cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amplitude analysis for pion photoproduction in the optimal formalism

Data for neutral-pion photoproduction between 1.3 and 2.1 GeV and at four different angles are analyzed in terms of the four complex amplitudes, by using the optimal formalism. Although the sets of data are incomplete for a complete determination of these amplitudes, with the help of the optimal formalism one can find frames in which the incomplete sets of data yield an accurate determination of most of the amplitude parameters. The results show many interesting features which can be considered as clues toward finding the proper dynamics of such a reaction. Among these features we see evidence that it is possible to find an amplitude formalism in whichall four complex amplitudes determined from the data have the same phase (and hence can all be considered real).
Hemodynamic and vascular effects of active and passive smoking

Epidemiologic studies suggest that active and passive exposure to tobacco smoke is an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that cigarette smoking causes coronary vasoconstriction, an increase in coronary vascular resistance, and a decrease in coronary blood flow, despite an increase in myocardial oxygen demand. Cigarette smoking also induces diffuse or segmental coronary artery spasm. In habitual smokers, smoking one cigarette increases heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac index, and myocardial oxygen demand and impairs cardiac performance, probably through adrenergic stimulation and catecholamine release. Several experimental studies, however, show that cigarette smoke inhalation causes pulmonary vasodilation because of inhalation of NO and CO in the vapor phase of cigarette smoke. Similar to active smoking, passive smoking has the same adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, with similar changes in hemodynamics and coronary vasomotor tone, platelet activation, impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation, and endothelial dysfunction. The adverse cardiovascular effects of smoking can be partially abolished by alpha- and beta-blockers or by calcium entry blockers.
Molecular morphology in amorphous and glass polymers

Abstract Theory advanced many years ago predicted that the randomness characteristics of a long polymer chain when isolated from other macromolecules, as in a dilute solution for example, should be preserved in the amorphous state. This prediction is now supported by a large body of evidence, most notably by the results of small angle neutron scattering, which show the correspondence to be quantitative within experimental error in every instance examined to date. The absence of significant perturbations of the molecular configurations in amorphous and glassy polymers seems to suggest total intermolecular disorder. Nevertheless, small angle x-ray scattering demonstrates the prevalence of short-range radial order comparable to that in liquids reveals an enhancement indicative of short-range orientational correlations as well. The degree of correlation is very small, however, and its effect on the molecular configuration may be presumed to be negligible.
Stratigraphy, sedimentology, and environmental significance of late mid-Holocene dunes, Lauder Sand Hills, glacial Lake Hind Basin, southwestern Manitoba

Mid-Holocene eolian dune and sand-sheet deposits, rare in the northern Great Plains, are buried under a meter or more of younger sediment in the glacial Lake Hind Basin, southwestern Manitoba. Six facies observed in three cut-bank exposures allow reconstruction of sedimentary processes and resulting landscape at the study site in the basin center around 6100 cal (calibrated) BP. A mosaic of parabolic dunes with interdune and dune-marginal lightly vegetated sand sheets developed in the Souris River flood plain that was least partly covered with woodlands and wetlands. During floods, nearby interdune areas were inundated. Dune foreset orientation and stratification indicate a more easterly sand transport direction, lending support to the hypothesis that more pervasive westerly "zonal" flow contributed to mid-Holocene aridity evident elsewhere in the northern Great Plains. More arid conditions during the mid-Holocene may have helped trigger eolian activity. However, with the exception of a more active eolian...
Experimental CSG environment for modelling solid

The purpose of this research is to develop an experimental environment for solid modelling which can provide a wide range of graphics primitives and operations toward making the modelling process more flexible. The system can handle different types of representations and combine them with an extended-CSG structure. A new geometric editor to enter and modify the data is also reported. To handle different types of representation, the system has an object-oriented structure and the idea of a ‘common function’ is introduced to give the interface between them. Ray tracing is used as the rendering method. New techniques for generating images for complex objects are shown with several modelling examples.
Performance investigation and constraint stabilization approach for the orthogonal complement-based divide-and-conquer algorithm

Abstract The introductory paper on the orthogonal complement-based divide-and-conquer algorithm (ODCA) lacked in properly characterizing the growth rate of the constraint violation error and the singularity handling capabilities of the algorithm [1] . In this paper, we investigate the performance of the ODCA with regards to constraint error growth and singularity handling capabilities. Moreover we introduce a new inverse dynamics-based constraint stabilization approach. The proposed method is applicable to general multibody systems with arbitrary number of closed kinematic loops. We compare the ODCA with augmented [2] and reduction [3] methods. Our results indicate that the error growth rate for the ODCA falls between these two traditional techniques. Moreover, using benchmark numerical problems, we illustrate the effectiveness of the stabilization scheme.
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and large conductance calcium-sensitive potassium channels inhibit the release of opioid peptides that induce μ-opioid receptor internalization in the rat spinal cord

