cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A dynamic recurrent neural network-based controller for a rigid–flexible manipulator system

Abstract This paper deals with the tracking control problem of a manipulator system with unknown and changing dynamics. In this study, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) in the feedback configuration and an efficient dynamic recurrent neural network (DRNN) in the feedforward configuration are proposed. The DRNN, which possesses the ability of approaching arbitrary nonlinear function, is applied to approximate the inverse dynamics of the robotic manipulator system. Based on the outputs of the FLC, parameter updating equations are derived for the adaptive DRNN model. The analysis of the stability of the system is also carried out. Finally, extensive simulations are conducted under different conditions. Results demonstrate the remarkable performance of the proposed controller. It can successfully identify the inverse dynamics of the flexible manipulator system and perform accurate tracking for a given trajectory.
Intelligent metro network

Metro networks have evolved dynamically since its position in the network infrastructure. To gain competitive advantage in this attractive market, carriers should emphasize not only just the power of their networks in terms of the speed, number of channels, distance covered, but also the network's versatility in supporting variety of access interfaces, flexibility in bandwidth provisioning, ability of differentiated service offering, and capability of network management. Based on an overview of four emerging metro network technologies, an intelligent metro network control platform is introduced. The intelligent control platform is necessary for carriers to meet the new metro requirements. Intelligent control and management functions of the platform are proposed respectively. Intelligent metro network will bridge the metro gap and open up a whole new set of services and applications.
Bacterial flora of the roundworm Ascaridia galli (Schrank) and its relationship to the host flora.

Abstract A quaternary ammonium salt (Roccal) at a concentration of 1:1000, was an effective germicide for the sterilization of the cuticle of A. galli when the worms were exposed to it for 10 minutes. Ascending paper chromatography studies revealed that there was less Roccal present in 100 lambda (0.1 ml) of either pseudocoelomic fluid extracts or intestinal extracts than was present in 100 lambda of a 1:10 5 solution of Roccal. The predominant coliform organisms isolated from the chicken intestine as well as from the worm were Escherichia coli; Streptococcus faecalis var. liquefaciens and Lactobacillus spp. were the predominating enterococcus and lactic acid bacteria, respectively. Female and male A. galli intestinal weights can be estimated with 86% and 71% accuracy, respectively, when the length and weight of the worm are known. The bacterial flora of the chicken and its parasite, A. galli , are similar during early tenure of the parasite. With tenure the flora of the parasite tended to differ from the flora of its host, but the data were not conclusive. The anaerobes were the predominant group of bacteria for both the parasite and the host, followed by the lactics, aerobes, and coliforms in that order. The pseudocoelomic cavity and/or fluid of A. galli is sterile. The eggs of A. galli did not possess a bacterial flora.
Comparison of Technological and Operational Strategies to Reduce Trucking Emissions in Southern California

This study compares the cost-effectiveness and the emission reduction potential from selected trucking strategies in Southern California. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will have to accommodate substantial traffic growth in the next decades because of Asia Pacific corridor trade growth. Not only will California have to improve capacity and avoid gridlock, but it will also have to develop strategies that reduce emissions from goods movement. The Southern California Association of Governments and other agencies are developing major plans for goods movement infrastructure investments as well as technological and operational strategies that account for environmental performance. Beside future improvements in trucking emissions due to new emission standards, additional trucking strategies are evaluated in this analysis. They include truck replacement, truck repowering, truck retrofit with particulate matter control devices, and two operational strategies—a virtual container yard and an expanded incide...
PROSTAGLANDIN F2α INDUCED STEROIDOGENESIS AND LUTEOLYSIS IN THE PRIMATE CORPUS LUTEUM

In experiments designed to study the effect of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on the primate corpus luteum, laparotomy was performed on monkeys, and the principal ovarian vein was cannulated for measurement of ovarian progesterone output and blood flow. Infusion of PGF2α in increasing doses revealed stimulation of progesterone production at low doses and inhibition at high doses. HCG, given intravenously, appeared to reverse the decrease in progesterone output. Within the limits of the method utilized, no effect on blood flow was observed in any of the experiments.
Analog experiments on melting and contamination at the roof and walls of magma chambers

Abstract A series of analogue laboratory experiments were carried out to model melting and mixing processes occurring at the roof and sides of a magma chamber when hot, dense mantle-derived magmas are emplaced in the deep crust. The experiments investigated the influence of a viscosity contrast between crustal melts and input magma, the presence of crystals in the input magma, and roof geometry. The crust was modelled by aqueous ice or a cold, low-melting point wax, arranged as a flat roof or in an upside-down U. The input magma was modelled by a hot, dense aqueous solution of NaNO3 or FeSO4, which was injected into the cavity between the walls. The experiments revealed the potentially important role that side-wall processes may have in crustal melting and mantle magma contamination in this environment. The walls melted back much faster than the roof and the melts from the opposite walls ponded next to each other under the roof and mixed with each other only in the central region. When the input solution was able to crystallise, it did so preferentially in the active side-wall boundary layers. The tiny, dense crystals, which were dragged up in the melt boundary layer and then dropped into the interior fluid, enhanced hybridisation of the melt and contamination of the input fluid and, through their influence on the boundary layer structure, reduced the melting rate.
Adenosine thallium 201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.

