cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simple frequency estimation via exponential samples

A method for determining the frequency of a real sinusoid is proposed. Based on exponential sampling of the waveform, the approach requires virtually no computation. It can be easily implemented in digital hardware. >
Vector-meson decay into pseudoscalar mesons from quenched lattice QCD.

We have calculated the coupling constants for the hadronic decays of the form A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}B\ensuremath{\pi} where A is a vector meson and B is a pseudoscalar meson. We have used an exact method of evaluating the appropriate three-point correlation function on the lattice in the quenched approximation. After taking into account contamination of the three-point functions by more massive states, we find that our results are in agreement with experiment (but have very large errors) for the decays ${K}^{\mathrm{*}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}K\ensuremath{\pi} and \ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}.
Rate of Convergence of Basic Neural Network Operators to the Unit-Univariate Case

This chapter deals with the determination of the rate of convergence to the unit of some neural network operators, namely, “the normalized bell and squashing type operators”.
Medium energy gamma ray astronomy with transpacific balloon flights

Transpacific balloon flights with the University of California, Riverside (UCR) double scatter telescope are discussed. With flight durations from 5 days up to perhaps 15 days the long observation times necessary for medium energy (1-30 MeV) gamma ray astronomy can be obtained. These flights would be made under the auspices of the Joint U.S.-Japan Balloon Flight Program at NASA. It is proposed that flights can provide at least 30 hours of observation time per flight for many discrete source candidates and 120 hours for detecting low intensity cosmic gamma ray bursts.
Bretylium in hypothermia-induced ventricular fibrillation in dogs

We undertook a study to determine the ability of intravenous bretylium to cause "chemical defibrillation" or facilitate electrical defibrillation of hypothermia-induced ventricular fibrillation in the dog. Two groups of ten dogs were cooled to 22 C and placed into ventricular fibrillation. Following initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bretylium 15 mg/kg or normal saline was administered and the dogs were defibrillated according to a standard protocol. Both groups were equivalent in mean arterial pressure and arterial blood gases throughout the investigation. Seven dogs in each group were converted from ventricular fibrillation to an organized cardiac rhythm (P greater than .05). Despite the possible value of prophylactic bretylium in the setting of hypothermia, its use as active treatment for hypothermia-induced ventricular fibrillation in dogs does not seem to be beneficial.
Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the ·O2F radical in liquid and solid O2F2

Abstract It has been established that the paramagnetism of O 2 F 2 is due to the ·O 2 F radical. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of liquid dioxygen difluoride (O 2 F 2 ) contains an isotropic doublet as a result of a hyperfine interaction with one fluorine nucleus. The doublet has a splitting of 15.9 gauss, and is centered at a g -value of 2.0033. Liquid O 2 F 2 prepared with oxygen enriched to 51.2% with 17 O exhibited a complex isotropic spectral pattern also centered at g = 2.0033 with hyperfine interactions of 15.9 gauss from a fluorine nucleus and 22.4 gauss and 14.9 gauss from two nonequivalent oxygen nuclei. The observed pattern is a result of four spectra superimposed one upon the other. The following isotopic species contributed to the paramagnetism: ·OOF, 24.4% abundant; · 17 OOF, 24.4%; ·O 17 OF, 24.4%; and · 17 O 17 OF, 26.8%. The EPR spectrum of solid O 2 F 2 and solid 17 O 2 F 2 consisted of an anisotropic powder pattern characteristic of axial symmetry. The values of the fluorine hyperfine interaction observed were A ⊥ = −24.0 gauss, and A ∥ = 98.8 gauss. The average g -value was 2.0033. The values of the hyperfine interactions were used to calculate the unpaired electron density in various orbitals. The unpaired electron density in the radical was high in the 2 p orbitals of the oxygen atoms and low in orbitals of the fluorine atom.
Why do cells metastasize

Tumor cells become metastatic after completing a series of sequential steps that require specialization. This specialization involves phenotypic changes in tumor cells that occur with tumor growth. A better understanding of this process is needed to reduce cancer mortality.
Does new large private landownership and their management priorities influence public access in the Northern Forest

The Northern Forest spans New York and three New England states and contains over 26 million ac, making it the largest contiguous forest east of the Mississippi. Most of the forestland is privately owned and public access to private land is a time-honored tradition in the region. Residents fear this tradition of open access may be threatened by recent acceleration in land tenure change across the region. We surveyed those who own 1,000 ac or more in the four-state region and found that newer owners were not more likely to post their land. There was, however, a correlation between the owner's land-management priorities and recreational activities permitted on the parcel. Results indicated that timber/forest product companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts allowed more public access for traditional wildlife activities such as hunting and fishing, as well as trail-riding activities such as snowmobiling and all-terrain vehicle riding, than landowners managing for recreation or for nature conservation. Results also indicated that new landowners in the Northern Forest currently maintain the tradition of free public access to their lands.
Ionospheric E-region response to solar-geomagnetic storms observed by TIMED/SABER and application to IRI storm-model development

