cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of a fast neutron coincidence counter

Abstract Monte Carlo simulations were carried out to simulate the response of a boron-loaded plastic scintillator array. These detectors offer potential advantages compared to moderated 3He systems because of their fast response and high efficiency. Tallies were made of neutron capture probability as a function of time and the results were coupled to assay variance estimates to evaluate detector performance. Orders-of-magnitude reductions in count time relative to a 50% efficient thermal counter are possible, in principle, for high (α,n) samples.
Long-lived C. elegans daf-2 Mutants are resistant to bacterial pathogens

Our laboratories have studied the mechanisms of aging ( [1][1], [2][2] ) and immune function ( [3][3] ) in Caenorhabditis elegans . Herein we show that the mechanisms that govern these two processes may be interrelated. The human Gram-negative bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Direct frequency measurements of transitions at 520 THz /576 nm/ in iodine and 260 THz /1.15 micron/ in neon

The o hyperfine component of the 127I2 17-1 P(62) transition at 520 THz (576 nm) in iodine was measured with respect to the CH4-stabilized 88-THz He–Ne laser. A 26-THz CO2 laser, a color-center laser at 130 THz, and a He–Ne laser at 260 THz were used as transfer oscillators. The measured I2 frequency was 520 206 808.547 MHz with a total fractional uncertainty of 1.6 × 10−10. The 1.15-μm 20Ne Lamb-dip-stabilized laser frequency was 260 103 249.26 MHz with a total fractional uncertainty of 3.1 × 10−10.
Catalytic activity of molybdenum carbide for hydrogen generation via diesel reforming

The activity of a bulk molybdenum carbide catalyst for the steam (SR) and oxidative-steam reforming (OSR) of hexadecane has been studied with and without the presence of aromatic coke precursors and sulfur compounds. It is shown that this catalyst can be stable under very low steam:carbon ratios at temperatures as low as 885 °C under OSR conditions, and 965 °C under SR conditions. Using benzo-thiophene as a model sulfur compound at concentrations as high as 500 ppmw, the degree of deactivation was found to be dependent on the sulfur concentration but was minimal at concentrations below 100 ppmw. Experiments confirmed that the sulfur poisoning is reversible and characterization studies suggested the formation of sulfur entities, which lead to carbide oxidation and subsequent coking. There was minimal effect of the aromatic species on the catalyst stability.
European Union External Trade Policy: Multilevel Principal–Agent Relationships

This article examines the potential political influences on European Union (EU) external trade policymaking. Given the EU's volume of international trade and its extensive involvement in bilateral and multilateral trade arrangements, a better understanding of how the EU makes external trade policy is increasingly important. It is an extremely complex process—involving the EU public, the 25 member states' parliaments and governments, and the institutions of the EU, including the Council of Ministers, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. It is a system of multilevel governance with overlapping jurisdictions with numerous potential access points for societal interests to influence European external trade policy. In this article, we evaluate the probable political channels that societal interests could use to influence EU external trade policy. We employ the principal–agent (P–A) framework to examine five of the more important P–A relationships that are likely to influence EU external trade policymaking. We conclude that EU policymaking as it pertains to external trade is quite insulated from general public pressures. The primary institutions involved in external trade policymaking are the EU Council of Ministers and the Commission—both of which are largely insulated from the public. Future empirical work should focus on this relationship between the Council of Ministers and the Commission.
The impact of complications on function, health, and satisfaction following abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction: a prospective evaluation.

Summary Background The impact of surgical complications following autologous reconstruction on abdominal strength, health, and satisfaction is not completely understood. We prospectively examined the effect of complications on these aspects in patients undergoing abdominally-based autologous reconstruction. Methods A prospective study of patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2005 and 2010 was performed at a single teaching hospital. Patients enrolled in the study completed an abdominal strength functional assessment, the Short Form 36 (SF-36), and a satisfaction survey. Data were obtained at preoperative, early ( 365 d) follow-up visits. Patients who experienced surgical complications were compared with patients who did not. A subgroup analysis examined the specific impact of abdominal complications. Results Overall, 97 enrolled patients had preoperative, early and intermediate follow up. Forty of these patients had late follow-up. Fifty-six (58%) experienced surgical complications. After reconstruction, the complications group had decreased upper abdominal strength and function scores through early ( p = 0.009, p = 0.01) and intermediate ( p = 0.01, p = 0.06) follow-up. SF-36 physical health ( p = 0.053) trended towards being lower in the early follow-up period. The complications group was less satisfied with the overall cosmetic result ( p = 0.01) and shape of breasts ( p = 0.02) through intermediate follow-up. At late follow-up, both cohorts recovered to baseline values in all study aspects. Patients with abdominal complications alone followed similar trends, with decreased upper abdominal strength and FIM scores through intermediate follow up. Conclusions Having a major postoperative complication can significantly impact early physical health, mental health, abdominal strength, and patient satisfaction. Beyond one year, recovery towards baseline may occur in the majority of patients. Level of Evidence : Prognostic/Risk Study, Level II.
Effect of Human Milk Fortifiers on Bacterial Growth in Human Milk

