cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of voice transfer using multi-transceiver optical communication structures

Free-space-optical (FSO) communication has recently attracted attention as a complementary alternative to radio frequency (RF) wireless networks. However, the directionality of FSO communication is prone to mobility which requires maintenance of line-of-sight (LOS) alignment between FSO transceivers. By using multiple transceivers per node and automatically detecting neighbor nodes that are in LOS each other, we showed how to maintain the LOS alignment on FSO nodes. In this paper, we present a prototype implementation of such multi-transceiver electronically-steered communication structures to measure the performance of a voice file transfer over such multi-transceiver systems. We show that by using multiple directional transceivers and LOS detection and establishment protocol, we can assign multiple logical data streams to appropriate physical transceivers and transfer different voice files simultaneously to multiple FSO nodes with tolerable disruptions and overhead.
Bit-Per-Joule Performance of Power Saving Ad Hoc Networks under Mobile Backbone Coverage

Energy efficient MAC protocols have been developed for wireless sensor and ad hoc networks so that inactive nodes can transition to sleep state to conserve energy. It has been recognized that forming and keeping a continuously awake Connected Dominating Set (CDS) serves to significantly reduce the route setup latency (since it minimizes the number of wakeup operations that are undertaken). Recently published studies show that, under certain traffic conditions, the CDS approach can lead to the reduction of the average level of energy consumption while ensuring a high network throughput level. Under the Mobile Backbone Network (MBN) architecture introduced by I. Rubin et al., a mobile backbone is dynamically constructed to provide a topological covering of the network. Nodes that join the mobile backbone are identified as Backbone Nodes (BNs). In this paper, we study a MBN Power Saving (MBN-PS) system. The dynamically elected BNs are kept active and are used to effectively manage the awake and sleep states of their client nodes. We study the throughput (per-watt) efficiency performance of the MBN-PS protocol by analytical calculations, as well as by extensive simulation evaluations. We analytically show that when the number of active network flows is above a minimal level, the underlying throughput efficiency attained by the MBN-PS scheme is better than that achieved by a corresponding network that does not form a backbone structure.
Political Science and Education Research: An Exploratory Look at Two Political Science Journals

A systematic and longitudinal analysis of all of the education-related articles published in two of political science's oldest journals reveals that political science has aided our knowledge of education by focusing on the distribution of power in the decision-making process, the organization and governance of public school systems, and the outcomes and effects of education policy decisions. Moreover, the present data suggest that only a tiny fraction of the major articles published in traditional political science journals have focused on education and that those political scientists conducting education research turn to multidisciplinary education journals as outlets for their scholarship.
The Sigmoid Nonlinearity in Prepyriform Cortex

We report a study on the relationship between EEG amplitude values and unit spike output in the prepyriform cortex of awake and motivated rats. This relationship takes the form of a sigmoid curve, that describes normalized pulse-output for normalized wave input. The curve is fitted using nonlinear regression and is described by its slope and maximum value. Measurements were made for both excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the cortex. These neurons are known to form a monosynaptic negative feedback loop. Both classes of cells can be described by the same parameters. The sigmoid curve is asymmetric in that the region of maximal slope is displaced toward the excitatory side. The data are compatible with Freeman's model of prepyriform burst generation. Other analogies with existing neural nets are being discussed, and the implications for signal processing are reviewed. In particular the relationship of sigmoid slope to efficiency of neural computation is examined.
Effect of MgO Solute on the Kinetics of Grain Growth in A12O3

The kinetics of grain growth in fully dense Al2O3 with and without MgO solute additions were measured. The MgO was found to retard boundary migration and to rkvelop more uniform microstructures. A grain-growth mechanism involving solute partitioning of segregated ions (calcium and magnesium) between different boundary types is proposed. Implications regarding the sintering of Al2O3 are discussed.
A human-assisted system to build 3-D models from a single image

We present a system at the junction between Computer Vision and Computer Graphics, to produce a 3-D model of an object as observed in a single image, with a minimum of high-level interaction from a user. The input to our system is a single image. First, the user points, coarsely, at image features (edges) that are subsequently automatically and reproducibly extracted in real-time. The user then performs a high level labeling of the curves (e.g. limb edge, cross-section) and specifies relations between edges (e.g. symmetry, surface or part). NURBS are used as working representation of image edges. The objects described by the user specified, qualitative relationships are then reconstructed either as a set of connected parts modeled as Generalized Cylinders, or as a set of 3-D surfaces for 3-D bilateral symmetric objects. In both cases, the texture is also extracted from the image.
Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertension: causes, consequences, or merely correlations?

