cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid force/position control in moving hand coordinate frame

In order to execute complicated tasks involving contact with the environment, the robot manipulator must have force control capabilities. Many strategies for performing constrained motion control have been developed. The major drawback of these strategies is that they can only provide for the control of the interaction forces along fixed task space directions. However, many applications necessitate interaction force control along arbitrary and changing directions. In this paper, a new hybrid force/position controller, implemented in a moving reference frame, which can control the interaction force along arbitrary directions is proposed. Using the proposed controller the robot manipulator can interact with workpieces whose shape is not pre-specified. Thus tasks like milling, deburring, polishing and surface tracking, that involve constrained motion control of the robot manipulator can be performed on a wide variety of workpieces without explicit knowledge of the shape of the workpiece. The design of this new hybrid force/position controller, implemented in the moving hand coordinate frame, is presented and the controller is shown to be stable. Simulation studies for the task of tracking unknown surfaces are also presented.
Cationic Mucic Acid Polymer-Based siRNA Delivery Systems

Nanoparticle (NP) delivery systems for small interfering RNA (siRNA) that have good systemic circulation and high nucleic acid content are highly desired for translation into clinical use. Here, a family of cationic mucic acid-containing polymers is synthesized and shown to assemble with siRNA to form NPs. A cationic mucic acid polymer (cMAP) containing alternating mucic acid and charged monomers is synthesized. When combined with siRNA, cMAP forms NPs that require steric stabilization by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) that is attached to the NP surface via a 5-nitrophenylboronic acid linkage (5-nitrophenylboronic acid–PEGm (5-nPBA–PEGm)) to diols on mucic acid in the cMAP in order to inhibit aggregation in biological fluids. As an alternative, cMAP is covalently conjugated with PEG via two methods. First, a copolymer is prepared with alternating cMAP–PEG units that can form loops of PEG on the surface of the formulated siRNA-containing NPs. Second, an mPEG–cMAP–PEGm triblock polymer is synthesized that coul...
Freud and Historical Thought

Historians constantly seek to understand what motivates those in positions of power to make the decisions that they do. By adopting the principles of a specific psychological approach into our analysis, it is possible to gain a more nuanced understanding of our subjects and the motivations that drive them. The application of Freud’s psychoanalytic theories seems uniquely placed to assist the historian in developing a richer interpretation of the whole person, as opposed to just one facet of an individual’s life. In addition, Freud’s insistence that we cannot progress as a civilization if we cannot recall the repressed past, seems particularly relevant today as marginalized and formerly disposed peoples struggle to reclaim their own history misrepresented in biographies written by former rulers and administrators.
Diabetes care among elderly medicare beneficiaries with Parkinson’s disease and diabetes

Elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) suffer from several comorbidities, which affect their health outcomes, as well as process of care. This study assessed process and intermediate clinical outcomes of diabetes care among elderly individuals with T2DM and co-occurring Parkinson’s disease(PD). This study used a retrospective cohort design with propensity score matching using Humana Medicare Advantage Part D claims database (2007-2011) and included elderly (age ≥ 65 years) Medicare beneficiaries with T2DM (identified by ICD-9-CM code of 250.x0 or 250.x2). PD was identified using ICD-9-CM code of 332.xx. After propensity score matching there were 2,703 individuals with T2DM and PD and 8,109 with T2DM and no PD. The three processes of care measures used in this study included: (i) HbA1c test; (ii) Lipid test; (iii) and Nephropathy screening. Intermediate clinical outcomes consisted of glycemic and lipid control. Multivariable conditional logistic regressions revealed that elderly individuals with T2DM and PD were 12 % (AOR: 0.88, 95 %CI: 0.79-0.97) and 18 % (AOR: 0.82, 95 %CI: 0.72-0.94) less likely to meet the annual American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommended HbA1c and lipid testing goals respectively compared to individuals with T2DM and no PD. Multinomial conditional logistic regressions showed that elderly individuals with T2DM and PD were more likely to have HbA1c and lipid (HbA1c < 8 %; LDL-C <100 mg/dl; HDL-C ≥ 50 mg/dl; triglyceride <150 mg/dl; and total cholesterol <200 mg/dl) control. Among elderly individuals with T2DM, those with PD were less likely to achieve ADA recommended annual HbA1c and lipid testing compared to those without PD. However, PD individuals were more likely to achieve intermediate glycemic and lipid control.
Analysis of Elastomeric O-Ring Seals in Compression Using the Finite Element Method

The need for a methodology to determine the stiffness characteristics of elastomeric seals with complex geometry has prompted an investigation using a commercially available finite element code. Axial and radial compression of O-rings, as well as the influence of restraining grooves and friction, are investigated. Axisymmetric analyses are performed, and their results are compared with those obtained by other researchers who assumed plane strain conditions. The differences in the results of the axisymmetric and plane strain loading conditions increase with the level of compression, except for one loading case. The method of reduced integration is shown to effectively handle the problem of high localized hydrostatic stresses, which are especially enhanced in confined geometries, and to provide accurate results. Stiffness characteristics of O-ring seals having a range of geometric and material properties are given in a nondimensional form. This form allows for general modeling of the O-ring stiffness as a f...
Repetitive photodynamic therapy with topical delta-aminolaevulinic acid as an appropriate approach to the routine treatment of superficial non-melanoma skin tumours

