cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent developments in neutron dosimetry and radiation damage calculations for fusion materials studies

Abstract This paper is intended as an overview of activities designed to characterize neutron irradiation facilities in terms of neutron flux and energy spectrum and to use these data to calculate atomic displacements, gas production, and transmutation during fusion materials irradiations. A new computerized data file, DOSFILE, has been developed to record dosimetry and damage data from a wide variety of materials test facilities. At present data are included from 20 different irradiations at fast and mixed-spectrum reactors, T(d,n) 14 MeV neutron sources, Be(d,n) broadspectrum sources, and spallation neutron sources. Each file entry includes activation data, adjusted neutron flux and spectral data, and calculated atomic displacements and gas production. Such data will be used by materials experimenters to determine the exposure of their samples during specific irradiations. This data base will play an important role in correlating property changes between different facilities and, eventually, in predicting materials performance in fusion reactors. All known uncertainties and covariances are listed for each data record and explicit references are given to nuclear decay data and cross sections. The computer code package SPECTER has also been revised and updated to permit rapid calculation of displacements, gas production, and total dose for any given neutron spectrum. Recent improvements include new calculations with ENDF/B-V neutron cross sections, inclusion of (n,γ) and β-decay processes, inclusion of kerma cross sections for total dose, and the ENDF/B-V gas-production file. Users need only provide a neutron spectrum, with uncertainties if known, and the code will calculate spectral-averaged values of the above quantities as well as recoil atom distributions. Both the DOSFILE and SPECTER computer codes are readily accessible to the fusion community via the National Magnetic Fusion Energy Computer at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.
Soil fungal communities respond compositionally to recurring frequent prescribed burning in a managed southeastern US forest ecosystem

Prescribed fire is an important management tool to reduce fuel loads, to remove non-fire adapted species and to sustain fire-adapted taxa in many forested ecosystems of the southeastern USA. Yet, the long-term effects of recurring prescribed fires on soil fungi and their communities in these ecosystems remain unclear. We Illumina MiSeq sequenced and analyzed fungal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS2) amplicons from a long-term prescribed burn experiment that has implemented different regimes for nearly a quarter century to evaluate the effects of differing prescribed fire intervals and the season of their implementation on soil-inhabiting fungal communities. Unburned plots were used as a reference to represent the compositional state resulting from fire suppression. Our data show that while the recurring burning or the season of the prescribed burning do not affect richness and diversity of the fungal communities, the frequent (two and three year interval) fires maintain a fire-adapted community that is distinct from those in unburned reference plots. Subsequent indicator taxon analyses identified a total of 37 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) that were more frequent in the frequently implemented burns and 26 OTUs that were more frequent in the fire suppressed treatment. We conclude that frequent prescribed burning maintains fire selected soil fungal communities that may support plant communities that are composed of desired fire adapted or fire tolerant species that dominate the frequently burned areas.
Contagion-based voting in Birmingham, Alabama

Abstract This paper examines the importance of friends' and neighbors' voting over a decade of city council elections. Contagion was a significant influence on the level of support of many candidates. An examination of the theory of contagion suggests certain conditions that should increase the impact of the process, including ethnic and racial community ties. Consistent with this hypothesis, after other factors have been controlled, the strength of a candidate's racial support and the incidence of friends' and neighbors' voting are strongly related.
Preventive dentistry activated

The dental profession must educate the public in the prevention and causes of dental disease. In the United States, there are about 700 million untreated cavities. Prevention is the key to better dental health.
Calvin Schrag and the Russians

Dr Schrag's program of challenging traditional metaphysics with a postmodern perspective suspicious of “metanarratives that espouse universal and unified world views” coupled with his refusal to “j...
Semi-active vibration suppression of an impulsively excited machine on a flexible foundation

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of a study in which a semi-active vibration suppression system is used to control vibrations ina machine excited by impulsive forces. The problem involves a machine, which is mounted to a flexible foundation, that seesan impulse excitation force. Given the flexibility of the foundation, the excitation causes significant vibrations in themachine. If the foundation could be sufficiently stiffened, the vibrations could be reduced to acceptable levels. However,such changes to the foundation are not possible for this application. Therefore the system is being redesigned to include avibration suppression system. Because ofthe high forces and strokes involved, a semi-active system is studied and comparedto a fully active optimal control approach to determine its limitations and feasibility for this application. 1. INTRODUCTION Active control methods are ideal approaches to control structural and machinery vibrations in many applications because,within the limits of their force, stroke, and frequency capabilities active actuators can apply arbitrary forces. This allows awide variety of control laws to be used for any given application. However, as the demands of the application become moresevere, for example as force and stroke requirements increase, the active actuators may no longer be sufficient. In somecases, active actuators may exist to do a control task, however the energy requirements for that actuator may be excessive. Ineither scenario, the well-established active control techniques can no longer be applied, or at best can produce less thanoptimal results.A particular example of such a situation exists in large civil structures in which the required forces can exceed tens ofthousands of pounds. In applications where active control has been used in these systems (for example to allow buildings toresist wind loading), it is typically done with hydraulic actuators. These types of systems are usually very large and requiresignificant power sources for operation. In addition their bandwidths are generally quickly exceeded. Alternatives to activecontrol have been sought in these applications in the area of semi-active control. For example a semi-active hydraulic systemhas been successfully demonstrated on an in-service highway bridge', and numerous studies have been carried out involvingmagnetorheological and electrorheological fluids in structural control
Chemiluminescence elicitation from an O2 and/or HOOH complex of the riboflavin-copper(I)-chelate

