cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New approach to auto-white-balancing and auto-exposure for digital still cameras

This paper presents an auto-white balancing algorithm named scoring. The spectral distributions of the Macbeth reference colors together with the spectral distributions of various color temperature light sources are used to obtain a number of reference color points in the CbCr color space. A number of representative color points are also obtained from a captured image by using a previously developed multi-scale clustering algorithm. A match is then established between the set of reference colors and the set of representative colors. The matching scheme generates the most likely light source candidate under which the image is taken. Furthermore, this paper presents an auto-exposure algorithm using a mapping from the luminance histograms of five sub- areas in the image to an exposure value. A neural network is designed to perform the mapping. The histogram in each sub- area is used to determine the mean, variance, minimum, and maximum luminance for that sub-area. The same spatial information is computed for previous frames to incorporate temporal changes in luminance into the network.
Preprocessing of compressed digital video

Pre-processing algorithms improve on the performance of a video compression system by removing spurious noise and insignificant features from the original images. This increases compression efficiency and attenuates coding artifacts. Unfortunately, determining the appropriate amount of pre-filtering is a difficult problem, as it depends on both the content of an image as well as the target bit-rate of compression algorithm. In this paper, we explore a pre- processing technique that is loosely coupled to the quantization decisions of a rate control mechanism. This technique results in a pre-processing system that operates directly on the Displaced Frame Difference (DFD) and is applicable to any standard-compatible compression system. Results explore the effect of several standard filters on the DFD. An adaptive technique is then considered.
Porcine Submaxillary Gland GDP-L-fucose:β-D-Galactoside α-2-L-Fucosyltransferase Is Likely a Counterpart of the Human Secretor Gene-encoded Blood Group Transferase

Partial amino acid sequence of GDP-L-fucose:β-D-galactoside α-2-L-fucosyltransferase purified from porcine submaxillary glands was determined. Amino acid sequence analysis yielded 100, 93.3, and 84.2%, and 75, 46.6, and 84.2% sequence identity between 12-, 15-, and 19-amino acid tryptic peptides generated from porcine enzyme and amino acid residues 61-72, 111-125, and 308-326 and 89-100, 139-153, and 338-356 of the human Secretor and H type α-2-fucosyltransferases, respectively. Higher amino acid sequence homology of the porcine enzyme with the predicted sequence for the human Secretor locus as compared with H gene-encoded blood group β-D-galactoside α-2-L-fucosyltransferase suggests that porcine α-2-fucosyltransferase highly corresponds to the human Secretor gene-encoded enzyme.
Mixed ceria-based metal oxides biosensor for operation in oxygen restrictive environments.

The unique catalytic, electrochemical, and oxygen storage properties of ceria and mixed ceria/titania hybrid composites were used to fabricate a new type of electrochemical enzyme biosensor. These materials provided increased analytical performance and possibilities for operation in oxygen-free conditions of an oxidase enzyme biosensor using tyrosinase as a model example. The investigation of the enzymatic reaction in the presence and absence of oxygen was first carried out using cyclic voltammetry. The results were used to identify the role of each metal oxide in the immobilization matrix and fabricate a simple amperometric tyrosinase biosensor for the detection of phenol and dopamine. The biosensor was optimized and characterized with respect to response time, detection limit, linear concentration range, sensitivity, and kinetic parameters. The detection limit for phenol was in the nanomolar range, with a detection limit of 9.0 × 10−9 M and a sensitivity of 86 mA M−1 in the presence of oxygen and of 5.6...
Life events in early adolescence.

Abstract Six hundred and seventy‐seven junior high school students completed a life events scale developed for early adolescents. Responses differentiated total from undesirable and desirable events. Although the reliability of adolescents' reporting was reassuring (3‐month test‐retest correlations of 0.64, 0.58, and 0.69 for total, undesirable, and desirable events, respectively), the validity of responses, especially with regard to time frame, appeared questionable. Greater numbers of life events were reported by blacks, lower social class subjects, and ninth graders. Other sociodemographic and school‐related variables related differently to the various types of life events, suggesting these measures should not be used interchangeably.
Saddlepoint Approximation and Bootstrap Inference for the Satterthwaite Class of Ratios

Saddlepoint approximations are developed for the distributions of Satterthwaite F-type statistics that arise in ANOVA with balanced random-effects models. Such statistics are commonly used in variance component testing and confidence interval construction, because exact F pivotals usually do not exist. The approximations are shown to be uniform in their right tails, and the limiting relative errors for distribution approximations are determined. Based on these approximations, a new method is devised for confidence interval construction of variance component ratios. Simulations show that the method has superior coverage accuracy over existing methods. Prepivoting of the proposed method, using the double-parametric bootstrap, is implemented and shows further coverage improvement. The double bootstrap is most efficiently implemented by using the saddlepoint approximation in lieu of the inner layer of resampling; therefore, only a single outer layer of resampling is required.
Shape- and Size-Controlled Synthesis of Calcium Molybdate Doughnut-Shaped Microstructures