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) is considered as a valuable tool for treating non-melanoma skin tumours, but there is no consensus about the methods of treatment, where they should be used and the rates of complete responses. This study reports the treatment of 50 actinic keratoses (AKs), 23 superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), 30 nodular BCCs, 4 pigmented BCCs, 12 superficial squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 6 nodular SCCs, 6 Bowen's diseases and 4 keratoacanthomas (KAs). A 20% ALA emulsion was applied under an occlusive dressing for 6-8 h and the skin was then irradiated with 630 nm light from a dye laser. Treatments were delivered every other day until complete clinical disappearance of the lesions was observed. ALA-PDT was interrupted in the case of a partial response if, after two additional treatments, no further improvement was observed. All AKs (50/50), superficial BCCs (23/23), Bowen's diseases (6/6) and KAs (4/4) showed a complete response. In addition, 91.6% (11/12) superficial SCCs, 80.0% (24/30) nodular BCCs and 66.7% (4/6) nodular SCCs responded completely to the treatment. All 4 pigmented BCCs were resistant to the therapy. Some (59) of the treated areas that appeared completely responsive were excised for serial histopathological examination and the remaining 63 were followed-up for 24-36 months (median value, 29 months). Comprehensively, the rates of complete responses decreased after taking into consideration the results of these histological examinations and the long-term follow-up. The final response rates are as follows: 84.0% (42/50) AKs, 86.9% (20/23) superficial BCCs, 50% (15/30) nodular BCCs, 83.3% (10/12) superficial SCCs and 33.3% (2/6) nodular SCCs. The rates of complete responses of Bowen's diseases and KAs remained at 100%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Constraints on the microwave opacity of gaseous methane and water vapor in the Jovian atmosphere

Gaseous NH3's microwave absorption in the Jovian atmosphere appears too great to be due to a solar abundance of this gas. The additional capacity of microwave absorption is presently sought in measurements of the microwave absorption of CH4 and H2O under simulated Jovian conditions at 2.25 GHz, 8.5 GHz, 21.7 GHz; due to large error bars, measurements represent upper limits on the microwave opacity generated by H2O and CH4. The results obtained are consistent with theoretical expressions for microwave opacity in a Jovian atmosphere at the specified frequencies. The presence of an NH3 abundance exceeding the solar level by a factor of 1.5 is indicated by test results.
Treatment of Advanced and Recurrent Endometrial Cancer with Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide'

Twenty-five patients with recurrent or advanced-stage endometrial cancer were treated with cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (PAC) from May 1982 to November 1987. A retrospective chart analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of treatment on survival and progression-free interval. Toxicity was moderate. Neutropenia was the most common side effect. Age, performance status, and tumor cytoreduction were statistically significant predictors of survival time (P < 0.03). In the 17 evaluable patients, the response rate was 47%. PAC is an active regimen in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Larger prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether tumor cytoreduction is important in the treatment of this disease.
The ‘other’ Africa: Giuseppe Pitrè's Mostra Etnografica Siciliana (1891–2)

Abstract The Italian nineteenth-century ethnographic fascination with regional folklore was a phenomenon linked, in part, to the country's unification. As Italians sought to define their new kingdom, popular and scholarly studies emerged on the peninsula's indigenous regional traditions. Although valuable for cultural preservation, such investigations reinforced stereotypes regarding the ‘backwards’ or ‘barbaric’ nature of Italy's poorer areas, many of them in the Meridione. This article investigates late-nineteenth-century constructions of ‘primitive’ social fictions about Sicily – that positioned the region as the ‘other’ Africa – through an exploration of the ethno-anthropological work of Giuseppe Pitre (1841–1916), and, in particular, his Mostra Etnografica Siciliana at Palermo's 1891–2 Esposizione Nazionale. Sicily's historical engagement with Arab culture and its geographical and cultural proximity to Africa are a backdrop for this study. The related, often derogatory, analogy between Sicily and Afr...
On Circular Flows Of Graphs

A sufficient condition for graphs with circular flow index less than 4 is found in this paper. In particular, we give a simple proof of a result obtained by Galluccio and Goddyn (Combinatorica, 2002), and obtain a larger family of such graphs.
Prediction of buoyancy controlled turbulent wall diffusion flames

A numerical model of a buoyancy dominated turbulent diffusion flame adjacent to an inert vertical surface is developed. The K-∈-g model of turbulence was modified to account for the generation of turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation due to buoyancy and describes the fluctuations of a conserved scalar quantity. The combustion model assumes infinitely fast reactions and the local burning rate is obtained by solving for the source term in the fuel species equation. Due to the lack of experimental flame data, results are compared to non-reacting flow experimental data with good agreement. Sample results for a propane-air flame are presented.
Modeling soil carbon transported by water erosion processes.

