cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heading control of a fixed wing UAV using alternate control surfaces

Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) have incredible competencies in forces and civil relevancies. The flight and navigation of a UAV is autonomously controlled by an onboard autopilot. The heading control of a UAV is a vital operation of autopilot, executed by employing a design algorithm that controls its direction and navigation. Commercially available autopilots mostly exploit Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) based heading controllers using aileron deflection as the input variable. In this paper, we give a comparison of the performances of two heading-controller design techniques i.e. aileron based heading controller and rudder based heading controller using a Proportional Integral Differential (PID) controller. We have taken a nonlinear model of a small sized UAV-Aerosonde. This model is then linearized around a stable trim point and subsequently decoupled for longitudinal and lateral designs. The small perturbation control theory helps us test the designed controllers with the nonlinear model. The compensated linear and nonlinear models along with their results are presented. Our exploration reveals that rudder based heading controller has intrinsic potency compared to commercially employed aileron based heading controllers for UAV heading control, with regard to better transient response, thus improving the overall response as well as payload performance during a heading change maneuver. The conclusion may show the way to a valuable outcome in autopilot design of UAV.
In-Home Medication Management Performance Evaluation (HOME-Rx): A Validity Study.

OBJECTIVE This study assessed the initial psychometric properties of a novel in-home, performance-based instrument for older adults called the In-Home Medication Management Performance Evaluation (HOME-Rx). METHOD Content validity of the HOME-Rx was determined through the multistep content validity index (CVI) process. Content experts provided qualitative and quantitative judgment of the instrument's ability to measure medication management. The assessment's target population provided qualitative feedback. CVI outcomes informed instrument revisions. RESULTS Content experts (n = 7) were in agreement that the overall instrument was valid for measuring medication management (scale-level CVI = .95). Six items were deleted because of low agreement (item-level CVI <.80). Twenty-nine minor edits were made to the order of questions and language. Older adult participants (n = 5) reported the instrument was relevant, acceptable, and easy to understand. CONCLUSION The HOME-Rx appears to be a relevant and valid method to assess performance barriers to medication management in the home.
Peripheral Elevation of a Klotho Fragment Enhances Brain Function and Resilience in Young, Aging, and α-Synuclein Transgenic Mice

Cognitive dysfunction and decreased mobility from aging and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases, are major biomedical challenges in need of more effective therapies. Increasing brain resilience may represent a new treatment strategy. Klotho, a longevity factor, enhances cognition when genetically and broadly overexpressed in its full, wild-type form over the mouse lifespan. Whether acute klotho treatment can rapidly enhance cognitive and motor functions or induce resilience is a gap in our knowledge of its therapeutic potential. Here, we show that an α-klotho protein fragment (αKL-F), administered peripherally, surprisingly induced cognitive enhancement and neural resilience despite impermeability to the blood-brain barrier in young, aging, and transgenic α-synuclein mice. αKL-F treatment induced cleavage of the NMDAR subunit GluN2B and also enhanced NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity. GluN2B blockade abolished αKL-F-mediated effects. Peripheral αKL-F treatment is sufficient to induce neural enhancement and resilience in mice and may prove therapeutic in humans.
Bringing Santa Rosa Island into Channel Islands National Park: the written documents 1979-1987.

The National Park Service (NPS) purchased Santa Rosa Island from private landowners Vail & Vickers in 1986. Immediately following the purchase, NPS personnel stated that they and the former landowners were negotiating a 5- to 10-year phaseout of cattle ranching and hunting of introduced deer and elk. Later, NPS staff stated that the former landowners had a 25-year right to presale land uses. This unsubstantiated “right” became the justification for the NPS issuing a series of permits that continued the operations of the former landowner. Over time, questions arose regarding the environmental impacts of the cattle, deer, and elk on Santa Rosa Island's natural and archeological resources and the restricted public use of the island. Approximately 10 years after purchasing the island, the National Park Service was sued by an environmental group. Vail & Vickers countersued. The litigation brought to light the written documents associated with the purchase of the island. The court cases were settled through a voluntary agreement which directed a rapid end to grazing of cattle and a phased reduction of deer and elk. This paper examines the written documents from 1979 to 1987, which is the period contemporaneous to the establishment of Channel Islands National Park, the sale of Santa Rosa Island, and the initiation of island management by the National Park Service. Later documents and statements will be compared to the contemporaneous documents to better understand the controversies, public perceptions, and lawsuits.
Open-Access Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults: A Pragmatic and Systematic Review.

