cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systolic algorithms for the CMU warp processor

Abstract: "CMU is building a 32-bit floating-point systolic array that can efficiently perform many essential computations in signal processing like the FFT and convolution. This is a one-dimensional systolic array that in general takes inputs from one end cell and produces outputs at the other end, with data and control all flowing in one direction. We call this particular systolic array the Warp processor, suggesting that it can perform various transformations at a very high speed. We expect to have wide applications for the Warp processor, especially for the CMU prototype which has high degrees of flexibility at the expense of a relatively high chip count for each cell.The prototype has 10 cells, each of which is capable of performing 10 million floating-point operations per second (10 MFLOPS) and is build on a single board using only off-the-shelf components. This 10-cell processor for example can process 1024-point complex FFTs at a rate of one FFT every 600 [mu]s. Under program control, the same processor can perform many other primitive computations in signal, image and vision processing, including two-dimensional convolution and complex matrix multiplication, at a rate of 100 MFLOPS. Together with another processor capable of performing divisions and square roots, the processor can also efficiently carry out a number of difficult matrix operations such as solving covariant linear systems, a crucial computation in real-time adaptive signal processing. This paper outlines the architecture of the Warp processor and describes how the signal processing tasks are implemented on the processor."
Manipulating carabid beetle abundance alters prey removal rates in corn fields

Generalist natural enemies such as carabid beetles have the potential to maintain a variety of pests below outbreak levels in annual crops. To assess the relationship between carabid beetle abundance and field rates of prey removal, we created plots surrounded by different boundaries that selectively affected dispersal of edaphic arthropods, primarily carabids. Three treatments were established: (1) naturally occurring communities, (2) augmented communities using ingress boundaries, and (3) reduced communities using egress boundaries. Selective boundaries altered carabid communities with minimal habitat alteration and without use of insecticides. Three times during the growing season, a fixed number of onion fly pupae were placed in plots to evaluate the impact of carabid abundance on predation rates. A combination of vertebrate and invertebrate exclosures allowed us to evaluate prey removal by invertebrates alone. In comparison to the no boundary treatment, carabids increased 54.2% and decreased 83.1% in plots surrounded by ingress and egress boundaries respectively. Predation rates were positively correlated with carabid abundance (r2 = 0.70, p < 0.0001). Significantly more pupae were removed from exclosures allowing access to invertebrates alone than from total exclosures, suggesting that invertebrates represented an important group of predators. Laboratory trials tested the feeding potential of the four most abundant carabid species and showed that they readily consumed onion fly pupae, supporting our hypothesis that carabids were the main predators in field tests. This study corroborates and extends previous observations of the importance of carabid beetles as generalist predators of insect pests in agricultural fields.
The Properties, Developmental Formation, and Estrogen Induction of Ornithine Aminotransferase in Rat Tissues

Ornithine aminotransferase accumulated in rat liver and kidney during the first 2 months of life and to twice as high a level in the female as in male kidney. Ovariectomy prevented the appearance of this sex difference and the administration of estrogen enhanced the developmental formation of the enzyme in kidney (and to a lesser extent in liver) in both sexes. Castration of the male or the administration of testosterone to either sex had no effect on ornithine aminotransferase. Estrogen given to intact adult female rats further increased the enzyme in kidney and ovariectomy reduced it to that found in males. Adult kidney, liver, and intestine contained higher activities of ornithine aminotransferase than regenerating liver and six other normal tissues examined. Fetal liver and kidney and fast growing undifferentiated tumors contained low activities, while slow growing hepatomas contained more. Pyridoxal phosphate needs to be added to obtain maximal activity in quantitative assays of ornithine aminotransferase in some rat tissues.
Nonlinear Longitudinal Control of a Supermaneuverable Aircraft

This paper describes a technique which can be used for design of feedback controllers for high performance aircraft operating in flight conditions in which nonlinearities significantly affect performance. Designs are performed on a math model of the longitudinal dynamics of a hypothetical aircraft similar to proposed supermaneuverable flight test vehicles. Nonlinear controller designs are performed using truncated solutions of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation. Preliminary results show that the method yields promising results.
Role of the nurse practitioner in the management of patients with chronic hepatitis C

Purpose: To inform nurse practitioners (NPs) of the vital role they play in recognizing patients who may have hepatitis C. Data sources: Selected review of scientific literature. Conclusions: NPs involved in the management of patients with chronic hepatitis C are well positioned to provide supportive care and contribute to the development of effective treatment strategies that maximize the opportunity for successful treatment outcomes. Although peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin therapy is associated with a well-described series of side effects, effective measures are available for the management of these events that permit the continuation of treatment and enhance the likelihood of attaining sustained virologic response. NPs can play a pivotal role in ensuring that these measures are in place in a preemptive manner. For example, growth factor supplementation represents an alternative to dose reduction or treatment discontinuation in selected patients with neutropenia or anemia and may help to improve treatment adherence. Implications for practice: Hepatitis C is a widespread problem; approximately 3% of the global population is chronically infected with the virus. Awareness of risk factors for hepatitis C will help the NP to recognize at-risk patients, who should then be screened for the virus and referred for treatment based on specific criteria.
The Rural-Urban Divide: Health Services Utilization among Older Mexicans in Mexico.