As a component in human milk fortifiers (HMF), iron may equilibrate with human milk for as long as 24 hours, bind important bacteriostatic proteins, and potentially affect the host defense properties of human milk. We compared bacterial growth in human milk prepared with each of two HMF differing in their content of iron. Samples of human milk obtained from mothers of premature infants were divided and mixed with one of two HMF and maintained at refrigerator temperature. Refrigerated milk samples were removed at 0, 24, and 72 hours for determination of total bacterial colony counts (TBCC). TBCC did not differ between groups but declined from 0 to 72 hours, p<0.001. These data suggest that differences in iron content, or other nutrients in HMF, do not affect bacterial growth in human milk. Storage of fortified human milk at refrigerator temperature for 72 hours results in decreased bacterial growth. As a component in human milk fortifiers (HMF), iron may equilibrate with human milk for as long as 24 hours, bind important bacteriostatic proteins, and potentially affect the host defense properties of human milk. We compared bacterial growth in human milk prepared with each of two HMF differing in their content of iron. Samples of human milk obtained from mothers of premature infants were divided and mixed with one of two HMF and maintained at refrigerator temperature. Refrigerated milk samples were removed at 0, 24, and 72 hours for determination of total bacterial colony counts (TBCC).
Utilization and determinants of palliative care in the trauma intensive care unit: results of a national survey.

Background:There is a paucity of data evaluating utilization of palliative care in trauma intensive care units.Aim:We sought to determine current indications and determinants of palliative care con...
The North Atlantic thermohaline circulation simulated by the GISS climate model during 1970–99

Abstract Evidence based on numerical simulations is presented for a strong correlation between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the North Atlantic overturning circulation. Using an ensemble of numerical experiments with a coupled ocean‐atmosphere model including both natural and anthropogenic forcings, it is shown that the weakening of the thermohaline circulation (THC) could be delayed in response to a sustained upward trend in the NAO, which was observed over the last three decades of the twentieth century, 1970–99. Overall warming and enhanced horizontal transports of heat from the tropics to the subpolar North Atlantic overwhelm the NAO‐induced cooling of the upper ocean layers due to enhanced fluxes of latent and sensible heat, so that the net effect of warmed surface ocean temperatures acts to increase the vertical stability of the ocean column. However, the strong westerly winds cause increased evaporation from the ocean surface, which leads to a reduced fresh water flux over the western pa...
Post-buckled precompressed (PBP) solid state adaptive rotor

This paper is centered on a new actuation philosophy executed on an old rotor design. An adaptive rotor employing twist-active piezoelectric root actuators was used as a testbed to investigate the new branch of structural mechanics devoted to low- and zero-net passive stiffness (ZNPS) structures. One of the more common methods to achieve zero net passive stiffnesses in structures is to employ "negative" springs: that is, mechanisms which when combined with the baseline structure null the passive stiffness of the total structural element. This paper outlines the application of such a system via a Post-Buckled Precompression (PBP) technique at the end of a twist-active piezoelectric rotor blade actuator. The basic performance of the system is handily modeled by using laminated plate theory techniques. A dual cantilevered spring system was used to increasingly null the passive stiffness of the root actuator along the feathering axis of the rotor blade. As the precompression levels were increased, it was shown that corresponding blade pitch levels also increased. The PBP cantilever spring system was designed so as to provide a high level of stabilizing pitch-flap coupling and inherent resistance to rotor propeller moments. Experimental testing showed pitch deflections increasing from just 8° peak-to-peak deflections at 650 V/mm field strength to more than 26° at the same field strength with design precompression levels. Dynamic testing showed the corner frequency of the linear system coming down from 63 Hz (3.8/rev) to 53Hz (3.2/rev). Thrust coefficients manipulation levels were shown to increase from 0.01 to 0.028 with increasing precompression levels. The paper concludes with an overall assessment of the actuator design and conclusions on overall feasibility.
The Structure of Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide

Much work of recent years, particularly that of Debye, Stewart, and Prins, has given support to the idea of structure in liquids; that, although atomic or ionic motions obviously take place, there are certain interatomic distances which on the average remain constant. One of the least indirect methods of approach is that of X -ray diffraction, and the present paper is an account of a Fourier analysis of the pattern of hydrogen peroxide. The general expression for the intensity of scattering of X-rays by any arrangement of atoms was first worked out by Debye (1915)
Competition in a pHauxostat

Competition between a rapidly growing bacterium and a slower growing yeast was studied in a bioreactor with feed rate controlled by the rate of consumption of substrate. The dilution rate increase indicates the take over by the faster organism. Simple models track well with the actual data.
Robert F Engle: Understanding volatility as a process

(2004). Robert F Engle: Understanding volatility as a process. Quantitative Finance: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. C19-C20.
Large Sample Properties of ML Estimator of the Parameters of Multivariate O–U Random Fields

