cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical flow optimization using parallel genetic algorithm

A new approach to optimize the parameters of a gradient-based optical flow model using a parallel genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed. The main characteristics of the optical flow algorithm are its bio-inspiration and robustness against contrast, static patterns and noise, besides working consistently with several optical illusions where other algorithms fail. This model depends on many parameters which conform the number of channels, the orientations required, the length and shape of the kernel functions used in the convolution stage, among many more. The GA is used to find a set of parameters which improve the accuracy of the optical flow on inputs where the ground-truth data is available. This set of parameters helps to understand which of them are better suited for each type of inputs and can be used to estimate the parameters of the optical flow algorithm when used with videos that share similar characteristics. The proposed implementation takes into account the embarrassingly parallel nature of the GA and uses the OpenMP Application Programming Interface (API) to speedup the process of estimating an optimal set of parameters. The information obtained in this work can be used to dynamically reconfigure systems, with potential applications in robotics, medical imaging and tracking.
Estrogen response element-independent regulation of gene expression by genistein in intestinal cells.

Abstract Isoflavone, genistein, was shown to have antioxidant and antitumor activities. We have reported the stimulatory effect of genistein on the expression of antioxidant and metal-binding protein, metallothionein IIA (MTIIA), in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Genistein has been shown to up-regulate the expression of other genes through estrogen response element (ERE) but the ERE sequence is not in the MTIIA promoter. In this paper, we investigated the ERE-independent mechanism that mediates the stimulatory effect of genistein. Genistein enhanced the expression of human MTIIA promoter (up to −426)-containing reporter genes, thus supporting a promoter-specific transcriptional regulation. A shorter MTIIA promoter (−83 to +27) was found to be able to mediate the full reporter gene response to genistein in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Further deletion and mutation analysis revealed that the GC-rich Sp1 binding sequence was the target of the stimulation. Genistein was known to bind to estrogen receptors (ER). When cells were cotransfected with ERβ, the stimulatory effect of genistein on the reporter gene containing the GC-rich promoter sequence increased further and a similar result was observed for breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Inhibitors of protein kinase A could block the response to genistein but the phosphorylation of Sp1 protein per se was not affected by the genistein treatment. Our observation could help to evaluate the biological significance of genistein, which is used widely as a supplement.
Consensus among females in their choice of males in the guppy Poecilia reticulata

We studied female guppies from two populations (Trinidad and Jemez Springs, New Mexico) to determine their mating preferences, the degree of consensus among females for particular male phenotypes, and the variation among females for the types of traits they prefer. We recorded the visual responses of 68 Trinidad and 10 Jemez females in paired male trials. The three sexually-selected male traits quantified were the area of orange color and iridescence on the body, and display behavior. Females from the Trinidad population agreed in their choice of males in three of the eight replicates, and this agreement was based on display rate rather than male color patterns. Females from the Jemez population showed no agreement in their preferences of males. Mating preferences of females varied both between populations and among females of a population. In both populations, female preferences were based primarily on courtship intensity and only secondarily on color pattern. However, females from both populations differed in the relative importance of orange color and iridescence. The fact that females differ in criteria for evaluating males has important implications for selection and maintenance of color polymorphisms and for the interactions among multiple secondary sexual traits of males in the guppy.
Elevated serum calcitonin and serum calcium during suckling in the baby rat.

The suckling period, a time when rapid growth of the skeleton requires retention of calcium, was selected for investigation of a possible role for calcitonin (CT) in normal physiology. Serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and immunoreactive CT were examined in 14-day-old rat pups during fasting and suckling. Litters of 6–10 pups each either were allowed to nurse ad lib. or were separated from their mothers (fasted) for 4–12 h. After fasting, half of each litter was allowed to suckle for 30 min-2 h. Babies nursing ad lib. and with milk curds in the stomach showed a serum Ca of ∼10.5 mg/dl and a high serum CT of several thousand pg/ml. These values were not changed by 4 h of fasting, although the stomach had essentially emptied of milk curds. However, in babies fasted for 8 or 12 h, serum Ca was < 10.5 mg/dl and serum CT fell to low or undetectable levels (< 120 pg/ml). Littermates which had been fasted 8–12 h and then allowed to suckle for 30–60 min ingested 1–2 ml milk and showed a rise in both ser...
Fusion Barriers in Heavy-Ion Reactions

We present experimental fusion barriers for $^{32}\mathrm{S}$ ions on $^{24}\mathrm{Mg}$, $^{27}\mathrm{Al}$, $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$, and $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$. These and published data for Ar and Kr ion-induced reactions are analyzed in terms of a simple classical formula for barrier heights. A prescription based on equivalent uniform charge radii from electron scattering is shown to reproduce all results to within the experimental uncertainty.
Descriptive epidemiology of primary spinal cord tumors.