The epidemiological transition has progressed through much of Mexico and, as a result, the population in Mexico is aging quickly.1 Mexico has now reached the juncture where health and quality of life in older age are a public health focus, yet little effort has been made to address the specific needs of this population.2,3 Most government programs to improve health are geared toward the poor in general, only benefiting poor older Mexicans. For example, one of the biggest efforts to improve the health of poor Mexicans, health care reform—a universal program in its infancy stage—primarily benefits infants and children.4 In addition to health care reform, municipalities and the federal government have set up social programs to alleviate the negative effects of poverty on nutrition for the poor and elderly. For instance, in Mexico City, a public health program for the elderly was established to provide a small pension and staple food allocation for those aged 65 years and older.5 Food banks are also becoming more pervasive, providing poor Mexicans free or low-cost food.6 Despite these efforts, much of the older Mexican population continues to live without any reliable source of health care or social resources when they become ill.2 In addition, no attempt has been made to narrow the disparities between rural and urban older Mexicans in health care access. In 2006, Mexico had a population of approximately 107 million people, mostly urban (75.7%).7 However, while younger individuals move to urban areas for employment; the elderly tend to remain in their traditional locations. Data from the 2000 census shows that nearly 40% (38.1%) of Mexicans aged 65 and over live in towns with populations of 14 999 people or fewer, a greater proportion than any other age group.8 Given the elevated levels of poverty and lack of services in smaller towns and villages, older Mexicans are at greater risk for experiencing the negative health consequences associated with material disadvantage.
9.5.1 Evolving risks and use of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) components

As we continue to defend our nations, the increased use of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) technology in military, infrastructure and other systems necessitates different approaches to address evolving risks and opportunities. COTS technologies have become far more capable over the last 10 years and that trend shows no sign of slowing. In fact, the commercial world is often on the cutting edge as companies vie to win market share. Nations and customers have recognized this trend and, with a desire to capitalize on it (cost and time), are now often specifying “maximum use of COTS” in many systems. This increasing specification and use of COTS technology will increase the challenges in protecting our nations, as well as afford us new opportunities for exploitation and defense. All views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not represent the policy or position of his employer or school.
Contribution of edema and cerebral blood volume to traumatic brain swelling in head-injured patients.

Object. The pathogenesis of traumatic brain swelling remains unclear. The generally held view is that brain swelling is caused primarily by vascular engorgement and that edema plays a relatively minor role in the swelling process. The goal of this study was to examine the roles of cerebral blood volume (CBV) and edema in traumatic brain swelling. Methods. Both brain-tissue water and CBV were measured in 76 head-injured patients, and the relative contribution of edema and blood to total brain swelling was determined. Comparable measures of brain-tissue water were obtained in 30 healthy volunteers and CBV in seven volunteers. Brain edema was measured using magnetic resonance imaging, implementing a new technique for accurate measurement of total tissue water. Measurements of CBV in a subgroup of 31 head-injured patients were based on consecutive measures of cerebral blood flow (CBF) obtained using stable xenon and calculation of mean transit time by dynamic computerized tomography scanning after a rapid bol...
Expansions of clonal and oligoclonal T cells in B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia are primarily restricted to the CD3+CD8+ T‐cell population

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of mature-appearing clonal B cells exhibiting coexpression of CD5 and CD23. In addition to the accumulation of neoplastic B cells, numerous T-cell abnormalities also occur in B-CLL patients. In this study, the presence, and distribution within the T-cell subsets, of clonal/oligoclonal T cells was studied. Multicolor flow cytometric techniques were employed using combinations of anti-CD3, anti-CD4, and anti-CD8 antibodies coupled with antibodies specific for V(alpha) and V(beta) T-cell receptor (TCR) epitopes. Molecular studies of TCR gene sequences were done to confirm the presence of clonal/oligoclonal T-cell populations. In the flow cytometric studies, examination of V(alpha)/V(beta)expression found evidence of clonal/oligoclonal expansion in 9 of 19 patients studied. In eight of the nine patients, the expansions were restricted to the CD3(+)CD8(+) cell population. Molecular analyses were performed in 16 patients, 12 of whom showed a clonal or oligoclonal pattern. Of the four patients who were negative in the molecular analyses, all demonstrated flow cytometric evidence of clonal/oligoclonal expansions. Thus, when the flow cytometric and molecular analyses were considered together, all 16 patients for whom parallel analyses were done showed evidence of clonal/oligoclonal expansions. These results confirm previous work demonstrating that the majority of B-CLL patients harbor clonal/oligoclonal expansions within the T-cell population. Additionally, based on the relative numbers of cells expressing specific V(alpha) or V(beta)epitopes, these results show that these expansions occur primarily within the CD3(+)CD8(+) T-cell population.
Characterizing the uncertainty of classification methods and its impact on the performance of crowdsourcing