Background and objectives Open-access, community-based programs are recommended to assist older adults in meeting physical activity guidelines, but the characteristics, impact, and scalability of these programs is less understood. The Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension System, an organization providing education through county-based educators, functions as a delivery system for these programs. A systematic review was conducted to determine characteristics of effective older adult physical activity programs and the extent to which programs delivered in Extension employ these characteristics. Research design and methods A systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted from August 2016 to February 2017. The review was limited to open-access (available to all), community-based physical activity interventions for older adults (≥65 years of age). The peer-reviewed literature search was conducted in PubMed and EBSCOhost; the grey literature search for Extension interventions was conducted through Extension websites, Land-Grant Impacts, and the Journal of Extension. Results Sixteen peer-reviewed studies and 17 grey literature sources met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Peer-reviewed and Extension programs were similar in their limited use of behavioral theories and group-based strategies. Compared to Extension programs, those in the peer-reviewed literature were more likely to use a combination of physical activity components and be delivered by trained professionals. Discussion and implications The results indicate notable differences between peer-reviewed literature and Extension programs and present an opportunity for Extension programs to more effectively use evidence-based program characteristics, including behavioral theories and group dynamics, a combination of physical activity components, and educator/agent-trained delivery agents.
Integrating aerial images for in-season nitrogen management in a corn field

Abstract Methods of determining in-season corn (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) requirements and yield estimates are needed for designing a resource-efficient corn production system that is both profitable and environmentally sustainable. The objectives of this study were to examine: (1) the role of spectral signatures of corn plants obtained by aerial images in examining the yield variability across various N treatments, (2) whether the images could be used to guide in-season N management decisions, and to predict in-season corn yield and corn yield loss, and (3) the influence of spatial resolution of imagery on the accuracy of corn yield prediction models. Twenty-four treatments evaluated were the combinations of eight fertilization times (at-planting (A), pre-planting (P)∗A, P∗A∗mid-season (M), P∗A∗late-season (L), PAML, AM, AL, and AML) and three at-planting N rates (11, 45, and 78 kg N ha−1). Visual and thermal images were collected from manned aircraft and geo-corrected for the analyses. Vegetation indices and ratios were derived from three waveband combinations of visual images, and they were examined in relation to yield. Two linear regression models - model 1 (based solely on imagery) and model 2 (based on imagery and information about elevation and N fertilizer application rate), were tested on their performances (in terms of coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE)) for in-season corn yield prediction at four spatial resolutions (0.35, 0.5, 1, and 2 m px−1). Among individual wavebands, and vegetation indices and ratio, plant pigment ratio (PPR) at early growth stages were highly correlated to corn yield, particularly in the field that received limited N application. The correlation improved as the corn growth stage progressed, but weakened towards the end of the growing season. There were significant differences in PPR values between the treatments receiving the least and the most N application, and it was the amount of N applied at planting that created the most significant differences. The models for 0.35 to 1 m px−1 spatial resolutions did not show significant improvements in R2 over the lowest ground resolutions (2 m px−1) (differences in R2 ≤ 0.05). The model 2 showed higher R2 (up to 0.64 at tasseling stage) and lower RMSE than model 1. These results indicate that the models developed integrating spectral and spatial information from aerial imagery with the information about elevation and N application rate help improve in-season corn yield estimates under different N management practices.
Improved Temperature Compensation for In Situ Humic-Like and Tryptophan-Like Fluorescence Acquisition in Diverse Water Types

Abstract Use of in situ fluorescence sensors is gaining popularity in water and wastewater treatment and water reuse industries. Tryptophan-like (TRP-like) fluorescence is particularly well suited ...
Heterozygous α1-Antitrypsin phenotypes in patients with end stage liver disease

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and associations of abnormal alpha1-antitrypsin phenotypes in Caucasian adults with end stage liver disease with particular emphasis on heterozygous phenotypes and disease from hepatitis C virus. METHODS: All patients (788) with end stage liver disease considered for liver transplantation from July 1990 to June 1996 in a referral-based university hospital transplant center (University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE) comprised the study population. Data for the study population was determined by retrospective review of the transplantation database at the transplant center. Hepatitis C virus infection was determined by a second generation ELISA method, and alpha1-antitrypsin phenotyping was performed on agarose gel with serum quantitation using a Behring Nephelometer. RESULTS: Among 683 Caucasian patients with severe liver disease, the prevalences of Pi ZZ, Pi MZ, and Pi MS were 0.4, 7.3, and 8.2%, respectively, compared with 0, 2.8, and 4.2% in the control population. The odds of having a heterozygous Z phenotype were significantly increased in Caucasian patients with hepatitis C virus (odds ratio (OR) = 4.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.1-9.0), alcoholic liver disease (OR = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.6-9.6), primary hepatic malignancy (OR = 7.4, 95% CI = 2.9-19.0), and cryptogenic cirrhosis (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.1-6.3) compared with the control population. Caucasian patients with hepatitis C or B virus were 3.6 times more likely to have a heterozygous Z phenotype than a normal phenotype compared with patients with diseases of autoimmune etiology. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of an association of heterozygous Z alpha1-antitrypsin phenotype with end stage liver disease of several etiologies, not hepatitis C virus alone.
Application of Antibodies to 5-Bromodeoxyuridine for the Detection of Cells of Rare Genotype