Abstract Endogenous opioids in the spinal cord play an important role in nociception, but the mechanisms that control their release are poorly understood. To simultaneously detect all opioids able to activate the μ-opioid receptor, we measured μ-opioid receptor internalization in rat spinal cord slices stimulated electrically or chemically to evoke opioid release. Electrical stimulation of the dorsal horn in the presence of peptidase inhibitors produced μ-opioid receptor internalization in half of the μ-opioid receptor neurons. This internalization was rapidly abolished by N -methyl- d -aspartate (IC 50 =2μM), and N -methyl- d -aspartate antagonists prevented this effect. μ-Opioid receptor internalization evoked by high K + or veratridine was also inhibited by N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor activation. N -methyl- d -aspartate did not affect μ-opioid receptor internalization induced by exogenous endomorphins, confirming that the effect of N -methyl- d -aspartate was on opioid release. We hypothesized that this inhibition was mediated by large conductance Ca 2+ -sensitive K + channels BK(Ca 2+ ). Indeed, inhibition by N -methyl- d -aspartate was prevented by tetraethylammonium and by the selective BK(Ca 2+ ) blockers paxilline, penitrem A and verruculogen. Paxilline did not increase μ-opioid receptor internalization in the absence of N -methyl- d -aspartate, indicating that it does not produce an increase in opioid release unrelated to the inhibition by N -methyl- d -aspartate. The BK(Ca 2+ ) involved appears to be a subtype with slow association kinetics for iberiotoxin, which was effective only with long incubations. The BK(Ca 2+ ) opener NS-1619 also inhibited the evoked μ-opioid receptor internalization, and iberiotoxin prevented this effect. We concluded that Ca 2+ influx through N -methyl- d -aspartate receptors causes the opening of BK(Ca 2+ ) and hyperpolarization in opioid-containing dorsal horn neurons, resulting in the inhibition of opioid release. Since μ-opioid receptors in the dorsal horn mediate analgesia, inhibition of spinal opioid release could contribute to the hyperalgesic actions of spinal N -methyl- d -aspartate receptors.
Predicting and monitoring long-term compaction in unconsolidated reservoir sands using a dual power law model

We propose a model for predicting the long-term creep compaction of unconsolidated sand reservoirs prior to significant depletion. The model is based upon linear viscoelasticity theory, whereby deformation is decoupled into instantaneous and time-dependent components. The instantaneous component of deformation is modeled using a power law function of effective pressure. Model parameters are solved by conducting a constant strain-rate laboratory experiment. The time-dependent deformation is modeled using a power law function of time. Associated model parameters are solved by conducting a creep-strain test at the anticipated in-situ effective pressure. In total, application of the model involves measurement of three model parameters obtained by conducting two different laboratory experiments. We illustrate the model utilizing samples from unconsolidated sand reservoirs in the Wilmington field in California and an offshore field in the Gulf of Mexico. We show that the stiffness change associated with the porosity reduction predicted by the model is large and could be monitored using P-wave velocity. This should make compaction observable with 4D seismic surveys of the example fields.
Posttraumatic Stress among Youths in Juvenile Detention

An estimated 1.8 million juveniles were arrested in the United States for delinquency in 2009. Previous studies indicate high rates of exposure to traumatic events and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms for these youths. This study examined PTS in a sample of 170 youths in juvenile detention. The results of this study reveal higher rates of PTS symptoms (21%) compared to national rates (6%). The data also suggest youths suffering from more PTS symptoms also report higher depression, anxiety, anger, family relationship worries, thought problems, and attention problems. These factors provide a direction for continued practice targeting these youths.
Capromab pendetide scanning has a potential role in optimizing patient selection for salvage cryosurgical ablation of the prostate.

Objectives To evaluate an algorithm using Capromab pendetide scanning (CPS) and prostate biopsy to select appropriate patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radiation therapy (RT) for salvage cryosurgical ablation of the prostate (CSAP) and to avoid premature androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); and to estimate the local salvage success rate for patients with high-risk clinical features. Methods Sixty-nine patients underwent a history, physical, CPS, and prostate biopsy. Patients with a negative or prostate-only positive signal and a positive biopsy were offered CSAP. Success was defined as a postsalvage nadir PSA of ≤0.4 ng/mL. Patients who failed were followed to establish when they required ADT. The results were compared with the putative results of applying clinical parameters alone. Patients were considered high-risk if they had any of the following characteristics: stage T3B-T4, Gleason ≥4 + 3, PSADT ≤10 months or presalvage PSA > 10 ng/mL. Results Twelve patients (6 with metastatic signal and 6 with negative biopsy) were excluded. Fifty-seven patients underwent CSAP. Overall 67% were successfully treated. Pre-salvage PSA was significantly associated with success ( P = .013). Using clinical risk alone, only 14 patients achieved success compared with 38 using our algorithm. Most of the patients (75%) avoided ADT over a period of 21 months. Conclusions Using our algorithm with CPS and prostate biopsy enabled us to spare some low-risk patients the undue morbidity of local salvage procedures that are likely to fail, while offering selected high-risk patients the opportunity for cure, avoiding premature ADT. Low presalvage PSA seems to be correlated with successful outcomes.
A diagrammatic formulation of the kinetic theory of fluctuations in equilibrium classical fluids. IV. The short time behavior of the memory function