Object There is little population-based data available on primary spinal cord tumors. Many of the existing statistics are not current or were obtained from surgical series. Historically, population-based data were collected only for malignant tumors, and only recently have data begun to be collected on non-malignant tumors. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of both non-malignant and malignant primary spinal cord tumors and to estimate the survival rates for primary malignant spinal cord tumors. Methods Incidence of spinal cord tumors was estimated from cases diagnosed between 1998 and 2002 in 16 CBTRUS collaborating state cancer registries. Age-adjusted rates were generated using SAS (8.2) and standardized to the 2000 US standard population. SEER*Stat 6.1.4 software was used to estimate relative survival for malignant spinal cord tumors for cases diagnosed between 1975 and 2002 in nine SEER regions. Conclusions Of the spinal cord tumors identified (CBTRUS; n = 3,226), 69% were non-malignant. The most common histologic types were meningiomas (29%), nerve sheath tumors (24%), and ependymomas (23%). The overall incidence of spinal cord tumors was 0.74 per 100,000 person-years, with an incidence of 0.77/100,000 in females and 0.70/100,000 in males. The incidence rate was lowest in children (0.26) and peaked in the 75–84 year age group (1.80). Rates were higher in non-Hispanic whites (0.79) than in Hispanics (0.61) or non-Hispanic blacks (0.45). The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates following diagnosis of a primary malignant spinal cord tumor were 85%, 71%, and 64%, respectively (SEER; n = 1,220).
A polynomial algorithm for maximum weighted vertex packings on graphs without long odd cycles

The vertex packing problem for a given graph is to find a maximum number of vertices no two of which are joined by an edge. The weighted version of this problem is to find a vertex packingP such that the sum of the individual vertex weights is maximum. LetG be the family of graphs whose longest odd cycle is of length not greater than 2K + 1, whereK is any non-negative integer independent of the number (denoted byn) of vertices in the graph. We present an O(n 2K+1) algorithm for the maximum weighted vertex packing problem for graphs inG ≥ 1. A by-product of this algorithm is an algorithm for piecing together maximum weighted packings on blocks to find maximum weighted packings on graphs that contain more than one block. We also give an O(n 2K+3) algorithm for testing membership inG
Culture, Personhood and Narrative: The Problem of Norms and Agency

This is a critical evaluation of Gone, Miller and Rappaport’s (1999) analysis of the significance of past personal narrative for the study of conceptual self in cultural identity. Gone et al. address the dilemma, in cultural psychology, of how best to concentrate analytic attention upon the agency of the individual, on the one hand, while simultaneously assessing the pre-existing framework of semiotic resources constructing individual action, on the other. The authors, correctly I believe, critique both extremes of reducing these processes either to an autonomous agent, an individual more or less creatively free from the conventions of cultural expression, or, alternatively, to the reification of culture as monolithic and propelling the passive individual. This commentary, it is hoped, drawing upon cultural anthropological and psychological anthropological paradigms, contributes toward resolution of these circular arguments, which tend to vacillate between individualist and collectivist conceptions of cul...
Multiple Targetoid Lesions in the Spleen: Sonographic Findings of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Their Relation to Effective Staging

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent hematologic malignancy of adults in the western hemisphere. Involvement of the spleen is not uncommon, often presenting as diffuse enlargeme...
Early Experience with Single-Access Transumbilical Adjustable Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is the most common bariatric procedure performed worldwide; since FDA approval was granted for it in June 2001, the procedure has been steadily gaining popularity in the USA. We herein report our early experience with single-access transumbilical laparoscopic gastric banding. This approach to the procedure is performed mainly through a single incision in the umbilicus. This single incision is also utilized for the implantation of the port for subsequent band adjustments. Eight patients were carefully selected (body mass indices between 35 and 45 kg/m2 with peripheral obesity), and each underwent laparoscopic gastric banding using this single-incision transumbilical technique. The same surgeon performed all surgical interventions. For each of the eight patients, the same perioperative protocol and operative techniques were implemented. Seven out of eight attempted single-access transumbilical laparoscopic gastric banding procedures were successfully performed using this technique. Mean operative time was 105 min. One out of the eight patients required the insertion of an additional trocar. There were no mortalities or postoperative complications noted during the mean follow-up period of 2.6 months. Single-access transumbilical laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a safe and feasible evolving approach in a selected group of patients. The intraumbilical location of the implanted port facilitates access for subsequent adjustments and provides patients with an improved cosmetic outcome.
The Relative Secondary Electron Emission Due to He, Ne, and A Ions Bombarding a Hot Nickel Target

The number of electrons emitted per positive ion from a degassed Ni target bombarded by He, Ne, and A ions was measured. For He, in an energy range from 450 to 1650 ev the emission increased from 49 to 107 percent; for Ne having energies from 900 to 1275 ev the increase was 43 to 57 percent; for A of 680 to 1480 ev from 11 to 18 percent. These results confirmed those found earlier for $\mathrm{H}_{2}^{+}$ and $\mathrm{D}_{2}^{+}$ ions in showing a smaller emission for the heavier ion at the same energy. Similarly, the percentage of positive ions reflected increased with the energy of the primary ions and was smaller for the heavier ions.
Damage to cellular DNA from particulate radiations, the efficacy of its processing and the radiosensitivity of mammalian cells. Emphasis on DNA double strand breaks and chromatin breaks.

