cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Image segmentation using the student's t-test and the divergence of direction on spherical regions

We have developed a new framework for analyzing images called Shells and Spheres (SaS) based on a set of spheres with adjustable radii, with exactly one sphere centered at each image pixel. This set of spheres is considered optimized when each sphere reaches, but does not cross, the nearest boundary of an image object. Statistical calculations at varying scale are performed on populations of pixels within spheres, as well as populations of adjacent spheres, in order to determine the proper radius of each sphere. In the present work, we explore the use of a classical statistical method, the student’s t-test, within the SaS framework, to compare adjacent spherical populations of pixels. We present results from various techniques based on this approach, including a comparison with classical gradient and variance measures at the boundary. A number of optimization strategies are proposed and tested based on pairs of adjacent spheres whose size are controlled in a methodical manner. A properly positioned sphere pair lies on opposite sides of an object boundary, yielding a direction function from the center of each sphere to the boundary point between them. Finally, we develop a method for extracting medial points based on the divergence of that direction function as it changes across medial ridges, reporting not only the presence of a medial point but also the angle between the directions from that medial point to the two respective boundary points that make it medial. Although demonstrated here only in 2D, these methods are all inherently n-dimensional. 1. MEDIAL RIDGES IN IMAGE ANALYSIS
Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis after wasp stings.

Abstract A 61-year-old Caucasian man presented with acute renal failure after multiple wasp stings. The patient required dialysis support temporarily. Work-up failed to show rhabdomyolysis or hemolysis and a kidney biopsy revealed acute allergic interstitial nephritis. The patient's renal function recovered completely after a short course of steroid therapy. Acute renal failure after wasp stings is typically caused by acute tubular necrosis in the setting of hemolysis or rhabdomyolysis. Compared with previously reported cases of acute renal failure associated with bee stings, our patient is unique in that his renal failure was caused by a hypersensitivity reaction apparently to the wasp venom. © 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Population Dynamics of a June Sucker Refuge Population

Abstract The June sucker Chasmistes liorus is an endangered sucker endemic to Utah Lake in the Bonneville basin of the western United States. Little is known about the critical life history parameters for this species. We evaluated the life history characteristics of a June sucker refuge population using mark-recapture techniques. The Red Butte June sucker population was structured as five stage-classes: age 0, age 1, age 2, age 3, and adult. The first four annuli on opercles were estimated to form at approximately 57, 121, 184, and 259 mm total length (TL). The adult class comprised all June suckers 4 years and older; the oldest possible age for an adult was 16 years, these June suckers representing the original suckers used to establish this refuge population. Mean lengths of reproductive adults indicated sex-specific differences in size at maturity; females were significantly greater in TL than males (402 and 378 mm, respectively). The estimated population size excluding age-0 fish was 13,556 (95% conf...
Prediction of ambient light scattering using a physical model responsive to relative humidity: Validation with measurements from detroit

A model for the prediction of atmospheric light extinction from field measurements of airborne aerosol concentration, chemical speciation, and size distribution has been tested with field data from the Detroit, Michigan area. The amount of light scattered by airborne particulates in ambient conditions is accurately predicted by the model using measurements of accumulation mode sulfate, nitrate, volatile and nonvolatile carbon. Model predictions were compared with simultaneously measured light scattering. The model is unique amongst physical models in its simulation of the effect of relative humidity on visibility reduction and on the light scattering efficiency of specific chemical constituents of the airborne aerosol. A proven physical model offers an advantage over statistical models in that it should prove reliable for extrapolation of ambient conditions well outside conditions currently realized. Within the range of the available data, the physical model is shown to simulate the light scattering as well as statistical models. Calculations with the physical model indicate that on average sulfate compounds are less efficient scatterers of light in ambient settings than statistical analyses would indicate.
Interleukin-1 and Endothelin Stimulate Distinct Species of Diglycerides That Differentially Regulate Protein Kinase C in Mesangial Cells

