cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Image Data Synchronization Techniques In Rotating Polygon Scanners

In rotating polygon line scanners for non-impact printing on a moving photoreceptor, placement accuracy of the image data on the photoreceptor is a key determinant of print quality. This is achieved through the use of a PEL (picture element) clocking signal operating at a frequency equal to the number of "dots" to be written per second. By controlling both phase and frequency of this PEL clock, compensation can be made for several systemic characteristics that would otherwise produce image data distortion. Some of the principal contributors to such distortion are: 1. Variations in spinner motor speed. 2. Asynchronous relationship between scan rate and PEL clock. 3. Variation in photoreceptor speed. 4. Non-linearity of the optical scan system. Although it is possible to design and build opto-mechanical systems in which photoreceptor feed rate and scan velocity are made linear and stable, it is more economical to use the system electronics to make the image data rate (PEL clock) accommodate the system characteristics. Photoreceptor feed rate variations alter the image aspect ratio and are typically very low frequency changes (<.05 Hz). These can be corrected by "slaving" the spinner motor speed to the photoreceptor feed rate. The spinner motor itself has speed variations (typically <2 Hz) which in turn, can be corrected by "slaving" the PEL clock to spinner motor speed. None of these variations or corrections produce any appreciable scan velocity change within a single scan. This paper will describe techniques in which electronics is used to control both the frequency and the phase of the PEL clock to correct for all of these dynamic characteristics to produce fixed spatial frequency on the photoreceptor in both scan and feed directions. Optical distortion or scan system geometry may produce variations in spot velocity within the scan line. This static distortion is identical in each sweep and is not affected by the factors discussed in this paper.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Uptake of HPV Vaccine: Demographics, Sexual History and Values, Parenting Style, and Vaccine Attitudes

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationships of demographics, parenting, and vaccine attitudes with the acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine or to the intent to vaccinate in the next 12 months. Methods Mothers (n = 153) with daughters ages 11 to 17 years were recruited through the pediatric clinic waiting room/announcements to complete a questionnaire. Results Eighteen percent of the daughters had not received the vaccine, although it had been offered; 34% had not been offered the vaccine and did not intend to get it in the next 12 months; 22% had not been offered the vaccine but intended to get it in the next 12 months; 26% had started vaccination or completed the series. In a multinomial, multivariable logistic regression model, those mothers who had less than a high school degree, had a history of a sexually tranmitted infection, supervised their daughter more when she was with peers, and whose daughter would not mind three shots were more likely to be favorable about their daughter being vaccinated. The following variables were not related to their attitudes about getting the vaccine: mothers' and daughters' ages, race/ethnicity, mothers' self-reported history of HPV disease and age of sexual initiation, daughters' dating status and anticipated age of sexual initiation, the number of sexual topics discussed and level of comfort, mother's sexual values, and the family environment. Conclusions Mothers' decisions about the HPV vaccine were not related to their sexual values or their daughters' sexual behavior, but rather their parenting, sense of vulnerability, and vaccine attitudes. Mothers who were not planning to vaccinate did not appear to not feel an urgency given the newness of the vaccine, and many planned to vaccinate eventually.
Adult neurogenesis is regulated by adrenal steroids in the dentate gyrus

The dentate gyrus of the rat produces new granule neurons well into adulthood. In the adult, newly born granule neurons migrate from the hilus to the granule cell layer, receive synaptic input, extend axons into the mossy fiber pathway, and express a neuronal marker. No previous studies have identified factors that regulate neuronal birth in the adult dentate gyrus. In order to determine whether glucocorticoids control neurogenesis in the adult dentate gyrus, the effects of adrenal steroid manipulations on neuronal birth were assessed using [3H]thymidine autoradiography and immunohistochemistry for the neuronal marker neuron specific enolase. Acute treatment with corticosterone produced a significant decrease in the density of [3H]thymidine-labeled cells in the hilus of the dentate gyrus. In contrast, removal of endogenous adrenal steroids stimulated increased neuronal birth; adrenalectomy resulted in a significant increase in the number of neuron specific enolase-immunoreactive [3H]thymidine labeled cells in the granule cell layer compared to sham operation. Replacement of corticosterone to adrenalectomized rats after [3H]thymidine injection did not substantially alter the increase in neurogenesis observed following adrenalectomy, even though this replacement protects cells from adrenalectomy-induced cell death. These results indicate that the rate of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the adult rat is dependent upon the levels of circulating adrenal steroids.
Pulse radiolytic investigation of aliphatic amines in aqueous solution