Abstract Pharmacologic coronary vasodilation as an adjunct to myocardial perfusion imaging has become increasingly important in the evaluation of patients with coronary artery disease, in view of the large number of patients who cannot perform an adequate exercise test or in whom contraindications render exercise inappropriate. Adenosine is a very potent coronary vasodilator and when combined with thallium 201 scintigraphy produces images of high quality, with the added advantages of a very short half-life (
Helping Unrelated Strangers: Physical and Psychological Reactions to the Bone Marrow Donation Process Among Anonymous Donors1

The development of models that predict outcomes of voluntary action is important for practitioners who manage large groups of volunteers. In accordance with this goal, a path model was generated linking predonation characteristics of volunteer marrow donors to postdonation physical and psychological reactions. Questionnaire data were collected from 343 individuals registered to donate marrow to unrelated strangers at 3 time points: shortly predonation, shortly postdonation, and 1-year post- donation. Although donors had generally positive reactions to donation, a substantial minority reported ambivalence about donating, physical difficulty with donation, and negative psychological reactions postdonation. In addition, our data suggest that predonation ambivalence is a central predictor of postdonation reactions, even after other donor characteristics are taken into account. These results have practical implications for the recruitment of volunteers, and suggest important variables to be considered in evaluating potential bone marrow donors.
Atomic oxygen induced degradation of MGF 2 anti-reflective coatings

Spacecraft orbiting below about 1200 km are exposed to a high flux of atomic oxygen (AO) that can severely degrade surface materials. An Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) based system was used to simulate LEO conditions. The ECR source was characterized by Kapton dosimetry and in-situ four point probe silver film resistively measurements. The VUV output was measured by a calibrated VUV spectrometer. Ceria (CeO 2 ) doped quartz (CMG) were used to compare and contrast the degradation of a thin MgF 2 AR coating on CMG. The effect of temperature and VUV radiation in enhancing/reducing the degradation was also studied. Unexpectedly severe degradation in the form of optical transmission loss was observed upon exposure to high AO fluences with and without VUV exposure. We will show that oxygen penetrates the MgF 2 films to depths in excess of 20nm and there is clear oxygen bonding to the structure.
Pollination, breeding system, and genetic structure in two sympatric Delphinium (Ranunculaceae) species.

Two sympatric Delphinium species, D. barbeyi and D. nuttallianum, are ecologically and morphologically similar. However, D. barbeyi has multiple, large inflorescences while D. nuttallianum has a single, small inflorescence. These differences in floral display should result in greater intraplant pollen transfer in D. barbeyi, leading to higher rates of self-pollination through geitonogamy. Reduced gene flow by pollen should in turn produce greater population differentiation among populations of D. barbeyi relative to D. nuttallianum. We tested these predictions by comparing pollinator behavior, breeding systems, outcrossing rates, and population genetic structure of sympatric populations of the two species in Colorado. Bumble bee and hummingbird pollinators visit more flowers and inflorescences per foraging bout in D. barbeyi than in D. nuttallianum. The species differed in breeding system; D. barbeyi produced more seeds by autogamy (9 vs. 2%) than D. nuttallianum and suffered no reduction in seed set in hand-self vs. outcross pollinations, in contrast to a 41% decline in D. nuttallianum. The outcrossing rate in one D. barbeyi population was 55%, but ranged from 87 to 97% in four D. nuttallianum populations. Genetic differentiation among population subdivisions estimated by hierarchical F statistics was .10 times greater in D. barbeyi ( 5 0.055‐0.126) than D. nuttallianum ( 5 0.004‐0.009) at spatial scales ranging from metres u u to 3.5 km. Spatial autocorrelation analysis also indicated more pronounced local genetic structure in D. barbeyi than D. nuttallianum populations. Fixation indices (FIS )o fD. barbeyi adults were much lower than expected based on mating system equilibrium and suggest that differences in the degree of self-compatibility and/or the timing of postpollination selection/inbreeding depression between the two species further contribute to the genetic differences between them.
Omnibus tests for comparison of competing risks with adjustment for covariate effects.

Summary. This article develops omnibus tests for comparing cause-specific hazard rates and cumulative incidence functions at specified covariate levels. Confidence bands for the difference and the ratio of two conditional cumulative incidence functions are also constructed. The omnibus test is formulated in terms of a test process given by a weighted difference of estimates of cumulative cause-specific hazard rates under Cox proportional hazards models. A simulation procedure is devised for sampling from the null distribution of the test process, leading to graphical and numerical techniques for detecting significant differences in the risks. The approach is applied to a cohort study of type-specific HIV infection rates.
Does Arthroscopic Débridement With or Without Interposition Material Address Carpometacarpal Arthritis

Background Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis is a common problem in clinical practice with a variety of treatment options. Arthroscopic procedures can preserve all or part of the trapezium in the setting of treatment of basilar joint arthritis, and such procedures (even without stabilization or ligament reconstruction) have high reported success rates. However, little is documented about the limitations of these procedures in terms of patient selection, the optimal type of interposition, if any, and rehabilitation.
Factors associated with recurrence and survival following hepatectomy for large hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter analysis.