Results are presented which indicate that an intermediate compound which accumulates in a riboflavin, copper (II), ascorbic acid, O2 system, and which gives a chemiluminescence upon the addition of HOOH, is an O2 and/or HOOH adduct of the riboflavin-Cu(I)-chelate. Chemiluminescence has been elicited by HOOH addition to this chelate, prepared anaerobically by ligand-ligand transfer of Cu(I) from Cu+(CH3CN)4ClO4− to riboflavin, and from copper (II), ascorbic acid, and riboflavin. Kinetic data are used to substantiate this thesis.
Contrast injection around mandril wire of an Accustick system using an extension tubing: technical note.

We describe a technique for injecting contrast material around a mandril wire of an Accustick™ access system through the outer 6 French sheath of this system, thus identifying the position of the wire. This is accomplished by using an extension tubing.
Ochratoxicosis in Beagle Dogs. 1. Clinical and Clinicopathological Features

Rice culture of Aspergillus ochraceus that contained ochratoxin A or pure crystalline ochratoxin A was administered orally daily to 23 young male Beagle dogs. Six other young male Beagles served as controls. Most dogs were killed in extremis on or before day 14 after receiving a daily oral dose of ochratoxin A, 0.2–3.0 mg/kg body weight. Consistent clinical features of the mycotoxicosis were anorexia, weight loss, emesis, tenesmus, passage of clots of blood-stained mucus from the rectum, rectal temperature up to 107°F, tonsillitis, dehydration and prostration. The prominent clinicopathological features of the toxicosis were a reflection of renal damage. The urine had a specific gravity as low as 1.004 and contained granular casts, necrotic renal epithelium, and concentrations above normal of protein, glucose, lactic dehydrogenase, isocitric dehydrogenase, leucine aminopeptidase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. Serum concentrations of these enzymes...
THE ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE IN CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Background and Methods. Physicians have long believed that the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is low in patients with congestive heart failure, but this concept is based on a misinterpretation of the results in a single report published in 1936. To reevaluate this concept in the modern era, we measured the sedimentation rate in 242 patients who were referred for treatment of chronic heart failure. Results. The sedimentation rate was low (less than 5 mm per hour) in only 24 patients percent) but was increased (above 25 mm per hour) in 50 percent. Patients with low or normal sedimentation rates (≤25 mm per hour) had more severe hemodynamic abnormalities than patients with elevated rates: lower cardiac index (mean ±SEM, 1.7±0.1 vs. ±0.1 liters per minute per square meter of body-surface area) and higher mean right atrial pressure (mean ±SEM, 12±1 vs. 9±1 mm Hg) (both P<0.0001). New York Heart Association functional class IV symptoms were present in 66 percent of the patients with a low or normal sedimentatio...
Program to perform repeat ocean observations

The scientific steering committees of the U.S. Global Change Research Program Carbon Cycle Science Program (CCSP) and the U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability Program (CLIVAR) have formed a joint working group to plan a national program of global, full-water column ocean observations to better meet these programs' overlapping goals of assessing natural and anthropogenic changes in the ocean on decadal time scales. The working group will devise an appropriate work plan and pass its conclusions through the two steering committees. This plan then will be used to help formulate an interagency plan in support of the suggested implementation strategy.
Process innovation in small firms: Case studies on CNC machine tools

Abstract This paper reports the results of a study on the implementation of process innovations, and the benefits thereof, in a sample of small metalworking firms in a mid-Atlantic region of the US. No firm experienced serious organizational or technical problems in making substantial investments in CNC technologies and implementing them effectively. One reason for this discrepancy may be that the firms that were interviewed have had prior experience with CNC. The most compelling reason for introducing process innovations was the pressure exerted by large sophisticated customers with whom the interviewed firms have had long-term relationships. The implication is that government policies aiming at assisting small manufacturers to modernize should not overlook the strong ‘pull’ effect of the markets targeted by these manufacturers.
The medical psychiatrist as physician for the chronically mentally ill.

