cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sampling Strategies for Tornado and Mesocyclone Detection Using Dynamically Adaptive Doppler Radars: A Simulation Study

Increasing tornado and severe storm warning lead time (lead time is defined here as the elapsed time between the issuance of a watch or warning and the time at which the anticipated weather event first impacts the specified region) through the use of radar observations has long been a challenge for researchers and operational forecasters. To improve lead time and the probability of detecting tornadoes while decreasing the false alarm ratio, a greater understanding, obtained in part by more complete observations, is needed about the region of storms within which tornadoes form and persist. Driven in large part by this need, but also by the goal of using numerical models to explicitly predict intense local weather such as thunderstorms, the National Science Foundation established, in fall 2003, the Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA). CASA is developing a revolutionary new paradigm of using a network of small, closely spaced, inexpensive, low-power dual-polarization Doppler weather radars to overcome the inability of widely spaced, high-power radars to sample large regions of the lower atmosphere owing to the curvature of earth given that zero or negative beam elevation angles are not allowed. Also, current radar technology operates mostly independently of the weather and end-user needs, thus producing valuable information on storms as a whole but not focused on any specific phenomenon or need. Conversely, CASA utilizes a dynamically adaptive sensing paradigm to identify, and optimally sample, multiple targets based upon their observed characteristics in order to meet a variety of often competing end-user needs. The goal of this study is to evaluate a variety of adaptive sampling strategies for CASA radars to assess their effectiveness in identifying intense low-altitude vortices. Such identification, for the purposes of this study, is defined as achieving a best fit of simulated observations to an analytic model of a tornado or mesocyclone. Several parameters are varied in this study including the size of the vortex, azimuthal sampling interval, distance of the vortex from the radar, and radar beamwidth. Results show that, in the case of small vortices, adaptively decreasing the azimuthal sampling interval (i.e., overlapping beams) is beneficial in comparison to conventional azimuthal sampling that is approximately equal to the beamwidth. However, the benefit is limited to factors of 2 in overlapping. When simulating the performance of a CASA radar in comparison to that of a Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR88D) at close range, with both operating in the conventional nonoverlapping mode, the WSR-88D (with a beamwidth about half that of a CASA radar) performs better. However, when overlapping is applied to the CASA radar, for which little additional processing time is required, the results are comparable. In effect, the sampling resolution of a radar can be increased simply by decreasing the azimuthal sampling interval as opposed to installing a larger antenna.
Effect of Foreign Object Damage on the Fatigue Strength of an XD™ γ-TiAl Alloy

High cycle fatigue has become the leading cause of failure in gas turbine engine blades in recent years [1]. The majority of these failures were associated with surface damage such as foreign object damage (FOD). Therefore, the ability of a material to resist impact damage and the subsequent fatigue propagation of any cracks that may result has become a crucial design consideration. Substantial research has been conducted on the effects of simulated FOD in conventional turbine blade materials where the formation of cracks at the impact site was not a common occurrence [2,3,4]. However, impacts of more brittle materials, such as �-TiAl, would likely result in the formation of cracks. Steif et al [5] have examined the formation of cracks associated with impacts in several TiAl-based alloys. The effects of ballistic impacts on the fatigue behavior of a Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr �-TiAl alloy were examined by Lerch et al [6]. Fatigue strength was correlated with a somewhat arbitrary crack length with some success; however, no correlation with the long-crack fatigue threshold was made. The use of a fatigue threshold limit may be necessary for design of turbine blades given the limited fatigue crack growth resistance exhibited by �-TiAl. The present study investigates the reduction in elevated temperature fatigue strength of a Ti-46.8Al­ 2.1Nb-1.1Mn-0.1Si-1.4B alloy caused by simulated foreign object damage. This work is part of a larger effort to support the transition of �-TiAl to industrially relevant gas turbine engine applications.
Performance and Kinetics of a Solid Amine Sorbent for Carbon Dioxide Removal

The kinetics of the reaction between CO2 and amine/bentonite particle were estimated over the range of 303–363 K from adsorption data obtained by TGA. The weight percent of amine, reaction temperature, and particle diameter were considered as experimental variables. The sorbent maximum or equilibrium CO2 uptake was found to be linearly dependent on temperature; decreasing with increasing temperature when tested in a 100% CO2 environment. Reactivity data for amine/bentonite particle with CO2 were presented and discussed. On the basis of the isothermal TGA results, reaction order and the value of activation energy have been obtained. These kinetic parameters are similar to those reported for MEA and DEA in aqueous solutions. The kinetic model was used to predict the fractional conversion at different temperature exhibiting good agreement with experimental data.
Role of Platelet-Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (PECAM) in Platelet Adhesion/Aggregation Over Injured but Not Denuded Endothelium In Vivo and Ex Vivo