Resistance to the metabolic effects of insulin and compensatory hyperinsulinemia have been postulated to mediate human essential hypertension, especially when associated with obesity. Evidence supporting this hypothesis has come mainly from epidemiological studies showing correlations between insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and blood pressure, and from short-term studies suggesting that insulin has renal and sympathetic effects that could raise blood pressure if the effects were sustained. However, there have been no studies demonstrating a direct causal relationship between chronic hypertension and insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia in humans. The few long-term studies that have been conducted in dogs and humans do not support the hypothesis that hyperinsulinemia causes hypertension or potentiates the hypertensive effects of other pressor agents such as angiotensin II or increased adrenergic tone. To the contrary, multiple studies in dogs and in humans suggest that the vasodilator action of insulin tends to reduce blood pressure. Although resistance to insulin's metabolic effects has been suggested to be essential for hyperinsulinemia to cause hypertension, chronic increases in plasma insulin concentrations do not cause hypertension in dogs or humans even in the presence of insulin resistance. Also, recent studies have also shown that the blood pressure-lowering effects of antihyperglycemic agents, initially believed to lower blood pressure by decreasing insulin resistance, may be unrelated to their effects on insulin sensitivity. Obesity appears to be a key factor in accounting for correlations between insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertension, but increased blood pressure in obesity does not appear to be mediated by insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Although insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia may not be directly linked to hypertension, there is increasing evidence that metabolic abnormalities associated with insulin resistance may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease) associated with hypertension and Type II diabetes. For this reason, further studies of the long-term effects of insulin resistance on cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic functions are needed.
Historicizing the Archive

This article introduces a collection of articles that discuss the nature of “the archive” in the research and writing of media history. The archive is defined as a concept that covers questions of interpretation, evidence and authenticity. Therefore, the archive provides a focus for a critique of acts of classifying, collecting and storing the “evidence” that is the basis for media history. In this analysis archival logics and practices become themselves artifacts of history.
Search for charmless hadronic decays of B mesons with the SLAC SLD detector

Based on a sample of approximately 500,000 hadronic Z{sup 0} decays accumulated between 1993 and 1998, the SLD experiment has set limits on 24 fully charged two-body and quasi two-body exclusive charmless hadronic decays of B{sup +}, B{sup 0}, and B{sub s}{sup 0} mesons. The precise tracking capabilities of the SLD detector provided for the efficient reduction of combinatoric backgrounds, yielding the most precise available limits for ten of these modes.
Methylene Blue for Management of Ifosfamide-Induced Encephalopathy

Objective:To evaluate the use of methylene blue for the treatment of ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy.Data Sources:MEDLINE (1966–August 2005) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1971–August 2005) were searched, using the terms methylene blue, ifosfamide, encephalopathy, and neurotoxicity.Data Synthesis:Several case reports and one retrospective chart review described the use of methylene blue for ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy, but no controlled clinical trials were found. Methylene blue appeared to aid in the resolution of encephalopathic symptoms as rapidly as within 10 minutes of administration in some patients, but it had modest efficacy in most patients. Symptoms in patients who did not receive methylene blue resolved in the same time frame; this indicates that ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy may resolve without treatment.Conclusions:Available data from case reports indicate that methylene blue is an option in the treatment of ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy, especially in patients wi...
Target acquisition performance modeling of infrared imaging systems: past, present, and future

This paper provides a 40-year review of the infrared imaging system modeling activities at the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD). The result of these modeling activities is a system model that describes the target ac- quisition performance of a human observer and an infrared im- ager. The model has been adopted by the military infrared imaging community as an assessment of how well an ensemble of observers perform the tasks of target detection, recognition, and identifica- tion. The model is used in infrared imager design and assessment, where military users understand how the metrics predicted by the model relates to system performance on the battlefield. This review begins with early work in the late 1950s and proceeds to present day modeling successes. Finally, the infrared imaging system mod- eling activities for the future are discussed. Index Terms—Infrared imaging, modeling.
The Church in the State We’re In

The state (more specifically, the British state) is in a crisis it seemingly cannot recognize. But the issue is not one of “Church and State” or even modern “religion”. The issue is the Church’s fidelity to its vocation to narrate, announce, and dramatize the identity of humankind as communion in God. Newman’s refraction of Christ’s threefold office provides a framework for the Church’s identity and vocation. The Church is a school of priestly forgiveness, offering resistance to nationalism, and prophetic thought against the anti-intellectualism of the merely devout as well as the patronizing ignorance of the irreligious.
Concentrations of Selected Cations in Turkey Serum and Oviductal Mucosae

Abstract Concentrations of selected cations in serum and oviductal mucosae were determined in samples taken immediately after laying and at 8 to 12 hr and 18 to 22 hr postoviposition in turkey hens at 2 and 17 weeks of egg production. Serum zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) at 2 weeks of egg production and copper (Cu) and sodium (Na) at 17 weeks of egg production were influenced by time postoviposition. In general, serum Cu declined and Zn, Ca, and Mg concentrations increased between the 2nd and 17th week of egg production. Cation concentrations varied between the infundibular, uterine, uterovaginal junction (UVJ), and vaginal mucosae but showed less variation within individual segments over the postoviposition times examined. Pooled mean concentrations of cations within each segment revealed that the UVJ mucosa, when compared to the remaining segments, was higher in Zn, Cu, Fe, and Na in hens 2 weeks after egg production and in Zn after 17 weeks of egg production. The relatively high concentration of Zn in the UVJ mucosa may be related to the sperm storage capacity of this region.
Rhythm-based level generation for 2D platformers