Using a recently developed diagrammatic formulation of the kinetic theory of fluctuations in liquids, we investigate the short time behavior of the memory function for density fluctuations in a classical atomic fluid. At short times, the memory function has a large contribution that is generated by the repulsive part of the interatomic potential. We introduce a small parameter that is a measure of the softness of the repulsive part of the potential. The diagrams in the memory function that contribute to lowest order in that small parameter are identified and summed to give an explicit expression for the dominant contribution to the memory function at short times. The result leads to a theory for fluids with continuous potentials that is similar to the Enskog theory for hard sphere fluids.
Characterization of the cytokine and maturation responses of pure populations of porcine plasmacytoid dendritic cells to porcine viruses and toll-like receptor agonists

Abstract Plausible representatives of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in pigs have been characterized as being CD4hiCD172lo. Due to their paucity in blood, we utilized novel fluorescent-activated cell sorting procedures to isolate them from PBMC. The resultant subset was greater than 98% homogeneous in regards to the selected phenotype and contained the preponderance of individuals secreting IFN-α after exposure to a known stimulant, transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). In addition to being a potent source of IFN-α, other properties of these porcine CD4hiCD172lo cells including their morphological transition from a plasma cell-like shape during quiescence to one resembling a dendritic cell (DC) after activation by TGEV and their relatively strong constitutive expression of interferon regulatory factor-7 (IRF-7) conformed to the expectations of genuine pDCs. While a substantial IFN-α response was also elicited from the porcine pDCs by pseudorabies virus (PrV), swine influenza virus (SIV), and TLR7 and 9 agonists, there was an agent-dependent induction of varying amounts of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. Notably, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) failed to provoke the pDCs to secrete any of the measured cytokines except IL-2. Moreover, whereas pDCs exposed to TGEV or the TLR9 agonist rapidly increased IRF-7 production and morphed into DCs with enhanced CD80/86 expression, similar alterations were not observed during incubation with PRRSV. This atypical response of pDCs to PRRSV may contribute to its pathogenesis, which unlike that associated with PrV, SIV or TGEV includes persistent infection and limited development of protective immunity.
Independence of Primary and Secondary Structures in Periodic Precipitation Patterns

Microscopic periodic precipitation patterns featuring both primary and secondary bands form in thin gel films. The initial conditions for the precipitation process are defined by wet stamping and are chosen such that the primary and secondary structures are not necessarily collinear; the fact that these structures propagate in different directions suggests that they form independently of one another. This hypothesis is further supported by a theoretical model in which two different intermediate species mediate band formation.
Theory for flow resistance caused by submerged roughness elements

Herein, a phenomenological theory that unifies the flow resistance caused by a variety of submerged bluff bodies, including cylindrical vegetation, two-dimensional dunes and the roughness elements studied in Schlichting's 1936 experiments, is presented. For the different flow obstructions, scaling relations that relate the equivalent roughness length to the obstructions’ spatial dimensions are derived, by adopting the concepts of the turbulent energy cascade and the momentum thickness in the wake of a bluff body. In the derivation, it is hypothesized that the equivalent roughness height represents the volumetric average of the prevailing turbulence length scale that is present in wakes of the roughness elements. A comparison with experimental literature data indicates that the derived scaling relations capture the dominant dependencies of the equivalent roughness length. These expressions have important engineering applications in large-scale flows where employment of more detailed flow-modelling techniqu...
A data analytic approach to the smoothing problem and some of its variations

