cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimum time trajectory planning for dual robot systems

The problem of planning minimum time collision-free trajectories for a dual robot system is addressed. It is shown that this problem can be solved by first planning the minimum time trajectory for each robot without considering the existence of the other and then combining the two individual trajectories. This combination is accomplished by delaying one of the two trajectories in such a way that the time required for the coordinated motion of the two robots is minimized while avoiding collision between them. The optimality of the method is rigorously proved, the practical aspects of its realization are discussed, and example is presented. >
Diene chirality and cotton effects of nonhomoannular cisoid conjugated dienes: circular dichroism and crystal structure of a steroidal 19-nor-1(10),9(11)-diene derived from Westphalen's diol diacetate.

Nonhomoannular cisoid conjugated dienes exhibit negative lowest-energy π→π* Cotton effects when they have P diene chirality and positive CEs when they have M diene chirality. We investigated this relationship further with a variety of such dienes by MM2 conformational energy-minimization calculations and by an X-ray crystal structure of a steroidal 19-nor-1(10),9(11)-diene. CEs are stronger when each double bond of the diene is endocyclic in a different ring and weaker when only one of the double bonds is endocyclic or when neither double bond is endocyclic. They are also stronger when axial allylic and homoallylic substituents with CH/π interactions are present that exert consignate chirality contributions. Chirality 14:180–186, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Assessing Seepage Flow Conditions through a Dam Quickly and Accurately without Drilling or Drawing down the Reservoir

This paper examines the application of a proven geophysical technology that is highly effective in assessing seepage flow conditions through, beneath and around earthen embankments. The technology works rapidly with minimal disruptions to dam operations—it requires no drilling or draining of the reservoir. It has become a competitive solution to many of the complex challenges faced with dam safety diagnostics and monitoring and the technology has consistently and repeatedly providing intelligence to dam operators in identifying problems with their dams and pointing to appropriate costeffective methods for resolving them. At the 2009 SAGEEP conference in Austin, TX, a seepage related case study of the Method was presented. It showed that the Method found a two-meter sinkhole at the bottom of a reservoir, which was later independently verified. Now, three years later, the method has improved and results are significantly more detailed, accurate and descriptive in defining seepage problems. For instance, data reduction now involves predicting the magnetic field generated from electric current flow in a homogenous space and comparing that to the measured magnetic field. This comparison enhances detection of subtle flow paths in a more electrically homogeneous environment. In addition, a sophisticated inversion algorithm has been developed to quantify the distribution of electric current flow beneath the study area. With these upgrades, the Method is proving to be even more accurate at finding the zones of highest transport porosity related to seepage flow through dams. Although electrical and hydraulic conduction are governed by very different principles, the distribution of electric current flow can qualitatively infer a general distribution of hydraulic conductance, thus helping to appraise the integrity of a dam’s embankment, abutments and foundation. To illustrate how the Method in its current form works, an actual case study and physical modeling experiments will be presented that demonstrate the Method’s application and accuracy with regard to characterizing preferential seepage flow through earthen embankments.
Santiago Ramón y Cajal at Clark University, 1899; his only visit to the United States.

In 1899, at the invitation of G. Stanley Hall, the great psychologist and President of Clark University, Santiago Ramon y Cajal, and four other European scientists of significant note, were invited to participate in the Decennial Celebration of Clark. Cajal, accompanied by his wife, arrived in Worcester, via New York, to much acclaim and praise in the local press. His three lectures, all delivered in French and illustrated with large color drawings made upon his arrival at Clark, were concerned with previously unpublished observations on the structure of the human cerebral cortex. The full text of these lectures and 31 illustrations (in black and white) were published, in English, in a large Decennial Volume prepared by Clark University. At the culmination of the Clark Celebration, Cajal, and the other invited attendees, received the honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Cajal, ever the scholar, visited many sites of interest in the Northeastern US prior to his return to Spain including Columbia, Harvard, and the University of New York. This paper details the events surrounding Cajal's visit to Clark University, his only visit to the United States.
ToF‐SIMS observation of PTFE surfaces modified by α‐particle irradiation

The surface structure of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) upon α-particle irradiation has been investigated at doses in the range of 1 x 10 7 to 1 X 10 11 Rad and compared with the surface structure of the unirradiated polymer. Both neat and 25% fiberglass content PTFE were studied. The samples, maintained at nominal room temperature, were irradiated in vacuum by 5.5 MeV 4 He 2+ ions generated in a tandem accelerator beam line. Static time-of-flight SIMS (ToF-SIMS) was employed to probe chemical changes at the surface as a function of the irradiation level. In general, the data are indicative of increased cross-linking at α-doses less than 1 x 10 9 Rad, followed by increased fragmentation and unsaturation at α-closes greater than 1 x 10 9 Rad. Throughout the irradiation regime, scission is a constant factor promoting cross-linking, branching, and unsaturation. However, at α-doses greater than 1 × 10 10 Rad, extreme structural degradation of the polymer becomes evident and is accompanied by conversion to oxygen-functionalized and aliphatic compounds. Thus, for PTFE in an α-particle field, an upper exposure limit of ∼10 10 Rad is essential for nominal retention of molecular structure. Finally, a quantitative relationship between α-dose and characteristic fragment ion intensity is developed.
Family Structure and the Intergenerational Transmission of Gender Ideology