We report a solution-phase rapid-injection-based route for the synthesis of calcium molybdate (CaMoO4) microstructures with well-defined shape and size. This ternary metal oxide material has been widely used as phosphors, scintillator, and laser materials for a long time because of its attractive luminescence property. Complex three-dimensional structures, mainly doughnut-shaped microparticles with highly controllable size and aspect ratio, can be obtained at 100 °C by controlling the reaction conditions including the concentration of reactants, molar ratio between reactants, molybdenum source, pH, and the volume ratio of the mixed solvents. Other shapes such as spindles, nanosheets, and microspheres can also be produced by pushing the reaction conditions away from those optimal for doughnuts. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer were used to characterize the obtained samples. The photoluminescence spectra of the CaMo...
Fracture Behavior of a Nonlinear Woven Fabric Material

Fracture behavior of a nonlinear coated woven fabric material is studied. Some Mode 1 crack extension data of monolayered and laminated sheets of this material are presented.It is shown that by proper graphical "shifting" of the experimental data, the fracture behavior of the monolayered and laminated nonlinear fabric materials can be explained in view of the Hedgepeth [1] linear discrete fracture theory.1 A product of Uniroyal Industrial Coated Fabrics, Mishawaka, Indiana.2In the shear test the relative distance of the sliding sides was maintained constant.
Orthopedic surgeons are less likely to see children now for fracture care compared with 10 years ago.

Objective To assess availability of timely orthopedic fracture care to children. Study design Fifty randomly selected orthopedic practices were contacted twice with an identical scenario to request an appointment for a fictitious child with an arm fracture, once with the staff told that the child had private insurance and once with Medicaid. Access to appointments on the basis of insurance was compared with rates 10 years earlier.1 Results Forty-five practices were contacted successfully. An appointment was offered within 7 days to a child with private insurance by 42% of the practices (19/45) and to a child with Medicaid by 2% of the practices (1/45; P < .0001). There was no difference in timely access (appointment within 7 days) for children with Medicaid in this study (2%) compared with 10 years ago (1%; P = 1.0). There was a significant decrease in timely access for children with private insurance in the past decade, with a rate of 42% (19/45) in this study, compared with 100% (50/50) 10 years ago (P < .0001). Conclusion There has been a substantial decrease in the last decade in the willingness, availability, or both of orthopedic surgeons in Los Angeles to care for children with fractures whose families have private insurance. Children with Medicaid continue to have limited access.
The association of parenting style and child age with parental limit setting and adolescent MySpace behavior

Abstract Parent and teen MySpace user pairs completed online surveys administered in June (N = 266) and September 2006 (N = 341) to assess relationships between parenting styles and limit setting and monitoring of online behaviors, the prevalence of Internet dangers and pre-teen and teen MySpace behaviors. Cross-comparison measures of MySpace usage, parenting style, limit setting/monitoring, MySpace problems, and media perceptions were used. Parenting styles were strongly related to adolescent MySpace experiences, behaviors, and attitudes, with some age differences. Parents with older children were more likely to have Neglectful or Indulgent parenting styles and less likely to set limits on online behavior. The extent of sexual solicitation, pornography, and cyberbullying was relatively low as compared with studies asserting a high incidence of Internet-related problems. Parents' high estimates of online dangers were not matched by their low rates of setting limits and monitoring teens. Theoretical and practical perspectives of the results are offered to enhance social networking experiences for parents and their children.
Cytochrome P-450 isozymes in salmonids determined with antibodies to purified forms of P-450 from rainbow trout

Abstract Purification of cytochromes P-450 from liver microsomes of β-naphthoflavone (BNF)-fed rainbow trout yielded three apparently homogeneous forms. The major form (LM4b)∗ appears to be a P-448 type of cytochrome. A minor form (LM4a), having properties very similar to LM4b, was also obtained. In addition, a P-450 form (LM2) was isolated, with properties quite different from LM4a or LM4b, including a high rate of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) metabolism (Williams & Buhler, 1983c). Antibodies to all three forms were obtained from rabbits. The IgGs prepared against LM4a and LM4b both cross-reacted (forming lines of identity) equally well with both antigens on Ouchterlony plates. Rat P-448 cross-reacted (without lines of identity) with both LM4a- and LM4b-IgG. LM4b-IgG was much more effective than LM4a-IgG for inhibition of LM4a or LM4b reconstituted benzo[a]pyrene (BP) hydroxylase, suggesting that these two antibodies recognize different antigenic sites. The LM2-IgG did not cross-react with any of the other rat or trout cytochromes P-450 examined. Levels of LM2 and LM4b in microsomes from untreated, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), phenobarbital (PB) or BNF-treated trout were estimated with an immunological technique involving electrophoresis on SDS-PAGE, followed by transfer to nitrocellulose and staining with either LM 2 - or LM4b -IgG. The ratio of LM 4b LM 2 in microsomes from PCB- or BNF-treated rainbow trout was much higher than 1, whereas the reverse was true with microsomes from untreated rainbow trout. These results are consistent with previous observations (Vodicnik et al., 1982) that pretreatment with BNF induced the synthesis of a P-448 type cyytochrome, presumably responsible for the great increase in the metabolism and activation of BP seen in these fish. Conversely, pretreatment with PB did not affect the levels of either LM2 or LM4b. This specific immunological technique should make it possible to assay the levels of these P-450 and P-448 isozymes in various strains of rainbow trout and other species of fish. In addition, the effect of age, sex, diet and exposure to P-450 and P-448 inducers could be examined and, perhaps, utilized to predict the relative risk of certain populations to pollutants activated by these different isozymes.
Proton Transfer Properties of Imidazole