Abstract The rates of reaction of hydroxyl radicals with various aliphatic amines have been determined as a function of pH. These include methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t -butyl, trimethyl and triethyl amines. Rate constants of ap 3 × 10 8 dm 3 mol −1 s −1 for protonated amines and ap 1 × 10 10 dm 3 mol −1 s −1 for unprotonated amines have been obtained. This marked difference is attributed to the electrophilic character of the hydroxyl radical and its unfavorable interaction with the positive center. The transient absorption spectra of the various aminoalkyl and alkylamino radicals produced from the reaction of OH radicals with these amines were derived over the pH range 3–13. The transient species produced from trimethyl and triethyl amines have absorption maxima at ap 260 nm, all the other amines showed no maxima down to ap 230 nm, the limit imposed by experimental condictions. Strong pH dependence of the initial transient absorption is observed for all the amines examined. These changes are caused by the acid-base dissociation of the radicals, and by changes in the site of OH radical attack. Generally, it can be stated that hydrogen atom abstraction by OH radicals from unprotonated amines takes place mainly from an α-position and/or from hydrogen bonded to nitrogen, whereas abstraction from protonated amines occurs mainly at positions β- and/or γ-from the  H group.
Illuminating Trouble Tickets with Sublanguage Theory

A study was conducted to explore the potential of Natural Language Processing (NLP)-based knowledge discovery approaches for the task of representing and exploiting the vital information contained in field service (trouble) tickets for a large utility provider. Analysis of a subset of tickets, guided by sublanguage theory, identified linguistic patterns, which were translated into rule-based algorithms for automatic identification of tickets' discourse structure. The subsequent data mining experiments showed promising results, suggesting that sublanguage is an effective framework for the task of discovering the historical and predictive value of trouble ticket data.
A critical evaluation of xerocephalometry: Absorbed dose and diagnostic information

The present study showed that the thyroid (60X) and active bone marrow (100X) doses are increased when xeroradiography is used in cephalometrics, as compared to a rare earth screen/film system. These results are compared to previously published articles. The rationale for advocating a kVp setting of approximately 100 and a negative development mode is presented. It is recommended that xeroradiographic cephalometric examinations be reserved for special cases in which image quality is a top-priority requirement.
Some ideological considerations underlying a mental health consultation program to the public schools.

Data describing a year-long mental health consultation program to the public schools were obtained from the School Consultation Field Report. This form was completed after each visit to the schools by the 11 consultants who participated in the program. The results indicate a strong bias toward helping school personnel deal more effectively with “problem children.” The limitations of the case-clinical approach in terms of potential impact are discussed and the biases underlying this orientation are presented within a broader analysis of one's ideology regarding the nature of social problems and how they may be remedied.
Labour force transitions among low-wage married couples: a simultaneous probability model

Interdependence in the labour force transitions of low-income married couples is studied. It utilizes a simultaneous probability model in which each person's job exit depends in part on the job transitions of their spouse. Estimates are based on data from the Seattle-Denver income maintenance experiments. The evidence appears to indicate that wives emulate the nonwork status of their husbands. Wives of exit-prone husbands are themsleves more exit-prone and less likely to enter employment. Evidence in favour of reverse dependence of husbands' status on wives' exits appears to be weak and imprecise.
Reflections on the Role of Professional Association in Promoting Diversity: The Case of ASA and PSA Reconsidered

This essay reflects on the efforts of professional associations to achieve a more inclusive profession and academy. It examines the adequacy of programs designed to increase the number of sociologists of color, and the challenges experienced by the American Sociological Association and the Pacific Sociological Association in supporting programs aimed at systemic barriers to diversity.
Fluorescence Lifetime Sensing of Temperature with Erbium Doped Lead Germano Tellurite Glass

A non contact and nondestructive method is described for optical sensing of temperature by measuring laser excited fluorescence from erbium doped glass. Temperature calibration plot has been developed from room temperature to 600C.
Notes on Personal Feedback in Sensitivity Training

Over the last 25 years the sensitivity training movement has steadily expanded. Growing out of the behavioral sciences, selected interrelated concepts underlie its development and distinguish it sharply from group therapy. The central role of feedback is carefully defined and described and its impact upon individual members as well as upon the evolving group culture are explicated in detail.
Sleep-dependent motor memory plasticity in the human brain

Growing evidence indicates a role for sleep in off-line memory processing, specifically in post-training consolidation. In humans, sleep has been shown to trigger overnight learning on a motor-sequence memory task, while equivalent waking periods produce no such improvement. But while the behavioral characteristics of sleep-dependent motor learning become increasingly well characterized, the underlying neural basis remains unknown. Here we present functional magnetic resonance imaging data demonstrating a change in the representation of a motor memory after a night of sleep. Subjects trained on a motor-skill memory and 12 hours later, after either sleep or wake, were retested during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Following sleep relative to wake, regions of increased activation were expressed in the right primary motor cortex, medial prefrontal lobe, hippocampus and left cerebellum; changes that can support faster motor output and more precise mapping of key-press movements. In contrast, signal decreases were identified in parietal cortices, the left insular cortex, temporal pole and fronto-polar region, reflecting a reduced need for conscious spatial monitoring and a decreased emotional task burden. This evidence of an overnight, systems-level change in the representation of a motor memory holds important implications for acquiring real-life skills and in clinical rehabilitation following brain trauma, such as stroke.
Nucleolin binds to a subset of selenoprotein mRNAs and regulates their expression