Background and Purpose We previously demonstrated that a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) with anti-CD31, anti-platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-like properties delayed platelet adhesion/aggregation at a site of minor endothelial injury. To our knowledge, this was the first in vivo demonstration of an effect of anti-CD31. There was no exposure of collagen or basal lamina at the injured site, and the modulation of adhesion/aggregation at such sites has not received much study. The present investigation attempted to replicate the first with the use of a different MoAb, definitely characterized as anti-PECAM. In addition, an ex vivo investigation was performed to see whether the in vivo action of anti-PECAM could have been caused by an effect of the MoAb on the platelets rather than on the endothelium. Methods A helium-neon laser, in the presence of intravascular Evans blue, was used to injure the endothelium of arterioles on the surface of the mouse brain. Intravital microscopy was used to deter...
New wave: high‐tech tools to help marine reserve research

Marine reserves are an emerging management tool, and can serve as examples of the practical application of basic marine ecology. Although some aspects of reserve science are well known, new information is badly needed in at least two major areas: the impact that reserves have on their surrounding ecosystems, and how we can use complex ecological and environmental data to inform management decisions. We describe the application of four new tools being used in oceanography and marine ecology to help design ocean reserves. Ocean sensing charts the dynamics of ocean environments, allowing us to see physical connections between protected and non-protected areas. The indirect monitoring of species dispersal through chemical tags and genetic comparisons can help us to map population movements and measure the spread of species. Computer-based mapping programs enable us to use GIS databases in management decisions, and give multiple stakeholders access to powerful decision-making tools. Together, these methods des...
AN ANALYSIS OF THE INJURY REDUCTION CAPABILITIES OF BREAKAWAY LIGHT STANDARDS AND VARIOUS GUARDRAILS

Abstract Relationships between the probability of moderate or worse injuries and impact speed are estimated for automobile collisions with breakaway light standards, rigid light standards, “ w ”-beam guardrails, and various other rigid objects. The resulting equations indicate that both breakaway light standard impacts and guardrail impacts are less severe than rigid object impacts with the greatest reduction in severity occurring at high impact speeds. The benefit of restraint use in these types of impacts is aiso demonstrated. A selected bibliography of breakaway support and traffic barrier literature is also included.
Do Climate Models Underestimate the Sensitivity of Northern Hemisphere Sea Ice Cover

AbstractThe sensitivity of Northern Hemisphere sea ice cover to global temperature change is examined in a group of climate models and in the satellite-era observations. The models are found to have well-defined, distinguishable sensitivities in climate change experiments. The satellite-era observations show a larger sensitivity—a larger decline per degree of warming—than any of the models. To evaluate the role of natural variability in this discrepancy, the sensitivity probability density function is constructed based upon the observed trends and natural variability of multidecadal ice cover and global temperature trends in a long control run of the GFDL Climate Model, version 2.1 (CM2.1). This comparison shows that the model sensitivities range from about 1 to more than 2 pseudostandard deviations of the variability smaller than observations indicate. The impact of natural Atlantic multidecadal temperature trends (as simulated by the GFDL model) on the sensitivity distribution is examined and found to b...
Microfilament disruption occurs very early in ischemic proximal tubule cell injury

Microfilament disruption occurs very early in ischemic proximal tubule cell injury. Experimental ischemic acute renal failure results in disruption of proximal tubule apical membranes. Previous work utilizing immunofluorescence with an anti-actin antibody has demonstrated that the apical cytoskeleton of proximal tubule cells is disrupted during ischemic injury. In this study, using rhodamine-phalloidin which stains only filamentous actin, we demonstrate that graded durations of ischemia resulted in progressive disruption of proximal tubule apical microfilaments. Quantification using spectrofluorometry showed that 5, 15 and 50 minutes of ischemia resulted in 32.8 ± 4%, 48.8 ± 2.5%, and 58.4 ± 2.6% decreases in apical F-actin relative to controls. Ischemia did not qualitatively affect either glomerular or distal tubule F-actin structure, though there were nonprogressive increases in glomerular fluorescence. In summary, rhodamine-phalloidin staining can be used to qualitatively and quantitatively assess proximal tubule microfilaments in vivo. We conclude that ischemia results in very early loss of proximal tubule apical microfilaments, with the majority of F-actin loss occurring within five minutes.
Oxidation of halides by redox enhanced ferricyanide in the [FeIICNPtIV]n coordination polymer: an optically triggered process

Abstract The mechanism of photolysis for a cyanometalate coordination polymer composed of [(NC)5FeIICNPtIV(NH3)4]n repeat units, is deduced based on the results of several photogalvanic techniques. These techniques are validated through characterization of the previously established photochemistry of [(NC)5FeIICNPtIV(NH3)4NCFeII(CN)5]4−. Analysis of the polymer photoproducts indicates the presence of iron centers with a redox potential higher than that of the expected photoproduct, ferricyanide. Additionally, the charge collected at the electrode surface is greater than the number of iron centers freed from the polymer network by photolysis. A mechanism based on the creation of oxidized ferricyanide centers with multiple bridging cyanides is proposed. Each bridging cyanide to a Pt center increases the redox potential of the associated ferricyanide center. Ferricyanide centers with a sufficient number of bridging cyanides have redox potentials high enough to oxidize various halides to the corresponding halogen. The ability to convert chloride to chlorine suggests potential applications in the area of solar energy conversion.
Perforin — a primary pr auxiliary lytic mechanism?