Background Optimal management of large (>5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. We sought to determine the factors associated with recurrence and survival for patients with large HCC following hepatectomy. Methods An analysis of a combined prospective database from two tertiary care centers was performed on consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC > 5 cm. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with recurrence, disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Seventy-eight patients were identified: 32 (41%) had hepatic fibrosis. Forty-six patients (59%) underwent a major hepatectomy with a morbidity rate of 41% and a mortality rate of 13%. Fibrosis was associated with male gender (P = 0.045), hepatitis C (P = 0.003), higher Child-Pugh (P < 0.0001) and Okuda score (P = 0.002), smaller tumors (6.25 cm vs. 10.5 cm; P < 0.001), positive-margin resection (P = 0.01), and death (P = 0.047). Factors associated with recurrence include tumor multifocality (P = 0.03) and vascular invasion (P = 0.02). Predictors of OS include multifocal tumors (P = 0.05), margin status (P = 0.02), vascular invasion (P = 0.01), and treatment complications (P = 0.004). The median overall DFS and OS were 12 and 20 months, respectively. Fibrosis had no impact on DFS (P = 0.24) or OS (P = 0.20). Conclusions For patients with HCC larger than 5 cm, tumor-related factors predict outcomes and survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:105–110. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Local heat urticaria/angioedema: Evidence for histamine release without complement activation

A 42-yr-old white woman reported onset in 1976 of local pruritus, burning, erythema, and edema within minutes after exposure in heat. With more extensive exposure, she occasionally had transient headaches and nausea. In order to investigate the etiology of this condition, her forearm was exposed to water at 44 degree C for 4 min. Within a few minutes, a lesion identical to her spontaneously induced ones developed only at the area exposed to heat. Samples of venous blood from this extremity demonstrated a transient rise in plasma histamine levels without any significant change in serum hemolytic complement activity or in C3, C4, or factor B. These findings suggest that this rare syndrome involves local activation of mediator release from mast cells, without participation of the complement system.
Clinical pearls and therapeutic challenges in connective tissue disease

: The management of autoimmune skin disease is extremely challenging. This article provides the clinician with clinical pearls and highlights novel/anecdotal treatments for the management of recalcitrant discoid lupus erythematosus, lupus profundus, calcinosis cutis associated with dermatomyositis and scleroderma, and intractable pruritus in autoimmune disease. The disfigurement that occurs as a result of autoimmune skin diseases may be great. This article includes a discussion of the cosmetic and psychosocial concerns of patients. Lastly, wounds and wound care in autoimmune diseases are addressed along with practical management of challenging cases such as digital ulcers in Raynaud's disease, pyoderma gangrenosum, and ulcerating striae and leg ulcers in scleroderma and dermatomyositis.
An output regulation perspective on the model reference adaptive control problem

SUMMARY The paper presents a connection between the classic model reference adaptive control and recent developments in the theory of adaptive output regulation. Specifically, it is shown how the certainty–equivalence model reference controller realizes an internal model of an extended exogenous system comprising the zero dynamics of the plant driven by the steady-state trajectories of the reference model. Furthermore, the classic nonminimal realization of the certainty–equivalence controller required for adaptive redesign is equivalent to a canonical parameterization of the internal model in question, achieved via a nonobservable (but detectable) system immersion.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Innervation of the Carotid Body

The carotid nerve consists mainly of fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerve and also receives 2 branches from the superior cervical ganglion, 1 of which runs around the glomus to enter the carotid nerve (Eyzaguirre and Uchizono, 1961). On cross section, it contains mainly myelinated (A) fibers 1 to 9 µm in diameter with a few nonmyelinated (C) fibers 0.1 to 0.2 µm in diameter. The myelinated (A) fibers, estimated at 600 to 700 (Eyzaguirre and Uchizono, 1961), represent the chemoreceptor and baroreceptor afferents of the glossopharyngeal nerve. They have conduction velocities of 4 to 53 m/s, with a median of 16 m/s (Fidone and Sato, 1969). In a study of single fibers, at least 61% were considered to be chemoreceptors (sensitive to high CO2 and low oxygen, with a short latency of response to cyanide and acetylcholine), and the remainder baroreceptor (having pulse-synchronous discharge and low threshold to mechanical stimuli) (Fidone and Sato, 1969).
Complete Theories with Countably many Rigid Nonisomorphic Models

