cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A counterpropagation neural network for determining target spacecraft orientation

This paper describes a concept that integrates a counterpropagation neural network into a video-based vision system employed for automatic spacecraft docking. A brief overview of docking phases, the target orientation problem, and potential benefits resulting from an automated docking system is provided. Issues and challenges of automatic target recognition, as applied to automatic docking, are addressed. Following a review of the architecture, training, and desirable characteristics of the counterpropagation network, an approach for determining the relative orientation of a target spacecraft based on a counterpropagation net is presented. >
Translabyrinthine Approach:: Indications, Techniques, and Results

This article presents a comprehensive review of the translabyrinthine surgical approach for vestibular schwannoma. Additionally, it addresses the traditional labyrinthectomy and identifies a time-efficient version. Indications and outcomes of the approach are presented, along with detailed procedural technique from opening incision through closure. Complications and management of complications are discussed in detail, as well as postoperative patient care.
Tracking and data relay satellite system (TDRSS) capabilities

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is the latest implementation to tracking and data acquisition network for near-earth orbiting satellite support designed to meet the requirements of the current and projected (to the year 2000) satellite user community. The TDRSS consists of a space segment (SS) and a ground segment (GS) that fit within NASA's Space Network (SN) complex controlled at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The SS currently employs a single satellite, TDRS-1, with two additional satellites to be deployed in January 1986 and July 1986. The GS contains the communications and equipment required to manage the three TDR satellites and to transmit and receive information to and from TDRSS user satellites. Diagrams and tables illustrating the TDRSS signal characteristics, the situation of TDRSS within the SN, the SN operations and element interrelationships, as well as future plans for new missions are included.
The Convergence Hypothesis: History, Theory, and Evidence

The hypothesis that per capita output converges across economies over time represents one of the oldest controversies in economics. This essay surveys the history and development of the hypothesis, focusing particularly on its vast literature since the mid-1980s. A summary of empirical analyses, econometric issues, and various tests of the convergence hypothesis are also presented. Moreover, the essay analyzes the implications of the hypothesis for economic growth, especially as it relates to underdeveloped economies.
A system response time model for local area networks

There are several issues that confront LAN management with respect to allocating servers and files in a LAN. These are: how many servers should be used for a given number of user computers? Should files be replicated on the servers to provide better performance or should the available servers store different files in order to maximize the number and variety of programs on the LAN? What should be the acceptable access times for users, singly and simultaneously, to access an application program, with a given number of servers and user computers? These issues are analyzed as a problem in optimization to determine the optimal server/user computer ratios and degree of file replication for given access times. Analytical and empirical results are reported. >
A statistical comparison of traffic measurements from the moving versus stationary observer methods

Data of traffic flow, speed and density are required for planning, designing, and modelling of traffic stream for all parts of the road system. Specialized equipments such as stationary counts are used to record volume and speed; but they are expensive, difficult to set up, and require periodic maintenance. The moving observer method was proposed in 1954 by Wardrop and Charlesworth to estimate these variables inexpensively. Basically, the observer counts the number of vehicles overtaken, the number of vehicles passed, and the number of vehicles encountered while traveling in the opposite direction. The trip time is reported for both travel directions. Additionally, the length of road segment is measured. These variables are then used in estimating speeds and volumes. In a westbound direction from Interstate Highway 30 (I-30) in the DFW area, this study examined the accuracy and feasibility of this method by comparing it with stationary observer method as the standard method for such counts. The statistical tests were used to test the accuracy. Results show that this method provides accurate volume and speed estimates when compared to the stationary method for the road segment with three lanes per direction, especially when several runs are taken.
“Rap Universal”: Using Multimodal Media Production to Develop ICT Literacies

Through a multimodal media production literacy intervention in an extended-day program, culturally and linguistically diverse youth developed valuable information and communication technology literacies, including • Specific how-to skills useful in future academic, professional, social, and civic contexts • Abilities to critically interpret and produce media • Understanding of the value of skills and literacies across contexts Instead of teaching reading and writing as universally applicable neutral skills, teachers taught students to use multimodal media production as a relevant sociocultural practice that demanded school-based literacies.
Metacognition and mathematics strategy use

The role of children's metacognitive knowledge in their mathematics strategy use was studied by a longitudinal examination of second graders' effort attributions, metacognition for mathematics, and strategy use while solving mathematics problems. Children's correct use of retrieval, internal and external strategies, and the prevalence of strategy use were assessed in September and the following January. Effort attributions for success and failure were also assessed at both points in time. In January, metacognitive knowledge about mathematics strategies was measured. Second graders possess metacognitive knowledge about mathematics strategies, and this knowledge is correlated most strongly with the tendency to use internal strategies in September and correct internal strategy use in September. Effort attributions measured at both timepoints were significantly related to metacognition. Effort attributions in January also correlated with the tendency to use internal strategies in January. In general, the results are consistent with self-system theories, which posit that metacognition, motivation, and strategy use work together to promote learning.
Modeling of organic photovoltaic cells with large fill factor and high efficiency

