cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PAS: Visual odometry with Perspective Alignment Search

Visual odometry is typically formulated as a descriptor-based image feature tracking problem, followed by outlier rejection and simultaneous estimation of the scene structure and camera motion. We propose a fundamentally different formulation for the stereo case: a multi-scale search over pose to estimate the transformation that best aligns two sparse point clouds in image space. This has three main consequences. First, data association is descriptorless and implicit, supporting the use of features with indistinct appearance, such as edge features. Second, outlier rejection is subsumed by the use of a robust kernel and a joint feature alignment objective. Third, the method is robust to local minima, in contrast to coarse-tofine or iterative approaches. This paper details the proposed method, which we call Perspective Alignment Search (PAS), integrated into an edge feature visual odometry system, and an evaluation against a LIDAR-based SLAM solution.
A high-charge and short-pulse RF photocathode gun for wake-field acceleration

Abstract In this paper we present a design report on 1-1/2 cell, L-Band RF photocathode gun which is capable of generating and accelerating electron beams with peak currents >10 kA. We address several critical issues of high-current RF photoinjectors such as longitudinal space charge effect, and transverse emittance growth. Unlike conventional short electron pulse generation, this design does not require magnetic pulse compression. Based on numerical simulations using SUPERFISH and PARMELA, this design will produce 100 nC beam at 18 MeV with r.m.s. bunch length 1.25 mm and normalized transverse emittance 108 mm mrad. Applications of this source beam for wake-field acceleration are also discussed.
Rotational Diffusion and Order Parameters of a Liquid Crystalline Polymer Studied by ESR: Molecular Weight Dependence

The microscopic rotational dynamics of a main chain liquid crystalline (LC) poly(ether) in its nematic phase is studied in detail by nonlinear least squares analysis of ESR spectra in the slow motional regime. This complements results reported in an accompanying paper, which focuses on macroscopic translational diffusion using the DID-ESR (dynamic imaging of diffusion by ESR) technique. Far infrared 250 GHz ESR spectroscopy is used to determine the magnetic g and A tensors of the 3-carboxy-PROXYL spin label attached to the LC polymer. ESR spectra of the labeled polymers of varying molecular weights are analyzed to yield the rotational diffusion coefficients and orientational order parameters. Different cases of the degree of macroscopic alignment are observed in these samples and accounted for in the simulations. For molecular weights lower than 11 000 (for both tracers and matrices), the rotational diffusion coefficient R is found to correlate with the molecular weight of the polymer matrix and to be in...
The thyrotropin receptor 25 years after its discovery: new insight after its molecular cloning.

The molecular cloning and functional expression of the TSH receptor has led to rapid advances in understanding the structure and function of the molecule. Knowledge of its genomic structure provides information on the evolutionary origin of the TSH receptor as well as on the functional organization of its extracellular domain, which is responsible for ligand binding. A beginning has been made in defining the discontinuous contact points for TSH in this extracellular region, but determination of all of the amino acids involved will be difficult. The binding sites of TSH receptor autoantibodies do not appear to be identical to the TSH binding site. Two of the six potential glycosylation sites in the extracellular domain are important in the expression of a functional receptor. Disulfide bonding contributes toward maintenance of the three-dimensional structure of the receptor. Recent evidence suggests that the TSH receptor exists as a single polypeptide chain without subunits. Significant progress has been m...
The value of certain steroidal sapogenins in rations of fattening lambs and cattle.

Summary1. Smilagenin fed to lambs at levels of 2, 4, 8 and 24 g per ton of complete feed improved growth rate and feed efficiency. The most consistent results were obtained with 8 g per ton, or approximately 12 mg per lamb per day. Dressing per cent and carcass grade tended to be improved by addition of smilagenin. Ground Agave lecheguilla containing smilagenin in the saponin form appeared to be quantitatively similar to the free sapogenin; however higher levels of the isolated saponin depressed performance. Sarsasapogenin or hecogenin at 8 g per ton in separate tests exerted a growth effect comparable to that from smilagenin. Diosgenin and tigogenin were not beneficial under conditions tested. 2. In 2 trials, steers fed 20 mg of smilagenin daily showed weight gains similar to those of animals receiving 10 mg stilbestrol daily. In one trial, 100 mg of smilagenin was not as effective as 20 mg.
Preparing Clinically Expert Faculty Educators: An Academic Partnership Model

