant as both a main and interaction effect, but task experience adds little to the explanatory power of the Maintenance Tool Utilization Model. These results support the value of improved CASE tool training programs.
A Communication Theory Perspective on Telecommunications Policy.

The relationship of emerging telecommunications networks to our social situation, especially in terms of technical, economic, and legal arrangements, has not yet been fully defined or decided. James Carey (1989) established a fundamental distinction between two models of communication that is important for understanding sociocultural implications of contemporary telecommunications policy. In this essay, these contrasting models are used to illuminate historical tensions between the policy goals of liberalization and democratization. Current telecommunications policy discourse, drawing upon a transmission framework, aims to achieve liberalization of telecommunications markets. It also invites us to ignore questions of power in the context of democratization, which the community, cultural, and ritual aspects of Carey's model explicitly demand we address.
Constraints on Ultraviolet Absorption in the Intracluster Medium of Abell 1030

We present results from an extensive Hubble Space Telescope (HST) spectroscopic search for UV absorption lines in the spectrum of the quasar B2 1028+313, which is associated with the central dominant galaxy in the cluster Abell 1030 (z = 0.178). This is one of the brightest known UV continuum sources located in a cluster and therefore provides an ideal opportunity to obtain stringent constraints on the column densities of any cool absorbing gas that may be associated with the intracluster medium (ICM). Our HST spectra were obtained with the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) and GHRS and provide continuous coverage at rest frame wavelengths from ~975 to 4060 A, thereby allowing the investigation of many different elements and ionization levels. We utilize a new technique that involves simultaneous fitting of large numbers of different transitions for each species, thereby yielding more robust constraints on column densities than can be obtained from a single transition. This method yields upper limits of 1011-1013 cm-2 on the column densities of a wide range of molecular, atomic, and ionized species that may be associated with the ICM. We also discuss a possible Lyα and C IV absorption system associated with the quasar. We discuss the implications of the upper limits on cool intracluster gas in the context of the physical properties of the ICM and its relationship to the quasar.
Sensitive liquid chromatographic method for the determination of a specific M1 agonist, LY246708, an investigational agent with potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, in human plasma

Abstract A reversed-phase HPLC method is reported for the determination of a new M1 agonist, LY246708, in human plasma. The compound and an internal standard were extracted from plasma with hexane at basic pH. The organic extract was evaporated to dryness and the residue was reconstituted with mobile phase [0.5% diethylamine (pH 3, adjusted with phosphoric acid)—acetonitrile (70:30, v/v)]. The analytes were separated from endogenous substances on a Zorbax CN column; the effluent was monitored by measuring its absorbance at 296 nm. The limit of quantification was determined as 1.5 ng/ml and the response was linear from 1.5 to 20 ng/ml. Validation studies showed the method to be both repeatable and reproducible. Its robustness was demonstrated by transfer between analytical laboratories and continued use in support of pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic monitoring of the compound.
Software implementation of the Q-Coder

The Q-Coder is an important new development in arithmetic coding. It combines a simple but efficient arithmetic approximation for the multiply operation, a new formalism which yields optimally efficient hardware and software implementations, and a new technique for estimating symbol probabilities which matches the performance of any method known. This paper describes implementations of the Q-Coder following both the hardware and software paths. Detailed flowcharts are given.
Boson localization and pinning by correlated disorder in high-temperature superconductors.

The physics of flux lines in the cuprate superconductors pinned by columnar defects is mapped onto boson localization in two dimensions. The theory predicts a Bose glass phase with an infinite tilt modulus and zero linear resistivity, as well as an entangled flux liquid. We describe correlations and transport in these phases, and propose a scaling theory for the irreversibility line which separates them.
Experimental study of solitary waves in a nonlinear transmission line

Several properties of solitary waves were measured on a nonlinear transmission line. These include the transition from a linear dispersive response into a solitary wave response as the amplitude of a narrow voltage impulse is increased, and an observation of the recurrence phenomena of solitary waves.
The effects of assertiveness training on the nontraditional role assumption of geriatric nurse practitioners

The Nurse Practitioner movement has been an important element in upgrading health care for the elderly, principally by reducing costs and increasing availability. One central concern in this movement is the ability of Nurse Practitioners [NPs] to break out of the restricted and repressed role of nurse. The teaching of assertive behavior has been an accepted method of assisting NPs in this role change. This study evaluates the effects of assertiveness training using a measure of role assumption in addition to the typical self-report attitude measures. Three cohorts of NP students (N=59) were evaluated with a pre-post administration of attitude measures of assertiveness and a six-month follow-up to measure role assumption. Although the training did have a significant impact on the attitude measures, the impact on nontraditional role assumption was minimal. Policy implications are discussed.
Polymerase II promoter activation: closed complex formation and ATP-driven start site opening