Organic photovoltaic cells exhibiting an ideal diode behavior with large fill factor (FF) are presented. It is demonstrated that the current-voltage characteristics can be well described using the equivalent circuit model that is also used for inorganic solar cells. Resistances associated with the cells and other diode parameters are extracted by fitting the experimental electrical characteristics using the equivalent circuit model. The effects of these parameters on FF are quantitatively described. Changes in these parameters under different illumination conditions are presented and compared to those occurring in inorganic pn-junction solar cells.
Distally based rectus abdominis flap for reconstruction in radical gynecologic procedures

The distally based rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is an important adjunct to radical pelvic surgery. It can be used to fashion a functional neovagina or to create a patch to cover perineal defects created by exenterative surgery. This report reviews the technical aspects of the creation of this flap and our experience with 22 patients who have undergone this procedure. The flap has been found to be technically easy to create. It is reliable with little tissue loss, and donor site complications are acceptable. Healing is aided by filling the pelvic dead space, thereby decreasing bowel complications, and by bringing a new blood supply into the operative site which has often been heavily irradiated. Operative time is minimized since the procedure requires only unilateral mobilization. Subsequent abdominal surgery has been performed without fascial complications.
Dynamic management of resources and workloads for RDBMS in cloud: a control-theoretic approach

As cloud computing environments become explosively popular, dealing with unpredictable changes, uncertainties, and disturbances in both systems and environments turns out to be one of the major challenges facing the concurrent computing industry. My research goal is to dynamically manage resources and workloads for RDBMS in cloud computing environments in order to achieve ``better performance but lower cost", i.e., better service level compliance but lower consumption of virtualized computing resource(s).Nowadays, although control theory offers a principled way to deal with the challenge based on feedback mechanisms, a controller is typically designed based on the system designer's domain knowledge and intuition instead of the behavior of the system being controlled. My research approach is based on the essence of control theory but transcends state-of-the-art control-theoretic approaches by leveraging interdisciplinary areas, especially from machine learning. While machine learning is often viewed merely as a toolbox that can be deployed for many data-centric problems, my research makes efforts to incorporate machine learning as a full-fledged engineering discipline into control-theoretic approaches for realizing my research goal.My PhD thesis work implements two solid systems by leveraging machine learning techniques, namely, ActiveSLA and SmartSLA. ActiveSLA is an automatic controller featuring risk assessment admission control to obtain the most profitable service-level compliance. SmartSLA is an automatic controller featuring cost-sensitive adaptation to achieve the lowest total cost. The experimental results show that both of the two systems outperform the state-of-the-art methods.
Rate-independent characteristics of an arthroscopically implantable force probe in the human achilles tendon

Abstract The effect of loading rate on specimen calibration was investigated for an implantable force sensor of the two-point loading variety. This variety of sensor incorporates a strain gage to measure the compressive load applied to the sensor due to tensile loading in a soft tissue specimen. The Achilles tendon in each of four human cadaveric lower extremities was instrumented with a force sensor and then loaded in tension using a materials testing machine. Each specimen was tensile tested at three different displacement rates, 0.25, 2.5 and 12.7 cm s−1, corresponding with mean loading rates of 33.8, 513.2, and 2838.6 N s−1, respectively. A calibration curve relating the force sensor signal and applied tendon tension was generated for each specimen/ displacement rate combination. For each specimen, calibration curves were compared by calculating an RMS error for the entire data set ( e RMS =1.6 % of the full load value) and a coefficient of determination, R 2 , of a curve fit through all of the data ( R 2 =99.6 %). Over the range of rates tested, no measurable change in sensor sensitivity due to loading rate was observed. Hysteresis for all displacement rates was on the order of 2.4%.
Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3) Measurements in the Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Insufficiency and Comparison with IGF-I Measurements

To analyze the utility of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) radioimmunoassay in the diagnosis of GH insufficiency (GHI) and compare the results of IGFBP-3 and IGF-I, we measured IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in sera from normal children (n=309), short children (n=99) and patients with GHI (n=73). We divided the GHI group into two groups (complete and partial GHD) and divided all the patients into two groups depending upon age (less than and older than 10 years).The sensitivity of IGF-I for complete GHD (cGHD) was 80%, while the specificity for normal short children (NS) was 81%. The sensitivity of IGFBP-3 for cGHD was 93%, while the specificity for NS was 88%. In contrast, the sensitivities of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 for partial GHD (pGHD) were both only 43%. The poor discrimination between patients with pGHD and NS by using these two parameters may be the result of their relatively similar GH level, as compared to cGHD, or of the limitations of GH stimulation tests in the diagnosis of GHI.The specificities of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 for NS were high (82-92%) in children of all ages. The sensitivity of IGF-I for GHD at less than and older than 10 years old was 66% and 71%, respectively. The sensitivity of IGFBP-3 for GHI was good for children less than 10 years of age (84%) but poor for children older than 10 years (64%), because IGFBP-3 levels may also increase during puberty by mechanisms independent of the GH-IGF-I axis. Thus, in the younger chil-dren, the sensitivity for GHI of IGFBP-3 was higher than that of IGF-I.Finally, although nice correlation was observed between IGFBP-3 and IGF-I levels, some patients (both GHI and NS) had discordant results of IGFBP-3 and IGF-I either below or above the cutoff levels, possibly due to limitations of GHI diagnosis based upon GH stimulation tests.
Dehydrocoupling of Phosphanes Catalyzed by a Rhodium(I) Complex