Abstract A 60-year-old black female with chronic paranoid schizophrenia was admitted to the Medical Service for a workup because of severe iron deficiency anemia; she refused the workup. She was found to be acutely psychotic and incapable of informed medical decision making. The management of her medical workup by her medical/C-L psychiatrist led to a diagnosis of colon cancer, and subsequent surgery. The case is discussed here by a consultation-liaison psychiatrist and a lawyer bioethicist. It illustrates the role of medical/C-L psychiatrists as physicians for chronically mentally ill patients with serious medical illness in the general hospital, who guide the medical/surgical care of these patients without powerful negative countertransference bias, thus balancing respect for patient autonomy with advocacy for medical “best interests.”
Harvest Management to Maximize Dry Matter and Nutrient Yield, and Economic Return of Red Clover

In Pennsylvania and the northeast USA, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is widely grown as an alternative to alfalfa. Harvest systems which maximize red clover dry matter (DM) and nutrient yield and economic return over the relatively short life of the stand have not been identified in Pennsylvania or the northeastern USA. The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of seeding-year and year- after-seeding (production year) harvest systems on total DM and nutrient yield, and economic return of red clover. Red clover was spring seeded without a companion crop and subjected to one or two harvests during the seeding year and two, three, or four harvests during the production year. Red clover harvested twice in the seeding year averaged 2230 and 1526 Iblacre greater DM and digestible dry matter (DDM) yields, respectively, over the life of the stand than red clover harvested once. Harvesting twice during the seeding year also resulted in a $79/acre greater return over the life of the stand than a single harvest. Seeding-year harvest treatment had no effect on red clover DM or DDM yield, or economic return in the production year. Average production-year DM yields were 7359, 7639, and 6512 Ib/acre for the two, three, and four harvest systems, respectively. Economic returns over the life of the stand as a result of production-year harvest treatments were inconsistent but two or three harvests were always among the highest. Red clover persistence did not differ among treatments. Seeding- and production-year harvest management of red clover may vary with location; however, in Pennsylvania and regions of similar climatic conditions, two harvests in the seeding year and two or three harvests in the production year were consistently superior in DM and nutrient yield, and economic return compared to other harvest systems.
Heavy-non-Fermi-liquid behavior in U(Cu,Pd)5.

We report measurements of the lattice constant, electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat of ${\mathrm{UCu}}_{5\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Pd}}_{\mathit{x}}$ for 0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}2.3. Alloys corresponding to x0.75 are antiferromagnets, with ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}}$ strongly concentration dependent. \ensuremath{\chi} and C for x\ensuremath{\ge}2 are consistent with spin-glass freezing. C/T for ${\mathrm{UCu}}_{3.5}$ ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{1.5}$ diverges logarithmically as T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0 K while \ensuremath{\rho} is linear in T at the lowest temperatures. The thermodynamic properties of this alloy are inconsistent with the Fermi-liquid theory down to at least 0.32 K.
Designing Computer Software for Problem-Solving Instruction.

The purpose of this article is to identify factors that might influence the effectiveness of computer software designed to teach problem solving. Problem solving is defined and the research literature related to the acquisition of problem-solving abilities and the capabilities of computers for delivering problem-solving instruction are reviewed. The factors critical to the acquisition of problem-solving abilities and the attributes of computers that make them potential tools in problem-solving instruction are identified. These items are synthesized into a list of factors that are expected to influence the effectiveness of computer software designed to teach problem solving.
Gene Therapy-Mediated Reprogramming Tumor Infiltrating T Cells Using IL-2 and Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Improves the Efficacy of Immunotherapy in a Brain Cancer Model

Immune-mediated gene therapy using adenovirus expressing Flt3 ligand and thymidine kinase followed by ganciclovir administration (Flt3/TK) effectively elicits tumor regression in preclinical glioma models. Herein, we assessed new strategies to optimize Flt3L/TK therapeutic efficacy in a refractory RG2 orthotopic glioblastoma model. Specifically, we aimed to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of Flt3L/TK treatment in the RG2 model by overexpressing the following genes within the brain tumor microenvironment: 1) a TK mutant with enhanced cytotoxicity (SR39 mutant TK), 2) Flt3L-IgG fusion protein that has a longer half-life, 3) CD40L to stimulate DC maturation, 4) T helper cell type 1 polarizing dendritic cell cytokines interleukin-12 or C-X-C motif ligand 10 chemokine (CXCL)-10, 5) C-C motif ligand 2 chemokine (CCL2) or C-C motif ligand 3 chemokine (CCL3) to enhance dendritic cell recruitment into the tumor microenvironment, 6) T helper cell type 1 cytokines interferon-γ or interleukin-2 to enhance effector T-cell functions, and 7) IκBα or p65RHD (nuclear factor kappa-B [NF-κB] inhibitors) to suppress the function of Foxp3+ Tregs and enhanced effector T-cell functions. Anti-tumor immunity and tumor specific effector T-cell functions were assessed by cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay and intracellular IFN-γ staining. Our data showed that overexpression of interferon-γ or interleukin-2, or inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-B within the tumor microenvironment, enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated immune responses and successfully extended the median survival of rats bearing intracranial RG2 when combined with Flt3L/TK. These findings indicate that enhancement of T-cell functions constitutes a critical therapeutic target to overcome immune evasion and enhance therapeutic efficacy for brain cancer. In addition, our study provides novel targets to be used in combination with immune-therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma, which are currently being tested in the clinic.
Late pacemaker requirement after pediatric orthotopic heart transplantation may predict the presence of transplant coronary artery disease.