Here we prove the following: Theorem. For every N ≤ ω there is a complete theory T n having exactly n nonisomorphic rigid models and no uncountable rigid models. Moreover, each non-rigid model admits a nontrivial automorphism . The T n are theories in the first-order predicate calculus and a rigid structure is a structure with no nontrivial endomorphisms, i.e., the only endomorphism of the structure into itself is the identity. The theorem answers a question of A. Ehrenfeucht. For the most part we use standard model theoretic notation with Th denoting the set of sentences true in and meaning . A complete set of sentences is one of the form Th for some . The universe of a structure may be denoted by ∣ ∣. An n -ary relation on X is a set of n tuples ( x 0 , …, x n −1 ) with each x i ∈ X . All the structures encounted here will be relational. If P is an n -ary relation then P ↾ Y , the restriction of P to Y , is {( x 0 , …, x n −1 ): ( x 0 , …, x n −1 ) ∈ P and x 0 , …, x n −1 Y }.
Using the hospital as a venue for reproductive health interventions: a survey of hospitalized adolescents.

Background and Objectives: Less than one-half of sexually active adolescents have received counseling regarding contraception and sexually transmitted disease (STD) from their health care provider. We hypothesized that hospitalized adolescents would be interested in receiving reproductive health education and/or STD testing. In addition, we assessed the opinion of female adolescents on initiation of contraception during hospitalization. Methods: A convenience sample of 13- to 18-year-old male and female adolescent patients hospitalized at a tertiary pediatric hospital were approached for inclusion. Consenting patients completed a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. Results: Questionnaires from 49 female adolescents and from 51 male adolescents were collected. Based on their answers, 37% of female adolescents and 44% of male adolescents want to learn more about contraception and/or abstinence in the hospital independent of sexual activity. Thirty percent of respondents reported a desire for STD testing in the hospital. Fifty-seven percent of female subjects answered that adolescents should be offered contraception while in the hospital. Conclusions: Among hospitalized adolescents in this study, there was an interest in reproductive health education and contraception even among those with a primary care provider and without sexual experience. Thus, hospital-based pediatricians can play a pivotal role in expanding critical sexual health services by discussing and offering sexual health care to hospitalized adolescents. We recommend that hospitals make a brochure available to all admitted adolescents, with opportunity for follow-up discussions with their hospitalist.
Laser Discharge Initiation for Gas-fed Pulsed Plasma Thrusters

A method of discharge initiation at an undervoltage by a laser-induced pulse of electrons from a photocathode is presented. The intended application is to produce spatially uniform current sheet initiation in gas-fed pulsed plasma thrusters. The effect is explained by a space charge buildup which can increase the electric field of the gap. A theoretical model was developed and showed that an increase of the charge multiplication coefficient to a level above unity will produce a current rise to breakdown. Attempts to use an ultraviolet light pulse to create a photocurrent spike were unsuccessful probably due to inadequate surface preparation of the photocathode. Infared laser pulses, however, did lead to current production which lead to breakdown from a 15% undervoltage in argon.
Individual Task Load in Tunnel Excavation by the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

To study individual participation in tunneling excavation, each of 27 workers (plus three soldiers) of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) was identified with a unique marker and released in a two-dimensional arena provisioned with moistened sand, and their time budgets in excavation were recorded by a camcorder. We found that ≈20% of workers were excavating at any given time. Termites did not work in shifts, and only one or two specific individuals tunneled continuously throughout the 4-h observation. The majority spent <1 h in tunnel excavation, and ≈16% of workers never excavated sand. A positive correlation was found between excavation time and worker's antennal segment count which refers to a worker's age. However, a large variation in excavation time also was recorded among workers with same antennal segment number. Thus, worker age might not be the only determining factor for tunnel excavation load in the Formosan subterranean termite.
Socioeconomic research in agroforestry: progress, prospects, priorities

Fourteen years after the birth of the journal Agroforestry Systems, biophysical studies continue to dominate agroforestry research while other important areas have not received the attention they deserve. This paper reviews the progress in one of these under-researched areas, socioeconomics. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of published socioeconomic research papers and a survey of agroforestry socioeconomic researchers are used to evaluate the achievements in agroforestry socioeconomic research over the past 14 years: what are the major advances, gaps in knowledge, and constraints for closing those knowledge gaps? Although agroforestry socioeconomics remains a field in its infancy, both the scope and the quality of socioeconomic research are slowly improving. The recent trend away from literature reviews, qualitative, and purely descriptive quantitative research based on small sample sizes, and toward more rigorous statistical analyses of better and larger data sets is encouraging. Priority areas for future research include theoretical and empirical analyses of agroforestry adoption decisions, improved economic analyses, and policy studies at local, national, and regional levels.
Discovery and successful development of Cuterebra americana (Diptera: Oestridae) from an atypical host, Rattus rattus (Rodentia: Muridae), in Florida, U.S.A.