Computer modeling is having a profound effect on scientific research, replacing direct physical experimentation by computer simulation of complex models. In this research, the computer output, X(t), is assumed to be a multivariate, three-dimensional (time) Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (O–U) process with parametric covariance function. It is shown that the ML estimates of the parameters are strongly consistent and asymptotically normal when the observations are taken from a complete lattice, not necessarily equally spaced.
The Boundary Conditions at the Tropopause

In this paper the general properties of surfaces are investigated at which the derivatives of pressure, temperature, density and velocity may suffer discontinuities. The assumed continuity of the meteorological variables implies severe conditions on the properties of the surface, so that only two types are possible: either the surface moves at the speed of sound relative to the fluid or it is a material surface and moves with the fluid. The tropopause, like a front, is of the latter type. It is shown that the pressure gradient, all particle time derivatives and the velocity divergence are continuous. A knowledge of the discontinuity in temperature lapse rate determines the discontinuities in all the first derivatives of density and potential temperature. In general, the components of the discontinuities in the vertical wind shear parallel to the tropopause can be prescribed arbitrarily (the normal component is zero), but when the wind is geostrophic on both sides of the tropopause, these components too are determined by the jump in the temperature lapse rate. The importance of these considerations for the internal consistency of mathematical models in dynamical meteorology is discussed. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1951.tb00781.x
Charge exchange of metastable 2D oxygen ions with N2 in the thermosphere

Abstract Measurements of N2+ and supporting data made on the Atmosphere Explorer-C satellite in the ionosphere are used to study the charge exchange process O + ( 2 D )+ N 2 → k N + 2 + O The equality k = (5 ± 1.7) × 10−10cm3s−1. This value lies close to the lower limit of experimental uncertainty of the rate coefficient determined in the laboratory. We have also investigated atomic oxygen quenching of O+(2D) and find that the rate coefficient is 2 × 10−11 cm3s−1 to within approximately a factor of two.
Influence of hole shape on the performance of a turbine vane endwall film-cooling scheme

Abstract Rising combustor exit temperatures in gas turbine engines necessitate active cooling for the downstream turbine section to avoid thermal failure. Film-cooling has long been an integral part of turbine cooling schemes. Cooling the endwall of a turbine airfoil is particularly difficult as much of the coolant is swept off the endwall by vortical flow patterns that develop in the passage. Although film-cooling has potential cooling benefits, this cooling method also leads to increased aerodynamic penalties in terms of total pressures losses in the turbine stage. This study investigated the trade-off between the cooling benefit and aerodynamic penalties associated with cooling the turbine endwall region for two different cooling hole shapes. Two commonly used film-cooling hole geometries were investigated; cylindrical holes and shaped holes. Compared to the case without any film-cooling, results showed that film-cooling with either hole geometry increased the aerodynamic losses through the turbine stage. Shaped film-cooling holes generated less total pressure losses through the turbine vane passage than cylindrical holes as a result of the separation from cylindrical hole injection having increased mixing losses. Shaped holes also provided better cooling to the endwall region than cylindrical holes, making them more effective both aerodynamically and thermally.
Characteristics of Nonallergic Vasomotor Rhinitis

Nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) conditions are currently considered diagnoses by exclusion. A diagnosis of NAR requires negative specific IgE responses by skin or serologic testing and more recently testing to exclude localized production of specific IgE in the nose. Symptoms are classically aggravated by irritant triggers such as tobacco smoke, perfumes/fragrances, and temperature or barometric pressure changes. A previously developed questionnaire survey designed to help physicians recognize differences between allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis subtypes found that patients with symptom onset later in life (> 35 years), no family history of allergies, no seasonality or cat-induced symptoms, and symptoms induced by perfumes and fragrances had > 95% likelihood of having a physician diagnosis of NAR. Of note, clinical symptoms were not generally useful for differentiating chronic rhinitis subtypes which has also been confirmed in a more recent study investigating the relationship between headaches and chronic rhinitis subtypes (Table 1). In subsequent studies it was found that a significant percentage of NAR patients did not experience irritant-induced symptoms, suggesting that these triggers are not a clinical characteristic that can be uniformly used for all NAR patients. However, a newly developed Irritant Index Scale can be used to reliably differentiate pure allergic rhinitis from nonallergic rhinitis with trigger phenotypes. The use of standardized and validated questionnaires allows objective characterization of chronic rhinitis subtypes that appears to improve the accuracy of clinically diagnosing these patients.
A universal integration algorithm for rate-dependent elastoplasticity