Abstract Background: Few data are available regarding pacemaker implantation after pediatric orthotopic heart transplantation. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence, indications and associations with regard to pacemaker placement in children who have undergone orthotopic heart transplantation. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of all patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation at our institution from October 1984 to March 2001. Data obtained included demographics, indications for pacemaker, presence of transplant coronary artery disease and long-term follow-up. Patients were divided into: Group 1, patients requiring a pacemaker within 3 months of transplantation; and Group 2, patients requiring a pacemaker beyond 3 months. Results: Pacemakers were required in 7 of 106 (6.6%) transplant recipients. Pacing indications for patients in Group 1 ( n = 2) were persistent bradycardia with pause-related ventricular arrhythmia and atrial flutter with resultant sinus pauses of up to 4 seconds. In Group 2 patients ( n = 5), indications for pacing were high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block in 1 patient and episodic sinus pauses up to 3.3 seconds associated with syncope/dizziness in the remaining 4 patients. All patients in Group 2 had transplant coronary disease diagnosed within 1 year of pacemaker implantation. All had resolution of symptoms and no complications after implantation. Conclusions: Pacemakers are infrequently required after cardiac transplantation in children. Despite not meeting classic symptomatic sinus bradycardia criteria, pacemaker placement should be considered post-transplantation in patients with episodic sinus pauses and dizziness or syncope. Patients who present with the aforementioned symptoms or high-grade AV block should be evaluated closely for the presence or development of transplant coronary artery disease, as it may be their first symptom.
Strategic orientation and marketing strategies in transition economies: a study of Russian firms

The Miles and Snow typology has been used widely in the past as a means to understand the marketing strategies implemented by organizations. The authors adapt this typology to include the planned demand enterprise (PDE) type in Russia, where marketing is in an infantile stage and elements of a command economy are still in place. Results of an empirical investigation of approximately 200 firms show dramatic differences in the perceptions of marketing between firms adopting a market orientation and those still operating under a PDE orientation.
Fieldwork Without Remorse: Travel Desires in a Tourist World

This article reviews the answers posed to the question of travel motivation in recent research. Much of this research, whether in tourism studies or related disciplines such as anthropology, critical theory, and cultural studies, begins by assuming a clear-cut and specific distinction between "travelers" and "tourists" and a more generalized but just as clear distinction between "travelers", "tourists" and "fieldworkers". These distinctions are based on an over-reliance on defining specific tourist types that downplay the role that gender, ethnicity, nationality and socioeconomic privileges have in the question of who goes where. Given this, theories that seek to explain why people go to particular places are neither right nor wrong, but are simultaneously valid in a partial sense. This is because each describes not just a different type of traveler but more importantly also individuals at different stages along their journeys.
Lateral hypothalamic orexin/hypocretin neurons: A role in reward-seeking and addiction

Orexins (synonymous with hypocretins) are recently discovered neuropeptides made exclusively in hypothalamus. Behavioral, anatomical, and neurophysiological studies show that a subset of these cells, specifically those in lateral hypothalamus (LH), are involved in reward processing and addictive behaviors. Fos expression in LH orexin neurons varied in proportion to conditioned place preference (CPP) for morphine, cocaine, or food. This relationship occurred both in drug-naive rats and in animals during protracted morphine withdrawal, when drug preference was elevated but food preference was decreased. Inputs to the LH orexin cell field from lateral septum and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis were Fos-activated during cocaine CPP in proportion to the preference expressed in each animal. This implies that these inputs may be involved in driving the conditioned responses in LH orexin neurons. Related studies showed that LH orexin neurons that project to ventral tegmental area (VTA) had greater Fos induction in association with elevated morphine preference during protracted withdrawal than non-VTA-projecting orexin neurons, indicating that the VTA is an important site of action for orexin's role in reward processing. In addition, stimulation of LH orexin neurons, or microinjection of orexin into VTA, reinstated an extinguished morphine preference. In self-administration studies, the orexin 1 receptor antagonist SB-334867 (SB) blocked cocaine-seeking induced by discrete or contextual cues previously associated with cocaine, but not by a priming injection of cocaine. There was no effect of SB on cocaine self-administration itself, indicating that it did not interfere with the drug's reinforcing properties. Neurophysiological studies revealed that locally applied orexin often augmented responses of VTA dopamine (DA) neurons to activation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), consistent with the view that orexin facilitates activation of VTA DA neurons by stimulus-reward associations. This LH-to-VTA orexin pathway was found to be necessary for learning a morphine place preference. These findings are consistent with results showing that orexin facilitates glutamate-mediated responses, and is necessary for glutamate-dependent long-term potentiation in VTA DA neurons. We surmise from these studies that LH orexin neurons play an important role in reward processing and addiction and that LH orexin cells are an important input to VTA for behavioral effects associated with reward-paired stimuli.
Stoichiometry of Reconstituted High-Density Lipoproteins in the Hydrated State Determined by Photon Antibunching