To increase nursing education capacity in New Jersey, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) New Jersey Nursing Initiative (NJNI) awarded grants to prepare graduate nursing students to become clinically expert faculty. The purpose of this article was to describe the experiences of a collaborative partnership in preparing 14 scholars for the faculty role. The partnership developed two innovative models of preparing faculty with clinical expertise. The curriculum of the Fairleigh Dickinson University Adult Nurse Practitioner program was enhanced with education courses and intensive teaching practicum. The curriculum of the Monmouth University Nursing Education program was enhanced with more intensive clinical immersion in a selected concentration. Both models were based on the National League for Nursing nurse educator competencies (J. A. Halstead, 2007). The RWJF scholars were socialized into the faculty role from the start of the program through curricular and extracurricular activities. To date, all components of the enhanced curriculum were implemented with plans for sustaining the programs and partnership. Of 14 scholars, 4 graduated, and 10 are on track to graduate as projected. The curriculum enhancements improved two successful master's programs preparing graduates for not one, but two advanced practice roles.
Remote diagnosis design for a PLC-based automated system: 2-evaluation of factors affecting remote diagnosis performance

Troubleshooting performance in fault diagnosis tasks is commonly studied in various industrial applications. Several experiments were performed in previous studies to understand the ability of process interfaces to assist troubleshooters in local fault diagnosis while considering the effect of interface, nature of the failure, and the expertise of the troubleshooter. Although several remote diagnosis architectures have been proposed and standards have been developed for levels of remote diagnosis, the extent to which the design of a remote diagnosis architecture can assist a troubleshooter in diagnosis and the factors affecting remote troubleshooting performance have not been frequently addressed. The objective of this paper is to understand the factors that impact remote troubleshooting performance, including remote diagnosis architecture, type of failure, level of expertise of the remote troubleshooter, and skill level of the local operator. Experiments were performed in which troubleshooters used three levels of remote diagnosis architectures to diagnose different types of failures in a programmable logic controller-based discrete automated assembly system while working with local engineer and novice operators. The results suggest that for diagnosis of failures related to measured or monitored system variables by remote expert troubleshooters, remote troubleshooting performance improved with the increase in the levels of the remote diagnosis architectures. In contrast, in diagnosis of these failures by novice troubleshooters, no significant difference was observed between the three architectures in terms of remote troubleshooting performance, and the novice troubleshooters experienced problems with managing the increased information available. The experts exhibited better information gathering capabilities in that they spent more time per information source and made fewer transitions between information sources while diagnosing failures. Failures unrelated to monitored system parameters resulted in significantly reduced remote troubleshooting performance with all three architectures in comparison to the failures related to monitored system parameters for both expert and novice troubleshooters. The difference in terms of overall remote troubleshooting performance between engineer and novice operators was not found to be significant.
Ultrafast Dynamics of Nucleation and Growth of Metallic Domains in VO^2

We performed nondegenerate pump (800 nm)-probe (0.4 eV or 0.7 eV) transmission spectroscopy in vanadium dioxide (VO2). These show a complex time dependence that appears to be correlated with nucleation and growth of metallic domains.
Thermodynamic Properties and Phase Relations in Mantle Minerals Investigated by First Principles Quasiharmonic Theory

This research has been motivated by geophysics and materials physics. The objective of this research has been to advance materials theory and computations for high pressure and high temperature applications to the point that it can make a difference in our understanding of the Earth. Understanding of the mineralogy, composition, and thermal structure of the Earth evolves by close interaction of three fields: seismology, geodynamics, and mineral physics. Earth’s structure is imaged by seismology, which obtains body wave velocities and density throughout the Earth’s interior (Fig. 1⇓). Interpretation of this data relies on knowledge of aggregate properties of Earth forming materials either measured in laboratory or calculated, in many cases by both. However, the conditions of the Earth’s interior, especially at the core, may be challenging for important experiments, and materials computations have emerged to contribute decisively to this field. Earth’s evolution is simulated by geodynamics, but these simulations need as input information about rheological and thermodynamic properties of minerals, including phase transformation properties such as Clapeyron slopes. Our research has concentrated on the phases of the Earth’s mantle, particularly the deep mantle whose conditions are more challenging for experiments. The mantle accounts for ~83% of the Earth’s volume. In this article we will review the essential first-principles approach used to investigate solids at high temperatures and pressures, summarize their performance for mantle minerals (Fig. 2⇓), and point to critical results that have stirred us in the current research path. The success is remarkable, but some limitations point the way to future developments in this field. Figure 1. (a) Velocities and density profiles (Kennett et al. 1995), (b) Earth’s cross section, and (c) composition and mineralogy of Earth’s layers. Figure 2. Phases proportions versus depth and or pressure. Ol = (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 olivine, also known as α-phase; β = (Mg,Fe) …
Serum and synovial fluid IgG, IgA and IgM antigammaglobulins in rheumatoid arthritis

Antigammaglobulins of IgG, IgA and IgM classes were measured in normal individuals and in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Serum IgG and IgA and synovial fluid IgG antigammaglobulin levels were significantly higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in other individuals, with highest levels occurring in patients with positive latex fixation tests. IgM antigammaglobulins were elevated only in patients with latex positive rheumatoid arthritis. Increased serum levels of IgG, IgA and IgM antigammaglobulins were each associated with clinical findings of severe rheumatoid arthritis. Increased levels of serum and synovial fluid IgG and IgM antigammaglobulins were each associated with diminished serum and synovial fluid complement levels.
Reduced expression of neutrophil CD11b and CD16 after severe traumatic injury