Using data from the National Survey of Families and Households, this study explores how single-parent, stepparent, and two-parent biological family structures may affect the transmission of gender ideology from parents to their adult children. Results indicate that biological parents’ ideologies are strong predictors of their children’s ideologies. Stepparents’ ideologies are predictive of their stepchildren’s only when they have high-quality relationships. Parent—child gender heterogeneity, performance of traditional parenting roles, and relationship quality are related to high similarity scores. The authors find evidence of converging ideologies between mothers and sons and diverging ideologies for fathers and daughters—especially in stepfamilies. Finally, their results suggest that high-quality relations with a stepparent enhance transmission between same-sex biological parent—child dyads but high-quality relations with a spouse in two-parent biological families produce a competing role-model dynamic.
Student Interest in International Education at the Community College

The goal of internationalization of higher education is to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be competent global citizens of the 21st century. The proliferation of research on the topic over the last three decades demonstrates its increased importance, yet the literature concerning internationalizing initiatives at the community college is still lacking. To better understand the community college student in the context of international education, this study examined students’ interest in global topics and internationalized activities, the extent to which students have a global perspective, and the academic and personal experiences that might contribute to having a high score on a global perspective scale. The results of this study revealed that there was not a strong interest among the majority of community college students in international education, but for those with a strong interest, there were common academic and personal experiences found. Considering the findings, it is...
Optimal continuous fermentation reactor design

Many optimum reactor combination schemes have been proposed for fermentation (autocatalytic) reaction systems. Usually these consist of series of stirred tanks or plug flow vessels. The basis for choosing an optimal scheme is here presented and it is found that for many cases of interest the combination of stirred tank - plug flow is the best. On a propose un grand nombre de combinaisons qui conviendraient le mieux aux reacteurs dans le cas des systemes a reaction (autocatalytiques) pour fermentation; d'ordinaire, il s'agit d'une serie de reservoirs munis d'agitateurs ou de vaisseaux a ecoulement en bloc. On indique les facteurs fondamentaux a considerer dans le choix du meilleur dispositif et l'on a trouve que, dans bien des cas interessants' l'emploi conjoint de reservoirs munis d'agitateurs et d'ecoulement en bloc est la meilleure solution.
A Distinct Na+-requiring Transport System for Alanine, Serine, Cysteine, and Similar Amino Acids

Abstract The Ehrlich cell has a component of transport, for which alanine, serine, and cysteine are preferred substrates, which is not reactive with α-(methylamino)isobutyric acid or N-methylalanine and is only weakly reactive with other methylamino acids and glycine. Although the new component is similar to one described before (the so-called A system) as to its rate, its dependence on the presence of Na+, its low sensitivity to irradiation, and other properties, nevertheless it shows a distinctly lower pH sensitivity, a somewhat lower sensitivity to metabolic inhibitors, and a much higher stereo-specificity than the A system. Furthermore, part of the exodus of alanine shows a stereospecificity corresponding to the new system, suggesting that the new system operates more reversibly than the A system. Systems with similar properties and substrate specificities occur in the rabbit reticulocyte and the pigeon erythrocyte, in the absence of any system reactive with N-methylalanine or α-(methylamino)isobutyric acid. From these considerations, we conclude that the new system and the A system very probably operate independently and not as a single complex transport system. Both of the amino acids that serve to suppress the A system selectively, namely α-(methylamino)isobutyric acid and N-methyl-l-alanine, show peculiarly low Vmax values for uptake by the Ehrlich cell.
Translational Applications of Flow Cytometry in Clinical Practice

Flow cytometry has evolved over the past 30 y from a niche laboratory technique to a routine tool used by clinical pathologists and immunologists for diagnosis and monitoring of patients with cancer and immune deficiencies. Identification of novel patterns of expressed Ags has led to the recognition of cancers with unique pathophysiologies and treatment strategies. FACS had permitted the isolation of tumor-free populations of hematopoietic stem cells for cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. Adaptation of flow cytometry to the analysis of multiplex arrays of fluorescent beads that selectively capture proteins and specific DNA sequences has produced highly sensitive and rapid methods for high through-put analysis of cytokines, Abs, and HLA genotypes. Automated data analysis has contributed to the development of a "cytomics" field that integrates cellular physiology, genomics, and proteomics. In this article, we review the impact of the flow cytometer in these areas of medical practice.
Dual sepic PWM switching-mode DC/DC power converter