Let y(n) = f(n) + ?(n), n=1,...,N with the ?(n) i.i.d, from ?(n) ~ N(0, ?2), ?2 unknown and f(?) an unknown "smooth function". The problem is to estimate f(n), n=1,...,N in some way that makes sense statistically. E.T. Whittaker, 1919, suggested that the solution have the property that it be a trade off between fidelity to the data and fidelity to a difference equation constraint. Craven and Wahba, 1979 is an 0(N3) solution to the problem, Akaike, 1979 is an 0(N2) solution to this problem. The Whittaker, Wahba and Akaike solutions are described. In our approach alternative candidate "smooth" models are imbedded into dynamic state space forms. The recursive computational Kalman smoother procedure is invoked to achieve an 0(N) computation. Akaike's AIC, a statistical decision procedure, is employed to determine the best of alternative Kalman filter-predictor modeled data. The Kalman smoother solution corresponding the best AIC Kalman filter, is then the best (fixed interval) smooth solution of the data. The smoothing problem is generalized to consider the smoothing of econometric time series with trends and seasonalities, trends with correlated noise and smooth functions with outliers. Each of these variations of the smoothing problem is "solved" by an iterative data analytic approach. In that approach the results of tentative first analyses suggest new candidate dynamic constraint models, and in the case of robust smoothing, a new procedure. Some of the final AIC criterion results are seemingly surprising and counterintuitive. Examples are shown.
Taking Legal Realism Offshore: The Contributions of Joseph Walter Bingham to American Jurisprudence and to the Reform of Modern Ocean Law

A conscientious reading of the rich historical literature on the American Legal Realist movement would provide no suggestion that any of the academic writers and other commentators in that movement ever gave the slightest attention to international law.1 It is entirely understandable that the Realists should be remembered as having been concerned exclusively with the analysis and reform of domestic jurisprudence and legal process; for there was only one exception, in this regard, and this was the Stanford law professor Joseph Walter Bingham. Bingham (1878-1973) is a figure who has been almost entirely neglected by historians of legal thought.2 And yet he was one of the earliest American legal commentators to promote an iconoclastic, reformist approach to the common law and American constitutional law. His writings in the 1910s and 1920s, as will be discussed further here, were important early-day contributions to the development of what would become the central canon of Legal Realism. His uniqueness among the Realists rests in the fact that he would go on to play a prominent part in contending for a basic reform in international law during the decades that followed.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase of adrenal tissue.

The direct oxidative pathway of glucose utilization or the hexose monophosphate shunt has received a great deal of attention recently, and numerous attempts have been made to evaluate its importance in various tissues. Glock and McLean, in making a survey of the levels of enzymes of this pathway in a number of mammalian tissues, recently reported unusually high activity in the adrenal glands, particularly in the adrenal cortex (1). This paper reports the results of an investigation of carbohydrate metabolism in adrenal tissue which also led to this finding. At the time this investigation was started, the knowledge of carbohydrate metabolism in the adrenal gland was limited to the observation that a glycolytic system could be obtained from adrenal tissue (2, 3) and that certain intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle could be oxidized by the adrenal gland (4, 5). Evidence is presented in this report for the existence of two different pathways of glucose utilization in adrenal tissue. Besides the glycolytic pathway, there is shown to be a very active alternative pathway which proves to be the hexose monophosphate shunt. The cyclic nature of this pathway is indicated in adrenal systems as it has been previously in other tissues. A comparison is given of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels of a number of mammalian tissues, and Glock and McLean’s report of the unusually high activity in adrenal cortex is confirmed. A preliminary report of this work was presented earlier (6).
Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Management of Thromboembolic Stroke

Abstract Cardiac causes of stroke account for approximately 20% of strokes occurring in the United States. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) remains the cornerstone of noninvasive cardiac imaging, but transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is superior for identifying potential cardiac sources of emboli, including left atrial thrombi, valvular vegetations, thoracic aortic plaque, patent foramen ovale, and spontaneous left atrial echocardiographic contrast. The diagnostic yield of TEE for potential cardiac causes of thromboembolism exceeds 50%. The impact of TEE on the clinical management of this group, however, remains undefined for most TEE-specific diagnoses. Thus, routine use of TEE in these patients has been questioned. The diagnostic yield is highest if the clinical history/physical examination suggests a cardiac source. However, the clinical scenario often dictates patient management, and TEE data are used to “validate” the clinical impression. Data from large, prospective, randomized (aspirin/warfarin) studies, in which TEE data are obtained from patients with suspected cardiac thromboembolism, are needed. If specific TEE diagnoses can be identified in which defined therapies are beneficial, “source of embolism” will continue to be the most common indication for TEE referral. In this paradigm, TEE (without initial TTE) will probably become a more direct diagnostic pathway. However, if these studies demonstrate that all patients with suspected cardiac source benefit from one (or no) therapy, independent of TEE data, referrals for TEE will decline. Results of ongoing randomized trials to evaluate the efficacy of TEE in patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack are awaited.
A Multi-Tier NL-Knowledge Clustering for Classifying Students' Essays

In this paper, we describe a multi-tier Natural Language (NL) clustering approach to text classification for classifying students’ essays for tutoring applications. The main task of the classifier is to map the students’ essay statements into target concepts, namely physics principles
Haptoglobin typing of bloodstains: electrophoresis of immunoprecipitated haptoglobin.

