cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iris Marion Young on responsible intervention: reimagining humanitarian intervention

ABSTRACTIris Marion Young took a strong stance against humanitarian intervention and other so-called legitimate instances of what she calls ‘official violence’. Nevertheless, she was also aware that there may be some situations for which military humanitarian intervention should at least be considered. Young was concerned that some states will use their obligation to defend against human rights violations as a mechanism in securing or maintaining global dominance. In addition, she recognized that what counts as a violation of human rights is not uncontroversial; human rights norms and conventions are interpreted, negotiated, and otherwise contested. In this article, I build on Young’s arguments for a social connection model of responsibility by applying it to a situation where a forceful response to violence might be justified. I juxtapose Young’s position with the emerging international standard called ‘the responsibility to protect’ in order to suggest an account of intervention for global governance re...
Impact of patient questionnaires on completeness of clinical information and identification of causes of pain during outpatient abdominopelvic CT interpretation

To evaluate the impact of questionnaires completed by patients at the time of abdominopelvic CT performed for abdominal pain on the completeness of clinical information and the identification of potential causes of pain, compared with order requisitions alone. 100 outpatient CT examinations performed for the evaluation of abdominal pain were retrospectively reviewed. The specificity of the location of pain was compared between the order requisition and patient questionnaire. An abdominal imaging fellow (Reader 1) and abdominal radiologist (Reader 2) reviewed the examinations independently in two sessions 6 weeks apart (one with only the order requisition and one also with the questionnaire). Readers recorded identified causes of pain and rated their confidence in interpretation (1–5 scale; least to greatest confidence). In 30% of patients, the questionnaire provided a more specific location for pain. Among these, the pain was localized to a specific quadrant in 40%. With having access to the questionnaire, both readers identified additional causes for pain not identified in session 1 (Reader 1, 8.6% [7/81]; Reader 2 5.3% [4/75]). Additional identified causes of pain included diverticulitis, cystitis, peritoneal implants, epiploic appendagitis, osseous metastatic disease, umbilical hernia, gastritis, and SMA syndrome. Confidence in interpretation was significantly greater using the questionnaire for both readers (Reader 1: 4.8 ± 0.6 vs. 4.0 ± 0.5; Reader 2: 4.9 ± 0.3 vs. 4.7 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). Patient questionnaires provide additional relevant clinical history, increased diagnostic yield, and improve radiologists’ confidence. Radiology practices are encouraged to implement questionnaires and make these readily available to radiologists at the time of interpretation.
Binding energies of fullerene and complex atomic negative ions

A robust potential which embeds fully the vital core polarization interaction has been used in the Regge-pole method to explore low-energy electron scattering from C60, Eu and Nb through the total cross sections (TCSs) calculation. From the characteristic dramatically sharp resonances in the TCSs manifesting negative ion formation in these systems, we extracted the binding energies (BEs) for the C60 −, Eu− and Nb− anions. Our BE for C60 − ground state is in outstanding agreement with the measured electron affinity (EA) of C60 [1]. For anionic Eu− and Nb− our BEs are compared with the measured EAs [2-4].
AAC services in schools: a special educator’s perspective

Objectives: Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities often require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to fully meet their academic and social potential. AAC supports ...
Fast Li-Ion Dynamics in Stoichiometric Li2S–Ga2Se3–GeSe2 Glasses

The temperature dependence of Li-ion transport is explored in novel stoichiometric chalcogenide glasses in the ternary system Li2S–Ga2Se3–GeSe2 using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The dc conductivity in these glasses monotonically increases with Li2S content with the highest room-temperature conductivity being ∼10–4 S/cm in the glass of composition: 50% Li2S–10% Ga2Se3–40% GeSe2 with an activation energy of 0.37 eV. Analysis of the 7Li NMR central transition line shape reveals that Li ions are randomly distributed in the structure of these glasses and their rapid hopping transport is responsible for the electrical conductivity. The excellent agreement between the experimentally measured dc conductivity and that calculated from the Li-ion hopping frequency obtained from EIS and NMR implies that the ionic transference number in all glasses is close to unity and these glasses behave as strong electrolytes.
Micro-engineering a platform to reconstruct physiology and functionality of the human brain microvasculature in vitro