Studies on bacterial RNA polymerases have divided the initiation pathway into three steps, namely (i) promoter binding to form the closed complex; (ii) DNA melting to form an open complex, and (iii) messenger RNA initiation. Potassium permanganate was used to detect DNA melting by mammalian RNA polymerase II in vitro. Closed complexes formed in a rate-limiting step that was stimulated by the activator GAL4-VP16. Adenosine triphosphate was then hydrolyzed to rapidly melt the DNA within the closed complex to form an open complex. Addition of nucleoside triphosphates resulted in the melted bubble moving away from the start site, completing initiation.
On the complexity of building an interval heap

Abstract We provide tight bounds of 2d log n + o(d log n), 3d 2 log n + o(d 2 log n), and 3 2 d 2 n + o (d 2 n) on the number of comparisons used for insertion, deletion, and construction of the n item d-dimensional interval heap.
The emergence of Clostridium thermocellum as a high utility candidate for consolidated bioprocessing applications

First isolated in 1926, Clostridium thermocellum has recently received increased attention as a high utility candidate for use in consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) applications. These applications, which seek to process lignocellulosic biomass directly into useful products such as ethanol, are gaining traction as economically feasible routes toward the production of fuel and other high value chemical compounds as the shortcomings of fossil fuels become evident. This review evaluates C. thermocellum's role in this transitory process by highlighting recent discoveries relating to its genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic responses to varying biomass sources, with a special emphasis placed on providing an overview of its unique, multivariate enzyme cellulosome complex and the role that this structure performs during biomass degradation. Both naturally evolved and genetically engineered strains are examined in light of their unique attributes and responses to various biomass treatment conditions, and the genetic tools that have been employed for their creation are presented. Several future routes for potential industrial usage are presented, and it is concluded that, although there have been many advances to significantly improve C. thermocellum's amenability to industrial use, several hurdles still remain to be overcome as this unique organism enjoys increased attention within the scientific community.
Scalable, Cluster-based Anti-replay Protection for Wireless Sensor Networks

Large-scale wireless sensor network (WSN) deployments show great promise for military, homeland security, and many other applications. This promise, however, is offset by important security concerns. The resource constraints that typify wireless sensor devices make traditional security solutions impractical. One threat to secure sensor networks is the replay attack, in which packets are captured and replayed into the network. This type of attack can be perpetrated to confuse observers or to mount a denial-of-service or denial-of-sleep attack. Traditional techniques for anti-replay protection are too resource intensive for large-scale WSN deployments. While techniques for reducing data transmission overhead of WSN-speciflc anti-replay mechanisms have been explored, the important problem of minimizing per-node reply table storage requirements has not been addressed. This paper introduces Clustered Anti-Replay Protection or CARP, which leverages sensor network clustering to place a limit on the amount of memory required to store anti-replay information. We show that clustering keeps the memory required for anti-replay tables manageable, reducing the size from 30% of a Mica2's memory to 4.4% for a 200-node network. While the advantages of this technique are clear, the difficulty lies in securely updating network-wide anti-replay tables when the network reclusters, an event that must happen routinely to distribute energy consumption across the nodes in the network. Our mechanism distributes necessary anti-replay information in a secure, low-overhead, and completely distributed manner. We further show the energy-consumption overhead of adding anti-replay counters to network traffic across several WSN medium access control (MAC) protocols and two representative WSN platforms. On the Mica2 platform, overheads range from a 0% to 1.32% decrease in network lifetime, depending on the MAC protocol. On the Tmote Sky, overheads range from 0% to 4.64%. Providing anti-replay support in a secure, scalable, and distributed way is necessary to the overall security of future WSN deployments if they are to meet current expectations.
Diabetes, Plasma Insulin, and Cardiovascular Disease Subgroup Analysis From the Department of Veterans Affairs High-Density Lipoprotein Intervention Trial (VA-HIT)