Abstract Cytotoxic granules containing pore-forming toxins have been postulated to be the principal mechanism underlying cell-mediated cytotoxicity. On the basis of recent evidence, however, William Clark suggests here that this may be a highly specialized mechanism operating only under conditions of unusual immunological stress. While this mechanism may be extremely important for host survival, it probably does not explain how cytotoxic cells normally kill their targets.
Enhanced split-architecture delta-sigma ADC

A split delta-sigma ADC topology is proposed, which provides enhanced noise shaping by cross-coupling the quantization errors of the two halves of the structure. Unlike the multi-stage noise shaping (MASH) architecture, the new structure is insensitive to mismatch errors, and it does not reduce the stability of the loops. Simulations confirm the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Non-invasive determination of coupled motion of the scapula and humerus—An in-vitro validation

Measuring the motion of the scapula and humerus with sub-millimeter levels of accuracy in six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) is a challenging problem. The current methods to measure shoulder joint motion via the skin do not produce clinically significant levels of accuracy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to validate a non-invasive markerless dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) model-based tracking technique for measuring dynamic in-vivo shoulder kinematics. Our DFIS tracks the positions of bones based on their projected silhouettes to contours on recorded pairs of fluoroscopic images. For this study, we compared markerlessly tracking the bones of the scapula and humerus to track them with implanted titanium spheres using a radiostereometric analysis (RSA) while manually manipulating a cadaver specimen's arms. Additionally, we report the repeatability of the DFIS to track the scapula and humerus during dynamic shoulder motion. The difference between the markerless model-based tracking technique and the RSA was ±0.3 mm in translation and ±0.5° in rotation. Furthermore, the repeatability of the markerless DFIS model-based tracking technique for the scapula and humerus was ±0.2 mm and ±0.4°, respectively. The model-based tracking technique achieves an accuracy that is similar to an invasive RSA tracking technique and is highly suited for non-invasively studying the in-vivo motion of the shoulder. This technique could be used to investigate the scapular and humeral biomechanics in both healthy individuals and in patients with various pathologies under a variety of dynamic shoulder motions encountered during the activities of daily living.
Mid-wall fibrosis on delayed enhancement CMR - a marker for adverse left ventricular chamber remodeling independent of cardiomyopathic etiology

Background Mid-wall fibrosis (MWF) is a hallmark of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) that confers increased risk for sudden cardiac death and mortality. The relationship between MWF and left ventricular (LV) remodeling is unknown. Methods The population comprised patients with advanced systolic dysfunction (LVEF ≤ 40%) undergoing CMR (1.5T, General Electric Signa). Ischemic vs. NICM etiology was classified in accordance with established convention based on obstructive CAD on invasive angiography. Delayed enhancement CMR (IR-GRE acquired 10-30 minutes post gadolinium [0.2 mmol/kg]) was used to identify MWF, defined as hyperenhancement confined to the mid-myocardial or epicardial aspect of the interventricular septum. LV mass and chamber volume were quantified by planimetry of contiguous SSFP cine-CMR short axis slices, with ejection fraction (EF) calculated as the proportional difference between end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes. Results 523 patients (61 ± 14 yo, 72% M, 66% ischemic CM) were studied: MWF was present in 16%, and was 6-fold more common in patients with angiographically classified NICM (37% vs. 6%; p < 0.001). Regarding LV remodeling, MWF was associated with higher EDV (134 ± 39 ml vs. 114 ± 34 ml; p < 0.001) and LV mass (102 ± 24 vs. 96 ± 28 gm; p < 0.001) and lower LVEF (26 ± 8% vs. 30 ± 8%; p ≤ 0.05). MWF was nearly 3-fold more common among patients in the highest tertile of EDV vs. the remainder of the population (29% vs. 10%; p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis was performed to further assess markers for MWF: Restricted to imaging indices, results (Table 1A) demonstrated EF and EDV to be independently associated with MWF (OR = 1.46, CI 1.03-2.10; p < 0.05, OR = 1.13, CI 1.04-1.20; p < 0.05, respectively) after controlling for mass (OR = 0.95, CI 0.85-1.00; p = 0.29). Regarding clinical variables, results (Table 1B) confirmed a strong association with NICM (OR = 8.4, CI 4.78-14.72; p < 0.001), independent of other clinical indices. A combined model incorporating both clinical and imaging variables demonstrated both NICM and LV volume to be independently associated with MWF even after controlling for EF (Table 1C). Overall strength of the combined clinical/imaging (c 2 = 91.2; p < 0.001) model for MWF was higher than that of isolated clinical (c 2 = 76.7; p < 0.001) and imaging (c 2 = 26.0; p < 0.001) models.
Measurement of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure in the Chicken