Diglycerides are phospholipid-derived second messengers that serve as cofactors for protein kinase C activation. We have previously shown that, in rat glomerular mesangial cells, the cytokine, interleukin-1α, and the vasoactive peptide, endothelin, generate diglycerides from unique phospholipid precursors. However, neither the molecular species of these diglycerides nor their biological actions were determined. It is now hypothesized that interleukin-1- and endothelin-treated mesangial cells form distinct molecular species of diglycerides which may serve different roles as intracellular signaling molecules. Diglyceride molecular species were resolved and quantified by TLC and high performance liquid chromatography as diglyceride-[14C]acetate derivatives. Endothelin stimulates predominantly ester-linked species (diacylglycerols) in contrast to interleukin-1 which stimulates only ether-linked species (alkyl,acyl- and alkenyl,acylglycerols). In support of these data, interleukin-1-treated mesangial cells hydrolyze ethanolamine plasmalogens, vinyl ether-linked phospholipids. It has been reported that ether-linked, in contrast to ester-linked, diglyceride species do not activate protein kinase C activity. Thus, we next assessed membrane protein kinase C activity in endothelin- or interleukin-1-treated mesangial cells. Even though interleukin-1 has no effect upon basal protein kinase C activity, this cytokine, through the formation of ether-linked diglyceride second messengers, inhibits endothelin, platelet-activating factor, or arginine vasopressin-stimulated protein kinase C activity. We further demonstrate that ester-linked diacylglycerols but not alkyl,acyl- or alkenyl,acylglycerols substitute for phorbol esters in a cell-free protein kinase C assay. In addition, alkenyl,acylglycerols inhibit diacylglycerol-stimulated immunoprecipitated protein kinase C α activity in vitro and total protein kinase C activity in permeabilized mesangial cells ex vivo. Taken together, these data suggest that interleukin-1-induced formation of ether-linked diglycerides may physiologically serve to down-regulate receptor-mediated protein kinase C activity and that individual molecular species of diglycerides may serve different roles as intracellular signaling molecules.
Site specificity of bovine adrenal 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerase

Abstract 1. 1. The 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and Δ 5 -3-ketosteroid isomerase activities from the microsomal fraction of bovine adrenal cortex have been studied with emphasis on the site specificity for dehydrogenation and isomerization of the natural C 19 and C 21 steroid substrates. 2. 2. The data indicate a distinct dehydrogenase site and a distinct isomerase site each of which is capable of utilizing both C 19 and C 21 substrates as shown by the following parameters: activity ratios during purification, pH curves, inactivation rates, and the kinetics of equimolar mixtures. These observations are similar to results with the same activities from bovine corpora lutea.
Real-time, adaptive color-based robot vision

With the wide availability, high information content, and suitability for human environments of low-cost color cameras, machine vision is an appealing sensor for many robot platforms. For researchers interested in autonomous robot teams operating in highly dynamic environments performing complex tasks, such as robot soccer, fast color-based object recognition is very desirable. Indeed, there are a number of existing algorithms that have been developed within the community to achieve this goal. Many of these algorithms, however, do not adapt for variation in lighting intensity, thereby limiting their use to statically and uniformly lit indoor environments. In this paper, we present a new technique for color object recognition that can adapt to changes in illumination but remains computationally efficient. We present empirical results demonstrating the performance of our technique for both indoor and outdoor environments on a robot platform performing tasks drawn from the robot soccer domain. Additionally, we compare the computational speed of our new approach against CMVision, a fast open-source color segmentation library. Our performance results show that our technique is able to adapt to lighting variations without requiring significant additional CPU resources.
STRUCTURE OF DYE AGGREGATES AND THE MECHANISM(S) OF PHOTOSENSITIZATION OF AgBr

— This paper reports the present conclusions of an extended investigation on photo-sensitization of silver bromide. A general molecular packing structure for dye aggregates on the AgBr (111) surface is proposed. This structure, along with the observed spectral absorption displacements of small aggregates, is used to elucidate the phenomena of antisensitization and supersensitization. Supersensitization is seen as a partitioning of large dye aggregates into small aggregates by a deliberately added second component or by gaps between the aggregates. This partitioning isolates antisensitizing dye in a small fraction of the aggregates and minimizes its effect. The smallest aggregates are least likely to contain an antisensitizer, and show the highest quantum efficiency for photoconductivity and photographic action. Photoconductivity measurements establish that supersensitization occurs before the electron appears in the AgBr phase. The question of direct electron injection vs. energy transfer as mechanisms for AgBr photosensitization is examined in terms of radiationless transfer to surface Ag2S on AgBr. The absorption of surface Ag2S is shown to be adequate for acceptance of Forster transfer from the dye, and surface Ag2S is known to be photographically active. However, this mechanism is inefficient, and inadequate to account for observed high efficiency infrared sensitization. Direct electron injection is seen as the more probable mechanism for efficient dye sensitization of AgBr.
Optoacoustic monitoring of central and peripheral venous oxygenation during simulated hemorrhage

Circulatory shock may be fatal unless promptly recognized and treated. The most commonly used indicators of shock (hypotension and tachycardia) lack sensitivity and specificity. In the initial stages of shock, the body compensates by reducing blood flow to the peripheral (skin, muscle, etc.) circulation in order to preserve vital organ (brain, heart, liver) perfusion. Characteristically, this can be observed by a greater reduction in peripheral venous oxygenation (for instance, the axillary vein) compared to central venous oxygenation (the internal jugular vein). While invasive measurements of oxygenation are accurate, they lack practicality and are not without complications. We have developed a novel optoacoustic system that noninvasively determines oxygenation in specific veins. In order to test this application, we used lower body negative pressure (LBNP) system, which simulates hemorrhage by exerting a variable amount of suction on the lower body, thereby reducing the volume of blood available for central circulation. Restoration of normal blood flow occurs promptly upon cessation of LBNP. Using two optoacoustic probes, guided by ultrasound imaging, we simultaneously monitored oxygenation in the axillary and internal jugular veins (IJV). LBNP began at -20 mmHg, thereafter was reduced in a step-wise fashion (up to 30 min). The optoacoustically measured axillary oxygenation decreased with LBNP, whereas IJV oxygenation remained relatively constant. These results indicate that our optoacoustic system may provide safe and rapid measurement of peripheral and central venous oxygenation and diagnosis of shock with high specificity and sensitivity.
Spectrum of left ventricular dysfunction in potential pediatric heart transplant donors