Haptoglobin has been isolated from free hemoglobin in bloodstain extracts by immuno-precipitation with monospecific antisera. The haptoglobin thus isolated can be typed by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels containing the ionic detergent, sodium dodecyl sulfate. Using this method, haptoglobin has been typed in bloodstains up to 18 months of age.
Isotopic synovectomy with P‐32 in paediatric patients with haemophilia

Isotopic synovectomy is being proposed as an option in the treatment of patients with haemophilic arthropathy. We present our experience with 11 paediatric patients who underwent 17, P-32 isotopic synovectomies for chronic haemophilic arthropathy. P-32 was injected into the joint per protocol, approved by the institutional review board. All our patients were male. Nine were factor VIII and two were factor IX deficient. The following joints were treated: ankle (n=10 procedures), elbow (n=5) and knee (n=2). The first procedure was performed on December 1993. None were human immunodeficiency virus positive. Mean age at the first procedure was 10.8 years (range, 5.2-15.2 years). Mean pretreatment joint clinical scores using the World Federation of Hemophilia guidelines for the ankle was 5.5 (SD +/- 2.3), the elbow 4.2 (+/-2.5), and knee 5.5 (+/-3.5); the corresponding post-treatment scores were 2.6 (+/-2.0), 1.4 (+/-0.5) and 2.5 (+/-3.5) respectively. Presynovectomy mean radiological scores using the Pettersson method were: ankle 1.8, elbow 1.8, and knee 1.5. A scoring system used in our centre for evaluating joints using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gave the following mean pretreatment scores: ankle 9.5, elbow 8.4, and knee 5.0. A marked decrease (an 80-100% decrease) in bleeding was seen in 13 of 17 procedures, and a moderate decrease (51-79% decrease) in two procedures, accounting for 85% reduction in bleeding into the target joints. The procedure was well tolerated and no untoward side-effects were noted as of May 1999, with a median follow-up of 40 months (range 19-65 months). None had any clinical evidence of cancer. Three patients had their joints retreated [elbow (one), ankle (two)]. These procedures were also well tolerated. In conclusion, in our study, isotopic synovectomy using P-32 appears to be feasible, safe and efficacious in the treatment of haemophilic arthropathy in paediatric patients who have been followed for a median of 40 months. As previously shown, MRI appears to give more detailed information about joint arthropathy than plain radiographs.
Tweeting for class: using social media to enable student co-construction of lectures

Motivating students to be active in learning is a perennial problem in education. We describe our experience using Twitter for student "co-construction" of lecture materials. Students were required to tweet prior to each lecture related to that day's topic. These tweets - consisting of questions, examples and reflections - were incorporated into the lecture slides. Students reported that they found lectures including their tweets in class to be engaging, interactive and relevant, and nearly 90% of them recommended we use our co-construction approach again. Future iterations of this model could streamline the process by using automated processing and aggregation of tweets and/or having students in the class responsible for this.
Maturation of sunflower and sector sampling of heads to monitor maturation

Abstract Research was undertaken to relate visual appearance of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) plants with achene maturation and to determine if severing stalks before physiological maturity stops achene growth. A new technique for studying maturation involved harvesting sectors of achenes at different times from the same head receptacle and determining weight per 100 achenes. Economic physiological maturity occurs at the stage when achenes reach maximum weight. These individual head studies with diverse cultivars and plant populations showed that maturity occurred after backs of heads were completely yellow. Leaf loss was not a reliable indicator of physiological maturity. Each year, about 1350 growing degree-days (GDD) occurred between planting and physiological maturity. The interval between physiological maturity and brown senescence of heads averaged 10, 13, 14, and 18 days for 4 years. Whole plot studies showed that the accuracy of maturation ratings based on average heads may be affected by later-than-average heads. Sunflower heads were about 80% water at the initiation of yellowing and 19 to 45% water at brown senescence. Achene size was determined before head yellowing whereas yield, oil percentage, weight/hl, and weight per achene increased during the maturation period. Achenes from severed plants dried in the field and from heads harvested the same day but dried in an oven did not differ in yield or other characteristics indicating that achene development stops when stalks are cut.
Using the Nursing Interventions Classification to Describe the Work of the Nurse Practitioner

