cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Trump's Campaign Speeches Show About His Lasting Appeal to the White Working Class

The enduring loyalty of many U.S. white working class voters toward President Trump has puzzled many political pundits. A Quinnipiac University Poll suggests that as of October 11, 55% of white people without college degrees approved of Trump’s handling of his job, compared to 38% in the total population. The approval rate from the white working class has held steady throughout his first year in office (it was 52% the week after his inauguration). At the same time, his overall disapproval rating among all voters has risen from 44% to 56%.
Ultrasonic Vocalizations Capture Opposing Affective States During Drug Self-Administration: Revisiting the Opponent-Process Model of Addiction

Abstract Illicit drug use remains a pervasive problem despite decades of research documenting its harmful effects. This chapter discusses how positive and negative drives work together to escalate the transition to addiction. We detail the invaluable contributions of animal models that have improved the ways in which we think about and treat addiction. We discuss how rat ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) provide a powerful analog to self-reports given by addicts. We review the conceptual framework of the opponent-process model of addiction and discuss how USVs provide new insight as to the time points when positive and negative affective states manifest throughout addiction. We review evidence that links drug-evoked USVs to specific neuronal structures, transmitter systems and circuits. We conclude by discussing the value of utilizing noninvasive and ethologically relevant USVs in studying substance use disorders as well as how the amassed data provide new insight into relationships between affect and addiction.
From Anarchy to Civil War: The Escalation of Violence in Iraq, 2003-2006

Civil wars are often the product of low-level political violence that escalates, rather than emerging ex nihilo from a peaceful society. Therefore, it is important to focus on what causes the initi...
Towards a unified perspective of object shape and motion processing in human dorsal cortex

Although object-related areas were discovered in human parietal cortex a decade ago, surprisingly little is known about the nature and purpose of these representations, and how they differ from those in the ventral processing stream. In this article, we review evidence for the unique contribution of object areas of dorsal cortex to three-dimensional (3-D) shape representation, the localization of objects in space, and in guiding reaching and grasping actions. We also highlight the role of dorsal cortex in form-motion interaction and spatiotemporal integration, possible functional relationships between 3-D shape and motion processing, and how these processes operate together in the service of supporting goal-directed actions with objects. Fundamental differences between the nature of object representations in the dorsal versus ventral processing streams are considered, with an emphasis on how and why dorsal cortex supports veridical (rather than invariant) representations of objects to guide goal-directed hand actions in dynamic visual environments.
On the Question of the Total Energy in the Fermi-Löwdin Orbital Self-Interaction Correction Method.

The Fermi–Lowdin orbital self-interaction correction (FLOSIC) formalism is a novel method for implementing the Perdew–Zunger self-interaction correction (PZ-SIC) in density functional theory calculations. In this paper we consider how the use of Fermi orbitals affects total energies and other calculated properties compared to a standard approach to PZ-SIC that utilizes the localization equation conditions. We directly compare the results of the two methods using identical basis sets and numerical techniques in calculations for isolated atoms up to Kr and for a large test set of molecules. We find differences in total energies that increase with increasing atomic number and show that these differences can be traced to a less negative SIC correction for the 1s orbital in FLOSIC. Importantly, energies for highest occupied orbitals and molecular atomization energies are nearly identical in the two methods.
Temporal Requirement for Pulmonary Resident and Circulating T Cells during Virulent Francisella tularensis Infection.

The lung is a complex organ with anatomically distinct pools of T cells that play specific roles in combating infection. Our knowledge regarding the generation and/or maintenance of immunity by parenchymal or circulating T cells has been gathered from either persistent (>60 d) or rapidly cleared ( Francisella tularensis subspecies tularensis (Ftt) following pulmonary infection of immune animals is a protracted T cell–dependent process requiring ∼30–40 d and serves as a model for infections that are not acutely controlled. Using this model, we found that intranasal vaccination increased the number of tissue-resident CD4 + effector T cells, and subsequent challenge of immune mice with Ftt led to a significant expansion of polyfunctional parenchymal CD4 + effector T cells compared with the circulating pool. Despite the dominant in vivo response by parenchymal CD4 + T cells after vaccination and challenge, circulating CD4 + T cells were superior at controlling intracellular Ftt replication in vitro. Further examination in vivo revealed temporal requirements for resident and circulating T cells during Ftt infection. These requirements were in direct contrast to other pulmonary infections that are cleared rapidly in immune animals. The data in this study provide important insights into the role of specific T cell populations that will be essential for the design of novel effective vaccines against tularemia and potentially other agents of pulmonary infection.
Hypospadias repair using laser welding of ventral skin flap in rabbits: comparison with sutured repair.