A predominant unsolved challenge in tissue engineering is the need of a robust technique for producing vascular networks, particularly when modeling human brain tissue. The availability of reliable in vitro human brain microvasculature models would advance our understanding of its function and would provide a platform for highthroughput drug screening. Current strategies for modeling vascularized brain tissue suffer from limitations such as (1) culturing non-human cell lines, (2) limited multi-cell co-culture, and (3) the effects of neighboring physiologically unrealistic rigid polymeric surfaces, such as solid membranes. We demonstrate a new micro-engineered platform that can address these shortcomings. Specifically, we have designed and prototyped a molding system to enable the precise casting of ~100μm-diameter coaxial hydrogel structures laden with the requisite cells to mimic a vascular lumen. Here we demonstrate that a fine wire with diameter ~130 μm or a needle with outer diameter ~300 μm can be used as a temporary mold insert, and agarose–collagen composite matrix can be cast around these inserts and thermally gelled. When the wire or needle is retracted under the precise positional control afforded by our system, a microchannel is formed which is then seeded with human microvascular endothelial cells. After seven days of culture these cells produce an apparently confluent monolayer on the channel walls. In principle, this platform could be used to create multilayered cellular structures. By arranging a fine wire and a hollow needle coaxially, three distinct zones could be defined in the model: first, the bulk gel surrounding the needle; then, after needle retraction, a cylindrical shell of matrix; and finally, after retraction of the wire, a lumen. Each zone could be independently cell-seeded. To this end, we have also successfully 3D cultured human astrocytes and SY5Y glial cells in our agarose–collagen matrix. Our approach ultimately promises scalable and repeatable production of vascular structures with physiologically realistic mechanical properties.
Robust topology optimization of skeletal structures with imperfect structural members

A topology optimization framework is proposed for robust design of skeletal structures with stochastically imperfect structural members. Imperfections are modeled as uncertain members’ out-of-straightness using curved frame elements in the form of predefined functions with random magnitudes throughout the structure. The stochastic perturbation method is used for propagating the imperfection uncertainty up to the structural response level, and the expected value of performance measure or constraint is used to form the stochastic topology optimization problem. Sensitivities are derived explicitly using the adjoint method and are used in conjunction with an efficient gradient-based optimizer in search for robust optimal topologies. Topological designs for three representative examples are investigated with the proposed algorithm and the resulting topologies are compared with the deterministic designs. It is observed that the new designs primarily feature load path diversification, which is pronounced with increasing level of uncertainty, and occasionally member thickening to mitigate the impact of the uncertainty in members’ out-of-straightness on structural performance.
The epistemography of urban and regional planning 912: appropriation in the face of resistance

Preparing citizens to address the complex problems inherent in cities requires our changing society to embrace a new kind of education. One way to train people to think about complex problems is to identify and study how professionals who think in those ways develop their epistemic frame. In this paper, we examine one of the ways urban planners master and appropriate relevant expertise through an ethnographic study of an urban planning practicum. Specifically, we use a new method called epistemic network analysis to look at presentation feedback sessions during two weeks of the practicum to explore emergent relationships between the teacher's planning expertise and the students' expertise. The results of this study indicate that epistemic network analysis offers a technique for analyzing the kinds of situated understanding that result from sociocultural learning and for observing the translation of pedagogy into practice in various types of learning environments.
Ethics in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Controversies and Considerations

Pediatric intensivists face ethical challenges every day. In this chapter, we will highlight areas that are integral to the practice of pediatric critical care medicine, from informed consent to the provision of palliative care. We will describe situations where pediatric patients can make their independent decisions, as well as situations where parents are not the optimal decision maker. The doctrine of double effect will be described, along with other key elements to withdrawing and withholding technological support. We will review policy guidelines and consensus statements, and include resources for resolving difficult cases. Finally, we will address challenges for the caregiver, as not all difficult cases may be resolved. The goal is that this chapter will provide information to facilitate the practice of pediatric critical care medicine in challenging times.
The UniformMu Resource: Construction, Applications, and Opportunities

Invaluable insights into functional genomics have arisen from knockout and knockdown mutants generated by transposon mutagenesis. Thousands of insertional mutants are available free of charge from the UniformMu national public resource for maize. This resource was created using the native Robertson’s Mutator system and resulting features include (1) an inbred genetic background ideal for phenotype analysis; (2) effective genetic control of Mu transposon activity that facilitates genetic and molecular analyses; (3) precise mapping of transposon insertions enabled by targeted sequencing (Mu flanks identified by a Mu-seq protocol for high-throughput genotyping); (4) cost-free, worldwide distribution of high-quality, sustainable seed stocks through MaizeGDB.org and the Maize Genetics Cooperation Stock Center. Available materials have been especially useful for genetic analysis of complex, multi-genetic traits such as domestication, seed development, and disease resistance. Additional applications for UniformMu resources include new strategies for both forward- and reverse-genetics (phenotype-to-genotype or the reverse) as well as synergies with emerging gene-editing technologies (e.g., MuCRISPR).
Can Introducing Single-Sex Education into Low-Performing Schools Improve Academics, Arrests, and Teen Motherhood?