Abstract A technique for measuring the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure from the cisterna magna of anesthetized chickens is described. The mean CSF pressure for 20 adult, female, White Leghorn chickens was 42.0 ± 3.4 mm. H2 O. Waves associated with respiratory movements and the arterial pulse were visible in the CSF pressure record. CSF pressure increased following jugular compression; a response similar to that seen in mammals.
Second trimester abortion: single dose intra-amniotic injection of prostaglandin F2α with intravenous oxytocin augmentation

Abstract One hundred-sixty mid-trimester pregnancies were terminated by intra-amniotic injection of Prostaglandin F2α with concomitant intravenous oxytocin. Only four of 77 nulliparas and one of 83 multiparas required a second prostaglandin injection. Mean injection-abortion interval was 22.8 hours, and 17.0 hours respectively. This difference between groups was statistically significant. Four nulliparas sustained uterine trauma, a high incidence suggesting that this method may be ill-advised in these women. Because of the predictable short injection-abortion interval in the multipara, this method can be combined conveniently with surgical sterilization.
Saccharification of cellulosics by Microbispora bispora

The saccharification efficiency of cellulase from the thermophilic actinomycete Microbispora bispora was evaluated using commercially available feedstocks. The enzyme preparation was effective against refuse derived cellulose with 30% being converted to glucose in a 24 hour period. Pretreatment of the refuse with cadoxen resulted in an increase in saccharification efficiency to 70%.
The uninsured 'access gap' and the cost of universal coverage

Abstract: This study estimates the effect of universal coverage on the use and cost of health services by the uninsured. Adults lacking insurance for a full year have about 60 percent as many ambul...
Large deviations for noninteracting infinite-particle systems

A large deviation property is established for noninteracting infinite particle systems. Previous large deviation results obtained by the authors involved a singleI-function because the cases treated always involved a unique invariant measure for the process. In the context of this paper there is an infinite family of invariant measures and a corresponding infinite family ofI-functions governing the large deviations.
INSTITUTIONAL TYPES, ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURES, AND INNOVATION IN CHRISTIAN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Relative to the many types of higher education institutions, Christian institutions face extreme operating conditions. Specifically, they are highly tuition dependent, face extreme pressure for funding, and struggle to preserve the history, tradition, and distinctive cultures of their organizations (Dockery and Gushee, 1999). At the same time, these institutions face significant pressure for innovation due to advances in technology and changing demographics. The study reported in this paper explored the association between institutional type, organizational culture, and innovation within institutions of Christian higher education. Regarding institutional type, Christian higher education institutions appear to adopt innovations more frequently than private/independent institutions, and less frequently than public institutions. In addition, dominant culture type appeared to influence innovation within Christian higher education institutions. Though most institutions in the sample reported a dominant culture...
The Significance of the Hall Effect for Three MHD Generator Configurations

Analyses are presented for the influence of the Hall effect on electrical terminal characteristics, generated power per unit volume, pressure gradient, and generator efficiency in three configurations for MHD generators. The results indicatc that desirable generator characteristics can be attained when the Hall effect is either negligible or dominant. (auth)
Excimer Laser Processing Of Semiconductor Devices: High-Efficiency Solar Cells

Over the past decade, laser processing of semiconductors has developed into an area of widespread interest in solid state physics, materials science, and semiconductor device technology. Initially, most of the work on pulsed laser processing was carried out with solid state lasers such as ruby and Nd:YAG lasers. These lasers have several inherent characteristics that make them less than ideal for studies of laser processing and that would seemingly prohibit their use in many commercial applications. More recently, results which demonstrate that ultraviolet excimer lasers offer many desirable characteristics for the laser processing of materials, have been reported in the literature. Solar cells are relatively simple semiconductor devices that are of considerable interest in their own right and provide a useful testing ground for the application of laser techniques to semi-conductor processing. In this paper, some important aspects of pulsed laser processing of semiconductors are reviewed, the advantages of excimer lasers for such work are assessed, the present status of laser processing of high-efficiency solar cells is discussed, and finally the possible future directions of this type of work are briefly mentioned.
Personality as Performance Categorization Tendencies and Their Correlates

As people seek to understand events within the world, they develop habitual tendencies related to categorization. Such tendencies can be measured by tasks that determine the relative ease or difficulty a person has in making a given distinction (e.g., between threatening and nonthreatening events). Researchers have sought to determine how categorization tendencies relate to personality traits on the one hand and emotional outcomes on the other. The results indicate that traits and categorization tendencies are distinct manifestations of personality. However, they often interact with each other. Three distinct interactive patterns are described. Categorization clearly does play a role in personality functioning, but its role goes beyond assimilation effects on behavior and experience.
Comparison of Topical Anesthetics with Lidocaine Infiltration During Laceration Repair in Children