Video surveillance systems are widely deployed for public safety. Real-time monitoring and alerting are some of the key requirements for building an intelligent video surveillance system. Real-life settings introduce many challenges that can impact the performance of real-time video analytics. Video analytics are desired to be resilient to adverse and changing scenarios. In this paper we present various approaches to characterize the uncertainty of a classifier and incorporate crowdsourcing at the times when the method is uncertain about making a particular decision. Incorporating crowdsourcing when a real-time video analytic method is uncertain about making a particular decision is known as online active learning from crowds. We evaluate our proposed approach by testing a method we developed previously for crowd flow estimation. We present three different approaches to characterize the uncertainty of the classifier in the automatic crowd flow estimation method and test them by introducing video quality degradations. Criteria to aggregate crowdsourcing results are also proposed and evaluated. An experimental evaluation is conducted using a publicly available dataset.
Growth and stomatal responses of sugar maple in irrigated and non-irrigated landfill cover soil

Abstract Irrigation increased sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) growth and nitrogen content and reduced leaf diffusive resistance on a completed landfill site but not on an adjacent non-landfill control area. Even with irrigation, growth on the landfill was lower than in either the irrigated or non-irrigated control. Lower growth was associated with elevated soil CO2 concentration and lower O2 and soil moisture content. The soil gas atmosphere explained variation in leaf diffusive resistance on the landfill plot whereas air temperature, relative humidity and wind movement were correlated with resistance on the control.
Dysmorphology of inborn errors of metabolism

As we discover the molecular mechanism of disorders, eventually all dysmorphic syndromes will ultimately be considered biochemical defects. An overview on the recognition and classification of dysmorphic features will be provided. Categories of inborn errors of metabolism associated with dysmorphic manifestations will be discussed. For e.g. abnormal eye findings are an important clue to the diagnosisin galactosemia, cystinosis, Lowe syndrome, and homocystinuria. Unusual kinky hair is seen in Menkes disease. Skin findings typically lead to the diagnosis in Fabry, Hunter and steroid sulphatase deficiency. Infants who have peroxisomal disorders (Zellweger) pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, cholesterol biosynthetic disorders (Smith-Lemli-Opitz), multipleacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (glutaric aciduria type II), infants of mothers with phenylketonuria have striking facial dysmorphism and structural anomalies at birth. In other disorders dysmorphic features may not be present at birth but may develop with age at varying rates such as in lysosomal storage disorders (mucopolysaccharidoses, oligosaccharidoses), congenital disorders of glycosylation and mitochondrial disorders. Salient clinical features, biochemical defects, molecular basis, and diagnostic strategies will be discussed to permit early treatment of these disorders.
Nitrogen excretion by the fresh water pulmonate snail, Lymnaea stagnalis jugularis Say.

1. 1. The average per cent partition of excretory nitrogen produced into an ambient medium by Lymnaea stagnalis was found to be approximately: ammonia, 50; urea, 30; unidentified residual N, 20. Of the residual, about one-quarter appears to be volatile. 2. 2. The endogenous nature of the ammonia and urea produced is supported by their appearance in the presence of both penicillin and streptomycin as bacteriostatic agents.
Electron microscopy of nematode thick filaments.

Thick filaments have been isolated from the body-wall muscle cells of the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. Their protein constituents were shown by SDS—polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to be myosin, paramyosin, several previously unidentified protein bands and small amounts of actin and tropomyosin from contaminating thin filaments. These thick filaments have been studied by electron microscopy using two different methods of preparation: (a) unfixed filaments, negatively stained with uranyl acetate and (b) glutaraldehyde-fixed filaments, critical-point dried and shadowed with platinum—carbon. The latter method has permitted resolution of crossbridges in many different orientations about the cylindrical shaft of the thick filament. These observations support the hypothesis that the myosin crossbridges are flexibly connected to myosin rods within muscle thick filaments. Myosin heads were visualized in individual nematode myosin oligomers. The morphology and dimensions of the myosin heads are very similar to those of the crossbridge in the native filaments. Our results present a direct visual demonstration of the flexible arrangement of crossbridges with respect to the cylindrical backbones of structurally intact thick filaments.
THEY IS CLOWNING TOUGH: 911 AND THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF REALITY*

This article examines the interaction of 911 operators with callers. The study is based on 36 hours of participant observation and an in-depth analysis of 265 randomly recorded telephone contacts between citizens and police emergency operators over a 24-hour period. Call processing is only partially explained by the in formation-gathering function of operators. Initial data from callers are used by operators to help the caller and the operator together construct a definition of an event that makes sense organizationally. Thus, the article describes the interpretive work of 911 operators and the consequences of such work for demand processing within police agencies.
Active and passive tension interact to promote Akt signaling with muscle contraction.