Apolipoprotein A-I plays a central role in the solution structure of high-density lipoproteins. Determining the stoichiometry of lipid-bound apo A-I in the hydrated state is therefore fundamental to understanding how high-density lipoproteins form and function. Here, we use the quantum optical phenomenon of photon antibunching to determine the number of apo A-I molecules bound to discoidal lipoproteins and compare this with values obtained by photon-counting histogram analysis. Both the photon antibunching and photon-counting analyses show that reconstituted high-density lipoprotein particles contain two apo A-I molecules, which is in agreement with the commonly accepted double-belt model.
Insulin Therapy, Hyperglycemia, and Hypertension in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are closely linked, but the long-term blood pressure effects of glucose-lowering therapy and hyperglycemia are not clear. Methods We examined the effects of intensive insulin therapy and hyperglycemia on the development of hypertension in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and its observational follow-up, the Epidemiology of Diabetes Intervention and Complications (EDIC) study. Incident hypertension was defined as 2 consecutive study visits with a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher, or use of antihypertensive medications to treat high blood pressure. Results Participants were enrolled from August 23, 1983, through June 30, 1989. During a 15.8-year median follow-up, 630 of 1441 participants developed hypertension. During the DCCT, the incidence of hypertension was similar comparing participants assigned to intensive vs conventional therapy. However, intensive therapy during the DCCT reduced the risk of incident hypertension by 24% during EDIC study follow-up (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.92). A higher hemoglobin A 1c level, measured at baseline or throughout follow-up, was associated with increased risk for incident hypertension (adjusted hazard ratios, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.06-1.17] and 1.25 [95% CI, 1.14-1.37], respectively, for each 1% higher hemoglobin A 1c level), and glycemic control appeared to mediate the antihypertensive benefit of intensive therapy. Older age, male sex, family history of hypertension, greater baseline body mass index, weight gain, and greater albumin excretion rate were independently associated with increased risk of hypertension. Conclusions Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for incident hypertension in type 1 diabetes, and intensive insulin therapy reduces the long-term risk of developing hypertension.
Comparative statics, strategic complements and substitutes in oligopolies

Abstract Many fundamental questions in oligopoly models reduce to the analysis of the monotonicity properties of various performance measures under the model’s Nash equilibrium, with respect to specific exogenously specified parameters. These strategic parameters may have an impact on the demand functions of the various competitors, their cost structures or both. In this paper, we establish first- and second-order monotonicity properties of the equilibrium prices, quantities and profits for oligopoly models with general non-linear cost functions and general dependencies of the cost and demand functions on the strategic input parameters under consideration.
Quasi-free stripping reactions — extended serber model (II)

Abstract We examine the validity of the model wave functions used in the extended Serber model for 4 He, 7 Li, 12 C, and 20 Ne projectiles. It is shown that with a properly chosen truncation radius, truncated Yukawa wave functions reproduce the cluster momentum distributions obtained with microscopic wave functions. Thus, the basic concept, i.e., the quasi-free stripping mechanism involved in the original Serber model has been extended to complex projectiles. Applications of the extended Serber model to formation of beam-velocity fragments are presented, including 22 Ne induced reactions at 20 MeV/nucleon and the bombarding energy dependence of the momentum width in 20 Ne- and 14 N-induced reactions. The complexity of the peripheral nucleus-nucleus collisions in the Fermi energy domain is discussed.
Heat Transfer to Flat Plate in High Temperature Rarefied Ultrahigh Mach Number Flow