An algorithm is developed for integrating rate-dependent constitutive equations of elstoplasticity including isotropic and kinematic hardening, as well as thermal softening and non-coaxiality of the plastic strain rate and the driving stress. The method is unconditionally stable and accurate for large time steps and all possible ranges of rate-dependency. Under a constant loading rate the algorithm gives exact results at arbitrary step sizes for rate-independent materials without hardening, and in proportional loading for rate-independency with hardening, and linear viscosity without hardening. The present method is an extension of a recently proposed integration algorithm for stiff equations to domains of high rate-sensitivity like, for example, in power-law creep. The algorithm employs a plastic predictor-elastic corrector scheme, which, in general, requires less numerical effort in the return mapping process than the assumption of an elastic predictor. Numerical examples underline the efficiency of this integration algorithm in comparison to gradient techniques and an extended radial return method for rate-dependent plasticity.
Depressive symptoms and readiness to quit smoking among cigarette smokers in outpatient alcohol treatment

The authors examined whether length of alcohol abstinence and depressive symptoms were related to motivational readiness to consider smoking cessation among patients in alcohol treatment. Participants were adults (N = 253) enrolled in a smoking cessation trial. Controlling for gender, depressive symptoms, and nicotine dependence, hierarchical regression analysis of readiness scores revealed a significant interaction of days since last drink and depressive symptoms. It was found that a greater number of days since last drink was associated with greater readiness, but only among patients with low scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (L. S. Radloff, 1977). The findings suggest that alcoholic smokers with low depressive symptoms are more receptive to quitting smoking after sustained alcohol abstinence.
Undernutrition in hospitalized older adults: patterns and correlates, outcomes, and opportunities for intervention with a focus on processes of care.

Undernutrition in hospitalized older adults is increasingly being recognized as a serious problem with implications for both patient care and outcomes and health service utilization and costs. This article presents an overview of research that has been conducted examining undernutrition in hospitalized older adults. First, findings from observational studies examining patterns and predictors of undernutrition in hospitalized older adults will be described, with a focus on methodological challenges. Second, clinical outcomes and costs associated with undernutrition in hospitalized older adults will be presented, both while in the hospital and subsequent to discharge. Third, a description of interventions that have already been implemented in hospitalized older adults will be described. Finally, future areas of inquiry and opportunities for evidence-based nutritional interventions targeted at older adults during and following hospitalization will be suggested. The emphasis of the discussion on interventions...
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients with Roux-en-Y Anatomy

Introduction Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is increasingly performed in the United States. In addition, liver transplantation and other complex hepatobiliary surgeries are increasingly performed with creation of a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Consequently, endoscopists more frequently need to carry out endoscopic procedures in patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy.
Comprehensive compositional analysis of plant cell walls (Lignocellulosic biomass) part I: lignin.

The need for renewable, carbon neutral, and sustainable raw materials for industry and society has become one of the most pressing issues for the 21st century. This has rekindled interest in the use of plant products as industrial raw materials for the production of liquid fuels for transportation1 and other products such as biocomposite materials7. Plant biomass remains one of the greatest untapped reserves on the planet4. It is mostly comprised of cell walls that are composed of energy rich polymers including cellulose, various hemicelluloses (matrix polysaccharides, and the polyphenol lignin6 and thus sometimes termed lignocellulosics. However, plant cell walls have evolved to be recalcitrant to degradation as walls provide tensile strength to cells and the entire plants, ward off pathogens, and allow water to be transported throughout the plant; in the case of trees up to more the 100 m above ground level. Due to the various functions of walls, there is an immense structural diversity within the walls of different plant species and cell types within a single plant4. Hence, depending of what crop species, crop variety, or plant tissue is used for a biorefinery, the processing steps for depolymerization by chemical/enzymatic processes and subsequent fermentation of the various sugars to liquid biofuels need to be adjusted and optimized. This fact underpins the need for a thorough characterization of plant biomass feedstocks. Here we describe a comprehensive analytical methodology that enables the determination of the composition of lignocellulosics and is amenable to a medium to high-throughput analysis. In this first part we focus on the analysis of the polyphenol lignin (Figure 1). The method starts of with preparing destarched cell wall material. The resulting lignocellulosics are then split up to determine its lignin content by acetylbromide solubilization3, and its lignin composition in terms of its syringyl, guaiacyl- and p-hydroxyphenyl units5. The protocol for analyzing the carbohydrates in lignocellulosic biomass including cellulose content and matrix polysaccharide composition is discussed in Part II2.
DFT-GGA errors in NO chemisorption energies on (111) transition metal surfaces

Abstract We investigate whether well-known DFT-GGA errors in predicting the chemisorption energy ( E chem ) of CO on transition metal surfaces manifest in analogous NO chemisorption systems. While widely investigated in the case of CO/metal, analogous DFT-GGA errors have long been claimed to be absent in NO/metal chemisorption. Here, we provide theoretical evidence of systematic enhanced back-donation in NO/metal chemisorption at the DFT-GGA level. We use electronic structure analysis to show that the partially filled molecular NO 2 π ⁎ orbital rehybridizes with the transition metal d -band to form new bonding and anti-bonding states. We relate the back-donation charge transfer associated with chemisorption to the promotion of an electron from the 5 σ orbital to the 2 π ⁎ orbital in the gas-phase NO G 2 Σ − ← X 2 Π excitation. We establish linear relationships between E chem and Δ E G ← X and formulate an E chem correction scheme in the style of Mason et al. [Physical Review B 69, 161401(R)]. We apply the NO E chem correction method to the (111) surfaces of Pt, Pd, Rh, and Ir, with NO chemisorption modeled at a coverage of 0.25 ML. We note that the slope of E chem vs. Δ E G ← X and the dipole moment depend strongly on adsorption site for each metal, and we construct an approximate correction scheme which we test using NO/Pt(100) chemisorption.
The Chassard-Lapiné view for visualization of the pelvic ureters