We present a rhythm-based method for the automatic generation of levels for 2D platformers, where the rhythm is that which the player feels with his hands while playing. Levels are created using a grammar-based method: first generating rhythms, then generating geometry based on those rhythms. Generation is constrained by a set of style parameters tweakable by a human designer. The approach also minimizes the amount of content that must be manually authored, instead relying on geometry components that are included in the level designer's tileset and a set of jump types. Our results show that this method produces an impressive variety of levels, all of which are fully playable.
Efficacy of Buquinolate Against Artificial Coccidiosis Infection in Broiler Chickens

Abstract INTRODUCTION BUQUINOLATE * (ethyl 4-hydroxy-6, 7-diisobutoxy-3-quinoline-carboxylate), a relatively non-toxic quinoline derivative, effectively prevents coccidiosis in chickens according to Porter and Johnson (1966). Borgmann et al. (1967) reported that buquinolate (BA) in the feed of one-day-old broiler chickens continuously for 31 days at a level of 0.088 percent caused no signs of toxicosis. Hematologic and blood chemical values were normal and microscopic examination of tissues and organs revealed no morphologic changes attributable to buquinolate. The highest tolerated dose for 7-day-old broiler chickens is greater than 20,000 mg. per kg. Buquinolate fed to chickens from 1 day to 10 weeks of age at 0.055 percent, 0.011 percent, 0.022 percent, and 0.044 percent of the ration caused no evidence of toxicity. The highest tolerated dose in mice and in rats is more than 7,500 mg. per kg. body weight. Rats were not affected by 213.5 mg. per kg. fed daily for 30 days, nor . . .
Initial effects of oceanic warming on a coupled ocean–ice shelf–ice stream system

Abstract The initial retreat of ice shelf grounding lines stabilized on seaward-sloping beds is influenced by the rheology of these beds, according to new model results. We apply a fully-coupled process model to investigate how the response of an ice stream to increased ocean temperature beneath its ice shelf depends on the assumed form of its basal flow law. For the same applied oceanic warming, the increase in grounding-line flux can be twice as great for an effectively-plastic bed as for a linear-viscous bed, suggesting that improved knowledge of the basal flow law of ice streams is necessary for predicting ice-sheet response to climatic forcing.
Calculation of Energy Transaction Allocation Factors

The ability to allocate the MW loading on transmission lines and groups of lines is the basis of NERCs "flow based" transmission allocation system. In such a system, the MW flows must be allocated to each line or group of lines in proportion to the MWs being transmitted by each transaction. This is accomplished through the use of the linear power transfer distribution factors. Unfortunately, no linear allocation models exist for other transmission phenomena such as MW losses, MVA flows, etc. This paper presents a methodology to calculate energy transaction allocation factors (ETA Factors, or /spl eta/ factors), using the well-known process of integration of a first derivative function. The factors give a highly accurate allocation of any nonlinear transmission system quantity to the active transactions placed on a transmission system.
(Inter) text, performance, and the African humanities

THE INVENTION OF AFRICA: GNOSIS, PHILOSOPHY, AND THE ORDER OF KNOWLEDGE. By V.Y. Mudimbe. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1988; pp. xii + 241; $14.95 (paper). AN AFRICAN VOICE: THE ROLE OF THE HUMANITIES IN AFRICAN INDEPENDENCE. By Robert W. July. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1987; pp. xii + 270; $10.95 (paper). BODY OF POWER, SPIRIT OF RESISTANCE: THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF A SOUTH AFRICAN PEOPLE. By Jean Comaroff. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press, 1985; pp. xii + 296; $14.95 (paper). IN TOWNSHIP TONIGHT!: SOUTH AFRICA'S BLACK CITY MUSIC AND THEATRE. By David B. Copian. London and New York: Longman, 1985; pp. x + 278; $21.95 (paper).
Dysfunctional counterfactual thinking: When simulating alternatives to reality impedes experiential learning