Abstract Overwhelming sepsis continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality in patients who have sustained severe traumatic injury. Recently, much interest has been focused on the role of the peripheral blood neutrophil (PMN) in infections in these patients. Two surface receptors, CD11b (CR3) and CD16 (FcγRIII), are thought to participate in bacterial phagocytosis and are both present on >85% of normal PMNs. We have previously shown that cells that lack both of these receptors have markedly reduced phagocytic function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of severe trauma on the expression of these PMN receptors. Twenty severe trauma patients, age 19–70 years, presenting with an initial APACHE II score of ⩾10 were arbitrarily divided into two groups to define severity of injury: Group A, initial APACHE II of 10–18 ( n = 11) and Group B, initial APACHE II of 19–25 ( n = 9). Blood was obtained on admission, on Day 3, and weekly thereafter. PMNs were stained with fluorochrome-labeled monoclonal antibodies directed against CD11b and CD16 and then analyzed by flow cytometry. Controls consisted of 14 normal adults, age 20–65 years. The percentage and absolute numbers of CD11b+/CD16+ PMNs were determined for each patient or control sample. ANOVA and multiple comparison of variables ( P = 0.05) were performed for each week. Values for Group A were different from controls at Weeks 0, 1, and 3. Values for Group B were significantly lower than those of controls at all weeks. Group B showed significantly lower percentages of CD11b+/CD16+ PMNs than those obtained for Group A at weeks 0, 0.5, and 3. Group A patients had an initial mean percentage of CD11b+/CD16+ PMNs of 68% and an average late septic complication rate of 0.8 per patient. Group B patients had an initial mean percentage of CD11b+/CD16+ PMNs of 35% with an average of 3.3 late septic complications per patient. We conclude that after severe traumatic injury, the percentage of CD11b+/CD16+ PMNs is significantly decreased and is influenced by the severity of injury. The significantly reduced percentage of CD11b+/CD16+ PMNs in Group B as compared with Group A at Week 3 may possibly be explained by the increased incidence of septic complications seen in the more severely injured group at this time.
South Central Farmers and Shadow Hills Homeowners: Land Use Policy and Relational Racialization in Los Angeles∗

This article draws from the recent relational turn in geography to develop a model of relational racialization. It argues that racism functions through the legal and discursive production of linked, interdependent, and unequal places. By comparing two social movements in Los Angeles, the South Central Farmers and the Shadow Hills homeowners, I examine two spatial discourses through which race is relationally reproduced: unequal abilities to mobilize the entitlements of “property rights” and unequal claims to represent hegemonic forms of local heritage. When materialized and naturalized in land use policy, these discourses re-create racial disparities in wealth and poverty and reproduce the qualitative nature of the physical places on which racism depends.
A very rapid visual recovery of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

Source of Support: Nil Conflict of Interest: None declared. Available FREE in open access from: http://www.clinicalimagingscience.org/text.asp?2011/1/1/36/82341
Semiinterpenetrating polymer network latexes via concentrated emulsion polymerization

Latexes of semiinterpenetrating polymer networks (SIPN) of polyurethane (PU) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were prepared via the concentrated emulsion polymerization. In this procedure, a partially cross-linked PU was first prepared in a low polarity solvent from the appropriate precursors. Subsequently, MMA and an initiator were introduced into the solution, and the solution was used as the dispersed phase of a concentrated emulsion in water. Finally, SIPN latexes were obtained via the polymerization of the concentrated emulsion. For comparison purposes, SIPN materials have been also prepared via bulk polymerization. The studies with differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electronic microscopy showed that partial interpenetration was achieved in the SIPN latexes. The tensile behavior and particle morphology of the SIPN materials were investigated by changing the proportion of PU, the molar ratio of NCO/OH, the theoretical cross-link density, and the concentration of the initiator. The SIPN latexes prepared possess a high toughness. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The great divide: coordinating cell cycle events during bacterial growth and division

The relationship between events during the bacterial cell cycle has been the subject of frequent debate. While early models proposed a relatively rigid view in which DNA replication was inextricably coupled to attainment of a specific cell mass, and cell division was triggered by the completion of chromosome replication, more recent data suggest these models were oversimplified. Instead, an intricate set of intersecting, and at times opposing, forces coordinate DNA replication, cell division, and cell growth with one another, thereby ensuring the precise spatial and temporal control of cell cycle events.
Abundance, Distribution, and Effects of Clearcutting on Cryptostigmata in the Southern Appalachians