The large thermospheric infrared radiance enhancements observed from the TIMED/SABER experiment during recent solar storms provide an exciting opportunity to study the influence of solar-geomagnetic disturbances on the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. In particular, nighttime enhancements of 4.3 um emission, due to vibrational excitation and radiative emission by NO+, provide an excellent proxy to study and analyze the response of the ionospheric E-region to auroral electron dosing and storm-time enhancements to the E-region electron density. In this paper we give a status report of on-going work on model and data analysis methodologies of deriving NO+ 4.3 um volume emission rates, a proxy for the storm-time E-region response, and the approach for deriving an empirical storm-time correction to International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) E-region NO+ and electron densities.
A Distributed Infrastructure for Metadata about Metadata: The HDMM Architectural Style and PORTAL-DOORS System

Both the IRIS-DNS System and the PORTAL-DOORS System share a common architectural style for pervasive metadata networks that operate as distributed metadata management systems with hierarchical authorities for entity registering and attribute publishing. Hierarchical control of metadata redistribution throughout the registry-directory networks constitutes an essential characteristic of this architectural style called Hierarchically Distributed Mobile Metadata (HDMM) with its focus on moving the metadata for who what where as fast as possible from servers in response to requests from clients. The novel concept of multilevel metadata about metadata has also been defined for the PORTAL-DOORS System with the use of entity, record, infoset, representation and message metadata. Other new features implemented include the use of aliases, priorities and metaresources.
Acute ozone-induced lung injury in rats: structural-functional relationships of developing alveolar edema.

As part of a study on the effects of acute ozone stress on the lung surfactant system, we correlated morphometric, biochemical, and functional indices of lung injury using male rats exposed to 3 ppm ozone for 1, 2, 4, and 8 hr. Evaluation of lung mechanics, using the Pulmonary Evaluation and Diagnostic Laboratory System, revealed a significant decrease in dynamic lung compliance (ml/cmH2O/kg) from a control value of 0.84 ± 0.02 (SEM) to 0.72 ± 0.04 and 0.57 ± 0.06 at 4 and 8 hr, respectively. At 2 hr there was a transient increase in PaO2 to 116 torr (control = 92 torr) followed by a decrease at 4 hr (65 torr) and 8 hr (55 torr). Morphometry of lung tissue, fixed by perfusion of fixative via the pulmonary artery at 12 cm H2O airway distending pressure, demonstrated an increase in the area of the intravascular compartment at 8 hr, in association with a 65 and 39% replacement of the alveolar area by fluid in ventral and dorsal lung regions, respectively. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.966) between alveolar edema and transudated proteins in lavage fluid. A stepwise multiple regression model, with edema as the dependent variable, suggested that pulmonary vasodilatation, hypoxemia, and depletion of surfactant tubular myelin in lavage fluid were indices for predicting alveolar edema. In a second model, with lavage protein concentration as the dependent variable, decreasing dynamic compliance and hypoxemia were predictors of progressive, intraalveolar transudation of plasma proteins. The above structural-functional relationships support the concept that ozone-induced high-protein alveolar edema is pathogenetically linked to pulmonary hyperemia, deficiency of surfactant tubular myelin, and associated lung dysfunctions.
Core features of frontotemporal dementia recapitulated in progranulin knockout mice

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is typified by behavioral and cognitive changes manifested as altered social comportment and impaired memory performance. To investigate the neurodegenerative consequences of progranulin gene (GRN) mutations, which cause an inherited form of FTD, we used previously generated progranulin knockout mice (Grn-/-). Specifically, we characterized two cohorts of early and later middle-aged wild type and knockout mice using a battery of tests to assess neurological integrity and behavioral phenotypes analogous to FTD. The Grn-/- mice exhibited reduced social engagement and learning and memory deficits. Immunohistochemical approaches were used to demonstrate the presence of lesions characteristic of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with GRN mutation including ubiquitination, microgliosis, and reactive astrocytosis, the pathological substrate of FTD. Importantly, Grn-/- mice also have decreased overall survival compared to Grn+/+ mice. These data suggest that the Grn-/- mouse reproduces some core features of FTD with respect to behavior, pathology, and survival. This murine model may serve as a valuable in vivo model of FTLD with GRN mutation through which molecular mechanisms underlying the disease can be further dissected.
Genetic effects of habitat fragmentation on blue sucker populations in the upper Missouri River (Cycleptus elongatus Lesueur, 1918)

