cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Verification and validation of a fingerprint image registration software

The need for reliable identification and authentication is driving the increased use of biometric devices and systems. Verification and validation techniques applicable to these systems are rather immature and ad hoc, yet the consequences of the wide deployment of biometric systems could be significant. In this paper we discuss an approach towards validation and reliability estimation of a fingerprint registration software. Our validation approach includes the following three steps: (a) the validation of the source code with respect to the system requirements specification; (b) the validation of the optimization algorithm, which is in the core of the registration system; and (c) the automation of testing. Since the optimization algorithm is heuristic in nature, mathematical analysis and test results are used to estimate the reliability and perform failure analysis of the image registration module.
Survival of Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Spermatozoa Stored at Above-Freezing Temperatures

The development of practical techniques for the storage of honey bee, Apis mellifera L., semen would significantly improve our ability to breed for desirable genotypes and maintain genetic diversity in populations. Artificial insemination of queens has been possible for some time, but the semen used is usually freshly collected, or held for <1 wk at room temperature. I examined the limitations of spermatozoal survival at nonfrozen temperatures. Pooled, diluted semen was stored in sealed capillary tubes at room temperature (25°C) or in a refrigerator set to 12°C, for periods up to 1 yr. Survival of spermatozoa was assayed by a dual fluorescent staining technique using SYBR-14 and propidium iodide stains, which readily distinguishes live and dead cells. No significant loss of viable spermatozoa occurred within the first 6 wk. Between weeks 6 and 9, the percent live spermatozoa fell from 80 to 58%, and remained at that level until after 39 wk. By week 52, samples at room temperature, but not at 12°C, fell to 18.9% live spermatozoa. Nonfrozen storage of honey bee semen has potential for short-term preservation of germplasm, however several factors need to be studied further to optimize survival rates.
An agency theory explanation of SEO underperformance: Evidence from dual-class firms

Abstract Using a sample of U.S. dual class companies, we empirically investigate the effects of the divergence between insiders’ voting and cash flow rights on market reaction to seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) and long-run stock performance following SEOs. We find that SEO announcement returns and long-run stock performance following SEOs are negatively related to measures of the divergence between insiders’ voting and cash flow rights. Our results support the view of agency theory as a plausible explanation of SEO underperformance. Misalignment of interests between insiders and outside shareholders can create managerial incentives to undertake value-destroying investments to extract private benefits, ultimately leading to a reduction in firm value.
Structural features of the athlete heart as defined by echocardiography

The morphologic concepts of the "athlete heart" have been enhanced and clarified over the last 10 years by virtue of M-mode echocardiographic studies performed on more than 1,000 competitive athletes. Long-term athletic training produces relatively mild but predictable alterations in cardiac structure that result in an increase in calculated left ventricular mass. This increase in mass observed in highly trained athletes is due to a mild increase in either transverse end-diastolic dimension of the left ventricle or left ventricular wall thickness, or both. Cardiac dimensions in athletes compared with matched control subjects show increases of about 10% for left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, about 15 to 20% for wall thickness and about 45% for calculated left ventricular mass. Furthermore, there is evidence that the modest degree of "physiologic" left ventricular hypertrophy (both the cavity dilation and wall thickening) observed in athletes is dynamic in nature, that is, it may develop rapidly within weeks or months after the initiation of vigorous conditioning and may be reversed in a similar time period after the cessation of training. Several echocardiographic studies also suggest that the precise alterations in cardiac structure associated with training may differ depending on the type of athletic activity undertaken (that is, whether training is primarily dynamic [isotonic] or static [isometric]). Although the ventricular septal to free wall thickness ratio (on M-mode echocardiogram) is almost always within normal limits ( The long-term significance of increased left ventricular mass in trained athletes has not been conclusively defined. However, there is no evidence at this time suggesting that this form of hypertrophy is itself deleterious to the athlete or predisposes to (or prevents) the natural occurrence of cardiovascular disease later in life.
Compressive sensing bounds through a unifying framework for sparse models

In this work we investigate the sample complexity of support recovery in sparse signal processing models, with special focus on two compressive sensing scenarios. In particular, we consider models where N covariates X = (X1,...,XN) along with outcome Y are observed, with the assumption that the outcome Y is conditionally independent of the other covariates given K ≪ N covariates. Using asymptotic information theoretic analyses, we establish sufficient conditions on the number of samples in order to successfully recover the K salient covariates. We apply our results to two variants of the compressive sensing (CS) problem: (1) compressive sensing with a measurement noise model, (2) 1-bit quantized compressive sensing. In both models we consider sensing with independent and correlated Gaussian sensing matrices. We show that the sufficiency bounds we obtain on the number of measurements in both cases are comparable to the best known bounds while providing a novel perspective for the theoretical analysis of such models. In addition, we quantify how the correlation between the sensing columns affects the number of measurements. Our findings for the CS models demonstrate the applicability and flexibility of our general results on the sample complexity in sparse signal processing models.
729-6 Deletion Polymorphism of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene is Associated with Concentric Remodeling of the Left Ventricle