Oribatid mites were sampled from deep soil, soil cores, litter bags, and woody litter on a clearcut and adjacent control hardwood watershed at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, North Carolina. The inclusion of woody litter and deep soil samples caused the total number of genera found to reach 72, as opposed to the 37–42 genera range reported in other studies. The more common genera were assigned to three habitat types based on stratification data. The fauna was similar to those of other holarctic study sites. Sampling a greater variety of habitat types yielded a richer fauna than intensive sampling of a few habitat types. Clearcutting caused a reduction in numbers and a shift in faunal dominance. This effect is attributed to temperature-humidity phenomena rather than to food availability.
Elemental leaf content and deficiency symptoms in rabbiteye blueberries: 1. Nitrogen

Abstract Rabbiteye blueberries grown in sand culture were subjected to varying levels of N fertilization (0 ‐ 81 mg N/liter) applied in aqueous solution at the rate of 250 ml/plant daily. Essential elements other than N were kept constant. Shoot growth and leaf concentration of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, B, Zn, Co, and Al were determined. Shoot growth and percent leaf N increased with increased N levels. Shoot growth increased little at N fertilization levels of 0 ‐ 9 mg/ liter but increased rapidly at higher rates. N content in leaves followed a quadratic curve, with % N in leaves increasing more rapidly from 0 to 27 mg N/liter than from 27 to 81 mg N/liter fertilization levels. Leaf concentration of K, Ca, Mg, Mn, B, and Ca decreased linearly as N levels increased. Total content of all elements increased as N fertilization increased. Visual N deficiency became increasingly evident as % N content decreased below 1.4% N. Nitrogen, the most utilized element in plants, is usually the first to become defic...
SAFETY AND IMMUNOGENICITY OF TWO LOTS OF PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE IN INFANTS. ▴ 1116

SAFETY AND IMMUNOGENICITY OF TWO LOTS OF PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE IN INFANTS. ▴ 1116
Functional expression of recombinant human stefin A in mammalian and bacterial cells.

Recombinant human cysteine protease inhibitor, stefin A, was expressed in both E. coli and BSC-1 monkey kidney cells utilizing pET and recombinant Vaccinia virus systems, respectively. The expressed protein was purified and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis utilizing a polyclonal antibody against rat cystatin α. In both cases the purified protein appeared as a single band corresponding to the molecular weight of stefin A (~10 kDa). Viability of the expressed stefin A was determined by the inhibition of the plant cysteine protease, papain. Recombinant human stefin A expressed in both E. coli and BSC-1 cells was shown to almost completely inhibit papain. The expression of a fully functional recombinant human stefin A in the bacterial system provides a highly efficient tool for the production of large quantities of the protein. This can be an important tool in kinetic studies as well as in production of antibodies for other analytical studies (immunoblot, immunohistochemical studies, etc.). Expression in the mammalian cells on the other hand, can provide a significant research tool to study the functional roles of stefin A in the mammalian systems such as the regulation of cysteine proteases.
Developmental ability of precociously superovulated golden hamster eggs

Superovulated hamster eggs obtained by injections of PMSG on day 1 (the day of ovulation) and hCG on day 3 (2 days before expected day of next ovulation) have been used widely for assessing the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa of the homologous as well as heterologous species. The developmental ability of these eggs was assessed by transferring them to host females (recipients) that had ovulated and mated naturally. The proportion of transplanted eggs developing into normal fetuses and young was the same regardless of whether the eggs had been collected from superovulated or naturally ovulating donors. The young originating from superovulated eggs were normal in that they grew at a normal rate and produced normal progeny. It may be concluded that the precociously superovulated eggs were as normal as the control (naturally ovulated) eggs. Thus, the use of precociously superovulated hamster eggs in evaluating the fertilizability of spermatozoa is justified.
Determinants of dividend policies for ADR firms

Purpose – Cross-listed firms may face unique incentives for establishing dividend policies in comparison to US firms. This study aims to test the implications of the lifecycle and signaling theories of dividend policy in the context of non-US firms cross-listed on US stock exchanges via American depository receipts (ADRs). Design/methodology/approach – ADRs are classified according to the firms' dividend paying histories as regular payers, non-payers, former payers, new payers and switchers. Multinomial logit regressions measure the likelihood of dividend payers to pay dividends, as well as the possibility of a dividend amount increase, decrease, or no change, based upon previously identified determinants of dividend payments and a measure of economic conditions in the home country. Findings – The results indicate that firm size, growth opportunities, and the mix of earned and contributed capital partially explain observed dividend policies for ADR firms. Multinomial logit regressions reveal profitability...
The auxin, hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid induced expression of the Arabidopsis GST6 promoter is mediated in part by an ocs element

Summary Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multi-functional enzymes that play critical roles in a number of plant stress responses. Ocs elements are enhancer sequences found in some pathogen and GST promoters. We previously isolated an Arabidopsis GST gene, called GST6, which contained an ocs-like element. Here we tested the role this putative ocs element plays in GST6 expression in response to auxin, salicylic acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using a transient assay and transgenic Arabidopsis. The requirement for the ocs element for basal and/or induced expression varied between the transient and transgenic studies, and in different plant tissues. The GST6 promoter showed the largest induction in roots following treatment with SA (84-fold) or H2O2 (122-fold), and the effect of mutating the ocs element was most pronounced in root tissue. However, in no case did mutation of the ocs element abolish GST6 expression, suggesting that other promoter element(s) are also important. Using the transient assay, other promoter element(s) critical for GST6 expression were identified that may also help mediate the activity of the ocs element. The finding that the ocs element plays a role in the transcriptional response of a plant GST gene to SA and H2O2 has potential significance for the plant defense response, where SA and H2O2 play critical roles.
New technological developments for the remote detection of atmospheric hydroxyl radicals.

