cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-sensor fusion: an Evolutionary algorithm approach

Modern decision-making processes rely on data coming from different sources. Intelligent integration and fusion of information from distributed multi-source, multi-sensor network requires an optimization-centered approach. Traditional optimization techniques often fail to meet the demands and challenges of highly dynamic and volatile information flow. New methods are required, which are capable of fully automated adjustment and self-adaptation to fluctuating inputs and tasks. One such method is Evolutionary algorithms (EA), a generic, flexible, and versatile framework for solving complex problems of global optimization and search in real world applications. The evolutionary approach provides a valuable alternative to traditional methods used in information fusion, due to its inherent parallel nature and its ability to deal with difficult problems. However, the application of the algorithm to a particular problem is often more an art than science. Choosing the right model and parameters requires an in-depth understanding of the morphological development of the algorithm, as well as its recent advances and trends. This paper attempts to give a compact overview of both basic and advanced concepts, models, and variants of Evolutionary algorithms in various implementations and applications particularly those in information fusion. We have brought together material scattered throughout numerous books, journal papers, and conference proceedings. Strong emphasis is made on the practical aspects of the EA implementation, including specific and detailed recommendations drawn from these various sources. However, the practical aspects are discussed from the standpoint of concepts and models, rather than from applications in specific problem domains, which emphasize the generality of the provided recommendations across different applications including information fusion.
Image synthesis for off axis low coherence digital holography

A simple method for image synthesis of the reconstructed images from low coherence digital holograms is presented. High quality full-field holographic images can be obtained by this method.
Bernanke versus Taylor: a post mortem

Our analysis sheds light on the issue of whether the monetary policy contributed to the recent housing boom and bust. We have estimated and analysed a model that allows a comparison between the actual policy and several alternative Taylor rules. When the Taylor rule path was computed using revised data and the deflator for the GDP, we found a notable impact on key housing market variables, supporting Taylor’s critique of the Fed policy. However, the bulk of our evidence suggests that the policy as it would have been conducted under our real-time Taylor rules would not have had any significant impact on the housing market variables. This conclusion is robust with regard to the price index used as well as the relative weights used on the inflation and output gaps.
Crystallization kinetics of lead metasilicate

Abstract The crystallization kinetics of PbO·SiO2 have been determined from 500°C. The thickness of the crystal layer was found to increase linearly with time; and the interface morphology was faceted at all temperatures. The heat of fusion of PbO·SiO2 was estimated in two ways: (1) from DSC measurements of heat capacities of glassy and crystalline PbO·SiO2 combined with tabulated ΔS0(298) values; and (2) from direct mesurements using heat-flux DSC. The average value of ΔHf obtained is 8.1 × 103 cal mol−, corresponding to an entropy of fusion of 3.9R. The growth process of PbO·SiO2 is interface-controlled, with an interface site factor which increases with increasing undercooling. The plot of log (growth rate × viscosity) versus (TΔT−1 can be described by two straight lines with different slopes. The slopes correspond to edge surface energies of 113 and 51 erg cm−2, leading to values of 0.35 and 0.16 respectively for the ratio σM/ΔHfM (were σM is the molar surface energy and ΔHfM is the molar heat of fusion). It is shown that the crystal growth data on PbO·SiO2 are within an order of magnitude of the theoretically-predicted values based on the standard model of surface-nucleation controlled crystal growth, at least at small undercoolings. The data seem, however, at variance with predictions based on computer simulations of crystal growth using the measured heat of fusion. The excellent glass-formability of PbO·SiO2, in spite of its high fluidity, may be explained by this deviation from expected behavior and by the absence of effective nucleating heterogeneities.
Influence of Environment, Strategy, and Market Orientation on Performance in Small Manufacturing Firms

Abstract This study’s primary objective is to compare the industry environment impact with the impact of firm strategy and market orientation culture on small manufacturing firm performance. The extent of market orientation has a greater impact on small manufacturing firm performance, than the direct or indirect impact of the particular industry environment and strategy selection. Emphasis on growth/differentiation strategy has a significant impact on small firm profitability. Industry characteristics have a minimal impact on small firm performance and minimal moderating impact on the relationship between strategy and performance. Possible explanations for this weak influence include small firm adaptability and the limited range of small firm strategic options. The study suggests that strong performance requires more than an appropriate match of strategy to the environment, because there is a higher correlation between growth differentiation strategy and environmental turbulence in the lowest profitability group, as compared to the highest group. But, there is significantly higher correlation between growth differentiation strategy and market orientation in the high-profitability group, as compared to the low group. The results suggest that firm culture and competencies that affect implementation of firm strategy are more critical determinants of relative small firm performance than the match of strategy and environment.
The heat of fusion of polytetrafluoroethylene