Abstract Background: Although myocardial dysfunction severe enough to preclude harvest for transplantation has been reported in approximately 20% of potential adult organ donors, the incidence of myocardial dysfunction in the pediatric population has not been studied systematically. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the spectrum of myocardial dysfunction in potential pediatric heart transplant donors. Methods: We reviewed the pediatric cardiology database at Primary Children’s Medical Center to identify all children who had screening echocardiograms for potential organ donation. We reviewed charts for patient age and size, cause of brain death, and type of pharmacologic support. Echocardiograms were reviewed retrospectively for left ventricular systolic function (shortening or ejection fraction), wall motion abnormalities, diastolic function (mitral E/A ratio), Tei index, and mitral regurgitation. Results: We identified 23 potential donors (age, 6.7 ± 4.4 years; range, 5 days to 15 years). All patients were receiving pharmacologic support. We found systolic left ventricular dysfunction, defined as an ejection fraction Conclusions: Left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunctions are common findings in potential pediatric organ donors. Despite this, previous studies have shown that some of these hearts can be transplanted successfully. We speculate that some of the abnormalities occur as a physiologic consequence of brain death and, thus, may be reversible after transplantation. To avoid wasting a valuable, limited resource, further study is needed to identify the donors suitable for pediatric heart transplantation.
Prediction of Physicochemical Parameters by Atomic Contributions

We present a new atom type classification system for use in atom-based calculation of partition coefficient (log P) and molar refractivity (MR) designed in part to address published concerns of previous atomic methods. The 68 atomic contributions to log P have been determined by fitting an extensive training set of 9920 molecules, with r2 = 0.918 and σ = 0.677. A separate set of 3412 molecules was used for the determination of contributions to MR with r2 = 0.997 and σ = 1.43. Both calculations are shown to have high predictive ability.
Directed duct excision by using mammary ductoscopy in patients with pathologic nipple discharge.

Background. Duct excision for pathologic nipple discharge (PND) often requires “blind” surgical resection. Intraoperative mammary ductoscopy can allow for direct visualization of intraductal abnormalities during surgical resection. Methods. We reviewed our experience with 119 patients with PND undergoing ductoscopy-directed duct excision. The variables that could interfere with a successful procedure were analyzed. Results. Cannulation of the discharging duct was successful in 105 of 119 (88%) of patients, and ductoscopy-directed duct excision could be performed in 104 of 119 (87%). A preoperative ductogram was obtained in 70 patients and was positive in 53 of 70 (76%). In this same group, ductoscopy was positive in 63 of 70 (90%). The pathologic diagnoses were as follows: cancer (5), papilloma (84), and hyperplasia (16), for an abnormal pathology yield of 88%. Hyperplasia and cancer were significant predictors of unsuccessful cannulation. In 22 patients, ductoscopy visualized multiple lesions or abnormalities beyond 4 cm. Conclusions. Mammary ductoscopy for PND is a safe, effective procedure that offers advantages of a high lesion localization rate and intraoperative guidance, therefore negating the need for a preoperative ductogram. Lesions deep within the ductal system can be identified and removed, which would likely have been missed by blind duct excision. (Surgery 2002;132:582-8.)
Caffeine for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Context: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common after ambulatory surgery performed under general anesthesia. Anecdotal evidence suggests that caffeine may be useful in preventing PONV. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine efficacy of intravenous (IV) caffeine given prior to surgery is effective prophylaxis against PONV. Settings and Design: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subject and Methods: Patients at moderate or high risk of PONV were randomized to receive IV caffeine (500 mg) or saline placebo during general anesthesia; all patients received dexamethasone and dolasetron. Statistical analysis: Statistical comparisons were tested using bivariable linear and logistic regression for each outcome and then adjusted for high/low risk. Results: Nausea in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was more common in the caffeine (16 of 62 patients) than the placebo group (seven of 69; P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in the use of rescue antiemetics in the PACU, in the incidence of nausea or vomiting over 24 h postoperatively, nor in other outcomes (headache, fatigue, or overall satisfaction) either in the PACU or at 24 h; time-to-discharge was similar for both groups. Conclusion: Caffeine was not effective in the prevention of PONV or headache, and did not improve time-to-discharge or patient satisfaction.
JOB SATISFACTION IN TEACHERS

In a sample of 30 teachers, job satisfaction was predicted by age and the need for achievement.
Kinetics of RNA synthesis by vesicular stomatitis virus particles.