Purpose To extend the specialty use research based on the Iowa Intervention Project using the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) and identify and the 20 most prevalent inter-ventions described by practicing nurse practitioners (NPs). Data Sources A descriptive survey using a mailed question-naire was sent to 1,190 NPs with prescriptive authority in Minnesota. Results are based on 414 (37%) useable responses. Conclusions Of the 486 NIC interventions on the questionnaire, NPs reported using an average of 120 at least once per month. The 20 most frequently selected were reported by 71%-90% of respondents as being used at least once per month. Four core interventions (documentation, telephone consultation, teaching: prescribed medication, and emotional support) were common to NPs in all specialties. Implications for Practice Common medical coding does not reflect the nursing aspects of NP practice. As NPs attempt to define what is different about NP practice, the use of a standardized nursing language such as the NIC may facilitate this process. One clarification that needs to be made with regard to the NIC in future research with NPs is the distinction between prescribing and performing the interventions.
Teacher Retention in Catholic Schools

Teacher attrition is a concern in all educational sectors but is of special importance to Catholic schools because of the salary disparity between public and Catholic schools. This review examines the research on teacher retention in general with a view to understanding how this knowledge might inform teacher recruitment and retention strategies in Catholic schools and dioceses. The relationship between salient teacher characteristics”such as job satisfaction and salary”and teacher retention is discussed.
Vector quantization over Gaussian channels with memory

We consider the problem of transmission of a vector quantized Markov source over channels with memory. A maximum a posteriori (MAP) symbol-by-symbol algorithm is used to obtain a soft decision VQ decoder which approximates the minimum mean-squared error estimate of the source vectors. This algorithm also accounts for the residual redundancy left at the vector quantizer output. The results obtained using this approach are compared to the results obtained by using a hard decision VQ decoder. Also, this decoder is used in conjunction with a channel optimized vector quantizer (COVQ), which is designed using a nonrecursive symbol by symbol detector instead of the optimal MAP symbol by symbol detector, thus reducing the dimensionality considerably. We also introduce simplified design procedure, obtained by determining the channel transition matrix of an equivalent discrete memoryless channel, and then applying well known COVQ procedures for discrete memoryless channels. We find that the soft decision decoder considerably improves reconstruction fidelity at low channel SNR's, and that COVQ further improves the performance.
Experimental Isospora canis and Isospora felis Infection in Mice, Cats, and Dogs

SYNOPSIS. Two 6-month-old gnotobiotic dogs and 4 five-day-old dogs became infected but did not shed oocysts within 15 days after ingesting the feline coccidian, Isospora felis. Infection of the dogs was evidenced by the shedding of I. felis oocysts by cats consuming extra-intestinal organs of dogs fed I. felis. Likewise, cats became infected with the canine coccidian, Isospora canis, without producing oocysts. Dogs also became infected after ingesting mice previously fed I. canis oocysts. The prcpatent period for I. canis was slightly shorter in dogs fed infected mice (8–9 days) than in those fed oocysts (9–11 days).
Representations of metaplectic groups I: epsilon dichotomy and local Langlands correspondence

Using theta correspondence, we classify the irreducible representations of Mp2n in terms of the irreducible representations of SO2n+1 and determine many properties of this classification. This is a local Shimura correspondence which extends the well-known results of Waldspurger for n=1.
Radiopharmaceutical Studies and Nuclear Medicine; Simultaneous 68 Ge and 88 Zr recovery from proton irradiated Ga/Nb capsules (LA-UR #03-2319)

Germanium-68 (270.8 d, EC 100%) is the parent nuclide of 68Ga, a β+ emitter important to positron emission tomography (PET). 68Ge is obtained by a (p,x) induced nuclear reaction on natural Ga. A typical Ga target assembly consists of liquid Ga contained in a Nb capsule, since Nb is one of the few metals resistant to liquid Ga. Zirconium-88 (83.4 d, via 93Nb(p, α2n)) is one longer-lived radioisotope generated by the proton irradiation of naturally mono-isotopic 93Nb. It decays into 88Y, which, in turn, has been considered a useful radiolabel surrogate for 90Y in the investigation of radiolabeled compounds for cancer radioimmunotherapy. This paper introduces a wet chemical procedure for the processing of Nb/Ga target capsules and the simultaneous recovery of 68Ge and 88Zr.
Effect of Nematicide and Herbicide Interactions on Field Population of Cyst Nematode and Agronomic Characters of Soybean

Treatment of herbicides (Treflan and Lorox) and nematicides (Nemacur and Temik) and various combinations of these pesticides on Essex and Ransom in the field to control weeds and soybean cyst nematode (SCN) have produced significantly more abnormal seedling establishment, more number of pods and nodules per plant, and lesser field population of SCN. The differences in performance of Essex and Ransom with respect to SCN control with corresponding yield increases or decreases from pesticide treatments may have been due to the cultivar's different degree of susceptibility to SCN infestations and to their specific genetic make-up. The recommended nematicides for the control of SCN with corresponding yield increases in Essex were Temik and Nemacur and the recommended nematicide-herbicide combinations were Temik-Treflan and Temik-Lorox. The recommended nematicide for the control of SCN in cultivar Ransom was Temik. Bean yields were not affected by the application of pesticides.
Vaccinated C57BL/6 Mice Develop Protective and Memory T Cell Responses to Coccidioides posadasii Infection in the Absence of Interleukin-10