A steady-state analysis and experimental results for a dual sepic pulse-width-modulated (PWM) DC/DC power converter for both continuous and discontinuous modes of operation are presented. The converter is dual to a sepic converter, but it can also be derived from a forward converter by replacing one of its rectifier diodes with a coupling capacitor. The circuit acts as a step-down or step-up converter, depending on the value of the ON switch duty cycle. The transformerless version of the converter has a positive DC/DC voltage transfer function. Therefore, the circuit is suitable for distributed power systems. Design equations for all circuit components are derived. Experimental results measured at 100 kHz were in good agreement with theoretical predictions. >
Simulation results for new NSTX HHFW antenna straps design by using microwave studio

Experimental results have shown that the high harmonic fast wave (HHFW) at 30 MHz can provide substantial plasma heating and current drive for the NSTX spherical tokamak operation. However, the present antenna strap design rarely achieves the design goal of delivering the full transmitter capability of 6 MW to the plasma. In order to deliver more power to the plasma, a new antenna strap design and the associated coaxial line feeds are being constructed. This new antenna strap design features two feed-throughs to replace the old single feed-through design. In the design process, CST Microwave Studio has been used to simulate the entire new antenna strap structure including the enclosure and the Faraday shield. In this paper, the antenna strap model and the simulation results will be discussed in detail. The test results from the new antenna straps with their associated resonant loops will be presented as well.
Ischemic time: the new gold standard for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction care.

In this issue of the Journal , Francone et al. ([1][1]) report an analysis of the relationship between time from the onset of symptoms to reperfusion (ischemic time) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). These
Stimulus-Response Compatibility Viewed from a Cognitiv E Psychophysiological Perspective

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the stimulus-response compatibility viewed from a cognitive psychophysiological perspective. Reliable estimates of interhemispheric transmission time (IHTT) have only been produced using simple reaction time (RT) tasks. In these tasks, the subject makes an uncomplicated manual response to the half-field presentation of an unpatterned, salient stimulus that occurs on every trial, without exception. The duration of the stimulus must be sufficiently brief to minimize the likelihood of saccadic eye movements. Presentation of this imperative stimulus is usually preceded by a warning stimulus that is then followed by a central fixation stimulus. The duration of the fixation stimulus varies randomly from 1 to 3 s and allows the subject to prepare the response. Random fixation durations are used to ensure against lateral shifts in gaze timed to the onset of the target stimulus and to reduce the likelihood of anticipatory responses. A two-choice RT task designed to estimate IHTT requires the subject to discriminate between two stimuli, each of which signals a different response.
Broad-coverage CCG Semantic Parsing with AMR

We propose a grammar induction technique for AMR semantic parsing. While previous grammar induction techniques were designed to re-learn a new parser for each target application, the recently annotated AMR Bank provides a unique opportunity to induce a single model for understanding broad-coverage newswire text and support a wide range of applications. We present a new model that combines CCG parsing to recover compositional aspects of meaning and a factor graph to model non-compositional phenomena, such as anaphoric dependencies. Our approach achieves 66.2 Smatch F1 score on the AMR bank, significantly outperforming the previous state of the art.
Overview of Elliptic–Hyperbolic PDE

The variety and broad applicability of elliptic–hyperbolic equations are illustrated. Included are brief discussions of: the essentials and history of equation type; a “zoo” of elliptic–hyperbolic equations; systems of elliptic–hyperbolic equations; a quasilinear example having multiple sonic lines, with an application to a recent problem in geometry; the issue of local canonical forms, with particular reference to why one of the two canonical forms has much less regularity than the other.
On-Demand Targeting: Investigating Biology with Proximity-Directed Chemistry.

Proximity enhancement is a central chemical tenet underpinning an exciting suite of small-molecule toolsets that have allowed us to unravel many biological complexities. The leitmotif of this opus is “tethering”—a strategy in which a multifunctional small molecule serves as a template to bring proteins/biomolecules together. Scaffolding approaches have been powerfully applied to control diverse biological outcomes such as protein–protein association, protein stability, activity, and improve imaging capabilities. A new twist on this strategy has recently appeared, in which the small-molecule probe is engineered to unleash controlled amounts of reactive chemical signals within the microenvironment of a target protein. Modification of a specific target elicits a precisely timed and spatially controlled gain-of-function (or dominant loss-of-function) signaling response. Presented herein is a unique personal outlook conceptualizing the powerful proximity-enhanced chemical biology toolsets into two paradigms: “...
What Biomechanics Has to do With the Female Pelvic Floor — A Historical Perspective