For several years, it has been evident that cellular radiation biology is in a necessary period of consolidation and transition (Lett 1987, 1990; Lett et al. 1986, 1987). Both changes are moving apace, and have been stimulated by studies with heavy charged particles. From the standpoint of radiation chemistry, there is now a consensus of opinion that the DNA hydration shell must be distinguished from bulk water in the cell nucleus and treated as an integral part of DNA (chromatin) (Lett 1987). Concomitantly, sentiment is strengthening for the abandonment of the classical notions of “direct” and “indirect” action (Fielden and O'Neill 1991; O'Neill 1991; O'Neill et al. 1991; Schulte-Frohlinde and Bothe 1991 and references therein). A layer of water molecules outside, or in the outer edge of, the DNA (chromatin) hydration shell influences cellular radiosensitivity in ways not fully understood. Charge and energy transfer processes facilitated by, or involving, DNA hydration must be considered in rigorous theories of radiation action on cells. The induction and processing of double stand breaks (DSBs) in DNA (chromatin) seem to be the predominant determinants of the radiotoxicity of normally radioresistant mammalian cells, the survival curves of which reflect the patterns of damage induced and the damage present after processing ceases, and can be modelled in formal terms by the use of reaction (enzyme) kinetics. Incongruities such as sublethal damage are neither scientifically sound nor relevant to cellular radiation biology (Calkins 1991; Lett 1990; Lett et al. 1987a). Increases in linear energy transfer (LET∞) up to 100–200 keV µm−1 cause increases in the extents of neighboring chemical and physical damage in DNA denoted by the general term DSB. Those changes are accompanied by decreasing abilities of cells normally radioresistant to sparsely ionizing radiations to process DSBs in DNA and chromatin and to recover from radiation exposure, so they make significant contributions to the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of a given radiation. As the LET∞ is raised above a few hundred keV µm−1, the damage associated with DSBs continues to increase, but the efficiency of DSB induction declines to low values (∼0.1), as do RBE and the effective processing of DSBs and chromatin breaks, and the decline in RBE seems to mimic the overall decline in suitable processing of DSBs. Hence, the quality factor (Q) for a given radiation cannot be based solely upon the pattern of energy deposition, a fact attested to also by the quite different RBE responses exhibited by repair-deficient mutant (or variant) cells. Understanding of the biological effects of heavy ions is important not only for the welfare of astronauts who will undertake extended interplanetary missions in space but also for the facilitation of a rigorous scientific basis for conventional radiation therapy.
Social marketing at the right place and right time with new media

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek to discuss how the new media revolution can improve social marketing by bringing the “place” (one of four P's from the marketing mix) closer to the consumer.Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes current new media trends related to social media and mobile communication technologies and discusses the implications of these technologies for social marketing by exploring examples of their use in commercial marketing, social change, and public health.Findings – The rapid growth of online social networks and near ubiquity of mobile phones in much of the world offers social marketers enormous potential for engaging consumers in radically new ways. The nature of these new communication platforms differs from traditional media in important ways that can make them more effective for marketing, most notably the potential for deeper consumer engagement, multi‐directional information exchange, and location‐based tracking and messaging.Practical implications – ...
Through-silicon-via process control in manufacturing for SiGe power amplifiers

Through-silicon-via (TSV) technology is conceptually simple, but there are many process control issues in volume manufacturing. An important parameter is TSV depth, because the product yield will be reduced if TSV depth is either too shallow or too deep. Recently, it has been shown that TSV depth can be measured using an interferometric sensor operated at infrared (IR) wavelengths. In this paper, we demonstrate that small variations in TSV depth (<; 5 μm) can be monitored across a wafer. This allows for quick feedback and adjustments to the TSV process, thereby ensuring high yield on the final product.
Utilization of Oligo(lactic acid) for Studies of Chain Conformation and Chain Packing in Poly(lactic acid)

Based on a series of well-defined oligomers of lactic acid with different end-groups, calorimetric measurements and vibrational spectroscopic studies have been carried out to examine chain conforma...
Measurement of DNA damage in unlabeled mammalian cells analyzed by alkaline elution and a fluorometric DNA assay.