Abstract The kinetics of RNA synthesis by vesicular stomatitis virus particles have been examined. Product RNA is synthesized in association with template RNA and subsequently released as free species having molecular weights of between 2 and 10 × 10 5 . The viral RNA is conserved intact during synthesis. Two defective particles (VSV-II and VSV-III) have been characterized. The viral particles do not have the RNA-directed, DNA-directed or hybrid RNA-DNA-directed DNA polymerase that oneogenic viruses possess.
Growth of dark-exposed Laminaria saccharina (L.) Lamour. and Laminaria solidungula J. Ag. (laminariales : phaeophyta) in the alaskan beaufort sea

Abstract Linear growth of Laminaria saccharina (L.) Lamour. and L. solidungula J. Ag. sporophytes exposed for 9 months of darkness under a turbid ice canopy were compared over a 2-yr period in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Peak growth in L. solidungula (1.4 mm · day−1) occurred from late February to late April. Maximum growth in L. saccharina (4.7 mm · day−1) was recorded between late April and late July. Since the dark period extends from about November to June, L. solidungula completed most of its growth in complete darkness. During the dark period, from November to late April, linear growth was 1.5 to 8 times greater than that of L. saccharina. In contrast, L. saccharina completed nearly all of its annual growth during the period when light first starts to penetrate the water column as a result of breakup of the ice canopy. The period of rapid growth in L. saccharina occurs 4 to 5 months later than plants found at temperate latitudes. The seasonal pattern of linear growth in the two species differs because L. saccharina does not appear to depend on stored carbon reserves for winter and spring growth. The delay of growth in the ubiquitous L. saccharina to late spring reflects a different growth strategy than that found in L. solidungula.
Major depressive disorder with anger attacks and cardiovascular risk factors.

Objective:Depression and anger have been separately associated with cardiovascular risk factors. We investigated if major depressive disorder (MDD) with concomitant anger attacks was associated with cardiovascular risk factors.Method:We measured total serum cholesterol, glycemia, resting blood pressure, and smoking parameters in 333 (52.9% women) MDD non-psychotic outpatients, mean age of 39.4 years. MDD was diagnosed with the Structured Clinical Interview (SC1D) in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised (DSM-III-R). The presence of anger attacks was established with the Massachusetts General Hospital Anger Attacks Questionnaire.Results:In a logistic regression analysis, anger attacks were independently associated with cholesterol levels ≥ 200mg/dL (odds ratio [OR], 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–3.94) and years of smoking >11 (OR, 2.59; 95%CI, 1.32–5.04).Conclusions:MDD with anger attacks was significantly associated with increased choles...
Superfluid angular momentum in a rotating torus

A torus with radius R and circular cross section of radius r/sub 0/ rotates uniformly about a fixed diameter. For r/sub 0//R<<1 (a thin torus), the angular momentum of the induced irrotational flow is reduced from that of solid-body motion by a factor roughly-equal1-(19/12)(r/sub 0//R)/sup 2/. AE.
A 400-Cycle Aircraft Motor

The ever-present need for lighter-weight and more compact aircraft electric motors is evident as any reduction in weight or space provides increased fuel, bomb, or pay-load capacity. Reliable 400-cycle motors more compact and approximately 40-per-cent lighter than existing 24-volt d-c motors have been developed recently. Present trends indicate that these motors will be used extensively aboard the airplane of tomorrow. This paper describes some of the 400-cycle motors that have been developed and discusses their requirements with the view of disseminating information so that others may better understand the motors and the performance to be expected from them.
Comparing Symmetric and Asymmetric Bilayer-Protein Interactions using Molecular Dynamics

Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane (OM) bilayer composed of extracellular lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and periplasmic phospholipids, providing an effective barrier against the permeation of water, ions and other molecules. To circumvent this barrier, bacteria have evolved proteins that span the OM, which permit the transport of essential nutrients. Most previous molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies examined OM protein dynamics in a symmetric phospholipid bilayer to determine substrate binding affinity, ion conductance, ligand interaction and various other properties. Given the advancement in computational resources, we are now able to look at larger system sizes and hence more realistic membrane-protein systems for OM proteins. Here, we compare simulations of the Escherichia coli, OM cobalamin transporter BtuB embedded in an asymmetric LPS containing bilayer to BtuB embedded in a symmetric 1-palmitoyl 2-oleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) bilayer. The simulations show that the characteristically long, charged extracellular loops of BtuB become stabilized when placed in the LPS-containing bilayer whereas previous simulations showed that BtuB needed two bound calcium ions to stabilize these loops. Further properties of the interactions between the membrane and protein in each simulation are also explored.
Review of the Indo-Pacific gobiid fish genus Lubricogobius , with description of a new species and a new genus for L. pumilus