AbstractWe tested the feasibility of laser welding in hypospadias repair. A total of 30 New Zealand white rabbits (2 groups of 15) underwent creation of distal hypospadias. In the control group ventrally placed skin flaps were created and sutured to the urethra. In the experimental group the ventrally placed skin flaps were welded to the urethra using a continuous wave diode laser (808 plus or minus 1nm., 6.25 watts per cm.2). The welded anastomoses were strengthened by applying a solder of fibrinogen combined with a laser energy-absorbing dye. No stents were left indwelling. Operative time using laser welding was considerably less than that with sutured repair. No fistulas were seen in the welded urethras, and no significant foreign body reaction was identified in the laser welded repairs.Hypospadias repair in the rabbit using the laser welding technique seems to be a feasible alternative to suture repair. Topical energy-absorbing dyes that enhance thermosetting solders further increase weld strength whi...
An objection of varying importance to epistemic utility theory

Some propositions are more epistemically important than others. Further, how important a proposition is is often a contingent matter—some propositions count more in some worlds than in others. Epistemic Utility Theory cannot accommodate this fact, at least not in any standard way. For EUT to be successful, legitimate measures of epistemic utility must be proper, i.e., every probability function must assign itself maximum expected utility. Once we vary the importance of propositions across worlds, however, normal measures of epistemic utility become improper. I argue there isn’t any good way out for EUT.
Dysregulation of Nrf2/Keap1 Redox Pathway in Diabetes Affects Multipotency of Stromal Cells

The molecular and cellular level reaches of the metabolic dysregulations that characterize diabetes are yet to be fully discovered. As mechanisms underlying management of reactive oxygen species (ROS) gain interest as crucial factors in cell integrity, questions arise about the role of redox cues in the regulation and maintenance of bone marrow-derived multipotent stromal cells (BMSCs) that contribute to wound healing, particularly in diabetes. Through comparison of BMSCs from wild-type and diabetic mice, with a known redox and metabolic disorder, we found that the cytoprotective nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein 1 (Keap1) pathway is dysregulated and functionally insufficient in diabetic BMSCs (dBMSCs). Nrf2 is basally active, but in chronic ROS, we found irregular inhibition of Nrf2 by Keap1, altered metabolism, and limited BMSC multipotency. Forced upregulation of Nrf2-directed transcription, through knockdown of Keap1, restores redox homeostasis. Normalized Nrf2/Keap1 signaling restores multipotent cell properties in dBMSCs through Sox2 expression. These restored BMSCs can resume their role in regenerative tissue repair and promote healing of diabetic wounds. Knowledge of diabetes and hyperglycemia-induced deficits in BMSC regulation, and strategies to reverse them, offers translational promise. Our study establishes Nrf2/Keap1 as a cytoprotective pathway, as well as a metabolic rheostat, that affects cell maintenance and differentiation switches in BMSCs.
Clinical Trials of Retinal Cell Therapy

Retinal stem cell therapy is under investigation in several registered phase I/II clinical trials as a potential means to preserve or restore vision in various retinal degenerative conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and Stargardt macular dystrophy. The therapeutic cellular substrates include retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Other trials involve the subretinal or intravitreal transplantation of allogeneic cells such as umbilical stem cells and fetal-derived retinal progenitor cells. Delivery methods include cell suspension transplantation or cellular sheet transplantation in which synthetic scaffolds are used to support the cell patch as a preformed monolayer. Overall, encouraging safety data indicate the absence of significant adverse effects related to the cells or scaffolds; however, several safety concerns have arisen from the surgical procedure(s) used for stem cell delivery. Additionally, severe complications have arisen following the delivery of unregulated direct-to-consumer products, and there has been a call for greater regulatory oversight to protect patients. Retinal stem cell therapy holds great promise as a treatment for patients with retinal degenerative diseases. Further development of the various approaches is warranted.
Tensile performance evaluation of joint adhesive for asphalt pavements

Abstract Deterioration of asphalt pavement joints is one of the most commonly observed distresses on Army airfield pavements. Joint opening or cracking is typically caused by low density, temperature cycling, and associated thermal expansion and contraction of the asphalt pavements and is often seen around the perimeter of hot mix asphalt patching and along longitudinal paving joints. An improvement in joint performance has the potential for significant maintenance cost savings to the Army. The objective of this effort was to perform a literature review of current specifications and available field evaluation studies and to conduct laboratory testing of currently available joint adhesive products in tensile mode to observe ultimate load and elongation characteristics at a variety of test temperatures. Review of limited highway evaluations indicated that, based on visual inspection, joint adhesives have shown improvement in long-term performance. Based on statistical analysis of the laboratory data, performance of joint adhesive products was found to be statistically different than that of standard tack coat. Laboratory results suggested that, based on observed elongation, joint adhesives could provide an improvement in asphalt joint behavior compared to current practice in airfield pavement construction.
Does viral load alter behavior of the bee parasite Varroa destructor