Abstract : An investigation was conducted in a hypersonic shock tunnel to determine the local heat transfer rates for a sharp leading edge flat plate. The free stream Mach number range was 7.95 to 25.l with stagnation temperatures of approximately 2550 and 6500 R. For these temperature and Mach number conditions, the strong interaction parameter varied from 2.35 to 826. The corresponding Knudsen numbers, based on the ratio of the free stream mean free path and the leading edge thickness, varied from 0.38 to 85.5. The sputtered platinum heat gages were dynamically calibrated by passing a moderate strength shock wave across the gages and observing the change in resistance due to a step function temperature rise. By this method the gage characteristics were determined for the same pressure rises encountered in the test section.
Data reduction via segmentation for hyperspectral imagery

A single hyperspectral image can easily be hundreds of megabytes or even several gigabytes in size. For spectral processing, this is not an issue, as each pixel is processed indepedently. Additionally, many standard image processing algorithms can be readily adapted to process a few lines at a time (possibly with multiple passes over a file). Thus, clustering algorithms like k-means and dimension reduction methods such as PCA have also become staples of hyperspectral processing. More recently, however, new algorithms such as locally linear embedding (LLE) or non-local means have been shown to offer substantial performance increases, at least in theory. However, incremental processing is not feasible in many of these newer algorithms, and large amounts of processing power and memory are required to process large images. For this reason, mechanisms to efficiently reduce the size of large hyperspectral images while maintaining important information are desired. In this paper, we investigate a segmentation algorithm as a means to this end. We show that the amount of data that needs to be processed can be reduced by over an order of magnitude while maintaining the spectral purity of the data. This will be illustrated by showing classification accuracy before and after segmentation.
Design of a Dynamic Beamforming Antenna for Wimax Radio Systems

This paper presents our design and development of an 8-channel adaptive beamforming antenna for new developments in radio technology: the emergence of chip-based components implementing the recently completed IEEE 802.16d-2004 (WiMAX) radio standard. WiMAX offers the potential of long range (up to 50 miles) and high bandwidth (up to 50 Mb/s) radio links. Although the new WiMAX standard offers the potential for using smart, adaptive antennas, this functionality has not been implemented. Our design will serve as a common platform for testing adaptive array algorithms including direction of arrival (DOA) estimation, beamforming, and adaptive tracking, as well as complete wireless communication with a WiMAX Radio. Heavy emphasis will be placed on ease of implementation in a multi-channel / multi-user environment. In the future, we hope to expand this interface to support dynamic radio channel selection via direct interaction with radio hardware or implementation of a cognitive radio system.
Dynamic displacement changes of the bladder neck with the patient supine and standing.

AbstractPurpose: With the patient standing and supine we determine the differences in dynamic changes of the bladder neck and directions of dynamic bladder neck displacement.Materials and Methods: To evaluate the dynamic movement of the bladder neck we recruited into the study 78 consecutive women 27 to 69 years old with various urogynecological complaints. The anatomical changes of the bladder neck from rest to maximal straining and from rest to holding were evaluated and compared with the patients supine and standing.Results: Except for bladder neck rotational angle with the patient standing, all parameters were significantly different from corresponding measurements with the patient supine. Mean rotational angle of rest to maximal straining plus or minus standard deviation was 39.4 +/− 18.9 degrees when standing versus 39.8 +/− 23.4 degrees when supine (p >0.05). The distances between the bladder neck and symphysis pubis at rest, and during maximal straining and holding the bladder neck in the supine p...
Fixation of oligosaccharides to a surface may increase the susceptibility to human parainfluenza virus 1, 2, or 3 hemagglutinin-neuraminidase

The hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein of human parainfluenza viruses (hPIVs) both binds (H) and cleaves (N) oligosaccharides that contain N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac). H is thought to correspond to receptor binding and N to receptor-destroying activity. At present, N′s role in infection remains unclear: does it destroy only receptors, or are there other targets? We previously demonstrated that hPIV1 and 3 HNs bind to oligosaccharides containing the motif Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc (M. Amonsen, D. F. Smith, R. D. Cummings, and G. M. Air, J. Virol. 81:8341–8345, 2007). In the present study, we tested the binding specificity of hPIV2 on the Consortium for Functional Glycomics' glycan array and found that hPIV2 binds to oligosaccharides containing the same motif. We determined the specificities of N on red blood cells, soluble small-molecule and glycoprotein substrates, and the glycan array and compared them to the specificities of H. hPIV2 and -3, but not hPIV1, cleaved their ligands on red blood cells. hPIV1, -2, and -3 cleaved their NeuAcα2-3 ligands on the glycan array; hPIV2 and -3 also cleaved NeuAcα2-6 ligands bound by influenza A virus. While all three HNs exhibited similar affinities for all cleavable soluble substrates, their activities were 5- to 10-fold higher on small molecules than on glycoproteins. In addition, some soluble glycoproteins were not cleaved, despite containing oligosaccharides that were cleaved on the glycan array. We conclude that the susceptibility of an oligosaccharide substrate to N increases when the substrate is fixed to a surface. These findings suggest that HN may undergo a conformational change that activates N upon receptor binding at a cell surface.
Improvised lessons: collaborative discussion in the constructivist classroom