Selenium, an essential trace element, is incorporated into selenoproteins as selenocysteine (Sec), the 21st amino acid. In order to synthesize selenoproteins, a translational reprogramming event must occur since Sec is encoded by the UGA stop codon. In mammals, the recoding of UGA as Sec depends on the selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) element, a stem-loop structure in the 3′ untranslated region of the transcript. The SECIS acts as a platform for RNA-binding proteins, which mediate or regulate the recoding mechanism. Using UV crosslinking, we identified a 110 kDa protein, which binds with high affinity to SECIS elements from a subset of selenoprotein mRNAs. The crosslinking activity was purified by RNA affinity chromatography and identified as nucleolin by mass spectrometry analysis. In vitro binding assays showed that purified nucleolin discriminates among SECIS elements in the absence of other factors. Based on siRNA experiments, nucleolin is required for the optimal expression of certain selenoproteins. There was a good correlation between the affinity of nucleolin for a SECIS and its effect on selenoprotein expression. As selenoprotein transcript levels and localization did not change in siRNA-treated cells, our results suggest that nucleolin selectively enhances the expression of a subset of selenoproteins at the translational level.
Immunotactoid-like endoneurial deposits in a patient with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and neuropathy.

An 85-year-old man with a 2-year history of progressive lower limb weakness and paresthesia was found to have an IgG kappa monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (mgus). Clinical and electrophysiological studies revealed a severe distal bilateral symmetrical polyneuropathy. a sural nerve biopsy showed extensive nerve fibre loss with the deposition of large amounts of amorphous material throughout the endoneurium. Electron microscopy showed the deposits to be composed of microtubular structures which were located diffusely throughout the endoneurium. The deposits were also located within the lumina of the vasa nervorum, some of which were undergoing disintegration and rupture with release of the proteinaceous material into the endoneurium. The regions of the nerve in which they appeared most numerous showed more severe nerve fibre damage than other areas. These microtubular structures were also observed in disintegrating vessels and adjacent endoneurium. On immunohistochemistry they stained with antibody to IgG. Identical deposits were found in the dermis in which there was a leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Located in linear arrays within the axons of myelinated and unmyelinated fibres were highly organised tubular structures resembling immunotactoids. Identification of immunotactoidlike structures within the nerve is unique and may be another mechanism by which monoclonal proteins can induce nerve fibre injury.
Open admissions, orality,aand literacy.

Open admissions students tend to be highly oral. Their modes of thinking are different from the modes of thinking demanded in the highly literate (i.e., detached, objective, and scientific) world of college. They can learn the more literate modes of thinking, however, but this requires special awareness and effort on the part of their teachers. Some assumptions and instructional approaches made with traditional students cannot be made with highly oral students in a community college. Moreover, the effort to move the students into the more literate modes of thought cannot be limited to a couple of “remedial” courses in reading and writing. The promise of the open door can be realized for highly oral students only as more and more teachers change their assumptions about student learning and modify their instructional practices accordingly.
Effects of drainage and temperature on carbon balance of tussock tundra micrososms.

We examined the importance of temperature (7°C or 15°C) and soil moisture regime (saturated or field capacity) on the carbon (C) balance of arctic tussock tundra microcosms (intact blocks of soil and vegetation) in growth chambers over an 81-day simulated growing season. We measured gaseous CO2 exchanges, methane (CH4) emissions, and dissolved C losses on intact blocks of tussock (Eriophorum vaginatum) and intertussock (moss-dominated). We hypothesized that under increased temperature and/or enhanced drainage, C losses from ecosystem respiration (CO2 respired by plants and heterotrophs) would exceed gains from gross photosynthesis causing tussock tundra to become a net source of C to the atmosphere. The field capacity moisture regime caused a decrease in net CO2 storage (NEP) in tussock tundra micrososms. This resulted from a stimulation of ecosystem respiration (probably mostly microbial) with enhanced drainage, rather than a decrease in gross photosynthesis. Elevated temperature alone had no effect on NEP because CO2 losses from increased ecosystem respiration at elevated temperature were compensated by increased CO2 uptake (gross photosynthesis). Although CO2 losses from ecosystem respiration were primarily limited by drainage, CH4 emissions, in contrast, were dependent on temperature. Furthermore, substantial dissolved C losses, especially organic C, and important microhabitat differences must be considered in estimating C balance for the tussock tundra system. As much as ∼ 20% of total C fixed in photosynthesis was lost as dissolved organic C. Tussocks stored ∼ 2x more C and emitted 5x more methane than intertussocks. In spite of the limitations of this microcosm experiment, this study has further elucidated the critical role of soil moisture regime and dissolved C losses in regulating net C balance of arctic tussock tundra.
Testers and visualizers for teaching data structures