Long-term monitoring is needed for direct assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil, and nutrient loss by water erosion on a watershed scale. However, labor and capital requirements preclude implementation of such monitoring at many locations representing principal soils and ecoregions. These considerations warrant the development of diagnostic models to assess erosional SOC loss from more readily obtained data. The same factors affect transport of SOC and mineral soil fraction, suggesting that given the gain or loss of soil minerals, it may be possible to estimate the SOC flux from the data on erosion and deposition. One possible approach to parameterization is the use of the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) to predict soil loss and this multiplied by the per cent of SOC in the near-surface soil and an enrichment factor to obtain SOC loss. The data obtained from two watersheds in Ohio indicate that a power law relationship between soil loss and SOC loss may be more appropriate. When measured SOC loss from individual events over a 12-year period was plotted against measured soil loss the data were logarithmically linear (R2=0·75) with a slope (or exponent in the power law) slightly less than would be expected for a RUSLE type model. The stable aggregate size distribution in runoff from a plot scale may be used to estimate the fate of size pools of SOC by comparing size distributions in the runoff plot scale and river watershed scales. Based upon this comparison, a minimum of 73 per cent of material from runoff plots is deposited on the landscape and the most stable carbon pool is lost from watershed soils to aquatic ecosystems and atmospheric carbon dioxide. Implicit in these models is the supposition that water stable soil aggregates and primary particles can be viewed as a tracer for SOC. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electron transfer mechanism for β-lactam antibiotic action via side-chain imine

Abstract Evidence has been previously presented for an electron transfer (ET) component associated with the mechanism of action of β-lactam antibiotics, in addition to enzyme inactivation. For the fused-ring types, apparently the ET entity is a conjugated iminium group formed as a result of ring-opening. We now report on the feasibility of ET associated with several monocyclic and cephalosporin β-lactams that contain conjugated imine in the acyl side chain. The side chain assumes increased importance for the monobactams and nocardicins since ring scission does not generate iminium. The monocyclic agents generally reduced in the favorable range of −0.5 to −0.6 V at pH 4.1. The cephalosporin drugs potentially contain two electroactive sites, iminiums from ring-opening and from generation in the side chain. Electroreduction involving the side-chain oxime occurred at about −0.4 to −0.7 V (pH 4.1). Model compounds are used to provide additional mechanistic insight. There are various sources of hydrogen ions needed for iminium formation at the active site. Comparisons are made between reduction potential and antibiotic activity. The mode of bactericidal action is discussed with focus on ET by iminium.
Rates of at-risk drinking among patients presenting to the emergency department with occupational and nonoccupational injury.

Objectives: To compare the characteristics and rates of at-risk drinking among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with occupational and nonoccupational injury. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of injured patients presenting to a university hospital ED. Injured patients were prospectively identified, and consenting patients completed a survey including questions regarding quantity/frequency of alcohol use, TWEAK, CAGE, and work-relatedness of injury. Major trauma and motor-vehicle collisions were excluded. Demographic and injury information was obtained from the medical record. Patients with a TWEAK score ≥3, CAGE score ≥2, or who exceeded NIAAA quantity/frequency guidelines were defined as at-risk drinkers. Analysis utilized the Student t-test for continuous variables, and frequency and chi-square analysis for categorical variables. Results: Among 3,476 enrolled patients, 766 (22%) had work injuries and 2,710 (78%) had nonwork injuries. Patients with work injuries were as likely as patients with nonwork injuries to be at-risk drinkers; 35% of patients with an occupational injury and 36% of those with a nonoccupational injury were at-risk drinkers (odds ratio = 0.96). Conclusions: Patients presenting to the ED with an occupational injury have rates of at-risk drinking similar to other injury patients, and may be an important group in which to target brief alcohol interventions.
URBANIZATION, INDUSTRIALIZATION, AND THE SOCIAL CREATION OF A SPACE ECONOMY: A RECONSTRUCTION OF THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF LOWELL AND LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS

Although the term "space economy" has been in existence for over 30 years, it remains an untheorized concept and little more than an assertion that economic relations exist within a spatial domain. In an attempt to recreate a specific context for the use of the term space economy, we examine the production relations and social interactions existing in the initial period of industrialization within particular communities. We argue that the determination of social relations by a particular form of production and the purposive actions of individuals and collectivities, plus the subsequent impact of these relations upon future forms of production and reproduction, constitutes a meaningful use of the term space economy.
Evaluation of a program to promote positive parenting in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Purpose: To describe and evaluate a parent education program to promote positive parenting in the NICU. Design: Program evaluations completed by parent participants and staff members. Sample: 104 parents (59 mothers and 45 fathers) who attended the Parent’s Circle; also 44 NICU or SCN staff members. Main Outcome Variable: Family and staff evaluations of the Parent’s Circle program. Results: Families reported that attending Parent’s Circle helped them gain perspective on their situation, feel supported, learn key developmental concepts, locate hospital and community resources, and optimize interactions with their fragile infant. Staff reported that the knowledge parents gained from Parent’s Circle influenced their interactions and behaviors in the NICU.
Apparent association of MK-801-sensitive ion channels with L-S-nitrosocysteine recognition sites in the hindlimb vasculature of the rat.