The gobiid genus Lubricogobius Tanaka, distinctive in being scaleless, without sensory pores, but with sensory papillae on the head, consists of three small species (largest, 33.7 mm SL): the yellow L. exiguus Tanaka, type species, from Japan, with probable records from Taiwan and New Caledonia; L. ornatus Fourmanoir, orange with blue lines on the head, described from Vietnam, recorded from the Arafura Sea, and the range here extended to the Timor Sea and Northwest Shelf of Western Australia, Ryukyu Islands, and to New Caledonia; and L. dinah, a new species from Papua New Guinea and the Ryukyu Islands, white dorsally and abruptly orange-yellow ventrally, with 10–11 dorsal soft rays. L. pumilus Larson and Hoese, known from one 14.5-mm specimen from off Somalia, is referred to the new genus Larsonella. The new genus differs from Lubricogobius in having scales posteriorly on the body, a more slender body, depressed head, no pelvic frenum, the snout longer than orbit diameter, and a different pattern of sensory papillae on the head.
Accumulation of Environmental Contaminants in Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) Eggs, with Emphasis on Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans

We measured polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, and mercury in wood duck (Aix sponsa) eggs collected near a North Carolina (USA) bleached kraft paper mill. Samples were taken a decade after the mill stopped using molecular chlorine. Using avian toxic equivalency factors, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxicity equivalent (TEQ) concentrations were 1–30 pg/g fresh wet weight in eggs (n = 48) collected near the mill in 2002–2005 and were significantly higher than those from a reference site (<1 pg/g) 25 km away. Geometric mean wood duck egg TEQs (6 pg/g) were one-fifth those measured at this site prior to the cessation of molecular chlorine bleaching. Concentrations of mercury in wood duck eggs from nests of the Roanoke River sites ranged from 0.01 to 0.14 μg/g (geometric mean, 0.04 μg/g) and were significantly higher than those from the reference site, where concentrations did not exceed 0.04 μg/g (geometric mean, 0.02 μg/g). All concentrations were lower than those associated with adverse effects in birds. The congener profiles, lack of contamination in reference site eggs, and decline in contaminant concentrations after process changes at the mill provide strong evidence that mill discharges influenced contamination of local wood duck eggs. Collectively, the results indicate that the wood duck is an effective sentinel of the spatial and temporal extent of PCDD, PCDF, and mercury contamination.
Carotid Kinking as a Cause of Cerebral Insufficiency

With proper diagnosis based on history, physical findings, and arteriographic and pressure studies, it has become apparent that carotid artery kinking is a more common cause of strokes than was formerly believed. Because kinking is easily corrected, every patient with stroke deserves examination sufficient for determination of whether the carotid arteries are kinked. Two cases are cited in which multiple syncopal attacks were relieved when flow past a kink in the common carotid artery was reestablished.
A superconducting tunnel junction X-ray detector design for practical applications

Abstract Superconducting tunnel junctions coupled to a superconducting absorber can be used as a high-resolution energy-disperisive X-ray detector. The energy of an absorbed X-ray breaks Cooper pairs in the absorber, producing quasiparticles. These quasiparticles can tunnel through the barrier and be counted. When used in conjunction with FET electronics, however, the noise requirements limit the area of the tunnel junction. In many designs, this also limits the absorber area. We present a detector design that separates the absorber from the junction. It features a tantalum absorber for high absorption efficiency and an aluminum transport layer for rapid, low loss transport to the junction. Transport is aided by multiple trapping stages, while fabrication is simplified by using only two materials.
Oracle-based checking of untrusted software

We present a variant of Proof-Carrying Code (PCC) in which the trusted inference rules are represented as a higherorder logic program, the proof checker is replaced by a nondeterministic higher-order logic interpreter and the proof by an oracle implemented as a stream of bits that resolve the nondeterministic interpretation choices. In this setting, Proof-Carrying Code allows the receiver of the code the luxury of using nondeterminism in constructing a simple yet powerful checking procedure.This oracle-based variant of PCC is able to adapt quite naturally to situations when the property being checked is simple or there is a fairly directed search procedure for it. As an example, we demonstrate that if PCC is used to verify type safety of assembly language programs compiled from Java source programs, the oracles that are needed are on the average just 12% of the size of the code, which represents an improvement of a factor of 30 over previous syntactic representations of PCC proofs.
An accurate, automated 10-V measuring system

A microcomputer-based system that measures DC voltages accurately to 10 V is described. It consists of a self-checking voltage divider with a terminal linearity of +or-0.015 p.p.m. (1 sigma ), a 26-channel scanner, a stable 10-V source and at least one known voltage reference. It has proven to be particularly useful in the automatic calibration of solid-state voltage standards and voltage dividers. >
State event in combined simulation