The imidazole molecule is paired with NH3 in order to examine the proton transfer properties of the former by ab initio methods. The primary minimum on the surface is ImH+···NH3 wherein the inter-nitrogen distance in the H bond is 2.89 A. A second well appears in the surface, corresponding to Im···+HNH3, and the barrier between the two minima is rapidly enlarged, when the latter distance is elongated. When the NH3 is displaced from the N lone pair direction of the imidazole in the plane of the latter, the greater proton-attracting power of the imidazole relative to NH3 is enhanced; the opposite is observed when the NH3 is pulled out of the imidazole plane. This distinction is explained simply on the basis of the dipole and quadrupole moments of imidazole. The ability of imidazole to act as a proton shuttle from one molecule to another is examined by placing one NH3 molecule on either side. Taking H3NH+···ImH···NH3 as a starting point, the simultaneous transfer of two protons to form H3N···HIm···H+NH3 must...
Stabilization of linear systems with fixed order controllers

Abstract This paper deals with the problem of stabilizing a linear time invariant plant with a feedback compensator of fixed dynamic order. This is an important unsolved problem in control theory, because existing solutions to the regulator problem can only generate controllers that are of high enough order that arbitrary pole placement becomes possible. In general the dynamic order of controllers can be much lower if only stabilization is desired. In the transfer function domain a new necessary condition for stabilizability by a fixed order controller is derived. This result, which can be used sequentially to derive a lower bound on the order of a stabilizing controller, is based on a classical result (1873) of linear programming known as Gordan's theorem of the alternative. The stabilization algorithm successively selects Hurwitz vectors to make the largest stability hypersphere intersect a linear subspace determined by the plant parameters and the order of the controller. Occurrence of such an intersection is a sufficient condition for stabilizability, and the intersection also determines a stabilizing compensator. The algorithm is illustrated by practical examples which demonstrate that a large reduction in controller order is achievable by this method.
Formation of the leg neuromuscular system in embryos of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana: I. Light microscope studies

Embryos of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, were examined each day of their 32-day developmental period. The interval between the first detection of leg rudiments and hatching was divided into 18 stages defined by a characteristic external morphology. Embryos of stages 1, 2, 3, 6, and 8, corresponding approximately to 6½, 7½, 9¼, 11, and 15 days of age, respectively, were examined in detail for changes in external leg morphology, development of thoracic ganglia and leg muscles, and the formation of connections between the two. These observations were based on a light microscopic analysis of serial sections through three different planes. A proximal distal gradient of muscle development within the leg was observed, the cellular events of which were described. The formation of connections between neurons in the thoracic ganglia and cells in the leg was inferred from observations of the extent of axon growth and the state of differentiation of the cells. The innervation of the coxal muscles may occur as early as stage 6. The role of pioneer neurons, sheath cell and body epithelium in guiding axon growth is discussed. The information in this report will serve as a guide in subsequent more detailed electron microscopic studies.
Landscape as viewed in the 320-nm ultraviolet

Wood’s 1910 study of the UV landscape by photography [ WoodR. W., Photog. J.50, 329 ( 1910)] is resumed. Through a narrow-band filter at 320 nm we find uniform skies even under broken clouds, a Rayleigh veiling that attenuates distant detail, an absence of shadows, and a low reflectivity for most natural substances (except snow). Rainbows broaden by a factor of more than 2 when the UV is included. The fact that glass is opaque at 320 nm causes cities to be dark at night in this wavelength, with astronomical consequences. The aphakic human eye (i.e., the eye after removal of its crystalline lens for a cataract condition) proves to have a practical sensitivity at 320 nm so that the aphakic observer can verify the unique character of the UV scene.
Feasibility investigation of self-healing cementitious composite using oil core/silica gel shell passive smart microcapsules