Background Diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose level, or insulin resistance are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Objectives To determine the efficacy of gemfibrozil in subjects with varying levels of glucose tolerance or hyperinsulinemia and to examine the association between diabetes status and glucose and insulin levels and risk of cardiovascular outcomes. Methods Subgroup analyses from the Department of Veterans Affairs High-Density Lipoprotein Intervention Trial, a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 2531 men with coronary heart disease (CHD), a high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of 40 mg/dL or less (≤1.04 mmol/L), and a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of 140 mg/dL or less (≤3.63 mmol/L). Subjects received either gemfibrozil (1200 mg/d) or matching placebo and were followed up for an average of 5.1 years. In this article, we report the composite end point (CHD death, stroke, or myocardial infarction). Results Compared with those with a normal fasting glucose level, risk was increased in subjects with known diabetes (hazard ratio [HR], 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-2.43; P = .001) and those with newly diagnosed diabetes (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.10-2.68; P = .02). In persons without diabetes, a fasting plasma insulin level of 39 µU/mL or greater (≥271 pmol/L) was associated with a 31% increased risk of events ( P = .03). Gemfibrozil was effective in persons with diabetes (risk reduction for composite end point, 32%; P = .004). The reduction in CHD death was 41% (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.91; P = .02). Among individuals without diabetes, gemfibrozil was most efficacious for those in the highest fasting plasma insulin level quartile (risk reduction, 35%; P = .04). Conclusion In men with CHD and a low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, gemfibrozil use was associated with a reduction in major cardiovascular events in persons with diabetes and in nondiabetic subjects with a high fasting plasma insulin level.
The Effects of Isoproterenol Stress on the Hearts of Old and Young Rats

In pharmacological doses isoproterenol, a typical beta agonist, produces a positive inotropic and chronotropic cardiac effect. On the other hand in even large doses isoproterenol has a negative inotropic effect, may produce various cardiac arrhythmias and, also, necrosis in the cardiac tissue. Rona etal. (1) discovered that isoproterenol inflicted serious damage on the hearts of old rats, whereas, younger animals were relatively more resistant to the toxic effects of this drug. The results of our own experiments are summarized in Table 1. After a single intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol (70 mg/kg) approximately 80% of the older rats became very sick and after the second injection (1 injection/day), 50% of the rats died within two hours. On the other hand, only 10% of the younger animals became sick and died under otherwise similar experimental conditions. Propranolol (4 mg/kg) decreased and aminophylline (50 mg/kg) increased the effects of isoproterenol. These results led us to believe that the isoproterenol stress may serve as a useful tool in uncovering biochemical differences, if any, between the hearts of old and young rats.
Dairy Outlook and Management Implications

Abstract The managerial challenge in dairying in the future will be to keep a tight grip on costs, to increase efficiency as a hedge against inflation, to improve bargaining power, to increase consumption, and to maintain a balance between supply and demand. Increased size and decreased number of dairy cooperatives and private dairies, growth of large interregional cooperatives, and increased involvement of general farm organizations in dairy marketing, will help keep farm milk prices at least at or close to curent levels for the foreseeable future. The key to success in the seventies at both the dairy farm, and the dairy marketing system is management,—adapting modern technology and business management technics to maximize profits in producing and marketing of milk.
EEG source analysis of motor potentials induced by fast repetitive unilateral finger movement

The present study aims to identify the anatomic substrate locations of neural generators behind self-paced fast repetitive finger movement, by dipole analysis and cortical current density imaging from scalp-recorded movement-related potentials. Both methods demonstrated that the contralateral premotor cortex was preponderantly activated in relation to movement performance. The present results therefore suggest that premotor cortex is involved in the precise control of sequential timed movement based on the motor field (MF) of the movement related potentials. In addition, the cortical current density imaging results demonstrate increased activity in ipsilateral premotor cortex as well.
Operational results of the BEAR flight RF system

The Beam Experiments Aboard a Rocket (BEAR) flight RF control system has been completely designed and has been operated as a part of the flight accelerator system in the actual flight configuration. The accelerator has been vertically integrated onto the flight support structure (space frame) and has been operated in this configuration in preparation for the actual flight which is scheduled for late Spring, 1989. The RF control system consists of redundant voltage controlled oscillators, redundant amplitude controllers which maintain the proper fields in the RFQ (radio-frequency quadrupole), a frequency controller to maintain operation at the resonant frequency of the RFQ, and the necessary system monitors and interfaces required for the amplifiers, onboard system controller, and telemetry. The RF controller had to meet the electrical and environmental requirements while staying within its weight limit. The final design of the RF controller and results from operating the controller in its final flight configuration are described. >
Low Energy Stages - ‘Dogbone’ Muon RLA

A conceptual design of lower energy stages of muon accelerator is presented. The scheme is based on two superconducting, 200 MHz linacs: a single pass linear pre-accelerator followed by a multi-pass ‘dogbone’ recirculating linac (RLA). In the presented scenario, acceleration starts after ionization cooling at 273 MeV/c and proceeds to 5 GeV, where the beam is injected into a complex of FFAG rings for further acceleration. The key conceptual issues are addressed and implemented in the overall acceleration scheme: capture, acceleration, transport and preservation of large phase space of fast decaying species. Beam transport of large-momentum-spread beams is facilitated through appropriate lattice design choices. The proposed linear optics for ‘droplet’ return arcs optics is further supplem ented with a sextupole correction to suppress chrom atic effects contributing to the horizontal emittance dilution.