Purpose: The extent to which factors associated with muscle contraction activate Akt remains unclear. This study examined the influences of mechanical (active and passive tension), neural (activation frequency), and metabolic (glycogen depletion) factors on Akt activation during in situ contractions. Methods: Muscle length was modified to produce comparable active contractile forces in three protocols, despite a twofold difference in stimulation frequency (15 vs 30 Hz); a fourth protocol used 30-Hz stimulation at optimal length to produce greater active forces. Two protocols were performed at optimal length, using 15- or 30-Hz stimulation (15 Hzopt and 30 Hzopt, respectively). Two other protocols used 30-Hz stimulation at shortened or lengthened positions (30 Hzsub and 30 Hzsupra, respectively). Results: The principal finding was that the 30-Hzopt protocol induced significantly greater Akt phosphorylation (approximately threefold relative to control) than did the other protocols, suggesting that activation of this signaling pathway is most sensitive to active tension. This result could not be attributed to differences in glycogen depletion, stimulation frequency, or fatigue. Despite producing the lowest force-time integral, the 30-Hzsupra protocol, which had the greatest passive tension, exhibited a greater degree of Akt phosphorylation than did the 15-Hzopt and 30-Hzsub protocols. Although these differences were not significant, they suggest a possible secondary role for passive tension, which may interact with active tension in activating the Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion: Akt activation seems more sensitive to active contractile tension than to passive tension. Activation frequency seems to play no role in the phosphorylation of Akt.
Cervical Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Interventions for Racial and Ethnic Minorities: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES To systematically review the literature to determine which interventions improve the screening, diagnosis or treatment of cervical cancer for racial and/or ethnic minorities.
Regional variations in the physiology of the rat caudate-putamen. 2. Effects of amphetamine and amphetamine induced dopamine release on basal and cortical stimulation evoked multiple unit activity

Dopaminergic terminals within the caudate-putamen are located in an ideal position to modulate the corticostriatal system. Since this is the major afferent system of the striatum, dopamine has very powerful effects on striatal electrophysiological activity. The striatum is a regionally specialized multifunctional nucleus. It is therefore important to determine if dopamine has the same modulatory effects within different areas of the nucleus. The effects of 2.5 mg/Kg D-amphetamine (IP) on cortical stimulation evoked and basal multiple unit activity (MUA) was measured in 7 dorsal and 7 ventral striatal areas of the urethane anaesthetized rat. In general, amphetamine caused an increase in the basal activity and a decrease in the cortical stimulation evoked activity. However, there were both qualitative and quantitative regionally dependent differences in these responses. The effect on basal MUA was more pronounced in the dorsal and caudal areas whereas the effect on cortical stimulation evoked MUA was more pronounced in the ventral areas. The electrophysiological effects of amphetamine within the striatum were correlated with its regionally dependent effects on extracellular dopamine. This produced a measure of the effects of striatal dopamine on regional electrophysiological activity. This information was also used to determine the mathematical relationship between dopamine concentration change and the change in MUA. These data indicate that the excitatory effects of amphetamine-induced dopamine release on the non-stimulated MUA progressively increase along the rostro-caudal axis of the nucleus. In addition, the effects were more pronounced in the ventromedial as compared to the ventrolateral areas. These effects correlated best with the rate of change in dopamine concentration. In the dorsal striatum amphetamine-induced increases in dopamine had a regionally homogeneous inhibitory effect on the stimulated MUA. In the ventral striatum however, it had a progressively stronger effect along the rostro-caudal axis. These effects correlated best with the absolute change in dopamine concentration.
Differential vulnerability of primate caudate-putamen and striosome-matrix dopamine systems to the neurotoxic effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine.