This study demonstrates that the decreases in hindquarter vascular resistance produced by the putative endothelium-derived S-nitrosothiol, L-S-nitrosocysteine, in urethane-anesthetized rats, were attenuated by a lower dose of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ion-channel blocker, dizocilpine (MK-801, 200 microg/kg, i.v.), whereas they were augmented by a higher dose of dizocilpine (500 microg/kg, i.v.). In contrast, L-S-nitrosocysteine-induced decreases in mesenteric vascular resistance were not affected by either dose of dizocilpine. The vasodilator actions of L-S-nitrosocysteine in these beds were not affected by the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (2-AP5). The vasodilator actions of the nitric oxide (NO) donor, (Z)-1-mid R:N-methyl-N-[6(N-methylammoniohexyl)amino]mid R:diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (MAHMA NONOate), in these beds were not affected by dizocilpine or by 2-AP5. These findings suggest that L-S-nitrosocysteine recognition sites in hindquarter but not mesenteric beds may be associated with dizocilpine-sensitive ion-channels similar to those in NMDA receptors.
Nonlinear functions in an analog computer

TWO BASIC types of devices for simulating arbitrary functions of a dependent variable have been developed for use with the California Institute of Technology Electric Analog Computer. One of these is a resistance device whose resistance is a function of current. It is based upon the use of germanium diode circuits which switch resistances in or out either to increase or decrease the resistance as the current increases. The other nonlinear device employs the principle of a cathode-ray tube-template-photo cell servo system which makes the cathode-ray beam follow a prescribed curve and thereby produce a voltage which is the arbitrary function of another voltage. Both of these devices can be used to represent perfectly general nonlinear impedances or amplification factors.
One-trial simultaneous and backward fear conditioning as reflected in conditioned suppression of licking in rats

In three experiments, groups of albino rats received one strictly simultaneous pairing of a 4-sec auditory conditioned stimulus (CS) and a 4-sec 1-mA shock unconditioned stimulus (US). Other groups received a backward pairing, in which the US began before the CS, or a forward pairing, in which the CS began before the US. Control groups received only the US or received both the CS and the US but widely separated in time. Later, the CS was presented while the rats licked a drinking tube for water, and CS-elicited suppression of licking was taken as an index of the Pavlovian conditioned response (CR). It was found that groups receiving a single forward or a single simultaneous pairing suppressed more than groups that had received a backward pairing; and the backward groups, in turn, suppressed more than the control groups. It appears, then, that excitatory fear conditioning, as reflected in conditioned suppression of licking in rats, can be produced in a single trial by both backward and simultaneous conditioning procedures.
Endartériectomie carotidienne avant la mise en place d'un dispositif d'assistance ventriculaire

Alors que des discussions considerables ont eu lieu concernant la chronologie de l'endarteriectomie carotidienne (EC) par rapport au pontage aorto-coronaire (PAC), la population de malades ayant un dispositif d'assistance ventriculaire (DAV) pose de nouveaux problemes etant donne la possibilite d'accident vasculaire cerebral pendant l'assistance mecanique en attente d'une transplantation. Nous presentons le premier cas de la litterature d'EC avant la mise en place elective d'un DAV chez un malade ayant des lesions carotidiennes severes.
A Vindication of Theology: A Response to Alain Epp Weaver

Alain Epp Weaver's analysis of the theological foundations of Augustine's proscription of all lies in all circumstances does more than improve our understanding of Augustine. In drawing a plausible and illuminating parallel between the theological logic of Augustine and the theological logic of John Howard Yoder, Weaver not only succeeds in defining the credibility of Christian pacifism but also provides support for interpreting Yoder as a biblical realist. Moreover, the divergence between Weaver and Christopher Kirwan in their critical assessments of the cogency of Augustine'streatment of lying serves to throw into relief the differences between secular philosophical ethics and theological ethics, incidentally suggesting why it is often difficult for twentieth-century thinkers to understand and evaluate premodern texts.
A Re‐examination of Entrepreneurship in Meiji Japan (1868–1912)

A LONG with many favourable factors which contributed to the rapid economic development of Japan, the unique and important role played by the early Meiji entrepreneurs has been stressed by many students of the Japanese economy. The Meiji entrepreneurs, these economists seem to agree, were "community-centred"2 and "had a genuine interest in general economic progress and in the things that benefit the nation as a whole".3 "Almost all leading Japanese entrepreneurs of that time", one recent article observed, "cooperated with the government. Both strongly desired to establish a wealthy, powerful country which would ward off a feared colonization by Western powers."4 The predominant view of existing literature, both in English and Japanese, appears to be that the Meiji entrepreneurs possessed unusual degrees of patriotism, shikon shisai (the soul of the samurai with business acumen),5 and profits could be a "by-product"6 of their activities. Among the sources in English, Ranis's work is an outstanding example of this view. He wrote:
Paradox of groundwater age: Correction1