New developments in the areas of narrowband tunable excimer lasers, high-resolution high-rejection optical filters, and wavelength measurement devices are considered for application to the remote sensing of atmospheric hydroxyl radicals. The conclusion is that an increase in the SNR of 10,000 could readily be gained through the use of these new devices. Also, considerable reductions in size and electrical energy consumption could be realized.
No Strings Attached

The microwave community has recently seen a large increase in the research being done pertaining to medical applications. A few example applications include.
CdS and Cd carboxylate nanoclusters dispersed in polymer matrix produced by a freeze drying method

Abstract Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoclusters were prepared by a freeze drying method from two types of cadmium carboxylates. One was cadmium methacrylates that were part of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) ionomer. The other was cadmium acetates that were dispersed in PMMA. X-ray diffraction was mainly used to study the formation and the size of nanoclusters. The size of CdS made from the ionomer was 0.9 nm, whereas that from the composite of cadmium acetate and PMMA was 2 nm. This was consistent with the size difference of the precursors of CdS: i.e., Cd carboxylate nanoclusters (ionic aggregates) were smaller in the ionomer than in the PMMA mixture, because ionic groups in the ionomer were constrained due to their connectivity to backbone chains and thus forming smaller ionic aggregates. Once stabilized, however, CdS nanocluster sizes were unchanged despite thermal treatments at up to 220 °C for 24 h for both systems. Structural transformations from a freeze dried cadmium carboxylate powder, to a CdS-containing powder, and to a heat-treated CdS-containing sample are speculated for both types of systems.
Blaming the trees: a critique of research on forest responses to high CO2

ur success in predicting future eco-system productivity and global carbonbalance depends on correctly assessingthe role of terrestrial vegetation in globalclimatic change. Because long-lived woodyplants comprise a substantial portion ofterrestrial carbon pools and fluxes, thegrowth and physiological responses oftrees are of particular importance. Global-change models demand parameter esti-mates for these responses. Such estimateswill be provided, whether they are rigor-ously supported by data or are actuallyonly rough ‘guesses’. As a research com-munity, we have committed basic errors ofmethod and interpretation that have notbeen appropriately acknowledged. Here,we attempt to explain how the trees them-selves have driven us to such a desperatestate.
Recovery from central core degeneration of the tenotomized rat soleus muscle

The soleus muscle of the rat undergoes degenerative changes after tenotomy. The effects are maximal one week postoperatively, after which follows a period of recovery. Muscle histology eventually returns to normal six weeks after tenotomy. Recovery is effected by means of peripheral myofibril splitting and de novo synthesis of myofibrils within the central portion of the fiber.
GLOBAL SIMULATION OF AN EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET IMAGING TELESCOPE WAVE

We use the observation of an Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT) wave in the lower solar corona, seen with the two Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) spacecraft in extreme ultraviolet light on 2007 May 19, to model the same event with a three-dimensional (3D) time-depending magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code that includes solar coronal magnetic fields derived with Wilcox Solar Observatory magnetogram data, and a solar wind outflow accelerated with empirical heating functions. The model includes a coronal mass ejection (CME) of Gibson and Low flux rope type above the reconstructed active region with parameters adapted from observations to excite the EIT wave. We trace the EIT wave running as circular velocity enhancement around the launching site of the CME in the direction tangential to the sphere produced by the wave front, and compute the phase velocities of the wave front. We find that the phase velocities are in good agreement with theoretical values for a fast magnetosonic wave, derived with the physical parameters of the model, and with observed phase speeds of an incident EIT wave reflected by a coronal hole and running at about the same location. We also produce in our 3D MHD model the observed reflection of the EIT wave at the coronal hole boundary, triggered by the magnetic pressure difference between the wave front hitting the hole and the boundary magnetic fields of the coronal hole, and the response of the coronal hole, which leads to the generation of secondary reflected EIT waves radiating away in different directions than the incident EIT wave. This is the first 3D MHD model of an EIT wave triggered by a CME that includes realistic solar magnetic field, with results comparing favorably to STEREO Extreme Ultraviolet Imager observations.
A comprehensive methodology for runout tolerance evaluation using discrete data.