Abstract Using a multiple-trial stock market decision paradigm, the possibility that counterfactual thinking can be dysfunctional for learning and performance by distorting the processing of outcome information was examined. Correlational (Study 1) and experimental (Study 2) evidence suggested that counterfactuals are associated with a decrease in experiential learning. When counterfactuals were made salient, participants displayed significantly poorer performance compared to their counterparts for whom counterfactuals were relatively less salient. A counterfactual salience × need for cognition (NFC) interaction qualified these findings. High NFC participants outperformed their counterparts when counterfactuals were not salient. Evidence for a memory-based mechanism was also supported.
Radiolabelled substrates for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Six [3H]benzoyl-tripeptides were prepared and tested as substrates for angiotensin converting enzyme. Each was prepared first as its [4-iodo]- benzoyl-analog, and an atom of 3H per molecule was introduced by catalytic dehalogenation in 3H2-gas. Kinetic parameters were measured at 37°C using as buffer 0.05 M Hepes, pH 8.0, containing 0.1 M NaCl and 0.6 M Na2SO4. When the substrates were used at concentrations far below their respective Km values, fractional rates of substrate utilization per unit time for constant enzyme concentration were direct functions of respective second order rate constants (Kc/Km). Although absolute values of Kc/Km differed for human enzyme as opposed to rabbit enzyme, relative values of Kc/Km were virtually identical. Similarly, relative rates of substrate utilization during passage through lungs of anesthetized rats were similar to relative values of Kc/Km measured in vitro. Thus, there is now a range of ACE substrates usable, in vitro and in vivo, under conditions of first order enzyme kinetics, conditions under which values of V/Km and Ki can be measured directly.
Effects of Tendon Pressure on Alpha Motoneuron Excitability in Patients with Stroke

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two intensities (5 and 10 kg) of continuous and intermittent Achilles tendon pressure on the H-reflex in eight hemiparetic subjects. A decrease in the H-reflex was interpreted as a depression in motoneuron excitability, a condition conducive for reducing muscle tone. The H-reflex measurements were obtained before, during, immediately after, and 2.5 minutes after tendon pressure application. Piecewise linear regression equations were used to evaluate the effects of four pressure conditions. The mean of the midpoints of the lines for each pressure condition was compared with prepressure baseline values by t tests and with the other pressure conditions by an analysis of variance. All four pressure conditions demonstrated H-reflexes less than prepressure baseline values, with three of the four conditions (5 and 10 kg of intermittent pressure and 5 kg of continuous pressure) being significantly less than prepressure baseline values ( p < .05). The analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among pressure conditions. Scheffe post hoc contrast comparisons revealed significant differences between intermittent and continuous pressure but not between 5 and 10 kg of pressure. The results of this study indicate that in these hemiparetic subjects, the H-reflex was depressed during both continuous and intermittent tendon pressure. Intermittent pressure was more effective then continuous, but 10 kg of pressure had no greater effect than 5 kg of pressure. The effects of pressure lasted only as long as the stimulus was present. Therapeutic techniques that might take advantage of this decrease in motoneuron excitability include stretching of shortened musculotendinous units, strengthening of antagonists, and improving lower extremity bed and wheelchair positioning.
Peer-Led Memory Training Programs to Support Brain Fitness

Despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of cognitive enhancement interventions in older adults with age-related changes, few if any cognitive enhancement programs are available in the community that can be administered with ease and high quality, and reach a large number of persons. Just as peer-led programs are widely used to promote health awareness, health self-maintenance, and wellness, peers can promote memory awareness and education in community-residing older adults with mild age-related memory concerns. Overall, there has been a gap between the development of effective cognitive intervention programs to help offset the daily minor challenges associated with mild age-related memory loss, and convenient availability to the general population. Given this need, in association with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Longevity Center our group developed a unique 5-week, peer-led community education/intervention program to improve memory functioning in older adults. In this chapter, we detail the development and implementation, and present preliminary data regarding the effects on memory of this MTP program. We discuss the benefits and challenges associated with administering this kind of peer-led memory enhancement strategy. Given the many older adults experiencing age-related memory decline and the potential benefits of the intervention, the potential impact of peer-led memory training programs could be considerable.
DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF COMPOSITE STUDENT-BASED RATINGS OF INSTRUCTION