There is polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene, defined by the insertion (I allele) or deletion (D allele) of a 287 base pairalu repeat sequence. The DD genotype is associated with myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy and LVH on ECG. LVH and concentric remodeling, [increased relative wall thickness (RWT)], significantly increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The current studies were performed to evaluate the relationship between the DD genotype and echocardiographic findings in an untreated, multi-racial population referred for evaluation of suspected arterial hypertension. 2-D directed M-mode echocardiograms and awake ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring were performed in 37 patients. LV mass (g/m 2 )and RWT (sum of septal and posterior wall/LV internal dimension) were assessed in a blinded fashion using the Penn convention. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m 2 ) was measured. ACE genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification of DNA prepared from leukocytes using primers that encompass the a/u repeat sequence. Subjects were divided into two groups based on genotype: group 1 (DD genotype, n = 14,); group 2 (ID or II genotype, n = 23): RWT LV mass Systolic BP Age BMI Group 1 0.40 ± 0.03 * 102 ± 41 151 ± 16 50 ± 11 28 ± 3 Group 2 0.32 ± 0.01 94 ± 21 146 ± 15 45 ± 9 29 ± 5 * p l 0.03 RWT was significantly increased (*p l 0.03) in patients with the DD genotype (group 1). LV mass, systolic BP, age and BMI did not differ between groups; LVH was present in only 2 patients in each group. In multivariate analysis, after accounting for the effect of age, race, sex and body mass index, concentric remodeling (RWT) and systolic BP were independently related to the DD genotype (p l 0.003, and p l 0.03, respectively). Thus the DD genotype may be associated with concentric LV remodeling, a geometric pattern associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Screening for the DD allele may allow early identification of subjects at increased risk for this geometric pattern and future cardiovascular disease.
Separation of human serum albumins.

THE presence of several protein components in human serum albumin was recently demonstrated1–3by two-dimensional zone electrophoresis (filter paper followed by starch gel)4. Their identity with albumin was determined by two-dimensional zone electrophoresis3. The proteins are not related to those described by Knedel4 or by Gitlin et al. 5. During our work on normal human sera, several new proteins were observed which had the same mobility as albumin by filter paper electrophoresis (at pH 8.6), but which when subjected to electrophoresis in starch gel in a discontinuous system of buffers7 migrated more slowly than albumin. These proteins can be divided into two main groups: the members of the first group are immunologically related to albumin and one of them is present in sera in about 50 per cent of all normal adults and children. These proteins will be referred to as ‘albumin-like proteins’.
Effects of tyramine administration in Parkinson's disease patients treated with selective MAO-B inhibitor rasagiline

Rasagiline is a novel, potent, and selective MAO-B inhibitor shown to be effective for Parkinson's disease. Traditional nonselective MAO inhibitors have been associated with dietary tyramine interactions that can induce hypertensive reactions. To test safety, tyramine challenges (50-75 mg) were performed in 72 rasagiline-treated and 38 placebo-treated Parkinson's disease (PD) patients at the end of two double-blind placebo-controlled trials of rasagiline. An abnormal pressor response was prespecified as three consecutive measurements of systolic blood pressure (BP) increases of >or= 30 mm Hg and/or bradycardia of or= 30 mm Hg on three measurements. No subject on 1 mg/day rasagiline (0/12) experienced significant BP or heart rate changes following tyramine ingestion. These data demonstrate that rasagiline 0.5 to 2 mg daily is not associated with clinically significant tyramine reactions and can be used as monotherapy or adjunct to levodopa in PD patients without specific dietary tyramine restriction.
Polyribosomes and protein synthesis in after‐ripening pear seeds

Polyribosomes have been isolated from pear seeds which show a capacity for in vitro protein synthesis. Translational capacity increased during stratification with a peak after 13 days of stratification. This increase was greatly diminished in seeds which were incubated at 25°C (“warm stratification”). The peak in protein synthetic activity coincides with the period of stratification required for normal development of excised embryos.
Mortality and survival times of trichinized mice treated with cortisone acetate.