ABSTRACT This paper presents our work in the concept exploration of a new family of self-healing materials that hold promise for crack-free cementitious composites. This innovative system features the design of passive smart mi crocapsules with oil core and silica gel shell, prepared through an interfacial self-assembly process and sol-gel reaction. Methylmethacrylate monomer and triethylborane were chosen as the healing agent and the catalyst, and were microencapsulated respectively. The microcapsules were dispersed in fresh cement mortar along with carbon microfibers. For the hardened mortar, self-healing can be triggered by crack propagation through the microcapsules, which then releases the healing agent and the catalyst into the microcracks. Polymerization of the healing agent is initiated by contact with the catalyst, bonding the crack faces. Surface analytical tools such as optical microscope and field emission scanning electron microsco pe were used to examine the localized morphology and encapsulation of the passive smart microcapsules. The self-healing effect was evaluated using gas permeability and electrochemical impedance measurements. Keywords: self-healing concrete, passive smart microcapsules, carbon microfibers, cementitious composite, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Evidence for a two-base mechanism involving tyrosine-265 from arginine-219 mutants of alanine racemase

A positively charged residue, R219, was found to interact with the pyridine nitrogen of pyridoxal phosphate in the structure of alanine racemase from Bacillus stearothermophilus [Shaw et al. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 1329−1342]. Three site-directed mutants, R219K, R219A, and R219E, have been characterized and compared to the wild type enzyme (WT) to investigate the role of R219 in catalysis. The R219K mutation is functionally conservative, retaining ∼25% of the WT activity. The R219A and R219E mutations decrease enzyme activity by approximately 100- and 1000-fold, respectively. These results demonstrate that a positively charged residue at this position is required for efficient catalysis. R219 and Y265 are connected through H166 via hydrogen bonds. The R219 mutants exhibit similar kinetic isotope effect trends: increased primary isotope effects (1.5−2-fold) but unchanged solvent isotope effects in the l → d direction and increased solvent isotope effects (1.5−2-fold) but unchanged primary isotope effects ...
Speech perception by the chinchilla: voiced-voiceless distinction in alveolar plosive consonants

Four chinchillas were trained to respond differently to /t/ and /d/ consonant-vowel syllables produced by four talkers in three vowel contexts. This training generalized to novel instances, including synthetically produced /da/ and /ta/ (voice-on-set times of 0 and +80 milliseconds, respectively). In a second experiment, synthetic stimuli with voice-onset times between 0 and +80 milliseconds were presented for identification. The form of the labeling functions and the "phonetic boundaries" for chinchillas and English-speaking adults were similar.
The herbicide sensitivity gene CHL1 of arabidopsis encodes a nitrate-inducible nitrate transporter

This paper reports the identification and functional expression of a gene that is involved in nitrate uptake in plants, a process essential for the assimilation of nitrate and the biological removal of nitrate from the soil solution. The CHL1 gene of Arabidopsis, which when mutated confers resistance to the herbicide chlorate and a decrease in nitrate uptake, was isolated and found to encode a protein with 12 putative membrane-spanning segments. Injection of CHL1 mRNA into Xenopus oocytes produces a nitrate- and pH-dependent membrane depolarization, inward current, and nitrate uptake. These data show that the CHL1 gene encodes an electrogenic nitrate transporter. CHL1 mRNA is found predominantly in roots and displays nitrate- and pH-dependent regulation.
Design and Modeling of Hydraulic Pressure Energy Harvesters for Low Dynamic Pressure Environments

Hydraulic Pressure Energy Harvesters (HPEHs) use the direct piezoelectric effect to extract electrical power from the dynamic pressure ripple present in hydraulic systems. As with other energy harvesters, an HPEH is intended to be an enabling technology for powering sensor nodes. To date, HPEH devices have been developed for high-pressure, high-dynamic pressure ripple systems. High-pressure applications are common in industrial hydraulics, where static pressures may be up to 35 MPa. Other fluid systems, such as cross-country pipelines as well as water distribution networks operate at much lower pressures, e.g., from around 1 to 4 MPa, with proportionally lower dynamic pressures. Single-crystal piezoelectric materials are incorporated into the HPEH design, along with means to increase the load transfer into the piezoelectric material as well as increased output harvester circuits, so as to increase the power output of these devices. The load transfer from the pressurized fluid into the piezoelectric material is through an interface, where the interface area may be designed such that the area exposed to the fluid is greater than the cross-sectional area of the piezoelectric, yielding higher stress in the material than the pressure in the fluid. Furthermore, given the relatively large capacitance of the piezoelectric elements used in HPEH devices, inductive-tuned resonant harvester circuits implemented with passive elements are feasible. HPEH devices integrating these features are shown to produce viable power outputs from low dynamic pressure systems.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Basic fibroblast growth factor inhibits basal and stimulated relaxin secretion by cultured porcine luteal cells: analysis by reverse hemolytic plaque assay.