Within the context of combined (discrete and continuous) simulation, modellers attribute considerable importance to the concept of state event representation. Unfortunately, since the methodology introduced in GASP IV, little research efforts have been devoted to the development of a more flexible and a more powerful modelling tool for representation of state event within a support system for model development environment. This paper briefly reviews the existing methodology and suggests a new approach useful for representation of a state event triggered by a complex condition Involving two or more continuously changing attributes.
Damage-mitigating control of aircraft for enhanced structural durability

The concept and a design methodology for robust damage-mitigating control (DMC) of aircraft is presented. The goal of DMC is to simultaneously achieve high performance and structural durability and the design procedure is based on damage mitigation at critical structures and retention of the flight performance. An aeroelastic model of the wings has been formulated and is incorporated into a nonlinear rigid-body model of aircraft flight-dynamics. Robust damage-mitigating controllers are then designed using the H/sub /spl infin//-based structured singular value (/spl mu/) synthesis method based on a linearized model of the aircraft. In addition to penalizing the error between the ideal performance and the actual performance of the aircraft, frequency-dependent weights are placed on the strain amplitude at the root of each wing, Using each controller in turn, the control system is put through an identical sequence of maneuvers, and the resulting (varying amplitude cyclic) stress profiles are analyzed using a fatigue crack growth model that incorporates the effects of varying-amplitude cyclic loading. Comparisons are made to determine the impact of different strain-amplitude weights on the resulting flight performance and fatigue crack damage in the wings. The results of simulation experiments show significant savings in fatigue life of the wings while retaining the dynamic performance of the aircraft.
Limit Analysis and Stability Charts for 3D Slope Failures

The kinematic approach of limit analysis is explored in three-dimensional (3D) stability analysis of slopes. A formal derivation is first shown indicating that, in a general case, the approach yields an upper bound to the critical height of the slope or an upper bound on the safety factor. A 3D failure mechanism is used to produce stability charts for slopes. The slope safety factor can be read from the charts without the need for iterations. While two-dimensional (2D) analyses of uniform slopes lead to lower safety factors than 3D analyses do, a 3D calculation is justified in cases where the width of the collapse mechanism has physical limitations, for instance, in the case of excavation slopes, or when the analysis is carried out to back-calculate the properties of the soil from 3D failure case histories. Also, a 3D failure can be triggered by a load on a portion of the surface area of the slope. Calculations indicate that for the 3D safety factor of the loaded slope to become lower than the 2D factor f...
An analytic framework for modeling peer to peer networks

This paper presents an analytic framework to evaluate the performance of peer to peer (P2P) networks. Using the time to download or replicate an arbitrary file as the metric, we present a model which accurately captures the impact of various network and peer level characteristics on the performance of a P2P network. We propose a queueing model which evaluates the delays in the routers using a single class open queueing network and the peers as M/G/1/K processor sharing queues. The framework takes into account the underlying physical network topology and arbitrary file sizes, the search time, load distribution at peers and number of concurrent downloads allowed by a peer. The model has been validated using extensive simulations with campus level, power law AS level and ISP level topologies. The paper also describes the impact of various parameters associated with the network and peers including external traffic rates, service variability, file popularity etc. on the download times. We also show that in scenarios with multi-part downloads from different peers, a rate proportional allocation strategy minimizes the download times.
Transneuronal labeling of neurons in the adult rat central nervous system following inoculation of pseudorabies virus into the colon.

Transneuronal tracing with pseudorabies virus (PRV) was used to identify sites in the central nervous system involved in the neural control of colon function. PRV-immunoreactive (IR) cells were primarily localized to the caudal lumbosacral (L6-S1) and caudal thoracicrostral lumbar (T13-L1) spinal segments with the distribution varying according to survival time (72-96 h). In the lumbosacral spinal cord at all time points examined, significantly (P < or = 0.005) greater numbers of PRV-IR cells were present in the region of the sacral parasympathetic nucleus (SPN) of the S1 spinal segment compared to that of the L6 segment. These studies also revealed morphologically distinct cell types with a differential distribution (probably interneurons and preganglionic parasympathetic neurons) in the region of the SPN in the L6-S1 spinal segments following colon inoculation. PRV-labeled neurons were located at various levels of the neuraxis and at many sites had a distribution similar to that following injection of virus to other urogenital organs. However, some unique sites in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, nucleus of the solitary tract, nucleus ambiguus and area postrema were also identified. To determine if labeling in these caudal medullary sites was mediated by spinal or vagal pathways, the colon was inoculated with PRV in animals with a complete spinal cord (T8) transection (5-7 days prior). Following spinal transection, PRV-infected cells were detected in the same caudal medullary regions; however, labeling in other regions (e.g., Barrington's nucleus) was eliminated or significantly reduced. These studies have yielded several novel observations concerning the central neural control of colonic function: (1) the preganglionic efferent and primary afferent innervation of the colon arises primarily from the S1 spinal segment; (2) the distribution of PRV-infected neurons in the central nervous system following colon inoculation was similar to that following PRV inoculation of other urogenital organs; (3) Barrington's nucleus, which has been identified previously as the pontine micturition center, may have a role in colonic function; and (4) PRV infection in Barrington's nucleus following colon inoculation is mediated by bulbospinal pathways whereas labeling in caudal medullary regions is mediated, at least in part, by vagal pathways.
Modeling and design of polymer-based tunneling accelerometers by ANSYS/MATLAB