Abstract A fluorometric procedure is described that can be used in the alkaline elution technique for the measurement of DNA damage in cells whose DNA is not, or cannot be, radioactively labeled. The procedure can be used for the measurement of DNA single-strand breaks, DNA-protein crosslinking, and DNA interstrand crosslinking, and possibly other DNA lesions produced in unlabeled cells. Although developed for the measurement of DNA damage in tissue-cultured cells, the technique is applicable to the measurement of DNA damage in cells isolated from tissues exposed to DNA damaging agents in vivo .
Levels of ɤ-aminobutyric acid in the dorsal grey lumbar spinal cord during the development of experimental spinal spasticity

Abstract Dogs were made paraplegic by complete mid-thoracic spinal cord transection. At one, three, eight, and twelve weeks post-transection the lumbar cord was removed and the dorsal grey matter microdissected from L 2–3 and the content of ɤ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) determined. An initial decrease in GABA levels was followed by a gradual increase in content which correlated with the progressive development of spinal spasticity. By twelve weeks post-transection, GABA was elevated 68% above controls.
Antigen-specific inhibition of effector T cell function in humans after injection of immature dendritic cells.

Immunostimulatory properties of dendritic cells (DCs) are linked to their maturation state. Injection of mature DCs rapidly enhances antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immunity in humans. Here we describe the immune response to a single injection of immature DCs pulsed with influenza matrix peptide (MP) and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in two healthy subjects. In contrast to prior findings using mature DCs, injection of immature DCs in both subjects led to the specific inhibition of MP-specific CD8+ T cell effector function in freshly isolated T cells and the appearance of MP-specific interleukin 10–producing cells. When pre- and postimmunization T cells were boosted in culture, there were greater numbers of MP-specific major histocompatibility complex tetramer-binding cells after immunization, but these had reduced interferon γ production and lacked killer activity. These data demonstrate the feasibility of antigen-specific inhibition of effector T cell function in vivo in humans and urge caution with the use of immature DCs when trying to enhance tumor or microbial immunity.
Diagnostic assessment of laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal carcinoma must be diagnosed expeditiously to maximize curative efforts. Our approach combines useful aspects of the patient's presentation with application of appropriate diagnostic modalities. Newer methods of assessment and follow-up are being scientifically validated and will likely enhance the diagnostic efforts of the head and neck surgical oncologist.
Technical Complications are Rising as Common Duct Exploration Is Becoming Rare

Background Both hospital and surgeon volume influence outcomes. With introduction of new technologies, some procedures are now performed less frequently. ERCP has replaced the need for common duct exploration (CDE) in most cases of choledocholithiasis. We explored the secular trends and outcomes of CDE and how they have changed relative to introduction of ERCP. Study design The National Hospital Discharge Survey database was analyzed for the years 1979 to 2001. Procedural frequency of ERCP and CDE was determined. Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices were used to characterize patients' disease burden for the years 1993 to 2001. Length of stay, mortality, and complication rates for each procedure were determined. Results At the beginning of the study period, an estimated 47,000 CDEs were performed annually. These declined to 7,700 per year as ERCP increased to 42,500 procedures per year at the end of the study period. CDE complication rates increased from 3.4% to 17.4% over the same period. Comorbidity analysis for the years 1993 to 2001 revealed that ERCP and CDE patients had equivalent disease burdens. Technical complication rates rose in parallel to the increased overall CDE complication rate. Conclusions ERCP has replaced the need for most but not all CDE. With diminished CDE experience at a national level, the complication rate has markedly increased, at least in part from technical complications. Both choledocholithiasis treatment algorithms and clinical training paradigms need to account for the rarity of CDE and high complication rates associated with it, by incorporation of training modules in surgical residencies and advocating referral to centers having expertise in biliary tract operations from surgeons with little CDE experience.
Reversible electric control of exchange bias in a multiferroic field-effect device

The control of magnetization by electric fields is important for applications in data storage and sensing. An efficient control of exchange bias by electric fields has now been achieved in thin-film devices in which a ferroelectric antiferromagnet is coupled to a ferromagnet.
The Role of Tree Gaps in Maintaining the Population Structure of a Woodland Herb: Cynoglossum virginianum L.