In 2010, the Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago converted 20 low-performing secondary schools from coeducational to single-sex. I exploit these conversions to identify the policy-relevant causal effect of introducing single-sex education into existing schools (holding other school inputs constant). After accounting for student selection, boys in single-sex cohorts at conversion schools score higher on national exams taken around age 15, both boys and girls take more advanced coursework, and girls perform better on secondary school completion exams. There are also important nonacademic effects. All-boys cohorts have fewer arrests as teens, and all-girls cohorts have lower teen pregnancy rates. Survey evidence suggests that these single-sex conversion effects reflect both direct gender peer effects, due to interactions among classmates, and indirect effects generated through changes in teacher behavior. [End Page 1] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Qualitative comparative analysis in educational policy research: Procedures, processes, and possibilities:

In educational policy research, linking specific practices to specific outcomes is an important (though not the only) goal, which can bias researchers (and funders) toward employing purely quantita...
SiBr4/wet silica gel as an efficient heterogeneous system for cleavage of CN

A new and efficient method for the cleavage of oximes, hydrazones and semicarbazones has been achieved with SiBr4/wet silica gel.
A longitudinal study of bike infrastructure impact on bikesharing system performance in New York City

The sustainability of bikesharing systems depends on the bicycle network connectivity and accessibility. However, studies of bike lane infrastructure investment impacts on bikesharing ridership hav...
A personalized, web-based breast cancer decision making application: a pre-post survey

Every case of breast cancer is unique, and treatment must be personalized to incorporate a woman’s values and preferences. We developed an individually-tailored mobile patient education application for women with breast cancer. Pre-post surveys were completed by 255 women who used the tool. Patients thought the application included helpful information (N = 184, 72%) and was easy to navigate (N = 156, 61%). Most patients thought the amount of information in the tool was “about right” (N = 193, 87%). Decision making confidence increased by an average of 0.8 points (10-point scale) following a consultation and use of the tool (p < 0.001). Tailored mobile applications may optimize care by facilitating shared decision making and knowledge transfer, and they may also enhance the experience of patients as they navigate through their breast cancer journey.
The Design of Educational Programs in System Dynamics at WPI

Educational programs leading to degrees in system dynamics are rare and thus of critical importance to the future of the field of system dynamics. However, to a large extent such programs have not yet been made transparent to the system dynamics community as a whole. The present article describes the design and rationale for undergraduate and graduate programs at WPI. The goal of the article is to invite feedback from the system dynamics community about our specific programs as well as to facilitate wider discussion about the appropriate content, design, and pedagogy of degree programs and courses in system dynamics.
Differences in Frequency of Visits to Pediatric Primary Care Practices and Emergency Departments by Body Mass Index

Abstract Objectives To examine differences in utilization across health care settings among children by body mass index (BMI) categories to help identify opportunities for interventions. Methods A retrospective study was conducted using 1 year of electronic health records following an index primary care visit for children 3 to 17 years old in 2016. Index visits occurred at >40 pediatric practices affiliated with a Northeastern health system. Using normal BMI as a reference group, we examined the extent to which children's BMI percentile categories were associated with primary care visits, emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and ED visit acuity. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, and insurance status were used as covariates. Results Of those with biologically plausible values for height and weight (n = 30,352), the prevalences of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity were 16.3%, 12.4%, and 5.7%, respectively. Children outside of the normal BMI range made more primary care visits; however, relative patterns of ED utilization were not consistent. Children with obesity versus normal BMI were less likely to have ED visits of high acuity. Risk of hospitalization was higher among children with overweight or severe obesity. Conclusions Children's BMI categories were associated with health care utilization, specifically primary care visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations. Further investigation is needed to explore the drivers of these differences in utilization, such as the impact of stigma and perceived weight bias on care-seeking patterns, and to examine the role of settings outside of primary care in pediatric weight management.
All hands on deck: Hand replantation versus transplantation:

Objectives:Our hands play a remarkable role in our activities of daily living and the make-up of our identities. In the United States, an estimated 41,000 individuals live with upper limb loss. Our...
Understanding the roles of masculinity and transnationality in family formation for a Mexican-American adolescent father