The invasive mite Varroa destructor has negatively impacted global apiculture, by being a vector for many viruses of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Until now, most studies have been limited to varroa-honey bee or virus-honey bee interactions. The aim of this study is to bridge the important research gap of varroa-virus interactions by correlating varroa behavior with viral load. Ten-minute video recordings of 200 varroa mites were analyzed, and average speeds of the mites were compared to individual qPCR viral loads for deformed wing virus (DWV) and sacbrood virus (SBV). Statistically significant models reveal that colony, DWV, and SBV all might play a role in mite behavior, suggesting that the varroa-virus interaction needs to be an integral part of future studies on honey bee pathogens.
Analysis of recent data on the parton distribution functions for polarized protons

Recent SLAC results on inclusive scattering of polarized electrons from polarized protons are compared to theoretical models for the distribution of partons in a polarized proton. It is shown that various models, including one proposed earlier by the authors, are in generally good agreement with the data.
Abstract P159: Reversing Ocular Hypertension and Blindness by Hydrogen Sulfide

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with glaucoma, sphincter-muscle atrophy and retinal artery/vein occlusion, mechanisms are unclear. Results show HHcy as a hallmark of epigenetic dysfunctio...
Design of a High-Gain, Wideband, Circularly Polarized Slot Antenna

A wideband microstrip patch antenna with a hexagonal wide-slot is proposed for circular polarization. In simulation, the achieved operational -10-dB impedance bandwidth is between 1.49 GHz and 3.75 GHz (86%) and 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth is between 2.05 GHz and 3.10 GHz (41%). The 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth is fully included in the -10-dB impedance bandwidth. The realized gain in average of the antenna is 7.5 dBic in the common bandwidth between the -10-dB impedance bandwidth and 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth. The total volume of the antenna is 0.35λ×0.35λ×0.19λ and the electrical size is a kr of 1.31.
Marriage at the Crossroads: Fragile Families

This chapter from a forthcoming book brings together data from a series of empirical studies that ask a sample of American citizens about the legal obligations intimate partners should have to one another, when their relationship ends. (Ellman, Braver, & MacCoun 2009; Ellman, Braver, & MacCoun 2012; Ellman & Braver 2011; Ellman & Braver 2012). In particular, it draws together findings on the impact that a couple's marital status has on our respondents' views. In addition, this chapter reports for the first time on findings from another study in this same series that examined respondent views about the impact a couple's marital status should have on the allocation of their property at the termination of their relationship.These data reveal that while Americans certainly give marriage weight in thinking about obligations between adult partners, they do not give it the overarching weight it often receives in American law. They do care about marital status, but they care more about financial inequality and about children. They view marriage as a relevant factor but not as a qualifying condition, and believe intimate partners can acquire legal obligations to one another without marriage as well as from marriage.
Building quantum wires

As quantum computing moves closer to reality the need for basic architectural studies becomes more pressing. Quantum wires, which transport quantum data, will be a fundamental component in all anti...
Explicit representation of protein activity states significantly improves causal discovery of protein phosphorylation networks

Protein phosphorylation networks play an important role in cell signaling. In these networks, phosphorylation of a protein kinase usually leads to its activation, which in turn will phosphorylate its downstream target proteins. A phosphorylation network is essentially a causal network, which can be learned by causal inference algorithms. Prior efforts have applied such algorithms to data measuring protein phosphorylation levels, assuming that the phosphorylation levels represent protein activity states. However, the phosphorylation status of a kinase does not always reflect its activity state, because interventions such as inhibitors or mutations can directly affect its activity state without changing its phosphorylation status. Thus, when cellular systems are subjected to extensive perturbations, the statistical relationships between phosphorylation states of proteins may be disrupted, making it difficult to reconstruct the true protein phosphorylation network. Here, we describe a novel framework to address this challenge. We have developed a causal discovery framework that explicitly represents the activity state of each protein kinase as an unmeasured variable and developed a novel algorithm called “InferA” to infer the protein activity states, which allows us to incorporate the protein phosphorylation level, pharmacological interventions and prior knowledge. We applied our framework to simulated datasets and to a real-world dataset. The simulation experiments demonstrated that explicit representation of activity states of protein kinases allows one to effectively represent the impact of interventions and thus enabled our framework to accurately recover the ground-truth causal network. Results from the real-world dataset showed that the explicit representation of protein activity states allowed an effective and data-driven integration of the prior knowledge by InferA, which further leads to the recovery of a phosphorylation network that is more consistent with experiment results. Explicit representation of the protein activity states by our novel framework significantly enhances causal discovery of protein phosphorylation networks.
Geological carbon sequestration: Modeling mafic rock carbonation using point-source flue gases