The role of the basic fibroblast growth factor (basic FGF) in the control of secretion of the ovarian protein hormone relaxin (RLX) by porcine large luteal cells (LLCs) was examined by use of a reverse hemolytic plaque assay. In this assay, luteal cells were cocultured in monolayers with protein-A-coupled sheep erythrocytes. In the presence of complement and porcine relaxin antiserum, a zone of hemolysis (a plaque) developed around a RLX-releasing LLC. The rate of plaque development in time-course experiments was used as an index of the rate of RLX secretion. Monolayers were bathed in medium containing graded concentrations of basic FGF in the presence or absence of a stimulatory secretagogue [0.01 microM prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)]. Exposure of luteal cell-containing monolayers to basic FGF resulted in a significant reduction (P less than 0.05) in the rate of RLX-induced plaque formation, evidence of an inhibitory effect of basic FGF on the rate of basal RLX secretion. This suppressive effect was variable i...
Vacuum extraction of natural levels of radon from seawater

Abstract A vacuum extraction system has been constructed which rapidly and quantitatively extracts radon and other gases from water. The time required to extract radon from a 23-1 sample is 15 minutes with an extraction efficiency of 0.985. Total sample processing time (sample preparation, extraction, purification, and transfer of radon to a counting cell) is 40 minutes for the 23-1 sample. The system has been field tested and used routinely to analyze several hundred seawater samples for radon. The combined variability of sampling and extraction efficiency in the field was determined to be 2 to 3%, from three sets of replicate measurements.
The Effect of Honesty and Superior Authority on Budget Proposals

ABSTRACT: Research in budgeting suggests that subordinates may exhibit economically significant degrees of honesty, in spite of pecuniary incentives to do otherwise. This study continues the exploration of honesty in budgeting along two dimensions. First, unlike prior experiments, we measure the incremental effect of honesty by manipulating whether budget requests are made in the form of a factual assertion. Second, prior designs may have emphasized the ethical dimension of budgeting by granting the subordinate wide discretion over setting the budget, whereas we manipulate whether the subordinate or the superior has final authority over setting the budget. We find that less slack is created when budget communication requires a factual assertion in the subordinate authority treatment, but not when the superior has final authority. Hence, we find an incremental effect of honesty only when the subordinate has final authority. We conjecture, and provide some evidence, that this is due to subordinates framing ...
Precise accelerometry onboard the GRACE gravity field satellite mission

Abstract The twin satellites of the GRACE (Gravity field recovery and climate experiment) mission are equipped with three-axes capacitive accelerometers measuring the non-gravitational surface forces acting on the satellites with a sensitivity which is unprecedented for low earth orbiters. In this paper, we study 10 Hz raw accelerometer observations from both GRACE satellites. We identify and analyse numerous acceleration spikes related to switching activity in the circuits of onboard heaters. These spikes are very well observed, but their source is not yet understood. Based on various indications, we suggest the presence of mechanical forces due to electrical current changes. The acceleration spikes demonstrate the difficulty to create a quiet environment on a low earth orbiter platform. We use spike-free data from time spans without heater activity to show that the accelerometers indeed achieve the expected sensitivity, with a noise level slightly below 10 - 10 m/s 2 / Hz for the along track and radial axes. We derive average models for the switching spikes and use them to construct a synthetic spike time series. Based on preliminary modeling results, we expect at most a slight influence of the acceleration spikes on the GRACE gravity field determination. However, the acceleration spikes are not negligible for the investigation of satellite aeronomy and of the sources of non-gravitational forces.
New molecular constants for the Phillips system of C2

Rotational, vibrational and equilibrium molecular constants for Phillips system of diatomic carbon
Bioengineering: A History With a Future

Bioengineering is a technological miracle of health care and future health hope. From the entrepreneurial contributions of William Kolff with the original handmade dialysis machine to the application of the x-ray to medical diagnostics and treatment, biomedical pioneers brought technology to medical care, often at great personal risk. Few can conceive the magnitude of the impact of technology on our ability to return the sick and disabled to function. The “simple” steel and plastic hip implant is a technological wonder. The human is the most demanding of systems to be repaired by technology. The stress levels, cycle loading, chemical degradation and even biological rejection are without precedent in engineering application. Reliability is expected to be near 100%. Psychological and cosmetic compatibility are severe constraints. The current quality of life of many (if not most) of us is dependent upon technology, and forefront technology at that. The dentist no longer hurts and our teeth last longer. Numerous “replacements” are cosmetically acceptable. Medical diagnosties are everywhere, but have a long way to go. Emergency medicine is high-tech. The wonders of bioengineering are in our present and in our future. It is informative to review our bioengineering heritage from early orthopedics (splints, peg legs and crutches), through mobility facilitation (wheelchairs) and internal repair (aortic patches and arterial replacement) to modern diagnostics (MRI) and organ replacement (artificial hearts, kidneys, etc.). A recent renewed interest in biomedical devices paralleling the decoding of the genome and the proposed genetic future portends what Dr. Francis Fukuyama of Johns Hopkins called “Our Post Human Future.” We will explore our historical pathway to what we will call “our better human future through bioengineering.”Copyright © 2002 by ASME
EMT-defibrillation: A recipe for saving lives

Abstract Sudden cardiac death is the number-one cause of death in this country. It has long been known that most of these deaths occur outside of the hospital, therefore necessitating an approach to the problem involving prehospital care. The development of advanced life support emergency medical systems has had a dramatic impact on improving survival in selected communities. Most of the country continues to see little result because of our inability to provide timely defibrillation. Automatic external defibrillators now provide a safe, reliable, proven method to increase the number of “saves” in rural, urban, and suburban communities. This new tool, if widely used, will allow us to save scores of “hearts too good to die.”
Bayesian Limits for the Reliability of Pass/Fail Parallel Units