Effective classroom discussion is improvisational, because its effectiveness derives from the fact that it is not scripted. Instead, the flow of the class is unpredictable, and emerges from the actions of both teachers and students. In this article, I apply principles from training classes for improvisational actors to provide practical suggestions for teachers. To identify the improvisation community's own views on creative collaboration, I draw on recent observations of rehearsals, performances, and improvisation training classes, and interviews with actors and directors. I conclude that teachers could become more effective discussion leaders by becoming aware of improvisational acting techniques, and I make a case for instructing teachers in improvisational exercises.
Magnetic resonance contrast agents from viral capsid shells: a comparison of exterior and interior cargo strategies.

Two high-relaxivity nanoscale magnetic resonance contrast agents have been built using bacteriophage MS2 as a biomolecular scaffold. Protein capsid shells were functionalized on either the exterior or interior surface to display multiple copies of an aldehyde functional group. Subsequently, ∼90 heteropodal bis(hydroxypyridonate)terephthalamide ligands were attached to these sites through oxime condensation reactions. Upon complexation with Gd3+, contrast agents with ionic relaxivities of up to 41.6 mM-1 s-1 (30 MHz, 25 °C) and total molecular relaxivities of up to 3900 mM-1 s-1 (30 MHz, 25 °C) were produced. Capsids sequestering the Gd-chelates on the interior surface (attached through tyrosine residues) not only provided higher relaxivities than their exterior functionalized counterparts (which relied on lysine modification) but also exhibited improved water solubility and capsid stability. The attachment functional cargo to the interior surface is envisioned to minimize its influences on biodistribution...
Characterization of Tyrosine Nitration and Cysteine Nitrosylation Modifications by Metastable Atom-Activation Dissociation Mass Spectrometry

The fragmentation behavior of nitrated and S-nitrosylated peptides were studied using collision induced dissociation (CID) and metastable atom-activated dissociation mass spectrometry (MAD-MS). Various charge states, such as 1+, 2+, 3+, 2–, of modified and unmodified peptides were exposed to a beam of high kinetic energy helium (He) metastable atoms resulting in extensive backbone fragmentation with significant retention of the post-translation modifications (PTMs). Whereas the high electron affinity of the nitrotyrosine moiety quenches radical chemistry and fragmentation in electron capture dissociation (ECD) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD), MAD does produce numerous backbone cleavages in the vicinity of the modification. Fragment ions of nitrosylated cysteine modifications typically exhibit more abundant neutral losses than nitrated tyrosine modifications because of the extremely labile nature of the nitrosylated cysteine residues. However, compared with CID, MAD produced between 66% and 86% more fragment ions, which preserved the labile –NO modification. MAD was also able to differentiate I/L residues in the modified peptides. MAD is able to induce radical ion chemistry even in the presence of strong radical traps and therefore offers unique advantages to ECD, ETD, and CID for determination of PTMs such as nitrated and S-nitrosylated peptides.
Quantum kinematics of spacetime. II. A model quantum cosmology with real clocks

Nonrelativistic model quantum cosmologies are studied in which the basic time variable is the position of a clock indicator and the time parameter of the Schr\"odinger equation is an unobservable label. Familiar Schr\"odinger-Heisenberg quantum mechanics emerges if the clock is ideal---arbitrarily accurate for arbitrarily long times. More realistically, however, the usual formulation emerges only as an approximation appropriate to states of this model universe in which part of the system functions approximately as an ideal clock. It is suggested that the quantum kinematics of spacetime theories such as general relativity may be analogous to those of this model. In particular it is suggested that our familiar notion of time in quantum mechanics is not an inevitable property of a general quantum framework but an approximate feature of specific initial conditions.
Specification of chimeric flowering shoots in wild-type Arabidopsis.

Within wild-type Arabidopsis populations, a subset of the plants were found to have a single chimeric shoot on their primary shoot axes. The chimeric shoots were located below the lowest primary-axis flower; and they exhibited features of both flowers and paraclades (lateral flowering shoots). Morphological analyses of chimeric shoots indicated that they developed from single primordia. In each chimeric shoot, the side furthest from the apical meristem was specified as ‘flower’—while the side closest to the meristem was specified as ‘paraclade’—suggesting that a stimulus from outside the apical meristem can directly induce primordia to develop as flowers. It is concluded that the development of the teratological chimeric shoots resulted from the overlap of the vegetative and floral specification processes within single primordia.
How To Ensure Good Thermal Performance of Blown Mineral Fibre Insulation in Horizontal and Vertical Installations

Information and techniques regarding the proper use of blown mineral fibre insulation are presented.
Lateral Migration Control During Drying Using Methyl Cellulose