Abstract Basaltic rocks are being considered as a key host for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. This is a function of their global distribution and relative reactivity, resulting in CO2 mineralization. However, the reactivity of mafic minerals allows for reaction and sequestration of other gases associated with point source emissions. Though many mechanisms exist to separate CO2 from flue gas, these can be costly system additions for existing point source emitters. In this study, we model the effect of adding minor amounts of SO2 to CO2 during ex-situ mineral carbonation of basalt samples from Nevada, USA. We compare reaction path geochemical models at temperatures between 0° and 200 °C and at three different SO2 concentrations. Results from these models are compared to published data evaluating the interaction of these samples with CO2 only. The models have carbon trapped in four minerals (magnesite, siderite, dolomite, and dawsonite). Sulfur is sequestered as one sulfide (pyrite) and up to four sulfates (alunite, anhydrite, gypsum, and thenardite). With added SO2, between 43–161 grams of carbon are trapped per kg rock reacted. These models show -25 % to +18 % change in carbon sequestration, though decreases are more prevalent with increasing SO2. One major issue with adding SO2 as a reactant is pyrite precipitation, which may result in acid rock drainage from the reaction product. However, adding NO2 as a reactant inhibits pyrite formation by increasing oxygen fugacity. Ultimately, these methods can be used as an initial, inexpensive screening tool when evaluating between potential mafic rock carbonation projects.
An evaluation of an interprofessional simulation training session on end-of-life-care conversations in the intensive care unit

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of a simulation training program on interprofessional learners' confidence and self-efficacy in conducting family meetings focused on end-of-life care in an intensive care unit. Medical residents, nursing students, social work students, and spiritual care residents participated in a simulation training that involved the use of prework modules, scenarios with trained actors, and debriefing sessions. Pretest and posttest questionnaires measured changes in confidence and self-efficacy before and after the training, and open-ended questionnaire items gave insight into the program overall. Results indicated improvements in both confidence and self-efficacy for learners, and recommendations are given for future directions of the program and for future evaluations.
Discordant Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Code Status at Death

Abstract Context One fundamental way to honor patient autonomy is to establish and enact their wishes for end-of-life care. Limited research exists regarding adherence with code status. Objectives This study aimed to characterize cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts discordant with documented code status at the time of death in the U.S. and to elucidate potential contributing factors. Methods The Cerner Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) outcomes database, which includes 237 U.S. hospitals that collect manually abstracted data from all critical care patients, was queried for adults admitted to intensive care units with a documented code status at the time of death from January 2008 to December 2016. The primary outcome was discordant CPR at death. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify patient-level and hospital-level associated factors after adjustment for age, hospital, and illness severity (APACHE III score). Results A total of 21,537 patients from 56 hospitals were included. Of patients with a do-not-resuscitate code status, 149 (0.8%) received CPR at death, and associated factors included black race, higher APACHE III score, or treatment in small or nonteaching hospitals. Of patients with a full code status, 203 (9.0%) did not receive CPR at death, and associated factors included higher APACHE III score, primary neurologic or trauma diagnosis, or admission in a more recent year. Conclusion At the time of death, 1.6% of patients received or did not undergo CPR in a manner discordant with their documented code statuses. Race and institutional factors were associated with discordant resuscitation, and addressing these disparities may promote concordant end-of-life care in all patients.
Key Enabling Technologies for the Post-5G Era: Fully Adaptive, All-Spectra Coordinated Radio Access Network with Function Decoupling

With the rapidly growing bandwidth demand for wireless applications, new system technologies related to post-5G are emerging. In this article, an all-spectra fully adaptive and coordinated radio access network (RAN) is reported and discussed. By employing a fiber-wireless integration and networking architecture, all data-carrying channels could be aggregated in the same fiber access infrastructure. This enables a coordinated RAN with function decoupling, in which lower RF, 5G New Radio (NR), sub-THz, and even lightwave are employed; also, different types of services are delivered depending on their physical layer properties. Promising scenarios are discussed, such as integrated access of wireless NR-free space optical (FSO) backhauling and indoor systems via visible light communication (VLC) and efficient NR beamforming aided by VLC positioning system. The former use case can enhance the network throughput and reliability. This is because both FSO and NR can support high channel capacity due to their abundant bandwidth. Meanwhile, with the advancement of novel DSP techniques, the stability of the NR-FSO link under diverse weather turbulences or suffering from burst mode interference can be enhanced. The latter scenario provides an alternative solution for high-speed data link and a simplified beam management via the VLC-aided positioning system. VLC can concurrently provide ubiquitous indoor illumination, data transmission, and positioning. With the help of artificial intelligence algorithms, a VLC-based precision positioning system can provide a location accuracy of less than 1 cm, and it is able to meet the narrow beam size of the NR beamformer in a 3D model. Therefore, it is foreseeable that an all-spectra function decoupled RAN can serve as a unified network platform to support all wireless applications while optimizing system throughput, channel condition, network coverage, and software/ hardware complexity for post-5G mobile data networks.
Toward safer opioid prescribing: effects of the TOWER intervention on HIV care providers.