Although adolescent parents experience unique challenges (e.g., economic hardship) related to early parenthood, little is known about the gender roles and transnationality of Latino adolescent fathers. Additionally, their experiences and traditional ethnic roles (e.g., machismo) also need more attention within the literature. To fill these gaps, the following qualitative case study applied an intersectional lens to understand how a Mexican-American adolescent experiences and understands the unique intersection of his transnationality and fatherhood identities. Findings uncovered that hegemonic machismo within the father’s family of origin was reinforced through transnational relationships. Influences from platonic female peers led to the construction of a more flexible development of his gender role. This reinforcement provided an understanding of how he conceptualized his ideal family, which in turn influenced how he viewed his future. Practitioners and researchers should consider how unique intersections of identity in multicultural contexts shape expressions of cultural values when developing culturally competent practices within Latino communities. Findings suggest some potential areas of focus (e.g., developing strategies to foster healthy family relationships and fathering practices) that, if addressed, could help reduce family conflict and enhance healthy family functioning for this population.
Advances in the development of Salmonella-based vaccine strategies for protection against Salmonellosis in humans

Salmonella spp. are important human pathogens globally causing millions of cases of typhoid fever and non-typhoidal salmonellosis annually. There are only a few vaccines licensed for use in humans which all target Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. Vaccine development is hampered by antigenic diversity between the thousands of serovars capable of causing infection in humans. However, a number of attenuated candidate vaccine strains are currently being developed. As facultative intracellular pathogens with multiple systems for transporting effector proteins to host cells, attenuated Salmonella strains can also serve as ideal tools for the delivery of foreign antigens to create multivalent live carrier vaccines for simultaneous immunization against several unrelated pathogens. Further, the ease with which Salmonella can be genetically modified and the extensive knowledge of the virulence mechanisms of this pathogen means that this bacterium has often served as a model organism to test new approaches. In this review we focus on (1) recent advances in live attenuated Salmonella vaccine development, (2) improvements in expression of foreign antigens in carrier vaccines and (3) adaptation of attenuated strains as sources of purified antigens and vesicles that can be used for subunit and conjugate vaccines or together with attenuated vaccine strains in heterologous prime-boosting immunization strategies. These advances have led to the development of new vaccines against Salmonella which have or will soon be tested in clinical trials.
Accepting Death: A Critique of Kübler‐Ross

or most Americans death and dying are exceedingly private vigils. We are so preoccupied with life and its possibilities that we allot little public attention to persons for whom these options are receding-the terminally ill. We commit our dying to institutions that we are reluctant to visit and to specialists with whom we have difficulty speaking. We assume patterns of avoidance and silence that permit us to hide for a time from death. Time, however, is up; and many people are claiming that we have hidden from death long enough. Of these, Elisabeth KiiblerRoss has done the most to bring the subject into the open. Her most recent book, To Live Until We Say Good-bye, is a moving reiteration of her now-familiar theme that as integral features of human experience, death and dying are inseparable from life and growth. Ostensibly the book is a study of four persons with terminal cancer and what they can tell us about themselves while dying, but what it communicates most strongly is Ktibler-Ross's own interpretation of their experiences. She makes a number of valuable contributions to the
Socio-Economics - An Overview

Socio-Economics is a multi-disciplinary, holistic approach to economics that has gained growing acceptance in legal education and that is helpful in advocating economics justice. Socio-economics approaches economic understanding much as Adam Smith did (before there were separate disciplines) with a foundation based on natural and moral philosophy. Nevertheless, it explicitly acknowledges the powerful and pervasive influence of the neoclassical paradigm on contemporary thought. Recognizing that people first adopt paradigms of thought and then perform their inductive, deductive, and empirical analyses, socio-economists seek to examine the assumptions of the neoclassical paradigm, develop a rigorous understanding of its limitations, improve upon its application, and develop alternative, perhaps complementary, approaches that are predictive, exemplary, and morally sound. Grounded in the scientific method, socio-economics draws upon all relevant schools of thought and disciplines that shed light on economic phenomena and policy. It is a helpful foundation for exploring economic issues based on university-wide interdisciplinary collaboration in the public interest.
Effect of Different Processing Treatments on Acrylamide Concentration and Sensory Characteristics of Hearth and Arabic Bread in Syria

In this study, the effect of different processing treatments (baking temperature and baking time) on Acrylamide concentration (cancer inducing agent) and sensory characteristics of both Hearth and Arabic bread in Syria were studied. In addition, the relationship between sensory characteristics of both bread types and Acrylamide concentration were identified. Bread Samples were collected from local bakeries in Homs city, and then evaluated to their sensory characteristics and chemical composition (moisture and acrylamide concentration). It was found that, average content of acrylamide in Hearth bread (100-150)µg/ kg was higher than Arabic bread (20-25) µg/kg about six times, the highest value of acrylamide was at 225°C /10 minutes in Hearth bread and at 500°C/11 seconds in Arabic bread. Acrylamide content was not associated with the sensory characteristics, or with moisture content when it was higher than 35%, but acrylamide content decreases with decreasing moisture content to less than 25%. We advised to use heat treatment 300°C / 7 minutes in Hearth bread and 550°C /11 seconds for Arabic bread, to get good bread with low content of acrylamide.
Abstract W P185: A Smartphone Application Can Aid in the Evaluation, Treatment, and Clinical Trial Enrollment of the Acute Stroke Patient