A method developed previously was used to quantitatively assess lateral migration during controlled drying. Methyl cellulose in aqueous solution, which has a unique property of forming a gel when heated, was used to control lateral agent migration during drying of knitted cotton fabrics impregnated with crosslinking reagents. During drying, the reagent solution formed a gel and significantly restricted movement of water and reagents in the capillaries of the fabric. Effects of methyl cellulose concen tration on the rate and extent of migration were evaluated.
The capital structure implications of pursuing a strategy of innovation

In this paper, we argue that consideration of firm strategy can help illuminate the choices managers make between debt and equity financing. Within an industry, the form of competition that each firm chooses will determine the strategic value to the firm of maintaining financial slack. Our empirical analysis yields strong support for the proposition that financial slack should be a particularly critical strategic imperative for firms pursuing a competitive strategy premised on innovation. We also demonstrate that firms pursuing such a strategy that fail to recognize the value of financial slack are likely to perform poorly. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On-line laboratory for communication systems using J-DSP

The J-DSP editor was developed at Arizona State University (ASU) to enable students to conduct on-line simulations and experiments in digital signal processing and related subjects. In this paper, we describe a series of J-DSP communications functions and laboratory exercises that have been developed to support the laboratory portion of the ASU communications elective, EEE455. The functionality developed covers both analog and digital communications. The J-DSP communications laboratories include descriptions of relevant J-DSP functions, lab exercises illustrating the key concepts, and a short quiz that captures the main points of the assignment. The J-DSP communication labs have been assigned in EEE 455 and assessment results have been compiled. The students responded to specific questions on the labs and the J-DSP environment in general. Assessment results indicate that the majority of the students responded that the new JDSP functionality and the associated lab exercises complemented well the theory covered in class and helped them develop intuition on the communications concepts covered in these labs.
DTC drug advertising ethics: laboratory for medical marketing

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to call for an increased focus on the ethics of direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertising. This is important, not only to improve DTC prescription drug advertising, but also to inform DTC advertising of future medical advances. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper discusses two examples of medical advances – personal genetic testing services and surgically implanted medical devices – to explain how investigating the research of DTC prescription drug advertising can set the stage for more ethical advertising of future medical advances. Findings – Specific issues related to health literacy, at-risk populations impacted by health disparities, and medicalization of issues common to aging relate to the DTC advertising of prescription drugs and other medical advances. Creative approaches to investigating these issues in the context of prescription drug advertising can enrich the debate about drug advertising, but also prepare researchers, policymake...
Mass Storage on the Terascale Computing System

On August 3rd, 2000, the National Science Foundation announced the award of $45 million to the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center to provide "terascale" computing capability for U.S. researchers in all science and engineering disciplines. This Terascale Computing System (TCS) will be built using commodity components. The computational engines will be Compaq Alpha CPU's in a four processors per node configuration. The final system will have over 682 quad processor nodes, for a total of more than 2700 Alpha CPUs. Each node will have 4 gigabytes of memory, for a total system memory of over 2.5 terabytes. All the nodes will be interconnected by a high speed, very low latency Quadrics switch fabric, constructed in a full "fat-tree" topology. Given the very high component count in this system, it is important to architect the solution to be tolerant of failures. Part of this architecture is the efficient saving of a program's memory state to disk. This checkpointing of the program memory should be easy for the programmer to invoke and sufficiently fast to allow for frequent checkpoints, yet it should not severely impact the performance of the compute nodes or file servers. There will be flexibility in the recovery so that spare nodes can be automatically swapped in for failed nodes and the job restarted from the most recent checkpoint without significant user or system management intervention. It is estimated that the file servers required to collect and store these checkpoints and other temporary storage for executing jobs will collectively have ?27 terabytes of disk storage. The file servers will maintain a disk cache that will be migrated to a Hierarchical Storage Manager serving over 300 terabytes. This paper will discuss the hardware and software architectural design of the TCS machine. The software architecture of this system rests upon Compaq's "AlphaServer SC" software, which includes administration, control, accounting, and scheduling software. We will describe our accounting, scheduling, and monitoring systems and their relation to the software included in AlphaServer SC.
High temperature reflectance spectroscopy and dynamic reflectance spectroscopy

The measurement of the radiation reflected from a mat surface constitutes the area of spectroscopy known as diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The reflected radiation may be in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, although the first two listed are by far the more widely used at present time. The radiation reflected from a mat surface, RT, consists in general of two components: a regular reflection component (sometimes known as surface- or mirror-reflection), R, and a diffuse reflection component, R∞ (1,2). The former component is due to the reflection at the surface of single crystallites while the latter arises from the radiation penetrating into the interior of the solid and re-emerging to the surface after being scattered numerous times.