Rates of opioid use disorder and associated deaths remain alarmingly high. Measures to address the epidemic have included reductions in opioid prescribing, in part guided by the Centers for Disease...
First Tunisian Cluster Admissions of Critically Ill Patients with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a new emerging severe disease that is temporally related to previous exposure to coronavirus infection disease (COVID-19) Aim: To describe the clinical features, laboratory findings, therapies, and outcomes for the first Tunisian cluster admissions of critically ill children with severe MIS-C Methods: Retrospective study conducted from November 01 to November 30, 2020According to the WHO definition case, we included eight children aged less than 15 years who were admitted to our pediatric intensive care and met MIS-C criteria We reviewed all patients' medical records to collect demographic and clinical data, severity scores, laboratory test results, echocardiographic findings, treatment, and outcomes Results: The median age was 8 years (IQR: 4-10years) All children were previously fit and well Seven patients were boys Known exposure to COVID-19 was reported in 4 cases Fever and gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in all cases Five patients had marked abdominal pain and were examined by the surgeon for possible appendicitis Seven patients had diarrhea On examination, we found rash (n=7), conjunctivitis (n=7), cheilitis (n=5), and meningism (n=3) We reported cardiac dysfunction in 7 cases and shock with hypotension in 3 cases All patients received immunoglobulins, methylprednisolone, and a low dose of aspirin No deaths occurred Conclusion: We reported here the first Tunisian cluster admissions of 8 critically ill children with MIS-C to highlight the increase of a new severe emerging disease with evidence of prior COVID-19 infection in older children
Fresh Strategies for Empowering Women’s Leadership Development: Spirituality as an Untapped Tool

Over recent decades, the underrepresentation of women in higher education leadership has continued to be problematic, even as the majority of students at all degree levels (associate through doctor...
Olympias: Mother of Alexander the Great

Preface. Significant Events. Aeacid Family Tree. Argead Family Tree. Abbreviations. Introduction 1. Olympias the Molossian 2. Olympias, Wife of Philip II 3. Olympias, Mother of the King, Alexander the Great 4. Olympias on Her Own, 323-316 5. Olympias and Religion 6. Olympias' Afterlife. Appendix: Olympias and the Sources. Glossary. Notes. Bibliography. Index
Automated Poultry Carcass Inspection by a Hyperspectral–Multispectral Line-Scan Imaging System

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the development of automated chicken inspection techniques by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researchers that has led to the latest hyperspectral line scan imaging system for wholesomeness inspection on commercial high-speed processing lines, which is now under commercial development for industrial use. It discusses the current USDA poultry inspection program and the progression of ARS VIS/NIR spectroscopy methods, target-imaging, and hyperspectral/multispectral line-scan imaging for poultry inspection. In addition to the usual problems inherent to the fundamental research for developing feasible spectral methods to assess poultry characteristics, researchers also had to address significant challenges in adapting the scientific findings to implement them in the current ARS imaging system for practical real-world use in automated high-speed processing environments. Hyperspectral imaging was first used for spectral analysis to select wavelengths for implementation in automated multispectral imaging systems and in itself was effective for laboratory-based research. The introduction of Electron-Multiplying Charge-Coupled-Device (EMCCD) cameras and their use with imaging spectrographs were key developments that enabled automated line-scan spectral imaging at the high speeds found on commercial processing lines and were particularly important for allowing a single imaging system to perform both hyperspectral and multispectral imaging.
Hidden Liquidity Inside the Spread

Using a sample of 300 NYSE listed securities and excluding trade reporting facility trades, we examine the impact of order executions inside of the posted spread on market centers, an inside the spread trade(IST). The posted spread on a market center may differ from the National Best Bid and Offer Quote (NBBO). IST volume represents a substantial portion of daily volume executed at market centers, averaging 14%. However, only 51% of these trades improve on NBBO prices. Although the volume is substantial, cost savings from IST’s is small, averaging $132 per stock day. We find evidence that hidden liquidity inside the spread tends to act as a loss leader, drawing additional trades after the successful execution of liquidity inside the spread. When an exchange’s quotes are competitive with the NBBO, the probability of observing an IST is lower but when intermarket competition is high the probability of observing an IST increases. We find that IST’s are generally uninformed. Our results are robust to firm size and trading intensity.
Centrosomes and kinetochores, who needs 'Em? The role of noncentromeric chromatin in spindle assembly.