Abstract Young male mice inoculated per os with 6,400 Trichinella spiralis larvae were subsequently given single intraperitoneal injections of either water, 90% sucrose, or cortisone acetate at two dosage rates, namely, 25 and 2.5 mg/kg body weight. The average survival time of the cortisone treated animals was 42.5 hours for the larger dose and 50.4 hours for the lesser dose. Survival of animals injected with water or sugar averaged 71.8 hours. Similar mice inoculated with 3,200 or 1,600 larvae were injected twice weekly with water or cortisone acetate (25 or 2.5 mg/kg of body weight) for a period of 5 weeks. All mice receiving the higher doses of cortisone perished. Mice treated with water died somewhat more slowly than did the cortisone treated animals and in fewer numbers if inoculated with 1,600 larvae.
Pulmonary angiography and the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary angiography is the definitive study for the identification of embolism. The development of accurate noninvasive methods for the detection of deep venous thrombosis has altered the indications for angiography. Many angiographic techniques have been developed, providing the opportunity to tailor the angiogram to the clinical situation of individual patients. Strict criteria must be used for interpretation of angiographic studies, and using state of the art equipment will diminish technically unsatisfactory examinations. CT and MR angiography will assume a significantly larger role in the identification of PE in the very near future. MR may become the method of choice, because it is the one noninvasive technique that shows promise for the study of both the deep venous system of the legs and pelvis and the pulmonary circulation.
Fiber optic probe for thermal profiling of liquids during crystal growth.

The applicability of quartz opitcal fibers to the thermal characterization of liquid solutions and melts during crystal growth was demonstrated in a Ga–As solution at 800°C. The measured response time and signal‐to‐noise ratio were 0.7 s and 71 dB, respectively. Fiber probes offer greater responsivity with less disturbance to fluid flow than conventional thermocouples with protective sheaths and are particularly suited for the investigation of semiconductor crystal growth.
Photochemistry of the gaseous hydrogen peroxide-carbon monoxide system IV. Survey of the rate constant and reaction profile for the HO2 + CO → CO2 + OH reaction

Abstract This survey begins with the photochemistry at 254 nm and 298 K in the system H 2 O 2 CO O 2 RH, the primary objective of which is to determine the rate constants for the reaction OH + RH → H 2 O + R relative to the well-known rate constant for the reaction OH + CO → CO 2 + H. Inherent in the scheme is that the reaction HO 2 +CO→OH+CO 2 is negligible compared with the OH reaction, and a literature consensus gives k HO2 −19 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 , or some 10 6 less than k OH at 298 K. Theoretical calculations establish that the first stage in the HO 2 reaction is the formation of a free radical intermediate HO 2 + CO → HOOCO (perhydroxooxomethyl) which decomposes to yield the products, and that the rate of formation of the intermediate is equal to the rate of formation of the products. The structure of the intermediate and a reaction profile are shown. High temperature rate data reported subsequent to the data in the consensus and theoretical calculations lead here to a recommendation that, in the range 250–800 K, k HO2 = 3.45 × 10 −12 T 1/2 exp(1.15 × 10 4 / T ) cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 , the hard-sphere-collision Arrhenius modification. This yields k HO 2 (298) = 1.0 × 10 −27 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 or some 10 14 slower than k OH(298) .
Chronic Beryllium Disease: Revealing the Role of Beryllium Ion and Small Peptides Binding to HLA-DP2

Chronic Beryllium (Be) Disease (CBD) is a granulomatous disorder that predominantly affects the lung. The CBD is caused by Be exposure of individuals carrying the HLA-DP2 protein of the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII). While the involvement of Be in the development of CBD is obvious and the binding site and the sequence of Be and peptide binding were recently experimentally revealed [1], the interplay between induced conformational changes and the changes of the peptide binding affinity in presence of Be were not investigated. Here we carry out in silico modeling and predict the Be binding to be within the acidic pocket (Glu26, Glu68 and Glu69) present on the HLA-DP2 protein in accordance with the experimental work [1]. In addition, the modeling indicates that the Be ion binds to the HLA-DP2 before the corresponding peptide is able to bind to it. Further analysis of the MD generated trajectories reveals that in the presence of the Be ion in the binding pocket of HLA-DP2, all the different types of peptides induce very similar conformational changes, but their binding affinities are quite different. Since these conformational changes are distinctly different from the changes caused by peptides normally found in the cell in the absence of Be, it can be speculated that CBD can be caused by any peptide in presence of Be ion. However, the affinities of peptides for Be loaded HLA-DP2 were found to depend of their amino acid composition and the peptides carrying acidic group at positions 4 and 7 are among the strongest binders. Thus, it is proposed that CBD is caused by the exposure of Be of an individual carrying the HLA-DP2*0201 allele and that the binding of Be to HLA-DP2 protein alters the conformational and ionization properties of HLA-DP2 such that the binding of a peptide triggers a wrong signaling cascade.
TWO TYPES OF NARRATIVE THEOLOGY