Abstract The meperidine analogue derivative 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induces nigrostriatal fiber damage and severe parkinsonism in humans and animals. MPTP-induced parkinsonism has been proposed as a model of Parkinson disease, but doubts have been raised about whether the patterns of nigrostriatal fiber loss in the two conditions are similar. We report here observations on [3H]mazindol monoamine (principally dopamine) uptake-site binding in the striatum of monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) exposed to low doses of MPTP. We show that this treatment can produce a pattern of nigrostriatal degeneration characteristic of that seen in Parkinson disease, in which there is greater depletion of dopaminergic markers in the putamen than in the caudate nucleus, especially posteriorly. Moreover, within the regions of diminished uptake-site binding in the MPTP-treated monkeys, there is differential preservation of binding in striosomes relative to the surrounding matrix. We suggest that both regional and striosome/matrix patterns of nigrostriatal depletion are key features of MPTP-induced neurodegeneration and that both patterns may provide clues to the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Parkinson disease as well.
Tetraisopropylalkylenediphosphonate complexes of lanthanide nitrates

Abstract Solid adducts of lanthanide nitrates with tetraisopropylethylenediphosphonate and tetraisopropylbutylenediphosphonate were prepared and characterized. These results are consistent with earlier solvent extraction studies in that the ethylenediphosphonate appears to form a weak chelate, but the butylenediphosphonate does not form a chelate.
Reactive co-deposition of TiNx/SiNx nanocomposites using pulsed direct current magnetron sputtering

Abstract Nanocrystalline-TiN/amorphous-SixNy films were reactively co-sputtered from pure Ti and Si targets over the mid-frequency range of 50–250 kHz using two asymmetric bipolar pulsed direct current power supplies. The pulsing frequency was varied in this co-deposition system as a possible means to control the nanocrystalline composite thin film properties. The resulting films were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, stress measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nanoindentation, sheet resistance, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. When fixing the ratio of power delivered to each target and varying only the frequency, the films were found to be silicon-rich at frequencies under 100 kHz and constant composition of 80 mol% TiN at higher frequencies. Normalized nanoindentation depths of 5%, 10% and 15% of the film thickness were performed. At 250 kHz, for example, the film had a Vickers hardness, Hv, of 25 GPa and reduced modulus, Er, of 233 GPa even though the oxygen content was over 3 at.%.
Neuraminidase action on the human urinary glycoprotein of Tamm and Horsfall.

Abstract Treatment of human Tamm and Horsfall urinary glycoprotein with neuraminidase from influenza virus or Vibrio cholera results in an increase in the number of tyrosine groups which have pK values lower than those of tyrosine groups contained in non-treated glycoprotein. In addition, treatment with neuraminidase results in an increase in the number of titratable arginine groups. The increase in tyrosine groups of intermediate pK and titratable arginine groups per molecule is quantitatively equivalent to the number of sialic acid groups per molecule digested by neuraminidase. This correlation suggests the possibility that each sialic acid acted upon by neuraminidase is related to a tyrosine group by hydrogen bonding. Removal of a sialic acid residue results in the titration of the associated tyrosine at a lower pH and also uncovers an arginine group. This model can be used to explain the apparent increase in hydroxyl binding as well as reduction in electrophoretic mobility in human Tamm and Horsfall urinary glycoprotein treated with neuraminidase. The arginine-tyrosine-sialic acid relationship appears to be species specific and therefore does not in itself serve to elucidate the general mechanism of viral hemagglutination inhibition for all inhibitors.
Clinical experience with the video-assisted saphenectomy procedure for coronary bypass operations.

Abstract Background . Leg wound complications after saphenectomy are frequent after coronary bypass operations and have a detrimental effect on postoperative quality of life and treatment cost. To reduce morbidity, we evaluated a new technique of video-assisted vein harvest. Methods . Between March 1996 and October 1996, 50 patients had video-assisted saphenectomy (VAS) and 40 patients had the standard open technique (control group). An additional 13 patients had both procedures (hybrid group). Level of pain, edema, and wound complications were evaluated at discharge and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively. Results . The mean operating time for VAS patients was slightly higher than for control (60.6 ± 24.7 minutes versus 53.2 ± 21.1 minutes; p > 0.05). The average incision length in VAS patients was 13.8 ± 8.8 cm for an average of 3.3 grafts per patient. Three VAS procedures were aborted, two because of time constraints, and one because of bleeding, and a segment of vein was lost to injury. The VAS group had considerably less early postoperative pain than the control group (1.7 ± 1.2 versus 4.1 ± 1.4 [1 = mild, 10=severe]; p Conclusions . Based on this initial experience, VAS harvesting, although initially more time consuming, is a rapidly mastered technique, results in shorter overall incision length, and is associated with considerably less postoperative pain than the standard open technique.
Management accounting: Are new techniques making in-roads with practitioners?