Runout is a composite tolerance that is usually specified to ensure proper alignment and rotational accuracy for axially symmetric features. The procedure for evaluation of runout defined in American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Y14.5M-1994 [1] and International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/TR 5460-1985(E) [3] depicts the rotation of a part around its datum axis while a dial gauge measures the variations in the feature’s surface. These standards do not address the evaluation of runout using modern measurement technologies using discrete point clouds that dominate the metrology industry. This research presents a comprehensive methodology for evaluating runout tolerance using discrete data that closely replicates the requirements specified by the ASME and ISO standards. This work builds upon previous work by the authors, reported in Turek et al. [9] and presents a comprehensive methodology for evaluating circular and total runout for flat, tapered, and cylindrical features using discrete data. The methodology was tested using simulated datasets and the analysis reaffirmed the results reported in Turek et al. [9] regarding the choice of minimum circumscribing cylinder as the preferred datum axis evaluation technique. Subsequently, the approach presented in this paper was applied to discrete data acquired from two manufactured parts. The results obtained were compared with traditional runout measurements acquired with a dial gauge. This comparison required the filtering of the discrete data to compensate for the finite radius of the dial gauge tip, and led to the development of a novel filtering technique to appropriately compare results. The results using the filtered data closely match the results obtained from the dial gauge, confirming the accuracy of the presented runout assessment algorithms. This work presents a first step in assessing runout using discrete data and justifies the use of modern metrology techniques in runout evaluation.
An Introduction to Normalization and Calibration Methods in Functional MRI

In functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal is often interpreted as a measure of neural activity. However, because the BOLD signal reflects the complex interplay of neural, vascular, and metabolic processes, such an interpretation is not always valid. There is growing evidence that changes in the baseline neurovascular state can result in significant modulations of the BOLD signal that are independent of changes in neural activity. This paper introduces some of the normalization and calibration methods that have been proposed for making the BOLD signal a more accurate reflection of underlying brain activity for human fMRI studies.
Energy Security Analysis for West Point Training Camps

The United States Military Academy has been charged with reaching Net Zero Energy consumption by 2020. Feasibility assessments to this point have neglected the field facilities used for military training, which are remote locations susceptible to power loss and subject to a higher rate structure for electricity than the rest of the installation. An energy security analysis methodology is described and applied to the training camps at West Point. This began with identifying the mission of the camps and critical power needs based on discussions with the customer, the Director of Cadet Military Training. Details of power and energy usage along with supply and delivery cost structure were provided by the utility and the facility Energy Manager. Conventional and renewable resource potentials were assessed to meet the load profile within financial constraints and funding opportunities unique to a federal government agency. The final recommendation is to incorporate three different technologies: a 50 kW photovoltaic solar system installed through a power purchase agreement, two small scale hydropower systems totaling 30 kW, and a lake based cooling system to provide air conditioning. The installation of these three systems would move the installation closer to the Net Zero Energy goal and lower the energy requirements to provide cooling. Altogether the proposed project would pay back in 16 years with an expected lifespan of 20–30 years. Batteries, generators, and pumped hydro were also examined as possible energy storage options and to shave the peak electrical load. However, the lack of on peak/off peak pricing made these options less viable. These recommendations will increase West Point’s energy security, progress towards the Net Zero Energy goal, and provide cost savings over current utility expenditures.© 2014 ASME
Mechanisms of extracellularly regulated kinases 1/2 activation in adrenal glomerulosa cells by lysophosphatidic acid and epidermal growth factor.

The regulation of adrenal function, including aldosterone production from adrenal glomerulosa cells, is dependent on a variety of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). In many cell types, GPCR-mediated MAPK activation is mediated through transactivation of RTKs, in particular the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGF-R). However, the extent to which this cross-communication between GPCRs and RTKs is operative in the adrenal glomerulosa has not been defined. Bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells express receptors for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and EGF. In cultured bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells, LPA, which is predominantly coupled to Gi and partially to Gq/protein kinase C α and e, caused phosphorylation of Src (at Tyr416), proline-rich tyrosine kinase (Pyk2 at Tyr402), EGF-R, protein kinase B/Akt, extracellularly regulated signal kinases 1/2, and their dependent protein, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase. Overexpression of dominant negative mutants of Ras or EGF-R, and select...
HYDROGEN TRANSFER FROM TERTIARY AMINES TO TRIFLUOROACETIC ANHYDRIDE

Abstract Tertiary amines are found to be oxidized by trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA). A discussion of the mechanism is given.
First Demonstration of Koch's Postulates for Lasiodiplodia theobromae Fruit Spot on Eggplant (Solanum melongena).