Summary We provide the first documented occurrence of the woodrat bot fly, Cuterebra americana successfully completing larval development from the roof rat, Rattus rattus. We also document the pupal development time and atypical host damage from this infestation.
Determination of Harmonics in an Ac Power System Caused by Hvdc Converters

Abstract HVDC converters are significant point sources of harmonic signals in a power system. As a result, converter filters are often required to reduce the levels of low audio frequency range harmonics injected into an AC network. The objective of this paper is to describe and demonstrate a harmonic power flow algorithm and digital computer program that can be used to analyze characteristic harmonics and solve for the truncated Fourier series of bus voltages and line currents in a balanced three phase system with multiple six and twelve pulse line commutated converters. Filter analysis and HVDC converter operation under a variety of bipolar and monopolar conditions are illustrated for an example transmission system. Results are compared to conventional analysis methods.
Histologic remission of cardiac amyloidosis: a case report

The main determinant of survival in amyloid light chain amyloidosis is cardiac involvement. The rate of change in wall thickness may be a strong predictor of survival. After treatment, some hematologic responders have had documented regression of wall thickness by echocardiography with resolution of heart failure symptoms. Herein, we demonstrate a case of treated immunoglobulin light chain cardiac amyloidosis with echocardiographic wall thinning and cardiac biopsies demonstrating complete histologic remission. This observation suggests a mechanism of treatment response and that with appropriately timed treatment, cardiac deposition of amyloid fibrils can be completely reversed.
Invariant measures of nonholonomic flows with internal degrees of freedom

In this paper we study measure preserving flows associated with nonholonomic systems with internal degrees of freedom. Our approach reveals geometric reasons for the existence of measures in the form of an integral invariant with smooth density that depends on the internal configuration of the system. Mathematics Subject Classification: 37J15, 37J60, 70F25
Role of Axl in Early Kidney Inflammation and Progression of Salt-Dependent Hypertension

The Gas6/Axl pathway regulates many cell functions and is implicated in hypertension. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of Axl in immune cells on initiation and progression of salt-dependent hypertension. Deoxycorticosterone acetate (75 mg/60 days release)–salt hypertension was induced for 1 week or 6 weeks in Axl chimeras generated by bone marrow transplant to restrict Axl deficiency to hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic compartments. Depletion of Axl in hematopoietic cells (Axl −/− →Axl +/+ ) reduced (133±2 mm Hg) increase in systolic blood pressure compared with other Axl chimeras (≈150 mm Hg) 1 week after deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt. Urine protein and renal oxidative stress were lowest in Axl −/− →Axl +/+ at 1 week after deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt. Compensatory increase in Gas6 in kidneys of recipient Axl −/− may affect kidney function and blood pressure in early phase of hypertension. Flow cytometry on kidneys from Axl −/− →Axl +/+ showed increase in total leukocytes, B, and dendritic cells and decrease in macrophages compared with Axl +/+ →Axl +/+ . These immune changes were associated with decrease in proinflammatory gene expression, in particular interferon γ. Systolic blood pressure returned to baseline in Axl −/− →Axl +/+ and Axl −/− →Axl −/− but remained increased in Axl +/+ →Axl +/+ and Axl +/+ →Axl −/− chimeras after 6 weeks of deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt. Vascular apoptosis was increased in the global Axl −/− chimeras in the late phase of hypertension. In summary, we found that expression of Axl in hematopoietic cells is critical for kidney pathology in early phase of salt-dependent hypertension. However, Axl in both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic lineages contributes to the late phase of hypertension.
The Concept of Rationality in the Work of Max Weber

This paper attempts to clarify the concept of rationality in Max Weber's sociology of religion. Three new terms: rationalism, rationalization, and rationality, are used to distinguish the different meanings Weber gives to rationality. Efficient orientation of means to ends (rationalism) is distinguished from the systematization of ideas (rationalization). Rationality, finally, is the control of action by ideas. Rational social action is produced only by powerful irrational motives, and it holds a distinct place in Weber's sociology of ideas.
Multiresolution state-space discretization method for Q-learning with function approximation and policy iteration

A multiresolution state-space discretization method is developed for the episodic unsupervised learning method of Q-Learning. In addition, a genetic algorithm is used periodically during learning to approximate the action-value function. Policy iteration is added as a stopping criterion for the algorithm. For large scale problems Q-Learning often suffers from the Curse of Dimensionality due to large numbers of possible state-action pairs. This paper develops a method whereby a state-space is adaptively discretized by progressively finer grids around the areas of interest within the state or learning space. Policy iteration is added to prevent unnecessary episodes at each level of discretization once the learning has converged. Utility of the method is demonstrated with application to the problem of a morphing airfoil with two morphing parameters (two state variables). By setting the multiresolution method to define the area of interest by the goal the agent seeks, it is shown that this method can learn a specific goal within ±0.002, while reducing the total number episodes needed to converge by 85% from the allotted total possible episodes. It is also shown that a good approximation of the action-value function is produced with 80% agreement between the tabulated and approximated policy, though empirically the approximated policy appears to be superior.
C-band wavelength conversion in ultrasmall silicon-on-insulator waveguides