Abstract Biomechanics is a branch of the field of bioengineering which applies engineering principles and the methods of mechanics to the studies of biological systems. In other words, by means of biomechanics we can investigate how physical forces interact with living systems. As its name implies, one of the central characteristics of biomechanics is that it is highly interdisciplinary. The diverse applications of biomechanics extend from the acquisition of new knowledge and understanding of biological systems through engineering sciences to the development of new clinically relevant technologies. To facilitate a shared interdisciplinary approach to current clinical and research questions in female pelvic medicine, a common language between biomechanical engineers and health care providers must be created.
E2f4 and E2f5 are essential for the development of the male reproductive system

The E2F transcription factors are primarily implicated in the regulation of entry and exit from the cell cycle. However, in vivo studies have established additional roles for E2Fs during organ development and homeostasis. With the goal of addressing the intestinal requirements of E2f4 and E2f5, we crossed mice carrying Vil-cre, E2f4 conditional and E2f5 germline alleles. E2f4 deletion had no detectable effect on intestinal development. However, E2f4f/f;E2f5+/-;Vil-cre males, but not E2f4f/f;Vil-cre littermates, were unexpectedly sterile. This defect was not due to defective spermatogenesis. Instead, the seminiferous tubules and rete testes showed significant dilation, and spermatozoa accumulated aberrantly in the rete testis and efferent ducts. Our data show that these problems result from defective efferent ducts, a tissue whose primary function is to concentrate sperm through fluid absorption. First, Vil-cre expression, and consequent E2F4 loss, was specific to the efferent ducts and not other reproductive tract tissues. Second, the E2f4f/f;E2f5+/-;Vil-cre efferent ducts had completely lost multiciliated cells and greatly reduced levels of critical absorptive cell proteins: aquaporin1, a water channel protein, and clusterin, an endocytic marker. Collectively, the observed testis phenotypes suggest a fluid flux defect. Remarkably, we observed rete testis dilation prior to the normal time of seminiferous fluid production, arguing that the efferent duct defects promote excessive secretory activity within the reproductive tract. Finally, we also detect key aspects of these testis defects in E2f5-/- mice. Thus, we conclude that E2f4 and E2f5 display overlapping roles in controlling the normal development of the male reproductive system.
Sodium acetate as a source of fixed base.

SummaryStudies in dogs and in man demonstrate that sodium acetate is an easily prepared and a rapidly available non-toxic source of fixed base suitable for parenteral administration when alkalinization is indicated.
Early- onset preeclampsia patients allergic C- reactive protein,D- dimer content change and clinical significance

Objective: To study the allergic C- reactive protein( hs- CRP),D- dimer( D- D) content changes in early- onset preeclampsia and its clinical significance. Methods: Select early- onset preeclampsia patients( early- onset preeclampsia group) and normal pregnancy late pregnant women( normal pregnant group),physical examination normal non pregnant women( pregnant group) each 50 cases,the determination hs- CRP,D- D levels. Results: The hs- CRP,D- D levels early- onset preeclampsia group,the group is higher than nonpregnant normal pregnancy group,the comparative differences statistically significant( P 0. 05), early- onset preeclampsia group is higher than normal pregnancy group,the comparative differences statistically significant( P 0. 05),hs- CRP,D- D levels significantly lower than the severe early- onset preeclampsia patients,comparing differences statistically significant( P 0. 05); the level of hs- CRP and D- D change between positive correlation( P 0. 05). Conclusion: The hs- CRP and D- D content of early- onset preeclampsia patients than normal third trimester pregnant women is higher,with the aggravation of change is more apparent,early- onset preeclampsia hs- CRP,D- D content changes may be associated with disease.
Simplifying motion and structure analysis using planar parallax and image warping

Robust 3D motion and structure computation and segmentation has been the subject of an enormous body of work in reconstructive vision. For linear approximations to perspective projection (weak/para perspective), and for the case of image velocities, elegant linear methods have been devised for robust estimation. For reconstruction under arbitrary view transformations, linear projective methods using point correspondences have been suggested. In this paper, the authors present a formulation for 3D motion and structure analysis using motion parallax defined with respect to an arbitrary plane in the environment. It is shown that if an image coordinate system is warped using plane projective transformation with respect to a reference view, the residual image motion is dependent only on the epipoles and has a simple relation to the 3D structure. The author's computational scheme avoids point/line correspondence and is based on hierarchical estimation and image warping working directly with spatio-temporal image intensities. Results on real images demonstrate how this analysis simplifies ego and multiple motion analysis, and stable scene-centered 3D reconstruction.
Ultrasound characterization of oxygen contrast agents produced during the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with catalase-loaded nanoparticles