This paper employs the Mellin transform to derive the exact posterior pdf and Cdf of the reliability of a system consisting of s-independent units in parallel, based on pass-fail data obtained from testing the units. From a tabulation of the posterior Cdf, arbitrary Bayesian limits can be obtained for the reliability of the parallel system. A computer program for determining the requisite posterior pdf and Cdf is operational.
Acoustic model and data-based signal processing

The combination of ocean acoustical physics and signal processing has been the central theme of our research over the last twenty years. In particular, the thrust of our research has been in matched field processing, waveguide invariant physics, time reversal acoustics and acoustic communications. Common to all these areas is the complexity of the medium so that our research goals have been to either overcome the downside of the complexity or, more interestingly, actually utilize propagation complexity and diversity in the extraction of signal and environmental acoustic information. In cases where complexity renders modeling problematic, we utilize data. We present examples emphasizing this common theme.
Implementing an interdisciplinary capstone course for associate degree information technology programs

The Multimedia Information Design department at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College has implemented a team-based, team-taught capstone course as a graduation requirement for students earning associate degrees in Audio/Video Production, Computer Graphics, Technical Communication, and Web Design.Students from the four degree programs are assigned to interdisciplinary teams of three to seven members. Each team is assigned a client from a business or non-profit organization in the community. Student teams must work together to plan and produce an integrated set of promotional and/or informational materials for the client, including deliverables for print, web, and video. Students also develop and deliver a series of formal and informal presentations, conduct usability testing for web products, and complete various team management and communication tasks. Because of Cincinnati State's unusual academic calendar, all of the coursework must be accomplished in nine weeks. The capstone course has been offered five times in the past three years. Students are challenged to exercise their highest levels of proficiency, and to integrate technical skills and "soft skills" in an environment that goes far beyond other classroom simulations or case studies. Students may also be "fired" from the course if they do not perform at expected levels of competence. The team-based approach to instruction places significant demands on department faculty to plan and communicate effectively. The instructional team continuously reviews the grading criteria and evaluates the course activities to ensure that the course succeeds in measuring and motivating the best skills of students who are on the verge of completing their degree programs.
Office procedures for quantitative assessment of olfactory function.

BackgroundDespite the importance of the sense of smell for establishing the flavor of foods and beverages, as well as protecting against environmental dangers, this primary sensory system is common...
The effect of a positive charge on a π → π-transition

Abstract The position of the maximum for the π → π*-transition of a bicyclic ketone containing a quaternary nitrogen atom at 3·1 A from an α:β-unsaturated ketone system is shown to depend largely upon electrostatic (repulsion) destabilization in both ground and excited states, the latter being affected more strongly.
Interface migration during recrystallization: The role of recovery and stored energy gradients

The interface migration rate behavior during recrystallization of a deformed\(\left( {111} \right)[\bar 1\bar 12]\) iron single crystal is considered in detail. A spheroidal growth, site-saturated nucleation model of recrystallization is developed for iron which quantitatively takes into account the effect of concurrent recovery in the deformed regions ahead of the advancing recrystallization interfaces. The recovery kinetics model incorporated into the growth model was devised based on the experimental data of Michalak and Paxton.[10] Explanations are advanced for the nonlinear growth of grains during recrystallization of iron. Deformation-induced stored energy gradients are proposed to explain the aspects of nonlinear growth not accounted for by recovery and are introduced into the growth model also. A localized shear band deformation mechanism developed by Harataniet al.[14] is used to rationalize the presence of stored energy gradients in the deformed\(\left( {111} \right)[\bar 1\bar 12]\) iron single crystal.
Reproducibility of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography total retinal thickness measurements in mice.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) permits rapid, noninvasive, in vivo quantification of retinal structures. In humans, retinal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements obtained with OCT have been shown to be reproducible,1–10 and this has made OCT valuable for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.11–13 In mice, time-domain OCT has been used to obtain cross-sectional images of the retina in vivo.14–16 Spectral-domain (SD)-OCT, which has faster scanning rates and higher axial resolution, allows the acquisition of detailed three-dimensional (3-D) volumetric scans in mice.17–25 Although SD-OCT acquires volumetric information in mice, thickness measurements obtained post hoc were often based on single cross sections.19,23 In considering the use of SD-OCT for the longitudinal follow-up of mouse models of retinal diseases, however, a consistent method for acquiring 3-D data must be developed. The goal of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of a SD-OCT method of measuring total retinal thickness (TRT) in mice.
Social Integration of Children with Emotional Disabilities and Nonhandicapped Peers in a School Setting

This article describes a study that explores the social integration of children with emotional disabilities in the educational setting. The results of the study suggest that the children with emotional disabilities benefited from their participation in the school setting. Furthermore, the able children participating in the study also benefited from their interaction with special needs children.
ALDH1A1 maintains ovarian cancer stem cell-like properties by altered regulation of cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair network signaling.