RhCl3 × 3 H2O, HP(t-Bu)2, HPPh2, H2PPh and Ph4P2 were obtained from Aldrich. HP(i-Bu)2, HP(c-C5H9)2, HPCy2 and HPEt2 were purchased from Strem. HPMes2 [1] and HP(p-Anis)2 [2] were prepared from the corresponding aryl Grignard reagent, PCl3 and subsequent reduction of the Ar2PCl by LAH in THF following a modified literature procedure. [1] H2P(p-Anis) was obtained as the lower boiling fraction (in 6 % yield) during the distillation of the crude product in the synthesis of HP(p-Anis)2. [3] HP[Ph(tBu)3] (2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenylphosphane, supermesitylphosphane) was prepared following a published method. [Cp*RhCl2]2 was synthesized from RhCl3 × 3 H2O and HCp* following standard methods. All chemicals were used as received. The P–P coupling products were identified by comparison of NMR data with authentical samples or by isolation. Reactions were carried out by standard Schlenk techniques under an atmosphere of dry argon which was purified by passage through columns of BASF R3-11 catalyst (Chemalog) and 4 A molecular sieves. THF was dried and degassed by distillation from sodium benzophenone-ketyl prior to use. All other solvents were carefully dried and degassed according to standard procedures.
Amperometric Detection of Glucose Involving Electropolymerized Tetraaminophthalocyanine and Ferrocene Films

Abstract Electropolymerized films of metal‐free tetraaminophthalocyanine (TAPc) were used to immobilize the redox mediator ferrocene (Fc) into its polymeric matrix during the electropolymerization of the monomer TAPc. This entrapment produces a three‐dimensional network of Fc active sites used for the detection of glucose. Comparative studies on electrochemical polymerization and characterization of TAPc and TAPc/Fc show significant differences in their charge transfer properties. Cyclic voltammetric characterization of TAPc films show irreversible charge transfer behavior while TAPc/Fc films show Nernstian equilibrium charge transfer properties. The TAPc/Fc films were used in the detection of glucose after the immobilization of glucose oxidase unto the TAPc/Fc layer. Studies on the bilayered enzyme electrode under stirred hydrodynamic conditions in aqueous glucose solutions produced a limiting current within 10–15 s. The authors wish to acknowledge funding from the Michigan Space Grant (MSG 24124‐7080) a...
Further evidence for enhanced vibrational relaxation induced by very-low-energy atom-polyatom collisions

Very-low-energy (<20 cm−1) Collisions of He With 1B2 toluene and 1B2 fluorobenzene have very large, mode-dependent, vibrational relaxation cross sections, whereas similar collisions of He with 1B2u benzene have vanishingly small cross sections. These data are consistent with a scattering resonance model for very-low-energy collision-induced vibrational relaxation.
Nigrostriatal Dopamine Acting on Globus Pallidus Regulates Sleep

Lesions of the globus pallidus externa (GPe) produce a profound sleep loss (∼45%) in rats, suggesting that GPe neurons promote sleep. As GPe neuronal activity is enhanced by dopamine (DA) from the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), we hypothesized that SNc DAviathe GPe promotes sleep. To test this hypothesis, we selectively destroyed the DA afferentsto the caudoputamen (CPu) using 6-hydroxydopamine and examined changes in sleep-wake profiles in rats. Rats with 80–90% loss of SNc neurons displayed a significant 33.7% increase in wakefulness (or sleep reduction). This increase significantly correlated with the extent of SNc DA neuron loss. Furthermore, these animals exhibited sleep-wake fragmentation and reduced diurnal variability of sleep.We then optogenetic-stimulated SNc DA terminalsin the CPuand foundthat 20-Hzstimulation from 9 to 10 PM increased total sleep by 69% with high electroencephalograph (EEG) delta power. We finally directly optogenetic-stimulated GPe neurons and found that 20-Hz stimulation of the GPe from 9 to 10 PM increased total sleep by 66% and significantly increased EEG delta power. These findings elucidate a novel circuit for DA control of sleep and the mechanisms of abnormal sleep in BG disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.
Enantioselective synthesis of cyclothiazide analogues: Novel probes of the stereospecific actions of benzothiadiazines at AMPA-type glutamate receptors