Abstract Despite numerous criticisms and the examples of specific companies changing to a particular technique, there are few empirical studies providing evidence of the status of management accounting practice. The primary purpose of this study was to examine trends in the adoption of the new managerial accounting techniques by manufacturing firms. Evidence of changes in the direction of managerial accounting would have significant future implication regarding the direction of management accounting education and of accounting theory. The results of this study indicate that new techniques are being adopted while traditional systems are being maintained, suggesting that a broadening of innovations in management accounting may require the development of a new and separate course dealing strictly with these innovative techniques in the transition to world-class manufacturing.
Heat capacity and A.C. susceptibility measurements on pressed-powder compacts of V3Si

Abstract Results of heat capacity and susceptibility measurements confirm the existence of residual-stress induced superconductivity in V3Si with a transition temperature near 8°K.
“It's absurd!”: Swedish managers' views of America's litigious society

Abstract American managers have grown so accustomed to a litigious society that they may not realize how different the U.S. has become from other nations with regard to claims and torts. Eightysix Swedish MNC managers were interviewed in Sweden during the Summer of 1988 concerning legal liability in America. Their views are unanimously negative. This article analyses the differences between liability in Sweden and liability in the U.S., offers some statistics comparing Sweden and the U.S., presents some cases involving Swedish companies, discusses the Swedish managers' attitudes, and elucidates the currently changing liability situation in Sweden under pressure from the EEC. A final observation is that all societies have imperfections for business and that the liability issue is an imperfection in American society, but there are advantages as well in the U.S. market, including the prodigious amounts of money to be made there.
Vehicle change detection from aerial imagery using detection response maps

Image change detection has long been used to detect significant events in aerial imagery, such as the arrival or departure of vehicles. Usually only the underlying structural changes are of interest, particularly for movable objects, and the challenge is to differentiate the changes of intelligence value (change detections) from incidental appearance changes (false detections). However, existing methods for automated change detection continue to be challenged by nuisance variations in operating conditions such as sensor (camera exposure, camera viewpoints), targets (occlusions, type), and the environment (illumination, shadows, weather, seasons). To overcome these problems, we propose a novel vehicle change detection method based on the detection response maps (DRM). The detector serves as an advanced filter that normalizes the images being compared specifically for object level change detection (OLCD). In contrast to current methods that compare pixel intensities, the proposed DRM-OLCD method is more robust to nuisance changes and variations in image appearance. We demonstrate object-level change detection for vehicle appearing and disappearing in electro-optical (EO) visual imagery.
Basalt contamination by continental crust: Some experiments and models

Chemical interaction between molten basalt and felsic minerals of the continental crust (quartz, K-feldspar, and oligoclase) was examined in static and dynamic experiments at 1,200°–1,400° C. Under circumstances of continuous stirring at 1,400°, β-quartz dissolves in tholeiite melt at a rate of 3.3×10−6 g/s per cm2 of contact area; at 1,300°, the solution rate is 1.5×10−6 g/cm{cm2}s. The feldspars are molten at the experimental conditions, and interact with contacting basalt melt by diffusion in the liquid state. This is a complex process characterized by rapid initial diffusion of alkalies to establish a distribution between felsic melt and basalt similar to that observed in cases of actual two-liquid equilibrium (both alkalies reach concentrations in the felsic melt 1.5–3 times those in the basalt). Alkali diffusion may be “uphill” or “downhill”, depending on which direction of net flux is required to produce a two-liquid type distribution. Once this distribution is attained, subsequent diffusion of all melt species is slow and apparently limited by the diffusivity of SiO2, which is 10−9-l0−10 cm2/s at 1,200° C. Interdiffusion experiments involving molten basalt and synthetic granite confirm the behavior illustrated by the feldspar/basalt results, and give similar SiO2 diffusivities. The solution rates and interdiffusion data can be used to model basalt contamination processes likely to occur in the continental crust. For the restricted case of solid quartzitic xenoliths, the uptake of SiO2 in a well-mixed basalt magma is quite fast: appreciable SiO2 contamination may occur over exposure times of only days to years. If basalt magma induces local melting of crustal rocks, the assimilation process becomes one of liquid-state interdiffusion. In this case, the varying diffusivities of ions and their differing preferences for silicic relative to basaltic melts can produce marked selective contamination effects. Selective contamination of ascending basaltic magmas is particularly likely in the case of K2O, which may be introduced in substantial amounts even when other elements remain unaffected. The Na2O content of mantle-derived magmas is buffered against contamination by crustal materials, and K2O is buffered against further increases once it reaches a level of 1–1.5 wt.%.
Epistemic justification and psychological realism