Narrative theology, reflection on religious claims embedded in stories, is one of the most significant currents of late twentieth century thought. H. Richard Niebuhr initiated the conversation when he wrote in 1941 of "The Story of Our Lives." If his theme lay undeveloped for several decades, it burst onto the theological scene in the early 1970s.1 Demurrers followed, and we now recognize the limits of the metaphor "narrative."2 Still, scholarly interest has not waned. Books and articles keep coming: on narrative in the Bible, narrative and theology, narrative and morality, narrative tradition, narrative practice, even narrative truth. The conversation, it appears, is as lively as ever. And if it has produced lasting contributions, it is because of the quality of the minds it has managed to attract: Paul Ricoeur, Hans Frei, David Tracy, George Lindbeck, Stanley Hauerwas, Julian Hartt, Sallie McFague, Johann Baptist Metz.3 While the potential of narrative theology is widely recognized, few seem to have noticed a nasty tension in the ranks. In fact, two distinct camps are now visible, and the relations between them are anything but cordial. No wonder. Each thinks itself fighting for nothing less than the continued existence of the Christian tradition. Finding names for the two groups is difficult. "Chicagoans" and "Yaleys" might do, as these are the locations of the respective head-
Improved line parameters for the X2∏-X2∏ (1-0) bands of 35ClO and 37ClO

Abstract Improved line parameters at 296K for the X2∏-X2∏ (1-0) bands of 35ClO and 37ClO have been calculated with J up to 43.5. The integrated intensity for the 2048 lines in the main and satellite bands has been normalized to 9.68 cm-2 atm-1 at 296K.
AN OVERVIEW OF TAGUCHI METHOD AND NEWLY DEVELOPED STATISTICAL METHODS FOR ROBUST DESIGN

Abstract Robust Design is an important method for improving product quality, manufacturability, and reliability at low cost. Taguchi's introduction of this method in 1980 to several major American industries resulted in significant quality improvement in product and manufacturing process design. While the robust design objective of making product performance insensitive to hard-to-control noise was recognized to be very important, many of the statistical methods proposed by Taguchi, such as the use of signal-to-noise ratios, orthogonal arrays, linear graphs, and accumulation analysis, have room for improvement. To popularize me use of robust design among engineers, it is essential to develop more effective, statistically efficient, and user-friendly tech niques and tools. This paper first summarizes the statistical methods for planning and analyzing robust design experiments originally proposed by Taguchi; then reviews newly developed statistical methods and identifies areas and problems where more resear...
Who rules the EU? Pragmatism and power in European integration theory

Who rules the European Union? The answers of the main schools of European Union (EU) theory diverge: neofunctionalism highlights function, group pressure, entrepreneurial leadership; international relations realism privileges state interests; and neo‐institutionalisms favor the influence of incentive structures, organizational processes, or norms. These explanations reflect different concepts of power, producing irreconcilable disputes that expose the conflict among meta‐theoretical methods in the warranting of knowledge. In confronting this dilemma, Deweyan pragmatism provides a tool for investigating the way meta‐theoretical concepts ground ideas of power. Using this to examine the effects of philosophical assumptions in selected theories of the EU integration and policy‐making demonstrates the impact of meta‐concepts in shaping the analysis of power and calls for an alternative philosophical approach for studying who rules the EU.
Optimizing First-Line Therapy for Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Imatinib is now established as the gold standard first-line therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Responses to imatinib are superior to those seen with interferon alfa and also occur earlier, demonstrating a stronger and deeper response to therapy. Imatinib therapy also provides long-term clinical benefit and outcomes, with improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with historical controls, at 6 years of follow-up. Recent data show that annual event rates decline over time with imatinib therapy, suggesting that long-term disease control is possible in continuously responding patients. Despite these treatment successes, new strategies are continually being evaluated to maximize responses to imatinib and ensure the best treatment outcomes for all patients. For example, high-dose imatinib therapy, with doses up to 800 mg/d, has been shown to improve response rates. Prospective, randomized trials are ongoing to assess the benefits of high-dose imatinib therapy and determine whether it extends PFS and OS compared with standard-dose imatinib.
Photosensitizing effect of riboflavin, lumiflavin, and lumichrome on the generation of volatiles in soy milk.