The stereospecific interactions of the eight stereoisomers of dihydromethylcyclothiazide, an analogue of cyclothiazide, with AMPA-type glutamate receptors was investigated using electrophysiological methods that measured the ability of each stereoisomer to inhibit AMPA receptor desensitization. The eight stereoisomers were obtained by HPLC separation of four pairs of enantiomerically pure (>95% ee) diastereomers prepared from (1R-exo)-, (1R-endo)-, (1S-exo)-, and (1S-endo)-2-methylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxaldehyde intermediates. The desensitization process was blocked most potently by [1S-[1α,2α(R*),4α]]-dihydromethylcyclothiazide, one of the stereoisomers prepared from the (1S-endo)-carboxaldehyde. The smallest effects on the desensitization process were found for the four stereoisomers prepared from the (1R-exo)- and (1R-endo)-carboxaldehydes. Significant differences in the ability to inhibit desensitization were observed between all diastereomer pairs except those prepared from the (1S-exo)-carbox...
Assessment, management, and prevention of early childhood caries.

Purpose: To discuss the role of primary care health providers in identifying infants and young children at risk for dental caries during well-child visits, in providing anticipatory guidance to parents and primary care givers of at-risk children, and in providing appropriate referrals for the timely establishment of a dental home. Data sources: The search included the following: Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, American Academy of Pediatrics Web site, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Web site, and the American Dental Association Web site. The following search terms were used: dental caries prevention, caries process, caries balance, dental home, early childhood caries, oral health disparities, dental caries risk assessment, fluoride varnish, oral health anticipatory guidance. Search was limited to English language sources from 1990 through 2007. Conclusions: Dental caries is a preventable and reversible infectious disease process, yet it continues to be the single most common chronic disease of childhood. Despite a decrease in caries prevalence and a decrease in untreated tooth decay in 6–19-year-olds in the United States, a 15.2% increase in disease was noted among the nation’s youngest children aged 2–5 years. Primary care health providers are uniquely positioned to play a significant role in the prevention of dental caries and are encouraged to complete certification courses in caries risk assessment, intervention, education, and referral. Implications for practice: Clinicians need to understand the dental caries process, including the process of enamel demineralization and remineralization, and the factors contributing to caries balance. The importance of early identification and intervention for infants and toddlers at high risk for dental caries and primary care health provider-delivered anticipatory guidance during well-child care visits cannot be overestimated.
Is Strategy an Illusion

Strategy is the essential ingredient for making war either politically effective or morally tenable. It is the link between military means and political ends, the scheme for how to make one produce the other. Without strategy, there is no rationale for how force will achieve purposes worth the price in blood and treasure. Without strategy, power is a loose cannon and war is mindless. Mindless killing can only be criminal. Politicians and soldiers may debate which strategic choice is best, but only paciasts can doubt that strategy is necessary. Because strategy is necessary, however, does not mean that it is possible. Those who experience or study many wars and strong reasons to doubt that strategists can know enough about causes, effects, and intervening variables to make the operations planned produce the outcomes desired. To skeptics, effective strategy is often an illusion because what happens in the gap between policy objectives and war outcomes is too complex and unpredictable to be manipulated to a speciaed end. When this is true, war cannot be a legitimate instrument of policy. This article surveys ten critiques that throw the practicability of strategy into question. It pulls together many arguments that emerge in bits and pieces from a variety of sources. Some are my own formulation of skepticism implicit but unformed in others’ observations; few analysts have yet attacked the general viability of strategy head-on. The notion that effective strategy must be an illusion emerges cumulatively from arguments that: strategies cannot be evaluated because there are no agreed criteria for which are good or bad; there is little demonstrable relationship between strategies and outcomes in war; good strategies can seldom be formulated because of policymakers’ biases; if good strategies are formulated, they cannot be executed because of organizations’ limitations; and other points explored below. Unifying themes include the bar-
The two-essence problem that wasn't.

Arguments, like organisms, are complex structured things with various interconnected parts. And while there are many parts of Matt H. Haber and Bryan Benham's (2012) argument that I am either sympa...
Can Placing a Lactation Consultant in the Obstetric Office Magically Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates

Paper Presentation Purpose for the Program Exclusive breast milk feeding is promoted by health care providers and the Joint Commission. In one organization, the move to exclusive breast milk feeding was not moving as quickly as desired. An innovative idea was trialed and proved successful: placing lactation consultants (LC) in obstetric offices during the prenatal period. Expectant mothers obtained information and education related to breastfeeding while making important, informed decisions about the care of their infants. Proposed Change To offer continual visibility of the LC in the obstetric office to remind women of this feeding choice for their infants. While the mother waits to be seen for her routine prenatal visits, the LC has a captive audience. The mother has the opportunity to begin thinking about her feeding choice, is offered the opportunity to ask questions in a nonthreatening atmosphere, and is not required to go anywhere else for breastfeeding consultation for the entire length of her pregnancy. The continual visibility of the LC promotes the idea that breast milk feeding is a normal process. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation Leadership identified the need to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates. Awareness of where the LCs made first contact with pregnant women making feeding choices seemed an important part of an innovative plan to improve outcomes. Collaboration between physicians, office staff, LCs, and senior hospital leadership resulted in placing the LCs in the OB offices, so they were available for consultations within the hospital practice setting. A funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Women's Health provided the extra funding for the project. Data collected provided information that demonstrated lactation services in the offices had a positive effect on breastfeeding rates. Exclusive breastfeeding rates increased from 33% in December 2012 to more than 60% in August 2013. Implications for Nursing Practice Providing education throughout pregnancy offers the new mother an opportunity to make an informed decision regarding the feeding choice for her newborn. As she begins to breastfeed her newborn, her confidence is bolstered. Frontline nurses can begin by increasing the mother's breastfeeding knowledge base, and continue to support and promote her feeding efforts.
The crystal and molecular structure of DI-trans-β-styrylmercury

Abstract The structure of di-trans-β-styrylmercury has been determined by single crystal X-ray methods from counter data. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn with unit cell dimensions a 15.413(6), b 11.161(9), c 7.668(5) A, V 1319(1) A3, Dcalc 2.049 g/cm3, and Z = 4. The crystal was solved by conventional heavy atom techniques. The crystal consists of individual molecular units with the mercury atom located on a two fold axis of symmetry. The CHgC fragment is nearly linear with an angle of 178°. The β-styryl groups are oriented so that a dihedral angle of 66.8° is formed between the planes defined by HgC(1)C(2) and HgC(1)′C(2)′ fragments. The HgC bond distance is 2.07(4) A.
A relationship between slide quality and image quality in whole slide imaging (WSI).

This study examined the effect of tissue section thickness and consistency – parameters outside the direct control of the imaging devices themselves – on WSI capture speed and image quality. Preliminary data indicates that thinner, more consistent tissue sectioning (such as those produced by automated tissue sectioning robots) result in significantly faster WSI capture times and better image quality.
Effects of feeding extruded full-fat cottonseed pellets in place of tallow as a fat source for finishing heifers on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, sensory traits, display color, and fatty acid profiles.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of supplemental feeding of full-fat extruded cottonseed pellets (FFECS) compared with tallow on carcass characteristics, sensory traits, retail display color, and fatty acid profiles, especially CLA isomers in finishing heifers. Twenty-one Angus heifers (450 ± 5 kg) were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 experimental diets: 1) 100% supplemental fat from tallow at 4.1% of ration DM (TAL), 2) a 50:50 ratio of supplemental fat from a combination of tallow at 2.1% and FFECS at 12.8% of ration DM (TAL/ECS), and 3) 100% supplemental fat from FFECS at 25.6% ration DM (ECS). All rations were formulated to contain 7.5% fat on a DM basis. Heifers were individually fed, ad libitum, for 82 d, and BW, G:F, DMI, ADG, and body composition via ultrasound were collected at 3 to 4 wk intervals. After 82 d on feed heifers were slaughtered under federal inspection, and carcass characteristics were measured (at 24 h). The LM was removed for retail display color (1, 3, 6, 10 d), Warner-Bratzler shear force (1, 3, 7, 14, 21 d postmortem aging), sensory analysis (1, 7, 14, 21 d postmortem aging), and fatty acid profile analysis. Subcutaneous fat, including all layers, was removed from the LM for fatty acid profile analysis, and ground beef patties (80:20) were produced with lean from the brisket and fat from the plate for retail color analysis (1, 2, 4, 7 d). Supplemental fat source did not influence feedlot performance for any of the traits measured (P > 0.12) or any carcass traits related to yield, quality, or LM color at the 12th- to 13th-rib interface (P > 0.15). Supplemental fat source did not affect Warner-Bratzler shear force or any sensory traits (P > 0.20), but LM steaks became more tender as postmortem aging time increased up to 14 d (P 0.90). Full-fat extruded cottonseed pellets are interchangeable with tallow in heifer finishing diets without impacting feeding performance, meat quality, shelf life color, or CLA content of adipose sites.
Low-dimensional qualitative and numerical approximation of bifurcation in a semilinear elliptic problem

Abstract A nonlinear boundary value problem, exhibiting a nonlocal bifurcation in its solution set, is considered. It is shown that for some values of the problem parameters there is only the zero solution, while for other values of these parameters two nontrivial solutions also appear. These nontrivial solutions do not lie in small neighborhoods of the zero function, so that the bifurcation analysis is not local to the origin. The method of reduction to (alternative) finite-dimensional problems is applied to give a numerical description of the bifurcation, and in particular, to describe a surface of bifurcating solutions. In addition the solution set of the 1-dimensional Galerkin approximation is also shown to have the same qualitative nature as the solution set of the full problem.
Isolation rearing-induced deficits in prepulse inhibition and locomotor habituation are not potentiated by water deprivation.