A prototype design of an inexpensive polymer-based tunneling accelerometer is described in this paper. Instead of silicon, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is used as the mechanical material. By using silicon molds fabricated by conventional lithography and wet-etching techniques in hot embossing, PMMA structures can be replicated within 20 min. The performance of the tunneling sensor can be estimated and improved based on mechanical-level analysis by ANSYS and system-level analysis by MATLAB. The nonlinear tunneling mechanism and electrostatic actuation are linearized using small-signal approximation. To enhance the stability and broaden the bandwidth of the tunneling accelerometer system, a feedback control system with one zero and two poles is designed. The dynamic range of the system is greatly enhanced. The bandwidth of the closed-loop system is approximately 15 kHz.
Isoperimetric balls in cones over tori

In the cone over a cubic three-torus T3, balls about the vertex are isoperimetric if the volume of T3 is less than π/16 times the volume of the unit three-sphere. The conjectured optimal constant is 1.
Target assignment for integrated search and tracking by active robot networks

This paper presents a new task assignment algorithm that integrates area search and target tracking. A new tracking metric is derived that encodes the ability of each robot to reach an unsensed target before the uncertainty in its position passes a given upper bound. Target activation and tracking assignment using this method enable broader participation by individual robots in a cooperative surveillance architecture. Area search is added to the cooperative surveillance architecture through the use of a coordinated coverage map that represents the probability of new targets being detected in regions of the environment. A key feature of the coverage map is that it is updated by all robots, not just robots performing area search. Thus, tracking robots aid the search process. Simulation results validate the new integrated assignment process.
Nanoparticle Encapsidation of Flock House Virus by Auto Assembly of Tobacco Mosaic Virus Coat Protein

Tobacco Mosaic virus (TMV) coat protein is well known for its ability to self-assemble into supramolecular nanoparticles, either as protein discs or as rods originating from the ~300 bp genomic RNA origin-of-assembly (OA). We have utilized TMV self-assembly characteristics to create a novel Flock House virus (FHV) RNA nanoparticle. FHV encodes a viral polymerase supporting autonomous replication of the FHV genome, which makes it an attractive candidate for viral transgene expression studies and targeted RNA delivery into host cells. However, FHV viral genome size is strictly limited by native FHV capsid. To determine if this packaging restriction could be eliminated, FHV was adapted to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP), to allow for monitoring of functional FHV RNA activity. Then TMV OA was introduced in six 3' insertion sites, with only site one supporting functional FHV GFP expression. To create nanoparticles, FHV GFP-OA modified genomic RNA was mixed in vitro with TMV coat protein and monitored for encapsidation by agarose electrophoresis and electron microscopy. The production of TMV-like rod shaped nanoparticles indicated that modified FHV RNA can be encapsidated by purified TMV coat protein by self-assembly. This is the first demonstration of replication-independent packaging of the FHV genome by protein self-assembly.
Genomic Rearrangements and Gene Copy-Number Alterations as a Cause of Nervous System Disorders

Genomic disorders are a group of human genetic diseases caused by genomic rearrangements resulting in copy-number variation (CNV) affecting a dosage-sensitive gene or genes critical for normal development or maintenance. These disorders represent a wide range of clinically distinct entities but include many diseases affecting nervous system function. Herein, we review selected neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders either known or suggested to be caused by genomic rearrangement and CNV. Further, we emphasize the cause-and-effect relationship between gene CNV and complex disease traits. We also discuss the prevalence and heritability of CNV, the correlation between CNV and higher-order genome architecture, and the heritability of personality, behavioral, and psychiatric traits. We speculate that CNV could underlie a significant proportion of normal human variation including differences in cognitive, behavioral, and psychological features.
Cognitive and Psychiatric Disturbances in Parkinsonian Syndromes

Parkinsonian syndromes share clinical signs including akinesia/bradykinesia and rigidity, which are consequences of pathology involving dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons. Yet cognitive and psychiatric disturbances are common, even early in the course of disease. Executive dysfunction is often measurable in newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease. Treatment with dopaminergic medications, particularly dopamine agonists, has been associated with hallucinations and impulse control disorder. Older age, presence of APOE-4 gene, and/or other factors result in amyloid plaque deposition that, in turn, accelerates cortical Lewy body plus tau pathology, linking Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson's disease with early dementia with Alzheimer's disease. Treatments available for cognitive deficits, depression, and psychotic symptoms are discussed.
Is Benefit Finding Good for Your Health? Pathways Linking Positive Life Changes After Stress and Physical Health Outcomes

After experiencing a stressful or traumatic event, many individuals report positive changes in their lives, or benefit finding. Preliminary evidence suggests that benefit finding may lead to improvements in physical health. However, the mechanisms linking benefit finding to physical health outcomes have not been determined. This article describes an integrative model that identifies specific psychological and physiological pathways through which benefit finding may affect physical health. The underlying premise of the model is that benefit finding leads to more adaptive, efficient responses to future stressors, limiting exposure to stress hormones that may have damaging effects on long-term health.
Integrating oral health throughout cancer care.