We demonstrate four-wave mixing to achieve C-band wavelength conversion in ultrasmall SOI waveguides. This work exploits silicon's large Raman /spl chi//sup (3)/ to further achieve active on-chip functionality. Initial experiments are compared with theoretical calculations.
Commentary Neuroethology Deserves More Study of Evoked Responses

Uncovering the neural basis of behavior is severely limited by applicable methods. We need both new methods and fuller exploitation of all those at hand. It is my first claim that the comparative neurological approach to what is now widely called neuroethology, has not made sufficient use of the methods of recording electrical responses time-locked to behaviorally-related events. These techniques are well established in psychophysical studies on humans and in the clinic but are little used beyond the standard laboratory animals.
Elucidation of perovskite film micro-orientations using two-photon total internal reflectance fluorescence microscopy

The emergence of efficient hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite photovoltaic materials has brought about the rapid development of a variety of preparation and processing techniques designed to maximize their performance. As processing methods continue to emerge, it is important to understand how the optical properties of these materials are affected on a microscopic scale. Here, polarization-resolved two-photon total internal reflectance microscopy (TIRFM) was used to probe changes in transition dipole moment orientation as a function of thermal annealing time in hybrid organic–inorganic lead-iodide-based perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) thin films on glass. These results show that as thermal annealing time is increased the distribution of transition moments pointing out-of-plane decreases in favor of forming areas with increased in-plane orientations. It was also shown through the axial sensitivity of TIRFM that the surface topography is manifested in the signal intensity and can be used to survey aspects of morph...
Surveillance and Analysis on Student Injury in Futian District of Shenzhen City during 2009-2010

[Objective]To understand the occurrence status and distribution features of injuries among primary and secondary school students,provide the scientific basis for prevention and control of injury. [Methods]The injury cases of primary and secondary school students who initially visited the 3 sentinel hospitals in Futian district of Shenzhen city during 2009-2010 were analyzed. [Results]During 2009-2010,398 injury cases of primary and secondary school students were reported,which male and female cases accounted for 71.11% and 28.89% respectively.Major causes of injuries were fall(53.02%) and sharp instrument(18.59%).The injuries occurred mainly in March,April and May,most of cases occurred at 5:00 PM.Upper limbs were the main injury position.91.46% of injuries were unintentional,but suicide and automutilation still existed. [Conclusion]The schools should carry out safety education among students,in order to reduce the incidence of unintentional injuries and improve students' health.
Discussion on Planning for Distribution Network

The problems widely existing in urban and rural power grid are analyzed, the procedure of planning for distribution network and its cautions are expounded, then the solutions and measures are presented. It is emphasized to solving the current problems existing in power grid, which is the most important task of planning for distribution network. Finally, further improving the accuracy, feasibility and prospect of planning for distribution network is discussed.
Usefulness of His Bundle Pacing to Achieve Electrical Resynchronization in Patients With Complete Left Bundle Branch Block and the Relation Between Native QRS Axis, Duration, and Normalization.

His Bundle pacing (HBP) restores electrical synchronization in left bundle branch block (LBBB); however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We examined the relation between native QRS axis in LBBB, a potential indicator of the site of block, and QRS normalization in patients with LBBB. Data from patients (n = 41) undergoing HBP at 3 sites were studied (68 ± 13 years, 13 women). Study criteria included strictly defined complete LBBB and successful implantation of a permanent HBP lead. Preprocedure and postprocedure electrocardiograms were reviewed independently by 2 blinded readers. QRS axis and duration were measured to the nearest 10° and 10 ms, respectively. QRS narrowing or normalization was the primary end point. Of 29 patients meeting study criteria, 9 had frontal plane QRS axes between −60° and −80°, 10 from −40° to 0°, and 10 from +1° to +90°. QRS narrowing occurred in 24 patients (83%, 44 ± 34 ms, p r 2 = 0.001, p = 0.9). In patients with or without QRS normalization after HBP, mean QRS duration was 155 ± 21 vs 171 ± 8 ms, respectively, p = 0.014. HBP induces significant QRS narrowing in most patients and normalization in patients with shorter baseline QRS duration. In conclusion, the lack of correlation between native QRS axis and narrowing suggests that proximal His-Purkinje block causes most cases of LBBB, or that additional mechanisms underlie HBP efficacy. Further studies are needed to better understand how to predict those patients in whom HBP will normalize LBBB.
A mathematical model of hemorrhagic shock: the future of trauma triage.