The blue sucker, Cycleptus elongatus, is a large catostomid fish that occurs in main stem rivers throughout the Mississippi basin of North America. Although not federally listed as threatened or endangered, populations are not considered stable in any of 21 states where they occur. Included in the range is the Missouri River, which flows more than 3,200 km from Montana to St. Louis, Missouri. Historically, C. elongatus was distributed con- tinuously throughout the main stem Missouri and its major tributaries, but from 1952 to 1963, six major impound- ments were constructed on the upper Missouri by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The resulting reservoirs have inundated and fragmented large riverine habitat from Yankton, South Dakota to the headwaters. C. elongatus still occurs in remnant stretches between reservoirs; how- ever, little is known of the impacts of the dams on these populations. In order to test for such effects, 231 individ- uals from nine sites were genotyped at 14 variable microsatellite loci. An additional 142 individuals from six sites in the Mississippi River were also genotyped for comparative purposes. In the Missouri, allelic richness was reduced in inter-reservoir sites relative to those in the free flowing lower river. In addition, significant isolation by distance occurs in the Missouri, a pattern not present in the unimpounded Mississippi. These results are consistent with reduced intradrainage gene flow in the Missouri River and are the first to indicate effects of impoundments on genetic structure in the system. This information will assist gov- erning agencies in making informed decisions regarding conservation of C. elongatus in the Missouri River drain- age and throughout the range.
Nonexperimental Quantitative Research and Its Role in Guiding Instruction

Different research designs answer different questions. Educators cannot use nonexperimental quantitative research designs, such as descriptive surveys and correlational research, to determine definitively that an intervention causes improved student outcomes and is an evidence-based practice. However, such research can (a) inform educators about a number of issues related to the education of students with disabilities and (b) guide experimental research efforts that can more definitively determine whether a practice is evidence based. Additionally, in the absence of relevant, high-quality experimental research, special educators can use some types of correlational research as the best available evidence to guide their instructional and curricular decision making.
Aminoethylation and fractionation of glutenin evidence of differences from gliadin

After reduction and aminoethylation, glutenin can be separated into four groups of proteins by fractional precipitation from 0.5 M acetic acid solution with Cu(NO3)2. Material precipitated by 0.0283 M Cu(NO3)2 accounts for 22% (w/w) of the glutenin and consists primarily of slow moving electrophoretic components. This fraction, which has an amino acid composition unlike other proteins from gluten, contains large amounts of glycine and tyrosine and low levels of histidine, methionine, valine and cysteine. The remaining fractions from glutenin resemble other gluten proteins more closely in composition. Gel permeation chromatography of the protein components from glutenin shows they have higher apparent molecular weights than gliadin.
Marital Quality and Physiological Arousal: How Do I Love Thee? Let My Heartbeat Count the Ways

The current study examines whether a two-dimensional indicator of marital quality advances empirical understanding of the association between marital quality and physiological arousal. Thirty-two m...
Practical use of vaccines for the control of coccidiosis in the chicken

Immunological control is recognised as the only major practical alternative to chemotherapy for the control of coccidiosis. Initial hopes that it would be possible to develop a genetically engineer...
Voyager from Xanadu: Rabban Sauma and the First Journey from China to the West. By Morris Rossabi

Voyager from Xanadu: Rabban Sauma and the First Journey from China to the West. By Morris Rossabi (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2010), xxiii +219 pp. $16.95 paper. This book is a r...
Cognitive neuropsychology. Resolving enigmas about Wernicke's aphasia and other higher cortical disorders.

• Cognitive neuropsychology is a young branch of neuroscience whose ancestral influences include a rich pool of experimental (eg, cognitive psychology), theoretical (eg, epistemology), and clinical (eg, neurology, neuropsychology) disciplines. An essential principle of cognitive neuropsychology is that disorders of higher cortical functions can be understood in terms of breakdowns of one or more information-processing modules. Each module is the most basic element of intelligence that can be defined based on current knowledge. This approach is a refinement of—not a fundamental departure from—the 19th-century "localizationist" view of language disorders. Wernicke's aphasia, for example, classically attributed to a single cognitive deficit (loss of word sounds), is shown in this review to require damage to multiple distinct information-processing modules. Cognitive neuropsychology provides the tools for the type of finegrained analyses of behavior that are needed to capitalize on recent advances in neuroimaging techniques, including the development of more sophisticated models of brain-behavior relationships.
A Systematic Review of the Use of Technology for Reminiscence Therapy

As the segment of the population 65 years of age or older continues to grow, the number of individuals with dementia increases proportionally, highlighting the need to design therapies that meet the social and emotional needs of people with dementia. Information and communication technologies (ICT) are potential venues for supporting the delivery of such therapies, including reminiscence therapy (RT), which is a non-pharmacological intervention involving the prompting of past memories, often with artifacts such as old photographs or music for therapeutic benefits such as the facilitation of social interactions or the increase of self-esteem. This paper systematically examines the scientific literature on the use of ICT for facilitating RT to assess the current state of the evidence and identify future trends. We searched the PubMed (1966-2013), ACM (1954-2013), and PsycINFO (1908-2013) repositories using the keywords dementia and reminiscence. Three hundred eighty-six articles were retrieved, 44 of which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings of the systematic review include that there are benefits to using ICT for RT interventions. Some of these benefits are access to rich and engaging multimedia reminiscence materials, opportunities for people with dementia to participate in social interactions and take ownership of conversations, and a reduction of barriers due to motor deficits during interactions with media. Future studies should explore the types and content of media beneficial to individuals at different stages of dementia.
Efficiencies of filter papers for collecting radon daughters.