Groundwater in aquifers is generally older than expected on the basis of flow velocity, and this observation has important implications for interpreting radiometric age determinations. Hydrologists commonly account for the aging of water as it flows along streamtubes, but not for the effects of mixing old water from aquitards (or confining layers) into aquifers, because the rate of mass exchange between aquifers and aquitards can in many cases be assumed to be small. We show, however, that the effect on age of such mixing does not depend on the mixing rate; this is the paradox of groundwater age. Surprisingly, the contribution of aquitards to the age of groundwater in aquifers depends only on the ratio of fluid volume in aquitards to aquifers. This result has broad importance for understanding the relationship between groundwater flow and the distribution of radiometric age.
The past and the present: The power of heroic epics and oral tradition—Manas 1000

(1997). The past and the present: The power of heroic epics and oral tradition—Manas 1000. Central Asian Survey: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 81-95.
A Virtual, Globally Dispersed Twenty-First Century Academic Library System

This article presents a new model for virtual global distributed information and research services currently implemented at a completely online university. It outlines online academic library technology innovation through geographically dispersed librarians, information technologies and online course guides, an award winning library alternative to the traditional university print textbook model.
Hydraulic lift: Substantial nocturnal water transport between soil layers by Artemisia tridentata roots

Diel soil water potential fluctuations reflected daytime depletion and nocturnal resupply of water in upper soil layers. Transpiration suppression experiments demonstrated that water absorption by roots caused the daytime depletion. The soil water potential data and experimental results suggest that at night water absorbed from moist soil by deeper roots is transported to and lost from roots into drier upper soil layers. The deeper roots appear to absorb and transport water both day and night. Implications for the efficiency of deep roots and water storage, nutrient uptake and water parasitism in upper soil layers are discussed.
Liquid crystals for magneticians ferroelectric liquid crystals

The rapid development of research on the physics of liquid crystals in recent years is largely due to the application of knowledge, ideas, and experimental techniques from various aspects of solid state physics to these unusual materials. For those studying phase changes, response to external fields, and defect structures in liquid crystals, analogies with magnetic materials have been especially stimulating. In turn, knowledge about liquid crystals has advanced to the point at which these analogies may serve to stimulate the thinking of magneticians as well. One of the more remarkable cases in point is that of the recently discovered ferroelectric liquid crystals. Although the fundamental molecular properties that result in ferroelectric phases are totally different from those of the common crystalline ferroelectrics, and of course even further from magnetic materials, many of the macroscopic properties of these materials are closely analogous to those of other ferroelectrics, and to properties of ferromagnetic materials as well.
Non-invasive Optical Imaging technology: Breast cancer imaging and functional brain mapping

In our Optical Imaging Laboratory, hand-held based optical imaging devices are developed towards breast cancer imaging studies. In parallel, the optical devices are modified to perform dynamic functional brain mapping studies, particular in the areas of autism and cerebral palsy.
Four-Dimensional1H and23Na Imaging Using Continuously Oscillating Gradients

Abstract A class of fast magnetic spectroscopic imaging methods using continuously oscillating gradients for four-dimensional (three spatial and one spectral) localization is introduced. Sampling may start immediately following the application of an RF excitation pulse, thus enabling measurement of spin density, chemical shift, and relaxation rates of short- T 2 species. For spatial localization, steady-state sinusoidal gradient waveforms are used to sample a ball in k space. The two types of trajectories presented include: (1) continuously oscillating gradients with continuously rotating direction used for steady-state free-precession imaging and (2) continuously oscillating gradients followed by a spoiler directed along discrete projections. Design criteria are given and spatial–spectral and spatial–temporal reconstruction methods are developed. Theoretical point-spread functions and signal-to-noise ratios are derived while considering T 2 * , off-resonance effects, and RF excitation options. Experimental phantom, in vivo, and in vitro 1 H and 23 Na images collected at 2.35 T are presented. The 1 H images were acquired with isotropic spatial resolution ranging from 0.03 to 0.27 cm 3 and gradient-oscillation frequencies ranging from 600 to 700 Hz, thus allowing for the separation of water and lipid signals within a voxel. The 23 Na images, acquired with 500 and 800 Hz gradient waveforms and 0.70 cm 3 isotropic resolution, were resolved in the time domain, yielding spatially localized FIDs.
An operating utility viewpoint

Analyses of what engineers do in an operating utility and how their talents work out to their own and the community's best advantages are important, when considering how engineers in colleges are to be trained for the utility field.
Replica placement for high availability in distributed stream processing systems