A current objective of research in the area of environmental mutagenesis is the development of automated methods of assessing in vivo and in vitro genetic damage.(1,2) The primary purpose of automating mutagen detection is to increase the speed and statistical reliability that is afforded by the instrumentation being recruited to this task, flow or image cytometry. In addition, this approach would eliminate the human bias and error characteristic of manual methods. In the case of in vivo assessment of mutagenesis, a method would be available to measure genetic variation in cells that either do not clone or clone at extremely low efficiencies.
Reversal of EMT by Small-Molecule Inhibitors of TGF-β Type I and II Receptors: Implications for Carcinoma Treatment

Even though TGF-β may act tumor suppressive early in cancer development, its oncogenic properties, evident especially in advanced malignancies, identify the TGF-β signaling network as a promising pharmacological target. Early approaches aimed at blocking TGF-β signaling include anti-TGF-β antibodies or antisense molecules. More recently, small-molecule inhibitors with remarkable specificities for TGF-β receptor kinases have been developed. Although the pro-oncogenic activity of TGF-β includes both cell autonomous and tumor microenvironmental effects, this article focuses on TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMTs) and the effects of small-molecule inhibitors of the type I and type II receptors. EMT is negatively correlated with tissue integrity and thus is believed to be an underlying mechanism for the formation of invasive, metastatic, tumors. One of the ocnsequences of EMT is a downregulation of the Coxsackie virus and adenovirus receptor (CAR), likely resulting in reduced uptake of therapeutic oncolytic adenoviruses. We review evidence that several aspects of EMT in vitro can be pharmacologically reversed and that such a reversion increases adenovirus uptake.
Abstract WP201: Electroencephalogram Based Brain Computer Interface Therapy for the Restoration of Distal Upper Extremity Motor Function in Chronic Severely Impaired Individuals

Introduction: Many stroke survivors are often left with persistent upper extremity motor impairment that affect their overall quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of using non-...
Response to Bennett and Sommers

This paper is a response to Christopher Bennett’s and Tamler Sommers’ critical discussion of my book Responsibility from the Margins.
Principles in Approaching Difficult Operative Situations

Exposure is critical to having safe surgery and overall patient assessment—especially in the operating room. When providing a consult in the operating room, ensure you have the optimal exposure and/or approach that meets your needs. Here we evaluate an overview of a few common scenarios and tricks when confronted with an intraoperative consult.
Zero Shot Intent Classification Using Long-Short Term Memory Networks.

We describe a zero shot approach to intent classification that allows for the identification of intents that were not present during training. Our approach makes use of a Long-short Term Memory neural network to encode user queries and intents and uses these encodings to score previously unseen intents based on their semantic similarity to the queries. We test our model on intent classification in a personal digital assistant and show an improvement of 15% over a strong baseline. We also investigate the effect of adding a few training samples for the previously unseen intents in a few shot learning setting and show improvements of up to 16% over the baseline method.
Safe Controller Synthesis for Data-Driven Differential Inclusions

We consider the problem of designing finite-horizon safe controllers for a dynamical system for which no explicit analytical model exists and limited data only along a single trajectory of the system are available. Given samples of the states and inputs of the system, and additional side information in terms of regularity of the evolution of the states, we synthesize a controller such that the evolution of the states avoid some prespecified unsafe set over a given finite horizon. Motivated by recent results on Whitney's extension theorem, we use piecewise-polynomial approximations of the trajectories based on the data along with the regularity side information to formulate a data-driven differential inclusion model that can predict the evolution of the trajectories. For these classes of data-driven differential inclusions, we propose a safety analysis theorem based on barrier certificates. As a corollary of this theorem, we demonstrate that we can design controllers ensuring safety of the solutions to the data-driven differential inclusion over a finite horizon. From a computational standpoint, our results are cast into a set of sum-of-squares programs whenever the certificates are parametrized by polynomials of fixed degree and the sets are semialgebraic.
Sialic acid prevents loss of large von Willebrand factor multimers by protecting against amino-terminal proteolytic cleavage.