Summary.-A 10- and 5-item scale based on students' perceptions to identify instructors in need of improvement in teaching skills is proposed. Can student-based evaluations of instruction be used to identify instructors' need for improvement in teaching? From previous research (1, 2, 3, 4), 10 characteristics were identified as among the most important components of effective university teaching. Items were written to index teaching components: (a) mastery of subject matter ("The instructor demonstrated more than an adequate knowledge of the subject matter"), (b) concern for s~dents ("The instructor demonstrated genuine interest in students and their progress"), (c) stimulation of srudent interest ("The instructor was able to inspire interest in the content of the course by using a variety of materials, activities and teaching methods"). (d) clarity of explanation ("The instructor was able to explain difficult concepts; pulled abstractions 'down to earth' "), (e) enthusiasm for subject matter ( "The instructor was enthusiastic about the subject"), ( f) encouragement of students' participation ("The instructor actively encouraged class discussion of issues raised in the lecture'.), (g) availability for consultation ("The instructor was readily available for consultation with students and maintained his/her office hours"), (h) fairness in grading ("Grading and evaluation of student performance has been consistent and fair"), (i) preparation and organization ("The instructor was consistently well prepared and organized for class"), and (j) public speaking ability ("The instructor spoke audibly and clearly"). During the Spring semester 1982 the 10 items were included within the 35-item, 5-point (strongly disagree vs strongly agree) Faculty-Course Evaluation Scale, Form J-22. In addition, a diagnostic item was included at the end of the scale: "Do you feel that there are teaching areas where your instructor needs substantial improvement?" (Yes = 1, No = 2). The end-of-semester evaluation instrument was administered to 10,959 students enrolled in 490 courses at the University of Hawaii. Each protocol was scored for Total Instructor Impact based on the sum of the 10item ratings (Score range was 10 to 50, M = 42.2, SD = 5.59). The average r between 45 off-diagonal r-pairs was .42 (p < ,001); corrected split-half reliability for the 10-item scale was .88 (fi < ,001). Using the need for improvement item as the (binary scored) criterion, the relationship with Total Instructor Impact was significant (r = .59, N = 8,577, p < .001).' To explore the diagnostic value of the 10-item scale, data were partitioned for students who responded "Yes" (N = 1,928) and "No" (N = 6,649) to need for improvement item. The scale mean for the "Yea-sayers" was 36.4 (SD = 6.27) and for the "Nay-sayers" 44.4 (SD = 4.07). The mean difference was significant (t = 67.14, df = 8,575). The corresponding mean difference on each of the 10 items was statistically significant. A statistical cutting score of 36 was established
Visualizing recombination intermediates with single-stranded DNA curtains

Homologous recombination (HR) is a critical cellular process for repairing double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) - a toxic type of DNA lesion that can result in chromosomal rearrangements and cancer. During the early stages of HR, members from the Rad51/RecA family of recombinases assemble into long filaments on the single-stranded DNA overhangs that are present at processed DSBs. These nucleoprotein filaments are referred to as presynaptic complexes, and these presynaptic complexes must align and pair homologous DNA sequences during HR. Traditional ensemble methods cannot easily access the transient and often heterogeneous intermediates that are typical of DNA recombination reactions, and as a consequence, there remain many open questions with respect to the molecular details of this pathway. Novel single-molecule approaches that are capable of directly visualizing reaction intermediates in solution and in real time offer the potential for new insights into the mechanism of homologous DNA recombination. Here we highlight recently developed single stranded DNA curtain methods for studying the properties of individual Rad51 presynaptic complexes and other related recombination intermediates at the single-molecule level.
Onorbit flight control design for the Kistler K-1 reusable launch vehicle

by consolidating launch and landing processes and minimizing vehicle-servicing requirements. This paper describes the onorbit control design for the Kistler K-l Reusable Launch Vehicle Orbiting Vehicle (OV) stage. To meet the K-l design goals, the control must provide fully autonomous operation with minimal pre-flight reconfiguration. The onorbit guidance, navigation and control targets, guides and controls the vehicle to and from orbit, maintains orientation to adequately deploy payloads, separates from the payloads to avoid collision and provides spinstabilization prior to long periods of orbital “sleep” operations. For control, the OV relies. on a gimbaled Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) and cold-gas thrusters. The flight control algorithms are derived from the US Space Shuttle and Russian Mir Space Station control algorithms.. -This, paper overviews the onorbit mission operations for the ‘K-l vehicle, presents the control algorithms developed and summarizes predicted onorbit control performance. A key concept in the design of the K-l vehicle is to utilize proven hardware systems and to rely on the software to provide significant autonomy, robustness and performance. The onboard software must be designed to require minimal pre-launch mission definition to reduce flight operation costs. These requirements place a significant burden on the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) software. The K-l relies on a. minimal set of proven hardware for onorbit control. Orbital, adjustments are made with , Orbital Maneuvering System’ (OMS) engines. Attitude maintenance during orbit ,‘.and -entry is provided via twelve 150 lb-f thrusters located in four clusters in the aft. State measurements. are provided through an Embedded GPS INS (EGI).
Spatial analysis of the association of alcohol outlets and alcohol-related pedestrian/bicyclist injuries in New York City

Pedestrian and bicyclist injury is an important public health issue. The retail environment, particularly the presence of alcohol outlets, may contribute the the risk of pedestrian or bicyclist injury, but this association is poorly understood. This study quantifies the spatial risk of alcohol-related pedestrian injury in New York City at the census tract level over a recent 10-year period using a Bayesian hierarchical spatial regression model with Integrated Nested Laplace approximations. The analysis measures local risk, and estimates the association between the presence of alcohol outlets in a census tract and alcohol-involved pedestrian/bicyclist injury after controlling for social, economic and traffic-related variables. Holding all other covariates to zero and adjusting for both random and spatial variation, the presence of at least one alcohol outlet in a census tract increased the risk of a pedestrian or bicyclist being struck by a car by 47 % (IDR = 1.47, 95 % Credible Interval (CrI) 1.13, 1.91). The presence of one or more alcohol outlets in a census tract in an urban environment increases the risk of bicyclist/pedestrian injury in important and meaningful ways. Identifying areas of increased risk due to alcohol allows the targeting of interventions to prevent and control alcohol-related pedestrian and bicyclist injuries.
Reduced Silane Chemical Mechanisms for Hypersonic Combustion