The heat of fusion of virgin and melt-processed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was determined using the Clapeyron equation. Experimental data were obtained from PVT experiments and high-temperature x-ray diffraction measurements. For virgin, as-polymerized PTFE, the melting temperature is given by where, for Tm in degrees Celsius, A = 346.3±1.2, B = 0.095±0.003, and P is the pressure in kilograms per square centimeter. At the end of the atmospheric-pressure melting interval, the amorphous and crystalline specific volumes V1 and Vc are 0.6517 and 0.492 cm3/g, respectively. Thus the heat of fusion is 24.4 cal/g, or nearly twice the value reported previously. The increases in enthalpy and volume at the melting point both indicate a degree of crystallinity of about 75–80% although infrared, x-ray, and NMR data give much higher levels. Data from calorimetry, NMR, and dynamic mechanical measurements indicate that in virgin PTFE some of the crystals continue to experience torsional oscillations at temperatures below the room-temperature transitions. This indicates that there are at least two kinds of crystalline regions. For previously melted PTFE, Tm is determined by A = 328.5±0.7 and B = 0.095±0.002, the volumes are Vam = 0.6349 and Vcr = 0.4855 cm3/g, and the heat of fusion is 22.2 cal/g. The entropy of fusion for PTFE is much closer to that of polyethylene than was previously believed.
MRP systems under supply and process uncertainty in an integrated shop floor control environment

Abstract We investigated the effect of supplier and process uncertainty in a real time MRP environment. The environment modelled is supported by an ‘on line’ data monitoring and data collection system such that the activities of the shop floor and the receiving area are incorporated within the MRP database as they occur. The purpose of the model is to evaluate the operation of an integrated shop floor control/M R P system in a multi-level product structure environment which operates on a rolling horizon basis. The interaction of supply/process uncertainty with product structure and choice of lot sizing rule is examined for various cost factors. The presence of uncertainty is found to greatly complicate the operation of the MRP system. In addition, supply/process uncertainty combines with product structure and the choice of lot sizing rule, to impact the cost performance of the system. The significance of these interactions was confirmed by the formulation and testing of several hypotheses. Based on these ...
Electropolymerized eugenol: Evaluation as a protective film for oxygen sensing

Abstract Low oxygen levels in the brain are directly associated with stroke, and monitoring oxygen is essential to investigations of mechanisms in the brain that alter oxygen uptake. Most of the electrochemical detection schemes have focused on detecting neurotransmitters, nitric oxide, 5-HT, and dopamine, while excluding interferants, notably ascorbic acid. Despite the importance of oxygen in brain neurophysiology, very few reports for in vivo brain oxygen sensors have appeared recently in the literature. Amperometric detection using a membrane covered electrode is the basis of the Clark electrode and remains a popular method for measuring dissolved oxygen. Here we report on the performance of electropolymerized eugenol (PE) as a protective electrode film for oxygen sensing in vitro. Unlike dip-coatings that can only be evaluated after casting, it was discovered that the performance of the PE film can be anticipated from the current response seen in the electropolymerization step. PE proved to be a protective coating for a gold electrode; sensing oxygen in the presence of bovine serum albumin, which typically fouls uncoated electrodes. PE was also found to be impermeable to ascorbic acid. This is the first report where PE films have been used to develop a solid state electrode to sense oxygen in vitro.
Mathematical concepts for analyzing ambiguous situations

We examine some mathematical tools for dealing with ambiguous situations. The main tool is the use of non-standard logic with truth-values in what is called a locale. This approach is related to fuzzy set theory, which we briefly discuss. We also consider probabilistic concepts. We include specific examples and describe the way a researcher can set up a suitable locale to analyse a concrete situation.
Acute toxicity of ammonia to four species of marine amphipod

Abstract Ammonia has been found to be toxic to many species of marine organisms, but little data address the toxicity of ammonia to benthic infaunal species such as amphipods. Organisms closely associated with marine or estuarine sediments may be exposed to higher ammonia concentrations than are found in the water column, especially when sediments are disturbed. In this study, four species of marine or estuarine amphipods ( Rhepoxynius abronius, Eohaustorius estuarius, Ampelisca abdita and Grandidierella japonica ) were exposed to ammonia in seawater, in the absence of sediment, under controlled laboratory conditions, to determine the concentrations of ammonia that would be acutely toxic to those species. A. abdita was found to be the most sensitive to ammonia, with a median lethal concentration (LC 50 ) of 49·8 mg/liter total ammonia (0·83 mg/liter as un-ionized ammonia). R. abronius was also relatively sensitive: LC 50 = 78·7 mg/liter total ammonia (1·59 mg/liter un-ionized ammonia). E. estuarius and G. japonica were less sensitive, with estimated LC 50 values of 125·5 mg/liter and 148·3 mg/liter total ammonia, respectively (2·49 mg/liter and 3·35 mg/liter un-ionized ammonia). The absence of sediment did not appear to influence the response of the amphipods over the 96-h exposure period.
Effect of Epicardial Fat on Ablation Performance: A Three‐Energy Source Comparison