Removal of sialic acid from the von Willebrand factor (vWF) subunit exposes additional cleavage sites in the amino-terminal region that are associated with loss of large multimers. The extent of large multimer loss was evaluated by examining the sites of subunit cleavage of native and carbohydrate-modified vWF after treatment with trypsin, chymotrypsin, or plasmin. In the presence of proteinase inhibitors, purified vWF was treated with neuraminidase alone to remove 90% to 95% of the sialic acid or with neuraminidase and beta-galactosidase to remove the sialic acid and 45% to 50% of the D-galactose, with little or no loss of large multimers observed. Digestion of native vWF with trypsin produced the greatest loss of large multimers, while chymotrypsin produced less and plasmin produced the least. Large multimer loss was more extensive with each enzyme after carbohydrate modification of vWF. The extent and approximate location of subunit cleavage was determined by immunoblotting and monoclonal antibody epitope mapping. Trypsin, chymotrypsin, and plasmin were shown to produce both amino- and carboxyl-terminal fragments. The number, location, and relative quantities of carboxyl-terminal fragments produced were unchanged after carbohydrate modification. However, digestion of the amino-terminal region was considerably more extensive after carbohydrate modification as judged by a marked decrease or absence of the larger fragments seen when native vWF was digested, and by the appearance of new smaller molecular mass species. Therefore, the greater loss of large multimers that occurs after carbohydrate modification is likely to be the result of cleavages in the amino- terminal region of the molecule. By protecting the vWF subunit against amino-terminal cleavage, sialic acid inhibits the loss of large multimers.
Making time for Emotional Intelligence in Production and Technology

During the SIGGRAPH 2018 BOF ”Emphasizing Empathy in Pipeline Project Management,” group consensus stated that highly effective project management can only be achieved when emphasis is placed on demonstrated empathy for any and all project contributors at the project management level and when challenges are framed as opportunities to enhance both the team and the project manager’s own emotional intelligence. The reality faced in the industry, however, can present unique challenges, specifically relating to toxic cultural folkways, lack of leadership support, and lack of designated monetary resources. Based on subsequent discussions borne from the initial presentation with industry professionals and team leaders, it seems imperative to address not only the theories of Emotional Intelligence in greater depth, but also to acknowledge the potential obstacles in applying this basic theory in the real world specifically regarding the operational changes introduced to the working environment due to COVID-19 and current world events. A specific concern to address is that middle-tier management, for whom budget allocation is given and not guaranteed – want to improve their team environment, they are often not granted a financial allotment to do so most effectively for their specific teams. This talk aims to illuminate opportunities for individual production professionals to make effective changes pertaining to their management and communication styles to affect positive change in their work environment, increase employee morale, and build community, barring financial allotment, to the overall benefit of their team members and their project health.
Proton-conductive membranes with percolated transport paths for aqueous redox flow batteries

Abstract Tremendous efforts have been dedicated to developing sustainable and affordable ion exchange membranes for flow batteries. Challenges remain in terms of high cost, low coulombic efficiency caused by the crossover of active species, and stability. Inspired by the highly hydrophilic and interconnected 3D networks of nanofibers of bacterial cellulose (BC), an unprecedented ion exchange membrane possessing high ionic selectivity is created by impregnating a hydrophobic copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) into BC aerogel scaffolds. The high proton conductivity of the membrane stems from the intrinsically high hydrophilic network of the BC fibrils, which offers a percolated pathway for the proton conduction. At the same time, the selectivity arises from the hydrophobic lamination on the BC scaffold that acts as a barrier for the migration of vanadium ions and reduces its crossover. Therefore, the hydrophilic ion transport paths of BC inside of a stable PVDF-HFP matrix result in a high proton conductivity of 0.0095 S cm−1 at 25 °C and a significantly less vanadium permeation rate. Besides, the membrane yields a high tensile strength of 114 MPa and excellent thermal stability. Moreover, vanadium redox flow battery assembled using the BC/PVDF-HFP membrane demonstrated cyclings for 300 continuous cycles at a constant current density of 100 mA cm−2 and achieved an average coulombic efficiency of 97.56%, voltage efficiency of 81.56%, and energy efficiency of 79.49%. The higher CE, and, therefore, energy efficiency of the BC/PVDF-HFP membrane than those of the Nafion 115 can be attributed to the natural percolated 3D networks of BC.
The “American Century” Is Over: The US Global Leadership Narrative, Uncertainty and Public Diplomacy