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex is an operational measure of sensorimotor gating and is reduced in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Isolation rearing of rats is a developmentally specific, nonpharmacological manipulation that leads to deficits in sensorimotor gating that mimic those observed in schizophrenia patients. This study examined the effects of an added stressor (water deprivation) on the magnitude of the isolation rearing effect on PPI and locomotor activity. At the time of weaning, male (n = 80) and female (n = 80) rats were assigned to either social housing or isolation housing and were subsequently assigned to the water-deprived or non-water-deprived groups. Rats were tested for acoustic startle and PPI at 3, 5 and 7 weeks postweaning. Isolated rats showed a significant decrease in PPI that was apparent at all 3 weeks. Water deprivation did not significantly affect PPI, nor was there a significant interaction between housing and water treatment or between sex and housing. When tested in the Behavior Pattern Monitor to assess locomotor activity, isolated rats displayed decreased habituation across the 1-h test session. Water deprivation did not affect locomotor activity in any significant, independent manner, nor did it potentiate the effects of isolation rearing on locomotor habituation. In these studies, both male and female Long-Evans rats were sensitive to the PPI-disruptive and locomotor-activating effects of social isolation. Isolation rearing significantly disrupts PPI and locomotor habituation independent of any effects of water deprivation.
Derivatives of 7-Oxabicyclo[2.2.1 ]hept-5-ene and 7-Oxabicyclo[2.2.1 ] heptane. Synthesis, transformations, and stereochemistry using nmr methods

Synthesis and stereochemistry of various endo-2- and exo-2-substituted-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-5-enes and -heptanes are described. The nmr spectra of several derivatives are reported and discussed. Use is made of this data to allow determination of the stereochemical integrity of the system. Facile chromatographic separation methods were found for endo- and exo-2-sub-stituted-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1 ]hept-5-enes and -heptanes.
Structural organization of the human γ-glutamyl hydrolase gene

Abstract γ-Glutamyl hydrolase (GH) plays an important role in the metabolism of folic acid and the pharmacology of antifolates such as methotrexate. We have previously cloned and characterized the human GH cDNA. In this report, the complete organization and structure of the human GH gene was determined. The human GH gene spans 24 kb in the human genome, with nine exons sized from 51 to 371 bp. All of exon–intron splice junctions follow the GT–AG rule. The sequence upstream of exon 1 consists of a promoter-like, GC-rich region and a number of putative cis active elements including Sp1, AP1, and MZF1 sites. A TATA sequence in the 5′ region of human GH gene was not observed, similar to housekeeping genes known to be tissue-specific and differentially expressed. S1 nuclease protection analysis with human liver, prostate, brain, and mammary gland revealed a major transcription start point at nucleotide −125 relative to the ATG start codon and several minor transcription start points. Analysis of GH cDNA isolated from human liver indicated a nucleotide change, T→C, in the leader sequence of GH, which suggested a polymorphism. Studies of cDNA from different human tissue sources provided evidence that there is a single spliced cDNA species in human.
Influence of dislocation density and distribution on the aging behavior of 6061 AlSiCw composites

Abstract Precipitation hardening metal-matrix composites (MMCs) are known to age more rapidly than the unreinforced matrix alloys. It has been proposed that the accelerated aging is due to some dislocation defect mechanism which enhances nucleation, growth or both. Theoretical Avrami-type precipitation curves were generated assuming dislocation density dependent nucleation only and dislocation density dependent nucleation and growth. Curves were generated for both uniform dislocation density (to model cold work) and a dislocation density gradient (to model MMCs). These theoretical results were compared to precipitation curves generated by differential scanning calorimetry of unstrained and plastically strained unreinforced 6061 Al and 10 vol.% SiC whisker reinforced 6061 Al MMC. It was found on aging that β′ precipitation in the MMC initiates earlier and is completed later than in the unreinforced alloy with the same amount of plastic work as the composite. The reaction rate order for β′ precipitation was also determined from the calorimetric studies. These experimental results were interpreted in terms of the theoretical calculations. It is concluded that the matrix dislocation density distributions of metal-matrix composites can strongly influence macroscopically observed nucleation and growth rates.
Online everywhere: evolving mobile instant messaging practices

In this paper we report on the results of a large scale user survey investigating the status setting and interruption management behavior of mobile instant messaging (IM) users with existing systems. The motivation for this study was to inform the design of interface tools that support users by setting contextually appropriate awareness messages. Our results demonstrate that many desktop IM practices have been appropriated by mobile laptop users, but in the face of increasingly situated computer usage and an "always online" culture, several frictions are emerging between desktop and mobile practices. We find that common assumptions about IM users and the established awareness cues are failing and users are frequently embarrassed and interrupted with negative and sometimes threatening consequences.
#Ferguson: Digital protest, hashtag ethnography, and the racial politics of social media in the United States

As thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, to protest the fatal police shooting of unarmed African American teenager Michael Brown in the summer of 2014, news and commentary on the shooting, the protests, and the militarized response that followed circulated widely through social media networks. Through a theorization of hashtag usage, we discuss how and why social media platforms have become powerful sites for documenting and challenging episodes of police brutality and the misrepresentation of racialized bodies in mainstream media. We show how engaging in “hashtag activism” can forge a shared political temporality, and, additionally, we examine how social media platforms can provide strategic outlets for contesting and reimagining the materiality of racialized bodies. Our analysis combines approaches from linguistic anthropology and social movements research to investigate the semiotics of digital protest and to interrogate both the possibilities and the pitfalls of engaging in “hashtag ethnography.”
Analysis of Airborne Doppler Lidar Measurements of the Extended California Sea Breeze

Airborne Doppler lidar data obtained by NASA near the top of the PBL in the central valley of California are analyzed. The experimental conditions and quality of the data are described. Wind vectors are produced on a geographic grid divided into 1-km square cells. The resulting wind field has features similar to those seen in ground level wind observations. It is suggested that, although the analysis is labor intensive and cumbersome, it produces a previously unattainable high-resolution depiction of air flow over a broad region.
Efficient matching algorithm by a hybrid Hopfield network for object recognition

Hopfield proposed two types of neural networks; Discrete Hopfield Network (DHN) and Continuous Hopfield Network (CHN). Those have been used for solving the well-known traveling salesman problem in a sense of optimization. DHN, a stochastic model is simple to implement and fast in computing. However, DHN uses binary value for states of neurons and results in an approximate solution. On the other hand, CHN gives a near-optimal solution, but it takes too much time to simulate a differential equation which represents a main characteristic of CHN. A matching problem using a graph matching technique can be cast into an optimization problem. In this paper, a new method for two-dimensional object recognition by using a Hopfield neural network is presented. A Hybrid Hopfield Network (HHN), which combines the merit of both the Continuous Hopfield Network and the Discrete Hopfield Network, is described and some of the advantages such as reliability and speed are shown in this paper. The main idea behind the new network is that stable states of neurons are analyzed and predicted based upon the theory of CHN after the convergence in DHN.
Thermally reversible formation of microspheres through non-covalent polymer cross-linking.

Bis-thymine units were used to noncovalently cross-link a complementary diamidopyridine-functionalized copolymer. Upon combination in noncompetitive solvents, discrete micron-scale spherical aggregates were formed arising from specific three-point polymer-cross-linker hydrogen bonding interactions. The diameter of these microspheres could be controlled through spacer structure. The cross-linking process was fully thermally reversible, with complete dissolution observed at 50 °C and reformation of the aggregates upon return to ambient temperature. This process could be repeated multiply, with lower particle dispersity observed arising from the annealing process.
Dyshormia revisited : generalized seizures and arousal

Niedermeyer has described dyshormia, or deviant arousal, and related this EEG pattern to generalized seizures. We describe a patient with generalized seizures who in the same EEG had spindles transforming into generalized epileptiform discharges and generalized epileptiform discharges transforming into spindles. This suggests that similar neural circuitry may underlie both spindles and generalized epileptiform discharges, and that the mechanism described by Gloor for feline generalized penicillin induced epilepsy may also apply to some humans with generalized epilepsies.
Vocal regulation of inter- and intragroup spacing during boundary encounters in the titi monkey, Callicebus moloch

Monogamous primates maintain exclusive use of their ranges by regularly defining and reinforcing the conventional location of boundaries.Callicebus moloch males often call alone during the first morning bout, when groups are near boundaries but usually separated by more than 100m. Depending on the location and proximity of neighboring animals, groups might begin duetting and approaching one another. Duetting requires close vocal and spatial coordination of the mated pair, and stimulates the approach of neighboring pairs. At the boundary, vocalizations which keep the pair together and those associated with withdrawal from the boundary increase in proportion. To determine the effect of different calls, I played back recordings of six different vocalizations during two playback experiments, holding location and proximity constant. The responses supported hypotheses generated in the normalistic study, and suggested that at the boundary aggression is primarily intrasexual. Vocalizations and their effects in specified contexts constitute the mechanisms regulating spacing. The resulting spacing patterns maintain resource availability and exclusive access to a mate.
Functional impairment in the remission phase of bipolar disorder