Objectives: To investigate the effect of epicardial fat on surgical atrial fibrillation ablation performance using an in vitro model. Two tissue models were employed to investigate standard penetration and maximal lesion depth performance of bipolar radiofrequency (RF), microwave, and laser energy sources. Methods: Ventricular veal tissue was utilized in various thicknesses (3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 15 mm). Epicardial fat was modeled by layering porcine fat (1 mm, 2 mm and 4 mm) on moistened tissue. In each group, 8 to 10 lesions were created. Post ablation, tissue samples were sectioned and ablation depth of each myocardial section measured using 1% tetrazolium tetrachloride dye solution. Results: The laser energy source produced nearly 100% transmural lesions in almost all study groups irrespective of myocardium thickness and fat thickness. The microwave device maintained transmurality in all 3-mm and most 5-mm myocardium trials but fell to near zero with all 7-mm myocardium trials. The bipolar RF maintained transmurality only when no fat was applied. In the maximal lesion depth models, the laser was capable of producing lesions >8 mm with no fat and >6 mm with either 2 mm or 4 mm of fat present. The microwave produced lesions in the no fat (>6 mm) and 2-mm (>4 mm) fat group. The bipolar RF produced 83% transmurality with no fat and zero percent transmurality with 2 mm of fat present. Conclusions: Epicardial fat can severely limit transmurality in energy sources that utilize conductive heating. Laser energy was uniformly superior at producing both transmural and deep lesions irrespective of the presence of fat.
Binary weight-of-evidence evaluations of chemical interactions—15 years of experience

The paper reflects on the last 15years of experience in the field of mixtures risk assessment. It summarizes results found in various documents developed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) of the weight-of-evidence (WOE) approach applied to 380 binary combinations of chemicals. Of these evaluations, 156 assessments indicated possible additivity of effects [=], 76 indicated synergism (greater-than-additive effects [>]), and 57 indicated antagonism (less-than-additive effects [<]). However, 91 combinations lacked the minimum information needed for making any assessments and, hence, were undetermined. The paper provides examples of the rationale behind some of the WOE decisions and discusses the importance of expert judgments in risk assessment evaluations. Examples are given regarding the importance of human variability in mixtures' ability to affect human health and regarding the dose versus effect relationships.
Contractive projections with contractive complement in Lp space

Using the concepts of conditional expectation and independence of subalgebras, we characterize those contractive projections, P, on Lp, over a probability measure space, having the property that I − P is contractive. By contractive projection we mean a linear operator, P, on the Lebesgue space, Lp, 1 < p < ∞, ≠2, with P2 = P, ∥ = 1.
Mathematical modeling of thermally induced stresses in two-roll melt drag thin strip casting of steel

In thin strip casting of steel, a major problem is the formation of cracks due to thermally induced stresses in the solidifying material. To compute these stresses and the susceptibility of the material to crack due to these stresses, a two-dimensional finite element based thermo-mechanical model has been developed. The temperature field obtained by the fluid flow and heat transfer model is imposed as a thermal load to the system. A visco-plastic constitutive relation has been used to describe the behavior of solidifying steel. A temperature dependent ultimate strength is used to define the cracking index, which indicates the susceptibility of the material to crack. Stress calculations are performed using a commercial software ANSYS.
In vivo inhibition of citrate cleavage enzyme by polychlorinated biphenyls.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1254, PCB) administered in the diet (0.01%, w/v) to rats inhibited citrate cleavage enzyme. The results suggest that the decreased activity might in part account for decreased fatty acid synthesis in the livers of PCB-treated rats.
Patterns of secondary cancer treatment for biochemical failure following radical prostatectomy: data from CaPSURE.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Biochemical failure after definitive treatment for localized prostate cancer may occur in a substantial number of patients. The pattern and type of treatment offered to such patients have been poorly documented. We determined second treatment patterns in patients with biochemical failure following radical prostatectomy (RP).Materials and Methods: A total of 303 patients treated with RP who had biochemical failure were identified from CaPSURE (Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor, Tap Pharmaceutical Products, Inc., Lake Forest, Illinois), a national longitudinal registry of men with prostate cancer. Failure was defined as 2 or more prostate specific antigen (PSA) values 0.2 or greater following RP. The timing and type of secondary cancer treatment were determined. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to determine significant predictors of time to secondary treatment, and logistic regression was used to determine predictors of the type of seconda...
Annealing of poly(ethylene terephthalate)-film-based magnetic recording media for improved dimensional stability

PET-film-based magnetic recording media are subject to a number of dimensional instabilities, a major one being in-plane shrinkage due to stress relaxation in the biaxially oriented substrate. Annealing the media allows stress relaxation without significantly degrading other properties and makes possible the use of higher track densities. Effects of annealing on mechanical properties, coefficients of thermal and hygroscopic expansion, and long-term dimensional stability of the media are described.
Multimedia Information Flow and the Enterprise MIS Manager