Narrative is central to a nation’s political life and, for those nations that choose to project themselves abroad, essential to its foreign affairs and public diplomacy. A fundamental transformation in the American narrative—the suite of historical assumptions, beliefs, and stories that give a nation purpose and meaning, and motivate its citizens to pursue a course of political and historical action in international affairs—has weakened the United States’ commitment to leadership of the international system. Historically an isolationst power until the early part of the 20th century, the US restyled itself as the defender of global liberty and freedom against the encroachments of communism and the Soviet Union. The collapse of that threat in the late 20th century deprived that narrative of its foundational logic and drove a ‘reset’ to the earlier narrative of remaining distant from the entanglements of foreign affairs. Internal conflicts and social ills, suppressed or papered over during the period of American international hegemony, have assumed a new priority for Americans and further turned attention inward. The uncertainty created by these shifts has destabilized the international system. It has also affected the US ability to clearly project public diplomacy messaging. This chapter examines the integral role that public diplomacy plays in the conveyance of a national narrative and the implementation of foreign policy, as well as discusses forces that are undermining and changing that narrative.
Impact of implementing structured note templates on data capture for hernia surgery.

Background:Electronic medical record notes have been determined to be lacking in quality, accessibility and content. Structured note templates could provide a way to improve these aspects, particul...
Leading with Curricular Co-Design: An Exploration of Teacher Leadership Through the Co-Design Process:

This study bridges teacher leadership research with principles of co-design in an effort to understand teachers’ experiences with co-design as a process of teacher leadership and its implications f...
Moderation Visibility: Mapping the Strategies of Volunteer Moderators in Live Streaming Micro Communities

Volunteer moderators actively engage in online content management, such as removing toxic content and sanctioning anti-normative behaviors in user-governed communities. The synchronicity and ephemerality of live-streaming communities pose unique moderation challenges. Based on interviews with 21 volunteer moderators on Twitch, we mapped out 13 moderation strategies and presented them in relation to the bad act, enabling us to categorize from proactive and reactive perspectives and identify communicative and technical interventions. We found that the act of moderation involves highly visible and performative activities in the chat and invisible activities involving coordination and sanction. The juxtaposition of real-time individual decision-making with collaborative discussions and the dual nature of visible and invisible activities of moderators provide a unique lens into a role that relies heavily on both the social and technical. We also discuss how the affordances of live-streaming contribute to these unique activities.
Belimumab for the treatment of children with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome: the BELNEPH study.

Effectiveness of rituximab in pediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome suggests that B cells play a pathogenic role. We tested safety and efficacy of the B-cell-modulating agent belimumab in frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS). An open-label, prospective, single-arm pilot study (EUDRACT 2017-003839-11) was designed to treat 10 children with FRNS with i.v. belimumab for 12 months. Prednisone was tapered/stopped. Safety, number of relapses, cumulative prednisone dose and B-cell subset "levels" are referred to both B cell subset and immunoglobulin. Five patients were enrolled, and four reached the primary 6-month endpoint. Of these, two completed the 12-month endpoint. Three patients experienced ≥2 relapses while on belimumab, requiring additional immunosuppression. Compared to the 6 months before belimumab treatment, the mean number of relapses (1.4 vs. 2, p=0.21) and the mean cumulative prednisone dose (1.86 vs. 2.62 g/m2, p=0.17) were not significantly reduced during the 6 months on belimumab. This study was terminated by the steering committee after the interim evaluation because belimumab failed to show clear benefits to counterbalance the inconvenience of monthly i.v. infusion. During follow-up, total and mature-naive B cells decreased, while no change in memory B-cells was observed. Serum immunoglobulins remained stable. No infusion reaction was observed. Short-term treatment with belimumab in pediatric FRNS was well tolerated. The number of patients was too small to draw conclusions on efficacy. Nonetheless, we did not observe clear improvements. The burden of monthly in-hospital i.v. infusions outweighed potential benefits. Persistence of circulating memory B cells supports their pathogenic role in the disease. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
Long-term durability of a new surgical aortic valve: A 1 billion cycle in vitro study

Abstract Background This study assessed the long-term hemodynamic functional performance of the new Inspiris Resilia aortic valve after accelerated wear testing (AWT). Methods Three 21-mm and 23-mm Inspiris valves were used for the AWT procedure. After 1 billion cycles (equivalent to 25 years), the valves' hemodynamic performance was compared with that of the corresponding zero-cycled condition. Next, 1 AWT cycled valve of each valve size was selected at random for particle image velocimetry (PIV) and leaflet kinematic tests, and the data were compared with data for an uncycled Inspiris Resilia aortic valve of the same size. PIV was used to quantitatively evaluate flow fields downstream of the valve. Valves were tested according to International Standards Organization 5840-2:2015 protocols. Results The 21-mm and 23-mm valves met the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) durability performance requirements to 1 billion cycles. The mean effective orifice areas for the 21-mm and 23-mm zero-cycled and 1 billion–cycled valves were 1.89 ± 0.02 cm2 and 1.94 ± 0.01 cm2, respectively (P Conclusions The Inspiris Resilia aortic valve demonstrated very good durability and hemodynamic performance after an equivalent of 25 years of simulated in vitro accelerated wear. The study valves exceeded 1 billion cycles of simulated wear, 5 times longer than the standard requirement for a tissue valve as stipulated in ISO 5840-2:2015.
Many questions (and almost no answers) about the phylogenetic origin of the major histocompatibility complex.