Lumichrome and lumiflavin were formed from riboflavin under light. pH had a significant influence on the formation of lumichrome and lumiflavin from riboflavin. Lumichrome was the only major product from riboflavin under neutral or acidic pH values. Lumiflavin was also formed from riboflavin in basic pH. The maximum concentration of lumiflavin from 100 microM riboflavin at pH 8.5 was 30.9 microM, and it was reached after 2 h of exposure at 1500 lux. The maximum concentration of lumichrome formed from 100 microM riboflavin at pH 4.5, 6.5, or 8.5 was 79.9, 58.7, and 73.1 microM, respectively, after 8, 6, or 2 h of light exposure. The formation of lumichrome and lumiflavin from riboflavin was due to the type I mechanism of the riboflavin photosensitized reaction. Singlet oxygen was also involved in the photosensitized degradation of lumiflavin and lumichrome. The reaction rates of riboflavin, lumiflavin, and lumichrome with singlet oxygen were 9.66 x 10(8), 8.58 x 10(8), and 8.21 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. The headspace oxygen depletion and headspace volatile formation were significant in soy milk containing lumichrome or lumiflavin under light (p 0.05) in the dark. Ascorbic acid could inhibit the total volatile changes of soy milk under light. Soy milk should be protected from light to prevent the photodegradation of riboflavin and the oxidation of soy milk.
Reducing on-line computational demands in model predictive control by approximating QP constraints

Abstract In this paper, we propose two Model Predictive Control algorithms, whose on-line computational demands are significantly smaller than that for conventional Model Predictive Control algorithms, for control of large-scale constrained linear systems. We show that closed-loop stability can be guaranteed under some conditions. We also propose an optimal anti-windup scheme for approximating Model Predictive Control (thus eliminating the need for solving an on-line optimization problem) and derive a quantitative condition under which Model Predictive Control can be approximated effectively. These results make Model Predictive Control a very attractive candidate to be applied to systems with small sampling times and/or with a large number of inputs, and address achievable constrained performance by any anti-windup design.
Active cytoskeletal force and chromatin condensation independently modulate intranuclear network fluctuations.

Chromatin remodeling, including the movement of genes and regulatory factors, precedes or accompanies stimulated changes in gene expression. Here we quantify chromatin fluctuations in primary human cells using particle-tracking microrheology and determine the physical mechanisms which influence chromatin reorganization. We find that intranuclear movements are enhanced beyond thermal motion by active force generation from cytoskeletal motor activity propagated through the LINC complex; intranuclear movements are also dependent on the viscoelasticity of the DNA–protein polymer network. Chromatin movements were dramatically altered by modulation of chromatin condensation state, which we independently verified using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). These findings suggest that chromatin condensation and cytoskeletal force generation play distinct functional roles in regulating intranuclear movements, and these effects are decoupled as measured by particle tracking. We further utilize this approach in identifying the nuclear responsiveness of primary human endothelial cells to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF): early in the response chromatin movements increase and are dominated by cytoskeletal force, which transitions at later times to a chromatin decondensation event. Given the hierarchical genome organization in primary cells, our work generally suggests an important role for force generation and chromatin mechanics in altered gene expression kinetics.
Image encoding algorithm using Hilbert space

In this paper, we present a variational algorithm to find the eigenimages of an operator. This algorithm is used in local minima image encoding.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Electron focusing in magnetic fields of the form zn

Summary We describe an investigation into the focusing properties of magnetic fields of the form kz n for all integer n . With two exceptions, the trajectories can be expressed as a linear sum of Bessel functions of the first and second type, of order 1/2 ( n + 1) and with argument ± kz n + 1 /2( n + 1). The coefficients in this linear sum can be determined from the initial conditions. Numerical ray tracing calculations confirm these trajectories and this method is to be preferred for determination of the lens parameters. The properties of these lenses are very simple, the focal length and the two principal aberration coefficients are proportional to the value of z at the focus. For this reason only one trajectory is needed in order to describe these properties (say k = 1). All other trajectories can be scaled from this one. The two exceptions are n = –1 and n = 0 and these are considered separately.
Comment on a recent criticism of the formula used to calculate the S matrix in the multichannel log-derivative method

In a recent article (Phys. Rev. A 30, 1277 (1984)) it is stated that the equation for the S matrix which we published in J. Comput. Phys. 13, 445 (1973) is incorrect when some channels are closed. We disagree, and in this Comment prove that the published equation is correct.
Application of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to Chemical Systems

The advantages of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) over dispersive infrared spectroscopy are outlined. The use of data processing with specific reference to difference spectroscopy is discussed in light of these advantages. Applications of FTIR to identification, quality control, and quantitative infrared analysis are indicated. The use of difference spectroscopy to improve the quality of the spectra of the desired components is illustrated for a variety of chemical systems. The role of FTIR is thus illustrated in the analytical chemical laboratory.
Software for generating auto-random-dot stereograms

We present a brief description of the theory behind Tyler’s (1983) auto-random-dot stereogram (ARDS) technique, and compare some of its strengths and drawbacks with those of standard random-dot stereograms (Julesz, 1964). We give in algorithmic form a computer program for generating ARDSs, as well as some extensions of the basic technique. A program for generating ARDSs from black and white user-drawn graphic images is available for the Macintosh personal computer.
Predictions of NOX in a Laboratory Pulverized Coal Combustor Operating under Air and Oxy-Fuel Conditions