We present a novel class of ultrasound (US) contrast agents, which enable de novo production of echogenic O 2 microbubbles (MBs) in vivo in regions with elevated hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). The agent is a 200 nm silica shell nanoparticle loaded with catalase (catSHEL) that catalyzes H 2 O 2 into water (H 2 O) and oxygen (O 2 ). Importantly, this reactive process produces O 2 MBs visible during US imaging. We have shown that this agent can detect elevated levels of H 2 O 2 in kidneys with acute kidney injury (AKI). The purpose of this in vitro study is to further characterize the US properties of these O 2 MBs. When exposed to US energy (mechanical index, MI = 0.07), a marked increase in the 2nd harmonic signal was recorded after the addition of H 2 O 2 when the catSHELs were suspended in 25% plasma + phosphate buffered saline (PBS) versus PBS alone (13.1 vs. 1.7 dB). This harmonic gain abated at higher plasma concentrations (6.0 dB at 100% plasma) and higher (MI = 0.10) and lower (MI = 0.03) US transmit powers (8.8 and 5.7 dB, respectively). The harmonic signal also increased with increasing surfactant concentration. Again, the response was greatest at moderate acoustic power. O 2 MBs produced in PBS alone were transient and relatively large, while those produced at increasing plasma and surfactant concentrations were smaller and longer lasting, suggesting that they are stabilized in plasma or surfactant. Overall, nonlinear US imaging may be suitable for the local visualization of O 2 MBs produced in response to AKI.
Bethesda Category III, IV, and V Thyroid Nodules: Can Nodule Size Help Predict Malignancy?

Background The association of tumor size with malignancy in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology (atypia of undetermined significance [AUS]/follicular lesion of undetermined significance [FLUS], suspicious for follicular neoplasm [SFN]/Hurthle cell neoplasm [HCN], and suspicious for malignancy [SM]) has not been clearly studied. Study Design We retrospectively identified 1,104, patients who underwent thyroid FNA and subsequent thyroidectomy. Patients with indeterminate cytology were reviewed. The size of the nodule was determined by ultrasound. Malignancy was confirmed by final histology. Logistic regression modeling was performed to determine if nodule size was associated with malignancy. Results There were 461 (42%) patients who had indeterminate cytology by FNA. The median nodule size of all indeterminate lesions was 2.1 cm (range 0.5 to 10 cm). The median nodule size for AUS/FLUS was 2.1 cm (range 0.7 to 8 cm), for SFN was 2.4 cm (range 0.5 to 10 cm), for HCN was 2.2 cm (range 0.5 to 9.3 cm), and for SM was 1.6 cm (range 0.5 to 6 cm). On final histology, 121 (28%) index lesions were malignant (AUS 23%; FLUS 14%; SFN 22%; HCN 25%; SM 69%). On logistic regression, nodule size was not associated with increased odds of malignancy in all lesions with indeterminate cytology (odds ratio [OR] 0.83; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.00; p = 0.051). Nodule size was not associated with malignancy in the index nodule of AUS/FLUS, SFN, or SM lesions. Increased nodule size was associated with malignancy in HCN lesions (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.16 to 4.04; p = 0.01). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that larger HCN nodules are more likely to be malignant. Nodule size alone was not predictive of malignancy in patients with AUS/FLUS, SFN, or SM. Clinical picture, institution-specific malignancy rates, and molecular testing continue to be important factors guiding treatment.
Evidence and the Responsibilities of School Leadership in a Post-Fact Era

AbstractReacting to what he defines as an apparent disregard for nonpartisan research-based practices to make school reform decisions, the author proposes roles and responsibilities for school leadership at the local level and beyond in an effort to strategically coordinate a fact-based research approach to school reform.
Transferability of bioassessment indices among water body types and ecoregions: A California experiment in wetland assessment

Abstract Biological assessment of aquatic resources requires the availability of bioassessment tools that work in all waterbody types and regions of interest. Developing new assessment tools may require several years of data collection and substantial investment of resources, which may not be an option for some aquatic resource managers. Adapting tools developed for different regions or wetland types may be an attractive alternative to developing new indices, provided they work well in the novel setting. In this study, we explore the transferability of two bioassessment indices for application to depressional wetlands in California, which are wetland type of management concern but for which bioassessment tools don’t currently exist. We tested the applicability of a depressional wetland invertebrate index of biotic integrity (IBI) developed in the San Francisco Bay region of northern California for application in the drier regions of southern California (i.e. geographic transferability), and the ability to apply a riverine benthic diatom IBI to benthic diatoms in depressional wetlands (i.e. water body type transferability). We evaluated the accuracy and responsiveness of the existing Indices for use in depressional wetlands and refined reference definitions and recalibrated thresholds relative to stressor gradients to maximize index performance. Performance of the adapted indices was compared to that of an existing habitat assessment tool (the California Rapid Assessment Method; CRAM) that has been developed for statewide application of depressional wetlands. Finally, we demonstrate application of the revised indices for ambient assessment of depressional wetland condition in southern California. Recalibrating both the macroinvertebrate and diatom indices to reference thresholds based on nutrient concentrations resulted in lower coefficient of variation among reference sites, greater differentiation between reference and non-reference and stronger relationship with stressors than when reference thresholds were based on landscape disturbance. Overall, the simple adjustment of the reference definition allowed us to transfer the indices with no structural changes to the metrics. This approach can facilitate future index adaptations that allow practitioners to include waterbody types for which there is no current index into routine biomonitoring programs.
Intercalation of ion implanted graphite