This paper presents an assessment of the existing detailed chemical kinetic models for silane combustions under conditions that are of interest in hypersonic combustion applications. In particular, the sources of inconsistencies between modeling and experiments are explored at temperature and pressure conditions that characterize the ignition phenomena in practical combustors. Given the high number of species modeled in the analyzed detailed chemical mechanisms, several skeletal reduced models were obtained by employing a procedure based on the Principal Component Analysis of Sensitivity matrices (PCAS). Depending on the starting detailed mechanism, reduced models of 15 or 19 species retain a satisfactory accuracy and can be implemented in CFD simulations. Additionally, the skeletal reduction procedure provides some insight into the key reactive species and their role in the kinetic modeling.
Relative abundances of skeletal specimens and taphonomic analysis of vertebrate remains

Attempts to establish relative frequencies of skeletal parts as distinctive of particular bone accumulating and depositional agents have a deep history in taphonomic research. Various authors have developed a set of mathematically equiualent statistics and equations all of which are meant to measure the relative or percentage frequencies of skeletal parts. None of these clearly accounts for differential fragmentation of skeletal elements in part because the quantitative units used in them are not explicitly defined. Comparisons of frequencies of skeletal parts deposited by different bone-accumulating agents and reported by different analysts may thus be comparisons of differential fragmentation rather than differential deposition of skeletal parts
Study of critically phase-matched KTA optical parametric oscillator

In order to obtain the 3~5 μm mid-infrared laser output,a non-collinear pump potassium titanyl arsenate critically phase-matched optical parametric oscillator(KTA-OPO)is analyzed theoretically and studied experimentally.When the KTA-OPO is pumped by an electro-optic Q-switched Nd∶ YAG laser,the repetition rate is 1~25 Hz,the pulse energy of idler output is 5.4 mJ and the wavelength is 3.75 μm.
Crop profit optimization for farmers

A tool was created to perform a systems analysis in order to optimize a farmer's profit based on the decisions that are faced during the planting season. The tool was created in Python so that it can be used on most computers without added cost to the user. This tool is a program that contains a database of crop needs in terms of required growing area per plant, water per plant, and growing time. The database also houses crop characteristics such as seed cost and average weight per plant. The program also prompts the user for the constraint values. These constraint values include water availability, amount of usable land, weight transportation limits, time to market, distance to local market, and local crop prices per pound. The input constraints allow the user to tailor the program to their specific conditions. If adopted during a farmer's decision period before the planting season, this optimization tool can analyze the parameters that are being faced in order to maximize profits. The current version of the program makes five key assumptions in order to form a problem with a computable solution. When all inputs have been entered, the tool computes the optimal combination of plants that can be grown in the given time frame that will maximize the farmer's profits at market.
New self-retaining ureteral catheter.

AbstractA new self-retaining ureteral catheter that can be used for temporary drainage of the kidney or splinting of the ureter is described. The advantages of this catheter over the other available pigtail catheters are 1) it is self-retaining, 2) it can be irrigated if blocked and 3) it can be removed from outside without cystoscopy.
Implementation of the Immersed Boundary Method in the Weather Research and Forecasting model

Accurate simulations of atmospheric boundary layer flow are vital for predicting dispersion of contaminant releases, particularly in densely populated urban regions where first responders must react within minutes and the consequences of forecast errors are potentially disastrous. Current mesoscale models do not account for urban effects, and conversely urban scale models do not account for mesoscale weather features or atmospheric physics. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop and implement an immersed boundary method (IBM) along with a surface roughness parameterization into the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. IBM will be used in WRF to represent the complex boundary conditions imposed by urban landscapes, while still including forcing from regional weather patterns and atmospheric physics. This document details preliminary results of this research, including the details of three distinct implementations of the immersed boundary method. Results for the three methods are presented for the case of a rotation influenced neutral atmospheric boundary layer over flat terrain.
Clinical study of a survivin long peptide vaccine (SurVaxM) in patients with recurrent malignant glioma