This study is a randomized, blinded trial that compares the effectiveness of a new topical anesthetic preparation of 2% mepivacaine and 1:100,000 norepinephrine (Mepivanor); a topical solution of 1% tetracaine, 1:4,000 adrenaline, and 4% cocaine (TAC); and 1 % lidocaine infiltration during laceration repair in children. The study was conducted in the emergency department of a large academic children's hospital. Study participants were children 2 years of age or older with a laceration on the face or scalp, 5 cm or less in length, that required suturing. Patients were randomly assigned to receive Mepivanor topical solution, TAC topical solution, or lidocaine infiltration anesthesia prior to laceration repair. Seventy-one patients were enrolled in the study during a 2-month period. Outcome measures assessed pain perceptions using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and a seven-point Likert scale. There was statistical power to detect differences of 1.2 to 1.7 units for the VAS outcome measures using alpha = 0.05 ...
Paraffin dehydrocyclization: VI. The influence of metal and gaseous promoters on the aromatic selectivity

Abstract The addition of tin to a PtAl 2 O 3 catalyst greatly enhanced the activity and/or decreased the rate of deactivation for the dehydrocyclization of alkanes. There appeared to be an optimum ratio of Pt:Sn = 1:4 for a 0.6% Pt catalyst. The addition of Sn, Ag, or Cu to a RhAl 2 O 3 catalyst had a similar effect with Sn showing the greatest improvement. The addition of tin altered the ethylbenzene (EB): ortho -xylene (OX) ratio from 1:1 for pure 0.6% Pt to EB:OX = 1:2 for the PtSn (1:4) catalyst. The addition of thiophene and the dehydrocyclization of the octenes or octynes also changed the EB:OX ratio to favor the OX in a similar manner. The addition of tin or thiophene greatly decreased the second cyclization to the bicyclic aromatic; e.g., the addition of tin produced a tenfold decrease in the indan (bicyclic)/total aromatic ratio. The results are interpreted to be consistent with a selectivity that is determined by an electronic factor.
Effects of Cortical Stimulation on Self-Monitoring Performance in People who Stutter

Abstract Introduction People who stutter (PWS) have been shown to be slower and less accurate than controls on a phoneme monitoring task designed to tap into the phonological encoding stage of speech production (Garnett & Den Ouden, 2013; Sasisekaran et al., 2006). The left posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTG) is involved in phonological processing tasks (Den Ouden et al., 2013; Indefrey, 2011). The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of cortical stimulation using High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) on the performance of PWS during phoneme monitoring. Methods 20 PWS and 20 controls will participate in this study. Presently, 4 PWS and 5 controls have completed the study. Participants received 20 minutes of HD-tDCS targeting the left pSTG in three different conditions (left posterior field orientation [LPFO], right anterior field orientation [RAFO], and sham) over three separate days. Following stimulation, participants monitored for the presence of a target phoneme during silent picture naming. Reaction times (RT) as well as accuracy (ACC) were measured. Results Data collection is ongoing. Preliminary data suggest that LPFO decreases RT in PWS, approaching the sham (baseline) RT of controls, while RAFO increases RT in controls to nearly that of sham (baseline) for PWS (Figure 1). There is a trend for stimulation to increase ACC in PWS, and decrease ACC in controls, irrespective of field orientation (Figure 2). Discussion Findings should be considered tentative at this time, but if the present trends hold, this study yields two important contributions to the field of stuttering. First, results suggest that the left pSTG is involved in phonological processing and/or speech monitoring, as focal stimulation of this cortical area affects performance in all subjects. Second, results would support further investigation into clinical application of HD-tDCS to target phonological encoding as a process that may affect stuttering.
PRENATAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE ANGOLAN FREE-TAILED BAT, MOPS CONDYLURUS (CHIROPTERA: MOLOSSIDAE)

We present data on prenatal growth, development, and skeletal ossification for the Angolan free-tailed bat (Mops condylurus), a species distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Specimens were measured for crown‐rump length (CRL), greatest length of the skull (GLS), forearm length, mass, and wing area. We cleared and differentially stained specimens for cartilage and bone to quantify pattern of skeletogenesis. Significant regressions for general growth trajectories were generated by plotting CRL and fetal mass against GLS. We quantified growth of the forearm, which showed a positive relationship with growth of the skull. Curiously, wing area was highly positively related to fetal mass, suggesting an ecomorphological relationship of wing loading and flight ability being established early in development in this species. Patterns of ossification in this species were more similar to those of phyllostomid and pteropodid bats than they were to vespertilionid bats, to which M. condylurus is apparently more closely related. In this paper, we provide the 1st published account of prenatal growth, development, and skeletal ossification for the Angolan free-tailed bat, Mops condylurus (Chiroptera: Molossidae). Understanding developmental patterns provides key insights into the evolution of form and function as well as the origins of key evolutionary innovations (Jablonka and Lamb 1998). Indeed, heterochronic shifts in developmental timing are in large part responsible for the evolutionary diversity of the vertebrate limb (Smith 2003).
Wavelet-SOM in feature extraction of hyperspectral data for classification of nematode species