Accurate chromosome segregation is mediated by the mitotic spindle, a bipolar structure composed primarily of microtubules. Spindle assembly and microtubule dynamics are influenced by many cellular factors. In this chapter, we discuss the prominent models of spindle assembly and focus on the recently appreciated role of noncentromeric chromatin in promoting microtubule polymerization and spindle formation. In addition to presenting the evidence for the ability of chromatin to direct spindle assembly, this chapter describes the identification and characterization of molecular components involved in this process.
Feature-based target recognition with Bayesian inference

The problem of target classification with high-resolution fully polarimetric, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery is considered. The paper summarizes our recent work in SAR target recognition using a feature-based Bayesian inference approach. The approach works on the selected features. Features are chosen such that the separabilities of the original data are well maintained for later classification. Once the original data is mapped into feature space, the conditional probability distributions of features given the target are estimated statistically, which are then used to calculate the probabilities that a target belongs to one of the given classes based on the observed features. The target is assigned to the class with the highest probability. A comparison between the above technique and the traditional statistical approaches such as nearest mean and Fisher pairwise is illustrated based upon performance on a fully polarimetric ISAR (inverse SAR) image data set.
Translational symmetry in subsequence time-series clustering

We treat the problem of subsequence time-series clustering (STSC) from a group-theoretical perspective. First, we show that the sliding window technique introduces a mathematical artifact to the problem, which we call the pseudo-translational symmetry. Second, we show that the resulting cluster centers are necessarily governed by irreducible representations of the translational group. As a result, the cluster centers necessarily forms sinusoids, almost irrespective of the input time-series data. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first work which demonstrates the interesting connection between STSC and group theory.
Identification of Eastern United States Reticulitermes Termite Species via PCR-RFLP, Assessed Using Training and Test Data

Reticulitermes termites play key roles in dead wood decomposition and nutrient cycling in forests. They also damage man-made structures, resulting in considerable economic loss. In the eastern United States, five species (R. flavipes, R. virginicus, R. nelsonae, R. hageni and R. malletei) have overlapping ranges and are difficult to distinguish morphologically. Here we present a molecular tool for species identification. It is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a section of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II gene, followed by a three-enzyme restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay, with banding patterns resolved via agarose gel electrophoresis. The assay was designed using a large set of training data obtained from a public DNA sequence database, then evaluated using an independent test panel of Reticulitermes from the Southern Appalachian Mountains, for which species assignments were determined via phylogenetic comparison to reference sequences. After refining the interpretive framework, the PCR-RFLP assay was shown to provide accurate identification of four co-occurring species (the fifth species, R. hageni, was absent from the test panel, so accuracy cannot yet be extended to training data). The assay is cost- and time-efficient, and will help improve knowledge of Reticulitermes species distributions.
Improved Methods to Perform Threshold RSA

A t out of n threshold scheme is such that shares are distributed to n participants so that any set of t participants can compute the secret, whereas any set of less than t participants gain no information about the secret. In [4], Desmedt and Frankel introduced a threshold scheme that can be used with any finite Abelian group. Hence it can be used to provide threshold RSA. In this scheme, the size of the share is on the order n times the size of the secret. Further, due to a complicated algebraic setting, and the large shares, this schemes requires a "large" amount of computations. Recent work have addressed how to reduce the resource requirements. Within this paper we provide improved methods and demonstrate the computational requirements of the Desmedt-Frankel scheme using our method is, in many cases, better than other existing threshold RSA signature schemes.
Chronic eosinophilia due to visceral larva migrans; report of three cases.

Three cases of chronic extreme eosinophilia with granulomatous lesions in the liver have been studied. A larval nematode observed in sections from the liver of one patient has been identified either as Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati, common cosmopolitan ascarids of dogs and cats; available evidence favors the former. The term visceral larva migrans is proposed for this type of parasitism, known in animals but not previously described in humans. It is related to better known cutaneous larva migrans, in that both are usually caused by infective stage larvae of nematode parasites of other animals. Man being an abnormal host, either has unfavorable tissue reactions or otherwise fails to provide stimuli for usual tissue migration and development of the parasite. As a result, larvae remain active for variable periods in various tissues. Similar but less severe and less prolonged reactions occur when the larvae of normal nematode parasites of man invade the tissues of a hyperimmune individual. Visceral larva migrans is usually a relatively benign disease, characterized chiefly by sustained eosinophilia, pneumonitis and hepatomegaly, and probably is due both to direct tissue damage by migrating larvae and to allergic responses to their products. Its severity varies with the number of larvae in the tissues and the immune or allergic state of the infected individual.
INTERACTIVE TUTORING MODEL USING INFORMATION CYCLING ON THE WWW