During October 2004, diseased eggplant fruit from a commercial farm in Colquitt County, Georgia, developed circular, tan, water-soaked lesions. Gray, septate mycelia quickly covered the fruit. Diseased fruit became shriveled, spongy, and mummified. Disease incidence in the field was approximately 1%. Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl. (synonym Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat.) (2) was isolated from the margins of lesions and cultured on acidified potato dextrose agar. The fungus produced grayish colonies with aerial hyphae and black ostiolate pycnidia massed into stroma. Mature elliptical conidia (25.8 × 15.6 μm) were brown, had a single septation, and longitudinal striations. Isolates obtained from peanut and pecan were included in the pathogenicity tests. Mature fruit cv. Nightshade were surface disinfested for 30 s in 70% ethanol, followed by 60 s in 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed twice in sterile distilled water, and allowed to dry. Inoculations were made by placing an agar plug containi...
Effect of primary medical care on addiction and medical severity in substance abuse treatment programs.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the availability of primary medical care on-site at addiction treatment programs or off-site by referral improves patients’ addiction severity and medical outcomes, compared to programs that offer no primary care.
Energy recovery from wastewater treatment plants in the United States: A case study of the energy-water nexus

This manuscript uses data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to analyze the potential for energy recovery from wastewater treatment plants via anaerobic digestion with biogas utilization and biosolids incineration with electricity generation. These energy recovery strategies could help offset the electricity consumption of the wastewater sector and represent possible areas for sustainable energy policy implementation. We estimate that anaerobic digestion could save 628 to 4,940 million kWh annually in the United States. In Texas, anaerobic digestion could save 40.2 to 460 million kWh annually and biosolids incineration could save 51.9 to 1,030 million kWh annually.
Planar mesa Schottky barrier diode

Planar silicon technology has been used to fabricate mesa Schottky barrier diodesh with high breakdown voltages. This method proves to be superior to alternate methods used to increase the breakdown voltage of Schottky diodes. The processing techniques and characteristics of mesa Schottky diodes are described in this paper.
SCRIPTS AND SELF‐MONITORING When Does Being a High Self‐Monitor Really Make a Difference?

Two experiments examined the influence of script deviance and self-monitoring on recall of conversation and interaction entry techniques. While no differences were found in regard to recall, response repertoire was seen to vary systematically in both studies as a function of a self-monitoring × interaction type interaction. Moreover, the techniques of high self-monitors were judged to be more likely to promote friendly interaction with a target than were those of low self-monitors, regardless of interaction type. These findings were discussed in terms of script theory.
Patching ideal families on ℘ k λ

Ideal families defined on a cardinalk often exhibit reflection properties. IfC ⫅k is a club, for example, thenC∩α is a club-in-α club-in-k often. In this paper we generalize this notion to ideal families defined on℘ kλ and exhibit some examples.
Polaron states in the absorption edge of AgCl

Abstract This paper analyses the structure obtained by other authors in the indirect absorption edge of AgCl. The interpretation proposed herein attributes this structure to excitons in which one of the constituting polarons may be in one of its excited states. Comparison with independent data supports these assignments.
Stigma and the perpetuation of obesity

Even as obesity rates reach new highs, the social stigmatization of obesity seems to be strengthening and globalizing. This review identifies at least four mechanisms by which a pervasive environment of fat stigma could reinforce high body weights or promote weight gain, ultimately driving population-level obesity. These are direct effects through behavior change because of feeling judged, and indirect effects of social network changes based on stigmatizing actions and decisions by others, psychosocial stress from feeling stigmatized, and the structural effects of discrimination. Importantly, women and children appear especially vulnerable to these mechanisms. The broader model provides an improved basis to investigate the role of stigma in driving the etiology of obesity, and explicates how individual, interpersonal, and structural dimensions of stigma are connected to variation in health outcomes, including across generations.
Comparison of mass spectrometric and optical measurements of temperature and electron density in the inductively coupled plasma during mass spectrometric sampling

Abstract Electron density ( n e ) and ionization temperature ( T ion ) are measured using atomic emission spectrometry (AES) from the small funnel of gas just outside the sampling orifice of an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Rotational temperature ( T rot ) is measured using an OH emission band. T ion is also determined for the same elements (Zn and Cd) by using M + ion signal ratios by MS. For matrix-free solutions, typical values are n e =1.6×10 15 cm −3 , T rot =3340 K, T ion (MS)≈ T ion (AES)≈7000 K. This agreement between the T ion values supports other observations that, for atomic analyte ions M + of similar m / z values in matrix-free solutions, the relative signals in the mass spectrum reflect the corresponding relative abundances in the ICP region being drawn into the sampler. Using either MS or AES, T ion for Cd is 300–400 K higher than that for Zn, which indicates that T ion can vary for different elements in the ICP. Sodium nitrate matrix at levels up to 1000 ppm Na does not cause a measurable change in n e ; 2000 ppm Na causes n e to increase to 2.1×10 15 cm −3 . Sodium matrix has a large effect on the MS signal levels but does not greatly change the resulting T ion values measured optically.
An Optimal Sample Allocation Strategy for Partition-Based Random Search