The efficiency of several filter papers for the collection of atmospheric particles of radon daughters was measured. Test atmospheres were drawn through papers in a sampling head directly attached to the inlet of an electrostatic precipitator tube. The total alpha activities and shapes of all the decay curves were determined for each filter. Data are tabulated. (C.H.)
Rules of Engagement: The Principles of Underserved Global Health Volunteerism

The day begins at 7:00 AM with a layer of mosquito repellent and boiled coffee in a tin cup. Our medical clinic in the small village of Rancho Pedro along the Dominican Republic-Haiti border is a small hut composed of dilapidated wooden planks fastened together under a thatched reed roof. Patients with a variety of ailments line up daily outside the clinic door in anticipation of seeing a physician, often for the first time. Most patients have been waiting for hours, usually after enduring an overnight mountainous trek from a neighboring Haitian or Dominican village. Many of the medical problems encountered can be treated effectively with simple measures of wound debridement, bandages, analgesics, or antibiotics; however, some are more complex with no referral options. The work is intense but inspiring, rewarding but often frustrating as the limitations of our abilities quickly become apparent.
The functions of freezing in the social interactions of juvenile high- and low-aggressive mice

Selectively bred low-aggressive mice are frequently observed to freeze on social contact, despite the fact that this behavior was never a direct target of selection. To elucidate this finding, the present research aimed to identify the possible functions freezing may serve in social interactions. It was hypothesized that freezing may modify social interactions through self-regulatory mechanisms and/or via its modulating effects on the actions of social partners. These hypotheses were evaluated with respect to the sequential changes observed over the course of a 10-min dyadic test in freezing, social reactivity, and approaches among juvenile (24–30-day-old) mice from the NC900 and NC100 high- and low-aggressive lines. Analyses of the patterns of social interactions between subjects and partners revealed two primary results. First, freezing was more than an expression of fear; it also functioned as a regulator of emotional arousal, as suggested by the substantial reduction of reactive behaviors seen in animals that showed high levels of freezing. Second, freezing functioned to facilitate high levels of affiliative social interaction with social partners. The implications of these results for understanding how the differentiation of the NC900 and NC100 occurred within microevolution and development are discussed. Aggr. Behav. 27:463–475, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
RABbing cancer the wrong way.

Hypoxia, a reduction in the normal level of tissue oxygen tension, is a common characteristic of solid tumors, endowing them with malignant, aggressive, and treatment-refractory properties (1, 2). The family of hypoxia-inducible heterodimeric transcription factors (HIFs) (3) mediates, at large, the biological effects of hypoxia by regulating the transcription of a large number of target genes whose elevated expression in patient tumors correlates with poor prognosis and treatment failures (4). It is well established that hypoxia drives malignant progression and metastasis by promoting angiogenesis, metabolic adaptation, and overall tumor fitness (5); however, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not fully elucidated. Furthermore, the signaling pathways, which are activated by hypoxia and facilitate the multistep metastatic cascade that involves local matrix remodeling, cancer cell intravasation, extravasation, and homing to distant sites (6), are not well understood. In PNAS, Wang et al. provide significant insights into this process. The authors identified a new mechanism by which hypoxia induces breast cancer metastasis by stimulating microvesicle (MV) biogenesis and shedding from the primary tumor cells (7). The authors showed conclusively that this process is dependent on HIF expression, which in turn promotes RAB22A transcription (7). RAB22A is one of the more than 60 human Rab GTPases, which are membrane-bound proteins that function as molecular switches, oscillating between their active and inactive states to spatiotemporally integrate intracellular signaling and membrane trafficking events (8). Although a few members of the Rab family of proteins have been implicated in carcinogenesis, such as RAB25 (9), very little is known about the potential role of RAB22A—best known for its role in endocytic trafficking—in tumor progression or metastasis. Wang et al. identify a pivotal role for RAB22A in MV biogenesis and metastasis promotion. RAB22A knockdown (KD) completely eliminated the hypoxia-induced MV formation, and although its reduced expression had no effect on the primary tumor, it significantly impacted the metastatic tumor burden by lowering the number and size of lung metastases. These data describe a new mechanism by which hypoxia uses RAB22A-coated MVs as the “currency” to affect the metastatic transaction.
The structure and repertoire of small interfering RNAs in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis reveal diversification in the trypanosomatid RNAi pathway