Trauma scores have attempted for decades to identify individuals likely to survive a traumatic insult. However, current systems are limited because they do not account for the complex physiologic mechanisms that unfold after a traumatic event. This article describes a new technique in trauma scoring that models these interdependent mechanisms and thereby seeks to predict the patient's ultimate short-term outcome and survival time based on the severity of the traumatic insult. This model uses three parameters in a system of ordinary differential equations to make this prediction: mean arterial pressure, neurologic function, and systemic acidosis/ base deficit. This study demonstrates the accuracy of this model compared with known survival time data from previous animal studies. This model represents a new prognostic tool that can easily be integrated into a computer software package designed to facilitate quick and accurate triage decisions.
Use of above-zone pressure data to locate and quantify leaks during carbon storage operations

Abstract We determine the potential accuracy in estimating the size and location of leaks in the caprock by history-matching above-zone pressure monitoring data to leakage models. The number of monitoring wells and the total monitoring time is varied in order to determine minimum pressure-monitoring requirements for effective leak characterization. The history-matching procedure uses particle swarm optimization to minimize the error between leakage-model solutions and synthetic observation data by adjusting model parameters governing the size and location of the leak, as well as the heterogeneous permeability field throughout the model. The method applies to storage projects with uncertain heterogeneous geology that may be described by a variogram model. Results from several examples indicate that as little as 6–12 months of above-zone pressure monitoring data, collected from at least 3 or 4 wells, may be sufficient to locate and estimate the size of a leak to inform mitigation and remediation strategies. No significant benefit is seen when using multilevel monitoring wells versus single-level monitoring wells. We also find that adding white noise to the synthetic observation data, with magnitude consistent with current pressure monitoring techniques, generally reduces error in solutions, likely due to a regularization effect. Taken in total, the results and procedures introduced in this study should be of use in designing monitoring strategies in large-scale carbon storage projects.
Incidence of Posterior Interosseous Nerve Trauma During Creation of the 3-4 Wrist Arthroscopy Portal in Cadavers.

Purpose To describe histologic evidence of nerve trauma during the creation and use of the 3-4 portal. Methods Fourteen fresh-frozen cadaveric wrists were mounted on a custom-built frame that simulated a wrist arthroscopy traction tower. After the 3-4 portal was created in the usual manner, the skin was dissected off to identify possible trauma to the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN). Specimens were categorized into those where there was clearly no trauma to the PIN and those where trauma was possible. In the cases where trauma was possible, we harvested the PIN with a cuff of the proximal edge of the portal and examined the cross-sectional histology of the most distal sections for the presence of neural tissue. Results There was clearly no trauma to the PIN in 3 of the wrists during the creation of the 3-4 portal. In the remaining 11 wrists with possible trauma to the PIN, we identified axonal tissue on histologic examination at the proximal edge of the 3-4 portal in 7 of these specimens. In summary, 50% (7 of 14) of our specimens had visual and histologic evidence of trauma to the PIN. Conclusions Based on the findings of this study, there may be more instances of trauma to the PIN during routine wrist arthroscopy than have been previously reported. Clinical Relevance Findings suggest that transection or injury to this nerve may not lead to any clinical sequelae. However, if there is an instance where a patient has persistent, otherwise unexplained, dorsal wrist pain after a wrist arthroscopy procedure, iatrogenic neuroma of the PIN may be responsible and should be considered.
Haploid embryo production in rice and maize induced by PsASGR - BBML transgenes

The PsASGR - BBML transgene, derived from a wild apomictic grass species, can induce parthenogenesis, embryo formation without fertilization, in rice and maize, leading to the formation of haploid plants. The ability to engineer apomictic crop plants using genes identified from naturally occurring apomicts will depend on the ability of those genes to function in crop plants. The PsASGR-BBML transgene, derived from the apomictic species Pennisetum squamulatum, promotes parthenogenesis in sexual pearl millet, a member of the same genus, leading to the formation of haploid embryos. This study determined that the PsASGR-BBML transgene can induce haploid embryo development in two major monocot crops, maize and rice. Transgene variations tested included two different promoters and the use of both genomic and cDNA PsASGR-BBML-derived sequences. Haploid plants were recovered from mature caryopses (seed) of rice and maize lines at variable rates. The PsASGR-BBML transgenes failed to induce measurable haploid seed development in the model genetic plant system Arabidopsis thaliana. Complexity of embryo development, as documented in transgenic rice lines, identifies the need for further characterization of the PsASGR-BBML gene.
Recent insights into cigarette smoking as a lifestyle risk factor for breast cancer

There have been many cohort studies published reviewing the epidemiological evidence that links breast cancer to cigarette smoking, yet the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown and research studies are few and incomplete. Although cohort studies are important in establishing a connection between breast cancer and cigarette smoking, basic science research is necessary to prove the relationship and to highlight potential interventions and drug targets that can be used to manage the disease. This subject has been controversial for many decades; however, there has been a recent resurgence in interest because of the widespread acknowledgment of the role lifestyle choices play in cancer development and progression. This review will detail the current statistics associated with cigarette smoking and discuss recent cohort and basic research studies that highlight the association of cigarette smoking and breast cancer initiation and progression.
Infinite Striving and the Infinite Subject: A Kierkegaardian Reply to Schellenberg

In this paper I argue – pace J. L. Schellenberg – that it remains the case for Kierkegaard that infinite striving, properly understood, is essential to the relationship with God, who remains the Infinite Subject, one necessarily hidden for defensible logical, ontological, and existential reasons. Thus Kierkegaard’s arguments for the hiddenness of God as a logically required ingredient in the relationship that human beings are called to undertake with God can withstand Schellenberg’s criticisms.
MRI reveals increased tumorigenesis following high fat feeding in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer.