Partition-based random search (PRS) provides a class of effective algorithms for global optimization. In each iteration of a PRS algorithm, the solution space is partitioned into subsets which are randomly sampled and evaluated. One subset is then determined to be the promising subset for further partitioning. In this paper, we propose the problem of allocating samples to each subset so that the samples are utilized most efficiently. Two types of sample allocation problems are discussed, with objectives of maximizing the probability of correctly selecting the promising subset (P{CSPS}) given a sample budget and minimizing the required sample size to achieve a satisfied level of P{CSPS}, respectively. An extreme value-based prospectiveness criterion is introduced and an asymptotically optimal solution to the two types of sample allocation problems is developed. The resulting optimal sample allocation strategy (OSAS) is an effective procedure for the existing PRS algorithms by intelligently utilizing the limited computing resources. Numerical tests confirm that OSAS is capable of increasing the P{CSPS} in each iteration and subsequently improving the performance of PRS algorithms.
Ethnic Identity Among Chinese-American Youth: The Role of Family Obligation and Community Factors on Ethnic Engagement, Clarity, and Pride

The purpose of this study was twofold. First, using the 14-item Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, we established the appropriate factor structure of ethnic identity for a sample of Chinese-American youth. Second, we examined how family obligation and community factors (i.e., ethnic density, cultural resources, and perceived discrimination) related to the various factors of ethnic identity. The sample included 127 Chinese-American college students, recruited from an ethnically diverse university in Northern California. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a three-factor solution of ethnic engagement, clarity, and pride best described our sample. Further, we found that family obligation related positively to ethnic engagement and pride, that ethnic density related positively to ethnic pride, and that cultural resources related positively to ethnic engagement and clarity. Finally, we found that perceived discrimination related positively to ethnic engagement but negatively to ethnic pride. Thus, focu...
“They Always Call Me an Investment”: Gendered Familism and Latino/a College Pathways

In the past 20 years, Latinas have begun to outperform Latinos in high school completion and college enrollment, tracking the overall “gender reversal” in college attainment that favors women. Few studies have examined what factors contribute to Latinas’ increasing educational success. This article focuses on gender differences in college-going behavior among a cohort of 50 Latino/a college aspirants in the San Francisco East Bay Area. Through 136 longitudinal interviews, I examine trends in Latinos/as’ postsecondary pathways and life course decisions over a two-year period. Findings suggest evidence for gendered familism, in which gender and racial/ethnic beliefs intersect to differentially shape Latinos/as’ attitudes, behaviors, and college choices. Gendered familism encouraged Latinas to seek a four-year degree as a means of earning independence, while Latinos expressed a sense of automatic autonomy that was not as strongly tied to educational outcomes.
Are Inferential Reading Items More Susceptible to Cultural Bias Than Literal Reading Items

The purpose of this article is to illustrate a seven-step process for determining whether inferential reading items were more susceptible to cultural bias than literal reading items. The seven-step process was demonstrated using multiple-choice data from the reading portion of a reading/language arts test for fifth and seventh grade Hispanic, Black, and White examinees. The process began at the broadest level of analyzing bundles of items for differential bundle functioning and finished at the narrowest level of analyzing individual items for differential distractor functioning. Some evidence was found to indicate that inferential items are more susceptible to cultural bias than literal items. Implications of the results are discussed, and suggestions for item writers and test developers are given.
Age alters ADPase positive dendritic (Langerhans) cell response to P. aeruginosa ocular challenge

The morphology, distribution and quantitation of dendritic (Langerhans) cells (LC) was determined by analysis of ADPase stained epithelial flat mounts from 6–8 week young adult (resistant) and 24 month old (susceptible) aged mice before and after experimental infection with P. aeruginosa topically applied to the scarified cornea. The contralateral eye (controls) was also scarified and phosphate buffered saline applied similarly. This study has examined the changes in ADPase positive cell populations of the conjunctival limbal epithelium and corneal epithelium of naturally resistant mice (Swiss-Webster and CD2F1) following corneal infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa at two different ages, young adult (8 week old) and aged (24 month old). The young adult mice recover from their infection and restore corneal clarity while the aged mice have extensive ocular destruction and corneal scarring. Conjunctival limbal dendritic cell numbers in young adult mice were found to be significantly increased at day seven ...
Formation of virion-occluding proteinic spindles in a Baculovirus disease of Aedes triseriatus☆

Abstract An unusual process of inclusion formation was studied in Aedes triseriatus larvae infected with a Baculovirus (BV) similar to the nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) type. In this disease virion-occluding proteinic inclusions initially developed individually. However, as the disease progressed the proteinic inclusions gradually coalesced eventually forming large rugose ellipsoids and finally, large smooth-surfaced spindles. Nuclei in late stages of infection usually contained two to five rugose ellipsoidal inclusions, frequently measuring 5 μm to 7 μm in diameter by 10 μm to 15 μm in length. The ellipsoidal forms exhibited different chemical behavior from the spindles.