An enhancement of intercalation by ion implantation has been observed. It is shown that by seeding the graphite sample with 23Na ions through ion implantation, subsequent intercalation with sodium using conventional techniques reaches a higher sodium concentration than for an unimplanted sample. This enhancement has been also achieved by ion implantation of argon (40 Ar) which is a chemically inert gas, implying that this enhanced intercalation of sodium into graphite is due to implantation-induced structural disorder rather than a chemical effect associated with the implanted species.
Narrating Space/Spatializing Narrative: Where Narrative Theory and Geography Meet

In Narrating Space/Spatializing Narrative: Where Narrative Theory and Geography Meet, electronic media scholar, Marie-Laure Ryan and geographers Kenneth Foote and Maoz Azaryahu argue that space per...
The Importance of Haptics in Generating Exoskeleton Gait Trajectory Using Alternate Motor Inputs

Human gait requires both haptic and visual feedback to generate and control rhythmic movements, and navigate environmental obstacles. Current lower extremity wearable exoskeletons that restore gait to individuals with paraplegia due to spinal cord injury rely completely on visual feedback to generate limited pre-programmed gait variations, and generally provide little control by the user over the gait cycle. As an alternative to this limitation, we propose user control of gait in real time using healthy upper extremities. This paper evaluates the feedback conditions required for the hands to generate complex rhythmic trajectories that resemble gait trajectories. This paper involved 18 subjects who performed a virtual locomotor task, where contralateral hand movements were mapped to control virtual feet in three feedback conditions: haptic only, visual only, and haptic and visual. The results indicate that haptic feedback in addition to visual feedback is required to produce rhythmic hand trajectories similar to gait trajectories.
A new MODTRAN-based thermal model for accelerating PLUME TRACKER volcanic emission analysis

Plume Tracker (PT), formerly MAP_SO2, is robust, extensively validated, analyst driven software for retrieving gaseous emissions from volcanic releases. While Plume Tracker provides very accurate results, analyzing multispectral imagery typically takes several days of analyst time. The major bottleneck in the PT processing is the relatively slow but accurate FORTRAN-based MODTRAN gas plume and atmospheric radiative transfer (RT) model. This paper describes physics/algorithm based approaches to accelerate the Thermal Infrared (TIR) data analysis of PT analysis by in excess of 100-fold. In particular, we demonstrate that thermal radiance predictions for varying spectral emissivities and surface temperature can be determined from a single MODTRAN run.
On the Possibility of Deuteron Disintegration in Electrochemically Compressed D+ in a Palladium Cathode

The possibility of deuteron disintegration due to polarization in the coulomb field of a target nucleus according to an Oppenheimer-Phillips process is discussed within the context of electrochemically compressed D/sup +/ in a palladium cathode. This reaction is possible between deuterons and palladium isotopes, as well as between the deuterons themselves. In the last case, the equivalent of the proton branch of the deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction occurs in preference to the neutron branch. The process provides a possible explanation for the observed energy release, tritium production, and neutron suppression in the Fleischmann and Pons experiment. If such a process can be experimentally verified, analogous processes leading to the disintegration of the /sup 9/Be nucleus may be achievable.
Manganese-catalysed benzylic C(sp 3)-H amination for late-stage functionalization

Reactions that directly install nitrogen into C-H bonds of complex molecules are significant because of their potential to change the chemical and biological properties of a given compound. Although selective intramolecular C-H amination reactions are known, achieving high levels of reactivity while maintaining excellent site selectivity and functional-group tolerance remains a challenge for intermolecular C-H amination. Here, we report a manganese perchlorophthalocyanine catalyst [MnIII(ClPc)] for intermolecular benzylic C-H amination of bioactive molecules and natural products that proceeds with unprecedented levels of reactivity and site selectivity. In the presence of a Bronsted or Lewis acid, the [MnIII(ClPc)]-catalysed C-H amination demonstrates unique tolerance for tertiary amine, pyridine and benzimidazole functionalities. Mechanistic studies suggest that C-H amination likely proceeds through an electrophilic metallonitrene intermediate via a stepwise pathway where C-H cleavage is the rate-determining step of the reaction. Collectively, these mechanistic features contrast with previous base-metal-catalysed C-H aminations and provide new opportunities for tunable selectivities.
Original Interpretative Principles as the Core of Originalism