This technical note describes and illustrates the value of the Chassard-Lapine portion of the pelvic ureter when obscured by the contrast medium-filled bladder, the innominate bone, and/or intestinal artifacts.
Properties of the Hormonally Responsive Rabbit Luteal Adenylyl Cyclase: Effects of Guanine Nucleotides and Magnesium Ion on Stimulation by Gonadotropin and Catecholamines*

The effects of guanine nucleotides and magnesium on rabbit luteal adenylyl cyclase were studied in the absence and presence of LH and isoproterenol. Adenylyl cyclase was activated by guanyl-5′-yl imidodiphosphate [GMPP(NH)P], guanyl-5′-yl diphosphonate [GMP-P(CH2)P], and guanosine 5′-(3-O-thio) triphosphate (GTPγS) to differing degrees and with time courses of cAMP accumulation that exhibited distinct and differing lags, and by GTP without a lag. Steady state activities obtained in the presence of GMP-P(NH)P and GTPyS were about 6–7 times that obtained with GTP. The rate of activation by GMP-P(NH)P could be accelerated in two ways: 1) increasing the concentration of Mg ion in the medium; and 2) the addition of either LH or isoproterenol. Stimulation of rabbit luteal enzymatic activity by LH and isoproterenol showed a stringent requirement for both guanine nucleotides and Mg ion. In the presence of GTP, hormonal stimulations by either LH or isoproterenol were optimal (up to 12-fold) only over a very narrow...
MOTOR-SENSORY FEEDBACK VERSUS NEED IN ADAPTATION TO REARRANGEMENT.

Lack of directional adaptation to prism-rearrangement after wheelchair conveyance might be attributed to motivational deficiency instead of inappropriate information from the motor-sensory feedback loop. However, even when Ss must propel and guide themselves in the chair by manipulating the wheels, they fail to adapt despite their motivation.
Percutaneous In situ Left Subclavian Artery Fenestration Using Reentry Catheter during Endovascular Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization is recommended during elective thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) when coverage is required for adequate proximal seal. Reported method for LSA revascularization includes open bypass, covered stent placement using chimney technique, and in situ laser fenestration. We reported a novel technique using percutaneous Outback reentry device for LSA revascularization in a 68-year-old male patient who underwent TEVAR for a 9-cm thoracic aortic aneurysm. This technique can be used as an alternative method for LSA in situ fenestration, and laser equipment is not required.
Automation Use and Automation Bias

The availability of automation and automated decision aids feeds into a general human tendency to travel the road of least cognitive effort. A series of studies on “automation bias,” the tendency to use automation as a heuristic replacement for vigilant information seeking and processing, has identified several factors associated with this bias. We have examined expert vs. novice (student) performance, and found that automation error rates are comparable across populations, and are not significantly different between 1- and 2-person crews. Professional pilots were sensitive to the importance of correctness for critical flight tasks, and made fewer errors on events involving altitude and heading errors than frequency discrepancies. Training for automation bias reduced commission errors for students, suggesting the importance of early intervention and training on this issue. In other studies, participants in a non-automated condition out-performed those using an automated aid during equivalent failure event...
Extension in Flow of a DNA Molecule Tethered at One End

A theory was developed for the steady-state extension of a wormlike chain, such as DNA, in flowing liquid with one end of the molecule tethered to a fixed object. This relates to recent experiments with individually imaged DNA molecules by Perkins, Smith, Larson, and Chu. The theory is based on the familiar Oseen tensor (also called Stokeslet) formalism of chain-molecule hydrodynamics applied to a bead-segment model. With the steady-state condition a normal-mode analysis is not necessary. The calculations are carried almost to the completely stretched state at high flow rates, and reproduce the experiments well with a persistence length of 49.3 nm for the stained DNA. Measurements of extension of tethered single molecules in flow analyzed by the method described here seem to make an excellent method for determining the persistence length of individual molecules.
LIGHT CURVE SOLUTIONS FOR ECLIPSING BINARIES IN NGC 188