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional impairment in a group of patients with bipolar disorder in remission and to determine the extent of relationships between overall functioning and current depressive, manic and panic spectrum symptoms. Method: A subset of the patient population at the Pittsburgh site of the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program in Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) study was evaluated in this study. The subsample comprises 103 male and female subjects with bipolar I disorder (n = 70), bipolar II disorder (n = 24), schizoaffective disorder – bipolar type (n = 4), or bipolar disorder NOS (n = 5). Subjects were evaluated in a period of remission (at least 4 weeks with no more than two depressive or manic symptoms). Subjects were assessed for overall functional status using the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) and for current bipolar and panic spectrum symptoms using the Mood Spectrum Self-Report questionnaire (MOODS-SR) and Panic-Agoraphobic Spectrum Self-Report questionnaire (PAS-SR). Results: The median WSAS total score in these remitted subjects was 14, indicating significant functional impairment. Regressing WSAS on current depressive, manic, and panic spectrum total scores, we observed a highly significant depressive spectrum effect (t = 4.9, df = 94, p < 0.0001), but non-significant panic and manic spectrum effects (t = 1.3, df = 94, p = 0.19 and t = −1.8, df = 94, p = 0.07, respectively). Conclusion: Bipolar disorder is associated with functional deficits even during periods of sustained and substantial remission. The degree of functional impairment is correlated with the degree of depressive spectrum symptoms.
New perspectives of professional responsibility

THE WORD “perspective” implies a whole view, complete in all its dimensions and in correct relation to its background. I want to sketch such a view of engineering today, with special attention to some new dimensions of professional responsibility. Going back a bit in history, we can start by separating the threads of science and engineering which are so closely interwoven in the fabric of modern civilization. In this way, we can identify those characteristics which are predominant in the work of engineers.
Hell, this isn't necessary after all

The amiable Dr. Adams suggested that God was infinitely good. JOHNSON: "That he is infinitely good, as far as the perfection of his nature will allow, I certainly believe; but it is necessary for good upon the whole, that individuals should be punished. As to an individual, therefore, he is not infinitely good; and as I cannot be sure that I have fulfilled the conditions on which salvation is granted, I am afraid I may be one of those who shall be damned." (Looking dismally.) DR. ADAMS: "What do you mean by damned?" JOHNSON (passionately and loudly): "Sent to hell, Sir, and punished everlastingly!" James Boswell, Life of Johnson
Stories and Affect in Teacher Education

In Western thought, affect and emotion have been distrusted, denigrated, or at least set aside in favor of reason. The tendency to distrust—even deplore—emotion has been aggravated by the rise of professions with their insistence on detachment, distance, cool appraisal, and systematic procedures. At a time when teaching is struggling to be recognized as a full profession, there is a temptation to regard emotion and affect as signs of unprofessional demeanor—things to be rooted out as part of the campaign to achieve professional status. However, even from this perspective, one could argue for the inclusion of affect and emotion in the teacher education curriculum, i.e., it could be argued that one has to understand a phenomenon in order to control or eliminate it. But one could also argue that affect and emotion belong in the curriculum because they may enhance a passion for teaching, relieve a sense of isolation, and improve classroom performance. In this chapter, I will concentrate on the use of stories that both induce feeling and help us to understand what we are feeling. The discussion will take place in three parts: First, I will explain very briefly why affect is so often avoided. Second, I will discuss the use of stories in teacher preparation. Finally, I will suggest ways in which teachers can maintain their own enthusiasm for teaching by building a repertoire of stories.
Evaluation of air quality models for the simulation of a high ozone episode in the Houston metropolitan area

Abstract A high ozone event in the Houston–Galveston–Brazoria area was utilized to study the shortcomings of the current air quality models. To improve the baseline simulations with the Comprehensive Air quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) for developing the state implementation plan, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) imputed emissions of highly reactive volatile organic compounds (HRVOCs) by scaling the amount of fugitive emissions of olefins to co-emitted NOx from selected point sources, effectively multiplying by 3–12 times over the regular inventory values. In this paper, CAMx and the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model were used to determine if the imputed HRVOC emissions were consistent with the observed atmospheric conditions. With the base emissions, CMAQ and CAMx both with the Carbon-Bond 4 (CB-4) mechanism simulated similar ozone concentrations. But with the imputed HRVOC emissions, CMAQ predicted lower ozone peaks than CAMx in the vicinity and downwind of the Ship Channel and other highly HRVOC-rich areas. Based on analyses of sensitivity simulations of CMAQ with different emission inputs and vertical diffusion algorithms in the model, we found that the modeled atmosphere lacked reactivity to produce the observed high ozone event. Although the imputed HRVOC emissions improved ozone prediction at the surface sites, but the ethylene concentrations were not consistent with the measurements at the super sites (La Porte and Clinton) and by NOAA aircraft. Several sensitivity tests designed to provide additional radicals into the system and other research results suggested that the lack of reactivity may need to be corrected by targeted, and probably of episodic, increase of HRVOC emissions, from the sources in the Houston Ship Channel. Additional investigation of the ozone production efficiency for different chemical mechanisms is necessary to pinpoint the emissions uncertainty issues.