The goal of this article is to describe a user system framework that provides tutoring and testing. Because this tutoring system helps to introduce definitions and simple relations among concepts, it is suitable for classroom use. For every individual, the mode and amount of information delivered is personalized by the system order to achieve optimal information delivery, each user is characterized by a set of parameters. These parameters are used to minimize the time of the learning process. We consider only the parameters that we believe are the most significant, namely, the number of presentations that allow the user to pass a test without the need for future cycling of the same unit. The system was developed using the PHP and XML programming environment. We present preliminary classroom results along with statistical simulations of the system. Typical application domains were simple procedures from discrete mathematics, probability, computer science terminology, statistics, and elementary vocabulary. The presented implementation via the XML data structure is intended for the future WWW where servers can exchange tutorial materials developed by different authors.
PLASMA PARAMETRIC STUDIES AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF DRIVEN FUSION REACTORS: I. Parametric Plasma Analysis of Two Component and Maxwellian Amplifiers (TCA and MFA), II. Advanced Fusion Fuels (D- 3He) Operated in the MFA Mode as Reactors and D-T Burn Simulators, III. Applications of Driven Tokamaks — The Engineering Test Reactor and Fission-Fusion Hybrids

ABSTRACT The simple conditions required to achieve Q=1 operation in a two-component amplifier (TCA) device relative to the Lawson criterion is evaluated. The variation of plasma power density with Q and with plasma burn mode shows that the highest power density is achieved with TCA operation at low values of nτ E . As nτ E increases, a more optimum operating mode is found in which the plasma is sub-ignition but has hot ions. The fusion power amplification is then primarily the result of Maxwellian fusions and we refer to this operating mode as the Maxwellian Fusion Amplifier (MFA). MFA operation is ideal for cases in which nτ i E is high but nτ e E is low. The electron loss may be due either to anomolous transport or excessive impurity radiation. For sufficient nτ i E and nτ e E , ignition can be achieved. Analytic and computational models are described to analyze the dynamic performance of a plasma in either the TCA, MFA, or ignition modes of operation. In particular, examples are given of thermal burn stability in each of these operating modes. The potential application of TCA or MFA operation in reactors aimed at engineering testing, materials irradiation and hybrid applications are discussed. In addition, the potential use of D- 3 He in the MFA mode for simulation of D-T burning and for use in tandem mirror reactors is analysed. The need for hybrid reactors to meet several applications in the fission industry is discussed. With this as background, the potential of the driven tokamak as a hybrid is analysed based on a plasma operating in the TCA mode (as developed by the University of Wisconsin and Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories) and in the MFA mode (as developed by Westinghouse Electric Corp.) A comparison between the reactor designs is given and the potential for building such reactors in the near term (1990–95) is discussed. Extrapolation of the MFA operating mode to a commercial tokamak hybrid indicates that such a system can produce approximately 1300 kg/y of U-233 from Th 0 2 fuel. This is sufficient to fuel approximately 5 PWR's, each rated at 1000 MW e . Other design variations, such as the use of metallic fuel in the hybrid or the use of U-238 and Pu for neutron multiplication, can increase the U-233 production rate to 2000 kg/y. The inboard region of the tokamak is not used for fissile fuel production in either case. It thus appears that driven tokamaks of compact size can be productive hybrid reactors.
Synthesis and characterization of bifunctional surfaces with tunable functional group pairs

Abstract Grafting of pairs of functional groups onto a silica surface was demonstrated by tethering both terminals of an organochlorosilane precursor molecule, Cl2(CH3)Si(CH2)4(CO)(OSi(i-Pr)2)(CH2)2Si(CH3)Cl2, that possess a cleavable silyl ester bond, onto a silica surface. Hydrolytic cleavage of the silyl ester bond of the grafted molecule resulted in the generation of organized pairs of carboxylic acid and organosilanol groups. This organosilanol moiety was easily transformed into other functional groups through condensation reactions to form, together with the neighboring acid group, pairs such as carboxylic acid/secondary amine, carboxylic acid/pyridine, and carboxylic acid/phosphine. In the case of carboxylic acid/amine pairing, there was evidence of the formation of amide. A sample grafted with amine–carboxylic acid pairs was three times more active (per free amine) than a sample without such pairs for the nitroaldol condensation of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde and nitromethane.
XML technology enables redesigned deep space network operations

NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) provides telecommunication support for NASA's space exploration missions. Successful support relies on a great deal of information about each mission from equipment type to trajectory and encounter times. In the past, with only a handful of missions to support, this information was collected manually and telecommunication services were agreed upon manually. In the future, with an order of magnitude more missions flying, the DSN must automate its processes. The barriers to automation in the DSN environment are many: heterogeneous computing environments, legacy systems, existing procedures, etc. We advocate the use of the Extensible Markup Language (XML) as an enabling technology in our quest to automate DSN operations. In our development we are leveraging XML technology to solve several information exchange problems. This paper discusses three applications of XML to DSN automation: (1) the service request process, (2) legacy application integration, and (3) a DSN portal.
Preliminary Evaluation of the endogo® HD Portable Cystoscopic Camera