Among trypanosomatid protozoa the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) has been investigated in Trypanosoma brucei and to a lesser extent in Leishmania braziliensis. Although these two parasitic organisms belong to the same family, they are evolutionarily distantly related raising questions about the conservation of the RNAi pathway. Here we carried out an in-depth analysis of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) associated with L. braziliensis Argonaute1 (AGO1). In contrast to T. brucei, Leishmania siRNAs are sensitive to 3’-end oxidation, indicating the absence of blocking groups, and the Leishmania genome does not code for a HEN1 RNA 2’-O-methyltransferase, which modifies small RNA 3’ends. Consistent with this observation, ~20% of siRNA 3’ ends carry non-templated uridine. Thus siRNA biogenesis, and most-likely their metabolism, is different in these organisms. Similarly to T. brucei, putative mobile elements and repeats constitute the major Leishmania siRNA-producing loci and AGO1 ablation leads to accumulation of long transcripts derived from putative mobile elements. However, contrary to T. brucei, no siRNAs were detected from other genomic regions with the potential to form double-stranded RNA, namely sites of convergent transcription and inverted repeats. Thus, our results indicate that organism-specific diversification has occurred in the RNAi pathway during evolution of the trypanosomatid lineage.
A distinct nitric oxide and adenosine A1 receptor dependent hepatic artery vasodilatatory response in the CCl-cirrhotic liver.

Increase of portal venous vascular resistance is counteracted by decrease of hepatic arterial vascular resistance (hepatic arterial buffer response). This process is mediated by adenosine in normal livers. In cirrhosis, hepatic arterial vascular resistance is decreased but the involvement of adenosine in this process is unknown. The aim of our study was to identify the signalling pathway responsible for the decreased hepatic arterial resistance in cirrhotic livers. Methods Cirrhosis was induced by CCl4. Using a bivascular liver perfusion dose–response curves to adenosine of the HA were performed in the presence and the absence of pan-adenosine blocker (8-SPT), A1 blocker (caffeine) or nitric oxide synthase-blocker (L-NMMA) after preconstriction with an α1-agonist (methoxamine). Western blot of the HA were used to measure the density of the A1 and A2a receptors.
Torque ripple minimization in direct torque control of induction machines

A duty ratio control scheme for inverter-fed induction machines using the direct torque control (DTC) method is presented. An improved steady state torque response was achieved using the duty ratio control and had shown less torque ripple compared to the conventional DTC. Fuzzy logic control has been used to implement the duty ratio during each switching cycle using the torque and flux errors as inputs. Simulation results using SIMULINK gave results that justify the claims.
ON THE APPLICATION OF DYNAMIC PROGRAMING TO THE DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL PLAY IN CHESS AND CHECKERS.

Abstract : A great deal of effort has been expended in connection with the use of digital computers to play chess and checkers. The most successful has been the checker-playing program of Samuel. It is of some interest then to indicate how the theory of dynamic programming can be used to determine optimal play in the great majority of Pawn-King end-games in Chess, with computers currently available, and in all probability, to determine optimal play for the entire game of checkers. The basic methods are outlined involving as they do the concept of semigroups in structure.
Baseline gamma power during auditory steady-state stimulation in schizophrenia

Several studies have reported deficits in γ oscillatory activity elicited by sensory stimulation or cognitive processes in schizophrenia patients (SZ) compared to healthy control subjects (HC). However, the evidence for cortical hyperexcitability and reduced function of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) on parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory interneurons in schizophrenia leads to the prediction that γ activity should rather be increased in SZ, but data supporting this hypothesis have been lacking. One possibility is that baseline induced γ power is increased, an effect that might have gone unnoticed in studies of stimulus-locked oscillations. Here we addressed this question by re-analyzing the data from a previously published study on the 40 Hz auditory steady-state response (ASSR) in schizophrenia in which dipole source localization was used to examine γ responses in the left and right auditory cortices. Subjects were 16 HC and 18 chronic SZ, who listened to trains of clicks presented at 40 Hz during electroencephalogram recording. Independent component analysis was used to remove ocular artifacts. Power spectra were computed for the pre-stimulus baseline period. We found that baseline power was higher in SZ than HC at 40 Hz in the left auditory cortex. Baseline 40 Hz power in the left auditory cortex was also correlated with ASSR evoked power in SZ. Thus, γ oscillation abnormalities in schizophrenia may include abnormal increases in baseline power as well as deficits in evoked oscillations. These baseline increases could be the sign of NMDAR hypofunction on parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory interneurons, which would be consistent with acute NMDAR antagonism and genetic ablation models of schizophrenia.
Factors Related to Successful Engineering Team Design

The perceptions of a sample of 49 engineers and scientists from NASA Langley Research Center toward engineering design teams were evaluated. The respondents rated 60 team behaviors in terms of their relative importance for team success. They also completed a profile of their own perceptions of their strengths and weaknesses as team members. Behaviors related to team success are discussed in terms of those involving the organizational culture and commitment to the team and those dealing with internal team dynamics. The latter behaviors included the level and extent of debate and discussion regarding methods for completing the team task and the efficient use of team time to explore and discuss methodologies critical to the problem. Successful engineering teams may find their greatest challenges occurring during the early stages of their existence. In contrast to the prototypical business team, members on an engineering design share expertise and knowledge which allows them to deal with task issues sooner. However, discipline differences among team members can lead to conflicts regarding the best method or approach to solving the engineering problem.
Antecedent blood pressure as a predictor of cardiovascular disease.