A plant's reflectance can vary significantly depending on the type of stressors affecting it. Parasitic nematode species such as Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis are two of the leading nematode species affecting cotton plants. There is a need to detect the type of nematode in order to start proper nematode management program. Use of remotely sensed hyperspectral data could be one of the choices for species identification but, remotely sensed hyperspectral data are usually associated with high dimensions and requires some sort of dimensionality reduction without losing vital information. Some of the standard feature extraction and dimensionality reduction methods widely used nowadays are DWT and Self-Organized Maps (SOM) based methods. In this paper, authors explore the possibility of combining two above mentioned feature extraction and dimensionality reduction methods to extract feature for better classification accuracies pertaining to this study. The accuracies were then compared with the accuracies obtained using features extracted from DWT and SOM-based methods separately. For the entire analysis, SOM-supervised classification method was used.
Salmonella typhi flagella are potent inducers of proinflammatory cytokine secretion by human monocytes.

The cytokine production patterns of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in response to Salmonella typhi flagella (STF) were examined in culture supernatants of PBMC stimulated with STF. Consistent with previous findings in volunteers vaccinated with aroC aroD deletion mutants of S. typhi, PBMC from volunteers immunized with the licensed live Ty21a S. typhi vaccine secreted gamma interferon following exposure to STF. Stimulation with STF induced rapid de novo synthesis of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), followed by IL-6 and IL-10. Trypsin treatment of STF abrogated their effects, while polymyxin B had no effect. Intracellular cytokine measurements of STF-stimulated PBMC revealed the existence of monocyte subpopulations that produce only TNF-α, IL-1β or both cytokines. Moreover, STF markedly decreased the percentage of CD14+ cells. These data demonstrate that STF are powerful monocyte activators which may have important implications for vaccine development and for understanding the pathogenesis of S. typhi infection.
Systems analysis of N-glycan processing in mammalian cells

N-glycosylation plays a key role in the quality of many therapeutic glycoprotein biologics. The biosynthesis reactions of these oligosaccharides are a type of network in which a relatively small number of enzymes give rise to a large number of N-glycans as the reaction intermediates and terminal products. Multiple glycans appear on the glycoprotein molecules and give rise to a heterogeneous product. Controlling the glycan distribution is critical to the quality control of the product. Understanding N-glycan biosynthesis and the etiology of microheterogeneity would provide physiological insights, and facilitate cellular engineering to enhance glycoprotein quality. We developed a mathematical model of glycan biosynthesis in the Golgi and analyzed the various reaction variables on the resulting glycan distribution. The Golgi model was modeled as four compartments in series. The mechanism of protein transport across the Golgi is still controversial. From the viewpoint of their holding time distribution characteristics, the two main hypothesized mechanisms, vesicular transport and Golgi maturation models, resemble four continuous mixing-tanks (4CSTR) and four plug-flow reactors (4PFR) in series, respectively. The two hypotheses were modeled accordingly and compared. The intrinsic reaction kinetics were first evaluated using a batch (or single PFR) reactor. A sufficient holding time is needed to produce terminally-processed glycans. Altering enzyme concentrations has a complex effect on the final glycan distribution, as the changes often affect many reaction steps in the network. Comparison of the glycan profiles predicted by the 4CSTR and 4PFR models points to the 4PFR system as more likely to be the true mechanism. To assess whether glycan heterogeneity can be eliminated in the biosynthesis of biotherapeutics the 4PFR model was further used to assess whether a homogeneous glycan profile can be created through metabolic engineering. We demonstrate by the spatial localization of enzymes to specific compartments all terminally processed N-glycans can be synthesized as homogeneous products with a sufficient holding time in the Golgi compartments. The model developed may serve as a guide to future engineering of glycoproteins.
L ∞ -error estimates for linear elasticity problems

Two-dimensional linear elasticity problems are approximately solved by a mixed finite-element method based on Raviart-Thomas-Nedelec spaces; maximum-norm error estimates of optimal rate and almost optimal regularity are derived for the displacement field, and of optimal regularity and almost optimal rate for the stress tensor. The superconvergence of the approximate displacement field to the L2-projection of the actual one is established.
The Economics of Parenting, Self-Esteem, and Academic Performance: Theory and a Test

This paper develops a theory about how signals sent to a child by an altruistic parent affect the child's self-esteem, effort and long-term performance when the parent has better information about child ability than the child does. We carry out OLS, 2SLS and 3SLS estimations of our model on a sample of 651 college students. Our results show that some complementary actions before college, such as parental praise, foster academic achievement above what natural ability would predict. Conversely, we find that some substitutionary actions before college, e.g. providing cars as gifts, are associated with lower effort in college and underachievement.
AIRLINE DEREGULATION AND THE PROBABILITY OF AIR CARRIER INSOLVENCY

This study investigates the effects of deregulation from the perspective of airline lenders. Airline-specific, pre- and post-deregulation insolvency probabilities are used to assess the effects on creditors. The results suggest that the financial condition of several airlines has significantly deteriorated as a by-product of deregulation, although most have been unaffected.
The Internet telephony red herring