Introduction: During treatment of patients with acute stroke, practitioners must perform many tasks simultaneously, including diagnosing, treating, and screening/enrolling in clinical trials. These tasks must often be performed in parallel, and in the most timely manner possible. Especially for those unfamiliar with local processes or resources, a smartphone application can aid in these tasks. Description: A smartphone application compatible with iOS and Android operating systems was constructed for the Stroke Team at the University of Texas at Houston. It features a hierarchical structure (Figure 1), with four components. First, a phone dialer function allows access to critical personnel directly from the phone (Figure 2). Second, references for clinical trials and other data such as treatment protocols is available (Figure 3). Next, a timekeeper function allows recording of benchmark times (including symptom onset, arrival time, head CT acquisition time, and tPA administration time); once times are recorded, the application updates time windows in real-time (Figure 4). Finally, a tool allows users to screen patients for eligible clinical trials automatically: by entering basic data such as age, modified Rankin Scale and NIHSS (Figure 5), the application determines whether the patient may be eligible for ongoing clinical trials (Figure 6). The application allows emailing of these data to the user for inclusion in official documentation, or notification of appropriate personnel. Conclusion: A smartphone application that centralizes various disparate resources may allow for more efficient management of the acute stroke patient. Further, such an application may allow easy screening for clinical trials by new practitioners as they learn of the various inclusion criteria for their studies. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Jamaica's food stamp program - impacts on poverty and welfare

The authors examine how the food stamp program affected measures of poverty during devaluation of the Jamaican dollar in the early 1990s. They find that without the food stamp program, the poverty gap in Jamaica would have been much worse, especially in 1990 and 1991. For the country as a whole, not having a food stamp program wouldn't have affected the incidence of poverty significantly, but particular groups among the poor would have fared worse. Households with elderly residents benefited most from the program. Households with young children benefited more than households without, in terms of the poverty headcount and gap. The program also appears to have had more effect on extremely poor households than on those of the transient poor (people who move in and out of poverty). Explicitly incorporating behavioral responses into the model reduces the contribution of food stamps to household consumption and poverty, but the poorest benefited most from the program even after accounting for behavioral responses. The program contributed more to reducing poverty than to smoothing consumption.
Little White Lies: Racialization and the White/Black Divide

This article emphasizes the importance of considering the history, context and epistemological bases of the use of race and racial categories in North America. Using this contextual grounding, I propose that racial categories are born of racism and not the reverse. I include some salient personal examples of the effects of the construct Whiteness in my own life experience. They are, at the same time, personal, political and cultural. Finally, some suggestions are offered for dealing with the issue of Whiteness, in particular, in feminist therapy, which seeks to uncover power differentials and the personal and political, each embedded in the other.
Deregulation and differentiation: Incumbent investment in green technologies

Integrating elements from industrial organization economics and the resource-based view—coupled with path dependence as firm resources evolve over time, this paper suggests that deregulation may not always provide greater opportunities for incumbents, and the extent to which incumbents differentiate on the green dimension may be constrained by their prior resources, in particular, capabilities with respect to brown technologies and experiences with green technologies. Using data on U.S. investor-owned electric utilities from 1992 to 2008, this paper finds that deregulation is associated with lower entry into the renewable generation market by incumbents compared to regulation. More capable firms using brown technologies, for example, coal-based generation, are less likely to enter the renewable generation market. Also, incumbents are responsive to actual, not latent, demand for renewable energy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of COPD-related outcomes via a national electronic medical record database.

Purpose The technology and sophistication of healthcare utilization databases have expanded over the last decade to include results of lab tests, vital signs, and other clinical information. This review provides an assessment of the methodological and analytical challenges of conducting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outcomes research in a national electronic medical records (EMR) dataset and its potential application towards the assessment of national health policy issues, as well as a description of the challenges or limitations. Methods An EMR database and its application to measuring outcomes for COPD are described. The ability to measure adherence to the COPD evidence-based practice guidelines, generated by the NIH and HEDIS quality indicators, in this database was examined. Case studies, before and after their publication, were used to assess the adherence to guidelines and gauge the conformity to quality indicators. Results EMR was the only source of information for pulmonary function tests, but low frequency in ordering by primary care was an issue. The EMR data can be used to explore impact of variation in healthcare provision on clinical outcomes. The EMR database permits access to specific lab data and biometric information. Conclusions The richness and depth of information on "real world" use of health services for large population-based analytical studies at relatively low cost render such databases an attractive resource for outcomes research. Various sources of information exist to perform outcomes research. It is important to understand the desired endpoints of such research and choose the appropriate database source.
A new comprehensive detector for RHIC-II