Oral health is often not a priority during cancer treatment; however, patients with cancer are at increased risk for oral complications during and after treatment. This article focuses on the importance of oral health care before, during, and after cancer treatment using the head, eyes, ears, nose, oral cavity, and throat, or HEENOT, approach. AT A GLANCE: Oral health is linked to overall health, and healthcare providers must be cognizant of the oral-systemic connection with patients undergoing cancer treatment, which may cause acute and chronic oral health problems. Oral assessment, prevention, early recognition, and treatment of oral problems must be incorporated into cancer care, particularly with the aid of an interprofessional team to meet patients' oral care needs. The head, eyes, ears, nose, oral cavity, and throat, or HEENOT, approach integrates oral care into patients' history taking, physical examination, and plan of cancer care. .
Sleep stage characteristics of extended sleep in normal Ss.

Although numerous studies have been conducted on sleep deprivation, few have concentrated on sleep extension in normal Ss. The initial invesugauon in this area was concerned with the distribution of REM sleep in Ss instructed to sleep ad lib. (Verdoqe, 1968). However, no control nights were obtained nor was NREM sleep exam~ned In stages. Webb and Agnew (1970) described sleep patterns in Ss who characteristically slept "long" (> 8y2-hr.) and "short" (< 6%-hr.) periods, but had no values for sleep of more rypical length in these Ss. Therefore, it is unclear whether the values for NREM sleep are characterisuc of long sleepers as a group or extended sleep per se. Ss in the present study were 12 normal male college students who habitually slept 7 or 8 hr. The experiment comprised an adaptation night, two control nights of 7 or 8 hr. habitual sleep ( 1 to 9 a.m.) and two nights of extended sleep (10 p.m. to 9 a.m.), wirh a one-day recovery between the two conditions which were balanced as to order. Standard techniques were followed (Rechtschaffen & Kales. 1968) with the exception that Stages 3 and 4 were scored as one stage (3 -4 ) .
Experience with thoracoscopic pneumonectomies at a single institution.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to review a single-institution experience with video-assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy (VATP). METHODS From July 2008 through December 2012, the medical records of all patients undergoing pneumonectomy (total and completion) for lung cancer were reviewed. Clinical parameters were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS During this period, 16% (7/45) of pneumonectomies for malignancy were performed thoracoscopically. Patient selection was performed in the context of a multidisciplinary tumor board. Of the seven VATPs, five were standard (Video 1, available at http://links.lww.com/INNOV/A40) and two were completion pneumonectomies (Video 2, available at http://links.lww.com/INNOV/A41). Indications were primary lung cancer in six (three adenocarcinoma, one squamous carcinoma, one large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and one mixed adenocarcinoma cell and small cell lung carcinoma) and metastatic esophageal cancer in one patient. Preoperative selection was based on unfavorable location of the primary tumor, which excluded the possibility of a lesser resection such as sleeve resection while permitting an R0 resection by pneumonectomy. Pathologic staging was consistent with clinical staging except for one patient who was upstaged. There were four complications: atrial fibrillation, pneumonia, and two bronchopleural fistulas. The median length of stay was 4 days (excluding one outlier). Distant disease recurrence occurred in one patient. Kaplan-Meier survival at 24 months was 75%. CONCLUSIONS Introduction of VATP into the armamentarium of the experienced thoracoscopic surgeon is feasible with acceptable outcomes and a complication profile that is not dissimilar to the open pneumonectomy experience. Greater experience with this approach should provide additional data to more objectively evaluate the merits of this approach.
The Theory and Practice of Citizen Science: Launching a New Journal

The field of citizen science is growing with breathtaking speed. Thousands of citizen science projects are now under way around the world, engaging millions of individuals in the process of scientific discovery. In the US, citizen science has been featured at the White House and the federal government has launched a website to showcase federally funded citizen science projects (citizenscience. gov). The largest research and innovation funding program in the European Union, Horizon 2020, is investing heavily in citizen science to tackle societal problems. The Australian government has published a vision for citizen science
Hypothalamic Langerhans cell histiocytosis with no eosinophils.

A 26-year-old man presented with diabetes insipidus, sexual dysfunction and memory impairment. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and pathologic examination revealed Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the hypothalamus, which contained no eosinophils. The lesional cells were positive for S-100 protein and CD 1a antigen, and negative for CD68 antigen. The possible pathogenesis, absence of eosinophils and prognosis are discussed.