We present two tools to support the teaching of data structures and algorithms: Visualizers, which provide interactive visualizations of user-written data structures, and Testers, which check the functionality of user-written data structures. We outline a prototype implementation of visualizers and testers for data structures written in Java, and report on classroom use of testers and visualizers in an introductory Data Structures and Algorithms (CS2) course.
Ecological Imperialism and the Global Metabolic Rift: Unequal Exchange and the Guano/Nitrates Trade

Transfers in economic values are shadowed in complex ways by real material-ecological flows that transform ecological relations between city and country, and between the core and periphery. Directi...
Perspectives on the value of American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical guidelines as reported by oncologists and health maintenance organizations.

Purpose: Although the American Society of Clinical Onoclogy’s (ASCO) Health Services Research (HSR) committee activities have primarily focused on clinical guideline development, little is known about the value placed on these guidelines by the desired end users. ASCO members and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) were surveyed on the value and implementation of ASCO guidelines. In this article, we summarize our findings. Methods: ASCO members (n = 1500) were queried about whether they had read ASCO’s first four clinical guidelines and technology assessment; whether they agreed with the recommendations; whether they used guidelines in clinical practice; and how guidelines had affected reimbursement. HMOs (n = 131) were queried on how they identify, implement, and value the first four ASCO clinical guidelines. Results: The membership survey indicated that ASCO guidelines were read more often by physicians in private healthcare settings compared with physicians in academic practices (P < .02). Disagree...
CARNIVORE: A Disruption-Tolerant System for Studying Wildlife

We present CARNIVORE, a system for in situ, unobtrusive monitoring of cryptic, difficult-to-catch/observe wildlife in their natural habitat. CARNIVORE is a network of mobile and static nodes with sensing, processing, storage, and wireless communication capabilities. CARNIVORE's compact, low-power, mobile animal-borne nodes collect sensor data and transmit it to static nodes, which then relay it to the Internet. Depending on the wildlife being studied, the network can be quite sparse and therefore disconnected frequently for arbitrarily long periods of time. To support "disconnected operation", CARNIVORE uses an "opportunistic routing" approach taking advantage of every encounter between nodes (mobile-to-mobile and mobile-to-static) to propagate data. With a lifespan of 50–100 days, a CARNIVORE mobile node, outfitted on a collar, collects and transmits 1 GB of data compared to 450 kB of data from comparable commercially available wildlife collars. Each collar records 3-axis accelerometer and GPS data to infer animal behavior and energy consumption.Testing in both laboratory and free-range settings with domestic dogs shows that galloping and trotting behavior can be identified. Data collected from first deployments on mountain lions (Puma concolor) near Santa Cruz, CA, USA show that the system is a viable and useful tool for wildlife research.
An evaluation of current PM2.5 conditions in the US

In this study, all available PM2.5 sites in the United States with more than 5 years of Federal Reference Method data are studied. The critical design values (CDV) for each site are calculated. The CDV concept developed by Chu (Chu, S.-H., 2000. CDV estimation and its applications. Presented at the 93rd AWMA Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA) has proven to be useful in PM10 Limited Maintenance Plan applications (US EPA, 2001. PM10-NAAQS Implementation-Guidance Document-Limit Maintenance Plan Option for Moderate PM10 Nonattainment Areas. US EPA, Research Triangle Park.) because of its ability in predicting the likelihood of future violations of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) based on the existing design values (DV) and their inter-annual variability. Thus, the potential for future violations of PM2.5 standards among these sites can be estimated and compared. The results suggest that given the current PM2.5 NAAQS, most of the high-risk areas of potential future violation of the annual standard are in the East and California. However, only California and a few isolated areas in the West are at risk of violation of the 24-h standard in the near future. The higher risk of violating the PM2.5 annual NAAQS in the East and California is largely due to the existing high level of average design value (ADV) concentrations. On the other hand, the higher risk of violation of the 24-h NAAQS in the West (essentially California) is largely attributable to inter-annual variability, particularly in natural emissions such as wildfires, since these events play a significant role in the quick rise of short-term PM2.5 levels in the West. The more frequent occurrence of wildfires in the West is known to be associated with its much drier climate and frequent droughts. On the other hand, higher SO 2 emissions in a more humid East, particularly in the summer, lead to much higher sulfate concentrations and enhanced secondary organic aerosol production (Chu, S.-H., 2004. PM2.5 episodes as observed in the speciation trends network. Atmospheric Environment 38, 5237-5246). Thus, the much higher annual PM2.5 DVs in the East are largely due to the high level of sulfate and organic aerosol concentrations. These results may be used by the regulators to identify seriously polluted areas and prioritize their regional control strategies. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Mock Trial: A Window to Free Speech Rights and Abilities