This brief essay, written as part of a symposium on Jack Balkin's article on Abortion and Original Meaning, critiques Professor Balkin's conception of originalism. We argue that Balkin presents a false dichotomy - either embrace abstract principles whose meaning is almost infinitely malleable or confine the Constitution to the applications the Framers imagined. We believe there is middle way that is also a better way. In our view, the Constitution's original meaning is informed by, but not exhausted by, its original expected applications. In particular, the expected applications can be strong evidence of the original meaning. In this brief reply essay, we first argue that Balkin lacks a strong justification for following originalism of any kind. We also show that the best justification for originalism - that originalist interpretation is most likely to lead to good consequences - suggests that one should follow the principles of interpretation that a reasonable person at the time of the framing and ratification thought would be applied to the Constitution. Second, we briefly address the role of precedent in constitutional originalism. While Balkin suggests that reliance on precedent is a problematic move for originalists, we argue that the original meaning of the Constitution allows for the use of precedent. Finally, we show that a reasonable person at the time of the Framing was more likely to have embraced interpretative principles that considered expected applications than Balkin's abstract originalist principles. People at the time of the enactment of the Constitution would have been unlikely to eschew expected applications because such applications can be extremely helpful in discerning the meaning of words. Risk averse citizens would be unlikely to adopt interpretative principles of the kind Balkin advocates, because such principles do not protect the nation against the effects of social movements that pursue undesirable policies.
Automated index generation for constructing large-scale conversational hypermedia systems

At the Institute for the Learning Sciences we have been developing large scale hypermedia systems, called ASK systems, that are designed to simulate aspects of conversations with experts. They provide access to manually indexed, multimedia databases of story units. We are particularly concerned with finding a practical solution to the problem of finding indices for thes units when the database grows too large for manual techniques. Our solution is to provide automated assistance that proposes relative links between units, eliminating the need for manual unit-to-unit comparison. In this paper we describe eight classes of links, and show a representation and inference procedure to assist in locating instances of each.
Molecular diagnostics of soft tissue tumors.

Abstract Context.—Soft tissue pathology encompasses a remarkably diverse assortment of benign and malignant soft tissue tumors. Rendering a definitive diagnosis is complicated not only by the large volume of existing histologic subtypes (>100) but also frequently by the presence of overlapping clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical, and/or radiographic features. During the past 3 decades, mesenchymal tumor–specific, cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities have demonstrated an increasingly important, ancillary role in mesenchymal tumor diagnostics. Objectives.—To review molecular diagnostic tools available to the pathologist to further classify specific soft tissue tumor types and recurrent aberrations frequently examined. Advantages and limitations of individual approaches will also be highlighted. Data Sources.—Previously published review articles, peer-reviewed research publications, and the extensive cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic experience of the authors to include case files of The ...
medPing: using data structures with embedded medical devices: poster session

The future of monitoring our health is about to radically change. Embedded devices providing real-time monitoring of one's health (e.g., blood pressure, glucose level, heart rate, DNA mutation) are an active area of current research and development and will be increasingly commonplace. Today, individuals with diabetes wearing a particular glucose meter who drive a Lincoln sedan can have their meter warn the driver of a negative slope in glucose levels, thereby warning the driver in real time of a potential blood sugar "low" while driving [3]. This poster presents an example that exposes students in their initial year to a set of lab and programming assignments featuring these state-of-the-art changes in medicine in order to motivate them to participate in the exciting innovations occurring in the boundary of medicine and software.
Wavefront solutions of degenerate quasilinear reaction–diffusion systems with mixed quasi-monotonicity

Abstract This paper is concerned with the existence of wavefront solutions to a system of degenerate quasilinear reaction–diffusion equations of mixed quasi-monotone properties in the form ∂ u i ∕ ∂ t = ∇ ⋅ D i u i ∇ u i + f i u − ∞ x ∞ , t > 0 for i = 1 , … , n . The important features of this system are that some of the diffusion coefficients D i u i are density dependent and may vanish at certain value of u i , and that each function f i is quasi-monotone increasing for some components of u = u 1 , … , u n and decreasing for other components of u . Such systems model reaction–diffusion processes with density driven diffusion mechanism. Under certain general conditions we prove the existence of a traveling wave solution that is between a pair of coupled upper and lower solutions. A predator–prey model with nonlinear diffusion is used as an illustration of application. The presence of wavefront solutions flowing toward the coexistence states is established by constructing appropriate upper and lower solutions.
Microencapsulation Process Factors Which Influence the Sphericity of 1 mm o.d. Poly(α-Methylstyrene) Shells for ICF

We have identified three process variables which determine the sphericity of polymer shells made by dual orifice microencapsulation. 1) The density mismatch between the outer aqueous solution and t...
Exaggerated estrous swellings and male mate choice in primates: testing the reliable indicator hypothesis in the Amboseli baboons.