We present light curve solutions for the W UMa-type eclipsing binaries EP, EQ, ER, ES, and V369 Cep in the old open cluster NGC 188. Using light curve solution parameters combined with reasonable mass estimates, we determine the distance modulusV-M vof the cluster. Our aim is to examine if current uncertainties in the cluster's distance and age can be resolved. Three binaries yield distance moduli close to 10 . m 80 (±0 . m 08), two others give values around 11 . m 40(±0 . m 09). Depending on the amount of reddening, we find a weighted mean distance modulus for all five binaries between 11 . m 01 and 11 . m 05 (±0 . m 06), which lends modest support for the lower distance (1.65 kpc) and older age (10 Gyr) of the cluster.
Comparison of track-to-track fusion algorithms using video sensors on multiple unmanned aerial vehicles

Surveillance and ground target tracking using multiple electro-optical and infrared video sensors onboard unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has drawn a great deal of interest in recent years. We compare a number of track-to-track fusion algorithms using a single target with the nearly constant velocity dynamic model and two UAVs. A local tracker is associated with each UAV and processes video measurements to produce local tracks. The video measurement is the centroid pixel location in the digital image corresponding to the target positions on the ground. In order to handle arbitrary height variations, we use the perspective transformation for the video measurement model. In addition, the video measurement model also includes radial and tangential lens distortions, scale, and offset. Since the video measurement model is a nonlinear function of the target position, the tracking filter uses a nonlinear filtering algorithm. A fusion center fuses track data received from two local trackers. The track-to-track fusion algorithms employed by the fusion center include the simple convex combination fusion, Bhattacharya fusion, Bar-Shalom-Campo fusion, and extended information filter based fusion algorithms. We compare the fusion accuracy, covariance consistency, bias in the fused estimate, communication load requirements, and scalability. Numerical results are presented using simulated data.
Consequences of phenology variation and oxidative defenses in Quercus

Ecologists are interested in consequences of changes in the timing of ecological interactions because of the potential for widespread phenological shifts under climate change. Plant–herbivore interactions may be particularly affected by phenology changes if they result in differences in leaf defensive chemistry and other aspects of host foliage quality. Recent studies of defensive leaf phenolics have focused on their ability to create oxidative stress in herbivores, but the phenology of this “oxidative capacity,” including seasonal patterns and how it is affected by leaf-out phenology, is unknown. We combined observational and experimental studies of oaks (Quercus spp.) to determine if leaf-out phenology correlates with oxidative capacity and leaf characteristics, herbivore abundance, and leaf damage, and how oxidative capacity changes through spring and summer leaf development. Oaks with earlier leaf-out had significantly lower oxidative capacity in spring and early summer, and there was a trend for higher spring leaf damage on these trees. One group of spring herbivores, leaf rollers, was more abundant on earlier-leafing trees. By mid-summer, leaf quality differences disappeared. Repeated measurements of individual trees demonstrated that oxidative capacity is highest shortly after leaf-out but declines within 2 weeks. These results partially contrast traditional views of leaf defense phenology where leaves are most susceptible shortly after leaf-out, but defenses build as proanthocyanidins accumulate in expanded leaves. Early season oxidative defenses may have a significant effect on plant growth by protecting young leaves at a time when leaf tissue loss will have the greatest consequences for later photosynthesis.
Characterization of naphthoate surfactants in normal and reverse micellar systems via luminescence spectroscopy

Abstract Four surfactants with naphthoate counterions have been prepared from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The normal micelles of these surfactants form with relative case compared to CTAB; however, the surfactants do not form reverse micelles in common organic solvents. In order to examine the naphthoate counterion behavior in reverse micelles, the surfactants were dissolved in reverse micelles of Aerosol OT (AOT). The microenvironments of the counterions in normal and reverse AOT micelles have been characterized by using counterion luminescence measurements, fluorescence quenching, and fluorescence probe studies. This characterization study represents a stage in the development of analytical methods based on energy transfer between the aromatic counterions and analytes in controlled proximity. Preliminary data showing examples of energy transfer between the naphthoate moiety and biacetyl in normal and reverse micelles are provided.
Coverage-dependent behavior of ultrathin Cu films on Pt(111): UHV and electrochemical studies

Submonolayer to monolayer coverages of Cu electrodeposited and vacuum-deposited onto a well-characterized Pt (111) surface were studied in both ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and electrochemical environments using a combined UHV-electrochemical apparatus. Substantial discrepancy was observed between the voltammetrically measured Faradaic charge and the theoretically expected value based on UHV determined Cu coverages. For Cu coverages >0/5 monolayers (ML), θCu>0.5, the Coulometrically determined Cu coverage was too low by up to 30%; for θCu 0.5 is believed to be the partially charged nature of the Cu adlayers. For θCu<0.5 this discrepany can be accounted for by the partial discharge of coadsorbed anions during the electrooxidative desorption of Cu.
Modelling and control of three-phase/switch/level fixed-frequency PWM rectifier: state-space averaged model