Geographically distributed government and industrial organizations are being faced with an increasingly complex set of problems related to multi-media information flow between distributed functions, heterogeneous hardware and software environments, and unsophisticated (in terms of modern information system technology) user cultures. As we enter the decade of the nineties, the integrated answer to this set of problems is being identified as the Enterprise Solution.. While many of the recent technology advances in multi-media hardware and software address the technical aspects of the enterprise solution, significant progress has not been realized in the area of transferring that emerging technology to the user environment. This paper will address the issues related to the technology transfer process as well as the education and evolution of the user culture. It will also show how the MIS manager can play a significant role in both the technology transfer and culture change process.
Influence of central serotonergic mechanisms on lower urinary tract function

The effects of serotonergic drugs on the central nervous system control of the lower urinary tract have revealed possible approaches for the treatment of detrusor overactivity and urinary incontinence. Studies in animals of the distribution of serotonergic nerves and receptors and the changes in voiding function induced by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) receptor agonists and antagonists, as well as 5-HT reuptake inhibitors, form a basis for the development of such treatments. In rats and cats, spinal reflex circuits involved in voiding function exhibit a dense serotonergic innervation, multiple 5-HT receptors, and sensitivity to various drugs that affect serotonergic transmission. Although there is some evidence in the rat for serotonergic facilitation of voiding, most experiments in rats and cats indicate that activation of the central serotonergic system by 5-HT reuptake inhibitors, as well as by 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor agonists, depresses reflex bladder contractions and increases the bladder volume threshold for inducing micturition. These data indicate that activation of the central serotonergic system can suppress voiding by enhancing efferent control of the urethral outlet and inhibiting the parasympathetic excitatory input to the urinary bladder. The 5-HT receptors and reuptake mechanisms, therefore, represent targets for the development of new treatments of detrusor overactivity and urinary incontinence.
Preparation of B4C/Al composites for image analysis

Abstract Composites made by infiltrating B 4 C networks with aluminum, or its alloys, are of interest for lightweight armor applications. Image analysis plays an important part in correlating the microstructures of such composites with their mechanical properties. Accurate image analysis requires a high degree of perfection in the metallographic preparation, which is particularly difficult where the phases present have such disparate hardnesses and reactivities. Two preparation procedures have been developed that produce adequate contrast and definition for analysis of key microstructural features.
Cell separation of Tethya aurantia, an analytical study of embryonic and differentiated sponge cells.

The cells of the spongeTethya aurantia var.californiana were separated on a Ficoll density gradient and the fractions analyzed for cell types and their lipids. Major cell types were choanocyte, archeocyte, and symbiont. Major differences in archeocyte and choanocyte fatty acid composition were noted for 20∶4, 26∶1 and 26∶2. The fatty acids 26∶1, 26∶2, and 28∶3 were dominant in the phosphatidylcholine fraction. Archeocytes had highest concentrations of 4,7,10,13–20∶4 and 5,8,11,14–20∶4 (arachidonic) acids which could be derived from symbionts, as odd-chain and methyl-branched fatty acid were also present. Sterol analyses showed cholesterol as a major sterol of the sponge cell fractions and clionasterol (or its 24-isomer) as a major sterol in symbiont cells.
Serologic response in man to adenovirus and SV40 components in adenovirus vaccines.

SummaryVolunteers were vaccinated with an inactivated trivalent adenovirus vaccine prepared with adenovirus strains containing SV40 genetic and oncogenic information, enclosed within adenovirus capsids, but no SV40 infectious virus. The volunteers showed marked increases in complement fixing and virus neutralizing antibodies directed against the adenovirus components in the vaccine, but did not respond serologically to the SV40 information. Suckling hamsters injected with the trivalent vaccine or with its monovalent components did not develop tumors over a prolonged observation period. Thus, the SV40 genome contained in the inactivated adenovirus vaccine was inactive antigenically in man and oncogenically in hamsters. The significance of the findings in relation to use in man of killed adenovirus vaccines prepared with adenovirus containing encapsidated SV40 information is discussed.
Audible pedestrian signals as directional beacons

Abstract While many accessible pedestrian signals (APS) are installed to specify the time period when the visual WALK sign is activated, this series of studies explored the possibility of using APS to provide directional beaconing for pedestrians crossing a street. It was found that providing an APS auditory signal only from the far end of a 16 m crossing reduced the amount of veering more than providing the signal from both ends of the crossing. Alternating the signal between the two ends of the crossing for the 7 s of the WALK phase provided good beaconing information as long as only one of two parallel crosswalks at an intersection were signaled at a time. The most effective beaconing situation was to include a pushbutton locator tone at the far end that would activate when the WALK phase signal was complete.
An empirical study of flooding in mesh networks