Survivin is an anti-apoptotic protein that is highly expressed in many cancers, including malignant gliomas. Preclinical studies established that the conjugated survivin peptide mimic SurVaxM (SVN53-67/M57-KLH) could stimulate an anti-tumor immune response against murine glioma in vivo, as well as human glioma cells ex vivo. The current clinical study was conducted to test safety, immunogenicity and clinical effects of the vaccine. Recurrent malignant glioma patients whose tumors were survivin-positive, and who had either HLA-A*02 or HLA-A*03 MHC class I allele-positivity, were given subcutaneous injections of SurVaxM (500 μg) in Montanide ISA 51 with sargramostim (100 μg) at 2-week intervals. SurVaxM was well tolerated with mostly grade one adverse events (AE) and no serious adverse events (SAE) attributable to the study drug. Six patients experienced local injection site reactions; three patients reported fatigue (grades 1 and 2), and 2 patients experienced myalgia (grade 1). Six of eight immunologically evaluable patients developed both cellular and humoral immune responses to vaccine. The vaccine also stimulated HLA-A*02, HLA-A*03 and HLA-A*24 restricted T cell responses. Three patients maintained a partial clinical response or stable disease for more than 6 months. Median progression-free survival was 17.6 weeks, and median overall survival was 86.6 weeks from study entry with seven of nine patients surviving more than 12 months.
Determination of tungsten in geochemical reference material basalt Columbia River 2 by radiochemical neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Determination of environmental tungsten (W) is inhibited by a lack of reference materials and practical methods to remove isobaric and radiometric interferences. We present a method that evaluates the potential use of commercially available sediment, Basalt Columbia River-2 (BCR-2), as a quality control standard for W. Tungsten concentrations determined using neutron activation analysis (NAA) and mass spectrometry are in statistical agreement at the significance level α = 0.05 (92 ± 4 ng g−1 for NAA and 100 ± 7 ng g−1 for mass spectrometry). These results indicate that BCR-2 may be suitable as a quality control standard for future studies.
Improved Rubin–Bodner model for the prediction of soft tissue deformations

Abstract In craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgery, a reliable way of simulating the soft tissue deformation resulted from skeletal reconstruction is vitally important for preventing the risks of facial distortion postoperatively. However, it is difficult to simulate the soft tissue behaviors affected by different types of CMF surgery. This study presents an integrated bio-mechanical and statistical learning model to improve accuracy and reliability of predictions on soft facial tissue behavior. The Rubin–Bodner (RB) model is initially used to describe the biomechanical behavior of the soft facial tissue. Subsequently, a finite element model (FEM) computers the stress of each node in soft facial tissue mesh data resulted from bone displacement. Next, the Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN) method is implemented to obtain the relationship between the facial soft tissue deformation and the stress distribution corresponding to different CMF surgical types and to improve evaluation of elastic parameters included in the RB model. Therefore, the soft facial tissue deformation can be predicted by biomechanical properties and statistical model. Leave-one-out cross-validation is used on eleven patients. As a result, the average prediction error of our model (0.7035 mm) is lower than those resulting from other approaches. It also demonstrates that the more accurate bio-mechanical information the model has, the better prediction performance it could achieve.
Autologous Non-Myeloablative Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Refractory Systemic Vasculitis.

Background Current mortality rate in systemic vasculitis (SV) patients with the use of cytotoxic / immunosuppressive therapy is over 20 % at 5 years in some studies. For patients refractory to conventional therapy new strategies aimed at aggressive induction of remission and relapse prevention are being sought. We here report our single center experience in treating 4 patients with refractory SV employing non-myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Patients and Methods Four patients with refractory SV (2 - with neurovascular Behcet’s disease, 1 - with neurovascular Sjogren’s syndrome, and 1 - with Wegener’s granulomatosis) were involved in an IRB and FDA approved phase I clinical trial of high dose chemotherapy and autologous HSCT. Peripheral blood stem cells were mobilized with cyclophosphamide (Cy) 2g/m2 IV and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor 10 mcg/kg/day SQ and were CD34+ enriched. Conditioning regimen consisted of Cy 200 mg/kg and rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin 5.5 mg/kg IV. Disease activity and cumulative organ damage were assessed using Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) and Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI), respectively. Primary and secondary endpoints were transplant-related toxicity, survival and change in BVAS and VDI after the transplant. Results All 4 patients tolerated HSCT well without transplant related mortality or any significant toxicity. At median follow up of 28 (range 22–35) months all patients are alive. Three patients (1 each with Behcet’s, Sjogren’s, and Wegener’s) entered a sustained remission at 6, 6 and 24 months after the transplant. Both, BVAS and VDI, markedly decreased within 6 months post-transplant. In a patient with WG C-ANCA levels became undetectable at 24 month evaluation corresponding to clinical and radiological improvement. All 3 patients who achieved remission discontinued immunosuppressive therapy at the time of transplant and have not required since. Two patients with pre-transplant steroid dependency discontinued prednisone at 6 and 14 months after HSCT. One patient with BD who is positive HLA-B51, now 22 months since HSCT, has never achieved remission and is still requiring immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusion We suggest autologous HSCT utilizing a non-myeloablative regimen is a safe and effective treatment for select patients with SV refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapies. However, in patients with significant genetic predisposition, more aggressive approach such as allogeneic HSCT or cord blood transplantation might be considered.
Identification of Genetic Variants Linking Protein C and Lipoprotein Metabolism: The ARIC Study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities).