The major histocompatibility complex, MHC, (HL-A in man, H-2 in the mouse, RtH-1 in the rat, B in the chicken, etc.) can be defined on the basis of its involvement in four phenomena: allograft reaction in vivo, allograft reaction in vitro, genetic control of immune response, and genetic control of complement activity.
Chapter 5 Target derived and putative local actions of neurotrophins in the peripheral nervous system

Publisher Summary Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the prototype of a family of growth factors including four structurally related proteins known as the neurotrophins. Other members of this family are brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin-4/5. In the peripheral nervous system the neurotrophins influence a partially overlapping population of neurons. In in vitro neurite outgrowth or cell survival assays, NGF stimulates embryonic sensory and sympathetic neurons of neural crest origin. BDNF and NT-3 influence certain populations of both neural crest and placode derived sensory neurons. NT-3, but not BDNF, elicits a weak response from sympathetic neurons. It is clear that NGF and BDNF are also important in vivo , because administration of anti-NGF antibodies shortly after the period of cell death substantially increases the loss of spinal sensory neurons, whereas exogenous administration of NGF, or BDNF, at the time of naturally occurring cell death markedly reduces the loss of dorsal root or nodose ganglion neurons. In addition, developing or lesioned motor neurons can be rescued by administration of BDNF.
Experimental observations of the hydrodynamic behavior of solvent systems in high-speed counter-current chromatography : I. Hydrodynamic distribution of two solvent phases in a helical column subjected to two types of synchronous planetary motion

Hydrodynamic distribution of two-phase solvent systems in a rotating helical column subjected to centrifugal fields produced by two different types of synchronous planetary motion has been studied by the use of the combined horizontal flow-through coil planet centrifuge. With continuous elution of the mobile phase, the simpler type of motion resulted in low retention of the stationary phase in the column whereas a more complex motion, which produces a quasi-radial centrifugal field varying in both intensity and direction, yielded high stationary phase retention for commonly used solvent systems having a wide range of hydrophobicity. These solvent systems display highly complex modes of hydrodynamic interaction in the coil according to their particular physical properties.
Ballistic chaotic quantum dots with interactions: A numerical study of the Robnik-Berry billiard

In previous work we have found a regime in ballistic quantum dots where interelectron interactions can be treated asymptotically exactly as the Thouless number $g$ of the dot becomes very large. However, the results of the previous work depend on some assumptions concerning the renormalization group and various properties of the dot obeying random matrix theory predictions at scales of the order of Thouless energy. In the present work we test the validity of those assumptions by considering a particular ballistic dot, the Robnik-Berry billiard, numerically. While we find that many of our earlier predictions are borne out, some global aspects of our phase diagram need to be modified. With those modifications we conclude that, at least in the Robnik-Berry billiard, one can trust the results of our previous work at a qualitative and semiquantitative level.
WOX2 and STIMPY-LIKE/WOX8 promote cotyledon boundary formation in Arabidopsis

*SUMMARY One of the key events in dicot plant embryogenesis is the emergence of the two cotyledon primordia, which marks the transition from radial symmetry to bilateral symmetry. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the three CUPSHAPED COTYLEDON (CUC) genes are responsible for determining the boundary region between the cotyledons. However, the mechanisms controlling their transcription activation are not well understood. Previous studies found that several WOX family homeobox transcription factors are involved in embryo apical patterning and cotyledon development. Here we show that WOX2 and STIMPY-LIKE (STPL/WOX8) act redundantly to differentially regulate the expression of the CUC genes in promoting the establishment of the cotyledon boundary, without affecting the primary shoot meristem. Loss of both WOX2 and STPL results in reduced CUC2 and CUC3 expression in one side of the embryo, but an expansion of the CUC1 domain. Furthermore, we found that STPL is expressed in the embryo proper, and its activation is enhanced by the removal of WOX2, providing an explanation for the functional redundancy between WOX2 and STPL. Additional evidence also showed that WOX2 and STPL function independently in regulating different aspects of local auxin gradient formation during early embryogenesis.
Evolving Line Drawings