Tree gaps may be Important habitats for the establishment and spread of understory herbs in eastern (USI deciduous forests. Data from past studies. however. have not shown any clear patterns for either species diversity or increased percent cover. The lack of clear patterns of response to gaps by herbs may be due to evolutionary differ­ ences among specIes or. in part. due to the fact that most studIes have boen short-torm and long-term patterns have. therefore, not been observed. In addition, few studies have considered the responses of individual genets andlor ramets. We have been conducting a long-term study of Cynoglossumvlrginianum. now in its 16th year. to determine subpopulatlon and individuals' responses In gap and non-gap habitats. A larger percentage of individuals flowered in the gap subpopulation shortly after it was created. Seed production rates were also higher in the gap subpopulatlon. The long-term benefits gained by the short-term flowerIng response have, however. been few as all but two of the seedlings produced withIn a few years of gap formation have died. In addition. all of individuals that flowered and pro­ duced seeds decreased in size and most have remained In the smaller size classes. In addition, only one of the in­ dividuals In the gap subpopuiatlon has flowered since the initial flowering response while plants In non-gap subpopu­ lations have flowered and produced seeds throughout the study period. Gaps may only be beneficial to C. virgi­ nianum If seeds are dlsparsed into non-gap areas or if seeds can remain dormant in the soil until conditions are more suitable for seedling survival.
LOW GLOBAL WARMING REFRIGERANTS FOR RESIDENTIAL AIR CONDITIONING APPLICATIONS

Due to the growing global concerns around the use of refrigerants with relatively high global warming potential, new refrigerants with the positive attributes of both high thermal performance and low environmental impact are currently in development by Honeywell. These new refrigerants exhibit promising performance when compared with refrigerants currently used in stationary AC systems such as those that use R-410A, R-407C, and R-134a, for example. These new refrigerants also show significantly lower flammability characteristics than the much more flammable hydrocarbons. Replacements of common HFC refrigerants such as R-410A and R-407C are discussed for residential air conditioning applications. Thermal properties as well as experimental results in representative air conditioning systems are presented, showing the benefits of using these new refrigerants.
Parasitoid Discrimination between Suitable and Unsuitable Congener Hosts

The eucalyptus longhorned borer, Phoracantha semipunctata (F.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is under complete biological control in California following introduction of the encyrtid egg parasitoid, Avetianella longoi Siscaro. The cerambycid congener, Phoracantha recurva Newman¸ subsequently established in the state and has been subject to limited parasitization by the wasp. Behavioral analysis demonstrated that female parasitoids follow the same sequence of ovipositional behaviors when encountering eggs of both beetle species, but discriminate between the species and make a decision to lay an egg only after inserting the ovipositor into an egg. Previous research has demonstrated that the eggs of P. recurva are capable of encapsulating and killing eggs of A. longoi. Eggs of P. semipunctata do not produce a host defense to parasitization. Consequently, the ability of a female to distinguish between the congeneric species has critical fitness consequences.
Clinical experience with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer with the use of rectal balloon for prostate immobilization

The implementation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is the result of advances in imaging, radiotherapy planning technologies, and computer-controlled linear accelerators. IMRT allows both conformal treatment of tumors and conformal avoidance of the surrounding normal structures. The first patient treated with Peacock IMRT at Baylor College of Medicine took place in March 1994. To date, more than 1500 patients have been treated with IMRT; more than 700 patients were treated for prostate cancer. Our experience in treating prostate cancer with IMRT was reviewed. Patient and prostate motions are important issues to address in delivering IMRT. The Vac-Lok bag-and-box system, as well as rectal balloon for immobilization of patient and prostate gland, respectively, are employed. Treatment planning also plays a very important role. IMRT as a boost after conventional external beam radiotherapy is not our treatment strategy. To derive maximal benefits with this new technology, all patients received full course IMRT. Three separate groups of patients receiving (1) primary IMRT, (2) combined radioactive seed implant and IMRT, and (3) post-prostatectomy IMRT were addressed. Overall, toxicity profiles in these patients were very favorable. IMRT has the potential to improve treatment outcome with dose escalation while minimizing treatment-related toxicity.
Genetic storms: investigating the Gulf War Syndrome

Exploratory data analysis problems involving lots of data, but few hypotheses about them, are modeled as search problems over large unstructured spaces. For example, following the 1991 Persian Gulf conflict, medical evaluations of participants-conducted due to reports of a "Gulf War Syndrome"-have produced large amounts of medical data. This data, the basis for our investigation of the syndrome, ranges over more than 150 attributes, making the search problem over the attribute space a hard one. We solve it with a genetic algorithm, intertwined with algorithms that operate on the detailed data. Computational results suggest the system has performed a comprehensive search at low cost. Our findings: no indication yet of a single syndrome or other medical entity, but numerous correlations of exposure/demographic information and associated symptoms/diagnoses exist and merit further medical research.
NF-κB-Inducing Kinase Regulates Selected Gene Expression in the Nod2 Signaling Pathway