The paradigm of competitive males vying to influence female mate choice has been repeatedly upheld, but, increasingly, studies also report competitive females and choosy males. One female trait that is commonly proposed to influence male mate choice is the exaggerated estrous swelling displayed by females of many Old World primate species. The reliable indicator hypothesis posits that females use the exaggerated swellings to compete for access to mates by advertising variation in female fitness. We tested the two main predictions of this hypothesis in a wild population of baboons (Papio cynocephalus). First, we examined the effect of swelling size on the probability of mate-guarding ('consortship') by the highest-ranking male and the behavior of those males that trailed consorshipts ('follower males'). Second, we asked whether a female's swelling size predicted several fitness measures. We found that high-ranking males do not prefer females with larger swellings (when controlling for cycle number and conception) and that females with larger swellings did not have higher reproductive success. In doing so, we have tested and rejected the reliable indicator hypothesis for the function of exaggerated swellings in cercopithecine primates. Furthermore, we found unambiguous evidence that males biased their mating decisions in favor of females who had experienced more sexual cycles since their most recent pregnancy. Thus, rather than tracking the potential differences in fitness between females, male baboons appear to track and target the potential for a given reproductive opportunity to result in fertilization.
Coping with Severe Mental Illness: Relations of the Brief COPE with Symptoms, Functioning, and Well-Being

The way patients cope with the experience of having an episode and being hospitalized for psychiatric disorder may relate to symptom severity, social functioning, and psychological well-being. Coping was assessed among 70 psychiatric inpatients diagnosed primarily with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. The Brief COPE—a questionnaire developed in health psychology (C. S. Carver, 1997)—was administered in interviewer-assisted format during patients' stay on the ward. Thirty patients were re-interviewed an average of 6 weeks after discharge. Among patients with schizophrenia, schizophrenia symptom severity correlated inversely with adaptive coping (e.g., acceptance, planning, seeking support) but did not correlate with maladaptive coping (e.g., self-blame, denial). Among those with schizophrenia, deficits in adaptive coping also predicted relative increases in schizophrenia symptoms over time, controlling for intake symptom severity. Among patients without schizophrenia, maladaptive coping correlated concurrently with depressive symptoms. Several hypothesized associations between concurrent coping, functioning, and well-being were also documented.
Autonomous UAV Sensor Planning, Scheduling and Maneuvering: An Obstacle Engagement Technique

An uninhabited aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with an electro-optical payload is tasked to collect over a set of discrete regions of interest. By considering the discrete regions to be obstacles that must be engaged, rather than avoided, a new mathematical technique emerges. To frame the anti-obstacle-avoidance problem, we use Kronecker indicator functions to localize the totality of constraints associated with the discrete regions. A rich class of payoff functionals can be defined using nonsmooth constructs. We show that the integrated sensor planning, scheduling and UAV maneuvering problem can be framed under a single unified mathematical framework. The price for this unification is nonsmooth calculus. The practical viability of the new problem formulation is demonstrated by solving a sample problem using DIDO© - a guess-free, advanced MATLAB® optimal control toolbox for solving dynamic optimization problems.
DNA Computing A Survey

Researchers work on computationally intensive problems like Hamiltonian path and Traveling Salesman problem thrived the need of DNA Computing. DNA computing is a secure and efficient way to solve computationally intensive problems. [1] Now a days it is a significant area of research and technology. DNA encodes within itself huge information in a secure and efficient way hence providing a unique, robust and error free technology to the world to save any type of data. This paper discusses was specific computationally intensive problems that can be solved using DNA computing and also indicates the main and basic algorithms which are used to define the DNA computing area. [2]
Utilization of Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention for Infection After Total Joint Arthroplasty Over a Decade in the United States

Abstract Background Reported clinical outcomes have varied for debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) and little is known regarding trends in utilization. We sought to evaluate the rate of DAIR utilization for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) over a decade and clinical factors associated with these trends. Methods A retrospective study of primary TKAs and THAs was performed using Medicare data from 2005 to 2014 using the PearlDiver database platform. Current Procedural Technology and International Classification of Diseases Ninth Edition codes identified patients who underwent a surgical revision for PJI, whether revision was a DAIR, as well as associated clinical factors including timing from index arthroplasty. Results The proportion of revision TKAs and THAs performed using DAIR was 27% and 12% across all years, respectively. This proportion varied by year for TKAs and THAs with a linear trend toward increasing relative use of DAIR estimated at 1.4% and 0.9% per year (P 85 years (P = .04). Conclusion The proportion of revision arthroplasty cases for PJI managed with DAIR has been increasing over time in the United States, with the most substantial increase seen 85 years and in those with a very low ECI score.