Objective—Previous studies have identified common genetic variants in 4 chromosomal regions that together account for 14% to 15% of the variance in circulating levels of protein C. To further chara...
Optical correlators: current capabilities and requirements

Optical processing systems have been in existence for over 20 years but few have made the transition from the laboratory environment to the commercial environment. Pattern recognition done with optical correlators is one area which is now showing promise for applications outside the laboratory. Many papers have been written in years past on the need for better and faster spatial light modulators and more efficient filtering schemes prior to commercializing an optical correlator. The current state-of-the-art is now approaching this point. Two companies are even marketing Liquid Crystal Television based correlators. The purpose of this review will be to examine the current capabilities of optical correlators and to match those capabilities to existing requirements.
Emerging “cyber hygiene” practices for the Internet of Things (IoT): Professional issues in consulting clients and educating users on IoT privacy and security

“Cyber hygiene” strategies for the Internet of Things (IoT) may soon expand far beyond the various approaches that are prescribed for today's computing technologies in workplaces and households (the latter including frequently changing passwords and installing malware protections). This paper explores the various roles of health professionals, insurance agents, marketers, lawyers, financial specialists, and other professionals who are working with clients and consumers during this period in which IoT devices are evolving rapidly and the IoT-produced data's privacy and other legal statuses are still murky. Roles of technology developers and implementers may also shift as IoT data are retained for an assortment of technical and diagnostic purposes but are later requested or subpoenaed for specific investigations or legal proceedings. The paper will also outline the needs for input to public policy discourse by communications professionals who have some insights as to how IoT advances may impact their clients and society as a whole. In the near future, education and communications professionals may also empower households by designing instructional materials for use in establishing cyber hygiene routines and resolving IoT-related concerns.
Home Range Size and Nocturnal Roost Locations of Western Chat-Tanagers (Calyptophilus tertius)

ABSTRACT Western Chat-Tanagers (Calyptophilus tertius) are a rare and globally vulnerable songbird endemic to the island of Hispaniola. We conducted a radio-telemetry study of non-breeding Western Chat-Tanagers at two adjacent cloud forest sites in Sierra de Bahoruco in southwestern Dominican Republic during March and April of 2010. Male home ranges averaged 2.18 ± 0.25 ha in size (n = 4) and were significantly larger than those of females (0.88 ± 0.04 ha; n = 2). However, core use areas did not differ significantly between the sexes. We assumed that males and females with overlapping home ranges were mated pairs. At night, two putative pairs roosted an average distance apart of 15.8 ± 3.5 m (n = 7 observations).
Protein, Nucleotide, and Porphyrin Metabolism

The relation of alcohol to protein, nucleotide, and porphyrin metabolism is obviously a two-way relationship. Thus, not only does alcohol profoundly affect the metabolism of these three major groups of substances but also, in turn, the latter play extremely significant roles in the metabolism of ethanol* itself. This interrelationship forms the basis for the presentation in this chapter.
Connections Between Elastic and Conductive Properties of Heterogeneous Materials. Other Cross-Property Relations

Cross-property connections for heterogeneous materials belong to the fundamental problems of engineering science and physics. They interrelate changes in different physical properties caused by various inhomogeneities (cracks, pores, inclusions) or, more generally—by the presence of certain microstructure.
Visualization and analysis of boundary layer transitions using infrared thermography

The United States Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) has utilized Infrared (IR) cameras to analyze boundary layer transition on additively-manufactured and aluminum wings in half-scale wind tunnel testing. The primary goal of the testing was to collect transition data for validation of Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) models with traditional oil flow visualization methods. A secondary goal was to collect transition data using IR thermographic imagery. Using non-contact IR cameras allow for more measurements to be collected in a given time. This work focuses on the IR cameras, the testing (setup, results, and lessons learned), and post analysis of the data. Brief descriptions of the test assets and the cameras are given, followed by a description and discussion of strengths and weaknesses of different methods used to accentuate the thermal signature of the transitions. Lining the wing with a selfadhesive liner can increase the contrast of the transition signature passively, but active heating with a central heating element was shown not to be as effective. General lessons learned for test setup, camera selection, and techniques to increase thermal transition signature are provided within each section. By examining several runs, general observations about the airflow transitions are made. Image processing techniques were utilized to analyze the transition. These techniques and resulting toolsets for data analysis are described. Some of the initial results were analyzed to make some comparisons between the traditional oil flow visualization methods and the thermal imaging methods. The report shows that the oil does not affect the repeatability of the thermal signature, but that the transitions determined by the oil flow analysis and the thermal image do differ slightly. Also, the oil flow is able to visualize a region known as the laminar boundary layer separation, whereas, at this time, this phenomenon is still not apparent in the thermal imagery. Further analysis is ongoing to determine if that separation can actually be seen with this specific test configuration.