The innate immune system surveys the extra- and intracellular environment for the presence of microbes. Among the intracellular sensors is a protein known as Nod2, a cytosolic protein containing a leucine-rich repeat domain. Nod2 is believed to play a role in determining host responses to invasive bacteria. A key element in upregulating host defense involves activation of the NF-kappaB pathway. It has been suggested through indirect studies that NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, or NIK, may be involved in Nod2 signaling. Here we have used macrophages derived from primary explants of bone marrow from wild-type mice and mice that either bear a mutation in NIK, rendering it inactive, or are derived from NIK-/- mice, in which the NIK gene has been deleted. We show that NIK binds to Nod2 and mediates induction of specific changes induced by the specific Nod2 activator, muramyl dipeptide, and that the role of NIK occurs in settings where both the Nod2 and TLR4 pathways are activated by their respective agonists. Specifically, we have linked NIK to the induction of the B-cell chemoattractant known as BLC and suggest that this chemokine may play a role in processes initiated by Nod2 activation that lead to improved host defense.
Hilbert's program and the omega-rule

In the first part of this paper we discuss some aspects of Detlefsen's attempt to save Hilbert's Program from the consequences of Godel's Second Incompleteness Theorem. His arguments are based on his interpretation of the long standing and well-known controversy on what, exactly, finitistic means are. In his paper [1] Detlefsen takes the position that there is a form of the ω-rule which is a finitistically valid means of proof, sufficient to prove the consistency of elementary number theory Z. On the other hand, he claims that Z with its first-order logic is not strong enough to allow a formalization of such an ω-rule. This would explain why the unprovability of Con(Z) in Z does not imply that the consistency of Z cannot be proved by finitistic means. We show that Detlefsen's proposal is unacceptable as originally formulated in [1], but that a reasonable modification of the rule he suggest leads to a partial program already studied for many years. We investigate the scope of such a program in terms of proof-theoretic reducibilities. We also show that this partial program encompasses mathematically important theories studied in the “Reverse Mathematics” program. In order to investigate the provability with such a modified rule, we define new consistency and provability predicates which are weaker than the usual ones. We then investigate their properties, including a few that have no apparent philosophical significance but compare interestingly with the properties of the program based on the iteration of our ω-rule. We determine some of the limitations of such programs, pointing out that these limitations partly explain why partial programs that have been successfully carried out use quite different and substantially more radical extensions of finitistic methods with more general forms of restricted reasoning.
Wind signatures in the X-ray emission-line profiles of the late-O supergiant ζ Orionis

X-ray line-profile analysis has proved to be the most direct diagnostic of the kinematics and spatial distribution of the very hot plasma around O stars. The Doppler-broadened line profiles provide information about the velocity distribution of the hot plasma, while the wavelengthdependent attenuation across a line profile provides information about the absorption to the hot plasma, thus providing a strong constraint on its physical location. In this paper, we apply several analysis techniques to the emission lines in the Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS) spectrum of the late-O supergiant ζ Ori (O9.7 Ib), including the fitting of a simple line-profile model. We show that there is distinct evidence for blueshifts and profile asymmetry, as well as broadening in the X-ray emission lines of ζ Ori. These are the observational hallmarks of a wind-shock X-ray source, and the results for ζ Ori are very similar to those for the earlier O star, ζ Pup, which we have previously shown to be well fit by the same wind-shock line-profile model. The more subtle effects on the line-profile morphologies in ζ Ori, as compared to ζ Pup, are consistent with the somewhat lower density wind in this later O supergiant. In both stars, the wind optical depths required to explain the mildly asymmetric X-ray line profiles imply reductions in the effective opacity of nearly an order of magnitude, which may be explained by some combination of mass-loss rate reduction and large-scale clumping, with its associated porosity-based effects on radiation transfer. In the context of the recent reanalysis of the helium-like line intensity ratios in both ζ Ori and ζ Pup, and also in light of recent work questioning the published mass-loss rates in OB stars, these new results indicate that the X-ray emission from ζ Ori can be understood within the framework of the standard wind-shock scenario for hot stars.
Spectrum Enforcement and Liability Assignment in Cognitive Radio Systems

The advent of frequency-agile radios holds the potential for improving the utilization of spectrum by allowing wireless systems to dynamically adapt their spectral footprint based on the local conditions. Whether this is done using market mechanisms or opportunistic approaches, the gains result from shifting some responsibility for avoiding harmful interference from the static "regulatory layer" to layers that can adapt at runtime. However, this leaves open the major problem of how to enforce/incentivize compliance and what the structure of "light-handed" regulation should be. This paper examines this and focuses on two specific technical problems: (a) determining whether harmful interference is occurring and (b) assigning liability by detecting the culprits. "Light-handed regulation" is interpreted as making unambiguous (and easily certified) requirements on the behavior of individual devices themselves while still preserving significant freedom to innovate at both the device and the system level. The basic idea explored here is to require the PHY/MAC layers of a cognitive radio to guarantee silence during certain time- slots where the exact sequence of required silences is given by a device/system -specific code. Thus, if a system is a source of harmful interference, the interference pattern itself contains the signature of the culprit. Nevertheless, identifying the unique interference pattern becomes challenging as both the number of cognitive radios and the number of harmful interferers increases. The key tradeoffs are explored in terms of the "regulatory overhead" (amount of enforced silence) needed to make guarantees. The quality of regulatory guarantees is expressed by the time required to convict the guilty, the number of potential cognitive systems that can be supported, and the number of simultaneously guilty parties that can be resolved. We show that the time to conviction need only scale logarithmically in the potential number of cognitive users. The base of the logarithm is determined by the amount of overhead that we will tolerate and how many guilty parties we want to be able to resolve.
Modeling and Control of an Infinitely Variable Speed Converter