A significant number of emerging on-line data analysis applications require the processing of data streams, large amounts of data that get updated continuously, to generate outputs of interest or to identify meaningful events. Example domains include network traffic management, stock price monitoring, customized e-commerce websites, and analysis of sensor data. In this paper we look at the problem of high availability in such a distributed stream processing system. By taking into account the particular characteristics of stream processing applications we first identify design principles for a replica placement algorithm for high availability. We incorporate these principles in a decentralized replica placement protocol that aims to maximize availability, while respecting resource constraints, and making performance-aware placement decisions. We have integrated our replica placement protocol in Synergy, our distributed stream processing middleware. Our experimental comparison over PlanetLab with the current state of the art corroborates our claims that our techniques maximize availability while sustaining good performance.
AAPM/RSNA tutorial on equipment selection: PACS equipment overview display systems

Display systems are key components of the digital radiology department. Current display systems for medical imaging are based on cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) or active-matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs). The CRT is a cathodoluminescent display: Light is generated by exciting a luminescent material with energetic electrons. AMLCDs are light-modulating devices that form the image in the screen by controlling the transparency of individual display pixels. Many image quality aspects of CRTs are determined by the way the pixel luminance is generated in the cathodoluminescent screen. The resolution properties of AMLCDs are much better than those of CRTs. In CRT devices, phosphor granularity and raster scanning patterns are the main components of spatial noise. In AMLCDs, the most notable feature of the noise characteristic is the subpixel structure of complex pixel designs used in medical displays. The small-spot contrast of CRTs is dominated mainly by veiling glare and reflections of ambient illumination. In addition to display reflectance, the contrast of medical AMLCDs is affected by crosstalk and by variations of the luminance at off-normal viewing angles.
Application of numerical continuation to compute all solutions of semilinear elliptic equations

We adapt numerical continuation methods to compute all solutions of finite difference discretizations of nonlinear boundary value problems involving the Laplacian in two dimensions. New solutions on finer meshes are obtained from solutions on coarser meshes using a complex homotopy deformation. Two difficulties arise. First, the number of solutions typically grows with the number of mesh points and some form of filtering becomes necessary. Secondly, bifurcations may occur along homotopy paths of solutions and efficient methods to swap branches are developed when the mappings are analytic. For polynomial nonlinearities we generalize an earlier strategy for finding all solutions of two-point boundary value problems in one dimension and then introduce exclusion algorithms to extend the method to general nonlinearities.
Dynamics of quasiregular mappings with constant complex dilatation

The study of quadratic polynomials is a foundational part of modern complex dynamics. In this article, we study quasiregular counterparts to these in the plane. More specifically, let and via the Bottcher-type coordinate constructed in A. Fletcher and R. Fryer [On Bottcher coordinates and quasiregular maps. Contemp. Math.575 (2012), 53–76], we are able to obtain results on the dynamics of any degree-two mapping of the plane with constant complex dilatation. We show that any such mapping has either one, two or three fixed external rays, that all cases can occur and exhibit how the dynamics changes in each case. We use results from complex dynamics to prove that these mappings are nowhere uniformly quasiregular in a neighbourhood of infinity. We also show that in most cases, two such mappings are not quasiconformally conjugate on a neighbourhood of infinity.
Generating Synthetic Daily Precipitation Realizations for Seasonal Precipitation Forecasts

AbstractSynthetic weather generation models that depend on statistics of past weather observations are often limited in their applications to issues that depend on historical weather characteristics. Enhancing these models to take advantage of increasingly available and skillful seasonal climate outlook products would broaden applications to include proactive soil and water resources management, better prediction of achieving production targets, and weather-related risk assessment. In this paper, an analytical method was developed that enables generation of daily precipitation time series for seasonal forecasts up to 12 months ahead. The method uses historical weather observations to establish reference precipitation statistics (monthly precipitation amount, number of rainy days per month, and wet–wet and dry–wet day transition probabilities) and subsequently adjusts these statistics to reflect the forecast departures from long-term average monthly precipitation. This reference and forecast departure appr...
Wikisym doctoral symposium: introduction and summary of contributions

The WikiSym 2010 Doctoral Symposium was held immediately after WikiSym and offered invited Ph.D. students an unparalleled opportunity to present their ongoing work on wikis and open collaboration research. Students received supportive feedback from their peers and a panel of faculty mentors, to help them envision new, added-value contributions to their current research. The symposium also offered a perfect environment for the exchange of information, methodologies, practical experiences and advice that may help Ph.D. students on their way, unleashing potential interactions and opportunities for collaboration.
DETECTION OF LEIGH'S DISEASE IN FIBROBLASTS

When tested, all autopsy-proven patients with Leigh's disease have had an inhibitor to the synthesis of thiamine triphosphate in their urine. The inhibitor is also present in obligate carriers and thiamine treatment produces a drop in the inhibition (Peds 51: 710, 1973). Normally the inhibitor is not detectable in fibroblasts. However, when fibroblasts are grown in low thiamine media (dialyzed calf serum and no added thiamine), the inhibitor is demonstrable. These fibroblasts were washed, sonicated and deproteinized. 0.1 ml. of the deproteinized supernatant from normal fibroblasts inhibited 14.9 to 26.0%. The identically treated fibroblasts from four patients with Leigh's disease inhibited 51.1 to 67.8%. Fibroblasts from obligate carriers of Leigh's disease behaved like controls. The inhibitor from Leigh's disease fibroblasts was biochemically indistinguishable from the urine inhibitor. This fibroblast assay offers a method to distinguish Leigh's disease patients from carriers and suggests a technique for prenatal diagnosis.
Detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase using a suite of electrochemical, fluorescence, and surface plasmon resonance biosensors.