This article provides some strategies to alleviate the current tensions between personal responsibility and freedom of speech rights in the public school classroom. The article advocates the necessity of making sure students understand the points and implications of the first amendment by providing a mock trial unit concerning free speech rights. This unit not only teaches the rules of civility in a courtroom, it also presents a free speech case based upon one that actually happened in a public school classroom. Direct involvement in this case provides a safe environment for students to grapple openly with free speech limits.
Cis-trans isomerization of proline in the peptide (his 105-Val 124) of ribonuclease a containing the primary nucleation site

Conformational energy calculations have been carried out to determine the relative stabilities of the C-terminal sequence 105–124 of ribonuclease A, withcis andtrans forms, respectively, of Asn 113-Pro 114. Thecis form of Pro 114 is the one that occurs in the native protein. This peptide contains the sequence 106–118, which, on the basis of both theoretical and experimental studies, is thought to constitute the primary nucleation site for the folding of ribonuclease A. It is shown that both conformations of the isolated peptide (with Pro 114 in thecis andtrans forms, respectively) are of approximately equal stability. Both forms have similar conformations from residues 105–110 and 118–124, while they differ in the bend region involving residues 111–117. Calculations have also been carried out to deduce the possible low-energy paths for the interconversion between thecis andtrans forms of both Pro 114 and Pro 117. It is shown that there are two low-energy paths (with a minimum activation energy of 16.5 kcal/mole) for the interconversion of Pro 114. Attractive nonbonded interaction energies stabilize the transition state on these paths. Only one relatively low-energy path (with an activation energy of 18 kcal/mole) could be found for the isomerization of Pro 117, which occur in thetrans form in the native protein; in this case, allcis forms have significantly higher energy than thetrans form. These calculations thus show that native-like forms for the isolated peptide can exist with Pro 114 in either thecis or thetrans form and that these forms are readily interconvertible.
Cost analysis and minimization of movement-based location management schemes in wireless communication networks: a renewal process approach

The paper makes new contributions to cost analysis and minimization of movement-based location management schemes in wireless communication networks. The main contributions of the paper are three-fold. First, we consider two different call handling models, that is, the call plus location update (CPLU) model and the call without location update (CWLU) model. We point out that all existing analysis of location update cost of a movement-based location management scheme (MBLMS) do not accurately capture the essence of the two models. Second, we analyze the exact location update cost of an MBLMS under both CPLU and CWLU models using a renewal process approach which has rarely been used before. We find that the location update cost of an MBLMS under the CWLU model is much easier to analyze than that of an MBLMS under the CPLU model. Furthermore, an MBLMS operated under the CWLU model has lower location update cost than an MBLMS operated under the CPLU model. Third, we are able to derive a closed form solution to the movement threshold that minimizes the total cost of location management in an MBLMS for the CPLU model when the inter-call time has an arbitrary distribution and the cell residence time has an Erlang distribution, and for the CWLU model when both inter-call time and cell residence time have arbitrary distributions. Such closed form solutions have not been available in the existing literature.
Doubly Differential Multiple Ionization of Krypton by Positron and Electron Impact

Measurements of doubly differential single and multiple ionization of krypton atoms have been performed for $750\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{eV}$ positron and electron impact. Data were measured as a function of projectile energy-loss and scattering angle. For electrons, the energy-loss range was $0--85%$ of the initial projectile energy and scattering angles were between $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}22\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$. Following the procedure adopted previously for argon, the electron impact data were placed on an absolute scale by normalizing to total ionization cross sections available in the literature. The present results for krypton show differences between positron and electron impact that are less pronounced than was found for argon. The difference between the two targets can be understood due to the role of inner-shell ionization.
COURTSHIP COMMUNICATION AND PERCEPTION

Although ethologists have detailed courtship rituals for many species, courting behavior of humans has not received extensive study from an ethological standpoint. Yet there are clearly facial expressions and gestures that are commonly labeled "flirting behaviors." These nonverbal signals have been documented recently by several investigators in field studies, but the receptivity of nonverbal courtship signals is still in question. The current research project attempted to assess the perceptual skill of naive male and female observers who were presented videotaped samples of females' nonverbal courtship and rejection behaviors and asked to rate their intensity. The results showed that overall, men rated invitational behaviors more positively than women. In contrast, signals of rejection were seen by men as sending a less potent message than that perceived by women. Evolutionary theory may offer a framework for understanding these results.
Magnetic fields at the solar wind termination shock