The main thesis of this paper is that it is not possible to determine the nature of epistemic justification apart from scientific psychological investigation. I call this view “the strong thesis of methodological psychologism.” Two sub-theses provide the primary support for this claim. The first sub-thesis is that no account of epistemic justification is correct which requires for the possession of at least one justified belief a psychological capacity which humans do not have. That is, the correct account of epistemic justification must be psychologically realistic. The second sub-thesis is that it is not possible to determine whether an account of epistemic justification is psychologically realistic apart from scientific psychological investigation. After defending these subtheses, I point out some interesting consequences of the overall thesis which present a challenge to traditional epistemology.
Spectrum Analysis of Large-Scale Wave Disturbances in the Tropical Lower Troposphere

Abstract The study consists of two parts: a detailed investigation of wave disturbances in the tropical lower troposphere during a single 6 month period, and a brief survey of wave activity at a single station during four successive 6-month periods. Cross spectrum analysis of wind, temperature, relative humidity and surface pressure data reveals the existence of at least three types of disturbances: Easterly waves, with periods in the range of 4–5 days and horizontal wavelengths on the order of 3000 km. Contrary to the results of earlier studies, the axes of the waves show no inclination with height. There is some indication of a cold core structure, but the temperature fluctuations in the waves are very small. Some stations show a tendency for high relative humidities to occur in the troughs of the waves, in agreement with earlier studies. Low-frequency oscillations with periods >10 days and horizontal wavelengths on the order of 10,000 km. These are most strongly evident in the zonal wind component, for...
A New Update Step for Reduction of PSNR Fluctuations in Motion-Compensated Lifted Wavelet Video Coding

In wavelet video coding, due to motion-compensation entwined in the temporal wavelet transform, the distortion in the temporal subbands propagates in an uneven manner into the reconstructed frames of a group of pictures. This leads to fluctuation of reconstruction quality in time, which can be visually displeasing. We propose a new update step which is derived by taking into account a Lagrangian term for even distribution of distortion among reconstructed frames in addition to minimizing total distortion. Additionally some heuristics for the implementation of this new update step are proposed. Experimental results show reduction of quality fluctuation compared to the conventional update step
Control of line-addressable micromirror phase arrays using electromechanical bistability

This research involves the design and implementation of a complete line-addressable control system for a 32 X 32 electrostatic piston-actuated micromirror array device. Line addressing reduces the number of control lines from N2 to 2N making it possible to design larger arrays and arrays with smaller element sizes. The system utilizes the electromechanical bistability of individual elements to hold arbitrary bistable phase patterns, a technique previously used on tilt arrays. The control system applies pulse width modulated (PWM) signals to the rows and columns of the device to generate a static phase pattern across the array. Three modes of operation are considered and built into the system. The first is the traditional signal scheme which requires the array to be reset before a new pattern can be applied. The second is an original scheme that allows dynamic switching between bistable patterns. The third and final mode considered is an effective voltage ramp across the device by operating above mechanical cutoff. Device characterization and control system testing are conducted on samples from two different foundry processes. The test results showed that the control system was successfully integrated, however individual bistable control was not successfully demonstrated on the micromirror arrays tested. The inability to demonstrate bistable control is attributed to flaws in the device and variations in snap-down voltage with the application of PWM signals below mechanical cutoff. Methods to correct these flaws for a future redesigned line- addressable device are proposed.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Surveying attitudes: Questionnaires versus opinionnaires

Human performance technology professionals often seem disdainful of measuring attitudes. Yet we need to measure them to determine such things as user satisfaction and product appeal. A distinction can be made between a quantitative approach to the measurement (questionnaire) and a qualitative approach (opinionnaire). Questionnaires are appropriate for determining trends and making critical organizational decisions, and opinionnaires are appropriate for exploring opportunities for performance improvement. Appearing identical in form, they differ significantly in their development, testing, and application.
Concomitant and hormonally regulated expression of trp genes in bovine aortic endothelial cells

Abstract Recent findings have suggested that the vertebrate trp family of channel proteins is the structural basis for Ca2+ influx through the capacitative calcium entry (CCE) pathway. We have discerned, in bovine aortic endothelial cells, the concomitant expression of four such vertebrate genes: trp-1 (two splice variants), trp-3, trp-4 and trp-5. Exogenous hormones rendered dynamic effects on the transcript levels of these genes. Most notably, β-estradiol significantly down-regulated trp-4 while trans-retinoic acid dramatically up-regulated trp-5; yet these hormones rendered little change in CCE. These findings suggest that the extent of a given trp channel's participation in CCE is not reflected in alterations of its transcript level.
Holland's personality constructs as predictors of stability of choice