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and evidence suggests that prior BP levels may be at least as important as current BP in prediction models. We analyzed the determinants of CVD risk in Offspring Framingham Heart Study participants (n = 3344). The baseline Cox model included the traditional risk factors and current systolic BP to predict 20-year risk of CVD (643 events). Current systolic BP was significant, and the associated hazard ratio was 1.09 for 10 mm Hg (confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.04-1.15). A second model used the traditional risk factors plus antecedent BP (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.19; CI 95%: 1.10-1.24). In a third model that included traditional risk factors and both current and antecedent BP, the antecedent BP was significant (HR = 1.18; CI 95%: 1.08-1.23), but the current BP was not statistically significant (HR = 1.01; CI 95%: 0.97-1.09). Antecedent BP showed a significantly stronger effect on risk of CVD than current BP.
ERM proteins at a glance

The cell cortex is a dynamic and heterogeneous structure that governs cell identity and behavior. The ERM proteins (ezrin, radixin and moesin) are major architects of the cell cortex, and they link plasma membrane phospholipids and proteins to the underlying cortical actin cytoskeleton. Recent studies in several model systems have uncovered surprisingly dynamic and complex molecular activities of the ERM proteins and have provided new mechanistic insight into how they build and maintain cortical domains. Among many well-established and essential functions of ERM proteins, this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster will focus on the role of ERMs in organizing the cell cortex during cell division and apical morphogenesis. These examples highlight an emerging appreciation that the ERM proteins both locally alter the mechanical properties of the cell cortex, and control the spatial distribution and activity of key membrane complexes, establishing the ERM proteins as a nexus for the physical and functional organization of the cell cortex and making it clear that they are much more than scaffolds. This article is part of a Minifocus on Establishing polarity.
Photogrammetric Velocities for the Great Bend, Kansas, Tornado of 30 August 1974: Accelerations and Asymmetries

Abstract Late in the afternoon of 30 August 1974 a dozen tornadoes were observed over open farming terrain within a 65 km radius of Great Bend, Kans. All but one of the tornadoes traveled mainly toward the southeast; the other tornado moved northeastward and produced damage near Galatia. One of the largest tornadoes occurred about 40 km west–southwest of Great Bend, and high-resolution motion picture films were taken by a news photographer 2.7 km north of the vortex. The vortex was visible as a rotating column of dense dust and small debris particles. Photogrammetric analysis and tracking of debris in the rotating dust column yield velocities as high as 85 m s−1. Maximum measured horizontal wind speeds are 75 m s−1at z≈90 m AGL and maximum rising motions are 60 m s−1at z≈80 m A remarkable dark band of dust, about 35 m high, apparently outlined a major inflow jet of air accelerating into the vortex at low levels from the west-southwest. The dust band has appeared in other tornado photograph (e.g., Kessler,...
Hybrid Materials of the f-Elements Part II: The Uranyl Cation

Abstract The structural chemistry of crystalline hybrid materials bearing the uranyl cation, [UO2]2 +, is reviewed. A theme of uranyl hydrolysis and complex aqueous speciation as drivers for structural diversity is developed for materials constructed from coordinate covalent bonding with various O- and N-donor ligands. We begin with results from a number of exploratory hydrothermal synthesis efforts to highlight structural themes dominated by oligomeric secondary building units, and ligand affinities and sterics. The review then evolves to highlight more focused studies that endeavor to promote incorporation of targeted coordination geometries, compositions, and connectivities. Finally, we explore purely supramolecular systems that focus on the assembly of specific uranyl-bearing ions such as [UO2X4(H2O)n]2 − (X = Cl, Br) and [UO2(NCS)5 − n(H2O)n] (n = 0, 1) formed from high anion media. Assembly of these tectons is afforded through noncovalent interactions (synthons) with appropriate organic molecules to promote hydrogen or halogen bonding. The luminescent behavior of selected compounds is presented where clear structure–property relationships may be discerned.
A self-propelled colon scope