Abstract A suite of biosensors for rapid detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is described. First, a metal-enhanced electrochemical detection (MED) sensor, which relied on the redox properties of a silver monolayer, was developed. The linear detection range was between 8.64 × 10 −2 and 5.4 × 10 1 ng/ml with a detection limit of 1.69 × 10 −4 ng/ml. This method was compared with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors in which polyclonal mouse anti-iNOS was covalently immobilized onto a gold surface using an iNOS antigen. The linear detection range recorded was between 3.37 × 10 1 and 5.4 × 10 −2 ng/ml with a detection limit of 2 × 10 −3 ng/ml. Finally, an ultrasensitive portable capillary (UPAC) fluorescence immunosensor, in which a mouse anti-iNOS antibody was covalently immobilized onto the inner surface of a capillary and a rabbit anti-iNOS antibody was employed as the secondary antibody, was developed. The resulting signals were found to be directly proportional to iNOS concentrations between 1.52 × 10 −1 and 1.52 × 10 −2 ng/ml with a detection limit of 1.05 × 10 −3 ng/ml. These immunosensors exhibit low cross-reactivity toward potential interferents such as human serum albumin and ovalbumin. The SPR and UPAC biosensors were validated using simulated blood spiked with recombinant iNOS, resulting in recoveries of 85% and 88.5%, respectively. The research presented in this article could potentially provide new ways of detecting NO for diagnostic and biomarker purposes in medical research.
Biomarker tests for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease: Generating evidence to inform insurance coverage determinations

Abstract Outside of their uses in drug development and clinical research trials, the current clinical value of performing any type of formal biomarker testing for the diagnosis or exclusion of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is controversial, and most biomarker tests for AD are not covered by public or private insurers. This situation raises the issue of how insurers determine whether there is "adequate" evidence to justify a positive coverage determination in this area. This article, a focused condensation of a larger white paper, is the product of an initiative led by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review to convene a multiple-stakeholder AD Diagnostics Policy Development Group composed of patient advocates, clinicians, clinical researchers, manufacturers, and insurers. The larger white paper was the basis for the evidence review presented to the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee meeting on January 30, 2013, as part of its deliberations on positron emission tomography–amyloid imaging. Herein we focus on the description of the core elements of what insurers will be looking for in evidence on all potential diagnostic tests for AD. Corresponding research recommendations are also included, framed to serve as a guide for future AD diagnostics research.
Research Database of Water Distribution System Models

AbstractSince the 1960s, researchers have continued to develop new methodologies and algorithms in support of the planning, design, and management of water distribution systems. While initial research focused on modeling the hydraulics of such systems, the 1980s gave rise to additional research focus on water quality issues. More recent research has expanded into issues of system reliability and resilience, energy management, and sensor and chlorine booster station placement. In most cases, researchers have relied on either hypothetical water distribution systems or a handful of actual systems for use as benchmark test systems. Some of the more widely used actual systems include the New York tunnel system and the Hanoi water distribution system. This paper describes the development of a database of several water distribution systems synthesized from a statewide database of systems originally developed by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority. The developed models include both small and medium networks, as...
Conditional Excluded Middle

In this essay I renew the case for Conditional Excluded Middle (CXM) in light of recent developments in the semantics of the subjunctive conditional. I argue that Michael Tooley’s recent backward causation counterexample to the Stalnaker-Lewis comparative world similarity semantics undermines the strongest argument against CXM, and I offer a new, principled argument for the validity of CXM that is in no way undermined by Tooley’s counterexample. Finally, I formulate a simple semantics for the subjunctive conditional that is consistent with both CXM and Tooley’s counterexample.
Voltage Flicker Detection Method Based on Teager Operator

Fast and accurately detection of voltage fluctuation components is very important to voltage flicker measurement. A novel voltage flicker demodulation algorithm based on Teager operator is proposed in this paper. The principle of the Teager operator demodulation approach is introduced, and the mathematical derivation of the proposed algorithm is described. The proposed algorithm is fast and requires only a few samples to calculates, therefore, it has excellent time resolution. The simulation results prove that the new algorithm can track the flicker signal of unifrequency or multifrequency amplitude modulation wave successfully. The comparison result of proposed method, the square demodulation method and the Hilbert transform demodulation method shows that the proposed method has obvious advantages of calculation speed and detection accuracy.
CHO cell enlargement oscillates with a temperature-compensated period of 24 min

The rate of increase in cell area of CHO cells when measured at intervals of 1 min using a light microscope equipped with a video measurement system, oscillated with a minimum period of about 24 min. The pattern of oscillations paralleled those of the 24 min period observed with the oxidation of NADH by an external cell surface or plasma membrane NADH oxidase. The increase in cell area was non-linear. Intervals of rapid increase in area alternated with intervals of rapid decrease in area. The length of the 24 min period was temperature-compensated (approximately the same when measured at 14 degrees C, 24 degrees C or 34 degrees C) while the rate of cell enlargement increased with temperature over this same range of temperatures.
Interdependence of rostral and caudal ventrolateral medullary areas in the control of blood pressure.