High concentrations of lung tissue-associated interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive cytokine, correlate with susceptibility of mice to Coccidioides spp. infection. In this study, we found that macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and both CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells recruited to Coccidioides posadasii-infected lungs of nonvaccinated and vaccinated mice contributed to the production of IL-10. The major IL-10-producing leukocytes were CD8(+) T cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in lungs of nonvaccinated mice, while both Foxp3(+) and Foxp3(-) subsets of IL-10(+) CD4(+) T cells were significantly elevated in vaccinated mice. Profiles of the recruited leukocytes in lungs revealed that only CD4(+) T cells were significantly increased in IL-10(-/-) knockout mice compared to their wild-type counterparts. Furthermore, ex vivo recall assays showed that CD4(+) T cells isolated from vaccinated IL-10(-/-) mice compared to vaccinated wild-type mice produced significantly higher amounts of IL-2, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), IL-4, IL-6, and IL-17A in the presence of a coccidioidal antigen, indicating that IL-10 suppresses Th1, Th2, and Th17 immunity to Coccidioides infection. Analysis of absolute numbers of CD44(+) CD62L(-) CD4(+) T effector memory T cells (TEM) and IFN-γ- and IL-17A-producing CD4(+) T cells in the lungs of Coccidioides-infected mice correlated with better fungal clearance in nonvaccinated IL-10(-/-) mice than in nonvaccinated wild-type mice. Our results suggest that IL-10 suppresses CD4(+) T-cell immunity in nonvaccinated mice during Coccidioides infection but does not impede the development of a memory response nor exacerbate immunopathology of vaccinated mice over at least a 4-month period after the last immunization.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase up-regulates Notch-1 in mouse cholangiocytes: implications for carcinogenesis.

Background & Aims: Inflammatory mediators and cell fate genes, such as the Notch gene family, both have been implicated in cancer biology. Because cholangiocarcinomas arise in a background of inflammation and express the inflammatory mediator inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), we aimed to determine whether iNOS expression alters Notch expression and signaling. Methods: Notch receptor and ligand expression in human liver was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The effect of iNOS and NO on Notch-1 expression was examined in cell lines. Results: Notch-1, but not other Notch receptors, were up-regulated by cholangiocytes in primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma. The colocalization of Notch-1 and iNOS also was observed in large bile ducts from the hilar region of primary sclerosing cholangitis patients. Notch-1 expression in murine cholangiocytes was iNOS dependent. iNOS expression also facilitated Notch signaling by inducing the nuclear translocation of its intracellular domain and the expression of a transcriptional target, hairy and enhancer of split (Hes)-1. The γ-secretase inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl)-S-phenylglycine]-t-butyl ester, which blocks Notch signaling, enhanced tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-induced apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma cells. Conclusions These data implicate a direct link between the inflammatory mediator iNOS and Notch signaling, and have implications for the development and progression of cholangiocarcinoma.
Toxins, Pollutants, and Mental Health

The prenatal period reflects a time when the embryo or fetus is particularly sensitive to environmental insult from maternal experiences. It is imperative that pregnant women be informed of possible teratogens and the risk to fetal health. Unfortunately, many teratogens lurk in food and water supplies. Methylmercury (MeHg), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and bisphenol-A (BPA) are disguised in seemingly healthy foods like fish or canned peaches. The safety of nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol is disputed among physicians and in the media. This article highlights several disguised and disputed teratogens, and describes how they may impact brain development and mental health.
Ecotoxicology Beyond Sensitivity: A Case Study Involving “Unreasonableness” of Environmental Change

Aquatic ecotoxicology has been devoted to research that would allow for protection of the environment by proxy. For example, single-species tests for toxicity often are conducted to determine, with great precision, levels of permissible discharge; often then a “safety” factor is applied in hopes that natural ecosystems are no more than some arbitrary factor more sensitive than the most sensitive species tested. On the ecological side, many studies focus on the search for early-warning indicators within nature; these indicators then would serve as surrogates, signaling the upcoming ecological changes of actual concern. With either the traditional toxicological or ecological approach, there are obvious problems with extrapolation across the range of natural ecosystems and across the range of potential stresses. Since both approaches rely on uncertain extrapolation, and this is an uncomfortable situation, a concern has been to conduct tests with the “most sensitive species” and to evaluate response in ecosystems by the “most sensitive indicator.” The philosophy of protection by proxy can be simply stated: in ignorance of the response of most natural ecosystems to most chemical stresses, we had better try to hedge our bets as much as possible.
Implications Of The Risk-Based Capital Requirements Of Implicit Recourse In Asset Securitizations In The Banking Industry