High animal fat consumption is associated with an increase in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) risk. Based on previous MRI studies demonstrating the feasibility of detecting very early non-palpable mammary cancers in simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40TAg) mice, we examined the effect of dietary fat fed from weaning to young adulthood in this model of TNBC. Virgin female C3(1)SV40TAg mice (n = 16) were weaned at 3–4 weeks of age and then fed either a low fat diet (LFD) (n = 8, 3.7 kcal/g; 17.2% kcal from vegetable oil) or a high animal fat diet (HAFD) (n = 8, 5.3 kcal/g; 60% kcal from lard). After 8 weeks on the diet (12 weeks of age), fast spin echo MR images of inguinal mammary glands were acquired at 9.4 T. Following in vivo MRI, mice were sacrificed and inguinal mammary glands were excised and formalin fixed for ex vivo MRI. 3D volume-rendered MR images were then correlated with mammary gland histology to assess the glandular parenchyma and tumor burden. Using in vivo MRI, an average of 3.88 ± 1.03 tumors were detected per HAFD-fed mouse compared with an average of 1.25 ± 1.16 per LFD-fed mouse (p < 0.007). Additionally, the average tumor volume was significantly higher following HAFD feeding (0.53 ± 0.45 mm3) compared with LFD feeding (0.20 ± 0.08 mm3, p < 0.02). Analysis of ex vivo MR and histology images demonstrated that HAFD mouse mammary glands had denser parenchyma, irregular and enlarged ducts, dilated blood vessels, increased white adipose tissue, and increased tumor invasion. MRI and histological studies of the SV40TAg mice demonstrated that HAFD feeding also resulted in higher cancer incidence and larger mammary tumors. Unlike other imaging methods for assessing environmental effects on mammary cancer growth, MRI allows routine serial measurements and reliable detection of small cancers as well as accurate tumor volume measurements and assessment of the three-dimensional distribution of tumors over time.
Is Real Depreciation or More Government Deficit Expansionary? The Case of Slovenia

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of the real exchange rate, the government deficit and other relevant variables on aggregate output in Slovenia. Few of the previous studies have applied the AD/AS model to examine the impacts of major macroeconomic variables on aggregate output. This paper makes contributions to the literature by applying a rigorous model to examine how real GDP is affected by the real exchange rate, fiscal policy and other related variables. The exponential GARCH model is applied in empirical work. The paper finds that real depreciation of the Euro may affect Slovenia’s aggregate output positively or negatively and that more central government deficit as a percent of GDP does not affect aggregate output. In addition, Slovenia’s aggregate output is positively associated with the real stock price, the real oil price and real total labor cost or wage and is negatively influenced by the real lending rate and the expected inflation rate. Recent real depreciation of the Euro would help Slovenia’s aggregate output whereas expansionary fiscal policy would not be effective in stimulating the economy.
Suitability of Various Species of Viburnum as Hosts for Pyrrhalta viburni, an Introduced Leaf Beetle

Abstract Viburnum leaf beetle [(Pyrrhalta viburni (Paykull)], a newly introduced pest of viburnums in the United States, feeds selectively on plants in the genus Viburnum. We measured in the laboratory the ability of larvae of viburnum leaf beetle to complete development and propensity of adults to feed on a number of species of Viburnum ranging in susceptibility from completely susceptible to quite resistant as determined by earlier field observations. As expected, larvae completed development on viburnums rated as ‘susceptible,’ but were largely unable to do so on those rated as ‘moderately’ or ‘highly’ resistant. The pattern of host acceptance by adults was less consistent, with some adults feeding considerably on species not found to be susceptible in the field. Several accessions were not fed on at all by adults, indicating the presence of deterrent or toxic factors. Our results suggest that the species previously identified as resistant in the field are unsuitable hosts for viburnum leaf beetle, and...
Tomographic fluorescence lifetime multiplexing in the spatial frequency domain

The ability to simultaneously recover multiple fluorophores within biological tissue (multiplexing) can have important applications for tracking parallel disease processes in vivo. Here we present a novel method for rapid and quantitative multiplexing within a scattering medium, such as biological tissue, based on fluorescence lifetime contrast. This method employs a tomographic inversion of the asymptotic (late) portion of time-resolved spatial frequency (SF) domain measurements. Using Monte Carlo simulations and phantom experiments, we show that the SF-asymptotic time domain (SF-ATD) approach provides a several-fold improvement in relative quantitation and localization accuracy over conventional SF-time domain inversion. We also show that the SF-ATD approach can exploit selective filtering of high spatial frequencies to dramatically improve reconstruction accuracy for fluorophores with subnanosecond lifetimes, which is typical of most near-infrared fluorophores. These results suggest that the SF-ATD approach will serve as a powerful new tool for whole-body lifetime multiplexing.