On 30 August 2007 Voyager 2 began to cross the termination shock, a boundary produced by the inter-action of the Sun with the rest of the Galaxy, where the supersonic solar wind abruptly slows as it presses outward against the surrounding interstellar matter. Five Letters in this issue present the data that the probe sent back. The Voyager 2 crossings occurred about 1.5 billion kilometres closer to the Sun than those of Voyager 1, illustrating the asymmetry of the heliosphere. The results from the plasma experiment, low-energy particle, cosmic ray, magnetic field and plasma-wave detectors reveal a complex and dynamic shock, reforming itself in hours rather than days. The cover graphic of Voayer 2 on the brink of entering interstellar space is by Henry Kline of JPL. It may be decades before another probe crosses the termination shock but remote observations can now bridge the gap — as shown by Wang et al. who report measurements of energetic neutral atoms in the heliosheath from the STEREO A and B spacecraft that complement the Voyager in situ observations made at the same time. In News & Views, J R Jokipii puts the Voyager findings into context. For more on the on Voyager odyssey, see page 24, and the Author page, and go to the movie on http://www.nature.com/nature/videoarchive/voyager . A transition between the supersonic solar wind and the subsonic heliosheath happens at the 'termination shock'. This paper reports observations of the magnetic field structure and dynamics of the termination shock, made by Voyager 2 on 31 August–1 September 2007 at 83.7 au from the Sun. The data revealed a complex shock of moderate strength undergoing reformation on a scale of a few hours, rather than the expected days A transition between the supersonic solar wind and the subsonic heliosheath was observed by Voyager 1, but the expected termination shock was not seen owing to a gap in the telemetry1,2,3,4. Here we report observations of the magnetic field structure and dynamics of the termination shock, made by Voyager 2 on 31 August–1 September 2007 at a distance of 83.7 au from the Sun (1 au is the Earth–Sun distance). A single crossing of the shock was expected, with a boundary that was stable on a timescale of several days. But the data reveal a complex, rippled, quasi-perpendicular supercritical magnetohydrodynamic shock of moderate strength undergoing reformation on a scale of a few hours. The observed structure suggests the importance of ionized interstellar atoms (‘pickup protons’) at the shock.
Acquisition and transfer of conceptual learning by normals and retardates: the effects of modeling, verbal cues, and reinforcement.

Abstract The present study compared the effects of modeling, verbal cues, and reinforcement on conceptual learning of normals and retardates. Performance on both original learning tasks and a transfer task was examined. The results indicated that, relative to a control group, modeling alone, modeling plus verbal cues, and exposure to the completed task plus verbal cues facilitated original conceptual learning. Furthermore, modeling plus verbal cues was more effective in reducing errors than modeling alone. Original learning was not affected by tangible reinforcement, social reinforcement, or IQ level. No significant effects were found for a transfer task.
Intraoperative endomyelography during syrinx drainage: technical note.

Abstract There is no currently available noninvasive technique to ascertain with certainty the continuity of the cavity of a septated syrinx. A technique is described that allows the confirmation of the continuity before the surgical drainage of a syrinx. This technique may prevent the failure of the drainage because of septations and double cavities. Intraoperative endomyelography is simple to perform and requires no special equipment. Pressure measurements made before the injection of the contrast agent may provide insights into the pathogenesis of the syrinx and may be of prognostic and therapeutic significance.
Evaluating gesture-augmented keyboard performance

The technology of depth cameras has made designing gesture-based augmentation for existing instruments inexpensive. We explored the use of this technology to augment keyboard performance with 3-D continuous gesture controls. In a user study, we compared the control of one or two continuous parameters using gestures versus the traditional control using pitch and modulation wheels. We found that the choice of mapping depends on the choice of synthesis parameter in use, and that the gesture control under suitable mappings can outperform pitch-wheel performance when two parameters are controlled simultaneously.
Retrocyclin inhibits Gardnerella vaginalis biofilm formation and toxin activity

Background Retrocyclins are cyclic antimicrobial peptides that have been shown to be both broadly active and safe in animal models. RC-101, a synthetic retrocyclin, targets important human pathogens and is a candidate vaginal microbicide. Its activity against microbes associated with bacterial vaginosis is unknown. Methods We investigated the effect of RC-101 on toxin activity, bacterial growth and biofilm formation of Gardnerella vaginalis in vitro. Results RC-101 potently inhibits the cytolytic activity of vaginolysin, the Gardnerella vaginalis toxin, on both erythrocytes and nucleated cells. RC-101 lacks inhibitory activity against planktonic G. vaginalis but markedly decreases biofilm formation. Conclusions These dual properties, toxin inhibition and biofilm retardation, justify further exploration of RC-101 as a candidate agent for bacterial vaginosis prevention.
Physician Orders Contribute To High-Tech Imaging Slowdown