We consider implications of the risk-based capital requirements of implicit recourse in asset securitizations. These implications include issues in finance such as risk management and contracting between counterparties. The first part of our analysis deals with asset securitizations where originating institutions provide investors with implicit recourse. We show that the risk-based capital requirements associated with the new regulatory definition of implicit recourse may discourage some banks from offering implicit recourse in their asset securitizations. This suggests that the new regulatory definition of implicit recourse may be a workable compromise between supervisory regulators and originating institutions. We then consider a scenario where banks enter into reinsurance contracting with banks in other regions to mitigate some regional economic risks. These reinsurance contracts may enable banks to improve the performance of their balance sheet assets. Although we find weak correlation among equity returns for regional banks, future high correlation among bank portfolios could pose a problem to regulators because when a bank gets into financial distress this may spill over to other network banks. Widening yield spreads in asset securitizations might serve as an early warning signal of financial distress. Thus, regulators might devote more supervisory resources on originating institutions when their asset securitization yield spreads widen.
The Idea of ‘Method’ in Hegel's Science of Logic — a Method for Finite Thinking and Absolute Reason

Hegel's Science of Logic achieves its conclusion with a chapter on the ‘absolute Idea’ that parallels the ending of other works such as the ‘absolute Knowing’ chapter of the Phenomenology of Spirit and the ‘absolute Spirit’ chapter of the Encyclopedia. However, the ending of the Logic claims special systematic attention due to the fact that Hegel presents here the ‘discourse on method’ of his philosophy. The method of philosophy — of philosophical thinking and philosophical knowing — is the method of speculative logic. This logic “takes the place” of the old metaphysics — of the traditional metaphysica generalis and metaphysica specialis — going beyond Kant's own critique and proposing a new science that establishes itself as the “eigentliche Metaphysik”. The project of concluding this new speculative metaphysics with a theory of method is complicated by the double systematic placing that Hegel attributes to his logic which, at the same time, figures as the very first and very last science of the whole system of philosophy. In this perspective, the absolute Idea of the Logic gains its double relation to the phenomenological ‘absolute knowing’ and to the highest moment of ‘absolute spirit’.
Towards an Integrated Data Schema Design for Additive Manufacturing: Conceptual Modeling

Large amounts of data are generated, exchanged, and used during an additive manufacturing (AM) build. While the AM data from a single build is essential for establishing part traceability, when methodically collected, the full processing history of thousands of components can be mined to advance our understanding of AM processes. Hence, this full body of data must be captured, stored, and properly managed for easy query and analysis. An innovative, AM-specific data model is necessary for establishing of a comprehensive AM information management system.This paper introduces our work towards designing a complete and integrated data model for AM processes. We begin by defining the scope and specifying the requirements of such a data schema. We investigate how information created and exchanged in the AM process chain is identified based on an AM process activity diagram. A comprehensive survey shows that existing AM standards are unable to provide both the breadth and the depth needed for an integrated AM information model. We propose a conceptual design for an additive manufacturing integrated data model, AMIDM, based on a well-defined product lifecycle management (PLM) data modeling method called PPR (product, process, and resource). The proposed AM model has a core scheme composed of product, process, and resource entities. The process entities play critical roles in transforming product input into product output using assigned resources such as equipment, material, personnel, and software tools. The proposed model has been applied to an information system design for Powder Bed Fusion based AM experimental data management. An XML (eXtensible Markup Language) schema is presented in the paper to demonstrate the effectiveness of the conceptual model.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Interplay between Depletion and Electrostatic Interactions in Polyelectrolyte–Nanoparticle Systems

We use a numerical implementation of polymer self-consistent field theory to study the effective interactions between two spherical particles in polyelectrolyte solutions. We consider a model in which the particles possess fixed charge density and the polymers contain a prespecified amount of dissociated charges. We quantify the polymer-mediated interactions between the particles as a function of the particle charge, polymer concentrations and particle sizes. We study the interplay between depletion interactions, which arise as a consequence of polymer exclusion from the particle interiors, and the electrostatic forces which result from the presence of charges on the polymers and particles. Our results indicate that for weakly charged and uncharged particles, the polymer-mediated interactions predominantly consist of a short-range attraction and a long-range repulsion. When the particle charge is increased, the interactions become purely repulsive. A longer range, albeit weaker, bridging attraction was al...