The spectre of low-cost, real-time voice communication over the Internet has polarised Internet service providers and telephone network operators, at the expense of finding solutions to the problem of integrating communications services (in particular, existing wireless and wireline telephony) with WWW content services. This paper argues that solutions not only exist and appear to be commercially viable, but could bring about a transformation of the WWW as a tool for business and personal communications.
A differential association of Apolipoprotein E isoforms with the amyloid-β oligomer in solution

The molecular pathogenesis of disorders arising from protein mis-folding and aggregation is difficult to elucidate, involving a complex ensemble of intermediates whose toxicity depends upon their state of progression along distinct processing pathways. To address the complex mis-folding and aggregation that initiates the toxic cascade resulting in Alzheimer's disease, we have developed a TOAC spin-labeled Aβ peptide to observe its isoform-dependent interaction with the apoE protein. While most individuals carry the E3 isoform of apoE, approximately 15% of humans carry the E4 isoform, which is recognized as the most significant genetic determinant for Alzheimer's. ApoE is consistently associated with the amyloid plaque marker for Alzheimer's disease. A vital question centers on the influence of the two predominant isoforms, E3 and E4, on Aβ peptide processing and hence Aβ toxicity. We employed EPR spectroscopy of incorporated spin labels to investigate the interaction of apoE with the toxic oligomeric species of Aβ in solution. EPR spectra of the spin labeled side chain report on side chain and backbone dynamics, as well as the spatial proximity of spins in an assembly. Our results indicate oligomer binding involves the C-terminal domain of apoE, with apoE3 reporting a much greater response through this conformational marker. Coupled with SPR binding measurements, apoE3 displays a higher affinity and capacity for the toxic Aβ oligomer. These findings support the hypothesis that apoE polymorphism and Alzheimer's risk can largely be attributed to the reduced ability of apoE4 to function as a clearance vehicle for the toxic form of Aβ.
Laser diagnostics of an evaporating electrospray

An electrospray atomizer generates monodisperse, dilute sprays when working in the cone–jet mode. Evolution of an electrospray with droplet diameter below 10 μm is studied with phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA) and the exciplex-PLIF technique. The evaporation rate constant is determined from droplet velocity and diameter measured with a PDPA and is found to sharply increase with the velocity slip and the coflow temperature. Fluorescence around 400 nm, usually referred to as TMPD fluorescence, is calibrated with a heated, laminar, coflow vapor jet diluted with nitrogen. The TMPD fluorescence yield nonlinearly increases with temperature up to 538 K and then declines. Single-shot images show that fluorescence around 400 nm is mainly generated from TMPD vapor and that from droplets can be neglected as a first analysis; however, fluorescence around 490 nm, usually referred to as exciplex fluorescence, is generated from both droplets and fuel vapor immediately around droplets. Exciplex fluorescence is correlated with PDPA measurements and TMPD fluorescence. Effects of temperature, fuel composition, overlap of fluorescent spectra, and chemical equilibrium for exciplex formation are discussed. Technical challenges for quantitative exciplex-PLIF measurements are highlighted.
Infectious Endocarditis Presenting as Intracranial Hemorrhage in a Patient Admitted for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Infectious endocarditis is frequently found in the neurologic intensive care unit and may rarely be the cause of intracranial hemorrhage. In such instances, further diagnostic imaging to search for an underlying structural lesion is prudent. Well-known causes of these hemorrhages include cardioembolism with hemorrhagic transformation, septic emboli, and mycotic aneurysms. We present a case of a patient who was admitted for routine evaluation and pain management of lumbar radiculopathy, who developed a large intraparenchymal hemorrhage and was found to have bacterial endocarditis. This was diagnosed retrospectively from positive hematoma cultures and a vegetation on transesophageal echocardiogram. Further evaluation revealed a mycotic aneurysm.
Tracing the development of teacher knowledge in a design seminar: Integrating content, pedagogy and technology

Effective technology integration for teaching subject matter requires knowledge not just of content, technology and pedagogy, but also of their relationship to each other. Building on Schulman's [Schulman, L. S. (1987). Knowledge and teaching: foundations for a new reform. Harvard Educational Review, 57(1), 1-22] concept of pedagogical content knowledge, we introduce a framework for conceptualizing Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge-TPCK [Mishra, P., Koehler, M.J., (in press). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A new framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record]. We report the results of a semester-long investigation of the development of TPCK during a faculty development design seminar, whereby faculty members worked together with masters students to develop online courses. Quantitative discourse analysis of 15 weeks of field notes for two of the design teams show participants moved from considering technology, pedagogy and content as being independent constructs towards a richer conception that emphasized connections among the three knowledge bases. Our analyses suggests that developing TPCK is a multigenerational process, involving the development of deeper understandings of the complex web of relationships between content, pedagogy and technology and the contexts in which they function. Pedagogic, pragmatic, theoretical, and methodological contributions are discussed.
An intelligent heterogeneous autonomous database architecture for semantic heterogeneity support