Pharmacologic experiments were carried out to test the degree of interdependence of rostral vasopressor and caudal vasodepressor neuron pools in the ventrolateral medulla (VLPA and VLDA, respectively). In two groups of urethane-anesthetized rats, the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist muscimol (10 ng/site) was bilaterally microinjected into both the VLPA and VLDA to inhibit neuronal activity at these sites. In one group of experiments, muscimol was microinjected first into the VLPA and then into the VLDA. Following muscimol microinjection in the VLPA the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) decreased to40 ± 6mm Hg and310 ± 21beats/min (bpm) from a control level of90 ± 3mm Hg and403 ± 23bpm. Subsequent microinjection of muscimol in the VLDA had no significant effect on BP or HR. This lack of response was not due to severe fall in BP caused by microinjection of muscimol into the VLPA. In the second group of experiments muscimol was first injected into the VLDA followed by muscimol microinjection into the VLPA. In the VLDA muscimol significantly increased MAP and HR to139 ± 4mm Hg and427 ± 4bpm from a control level of87 ± 2mm Hg and356 ± 23bpm. The aortic depressor nerve response (−37 ± 1mm Hg and−47 ± 4bpm) was converted to an aortic ‘pressor’ response (+20 ± 1mm Hg and−13 ± 6bpm). Subsequent microinjection of muscimol into the VLPA caused MAP and HR to fall to43 ± 5mm Hg and338 ± 17bpm. The aortic ‘pressor’ response was also abolished (2 ± 2mm Hg). These results indicate that neuronal activity in the rostral VLPA is an important determinant for changes in BP and its reflex regulation mediated by the VLDA. However, BP changes mediated by the rostral VLPA are independent of the level of neuronal activity in the VLDA. Sites of VLPA and VLDA interaction are discussed.
Left anterior descending coronary endarterectomy: Early and late results in 196 consecutive patients

Abstract Background With advances in percutaneous coronary interventions, many patients now referred for coronary artery bypass grafting have diffuse coronary artery disease. We undertook this retrospective study to determine whether left anterior descending (LAD) coronary endarterectomy is a safe and effective long-term adjunct to coronary artery bypass grafting in patients who cannot otherwise be completely revascularized. Methods Between January 1992 and March 2000, 196 of 7,633 (2.5%) consecutive patients underwent LAD coronary endarterectomy with coronary artery bypass grafting. Median age was 67 years (range, 33 to 97 years), 101 patients (52%) had unstable angina, and 182 (93%) were in New York Heart Association class III or IV. Thirty-three patients (17%) had ongoing myocardial infarction; another 17 (9%) had myocardial infarction less than 1 month. Thirty patients (15%) required intraaortic balloon pump preoperatively and 19 (10%) were reoperations. Results All patients underwent LAD endarterectomy with coronary artery bypass grafting to the LAD. The left internal mammary artery was grafted to the LAD in 151 patients (77%), and 46 of 151 (30%) of these required an additional vein patch to the endarterectomized bed. Concomitant valve procedures were performed in 8 (4%) patients. Overall hospital mortality was 3% (6 of 196). Perioperative myocardial infarction in the LAD territory was 3%. One-year survival was 94% (95% confidence interval, 90% to 97%), whereas 5-year survival was 74% (95% confidence interval, 66% to 80%). Freedom from cardiac events (angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, percutaneous coronary interventions) was 90% (95% confidence interval, 84% to 94%) at 1 year and 84% (95% confidence interval, 75% to 90%) at 5 years. Conclusions Despite the presence of diffuse coronary artery disease, coronary artery bypass grafting with LAD endarterectomy offers excellent results with very low hospital mortality and morbidity, and favorable long-term survival.
Long-term results after balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty.

BACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to determine the long-term outcome of patients after percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) treatment of congenital pulmonary valve stenosis.METHODS AND RESULTSThis study represents a case series with duration (mean +/- SD) of follow-up of 4.6 +/- 1.9 years. Forty-six patients with a median age of 4.6 years (range, 3 months to 56 years) had BPV at one academic institution between June 1981 and December 1986. Mean peak systolic pressure gradients from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery were as follows: before BPV, 70 +/- 36 mm Hg; immediately after BPV, 23 +/- 14 mm Hg; at intermediate follow-up by cardiac catheterization or Doppler echocardiography at less than 2 years after BPV, 23 +/- 16 mm Hg (n = 33); and at long-term follow-up by Doppler at more than 2 years after BPV, 20 +/- 13 mm Hg (n = 42). BPV acutely reduced the gradient to less than 36 mm Hg for 41 of 46 (89%) patients. Available gradients at long-term follow-up were less than 36 m...