A new approach to modeling NOX under oxy-fuel combustion conditions in a simple staged-oxidizer flow field is presented. The approach is centered on the combination of devolatilization and char oxidation models with a detailed kinetic mechanism for light hydrocarbon combustion. NOX chemistry is included by the user's selection of the detailed mechanism, while the devolatilization model consists of the chemical percolation devolatilization (CPD) model modified to be independent of oxidizer composition. Literature-based correlations provide elemental composition of the volatiles. Model predictions were compared to experimental measurements with good agreement in several respects. The model provides insights for the interpretation of experimental oxy-fuel combustion NOX results, and recommendations are given for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of NOX in oxy-fuel combustion.
Electroactive films incorporating 4,4′-Bipyridinium building blocks

Abstract The salts of 4,4′-bipyridinium dications are becoming the basic building blocks of an increasing number of electroactive materials and devices. These compounds (1) can be prepared in good yields starting from 4,4′-bipyridine, (2) undergo two consecutive and reversible reduction processes and (3) associate with electron rich substrates as a result of electrostatic and charge-transfer interactions. The unique combination of these attractive features has stimulated the identification of experimental protocols to assemble organized films of 4,4′-bipyridinium building blocks on electrode surfaces. Relying either on the Langmuir-Blodgett technique or on self-assembly processes, monolayers of 4,4′-bipyridinium derivatives and composite multilayers of these organic compounds and inorganic nanoparticles can be prepared on a variety of solid supports. The electroactive character of the 4,4′-bipyridinium dications facilitates the characterization of the resulting materials. In general, simple voltammetric measurements provide invaluable information on the structure and properties of the electroactive films. Furthermore, the electron accepting character of the organic building blocks and their recognition properties can be exploited to design simple devices able to execute specific functions. Indeed, displays, logic gates, photodiodes, rectifiers, sensors and switches have been implemented already relying on the careful design of 4,4′-bipyridinium building blocks and their ingenious integration in nanoscaled configurations.
Remarks on the origin of the displacement-rank concept

An account is given of how a relationship was found between some equations of Chandrasekhar for solving the Wiener-Hopf integral equations and the nonlinear Riccati differential equations encountered in linear least-squares estimation problems for systems described in state-space form. A paper by Casti, Kalaba, and Murthy (1972) provided the inspiration for seeking such a relationship and then extending it and applying it in many other fields, using the concept of displacement structure.
Virtual Reality, Telemedicine, Web and Data Processing Innovations in Medical and Psychiatric Education and Clinical Care

Objective This article highlights technology innovations in psychiatric and medical education, including applications from other fields.
Electron microscopic study of papillary serous tumors of the ovary.

Electron microscopic evaluation was performed in a series of papillary serous tumors of the ovary, including 4 cystadenomas, 2 cystadenocarcinomas, and 2 tumors with questionable histologic evidence of malignancy. Marked nuclear irregularity was found in the cells of those tumors which were malignant by histologic criteria. Nuclei of cells from benign tumors had a regular shape and outline, with only shallow indentations. In the cases with borderline malignant changes, an intermediate degree of nuclear irregularity was present. Many of the cells showed a marked degree of nuclear infolding, comparable to that of the frankly malignant tumors. A decreased amount of cell membrane interdigitation was observed in the malignant tumors as compared to the benign. The borderline group was intermediate in this respect. Cilia were present in the benign and borderline malignant tumors but were not seen in the frankly malignant tumors. The findings indicate that electron microscopic analysis may be a useful adjunct in the evaluation of papillary cystic tumors of the ovary.
A Resource Analysis of the π-calculus

We give a new treatment of the @p-calculus based on the semantic theory of separation logic, continuing a research program begun by Hoare and O@?Hearn. Using a novel resource model that distinguishes between public and private ownership, we refactor the operational semantics so that sending, receiving, and allocating are commands that influence owned resources. These ideas lead naturally to two denotational models: one for safety and one for liveness. Both models are fully abstract for the corresponding observables, but more importantly both are very simple. The close connections with the model theory of separation logic (in particular, with Brookes@?s action trace model) give rise to a logic of processes and resources.
Study on the Turret Feeding Servo System of Precision CNC Lathe