Abstract The proposed upgrade to the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory will result in a factor of 40 increase in luminosity from that currently available. I present concepts for a comprehensive new detector designed to exploit the wealth of physics that will then become accessible. The design incorporates high rate detectors and particle identification up to a transverse momentum of ∼20 GeV/c with complete azimuthal coverage over almost the entire RHIC rapidity range. High statistics quarkonia measurements and a comprehensive jet program are examples of the unique physics made available by this detector design. “Tomographic” measurements of the quark gluon plasma, believed to be formed at RHIC energies, are made possible through the use of hard-scattering probes. The forward region will also be explored providing new insight into initial conditions of RHIC collisions. In addition this detector design is optimal for studies to determine the dynamics and structure of the proton, thus making full use of the polarized proton beams at RHIC.
Analysis of the growth of molecular sieve zeolite NaA in a batch precipitation system

Abstract A reaction engineering model for the synthesis of molecular sieve zeolite A has been improved by including a nucleation step and solving the complete model numerically instead of using the quasi-steady state approximation. It is shown that experimental kinetic curves can be simulated by this model, and that particle nucleation accounts for the early stages of synthesis. The population balance also has been applied to zeolite A synthesis for the first time. Particle growth rates were determined from this analysis, which shows that the growth rate for zeolite A decreases at larger sizes. Finally, it is shown that the silica-to-alumina ratio in the batch composition may be used to control the product crystal morphology.
Detecting blobs in multispectral electro-optical imagery using wavelet techniques

Abstract Wavelet processing followed by a neural network classifier is shown to give higher blob detection rate andlower false alarm rate than simply classifying single pixels by their spectral characteristics. An on-center,off-surround wavelet is shown to be highly effective in removing constant-mean background areas, as well asramping intensity variations that can occur due to camera nonuniformities or illumination differences. Onlya single wavelet dilation is tested in a case study, but it is argued that wavelets at different scales will playa useful role in general. Adaptive wavelet techniques are discussed for registration and sensor fusion. 1 Introduction Detecting blob-shaped objects in multispectral imagery is a generic problem that is useful for many remotesensing and automatic target recognition applications. The challenge does not lie solely in achieving a high detection rate, but rather in achieving a high detection rate with a low false alarm rate. One possible method involves two steps: 1) classifying individual pixels based on their spectra using a neural network,2) applying morphological processing to eliminate large false alarm areas and retain only the blob-shapedareas of a certain size. Thus, the first step considers only spectral information and the second step considers
The Effect of Ability Grouping on Concept Learning

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to investigate effects upon training and transfer of: ability grouping, intelligence, sex, and temporal test. Ninety-six third-grade pupils were trained in homogeneous or heterogeneous groups on a thematic concept learning board. Subjects were subsequently tested individually under an immediate or delay transfer condition. Results indicate that (a) ability grouping has no significant effect on concept learning under any of the effects of the variables of the experiment, and (b) high ability Ss are better able to attain thematic concepts than medium ability or low ability Ss. The nonsignificant effect of ability grouping is seen as a significant finding in light of its present emphasis in the school setting. An effect found significant in the controlled setting may have an effect in the school, but we doubt that an effect that is not significant in the controlled setting will suddenly work in the school.
Economically-based acceptance sampling plans

Abstract The most significant advancement in the field of quality control have occurred since the 1920's with the development of statistical quality contol. A major area of statistical quality control is acceptance sampling, in which the decision to either accept or reject a lot is based on the result of a sample from that lot. This paper is a review of literature relevant to the economic design of attributes sampling plans. It surveys the classical works in the field, as well as later work that has been built upon these. Also included are approaches very different from the original work.
Utilizing media arts principles for developing effective interactive neurorehabilitation systems

This paper discusses how interactive neurorehabilitation systems can increase their effectiveness through systematic integration of media arts principles and practice. Media arts expertise can foster the development of complex yet intuitive extrinsic feedback displays that match the inherent complexity and intuitive nature of motor learning. Abstract, arts-based feedback displays can be powerful metaphors that provide re-contextualization, engagement and appropriate reward mechanisms for mature adults. Such virtual feedback displays must be seamlessly integrated with physical components to produce mixed reality training environments that promote active, generalizable learning. The proposed approaches are illustrated through examples from mixed reality rehabilitation systems developed by our team.
ER+/PR+/TFF3+/IMP3- immunoprofile distinguishes endometrioid from serous and clear cell carcinomas of the endometrium: A study of 401 cases