Traditional transmission in a vehicle has low efficiency and that in a wind turbine has a constant output-to-input speed ratio, which needs a power converter to regulate the current frequency that can be fed into the grid. Different types of continuously variable transmission (CVT) have been developed for vehicle and wind turbine applications, which allow optimal engine speeds to be selected for different driving conditions in the former and can generate constant-frequency current without using a power converter in the latter. An infinitely variable speed converter (IVSC) is a specific type of CVT that can achieve a zero speed ratio and transmit a large torque at a low speed ratio. An IVSC with drivers that convert an eccentric motion of cams to a concentric motion of the output shaft through one-way bearings is introduced, and an active control system with a combined feedback and feed-forward control that can automatically adjust the eccentricity of outer cams to control the speed ratio of the transmission is developed. The kinematic model of the IVSC is derived and fitted by a polynomial function to serve as the feed-forward function in the control law. The feedback control is used to reduce the system error. A dynamic model of the IVSC is derived to investigate the effect of the dynamic load on the input and output speeds. Static and dynamic tests were conducted to validate the kinematic model of the IVSC. The variation of the average output speed per revolution of the output shaft is 0.56% with respect to the desired output speed in the simulation and 0.91% in the experiments.
Coping with the Stigma of Mental Illness: Empirically-Grounded Hypotheses from Computer Simulations

This research demonstrates how affect control theory and its computer program, Interact , can be used to develop empirically-grounded hypotheses regarding the connection between cultural labels and behaviors. Our demonstration focuses on propositions in the modified labeling theory of mental illness. According to the MLT, negative societal conceptions of the mentally ill become personally relevant upon diagnosis and damage psychiatric patients' self-concept. This, in turn, increases patients' use of three coping behaviors: concealing treatment history, educating others about mental illness and withdrawing from social interaction. We evaluate these propositions by analyzing data generated from Interact simulations that incorporate self-meaning data gathered from psychiatric patients. We produce six general principles about the way patients' stigma sentiments (evaluation, potency and activity associated with the cultural category "a mentally ill person") and diagnostic category (adjustment, affective, schizophrenic) jointly shape patients' predicted use of these coping behaviors.
Factors in Nonadherence to Quitline Services Smoker Characteristics Explain Little

Background. Quitlines offer evidence-based, multisession coaching support for smoking cessation in the 50 U.S. states, Canada, and several other countries. Smokers who enroll in quitline services have, ipso facto, shown readiness to attempt to quit, but noncompletion of coaching services appears widespread and has not been widely investigated. The current study explored the magnitude and correlates of quitline service abandonment. Method. A state’s quitline intake, coaching, and nicotine patch/gum utilization data were obtained for smokers who enrolled during the period July 2007 to June 2008 (n = 20,882). Analyses examined demographic, socioeconomic status, nicotine dependence-related, and nicotine replacement therapy—utilization factors associated with completion of only one coaching session (of five offered). Results. Almost half of enrollees (47.8%) completed only one session. All significant predictors together explained less than 4% of variance; not being sent nicotine replacement therapy was most s...
The Effects of Arterial Blood Pressure on the Regional Cerebral Blood Volume by X-Ray Fluorescence

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) remains constant over a wide range of arterial blood pressure. This is thought to be accomplished by changes in the diameter, and therefore the volume, of the cerebral resistance vessels. To test this hypothesis, regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) was measured in vivo in Rhesus monkeys over a range of mean arterial blood pressures (MABP) of 35 to 200 torr. Multiple measurements were made in each animal by the method of stimulated x-ray fluorescence. A significant linear relationship of rCBV = 6.26 (±0.47 SD) -0.015 (±0.004 SD) MABP was found. For each one torr change in the MABP, there is a change in rCBV of 0.015 cc/100 gm of brain tissue over a range of MABP of 35 to 200 torr. An additional observation of this investigation was that autoregulation of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) is perturbed for a period lasting up to 15 minutes after the intravenous injection of Renografin 76R.
Deleuze and the Anthropology of Becoming