This paper explores the application of interactive genetic algorithms to the creation of line drawings. We have built a system that starts with a collection of drawings that are either randomly generated or input by the user. The user selects one such drawing to mutate or two to mate, and a new generation of drawings is produced by randomly modifying or combining the selected drawing(s). This process of selection and procreation is repeated many times to evolve a drawing. A wide variety of complex sketches with highlighting and shading can be evolved from very simple drawings. This technique has enormous potential for augmenting and enhancing the power of traditional computer-aided drawing tools, and for expanding the repertoire of the computer-assisted artist.
The Banjo, from Its Roots to the Ragtime Era

Abstract The banjo, of African origin and African-American heritage, has come to be identified more closely with American popular music culture than perhaps any other musical instrument. This essay will attempt to trace the history of the banjo, following its trek across the American cultural landscape. The focus will be upon its origins as a black folk instrument, its adoption by the white minstrels in the mid-nineteenth century, leading to its diverging roles in the late nineteenth century as an instrument of both Northern white urban popular and high culture and Southern white folk culture. The essay will be followed by an annotated bibliography of secondary sources.
Probable synthesis of porphine-like substances during chemical evolution.

Porphine-like substances synthesis from irradiated mixture of pyrrole, benzaldehyde, pyridine and zinc acetate
Restriction fragment fingerprinting software

A physical map is an ordering of clones and markers. Whole-genome physical maps may be constructed using restriction fragment fingerprinting. With this approach, two clones are considered overlapping if they contain a similar set of fragments. The FPC (FingerPrinted Contig) software is described, which assembles fingerprinted clones into contigs. Markers can also be used to aid the assembly and results in a partial ordering of the markers. Genetic or radiation hybrid markers are used to anchor the contigs to the chromosomes. A minimal tiling path of clones may be selected for sequencing. FPC may be used with the two salient types of fingerprinting, which are agarose based and HICF (High Information Content Fingerprinting). Keywords: mapping; restriction fragment; fingerprinting; assembly; markers; genetic markers; sequencing; minimal tiling path
A road map of quality assurance audits in the aerospace and defense industry

The author explores the guidelines that are common for all quality assurance audits, the purpose and scope of the audit, the responsibilities of the auditor and auditee, and the final audit report. How current aerospace and defense industry audits compare to these guidelines is examined. >
SU‐GG‐J‐102: The Effect of Inter‐Fraction Setup Error on Single Fraction, Cumulative, and Biological Effective Doses in Head‐And‐Neck Radiotherapy

Purpose: To compare the effect of inter‐fraction setup error in head‐and‐neck radiotherapy patients on a) dose from a single fraction, b) cumulative dose, and c) cumulative dose corrected for the biological effect of variable dose/fraction. Method and Materials:Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy plans are copied and trials created by shifting the isocenter to simulate setup error. The dose from each shift is calculated in the Pinnacle treatment planning system (Philips, Cleveland, OH). Cumulative dose is found by summing the dose from each fraction. Cumulative biological effective dose (BED) at each point is found by summing the BED for each fraction. The BED‐corrected cumulative dose is defined as the dose producing the same cumulative BED when delivered in constant fractions as the variable dose/fraction treatment. Results: A 33‐fraction treatment was simulated. assuming 6 fractions with a 5 mm patient shift in each of the left, anterior, and superior directions and 5 fractions with a 5 mm shift in each of the right, posterior, and inferior directions. This example represents large daily shifts but a small mean shift. The spinal cord, parotid, and CTV α/β ratios were set to 0.87, 3, and 10.5 Gy. The maximum single fraction spinal cord dose was 14% greater than the original. The cumulative and BED‐corrected doses were 1.4% and 2.5% greater than original. The largest single fraction parotid mean dose was 37% greater than original. The cumulative and BED‐corrected doses were respectively 1.5–3.5% and 2.5–4.8% greater. The CTV V100% was 98.7% in the original plan, 91.5% for the worst single fraction, and 98.7% for both the BED‐corrected and cumulative doses.Conclusion: Cumulative doses to normal structures increase slightly if corrected by the BED due to inter‐fraction motion. BED‐corrected doses suggest that large daily shifts may be acceptable if mean shifts over time are small.
Ability of positron emission tomography to detect residual neck node disease in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Objective To report our experience using the neck examination, computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) to clinically evaluate node-positive patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer for residual neck node disease after definitive chemoradiotherapy. Design Retrospective review of all Cleveland Clinic patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer and N2 or N3 neck node involvement at presentation who were treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy and who underwent clinical restaging after treatment using the neck examination, CT, and PET. Setting Tertiary care referral institution. Patients Forty-eight patients with 72 positive necks at diagnosis were followed up for a median of 20 months. Main Outcome Measures Palpable nodes on examination, nodes larger than 1 cm, nodes with central necrosis on CT, or any hypermetabolic lymph nodes on PET were considered clinical evidence of residual nodal disease. The true rate of pathologic involvement was determined by histologic examination after planned neck dissection or if regional recurrence developed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated for all 3 clinical assessment tools. Results Planned neck dissection was performed in 33 necks and was positive for residual neck node disease in 5 necks. A delayed neck dissection was performed in 5 necks and was positive in 3 necks. The positive predictive value was low for all 3 clinical assessment tools. The addition of PET did not significantly improve the negative predictive value or positive predictive value of CT and the clinical examination. Conclusions Residual neck node disease after definitive chemoradiotherapy was infrequent and was not well predicted by PET. A positive PET finding in this setting is of little utility. Although a negative PET finding was highly predictive for control of neck disease after chemoradiotherapy, it added little to the clinical neck examination and CT.
Biological Assessment of Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) Inhabiting Reef, Mangrove, Seawall, and Restoration Substrates