Abstract It was the purpose of this study to test Holland's assertion that stability of vocational choice can be predicted from: (a) congruence of personality with chosen career, (b) differentiation of personality, and (c) internal consistency of personality characteristics. The relationship of each of the three constructs to stability of choice of college major was studied among 167 university students. It was hypothesized that prediction could be improved by combining congruence, differentiation, and consistency in a multiple relationship. The relative importance of the three constructs was examined. Findings supported Holland's contention that congruence and consistency are positively related to stability. No significant relationship was found between differentiation and stability. When combined, all three constructs predict stability, but the efficiency of prediction is not improved by adding differentiation and/or consistency to congruence. As hypothesized, congruence was found to be the most important predictor, followed in importance by differentiation and consistency, respectively.
An Observational Study of Vertical Eddy Diffusivity in the Hurricane Boundary Layer

Although vertical eddy diffusivity or viscosity has been extensively used in theoretical and numerical models simulating tropical cyclones, little observational study has documented the magnitude of the eddy diffusivity in high-wind conditions (.20 m s 21 ) until now. Through analyzing in situ aircraft data that were collected in the atmospheric boundary layer of four intense hurricanes, this study provides the first estimates of vertical distributions of the vertical eddy diffusivities for momentum, sensible heat, and latent heat fluxes in the surface wind speed range between 18 and 30 m s 21 . In this work, eddy diffusivity is determined from directly measured turbulent fluxes and vertical gradients of the mean variable, such as wind speed, temperature, and humidity. The analyses show that the magnitudes of vertical eddy diffusivities for momentum and latent heat fluxes are comparable to each other, but the eddy diffusivity for sensible heat flux is much smaller than that for the latent heat flux. The vertical distributions of the eddy diffusivities are generally alike, increasing from the surface to a maximum value within the thermodynamic mixed layer and then deceasing with height. The results indicate also that momentum and latent heat are mainly transferred downgradient of the mean flow and that countergradient transport of the sensible heat may exist. The observational estimates are compared with the eddy diffusivities derived from different methods as used in planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes in numerical models as well as ones used in previous observational studies.
Fast and accurate moving object extraction technique for MPEG-4 object-based video coding

A fast and robust video segmentation technique is proposed to generate a coding optimized binary object mask in this work. The algorithm exploits the color information in the L*u*v* space, and combines it with the motion information to separate moving objects from the background. A non-parametric gradient- based iterative color clustering algorithm, called the mean shift algorithm, is first employed to provide robust homogeneous color regions according to dominant colors. Next, moving regions are identified by a motion detection method, which is developed based on the frame intensity difference to circumvent the motion estimation complexity for the whole frame. Only moving regions are analyzed by a region-based affine motion model, and tracked to increase the temporal and spatial consistency of extracted objects. The final shape is optimized for MPEG-4 coding efficiency by using a variable bandwidth region boundary. The shape coding efficiency can be improved up to 30% with negligible loss of perceptual quality. The proposed system is evaluated for several typical MPEG-4 test sequences. It provides consistent and accurate object boundaries throughout the entire test sequences.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
E-sourcing in Procurement: Theory and Behavior in Reverse Auctions with Noncompetitive Contracts

One of the goals of procurement is to establish a competitive price while affording the buyer some flexibility in selecting the suppliers to deal with. Reverse auctions do not have this flexibility, because it is the auction rules and not the buyer that determines the winner. In practice, however, hybrid mechanisms that remove some suppliers and a corresponding amount of demand from the auction market are quite common. We find that in theory such hybrid mechanisms increase competition and make buyers better off as long as suppliers are willing to accept noncompetitive contracts. It turns out that suppliers often do because under a wide variety of conditions, these contracts have a positive expected profit. Our theory relies on two behavioral assumptions: (1) bidders in a multiunit uniform-price reverse auction will follow the dominant strategy of bidding truthfully, and (2) the suppliers who have been removed from the market will accept noncompetitive contracts that have a positive expected profit. Our experiment demonstrates that bidders in the auction behave very close to following the dominant strategy regardless of whether this auction is a stand-alone or a part of a hybrid mechanism. We also find that suppliers accept noncompetitive contracts sufficiently often (although not always) to make the hybrid mechanism outperform the reverse auction in the laboratory as well as in theory.
Mod p stable orders of finite CW-complexes

Abstract Let p be a prime and [X, X] the group consisting of classes of stable self-maps on a space X. The mod p stable order of X denoted by ¦X¦ p is defined to be the order of the stable identity map in the group [X, X] ⊗ Z(p), where Z(p) is the ring of integers localized at p. Let Xnn + k be a finite CW-complex with nontrivial cells of dimensions between n and n + k. In this paper we prove in Theorem 1.1 that ¦X n n + k ¦ p ⩽ p [ k (2(p − 1)) ] + v + e , where e = 0 if p is odd, and is 2 if p = 2, while v = min{j ¦ p j H ∗ (X n n + k ; Z (p) ) = 0} . As an application, we determine in Theorem 1.2 the mod p stable order of stunted lens spaces L2n − 12(n + m)mod pv, where p is an odd prime.