Objective: Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) expressing cells have been characterized as possessing stem cell-like properties. We evaluated ALDH+ ovarian cancer stem cell-like properties and their role in platinum resistance. Methods: Isogenic ovarian cancer cell lines for platinum sensitivity (A2780) and platinum resistant (A2780/CP70) as well as ascites from ovarian cancer patients were analyzed for ALDH+ by flow cytometry to determine its association to platinum resistance, recurrence and survival. A stable shRNA knockdown model for ALDH1A1 was utilized to determine its effect on cancer stem cell-like properties, cell cycle checkpoints, and DNA repair mediators. Results: ALDH status directly correlated to platinum resistance in primary ovarian cancer samples obtained from ascites. Patients with ALDH HIGH displayed significantly lower progression free survival than the patients with ALDH LOW cells (9 vs. 3 months, respectively p,0.01). ALDH1A1-knockdown significantly attenuated clonogenic potential, PARP-1 protein levels, and reversed inherent platinum resistance. ALDH1A1-knockdown resulted in dramatic decrease of KLF4 and p21 protein levels thereby leading to S and G2 phase accumulation of cells. Increases in S and G2 cells demonstrated increased expression of replication stress associated Fanconi Anemia DNA repair proteins (FANCD2, FANCJ) and replication checkpoint (pS317 Chk1) were affected. ALDH1A1-knockdown induced DNA damage, evidenced by robust induction of c-H2AX and BAX mediated apoptosis, with significant increases in BRCA1 expression, suggesting ALDH1A1-dependent regulation of cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair networks in ovarian cancer stem-like cells. Conclusion: This data suggests that ovarian cancer cells expressing ALDH1A1 may maintain platinum resistance by altered regulation of cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair network signaling.
High-resolution direction finding and scan-free spectrum estimation with rotational-shear interferometric sensor arrays

In this paper we investigate the application of a rotational-shear interferometer, toward the problem of simultaneously estimating the directions of well-localized sources, and their spectral profiles. Rotational shear makes possible the acquisition of a spectrum estimate, without the mechanical scan required in using a Michelson interferometer in Fourier-transform spectroscopy. The spectrum and angle estimates are obtained computationally. The interferometric data enables the application of super-resolution direction-finding techniques commonly used in radar and sonar array processing.
The prediction of core-level binding-energy shifts from CNDO molecular orbitals☆

Abstract A theory is described for calculating core-level binding-energy shifts with potential models that employ “intermediate-level” molecular-orbital wave functions. The relaxation-energy term in atomic core-level binding energies is considered first. The ground-state potential model (GPM) and relaxation-potential model (RPM) are developed for calculating core-level binding energy shifts in molecules from CNDO wavefunctions. It is shown that neglect of certain two- and three-center integrals in these models limits their accuracy when unlike molecules are compared. The models are modified by calculating r−1 integrals, to be sensitive to bond directions of p orbitals. The pp′ modification, in which a subset of the neglected integrals is retained to recover invariance to coordinate transformations, is thereby necessitated. The GPM approach yields shifts in very good agreement with experiment when comparisons are restricted to similar molecules. The RPM version gives better agreement especially over wider classes of molecules. It also provides relaxation energies VR that can be combined with ab initio orbital energies to give binding energies. Several applications of these potential models are discussed.
Model-based 3-D object recognition using Hermite transform and homotopy techniques

This paper presents a new method for model-based object recognition and orientation determination which uses a single, comprehensive analytic object model representing the entirety of a suite of images of the object. In this way, object orientation and identity can be directly established from arbitrary views, even though these views are not related by any geometric image transformation. The approach is also applicable to other real and complex- sensed data, such as radar and thermal signatures. The object model is formed from 2-D Hermite function decompositions of an object image expanded about the angles of object rotation by Fourier series. A measure of error between the model and the acquired view is derived as an exact analytic expression, and is minimized over all values of the viewing angle by evaluation of a polynomial system of equations. The roots of this system are obtained via homotopy techniques, and directly provide object identity and orientation information. Results are given which illustrate the performance of this method for noisy real-world images acquired over a single viewing angle variation.
Label-free protein detection based on vertically aligned carbon nanotube gated field-effect transistors