The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, plays an essential functional role in many estuarine ecosystems on the east and Gulf coasts of the USA. Oysters form biogenic reefs but also live on alternative intertidal substrates such as artificial surfaces and mangrove prop roots. The hypothesis tested in this study was that non-reef-dwelling oysters (i.e., those inhabiting mangrove, seawall, or restoration substrates) were similar to their reef-dwelling counterparts based upon a suite of biological parameters. The study was carried out at six sites in three zones in Tampa Bay on the west coast of Florida using monthly samples collected from October 2008–September 2009. The timing of gametogenesis and spawning, fecundity, and juvenile recruitment were the same for oysters in all four habitats. Oyster size (measured as shell height), density, and Perkinsus marinus infection intensity and prevalence varied among habitats. This study indicates that oysters on mangroves, seawalls, and oyster restoration substrates contribute larvae, habitats for other species, and likely other ecosystem benefits similar to those of intertidal oyster reefs in Tampa Bay. Oysters from alternative intertidal substrates should be included in any system wide studies of oyster abundance, clearance rates, and the provision of alternate habitats, especially in highly developed estuaries.
The nonverbal manifestations of cognitive processes in clinical listening

Nonverbal behaviors were observed during communicative sequences in videotaped clinical interviews. The interviews were conducted by two groups of physicians-in-training with contrasting cognitive profiles as determined by well-known laboratory tasks prior to the interviews. In each phase of the communicative sequences, significant differences emerged between the two groups for various types of nonverbal behaviors. Differences also emerged between the two groups of interviewers in their questioning patterns and in the nature of the narrative elicited from their interlocutors. A correlational analysis revealed consistent patterns of behaviors across phases of the communicative sequences. The findings provide additional evidence for the intimate connection between nonverbal behavior and cognitive activity and point to nonverbal behaviors as objective measures of the processes underlying clinical listening.
Estimation of sample size with grouped data

Abstract The problem of grouped data with unknown sample size occurs naturally when continuous monitoring of life testing experiments is not feasible. For example, Moranda (Proc. 4th Ann. Texas Conf. on Computing Systems (1975)) gives data on detection of errors in software which can be described as a grouped sample of unknown size. Here, we develop general techniques to analyze such data. The maximum likelihood and maximum modified likelihood estimators for the distributional parameters and the unknown sample size, N, are investigated. It is shown that ungrouping the data by uniform spreading over the intervals and then applying methods for ungrouped data does not produce consistent estimators. Finally, the special case of the exponential distribution is discussed in detail and simulation results are obtained for this case. Monte Carlo studies are used to study small sample properties, and one estimator is singled out for recommendation.
A proposed undergraduate bioinformatics curriculum for computer scientists

Bioinformatics is a new and rapidly evolving discipline that has emerged from the fields of experimental molecular biology and biochemistry, and from the the artificial intelligence, database, and algorithms disciplines of computer science. Largely because of the inherently interdisciplinary nature of bioinformatics research, academia has been slow to respond to strong industry and government demands for trained scientists to develop and apply novel bioinformatics techniques to the rapidly-growing, freely-available repositories of genetic and proteomic data. While some institutions are responding to this demand by establishing graduate programs in bioinformatics, the entrance barriers for these programs are high, largely due to the significant amount of prerequisite knowledge in the disparate fields of biochemistry and computer science required to author sophisticated new approaches to the analysis of bioinformatics data. We present a proposal for an undergraduate-level bioinformatics curriculum in computer science that lowers these barriers.
Stepwise two-photon excitation studies in terbium-doped fluoride crystals

Abstract Energy upconversion signals were observed in the wavelength region 360–430 nm when the Tb3+-doped LaF3 and CaF2 crystals were excited with an argon ion laser. Upconversion signal intensity increased 10× when the samples were excited simultaneously with an argon ion laser and a Ti:Sapphire laser.