Aims Differentiating endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC) from uterine serous carcinoma (USC) and clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the endometrium can be challenging. We undertook an immunohistochemical study to address this issue. Methods and results We evaluated 401 endometrial carcinomas cases by using four immunomarkers – oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), insulin-like growth factor II mRNA – binding protein 3 (IMP3), and intestinal trefoil factor 3 (TFF3)–on a tissue microarray. The cases included 311 EACs (G1, 146; G2, 104; and G3, 61), 69 USCs, and 21 CCCs. ER, PR and TFF3 were most frequently expressed in EACs (P < 0.001), and IMP3 was more frequently expressed in USCs and CCCs (P < 0.001). ER+/PR+/TFF3+/IMP3− was the best marker combination associated with EAC [exact odds ratio (OR) 112; 95% confidence interval (CI) 19–∞; P < 0.0001]. This marker combination remained very reliable after adjustment for tumour grade (exact OR 19.2; 95% CI 3–∞; P = 0.0004). Because distinguishing EAC G3 from USC and CCC on the basis of morphology may be difficult, the use of immunomarkers to improve reproducibility is highly recommended. We found the ER+/PR+/TFF3+/IMP3− immunoprofile to be the best combination for confirming a diagnosis of endometrioid adenocarcinoma (exact OR 19.2; 95% CI 3–∞; P = 0.0004). Conclusions We recommend using an ER/PR/TFF3/IMP3 immunohistochemical panel in selected cases of endometrial carcinoma where the differential diagnosis is challenging.
Sampling studies on a test against trend in binomial data

A series of 375 “Monte-Carlo” realizations were performed on a number of groupings of 100 samples each fromt distinct binomial populations (t=3, 4, 5, 7, 9) in order to obtain estimates of the power function of theV andX2 index of dispersion tests in detection of a “trend” in the binomial probabilities.
Current concepts in end-to-side neurorrhaphy.

In peripheral nerve injury, end-to-side neurorrhaphy involves coaptation of the distal stump of a transected nerve to the trunk of an adjacent donor nerve. It has been proposed as an alternative technique when the proximal stump of an injured nerve is unavailable or the nerve gap is too long to be bridged by a nerve graft. Experimental and clinical data suggests that end-to-side neurorrhaphy can provide satisfactory functional recovery for the recipient nerve, without any deterioration of the donor nerve function. The most accepted mechanism of nerve regeneration following end-to-side neurorrhaphy is collateral sprouting. The source of the regenerating axons traveling in the epineurium of the donor nerve is thought to be the proximal Ranvier’s nodes at the site of end-to-side neurorrhaphy, however, histologic evidence is still lacking. Partial neurotomy of the donor nerve may enhance regeneration of motor neurons through end-to-side neurorrhaphy and reinnervation of motor targets.
Comparison of scatter correction methods for CBCT

In contrast to the narrow fan of clinical Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, Cone Beam scanners irradiate a much larger proportion of the object, which causes additional X-ray scattering. The most obvious scatter artefact is that the middle area of the object becomes darker than the outer area, as the density in the middle of the object is underestimated (cupping). Methods for estimating scatter were investigated that can be applied to each single projection without requiring a preliminary reconstruction. Scatter reduction by the Uniform Scatter Fraction method was implemented in the Varian CBCT software version 2.0. This scatter correction method is recommended for full fan scans using air norm. However, this method did not sufficiently correct artefacts in half fan scans and was not sufficiently robust if used in combination with a Single Norm. Therefore, a physical scatter model was developed that estimates scatter for each projection using the attenuation profile of the object. This model relied on laboratory experiments in which scatter kernels were measured for Plexiglas plates of varying thicknesses. Preliminary results suggest that this kernel model may solve the shortcomings of the Uniform Scatter Fraction model.
Alternative perspectives for the study of human communication: Critique and response

While covering laws, systems, and rules perspectives are emerging as dominant frameworks for theory construction in the study of communication, none fulfills the greatest contemporary need in our field, namely, the articulation of substantive theories embodying fruitful research exemplars. In juxtaposition, however, the perspectives highlight critical issues faced in developing communication theory.
Automatic recognition of characters by Fourier descriptors and boundary line encodings