The utilization rate of advanced diagnostic imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and nuclear medicine) in Medicare outpatients rose 72.7 percent between 2000 and 2005, sparking...
Teaching Radioactive Decay and Radiometric Dating: An Analog Activity Based on Fluid Dynamics

We present a new laboratory activity for teaching radioactive decay by using hydrodynamic processes as an analog and an evaluation of its efficacy in the classroom. A fluid flowing from an upper beaker into a lower beaker (shampoo in this case) behaves mathematically identically to radioactive decay, mimicking the exponential decay process, dependent on the amount of fluid in the upper beaker (representing the amount of parent isotopes) and the size of the hole in the beaker (representing the decay constant). Students measure the fluid depth with time for several runs with varied conditions, then graph their results, create decay equations, manipulate these equations and use them to ‘‘date’’ another experiment. They then apply their new understanding to make predictions regarding complications involved in the decay process and its use in dating (such as daughter loss). Student quiz performance improved from before to after the activity, indicating improved student learning. Student comments and questions indicated deep understanding and a new curiosity about the process and its application. 2012 National Association of Geoscience Teachers. [DOI: 10.5408/11-220.1]
Low-energy neutrino reactions with 12C and 16O

Abstract Inelastic electron scattering is used to help eliminate nuclear physics uncertainties in predicting cross sections, both differential and total, for electron neutrino reactions with 12C and 16O appropriate for 0–53 MeV neutrinos from stopped muon decay.
10% Tumor Diameter Shrinkage on the First Follow-Up Computed Tomography Predicts Clinical Outcome in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Angiogenesis Inhibitors: A Follow-Up Validation Study

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted agents are standard therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), associated with variable tumor shrinkage. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) is of limited utility in this setting, and other imaging changes are sought to reliably predict outcome early. We aim to validate 10% tumor shrinkage as the best early indicator of outcome. Methods. In this institutional review board-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study, 66 mRCC patients with 165 lesions on clinical trials of VEGF-targeted agents underwent thoracic and abdominal computed tomography at baseline and at first follow-up after therapy. Measurements were performed according to RECIST and tumor shrinkage of ≥10% decrease in sum of the longest diameter (-10%SLD). Correlation with time-to-treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) were compared and stratified by response to the radiologic criteria. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis yielded the optimal threshold change in SLD, defining patients with prolonged survival. Results. More than -10%SLD significantly differentiated responders from nonresponders (median TTF 8.4 vs. 4.1 months, p = .001), whereas partial response by RECIST did not (median TTF 6.9 vs. 5.5 months in responders vs. nonresponders, p = .34). -10%SLD was also significantly predictive of OS (median OS 35.1 vs. 15.0 months in responders vs. nonresponders, p = .003). ROC curve analysis yielded -9.3% in SLD as the optimal threshold for response/no response. Conclusion. Ten percent tumor shrinkage is validated as a reliable early predictor of outcome in mRCC patients receiving VEGF-targeted therapies and may provide a practical measure to guide therapeutic decisions.
Attractive People: Assembling Loose-Limbed Models using Non-parametric Belief Propagation

The detection and pose estimation of people in images and video is made challenging by the variability of human appearance, the complexity of natural scenes, and the high dimensionality of articulated body models. To cope with these problems we represent the 3D human body as a graphical model in which the relationships between the body parts are represented by conditional probability distributions. We formulate the pose estimation problem as one of probabilistic inference over a graphical model where the random variables correspond to the individual limb parameters (position and orientation). Because the limbs are described by 6-dimensional vectors encoding pose in 3-space, discretization is impractical and the random variables in our model must be continuous-valued. To approximate belief propagation in such a graph we exploit a recently introduced generalization of the particle filter. This framework facilitates the automatic initialization of the body-model from low level cues and is robust to occlusion of body parts and scene clutter.
Characterization and mitigation of water vapor effects in the measurement of ozone by chemiluminescence with nitric oxide

Abstract. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of water vapor on the reaction of nitric oxide with ozone in a gas-phase chemiluminescence instrument used for fast response and high sensitivity detection of atmospheric ozone. Water vapor was introduced into a constant level ozone standard and both ozone and water vapor signals were recorded at 10 Hz. The presence of water vapor was found to reduce, i.e. quench, the ozone signal. A dimensionless correction factor was determined to be 4.15 ± 0.14 × 10−3, which corresponds to a 4.15% increase in the corrected ozone signal per 10 mmol mol−1 of co-sampled water vapor. An ozone-inert water vapor permeable membrane (a Nafion dryer with a counterflow of dry air from a compressed gas cylinder) was installed in the sampling line and was shown to remove the bulk of the water vapor in the sample air. At water vapor mole fractions above 25 mmol mol−1, the Nafion dryer removed over 75% of the water vapor in the sample. This reduced the required ozone signal correction from over 11% to less than 2.5%. The Nafion dryer was highly effective at reducing the fast fluctuations of the water vapor signal (more than 97%) while leaving the ozone signal unaffected, which is a crucial improvement for minimizing the quenching interference of water vapor fluxes and required density correction in the determination of ozone fluxes by the eddy covariance technique.
Some examples for the decentralized receding horizon control