Colonoscopies remain one of the key clinical tools in managing bowel disease, assisting with everything from early detection of precancerous colorectal polyps to treatment of lower gastrointestinal bleeding to evaluation of diarrhea. For a complete study of the colon, the practitioner must reach the cecum (the beginning of the colon), but reaching the cecum reliably while completing the procedure safely and in a timely manner requires extensive training to avoid complications such as colonic perforation and transmission of infections from contaminated devices. Gluck and colleagues now report in a prospective human trial the safety and efficacy of a self-propelled and disposable colonoscope (SPDC), which represents a promising innovation to address some of the current challenges and risks associated with colonoscopy. As a member of a family of devices in the area of “robotic endoscopes,” the SPDC consists of a pneumatic self-propulsion mechanism, which uses balloons and carbon dioxide for self-propulsion from the rectum toward the cecum, with significantly lower pressures exerted on colonic tissue than conventional colonoscopy, which could lower rates of perforation. The visualization system enabled 360 ° viewing of the colon. And the entire system is disposable, which should reduce infection transmission rates. Of the 56 subjects evaluated, cecal intubation was achieved in 55, and no mucosal damage was observed from the SPDC on follow-up conventional colonoscopy. Polyp detection with the SPDC was 87.5% of that observed by tandem conventional means. This first-in-human prospective study highlights the potential for robotic technologies to make routine gastrointestinal procedures easier to digest and could potentially also be applied to remote diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures, with the practitioner located in a different city, extending the reach of the gastrointestinal specialist. N. Gluck et al ., A novel self-propelled disposable colonoscope is effective for colonoscopy in humans (with video). Gastrointest. Endosc. 10.1016/j.gie.2015.08.083 (2015). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2015.08.083
Variations in the Life History of the Engelmann Spruce Beetle

The 2-year life cycle of the Engelmann spruce beetle is applicable to both endemic and epidemic infestations. However, the life cycle in any area may vary considerably from year to year because of differing climatic conditions. Of major importance in the ecology of the insect is the proportion of adult beetles that emerge and hibernate at the bases of the trees. This is an extremely variable factor. Beetles developing in felled trap trees in well shaded locations may have a longer cycle than beetles developing in nearby standing trees.
THE HERITABLE BASIS OF VARIATION IN LARVAL DEVELOPMENTAL PATTERNS WITHIN POPULATIONS OF THE WOOD FROG (RANA SYLVATICA).

This study compares the heritable basis of variation in larval developmental patterns of mountain and lowland populations of the wood frog, Rana sylvatica. Additive genetic variances, heritabilities, and genetic correlations for larval developmental time and size at metamorphosis are estimated from half-sib and full-sib crosses. Considerable additive-genetic variances and high heritabilities are revealed for developmental time in both the mountain and the lowland population. There was a high level of additive-genetic variance and high heritability for body size at metamorphosis in the mountain population, but these were very low in the lowland population. The genetic correlations between developmental rate and larval body size are negative for the mountain population and near zero for the lowland population. It is argued that the differences in genetic structure between these two populations reflect differences in the selective regimes of their respective environments.
Autonomous Wall-Following Based Navigation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Indoor Environments

This paper presents a wall-tracking approach for navigation of a quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in indoor environments. Navigation of a UAV in indoor environments is particularly challenging due to unavailability of Global Position System (GPS) data. Furthermore, unavailability of prior knowledge about obstacles makes it hard to carry out any a− priori path planning. In this paper, a method based on wall-tracking is proposed to enable a quadrotor UAV to navigate across an indoor environment. The UAV is equipped with four proximity sensors around it that can give the distance from the nearest obstacle in that linear direction. Hence, the UAV is capable of tracking around the walls and obstacles while keeping a fixed distance from the wall on its left. An autonomous algorithm is developed for this purpose which enables the UAV to detect and turn around corners, slanted walls, and closed areas. The UAV starts from a random position in an environment, moves towards the nearest wall, and starts tracking the wall from there. This approach is very useful for navigating areas that consist of multiple rooms, and the UAV needs to cross a room to enter a second room. Such capabilities in a UAV can find applications in situations which might otherwise be inaccessible or dangerous for humans, such as collapsed buildings, radioactive or HazMat conditions, and small conduits.
Real-time Simulation Analysis of the Impacts of Distributed Large-capacity STATCOM on AC/DC Parallel System in China Southern Power Grid

In need of preparing Beijiao, Mumian and Shuixiang STATCOM first-stage projects in China Southern Power Grid in 2013 for operation, we studied the effect of STATCOM on power system, and established a model of the STATCOM in the RTDS real-time simulation system to analyze the influences of multi-STATCOM on voltage recovery and(U) HVDC power fault recovery. The results show that the system operating with multi-STATCOM greatly improves in the bus voltage recovery of inverter stations, decreasing the commutation failure duration under serious failure, and improves the DC power recovery. The improvement is obvious for some fault conditions such as circuit breaker rejection fault, but quite limited for commutation failure conditions at the fault moments.
Capsule Endoscopy in Pediatric Care Applications

Objective To study the endoscopy and influence of pediatric nursing capsule. Methods Choose 72 cases of children who accept capsule endoscopy in the hospital, as research subjects, which were randomly divided into two groups, each of 36 cases. Control group: usual care. Observer Group: row before capsule endoscopy for patients with psychological care items ready and bowel preparation, good food and activities inspection mission to observe the inspection carried out, the capsule was observed after checking discharge cases, bowel preparation before cleaning degree and examination results, while comparing patient satisfaction with quality of care. Results The observer group of patients with intestinal cleanliness is better than patients in the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P0.05). Markedly observation group underwent capsule examination was 72.2%, effective rate is 47.2% of patients in the control group capsule examination, the difference was statistically significant(P0.05). Observation of patients' satisfaction quality of care was 97.2% in the control group, the quality of care and patient satisfaction was77.8% in the control group, the difference was statistically significant(P 0.05). Conclusion Strengthen nursing intervention can provide good bowel preparation for capsule endoscopy environment, improving lesion detection rate and the quality of care and pa-tient satisfaction.
The EMvibe: An Electromagnetically Actuated Vibraphone.