A new and simple state model of a three-phase, three-switch, three-level, fixed-frequency pulse-width-modulated rectifier is presented. The modelling approach uses the state-space averaging technique in continuous current mode. The averaging process is applied on two time intervals: the switching period for average current evaluation, and the mains period for average voltage computation. A basic mathematical model of the converter is first established. A simplified time-invariant model is then deduced using the rotating Park transformation. The steady-state regime is analysed on the basis of the model obtained, and converter design criteria consequently discussed. The proposed modelling approach is then verified numerically through a digital implementation of the converter in the Matlab/Simulink framework, using the switching function approach. The numerical results show the reliability of the proposed model that would be then easily applied to the design of suitable duty-cycle-based control schemes.
Observations on Heart Block During Continuous Electrocardiographic Monitoring in Myocardial Infarction

Complete heart block (CHB) was observed in 24 of 350 patients with myocardial infarction who were studied under conditions of continuous electrocardiographic monitoring. CHB occurred predominantly in posterior and anteroseptal infarctions. In posterior infarction CHB was observed in patients who also developed first degree (1°) and types I and II second degree (2°-I and 2°-II) atrioventricular (A-V) block but not bundle-branch block (BBB). In anteroseptal infarction CHB was found in patients with BBB, occasionally in patients with 2°-II A-V block, but not in patients with 1° and 2°-I A-V block. Right BBB with a Q wave in lead V1 was the usual form of BBB observed in patients with CHB and anteroseptal infarction. One mechanism for sudden death in anteroseptal infarction is the abrupt development of CHB following the onset of BBB. Evidence is presented attributing CHB to a lesion in the A-V node in posterior infarction and to bilateral BBB in anteroseptal infarction.
State-dependent periodic adaptive disturbance compensation

The state-dependent nonlinear external disturbance compensation problem is considered. No prior information about the disturbance is assumed except the periodicity of the disturbance with respect to a state variable, which is termed a 'state-dependent periodic disturbance.' The key idea of the proposed new adaptive compensation method is to make use of this known state-dependent periodicity. In the first period, an adaptive compensator is designed to guarantee the L 2 -stability of the overall system. From the second period and onwards, a state- periodic adaptive compensator is designed to stabilise the system by using the information stored in the previous period. The Lyapunov stability analysis is performed on the evolution along the trajectory axis. The validity of the proposed state-periodic adaptive control method is illustrated through a simulation example.
A randomized controlled trial of cognitive remediation and d-cycloserine for individuals with bipolar disorder

Cognitive remediation (CR) has shown significant promise in addressing the cognitive deficits that accompany serious mental illness. However, this intervention does not appear to completely ameliorate the cognitive deficits that accompany these illnesses. D-cycloserine (DCS), an NMDA receptor partial agonist, has been shown to enhance the therapeutic benefits of learning-based psychosocial interventions for psychiatric disorders. Thus, the goal of this study is to examine the utility of combining cognitive remediation and d-cycloserine in the treatment of cognitive deficits among individuals with bipolar disorder. Approximately forty individuals with bipolar disorder will be recruited to participate in this study. Participants will be randomized to one of two study arms: CR + DCS or CR + placebo. The primary outcome for this study is change in cognitive functioning. We will also examine several secondary outcomes, including the rate of change of cognitive functioning, social functioning, and symptomatology. Cognitive deficits are a rate-limiting factor in functional recovery among individuals with bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, treatment options for these deficits are limited. The results of the proposed study may reveal a valuable intervention strategy (i.e., CR with concurrent DCS) to improve cognitive functioning among individuals with bipolar disorder. Ultimately, this treatment strategy may prove useful in addressing the cognitive deficits that are ubiquitous across serious mental illnesses. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01934972 .
The influence of ion irradiation during film growth on the chemical stability of film/substrate systems

The present review deals with aqueous corrosion of metal substrates coated with thin films deposited from the vapour phase under concurrent bombardment with energetic ions (ion beam assisted deposition, IBAD). The influence of the main deposition process parameters such as the ratio of impinging ions to condensing atoms, the ion energy, and ion incidence angle is discussed. The features of corrosion resistant elemental films such as aluminium, titanium, and niobium, and ceramic films such as titanium nitride, silicon nitride, and aluminium oxide on steel and aluminium, tested in dilute acids and salt brines, are described. The results show that the most important characteristics of corrosion resistant IBAD thin films are low microporosity and high adhesion.
Su1463 Comparison of Radical, Step-Wise Circumferential Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (C-EMR) Alone vs Combined Focal Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (F-EMR) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for the Treatment of Dysplastic Barrett's Esophagus At a Single Center

is 97.9%, CR-HGD/CA is 93.8% and CR-BE is 70.8%. Average time in remission is 47.2 months. Patients with recurrent HGD/IMC were treated with repeat EMR. In the patient with recurrent IMC, the neoplasia was buried under squamous on the EMR specimen. Eleven patients died during study period, all from unrelated causes. Conclusion: Our nine-year experience demonstrates that CBE-EMR is an effective and safe modality to treat BE with HGD and IMC. The most commonly encountered complication of stenosis was shown to be amenable to endoscopic treatment. A 2% of perforation underscores the need for available surgical back up. Subsquamous glands may be a source of neoplastic recurrence but follow-up in this cohort is ongoing.
Rethinking SIMD Vectorization for In-Memory Databases