Philosopher Gilles Deleuze emphasizes the primacy of desire over power and the openness and flux of social fields. In this article, we place our ethnographic projects among the urban poor in Brazil and Bosnia‐Herzegovina in dialogue with Deleuze’s cartographic approach to subjectivity and his reflections on control and the transformative potential of becoming. As people scavenge for resources and care, they must deal with the encroachment of psychiatric diagnostics and treatments in broken public institutions and in altered forms of common sense. By reading our cases in light of Deleuze’s ideas, we uphold the rights of microanalysis, bringing into view the immanent fields that people, in all their ambiguity, invent and live by. Such fields of action and significance—leaking out on all sides—are mediated by power and knowledge, but they are also animated by claims to basic rights and desires. In making public a nuanced understanding of these fields—always at risk of disappearing—anthropologists still allow...
Reading the Collaborative Language Systems Approach Phenomenologically

Abstract This essay seeks to consider the theoretical work of Harlene Anderson and Harold Goolishian from the standpoint of existential and semiotic phenomenology—what Richard Lanigan (1992) has come to call, in his most recent work, “communicology.” The essay then suggests another set of possibilities for the Collaborative Language System concept of therapeutic dialogue, one which might have additional productive implications for the future of this approach and which might help therapists better understand the semiotic conditions that accompany a client into the context of a professional therapeutic situation.
Particle Deposition in Industrial Duct Bends

A study of particle deposition in industrial duct bends is presented. Particle deposition by size was measured by comparing particle size distributions upstream and downstream of bends that had geometries and flow conditions similar to those used in industrial ventilation. As the interior surface of the duct bend was greased to prevent particle bounce, the results are applicable to liquid drops and solid particles where duct walls are sticky. Factors investigated were: (i) flow Reynolds number (Re = 203 000, 36 000); (ii) particle Reynolds number (10 20 µm, deposition was slightly greater in the horizontal-to-horizontal orientation than in the horizontal-to-vertical orientation due to gravitational settling. Penetration was not a multiplicative function of bend angle as theory predicts, due to the developing nature of turbulent flow in bends. Deposition in a smooth bend was similar to that in a gored bend; however, a tight radius segmented bend (R0 = 1.7) exhibited much lower deposition. For more gradual bends (3 < R0 < 12), curvature ratio had negligible effect on deposition.
Can aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and other non-invasive markers effectively reduce liver biopsies for renal transplant evaluation of hepatitis C virus-positive patients?

Background Advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis is still regarded as a contraindication for kidney transplantation alone by most centers. The value of aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and other non-invasive markers has been less studied in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients with concurrent end-stage renal disease to predict hepatic fibrosis. Can these be used to effectively decrease the number of biopsies done in these patients being evaluated for transplantation? Methods Our study population included 255 patients with liver biopsy data. All patient information was collected and reviewed from medical records. The diagnostic accuracy of the predictive models was analyzed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Results The variables associated with F3-F4 were aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.007), bilirubin (P ≤ 0.001), platelet count (P = 0.01) and APRI (P ≤ 0.001). The use of any one laboratory abnormality to predict liver biopsy scores did not show high positive predictive values (22.6-72.7%). Having abnormal liver findings or cirrhosis on imaging was associated with high specificities (92.0-97.8%) but low sensitivities (31.4-42.9%). Using APRI levels of ≥0.40 and ≤0.95 as an indication for liver biopsy, 50% of patients with F3-F4 would have correctly avoided having a biopsy. However, 33% of patients with F3-F4 would have been mislabeled and not be indicated for biopsy. Conclusions Our data suggest that there may not currently be a simple and sufficiently accurate non-invasive test to replace liver biopsy in renal transplant workup for HCV-positive patients. The risks outweigh the benefits when it comes to using non-invasive markers like the APRI.
Application of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Sensors Contactless NDT of Concrete Structures

The utility of micro-electro-mechanical sensors (MEMS) for application in air-coupled (contactless or noncontact) sensing to concrete nondestructive testing (NDT) is studied in this paper. The fundamental operation and characteristics of MEMS are first described. Then application of MEMS sensors toward established concrete test methods, including vibration resonance, impact-echo, ultrasonic surface wave, and multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW), is demonstrated. In each test application, the performance of MEMS is compared with conventional contactless and contact sensing technology. Favorable performance of the MEMS sensors demonstrates the potential of the technology for applied contactless NDT efforts. Objective: To illustrate the utility of air-coupled MEMS sensors for concrete NDT, as compared with conventional sensor technology.
Thinking about Terrorism and Its Victims

Abstract This article deals with the victims of and victimization by terrorism. Using criminological and victimological analysis it reviews the numerous definitions of terrorism that are relevant for studying the victims of terrorist attacks. It also explores the similarities and differences between the personal and institutional experiences of victims of mass terrorist acts and those of the victims of other crimes, especially hate crimes. The analysis indicates that while victims of mass terrorism experience many of the same physical and psychological effects as other crime victims do, they are viewed and treated differently by government agencies and the public. The article also explores the use of victimization claims as an explanatory concept for understanding perpetrators of mass terrorist acts.