The EMvibe is an augmented vibraphone that allows for continuous control over the amplitude and spectrum of individual notes. The system uses electromagnetic actuators to induce vibrations in the vibraphone’s aluminum tone bars. The tone bars and the electromagnetic actuators are coupled via neodymium magnets affixed to each bar. The acoustic properties of the vibraphone allowed us to develop a very simple, low-cost and powerful amplification solution that requires no heat sinking. The physical design is meant to be portable and robust, and the system can be easily installed on any vibraphone without interfering with normal performance techniques. The system supports multiple interfacing solutions, affording the performer and composer the ability to interact with the EMvibe in different ways depending on the musical context.
The Great Depression and the Glass-Steagall Act

The First World War was the game changer in the global hegemonic order of the time. It is the reason why the United States came to dominate the global economy, eclipsing Britain as the world’s principal creditor nation. Many factors contributed to the First World War. After Prussia’s victory in the Napoleonic Wars, which continued from 1799 to 1815 before Napoleon was finally defeated in the Battle of Waterloo, Prussia slowly emerged as a potent economic and political power on the continent. On January 1, 1834, the formation of the Zollverein, or the German Customs Union, with the individual independent German states consolidated its economic power.1 Its victory in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 was a reflection of its political might. By 1871, the individual German states and Prussia had unified into the German Empire (or the Second Reich, with the Holy Roman Empire counting as the First Reich and Nazi Germany as the Third Reich) under Otto van Bismarck. The Treaty of Frankfurt, the agreement ending the Franco-Prussian War, had compelled France to cede the possession of the Alsace and Lorraine regions in the east to Germany. This served as a constant reminder of French defeat and kept tensions high between the two continental powers.
Boggy meadows, livestock grazing, and interspecific interactions: influences on the insular distribution of montane Lincoln's Sparrows ( Melospiza lincolnii alticola )

I surveyed 34 meadows in California and Oregon to count Lincoln's Sparrows (Melospiza lincolnii alticola) and to identify habitat features that might influence their local, insular occurrence. Lincoln's Sparrows were found at 72% of the sites surveyed. Counts of singing males were low and uncorrelated with meadow size. Lincoln's Sparrows were most common in wet meadows with little damage by grazing. Singing males were concentrated in flooded or boggy areas near meadow edges, where pines {Firms sp.) provided elevated perches for singing and vigilance. Patches of willows ( Salix sp.) were often present nearby. Numbers of male Lincoln's Sparrows were strongly and negatively correlated with abun- dance of sympatric Song Sparrows (M. melodia fisher ella). Lincoln's Sparrows breeding in montane meadows are poten- tially vulnerable to local extirpation because of their insular distribution, low population density, and fluctuating habitat conditions. Heavy damage from livestock grazing drastically increases the probability of local extirpation.
Mining social media data on marijuana use for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

BackgroundWe seek to evaluate factors that could potentially impact the public's attitudes to PTSD related marijuana use on Twitter. MethodsWe collected tweets that contained the PTSD and Post Trauma Stress Disorder from August 1, 2015 to April 15, 2016 (n=1,253,872 tweets). A Nave Bayes model was constructed to classify tweets into two opinion polarities (support vs. neutral/against marijuana use for PTSD). ResultsThe marijuana related tweets were predominated by the supporting opinions (89.6%). The public opinions about marijuana use for PTSD on Twitter were significantly associated with state-level legislation. States that legalized medical and recreational marijuana use had the highest prevalence of support tweets (1.30.6), followed by the states that legalized medical but not recreational use (0.50.3) and the states that had no laws legalizing marijuana (0.20.1, p<0.0001). A higher prevalence of support tweets was associated with states with a lower proportion of youth (r=0.35, p=0.01) and a higher education rate (r=0.38, p=0.006). ConclusionTwitter data suggest a proliferation of supporting marijuana use for PTSD treatments, especially in the states that legalized medical and/or recreational use of marijuana. We found a proliferation of PTSD tweets that support marijuana use on Twitter.The prevalence of supporting marijuana use was correlated with state legal statues.Age, education and income were associated with the prevalence of support tweets.Educational campaigns on adverse effects of marijuana use are critically needed.
Geoscience: Subduction undone.

Rocks are subjected to increased pressure as they are buried during subduction. Contrary to general belief, a study suggests that peak pressures recorded in subducted rocks might not reflect their maximum burial depths.