Abstract Introduction During office cystoscopy and hospital consultations urologists may only have direct visualization cystoscopy available. Field of view and usability are often characterized as suboptimal compared to video tower based camera models. The endogo® HD, a portable, battery powered cystoscopic camera that attaches to a standard cystoscope, was created to more closely mimic the usability of the normal cystoscopic camera that connects to the video tower. We objectively evaluated the usefulness of this new device. Methods A total of 30 urology fellows, residents and students were consented and randomized to perform standard video tower cystoscopy, direct cystoscopy without a camera and cystoscopy with the endogo HD on a previously used Uro-Scopic Trainer bladder model (Limbs & Things USA, Savannah, Georgia). Participants were timed and evaluated using the previously validated OSATS (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills). Each participant then rated the usability of and preferences for each of the 3 systems. All participants completed the 3 types of cystoscopy. Results Users found the field of view to be significantly better for the endogo HD than for direct cystoscopy (p = 0.03) and similar for the endogo HD and the tower (p = 0.7). Time needed to perform cystoscopy was significantly longer for endogo HD than for tower and direct cystoscopy (71.9 vs 43.3 and 46.8 seconds, respectively, p = 0.01). When comparing novices to experts (greater than 200 cases), experts completed all procedures more quickly regardless of camera type. Tower cystoscopy was significantly less difficult and more comfortable, and it was preferred by most participants. Conclusions On objective and subjective measures the endogo HD portable cystoscopic camera received marks similar to those of other types of cystoscopy that are currently widely available. It required an average of a half minute longer to set up and overall participants preferred standard video tower cystoscopy. The endogo HD may be useful in the emergency department or office setting where no video tower is available. Further study of its usefulness as a teaching tool and the learning curve associated with its use will be performed in the future.
Effect of parental flowering and dispersal times on offspring fate in Daucus carota (Apiaceae)

Seeds collected from parents that flowered at different times were dispersed onto experimental plots at different times during the normal dispersal season. Parental flowering and dispersal times, which are correlated with each other, independently affected offspring germination, growth, and time of reproduction. Estimated population growth rates were highest for offspring that were dispersed early in the dispersal season and that came from early flowering parents. The data provide evidence that 1) an individual's fate is determined by the environment of the previous generation, and that 2) an individual's fitness should be calculated from life history data that span more than one generation.
Hyperkalemic renal tubular acidosis: effect of furosemide in humans and in rats.

Hyperkalemic renal tubular acidosis: Effect of furosemide in humans and in rats. Furosemide increases urinary acidification in control subjects and in certain patients with normokalemic or hypokalemic distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). We studied the effect of furosemide in 14 patients with hyperkalemic distal RTA. In a group of patients with pure selective aldosterone deficiency, furosemide increased net acid and K excretion in a fashion indistinguishable from controls. This effect of furosemide was observed both in the presence and in the absence of acute mineralocorticoid administration. In another group of patients with hyperkalemic distal RTA, furosemide failed to decrease urine pH and to increase net acid excretion despite acute mineralocorticoid administration. Plasma aldosterone was variable in this group in that some patients had appropriate levels of aldosterone for the degree of hyperkalemia, whereas in the other patients the levels were low. The failure of these patients to respond to furosemide, despite pharmacologic doses of mineralocorticoid, suggests that these patients had a defect in H + secretion other than that attributable to aldosterone deficiency alone. To gain insight into the mechanism whereby furosemide increases urinary acidification, we studied control and amiloride-treated rats pretreated with mineralocorticoid. In response to furosemide, control rats had a significantly lower urine pH and higher net acid and K excretion than that observed in amiloride-treated rats. These data suggest that furosemide increases H + and K excretion, at least in part, by creating a favorable electric gradient for secretion of these ions since these effects were blunted in presence of inhibition of distal Na transport by amiloride. In contrast, in patients and in rats with selective aldosterone deficiency, furosemide increased H + and K excretion, suggesting that aldosterone is not necessary for the furosemide to increase excretion of these ions.
Self and Interpersonal Insight: How People Gain Understanding of Themselves and Others in Organizations

This study describes how people learn about themselves and others in organizations. It explores the meaning of insight as a way to enhance not only individual effectiveness, but also interpersonal relationships. The book addresses manager-subordinate relationships, group development and negotiation processes, and offers methods for training and development.
Quite by chance.

Despite our right efforts, chance imbues every patient encounter. Medicine, like life itself, is an uncertain proposition.