Flooding in wireless mesh networks is a fundamental operation to many network-level and application-level protocols. Therefore, efficient flooding is important. Prior work has shown that naive flooding can generate broadcast storms. This has inspired much research on optimized flooding, most of which has been based on analysis and simulation. In this paper, we measure the performance of flooding protocols on a large-scale office 802.11a mesh network of 110 nodes distributed across four floors. We compare three protocols: naive flooding and two optimized flooding protocols. In naive flooding, all nodes rebroadcast received flood messages once. The other two protocols are inspired by the multi-point relay algorithm, which selects subsets of the nodes to rebroadcast. To understand the scalability of each protocol, we examine its performance with and without background traffic. For the flood protocols, we measure the delivery ratios and packet overhead. All perform well without background traffic. However, contrary to common opinion, with background traffic the optimized flooding protocols perform sufficiently poorly to seriously question their viability in 802.11-based mesh networks. Thus, as a different point in the design space, we also compare implementing discovery, often implemented using flooding, using key-based routing which does not rely on flooding.
Outcomes of endovascular and open treatment for chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Purpose:To measure contemporary practice patterns and compare outcomes of open and endovascular repair for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI).Methods:The New York State Health Department Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was queried for the ICD-9-CM codes for CMI for the years 2000 to 2006. In this time period, 6549 patients were evaluated for CMI in New York State. Of these patients, 666 received an intervention and underwent either open (n=280) or endovascular (n=347) repair; 39 patients underwent both treatments and were excluded. Trends in operative management and short-term outcomes were analyzed.Results:Over the 7-year study period, there was a steady increase in the number of endovascular procedures from 28% in 2000 to 75% in 2006. The overall mortality rate for the 7-year period was significantly lower for endovascular versus open repair (11.0% versus 20.4%, respectively; p=0.0011). Endovascular repair was associated with a significantly lower rate of mesenteric ischemic c...
The overtime culture in a global corporation: A cross-national study of finance professionals' interest in working part-time

This article uses a multilevel model to study financial professionals' expressed interest in working part-time. The sample includes 260 financial professionals in the United States, Hong Kong, and Great Britain who do similar work for one division of one multinational company headquartered in the United States. The authors find that the hours worked are similarly long across countries. Critical constituents, that is, employees with family responsibilities, are most likely to be interested in part-time work. Even net of critical constituency, however, Hong Kong finance professionals are much more likely than their American and British counterparts to be interested in reduced-hour arrangements. American finance professionals are least likely to express interest in working part-time, suggesting a strongly American emphasis on a culture of overtime in this U.S.-headquartered global company.
TARDEC's robotics laboratory

The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) recently opened a 5000 square foot robotics laboratory known as the TARDEC Robotics Laboratory. The focus of the lab is on robotics research, both basic and applied, in the area of robot mobility. Mobility is the key problem for light weight robotic systems, and the TARDEC Robotics Lab will develop innovative ways to deal with the mobility issues. The lab will also test and evaluate robotic systems in all aspects of mobility and control. The lab has the highest concentration of senior researchers at TARDEC, and is committed to maintaining in- house research talent so that new combat concepts using robots can be evaluated effectively by the Army. This paper serves as an introduction to the lab, its missions, goals, capabilities and programs.
Some asymptotic methods in combinatorics

Let 〈f n ≧ 0 be nonnegative real numbers with generating function f(x) = Σf n x n . Assume f(x) has the following properties: it has a finite nonzero radius of convergence x 0 with its only singularity on the circle of convergence at x = x 0 and f(x 0 ) converges to y 0 ; y = f(x) satisfies an analytic identity F(x, y) = 0 near ( x 0 , y 0 ); F y(l) ( x 0 , y 0 )= 0, 0 ≦ i F y(k) ( x 0 , y 0 ) ≠ 0. There are constants γ, a positive rational, and c such that f n ~ cx 0 −n n −(1 +ggr;) . Furthermore, we show (i) in all cases how to determine γ and c from f(x) and (ii) in certain cases how to determine them from F(x, y) .
HST Observations of Saturnian Satellites during the 1995 Ring Plane Crossings