Turret feeding servo system is the connecting link of a servo motor and a linear motion unit. Studying the static performance and the dynamic performance of the feeding servo system plays a key role in precision finishing and it also is the key technology to realize the high precise CNC lathe. This article builds several mathematical models for the driving part, the speed governing part, the mechanical transmitting part and the feeding part of the feeding servo system using permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and then simulates the system with Simulink so as to verify the mathematical models; optimize the servo system by combining the traditional PID control with the fuzzy control and finally, compare and analyze the system performances under several control methods, which may provide references for designing a feeding servo system.
Computerized questionnaires and the quality of survey data.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective data quality analysis was conducted. OBJECTIVE To compare missing response rates and internal consistency between computerized and paper surveys administered to spine patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Computerized patient surveys have been shown to offer numerous advantages over traditional paper surveys. It has been assumed that computerized surveys also improve data quality, but quantitative comparisons have not been made. METHODS Between January 1998 and December 2000, approximately 3500 computerized questionnaires and 15,000 paper questionnaires containing the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire were administered in the National Spine Network. Missing response rates and the Response Consistency Index (RCI) were compared between computerized and paper questionnaire data. RESULTS Computer surveys had approximately half the missing response rate of paper surveys. For the SF-36, the computer survey had 1.7% missing, as compared with 3.3% missing on paper (P < 0.001). For the Oswestry, the computer survey had 2.9% missing, as compared with 6% missing on paper (P < 0.001). Whereas 84% of the SF-36 surveys and 85% of the Oswestry surveys collected by computer were completely filled out (no missing responses), only 68% of the SF-36 surveys (P < 0.001) and 77% of the Oswestry surveys (P < 0.001) collected on paper were completely filled out. The SF-36 data collected by computer had better internal consistency than the paper-form data, with average Response Consistency Index scores of 0.12 and 0.16, respectively (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Superior response rates and higher internal consistency suggest that computerized survey systems improve data quality, and may enhance instrument validity for commonly used measures of spine patient health.
Structural Learning for Writer Identification in Offline Handwriting

Availability of sufficient labeled data is key to the performance of any learning algorithm. However, in document analysis obtaining the large amount of labeled data is difficult. Scarcity of labeled samples is often a main bottleneck in the performance of algorithms for document analysis. However, unlabeled data samples are present in abundance. We propose a semi supervised framework for writer identification for offline handwritten documents that leverages the information hidden in the unlabeled samples. The task of writer identification is a complex one and our framework tries to model the nuances of handwriting with the use of structural learning. This framework models the complexity of learning problem by selecting the best hypotheses space by breaking the main task into several sub tasks. All the hypotheses spaces pertaining to the sub tasks will be used for the best model selection by retrieving a common optimal sub structure that has high correspondence with all of the candidate hypotheses spaces. We have used publically available IAM data set to show the efficacy of our method.
Finite and infinite action dynamic games with imperfect information

Abstract We show that one can approximate an infinite action game by a finite action game in the sense that every behavior strategy combination of the finite action game can be mimicked by a behavior strategy combination of the infinite action game so that the resulting payoffs from the behavior strategies cannot differ by more than ϵ . Also for every behavior strategy of a player i on a subgame of the infinite action game one can find a behavior strategy of player i of the finite action game which will give expected payoffs that are close to each other on the particular subgame. We use these results to construct ϵ -perfect equilibria of infinite action games.
Deficiency of c7 with systemic lupus erythematosus. solubilization of immune complexes in complement‐deficient sera

A woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was found to have undetectable serum total complement (C) activity with marked reductions in levels of several C components. Recognition of rising C4, C3, and C5 levels coupled with sustained absence of hemolytic activity led to studies of individual C components that identified a persisting selective and complete absence of C7 hemolytic activity. Review of the literature indicated that the frequency of SLE is increased in patients with complete deficiency of a late-acting C component (7% as compared to 0.05% in the general population); however, the disease frequency is less than that observed in patients with complete deficiency of an early-acting C component (41% incidence in patients lacking C1, C4, or C2). In order to explore one possible basis for this association, the capacity of serum from the patient described herein and from patients with other C component deficiencies to mediate in vitro solubilization of immune complexes was studied by using a recently developed assay. The patient's serum had a markedly decreased capacity to induce solubilization of immune complexes, as did sera of other patients with active SLE and sera of individuals with inborn deficiencies of C1, C2, or C3 without SLE. By contrast, the sera of patients with a selective terminal C component deficiency (C5, C6, C7, or C8) but without SLE readily supported immune complex solubilization. These results suggest that patients lacking a terminal C component are predisposed to the development of SLE by a process which is independent of C-mediated immune complex solubilization. Whether the compromised capacity for C-mediated immune complex solubilization contributes to the even greater frequency of SLE in patients lacking an early-acting C component remains to be established.
Orthogonal approximation order preserving prefilters for multiwavelets

In this paper, we show the existence of third-order approximation order preserving prefilters for multiwavelets. We develop the necessary conditions needed to satisfy the approximation criteria and give a constructive proof of their existence. Additionally, we give an example prefilter for the Chui-Lian multiwavlet and implement the prefilter/multiwavelet in an image compression scheme. The compression results are then compared against the standard wavelets of Haar, D4, and D6.
The scope and trajectory of strategic HR research: evidence from American and British journals