Abstract Methods like Fourier descriptors and contour approximations have been investigated independently by a number of researchers for the recognition of characters. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. This paper illustrates that a combination of these two methods may reinforce the discriminating power of a system for the recognition of characters. In this investigation, preprocessing techniques such as filling, deleting and linking operations have been developed and applied. By making use of Fourier shape descriptors, the information generated from boundary line encodings and the inside boundary information of each input character, a set of features has been extracted for analysis. Decision is achieved by a classification scheme based on discriminant analysis and nearest neighbour classification techniques. A high recognition performance is confirmed by computer simulation and implementation of this proposed method. Experimental results obtained from 8658 samples of several data bases are briefly described. Recognition rates in the range of 99% have been obtained for hand-printed characters.
Analysis and performance trade-offs of linearity calibration for stochastic ADCs

Stochastic flash analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) have been proposed as a solution to the scalability problems encountered by a standard flash ADC. Instead of generating comparator references with a well-matched resistor ladder, it generates randomly distributed thresholds using either the comparator offsets or a separate noise-generating circuit. This allows all devices to be minimum size without matching problems; consequently the stochastic ADC becomes an attractive solution for a synthesizable ADC design. This work achieves two goals: first, it derives the relationship between the number of comparator decisions and effective resolution of a stochastic ADC with an arbitrary probability distribution function (PDF) of comparator thresholds. Second, this work identifies the conditions under which linearity calibration will improve performance. Monte-Carlo simulations demonstrate that for high signal amplitude or numbers of comparisons, calibration significantly improves resolution. For low amplitudes or numbers of comparisons, the ADC performs better without linearity calibration.
Making computation count: arithmetic circuits in the nineties

This issue's expert guest column is by Eric Allender, who has just taken over the Structural Complexity Column in the Bulletin of the EATCS.Regarding "Journals to Die For" (SIGACT News Complexity Theory Column 16), Joachim von zur Gathen, the editor-in-chief of computational complexity, has written me pointing out, quite correctly, that I cheated his journal of a point. His journal, in the issue checked, does include the email address of each author. I apologize for the missing point. Joachim also asked me to mention that, while the journal does not require the "alpha" citation style, it does strongly advise authors to use that style.
Public trust doctrine: too broad.

In their Policy Forum (“Legal bedrock for rebuilding America's ocean ecosystems,” 10 April, p. [183][1]), M. Turnipseed et al. claim that extending the “public trust doctrine” to all U.S. ocean waters would more effectively promote cooperation in ocean governance than the “failing status quo.” However, the authors fail to consider viable nonregulatory solutions to ocean management, such as long-term leases, second-bid auctions, and other public-private contractual arrangements—alternative governance mechanisms that are now commonly used to manage a wide variety of common-pool natural resources, including public lands, fisheries, and water resources ([ 1 ][2]). In addition to conservation goals, federal ocean agencies must balance an array of competing uses of ocean resources, including energy, fishing, shipping, tourism, and military. With so many competing stakeholders in play, the public trust doctrine is too broad to provide effective guidance in ocean management. Instead of a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach, Congress should confer on U.S. ocean agencies the legal authority to experiment with alternative mechanisms to determine which solutions best promote efficiency and equity among these myriad competing uses. 1. [↵][3]1. R. Grafton 2. et al ., J. Law Econ. 43, 679 (2000). [OpenUrl][4][CrossRef][5][Web of Science][6] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1170889 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [4]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJ.%2BLaw%2BEcon.%26rft.volume%253D43%26rft.spage%253D679%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1086%252F467469%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [5]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1086/467469&link_type=DOI [6]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000165134600013&link_type=ISI
Regional anesthesia and analgesia in the orthopedic patient receiving thromboprophylaxis

Spinal and epidural anesthesia/analgesia provide several advantages over systemic opioids, including superior analgesia, reduced blood loss and need for transfusion, and decreased incidence of thromboembolic complications. The current medical practice is that patients hospitalized for major surgery often receive an anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medication perioperative to prevent venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, although the pharmacologic agent, degree of anticoagulation desired, and duration of therapy remain controversial. In the United States, oral anticoagulants and low-molecular-weight heparin are most often used in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery, whereas low-dose (unfractionated) heparin or aspirin may be used in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal surgery or in elderly or debilitated patients, who have an increased risk of hemorrhage. Patients receiving perioperative thromboprophylaxis are often not considered candidates for spinal or epidural anesthesia/analgesia because of a theoretically greater risk of spinal hematoma. The decision to perform neuraxaal blockade on these patients must be made on an individual basis, weighing the potentially greater risk of spinal hematoma from needle or catheter placement against the theoretical benefits gained. To reduce the risk of spinal hematoma associated with regional anesthesia, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of coagulation, the pharmacologic properties of the anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents, and also the clinical studies involving patients undergoing neuraxial blockade while receiving these medications.