Analytical databases are continuously adapting to the underlying hardware in order to saturate all sources of parallelism. At the same time, hardware evolves in multiple directions to explore different trade-offs. The MIC architecture, one such example, strays from the mainstream CPU design by packing a larger number of simpler cores per chip, relying on SIMD instructions to fill the performance gap. Databases have been attempting to utilize the SIMD capabilities of CPUs. However, mainstream CPUs have only recently adopted wider SIMD registers and more advanced instructions, since they do not rely primarily on SIMD for efficiency. In this paper, we present novel vectorized designs and implementations of database operators, based on advanced SIMD operations, such as gathers and scatters. We study selections, hash tables, and partitioning; and combine them to build sorting and joins. Our evaluation on the MIC-based Xeon Phi co-processor as well as the latest mainstream CPUs shows that our vectorization designs are up to an order of magnitude faster than the state-of-the-art scalar and vector approaches. Also, we highlight the impact of efficient vectorization on the algorithmic design of in-memory database operators, as well as the architectural design and power efficiency of hardware, by making simple cores comparably fast to complex cores. This work is applicable to CPUs and co-processors with advanced SIMD capabilities, using either many simple cores or fewer complex cores.
Simultaneous demonstration of bone alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in plastic-embedded sections and differential inhibition of the activities.

Bone alkaline (AlP) and acid phosphatase (AcP) activities were simultaneusly demonstrated in tissue sections obtained from mice, rats, and humans. The method involved tissue fixation in ethanol, embedding in glycol methacrylate (GMA), and demonstration of AlP and AcP activities employing a simultaneous coupling azo dye technique using substituted naphthol phosphate as a substrate. AlP activity was demonstrated first followed by AcP activity. Both enzyme activities were demonstrated in tissue sections from bones fixed and/or stored in acetone or 70% ethanol for up to 14 days or stored in GMA for 2 months. AlP activity in tissue sections from bones fixed in 10% formalin, 2% glutaraldehyde, or formal-calcium, however, was markedly inhibited after 3–7 days and was no longer detectable after 14 days of fixation. Moreover, AlP activity was diminished in tissue sections from bones fixed in 70% ethanol or 10% formalin and subsequently demineralized in 10% EDTA (pH7) for 2 days, and the activity was completely abolished in tissue sections from bones subsequently demineralized in 5% formic acid: 20% sodium citrate (1:1, pH 4.2) for 2 days. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) embedding at concentrations above 66% completely inhibited AlP activity. AcP activity, however, was only partially inhibited by formalin, glutaraldehyde, or formal-calcium after 7 or 14 days of fixation or by MMA embedding and was unaffected by the demineralizing agent formic acid-citrate for 2 days. While AcP activity was preserved in bones fixed in formalin and subsequently demineralized in EDTA, the activity was completely abolished when EDTA demineralization was carried out on bones previously fixed in 70% ethanol. These results indicate that bone AlP and AcP activities can be demonstrated simultaneously in the same section using a simple tissue preparation technique and that the activities are retained in tissues fixed and/or stored in acetone, 70% ethanol or GMA, but are differentially inactivated by other fixatives studied, and by EDTA, formic acid-citrate, and MMA embedding.
Structure and conventions

Wayne Davis’s Meaning, Expression and Thought argues that linguistic meaning is conventional use to express ideas. An obvious problem with this proposal is that complex expressions that have never been used are nonetheless meaningful. In response to this concern, Davis associates conventions of use not only with linguistic expressions but also with the modes in which such expressions can combine into larger expressions. I argue that such constructive conventions are in conflict with the principle of compositionality (as it is usually understood) and that (at least in the cases Davis considers) they are unnecessary for semantic explanations.
Statins as immunosuppressive agents.

BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease in the transplanted heart, also known as cardiac allograft vasculopathy, is one of the major causes of mortality late after heart transplantation. This accelerated form of atherosclerosis also affects the donor organs of other transplant recipients including that of liver, kidney and lung. There are multiple immune and non-immune risk factors associated with this disease process, one of which is hyperlipidemia. Use of lipid lowering agents, specifically HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) was initially reported to have outcomes benefit and possibly immunosuppressive effects in a single center study of heart transplant recipients. Other subsequent studies have supported this beneficial effect. METHOD AND RESULTS In a recent paper by Kwak and colleagues, the specific mechanism for this immunosuppressive effect has been elucidated through the use of experiments monitoring cell surface expression assayed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and by immunofluorescence as well as mRNA levels of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II). They report that statins repress induction of MHC-II by interferon-gamma and that this in turn represses activation of T-lymphocytes and other cell types including primary human smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, as well as in established cell lines such as ThP1, melanomas, and HeLa cells. CONCLUSION In addition to previous clinical and laboratory publications this work by Kwak and colleagues has provided a firm scientific rationale to support the use of statins as adjunct immunosuppressive agents in organ transplantation.