Abstract In May, August, and November 1995, Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations during Saturn's ring-plane crossings allowed us to view saturnian satellites normally hidden to Earth-based observers in the glare of the rings. New measurements of Janus, Epimetheus, Prometheus, and Pandora have been combined to form revised orbital solutions using all three HST data sets. These measurements and orbit fits are presented, as well as similar fits for the brighter satellites Mimas, Tethys, Enceladus, Dione, and Rhea. Observations of the Lagrangian satellites Telesto, Calypso, and Helene are also reported. While most satellites were found to be close to their expected positions based on previous orbital solutions (Nicholson et al. 1992, Icarus 100 , 464–484; Jacobson 1996, Bull. Amer. Astron. Soc. 28 , 1185; and Harper and Taylor 1993, Astron. Astrophys . 268 , 326–349). Prometheus lagged behind its predicted longitude by 18.85°±0.04°. A systematic drift in Pandora's longitude of −1.85° relative to the Voyager ephemeris was observed between May and November. The new data on the coorbital satellites Janus and Epimetheus have resulted in a revised mass for Janus, ∼6% smaller than the previous value (Jacobson 1995, Bull. Amer. Astron. Soc. 27 , 1202). Subtraction of light from the edge-on rings has led to additional detections of objects S/1995-S1 and S3 (Bosh and Rivkin 1995, Science 272 , 518–521) in the May data, and S/1995-S5, S6, S7 (Nicholson et al. 1995, Bull. Amer. Astron. Soc . 27 , 1202) and S/1995-S9 (Roddier et al. 1996) in the August images. S1 is identified with Atlas but leads its predicted position by ∼25°. S3 has an orbit consistent with that of the narrow F ring, but S5, S6, S7, and S9 now appear to orbit ∼530–950 km interior to this ring. S7 and S9 may even be coorbital with Prometheus. An object in the May images, possibly corresponding to S7, is also found to lie very close to Prometheus' orbit (∼800 km interior to the F ring), but no convincing detections of an analogous object in this orbit at this longitude were made in the November data set. In addition to these previously reported objects, eight new objects were identified during multiple HST visits in May and August; all have orbits consistent with that of the F ring and are likely to have been short-lived clumps within this ring, similar to those seen in Voyager images (Showalter 1997, Bull. Amer. Astron. Soc. 29 , 999).
Superoxide free radical and intracellular calcium mediate Aβ1–42 induced endothelial toxicity

The 39-42 amino acid residue amyloid beta peptide (A beta), the major protein component in senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloidosis in the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD), has been shown to be neurotoxic in vitro. Accumulating data from several areas suggest that cerebrovascular dysfunction and damage may also play a significant role in the AD process. For instance, we have recently demonstrated enhanced vasoconstriction and resistance to relaxation in intact rat aorta treated with A beta [Thomas et al., beta-Amyloid-mediated vasoactivity and vascular endothelial damage, Nature, 380 (1996) 168-171]. Significant vessel damage occurred after thirty minutes of exposure, but could be prevented with superoxide dismutase. To further investigate the role of A beta toxicity on endothelial cells, we have applied A beta peptides to cultures of human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). Our results show that both A beta(1-42) and A beta(25-35) are toxic to HAEC in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and that this toxicity can be partially prevented by the calcium channel blocker, verapamil, and the antioxidant, superoxide dismutase. The common form of A beta, A beta(1-40), which has been shown to be neurotoxic, is much less toxic to HAEC. A beta toxicity to HAEC occurs within 30 min of treatment with relatively lower doses than those usually observed in primary cultured neurons and vascular smooth muscle cells. It was recently reported that a variety of mutations in the beta-amyloid protein precursor gene and the Presenilin-1 and -2 genes linked to early-onset familial AD cause an increase in the plasma concentration of A beta(1-42) in mutation carriers [Scheuner et al., Secreted amyloid beta-protein similar to that in the senile plaques of Alzheimer's disease is increased in vitro by the presenilin 1 and 2 and APP mutations linked to familial Alzheimer's disease, Nature Med., 2 (1996) 864-870]. Human aortic endothelial cells are more sensitive to A beta(1-42) than A beta(1-40), via a pathway involving an excess of superoxide free radicals and influx of extracellular calcium. Finally, we have evidence that both apoptotic and necrotic processes are activated by the A beta peptides in these endothelial cells.
CHANGE, DISENGAGEMENT, AND RENEWAL: RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS BETWEEN YOUNG ADULTS AND THEIR FATHERS AFTER DIVORCE

Little is known about children’s perceptions of their parents’ divorce or bow children construct meaning around the divorce and their subsequent relationships with theirparents. 7he focus of this study was to learn about the experiences and the meanings young adults had constructed about the divorce process and their relationships with their fathers in the years after the divorce. The findings revealed a broad spectrum of experiences and several key issues that gave meaning to both the disengagement and the reengagement with their fathers. Loss, trust, acceptance, availability, and support are a few of the vital issues addressed. Implications for family therapists are discussed. BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE Processes associated with the divorce experience tend to change parent-child relationships. These changes are also intertwined with other aspects of everyday life, normative stressors, and relationship changes due to children’s continual development. Hence, it is difficult to ascertain exactly how divorce transforms parent-child relationships. The purpose of this study is to provide a description of how young adults see their relationships with their fathers, as well as to explore the connections they make with regard to how divorce might have changed or shaped their feelings about their fathers. The literature on father-child relationships after divorce presents a rather dismal picture of “fading fathers,” Disneyland dads, and devitalized relationships between
North Arch volcanic fields near Hawaii are evidence favouring the restite-root hypothesis for the origin of hotspot swells