Abstract Reliable detection using aptamers, which is key for monitoring complex metabolites and proteins, is often hindered by the lack of a robust sensing scheme capable of high density fabrication. As a result, current research is focusing on the coexistence of nanomaterials and conventional CMOS processes for the fabrication of the next generation of electrochemical detectors. Herein, we report the successful electrochemical detection of the protein thrombin utilizing a novel thrombin aptamer functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) gated silicon-based metal–oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). Owing to thrombin's positive charge in an aqueous environment (pH = 5.5), the drain current of the SWNT gated MOSFET increased linearly with increasing thrombin concentration, resulting in sensitivities as high as 33 μA/(μM mm 2 ). A theoretical model has been presented to explain the operating principle of this gated MOSFET-based biosensor and revealed that the electron density in the channel increases with the addition of positively charged thrombin, in addition to flat-band and threshold voltage modification due to the work function of SWNTs. Such advanced MOSFET-based sensing schemes present considerable advantages over traditional methodologies in view of its miniaturization, low cost, and facile fabrication, paving the way for the ultimate realization of a multi-analyte lab-on-chip.
A discussion of the adaptations for carbon acquisition in relation to the growth strategy of aquatic isoetids

Abstract Annual productivity of populations of the CAM-isoetids Littorella uniflora (L.) Aschers. and Isoetes macrospora Durieu. in an oligotrophic and mesotrophic lake were determined as part of a study of adaptations for carbon acquisition. Leaf turnover rates were 1.58 year −1 and 1.72 year −1 for Littorella and 0.85 year −1 and 1.00 year −1 for Isoetes . Areal productivity ranged from 6.3 to 33 g C m −2 year −1 . The productivities were related to site-specific factors and could not be predicted based on lake trophy Site characteristics and the low annual productivities were typical for isoetids. Tissue nutrient concentrations were fairly constant throughout the growing season and plants in the oligotrophic lake had similar or greater tissue nutrient concentrations relative to plants in the mesotrophic lake. The results of this study and other reports for isoetids suggest that isoetids inhabit nutrient-poor, carbon-poor sites. The growth characteristics of several common isoetids show a similar response to environmental constraints on productivity, as do terrestrial plants from chronically unproductive habitats. Furthermore, isoetids possess several uncommon photosynthetic adaptations: (1) the utilization of sediment CO 2 ; (2) CAM; and (3) efficient recycling of endogenous CO 2 . The utilization and apparent importance of these adaptations may be restricted largely to the isoetids because; (1) the growth form facilitates these adaptations and (2) these adaptations provide a small but constant carbon supply for slow growing plants in carbon-poor habitats.
Outer Scaling for Open Channel Flow over a Gravel Bed

Similarity analysis is performed for hydraulically rough open channel flow over a gravel bed to provide mixed outer scaling of the mean-velocity profile. The analysis is based on equilibrium turbulent boundary-layer theory derived using the asymptotic invariance principle. Outer scaling based on the similarity theory is validated with velocity measurements from the laboratory and field, having a Reynolds number range that includes 1× 104 , 1× 105 , and 1× 106 and a Froude number range from 0.26 to 0.83. The results show that the free-stream velocity is an appropriate outer scale for gravel-bed river flows at moderate and bankfull stage. The results agree well with the velocity measurements and collapse laboratory and field data, which allow an important connection between open channel research in the laboratory and the applications for which the research is performed in the field. The results show that the R/a D84 roughness parameter is consistent with the mixed scale used in boundary-layer velocity scali...
An asymptotically efficient test for the location parameter and the scale parameter of an exponential distribution

Let x1,…, xr be the first r (1 ≤ r ≤ n) order statistics of a random sample of size n from an exponential distribution with probability density where σ > 0 and −∞ < β < + ∞ both are unknown parameters. The statistical problem is to test against H0 : θ e Ω0 H1 : θ e(Ω − Ω0) on the basis of x1,…, xr, where θ = (β, σ), Ω = {θ | 0 < σ ≤ σ0, β ≥ β0}, and Ω0 = {θ | σ = σ0, β = β0} Using Fisher’s method of combining two independent test statistics, we suggest a test and then prove that the test is asymptotically optimal in the sense of Bahadur efficiency.
Accumulation of mitochondrially synthesized Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cox2p and Cox3p depends on targeting information in untranslated portions of their mRNAs

The essential products of the yeast mitochondrial translation system are seven hydrophobic membrane proteins and Var1p, a hydrophilic protein in the small ribosomal subunit. Translation of the membrane proteins depends on nuclearly encoded, mRNA-specific translational activators that recognize the 5'-untranslated leaders of their target mRNAs. These translational activators are themselves membrane associated and could therefore tether translation to the inner membrane. In this study, we tested whether chimeric mRNAs with the untranslated sequences normally present on the mRNA encoding soluble Var1p, can direct functional expression of coding sequences specifying the integral membrane proteins Cox2p and Cox3p. DNA sequences specifying these chimeric mRNAs were inserted into mtDNA at the VAR1 locus and expressed in strains containing a nuclearly localized plasmid that supplies a functional form of Var1p, imported from the cytoplasm. Although cells expressing these chimeric mRNAs actively synthesized both membrane proteins, they were severely deficient in cytochrome c oxidase activity and in the accumulation of Cox2p and Cox3p, respectively. These data strongly support the physiological importance of interactions between membrane-bound mRNA-specific translational activators and the native 5'-untranslated leaders of the COX2 and COX3 mRNAs for localizing productive synthesis of Cox2p and Cox3p to the inner membrane.