Semantic heterogeneity in heterogeneous autonomous databases poses problems in instance matches, units conversion (value interpretation), contextual and structural mismatches, etc. The authors examine some of the research issues in semantic heterogeneity and propose a novel architecture for resolving such problems. The approach involves the use of artificial intelligence tools and techniques to construct domain models, that is data and knowledge representations of the constituent databases and an overall domain model of the semantic interactions among the databases. These domain models are represented as knowledge sources (KSs) in a blackboard architecture. This architecture lends itself to an opportunistic approach to query processing and goal-directed problem solving. They introduce the notion of data/knowledge packets as a means of supporting semantic heterogeneity, and show how an active and intelligent global thesaurus can be used to reformulate queries based on knowledge associated with terms and their usage in local databases. >
Parenting styles, feeding styles, and their influence on child obesogenic behaviors and body weight. A review

With recommendations to include parents as targets for childhood obesity interventions, there is a need to review the relationship of general parenting influences on childhood obesity. Therefore, the aim of this review is to examine the existing literature regarding the influence of parenting style and/or feeding styles on childhood obesogenic behaviors and body weight. Research articles related to parenting style (n=39) and parental feeding style (n=10) were identified and reviewed. An authoritative style appears to be the most protective parenting and feeding style while the indulgent feeding style is consistently associated with negative health outcomes. Overall, results for parenting style studies are inconsistent due to differences in conceptualization and measurement, while the results for feeding styles are much more cohesive. The literature is lacking in the ability to describe the interplay between parenting and feeding styles and child obesity risk. Recommendations for future research and interventions are discussed in regards to feeding style and influences on childhood obesity.
t W - mode of single top quark production

The $t{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mode of single top quark production is proposed as an important means to study the weak interactions of the top quark. While the rate of this mode is most likely too small to be observed at run II of the Fermilab Tevatron, it is expected to be considerably larger at the CERN LHC. In this article the inclusive $t{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ rate is computed, including $\mathcal{O}(1/\mathrm{log}{m}_{t}^{2}{/m}_{b}^{2})$ corrections, and when combined with detailed Monte Carlo simulations, including the top quark and W decay products, indicates that the $t{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ single top quark process may be extracted from the considerable $t\overline{t}$ and ${W}^{+}{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}j$ backgrounds at low luminosity runs of the LHC.
Abstract P27: Statistical Models of Readmission After Stroke: A Systematic Review

Objective: Hospital readmission has been used to risk-stratify patients and profile hospitals by public reporting of performance measures. We conducted a systematic review to identify models developed to compare hospital rates of readmission or predict patients' risk of readmission after stroke, and identify characteristics independently associated with readmission in these models. Methods: We identified English-language studies published from 1989-2009 using MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO, and all Ovid Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews. Eligible publications reported readmission within 1 year after stroke hospitalization and identified 1 or more predictors of readmission in risk-adjusted statistical models. Publications were excluded if they lacked primary data or quantitative outcomes, considered composite outcomes, or had fewer than 100 patients. Investigators independently reviewed abstracts to select publications that met criteria and used a standardized instrument to perform detailed data abstract...
Nerve Conduction Studies in Resorptive Arthropathies: Opera-Glass Hand

Resorptive arthropathy (opera-glass hand) is a syndrome associated primarily with the collagen disease arthropathies. This unique destructive articular process has a resemblance to the neuropathic joint, but no clinical or pathological evidence for a neuropathy has been reported in the resorptive arthropathies. A study of sensory and motor nerve conduction times, as well as electromyography, in six cases of resorptive arthropathy have failed to demonstrate evidence of a neurologic abnormality in this disorder.
Female to Male Transsexuals: Giving Voice to Their Experience

The authors examined the experiences of 11 female-to-male transsexuals. Participants described discomfort interacting with and having little to no shared experiences with cisgender men, which they attributed to prior socialization as women. Participants credited their posttransition life satisfaction to their positive self-identity. Pretransition, participants identified as lesbian, were active in the lesbian, gay, bisexual community, but currently lacked support from the community they had once belonged. As men, they expressed concerns about their unearned privileges and affirmed their attraction to women. Implications for counseling are discussed.
Shifting formations: The NFL in uncertain times

In the past several decades, the NFL’s brand of gridiron football has come to utterly dominate live television in the United States. The game’s violent, deliberate spectacle features only 11 minute...
Developmental Changes in the Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis, Studied with Time-Lapse Photography,,

Time-lapse photography techniques were developed to determine the time required for Anthonomus grandis Boheman, held at 26.6° C, to change from each developmental stage to the next. The mature embryo abraded the egg chorion in 2-4 minutes. The time required from the initial splitting of the cuticle of 2nd- and 3rd-stage larvae to complete cast off of the cuticle was also 2-4 minutes. Durations of the stages were: 2-3 days for the egg; 1-2 days for the larval stadium; 1-1.5 days for the 2nd stadium; 4-7 days for the 3rd stadium including prepupa; and 4 days for pupa.