A pronounced regional bathymetric swell is a common feature of oceanic hotspot volcanism. Recently, the hypothesis of a buoyant sublithospheric swell-root has been favoured, the root being either a ‘refracted plume’ of hot, buoyant and hence low-viscosity plume material embedded within surrounding higher viscosity asthenosphere, or a ‘restite-root’ composed of hot and more viscous residues to hotspot melt-extraction from the hottest central portion of the upwelling plume. In this article, we present numerical experiments that show that these two scenarios predict different flow and melting patterns whenever the plume passes beneath an obliquely oriented fracture zone where the base of the overriding lithosphere changes in thickness. We find that the restite-root hypothesis predicts an asymmetric spatial pattern of persistent ‘arch volcanism’ strikingly similar to that found in the Hawaiian chain surrounding the Molokai Fracture Zone. In contrast, the ‘refracted plume’ hypothesis predicts more chaotic patterns quite different from the off-chain pattern of Hawaiian volcanism.
Identification of critical modes of large-scale systems excited with several input functions

The authors present a methodology for identifying the critical modes of large-scale systems excited by several input functions, including step and impulse functions. A quadratic performance measure is defined. This index is related to the type of application under consideration. For example, the index can be a function of the output variables or some other desired state variables. Each eigenvalue is evaluated by assessing its contribution to that performance index. The eigenvalues that contribute the most to the performance measure are identified as the critical modes. An algorithm is derived, and an example is given to illustrate the proposed method. >
Osteological development of Cope's Gray Treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis

Hyla chrysoscelis, Cope's Gray Treefrog, is a generalized treefrog found throughout much of east-central North America. Although it is a model for many behavioural and ecological studies, little is known of its skeletal morphology or development. Herein, we describe the postembryonic skeletal development and adult osteology of H. chrysoscelis. The adult skull is well ossified with slight dermal ornamentation, the postcranial and tadpole skeletons are fairly non-distinct with no obvious novel morphologies, and the Gosner stage by which bony elements first appear varies. We compare the rank order sequence of ossification to that of its sibling species Hyla versicolor and use examples from this study to demonstrate current complications with conducting ossification sequence meta-analyses.
Seasonal variability of alongshore geostrophic velocity off central California

The seasonal variation of the alongshore geostropic velocity (AGV) (relative to 500 dbar) over the outer continental slope off Point Sur and Point Conception, California, is investigated statistically on the basis of hydrographic data collected in the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations from 1949 through 1981. Previous observations and theoretical models of the AGV features are reviewed, the data are characterized, and the results are presented graphically and compared with the model predictions. Both locations have coherent mainly annual flow above 100-m depth, north during October-January and south during February-September; below 100 m, the flow is semiannually variable and always northward (with December and June maxima) at Point Conception but annual (with northward maximum in December and weak southward flow from March to May) at Point Sur.
Managing Risk in Africa Through Institutional Reform

African economies have experienced weak levels of growth in per capita income over the past decade. While standard models of growth suggest institutional governance as one key to success, thus far little attention has been given to the role of risk in institutional reform. In this paper, we use a nested panel regression model to estimate the economic value of institutional reform on economic growth, with data for 30 Sub-Saharan African countries from 1980–2004. Our findings provide a basis for measuring the economic value of institutional reform through its impact on reducing aggregate country risk.
Access And Affordability: An Update On Health Reform In Massachusetts, Fall 2008

Massachusetts continues to move forward on comprehensive health reform. Uninsurance is at historically low levels, despite the recent economic downturn. Building on that coverage expansion, access to and affordability of care in the commonwealth have improved. Notwithstanding these successes, some of the early gains in reducing barriers to care and improving the affordability of care had eroded by fall 2008, reflecting trends that predate health reform in Massachusetts: constraints on provider capacity and increasing health care costs. Because these are national concerns as well, Massachusetts continues to offer lessons for national reform efforts.
Optimization technique for the calculation of in vitro three-dimensional vertebral motion

A method for the calculation of translations and Eulerian rotations of an orthogonal axis system with respect to a fixed reference is described with application to the measurement of position in a vertebral motion segment. Kinematic equations were derived to compute the three-dimensional motion of a moving vertebra relative to an adjacent fixed body, without the requirement of a direct physical link between the two bodies. For this calculation, the quadratic error of the lengths of six position vectors was minimized to obtain a mathematically optimal estimate of the translations and rotations. Tests with a rigid model resulted in mean maximum overall system errors of 2.8 percent for the measurement of translation (translations less than 3.5 mm) and 6.1 percent for the measurement of rotations (rotations less than 10 deg) limited by transducer accuracy. The mathematical techniques presented for the quantitative description of rigid body motion, based on the measurement of three reference vectors, may be extended to a broad range of kinematic problems.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology Recommended Breast Cancer Surveillance Guidelines can be done in a routine office visit.