Many have argued that the field of human resource (HR) management has successfully transformed itself from the functional orientation of personnel management to a strategic orientation that is more relevant to the goals and effectiveness of business in the current competitive landscape. In this article, we assess that proposition by reviewing almost 1000 award-winning papers and articles published in leading US and British management journals since the mid-1990s. We use this data to evaluate the scope of HR research in the field, the extent to which it has changed, and whether changes in this research have kept pace with changes that organizations face in the current global economy. Consistent with the strategic HR framework, we find that the question of the link between HR and performance has, indeed, become the dominant one among both micro- and macro-organizational scholars. Contrary to expectations, however, micro-level research continues to be more prevalent than macro-organizational studies; and we ...
Timing correction and optimization with adaptive delay sequential elements

This paper introduces adaptive delay sequential elements (ADSEs). ADSEs are registers that use nonvolatile, floating-gate transistors to tune their internal clock delays. We propose ADSEs for correcting timing violations and optimizing circuit performance. We present an ADSE circuit example, system architecture, and tuning methodology. We present experimental results that demonstrate the correct operation of our example circuit and discuss the die-area impact of using ADSEs. Our experiments also show that voltage and temperature sensitivity of ADSEs are comparable to non-adaptive flip-flops.
Risk-scoring system for the individualized prediction of lymphatic dissemination in patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer

Abstract Objective To develop a risk-scoring system (RSS) for the prediction of lymphatic dissemination after hysterectomy in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EC). Methods Patients who underwent surgery from 1/1/1999-12/31/2008 were evaluated. Patients with non-endometrioid histology, stage IV with macroscopic extrauterine disease, or receiving adjuvant therapy (excluding brachytherapy) without pelvic and/or paraaortic (P/PA) lymphadenectomy (LND) were excluded. Lymph node dissemination was defined as nodal metastasis when P/PA LND was performed or P/PA lymph node recurrence after negative LND or when LND was not performed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors for lymphatic dissemination and develop a RSS and nomogram. The RSS was assessed for calibration and verified for discrimination. Results Overall, 883 patients were assessed of which 521 (59.0%) underwent P/PA LND and 57 (10.9%) had positive lymph nodes. Of patients who did not undergo P/PA LND (N=362) or had negative nodes (N=464), 10 (1.2%) patients had P/PA lymph node recurrence. Myometrial invasion, tumor diameter (TD), FIGO grade, cervical stromal invasion and lymphovascular space invasion were significant on univariable analysis. All preceding variables were included in a multivariable logistic model. A parsimonious model and an alternative full model not including TD were considered. The full model with TD (illustrated in nomogram) had the highest predictive ability (concordance index 0.88). Conclusion Our RSS allows accurate quantification of the probability of lymphatic dissemination and can be used as an adjunct to clinical decision-making after hysterectomy in the absence of staging. TD is an important component of the RSS and should be routinely assessed.
Close contact with racial outgroup members moderates attentional allocation towards outgroup versus ingroup faces

Some research has demonstrated that White perceivers direct more initial attention to Black relative to White target faces, while other work has failed to show this relationship. Several variables have been identified that moderate early attention to racial outgroup versus racial ingroup faces. In the current paper, two studies sought to extend this work by testing whether close contact with racial outgroup members moderates the amount of initial attention directed towards racial outgroup members relative to ingroup members using a dot-probe task. In Study 1, Whites’ attentional allocation to Black versus White faces was moderated by the amount of close and meaningful contact with Blacks. Study 2 extended these findings by demonstrating that Whites’ attentional allocation to Asian relative to White faces was moderated by close contact with Asians. These findings identify close outgroup contact as an additional moderating variable in the attentional capture of racial outgroup versus ingroup faces, for groups both associated and not associated with threat.
Performance analysis of periodic and concurrent data structure maintenance strategies for network servers

Three strategies for designing servers and maintaining their data structures are discussed: incremental maintenance, periodic maintenance, and concurrent maintenance. The authors study periodic and concurrent maintenance strategies analytically in order to gain more insight into the behavior of servers using these strategies and determine when and how the maintenance should be performed. For periodic maintenance, it is shown that there is a value of the period which minimizes the average response time, and a formula to compute this value analytically is derived. For concurrent maintenance, a formula for its average response time and the condition under which concurrent maintenance would be preferable to periodic maintenance is derived. The authors have conducted a series of experiments to compare the performance of different maintenance strategies. For the system considered in the experiment, periodic maintenance yields the best average response time, whereas concurrent maintenance gives the least standard deviation and the smallest maximum response time. >