In the control of industrial processes, the use of finite-horizon quadratic cost criteria is becoming more popular. One type of control, which is called the predictive or the receding horizon control, utilizes finite-horizon optimization methods to obtain an infinite-horizon control. In this type of control, the horizon is constantly rolled back, and the control is constantly updated to reflect the possible changes in the system. This approach is most suited for applications in which future values are unpredictable, unreliable, or time varying. Examples of a receding horizon control are considered for decentralized systems. The performance of the decentralized receding horizon control for time-invariant and time-varying systems with different updating intervals is examined. >
Synthesizing Single-Case Research to Identify Evidence-Based Practices: Some Brief Reflections.

The purposes of this paper are to (a) propose an operational standard for defining a “practice,” (b) encourage development of professional standards for visual and statistical analysis of single-case research, and (c) propose a standard for using single-case research results to identify practices that are “evidence-based.” These topics are not new for behavioral researchers, but they become critical for the larger conversations now occurring among researchers, policy makers, and educators working to implement effective practices in psychology and education.
A Lyapunov Design Approach to Nutation Damping with a Reaction Wheel

Launch vehicle volume and payload geometry often make advantageous a spacecraft design based on spin stabilization about a minor principal axis, at least for a portion of the spacecraft's lifetime. Frequently a reaction wheel, mounted transverse to the desired spin axis, is used to provide the necessary spin stabilization (or the equivalent active nutation damping on a major axis spinner). The control law for the reaction wheel is typically designed using full state feedback applied to the linearized equations of motion of the system. A new stabilizing reaction wheel control law is developed here, using a Lyapunov approach applied to the full non-linear equations of motion of the system. The reaction wheel dynamics are included in the system model. The new approach has an important advantage over the classical approach in that it provides control laws that are globally stable, i.e. it provides flat spin recovery for minor axis spinners. In the presence of input saturation the Lyapunov approach provides a rigorous description of a guaranteed region of convergence, which a linearized design cannot.
Interventional Neuroradiology Applications in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

A review of the current clinical applications of a variety of percutaneous and endovascular interventional procedures of the extracranial head and neck is presented. After a description of general principles and embolic agents for interventional procedures, management of specific disorders is presented and procedural steps are described for epistaxis, embolization of vascular head and neck tumors, high-flow and low-flow cervical vascular malformations, head and neck trauma and bleeding, radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation of tumors, along with percutaneous biopsy within the head and neck.
On Simple Exchange Waves in Fixed Beds

Simple wave theory is applied to the problem of adiabatic adsorption and desorption in a fixed bed. The heat and temperature dependence of the adsorption isotherm produce effects that are of importance in analysing the performance of exchange columns. Thus in elution a plateau of only partial desorption moves ahead of the zone of complete desorption. During the saturation of a bed a shock is formed and the heat released by adsorption moves ahead as a kinematic temperature wave.
Ethics Consultation in Children's Hospitals: Results From a Survey of Pediatric Clinical Ethicists

OBJECTIVES: Ethics consultation is a widely endorsed mechanism for resolving conflict, facilitating communication, and easing moral distress in health care. Although ethics consultation has been well characterized in the adult setting, little is known about ethics consultation or ethics programs in pediatrics. We conducted a national survey of ethicists at freestanding children9s hospitals to explore the structures and processes of their ethics-consultation services and committees and to characterize their training and professional activities. METHODS: We contacted freestanding children9s hospitals from the member list of the National Association of Children9s Hospitals and Related Institutions (N = 46) to identify the ethics leader at each institution. This individual was invited to complete an on-line survey instrument. The survey asked about ethicists9 training to fulfill their ethics-related roles, their policies and methods for ethics consultation, and the structure and funding of their ethics committees. Thirty-three ethicists (72%) responded. RESULTS: On-the-job experience (73%) was the most frequently reported form of training; a minority of ethicists endorsed each other type of training. Although 60% of the respondents reported having a policy for ethics consultation, several elements recommended by national consensus statements were inconsistently included. In addition, respondents reported variable adherence to standard components of the consultation process, including meeting with the patient or family, following up with the clinical team, and providing a written report of the consultation. A minority of respondents reported having salary support (33%), administrative support (46%), or a budget (24%) for their work in ethics. CONCLUSIONS: Although ethics-consultation policies and practices at freestanding children9s hospitals are generally well aligned with published norms, our data reveal imperfect adherence to consensus standards. Additional research is needed to determine how this practice variation, as well as the lack of salary support, budgets, and administrative assistance, affect the quality of ethics consultation at these institutions.