REFERENCE 1. Fossa SD, Horwich A, Russell JM, et al: Optimal planning target volume for stage I testicular seminoma: A Medical Research Council Randomized Trial. J Clin Oncol 17:1146-1154, 1999 2. Jones WG, Fossa SD, Mead GM, et al: Randomized trial of 30 versus 20 Gy in the adjuvant treatment of stage I testicular seminoma: A report on Medical Research Council Trial TE18, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Trial 30942 (ISRCTN18525328). J Clin Oncol 23:1200-1208, 2005
Worst-case Analysis of the Low-complexity Symbol Grouping Coding Technique

The symbol grouping technique is widely used in practice because it allows great reductions on the complexity of entropy coding symbols from large alphabets, at the expense of small losses in compression. While it has been used mostly in an ad hoc manner, it is not known how general this technique is, i.e., in exactly what type of data sources it can be effective. We try to answer this question by searching for worst-case data sources, measuring the performance, and trying to identify trends. We show that finding the worst-case source is a very challenging optimization problem, and propose some solution methods that can be used in alphabets of moderate size. The numerical results provide evidence confirming the hypotheses that all data sources with large number of symbols can be more efficiently coded, with very small loss, using symbol grouping.
Survivorship Research: Past, Present, and Future

In 1884, an official ceremony was held and the cornerstone laid for an ornate and turreted building in New York City that would for many years house the first cancer treatment center in the country. The site, located on the upper west side of Central Park, then a virtual wilderness area on the larger island of Manhattan, was selected because the belief at the time was that cancer was contagious. The rounded design of the towers, where patient beds were to be located, was intended to discourage the risk of germs, which were thought to lurk in corners. Named The New York Cancer Hospital, this institution would later be moved in 1948 to its current east side location where it was, until 1960, called the Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases. The history of this leading center for cancer care and research, known today as the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a sprawling multisite enterprise, is illustrative of where we have come in viewing cancer.1
Network Coding-Based Protection of Many-to-One Flow Networks

Survivability of many-to-one flow networks such as wireless mesh networks (WMNs) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is an important issue that has not received enough attention in the literature. Traditional proactive and reactive protection schemes are either resource-hungry like the (1 + 1) protection scheme, or introduce a delay and interrupt the network operation like the (1 : N) protection scheme. In this paper, we present a novel approach that relies on network coding to provide protection to many-to-one flows as in WMNs or WSNs at the speed of proactive protection, but at the cost of reactive protection. We derive and prove the necessary and sufficient conditions for our solution on a restricted network topology. Then we introduce three generalizations of our problem, and provide a heuristic and a mixed integer linear program (MILP) to solve one of them. We also show how to perform deterministic coding with {0,1} coefficients to achieve linear independence. Finally, we discuss some practical considerations related to our approach, and define a more general problem that takes these considerations into account. We also formulate this general problem as an MILP.
Emotional Disorders in Young Offenders

Problem: To estimate rates of emotional disorder in the Maryland Juvenile Justice system as a guide for planning and policy efforts. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, psychopathology and level of functioning in a random sample of 312 committed and detained youth (60 females, 252 males) were assessed. Youth diagnostically classified met criteria for mental disorder using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC) combined with a cut-off score (60 or below) on the Child Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), as established by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Findings: Fifty-three percent were classified with diagnosable mental disorders on the DISC, but were above the cut-off scores on the CGAS. Forty-six percent met criteria for diagnosis and low functioning. Twenty-six percent of youth indicated need for immediate mental health services. Fourteen percent with serious mental disorders and substantial functional impairment were in need of a highly restrictive environment as determined by the severity of their offenses. Conclusions: The number of youth in the Maryland Juvenile Justice System in need of mental health services indicates a need to examine treatment options that meet the requirements for security and treatment. The complexity of problems found in this sample indicates the need for collaborative efforts between mental health and juvenile justice personnel in planning for the immediate and future needs of these youth.
Torsional nystagmus in hypothalamic hamartoma.

Torsional nystagmus was noted in a patient with hypothalamic hamartoma. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an exophytic hypothalamic mass extending into the pre-pontine cistern and abutting ventral mesencephalon. The quickphase of the torsional nystagmus was directed towards the left side, ipsilateral to the side of compression by the hamartoma. Ipsi-lesionally directed pure torsional nystagmus in this case is attributed to the compressive lesion of ocular motor structures responsible for the neural integration of torsional and vertical eye movements, the interstitial nucleus of Cajal. [ Published with video sequences]
Preliminary results on decentralized disturbance decoupling with internal stability

This paper sets forth necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of a restricted decentralized disturbance decoupling problem with internal stability, DDDPIS, for large scale systems modelled by the component connection model, CCM. In addition the paper describes a continuation algorithm for the construction of local state feedback which solves the problem. A simple example illustrates the development.